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Chapter Fourteen
Aragorn stumbled for probably the third time in twenty minutes. He caught himself, hissing at the pain that burst in his shoulder from the quick move, and continued, watching his step around the treacherous rocks.
He was in the ravine, but it was wider and daylight shone through. He was nearing the edge of the mountains, and he felt glad to be past. He had not run into a nameless horror like that, which he had run into and battled, for which he thanked whatever god was listening.
He desperately wished he could find some athelas, or had the Mornelithe to ease his wounds. But neither was available to him.
A distant howl caused him to look up, and he shuddered at the mournful sound that haunted the darkening sky. The wolf that uttered it was not in sight, but it could be near, so the ranger went carefully. He was in no condition to battle anything at the moment.
~*~*~*
"The borders of Rivendell! We are almost home!" Elladan cried out. The distant forests that marked the edge of Rivendell were in sight, and the twin sons of Elrond were feeling relieved to see it. Legolas was as well, but Sirithiliel looked hesitant. How should she be welcomed in Rivendell? When she had helped to hunt them down and separate them from each other, causing this mess? Patting the heads of Anborn and Tamulis on either side of her for reassurance, she followed the other three into the trees.
The small group passed into the forest, coming upon a trail. Before they could continue down an Elven form dropped from the trees, aiming a bow directly at Elladan.
"Elladan! You have returned!"
The Elf with the bow lowered it as he recognized the eldest son of Elrond, and the Elf who had spoken dropped out of the trees as well. Others appeared from behind and in trees, eyeing the strange Elf that stood with the other three known Elves.
"Linder! I hope we find you well?" Elladan cried out, obviously recognizing the Elf.
"Well and hale. We best get you to Lord Elrond; he is worrying. Where is Estel?" Linder asked, scanning the group and pausing for a moment on Sirithiliel, before refocusing on Elladan.
"Yes, indeed, we must see my father. As for Estel, I know not." Elladan's face clouded over momentarily, before he brightened.
"Yon Elf is Sirithiliel, a companion picked up in the mountains. She has been a main asset to why we are here now." Elladan said, noting the suspicious looks cast at the renegade Elf, who returned the look stoically. At her side, the two wolves growled softly, laying their ears back for a moment, before Sirithiliel glanced at them with a stern, reprimanding look, and they subsided.
The Elves motioned for them to follow, leading the four down the path and into Rivendell.
~*~*~*
Teysrol worked completely free of the ropes binding him and proceeded to try and get out of the enemies' camp. Stealthily and quietly creeping through the darkening shadows, he was able to slip past the sleepy guards and move away before any noticed.
He almost made it.
Teysrol suddenly felt a hand clamp upon his shoulder, turning him around and slamming him against the cliff wall.
Teysrol caught his balance struggled with his opponent, only to be slammed once again. His head was knocked against the stone this time, and Teysrol slid down the wall in a daze when his captor released him.
Tivadar stepped closer to the slumped form of the Elf, reaching down and grabbing him by the throat and catching his left wrist, hauling him to his feet and slamming him back against the stone cliff.
Teysrol felt the cold stone at his back, and he clawed in vain at the hand that held him by the neck with his free right hand, his left similarly held tight. Tivadar was stronger and larger than Teysrol, while Teysrol was more agile and quicker. But speed and agility would be no use if he were pinned against the wall like he was.
"Well, it took you long enough to slip your leash. I was expecting to catch you earlier than this. I had thought I may have missed you, but I'm glad I didn't. We have a lot to catch up on, my friend." The Elf said, grinning coldly.
"Friend?" Teysrol growled; his teeth bared in a feral snarl. His dark brown tresses slipped across his eyes, and he tried to shake his head to toss them back over his shoulder, but the hands containing him restricted the action.
Tivadar smiled, ignoring the question. "I had truly expected you to escape sooner, you must be either losing your touch or you are extra wary. I'll go for the latter, since your pride would demand it." Tivadar laughed as Teysrol snarled at him.
"Come, back to the camp. I'll secure you tighter this time."
~*~*~*
Aragorn clenched his teeth as he clambered rather awkwardly over a projecting boulder. His ribs and shoulder pained with the movement, and his leg has by now gone numb except for flashes of agony that would leave him gasping.
He was near the end of the ravine; he could see clear sky before him.
Upon reaching the end, he stared out over the wide expanse of rock. He was on a mountainside, and below him lay the camp of someone, visible in the failing light.
Cocking his head in curious suspicion, Aragorn crept as close as he dared.
Men. They were men and an Elf, and what seemed to be a prisoner. Aragorn sucked in his breath quickly. He recognized the Elf and the prisoner.
Tivadar, the traitor Elf, and Teysrol. So Teysrol is alive. That was a relief, since Aragorn has grown to like the rogue Elf while they journeyed together. He would have to figure a way to free him, and hopefully retrieve his sword that was being held by Tivadar.
He was thinking on a plan, when a low growl sounded behind him.
~*~*~*
Elladan and Elrohir embraced their father, before telling of the events that had fallen and the loss of Aragorn.
~*~*~*
Aragorn turned slowly about, to come face to face with one of the large wolves that stayed with the Elves.
He tensed, expecting it to attack while he was crouched and unable to reach the Elven knife. But the wolf did not; he just stayed where he was, examining the ranger.
That was when Aragorn realized what the wolf was doing. Tivadar's wolf had been slain by Legolas, and the others were presumably with their masters. But this one's master was a prisoner in the camp below.
What was the wolf's name? He heard it before, and now it came forward. He could use the wolf's help to free Teysrol and retrieve his sword.
"Amras," the ranger said, guessing right as the wolf flicked his ears forward. His growling subsided and he moved closer to the ranger. He recognized the human.
The wolf lightly gripped the ranger's sleeve in his teeth, tugging slightly. Aragorn frowned, but stood and followed the wolf. He had been told they were smart, but he did not know how smart they were.
The wolf stopped, and clawed softly at a spot in the stone wall. Aragorn moved forwards, running his hands over the wall and encountering a hidden crevice. It was partially blocked with a stone slab, and Aragorn set his uninjured shoulder against it and strained to move it.
It worked. The stone slid easily away, widening the crevice. Aragorn glanced down at the wolf, which now growled softly once more. With a shrug, the ranger slipped in.
~*~*~*
Elladan paced the study. He wanted to go out and find Aragorn immediately! The ranger could be hurt, or prisoner. With a sigh, Elladan turned to look out the window. He and Elrohir, Legolas, and Sirithiliel were going out first thing the next morning fully supplied and with horses. They would scour the mountains until Aragorn was found. They would also search for Teysrol, as Sirithiliel was worried about him as much as the twins and Elven prince were worried about the ranger.
Elladan looked to the stars, hoping to the Valar that Aragorn was alright.
Kathira: Yes, you were correct on the first chapter 14, and I thank you for the points.
Quellemorgul: Glad you like it. Thanks a bunch!
Leggylover03: Aragorn will be hurt a little more before he reaches the haven of Rivendell. Thanks for your review!
Rubberduck: lol, thanks a lot! I'm glad you like it!
Thanks to all who reviewed, and sorry if I forgot anyone!
Chapter Fourteen
Aragorn stumbled for probably the third time in twenty minutes. He caught himself, hissing at the pain that burst in his shoulder from the quick move, and continued, watching his step around the treacherous rocks.
He was in the ravine, but it was wider and daylight shone through. He was nearing the edge of the mountains, and he felt glad to be past. He had not run into a nameless horror like that, which he had run into and battled, for which he thanked whatever god was listening.
He desperately wished he could find some athelas, or had the Mornelithe to ease his wounds. But neither was available to him.
A distant howl caused him to look up, and he shuddered at the mournful sound that haunted the darkening sky. The wolf that uttered it was not in sight, but it could be near, so the ranger went carefully. He was in no condition to battle anything at the moment.
~*~*~*
"The borders of Rivendell! We are almost home!" Elladan cried out. The distant forests that marked the edge of Rivendell were in sight, and the twin sons of Elrond were feeling relieved to see it. Legolas was as well, but Sirithiliel looked hesitant. How should she be welcomed in Rivendell? When she had helped to hunt them down and separate them from each other, causing this mess? Patting the heads of Anborn and Tamulis on either side of her for reassurance, she followed the other three into the trees.
The small group passed into the forest, coming upon a trail. Before they could continue down an Elven form dropped from the trees, aiming a bow directly at Elladan.
"Elladan! You have returned!"
The Elf with the bow lowered it as he recognized the eldest son of Elrond, and the Elf who had spoken dropped out of the trees as well. Others appeared from behind and in trees, eyeing the strange Elf that stood with the other three known Elves.
"Linder! I hope we find you well?" Elladan cried out, obviously recognizing the Elf.
"Well and hale. We best get you to Lord Elrond; he is worrying. Where is Estel?" Linder asked, scanning the group and pausing for a moment on Sirithiliel, before refocusing on Elladan.
"Yes, indeed, we must see my father. As for Estel, I know not." Elladan's face clouded over momentarily, before he brightened.
"Yon Elf is Sirithiliel, a companion picked up in the mountains. She has been a main asset to why we are here now." Elladan said, noting the suspicious looks cast at the renegade Elf, who returned the look stoically. At her side, the two wolves growled softly, laying their ears back for a moment, before Sirithiliel glanced at them with a stern, reprimanding look, and they subsided.
The Elves motioned for them to follow, leading the four down the path and into Rivendell.
~*~*~*
Teysrol worked completely free of the ropes binding him and proceeded to try and get out of the enemies' camp. Stealthily and quietly creeping through the darkening shadows, he was able to slip past the sleepy guards and move away before any noticed.
He almost made it.
Teysrol suddenly felt a hand clamp upon his shoulder, turning him around and slamming him against the cliff wall.
Teysrol caught his balance struggled with his opponent, only to be slammed once again. His head was knocked against the stone this time, and Teysrol slid down the wall in a daze when his captor released him.
Tivadar stepped closer to the slumped form of the Elf, reaching down and grabbing him by the throat and catching his left wrist, hauling him to his feet and slamming him back against the stone cliff.
Teysrol felt the cold stone at his back, and he clawed in vain at the hand that held him by the neck with his free right hand, his left similarly held tight. Tivadar was stronger and larger than Teysrol, while Teysrol was more agile and quicker. But speed and agility would be no use if he were pinned against the wall like he was.
"Well, it took you long enough to slip your leash. I was expecting to catch you earlier than this. I had thought I may have missed you, but I'm glad I didn't. We have a lot to catch up on, my friend." The Elf said, grinning coldly.
"Friend?" Teysrol growled; his teeth bared in a feral snarl. His dark brown tresses slipped across his eyes, and he tried to shake his head to toss them back over his shoulder, but the hands containing him restricted the action.
Tivadar smiled, ignoring the question. "I had truly expected you to escape sooner, you must be either losing your touch or you are extra wary. I'll go for the latter, since your pride would demand it." Tivadar laughed as Teysrol snarled at him.
"Come, back to the camp. I'll secure you tighter this time."
~*~*~*
Aragorn clenched his teeth as he clambered rather awkwardly over a projecting boulder. His ribs and shoulder pained with the movement, and his leg has by now gone numb except for flashes of agony that would leave him gasping.
He was near the end of the ravine; he could see clear sky before him.
Upon reaching the end, he stared out over the wide expanse of rock. He was on a mountainside, and below him lay the camp of someone, visible in the failing light.
Cocking his head in curious suspicion, Aragorn crept as close as he dared.
Men. They were men and an Elf, and what seemed to be a prisoner. Aragorn sucked in his breath quickly. He recognized the Elf and the prisoner.
Tivadar, the traitor Elf, and Teysrol. So Teysrol is alive. That was a relief, since Aragorn has grown to like the rogue Elf while they journeyed together. He would have to figure a way to free him, and hopefully retrieve his sword that was being held by Tivadar.
He was thinking on a plan, when a low growl sounded behind him.
~*~*~*
Elladan and Elrohir embraced their father, before telling of the events that had fallen and the loss of Aragorn.
~*~*~*
Aragorn turned slowly about, to come face to face with one of the large wolves that stayed with the Elves.
He tensed, expecting it to attack while he was crouched and unable to reach the Elven knife. But the wolf did not; he just stayed where he was, examining the ranger.
That was when Aragorn realized what the wolf was doing. Tivadar's wolf had been slain by Legolas, and the others were presumably with their masters. But this one's master was a prisoner in the camp below.
What was the wolf's name? He heard it before, and now it came forward. He could use the wolf's help to free Teysrol and retrieve his sword.
"Amras," the ranger said, guessing right as the wolf flicked his ears forward. His growling subsided and he moved closer to the ranger. He recognized the human.
The wolf lightly gripped the ranger's sleeve in his teeth, tugging slightly. Aragorn frowned, but stood and followed the wolf. He had been told they were smart, but he did not know how smart they were.
The wolf stopped, and clawed softly at a spot in the stone wall. Aragorn moved forwards, running his hands over the wall and encountering a hidden crevice. It was partially blocked with a stone slab, and Aragorn set his uninjured shoulder against it and strained to move it.
It worked. The stone slid easily away, widening the crevice. Aragorn glanced down at the wolf, which now growled softly once more. With a shrug, the ranger slipped in.
~*~*~*
Elladan paced the study. He wanted to go out and find Aragorn immediately! The ranger could be hurt, or prisoner. With a sigh, Elladan turned to look out the window. He and Elrohir, Legolas, and Sirithiliel were going out first thing the next morning fully supplied and with horses. They would scour the mountains until Aragorn was found. They would also search for Teysrol, as Sirithiliel was worried about him as much as the twins and Elven prince were worried about the ranger.
Elladan looked to the stars, hoping to the Valar that Aragorn was alright.
Kathira: Yes, you were correct on the first chapter 14, and I thank you for the points.
Quellemorgul: Glad you like it. Thanks a bunch!
Leggylover03: Aragorn will be hurt a little more before he reaches the haven of Rivendell. Thanks for your review!
Rubberduck: lol, thanks a lot! I'm glad you like it!
Thanks to all who reviewed, and sorry if I forgot anyone!