Chapter 25

            Grien Whitesun glanced around him, his eyes and ears taking in the quietness of the forest that surrounded him. He paused for a moment, carefully considering the smallest sound that reached his ears, then visibly relaxed. He continued the path that he walked, heading for a cluster of trees not too far away.

            Stepping through the tight weave of tree trunks, Grien entered the shady area and glanced once more over his shoulder. Seeing, nor hearing anyone, he stepped towards the third tree from his right and gently kicked at the dirt that sat at the base of the tree. Metal connected with the toe of his boot and he quickly bent down. His fingers brushed away the dirt that covered the secret door in the ground and he firmly grasped its handle.

            With a slight moan, the hinges of the door opened, revealing old, crumbling stone steps. Grien began his descent down the steps, carefully closing the door behind him. Almost immediately, he found himself in darkness and cursed as he fumbled for his flint stone. He groped along the wall for the torch that he knew was nearby, then unsheathed his sword. Holding his flint to the top of the torch, Grien struck the stone hard with his sword, causing a few sparks to jump. A second strike caused the sparks to land upon the torch and he gently blew on them until a flame finally started.

            He sheathed his sword and packed away his flint, then carefully made his way down the rocky corridor. It was always so cold down here and he cursed himself once again for forgetting his heavier cloak. If he wasn't careful, one of these trips would be his demise.

            He chuckled to himself, shaking his head. The things I do for a pretty face, he thought, smiling. His thoughts turned to Adrianna Roseleaf and her sweet, inviting lips. It was those very lips that had enticed him to be where he was now and although he shivered at the dampness of the underground cave, it was the memory of the lady's kisses that warmed him.

            Grien was not considered a handsome elf, but what he lacked in attractiveness he made up in loyalty and faithfulness. He was a true friend and devoted his whole being when he found something worthy of his traits.

            He had deemed Adrianna worthy of love and loyalty the moment she had asked for his help. He had not gone into the decision lightly, for he had vowed long ago to help her, should the need ever arrive. You see, Grien Whitesun was in love with Adrianna; had been since they'd been elfings. Nothing anyone said about her could deter his love, nor his hope that she would return that love.

            And, his hope had finally been answered. She had come to him, in tears, her cheeks smeared with tears. She had sobbed in his arms for the better part of an hour, mumbling how she had been hurt and betrayed. When he had finally calmed her down enough to talk, she had explained the betrayal suffered at the hands of her so-called friends. Grien remembered feeling angry at hearing this and had immediately agreed to help her soothe her streak of vengeance. Adrianna had been so overjoyed, that she had kissed him.

            Grien smiled at the memory, his fingers involuntarily touching his lips. He remembered the fire that had burned from her lips as she had kissed him, sending currents of pure energy down through his bones. Before that kiss, his lips had never felt those of a maiden and he knew his heart rejoiced that his first encounter had been with the woman that he would eternally love.

            He continued down the passage, recalling the first time he had entered this place. It had been after Adrianna had informed him of her plan and his part in it. He had followed Lady Elyse and Lady Ariel as per the instructions and had waited to make his move. He had been content to wait for the opportune moment to capture them, for he would surely relish in it. These were the horrid brats that had hurt his ladylove; they would pay!

            The job had been easy enough. The wenches had somehow gotten into a physical fight, with one knocking the other to the ground. It had taken a mere stroll on his part to capture the two idiots and he couldn't have been more pleased with himself. He had been well rewarded that night, that was for sure!

            Grien finally came to a fork in the passage and turned quickly to his left. A few steps more lead into a room, a bit bigger than a servant's quarters, and laid his torch in the holder on the wall.

            Two Elf-maidens sat along the far wall of the room, tied to chairs, their frightened eyes trained on him. They began to tremble as he came nearer, making him chuckle softly. These two truly are idiots if they would think I would hurt a maiden, he thought, throwing his pack onto the table that lined another wall, Although, I do admit I would love nothing more than to deliver a sound slap to their dainty cheeks for the hurt they have caused to  my lady.

            He walked over to them and roughly shoved their chairs to the table. He opened the pack and dumped out its contents, causing the maidens' eyes to grow wide with relief. They stared hungrily at the food before them for they could not remember how long ago his last visit had been. Their eyes remained on the food as he untied their arms from the chairs, but keeping their legs and feet firmly bound to the chair.

            He watched with disgust as the two grabbed morsels of food with their grim-covered bare hands, shoveling them into their mouths as fast as they could. He shook his head as he thought that they were no longer ladies but as wild animals used to hunt. Once the food began to diminish, he pulled out two separate water skins and threw them to the pair. They guzzled the liquid eagerly, obviously not caring about the amount that spilled down upon their dresses.

            Once they were done, Grien tightly rebound their arms to their chairs and returned them to their wall. The maidens gave no struggle, as they had learned the first time he had tied them up. The one named Elyse had kicked him, while Ariel had tried to bite his fingers. That had caused him to pull out his dagger and very colorfully threatened to slice them open like a wild boar. It had frightened them so that every time he had come to bring them food, they had cowered before him.

            His duty done, Grien grabbed the now empty pack and strode over the room's opening. Turning slightly, he gave a small, hard smile. "Good-day, ladies," he said, then chuckled.

            Ariel and Elyse just watched him go, their eyes glazed over in defeat. Their tears had dried up a long time ago and they had no more to shed.

            Adenlain sat atop his trusty stead, leading his men towards the east border of Mirkwood. They had been riding hard for the last day or so and did not stop except to rest their animals. The horses had proved a long time ago that they were the fastest and most intelligent, traits that were well used on a request such as theirs.

            They were searching for a royal courier suspected of assisting in the kidnapping of three Mirkwood maidens. The suspect had a two day head start over them, but their horses had quickly caught up with his trail.

They were now close to the eastern border where the trees grew in thick clusters and groups. Adenlain had never liked this part of the land for the trees were so tall and blocked out the sun. Even in its lush greenness, these woods looked dreary.

Adenlain slowed his horse, signaling his men to stop. The animal was beginning to show signs of weariness and he could think of no better reward for the loyal stead than a good rest. He quickly dismounted, procuring an apple from his cloak and fed it to the grateful horse. He patted the soft mane of silver hair and murmured his thanks.

The rest of his company followed his lead, dismounting their horses and taking the opportunity to reward them. Adenlain walked a few feet away from the group, glancing around. He hoped he could catch up to this courier, for the king had deemed it with great urgency in his voice. Like his father, the captain of the king's guard, Adenlain had sworn his loyalty and services to his king as well as to the prince. He only hoped he could help in the matter.

A sudden sound broke through the young soldier's thoughts, snapping his attention to his right. His eyes peered in between the thick cluster of growth that stood there and he saw some movement. Quietly, he signaled his men to be quiet and to follow him. They obeyed immediately, drawing their bows as they silently stalked towards the area.

At their commander's silent orders, they surrounded the growth, arrows notched and ready.

Grien finished lightly smoothing the dirt over the secret door and dusted his hands. He smiled to himself as he looked over his handiwork, knowing any untrained eye would overlook it. Satisfied, he began to whistle a happy tune as he walked away, thinking of the reward he would get from his lady for doing his job well done.

            He stepped out from in between the trees and immediately found himself looking at the point of a well sharpened arrow. His hand went immediately to the hilt of his sword, but was stopped by more arrows pointed in his direction.

            "I would not think of it if I were you," Adenlain said, a wry smile on his face. He motioned fore one of his men to disarm the man, then stepped forward. "The king would like a word with you," he added. He smiled in satisfaction when Grien's eyes grew wide with fright.