Title: Runes
Author: Reona
Email: reona32@aol.com
Website:
Archive: Be my guest; just tell me.
Part: 4/5
Fandom: LotR
Pairing(s): Glorfindel/Elrond
Rating: R
Summary: Elrond is kidnapped by humans for his skill in reading runes. But the secret those runes tell could destroy the world.
Disclaimer: I don't own LotR. I do own this story and any odd characters that show up.
Warning: Attempted rape. I'm not nice to poor Elrond in this.
Authors Note: Uial is my creation; he's Elrond's horse. I'm guessing at the Elvish and so are you.
It was sunlight that awoke Elrond this time. The bright gold light had gained an angle allowing it to shine through the windows and across the bed, falling across the sleeping Elf lord. Elrond turned his head away, raising one hand to his aching head. The muscles of his back and legs burned and his mouth felt as dry as desert sand. Slowly, mindful of any cramping, Elrond stretched, popping his back and soothing tense muscles.
As he settled back onto the soft bedding, Elrond became aware of a darkness over his soul. Shivering, he curled into a ball, wondering about its origin. The lurking shadow created a band around his heart, making his chest ache. It was then that he remembered where he was. Tears sprang to his grey eyes as he remembered the murky entrance to the catacombs and the tunnels that housed the Old Forgotten and the insane souls that were trapped there. His lungs constricted, a cold ice settling over his body as he remembered. Elrond sat up in a panic, clutching his chest. The horrors of last night reached out for him in the light of day. The half-Elf closed his eyes, focusing on throwing off the affect. He closed his eyes and pictured Imladris in his mind, seeing the valley's waterfall and the river roaring. The main house clung to the cliff face, the curving Elven structure glowing in the sunlight. People laughed and talked in the gardens, and read and studied in the grand Library.
Elrond felt the bands around his heart ease and the shadow lift from his soul. As strong as the darkness was, the half-Elf's love for his family and home was stronger. Finally, Elrond's breathing leveled out, color returning to his pale cheeks. "King Elf?" asked a worried voice next to the bed
Elrond opened his eyes and smiled at Avon, seeing that the boy had another cart of food. His mother, Iylle, stood behind him with clean linens draped over one arm. Elrond's eyes darted to the door but no guard stood there, it was just they three in the room. "I'm fine, Avon," he answered. The two human's concerned faces eased and returned his smile.
"It's well after nooning, King Elf," said Avon. He pushed the cart to the side of the bed and climbed onto the edge. "We thought it best if you have some food and a bath."
"That's very considerate of you," said Elrond. Iylle helped her son move a tray to the bed so Elrond could eat without getting up, blushing as the half-Elf smiled at her. Elrond attacked the fresh fruit, finding his body drained. He avoided the heavy sausage and ham but found some breaded flakes of fish to be delicious. Iylle disappeared into the bathing chamber and Elrond could hear water being run. A bath sounded wonderful, he could feel the grit and grim of the tunnels still on his skin and he was sure some twigs were caught in his hair. When the half-Elf finished with the meal he thanked Avon again. When the tray was taken away, Elrond slipped from the bed. He held onto the nightstand, feeling unstable for a moment. Avon and Iylle waited for the dark haired Elf to get his bearings and then helped him to the bathing chamber.
Iylle left the chamber, much to Elrond's relief, and Avon helped the half-Elf to pull off his clothing. The hem of the trousers and the shirt were muddied. The tunic had splotches of grim on it as well. Like before, Elrond allowed Avon to brush his hair before slipping into the pool. The bruises on his body were just faded smudges now, his Elven blood healing him well. The warm water soothed stiff muscles and Elrond sighed, dunking himself to wet his hair. With soap and a cloth, he cleaned his body the same way he had the other day. He imagined the taint from the angry souls washing off in the water. Elrond's skin shone with the attention and he felt refreshed. "Avon, would you like to wash my hair again?" he asked the boy.
Avon's face lit up and he hurried to kneel behind the half-Elf outside the pool. Once again his face turned serious. "I would be honored," he said, just as he had the first time. Elrond smiled as the boy poured the sweet smelling soap into his hair and washed the fine strands. A few twigs were gently removed before Avon rinsed the half-Elf's hair. "Done," he announced.
"Thank you," said Elrond softly. Avon hurried to retrieve a soft towel and returned to the poolside. The boy closed his eyes as Elrond rose from the water and wrapped the towel around himself. As Elrond dried himself, Avon raced to the cabinet and selected some clothing. Elrond smiled as he saw the boy looking at the offered clothing with a critical eye. Avon eventually chose a white shirt with a high collar and a loose tunic of dark blue. A pair of dark trousers and a robe was added to the outfit. Elrond let the boy brush out his hair and then he quickly braided it, tying back his hair with a strip of dark silk. Elrond belted the robe and smoothed out the wrinkles.
"Beautiful!" exclaimed Avon happily.
Elrond smiled at him and went back into the bedroom to find that Iylle had changed the bed clothing and was cleaning the room. Elrond seated himself in a chair. "Thank you, Iylle," he said.
The woman blushed at the praise. "Just doing my job, Lord Elrond," she said.
A knock at the door caused everyone to tense and Avon moved to stand beside Elrond. After a moment, the door opened and a human man walked in. He didn't wear a guard's heavy coat but was wearing a fine waistcoat of dark red, his white linen shirt and dark pants making him look very important. "Lord Dameon requests Lord Elrond to attend him," said the man.
Elrond stood and went with the man out the door. Four guards surrounded him as the man walked in front. Elrond recognized the halls that led to Dameon's office and easily entered the room as the man gestured him in. The man, some sort of councilor, and the guards remained outside the room as the door was closed. Once again, Elrond heard the key turn in the lock. Elrond saw that Dameon was standing at the window, staring out at the ocean under the sunlight. The half-Elf was silent, waiting for the human to speak.
"The key is in the eagle's eye," said Dameon, repeating what Elrond had said last night. The human turned slowly to face Elrond and smiled. "There is only one eagle in this city, Lord Elrond. The eagle on top of the lighthouse." Dameon turned back to the window, drawing Elrond's eyes out. The white rock lighthouse stood on the rocky shore of the sea and Elrond could see that a type of long statue jutted out toward the water. It could possibly be the head of an eagle but Elrond was unsure from that distance.
Smiling gaily, Dameon left the window and came to stand besides Elrond. The half-Elf tensed as the human leaned close to him and began to whisper in his ear. "I must have that key. I will have that key." Dameon reached one hand up and clasped Elrond's shoulder. "You will help me find that key," he muttered softly, wafting his hot breath across Elrond's cheek. A disgusted shudder passed through Elrond's body and Dameon chuckled, moving away. Elrond turned revolted eyes to him and glared. Dameon laughed again and turned swiftly, throwing open the doors. "We have a key to find!" he exclaimed.
A guard entered the room and grabbed Elrond's arm, pulling him out into the hall. Elrond saw that Jalen was also there and received a sneer from the young human. The guard escorted Elrond out into the courtyard and there Elrond found a number of guards and workers from last night. Elrond's spirits fell, knowing that Dameon had no scruples about using them to get his way. The human lord knew that Elrond could not allow an innocent person to be killed.
Like before, Elrond's hands were tied, his features covered by a hood, and then he was placed on a horse. This one was not the same mount as last night and it looked curiously at the being upon its back. "Hello," whispered Elrond. The horse cocked its head and snorted softly, trying to draw in a huge lungful of scent from the delightful smelling creature upon it. Elrond chuckled at the horse's actions.
Once again the group headed out from the courtyard and made their way through the city. The line stopped once as someone greeted Lord Xavier along the road. The other man had dark brown hair that fell to his shoulders and soft brown eyes. Wearing a butter colored waistcoat with an opal pin on the collar, he looked very proper sitting upon his horse. Elrond didn't bother listening to them as they exchanged pleasantries. Finally, Dameon bid the other lord good day and the group began moving. The other human stared at Elrond as he past, although he was unable to see anything under the hood. A small distance down the road, a strong wind blew up from the sea. It pushed back the hood of Elrond's cloak and the half-Elf glanced behind him to see that the young human was still watching. The guard next to him quickly flipped the hood back into place and no fuss was made about it. Somewhere within Elrond, he knew that dark haired human was important and felt hope spark in his heart.
Several minutes later they stopped at the bottom of the lighthouse. The tall building rose above them, its white stone shining in the sunlight. Elrond was pulled from the horse's back and pushed into the lighthouse downstairs keep. There, a lit lantern showed an empty round room of stone and a circling stairway rising from the middle of the floor. Elrond looked up and could just barely see the roof. The half-Elf's bonds were cut and the cloak taken from him. Dameon came and grabbed his hand, placing it at his elbow like last night. Elrond stopped a sneer from forming on his lips and stared blandly at him. "My dear Lord Elrond, welcome to our lighthouse," said the human. He guided the half-Elf forward and began walking up the stairs. For several minutes he remained silent, that unsettling snake smile on his face.
Finally, they entered through the opening at the top of the stairs, coming out into another empty round room. This room had another set of stairs continuing upward, no doubt to the fire pit of the lighthouse, but it was to an arch opening that Dameon led Elrond. They exited and Elrond gasped as he found himself out on a wide ledge. Over the edge was a straight drop to the seashore. Looking outward, he saw that they faced toward the ocean, an endless stretch of blue. Before them a horizontal pillar of stone jutted out from the ledge, the end carved into a huge eagle's head, its beak open in a cry. A wild wind whipped at them and tore the strip of silk from Elrond's hair, freeing the dark stands to dance in the air. Dameon's grip on his hand tightened. "When Man settled here we built many things," said the human, speaking loudly over the wind. "We built a great pier for our ships and began to thrive. Soon after, we built this lighthouse to guide those ships. It is said that eagles flew overhead as it was built and thus we included a statue of an eagle head in that memory." Dameon laughed, sending shivers up Elrond's spine. "This is the only eagle in this city," he said. The human's face then turned red, his lips twisting. Grabbing Elrond's arm, he threw the half-Elf forward. With a scream of fear, Elrond landed near the edge of the ledge, staring straight down to the ground. His hands tightened on the ledge and he looked back at a furious Dameon, his heart beating madly. "So tell me, where would I find a key hidden in the eagle's eye? Drain the sea?" screamed Dameon.
"I don't know!" yelled Elrond. "It can't be in the sea, you'd never find it!"
Jalen stepped forward, his face a livid as he father's. "Then where is it?" He neared Elrond ominously, that strange light again in his eyes.
"I don't know!" replied Elrond. He shrank back from the human, fearful that he would push him from the ledge. If a jump from the house would have injured him, a fall from here would kill him. Frantic, he cast his gaze around, search for what the riddle might mean. The eagle was made of the same white stone as the lighthouse, two opal eyes shining in the head. Elrond searched for a seam in the stone, some loose stone that could signal a cavity. Something caught his attention, a gleam of silver near the head. He narrowed his eyes and saw that there was a crescent piece of silver in the left eye of the eagle. "The key is in the eagle's eye," Elrond muttered.
Jalen followed his gaze and grinned. "Father! It's in the eagle's eye! Just like the panel said!" he called.
"Get it for me!" yelled Dameon, the same mad light in his eyes as well. A guard came and grabbed Elrond by the arms, pulling him away from the edge. Elrond trembled as he was taken back into the room. The guard guided him to the wall and Elrond leaned against it, willing his heart to slow and calm. He knew that outside Jalen was no doubt retrieving the silver crescent disk from the eagle's eye. A shadow in the archway pulled Elrond head up and Dameon walked in, Jalen following him with a pleased look on his face. In the human lord's hands was the crescent. Dameon came to Elrond's side and turned the disk curiously around in his hands, running his fingers over its smooth surface. Finally, he looked up at Elrond. "Thank you, dear Lord Elrond. I will never forget your help," Dameon said. Elrond glared at him and Dameon laughed, wrapped one arm around him and urging the half-Elf down the stairs.
Elrond endured his touch until they were in the lighthouse bottom keep, where he was once again bound and covered with a cloak. "We will head to the catacombs right away," ordered Dameon as he walked outside. Elrond paled as he was forced to mount, thinking of the trip through the murky entrance and then through the Old Forgotten tunnels. "Then I will have all that I desire, all that I deserve," muttered Dameon. Elrond gritted his teeth as they moved forward, heading north through the city.
The palace like building to the east of the city was not very big as palaces go but it suited its people. In a room facing southward and thus the ocean, a woman sat at a desk. The polished wood gleamed bright in the sunlight coming from the window to her right. Like most studies, books and pieces of art dominated the room. The woman, wearing a simple dress of dark green with a white girdle set with an opal stone, sat leafing through a stack of papers. Her face was square in shape and her eyes were dark brown. Her brown hair was very curly and pulled back in a loose tail at her neck. One would have to lean very close to see the few faded hairs upon her head. At the moment, she was chewing on the end of wooden pencil.
A small commotion outside in the hall made her look up. The double doors burst open and a tall man with long blond hair stormed in. Behind him, a clerk wearing a simple tunic and trousers was franticly yelling. "…ot go in there! Please, sir!" From behind him came two dark haired men with identical faces and identical grins. The clerk quickly bowed to the lady at the desk and started to ring his hands. "I'm sorry, Lady Trilee, but they could not be stopped."
"It's quite alright, Mister Gecen. I can see you had little choice," answered the woman. She set down her pencil and folded her hands upon her desk. "Now, how may I help you three?" she asked.
One of the dark haired men stepped forward. "I'm sorry for our rude arrival, lady, but we have belief that one of our family members may be in your city," he said.
The woman cocked her head a little and then her eyes widened in surprise. "Why, you three are Elves!" she exclaimed.
The first twin nodded. "Yes, lady. I am Elladan and this is my brother Elrohir and our friend Glorfindel," he replied.
The woman stood and nodded her head in greeting. "I am Lady Meyana Trilee and I govern this city." Her brown eyes fell upon the stressed features of the one named Glorfindel. For a moment, Meyana stared at the blond Elf. "Sir Glorfindel, you seem about ready to tear apart all of Tancdor. Forever why?" she asked softly.
Elladan stepped forward again. "Lady Trilee, as I said, we believe one of our family members may be in your city," he repeated.
Meyana nodded. "So you have said. But that hardly validates you storming my office. Visitors enter Tancdor all the time," she said.
"Visitor!" spat Glorfindel. "Elrond is no visitor! He was kidnapped!"
Meyana started at the venom in the blonde's voice. "Kidnapped, you say?" she asked softly. "That does change things. Mister Gecen, contact my Captain and tell him I wish to see him right away. It is a most urgent issue." The clerk bowed and left to do the lady's biding. Meyana then picked up a small bell on the corner of her desk and rang it. A young girl appeared in the doorway and Meyana smiled at her. "Tea for our guests, Nora." The maid curtsied and left. Meyana gestured to the chairs in front of her desk. "Please, sit. We will try and get to the bottom of this," she said. The twins sat easily but Glorfindel circled the chair once before seating himself. Meyana cupped her chin as she watched him; it was like watching a large cat on a short leash. "Do not worry, Sir Glorfindel, we will get your lover back."
All three Elves looked up at her in surprise. "How did you know?" demanded Glorfindel.
Meyana smiled. "If it had been paint on your forehead it could not be more obvious," she said with mirth. Glorfindel sighed but Meyana lifted a hand for silence before he could utter a word. "No need to offer explanations, Sir Glorfindel." Her eyes saddened for a moment. "I too have been in love," she muttered. The maid reappeared with a tea set and Meyana's smile returned. "Now, tell me about this Elrond."
"Elrond Peredhil…" began Elladan but he was cut off when Meyana looked up sharply.
"Of Imladris?" the lady asked. The twins nodded and Meyana sighed. "Oh dear. I can assure you, I don't go around kidnapping leaders of powerful Elven nations, nor do I condone such things. If Lord Elrond is in my city, and I don't doubt he is, it is without my knowledge." She looked slightly annoyed at Glorfindel. "So you can stop staring at me with loathing in your eyes. I had nothing to do with the disappearance of your lover." Glorfindel sighed again and opened his mouth but Meyana just waved one hand at him dismissively. "Oh, save your sugar words for someone that cares."
Elrohir, a big grin on his face, turned to his brother and said, "I like her."
"Yes, our lady is quite something," said a voice at the door.
Meyana stood and cocked an eyebrow at the man standing in her doorway. "Captain, that was rather quick. You did not run all the way, did you?" she asked with mirth.
The man shook his head, stepping into the room. He wore a brown leather jerkin over a green shirt and at his collar was an opal pin. His dark blue eyes had laugh lines about them and a few strands of grey ran through his brown hair. "Nay, my lady. I was already on my way to speak with you when Gecen found me. I bring news about our dear magistrate," the Captain said.
Meyana put a hand to her forehead and sank into her chair again. "Not him again," she muttered. She then looked up at the Elves sitting before her desk. "Excuse me," Meyana apologized. "This is Captain Nodin, who without this city would have fallen into chaos long ago. Captain, this is Lord Elladan and Lord Elrohir. And this is Lord Glorfindel. Their family member Lord Elrond seems to be missing and thought to be somewhere in our city."
Captain Nodin bowed to the three Elves. "Then it is your warriors who hide in the forest west of the city," he said.
Meyana blinked. "Warriors?" she echoed.
The twins had the grace to blush. "We did not expect our father's kidnappers to head to a human city. We were prepared for a fight with Mordor forces," said Elladan.
Elrohir smiled and chuckled. "Luckily, we were able to persuade Glorfindel to leave the others behind before entering Tancdor."
Meyana looked at Glorfindel's glowering face and shivered. "Our city thanks you," she said.
"How did you know they were there?" asked Glorfindel, looking at Nodin.
The Captain smiled a little crookedly. "I know everything. It's my business to know. Just like I know that Lord Dameon had an extra passenger when he went to the catacombs last night."
Meyana groaned. "He wouldn't," she muttered. The lady paused and closed her eyes with a sigh. "Damn it, he would."
"I don't understand," asked Elladan, feeling as if he were listening in on a private conversation between the lady and her Captain.
Meyana waved her hand at Nodin and the Captain continued to speak. "Our dear magistrate Dameon Xavier has been obsessed with a local legend for many years. He has even disregarded a direct order by entering the city's underground catacombs. However, we have not the power to remove him from office, only the Steward who appointed him can do so and with Minas Tirith under attack they have little time for such things." Nodin rubbed the bridge of his nose. "But, if Dameon has kidnapped your father to help him unearth the secrets of that legend, he has gone past all sanity."
Meyana stood. "Captain, muster a force and head to Xavier's manor. If he has done such a thing as kidnap Lord Elrond, we must rescue him at once," she ordered.
"He's not there anymore," said another voice from the door. Everyone looked to find a young man with shoulder length brown hair standing just inside the room. An opal pin shimmered at the collar of his butter colored waistcoat. "And I'm afraid he has kidnapped Lord Elrond for there is an Elf with dark hair in his possession," he continued. "They were heading for the lighthouse."
"Kirlad?" asked Meyana. "How do you know this?"
The young man stepped forward. "I met Lord Dameon in the streets, Mother, and stopped to chat with him. He was heading for the lighthouse and had a cloaked person with him. A wind blew the hood off and I saw that it was an Elf with dark hair." His brown eyes glanced at the twins. "I can only assume it would be Lord Elrond," Kirlad said with compassion.
"Thank you," said Elladan with a smile.
"The lighthouse?" echoed Meyana. "Why would he go to the lighthouse?"
Kirlad shook his head. "I know not, Mother. But he has already left and is heading northwards."
"Toward the entrance he discovered, no doubt," said Nodin.
"To the catacombs?" asked Glorfindel.
"Yes. The entrance he found is under an ancient burial mound north of the city," replied Nodin.
Kirlad shivered. "It's said to be haunted."
Meyana waved a dismissive hand, a pondering look upon her face. "Old tales," she said.
Kirlad frowned. "You don't know that Mother. If the mound really is haunted then an Elf there would know for sure. They would also have to pass through the tunnels that house the Old Forgotten," the young human said.
"Old Forgotten?" echoed Elladan.
"An old depository for bones," replied Nodin.
Elrohir sighed. "Let me guess. It's also haunted?" Both Nodin and Kirlad nodded.
Glorfindel released a pained sound and jumped from his chair. "If that is where they are taking Elrond, then that is where we go," he proclaimed. "We must hurry to catch up with them."
Meyana stood also. "Wait!" she said. "That is not the only entrance to the catacombs. There are quicker, safer ways." She looked at her Captain. "Captain Nodin, prepare for a trip into the catacombs and meet us in the church. Lord Glorfindel, ride to your warriors and get them. I know not what Dameon has up his sleeve but I mean to be prepared for it. My son will go with you to guide you back." For a moment everyone stood still in the room. The lady sighed. "Go!"
Nodin turned on his heel and disappeared out of the door. Glorfindel stormed after him, heading for the courtyard where their horses were left. Elladan, Elrohir, and Kirlad followed him quickly. Meyana was left in the room alone and she sighed as she slowly sat down. "If you can hear me Valar, then listen well. Please, do not let that thing loose."
Author: Reona
Email: reona32@aol.com
Website:
Archive: Be my guest; just tell me.
Part: 4/5
Fandom: LotR
Pairing(s): Glorfindel/Elrond
Rating: R
Summary: Elrond is kidnapped by humans for his skill in reading runes. But the secret those runes tell could destroy the world.
Disclaimer: I don't own LotR. I do own this story and any odd characters that show up.
Warning: Attempted rape. I'm not nice to poor Elrond in this.
Authors Note: Uial is my creation; he's Elrond's horse. I'm guessing at the Elvish and so are you.
It was sunlight that awoke Elrond this time. The bright gold light had gained an angle allowing it to shine through the windows and across the bed, falling across the sleeping Elf lord. Elrond turned his head away, raising one hand to his aching head. The muscles of his back and legs burned and his mouth felt as dry as desert sand. Slowly, mindful of any cramping, Elrond stretched, popping his back and soothing tense muscles.
As he settled back onto the soft bedding, Elrond became aware of a darkness over his soul. Shivering, he curled into a ball, wondering about its origin. The lurking shadow created a band around his heart, making his chest ache. It was then that he remembered where he was. Tears sprang to his grey eyes as he remembered the murky entrance to the catacombs and the tunnels that housed the Old Forgotten and the insane souls that were trapped there. His lungs constricted, a cold ice settling over his body as he remembered. Elrond sat up in a panic, clutching his chest. The horrors of last night reached out for him in the light of day. The half-Elf closed his eyes, focusing on throwing off the affect. He closed his eyes and pictured Imladris in his mind, seeing the valley's waterfall and the river roaring. The main house clung to the cliff face, the curving Elven structure glowing in the sunlight. People laughed and talked in the gardens, and read and studied in the grand Library.
Elrond felt the bands around his heart ease and the shadow lift from his soul. As strong as the darkness was, the half-Elf's love for his family and home was stronger. Finally, Elrond's breathing leveled out, color returning to his pale cheeks. "King Elf?" asked a worried voice next to the bed
Elrond opened his eyes and smiled at Avon, seeing that the boy had another cart of food. His mother, Iylle, stood behind him with clean linens draped over one arm. Elrond's eyes darted to the door but no guard stood there, it was just they three in the room. "I'm fine, Avon," he answered. The two human's concerned faces eased and returned his smile.
"It's well after nooning, King Elf," said Avon. He pushed the cart to the side of the bed and climbed onto the edge. "We thought it best if you have some food and a bath."
"That's very considerate of you," said Elrond. Iylle helped her son move a tray to the bed so Elrond could eat without getting up, blushing as the half-Elf smiled at her. Elrond attacked the fresh fruit, finding his body drained. He avoided the heavy sausage and ham but found some breaded flakes of fish to be delicious. Iylle disappeared into the bathing chamber and Elrond could hear water being run. A bath sounded wonderful, he could feel the grit and grim of the tunnels still on his skin and he was sure some twigs were caught in his hair. When the half-Elf finished with the meal he thanked Avon again. When the tray was taken away, Elrond slipped from the bed. He held onto the nightstand, feeling unstable for a moment. Avon and Iylle waited for the dark haired Elf to get his bearings and then helped him to the bathing chamber.
Iylle left the chamber, much to Elrond's relief, and Avon helped the half-Elf to pull off his clothing. The hem of the trousers and the shirt were muddied. The tunic had splotches of grim on it as well. Like before, Elrond allowed Avon to brush his hair before slipping into the pool. The bruises on his body were just faded smudges now, his Elven blood healing him well. The warm water soothed stiff muscles and Elrond sighed, dunking himself to wet his hair. With soap and a cloth, he cleaned his body the same way he had the other day. He imagined the taint from the angry souls washing off in the water. Elrond's skin shone with the attention and he felt refreshed. "Avon, would you like to wash my hair again?" he asked the boy.
Avon's face lit up and he hurried to kneel behind the half-Elf outside the pool. Once again his face turned serious. "I would be honored," he said, just as he had the first time. Elrond smiled as the boy poured the sweet smelling soap into his hair and washed the fine strands. A few twigs were gently removed before Avon rinsed the half-Elf's hair. "Done," he announced.
"Thank you," said Elrond softly. Avon hurried to retrieve a soft towel and returned to the poolside. The boy closed his eyes as Elrond rose from the water and wrapped the towel around himself. As Elrond dried himself, Avon raced to the cabinet and selected some clothing. Elrond smiled as he saw the boy looking at the offered clothing with a critical eye. Avon eventually chose a white shirt with a high collar and a loose tunic of dark blue. A pair of dark trousers and a robe was added to the outfit. Elrond let the boy brush out his hair and then he quickly braided it, tying back his hair with a strip of dark silk. Elrond belted the robe and smoothed out the wrinkles.
"Beautiful!" exclaimed Avon happily.
Elrond smiled at him and went back into the bedroom to find that Iylle had changed the bed clothing and was cleaning the room. Elrond seated himself in a chair. "Thank you, Iylle," he said.
The woman blushed at the praise. "Just doing my job, Lord Elrond," she said.
A knock at the door caused everyone to tense and Avon moved to stand beside Elrond. After a moment, the door opened and a human man walked in. He didn't wear a guard's heavy coat but was wearing a fine waistcoat of dark red, his white linen shirt and dark pants making him look very important. "Lord Dameon requests Lord Elrond to attend him," said the man.
Elrond stood and went with the man out the door. Four guards surrounded him as the man walked in front. Elrond recognized the halls that led to Dameon's office and easily entered the room as the man gestured him in. The man, some sort of councilor, and the guards remained outside the room as the door was closed. Once again, Elrond heard the key turn in the lock. Elrond saw that Dameon was standing at the window, staring out at the ocean under the sunlight. The half-Elf was silent, waiting for the human to speak.
"The key is in the eagle's eye," said Dameon, repeating what Elrond had said last night. The human turned slowly to face Elrond and smiled. "There is only one eagle in this city, Lord Elrond. The eagle on top of the lighthouse." Dameon turned back to the window, drawing Elrond's eyes out. The white rock lighthouse stood on the rocky shore of the sea and Elrond could see that a type of long statue jutted out toward the water. It could possibly be the head of an eagle but Elrond was unsure from that distance.
Smiling gaily, Dameon left the window and came to stand besides Elrond. The half-Elf tensed as the human leaned close to him and began to whisper in his ear. "I must have that key. I will have that key." Dameon reached one hand up and clasped Elrond's shoulder. "You will help me find that key," he muttered softly, wafting his hot breath across Elrond's cheek. A disgusted shudder passed through Elrond's body and Dameon chuckled, moving away. Elrond turned revolted eyes to him and glared. Dameon laughed again and turned swiftly, throwing open the doors. "We have a key to find!" he exclaimed.
A guard entered the room and grabbed Elrond's arm, pulling him out into the hall. Elrond saw that Jalen was also there and received a sneer from the young human. The guard escorted Elrond out into the courtyard and there Elrond found a number of guards and workers from last night. Elrond's spirits fell, knowing that Dameon had no scruples about using them to get his way. The human lord knew that Elrond could not allow an innocent person to be killed.
Like before, Elrond's hands were tied, his features covered by a hood, and then he was placed on a horse. This one was not the same mount as last night and it looked curiously at the being upon its back. "Hello," whispered Elrond. The horse cocked its head and snorted softly, trying to draw in a huge lungful of scent from the delightful smelling creature upon it. Elrond chuckled at the horse's actions.
Once again the group headed out from the courtyard and made their way through the city. The line stopped once as someone greeted Lord Xavier along the road. The other man had dark brown hair that fell to his shoulders and soft brown eyes. Wearing a butter colored waistcoat with an opal pin on the collar, he looked very proper sitting upon his horse. Elrond didn't bother listening to them as they exchanged pleasantries. Finally, Dameon bid the other lord good day and the group began moving. The other human stared at Elrond as he past, although he was unable to see anything under the hood. A small distance down the road, a strong wind blew up from the sea. It pushed back the hood of Elrond's cloak and the half-Elf glanced behind him to see that the young human was still watching. The guard next to him quickly flipped the hood back into place and no fuss was made about it. Somewhere within Elrond, he knew that dark haired human was important and felt hope spark in his heart.
Several minutes later they stopped at the bottom of the lighthouse. The tall building rose above them, its white stone shining in the sunlight. Elrond was pulled from the horse's back and pushed into the lighthouse downstairs keep. There, a lit lantern showed an empty round room of stone and a circling stairway rising from the middle of the floor. Elrond looked up and could just barely see the roof. The half-Elf's bonds were cut and the cloak taken from him. Dameon came and grabbed his hand, placing it at his elbow like last night. Elrond stopped a sneer from forming on his lips and stared blandly at him. "My dear Lord Elrond, welcome to our lighthouse," said the human. He guided the half-Elf forward and began walking up the stairs. For several minutes he remained silent, that unsettling snake smile on his face.
Finally, they entered through the opening at the top of the stairs, coming out into another empty round room. This room had another set of stairs continuing upward, no doubt to the fire pit of the lighthouse, but it was to an arch opening that Dameon led Elrond. They exited and Elrond gasped as he found himself out on a wide ledge. Over the edge was a straight drop to the seashore. Looking outward, he saw that they faced toward the ocean, an endless stretch of blue. Before them a horizontal pillar of stone jutted out from the ledge, the end carved into a huge eagle's head, its beak open in a cry. A wild wind whipped at them and tore the strip of silk from Elrond's hair, freeing the dark stands to dance in the air. Dameon's grip on his hand tightened. "When Man settled here we built many things," said the human, speaking loudly over the wind. "We built a great pier for our ships and began to thrive. Soon after, we built this lighthouse to guide those ships. It is said that eagles flew overhead as it was built and thus we included a statue of an eagle head in that memory." Dameon laughed, sending shivers up Elrond's spine. "This is the only eagle in this city," he said. The human's face then turned red, his lips twisting. Grabbing Elrond's arm, he threw the half-Elf forward. With a scream of fear, Elrond landed near the edge of the ledge, staring straight down to the ground. His hands tightened on the ledge and he looked back at a furious Dameon, his heart beating madly. "So tell me, where would I find a key hidden in the eagle's eye? Drain the sea?" screamed Dameon.
"I don't know!" yelled Elrond. "It can't be in the sea, you'd never find it!"
Jalen stepped forward, his face a livid as he father's. "Then where is it?" He neared Elrond ominously, that strange light again in his eyes.
"I don't know!" replied Elrond. He shrank back from the human, fearful that he would push him from the ledge. If a jump from the house would have injured him, a fall from here would kill him. Frantic, he cast his gaze around, search for what the riddle might mean. The eagle was made of the same white stone as the lighthouse, two opal eyes shining in the head. Elrond searched for a seam in the stone, some loose stone that could signal a cavity. Something caught his attention, a gleam of silver near the head. He narrowed his eyes and saw that there was a crescent piece of silver in the left eye of the eagle. "The key is in the eagle's eye," Elrond muttered.
Jalen followed his gaze and grinned. "Father! It's in the eagle's eye! Just like the panel said!" he called.
"Get it for me!" yelled Dameon, the same mad light in his eyes as well. A guard came and grabbed Elrond by the arms, pulling him away from the edge. Elrond trembled as he was taken back into the room. The guard guided him to the wall and Elrond leaned against it, willing his heart to slow and calm. He knew that outside Jalen was no doubt retrieving the silver crescent disk from the eagle's eye. A shadow in the archway pulled Elrond head up and Dameon walked in, Jalen following him with a pleased look on his face. In the human lord's hands was the crescent. Dameon came to Elrond's side and turned the disk curiously around in his hands, running his fingers over its smooth surface. Finally, he looked up at Elrond. "Thank you, dear Lord Elrond. I will never forget your help," Dameon said. Elrond glared at him and Dameon laughed, wrapped one arm around him and urging the half-Elf down the stairs.
Elrond endured his touch until they were in the lighthouse bottom keep, where he was once again bound and covered with a cloak. "We will head to the catacombs right away," ordered Dameon as he walked outside. Elrond paled as he was forced to mount, thinking of the trip through the murky entrance and then through the Old Forgotten tunnels. "Then I will have all that I desire, all that I deserve," muttered Dameon. Elrond gritted his teeth as they moved forward, heading north through the city.
The palace like building to the east of the city was not very big as palaces go but it suited its people. In a room facing southward and thus the ocean, a woman sat at a desk. The polished wood gleamed bright in the sunlight coming from the window to her right. Like most studies, books and pieces of art dominated the room. The woman, wearing a simple dress of dark green with a white girdle set with an opal stone, sat leafing through a stack of papers. Her face was square in shape and her eyes were dark brown. Her brown hair was very curly and pulled back in a loose tail at her neck. One would have to lean very close to see the few faded hairs upon her head. At the moment, she was chewing on the end of wooden pencil.
A small commotion outside in the hall made her look up. The double doors burst open and a tall man with long blond hair stormed in. Behind him, a clerk wearing a simple tunic and trousers was franticly yelling. "…ot go in there! Please, sir!" From behind him came two dark haired men with identical faces and identical grins. The clerk quickly bowed to the lady at the desk and started to ring his hands. "I'm sorry, Lady Trilee, but they could not be stopped."
"It's quite alright, Mister Gecen. I can see you had little choice," answered the woman. She set down her pencil and folded her hands upon her desk. "Now, how may I help you three?" she asked.
One of the dark haired men stepped forward. "I'm sorry for our rude arrival, lady, but we have belief that one of our family members may be in your city," he said.
The woman cocked her head a little and then her eyes widened in surprise. "Why, you three are Elves!" she exclaimed.
The first twin nodded. "Yes, lady. I am Elladan and this is my brother Elrohir and our friend Glorfindel," he replied.
The woman stood and nodded her head in greeting. "I am Lady Meyana Trilee and I govern this city." Her brown eyes fell upon the stressed features of the one named Glorfindel. For a moment, Meyana stared at the blond Elf. "Sir Glorfindel, you seem about ready to tear apart all of Tancdor. Forever why?" she asked softly.
Elladan stepped forward again. "Lady Trilee, as I said, we believe one of our family members may be in your city," he repeated.
Meyana nodded. "So you have said. But that hardly validates you storming my office. Visitors enter Tancdor all the time," she said.
"Visitor!" spat Glorfindel. "Elrond is no visitor! He was kidnapped!"
Meyana started at the venom in the blonde's voice. "Kidnapped, you say?" she asked softly. "That does change things. Mister Gecen, contact my Captain and tell him I wish to see him right away. It is a most urgent issue." The clerk bowed and left to do the lady's biding. Meyana then picked up a small bell on the corner of her desk and rang it. A young girl appeared in the doorway and Meyana smiled at her. "Tea for our guests, Nora." The maid curtsied and left. Meyana gestured to the chairs in front of her desk. "Please, sit. We will try and get to the bottom of this," she said. The twins sat easily but Glorfindel circled the chair once before seating himself. Meyana cupped her chin as she watched him; it was like watching a large cat on a short leash. "Do not worry, Sir Glorfindel, we will get your lover back."
All three Elves looked up at her in surprise. "How did you know?" demanded Glorfindel.
Meyana smiled. "If it had been paint on your forehead it could not be more obvious," she said with mirth. Glorfindel sighed but Meyana lifted a hand for silence before he could utter a word. "No need to offer explanations, Sir Glorfindel." Her eyes saddened for a moment. "I too have been in love," she muttered. The maid reappeared with a tea set and Meyana's smile returned. "Now, tell me about this Elrond."
"Elrond Peredhil…" began Elladan but he was cut off when Meyana looked up sharply.
"Of Imladris?" the lady asked. The twins nodded and Meyana sighed. "Oh dear. I can assure you, I don't go around kidnapping leaders of powerful Elven nations, nor do I condone such things. If Lord Elrond is in my city, and I don't doubt he is, it is without my knowledge." She looked slightly annoyed at Glorfindel. "So you can stop staring at me with loathing in your eyes. I had nothing to do with the disappearance of your lover." Glorfindel sighed again and opened his mouth but Meyana just waved one hand at him dismissively. "Oh, save your sugar words for someone that cares."
Elrohir, a big grin on his face, turned to his brother and said, "I like her."
"Yes, our lady is quite something," said a voice at the door.
Meyana stood and cocked an eyebrow at the man standing in her doorway. "Captain, that was rather quick. You did not run all the way, did you?" she asked with mirth.
The man shook his head, stepping into the room. He wore a brown leather jerkin over a green shirt and at his collar was an opal pin. His dark blue eyes had laugh lines about them and a few strands of grey ran through his brown hair. "Nay, my lady. I was already on my way to speak with you when Gecen found me. I bring news about our dear magistrate," the Captain said.
Meyana put a hand to her forehead and sank into her chair again. "Not him again," she muttered. She then looked up at the Elves sitting before her desk. "Excuse me," Meyana apologized. "This is Captain Nodin, who without this city would have fallen into chaos long ago. Captain, this is Lord Elladan and Lord Elrohir. And this is Lord Glorfindel. Their family member Lord Elrond seems to be missing and thought to be somewhere in our city."
Captain Nodin bowed to the three Elves. "Then it is your warriors who hide in the forest west of the city," he said.
Meyana blinked. "Warriors?" she echoed.
The twins had the grace to blush. "We did not expect our father's kidnappers to head to a human city. We were prepared for a fight with Mordor forces," said Elladan.
Elrohir smiled and chuckled. "Luckily, we were able to persuade Glorfindel to leave the others behind before entering Tancdor."
Meyana looked at Glorfindel's glowering face and shivered. "Our city thanks you," she said.
"How did you know they were there?" asked Glorfindel, looking at Nodin.
The Captain smiled a little crookedly. "I know everything. It's my business to know. Just like I know that Lord Dameon had an extra passenger when he went to the catacombs last night."
Meyana groaned. "He wouldn't," she muttered. The lady paused and closed her eyes with a sigh. "Damn it, he would."
"I don't understand," asked Elladan, feeling as if he were listening in on a private conversation between the lady and her Captain.
Meyana waved her hand at Nodin and the Captain continued to speak. "Our dear magistrate Dameon Xavier has been obsessed with a local legend for many years. He has even disregarded a direct order by entering the city's underground catacombs. However, we have not the power to remove him from office, only the Steward who appointed him can do so and with Minas Tirith under attack they have little time for such things." Nodin rubbed the bridge of his nose. "But, if Dameon has kidnapped your father to help him unearth the secrets of that legend, he has gone past all sanity."
Meyana stood. "Captain, muster a force and head to Xavier's manor. If he has done such a thing as kidnap Lord Elrond, we must rescue him at once," she ordered.
"He's not there anymore," said another voice from the door. Everyone looked to find a young man with shoulder length brown hair standing just inside the room. An opal pin shimmered at the collar of his butter colored waistcoat. "And I'm afraid he has kidnapped Lord Elrond for there is an Elf with dark hair in his possession," he continued. "They were heading for the lighthouse."
"Kirlad?" asked Meyana. "How do you know this?"
The young man stepped forward. "I met Lord Dameon in the streets, Mother, and stopped to chat with him. He was heading for the lighthouse and had a cloaked person with him. A wind blew the hood off and I saw that it was an Elf with dark hair." His brown eyes glanced at the twins. "I can only assume it would be Lord Elrond," Kirlad said with compassion.
"Thank you," said Elladan with a smile.
"The lighthouse?" echoed Meyana. "Why would he go to the lighthouse?"
Kirlad shook his head. "I know not, Mother. But he has already left and is heading northwards."
"Toward the entrance he discovered, no doubt," said Nodin.
"To the catacombs?" asked Glorfindel.
"Yes. The entrance he found is under an ancient burial mound north of the city," replied Nodin.
Kirlad shivered. "It's said to be haunted."
Meyana waved a dismissive hand, a pondering look upon her face. "Old tales," she said.
Kirlad frowned. "You don't know that Mother. If the mound really is haunted then an Elf there would know for sure. They would also have to pass through the tunnels that house the Old Forgotten," the young human said.
"Old Forgotten?" echoed Elladan.
"An old depository for bones," replied Nodin.
Elrohir sighed. "Let me guess. It's also haunted?" Both Nodin and Kirlad nodded.
Glorfindel released a pained sound and jumped from his chair. "If that is where they are taking Elrond, then that is where we go," he proclaimed. "We must hurry to catch up with them."
Meyana stood also. "Wait!" she said. "That is not the only entrance to the catacombs. There are quicker, safer ways." She looked at her Captain. "Captain Nodin, prepare for a trip into the catacombs and meet us in the church. Lord Glorfindel, ride to your warriors and get them. I know not what Dameon has up his sleeve but I mean to be prepared for it. My son will go with you to guide you back." For a moment everyone stood still in the room. The lady sighed. "Go!"
Nodin turned on his heel and disappeared out of the door. Glorfindel stormed after him, heading for the courtyard where their horses were left. Elladan, Elrohir, and Kirlad followed him quickly. Meyana was left in the room alone and she sighed as she slowly sat down. "If you can hear me Valar, then listen well. Please, do not let that thing loose."