Authors notes: - Thank you so much for all your reviews. This is the last
part of the story. I am writing another in between uni work and I hope you
will read that.! Thank you again. Enjoy!
The sun shone down on the Rivendell convoy. Lord Elrond watched the two twins clowning around in front of them.
"I fear for the safety of Mirkwood when those two and Legolas get together." Glorfindel said chuckling. Elrond nodded. Those three together had been the cause of many notorious pranks in both Rivendell and Mirkwood.
"Although I don't think that Legolas will be in much of a mood to play pranks." Elrond said.
"I wouldn't under estimate the young prince my lord. He is one of the most light hearted mischievous elves I know." Glorfindel said.
"Father" Elrohir called. "Rider in Mirkwood colours approaching." The twins headed back to the main group with the messenger.
"My lord Elrond I did not expect to find you here." The messenger said.
"We are on our way to Mirkwood."
"I bring a message from Mithrandir." He said handing the scroll over. Elrond read it. His face fell.
"What is it?" Glorfindel asked
"Prince Legolas has been possessed by a dark spirit. He is trying to remove it but the spell will leave Legolas seriously ill and he will need my help to save the young prince. Quickly we must fly. I will not lose another one of his generation." The group set off at a gallop.
*
Chapter 14
The warriors of Mirkwood stood at the base of the ridge that led into the valley that surrounded the castle of Taket.
"I do not recommend rushing the castle. Taket would undoubtedly be waiting for us." Alale said as he weighed up his options in his head about getting his prince back.
"What about if a distraction is created? Taket would go after them and the rest of us could go and get Legolas." Elinar suggested. Gandalf shook his head.
"He will be waiting for that. A full assault will not work. A small group will have to infiltrate the castle and determine if the prince still lives and see if he can get out under his own power. The rest will have to prepare for when Taket unleashes his forces on Mirkwood."
Alale nodded. "Elinar I want you and three others to find Prince Legolas. Get him out. We will make our first stand at the tree line. I will organise fallback points through the forest and our last stand will be the palace. I hope it doesn't come to that. Master hobbits I would like you to work with the healers set up aid stations in the trees."
"We want to fight with Aragorn and Gimli." Merry said. Alale knelt by the hobbits.
"I am not belittling your fighting skills. You are brave warriors. The healers need protecting."
Frodo nodded. "We will protect them."
"I know and when we get back I'll have the kitchens prepare some mushroom stew and you can tell stories about your adventures in the Shire." The hobbits agreed and headed of to find the healers.
"I will go and prepare the warriors. Gimli I will need your help if you are willing to set up defences."
Gimli looked up surprised that a great elven warrior of Mirkwood would ask a dwarf for help.
"Lets go elf." Alale laughed and the two walked away.
Gandalf turned to Aragorn. "I will be back."
Aragorn nodded. "Elinar I." The elf turned to face him. "You can come. Caryarn and Miran I want you to come as well. We leave immediately. We want to be there and back before dark."
*
Liran walked up to a cliff wall. He touched the wall; it shimmered and then disappeared to reveal a cave entrance. The cave was cold and pitch black but it didn't deter him. He walked down the narrow passage for what seemed like an eternity. A dull glow alerted him to the end of the passage. He entered it and was met by a sight that would make a man quail in fear but he just smiled. The creatures turned to face the intruder.
"Master." One of the creatures snarled as they rose from their positions by a small fire.
"It is time. Ready your troops we leave at dusk." The creature cackled and saliva dripped from its long fangs.
"Yes master."
* Elinar signalled that it was safe and the three others hurried to his position.
"There are no guards but I detect a lot of activity inside. I think we should move closer. Try to grab an orc. It will tell us a lot with a little bit of persuasion." The others nodded. They crept closer shivering at the darkness that polluted the surrounding area.
"There." Miran said pointing to an entrance concealed by trees. The three elves and one man entered the castle. It was dark and cold. They followed the passages deeper into the castle. Aragorn detected the rising tension in the elves almost immediately. Being separated from the trees and the fear for their friend and brother was beginning to show. Elinar halted and indicated they should take a side passage. They hid in the passage and watched as a lone orc walked down the passage. Elinar grabbed it and dragged it to the side. He forced it to the ground and held a knife to its throat.
"The elf. Where is he?" he hissed. The orc squirmed.
"I have methods to make you talk."
"The elf delicious. Screams lovely screams" The orc was dead before it could continue.
"Caryarn." Elinar said. The elf disappeared.
"Well that was productive." Aragorn muttered and was rewarded with glares that would freeze water.
Caryarn came back with another orc.
"Where is the elf?" The orc looked at its dead companion.
"Gone."
"Gone? Where?"
"Escaped. It changed. Talked funny. Eyes were black."
"Liran!" Aragorn snarled. Caryarn killed the orc and him and Miran hid the bodies.
"We must get back. Report this to Gandalf." Aragorn said. Elinar frowned.
"Liran?" he questioned.
"It's a long story." Aragorn dismissed it.
"Well you better have a good explanation when we get back!" Miran snapped quietly and they hurried out.
*
Sam sat firmly in the centre of the shelter refusing to look over the edge. Why they had to build shelters in trees was beyond him. Frodo was removing bandages from a pack and laying them out. Frodo glanced at Sam.
"Sam you won't fall off. If you want go down to the shelter Merry and Pippin are on and send one of them up here." Sam rose to his feet and shook his head.
"No sir Frodo sir." The stout hobbit replied. He walked over to Frodo but happened to look over the edge. His hand shot out and grabbed the nearest object for dear life. The object in question gave the hobbit a bemused look.
"Master hobbit. I think your skills would be better put to use on a lower platform." The she - elf said as she extracted her arm from the death grip the hobbit had on it. Sam didn't reply for fear that his voice would come out as a squeak. The elf helped Sam down to the two youngest hobbit's platform and sent Merry up to Frodo. Pippin took one look at Sam's face and began laughing.
Frodo watched as the she - elf brought Merry up. The forest was quiet as if the birds and the trees knew of the approaching battle. Elves moved silently through the trees setting up defences and the fading rays of the sun caught their skin making them glow. Frodo sighed. He wished there was peace. He wished he were back in the Shire watching the sunset.
*
Liran watched as the last of the sun's rays dipped below the horizon and dusk fell. It was time. He turned to face the assembled troops who were patiently waiting his orders. A huge black stallion was led up to him. It foamed from the mouth and through up his head eyeing Liran with menace. He mounted and smiled as the stallion screamed like the Nazgul steeds.
"It is time."
*
"Why were we not told earlier?" Miran demanded beyond angry. Aragorn winced and was silently glad that Gandalf had returned so he could explain to this angry group of elves about why they had not informed them of Legolas's condition.
"We needed to discover more about this possession. I honestly expected Legolas to hold out long enough for us to remove Liran." Gandalf stated calmly. Aragorn wondered about the sensibility of Gandalf using that as a line of justification when faced with Legolas's angry friends and relatives. Miran looked ready to unleash his frustrations on the wizard, Caryarn was not far behind. Alale frowned.
"Miran, Caryarn go help with the defences." Both were about to protest but were stopped by the look Alale gave them. They walked off muttering darkly about what they were going to do if this didn't work out well. Alale turned his attention to Gandalf, Aragorn and Gimli.
"I want an explanation now." He stated just as calm as Gandalf had been earlier.
Gandalf recited the whole story. Alale's face didn't change but his eyes were full of fire.
"I do not agree that the best course of action was keeping this from us." He said. "But we will have time to debate this later. Now I want to know what this Liran is going to do in your opinion because I have the feeling that this has just added to our already big problem."
"He will go after Taket. When the victor has been decided he will turn his forces on the forces of Mirkwood. An assault you will not be able to withstand."
Alale frowned again. "Your faith in the fighting skills of the wood elves is not high. We may not defeat them but we will repel them."
"Your warriors are extremely effective and brave but it will not be enough."
"What in your opinion should we do?" he asked.
"Attack them when they are fighting each other." Gandalf said. Alale sighed.
"I do not wish to lose any more warriors but fate seems to believe that the wood elves have not suffered enough. We will get back our Prince and destroy the dark forces as we have been doing for millennia or die trying."
"It is not the wood elves fight alone but Middle - Earth's." Gandalf said. Alale shook his head.
"I do not see anyone else here but us as it has always been. We have always fought alone and will continue to do so. It is how it is and how it will always be." The elf shook his head and walked off. Gimli turned to Gandalf.
"I do not understand."
Gandalf turned away and left. Aragorn turned to Gimli.
"The wood elves have had to fight for millennia to secure their freedom and the other peoples of Middle - Earth. They do so alone and suffer greatly. At the downfall of Sauron they lost half of their forces more than any other elven realm. The losses continued as the dark forces took refuge in south Mirkwood and the elves fought hard to maintain their realm. I cannot imagine what it must have been like for Legolas and the others to have known nothing but danger and war since birth. Never to have known peace. They are so tired. That is why many flee to the west."
Gimli absorbed the information. Granted the dwarfs have had their fair share of battles but there have also been times of peace. To have never seen that was incomprehensible to him. Legolas always spoke highly of his home and was very protective of his people and know he knew why. What they had to deal with. There was only one thing he didn't understand.
"Why do they fight alone?" he asked. Aragorn flinched. How did he explain it to a dwarf? He did not agree with the reasons after he met Legolas but before he met him he had agreed with the sentiments of the other elves.
"Men distrust elves, always have done and will probably always continue to do so. Dwarfs. well you are a dwarf. A few years ago before you joined the quest before you met Legolas would you have come to the aid of elves especially wood elves?" Gimli shook his head. He would have said they deserved what they got.
"What about other elves?" he asked.
"The dark forces hate elves above all other creatures. They have to defend their own realms. Also the elves of Lothlorien and Imladris are very close but wood elves have always been alienated. The battles they have fought have made them more warlike and bitter. Thranduil and his father have let relations strain to breaking point and the younger elves like Legolas have paid for it. Recently the war parties of Mirkwood have joined together with other realms and Legolas and others have mended some bridges but there is still a long way to go."
"I still do not understand. Dwarfs have different realms with different ways but we will aid each other in times of need."
"Elven pride."
"Crazy elves." Gimli snapped. For an instant he expected Legolas to retort with stubborn dwarfs but it didn't come. A lump formed in his throat and he swallowed trying to get rid of it. An inhuman shriek filled the air.
"Lets go." Aragorn said and Gimli clutched his axe. They headed to the front lines.
*
Caryarn watched the lines of torches bob and weave their way up a hill. The creatures that held them were not orcs but something larger and more hideous looking. Whistles went down the line alerting anyone who had not seen the approaching army. He watched their progress it was slow but steady. The orcs in Taket's castle were also readying. It would be a devastating battle and his best friend was somewhere out there. The moon had disappeared behind the clouds and a light rain had begun to fall. He took his eyes off the dark forces before him and looked at the elves behind him. To the untrained eye there was nothing to see behind him but to an elven eye he could see the defences the warriors had set up. He could see the elves in the trees ready and waiting. Turning back he scanned the approaching hoard. At the head of it a figure sat upon a black stead. The cloaked figure appeared to be directing the army.
"It is Liran." Gandalf said moving to sit next to Caryarn.
"Legolas!" the young elf whispered. "We've got to help him."
"And what do you suppose we do. March in and just take him." Gandalf said.
"No. oh I don't know." The elf muttered in frustration.
Gandalf sighed and rested his hand on the elf's shoulder.
*
Taket watched the approaching army with glee. He loved battles and this promised to be a good one. He left the watchtower and went down to the courtyard and mounted his own black stallion. The orcs were excited and were nervously waiting for the signal to enter the battle. His Uruk Hai stood more patiently.
He signalled them to leave.
* Liran smiled.
"Attack"
* The two armies charged. The battle cries echoed throughout the previously still night. Swords clashed. Smoke billowed from the torches that had been dropped to the ground in the charge and had set alight the leaves. Liran's creatures set upon the orcs with a fury that even startled the watching elves. The two dark lords remained outside the field of battle. Taket had his sword drawn but Liran was still sat enclosed in his cloak still like a statue.
Caryarn readied his bow and waited for the signal from the warrior captains to fire. About 100 elves were doing the same. The battle being fought below was brutal and the inhuman shrieks of the dying assaulted their ears. Liran kicked his horse into a trot moving towards the ridge where he knew the elves were waiting. Taket followed with his eyes curious as to the exact nature of Liran's actions. Alale watched the cloaked figure with Aragorn, Gimli and Mithrandir with interest.
"He knows we are here!" Aragorn exclaimed. Alale just shrugged. "Of course he knows. He has Legolas's mind." The cloaked figure halted and reached and removed his hood. It was Legolas. Despite the black hair, eyes and the mocking smile it was Legolas. The elves gasped as the reality of the situation hit them. Aragorn sympathised. It was a heart-wrenching sight.
The dark elf drew his sword. "Take a good look. It will be last thing you will see before you die." Beating of wings drowned out his laughter as winged creatures descended and attacked the elves. Liran turned his attention to Taket.
"Finally Taket I can avenge my daughter" Liran growled. He got down off his horse and approached Taket. "Ready to die." Taket just smiled. Their swords clanged together and sparks flew.
*
Caryarn loosened another arrow and watched in satisfaction as the winged creature dropped down dead from the sky. He turned to see that the other elves were achieving the same results with only a few minor injuries.
"This is not right." Alale stated as he watched the last of the winged creatures felled by arrows crash to the ground.
"It's a distraction." Aragorn said suddenly as he caught sight of Liran and Taket locked in combat.
"Archers take aim." Alale ordered. "Fire."
Aragorn watched as creatures from both sides fell but it wasn't what interested him. The battle between the two dark lords was vicious and his heart skipped a beat when Taket's sword slid past Liran's defence and sliced deep into Liran's leg. It buckled but Liran recovered and returned an angry blow himself.
"We must stop the fight." Gandalf said to Aragorn and Gimli.
"Miran, Caryarn, Elinar go with them as an escort." Alale ordered as he watched several creatures turn their attention to the location of the arrow attack.
"Go now!" the elf disappeared and the six quickly descended the ridge. The battle was raging and Aragorn knew it would be folly to think that they could get to Liran undetected. They were quickly descended on by orcs. Gimli swung his axe taking off the head of an unfortunate orc. He muttered several dwarf curses and ducked to avoid another orc's attack.
"We do not have time for this!" Gandalf thundered as he ran an orc through with his sword. The three elves had cleared a path.
"GO!" they yelled. "We'll cover you." The other three ran. With the elves protection they managed to reach Liran and Taket. The two dark lords were concentrating on the fight that they didn't notice the three approach.
Taket was tiring. Sweat ran down his face stinging his eyes. His mind screamed. He was immortal! This should not be happening so quickly. Something was wrong with the spell. He side - stepped a vicious swipe of the sword and moved his sword into a defensive position. Liran advanced with a murderous glint in his eyes. Taket went on the defensive as Liran pressed the attack. His arms shook as he blocked another blow. He moved backwards and for the first time noticed the other three near them. Liran fought on oblivious and Taket fought a desperate fight. He heard laughing in his head. Sauron [my my my Taket what a situation you have gotten yourself in. Pathetic creature. Did I neglect to tell you that the spell was only temporary, my mistake] NO!!!!! Taket screamed in his mind. A sharp agonising pain brought him back to reality. The sword fell from his numb hand. He looked down to see Liran's sword lodged in his stomach. Looking up he saw Liran with a triumphant smile on his face. He fell to his knees as Liran pulled out the sword.
"Go back to the fires of Mount Doom and burn!" Liran snarled and he lifted his sword and dealt the deathblow to the creature he had been hunting for centuries.
Liran stood with a smile over Taket's body as black mist floated from the body and swirled around Liran before engulfing his body. Liran felt power surge through his veins and his eyes flashed. He knelt down and cleaned his sword of the blood. It was then when he noticed the three intruders.
"So you are still alive." He hissed. "Unexpected but I will take great pleasure in watching you fall." He raised his sword and advanced. Gimli and Aragorn took up defensive positions. Gandalf began reciting another spell. Faster than the eye could see Liran drew a knife and threw it at the wizard. It hit him in the shoulder and the force sent him to the ground.
"Shut up old man!" Liran snarled. Gimli charged Liran. The elf easily knocked him flying. The dwarf was unconscious. Liran smiled. He felt Legolas madly trying to get back into control but he wouldn't succeed for the dark magic that he had received from Taket was slowly destroying the elf. Legolas knew this but still he fought. He watched as Aragorn slowly advanced.
"So just the best friend left." He said stressing the best friend. "Or is it ex - best friend." He watched as Aragorn flinched. "I know his mind Estel. He felt betrayed by you. Imagine that betraying your best friend. Make you feel powerful does it crushing peoples feelings."
Aragorn tried to keep his face neutral as Liran taunted him but everything said hurt him. He knew that was how his best friend felt but to have this creature that had possessed his friend throw those words at him made his blood boil.
"I never betrayed him. I know he is angry but he is my best friend and I would never betray him and he knows that." Aragorn stated circling the elf. Liran lunged. Aragorn blocked and danced backwards.
Gandalf rose his shoulder burning in agony. He watched Aragorn and Liran fight. He had seen the dark magic Liran received and knew that Legolas had little time left. He drew himself up to full height and began to recite the spell.
Legolas fought. He could feel the darkness invading his safe haven and knew that he was lost. With a last desperate push he tried to break free.
Aragorn dodged a blow and landed one of his own. Liran took a step back to steady himself and Aragorn watched as he moved toward him again. Then he faltered. The blackness in his eyes faded.
"Aragorn" he heard a voice say. Legolas.
"That's it Legolas fight!" he heard Gandalf chant behind him and hope sparked in him.
"Kill me." The soft voice desperately said. Aragorn's heart stopped.
"Nay my friend just fight. Gandalf's spell will work." he said reassuringly. Legolas's face showed the terrible anguish Legolas felt and the strain it was taking to keep Liran repressed.
"It will not work. It is too late. Kill me. I do not want my body to be his. Kill me please." He pleaded.
Aragorn choked. "I cannot my friend. I cannot .fight.please." He begged and watched in agony as Legolas lost the fight and Liran again regained control. Tears ran down his cheeks. Liran laughed a mocking laugh and again advanced on the man.
"He is gone." He laughed and his face darkened. "And now it is your time to die." The elf attacked him furiously and Aragorn fell backwards.
"Gandalf!" he cried as the blows rained down.
Gandalf didn't answer but continued the spell. It wasn't working. The black magic was too strong. He redoubled his efforts.
Aragorn fought hard but Liran was fighting with a madness Aragorn had never seen. He took advantage of an attack that left Liran off balance and pressed the advantage. Aragorn looked at Liran's face and saw his lips move.
"Kill me". Suddenly Liran threw his arms out and left himself unprotected. Aragorn in the middle of a lunge couldn't react quickly enough and watched in horror as his sword slid into the unprotected stomach of the elf.
"NO!" Aragorn screamed. Time seemed to slow as he watched Legolas stumble backwards with the sword in his stomach. The elf pulled it out and cried out in agony as he fell to his knees clutching the gushing wound. Aragorn froze his mouth opened and closed in silent words of protest. No sound escaped. He watched disbelieving as his best friend fell to the ground gasping in agony, his eyes screwed shut.
[I killed him oh mercy I killed him]. He stumbled forward and collapsed to his knees beside the downed elf. Reaching out with shaky hands he touched the elf's hands covering his wound. The elf screamed and Aragorn retracted his hands.
"Legolas?" he whispered. The elf opened his eyes and turned his head to look at Aragorn. Legolas opened his mouth but only a trickle of blood ran out of the corner. Aragorn felt someone kneel beside him but the only thing he noticed was the agony his friend was in. A pair of hands reached towards the elf's wound and prised the hands away. Legolas again cried out. Aragorn reached out to stop the hands.
"Aragorn don't." he heard Gandalf say. He watched as Gandalf placed cloth ripped from his robes against the wound. Legolas screamed and arched his back in agony. Gandalf quickly bound the wound as the elf panted writhing in pain.
"He needs a healer." Aragorn didn't move, tears streamed down his face.
"Aragorn he is dying. I cannot carry him." Aragorn moved as if on autopilot. He picked up Legolas, his heart crying as Legolas cried out in pain. Gandalf placed a hand on the elf's forehead and muttered a prayer to put the elf in a trance to try to keep him alive.
"Legolas?" a gruff voice questioned. Gimli approached the duo. Aragorn was in shock, Gandalf was wounded and Legolas looked badly injured.
"Gimli we need to get him to a healer or he will not survive." The dwarf nodded desperately concerned for his friend. The battle had moved further away from the elves that were withdrawing. With the loss of both their leaders confusion and chaos reigned.
Aragorn stumbled on as if in a dream. He saw Elinar, Miran, Caryarn, Alale all run up to them horror on their faces but he continued on. Gandalf led Aragorn to a clearing where the healers were.
Frodo gasped as he looked up from tending a wounded elf to see Aragorn stumble into the clearing with Legolas in his arms. His hair was still black but he could tell it was his friend.
"No" he whispered and ran towards them.
*
Lord Elrond entered Mirkwood at full gallop. He saw an elf running towards them waving his arms. Elrond slowed his horse, as did the others.
"Please come quickly. Prince Legolas has fallen." The breathless elf cried. Ignoring the cries from Glorfindel and his children he followed the elf.
*
Aragorn halted when Gandalf tugged his arm.
"Put him down so the healers could tend him." He ordered gently. Aragorn did so kneeling by his side holding onto Legolas's hand as if the elf's very life depended on it. The healers quickly set to work. Gandalf backed away. His heart grieved deeply. The wound was mortal. Legolas had lost far too much blood. How unfair life was to take away the life of such a young firstborn who had helped save Middle - Earth. He watched with tear-glazed eyes as the healers filled the wound with healing herbs but Legolas's glow was dying. He was so pale. He watched as the chief healer bowed his head and stopped the work. He stepped back.
"Why have they stopped Gandalf?" Pippin asked looking at him wide eyed with tears rolling down his cheeks.
"There is nothing they can do for him Pippin." The young hobbit gasped. Gandalf looked up to see Lord Elrond, Glorfindel and his three children rush into the clearing. He watched as he saw Elrond hurry over to the elf.
Aragorn looked up to see Elrond approach.
"Help him." Aragorn implored. Elrond knelt down. He saw the young prince open his eyes tiredly and look at him. Agony shone in those depths but another emotion. One that he didn't expect, relief, also showed. Elrond knew that the wound was beyond even his powers of healing.
He reached out and rested his hand on the young elf's forehead. It was cool and clammy. He wasn't going to last much longer.
"Do something!" Aragorn demanded frustrated that his friend was dying and no one was doing anything to help him.
"Gimli." Legolas whispered. The dwarf came closer. Legolas knelt by Elrond who backed away. "Stubborn dwarf."
"Crazy elf." Gimli weakly said for once not caring if his true emotions towards an elf showed. He gripped the elf's hand tightly and Legolas squeezed weakly back.
Legolas turned to look at Aragorn. He smiled and his teeth were stained bright red. "Thank you mellon". He took an agonising breath and sighed. His hair turned back to its blonde colour and his eyes became brown once again. Taking a last shuddering Legolas closed his eyes. The pain lines faded from his face and it became relaxed.
"NO!!!" Aragorn cried. He shook the elf. "Don't you dare die on me." He demanded. "Legolas!"
"Aragorn" Aragorn raised his eyes to look at Elrond. "He is dead." The elf lord said softly. "I am sorry Aragorn."
"No!" he moaned and gathered the body into his arms. Rocking slightly Aragorn cried. His best friend died by his hand. Life was so unfair.
*************
The sun shone down on the Rivendell convoy. Lord Elrond watched the two twins clowning around in front of them.
"I fear for the safety of Mirkwood when those two and Legolas get together." Glorfindel said chuckling. Elrond nodded. Those three together had been the cause of many notorious pranks in both Rivendell and Mirkwood.
"Although I don't think that Legolas will be in much of a mood to play pranks." Elrond said.
"I wouldn't under estimate the young prince my lord. He is one of the most light hearted mischievous elves I know." Glorfindel said.
"Father" Elrohir called. "Rider in Mirkwood colours approaching." The twins headed back to the main group with the messenger.
"My lord Elrond I did not expect to find you here." The messenger said.
"We are on our way to Mirkwood."
"I bring a message from Mithrandir." He said handing the scroll over. Elrond read it. His face fell.
"What is it?" Glorfindel asked
"Prince Legolas has been possessed by a dark spirit. He is trying to remove it but the spell will leave Legolas seriously ill and he will need my help to save the young prince. Quickly we must fly. I will not lose another one of his generation." The group set off at a gallop.
*
Chapter 14
The warriors of Mirkwood stood at the base of the ridge that led into the valley that surrounded the castle of Taket.
"I do not recommend rushing the castle. Taket would undoubtedly be waiting for us." Alale said as he weighed up his options in his head about getting his prince back.
"What about if a distraction is created? Taket would go after them and the rest of us could go and get Legolas." Elinar suggested. Gandalf shook his head.
"He will be waiting for that. A full assault will not work. A small group will have to infiltrate the castle and determine if the prince still lives and see if he can get out under his own power. The rest will have to prepare for when Taket unleashes his forces on Mirkwood."
Alale nodded. "Elinar I want you and three others to find Prince Legolas. Get him out. We will make our first stand at the tree line. I will organise fallback points through the forest and our last stand will be the palace. I hope it doesn't come to that. Master hobbits I would like you to work with the healers set up aid stations in the trees."
"We want to fight with Aragorn and Gimli." Merry said. Alale knelt by the hobbits.
"I am not belittling your fighting skills. You are brave warriors. The healers need protecting."
Frodo nodded. "We will protect them."
"I know and when we get back I'll have the kitchens prepare some mushroom stew and you can tell stories about your adventures in the Shire." The hobbits agreed and headed of to find the healers.
"I will go and prepare the warriors. Gimli I will need your help if you are willing to set up defences."
Gimli looked up surprised that a great elven warrior of Mirkwood would ask a dwarf for help.
"Lets go elf." Alale laughed and the two walked away.
Gandalf turned to Aragorn. "I will be back."
Aragorn nodded. "Elinar I." The elf turned to face him. "You can come. Caryarn and Miran I want you to come as well. We leave immediately. We want to be there and back before dark."
*
Liran walked up to a cliff wall. He touched the wall; it shimmered and then disappeared to reveal a cave entrance. The cave was cold and pitch black but it didn't deter him. He walked down the narrow passage for what seemed like an eternity. A dull glow alerted him to the end of the passage. He entered it and was met by a sight that would make a man quail in fear but he just smiled. The creatures turned to face the intruder.
"Master." One of the creatures snarled as they rose from their positions by a small fire.
"It is time. Ready your troops we leave at dusk." The creature cackled and saliva dripped from its long fangs.
"Yes master."
* Elinar signalled that it was safe and the three others hurried to his position.
"There are no guards but I detect a lot of activity inside. I think we should move closer. Try to grab an orc. It will tell us a lot with a little bit of persuasion." The others nodded. They crept closer shivering at the darkness that polluted the surrounding area.
"There." Miran said pointing to an entrance concealed by trees. The three elves and one man entered the castle. It was dark and cold. They followed the passages deeper into the castle. Aragorn detected the rising tension in the elves almost immediately. Being separated from the trees and the fear for their friend and brother was beginning to show. Elinar halted and indicated they should take a side passage. They hid in the passage and watched as a lone orc walked down the passage. Elinar grabbed it and dragged it to the side. He forced it to the ground and held a knife to its throat.
"The elf. Where is he?" he hissed. The orc squirmed.
"I have methods to make you talk."
"The elf delicious. Screams lovely screams" The orc was dead before it could continue.
"Caryarn." Elinar said. The elf disappeared.
"Well that was productive." Aragorn muttered and was rewarded with glares that would freeze water.
Caryarn came back with another orc.
"Where is the elf?" The orc looked at its dead companion.
"Gone."
"Gone? Where?"
"Escaped. It changed. Talked funny. Eyes were black."
"Liran!" Aragorn snarled. Caryarn killed the orc and him and Miran hid the bodies.
"We must get back. Report this to Gandalf." Aragorn said. Elinar frowned.
"Liran?" he questioned.
"It's a long story." Aragorn dismissed it.
"Well you better have a good explanation when we get back!" Miran snapped quietly and they hurried out.
*
Sam sat firmly in the centre of the shelter refusing to look over the edge. Why they had to build shelters in trees was beyond him. Frodo was removing bandages from a pack and laying them out. Frodo glanced at Sam.
"Sam you won't fall off. If you want go down to the shelter Merry and Pippin are on and send one of them up here." Sam rose to his feet and shook his head.
"No sir Frodo sir." The stout hobbit replied. He walked over to Frodo but happened to look over the edge. His hand shot out and grabbed the nearest object for dear life. The object in question gave the hobbit a bemused look.
"Master hobbit. I think your skills would be better put to use on a lower platform." The she - elf said as she extracted her arm from the death grip the hobbit had on it. Sam didn't reply for fear that his voice would come out as a squeak. The elf helped Sam down to the two youngest hobbit's platform and sent Merry up to Frodo. Pippin took one look at Sam's face and began laughing.
Frodo watched as the she - elf brought Merry up. The forest was quiet as if the birds and the trees knew of the approaching battle. Elves moved silently through the trees setting up defences and the fading rays of the sun caught their skin making them glow. Frodo sighed. He wished there was peace. He wished he were back in the Shire watching the sunset.
*
Liran watched as the last of the sun's rays dipped below the horizon and dusk fell. It was time. He turned to face the assembled troops who were patiently waiting his orders. A huge black stallion was led up to him. It foamed from the mouth and through up his head eyeing Liran with menace. He mounted and smiled as the stallion screamed like the Nazgul steeds.
"It is time."
*
"Why were we not told earlier?" Miran demanded beyond angry. Aragorn winced and was silently glad that Gandalf had returned so he could explain to this angry group of elves about why they had not informed them of Legolas's condition.
"We needed to discover more about this possession. I honestly expected Legolas to hold out long enough for us to remove Liran." Gandalf stated calmly. Aragorn wondered about the sensibility of Gandalf using that as a line of justification when faced with Legolas's angry friends and relatives. Miran looked ready to unleash his frustrations on the wizard, Caryarn was not far behind. Alale frowned.
"Miran, Caryarn go help with the defences." Both were about to protest but were stopped by the look Alale gave them. They walked off muttering darkly about what they were going to do if this didn't work out well. Alale turned his attention to Gandalf, Aragorn and Gimli.
"I want an explanation now." He stated just as calm as Gandalf had been earlier.
Gandalf recited the whole story. Alale's face didn't change but his eyes were full of fire.
"I do not agree that the best course of action was keeping this from us." He said. "But we will have time to debate this later. Now I want to know what this Liran is going to do in your opinion because I have the feeling that this has just added to our already big problem."
"He will go after Taket. When the victor has been decided he will turn his forces on the forces of Mirkwood. An assault you will not be able to withstand."
Alale frowned again. "Your faith in the fighting skills of the wood elves is not high. We may not defeat them but we will repel them."
"Your warriors are extremely effective and brave but it will not be enough."
"What in your opinion should we do?" he asked.
"Attack them when they are fighting each other." Gandalf said. Alale sighed.
"I do not wish to lose any more warriors but fate seems to believe that the wood elves have not suffered enough. We will get back our Prince and destroy the dark forces as we have been doing for millennia or die trying."
"It is not the wood elves fight alone but Middle - Earth's." Gandalf said. Alale shook his head.
"I do not see anyone else here but us as it has always been. We have always fought alone and will continue to do so. It is how it is and how it will always be." The elf shook his head and walked off. Gimli turned to Gandalf.
"I do not understand."
Gandalf turned away and left. Aragorn turned to Gimli.
"The wood elves have had to fight for millennia to secure their freedom and the other peoples of Middle - Earth. They do so alone and suffer greatly. At the downfall of Sauron they lost half of their forces more than any other elven realm. The losses continued as the dark forces took refuge in south Mirkwood and the elves fought hard to maintain their realm. I cannot imagine what it must have been like for Legolas and the others to have known nothing but danger and war since birth. Never to have known peace. They are so tired. That is why many flee to the west."
Gimli absorbed the information. Granted the dwarfs have had their fair share of battles but there have also been times of peace. To have never seen that was incomprehensible to him. Legolas always spoke highly of his home and was very protective of his people and know he knew why. What they had to deal with. There was only one thing he didn't understand.
"Why do they fight alone?" he asked. Aragorn flinched. How did he explain it to a dwarf? He did not agree with the reasons after he met Legolas but before he met him he had agreed with the sentiments of the other elves.
"Men distrust elves, always have done and will probably always continue to do so. Dwarfs. well you are a dwarf. A few years ago before you joined the quest before you met Legolas would you have come to the aid of elves especially wood elves?" Gimli shook his head. He would have said they deserved what they got.
"What about other elves?" he asked.
"The dark forces hate elves above all other creatures. They have to defend their own realms. Also the elves of Lothlorien and Imladris are very close but wood elves have always been alienated. The battles they have fought have made them more warlike and bitter. Thranduil and his father have let relations strain to breaking point and the younger elves like Legolas have paid for it. Recently the war parties of Mirkwood have joined together with other realms and Legolas and others have mended some bridges but there is still a long way to go."
"I still do not understand. Dwarfs have different realms with different ways but we will aid each other in times of need."
"Elven pride."
"Crazy elves." Gimli snapped. For an instant he expected Legolas to retort with stubborn dwarfs but it didn't come. A lump formed in his throat and he swallowed trying to get rid of it. An inhuman shriek filled the air.
"Lets go." Aragorn said and Gimli clutched his axe. They headed to the front lines.
*
Caryarn watched the lines of torches bob and weave their way up a hill. The creatures that held them were not orcs but something larger and more hideous looking. Whistles went down the line alerting anyone who had not seen the approaching army. He watched their progress it was slow but steady. The orcs in Taket's castle were also readying. It would be a devastating battle and his best friend was somewhere out there. The moon had disappeared behind the clouds and a light rain had begun to fall. He took his eyes off the dark forces before him and looked at the elves behind him. To the untrained eye there was nothing to see behind him but to an elven eye he could see the defences the warriors had set up. He could see the elves in the trees ready and waiting. Turning back he scanned the approaching hoard. At the head of it a figure sat upon a black stead. The cloaked figure appeared to be directing the army.
"It is Liran." Gandalf said moving to sit next to Caryarn.
"Legolas!" the young elf whispered. "We've got to help him."
"And what do you suppose we do. March in and just take him." Gandalf said.
"No. oh I don't know." The elf muttered in frustration.
Gandalf sighed and rested his hand on the elf's shoulder.
*
Taket watched the approaching army with glee. He loved battles and this promised to be a good one. He left the watchtower and went down to the courtyard and mounted his own black stallion. The orcs were excited and were nervously waiting for the signal to enter the battle. His Uruk Hai stood more patiently.
He signalled them to leave.
* Liran smiled.
"Attack"
* The two armies charged. The battle cries echoed throughout the previously still night. Swords clashed. Smoke billowed from the torches that had been dropped to the ground in the charge and had set alight the leaves. Liran's creatures set upon the orcs with a fury that even startled the watching elves. The two dark lords remained outside the field of battle. Taket had his sword drawn but Liran was still sat enclosed in his cloak still like a statue.
Caryarn readied his bow and waited for the signal from the warrior captains to fire. About 100 elves were doing the same. The battle being fought below was brutal and the inhuman shrieks of the dying assaulted their ears. Liran kicked his horse into a trot moving towards the ridge where he knew the elves were waiting. Taket followed with his eyes curious as to the exact nature of Liran's actions. Alale watched the cloaked figure with Aragorn, Gimli and Mithrandir with interest.
"He knows we are here!" Aragorn exclaimed. Alale just shrugged. "Of course he knows. He has Legolas's mind." The cloaked figure halted and reached and removed his hood. It was Legolas. Despite the black hair, eyes and the mocking smile it was Legolas. The elves gasped as the reality of the situation hit them. Aragorn sympathised. It was a heart-wrenching sight.
The dark elf drew his sword. "Take a good look. It will be last thing you will see before you die." Beating of wings drowned out his laughter as winged creatures descended and attacked the elves. Liran turned his attention to Taket.
"Finally Taket I can avenge my daughter" Liran growled. He got down off his horse and approached Taket. "Ready to die." Taket just smiled. Their swords clanged together and sparks flew.
*
Caryarn loosened another arrow and watched in satisfaction as the winged creature dropped down dead from the sky. He turned to see that the other elves were achieving the same results with only a few minor injuries.
"This is not right." Alale stated as he watched the last of the winged creatures felled by arrows crash to the ground.
"It's a distraction." Aragorn said suddenly as he caught sight of Liran and Taket locked in combat.
"Archers take aim." Alale ordered. "Fire."
Aragorn watched as creatures from both sides fell but it wasn't what interested him. The battle between the two dark lords was vicious and his heart skipped a beat when Taket's sword slid past Liran's defence and sliced deep into Liran's leg. It buckled but Liran recovered and returned an angry blow himself.
"We must stop the fight." Gandalf said to Aragorn and Gimli.
"Miran, Caryarn, Elinar go with them as an escort." Alale ordered as he watched several creatures turn their attention to the location of the arrow attack.
"Go now!" the elf disappeared and the six quickly descended the ridge. The battle was raging and Aragorn knew it would be folly to think that they could get to Liran undetected. They were quickly descended on by orcs. Gimli swung his axe taking off the head of an unfortunate orc. He muttered several dwarf curses and ducked to avoid another orc's attack.
"We do not have time for this!" Gandalf thundered as he ran an orc through with his sword. The three elves had cleared a path.
"GO!" they yelled. "We'll cover you." The other three ran. With the elves protection they managed to reach Liran and Taket. The two dark lords were concentrating on the fight that they didn't notice the three approach.
Taket was tiring. Sweat ran down his face stinging his eyes. His mind screamed. He was immortal! This should not be happening so quickly. Something was wrong with the spell. He side - stepped a vicious swipe of the sword and moved his sword into a defensive position. Liran advanced with a murderous glint in his eyes. Taket went on the defensive as Liran pressed the attack. His arms shook as he blocked another blow. He moved backwards and for the first time noticed the other three near them. Liran fought on oblivious and Taket fought a desperate fight. He heard laughing in his head. Sauron [my my my Taket what a situation you have gotten yourself in. Pathetic creature. Did I neglect to tell you that the spell was only temporary, my mistake] NO!!!!! Taket screamed in his mind. A sharp agonising pain brought him back to reality. The sword fell from his numb hand. He looked down to see Liran's sword lodged in his stomach. Looking up he saw Liran with a triumphant smile on his face. He fell to his knees as Liran pulled out the sword.
"Go back to the fires of Mount Doom and burn!" Liran snarled and he lifted his sword and dealt the deathblow to the creature he had been hunting for centuries.
Liran stood with a smile over Taket's body as black mist floated from the body and swirled around Liran before engulfing his body. Liran felt power surge through his veins and his eyes flashed. He knelt down and cleaned his sword of the blood. It was then when he noticed the three intruders.
"So you are still alive." He hissed. "Unexpected but I will take great pleasure in watching you fall." He raised his sword and advanced. Gimli and Aragorn took up defensive positions. Gandalf began reciting another spell. Faster than the eye could see Liran drew a knife and threw it at the wizard. It hit him in the shoulder and the force sent him to the ground.
"Shut up old man!" Liran snarled. Gimli charged Liran. The elf easily knocked him flying. The dwarf was unconscious. Liran smiled. He felt Legolas madly trying to get back into control but he wouldn't succeed for the dark magic that he had received from Taket was slowly destroying the elf. Legolas knew this but still he fought. He watched as Aragorn slowly advanced.
"So just the best friend left." He said stressing the best friend. "Or is it ex - best friend." He watched as Aragorn flinched. "I know his mind Estel. He felt betrayed by you. Imagine that betraying your best friend. Make you feel powerful does it crushing peoples feelings."
Aragorn tried to keep his face neutral as Liran taunted him but everything said hurt him. He knew that was how his best friend felt but to have this creature that had possessed his friend throw those words at him made his blood boil.
"I never betrayed him. I know he is angry but he is my best friend and I would never betray him and he knows that." Aragorn stated circling the elf. Liran lunged. Aragorn blocked and danced backwards.
Gandalf rose his shoulder burning in agony. He watched Aragorn and Liran fight. He had seen the dark magic Liran received and knew that Legolas had little time left. He drew himself up to full height and began to recite the spell.
Legolas fought. He could feel the darkness invading his safe haven and knew that he was lost. With a last desperate push he tried to break free.
Aragorn dodged a blow and landed one of his own. Liran took a step back to steady himself and Aragorn watched as he moved toward him again. Then he faltered. The blackness in his eyes faded.
"Aragorn" he heard a voice say. Legolas.
"That's it Legolas fight!" he heard Gandalf chant behind him and hope sparked in him.
"Kill me." The soft voice desperately said. Aragorn's heart stopped.
"Nay my friend just fight. Gandalf's spell will work." he said reassuringly. Legolas's face showed the terrible anguish Legolas felt and the strain it was taking to keep Liran repressed.
"It will not work. It is too late. Kill me. I do not want my body to be his. Kill me please." He pleaded.
Aragorn choked. "I cannot my friend. I cannot .fight.please." He begged and watched in agony as Legolas lost the fight and Liran again regained control. Tears ran down his cheeks. Liran laughed a mocking laugh and again advanced on the man.
"He is gone." He laughed and his face darkened. "And now it is your time to die." The elf attacked him furiously and Aragorn fell backwards.
"Gandalf!" he cried as the blows rained down.
Gandalf didn't answer but continued the spell. It wasn't working. The black magic was too strong. He redoubled his efforts.
Aragorn fought hard but Liran was fighting with a madness Aragorn had never seen. He took advantage of an attack that left Liran off balance and pressed the advantage. Aragorn looked at Liran's face and saw his lips move.
"Kill me". Suddenly Liran threw his arms out and left himself unprotected. Aragorn in the middle of a lunge couldn't react quickly enough and watched in horror as his sword slid into the unprotected stomach of the elf.
"NO!" Aragorn screamed. Time seemed to slow as he watched Legolas stumble backwards with the sword in his stomach. The elf pulled it out and cried out in agony as he fell to his knees clutching the gushing wound. Aragorn froze his mouth opened and closed in silent words of protest. No sound escaped. He watched disbelieving as his best friend fell to the ground gasping in agony, his eyes screwed shut.
[I killed him oh mercy I killed him]. He stumbled forward and collapsed to his knees beside the downed elf. Reaching out with shaky hands he touched the elf's hands covering his wound. The elf screamed and Aragorn retracted his hands.
"Legolas?" he whispered. The elf opened his eyes and turned his head to look at Aragorn. Legolas opened his mouth but only a trickle of blood ran out of the corner. Aragorn felt someone kneel beside him but the only thing he noticed was the agony his friend was in. A pair of hands reached towards the elf's wound and prised the hands away. Legolas again cried out. Aragorn reached out to stop the hands.
"Aragorn don't." he heard Gandalf say. He watched as Gandalf placed cloth ripped from his robes against the wound. Legolas screamed and arched his back in agony. Gandalf quickly bound the wound as the elf panted writhing in pain.
"He needs a healer." Aragorn didn't move, tears streamed down his face.
"Aragorn he is dying. I cannot carry him." Aragorn moved as if on autopilot. He picked up Legolas, his heart crying as Legolas cried out in pain. Gandalf placed a hand on the elf's forehead and muttered a prayer to put the elf in a trance to try to keep him alive.
"Legolas?" a gruff voice questioned. Gimli approached the duo. Aragorn was in shock, Gandalf was wounded and Legolas looked badly injured.
"Gimli we need to get him to a healer or he will not survive." The dwarf nodded desperately concerned for his friend. The battle had moved further away from the elves that were withdrawing. With the loss of both their leaders confusion and chaos reigned.
Aragorn stumbled on as if in a dream. He saw Elinar, Miran, Caryarn, Alale all run up to them horror on their faces but he continued on. Gandalf led Aragorn to a clearing where the healers were.
Frodo gasped as he looked up from tending a wounded elf to see Aragorn stumble into the clearing with Legolas in his arms. His hair was still black but he could tell it was his friend.
"No" he whispered and ran towards them.
*
Lord Elrond entered Mirkwood at full gallop. He saw an elf running towards them waving his arms. Elrond slowed his horse, as did the others.
"Please come quickly. Prince Legolas has fallen." The breathless elf cried. Ignoring the cries from Glorfindel and his children he followed the elf.
*
Aragorn halted when Gandalf tugged his arm.
"Put him down so the healers could tend him." He ordered gently. Aragorn did so kneeling by his side holding onto Legolas's hand as if the elf's very life depended on it. The healers quickly set to work. Gandalf backed away. His heart grieved deeply. The wound was mortal. Legolas had lost far too much blood. How unfair life was to take away the life of such a young firstborn who had helped save Middle - Earth. He watched with tear-glazed eyes as the healers filled the wound with healing herbs but Legolas's glow was dying. He was so pale. He watched as the chief healer bowed his head and stopped the work. He stepped back.
"Why have they stopped Gandalf?" Pippin asked looking at him wide eyed with tears rolling down his cheeks.
"There is nothing they can do for him Pippin." The young hobbit gasped. Gandalf looked up to see Lord Elrond, Glorfindel and his three children rush into the clearing. He watched as he saw Elrond hurry over to the elf.
Aragorn looked up to see Elrond approach.
"Help him." Aragorn implored. Elrond knelt down. He saw the young prince open his eyes tiredly and look at him. Agony shone in those depths but another emotion. One that he didn't expect, relief, also showed. Elrond knew that the wound was beyond even his powers of healing.
He reached out and rested his hand on the young elf's forehead. It was cool and clammy. He wasn't going to last much longer.
"Do something!" Aragorn demanded frustrated that his friend was dying and no one was doing anything to help him.
"Gimli." Legolas whispered. The dwarf came closer. Legolas knelt by Elrond who backed away. "Stubborn dwarf."
"Crazy elf." Gimli weakly said for once not caring if his true emotions towards an elf showed. He gripped the elf's hand tightly and Legolas squeezed weakly back.
Legolas turned to look at Aragorn. He smiled and his teeth were stained bright red. "Thank you mellon". He took an agonising breath and sighed. His hair turned back to its blonde colour and his eyes became brown once again. Taking a last shuddering Legolas closed his eyes. The pain lines faded from his face and it became relaxed.
"NO!!!" Aragorn cried. He shook the elf. "Don't you dare die on me." He demanded. "Legolas!"
"Aragorn" Aragorn raised his eyes to look at Elrond. "He is dead." The elf lord said softly. "I am sorry Aragorn."
"No!" he moaned and gathered the body into his arms. Rocking slightly Aragorn cried. His best friend died by his hand. Life was so unfair.
*************