Disclaimer: Full disclaimer on first page.
Chapter Eleven
Tivadar told the men exactly what he wanted them to do. They smiled and chuckled to themselves, moving off into their positions.
Tivadar smiled. He would have a fun time with the elves that had managed to survive the collapse of the cave. Yes, it will be fun.
Let the games begin.
~*~*~*
Teysrol sighed. He and the ranger will have to find a different way up, while those above will have to find a way out. They had spoken about it and decided it would be best.
As a last thought, Teysrol threw the Mornelithe up to Sirithiliel. They will probably need it more.
Aragorn gestured for the Elf to follow, and with another defeated sigh, he followed.
~*~*~*
Legolas shuddered, staring at the dark ceiling so far up. All Elves disliked caves, and he was no different. Elladan and Elrohir would glance nervously around and try to ignore their claustrophobic feelings. But Sirithiliel...she seemed to not mind the depressing cave.
The Elven Prince examined the wall, and sighed. There was no way to get through it. They'll have to find another way out. He moved over to Elladan and Elrohir, only to hear the twins say the exact same thing.
"We'll have to find another exit." Elladan proclaimed bitterly, causing Legolas to sigh softly and Elrohir looked slightly unhappy. Sirithiliel shrugged, caught up in her own thoughts. Without a word, Elladan turned and moved down one of the passages, one of the ones that did not look so sinister.
With a defeated glance at the blocked entrance, Legolas and the other two followed.
~*~*~*
Aragorn and Teysrol struggled to find their way through the twisting maze of tunnels. They would hit one track only to find a dead end. With a frustrated growl, Teysrol took the lead and moved on, using his Elven senses to find his way in the dark.
He glowed softly, aiding Aragorn in avoiding the cracks and snags on the ground. They both froze as they heard the unmistakable laughter of orcs.
~*~*~*
Legolas suddenly froze, focusing his attention toward a corridor on their right. The four Elves heard a snuffling, grunting sound, and were on their guard, ready for trouble.
They had heard odd noises echoing through the caves, and had been seen by two orc scouts, which they had dispatched quickly.
Impatient to see what new horror lay in store for them, Sirithiliel stalked quietly towards the mouth of the tunnel, ignoring the hissed protests of her companions.
She reached the entrance of the cave, and once she saw what they faced she couldn't help but smile slightly. Instead of some big and nasty creature, they were facing what seemed to be an overgrown lizard. The other three joined her in the tunnel once she called out to them that it was safe, and examined the lizard.
It had large yellow eyes, obviously for seeing well in the dark. Its scales were a dusty gray that blended in nicely with the cave wall. It was about three feet high at the top of its head, and six feet long. It eyed them as they watched it, and with a final snort turned and climbed up the wall into a small hole in the top of the tunnel.
Suddenly struck with an idea, Elrohir leaped lightly up, catching a ledge with his hands and hoisting himself up. He reached up and grabbed hold of the edge of the hole and pulled himself in.
He dropped back to the ledge with a smile.
"It is a clear passageway, and I doubt if orcs and their like could get in there. We should be safe enough passing through." He said, and Elladan mulled it over for a moment in his mind to make sure it seemed safe enough. He nodded finally, and they climbed up behind Elrohir and went through the hole.
They proceeded down the dark tunnel, with Sirithiliel leading next to Elladan and using the soft glow of the Mornelithe to light their way.
Another of those lizard creatures moved out of the way of the light, and disappeared. The entire tunnel was down hill, and when Legolas experimentally kicked a rock, it rolled down the gentle slope before clattering somewhere farther along the way. Legolas cocked an eyebrow at how far it went before stopping, and sighed.
Soon the tunnel widened out, and they realized that they were now on the level they were before entering the hole.
And as it was, the first thing they saw as they descended on to even ground was the surprised expressions of a group of orcs. Immediately the creatures raised their crude weapons and charged the four Elves.
Preparing to fight, they hesitated when they saw more orcs charging from connecting passageways. With a shout to his companions, Elladan turned and fled down the nearest corridor. Following him quickly, the four Elves took off.
Racing along the passage, they dodged and turned through twisting tunnels, effectively losing the orcs behind them.
When they stopped, it was because of the sight that lay before them. Elladan cursed violently, for before them lay the blocked off entrance to the cave. They had gone in circles.
Sirithiliel pulled the Mornelithe out of her belt pouch, admiring the soft silver glow, watching the Elves around her. Legolas paced around the collapsed wall, and Elladan and Elrohir conversed quietly with each other. The heat of the cave was rising, much to her discomfort.
She moved to the blocked off entrance, carefully maneuvering around the large hole that lay in the ground still. She examined the blockage, and started as she felt a moment of cool air in this stifling cave. She tucked the Mornelithe into her belt pouch, and ran her hands over the area she had felt the breeze. There it was. A small hole that was allowing cool air in, but since no light was coming in the sun must have set.
Drawing one of her twin swords, she ignored the confused glances cast at her from the other three. Driving the point into the hole, she suddenly twisted savagely, and heard a satisfying rumble.
She jerked the sword again, twisting and levering the stone around it. With a final groan, the large stones that had blocked the cave shifted, allowing the hole to grow and giving her more room to move her sword. She drew her second blade, and inserted it as well. With a final twist and jerk, a large stone at the top of the pile grated against others, and fell.
Seeing what she had in mind, Elladan ran over and shoved his own blade in as well. With the combined efforts of the two, stones collapsed around them as the wall fell.
Elrohir grabbed his brother and pulled him aside as a rather large stone collided with the ground, and Sirithiliel dodged a hailstorm of smaller stones and Legolas watched, well out of reach of the stones. They were out.
~*~*~*
Aragorn moved slightly aside so that Teysrol could move up as well. They watched the flickering of the torches as orcs passed by, laughing and speaking in their foul tongue.
Aragorn caught the Elf's eye, and sighed. In order to get to the far cave entrance they saw, they would have to pass through the orcs. It did not help that there was an endless stream of the creatures moving toward the door they saw.
~*~*~*
Legolas sighed with relief as he exited the cave. The sun was just rising, they had been in the cave all night. It seemed like an eternity.
Without a word, the Elves took off into the surrounding mountains.
They did not notice the shapes moving in on them from all around, nor the six pairs of eyes watching them.
~*~*~*
Aragorn marched alongside Teysrol, both swathed in the armor and cloaks of two murdered orcs. They had disguised themselves using the outfits from two orcs they had waylaid, and now were marching towards freedom. The bodies of the orcs lay hidden in a crevice that ran the length of the wall.
The orcs laughed and jeered, singing horrid songs and cracking rather disturbing jokes.
Two orcs got in an argument, and were about to draw swords on each other, when one of the orc captains shouted at them in the Black Tongue, causing Teysrol to wince under his disguise.
Teysrol moved aside as one of the orcs stumbled, and the creature stepped on the edge of the Elf's cloak, causing it to slide away, revealing his fair Elven features.
Orcs all around went up in an uproar, shouting aloud at the deception and in anticipation. Aragorn hurriedly grabbed the stunned Teysrol's elbow and dragged him towards the door.
Teysrol snarled and drew his sword, decapitating an orc that stepped to near, and the orcs behind them rushed forwards, intent on killing the intruders.
With a low groan, Aragorn launched a fist that connected solidly with an orc's head. Whirling his blade over his head, he eviscerated it and turned to another.
Teysrol suddenly grabbed Aragorn and shoved the ranger bodily out the cave entrance, which they had unknowingly reached. Aragorn felt surprise and shock, but as soon as he realized what had happened he readied himself to run in again, only to have Teysrol shove him again towards the wide mountain slopes.
~*~*~*
Elladan nearly yelped in shock when suddenly one of those large dark-furred wolves appeared before him. He endured the laughter of his brother and Legolas, frowning as two more appeared.
"Tamulis!" Sirithiliel shouted, her face filled with relief. She moved forward and one of the wolves bounded over to her, where she clasped her arms around the creature's neck. She looked up at the other two, her face darkening for a moment.
"Anborn and Amras. Amras can lead us to Teysrol, if he gets out of the cave, but Anborn will be forever alone." A deep sadness filled her voice at the thoughts of Savarre that the wolf inspired. The wolf, Anborn, growled low in his throat and moved over to stand by her, evidently deciding on staying with her. Her face expressed shock, two of the large wolves to belong to her? That would give her a large advantage in upcoming battles. With a wicked smile, she stroked his head.
"Well, if the wolves can lead us to Estel and Teysrol, then lets go." Elladan said, eyeing the wolves. He did not like the things, too smart and clever for him to be comfortable with. But they could guide them to Aragorn, so he will follow them.
~*~*~*
Tivadar smiled broadly as he watched the four figures below. So they made it out of the cave, while the other two were still trapped inside. So much fun, and the Elf sincerely hoped that there were orcs in the cave, to give the other two in the cave some difficulties, and to amuse Tivadar.
He hoped Teysrol would get out all right, though, Tivadar had some plans for the two betrayers to the Draconis Elves.
~*~*~*
Thanks to all reviewers! Love you all! Sorry for the short chapter, more soon! ~_~
Dawbfire: Thanks for the death threat. LOL, I wouldn't want that, so here is another chapter.
Firesong: Thanks a bunch for your review. I am really glad you like it.
Alida Fruit: Ah, the loyal reviewer. You like Skif? I'm afraid I won't be using him in this story anymore, he was a kind of decoy for Tivadar. I'll think on it, maybe I can fit him in somewhere.
Itarilde-elenstar: I try, thanks a lot for your review! I am so glad you enjoy my story!
Leggylover03: Lots of Aragorn pain planned, but I'm sorry to say I don't think I'll be using the Mornelithe for evil purposes....yet. : )
Bec: Really? I tried to make it clear. Thanks for your review.
~_~ sirithiliel
Chapter Eleven
Tivadar told the men exactly what he wanted them to do. They smiled and chuckled to themselves, moving off into their positions.
Tivadar smiled. He would have a fun time with the elves that had managed to survive the collapse of the cave. Yes, it will be fun.
Let the games begin.
~*~*~*
Teysrol sighed. He and the ranger will have to find a different way up, while those above will have to find a way out. They had spoken about it and decided it would be best.
As a last thought, Teysrol threw the Mornelithe up to Sirithiliel. They will probably need it more.
Aragorn gestured for the Elf to follow, and with another defeated sigh, he followed.
~*~*~*
Legolas shuddered, staring at the dark ceiling so far up. All Elves disliked caves, and he was no different. Elladan and Elrohir would glance nervously around and try to ignore their claustrophobic feelings. But Sirithiliel...she seemed to not mind the depressing cave.
The Elven Prince examined the wall, and sighed. There was no way to get through it. They'll have to find another way out. He moved over to Elladan and Elrohir, only to hear the twins say the exact same thing.
"We'll have to find another exit." Elladan proclaimed bitterly, causing Legolas to sigh softly and Elrohir looked slightly unhappy. Sirithiliel shrugged, caught up in her own thoughts. Without a word, Elladan turned and moved down one of the passages, one of the ones that did not look so sinister.
With a defeated glance at the blocked entrance, Legolas and the other two followed.
~*~*~*
Aragorn and Teysrol struggled to find their way through the twisting maze of tunnels. They would hit one track only to find a dead end. With a frustrated growl, Teysrol took the lead and moved on, using his Elven senses to find his way in the dark.
He glowed softly, aiding Aragorn in avoiding the cracks and snags on the ground. They both froze as they heard the unmistakable laughter of orcs.
~*~*~*
Legolas suddenly froze, focusing his attention toward a corridor on their right. The four Elves heard a snuffling, grunting sound, and were on their guard, ready for trouble.
They had heard odd noises echoing through the caves, and had been seen by two orc scouts, which they had dispatched quickly.
Impatient to see what new horror lay in store for them, Sirithiliel stalked quietly towards the mouth of the tunnel, ignoring the hissed protests of her companions.
She reached the entrance of the cave, and once she saw what they faced she couldn't help but smile slightly. Instead of some big and nasty creature, they were facing what seemed to be an overgrown lizard. The other three joined her in the tunnel once she called out to them that it was safe, and examined the lizard.
It had large yellow eyes, obviously for seeing well in the dark. Its scales were a dusty gray that blended in nicely with the cave wall. It was about three feet high at the top of its head, and six feet long. It eyed them as they watched it, and with a final snort turned and climbed up the wall into a small hole in the top of the tunnel.
Suddenly struck with an idea, Elrohir leaped lightly up, catching a ledge with his hands and hoisting himself up. He reached up and grabbed hold of the edge of the hole and pulled himself in.
He dropped back to the ledge with a smile.
"It is a clear passageway, and I doubt if orcs and their like could get in there. We should be safe enough passing through." He said, and Elladan mulled it over for a moment in his mind to make sure it seemed safe enough. He nodded finally, and they climbed up behind Elrohir and went through the hole.
They proceeded down the dark tunnel, with Sirithiliel leading next to Elladan and using the soft glow of the Mornelithe to light their way.
Another of those lizard creatures moved out of the way of the light, and disappeared. The entire tunnel was down hill, and when Legolas experimentally kicked a rock, it rolled down the gentle slope before clattering somewhere farther along the way. Legolas cocked an eyebrow at how far it went before stopping, and sighed.
Soon the tunnel widened out, and they realized that they were now on the level they were before entering the hole.
And as it was, the first thing they saw as they descended on to even ground was the surprised expressions of a group of orcs. Immediately the creatures raised their crude weapons and charged the four Elves.
Preparing to fight, they hesitated when they saw more orcs charging from connecting passageways. With a shout to his companions, Elladan turned and fled down the nearest corridor. Following him quickly, the four Elves took off.
Racing along the passage, they dodged and turned through twisting tunnels, effectively losing the orcs behind them.
When they stopped, it was because of the sight that lay before them. Elladan cursed violently, for before them lay the blocked off entrance to the cave. They had gone in circles.
Sirithiliel pulled the Mornelithe out of her belt pouch, admiring the soft silver glow, watching the Elves around her. Legolas paced around the collapsed wall, and Elladan and Elrohir conversed quietly with each other. The heat of the cave was rising, much to her discomfort.
She moved to the blocked off entrance, carefully maneuvering around the large hole that lay in the ground still. She examined the blockage, and started as she felt a moment of cool air in this stifling cave. She tucked the Mornelithe into her belt pouch, and ran her hands over the area she had felt the breeze. There it was. A small hole that was allowing cool air in, but since no light was coming in the sun must have set.
Drawing one of her twin swords, she ignored the confused glances cast at her from the other three. Driving the point into the hole, she suddenly twisted savagely, and heard a satisfying rumble.
She jerked the sword again, twisting and levering the stone around it. With a final groan, the large stones that had blocked the cave shifted, allowing the hole to grow and giving her more room to move her sword. She drew her second blade, and inserted it as well. With a final twist and jerk, a large stone at the top of the pile grated against others, and fell.
Seeing what she had in mind, Elladan ran over and shoved his own blade in as well. With the combined efforts of the two, stones collapsed around them as the wall fell.
Elrohir grabbed his brother and pulled him aside as a rather large stone collided with the ground, and Sirithiliel dodged a hailstorm of smaller stones and Legolas watched, well out of reach of the stones. They were out.
~*~*~*
Aragorn moved slightly aside so that Teysrol could move up as well. They watched the flickering of the torches as orcs passed by, laughing and speaking in their foul tongue.
Aragorn caught the Elf's eye, and sighed. In order to get to the far cave entrance they saw, they would have to pass through the orcs. It did not help that there was an endless stream of the creatures moving toward the door they saw.
~*~*~*
Legolas sighed with relief as he exited the cave. The sun was just rising, they had been in the cave all night. It seemed like an eternity.
Without a word, the Elves took off into the surrounding mountains.
They did not notice the shapes moving in on them from all around, nor the six pairs of eyes watching them.
~*~*~*
Aragorn marched alongside Teysrol, both swathed in the armor and cloaks of two murdered orcs. They had disguised themselves using the outfits from two orcs they had waylaid, and now were marching towards freedom. The bodies of the orcs lay hidden in a crevice that ran the length of the wall.
The orcs laughed and jeered, singing horrid songs and cracking rather disturbing jokes.
Two orcs got in an argument, and were about to draw swords on each other, when one of the orc captains shouted at them in the Black Tongue, causing Teysrol to wince under his disguise.
Teysrol moved aside as one of the orcs stumbled, and the creature stepped on the edge of the Elf's cloak, causing it to slide away, revealing his fair Elven features.
Orcs all around went up in an uproar, shouting aloud at the deception and in anticipation. Aragorn hurriedly grabbed the stunned Teysrol's elbow and dragged him towards the door.
Teysrol snarled and drew his sword, decapitating an orc that stepped to near, and the orcs behind them rushed forwards, intent on killing the intruders.
With a low groan, Aragorn launched a fist that connected solidly with an orc's head. Whirling his blade over his head, he eviscerated it and turned to another.
Teysrol suddenly grabbed Aragorn and shoved the ranger bodily out the cave entrance, which they had unknowingly reached. Aragorn felt surprise and shock, but as soon as he realized what had happened he readied himself to run in again, only to have Teysrol shove him again towards the wide mountain slopes.
~*~*~*
Elladan nearly yelped in shock when suddenly one of those large dark-furred wolves appeared before him. He endured the laughter of his brother and Legolas, frowning as two more appeared.
"Tamulis!" Sirithiliel shouted, her face filled with relief. She moved forward and one of the wolves bounded over to her, where she clasped her arms around the creature's neck. She looked up at the other two, her face darkening for a moment.
"Anborn and Amras. Amras can lead us to Teysrol, if he gets out of the cave, but Anborn will be forever alone." A deep sadness filled her voice at the thoughts of Savarre that the wolf inspired. The wolf, Anborn, growled low in his throat and moved over to stand by her, evidently deciding on staying with her. Her face expressed shock, two of the large wolves to belong to her? That would give her a large advantage in upcoming battles. With a wicked smile, she stroked his head.
"Well, if the wolves can lead us to Estel and Teysrol, then lets go." Elladan said, eyeing the wolves. He did not like the things, too smart and clever for him to be comfortable with. But they could guide them to Aragorn, so he will follow them.
~*~*~*
Tivadar smiled broadly as he watched the four figures below. So they made it out of the cave, while the other two were still trapped inside. So much fun, and the Elf sincerely hoped that there were orcs in the cave, to give the other two in the cave some difficulties, and to amuse Tivadar.
He hoped Teysrol would get out all right, though, Tivadar had some plans for the two betrayers to the Draconis Elves.
~*~*~*
Thanks to all reviewers! Love you all! Sorry for the short chapter, more soon! ~_~
Dawbfire: Thanks for the death threat. LOL, I wouldn't want that, so here is another chapter.
Firesong: Thanks a bunch for your review. I am really glad you like it.
Alida Fruit: Ah, the loyal reviewer. You like Skif? I'm afraid I won't be using him in this story anymore, he was a kind of decoy for Tivadar. I'll think on it, maybe I can fit him in somewhere.
Itarilde-elenstar: I try, thanks a lot for your review! I am so glad you enjoy my story!
Leggylover03: Lots of Aragorn pain planned, but I'm sorry to say I don't think I'll be using the Mornelithe for evil purposes....yet. : )
Bec: Really? I tried to make it clear. Thanks for your review.
~_~ sirithiliel