Chapter 3

Before long, to the satisfaction of Strider but the dismay of Kareswan, they had set off again. But when she complained about needing more sleep he only sped up. Strider sat back straight, hardly relaxing as if he was looking for something, keeping watch, she wondered how he did it as she struggled to focus her eyes.

The sun beat down on the land as the breeze rushed through the long grass. The mountains were still dominant in the west and the many hill, dells and small valleys seemed to emerge everywhere Kareswan looked. But she revelled in the beauty; it felt good to be finally away from her home and roaming free in middle earth.

Kareswan noticed that Strider had stopped a little way in front of her. As she came up to meet him she could see that he was now less anxious. He shielded his eyes as he checked the position of the sun, turned his eyes due north and laughed to himself. Puzzled, Kareswan too turned her head north.

The way ahead was rough; there were many ups and downs in the land most unlike that plain fields of Rohan. Strider and Kareswan were nearing the mountains, which still lay on the West. In front of them lay several foliage covered areas one of which Kareswan couldn't help but watch. On the trees to their left, some leagues ahead, there seemed to be movement. This, would seem, was what Strider was waiting for. A lone rider emerged from the shelter of the trees and began to ride towards them.

He was tall and was riding his horse bare back with ease, which struck Kareswan as strange. She'd never seen anyone ride bareback. The only people she knew to ride bareback were the elves. And as the man drew near, with his golden hair flowing behind him, she realized that he wasn't a man at all, why, he was an elf. Kareswan shifted in her saddle, she had heard stories about the elves, as a child she had been in awe of them and to meet one was a heart-stopping prospect.

Finally, the elf halted in front of Strider, he carried a bow and quiver full of arrows on his back. He wore no helm and his shoes were light. His elven garments were beautifully crafted with not a frayed edge. Kareswan, realizing she was staring brought herself back to the situation.

'Legolas, you are timely and for that I thank you for we are in great haste' said Strider.

'I came as quickly as the will of nature would allow me, Aragorn,' replied Legolas, 'I am not sure of the situation but I will do whatever I can to help.'

Kareswan pondered what Legolas had called Strider, he had not said Strider but Aragorn, and she did not understand what this meant but did not question either of them in fear of being rejected. As the two conversed time was pressing on as they were soon reminded.

'What is that?' Legolas questioned, sitting up straight and looking in the direction of Kareswan's home.

'What?' Strider asked, 'what do you see?'

Legolas did not reply immediately, he focused on the land behind Kareswan and the intensity of his gaze frightened her.

'They are coming' he said quietly.

'Orcs? But that is impossible, it is still day' Strider exclaimed, turning to look south.

'No,' Legolas replied, with a hint of urgency in his voice, 'Men, a whole hoast of them, they are coming' he repeated.

By now the elf was looking at Kareswan, perhaps with a sense of knowing that she did not understand.

Kareswan looked at Strider who was sitting silent yet again, she wondered why he did not lead them away from the coming onslaught, why they were still standing there waiting for them to arrive. But Strider was deep in thought about what their next move should be, they could not just run, the hoast would be on their tail for the rest of the journey and that was no use. After some time he spoke,

'Kareswan, go with Legolas.'

'What!' she exclaimed, speaking her first words in the presence of Legolas.

'Go with him, I will see what I can do here'

'But I can't leave you here alone' she cried.

'Kareswan, this is no time for noble actions' he replied with a sense of annoyance, 'they will be here soon; you are the one that they seek, not me. Now go, you shall be safe in Rivendell.'

Lightford snorted and stamped his feet as if telling his rider to listen.

'Come Kareswan,' urged Legolas, turning his horse around. 'We are running out of time.'

Reluctantly, she turned her horse around and followed Legolas, leaving Strider alone and undergoing the last stage of her journey to Rivendell.

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When Kareswan arrived in Rivendell with Legolas she wished she never had to leave. What she saw was so magnificent she could not believe it. The house of Elrond was set amongst the trees. The overhanging cliffs enclosed the little piece of heaven, cutting it off from the rest of Middle Earth. Water flowed down the sparkling waterfall and through the valley of the elves.

As she silently rode towards the house of Elrond she saw the building more clearly, although it did not seem like a building, more like a house of nature. The plants wound in and out if the shutter-less windows. Columns intricately carved, balconies overlooking the beautiful view. The smell of fresh flowers filled the air awakening your senses. The structure sported thousands of spirals, curls and designs to excite the smallest child. The sound of water could be heard in every corner, magnificent fountains, birdbaths and bodies of water full of fish created a scene of peaceful serenity.

Kareswan gazed at the beauty that surrounded her as Legolas guided her into the house of Elrond.

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Within a couple of hours Kareswan began to get worried when Strider still did not return after Legolas and she had left him. But her fears were not needed for Strider returned before the day was over, although he looked tired and did not say much about what had happened apart from;

'They were men, not orcs, they did not bear the sign of evil however they were angered and seeking Kareswan.'

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Legolas led her into a large veranda where Strider, Gandalf and Elrond, who she had met earlier, were waiting.

Elrond was the first to speak.

'I have gathered you all here to discuss what events have been taking place and why Lady Kareswan has come here. I do not fully understand what has taken place but I trust that Gandalf knows the situation better than I.'

'Alas, it is a long story and one that I do not have the right to tell,' explained Gandalf, 'but I will start with my part in Kareswans departure.

Three moons and a half ago I came across Kareswan. She seemed troubled but she would not tell me why. But I had guessed for I had heard rumours from many different sources and her behaviour had confirmed my suspicions. So I gave her a little push.'

'You told her to leave' questioned Strider.

'No' objected Kareswan, 'he told me to follow my heart.'

'Yes, that is true, I told you to follow your heart, but you would have acted in the way that I would have wanted.' Said Gandalf, with a sparkle in his eye. 'And so the tale is continued by Kareswan for my part is over for now.'

Kareswan hesitated; she did not know what to say so she started from the very beginning.

'A few nights before I talked to Gandalf, my father and I were invited to Lord Tanigars hall for he was holding the finest banquet in celebration of his sons coming of age. My father and he have known each other for many years, since they were young. But it was my first time as the hall since my mother passed away and much had changed.

During the banquet I felt the need for fresh air. I departed out of the hall, I must have taken a wrong turn for I did not know the hall very well, I came across a dark corridor lit by only a few torches. I was about to turn around and walk away when I heard voices that interested me.

But I was horrified at what they were discussing. They were.' Kareswan paused, she did not want to carry on but she knew she must, 'they were arranging for the overthrowing of Rohan and the replacement of King Theoden with Yurtsch, Leader of the Orcs.

I departed as quickly as I could but they must have heard me as the banquet was over rather quickly. I do not think they knew I was standing outside the door only that someone had heard what they should not have. But I became anxious.' Karewan sighed. 'My father is a captain of the Rohan army and I know his pain if the city were to fall into ruin. I knew I needed council from someone I could trust so I fled Rohan in search of finding such council.' Kareswan went quiet, she was shaking but she only took a deep breath and exhaled.

'And that is where I come in yet again.' Gandalf said, 'I had heard that a young lady and horse had fled from the west stables late at night, I feared for her safety as I knew that the plotters would not rest until they had captured her, so I sent Strider in search of her. I asked him to bring her back to the safety of the elves.'

'You say plotters, Gandalf, but I trust you know who these men are?' said Elrond in a knowing voice.

'Yes' said Gandalf in a grave voice, 'he currently resides at the House of Tanigar.'

Kareswan started, looking around the room wildly.

'You don't mean.' she trailed off. Gandalf wore a troubled expression.

'You don't mean,' she continued, 'That Lord Tanigar is involved?'

'Yes, but I am afraid he is more than involved,' Gandalf said in a quiet voice, looking into Kareswans eyes, 'I fear he may have initiated the whole situation.'

Kareswan's heart sank, she felt cold inside. How could this be? She wondered of her father had any idea. Kareswan looked down at her hands and saw they were shaking again. She quickly tensed up her muscles hoping the shaking would stop.

'Now we know why, what is to be done?' asked Legolas, breaking the silence.

'I am afraid I have not finished, Legolas.' Gandalf said slowly.

'Kareswan, Yurtsch has already arrived at Rohan. He is preparing to attack.'

She said nothing so Gandlaf continued.

'They have not entered the city as of yet. But they have been sending many tokens of their feelings towards King Theoden, which I do not wish to go into much detail. It seems that they are teasing, taunting the people of Rohan. The woman and children have already departed for Helms Deep, they sense a battle is closing in. The Riders of Rohan are becoming anxious, they await orders but Theoden himself is unsure of what action to take.'

'I do not understand,' said Kareswan fiercely, 'why do they not just attack?'

'I believe the orc army are playing with their enemy. It's merely a game of cat and mouse for Yurtsch and his orcs. I fear they may have other means of entering the city, another entrance other than the one used by all, an entrance that nobody has any knowledge of apart from Lord Tanigar and Yurtsch.'

'Then we must go to them,' said Kareswan suddenly, 'we must warn them before it is too late.'

'You cannot march up to an orc army and expect them to part way for you to enter Rohan. It is foolish. You need arms, power, an orc army of this magnitude understand nothing else.' Strider said in a low voice. He looked at Kareswan with a mixture of annoyance and pity. 'I know how much Rohan and your father mean to you but we cannot take anymore action until we are ready.'

Kareswan was furious at how Strider had spoken to her, as if she did not understand. But she did. The man that her father had called friend had betrayed him. That man had betrayed the people of Rohan, a man they respected and she could do nothing but wait. Kareswan continued to stare at the floor while Elrond spoke.

'You have come seeking council from someone you trust and we shall give it to you. But it will take time, which we have for the orc army will not attack until the time is right and it is not. Be cheered, you have accomplished much.'

But Kareswan did not feel cheered; she wanted to be home with her father.