Disclaimer: Full disclaimer on first page.
Special thanks to Alida Fruit for her editing!
Oh, and for a couple of people with worries that this story might become a romance, let me say that I hate/despise/loathe all romances (no offense to those who write them, of course.) And this story will never be a romance, never fear!
Chapter Seven
Aragorn and his small group slipped among the boulders, looking for the small cave that would lead them through the mountains. Aragorn was worried. There was no trace of the elves or Legolas in the area, and Aragorn did not want to think about what might have happened to him.
Galafrone scouted ahead, and called back when he found it. The others ran forwards. The cave entrance was clear, and they went in.
They had expected to run into a horde of orcs, so they were surprised when nothing appeared in the gloom. The orcs that had been slain during the battle with the elves had been looted and tossed down one of the deep pits. Flies buzzed over a couple of them, revealing the location of the dead creatures.
The elves were uneasy about this. According to what Aragorn had said the cave tunnel was swarming with orcs, and now it was clear.
Aragorn was anxious as well. Where had all the orcs gone? The only possibilities were that the elves had escaped and the orcs followed, or that the orcs had killed the elves and decided to leave. Not wanting to think of that, Aragorn motioned for them to continue down the cave.
Once out on the rocky slopes, Aragorn immediately scanned the area for a trail. He was looking South when Galafrone spotted a small column of smoke in the North. Shouting to Aragorn, he pointed it out.
"Let's go see what that's about," Aragorn called as they picked their way through the rocks.
~*~*~*
Legolas and the three elves walked in silence through the jagged slopes, until they heard someone shout far behind them, the sound echoing through the cliffs.
"Estel! Smoke to the North!" The call rang out, and quickly Legolas turned and began running towards the place where the sound originated. Savarre turned to his brother and sister, shrugged, and took off in pursuit.
~*~*~*
Aragorn and his group reached the boulder ringed camp of the elves, to see a seen of carnage. Galafrone, Donalitu, and Trasone went down to examine the battle scene, while Elladan and Elrohir conversed with Aragorn about the possibilities.
"Orcs! Orcs did this!" Trasone shouted out to them, pointing to the prone bodies of the creatures.
Aragorn was about to answer when suddenly the quiet was split with noise and commotion. A large wolf leaped off a hidden ledge and landed heavily on Aragorn's chest, knocking him into Elrohir and causing both to fall and roll down the rocky incline. The wolf leaped off with a snarl and followed.
Trasone, Galafrone, and Donalitu were immediately slain, arrows flying off the mountain ridge to pierce them.
Elladan sensed someone behind him, and before he could turn and look something collided with the back of his head. Stunned and dazed, the Rivendell elf staggered. The person behind him grabbed him and his arms were quickly bound and his weapons were taken.
"Can you walk?" a harsh voice asked by his ear, and knowing what would happen if he could not, Elladan nodded.
"Then walk!" and he felt the tip of a sword press into his back threateningly.
~*~*~*
Running as fast as he could, Legolas heard shouts and pain filled cries as he topped another ridge, and he was able to overlook the scene unfolding below him.
Aragorn and Elrohir were facing off with the wolf, while three elves from Rivendell were killed by arrows being fired by one of the dark haired elves he had seen in the camp when he was being held there.
"Tivadar! The fool survived!" Savarre snarled, as he came up beside the Mirkwood elf. Sirithiliel and Teysrol were right behind him.
"You tend to your friends. We will deal with Teysrol and retrieve your friend from him," Teysrol shouted, as he ran down the hill with Sirithiliel and Savarre close behind him. Their wolves bounded ahead and one, Sirithiliel's Tamulis, veered to spring upon Tivadar's wolf.
~*~*~*
Aragorn couldn't have been more shocked. First one of the renegade elves had killed three of his friends and captured one of his brothers, and now two of the wolves that ran with the elves were fighting each other while three other elves, the ones that had pursued Legolas and him, ran after the other. Then Legolas appeared beside them, and Aragorn just stood, confused and trying to get his bearings.
"The three elves that chase the other are friends, they helped me escape the camp during the orc attack and now they will try to free Elladan," Legolas whispered hurriedly, trying to stall any questions. He had an arrow drawn on the battling wolves, trying to hit the other wolf and not Tamulis.
The black wolf separated long enough for Legolas to fire an arrow, taking the other large wolf in the eye. With a growl Tamulis quickly ran to catch up with the others.
Aragorn sat down then, his face a mask of shock. Legolas put a hand on the stunned ranger's shoulder.
"Trasone, Galafrone, Donalitu . I brought them from Rivendell and now they're dead, and Elladan's been taken by that elf. Legolas, what are we to do?" Aragorn asked haltingly. He was immersed in thoughts of guilt and grief, and Elrohir shook him by the shoulders.
"Stand up! We need to get Elladan back. This is not the time to be thinking of that. So stand and lets go," Elrohir said firmly, looking into the ranger's eyes. With a slow nod, Aragorn stood.
~*~*~*
Tivadar had been watching the group since they came out of the cave, and had launched his attack when they reached the old camp. Tivadar had been far on the edge of the camp during the orc attack, and had been able to escape. Everyone else was slain, and he did not care. They were all fools.
He had sent his wolf, Amlug, to attack the three elves standing watch on the ridge, while he fired upon the three examining the dead. It had worked perfectly, and now he had one of the sons of Elrond for a captive. He will lure the ranger and Mirkwood elf to Quindiniar City; and take them then. It was their fault that the plan failed in the first place. If they had not come, Rilian would have his jewel and they could have gone back to the lifestyle they had once had. He then would take over the band, and he would be the leader! He would have been rid of Rilian, but those two had foiled it all, and now they would pay.
The elf he had taken was staggering beside him, and he snarled and yanked on the elf's shoulder, making him stumble.
~*~*~*
Teysrol ran, sighting ahead of the two figures they were following. Sirithiliel and Savarre were behind him, also looking ahead.
"Quindiniar, he is heading to that vile city," Savarre said from behind his brother. Quindiniar was a small city, and one of its faults was its great suspicion of elves.
"We will have to move carefully. Probably even split up," Savarre added. Teysrol frowned. He did not like the idea of splitting up in that dark city, but it was their best way to find Tivadar before he did something to that Rivendell elf. With a frustrated sigh, he gestured for them to head to the city.
~*~*~*
They were walking through a boulder-strewn valley that was surrounded on both sides by the sides of the mountains, sheer walls of jagged rock. Skirting a particularly large boulder, Elrohir suddenly sensed danger, and ordered a halt. Legolas sensed something similar. Aragorn stopped, not feeling what the elves were. Not knowing what was the matter, Legolas and the other two were utterly shocked as orcs leaped out from hidden holes at the base of the boulders. Legolas immediately drew his knives and brought the sharp blades directly on an orc's head, crushing the unfortunate creature to the ground.
A great axe arced down, and though Legolas was able to deflect it, the effort numbed his arm. Again the orc swung his axe, but Legolas spun out of its path. The abrupt move left the orc unbalanced, and Legolas didn't hesitate, driving both his knives into the orc's side.
The orc howled in agony, and launched one last backhand swing at the elf. So surprised that the orc did not fall dead from the fatal wound, Legolas managed to jump to the side, but caught the flat end of the axe in his ribs and he was launched through the air to collide with the cliff wall. Another orc rushed forwards before his dangerous opponent regained his footing. Legolas was on the ground, gasping for breath through his bruised chest, and tried to stand when the orc came charging forwards.
The orc's evil grin widened at the sight of the vulnerable elf. From no where, it seemed, a many-thronged whip appeared in one of the orc's hands, while in the other a jagged, cruelly notched blade.
At first, Legolas's mind whirled down a hundred avenues, exploring the most feasible actions to get him out of this. He sighed, and staggered to his feet, with blades ready. He'll fight till he was cut down, and take as many as he could with him.
The many-thronged whip lashed out at Legolas's legs, too quickly for the elf to deflect or dodge aside. The orc jerked the handle as the throngs tangled about the slender legs and ankles, the orc's great strength easily dropping the elf on his back.
Legolas felt the stinging pain in his legs, and the rush of air pressed out of his lungs when he landed on the hard stone.
He may have perished there, but Elrohir's sword whipped point over hilt into the creature's back. With a snarl of pain, the orc pulled the sword out threw it. He advanced on the now unarmed elf.
Legolas scrambled over and picked up Elrohir's blade, whirling it around, testing his ability with it. It was bulkier than the elf's own twin knives, but he could manage it well.
"Abhorrent yrch!" Legolas snarled, and as the orc stopped and faced him again, he drove the blade into the orc's chest, smiling maliciously with satisfaction as he felt the edge grate on its ribs.
~*~*~*
They left that morning, heading towards the city. The worst of their injuries were Legolas's legs, which were still paining him, but he could walk. About midday they heard a commotion down the side of the hill, and turning to look they saw five men in soldier uniforms fighting a pack of wargs that had cut them off from the city that was nestled between two of the large mountains. They had formed a semi circle around them, with the soldiers' back to the cliff side. The two elves and ranger immediately rushed down to help.
The battle was quick with their help, and none were wounded. The soldiers turned to thank them, when they saw the elves and immediately froze. Their faces darkened in rage, and they snarled threats at them.
"We do not need the help of filthy elves!" sneered one of the men, raising his sword.
"Is this the thanks we get for us helping you? Much is desired for Quindiniar manners," Aragorn said, irritated and angered by the man's words. The city was unmarked on maps, and Aragorn only knew of it because of Elrond's warnings about the city.
"Beware what you say, ranger. There are five of us and you are only three," the speaker seemed less sure of himself since his threat failed to intimidate the two.
"Take your vile friends and be gone. Before my axe bathes in the blood of an elf! Although I would have to throw the tainted weapon away after!" another man shouted. All the men joined in with the ensuing laughter.
Legolas had barely heard it. His concentration was on a man in the back of the group who had remained silent. He was slipping a bow off his shoulder and inching his hand slowly towards his quiver.
"Very well, then. I'll sleep better knowing your foul remarks are the best you could do." Saying so, Aragorn turned and proceeded to walk away.
But Legolas had one last message to give the men. In one blinding movement he swung his bow off his shoulder, notched an arrow, and fired. It whistled through the air, and neatly split the archer's bowstring. With a jerk of surprise, the man dropped his bow, with its now useless string.
"Your misguided insults I accept, even expect," Legolas explained to the horrified men. "But I'll brook no attempts on my or my friends' life, and I will defend myself." So saying, he turned and followed Aragorn and Elrohir.
~*~*~*
Teysrol slipped among the shadows of an alley, watching for anyone who could be two elves in hiding. He paused, watching three men who were eyeing people walking by with greedy eyes. Teysrol was cloaked and hooded, so that no one could see that he was an elf. He crept forwards, trying to hear what they were whispering about.
"The Guild has been improving, and Calandra is pleased. We have gathered many valuables," one large ruffian said, eyeing a woman who walked by with a disturbing gleam in his eye. If he spoke of a Guild like that, it would more than likely be a Thieves Guild, so they were probably his best choice for information. Thieves had a way of getting into places and knowing things, and it might prove useful to Teysrol if he could find out about Tivadar's location quickly. He did not know the reason Tivadar had taken that Rivendell elf, and did not want to wait to find out.
"Here now, what are you doing here, sneaking up on us?" One of the men turned and grabbed Teysrol by the front of his tunic, easily lifting the slender elf.
~*~*~*
Watching the two elves and the ranger leave, the five soldiers thought up a good way to exact their revenge upon the loathsome elves and their ranger friend.
"They dare go into our city? They pollute it with their presence," one of the soldiers hissed to the others, and they smiled wickedly at the plan that would soon be set into motion.
Bec: I am very glad you enjoy my story, I try very hard to do a good job and have people like it. I am appreciative of the reviews I have been getting.
Leggyluver: Oh, a note to you, I have gotten some Aragorn suffering in one of the later chapters.I think chapter eight. and I hope you enjoy it.
Soulsearcher: No worries, it will NEVER be a romance! I don't like them overly much either. Thanks for your review!
Rubberduck: Thank you very much, and it's no problem with me.
Niori: Thank you for your review!
Firesong: I don't know if I will have our Legolas get in trouble with the elves, he might later on. I'll see.
Gwuenhevar: Thank you for your review, I appreciate it!
Queen Victoria: Welcome back! Thanks for your review!
Darkwind: Well.cliff hangers are supposed to be suspenseful, aren't they?
Drizztluver: thank you for your review! It means a lot!
Special thanks to Alida Fruit for her editing!
Oh, and for a couple of people with worries that this story might become a romance, let me say that I hate/despise/loathe all romances (no offense to those who write them, of course.) And this story will never be a romance, never fear!
Chapter Seven
Aragorn and his small group slipped among the boulders, looking for the small cave that would lead them through the mountains. Aragorn was worried. There was no trace of the elves or Legolas in the area, and Aragorn did not want to think about what might have happened to him.
Galafrone scouted ahead, and called back when he found it. The others ran forwards. The cave entrance was clear, and they went in.
They had expected to run into a horde of orcs, so they were surprised when nothing appeared in the gloom. The orcs that had been slain during the battle with the elves had been looted and tossed down one of the deep pits. Flies buzzed over a couple of them, revealing the location of the dead creatures.
The elves were uneasy about this. According to what Aragorn had said the cave tunnel was swarming with orcs, and now it was clear.
Aragorn was anxious as well. Where had all the orcs gone? The only possibilities were that the elves had escaped and the orcs followed, or that the orcs had killed the elves and decided to leave. Not wanting to think of that, Aragorn motioned for them to continue down the cave.
Once out on the rocky slopes, Aragorn immediately scanned the area for a trail. He was looking South when Galafrone spotted a small column of smoke in the North. Shouting to Aragorn, he pointed it out.
"Let's go see what that's about," Aragorn called as they picked their way through the rocks.
~*~*~*
Legolas and the three elves walked in silence through the jagged slopes, until they heard someone shout far behind them, the sound echoing through the cliffs.
"Estel! Smoke to the North!" The call rang out, and quickly Legolas turned and began running towards the place where the sound originated. Savarre turned to his brother and sister, shrugged, and took off in pursuit.
~*~*~*
Aragorn and his group reached the boulder ringed camp of the elves, to see a seen of carnage. Galafrone, Donalitu, and Trasone went down to examine the battle scene, while Elladan and Elrohir conversed with Aragorn about the possibilities.
"Orcs! Orcs did this!" Trasone shouted out to them, pointing to the prone bodies of the creatures.
Aragorn was about to answer when suddenly the quiet was split with noise and commotion. A large wolf leaped off a hidden ledge and landed heavily on Aragorn's chest, knocking him into Elrohir and causing both to fall and roll down the rocky incline. The wolf leaped off with a snarl and followed.
Trasone, Galafrone, and Donalitu were immediately slain, arrows flying off the mountain ridge to pierce them.
Elladan sensed someone behind him, and before he could turn and look something collided with the back of his head. Stunned and dazed, the Rivendell elf staggered. The person behind him grabbed him and his arms were quickly bound and his weapons were taken.
"Can you walk?" a harsh voice asked by his ear, and knowing what would happen if he could not, Elladan nodded.
"Then walk!" and he felt the tip of a sword press into his back threateningly.
~*~*~*
Running as fast as he could, Legolas heard shouts and pain filled cries as he topped another ridge, and he was able to overlook the scene unfolding below him.
Aragorn and Elrohir were facing off with the wolf, while three elves from Rivendell were killed by arrows being fired by one of the dark haired elves he had seen in the camp when he was being held there.
"Tivadar! The fool survived!" Savarre snarled, as he came up beside the Mirkwood elf. Sirithiliel and Teysrol were right behind him.
"You tend to your friends. We will deal with Teysrol and retrieve your friend from him," Teysrol shouted, as he ran down the hill with Sirithiliel and Savarre close behind him. Their wolves bounded ahead and one, Sirithiliel's Tamulis, veered to spring upon Tivadar's wolf.
~*~*~*
Aragorn couldn't have been more shocked. First one of the renegade elves had killed three of his friends and captured one of his brothers, and now two of the wolves that ran with the elves were fighting each other while three other elves, the ones that had pursued Legolas and him, ran after the other. Then Legolas appeared beside them, and Aragorn just stood, confused and trying to get his bearings.
"The three elves that chase the other are friends, they helped me escape the camp during the orc attack and now they will try to free Elladan," Legolas whispered hurriedly, trying to stall any questions. He had an arrow drawn on the battling wolves, trying to hit the other wolf and not Tamulis.
The black wolf separated long enough for Legolas to fire an arrow, taking the other large wolf in the eye. With a growl Tamulis quickly ran to catch up with the others.
Aragorn sat down then, his face a mask of shock. Legolas put a hand on the stunned ranger's shoulder.
"Trasone, Galafrone, Donalitu . I brought them from Rivendell and now they're dead, and Elladan's been taken by that elf. Legolas, what are we to do?" Aragorn asked haltingly. He was immersed in thoughts of guilt and grief, and Elrohir shook him by the shoulders.
"Stand up! We need to get Elladan back. This is not the time to be thinking of that. So stand and lets go," Elrohir said firmly, looking into the ranger's eyes. With a slow nod, Aragorn stood.
~*~*~*
Tivadar had been watching the group since they came out of the cave, and had launched his attack when they reached the old camp. Tivadar had been far on the edge of the camp during the orc attack, and had been able to escape. Everyone else was slain, and he did not care. They were all fools.
He had sent his wolf, Amlug, to attack the three elves standing watch on the ridge, while he fired upon the three examining the dead. It had worked perfectly, and now he had one of the sons of Elrond for a captive. He will lure the ranger and Mirkwood elf to Quindiniar City; and take them then. It was their fault that the plan failed in the first place. If they had not come, Rilian would have his jewel and they could have gone back to the lifestyle they had once had. He then would take over the band, and he would be the leader! He would have been rid of Rilian, but those two had foiled it all, and now they would pay.
The elf he had taken was staggering beside him, and he snarled and yanked on the elf's shoulder, making him stumble.
~*~*~*
Teysrol ran, sighting ahead of the two figures they were following. Sirithiliel and Savarre were behind him, also looking ahead.
"Quindiniar, he is heading to that vile city," Savarre said from behind his brother. Quindiniar was a small city, and one of its faults was its great suspicion of elves.
"We will have to move carefully. Probably even split up," Savarre added. Teysrol frowned. He did not like the idea of splitting up in that dark city, but it was their best way to find Tivadar before he did something to that Rivendell elf. With a frustrated sigh, he gestured for them to head to the city.
~*~*~*
They were walking through a boulder-strewn valley that was surrounded on both sides by the sides of the mountains, sheer walls of jagged rock. Skirting a particularly large boulder, Elrohir suddenly sensed danger, and ordered a halt. Legolas sensed something similar. Aragorn stopped, not feeling what the elves were. Not knowing what was the matter, Legolas and the other two were utterly shocked as orcs leaped out from hidden holes at the base of the boulders. Legolas immediately drew his knives and brought the sharp blades directly on an orc's head, crushing the unfortunate creature to the ground.
A great axe arced down, and though Legolas was able to deflect it, the effort numbed his arm. Again the orc swung his axe, but Legolas spun out of its path. The abrupt move left the orc unbalanced, and Legolas didn't hesitate, driving both his knives into the orc's side.
The orc howled in agony, and launched one last backhand swing at the elf. So surprised that the orc did not fall dead from the fatal wound, Legolas managed to jump to the side, but caught the flat end of the axe in his ribs and he was launched through the air to collide with the cliff wall. Another orc rushed forwards before his dangerous opponent regained his footing. Legolas was on the ground, gasping for breath through his bruised chest, and tried to stand when the orc came charging forwards.
The orc's evil grin widened at the sight of the vulnerable elf. From no where, it seemed, a many-thronged whip appeared in one of the orc's hands, while in the other a jagged, cruelly notched blade.
At first, Legolas's mind whirled down a hundred avenues, exploring the most feasible actions to get him out of this. He sighed, and staggered to his feet, with blades ready. He'll fight till he was cut down, and take as many as he could with him.
The many-thronged whip lashed out at Legolas's legs, too quickly for the elf to deflect or dodge aside. The orc jerked the handle as the throngs tangled about the slender legs and ankles, the orc's great strength easily dropping the elf on his back.
Legolas felt the stinging pain in his legs, and the rush of air pressed out of his lungs when he landed on the hard stone.
He may have perished there, but Elrohir's sword whipped point over hilt into the creature's back. With a snarl of pain, the orc pulled the sword out threw it. He advanced on the now unarmed elf.
Legolas scrambled over and picked up Elrohir's blade, whirling it around, testing his ability with it. It was bulkier than the elf's own twin knives, but he could manage it well.
"Abhorrent yrch!" Legolas snarled, and as the orc stopped and faced him again, he drove the blade into the orc's chest, smiling maliciously with satisfaction as he felt the edge grate on its ribs.
~*~*~*
They left that morning, heading towards the city. The worst of their injuries were Legolas's legs, which were still paining him, but he could walk. About midday they heard a commotion down the side of the hill, and turning to look they saw five men in soldier uniforms fighting a pack of wargs that had cut them off from the city that was nestled between two of the large mountains. They had formed a semi circle around them, with the soldiers' back to the cliff side. The two elves and ranger immediately rushed down to help.
The battle was quick with their help, and none were wounded. The soldiers turned to thank them, when they saw the elves and immediately froze. Their faces darkened in rage, and they snarled threats at them.
"We do not need the help of filthy elves!" sneered one of the men, raising his sword.
"Is this the thanks we get for us helping you? Much is desired for Quindiniar manners," Aragorn said, irritated and angered by the man's words. The city was unmarked on maps, and Aragorn only knew of it because of Elrond's warnings about the city.
"Beware what you say, ranger. There are five of us and you are only three," the speaker seemed less sure of himself since his threat failed to intimidate the two.
"Take your vile friends and be gone. Before my axe bathes in the blood of an elf! Although I would have to throw the tainted weapon away after!" another man shouted. All the men joined in with the ensuing laughter.
Legolas had barely heard it. His concentration was on a man in the back of the group who had remained silent. He was slipping a bow off his shoulder and inching his hand slowly towards his quiver.
"Very well, then. I'll sleep better knowing your foul remarks are the best you could do." Saying so, Aragorn turned and proceeded to walk away.
But Legolas had one last message to give the men. In one blinding movement he swung his bow off his shoulder, notched an arrow, and fired. It whistled through the air, and neatly split the archer's bowstring. With a jerk of surprise, the man dropped his bow, with its now useless string.
"Your misguided insults I accept, even expect," Legolas explained to the horrified men. "But I'll brook no attempts on my or my friends' life, and I will defend myself." So saying, he turned and followed Aragorn and Elrohir.
~*~*~*
Teysrol slipped among the shadows of an alley, watching for anyone who could be two elves in hiding. He paused, watching three men who were eyeing people walking by with greedy eyes. Teysrol was cloaked and hooded, so that no one could see that he was an elf. He crept forwards, trying to hear what they were whispering about.
"The Guild has been improving, and Calandra is pleased. We have gathered many valuables," one large ruffian said, eyeing a woman who walked by with a disturbing gleam in his eye. If he spoke of a Guild like that, it would more than likely be a Thieves Guild, so they were probably his best choice for information. Thieves had a way of getting into places and knowing things, and it might prove useful to Teysrol if he could find out about Tivadar's location quickly. He did not know the reason Tivadar had taken that Rivendell elf, and did not want to wait to find out.
"Here now, what are you doing here, sneaking up on us?" One of the men turned and grabbed Teysrol by the front of his tunic, easily lifting the slender elf.
~*~*~*
Watching the two elves and the ranger leave, the five soldiers thought up a good way to exact their revenge upon the loathsome elves and their ranger friend.
"They dare go into our city? They pollute it with their presence," one of the soldiers hissed to the others, and they smiled wickedly at the plan that would soon be set into motion.
Bec: I am very glad you enjoy my story, I try very hard to do a good job and have people like it. I am appreciative of the reviews I have been getting.
Leggyluver: Oh, a note to you, I have gotten some Aragorn suffering in one of the later chapters.I think chapter eight. and I hope you enjoy it.
Soulsearcher: No worries, it will NEVER be a romance! I don't like them overly much either. Thanks for your review!
Rubberduck: Thank you very much, and it's no problem with me.
Niori: Thank you for your review!
Firesong: I don't know if I will have our Legolas get in trouble with the elves, he might later on. I'll see.
Gwuenhevar: Thank you for your review, I appreciate it!
Queen Victoria: Welcome back! Thanks for your review!
Darkwind: Well.cliff hangers are supposed to be suspenseful, aren't they?
Drizztluver: thank you for your review! It means a lot!