Author's Notes: I must have watched too much 'Skippy' as a child - I have this image, after Legolas told Pavisel to 'go and find Elrond, now' of Elrond saying to Pavisel: "What's that? The boys are trapped in the old troll cave?" I think I'm showing my age!
Chapter 6 - Rescue
Legolas flung himself at the cave entrance, shouting desperately.
"Aragorn! Elladan, Elrohir! Can you hear me?!" There was no sound from within the cave. He listened, desperate for some sign, and looked up and down the hillside for anyone who could get help. There was no one. As he stared at the cave blankly, wondering what he could do, he realised that the entrance was not totally blocked. Two large boulders had fallen across it, but there was a very narrow gap beside one. Without giving himself time to think about it, he slid into the gap, twisting to fit through.
Inside, it was pitch black, so dark he could see nothing. He tried hard to recall the layout of the cave as Aragorn had described it to him. With one hand outstretched to feel the wall, Legolas took a cautious step forward, then another, then swore sharply as his head hit the low roof. This was no good. He moved back to the slice of grey light that marked the gap, and squeezed back out into the night. He took a deep breath of the cool night air, then turned to Elladan's horse. He found a tinderbox in the bags, and a tallow candle, and quickly lit it, then re-entered the cave. The wavering flame cast a fitful light before him, sending flickering shadows across the walls. The tunnel was partially blocked, but now he was able to see he could pick his way over the rubble. Just ahead he could see a dark shape - the troll. It lay where the tunnel widened out, and part of the cave roof had collapsed onto it. It looked dead. He hoped so.
Above the troll, a slab of rock had fallen from the roof. It was balanced on a precarious support, and looked ready to collapse at any minute. Legolas edged under it warily - if it fell, it would kill him without doubt.
He called again. "Elrohir? Elladan? Aragorn?" A faint moan answered him. He stepped carefully past the troll and found a large cave, just as Aragorn had said. He turned to look round the cave, too quickly, and the flame shuddered and nearly went out. He slowed, then carefully dripped molten wax onto a ledge of rock, fixing the candle into place. As his eyes adjusted to the faint light he could see that the roof at one side of the cave had fallen in.
Immediately in front of him he could see Aragorn, on his hands and knees. He seemed dazed, unaware of what had happened. Legolas dropped to one knee beside him. "Aragorn? Are you all right? Can you walk?" He touched the man on one shoulder, but he seemed disorientated, and took a wild swing at Legolas. The sudden movement unbalanced Aragorn, and he nearly fell. Legolas lowered his voice. "Aragorn, it's me. Can you hear me? I'm going to see what's happened to Elladan and Elrohir."
He could see them both, just past Aragorn: Elladan nearest, Elrohir against the far side of the cave. He moved carefully past Aragorn, then knelt next to Elladan. His eyes were flickering, and he was moving his head slightly. Legolas touched his face gently with his hands. "Elladan? Elladan!" He paused, then continued, using the old name. "Ellahir! Wake up, talk to me Ellahir!"
There was a soft sigh. "Go away."
Legolas grinned. "That's better. Wake up now, I need you to help me with Aragorn." He turned then to Aragorn again. "Aragorn, can you stand? I want you to get Elladan out of here."
Aragorn groaned, but got to his feet, swaying slightly. "Elladan? Is he all right? What about Elrohir?"
"I'll see to Elrohir. Take Elladan outside, get help."
Aragorn helped pull Elladan to his feet, then turned to stare hazily at Legolas. "What are you doing here? I thought you were with Elrond."
"I followed you down. Come on, I need you to help Elladan, remember?"
With a mixture of pleas and threats, he was able to persuade the pair to move to the exit, stumbling and supporting each other. They were both clearly dazed and only partially aware of what had happened, or he would never have got them out while Elrohir remained.
Once they were safely gone, he turned to Elrohir. He lay face down, motionless, partly buried in dust and rubble. His hair was coated with a grey dust. As Legolas gently touched the back of his head, he felt a sticky smear of blood. Legolas slid his hand beneath Elrohir's neck to check for a pulse. To his relief, he found it, beating strongly. As he moved enough of the stone and rock to free Elrohir, he was sharply reminded of his own experiences. Eventually he was able to pull Elrohir free. The movement raised a further cloud of dust, adding to that already choking the air. The smell, the taste of the dust, the stinging in his eyes and throat all revived the memories even more vividly, but there was no time to dwell on them.
As he bent to check on Elrohir the flame began to gutter and flicker, sending shadows leaping wildly across the walls. He turned to look at the candle as the flame shimmered and finally went out, leaving him in total darkness again. He located Elrohir again by touch and lifted him carefully. He was still unconscious, but at least he was alive. The darkness now was absolute, pierced by the sound of settling earth, and laced with the evocative smell of damp and crumbling rock.
Legolas had heard a steady trickle of dust and debris, together with a constant drip of water for some time, and now there was a creaking groan as more of the cave collapsed somewhere behind him. He moved cautiously forward, trying to feel ahead with one hand outstretched, while still supporting Elrohir. After what seemed like an eternity he located the wall, and began to grope along it in the direction of the cave mouth. He had forgotten the troll, lying near the tunnel, and stumbled over it, nearly dropping Elrohir. At the same time there was a thunderous roar as more of the cave collapsed, this time showering him with stones and mud. He got to his feet again, heart pounding, breathing harshly.
Behind him, there was a different sound, the rumble of a semi-conscious troll - it was obviously not as dead as Legolas had hoped. He could hear it lumbering to its feet. Glancing behind, he could just see it peering all around, looking for the three elves that had trespassed in its cave. There was a low growl, then a crash. The troll had stumbled, falling against the single remaining roof support. There was a tremendous crash as the rock slab above fell, bringing down the rest of the cave roof. Faintly, in the noise, there was a soft grunt as the troll was buried beneath tons of rock.
A trickle of stones was falling all around Legolas, and once or twice there was a heavier impact. Something brushed against his back and landed heavily just behind him - big enough to have inflicted serious damage if it had struck him. Another rock hit his shoulder, numbing his arm, and Legolas stumbled to his knees. Grimly he picked himself up. Finally, ahead of him, he could see a grainy grey light that marked the exit, and could hear voices calling. The light was momentarily blocked, and he was plunged back into darkness as someone edged through the narrow gap.
"Legolas! Elrohir! Are you there?"
He gave a sigh of relief. "We're here. Get out, quickly, because I don't know how long it will be before the rest of the roof falls in." Suddenly someone was beside him, taking Elrohir, and guiding him out of the cave. There seemed an interminable pause while Elrohir was manoeuvred past the rocks blocking the cave, when the light was obscured again, then they were out, breathing clean air in the grey light of dawn.
Legolas sank to his knees in the damp grass. He was filthy, streaked with debris, mud and blood, hair matted and dulled with dust. Elrohir, lying beside him, looked no better. But they were alive. Legolas looked about him, absently rubbing his shoulder and flexing his hand. Aragorn and Elladan were being forcibly restrained as both fought to get back to the cave. Finally it registered on them that Legolas and Elrohir were out, and only then did Raffael and Tirilth release them. Elladan ran to his brother's side, but was waved aside by Elrond. "Let me see to him. What happened?"
Elladan was still dazed, but reasonably coherent. "We went to have a look at the cave Aragorn found with Legolas. We went inside, but one of the trolls came back and found us." He paused, clearly trying to recall what happened after that. "It started waving its club around, and hit one of the roof supports. Then - then I think the whole cave started falling down."
Between them, Elrohir was already starting to stir, and before long his eyes opened. He blinked up at his father and brother, both leaning over him. The fact that Elrohir had regained consciousness fairly quickly had already relieved some of Elrond's concerns. It was further alleviated when Elrohir groaned and muttered "Oh no - what happened to that troll?"
Legolas looked across at him. "Don't worry - it's dead. The roof caved in on it."
Elrohir blinked at him owlishly. "Leg'as? I thought I heard your voice. Where did you come from? You weren't in the cave with us."
"You're lucky I came to see what you were up to. You need looking after!"
Elrond watched Legolas as he spoke, his gaze going then to his sons. The three were battered and bruised, but already arguing about who was at fault. He turned to Legolas. "They are indeed lucky you came after them. I owe you - I owe you a debt of gratitude I can never repay." he said quietly.
Legolas was spared from having to answer. There was a clatter of hooves as Arwen rode up. She had been working with one of the other search parties away to the south, but had obviously heard what had occurred. Elrohir was sitting up by now, elbows propped on his knees as he held a pad of soft cloth to the back of his head. He looked up as Arwen approached. "Oh no, not again!" he murmured.
As she dropped to the ground, Legolas took her horse. He looked at the beast curiously. It did not look like the one she usually rode.
Once she had seen for herself that Elladan, Elrohir and Aragorn were more or less in one piece, her concern gave way to anger. "What were you thinking of, going in there without a lookout? You know how dangerous these trolls can be! Have you forgotten what happened last time?"
Aragorn tried to defuse her anger. "I did have a lookout last time, Legolas stayed outside. He was going to again, but got talking to your father. None of us wanted to wait, so we all went in without him. Perhaps we should have waited ...."
"Yes, you should! At least Legolas has some sense!"
Legolas did not want to be dragged into the argument, so looked for a way to interrupt, and change the subject.
"Arwen, isn't this Asfaloth? Where's your horse?"
She looked slightly guilty. "I borrowed him. He's faster than mine. I'm sure Glorfindel won't mind!"
"What do you mean?" asked her father. "Glorfindel does know you've got his horse, I suppose?"
She flushed. "Well - he wasn't there to ask. He was off searching one of the other caves - with a lookout!" she added pointedly.
Elrond sighed. "I told you before, ask first! I know it's not the first time you've taken Asfaloth without asking Glorfindel." *And it probably won't be the last, either* he added to himself.
The search parties were now split into two groups. One continued the search for the remaining trolls, while the other was delegated to escort Elladan, Elrohir and Aragorn back to Imladris.
"Arwen, take Asfaloth back at once. Apologise to Glorfindel!"
"Yes, father."
Elladan and Elrohir watched with unashamed delight. It was extremely rare that their sister bore the brunt of Elrond's anger - it was usually them, even when she had been the instigator of some prank.
Elrond now turned his attention to his sons and Legolas. "I want you to head straight home. None of you are fit for any more adventures today!" He paused then, glaring at them all in resignation. "No, on second thoughts I will accompany you myself. I don't trust any of you!"
When they returned to Imladris it was full day. As Legolas entered the hall, Erestor approached him.
"My Lord, a messenger has arrived from your father. He is in the Hall of Fire."
Slightly apprehensive, hoping nothing was wrong, Legolas went into the dimly lit hall. At the sound of his soft footsteps the messenger got to his feet and bowed.
"My Lord! I bring greetings from your Lord Father."
"Nifael! It's good to see someone from home. Did you have a safe journey?"
Nifael nodded. He was a new recruit to the messenger service, young, very much in awe of the army commander and his prince. He looked a little shocked as Legolas went to one of the tables and poured him a cup of wine.
"Here. You must have been riding all night."
"Thank you, my Lord."
Legolas ignored the honorific. He had tried before to persuade Nifael to call him by name, but to no avail. The only way would seem to be a direct order, which rather defeated the object.
"Do you have a message for me?"
"Yes, my Lord. I was instructed by Lord Tirnan to inform you and Lord Elrond that the crossing at the ford has been repaired. It was washed away in floods a few weeks ago."
"Yes, I had noticed." Legolas commented dryly.
"Oh. Well, Lord Tirnan sent a patrol to repair the stones. He asked me to inform you, my Lord." Nifael stopped, and bowed again.
Legolas sighed. "Thank you. Is there any further news?"
"Yes, my Lord. Your Lord Father asks when you will return to Lasgalen."
"Well, I've not finished here yet. You can tell him .... tell him I'll be back when the last of the trolls is dead."
Nifael nodded. "Of course, my Lord. I'll leave at once."
"No, you won't! Stay here. Rest. The message will keep until tomorrow."
"Yes, my Lord. Thank you." He gave a final bow.
Legolas watched Nifael leave, and shook his head. He hated excessive formality, but at times fought a losing battle. There was clearly no hope for Nifael. But at least he would deliver the message safely, and it would not be long before Legolas himself returned home.
To Be Continued .............
Author's Notes: Well, again I'm being kind. No cliff hanger. Four trolls down, one to go. What will happen when they encounter the last one? I hope that Legolas will feel a little differently about caves now. He did his heroic bit, and rescued everyone, so shouldn't be quite so negative.
Yesterday was a good day. Updates on THREE of my favourite stories! The final chapter of 'When the Ring Went South' by Thundera Tiger, a brilliant cliffhanger from Cassia in 'The Seventh Stone', and a new chapter (very sad) from Littlefish for 'Hostage of Fate' ! If any of you haven't read these stories, go and do it now! Highly recommended! Treehugger, JastaElf, Ithilien, where are your updates?
Responses to reviewers:
arabella thorne: I'm glad you liked the fight scene, I'm not so confident on those. I agree with you, Arwen and Legolas seem made for one another - but they obviously don't think so.
Kellen: I'm glad you like Arwen. She doesn't appear in many stories, but I think she must have far more going for her than Tolkien showed us, for Aragorn to fall in love with her.
PuterPatty: Well, Legolas finally got back into the action, but probably wished he hadn't! Elrond is always described as 'very wise' in the books - so a few words of advice from him would help. I'm glad so many people liked the way Aragorn put a stop to the argument in his own way. As for Ashia, you'll have to wait and see.
Lady Winter: Glad you like the story. As Legolas is prince in a different realm, Elrond wouldn't be able to command him. (But I think Legolas would still listen to his advice.) As for Arwen, she knows if she marries Aragorn there is much she must renounce - her immortality, for one. No wonder she's sad!
gemstone: Aragorn has his own special way of dealing with people, not always how you would expect. At least none of the three was seriously hurt!
Treehugger: But you LIKE cliffhangers! As I said before, I wasn't sure what would have happened to Elrohir, but there were two possibilities I thought of. There's a bit in 'Mission to Dol Guldur' where the Nazgul implies that Legolas has monogrammed arrows - so he made them!
I'm glad you like Aragorn's personality. Thundera Tiger calls it 'Ranger Responsibility Syndrome' - I know exactly what she means!
ccg: Well, Legolas wasn't inside the cave - not at first, anyway .... ; ) It's interesting how many people have picked up on the bit about Aragorn dissuading Legolas, also about Elrond and Legolas. As for Ashia - there'll be more about her in a future story. Wait till then!