Chapter 9

Horse Sense: New Arrivals

Through the combined efforts of Legolas and Aragorn, they had managed to get Kalan dressed and on his feet.

"We will ride to Edoras and from there, decide where we shall go," said Aragorn. Legolas stood beside Kalan, keeping a trained eye on him, watching for any signs of strain or faintness; ready to catch him if he should fall. He did not touch Kalan, though he desperately wanted to support him because he looked so weak, but he feared that he would do more harm than good.

Kalan nodded his assent and Aragorn left, opening the tent flap. Kalan stiffened. Through the flap he caught a glimpse of the outside, and the many people out there. Legolas noticed his discomfort.

"Kalan, what is it?" he asked, and tentatively rested a hand on his friend's shoulder. He stifled a sigh of relief when Kalan did not flinch.

"I can't go out there, Legolas, I can't face all those people," he whispered, the fear plain in his voice. Legolas squeezed his shoulder, reassuringly.

"Well, you certainly can't stay in here for the rest of your days," he replied lightly, but frowned when he didn't even get a smile. "Umma dele, Gildae. I will be right beside you," he whispered into his ear. Kalan swallowed audible and nodded. He allowed the elf to lead him out of the tent. Legolas kept an arm around Kalan's shoulders and felt him tense even more. He risked a glance at Kalan's face, but was not at all happy with what he saw there. His silver eyes, were reflective, like mirrors and Legolas could read nothing in them, but his body betrayed his fear. 'He's recessing into himself, that's not good,' he thought.

"Are you finished inside, Master Legolas?" asked one of the Rohan soldiers.

"Yes, we are, sorry for the delay," the elf apologized, nodding to the man. He bowed.

"No trouble, sir, the king wanted to make sure the youngster was well before we took his tent down," he said. Legolas nodded and the soldier with some of his fellows moved to break down the tent. Legolas led Kalan away, slowly, careful not to let him trip.

"The king knows?" a small voice asked and the elf looked down at Kalan. His features were carefully neutral but his mirrors were cracking.

"He only knows that you were tortured by the orcs, not everything. He was very concerned for you, as were we all," he added this part as an afterthought, but with emotion. Ahead waited Aragorn, Gimli and Merry. Upon a tall steed sat King Theoden of Rohan. Aragorn smiled softly at their approach. Merry grinned and started to run to Kalan, but Gimli's hand stayed him. Confused, the hobbit looked back at the dwarf.

"You'll startle him, don't be overeager, he's already had enough excitement," whispered Gimli, Merry nodded in understanding. Legolas and Kalan stopped before the group and the king smiled down at them kindly.

"It is good to see you up and about, Kalan Sadaya. I am Theoden, King of Rohan," he said. Kalan looked up at the old man.

"I thank you for your kindness and for the use of your tent," said Kalan in a calm voice. The king nodded.

"Are we ready to ride?" he asked Aragorn. The younger man looked at Kalan who nodded slightly.

"Yes we are," he answered. "Would you have a spare horse for Kalan?" he asked. The king nodded and motioned to one of his men, who brought forth a good-looking horse.

"He is a good steed, strong hearted and would be used if only he would let someone ride him," said the king. The stallion's coat was a dark silver-gray, his mane and tale black. Upon nearing Kalan, it broke out of the grasp of the soldier who led it and trotted over to the dragonling.

Kalan looked deeply into the horse's eyes and brought a hand up to rest on the strong neck. The horse bent its head and pressed it forehead against Kalan's. Both half-dragon and horse closed their eyes and for a long while no one spoke. Finally, the pair opened their eyes. The beast gently nudged Kalan's chest with his nose and 'wuffed' against him.

"Diola lle, mellonamin, Astalsul,"[1] whispered Kalan. With Legolas's help he mounted. Kalan stifled a groan of pain, for he was still sore and the beast was wide. The horse looked back at his new burden and one could almost say there was concern in the deep eyes, maybe even love. Kalan leaned down, pressing his chest against the horse's neck and softly stroked the fur. "Quel amin,"[2] he said.

"Are you settled?" asked the elf. Kalan straightened, as much as he could and nodded. Legolas patted his leg, lightly and then went to his own steed. He mounted and then assisted Gimli up behind him. Aragorn mounted with Merry in front of him. Theoden looked around, and then back at his army, Eómar and his riders, among them. He raised his arm and gave a shout. He kicked his horse into motion. All did likewise except Kalan and Legolas who just whispered something to their mounts in elvish. And with that they were off.

*

The company rode swiftly through the night, led by Theoden and Aragorn. Behind them came Legolas with Gimli and Kalan. The dragonling had closed his eyes; pain and weariness creased his brow. He hands were limp on the reins, but he trusted his steed. Legolas rode close beside him, ready to catch him if should he slip from the saddle

"Kalan, are you well?" he asked, his voice carried softly over the thundering hooves. The silver eyes opened and gazed at the elf. Legolas recognized the cloudy look and knew the fever was returning.

"Well enough, Legolas," came the answer.

"What did you and your new friend discuss before?" asked the elf, motioning to Kalan's steed.

"His name is Astalsul, 'Valiant Wind'. And that he felt my pain and wished to help me. His little sister was also hurt by the orcs and then they killed her. He wants to protect me and carry me across the land," he said with a small smile. Astalsul looked back at him and Kalan stroked his neck.

"Well, that adds him to our numbers," said Gimli and Kalan looked at him.

"What do you mean?" The dwarf shrugged

"The four of us, Aragorn, Merry, Legolas and I wish to help and protect you as well and don't even think of trying to talk us out of it, young dragonling," he said gruffly when Kalan opened his mouth to protest. "Our minds are made up. Its what friends do, you know: help each other," he said matter-of-factly. Kalan gave him a weary smile in return then turned away.

A rider came up to the king in great haste. "My lord, there are horse men behind us and they are riding hard," he said. Theoden called for a halt and the Riders turned, readying their spears. The rumble of hooves neared and dark shapes could be made out in the dark. There was no telling of their numbers but they seemed no more than their own.

"Halt! Who rides in Rohan?" called Eómar and the riders stopped. One dismounted and approached with a hand held into the air, a sign of peace.

"Halbarad Dunadan, Ranger of the north. I am searching for one Aragorn, son of Arathorn," the newcomer answered. Aragorn let out a cry of joy and leapt off his horse. He ran to greet the man.

"You have found him! Halbarad, it is good to see you, yet how did you know where I was?" he asked as they embraced. The Riders of the King relaxed.

"A message came, through Rivendell," answered the named Halbarad. "I have thirty others with me along with the sons of Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir." Two other riders came forward, their features more fair them the rest and their dark hair was braided back to reveal pointed ears. Each clasped arms with Aragorn, smiling.

"It is good to see you, foster brother," said the one on the right.

"And I you, both," answered the man. "But we are in haste, come, we shall ride together now." He ran back to his horse and Halbarad to his. Then the Company, now doubled, continued their journey.

 [1] Thank you, my friend, Astalsul.

[2] I'm well.