Chapter 10 - not revised
"They camped here," Glavrol said quietly, kneeling by the trees where Cuil, Calenthar, and Lindir had been tied. "They have not been gone very long. It still reeks of Orcs." He wrinkled his nose in disgust.
Meneliell crept to one of the trees. Her slender, delicate fingers touched the bloodstained bark. Tears fell down her face unheeded.
Oh, Lindir, my beloved, she cried silently. Where have they taken you?
She took small comfort in the fact that he was still alive, but it was a cold comfort at best. He may be alive now, but for how much longer? What had they done to him? Her fingers clenched about her bow. They would find him. They had to. She didn't know if she could survive the grief if he were slain.
I promise, Lindir. I will find you.
She forced herself to turn from the tree where her lover's presence emanated from so strongly. As she did so she saw King Thranduil standing on a section of torn, trampled earth, his handsome face filled with anguish.
Some thought him cold hearted and thoughtless, caring for nothing but his jewels, baubles, and wine. But that wasn't true. He loved his sons with a fierceness that had grown since the death of their mother. She knew it tore him to the very heart for Legolas to be taken by Orcs again. When he had been captured twenty-nine years ago-not such a long time for Elves- she had seen the king loose interest in everything that had once brought him such pleasure. Days passed and there had been no sign or word of his son. The Elf king had nearly fallen into despair.
"We will catch them, your Majesty," Tavor said, striding over to his side, his eyes resolute, though pain was present as well. "We are closing in on them. Soon we will have them and Legolas and the others will be with us once more."
The other Elves were speaking their agreement with Tavor's encouraging statement. They had turned to look at him, seeing the tears that had slipped down his fair cheeks. They knew that if they found Legolas dead now, Tavor might not wish to live. He, Brethil and Legolas had been as close as friends could be, teasing and pulling many pranks in earlier days. To see this merry hearted Elf so bereft was heartrending.
Yes, Meneliell thought, the distance was narrowing between them and the group of Orcs. Only she hoped the distance would not be too great.
King Thranduil nodded, tears slipping down his own cheeks.
"We are close, my Warriors." He said, his green eyes full of anger and hard determination. "Soon the Orcs will taste our wrath." His gaze touched Meneliell's for a moment. "Forth, my brave warriors! Our swords are calling for blood!"
They headed out of the Orc's camp, footfalls swift and silent as death.
Fengbad looked back as Egla Ash finally caught up with them. He was carrying the Elf in his arms. He growled and ran back to meet him.
"What is going on, Blue Eyes?" He snarled, glaring down at the Elf's limp form. "He can't walk. He has been poisoned."
Fengbad snorted and pulled a small flask from his belt, a wicked smile splitting his lips.
"Poisoned, eh. Hold him still."
Egla Ash's eyes widened in horror, for he knew what the vile bottle held and what it would do to Legolas if he drank it.
"I don't think-"
"No. You don't," Fengbad cut him off with a ferocious hiss. He pried open Legolas' lips and forced the flask between his teeth.
The Elf gasped and gagged, but Fengbad clamped his jaws shut roughly, forcing the burning liquid down his throat.
"Set 'im on his feet. He can walk now."
The liquid fire scorched Legolas' insides, making him gasp in pain. Egla Ash gently lowered him to his feet. Mirkwood's prince was surprised that he was able to stand upright. He swayed then clasped his stomach and retched.
"Oh, no, you don't," Fengbad said, clamping his hand over the Elf's lips, bruising his mouth again.
Legolas swallowed at the bitterness that flooded his mouth, sweat beaded his forehead.
"What is good for Orcs is deadly for Elves." It was Tanglinna's voice, his earliest weapons' teacher. He could see the pale haired archer, his eyes silvery blue, handsome face stern. Learning of one's enemy's weaknesses as well as one's own was a serious duty and a lesson best learned early. He had been a good teacher, giving reproofs and praises equally. Now he lay felled by Orc arrows at Beleg Doron. Legolas moaned, his grief filling him anew.
Fengbad smiled, replacing the cork in the flask. He pulled black ropes from his pack and knotted them about Legolas throat and wrists. He held them out to Egla Ash.
"Do not fall behind. Or I will tell them what really happened to the Uruk-Hai," He whispered, smiling, pale yellow green eyes filled with evil delight.
Egla Ash's hands grasped the ropes, his only sign of surprise at this statement. He snarled at his leader, but said nothing.
Fengbad laughed and slapped him on the shoulder.
"Brave move. But it may be your undoing. Keep up. Don't let the Elf drag you down. Move out!" He pushed Egla Ash ahead of him, striking at Legolas back with the short whip as they ran past. He trotted after them laughing and calling for them to travel faster.
Egla Ash ran to the line of his fellows, he managed one quick anguished glance at Legolas, who stumbled after him. He ran past the last bunch of stragglers and along the edge of the group. He slowed when he reached the Orcs who were dragging the other Elves with them. Legolas looked over at his friends whose faces fell when they saw he had been recaptured.
"Are you well, my prince?" Cuil called, only to be cuffed by an Orc at his side. He stumbled but didn't fall.
"I am well, Cuil. Do not fear. All will be well," Legolas called, seeing the angry glares that the other Orcs shot at him and Egla Ash. I hope all will be well, he thought dully. The liquid was indeed keeping him on his feet, filling him with energy. But he knew that once it wore off he would collapse. It seemed to be burning him up inside; he could almost feel the poison moving sluggishly through his blood, sucking greedily at what strength he had.
The three Elves glanced at one another, confusion on their features. How could all be well? Legolas was running along side them, but his eyes looked bruised and his face was still pale and feverish beneath the dried blood. Dark bruises showed over the collar of his green tunic where the Uruk-Hai had tried to strangle him, and blood stained his throat where the ropes were once again cutting into it. Egla Ash wondered, too, if all would be well. What could he truly do against so many. But he would do something. He gazed straight ahead, forehead furrowed in concentration. But after a while he shook his head in anger, baring his fangs. He looked behind him. Legolas head was drooping, he was spending all his energy in staying on his feet. But feeling the Orc's gaze on him he forced himself to look up. He smiled at Egla Ash. The smile so sweet and trusting tore the Orc's heart. What was he to do? They continued on beneath the starlight heading for Dol Guldur.
It was the sound of screaming that forced Legolas out of the foggy half consciousness that he lay in. Whatever the Orc had given him had worn off sometime ago as they ran though Mirkwood, spurred ahead by the Orcs' whips. Egla Ash had to carry him here when the Orcs decided to take a break. The screaming told him what kind of a break it was. He shuddered as pain reawakened in him. He swallowed in a dry, raw throat and forced his burning eyes open. He heard the heart rending cries of pain again and pushed himself to his elbows instantly regretting it. Pain exploded inside his head and stomach, his very veins felt as though they were on fire. He gasped for breath squeezing his eyes shut, biting his lips.
"Lay still, Legolas Elvellon," a quiet voice said in Sindarin from somewhere nearby. "Don't draw any attention to yourself."
"Who are they torturing?" Legolas whispered, trying to work up the courage to move again. It would be so much easier just to lie still until the pain subsided.
Egla Ash frowned, his blue eyes neutral.
"The young one. He is not as strong as you were."
Legolas forced himself to a sitting position, a grimace on his fair face.
"He is very young," he said, his heart going out to the Elf who was tied to a tree not far away. His clothing was shredded, blood ran down his pale skin, his eyes, usually as bright as polished emeralds were wide with fear and pain.
"Lindir," he whispered, watching horrified as the Orcs continued to lash the writing young Elf with their cruel whips. "I have to help him!"
"No!" Egla Ash quickly knelt beside him. "Fengbad would not hesitate to turn on you."
"Better he turn on me than allow Lindir to endure any more," Legolas pushed to his knees once more.
"Awake is he?"
Egla Ash turned to see his captin standing behind him. The blue-eyed Orc carefully schooled his features to neutrality.
"Good. He can be next." He pulled the flask from his belt once more.
Legolas started, jerking away from the Orc captain.
"No!"
He tried to pull away from Fengbad, but the Orc grasped his hair and shoved him down, his knees pinning the Elf's arms to the ground as he straddled his chest. He pushed the flask between his lips, tipping the burning contents into his mouth.
Legolas gagged as the Orc clasped his hand over his mouth and pinched his throat to make him swallow. Fengbad climbed off him, then laughed.
"Have 'im ready, Blue Eyes. When that wears off he'll be dead."
"What do you mean?" Egla Ash asked.
Fengbad laughed again.
"As you know its good for Orcs, gives us greater endurance. But it is poison to Elves. It'll kill 'im. He's strong or the first swig would've done 'im in. Have 'im ready."
As Fengbad walked away, feeling immensely satisfied by the stunned look on Blue Eyes face, Egla Ash moved to kneel by Legolas.
"Legolas Elvellon," he whispered, gently cupping his friend's face.
"I am fine. Do not worry," Legolas told him, touched by the concern he saw in the other's eyes. He forced a smile to his lips, though he knew beyond a doubt that it was killing him. It was like a fire out of control, eating away at him, the pain was worsening and though the drink had given him a temporary feeling of strength, he knew that it would not last long and then it would make him pay for the respite from his weakness. If he weren't Healed soon he would indeed die. His eyes scanned the area where they were resting; looking for any plant that might give him even slight relief. Lindir cried out again, calling him away from his own concern.
I have to do something, he thought. But he didn't know what that was.
But suddenly there was a shriek of such rage and pain that both he and Egla Ash started.
Gollum had managed to slip from his ropes and leaped toward Lindir.
He had been sitting quietly when the torture of his Elf began, worrying at his ropes and muttering to himself. But since he did that constantly the Orcs no longer paid any attention to it. When Gollum had managed to ease the ropes from his neck and wrists, he held them quietly waiting for the right moment. The Orcs were engrossed in their sport and not even his guard was paying much attention to the little creature. "They are hurting him, my precious," he whispered, clutching his ropes tightly. "We will make them stop. We will." He imagined his long fingers digging into the Orcs' throats, cutting off their breath forever. He moaned, seeing Lindir's torment. But then Gollum was moving. Springing away from his guard and leaping onto the back of the Orc that was beating the Elf. The Orcs were taken by surprise to see the pitiful wretch attacking one of their own. But then they found it amusing and began cheering him on. All the Orcs gathered about Gollum and the furious Orc to whose back he clung, the strong dexterous fingers digging into the soft flesh of the Orc's throat.
In the ensuing confusion Legolas turned to Egla Ash.
"Try and free Calenthar and Cuil," he whispered hurriedly. "Perhaps they can escape without much notice."
"But what about you?"
"It doesn't matter. Please, Egla Ash. Try and free them."
Egla Ash frowned but moved slowly about the edge of the circle of Orcs, acting as if he were enjoying the spectacle himself. He slipped behind the tree where Calenthar was bound.
"Be still," he hissed, drawing a dagger to slice through the ropes.
Calenthar and Cuil exchanged startled glances as Calenthar was freed. Egla Ash slipped the dagger into the Elf's hands and then he moved back toward the Orcs. Calenthar quickly sliced his friend's bonds. They were free. But then, before they had a chance to decide on a course of action, the air was filled with arrows: Elvish arrows.
Several Orcs went down, slim arrows jutting from their bodies. Calenthar moved quickly to free Lindir, who fell to his knees then tried to push himself up. An Orc seeing their prisoners freed, grabbed up a scimitar and rushed toward the wounded Lindir. But before he could strike his deadly blow and arrow pierced him in the back, followed quickly by one in his neck. He fell, just a few feet from his intended prey. Meneliell ran from the brush where she had hidden, rushing to her fallen lover's side, her bow tossed to one side.
"Oh, Lindir," she murmured. "My love. Speak to me."
Lindir gazed up at her, confusion on his face.
"Meneliell?" He whispered, raising a shaking hand to push back the hood that shrouded her face.
Tears were streaming down her cheeks as she gently touched his bruised face.
"Your hair." He murmured, touching the shorn locks. He smiled up at her, stunned by her courage and loyalty. "You came after me?"
"How could I not. I love you, Lindir. Le nin cuil." [You (are) my life.] She bent her head to capture his lips in a tender kiss.
Fengbad was screaming orders, not yet noticing that three of his prisoners were missing. He turned to see Blue Eyes pulling his Elf to his feet to help him into the cover of the trees.
"Blue Eyes!" He screamed, grabbing a bow. He knew that the blue-eyed Orc would mean trouble. He had always known it. They had warned him. He fitted an arrow onto the string, but just as he was about to loose it an arrow struck him in the chest. He stared down at it dumb founded. But he had no time to think of what it meant for another followed it, striking him in the eye. He fell to the ground dead.
Chaos ensued among the Orcs seeing their leader fallen. They ran, scattering into the trees. Some of Thranduil's Elves followed after them, but Thranduil was immediately rushing to his son's side. Egla Ash backed slowly away.
"Nin ion,." [My son,] he breathed, bending to take Legolas into his embrace, tears spilling over his cheeks and into Legolas' hair. "Nin ion." [My son.]
Legolas' arms held his father in a hug, pushing his face to his father's chest.
Thranduil smelled of flowers and fresh air as he always did. Legolas' tears wet his tunic.
Thranduil held him at arm's length, studying his pale face.
"Are you well?" He asked, concern flooding him as he noted his son's appearance. Legolas didn't answer. He tried to smile, but then he remembered Egla Ash.
"Father, you can't let them kill Egla Ash. He helped us. Please, don't let them kill him!"
Thranduil looked at him for a moment, his feelings at war. Then he nodded. He could deny Legolas nothing in this moment. He stood and gave the order for the blue-eyed Orc to be spared and brought to him. He then knelt once more. He touched the pale face, his eyes taking in the bruises and blood.
"You're alive," he said quietly, as if he thought that he might be dreaming. "You are alive."
Legolas dropped his gaze. How much longer would he be alive if what he feared were true?
"Do you have a Healer with you, Father?" He asked, his eyes scanning the Elves who were gathering about them.
"Yes. Nestadren, come here."
The slender Elf Healer hurried to the king's side. He had treated Lindir's wounds with much help from Meneliell whose presence had shocked him. The lass was certainly audacious and brave. Lindir's wounds weren't as bad as he had feared and Cuil and Calenthar had only superficial wounds that had needed little tending. They had been fortunate. But when he knelt before the prince, his eyes widened with concern.
"He has been poisoned," he gasped, his hand going to the wound on Legolas' left arm. "But I think that this wound alone could make you this ill. Not this quickly." He dug into his Healer's pouch, pulling out carefully wrapped packets of herbs and ointments.
"No. There was this."
Thranduil and Nestadren looked up at the sound of the deep gruff voice. Egla Ash stood behind them, holding out the Fengbad's flask. The Elf Healer stared up at the Orc in amazement and fear, but then slowly took the leather bound flask from him. He sniffed it then looked at the Orc once more.
"What exactly was in this?" He asked, feeling very strange talking to an Orc like this.
As Egla Ash told him what was brewed into the Orcs' strengthening drink, the Elven Healer paled, unable to keep the horror from his face.
Thranduil stared at the Healer. Healers never let their own fear show on their faces regardless of what news they must tell those they treated.
"What is it, Nestadren?" He asked, clasping the others arm, his eyes usually so carefully guarded were filled with dread.
Nestadren turned to face his king, his amethyst eyes dark.
"I will need to get him back as quickly as possible," he said, quickly mixing some herbs together, grinding them into a powder. He ran to place a small copper bowl over the Orcs' fire using his magic to boost its heat so the water was soon boiling. He dumped the herbs into the water, passing his hand over the fragrant mixture and murmuring Healing words over them.
Thranduil looked down at his son, forcing his features to calmness. He would not show his son how much fear was eating through his very soul.
"Everything will be well," he said, trying to reassure himself as much as Legolas.
Legolas nodded, glancing up at Egla Ash.
"He did try to save us, Father," he said, reaching out to grasp the Orc's hand. "Please, don't do anything to hurt him. He is my friend."
Thranduil's warring emotions showed plainly. Orcs were evil. They had been breed in torment and pain and could give nothing but torment and pain. His own beloved wife Brennillas had suffered much at their hands, dying of her wounds and sorrow leaving him and their three sons alone. But he could see that Legolas cared for this Orc and he himself had seen him cut Calenthar and Cuil free and then move to help Legolas away from the fighting. Much sorrow had come from his earlier decision to have the Orc slain all those years ago. Slowly his hands, which had been clenched on his green tunic, relaxed.
"Very well." He began looking up into the unusual blue eyes, the same color as his son's.and Brennillas'. "You may live here in Mirkwood for as long as you wish. And no one will harm you."
The other Elves stared at their king in amazement, not all of them happy about this decision, but willing to live with it. A smile graced Legolas face and Thranduil was glad of his decision merely for that smile. But then the prince gasped as more pain assailed him. Thranduil grasped his hand, stroking the furrowed brow. He could see his youngest son shaking, small noises of pain escaping him.
"Ai! Ai! It burns," he whispered, clutching at his father's and Egla Ash's hands. "It burns like a fire inside me. I can feel it killing me!" He gasped once more, doubling up in pain.
Nestadren hastily knelt at Legolas side, bearing a cup with his medicine in it.
"Drink this, my prince. It will slow the poison down and put you to sleep. When we arrive home I will be able to help you." I hope, he thought, trying not to let his uncertainty show as he had earlier.
Legolas took the cup, but his hands were trembling so that Nestadren had to help him hold it. Together they raised it to his lips and he drained it. It didn't taste nearly as bad as what the Orcs' had forced down his throat. He felt the liquid glide down inside him, cooling the burning heat of the poison that worked its way through him. He felt a great weariness stealing over him. He smiled up at his father and Egla Ash.
"Thank you," he murmured to them both. Then he drifted into sleep.
Nestadren packed his things into his pouch then bent to pick up his sleeping patient.
"I will carry him."
Thranduil and the Healer looked over at the Orc. Thranduil hesitated thennodded, taking Legolas' hand in his own and raising it to his lips kissed it. Egla Ash bent and easily lifted the sleeping Elf.
"We must hurry." Nestadren said. "If he is to live, we must hurry."
Egla Ash nodded then followed the Healer away from the Orc camp. The two trotted down the pathway both fearing that they would not make it back in time.
"Don't leave me, Legolas Elvellon," Egla Ash whispered great fear and dread shuddering through him. "Don't leave me alone again."
*Note: No, I have not forgotten about Smeagol.
Response to Reviewers JastaElf - I'm glad that you liked the last one. It was a hard chapter to write. I seesawed a lot. It was a war for Egla Ash's soul and for myself. Egla Ash says thank you for calling him a Uber Orc! And Leggy does have guts thought I do sometimes tend to wimp him out. Thanks for the plugs! Everyone go R/R JastaElf's two-yes, two- stories! They are wonderful!! AJ Matthews - I hope Egla Ash can save Legolas and the others. I'm working on it. It ain't easy! (haha) Horus - Well, I can't 'save' Gollum since Master Tolkien decreed his fate long ago. I will stick with the book on that one. He may yet have some part to play as a certain Istari seems to think. But I am working on getting the others freed. Shinigamio - No cliffhangers last time around. Believe me it was enough of a cliffhanger chapter for me" Do I, don't I, do I, don't I. But I needed to resolve the conflict with Legolas and Egla Ash. And I am glad that everyone seems to like the decision that I finally made. Salak - Your dances are perfection!! And no I couldn't leave my dearest Egla Ash evil forever. I thought about it, but I couldn't do it. Egla Ash loves your dances, too!! And I guess that allIwantisanElf forchristmas wants to learn it now, too. long under tree - I know it took forever to bring Egla Ash out of his darkness and I wasn't sure I wanted to. And as for the cliffhangers -well, I don't know if I can squeak out anymore in this one or not. Have fun at camp!! allIwantisanElfforchristmas - I am so glad that you've found me! And a big thanks for reading both of my old ones!! Wow! Salak would be glad to teach you the Write Faster Dance I'm sure. She's very good at it!! The end is in sight, but no, we're not quite there yet. And thanks for the chocolate Leggy! There's nothing better!!
"They camped here," Glavrol said quietly, kneeling by the trees where Cuil, Calenthar, and Lindir had been tied. "They have not been gone very long. It still reeks of Orcs." He wrinkled his nose in disgust.
Meneliell crept to one of the trees. Her slender, delicate fingers touched the bloodstained bark. Tears fell down her face unheeded.
Oh, Lindir, my beloved, she cried silently. Where have they taken you?
She took small comfort in the fact that he was still alive, but it was a cold comfort at best. He may be alive now, but for how much longer? What had they done to him? Her fingers clenched about her bow. They would find him. They had to. She didn't know if she could survive the grief if he were slain.
I promise, Lindir. I will find you.
She forced herself to turn from the tree where her lover's presence emanated from so strongly. As she did so she saw King Thranduil standing on a section of torn, trampled earth, his handsome face filled with anguish.
Some thought him cold hearted and thoughtless, caring for nothing but his jewels, baubles, and wine. But that wasn't true. He loved his sons with a fierceness that had grown since the death of their mother. She knew it tore him to the very heart for Legolas to be taken by Orcs again. When he had been captured twenty-nine years ago-not such a long time for Elves- she had seen the king loose interest in everything that had once brought him such pleasure. Days passed and there had been no sign or word of his son. The Elf king had nearly fallen into despair.
"We will catch them, your Majesty," Tavor said, striding over to his side, his eyes resolute, though pain was present as well. "We are closing in on them. Soon we will have them and Legolas and the others will be with us once more."
The other Elves were speaking their agreement with Tavor's encouraging statement. They had turned to look at him, seeing the tears that had slipped down his fair cheeks. They knew that if they found Legolas dead now, Tavor might not wish to live. He, Brethil and Legolas had been as close as friends could be, teasing and pulling many pranks in earlier days. To see this merry hearted Elf so bereft was heartrending.
Yes, Meneliell thought, the distance was narrowing between them and the group of Orcs. Only she hoped the distance would not be too great.
King Thranduil nodded, tears slipping down his own cheeks.
"We are close, my Warriors." He said, his green eyes full of anger and hard determination. "Soon the Orcs will taste our wrath." His gaze touched Meneliell's for a moment. "Forth, my brave warriors! Our swords are calling for blood!"
They headed out of the Orc's camp, footfalls swift and silent as death.
Fengbad looked back as Egla Ash finally caught up with them. He was carrying the Elf in his arms. He growled and ran back to meet him.
"What is going on, Blue Eyes?" He snarled, glaring down at the Elf's limp form. "He can't walk. He has been poisoned."
Fengbad snorted and pulled a small flask from his belt, a wicked smile splitting his lips.
"Poisoned, eh. Hold him still."
Egla Ash's eyes widened in horror, for he knew what the vile bottle held and what it would do to Legolas if he drank it.
"I don't think-"
"No. You don't," Fengbad cut him off with a ferocious hiss. He pried open Legolas' lips and forced the flask between his teeth.
The Elf gasped and gagged, but Fengbad clamped his jaws shut roughly, forcing the burning liquid down his throat.
"Set 'im on his feet. He can walk now."
The liquid fire scorched Legolas' insides, making him gasp in pain. Egla Ash gently lowered him to his feet. Mirkwood's prince was surprised that he was able to stand upright. He swayed then clasped his stomach and retched.
"Oh, no, you don't," Fengbad said, clamping his hand over the Elf's lips, bruising his mouth again.
Legolas swallowed at the bitterness that flooded his mouth, sweat beaded his forehead.
"What is good for Orcs is deadly for Elves." It was Tanglinna's voice, his earliest weapons' teacher. He could see the pale haired archer, his eyes silvery blue, handsome face stern. Learning of one's enemy's weaknesses as well as one's own was a serious duty and a lesson best learned early. He had been a good teacher, giving reproofs and praises equally. Now he lay felled by Orc arrows at Beleg Doron. Legolas moaned, his grief filling him anew.
Fengbad smiled, replacing the cork in the flask. He pulled black ropes from his pack and knotted them about Legolas throat and wrists. He held them out to Egla Ash.
"Do not fall behind. Or I will tell them what really happened to the Uruk-Hai," He whispered, smiling, pale yellow green eyes filled with evil delight.
Egla Ash's hands grasped the ropes, his only sign of surprise at this statement. He snarled at his leader, but said nothing.
Fengbad laughed and slapped him on the shoulder.
"Brave move. But it may be your undoing. Keep up. Don't let the Elf drag you down. Move out!" He pushed Egla Ash ahead of him, striking at Legolas back with the short whip as they ran past. He trotted after them laughing and calling for them to travel faster.
Egla Ash ran to the line of his fellows, he managed one quick anguished glance at Legolas, who stumbled after him. He ran past the last bunch of stragglers and along the edge of the group. He slowed when he reached the Orcs who were dragging the other Elves with them. Legolas looked over at his friends whose faces fell when they saw he had been recaptured.
"Are you well, my prince?" Cuil called, only to be cuffed by an Orc at his side. He stumbled but didn't fall.
"I am well, Cuil. Do not fear. All will be well," Legolas called, seeing the angry glares that the other Orcs shot at him and Egla Ash. I hope all will be well, he thought dully. The liquid was indeed keeping him on his feet, filling him with energy. But he knew that once it wore off he would collapse. It seemed to be burning him up inside; he could almost feel the poison moving sluggishly through his blood, sucking greedily at what strength he had.
The three Elves glanced at one another, confusion on their features. How could all be well? Legolas was running along side them, but his eyes looked bruised and his face was still pale and feverish beneath the dried blood. Dark bruises showed over the collar of his green tunic where the Uruk-Hai had tried to strangle him, and blood stained his throat where the ropes were once again cutting into it. Egla Ash wondered, too, if all would be well. What could he truly do against so many. But he would do something. He gazed straight ahead, forehead furrowed in concentration. But after a while he shook his head in anger, baring his fangs. He looked behind him. Legolas head was drooping, he was spending all his energy in staying on his feet. But feeling the Orc's gaze on him he forced himself to look up. He smiled at Egla Ash. The smile so sweet and trusting tore the Orc's heart. What was he to do? They continued on beneath the starlight heading for Dol Guldur.
It was the sound of screaming that forced Legolas out of the foggy half consciousness that he lay in. Whatever the Orc had given him had worn off sometime ago as they ran though Mirkwood, spurred ahead by the Orcs' whips. Egla Ash had to carry him here when the Orcs decided to take a break. The screaming told him what kind of a break it was. He shuddered as pain reawakened in him. He swallowed in a dry, raw throat and forced his burning eyes open. He heard the heart rending cries of pain again and pushed himself to his elbows instantly regretting it. Pain exploded inside his head and stomach, his very veins felt as though they were on fire. He gasped for breath squeezing his eyes shut, biting his lips.
"Lay still, Legolas Elvellon," a quiet voice said in Sindarin from somewhere nearby. "Don't draw any attention to yourself."
"Who are they torturing?" Legolas whispered, trying to work up the courage to move again. It would be so much easier just to lie still until the pain subsided.
Egla Ash frowned, his blue eyes neutral.
"The young one. He is not as strong as you were."
Legolas forced himself to a sitting position, a grimace on his fair face.
"He is very young," he said, his heart going out to the Elf who was tied to a tree not far away. His clothing was shredded, blood ran down his pale skin, his eyes, usually as bright as polished emeralds were wide with fear and pain.
"Lindir," he whispered, watching horrified as the Orcs continued to lash the writing young Elf with their cruel whips. "I have to help him!"
"No!" Egla Ash quickly knelt beside him. "Fengbad would not hesitate to turn on you."
"Better he turn on me than allow Lindir to endure any more," Legolas pushed to his knees once more.
"Awake is he?"
Egla Ash turned to see his captin standing behind him. The blue-eyed Orc carefully schooled his features to neutrality.
"Good. He can be next." He pulled the flask from his belt once more.
Legolas started, jerking away from the Orc captain.
"No!"
He tried to pull away from Fengbad, but the Orc grasped his hair and shoved him down, his knees pinning the Elf's arms to the ground as he straddled his chest. He pushed the flask between his lips, tipping the burning contents into his mouth.
Legolas gagged as the Orc clasped his hand over his mouth and pinched his throat to make him swallow. Fengbad climbed off him, then laughed.
"Have 'im ready, Blue Eyes. When that wears off he'll be dead."
"What do you mean?" Egla Ash asked.
Fengbad laughed again.
"As you know its good for Orcs, gives us greater endurance. But it is poison to Elves. It'll kill 'im. He's strong or the first swig would've done 'im in. Have 'im ready."
As Fengbad walked away, feeling immensely satisfied by the stunned look on Blue Eyes face, Egla Ash moved to kneel by Legolas.
"Legolas Elvellon," he whispered, gently cupping his friend's face.
"I am fine. Do not worry," Legolas told him, touched by the concern he saw in the other's eyes. He forced a smile to his lips, though he knew beyond a doubt that it was killing him. It was like a fire out of control, eating away at him, the pain was worsening and though the drink had given him a temporary feeling of strength, he knew that it would not last long and then it would make him pay for the respite from his weakness. If he weren't Healed soon he would indeed die. His eyes scanned the area where they were resting; looking for any plant that might give him even slight relief. Lindir cried out again, calling him away from his own concern.
I have to do something, he thought. But he didn't know what that was.
But suddenly there was a shriek of such rage and pain that both he and Egla Ash started.
Gollum had managed to slip from his ropes and leaped toward Lindir.
He had been sitting quietly when the torture of his Elf began, worrying at his ropes and muttering to himself. But since he did that constantly the Orcs no longer paid any attention to it. When Gollum had managed to ease the ropes from his neck and wrists, he held them quietly waiting for the right moment. The Orcs were engrossed in their sport and not even his guard was paying much attention to the little creature. "They are hurting him, my precious," he whispered, clutching his ropes tightly. "We will make them stop. We will." He imagined his long fingers digging into the Orcs' throats, cutting off their breath forever. He moaned, seeing Lindir's torment. But then Gollum was moving. Springing away from his guard and leaping onto the back of the Orc that was beating the Elf. The Orcs were taken by surprise to see the pitiful wretch attacking one of their own. But then they found it amusing and began cheering him on. All the Orcs gathered about Gollum and the furious Orc to whose back he clung, the strong dexterous fingers digging into the soft flesh of the Orc's throat.
In the ensuing confusion Legolas turned to Egla Ash.
"Try and free Calenthar and Cuil," he whispered hurriedly. "Perhaps they can escape without much notice."
"But what about you?"
"It doesn't matter. Please, Egla Ash. Try and free them."
Egla Ash frowned but moved slowly about the edge of the circle of Orcs, acting as if he were enjoying the spectacle himself. He slipped behind the tree where Calenthar was bound.
"Be still," he hissed, drawing a dagger to slice through the ropes.
Calenthar and Cuil exchanged startled glances as Calenthar was freed. Egla Ash slipped the dagger into the Elf's hands and then he moved back toward the Orcs. Calenthar quickly sliced his friend's bonds. They were free. But then, before they had a chance to decide on a course of action, the air was filled with arrows: Elvish arrows.
Several Orcs went down, slim arrows jutting from their bodies. Calenthar moved quickly to free Lindir, who fell to his knees then tried to push himself up. An Orc seeing their prisoners freed, grabbed up a scimitar and rushed toward the wounded Lindir. But before he could strike his deadly blow and arrow pierced him in the back, followed quickly by one in his neck. He fell, just a few feet from his intended prey. Meneliell ran from the brush where she had hidden, rushing to her fallen lover's side, her bow tossed to one side.
"Oh, Lindir," she murmured. "My love. Speak to me."
Lindir gazed up at her, confusion on his face.
"Meneliell?" He whispered, raising a shaking hand to push back the hood that shrouded her face.
Tears were streaming down her cheeks as she gently touched his bruised face.
"Your hair." He murmured, touching the shorn locks. He smiled up at her, stunned by her courage and loyalty. "You came after me?"
"How could I not. I love you, Lindir. Le nin cuil." [You (are) my life.] She bent her head to capture his lips in a tender kiss.
Fengbad was screaming orders, not yet noticing that three of his prisoners were missing. He turned to see Blue Eyes pulling his Elf to his feet to help him into the cover of the trees.
"Blue Eyes!" He screamed, grabbing a bow. He knew that the blue-eyed Orc would mean trouble. He had always known it. They had warned him. He fitted an arrow onto the string, but just as he was about to loose it an arrow struck him in the chest. He stared down at it dumb founded. But he had no time to think of what it meant for another followed it, striking him in the eye. He fell to the ground dead.
Chaos ensued among the Orcs seeing their leader fallen. They ran, scattering into the trees. Some of Thranduil's Elves followed after them, but Thranduil was immediately rushing to his son's side. Egla Ash backed slowly away.
"Nin ion,." [My son,] he breathed, bending to take Legolas into his embrace, tears spilling over his cheeks and into Legolas' hair. "Nin ion." [My son.]
Legolas' arms held his father in a hug, pushing his face to his father's chest.
Thranduil smelled of flowers and fresh air as he always did. Legolas' tears wet his tunic.
Thranduil held him at arm's length, studying his pale face.
"Are you well?" He asked, concern flooding him as he noted his son's appearance. Legolas didn't answer. He tried to smile, but then he remembered Egla Ash.
"Father, you can't let them kill Egla Ash. He helped us. Please, don't let them kill him!"
Thranduil looked at him for a moment, his feelings at war. Then he nodded. He could deny Legolas nothing in this moment. He stood and gave the order for the blue-eyed Orc to be spared and brought to him. He then knelt once more. He touched the pale face, his eyes taking in the bruises and blood.
"You're alive," he said quietly, as if he thought that he might be dreaming. "You are alive."
Legolas dropped his gaze. How much longer would he be alive if what he feared were true?
"Do you have a Healer with you, Father?" He asked, his eyes scanning the Elves who were gathering about them.
"Yes. Nestadren, come here."
The slender Elf Healer hurried to the king's side. He had treated Lindir's wounds with much help from Meneliell whose presence had shocked him. The lass was certainly audacious and brave. Lindir's wounds weren't as bad as he had feared and Cuil and Calenthar had only superficial wounds that had needed little tending. They had been fortunate. But when he knelt before the prince, his eyes widened with concern.
"He has been poisoned," he gasped, his hand going to the wound on Legolas' left arm. "But I think that this wound alone could make you this ill. Not this quickly." He dug into his Healer's pouch, pulling out carefully wrapped packets of herbs and ointments.
"No. There was this."
Thranduil and Nestadren looked up at the sound of the deep gruff voice. Egla Ash stood behind them, holding out the Fengbad's flask. The Elf Healer stared up at the Orc in amazement and fear, but then slowly took the leather bound flask from him. He sniffed it then looked at the Orc once more.
"What exactly was in this?" He asked, feeling very strange talking to an Orc like this.
As Egla Ash told him what was brewed into the Orcs' strengthening drink, the Elven Healer paled, unable to keep the horror from his face.
Thranduil stared at the Healer. Healers never let their own fear show on their faces regardless of what news they must tell those they treated.
"What is it, Nestadren?" He asked, clasping the others arm, his eyes usually so carefully guarded were filled with dread.
Nestadren turned to face his king, his amethyst eyes dark.
"I will need to get him back as quickly as possible," he said, quickly mixing some herbs together, grinding them into a powder. He ran to place a small copper bowl over the Orcs' fire using his magic to boost its heat so the water was soon boiling. He dumped the herbs into the water, passing his hand over the fragrant mixture and murmuring Healing words over them.
Thranduil looked down at his son, forcing his features to calmness. He would not show his son how much fear was eating through his very soul.
"Everything will be well," he said, trying to reassure himself as much as Legolas.
Legolas nodded, glancing up at Egla Ash.
"He did try to save us, Father," he said, reaching out to grasp the Orc's hand. "Please, don't do anything to hurt him. He is my friend."
Thranduil's warring emotions showed plainly. Orcs were evil. They had been breed in torment and pain and could give nothing but torment and pain. His own beloved wife Brennillas had suffered much at their hands, dying of her wounds and sorrow leaving him and their three sons alone. But he could see that Legolas cared for this Orc and he himself had seen him cut Calenthar and Cuil free and then move to help Legolas away from the fighting. Much sorrow had come from his earlier decision to have the Orc slain all those years ago. Slowly his hands, which had been clenched on his green tunic, relaxed.
"Very well." He began looking up into the unusual blue eyes, the same color as his son's.and Brennillas'. "You may live here in Mirkwood for as long as you wish. And no one will harm you."
The other Elves stared at their king in amazement, not all of them happy about this decision, but willing to live with it. A smile graced Legolas face and Thranduil was glad of his decision merely for that smile. But then the prince gasped as more pain assailed him. Thranduil grasped his hand, stroking the furrowed brow. He could see his youngest son shaking, small noises of pain escaping him.
"Ai! Ai! It burns," he whispered, clutching at his father's and Egla Ash's hands. "It burns like a fire inside me. I can feel it killing me!" He gasped once more, doubling up in pain.
Nestadren hastily knelt at Legolas side, bearing a cup with his medicine in it.
"Drink this, my prince. It will slow the poison down and put you to sleep. When we arrive home I will be able to help you." I hope, he thought, trying not to let his uncertainty show as he had earlier.
Legolas took the cup, but his hands were trembling so that Nestadren had to help him hold it. Together they raised it to his lips and he drained it. It didn't taste nearly as bad as what the Orcs' had forced down his throat. He felt the liquid glide down inside him, cooling the burning heat of the poison that worked its way through him. He felt a great weariness stealing over him. He smiled up at his father and Egla Ash.
"Thank you," he murmured to them both. Then he drifted into sleep.
Nestadren packed his things into his pouch then bent to pick up his sleeping patient.
"I will carry him."
Thranduil and the Healer looked over at the Orc. Thranduil hesitated thennodded, taking Legolas' hand in his own and raising it to his lips kissed it. Egla Ash bent and easily lifted the sleeping Elf.
"We must hurry." Nestadren said. "If he is to live, we must hurry."
Egla Ash nodded then followed the Healer away from the Orc camp. The two trotted down the pathway both fearing that they would not make it back in time.
"Don't leave me, Legolas Elvellon," Egla Ash whispered great fear and dread shuddering through him. "Don't leave me alone again."
*Note: No, I have not forgotten about Smeagol.
Response to Reviewers JastaElf - I'm glad that you liked the last one. It was a hard chapter to write. I seesawed a lot. It was a war for Egla Ash's soul and for myself. Egla Ash says thank you for calling him a Uber Orc! And Leggy does have guts thought I do sometimes tend to wimp him out. Thanks for the plugs! Everyone go R/R JastaElf's two-yes, two- stories! They are wonderful!! AJ Matthews - I hope Egla Ash can save Legolas and the others. I'm working on it. It ain't easy! (haha) Horus - Well, I can't 'save' Gollum since Master Tolkien decreed his fate long ago. I will stick with the book on that one. He may yet have some part to play as a certain Istari seems to think. But I am working on getting the others freed. Shinigamio - No cliffhangers last time around. Believe me it was enough of a cliffhanger chapter for me" Do I, don't I, do I, don't I. But I needed to resolve the conflict with Legolas and Egla Ash. And I am glad that everyone seems to like the decision that I finally made. Salak - Your dances are perfection!! And no I couldn't leave my dearest Egla Ash evil forever. I thought about it, but I couldn't do it. Egla Ash loves your dances, too!! And I guess that allIwantisanElf forchristmas wants to learn it now, too. long under tree - I know it took forever to bring Egla Ash out of his darkness and I wasn't sure I wanted to. And as for the cliffhangers -well, I don't know if I can squeak out anymore in this one or not. Have fun at camp!! allIwantisanElfforchristmas - I am so glad that you've found me! And a big thanks for reading both of my old ones!! Wow! Salak would be glad to teach you the Write Faster Dance I'm sure. She's very good at it!! The end is in sight, but no, we're not quite there yet. And thanks for the chocolate Leggy! There's nothing better!!