Disclaimer: Full disclaimer on first page.
Okay, I got a new program installed that should make this work since my other computer is broken.
Chapter Four
Legolas held up his hands as Theido leveled the sword at him.
"I had nothing to do with your friend. I found him injured and he asked me to deliver a message to you, and so I will. I will be on my way then." Legolas was not about to let a human threaten him for a reason he had nothing to do with.
"How can I know you speak the truth?" Theido asked in reply, lowering the sword slightly but still keeping it ready.
Legolas's eyes narrowed. "I guess you'll have to trust my word." He said, and Theido snorted.
"I make a point never to take a person at their word." He replied, "But if what you say is true, and you had nothing to do with Ronsard, you'll have to show me some proof. I take nothing at face value."
"I have nothing more than the map and the horse." Legolas answered, tilting his head towards the nervous bay.
Legolas reached inside his tunic and withdrew the map. Why must he get in so much trouble over things not his business?
"I have urgent news for the mayor, or whoever is in charge here. If I give you the map and the horse, will you allow me to enter unhindered?" The Elf asked. Theido paused, weighing the Elf's words. Finally he shrugged. He wanted the map.
Legolas handed him the map, and quickly moved past with his horse before the human could find another reason to delay him.
~*~*~*
Tylendal watched his warriors from atop his horse. For some reason, the King Thranduil had decided to make him a Lord, as if he was a noble and not the orphaned son of a common warrior that he was. He had also been given his own patrol, a total of six Elves beside himself.
Now he was in southern Mirkwood again, this time at the head of a patrol. And it was miserable. Dew formed on anything metal, and though Elves did not feel cold, his horse was shivering.
Two of his warriors he had sent out to scout. Orcs had been rumored to be within the area, and they were to scout it out and if possible drive them away.
He and the rest of the Elves in his patrol had been out for about five days. Soon the rough trails will get too dangerous for horses, and they would have to release them to travel easier. The horses are trained to go back to the palace after that.
The orcs had become more dangerous as time went on and they prospered unchecked. They had begun to think about the attacks by the Elves, and had begun to devise defenses.
They had also begun to target patrol captains, finding that it was effective to slay the leader first, since it disorganized the rest, even if it was for a moment or two. A lot can happen in a moment.
Tylendal had been lucky so far, and had not run afoul of any orcs or even wargs. Spiders had been their main concern lately, which worried them. Where were the orcs? Five days and not a single sighting.
Those five days of command had proven that while Tylendal is no army commander, he is adept at staging ambushes and harassing enemy camps.
The six Elves he led, Kadhael, Talmir, Tryvellan, Cawlach, Kadhael's older brother Kyndereth, and Tenebrinth, had become familiar with their silent, stoic, and rather young captain. The fact that they were all at least a century older than him did not hinder the way he had proven himself as a trustworthy leader. Indeed, he had received the respect of the others.
Tylendal sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the strain of tension there. He had a feeling that something bad, something with the chance of being deadly, was going to happen. It did not help his taunt nerves.
He jerked at the sound of leaves rustling, but calmed as an all-clear whistle rent the air.
He turned his horse about to face the approaching patrol. His two scouts were with them.
"Lord Tylendal," one said respectfully. It would probably take a while for Tylendal get used to the title.
"Greetings, Kaithan." Tylendal answered back. Kaithan was a few decades older than him, and normally scouted the perimeters of the palace.
"We are running a cursory check on another orc rumor at our western border, and are returning immediately to inform the king that there is a large number of orcs camped there. We thought you would like to know, since your territory crosses theirs. We are worried. A scout we found said they are leaving in the morning, but they are going to take the same rout as Prince Legolas." Kaithan said, and was startled when Tylendal paled and then cursed. That was the bad feeling he has been getting! Legolas could soon be in trouble!
Without waiting Tylendal turned and rode towards the western border, his loyal warriors following without a word, leaving a surprised and baffled Kaithan behind.
~*~*~*
Legolas quickly slipped through the crowd, searching for an inn to stable his horse. As soon as he had entered the village he had been getting stares, so he figured Elves were not common here. He kept his hood up from then on.
Finding one inn that looked fairly decent, Legolas gave the waiting stable boy his horse and went inside.
~*~*~*
Gutklash was a particularly smart orc. He sat at one of the many fires, roasting some unidentifiable piece of meat.
The chieftains promised better food in the west, so they were going to head out in the morning, where there were plenty of creatures to "play" with as well. Men and maybe even Elves. Gutklash snarled at the thought.
Gutklash reached for a stick with the shanks of some creature upon it, and glared at a smaller orc that was reaching for the same thing. Gutklash had not been born in Mirkwood, as had most of these others. He was from the mountains. He was bigger, stronger, faster, and smarter than the other orcs. That made him one of the more feared creatures in the camp. He kept to himself, refusing to take any command.
The smaller orc, cowering from Gutklash's fierce gaze, decided it was better to sit elsewhere and got up to leave.
Gutklash lashed out, his clawed hand gouging the other orc's throat and leaving the smaller creature gasping its last breaths on the forest floor.
That felt good. It will feel even better when they run into one of those small villages on their morning trek. Yes, humans. Man flesh.
Suddenly, a horn blew. Gutklash looked up with the rest of his foul brethren. One of the orc chieftains stood, calling and shouting at the orc horde to pick themselves up and move out. Evidently they were not waiting for sunrise.
~*~*~*
Legolas was in luck. The mayor lived not far down. So he headed out soon after installing himself into a small room.
Slipping into the street, he walked unobtrusively down and came to the elaborate house that was obviously the mayor's.
Walking up to the door man, he required entry.
"Why should you bother my Lord?" the man sneered, taking in Legolas's somewhat ragged appearance. He was after all trying to pose as a human.
Legolas scowled. What was it with these people? He didn't have time for delays. He had to get to Rivendell, but his conscience would not let him just let him leave this town in possible danger.
He reached up with a hand and drew back his hood, letting his Elvish features show. The man gaped and stumbled back. Elves were definitely not common here. While the man tried to gather his scattered wits, Legolas moved past him and inside.
"What are you doing here? Who gave you permission to walk into my home?" came an imperious voice, obviously used to commanding and being obeyed.
Legolas turned to look, seeing an ornately dressed man standing near a large, stained glass window that had lamps set at the corners so that it was lit even in the depths of night. More men, these ones were armed, stood around him.
As Legolas turned, the mayor caught sight of him without the hood. The man was the mayor. There was no doubt about that.
"An Elf? What would an Elf want in a human dwelling?" The tone of the man's voice indicated that Legolas was an unwelcome pest that should leave quickly.
Not about to be dissuaded now, Legolas drew himself up and advanced a couple of steps.
"Just a warning. I am merely taking shelter for the night." He answered, and was about to go on when the mayor waved a hand dismissively.
"Well, state your warning and begone." He sneered. Legolas restrained himself from showing the scowl he wished to display at the upstart man.
"Orcs are massing in the East. They are drawing closer to your town. I thought I should give you a fair warning before I go on my way." The Elf said curtly.
The mayor laughed. "Taken into consideration. Now leave." The way he said it stated obviously that he would not even heed the warning.
Legolas scowled, decided not to stay any longer, turned and left.
~*~*~*
Gutklash growled softly. Ahead were lights. A town. Just like he remembered. With a grin that revealed his sharp fangs, he waited for the signal to charge.
With a thin wail of a trumpet, the orcs leaped forwards.
~*~*~*
Tylendal and his warriors were tired. Their horses were stumbling. But ahead rose a column of black smoke. Something was burning.
Judging by the size, the fire was a ways away, and yet it burned big.
Without a word, they urged their tired horses faster.
~*~*~*
When they reached the place of the fire, they had to restrain their horses from bolting.
A town. That was what was burning. A town.
Scattered here and there were bodies of humans. And orcs. That was enough to display what had happened. Horses and other animals were also laying on the ground.
Homes, trees, prized gardens, and people burned in a raging inferno that was just now dying down.
Tylendal dismounted, stepping carefully over a slain woman. His warriors followed. No one had survived.
Tylendal scanned the desolate scene, and suddenly he cried out and took off. Talmir cursed and followed, while the others examined other parts of the destruction.
Lying outside the fire range was a horse. Like any other horse, but larger. And the silver hide could not be mistaken. Nor could the slash wounds on its body. Or the Elvish styled packs slung across its back.
Legolas's horse had finally reached the end of its days. Where was Legolas? He would not leave his horse. So where was he?
~*~*~*
Thanks to all reviewers and so sorry for the delay! This one is kind of short too.
Birman: I don't have this fic listed under Eowyn, only under Legolas. Sorry.
Itarilde-elenastar: a plot twist? Maybe. *g*
Alida Fruit: As you can see, Tylendal has a bigger part. Lol, hope you like it!
Colacookiecarter: Hope you like this chapter. It seems everyone wants to hold Legolas at sword point, lol.
Cherryfaerie: yes, he is. Hope you like this chapter and thanks for your review!
Ebony falcon: Haven't decided if Legolas is captured yet. Maybe he is. You'll just have to wait. Lol, thanks for your review.
Leggylover03: Hope you like this chapter! Thanks for your review.
Okay, I got a new program installed that should make this work since my other computer is broken.
Chapter Four
Legolas held up his hands as Theido leveled the sword at him.
"I had nothing to do with your friend. I found him injured and he asked me to deliver a message to you, and so I will. I will be on my way then." Legolas was not about to let a human threaten him for a reason he had nothing to do with.
"How can I know you speak the truth?" Theido asked in reply, lowering the sword slightly but still keeping it ready.
Legolas's eyes narrowed. "I guess you'll have to trust my word." He said, and Theido snorted.
"I make a point never to take a person at their word." He replied, "But if what you say is true, and you had nothing to do with Ronsard, you'll have to show me some proof. I take nothing at face value."
"I have nothing more than the map and the horse." Legolas answered, tilting his head towards the nervous bay.
Legolas reached inside his tunic and withdrew the map. Why must he get in so much trouble over things not his business?
"I have urgent news for the mayor, or whoever is in charge here. If I give you the map and the horse, will you allow me to enter unhindered?" The Elf asked. Theido paused, weighing the Elf's words. Finally he shrugged. He wanted the map.
Legolas handed him the map, and quickly moved past with his horse before the human could find another reason to delay him.
~*~*~*
Tylendal watched his warriors from atop his horse. For some reason, the King Thranduil had decided to make him a Lord, as if he was a noble and not the orphaned son of a common warrior that he was. He had also been given his own patrol, a total of six Elves beside himself.
Now he was in southern Mirkwood again, this time at the head of a patrol. And it was miserable. Dew formed on anything metal, and though Elves did not feel cold, his horse was shivering.
Two of his warriors he had sent out to scout. Orcs had been rumored to be within the area, and they were to scout it out and if possible drive them away.
He and the rest of the Elves in his patrol had been out for about five days. Soon the rough trails will get too dangerous for horses, and they would have to release them to travel easier. The horses are trained to go back to the palace after that.
The orcs had become more dangerous as time went on and they prospered unchecked. They had begun to think about the attacks by the Elves, and had begun to devise defenses.
They had also begun to target patrol captains, finding that it was effective to slay the leader first, since it disorganized the rest, even if it was for a moment or two. A lot can happen in a moment.
Tylendal had been lucky so far, and had not run afoul of any orcs or even wargs. Spiders had been their main concern lately, which worried them. Where were the orcs? Five days and not a single sighting.
Those five days of command had proven that while Tylendal is no army commander, he is adept at staging ambushes and harassing enemy camps.
The six Elves he led, Kadhael, Talmir, Tryvellan, Cawlach, Kadhael's older brother Kyndereth, and Tenebrinth, had become familiar with their silent, stoic, and rather young captain. The fact that they were all at least a century older than him did not hinder the way he had proven himself as a trustworthy leader. Indeed, he had received the respect of the others.
Tylendal sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the strain of tension there. He had a feeling that something bad, something with the chance of being deadly, was going to happen. It did not help his taunt nerves.
He jerked at the sound of leaves rustling, but calmed as an all-clear whistle rent the air.
He turned his horse about to face the approaching patrol. His two scouts were with them.
"Lord Tylendal," one said respectfully. It would probably take a while for Tylendal get used to the title.
"Greetings, Kaithan." Tylendal answered back. Kaithan was a few decades older than him, and normally scouted the perimeters of the palace.
"We are running a cursory check on another orc rumor at our western border, and are returning immediately to inform the king that there is a large number of orcs camped there. We thought you would like to know, since your territory crosses theirs. We are worried. A scout we found said they are leaving in the morning, but they are going to take the same rout as Prince Legolas." Kaithan said, and was startled when Tylendal paled and then cursed. That was the bad feeling he has been getting! Legolas could soon be in trouble!
Without waiting Tylendal turned and rode towards the western border, his loyal warriors following without a word, leaving a surprised and baffled Kaithan behind.
~*~*~*
Legolas quickly slipped through the crowd, searching for an inn to stable his horse. As soon as he had entered the village he had been getting stares, so he figured Elves were not common here. He kept his hood up from then on.
Finding one inn that looked fairly decent, Legolas gave the waiting stable boy his horse and went inside.
~*~*~*
Gutklash was a particularly smart orc. He sat at one of the many fires, roasting some unidentifiable piece of meat.
The chieftains promised better food in the west, so they were going to head out in the morning, where there were plenty of creatures to "play" with as well. Men and maybe even Elves. Gutklash snarled at the thought.
Gutklash reached for a stick with the shanks of some creature upon it, and glared at a smaller orc that was reaching for the same thing. Gutklash had not been born in Mirkwood, as had most of these others. He was from the mountains. He was bigger, stronger, faster, and smarter than the other orcs. That made him one of the more feared creatures in the camp. He kept to himself, refusing to take any command.
The smaller orc, cowering from Gutklash's fierce gaze, decided it was better to sit elsewhere and got up to leave.
Gutklash lashed out, his clawed hand gouging the other orc's throat and leaving the smaller creature gasping its last breaths on the forest floor.
That felt good. It will feel even better when they run into one of those small villages on their morning trek. Yes, humans. Man flesh.
Suddenly, a horn blew. Gutklash looked up with the rest of his foul brethren. One of the orc chieftains stood, calling and shouting at the orc horde to pick themselves up and move out. Evidently they were not waiting for sunrise.
~*~*~*
Legolas was in luck. The mayor lived not far down. So he headed out soon after installing himself into a small room.
Slipping into the street, he walked unobtrusively down and came to the elaborate house that was obviously the mayor's.
Walking up to the door man, he required entry.
"Why should you bother my Lord?" the man sneered, taking in Legolas's somewhat ragged appearance. He was after all trying to pose as a human.
Legolas scowled. What was it with these people? He didn't have time for delays. He had to get to Rivendell, but his conscience would not let him just let him leave this town in possible danger.
He reached up with a hand and drew back his hood, letting his Elvish features show. The man gaped and stumbled back. Elves were definitely not common here. While the man tried to gather his scattered wits, Legolas moved past him and inside.
"What are you doing here? Who gave you permission to walk into my home?" came an imperious voice, obviously used to commanding and being obeyed.
Legolas turned to look, seeing an ornately dressed man standing near a large, stained glass window that had lamps set at the corners so that it was lit even in the depths of night. More men, these ones were armed, stood around him.
As Legolas turned, the mayor caught sight of him without the hood. The man was the mayor. There was no doubt about that.
"An Elf? What would an Elf want in a human dwelling?" The tone of the man's voice indicated that Legolas was an unwelcome pest that should leave quickly.
Not about to be dissuaded now, Legolas drew himself up and advanced a couple of steps.
"Just a warning. I am merely taking shelter for the night." He answered, and was about to go on when the mayor waved a hand dismissively.
"Well, state your warning and begone." He sneered. Legolas restrained himself from showing the scowl he wished to display at the upstart man.
"Orcs are massing in the East. They are drawing closer to your town. I thought I should give you a fair warning before I go on my way." The Elf said curtly.
The mayor laughed. "Taken into consideration. Now leave." The way he said it stated obviously that he would not even heed the warning.
Legolas scowled, decided not to stay any longer, turned and left.
~*~*~*
Gutklash growled softly. Ahead were lights. A town. Just like he remembered. With a grin that revealed his sharp fangs, he waited for the signal to charge.
With a thin wail of a trumpet, the orcs leaped forwards.
~*~*~*
Tylendal and his warriors were tired. Their horses were stumbling. But ahead rose a column of black smoke. Something was burning.
Judging by the size, the fire was a ways away, and yet it burned big.
Without a word, they urged their tired horses faster.
~*~*~*
When they reached the place of the fire, they had to restrain their horses from bolting.
A town. That was what was burning. A town.
Scattered here and there were bodies of humans. And orcs. That was enough to display what had happened. Horses and other animals were also laying on the ground.
Homes, trees, prized gardens, and people burned in a raging inferno that was just now dying down.
Tylendal dismounted, stepping carefully over a slain woman. His warriors followed. No one had survived.
Tylendal scanned the desolate scene, and suddenly he cried out and took off. Talmir cursed and followed, while the others examined other parts of the destruction.
Lying outside the fire range was a horse. Like any other horse, but larger. And the silver hide could not be mistaken. Nor could the slash wounds on its body. Or the Elvish styled packs slung across its back.
Legolas's horse had finally reached the end of its days. Where was Legolas? He would not leave his horse. So where was he?
~*~*~*
Thanks to all reviewers and so sorry for the delay! This one is kind of short too.
Birman: I don't have this fic listed under Eowyn, only under Legolas. Sorry.
Itarilde-elenastar: a plot twist? Maybe. *g*
Alida Fruit: As you can see, Tylendal has a bigger part. Lol, hope you like it!
Colacookiecarter: Hope you like this chapter. It seems everyone wants to hold Legolas at sword point, lol.
Cherryfaerie: yes, he is. Hope you like this chapter and thanks for your review!
Ebony falcon: Haven't decided if Legolas is captured yet. Maybe he is. You'll just have to wait. Lol, thanks for your review.
Leggylover03: Hope you like this chapter! Thanks for your review.