Chapter 5

They marched for hours in silence. It reminded Legolas of his time in Moria, he shuddered at the thought. Eventually, the passage seemed to climb steeply. Gandalf made them halt in from of another blank stone wall. "Legolas and I will step outside and make sure it is safe. I have bent my mind to some horses. We can ride from here to the Sanctuary. It is protected by many spells and is unseen to all those who do not know it is there." With that he opened the door and stepped into the twilight. "It is safe, but we must be quick. Tally you will ride with Legolas. These are Elfin Horses. They will not let you fall."

Tally was lifted onto the horse then Legolas jumped on behind her. There was no saddle and no reins, "Hold the horse's mane Tally. I will not let you fall. We are riding through woods. Keep your eyes open and watch for branches."

And with that the set off, riding hard into the half-dark. These horses were faster than any she'd seen before. Tally had not ridden as a child. She was scared of falling. It was cold and she began to shake. Legolas wrapped his cloak around them further, rubbing her arms with his hands. She winced as he pressed her bruises, not thinking. Legolas took her hands from off the horse and held them to her body. He pinned his cloak back all the way around them both and used his arms to hold them both on. Tally relaxed against his warm body, feeling the heat spread about her limbs and the numbness disappear. She sighed wriggling about to make herself comfortable and Legolas moved closer to her. The horse slowed to a trot as Gandalf checked his to a walk. They came along side.

"Tally I am afraid we must go further still tonight. We have ridden for many hours, but the more distance we put between us and the cottage the better. You must drink one of the draughts we prepared for you. Here." Tally dank a bitter liquid but she felt strength return to her almost immediately.

"Thank you Gandalf. But where are we going?"

"We are going to the Sanctuary as I said before. It is only another few hours ride, but it is across open ground. We will need to keep our eyes peeled. I know you wish to sleep but you must be wary of fences and on watch for the Enemy"

Tally nodded in response and the set off riding again. The adrenaline pulsed through her veins as she felt the horse under her. She was watching the shadows closely and she felt Legolas do the same. Their path was suspiciously empty. Gandalf made them stop just as dawn was coming up.

"They cannot travel by day. We must wait till after dawn before we finish the ride. The horses must rest. If they are going to attack then they will do it soon. Tally you may sleep. We must stay close to the fire. Legolas will stay with you and Josiah and I will take watch."

Tally curled down with a cloak over her. "Legolas?" she said looking up to where he sat beside her, "What did Gandalf mean about this being my war too? I don't know how to fight. How can I be of use? I'll just end up getting people killed."

"I do not know Tally. You must get some sleep though. Do not think of it. There will be a council soon I am sure. Just rest now." He pushed her hair back behind her ear and watched as she fell asleep.