Instantly the Makwraiths and their mounts were visible. The Company froze in confusion as the twelve Makwraiths suddenly materialized around them. But their surprise was quickly overcome and they backed into a circle to protect each other.
The Makwraith leader cursed under its breath and signaled for its group to retreat. Even though they outnumbered the Company, the leader knew that they had lost the element of surprise and even with greater numbers, the Company could still defeat them.
"Take the Elf." the leader hissed to its followers. The wounded Makwraith that had captured Legolas was swiftly supported by two of its comrades, while the one that Aragorn had stabbed was helped by another.
As the Makwraiths grouped together, their Heilres bunched around the one carrying Legolas, making it impossible for any of the Company to fight their way through, though they tried.
Pippin made a mad rush at one of the Makwraiths, but was knocked over by a Heilres. He fell in the dust, barely managing to avoid being stepped on by another Heilres. Merry helped him up as the rest of the Makwraiths rode past. The Dark creatures quickly faded into the night's shadows, leaving the rest of the Company in silence.
Gandalf struggled to his feet and sighed. "No doubt they will return."
"What are they, Gandalf?" Frodo asked, turning to the wizard.
Aragorn spoke then. "Makwraiths. They serve a king, but no one knows who that is or where they live. They are visible once their name is spoken, but Elves can see them naturally. Which is why Legolas was the first one attacked."
"We must get him back." Gimli said. Odd as it may be, the Elf and the dwarf had become friends.
Gandalf nodded slowly. "That we must. But it will not be easy to track Makwraiths, for their steeds, the Heilres, leave no prints and there will be no scent in the air."
Sam threw up his hands. "Then it is impossible. How can we track a being that leaves no traces?"
But Aragorn was smiling. Sheathing his sword, he walked to where Legolas had fallen. "Ah, the Makwraiths and their horses may leave no traces, but an Elf does."
"I see the blood of an Elf here. And there, a little ways into the woods." Aragorn continued. "We will track Legolas, not the Makwraiths."
Merry and Pippin, who had been only half-listening to the conversation, noticed an object glittering near the forest's edge. Pippin picked it up, glancing at it curiously. "What is this, Gandalf?" he asked.
Gandalf held out his hand. "Let me see it." Pippin placed the cold stone disk in the wizard's hand. It was rounded and black. The stone was thin, but strong and glinted like obsidian. Carved into it were strange symbols.
"It is the Dark king's mark. He must control the Makwraiths."
"What does he want us for?" Sam asked.
"I do not know." Gandalf confessed. "We can only hope that Legolas will live long enough to tell us when we find him."
"How can you be sure that we will even find the Elf?" Gimli asked.
A smile hovered around Gandalf's lips. It was sad, but still a smile. "The Makwraiths will not allow their prisoner to die until their king allows it. Legolas will survive, but what he will encounter then, I do not know."
