*** " [ " indicates the contents of a written letter. " * " indicates
unspoken thought. ***
A/N: Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the reviews! You guys inspire me and keep me going! I'm glad you're all hunting for clues. I'm afraid I'm not an "Agatha Christi" but I hope I can keep this exciting for you. One of my favorite quotes is, "The only fun about a mystery, is that it is one." Enjoy and thanks for reading! ~Nebride
"The Caverns of Mirkwood"
Chapter 9
Demons and Other Denizens of Darkness
[Dear Gimli,
I know now what it is that threatens my father. But I know not how it came to be. Tell me, my friend have you ever heard tell of a …]
*********
"Alede…"
"Mmm?"
"Alede, wake up."
She took a deep breath. She did not want to wake up. She was warm and comfortable and cradled in Legolas' arms. Why would she want to wake up?
"I think I know what threatens my father."
That opened her eyes. "What?"
The mattress heaved as Legolas untangled himself from her and bounded out of the bed. Alede sat up, watching him in bewilderment.
"It was the book," he began stripping his top off and walked out of the room.
"The book?" she called after him. "The one that I borrowed from the Hall of Records?"
"No."
She could hear him moving around in the other room and got out of bed to follow him. They nearly collided in the doorway, so great was Legolas' haste. He dumped a bundle of clothing on the bed. She recognized them as hers and he was already partially dressed.
"It was the book that I questioned the Record's Keeper about," his voice was muffled as he pulled a tunic over his head. "Do you remember?"
"Uhm, vaguely…" Alede forced herself to concentrate on straightening out her clothing. "It was a book about demons wasn't it?"
"Yes, 'Demons and Other Denizens of Darkness'. My Father read it to Franduil and I when we were children. It frightened me so that I dragged my sisters and my friends down to the Hall and read it to them as well. "
"But what about it?" Alede called, as Legolas walked out of the room carrying his boots. She quickly sorted out her clothing and started to dress. "Do you think your father is plagued by a demon?"
"Yes. In that book there was a small demon mentioned," he said from outside the door. "It inhabited caves during the First Age. It could cause great illness and even death if its eggs were swallowed. It killed many Orcs, and occasionally men. But I remember not the name of it…"
Alede suddenly spun around; her eyes were clouded as she searched her memory.
"A Greymalcin," she said suddenly, running to the door. "That's what you speak of, isn't it? A Greymalcin!"
"Yes, that was the name!"
"Legolas… you may be right. I have read about them, but had forgotten…"
"Come!" He held his hand out to her. Alede quickly yanked her hair out from under her tunic and took his hand. Together, they ran to the King's chambers.
*********
The king turned onto his back and groaned faintly as Alede carefully palpitated his stomach. Thranduil was breathing through his mouth in desperate little gasps. As Alede leaned over him, she once again caught that subtle scent that she'd noticed the first day. She breathed in again.
Elves did not smell bad. Ever. They virtually never perspired. They kept themselves fastidiously clean, never suffered from bad teeth…
"Legolas," she said. "Tell me, what do you smell?" Alede gestured toward his father. Elves had much keener senses than even the Istari.
Legolas's fine brows arched in surprise, but he obligingly leaned over his father. He rose up swiftly with a puzzled and disgusted look on his face.
"Rats," he said.
Alede nodded. "Yes. I smelled it the first time I entered the room, but could see no signs of rats and dismissed it as my imagination."
"The Greymalcin?" Legolas asked.
She nodded. "Yes. I seem to remember that the Greymalcin was supposed to have a disagreeable smell. But I cannot feel it," she said, pressing Thranduil's belly. "Perhaps I am not pressing hard enough. But I am fearful of hurting him…" she trailed off then approached Legolas so quickly that he backed up as if to get out of her way.
"No, hold still. I need to know how much pressure I can use without injuring your father. Tell me when it becomes too painful," she said, placing her hand on his stomach.
"Relax," she said as her fingers probed beneath his ribs.
"Relax? How can I relax with you poking and prodding me?"
"Relax," she snapped. "I can feel nothing with your muscles so taught."
Legolas made a sound of irritation and took a deep breath, willing his muscles to relax.
Alede's fingers slid over the curve of his rib cage and just below it, pressing hard.
She stopped when he winced.
She moved away from him abruptly, bending over the king. Her fingers moved over Thranduil's stomach in the same pattern. The king groaned again weakly and Alede leaned down, pressing her ear to the Elf's stomach.
She rose up, her eyes wide. "I need…" She broke off. One did not ask a prince to fetch things. Rushing to the door she flung it open and spoke quickly to the guards there, instructing them to bring broth for the King.
Turning back to Legolas, she said, "If it is indeed a Greymalcin, then I've been putting it to sleep along with your father. That's why it's been so quiet. But if I remove the spell from the creature and give it some food…"
"Then you may be able to feel it," Legolas finished for her.
She nodded.
Legolas paced at the foot of the bed. "The wine that my mother drank came from some of our spoils in an Orc cave. Now, if I remember my reading…" he paused to consider. "The female Greymalcin can lay her eggs through a tiny tube, like a cricket. So, the eggs…"
"I believe they're called spores," Alede supplied.
"All right, spores. The spores could have been laid inside the cask of wine."
Alede nodded, "And when your mother drank it…"
"Yes." Legolas sat down all of a sudden. He remembered the worst part of that book. The Greymalcin spores hatched inside the victim's body and once they died, the creature ate its way out…
"Don't." Alede's knelt in front of him quickly. Obviously, she too knew the creature's habits. "Don't dwell on it. Let's make sure that we have correctly diagnosed your father. Once he is cured…"
"But is there a cure?" he asked quietly.
"Yes, a very simple one actually. The demon must be expelled." Alede got up when there was a knock at the door. She retrieved a bowl from the servant there and closed the door. "But in your father's weakened condition, it could be as fatal to him as the Greymalcin itself."
Legolas watched as Alede passed her staff over his father's belly. She concentrated for several moments, murmuring an incantation.
"Will you lift his head for me?" she asked Legolas. "I'm only waking up the Greymalcin. I don't want your father to experience any pain."
Legolas sat on the bed, cradling his father gently. Alede carefully fed Thranduil a couple of spoonfuls then waited with her hand on his belly.
"There!" she exclaimed suddenly. She took Legolas's hand and laid it over his father's stomach, pressing it down with her own. Legolas looked up in amazement.
"I felt it," he exclaimed. "It's like a babe unborn, when they move in their mother's womb."
"We've got it, Legolas!" she cried excitedly. "We've solved part of the mystery at least! I will do every thing I can to aid his recovery."
Legolas clasped her hand across his father's still form. "I was right to bring you here. I should never have lost faith. If anyone can heal him, you can Alede."
"I will do my best. Now we just need to…"
She was interrupted by the door banging open. Princess Elvothien rushed in, highly agitated.
"Lady Alede, please come quickly! My husband is ill!"
*********
The symptoms were the same, exactly the same. Alede looked up into the panic stricken eyes of Princess Elvothien and Prince Franduil and nodded. Glancing around, she looked for Legolas and instead her eyes fell on two adorable little faces.
Elvin children were rare. So rare, in fact that Alede had never seen any and yet here were two precious twins starring up at her with large solemn eyes. She knew not how old they might be. They were the size of human children of four or five years. The boy strongly resembled Franduil and the King. But the girl had taken after her grandmother's side of the family and her resemblance to Legolas was remarkable. As Alede watched, the little girl ran to her uncle and tugged at his leggings.
"Legolas," she whispered. "What's wrong with Father?"
"He is ill, Nia. But Alede will make him well again."
Legolas picked her up, resting her on his hip with the ease of long practice. If Alede had not been so worried she might have melted at the sight of them. Their faces so alike, their intense eyes the same color of twilight, their long hair blending against Legolas's shoulder.
Alede dragged her eyes away reluctantly and turned to Elvothien. "I think Legolas and I have found an answer. But it would be best if the children are not here."
Elvothien looked up at Legolas and he nodded. "I will take them to our sister." Still carrying Thrania, he held out a hand to the boy and they left the room.
Alede quickly explained to Franduil and Elvothien what she and Legolas believed and how she might cure it.
"That's ridiculous," Franduil said as soon as she was finished. He sat ramrod straight in bed and Alede was willing to bet that Elvothien had forced him in there. He didn't look like a terribly cooperative patient.
"That book contained stories for children. None of those creatures were real. Even if they were," Franduil continued indignantly. "I can not believe that such a thing could cause such a severe illness in my father. I've certainly not eaten any spores, as you call them."
"Listen to her, Franduil," Legolas said as he came back in the room. "That book was a true account. It was not just tales. The Greymalcin was clearly described. And I too felt the creature move within Father's stomach."
"Well then, what are you waiting for?" Franduil exclaimed. "If you are both certain of this then remove that thing from him before it causes him any more harm!"
"Well, that is the problem…" Alede began, looking up at Legolas for support. "In your father's weekend condition, expelling the demon could kill him. There's the possibility that it could tear his stomach or he could choke. And if we're wrong, though I'm sure that I'm not, I'd like to start…" she glanced apologetically at Elvothien before turning her gaze back to Franduil. "I'd like to try the cure on you first, your Highness."
It took a moment for her words to sink in. Then Franduil was furious. "I have no intention of allowing you to deliberately make me ill!"
"Franduil…" Legolas began, but Alede interrupted.
"But if you are carrying a Greymalcin as well, then not only will it confirm our theory, but it will also ensure…" she paused, hesitant to say what needed to be said. "I must be certain that this kingdom will have an heir, if I fail to cure your father," she finished quietly.
There was a moment of silence and then everyone started arguing at once.
"Silence," Legolas cried. "This is what must be done. I like it not. But we must ensure the safety of the kingdom, Franduil. By the Valar, I hope we will cure Father as well. But we must face the reality that he may too far gone. He may be too week."
"And whose fault would that be?" Franduil shouted, glaring at Alede. "If you had discovered this creature days ago, instead of…"
"Franduil, it is not Alede's fault!" Legolas shouted back at his brother. "Why do you resist this? What harm will it cause? You've been sick on wine often enough, will this be that much worse? At least then we will know for certain. You are strong and healthy. Even if we are wrong it will cause you no harm."
"No. I will not allow…"
"Please," Elvothien begged of her husband, interrupting his tirade. "I could not bear it if you sickened and died. Listen to your brother. He and Alede's plea makes sense. You are the stronger one. Let Alede do what she must and then we will decide what else is to be done."
Franduil lowered his eyes to his wife's gentle hand upon his arm. His answer came reluctantly. "Very well. I will do as you ask."
"Good," Alede pulled out a packet of herbs from her satchel. "I will need hot water, a cup and two basins," she said to Elvothien.
When all had been brought, Alede poured in a generous amount of herb. She stirred it and a bitter aroma filled the room. She handed the cup to Franduil. "A couple of swallows should be enough. Then give it to Legolas, so that he may drink also."
"Me?" Legolas looked surprised. "But there is naught ill with me."
"Not yet," she said turning to him. "But I am not taking chances with you. You are next in line for the throne, so you are a likely target as well."
Legolas looked obstinate. "I have had naught but wine for the past two days. I would have noticed if there were spores in my cup. Besides, I poured it myself."
"Then you are probably safe. But I would prefer to be sure."
"You already felt my stomach."
"I imagine it takes a few days for it to grow tender."
They exchanged glowering looks for a moment.
"You said you performed a test on my father," Legolas finally said. "A test that showed magic in his belly. Could you not perform the same test on me?"
Alede scowled at him. "I could, but you will not like it. The drought would be easier…"
But Legolas was obviously not willing to comply. Elves were easily as stubborn as Dwarves though they would never admit it. Finally Alede turned away from him, she could not force him and did not have the persuasive power of Franduil's wife.
With a sigh, Alede handed the cup to the elder brother and set it down on the table once he's swallowed some. Then she turned back toward the fireplace as Elvothien picked up the basin and went to sit beside her husband.
Alede poked at the fire, adding another log and stirred the flames until she had a good blaze going. She ignored the quiet sounds of retching until she heard Elvothien's gasp of astonishment.
"Alede!" Elvothien cried.
Alede ran back to the bed, just as a tiny black creature was trying to crawl out of the basin. Alede plucked the slimy thing up and hurried over to the fireplace. Legolas went with her, a look of horror on his face.
The creature was about the size of her thumb, with an oversized head and a man shaped body. Its skin was completely black and it smelled of rats. It emitted a shrill squeal and struggled to get out of her grasp as Alede held it firmly.
Alede nodded grimly, "A Greymalcin." With a flick of her wrist she tossed it into the fire. The Greymalcin squealed and scrambled out but by then Alede was ready with the fire tongs. She grasped it firmly and held it in the flames. It screamed and sizzled.
Beside her, Legolas looked as if he might get sick without the benefit of the draught she had prepared. When the Greymalcin's skin burst with a popping sound, Legolas left her rather quickly. Out of the corner of her eye, Alede saw him walk out onto the balcony.
Once the Greymalcin had burned to ashes, Alede returned to the bed. Elvothien had already wiped her husband's face and removed the basin.
"How do you feel?" Alede asked, sitting down beside Franduil and handing him a glass of clear water.
"Other than feeling foolish for doubting you and Legolas, much better," Franduil replied.
Alede smiled. That was likely the best she'd get for an apology from the proud Elf, but she was willing to accept it.
Legolas entered the room again, giving the fireplace a wary glance before coming to check on Franduil.
Alede glanced up at him and smiled. "There was no blood. He'll be fine."
Legolas nodded. "When ever you're ready, you may perform the test on me."
Alede glanced at Elvothien and shared a knowing smile with her.
*********
Franduil greeted Legolas as the younger prince returned. Franduil had dressed and seemed none the worse for wear after his experience. Legolas however, was very uncomfortable. The herb that Alede had rubbed on his stomach was so noxious it had sent him into a fit of sneezing. Even now, after several washings he could still smell it. And his skin felt raw from it, reminding him uncomfortably of the necromancer's powder that he'd experienced before.
But the spell she'd performed combined with the horrid herb had shown no sign of a Greymalcin or any other kind of magic. And for that he was grateful, though he was certain he'd caught a glimmer of amusement in Alede's eyes as she'd left him sneezing.
"How do you feel?" Legolas asked his brother with concern.
"I am well," Franduil nodded. Then looking a bit sheepish, he grasped Legolas' shoulder. "I spoke harsh words to you, which I wish to retract. And I think Father was wrong about Alede. She is stubborn and strange in the way of wizards, but I can sense no evil in her. I am sorry, my brother. You were right."
"I forgive you," Legolas said seriously. "We will see how right both of us are. This could go ill for Father if he has lost too much strength."
Franduil nodded. "I understand. In part, that is why I insist on being there when she administers the potion to Father. But right now, Elvothien has asked her to examine the children. If this is a threat to the crown, then they too may be targets."
Legolas shuddered at the thought and he and Franduil walked into the other room to see what transpired.
Alede sat cross-legged on the floor, both children in front of her. She was in the middle of an explanation when the two princes entered. Elvothien watched from a chair nearby. When her husband came in, she made a slight gesture for silence, then directed a smiling glance at the three on the floor.
"There are many things that can tell me how healthy you are," Alede said to the children.
"Like what?" Thrania piped up and Legolas grinned. She was always the bold one.
"Like this," Alede said. "Stick out your tongue and try to touch your tongue to the bottom of your nose."
Nia immediately made the appropriate face, sticking out her tongue as far as she could. Little Elvomir, after watching his sister a moment tried it too.
Legolas and Franduil both smothered laughter at the their absurdly adorable faces.
"Mmnmn… I can't do it!" Nia cried in frustration after a moment.
"Mm hmm," Alede nodded sagely. "That tells me a great deal."
"What?" both children asked, abandoning their nose touching exercise.
"You need to grow great big noses," Alede replied with a twinkle in her eyes.
Nia giggled and Elvomir smiled bashfully.
"Or… or maybe really long tongues, like a snake," he offered shyly and Nia giggled again.
"Yes, maybe so," Alede agreed. "Alright, now how about this one? Can you wiggle your ears?"
Both children screwed up their faces in concentration again, trying to locate ear-wiggling muscles.
Nia blew her breath out when her face finally started to turn red. "No! Can you?"
"Of course," Alede said, and reaching up with her hands she wiggled her ears.
All three of them burst out laughing and both children had to try this obvious technique.
"Last one," Alede proclaimed once the giggling had died down. "Can you poke your fingers in your tummy really hard, like this?" She demonstrated on her own stomach. Both children immediately tried this as well, showing no signs of discomfort. Legolas smiled at how Alede had turned the examination into a game that would not frighten them.
"What does that tell you, Aday?" Nia asked, mispronouncing Alede's name.
"It tells me that you're not ticklish enough," Alede said, quickly thrumming her fingers over both children's ribs. Once again giggles broke out.
"Thank you," Alede said rising to her feet. "You have been very good patients and I pronounce you in excellent health. Now to keep you healthy, I will prescribe some medicine for you as a preventative…"
"What's a prevnative?" Nia asked.
"A preventative," Alede corrected her pronunciation. "Is something that will keep you from ever getting sick. Now for you, Prince Elvomir… I prescribe that one day this week you will have two berry tarts after dinner, instead of one."
"Really?" he asked. "What day?"
"Any day you chose."
"Today," the tiny prince said firmly and all the adults in the room laughed.
"And for you, Princess Thrania…" here, Legolas moved into Alede's line of sight and caught her eye. He gestured toward himself and Alede seemed to catch on.
"I prescribe that you…" Alede broke off glancing once more at Legolas. He mouthed the word 'horse' to her and she nodded.
"I prescribe that you spend at least one hour with your uncle on his horse."
Nia squealed and jumped up and down. "Today, Uncle Legolas? Today?"
He went to her and knelt down. "Not today, Sweet. But perhaps tomorrow morning. I'm going to help your grandfather get well today. But tomorrow we'll go."
"Are you going to give Grandfather berry tarts?" Elvomir asked shyly.
"Yes," Alede answered giving a serious glance at the two princes. "Once he's well, he can have as many berry tarts as he wants."
*********
"Your children seem fine, Your Highness," Alede said as she hurried to catch up with the two princes. "You both know the symptoms to watch for."
"Yes, thank you," Franduil answered. "Now what is your plan for Father?"
"Well…" Alede looked to Legolas. "He'll need to be conscious, so there is less danger of his choking. But once I bring him out of the sleeping spell, he'll be in pain and I'm not sure I'll be able to administer the potion." She glanced around at both of them. "I'll entertain any suggestions."
Franduil considered for a moment and then nodded. "Mead," he said.
Legolas' head came up. "That last batch was potent enough. I certainly wasn't feeling any pain."
The two brothers grinned at each other and Alede wondered what she was missing. But she'd have to ask later.
"Meade might be the answer. It would make him relaxed…"
"Oh, he'll be relaxed." Franduil affirmed. "I'll bring it to his room."
*********
"I've never intentionally gotten a patient drunk before," Alede said uncertainly. "Isn't that an awful lot, Legolas?"
Legolas had the presence of mind to start giving the mead to Thranduil while he was still unconscious and was pouring it down the King's throat in what seemed like copious amounts to Alede.
"Father can drink quite a bit," Legolas said, gently tipping in another mouthful.
Alede watched worriedly, but when she took the heavy sleep spell off of the King, he seemed quite cheerful and was certainly relaxed. The mead was indeed potent.
Thranduil did choke after Alede administered the drought. And for a few terrifying moments she thought she'd lose him. But with both princes holding the King firmly, Alede gave him two solid blows between his shoulder blades. Thranduil coughed violently and then took a deep gasping breath.
He was free of the Greymalcin. Alede gently lowered the King back onto his pillow, reaching hastily for the basin. But the Greymalcin was giving them no trouble. It was as drunk as its former host.
"Allow me to do the honors," Legolas said thrusting the woozy demon into the fire. It was much larger than the one Franduil had carried.
Alede bent to examine the King. There was no blood on his lips and when she palpitated his stomach he appeared to feel no pain. She gently wiped his face and gave him several swallows of water.
"I think he'll be fine," she said turning to the two anxious faces that watched over her shoulder. "I'll give him another draught of the slippery elm to sooth his stomach. But I think tomorrow he'll be able to eat some bread and then we'll see…"
Franduil's face broke into a relieved grin.
"You've done it!" Legolas cried joyfully. He caught Alede in a fierce embrace, lifting her momentarily off of her feet and swinging her around. Alede gave a squeak of surprise, but laughed and returned his hug once he'd set her down again.
"Are you still here, Witch?" Thranduil slurred.
"Yes, I am still here," Alede said with a wry shake of her head. *Well, I did not expect any thanks from him.*
Straitening up, she picked up her satchel. "If you'll watch over him Lord Franduil, I'll go to Lomomir now."
"Yes, I'll take care of him," Franduil said, pouring a healthy dose of mead for himself.
"Alede…"
She glanced back at Legolas.
"Thank you," he said quietly and the look in his eyes was more thanks than she could ever hope for. "I'll join you in a moment," he continued. "In case Lomomir still forbids you entrance."
*********
Alede walked quickly down the corridors to Lomomir's room, Hithrawyn at her side. She had just finished explaining the situation to the Elfin guard.
"I begin to wonder if the infestation of the Greymalcin was merely an accident, Hithrawyn. Perhaps the spoors got into the food stores somehow."
"But Lady Alede, how would that explain the attacks on you?"
"Yes, well…" Alede said glancing behind her to make sure that Legolas had not caught up with them yet. "How well do you know Lady Unilyn?" she asked stepping closer to Hithrawyn and lowering her voice.
The guard hesitated, obviously uncomfortable with what he considered gossip.
"I only ask," Alede continued. "Because I wonder if those attacks might have been prompted by jealousy and have nothing to do with the King's illness."
Hithrawyn shook his head. "That is not Unilyn's way. While she may see you as a rival she would not attack you. She has been quite frail since her incident. She would not have the strength. Pity has always been her strongest ally, not aggression."
"But then who…?"
"There is also the matter that Unilyn has nothing to gain by stealing the two books that we are missing," Legolas said coming up behind them.
Alede turned guiltily toward him. Legolas' face was stony and she knew that their conversation had irritated him.
"And, you forget that my mother died of this. I think it much more likely that whoever pushed you on the stairs and stole the books, is also the same person who stands to gain from the loss of the royal family."
Legolas gave Alede one more dark look before pushing ahead of them and walking toward Lomomir's rooms.
Guiltily, Alede and Hithrawyn followed him.
*********
Lomomir's wife refused them entrance. Legolas attempted shouting explanations through the door at her, but she wouldn't have it.
Finally, losing his patience and with a tone he seldom used, Legolas made one final attempt.
"This is not a request. This is a royal command. Open the door to your Prince, now!"
"I… I can't," came the sobbing cry behind the solid wood.
"By the Valar…" Alede muttered irritably beside him. Clearly she had lost patience also. Bending down onto one knee, she pointed her staff at the lock and began a furious incantation. Legolas heard clicks as the tumblers moved and he tried the knob. The door rattled but did not open.
"Its barred on the inside," Alede said quietly as she stood up. "Hithrawyn is rather good at opening doors however," she added looking up at the huge warrior.
Legolas nodded to him. "Both of us."
Alede quickly stepped out of the way and Legolas and Hithrawyn put their shoulders to the door. With an unspoken signal, they pulled back and then slammed into it. The door shuddered at their first attempt, but the second sent them crashing through it.
Legolas leaped easily over the splintered remains of the doorframe and scanned the room. He'd expected his uncle to be in the bedchamber and was rather surprised to find himself confronting him from across the main room.
"What foolishness is this?" Lomomir demanded.
"We have found the cure Uncle. You need not suffer anymore or fear to contaminate us." Though in truth as Legolas looked his uncle over, he did not appear to be ill at all. Lomomir was fully dressed and from the ink on his hand it seemed he had been sitting at the desk just before they entered.
Alede pulled out her bag of herbs and began explaining the nature of the illness to Lomomir. Legolas watched his uncle in bewilderment. The healer appeared furious and kept sending cold little glances at Legolas. He didn't even seem to hear Alede's words. Yet, if he were truly ill, Legolas thought, Lomomir should find comfort in them.
Suspiciously, Legolas glanced around the room. His eyes swept over the furniture and came to rest on the desk. The inkwell was overturned as if someone had risen from the desk in hast. Crossing over to it quickly, Legolas reached down and picked up some tiny black flakes on the desktop and rubbed them between his fingers.
Ashes. And one tiny piece contained ancient script.
Legolas' head came up and he looked sharply at his uncle. Lomomir was staring back at him with a look of growing animosity on his face.
Legolas swore. "Hithrawyn, restrain him!" he shouted and ran into the bedchamber, the one room he hadn't searched before. Behind him he heard an inarticulate noise as Lomomir tried to stop him, but the warrior intercepted him.
"What is it?" Alede called from the doorway, sounding puzzled.
Legolas did not answer; instead he glanced sharply around the room. His eyes rested on the wardrobe and he crossed to it, yanking the doors open. He pushed garments aside and pulled out drawers, but found nothing. Scanning the bookshelf, he shook his head in frustration and ran a hand through his hair.
"Legolas?" Alede said uncertainly from the door.
"Is Lomomir ill?" Legolas asked as he continued his search.
"Well," he saw her glance back at the healer's struggling form in the other room. "He certainly does not show any of the symptoms. But, what are you searching for?"
"Nothing I hope." Legolas grabbed the corner of the mattress and pulled it back with a viscous tug.
A large book, badly burned tumbled to the floor. Several of its pages slithered out and scattered over Legolas' boots.
In the doorway, Alede gasped.
They'd found the missing healer's journal.
*********
Chapter 10 "King Thranduil" coming next weekend. :) BTW gardening season has begun here, so I'm spending a lot more time outside. I'm only going to post on Fridays now, (instead of Mon. and Fri. like I have been.) But I promise to finish it! I won't leave you hanging!
NOTE ABOUT THE GREYMALCIN: This horrid little creature is something I read about in a book of ancient Celtic legends. Supposedly it inhabited its victim's stomach and eventually starved them to death, unless they upchucked it. Ewww! It wasn't called a Greymalcin, but I haven't been able to find the book again, so I just made up a name for it. If anyone is familiar with this legend, please let me know. I'd love to read it again, even though it grosses me out! Just as bad as Legolas, I guess. :)
List of Original Characters:
Lomomir: Mirkwood's Healer and Thranduil's youngest brother.
Unilyn: A young she-Elf, probably about Legolas' age. She is Legolas' former lover.
Prince Franduil: King Thranduil's second son. He is now the crown prince, due to the oldest son's death in the War of Five Armies.
Princess Elvothien: Wife of Prince Franduil and sister-in-law to Legolas.
Elvomir: Prince Franduil and Evlothien's little boy. Nephew to Legolas.
Hithrawyn: A warrior sent to guard Alede
Thrania: Prince Franduil and Evlothien's little girl. Twin to Elvomir and niece to Legolas. He affectionately calls her Nia.
A/N: Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the reviews! You guys inspire me and keep me going! I'm glad you're all hunting for clues. I'm afraid I'm not an "Agatha Christi" but I hope I can keep this exciting for you. One of my favorite quotes is, "The only fun about a mystery, is that it is one." Enjoy and thanks for reading! ~Nebride
"The Caverns of Mirkwood"
Chapter 9
Demons and Other Denizens of Darkness
[Dear Gimli,
I know now what it is that threatens my father. But I know not how it came to be. Tell me, my friend have you ever heard tell of a …]
*********
"Alede…"
"Mmm?"
"Alede, wake up."
She took a deep breath. She did not want to wake up. She was warm and comfortable and cradled in Legolas' arms. Why would she want to wake up?
"I think I know what threatens my father."
That opened her eyes. "What?"
The mattress heaved as Legolas untangled himself from her and bounded out of the bed. Alede sat up, watching him in bewilderment.
"It was the book," he began stripping his top off and walked out of the room.
"The book?" she called after him. "The one that I borrowed from the Hall of Records?"
"No."
She could hear him moving around in the other room and got out of bed to follow him. They nearly collided in the doorway, so great was Legolas' haste. He dumped a bundle of clothing on the bed. She recognized them as hers and he was already partially dressed.
"It was the book that I questioned the Record's Keeper about," his voice was muffled as he pulled a tunic over his head. "Do you remember?"
"Uhm, vaguely…" Alede forced herself to concentrate on straightening out her clothing. "It was a book about demons wasn't it?"
"Yes, 'Demons and Other Denizens of Darkness'. My Father read it to Franduil and I when we were children. It frightened me so that I dragged my sisters and my friends down to the Hall and read it to them as well. "
"But what about it?" Alede called, as Legolas walked out of the room carrying his boots. She quickly sorted out her clothing and started to dress. "Do you think your father is plagued by a demon?"
"Yes. In that book there was a small demon mentioned," he said from outside the door. "It inhabited caves during the First Age. It could cause great illness and even death if its eggs were swallowed. It killed many Orcs, and occasionally men. But I remember not the name of it…"
Alede suddenly spun around; her eyes were clouded as she searched her memory.
"A Greymalcin," she said suddenly, running to the door. "That's what you speak of, isn't it? A Greymalcin!"
"Yes, that was the name!"
"Legolas… you may be right. I have read about them, but had forgotten…"
"Come!" He held his hand out to her. Alede quickly yanked her hair out from under her tunic and took his hand. Together, they ran to the King's chambers.
*********
The king turned onto his back and groaned faintly as Alede carefully palpitated his stomach. Thranduil was breathing through his mouth in desperate little gasps. As Alede leaned over him, she once again caught that subtle scent that she'd noticed the first day. She breathed in again.
Elves did not smell bad. Ever. They virtually never perspired. They kept themselves fastidiously clean, never suffered from bad teeth…
"Legolas," she said. "Tell me, what do you smell?" Alede gestured toward his father. Elves had much keener senses than even the Istari.
Legolas's fine brows arched in surprise, but he obligingly leaned over his father. He rose up swiftly with a puzzled and disgusted look on his face.
"Rats," he said.
Alede nodded. "Yes. I smelled it the first time I entered the room, but could see no signs of rats and dismissed it as my imagination."
"The Greymalcin?" Legolas asked.
She nodded. "Yes. I seem to remember that the Greymalcin was supposed to have a disagreeable smell. But I cannot feel it," she said, pressing Thranduil's belly. "Perhaps I am not pressing hard enough. But I am fearful of hurting him…" she trailed off then approached Legolas so quickly that he backed up as if to get out of her way.
"No, hold still. I need to know how much pressure I can use without injuring your father. Tell me when it becomes too painful," she said, placing her hand on his stomach.
"Relax," she said as her fingers probed beneath his ribs.
"Relax? How can I relax with you poking and prodding me?"
"Relax," she snapped. "I can feel nothing with your muscles so taught."
Legolas made a sound of irritation and took a deep breath, willing his muscles to relax.
Alede's fingers slid over the curve of his rib cage and just below it, pressing hard.
She stopped when he winced.
She moved away from him abruptly, bending over the king. Her fingers moved over Thranduil's stomach in the same pattern. The king groaned again weakly and Alede leaned down, pressing her ear to the Elf's stomach.
She rose up, her eyes wide. "I need…" She broke off. One did not ask a prince to fetch things. Rushing to the door she flung it open and spoke quickly to the guards there, instructing them to bring broth for the King.
Turning back to Legolas, she said, "If it is indeed a Greymalcin, then I've been putting it to sleep along with your father. That's why it's been so quiet. But if I remove the spell from the creature and give it some food…"
"Then you may be able to feel it," Legolas finished for her.
She nodded.
Legolas paced at the foot of the bed. "The wine that my mother drank came from some of our spoils in an Orc cave. Now, if I remember my reading…" he paused to consider. "The female Greymalcin can lay her eggs through a tiny tube, like a cricket. So, the eggs…"
"I believe they're called spores," Alede supplied.
"All right, spores. The spores could have been laid inside the cask of wine."
Alede nodded, "And when your mother drank it…"
"Yes." Legolas sat down all of a sudden. He remembered the worst part of that book. The Greymalcin spores hatched inside the victim's body and once they died, the creature ate its way out…
"Don't." Alede's knelt in front of him quickly. Obviously, she too knew the creature's habits. "Don't dwell on it. Let's make sure that we have correctly diagnosed your father. Once he is cured…"
"But is there a cure?" he asked quietly.
"Yes, a very simple one actually. The demon must be expelled." Alede got up when there was a knock at the door. She retrieved a bowl from the servant there and closed the door. "But in your father's weakened condition, it could be as fatal to him as the Greymalcin itself."
Legolas watched as Alede passed her staff over his father's belly. She concentrated for several moments, murmuring an incantation.
"Will you lift his head for me?" she asked Legolas. "I'm only waking up the Greymalcin. I don't want your father to experience any pain."
Legolas sat on the bed, cradling his father gently. Alede carefully fed Thranduil a couple of spoonfuls then waited with her hand on his belly.
"There!" she exclaimed suddenly. She took Legolas's hand and laid it over his father's stomach, pressing it down with her own. Legolas looked up in amazement.
"I felt it," he exclaimed. "It's like a babe unborn, when they move in their mother's womb."
"We've got it, Legolas!" she cried excitedly. "We've solved part of the mystery at least! I will do every thing I can to aid his recovery."
Legolas clasped her hand across his father's still form. "I was right to bring you here. I should never have lost faith. If anyone can heal him, you can Alede."
"I will do my best. Now we just need to…"
She was interrupted by the door banging open. Princess Elvothien rushed in, highly agitated.
"Lady Alede, please come quickly! My husband is ill!"
*********
The symptoms were the same, exactly the same. Alede looked up into the panic stricken eyes of Princess Elvothien and Prince Franduil and nodded. Glancing around, she looked for Legolas and instead her eyes fell on two adorable little faces.
Elvin children were rare. So rare, in fact that Alede had never seen any and yet here were two precious twins starring up at her with large solemn eyes. She knew not how old they might be. They were the size of human children of four or five years. The boy strongly resembled Franduil and the King. But the girl had taken after her grandmother's side of the family and her resemblance to Legolas was remarkable. As Alede watched, the little girl ran to her uncle and tugged at his leggings.
"Legolas," she whispered. "What's wrong with Father?"
"He is ill, Nia. But Alede will make him well again."
Legolas picked her up, resting her on his hip with the ease of long practice. If Alede had not been so worried she might have melted at the sight of them. Their faces so alike, their intense eyes the same color of twilight, their long hair blending against Legolas's shoulder.
Alede dragged her eyes away reluctantly and turned to Elvothien. "I think Legolas and I have found an answer. But it would be best if the children are not here."
Elvothien looked up at Legolas and he nodded. "I will take them to our sister." Still carrying Thrania, he held out a hand to the boy and they left the room.
Alede quickly explained to Franduil and Elvothien what she and Legolas believed and how she might cure it.
"That's ridiculous," Franduil said as soon as she was finished. He sat ramrod straight in bed and Alede was willing to bet that Elvothien had forced him in there. He didn't look like a terribly cooperative patient.
"That book contained stories for children. None of those creatures were real. Even if they were," Franduil continued indignantly. "I can not believe that such a thing could cause such a severe illness in my father. I've certainly not eaten any spores, as you call them."
"Listen to her, Franduil," Legolas said as he came back in the room. "That book was a true account. It was not just tales. The Greymalcin was clearly described. And I too felt the creature move within Father's stomach."
"Well then, what are you waiting for?" Franduil exclaimed. "If you are both certain of this then remove that thing from him before it causes him any more harm!"
"Well, that is the problem…" Alede began, looking up at Legolas for support. "In your father's weekend condition, expelling the demon could kill him. There's the possibility that it could tear his stomach or he could choke. And if we're wrong, though I'm sure that I'm not, I'd like to start…" she glanced apologetically at Elvothien before turning her gaze back to Franduil. "I'd like to try the cure on you first, your Highness."
It took a moment for her words to sink in. Then Franduil was furious. "I have no intention of allowing you to deliberately make me ill!"
"Franduil…" Legolas began, but Alede interrupted.
"But if you are carrying a Greymalcin as well, then not only will it confirm our theory, but it will also ensure…" she paused, hesitant to say what needed to be said. "I must be certain that this kingdom will have an heir, if I fail to cure your father," she finished quietly.
There was a moment of silence and then everyone started arguing at once.
"Silence," Legolas cried. "This is what must be done. I like it not. But we must ensure the safety of the kingdom, Franduil. By the Valar, I hope we will cure Father as well. But we must face the reality that he may too far gone. He may be too week."
"And whose fault would that be?" Franduil shouted, glaring at Alede. "If you had discovered this creature days ago, instead of…"
"Franduil, it is not Alede's fault!" Legolas shouted back at his brother. "Why do you resist this? What harm will it cause? You've been sick on wine often enough, will this be that much worse? At least then we will know for certain. You are strong and healthy. Even if we are wrong it will cause you no harm."
"No. I will not allow…"
"Please," Elvothien begged of her husband, interrupting his tirade. "I could not bear it if you sickened and died. Listen to your brother. He and Alede's plea makes sense. You are the stronger one. Let Alede do what she must and then we will decide what else is to be done."
Franduil lowered his eyes to his wife's gentle hand upon his arm. His answer came reluctantly. "Very well. I will do as you ask."
"Good," Alede pulled out a packet of herbs from her satchel. "I will need hot water, a cup and two basins," she said to Elvothien.
When all had been brought, Alede poured in a generous amount of herb. She stirred it and a bitter aroma filled the room. She handed the cup to Franduil. "A couple of swallows should be enough. Then give it to Legolas, so that he may drink also."
"Me?" Legolas looked surprised. "But there is naught ill with me."
"Not yet," she said turning to him. "But I am not taking chances with you. You are next in line for the throne, so you are a likely target as well."
Legolas looked obstinate. "I have had naught but wine for the past two days. I would have noticed if there were spores in my cup. Besides, I poured it myself."
"Then you are probably safe. But I would prefer to be sure."
"You already felt my stomach."
"I imagine it takes a few days for it to grow tender."
They exchanged glowering looks for a moment.
"You said you performed a test on my father," Legolas finally said. "A test that showed magic in his belly. Could you not perform the same test on me?"
Alede scowled at him. "I could, but you will not like it. The drought would be easier…"
But Legolas was obviously not willing to comply. Elves were easily as stubborn as Dwarves though they would never admit it. Finally Alede turned away from him, she could not force him and did not have the persuasive power of Franduil's wife.
With a sigh, Alede handed the cup to the elder brother and set it down on the table once he's swallowed some. Then she turned back toward the fireplace as Elvothien picked up the basin and went to sit beside her husband.
Alede poked at the fire, adding another log and stirred the flames until she had a good blaze going. She ignored the quiet sounds of retching until she heard Elvothien's gasp of astonishment.
"Alede!" Elvothien cried.
Alede ran back to the bed, just as a tiny black creature was trying to crawl out of the basin. Alede plucked the slimy thing up and hurried over to the fireplace. Legolas went with her, a look of horror on his face.
The creature was about the size of her thumb, with an oversized head and a man shaped body. Its skin was completely black and it smelled of rats. It emitted a shrill squeal and struggled to get out of her grasp as Alede held it firmly.
Alede nodded grimly, "A Greymalcin." With a flick of her wrist she tossed it into the fire. The Greymalcin squealed and scrambled out but by then Alede was ready with the fire tongs. She grasped it firmly and held it in the flames. It screamed and sizzled.
Beside her, Legolas looked as if he might get sick without the benefit of the draught she had prepared. When the Greymalcin's skin burst with a popping sound, Legolas left her rather quickly. Out of the corner of her eye, Alede saw him walk out onto the balcony.
Once the Greymalcin had burned to ashes, Alede returned to the bed. Elvothien had already wiped her husband's face and removed the basin.
"How do you feel?" Alede asked, sitting down beside Franduil and handing him a glass of clear water.
"Other than feeling foolish for doubting you and Legolas, much better," Franduil replied.
Alede smiled. That was likely the best she'd get for an apology from the proud Elf, but she was willing to accept it.
Legolas entered the room again, giving the fireplace a wary glance before coming to check on Franduil.
Alede glanced up at him and smiled. "There was no blood. He'll be fine."
Legolas nodded. "When ever you're ready, you may perform the test on me."
Alede glanced at Elvothien and shared a knowing smile with her.
*********
Franduil greeted Legolas as the younger prince returned. Franduil had dressed and seemed none the worse for wear after his experience. Legolas however, was very uncomfortable. The herb that Alede had rubbed on his stomach was so noxious it had sent him into a fit of sneezing. Even now, after several washings he could still smell it. And his skin felt raw from it, reminding him uncomfortably of the necromancer's powder that he'd experienced before.
But the spell she'd performed combined with the horrid herb had shown no sign of a Greymalcin or any other kind of magic. And for that he was grateful, though he was certain he'd caught a glimmer of amusement in Alede's eyes as she'd left him sneezing.
"How do you feel?" Legolas asked his brother with concern.
"I am well," Franduil nodded. Then looking a bit sheepish, he grasped Legolas' shoulder. "I spoke harsh words to you, which I wish to retract. And I think Father was wrong about Alede. She is stubborn and strange in the way of wizards, but I can sense no evil in her. I am sorry, my brother. You were right."
"I forgive you," Legolas said seriously. "We will see how right both of us are. This could go ill for Father if he has lost too much strength."
Franduil nodded. "I understand. In part, that is why I insist on being there when she administers the potion to Father. But right now, Elvothien has asked her to examine the children. If this is a threat to the crown, then they too may be targets."
Legolas shuddered at the thought and he and Franduil walked into the other room to see what transpired.
Alede sat cross-legged on the floor, both children in front of her. She was in the middle of an explanation when the two princes entered. Elvothien watched from a chair nearby. When her husband came in, she made a slight gesture for silence, then directed a smiling glance at the three on the floor.
"There are many things that can tell me how healthy you are," Alede said to the children.
"Like what?" Thrania piped up and Legolas grinned. She was always the bold one.
"Like this," Alede said. "Stick out your tongue and try to touch your tongue to the bottom of your nose."
Nia immediately made the appropriate face, sticking out her tongue as far as she could. Little Elvomir, after watching his sister a moment tried it too.
Legolas and Franduil both smothered laughter at the their absurdly adorable faces.
"Mmnmn… I can't do it!" Nia cried in frustration after a moment.
"Mm hmm," Alede nodded sagely. "That tells me a great deal."
"What?" both children asked, abandoning their nose touching exercise.
"You need to grow great big noses," Alede replied with a twinkle in her eyes.
Nia giggled and Elvomir smiled bashfully.
"Or… or maybe really long tongues, like a snake," he offered shyly and Nia giggled again.
"Yes, maybe so," Alede agreed. "Alright, now how about this one? Can you wiggle your ears?"
Both children screwed up their faces in concentration again, trying to locate ear-wiggling muscles.
Nia blew her breath out when her face finally started to turn red. "No! Can you?"
"Of course," Alede said, and reaching up with her hands she wiggled her ears.
All three of them burst out laughing and both children had to try this obvious technique.
"Last one," Alede proclaimed once the giggling had died down. "Can you poke your fingers in your tummy really hard, like this?" She demonstrated on her own stomach. Both children immediately tried this as well, showing no signs of discomfort. Legolas smiled at how Alede had turned the examination into a game that would not frighten them.
"What does that tell you, Aday?" Nia asked, mispronouncing Alede's name.
"It tells me that you're not ticklish enough," Alede said, quickly thrumming her fingers over both children's ribs. Once again giggles broke out.
"Thank you," Alede said rising to her feet. "You have been very good patients and I pronounce you in excellent health. Now to keep you healthy, I will prescribe some medicine for you as a preventative…"
"What's a prevnative?" Nia asked.
"A preventative," Alede corrected her pronunciation. "Is something that will keep you from ever getting sick. Now for you, Prince Elvomir… I prescribe that one day this week you will have two berry tarts after dinner, instead of one."
"Really?" he asked. "What day?"
"Any day you chose."
"Today," the tiny prince said firmly and all the adults in the room laughed.
"And for you, Princess Thrania…" here, Legolas moved into Alede's line of sight and caught her eye. He gestured toward himself and Alede seemed to catch on.
"I prescribe that you…" Alede broke off glancing once more at Legolas. He mouthed the word 'horse' to her and she nodded.
"I prescribe that you spend at least one hour with your uncle on his horse."
Nia squealed and jumped up and down. "Today, Uncle Legolas? Today?"
He went to her and knelt down. "Not today, Sweet. But perhaps tomorrow morning. I'm going to help your grandfather get well today. But tomorrow we'll go."
"Are you going to give Grandfather berry tarts?" Elvomir asked shyly.
"Yes," Alede answered giving a serious glance at the two princes. "Once he's well, he can have as many berry tarts as he wants."
*********
"Your children seem fine, Your Highness," Alede said as she hurried to catch up with the two princes. "You both know the symptoms to watch for."
"Yes, thank you," Franduil answered. "Now what is your plan for Father?"
"Well…" Alede looked to Legolas. "He'll need to be conscious, so there is less danger of his choking. But once I bring him out of the sleeping spell, he'll be in pain and I'm not sure I'll be able to administer the potion." She glanced around at both of them. "I'll entertain any suggestions."
Franduil considered for a moment and then nodded. "Mead," he said.
Legolas' head came up. "That last batch was potent enough. I certainly wasn't feeling any pain."
The two brothers grinned at each other and Alede wondered what she was missing. But she'd have to ask later.
"Meade might be the answer. It would make him relaxed…"
"Oh, he'll be relaxed." Franduil affirmed. "I'll bring it to his room."
*********
"I've never intentionally gotten a patient drunk before," Alede said uncertainly. "Isn't that an awful lot, Legolas?"
Legolas had the presence of mind to start giving the mead to Thranduil while he was still unconscious and was pouring it down the King's throat in what seemed like copious amounts to Alede.
"Father can drink quite a bit," Legolas said, gently tipping in another mouthful.
Alede watched worriedly, but when she took the heavy sleep spell off of the King, he seemed quite cheerful and was certainly relaxed. The mead was indeed potent.
Thranduil did choke after Alede administered the drought. And for a few terrifying moments she thought she'd lose him. But with both princes holding the King firmly, Alede gave him two solid blows between his shoulder blades. Thranduil coughed violently and then took a deep gasping breath.
He was free of the Greymalcin. Alede gently lowered the King back onto his pillow, reaching hastily for the basin. But the Greymalcin was giving them no trouble. It was as drunk as its former host.
"Allow me to do the honors," Legolas said thrusting the woozy demon into the fire. It was much larger than the one Franduil had carried.
Alede bent to examine the King. There was no blood on his lips and when she palpitated his stomach he appeared to feel no pain. She gently wiped his face and gave him several swallows of water.
"I think he'll be fine," she said turning to the two anxious faces that watched over her shoulder. "I'll give him another draught of the slippery elm to sooth his stomach. But I think tomorrow he'll be able to eat some bread and then we'll see…"
Franduil's face broke into a relieved grin.
"You've done it!" Legolas cried joyfully. He caught Alede in a fierce embrace, lifting her momentarily off of her feet and swinging her around. Alede gave a squeak of surprise, but laughed and returned his hug once he'd set her down again.
"Are you still here, Witch?" Thranduil slurred.
"Yes, I am still here," Alede said with a wry shake of her head. *Well, I did not expect any thanks from him.*
Straitening up, she picked up her satchel. "If you'll watch over him Lord Franduil, I'll go to Lomomir now."
"Yes, I'll take care of him," Franduil said, pouring a healthy dose of mead for himself.
"Alede…"
She glanced back at Legolas.
"Thank you," he said quietly and the look in his eyes was more thanks than she could ever hope for. "I'll join you in a moment," he continued. "In case Lomomir still forbids you entrance."
*********
Alede walked quickly down the corridors to Lomomir's room, Hithrawyn at her side. She had just finished explaining the situation to the Elfin guard.
"I begin to wonder if the infestation of the Greymalcin was merely an accident, Hithrawyn. Perhaps the spoors got into the food stores somehow."
"But Lady Alede, how would that explain the attacks on you?"
"Yes, well…" Alede said glancing behind her to make sure that Legolas had not caught up with them yet. "How well do you know Lady Unilyn?" she asked stepping closer to Hithrawyn and lowering her voice.
The guard hesitated, obviously uncomfortable with what he considered gossip.
"I only ask," Alede continued. "Because I wonder if those attacks might have been prompted by jealousy and have nothing to do with the King's illness."
Hithrawyn shook his head. "That is not Unilyn's way. While she may see you as a rival she would not attack you. She has been quite frail since her incident. She would not have the strength. Pity has always been her strongest ally, not aggression."
"But then who…?"
"There is also the matter that Unilyn has nothing to gain by stealing the two books that we are missing," Legolas said coming up behind them.
Alede turned guiltily toward him. Legolas' face was stony and she knew that their conversation had irritated him.
"And, you forget that my mother died of this. I think it much more likely that whoever pushed you on the stairs and stole the books, is also the same person who stands to gain from the loss of the royal family."
Legolas gave Alede one more dark look before pushing ahead of them and walking toward Lomomir's rooms.
Guiltily, Alede and Hithrawyn followed him.
*********
Lomomir's wife refused them entrance. Legolas attempted shouting explanations through the door at her, but she wouldn't have it.
Finally, losing his patience and with a tone he seldom used, Legolas made one final attempt.
"This is not a request. This is a royal command. Open the door to your Prince, now!"
"I… I can't," came the sobbing cry behind the solid wood.
"By the Valar…" Alede muttered irritably beside him. Clearly she had lost patience also. Bending down onto one knee, she pointed her staff at the lock and began a furious incantation. Legolas heard clicks as the tumblers moved and he tried the knob. The door rattled but did not open.
"Its barred on the inside," Alede said quietly as she stood up. "Hithrawyn is rather good at opening doors however," she added looking up at the huge warrior.
Legolas nodded to him. "Both of us."
Alede quickly stepped out of the way and Legolas and Hithrawyn put their shoulders to the door. With an unspoken signal, they pulled back and then slammed into it. The door shuddered at their first attempt, but the second sent them crashing through it.
Legolas leaped easily over the splintered remains of the doorframe and scanned the room. He'd expected his uncle to be in the bedchamber and was rather surprised to find himself confronting him from across the main room.
"What foolishness is this?" Lomomir demanded.
"We have found the cure Uncle. You need not suffer anymore or fear to contaminate us." Though in truth as Legolas looked his uncle over, he did not appear to be ill at all. Lomomir was fully dressed and from the ink on his hand it seemed he had been sitting at the desk just before they entered.
Alede pulled out her bag of herbs and began explaining the nature of the illness to Lomomir. Legolas watched his uncle in bewilderment. The healer appeared furious and kept sending cold little glances at Legolas. He didn't even seem to hear Alede's words. Yet, if he were truly ill, Legolas thought, Lomomir should find comfort in them.
Suspiciously, Legolas glanced around the room. His eyes swept over the furniture and came to rest on the desk. The inkwell was overturned as if someone had risen from the desk in hast. Crossing over to it quickly, Legolas reached down and picked up some tiny black flakes on the desktop and rubbed them between his fingers.
Ashes. And one tiny piece contained ancient script.
Legolas' head came up and he looked sharply at his uncle. Lomomir was staring back at him with a look of growing animosity on his face.
Legolas swore. "Hithrawyn, restrain him!" he shouted and ran into the bedchamber, the one room he hadn't searched before. Behind him he heard an inarticulate noise as Lomomir tried to stop him, but the warrior intercepted him.
"What is it?" Alede called from the doorway, sounding puzzled.
Legolas did not answer; instead he glanced sharply around the room. His eyes rested on the wardrobe and he crossed to it, yanking the doors open. He pushed garments aside and pulled out drawers, but found nothing. Scanning the bookshelf, he shook his head in frustration and ran a hand through his hair.
"Legolas?" Alede said uncertainly from the door.
"Is Lomomir ill?" Legolas asked as he continued his search.
"Well," he saw her glance back at the healer's struggling form in the other room. "He certainly does not show any of the symptoms. But, what are you searching for?"
"Nothing I hope." Legolas grabbed the corner of the mattress and pulled it back with a viscous tug.
A large book, badly burned tumbled to the floor. Several of its pages slithered out and scattered over Legolas' boots.
In the doorway, Alede gasped.
They'd found the missing healer's journal.
*********
Chapter 10 "King Thranduil" coming next weekend. :) BTW gardening season has begun here, so I'm spending a lot more time outside. I'm only going to post on Fridays now, (instead of Mon. and Fri. like I have been.) But I promise to finish it! I won't leave you hanging!
NOTE ABOUT THE GREYMALCIN: This horrid little creature is something I read about in a book of ancient Celtic legends. Supposedly it inhabited its victim's stomach and eventually starved them to death, unless they upchucked it. Ewww! It wasn't called a Greymalcin, but I haven't been able to find the book again, so I just made up a name for it. If anyone is familiar with this legend, please let me know. I'd love to read it again, even though it grosses me out! Just as bad as Legolas, I guess. :)
List of Original Characters:
Lomomir: Mirkwood's Healer and Thranduil's youngest brother.
Unilyn: A young she-Elf, probably about Legolas' age. She is Legolas' former lover.
Prince Franduil: King Thranduil's second son. He is now the crown prince, due to the oldest son's death in the War of Five Armies.
Princess Elvothien: Wife of Prince Franduil and sister-in-law to Legolas.
Elvomir: Prince Franduil and Evlothien's little boy. Nephew to Legolas.
Hithrawyn: A warrior sent to guard Alede
Thrania: Prince Franduil and Evlothien's little girl. Twin to Elvomir and niece to Legolas. He affectionately calls her Nia.
