Chapter 8 - not revised
Meneliell ran with the Elves that followed Thranduil deep into Mirkwood to search for the king's youngest son. She knew that they would then go after the Elves that had been captured and the strange creature that Mithrandir had brought here some time ago. Lindir had taken a liking to it, though Meneliell could not bring herself to see it with anything but pity.
Oh, Lindir, she thought, keeping the burning tears in her eyes. I am coming, my beloved. Her slim hand grasped the cold hilt of the dagger at her waist, trying to keep her thoughts far from what might have befallen her lover. She could not afford to grieve now, not when there was a chance that he was still alive.
She had been careful to stay as far from Tavor and her own brother, Glavrol, lest they detect her and unmask her. She would be sent home in disgrace. She trotted quietly listening to the talk about her. All the voices were low and musical, but filled with anxiety and anger this night. The Mirkwood Elves were close, as all those who live in constant danger are. If one was harmed, all suffered the pain. The losses this night were grievous indeed. She knew the pain that Thranduil must be suffering, as she felt the same pain. And as they neared Beleg Doron she saw the king's face, tighten in fear for just a moment before his face was once more a mask of calm authority. Her heart pounding so loudly that she was certain that all must hear it, she ran up the hill and into the clearing.
It was empty.
Meneliell's blue eyes searched the clearing for any signs that might tell the fate of those taken, but there was only blood upon the grass.
"Ah, Varda, no." She murmured, as she stalked about the area of the battle.
Thranduil had knelt beside the huge oak nerveless fingers touching something that lay on the ground. Meneliell approached slowly, not wishing to draw attention to herself. Lying on the ground at the Elf king's feet was a bow. She recognized it immediately. It was Prince Legolas'. Her heart went out to the king. She knew he had hoped to find his son alive and well. And here. But now they knew he had been taken as well. She walked to the king and gently placed her hand on his shoulder. He looked up at her with stark, tear filled eyes. He tried to speak but finally lowered his head in silence. He could not bear to live through this again.
"We will find them, your Majesty," she murmured, making her voice low and husky. "We will not stop until we have found them and slain those that took them."
Thranduil gave no sign that he had heard her comforting words.
"Your Majesty." One of Thranduil's guards came over to them, his eyes filled with anger. "The creature Smeagol went with them. We have found his tracks in the midst of a group of Orcs' prints. I knew that creature would bring us nothing but trouble," he muttered, then seeing the king's gaze upon him amended, "The trail is clear and they cannot be too far ahead of us. Shall we go?" The Elf glanced at Meneliell, but said nothing to her.
Thranduil stood and shook himself slightly.
"Yes. We follow hard upon them. We must stop them before." He looked at Meneliell. "Before it is too late." His hand went to the hilt of his sword. He drew it and held it aloft. "Ed, Maethyr! An tur! A gwanath an coth!" [Forth, Warriors! To victory! And death to (our) enemies!]
The warriors of Mirkwood took up the cry and as one they turned and ran toward the south following the Orcs' trail.
Gollum had changed since being taken captive by the Orcs. It was a subtle change, but a change nonetheless. The time he had spent with the Elves had begun to sooth his tormented and aching soul. He still brooded and muttered to himself, but he had found friendship and that had begun the cure that Gandalf had hoped for. But his time spent here in the dark watching the cruelty of the Orcs, feeling his hatred of them increase, erased any good that had surfaced. He watched as they had beaten the one Elf, feeling nothing more than a passing thought that at least his Elf wasn't being hurt. The Elf had fought back, much to the delight of his captors. But in the end the overwhelming number of Orcs bore him down. Gollum soon tired of watching and turned to face the west.
"My precious," he whispered, hands wringing. "We will come to you, my precious. We are coming."
He wasn't certain how he would accomplish this, but he would do it. The precious' call was so strong it hurt. He could be sneaky and tricksy when he had to. He glanced back at the Orcs who were howling raucously as the Elf was pulled to his feet and held upright as an Orc punched him viciously in the stomach.
Gollum moaned, sudden thoughts of his own torment in Mordor surfaced in his mind. His hands clasped his head.
"Oh, they hurt us, my precious. They did. But they will pay. We will make them sorry for hurting us, my precious. Gollum.gollum." The soft gulping sounds came from the back of his throat, his large eyes filled with the painful memories that assaulted him.
Legolas was bent over from the battering, but when he was pulled up once more, a new tormentor before him, he leaned back into the Orc holding him and kicked out with both of his feet. The surprised Orc woofed in surprise and fell backwards onto the ground. The other Orcs laughed at their fellow's embarrassment that only served to enrage him. He snarled and leapt up.
"You'll pay for that, Elf," he growled, flexing his muscles.
Legolas glared over at him, his teeth bared in a feral grin. His reflexes were slower than usual and his left arm was on fire. But he would give them the fight they seemed to want. He would not submit easily. He was a Warrior of Mirkwood and would not be defeated so easily.
The Orc lunged at him, but Legolas twisted away at the last second and the Orc slammed into the one holding him. The three crashed to the ground. A small gasp escaped Legolas as the impact jarred his wounds, causing pain to knife through him. But then yet another Orc pulled him up once more.
"Let him loose!" One of the Orcs called. "Let him fight!"
The others soon took up this cry. The two offended Orcs growled and glanced at their leader. He looked highly amused.
"Let him fight," he said, shrugging. "But if he escapes you will bear his punishment," he finished looking at the two Orcs before him, who both glared in the direction of the one who had made the suggestion in the first place.
"He won't escape." He grabbed the ropes binding Legolas' wrists and throat and sliced them, making gashed along the skin with his knife as he did so. He tossed the ropes to one side and flexed his muscles impressively. Legolas kept his face impassive and rubbed his bleeding wrists.
"Drega, nin caun!" [Flee, my prince!] Cuil cried.
"Al. Im alath drega ar le." [No. I will not flee without you.]
At the sound of Elvish the Orcs growled fiercely.
"Take 'im, Durbak."
Durbak, the one that Legolas had kicked, hunched down, preparing to launch an attack.
The Elf forced himself to stillness. Orcs were clumsy and slow. He would have an advantage. But, he admitted, not as much of one as he should have.
The Orc leapt with a cry echoing from its throat. Legolas dodged to one side at the last second and the Orc fell once more to the ground. It growled and moved to its feet once more. It lunged again. This time Legolas moved to one side and brought his elbows down on its back as it passed. This enraged the Orc even more.
Fengbad, the captain, watched with excitement as the Elf and Durbak circled one another. He could see the Elf's pain and he suspected that he was poisoned judging by his slower than normal reactions, the bruised looking eyes. Elves were quick and alert. This one was clearly not at his best. But as yet Durbak hadn't managed to gain the upper hand. It was rather amusing. If the Elf had been at full strength then Fengbad doubted any of them could take him alone. His eyes wandered around the camp, seeing the enjoyment on the faces of his Orcs. All but one. Blue Eyes stood apart from the group, which wasn't unusual. He was a loner. Indeed, he didn't look amused or even as though he was enjoying the sport. He was a strange one. All he'd talked about was avenging himself on this Elf and there he stood, eyes unreadable. Except when Durbak managed to kick the Elf's legs from under him. A cry of pain escaped the bloodied lips, but the Elf rolled back to his feet and was continuing this entertaining dance with Durbak.
"Hold!" Fengbad yelled, striding into the ring and thrusting Durbak out of the way.
"What the-!"
The captain held up his hands as the Orcs protested his calling their fun to a stop. Legolas gasped for breath, his battered body swaying. He wasn't certain how much longer he could remain on his feet. What were they planning now? His desperate eyes darted toward the three Elves. They were watching him with great concern.
Fengbad turned to Legolas, grinning. He could see the Elf was weakening, barely able to keep his feet under him.
"He is Blue Eyes' captive." He called loudly, noting how Egla Ash started at the mention of the name they called him. "Blue Eyes will fight him!"
The Orcs stilled then turned as one to look at the blue-eyed Orc. Suddenly they began to stamp their feet and howl with delight.
"Blue Eyes! Blue Eyes! Blue Eyes!" They chanted, clapping their hands and slapping him on the back while he moved into the ring of the Orcs.
Egla Ash stared at the captain and then at his fellow Orcs. He had never belonged with them, was never one of them.
Until now. They were calling his name. They were cheering for him. He was one of them.
Slowly he turned to stare at Legolas.
The Elf ran a hand across his face, trying to calm himself. The vile Black Speech sent shudders through his frame. His skin was feverish and dry. He sighed wearily, forcing himself to stand erect. He looked at the Orc and felt his resolve crumbling. He couldn't truly hurt Egla Ash, but he feared that the Orc would enjoy hurting him. A wave of despair washed through him. Hot tears coursed over his cheeks to drip from his chin.
"Here!" Someone threw a crude Orc scimitar to Egla Ash who caught it effortlessly. "That'll slow him down a bit!"
The Orcs howled again. The Elves tied behind them exchanged worried glances.
"They can't do this," Lindir moaned. "They can't."
"You don't know much about Orcs, young one," Calenthar spat, his voice weary and full of anger. "Uanui!" [monstrous!]
Cuil was testing his bonds once more, but again they held firm, fresh blood flowing down his wrists. He felt such anger as he had never felt before, a helplessness as well that bit him to his soul.
"But.Egla Ash was Legolas' friend. He wouldn't.He wouldn't," Lindir bowed his head in grim realization. Egla Ash had shot Legolas twice already and brought him into the midst of the Orc camp. Tears slipped down his pale face.
Egla Ash looked down at the wickedly curved weapon in his hand. He caressed its cold length then held it up. The newly risen moon reflected dully in the dark metal. He raised his eyes to the sky.
"Valmet tir i elenath eria." [We will watch the stars rise.] *
The words had been written in the last message from Legolas, many years ago in a clearing with a tall oak tree at its center. Why did he think of them now? A growl of anger escaped his throat and he hefted the scimitar.
"Gar estel annan i elenath sila. Ind mor lothron garo le Gil galad sila godref."
[Have hope as long as the stars shine. Though darkness may hold you A star's light will shine through.] **
The hand holding the scimitar began to shake. Anger and confusion clashed within the Orc. He gave a cry and lunged at Legolas.
Note
*This is from "Whisper of Things to Come" **This is a part of the song that Egla Ash made for Legolas in "Hope While the Stars Shine"
JastaElf - Thanks for the great review and the feedback on Meneliell. I was feeling a decided lack of female characters. And if everyone hasn't read JastaElf's "Leaf and Branch" please do so. It's a great story. So go find it and read! AJ Matthews - Yup. Aragorn is going to have some guilt issues in a later chapter. Raye Yuy - Hi! Thanks for reading and reviewing. I love it when new people review me! I'm glad that you're enjoying this! Salak - Your dances are great! And they seem to work!! Keep them going! Lithia - Glad you're back again! Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate your continued faith in me! Horus - Thanks for complimenting my writing. Believe me I sometimes wonder about it. And here's what happened next. (hehehe) Shimingamio - Thanks for the praise. I love it! You're a wonderful reviewer! Irena - Hi! Thanks for reading and reviewing this! Thanks so much for reading and reviewing "Whisper of Things to Come". I love it when someone reads my older stuff!! (Big grin!!) Egla Ash's fan club just keeps growing!! (He gives you a big grin, too!!) long under tree - I am feverishly working on the situations right now. And yeah, I am serious about the Orlando and Vigo hobbits. In "Return of the Shadow" by Tolkien's son Christopher, Orlando Grubb is mention in Chap. 1 Note 5, and Orlando Brandybuck is in Chap. 1 Version 2 Note 7, Orlando Burrowes is in Chap. 1 Version 3. Vigo is mentioned as one of Bingo's (he became Frodo in the final version!) friends who accompany him on his journey. Too bad their names all changed to other things, but I thought that was kinda cool. Thanks for reading my little aside there. (Grin!!)
Meneliell ran with the Elves that followed Thranduil deep into Mirkwood to search for the king's youngest son. She knew that they would then go after the Elves that had been captured and the strange creature that Mithrandir had brought here some time ago. Lindir had taken a liking to it, though Meneliell could not bring herself to see it with anything but pity.
Oh, Lindir, she thought, keeping the burning tears in her eyes. I am coming, my beloved. Her slim hand grasped the cold hilt of the dagger at her waist, trying to keep her thoughts far from what might have befallen her lover. She could not afford to grieve now, not when there was a chance that he was still alive.
She had been careful to stay as far from Tavor and her own brother, Glavrol, lest they detect her and unmask her. She would be sent home in disgrace. She trotted quietly listening to the talk about her. All the voices were low and musical, but filled with anxiety and anger this night. The Mirkwood Elves were close, as all those who live in constant danger are. If one was harmed, all suffered the pain. The losses this night were grievous indeed. She knew the pain that Thranduil must be suffering, as she felt the same pain. And as they neared Beleg Doron she saw the king's face, tighten in fear for just a moment before his face was once more a mask of calm authority. Her heart pounding so loudly that she was certain that all must hear it, she ran up the hill and into the clearing.
It was empty.
Meneliell's blue eyes searched the clearing for any signs that might tell the fate of those taken, but there was only blood upon the grass.
"Ah, Varda, no." She murmured, as she stalked about the area of the battle.
Thranduil had knelt beside the huge oak nerveless fingers touching something that lay on the ground. Meneliell approached slowly, not wishing to draw attention to herself. Lying on the ground at the Elf king's feet was a bow. She recognized it immediately. It was Prince Legolas'. Her heart went out to the king. She knew he had hoped to find his son alive and well. And here. But now they knew he had been taken as well. She walked to the king and gently placed her hand on his shoulder. He looked up at her with stark, tear filled eyes. He tried to speak but finally lowered his head in silence. He could not bear to live through this again.
"We will find them, your Majesty," she murmured, making her voice low and husky. "We will not stop until we have found them and slain those that took them."
Thranduil gave no sign that he had heard her comforting words.
"Your Majesty." One of Thranduil's guards came over to them, his eyes filled with anger. "The creature Smeagol went with them. We have found his tracks in the midst of a group of Orcs' prints. I knew that creature would bring us nothing but trouble," he muttered, then seeing the king's gaze upon him amended, "The trail is clear and they cannot be too far ahead of us. Shall we go?" The Elf glanced at Meneliell, but said nothing to her.
Thranduil stood and shook himself slightly.
"Yes. We follow hard upon them. We must stop them before." He looked at Meneliell. "Before it is too late." His hand went to the hilt of his sword. He drew it and held it aloft. "Ed, Maethyr! An tur! A gwanath an coth!" [Forth, Warriors! To victory! And death to (our) enemies!]
The warriors of Mirkwood took up the cry and as one they turned and ran toward the south following the Orcs' trail.
Gollum had changed since being taken captive by the Orcs. It was a subtle change, but a change nonetheless. The time he had spent with the Elves had begun to sooth his tormented and aching soul. He still brooded and muttered to himself, but he had found friendship and that had begun the cure that Gandalf had hoped for. But his time spent here in the dark watching the cruelty of the Orcs, feeling his hatred of them increase, erased any good that had surfaced. He watched as they had beaten the one Elf, feeling nothing more than a passing thought that at least his Elf wasn't being hurt. The Elf had fought back, much to the delight of his captors. But in the end the overwhelming number of Orcs bore him down. Gollum soon tired of watching and turned to face the west.
"My precious," he whispered, hands wringing. "We will come to you, my precious. We are coming."
He wasn't certain how he would accomplish this, but he would do it. The precious' call was so strong it hurt. He could be sneaky and tricksy when he had to. He glanced back at the Orcs who were howling raucously as the Elf was pulled to his feet and held upright as an Orc punched him viciously in the stomach.
Gollum moaned, sudden thoughts of his own torment in Mordor surfaced in his mind. His hands clasped his head.
"Oh, they hurt us, my precious. They did. But they will pay. We will make them sorry for hurting us, my precious. Gollum.gollum." The soft gulping sounds came from the back of his throat, his large eyes filled with the painful memories that assaulted him.
Legolas was bent over from the battering, but when he was pulled up once more, a new tormentor before him, he leaned back into the Orc holding him and kicked out with both of his feet. The surprised Orc woofed in surprise and fell backwards onto the ground. The other Orcs laughed at their fellow's embarrassment that only served to enrage him. He snarled and leapt up.
"You'll pay for that, Elf," he growled, flexing his muscles.
Legolas glared over at him, his teeth bared in a feral grin. His reflexes were slower than usual and his left arm was on fire. But he would give them the fight they seemed to want. He would not submit easily. He was a Warrior of Mirkwood and would not be defeated so easily.
The Orc lunged at him, but Legolas twisted away at the last second and the Orc slammed into the one holding him. The three crashed to the ground. A small gasp escaped Legolas as the impact jarred his wounds, causing pain to knife through him. But then yet another Orc pulled him up once more.
"Let him loose!" One of the Orcs called. "Let him fight!"
The others soon took up this cry. The two offended Orcs growled and glanced at their leader. He looked highly amused.
"Let him fight," he said, shrugging. "But if he escapes you will bear his punishment," he finished looking at the two Orcs before him, who both glared in the direction of the one who had made the suggestion in the first place.
"He won't escape." He grabbed the ropes binding Legolas' wrists and throat and sliced them, making gashed along the skin with his knife as he did so. He tossed the ropes to one side and flexed his muscles impressively. Legolas kept his face impassive and rubbed his bleeding wrists.
"Drega, nin caun!" [Flee, my prince!] Cuil cried.
"Al. Im alath drega ar le." [No. I will not flee without you.]
At the sound of Elvish the Orcs growled fiercely.
"Take 'im, Durbak."
Durbak, the one that Legolas had kicked, hunched down, preparing to launch an attack.
The Elf forced himself to stillness. Orcs were clumsy and slow. He would have an advantage. But, he admitted, not as much of one as he should have.
The Orc leapt with a cry echoing from its throat. Legolas dodged to one side at the last second and the Orc fell once more to the ground. It growled and moved to its feet once more. It lunged again. This time Legolas moved to one side and brought his elbows down on its back as it passed. This enraged the Orc even more.
Fengbad, the captain, watched with excitement as the Elf and Durbak circled one another. He could see the Elf's pain and he suspected that he was poisoned judging by his slower than normal reactions, the bruised looking eyes. Elves were quick and alert. This one was clearly not at his best. But as yet Durbak hadn't managed to gain the upper hand. It was rather amusing. If the Elf had been at full strength then Fengbad doubted any of them could take him alone. His eyes wandered around the camp, seeing the enjoyment on the faces of his Orcs. All but one. Blue Eyes stood apart from the group, which wasn't unusual. He was a loner. Indeed, he didn't look amused or even as though he was enjoying the sport. He was a strange one. All he'd talked about was avenging himself on this Elf and there he stood, eyes unreadable. Except when Durbak managed to kick the Elf's legs from under him. A cry of pain escaped the bloodied lips, but the Elf rolled back to his feet and was continuing this entertaining dance with Durbak.
"Hold!" Fengbad yelled, striding into the ring and thrusting Durbak out of the way.
"What the-!"
The captain held up his hands as the Orcs protested his calling their fun to a stop. Legolas gasped for breath, his battered body swaying. He wasn't certain how much longer he could remain on his feet. What were they planning now? His desperate eyes darted toward the three Elves. They were watching him with great concern.
Fengbad turned to Legolas, grinning. He could see the Elf was weakening, barely able to keep his feet under him.
"He is Blue Eyes' captive." He called loudly, noting how Egla Ash started at the mention of the name they called him. "Blue Eyes will fight him!"
The Orcs stilled then turned as one to look at the blue-eyed Orc. Suddenly they began to stamp their feet and howl with delight.
"Blue Eyes! Blue Eyes! Blue Eyes!" They chanted, clapping their hands and slapping him on the back while he moved into the ring of the Orcs.
Egla Ash stared at the captain and then at his fellow Orcs. He had never belonged with them, was never one of them.
Until now. They were calling his name. They were cheering for him. He was one of them.
Slowly he turned to stare at Legolas.
The Elf ran a hand across his face, trying to calm himself. The vile Black Speech sent shudders through his frame. His skin was feverish and dry. He sighed wearily, forcing himself to stand erect. He looked at the Orc and felt his resolve crumbling. He couldn't truly hurt Egla Ash, but he feared that the Orc would enjoy hurting him. A wave of despair washed through him. Hot tears coursed over his cheeks to drip from his chin.
"Here!" Someone threw a crude Orc scimitar to Egla Ash who caught it effortlessly. "That'll slow him down a bit!"
The Orcs howled again. The Elves tied behind them exchanged worried glances.
"They can't do this," Lindir moaned. "They can't."
"You don't know much about Orcs, young one," Calenthar spat, his voice weary and full of anger. "Uanui!" [monstrous!]
Cuil was testing his bonds once more, but again they held firm, fresh blood flowing down his wrists. He felt such anger as he had never felt before, a helplessness as well that bit him to his soul.
"But.Egla Ash was Legolas' friend. He wouldn't.He wouldn't," Lindir bowed his head in grim realization. Egla Ash had shot Legolas twice already and brought him into the midst of the Orc camp. Tears slipped down his pale face.
Egla Ash looked down at the wickedly curved weapon in his hand. He caressed its cold length then held it up. The newly risen moon reflected dully in the dark metal. He raised his eyes to the sky.
"Valmet tir i elenath eria." [We will watch the stars rise.] *
The words had been written in the last message from Legolas, many years ago in a clearing with a tall oak tree at its center. Why did he think of them now? A growl of anger escaped his throat and he hefted the scimitar.
"Gar estel annan i elenath sila. Ind mor lothron garo le Gil galad sila godref."
[Have hope as long as the stars shine. Though darkness may hold you A star's light will shine through.] **
The hand holding the scimitar began to shake. Anger and confusion clashed within the Orc. He gave a cry and lunged at Legolas.
Note
*This is from "Whisper of Things to Come" **This is a part of the song that Egla Ash made for Legolas in "Hope While the Stars Shine"
JastaElf - Thanks for the great review and the feedback on Meneliell. I was feeling a decided lack of female characters. And if everyone hasn't read JastaElf's "Leaf and Branch" please do so. It's a great story. So go find it and read! AJ Matthews - Yup. Aragorn is going to have some guilt issues in a later chapter. Raye Yuy - Hi! Thanks for reading and reviewing. I love it when new people review me! I'm glad that you're enjoying this! Salak - Your dances are great! And they seem to work!! Keep them going! Lithia - Glad you're back again! Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate your continued faith in me! Horus - Thanks for complimenting my writing. Believe me I sometimes wonder about it. And here's what happened next. (hehehe) Shimingamio - Thanks for the praise. I love it! You're a wonderful reviewer! Irena - Hi! Thanks for reading and reviewing this! Thanks so much for reading and reviewing "Whisper of Things to Come". I love it when someone reads my older stuff!! (Big grin!!) Egla Ash's fan club just keeps growing!! (He gives you a big grin, too!!) long under tree - I am feverishly working on the situations right now. And yeah, I am serious about the Orlando and Vigo hobbits. In "Return of the Shadow" by Tolkien's son Christopher, Orlando Grubb is mention in Chap. 1 Note 5, and Orlando Brandybuck is in Chap. 1 Version 2 Note 7, Orlando Burrowes is in Chap. 1 Version 3. Vigo is mentioned as one of Bingo's (he became Frodo in the final version!) friends who accompany him on his journey. Too bad their names all changed to other things, but I thought that was kinda cool. Thanks for reading my little aside there. (Grin!!)