ARAGORN

"The first disappearance was in Dadroc," Radona said. "We should begin there."

I looked to her. "How do you know it was the first?"

Radona looked away. "That is my own personal business."

I looked to Arwen to see what she thought. I can read her emotions with a glance at her face, that is how long I've known her. She, like I, was unsure about Radona. I wondered how Royal matters could possibly become personal business to a civilian, but I kept silent.

"Alright," Legolas said. "Let us start there."

Arwen and I slid to the back of the group, and I said quietly "I'm unsure about her."

Arwen nodded. "Yes, as am I, but we cannot let it affect the way we act towards her, for you cannot be unfair based on a feeling."

I smiled. Arwen always knows exactly what's right and what's wrong. "Yes, that is true. But a feeling is basis to be cautious."

"Of course."

Dadroc did not look too different from Rivendell. Many people were weeping on the streets, and no one looked the slightest bit happy.

"Where did this person live?" Legolas asked. I don't know if he expected an answer or not, but to my surprise, he got one.

"It's a small house," Radona said. "It-"

"How do you know this?" I asked.

Radona glared at me. "Hear what I say, Aragorn: it is not my fault that you do not trust me, don't think I'm unaware of your feelings. I know what I know because of my past. If Lord Elrond trusts me, then you certainly should as well."

"Do not take offense. I only meant-"

"I know what you meant!" she said forcefully.

"Can you lead us there?" Legolas asked.

"I can, unless Aragorn has an objection."

"I'm sorry," I said.

"I hope so. I thought you lived with the Lord of Rivendell. I pray that you show more respect to him than to me."

Naligor looked from me to her. "Well, let's get going."

Radona cast one last glare at me before she turned and led us to a small house. "This is where he lived."

"And it was a male?"

"I don't know," she said bitterly.

Legolas knocked on the door and an elvish child answered. "Yes?" she asked.

"Is your mother or father at home?" he asked.

"They are, come in." We entered and the child left to get her parents. Both of them came into view.

"Yes?" the mother asked. "What is this unexpected surprise?"

"I apologize for any inconvenience," Arwen said. "But we are looking into the elves disappearing in Elf-run kingdoms. From what I understand, you have suffered loss?"

The father looked angry and offended. "This was two days ago. Perhaps you would come back when the wound is not so tender." I believe the only thing keeping him from raising his voice was the fact that Arwen and Legolas were heirs of two thrones in powerful elf kingdoms.

Radona looked equally, if not, more, angry. "With all due respect, we have orders from Lord Elrond. We are working to prevent these disappearances. How dare you try to stop us."

I cast her a disapproving look because she said it so heartless, but held my tongue.

"Of course," the mother said. "It was our eldest son. Let me take you to his room…" She turned and we followed her into a hallway and through a door. "It was at night. We went to sleep, and in the morning…" She began to cry and Ohtar looked at her sympathetically.

"I know how you feel," he said. "My mother is also gone."

"Dear child," she said, looking at him with damp eyes. "A boy of your age should not have to-"

"When you awoke, were there any doors or windows open?" Radona asked, her tone cold. "Any signs of someone breaking in?"

"No. I don't believe so."

"Anything left behind?" Naligor asked.

She nodded and reached to her son's dresser. She opened an envelope and pulled out a letter. "I believe it is a ransom note, but I cannot be sure. It is no language I know."

Arwen took it and studied it. "It…" She wrinkled her brow, thinking hard. "I cannot make this out." She handed it to me and I looked at it hard. The writing was sloppy, but after a little bit I was able to make out the letters, which were in English. I read it aloud:

"Kah minu a mah si codomu dimi, bidur mo caka yu."

"What language is that?" Naligor asked.

"I don't know," I said slowly.

"What language do Orcs speak?" Ohtar guessed.

"Orcs do not speak," Legolas replied.

"A form of Elvish, perhaps?" Naligor tried. "One that is not used in any nearby kingdoms?"

"No," Legolas said. "It is not Elvish."

"Take it with you," the mother said. "It may be useful. Maybe this mystery will unravel soon enough."

Arwen nodded. "Yes. Thank you. We are sorry about your son."

"I wish you all the luck in the world." She escorted us to the door and we left.