A/N Again, my sincerest apologies for the length of time it took me to
update. I will tell all of you that my job can at times be extremely
demanding, and so it was last week. Unfortunately, this occupation can be
so mentally demanding at times that I simply cannot write a thing when I
come home. In these times, I am afraid I will be slow in updating, and so
I humbly beg your forgiveness.
One other quick note – The scene with Gimli is extremely short, I know. I would have liked to have done more with it, but I think it would require a much better understanding of Sindarin than I currently possess. (My God, I am in awe of Thundera Tiger's abilities in writing elvish! Truly! If you have not read her story Land of Light and Shadows you really should – but be prepared to be sick at her command of Legolas's language!) Anyway, because I apparently need to attend graduate level classes in the elvish languages at the Fan Fiction University of Middle-Earth, I had to leave Gimli's part very small. All you Gimli fans please forgive me. I assure you the dwarf is going to get his revenge very soon.
Finally, thank you all so much for your reviews. I appreciate them more than you know!
Disclaimer: all characters, settings, and elvish language are strictly from the mind of J.R.R. Tolkien or inspired by him.
Chapter XII
Revelations
Gimli lay on his stomach on the cold, hard stone floor his head propped to one side on folded arms. The position was very uncomfortable, but the dwarf had managed to nod off for a few hours. Outside the sun was just rising over the gray land of Mordor, but it was only Gimli's dwarven senses that told him this. Inside his room things changed little with no window and only a single torch to provide light.
Only moments before he had been awakened by the sound of the door to the room being opened. There was always a change of his guard at dawn so Gimli continued to feign sleep not wanting another confrontation with the elves just yet. But both elves had remained in the room and were now speaking in hushed tones. Gimli kept his breaths in a slow even rhythm but strained to hear what they were saying. With a thrill he realized they were speaking in Sindarin, the only elvish language the dwarf understood very well, but the thrill soon changed to horror as the full realization of what the were speaking of came to him.
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The Ephel Duath loomed up on all sides of the company. The entire mountain range was a mass of impassable cliffs and rock faces with few paths winding through its peaks and steep valleys that could be traversed by man or elf. It was for this very reason that Boromir had been unable to find adequate shelter for the company while they waited for Legolas to wake. They were a mere 200 feet from the path which led to Cirith Ungol and hidden only by a sharp outcrop of the nearby mountainside. They could not be seen from the road, but if they were being hunted, as Boromir suspected, they could easily be found. However, both Andru and Firith had kept watch on the nearby road, and no one had passed since the company had discovered Legolas and Serewen at the foot of the long stairs.
They had found the two elves nearly five hours ago, and now the winter sun was setting in the west casting long shadows everywhere from the surrounding jagged peaks. They had taken a meal at noon, and then Boromir had ordered all those not on watch to take some rest as they could. Whatever lay ahead of the company, Boromir was certain sleep would be greatly needed.
Tolmoth rested near to Legolas. Boromir had noted the Dunadan woke from his slumber once every half hour to check on the elf's progress, but each time he completed his examination the Ranger would merely glance at the crown prince of Ithilien and shake his head. Legolas would wake in his own time, and there was nothing any of them could do to hasten his recovery. In truth, however, this was not first on Boromir's list of concerns. It was the elf with the dark hair who lay near the opening of their hiding place that had occupied the majority of his thoughts.
He and Aldaluin had questioned her several times on what had taken place since her capture. Her story had not changed, but each time she had related it Boromir grew more and more certain that she was indeed hiding the truth. Little could be done, however, until Legolas woke and could relate his story, and so Boromir had contented himself by keeping a constant eye on her. He would not give her any opportunity to disappear while the company rested.
Legolas moaned softly and stirred in his sleep. Instantly, Tolmoth was at his side. He was quickly joined by Aldaluin. As was the custom of elves, the captain of Legolas's guard hid his emotions under years of training and practice, but Boromir knew something of elves, having lived amongst them all of his life. The long stares at the unconscious prince and his constant interrogation of Tolmoth as to Legolas's current condition gave him away, and Boromir knew that Aldaluin suffered greatly to see his leader in such a state.
Quiet as the Dunedain and elves were the rest of the camp was quickly awakened by the sudden activity, and most had drifted toward where the elf- prince lay. Boromir grunted as he stood, muscles still sore from being seated on the stone of the mountains for some time. Out of his habit for the past few hours he glanced briefly to where Serewen was sleeping, and then blinked in surprise. The elf was no longer there. Quickly Boromir checked the faces of those who had surrounded Legolas, but she was not among them. In one single motion Boromir grabbed his sword off the ground and fastened it around his waist. Without a word to the rest of the company he ran after the missing elf.
Behind them lay a sheer cliff wall blocking any possible escape route to the south. On his left was the way back to the stone steps, but Firith kept watch back that way and would have seen Serewen coming. The only other possible route was the steep hillside leading down into the valley below. Quickly he scanned the land below him. Thankfully there were few trees in this barren land in which Serewen could have easily hidden from his view. The terrain was rocky and very steep, almost too difficult for one to navigate, but this was an elf, Boromir reminded himself, and she might find the land difficult to navigate but not impossible.
Boromir was about to turn around and ask Firith if she had passed his way when out of the corner of his eye he caught movement. It had come from near a large boulder some 200 feet below him. Without a moment's hesitation the young warrior was running down the hillside towards the boulder. The steep, rocky slope proved more difficult than he had imagined, and it was only the fact that his feet spent little time in contact with the ground that prevented him from slipping and falling. In moments he rounded the corner of the boulder.
The slim form of Serewen was now some one hundred feet away from him. She was heading towards a great shoulder of the mountain. If she was aware of his pursuit she did not show it. Beyond the boulder the land leveled out somewhat, and Boromir increased his speed. She rounded the shoulder with Boromir less than twenty feet behind her. She had to have heard him approaching by now, but the young man could ill afford to slow down and so he rounded the mountain at top speed.
He realized his mistake almost immediately but it was too late. Previously hidden from view Boromir now desperately tried to stop himself as he approached the edge of a small cliff. On his right he caught the form of Serewen where she had stood out of his path. Desperately one hand reached out to grasp a gnarled tree root sticking out of the dirt as his feet skidded out into nothingness. His arm felt as if it would be torn from his body as his momentum carried him forward, but the son of Faramir held fast. His shoulder felt as if a hot poker had been thrust into it. Quickly he reached his left hand up to take the root before his right arm gave way.
A cold, cruel voice laughed at him from above. Serewen was standing over him with her sword point in his face. ""Tis a shame that you should die so easily, young one. We had such plans for you." Swiftly she brought up her sword for the killing blow, and Boromir had seconds to consider whether to let go of the branch or accept the blade. Only vaguely did he become aware that Serewen's sword had dropped to the ground in front of him. The clattering of the sword on stone soon brought him out of his reverie, and he realized that Serewen was falling forward, towards him. His injured arm caught her around the waist as she nearly tumbled over the edge into the valley below. Boromir let out a sharp cry as his shoulder protested the action.
Within seconds Firith stood over him and lifted Serewen's body off of Boromir. Serewen was not dead, however. Her shoulder had been pierced by one of Firith's arrows, and that had knocked her off balance. Firith quickly pulled his hunting knife and held it to her throat while his other hand quickly rid her of all her weaponry.
With only one truly useful arm Boromir struggled to pull his legs up to the ledge. He was eye level with the stone shelf, and his one arm cried out against the strain. With one final heave he was able to get his right leg up. He was working on the other leg when he felt strong hands grasp his tunic and yank him up to safety. Boromir lay on the ground gasping for air. Pain ripped through his shoulder, and the young man was pretty sure it was dislocated. Glancing to his left he saw Firith standing over Serewen with his knife.
When he had sufficiently caught his breath Boromir said to the elf, "Thank you, Firith. I believe I owe you my life."
"I only did what you would have done in my stead. Think nothing of it."
Boromir nodded in acknowledgement. Elves were often times exceedingly poor at receiving gratitude. "How did you find us?"
"I was keeping guard on the road when I heard the sound as of a wild horse running heedlessly through scrub brush. When I went to investigate I saw you running down the mountainside. I did not think this was normal behavior, and so I followed you. It is lucky that I did." The elf's mouth betrayed nothing of his feelings, but even in the fading light Boromir could discern the smug look in his eyes.
"It is lucky I sound like a wild horse running heedlessly through scrub brush as well,' Boromir added a hint of laughter in his tone.
"Yes, that is lucky as well." Firith's eyes stated he had taken Boromir's self-deprecating humor as a mere fact to be acknowledged.
"Right," Boromir smiled. The young man struggled to his feet. "Let us take Serewen back to the camp. Undoubtedly, the others are wondering where we are."
"Indeed we are," came the deep voice of Aldaluin who was now standing at the edge of the great shoulder of rock. His eyes glanced menacingly at Serewen. "I am glad that you are both alive. However, I believe Tolmoth will need to look at that shoulder, Your Highness."
"Yes," said Boromir through clenched teeth, "I think it has come out of it's joint."
"Then let us go," said Aldaluin, "Firith let the Daequendi walk before us."
Firith none-too-gently urged Serewen forward. The dark-haired elf grimaced in pain at the arrow that still protruded from her shoulder, but she began to slowly trudge up the mountainside. For his part, Boromir thought that he might feel better if he could only rip the arm from his body, but though he was young he was still a Dunadan, and so he bore his wound without sound or complaint. By the time they returned to their makeshift camp the sun had set behind the mountains, and the light was quickly fading.
Boromir was surprised to see Legolas sitting upright by the fire eating some of the soup Tolmoth had prepared from the dried vegetables and herbs he kept in his pack. It never ceased to amaze Boromir how quickly the First-born recuperated. He was fairly certain his shoulder would trouble him for several weeks.
Tolmoth rose as they entered the camp, and ignoring Serewen and the arrow she wore went straightway to Boromir to look at his shoulder. Boromir stood while the elder Dunadan probed the sore flesh. "Gerath, come hither." The Ranger obeyed the command instantly. "Place your shoulder here." Tolmoth positioned Gerath so that his shoulder rested just above Boromir's Right shoulder blade. "Good, now hold fast." In one swift motion Tolmoth drove his two hands at Boromir's injured shoulder. With a sickening pop the arm repositioned itself. Boromir stumbled as blinding pain raced from his shoulder through every nerve of his entire body. Somehow he stifled the scream that threatened to rip out of his lungs and give away their position to any that might be standing within earshot.
"Go sit by the fire, my Prince. I have Athelas steeping in some water there. It will help to lessen the pain." Boromir did not argue, but went immediately to the fire and began taking long draughts of the perfumed air. After a few minutes the pain had indeed subsided considerably, and Boromir relaxed somewhat.
As the effects of the Athelas took hold Boromir slowly became aware that he was seated next to Legolas who was looking at him with concern in his eyes. Boromir laughed softly, "It is ironic that you, who have lain unconscious now for many hours because of your hurts, should look upon me and my suffering with such pity."
Legolas smiled, "My wounds are already well on their way to being healed. And though my head still feels as though I have been listening to dwarven singing for days on end, I have known the pain of a dislocated shoulder. I would not wish to trade places with you." Boromir grunted in a noncommittal fashion, but in truth the elf-prince's words touched his youthful pride. To bear pain that even an elf would complain of was saying something.
Looking across the fire he could see Serewen. Aldaluin and Firith had bound both her hands and legs, and they had fitted her with a gag. Tolmoth had removed the arrow and was now binding the wound. When he had finished he removed her gag to give her a mouthful of water, then replacing it he left her to her own thoughts and pain. She lay now in the darkness far away from the others, but he could feel the hatred in her eyes as it bore into the members of their company. So strong was it that Boromir wondered how he had not sensed it before.
"She eluded me as well, and I spent more time in her presence than you." Legolas conceded as he too stared at the traitor in their midst.
Boromir nodded, but the elf's confession made him feel little better about the situation. If he was to someday rule Ithilien he must be a better judge of a person than this. "What happened to you Legolas?"
Legolas grimaced and a dark shadow seemed to come over him for a moment, then just as swiftly it passed, "She took me from behind while we were engaged in the battle in the Morgul Valley last night." Boromir blinked in surprise – Had it really only been one day since then? Somehow it felt as if that fight had taken place ages ago. "I was higher up on the hillside than all of you, and so in the heat of battle my abduction went unnoticed. She had only two orcs as her guard, and we easily slipped away up the Ringbearer's trail."
"Did she say aught of what her intentions are? Or what the intentions of the Daequendi are?"
Legolas did not speak for a moment, but only stared at their captive. His gray eyes seemed to bore into her head searching for something. At last he spoke, "She said many things to me, some of which I do not wish to discuss for they are of a personal nature and do not affect our quest. In her own words she wishes vengeance upon my father for the death of her father and brothers."
Boromir stared at Legolas in disbelief. "Is her accusation true?"
Legolas shook his head, but did not break eye contact with Serewen. "I know not the answer to that question. If you had asked me such a thing even yesterday I would have had no doubts as to the falseness of her claim, but now I am not so sure." The others of their company had now gathered around the fire and were listening to Legolas's tale. "She claims that her name is Morwen, and that in the time of the First Age, when my father served the great King Elu Thingol, he murdered all of her family. She also claims that she and her father have murdered the children of Thranduil before in retribution."
The Prince's words were shocking to all, but the Dunedain were more than amazed when the last statement brought gasps of shock from the elves in the company. Even the eyes of Aldaluin had grown wide. Legolas finally broke eye contact with Daequendi in their midst and stared almost sadly into the fire. Lalaith rose and going around to stand behind the elf-prince she placed her hand on his shoulder. "Surely, she has told you lies to serve her own ends, sire. She would seek to turn you against your father."
Legolas did not speak, but continued to stare into the flames of their campfire. It was Aldaluin who spoke next, "Nay, Lalaith, I believe that Serewen . . . Morwen speaks the truth."
Boromir was thoroughly confused by the conversation. He wondered if the Athelas was affecting his thoughts, but decided against it at the confused looks of all the Dunedain. "Aldaluin, forgive me, but I think we Rangers are amiss somehow. What is it that Morwen said which you all find so disturbing?"
Aldaluin turned his steel gray eyes on Boromir. Even with his years of experience with elves the captain's stare made him feel as if he had been stripped and laid bare for all to see his innermost thoughts. "As far as any of the Silvan folk know, Thranduil has but one child – Legolas Greenleaf. But if this Morwen's words are true then our King has other children which have preceded him to the land beyond the western sea."
Legolas's attention was now focused on Aldaluin. "What do you know of this, Aldaluin? For you have been in the service of my father longer than most."
Aldaluin shook his head, "I know nothing for certain, my prince, but I met your father in Lindon many years ago, and even then there was a sadness about him which none would speak of. But it was your mother, Elessea, who housed the sorrow of all the elves. Even when we took our leave of Lindon and journeyed to Greenwood the Great, where your father founded his kingdom, still your mother mourned. None of the elves of the Woodland Realm knew what sadness lay upon their queen. In the days leading up to your birth your father appointed me to be your guardian, and so I was there even as you came into this world, and I saw your mother as she beheld you for the first time. Such happiness there was, but also much sadness. And then she held you close, and I heard her whisper to you, 'We will wait for you, little one." And as you well know, it was then that she departed this world for the Undying Lands.
"At the time I did not question the 'we' that she had uttered thinking only it was some slip of the tongue as she gave up this world, but in that I now believe I was mistaken." Small tears, like little diamonds, shimmered from the corners of Legolas's eyes. Aldaluin knelt before his prince, "Forgive me, sire. I did not wish to remind you of such pain, but I felt it was necessary. And also, please know, I held nothing back from you. It was only at this moment that I realized the truth."
Legolas stared down at the elf, his guardian, and Boromir beheld the Prince of Mirkwood in all his glory. "You need not ask forgiveness, Aldaluin. You have been ever faithful to me, and even now when you know your words sting my heart you provide me with truth. Would that all men had such a guardian." Aldaluin bowed his head before his Prince, then rose and took his guarded stance over his lord. His face had once again become a mask concealing all his thoughts.
An uncomfortable silence lay upon the group following the emotional speeches of the two elves. Finally, Boromir cleared his throat, "Night has fallen, and we must make haste if we are to rescue Gimli. The question at hand is what to do with Serewen? Should we leave her here with a guard until our mission is complete, or should we bring her with us to the tower of Cirith Ungol?"
"We must bring her with us," Legolas answered with resolve. "We cannot leave anyone to guard her in this realm. There is no place to hide, and orcs or others of these Daequendi could attack them. I will not leave one of our company in such peril. Besides, when we arrive at Cirith Ungol we may need every hand to defeat our enemy and rescue Gimli."
All nodded in agreement. Boromir gave the order for them to break camp, and within minutes they were ascending the first of the long stairways leading to Shelob's Lair. Serewen, whose feet had been unbound, was being guarded by Firith and walked in the middle of the group. Legolas climbed the steps directly in front of Boromir with seeming ease, but the crown prince of Ithilien suspected the elf's head throbbed as much as his own shoulder. Boromir laughed to himself. He wondered if the enemy could see them coming would they prepare for battle or just simply laugh.
One other quick note – The scene with Gimli is extremely short, I know. I would have liked to have done more with it, but I think it would require a much better understanding of Sindarin than I currently possess. (My God, I am in awe of Thundera Tiger's abilities in writing elvish! Truly! If you have not read her story Land of Light and Shadows you really should – but be prepared to be sick at her command of Legolas's language!) Anyway, because I apparently need to attend graduate level classes in the elvish languages at the Fan Fiction University of Middle-Earth, I had to leave Gimli's part very small. All you Gimli fans please forgive me. I assure you the dwarf is going to get his revenge very soon.
Finally, thank you all so much for your reviews. I appreciate them more than you know!
Disclaimer: all characters, settings, and elvish language are strictly from the mind of J.R.R. Tolkien or inspired by him.
Chapter XII
Revelations
Gimli lay on his stomach on the cold, hard stone floor his head propped to one side on folded arms. The position was very uncomfortable, but the dwarf had managed to nod off for a few hours. Outside the sun was just rising over the gray land of Mordor, but it was only Gimli's dwarven senses that told him this. Inside his room things changed little with no window and only a single torch to provide light.
Only moments before he had been awakened by the sound of the door to the room being opened. There was always a change of his guard at dawn so Gimli continued to feign sleep not wanting another confrontation with the elves just yet. But both elves had remained in the room and were now speaking in hushed tones. Gimli kept his breaths in a slow even rhythm but strained to hear what they were saying. With a thrill he realized they were speaking in Sindarin, the only elvish language the dwarf understood very well, but the thrill soon changed to horror as the full realization of what the were speaking of came to him.
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The Ephel Duath loomed up on all sides of the company. The entire mountain range was a mass of impassable cliffs and rock faces with few paths winding through its peaks and steep valleys that could be traversed by man or elf. It was for this very reason that Boromir had been unable to find adequate shelter for the company while they waited for Legolas to wake. They were a mere 200 feet from the path which led to Cirith Ungol and hidden only by a sharp outcrop of the nearby mountainside. They could not be seen from the road, but if they were being hunted, as Boromir suspected, they could easily be found. However, both Andru and Firith had kept watch on the nearby road, and no one had passed since the company had discovered Legolas and Serewen at the foot of the long stairs.
They had found the two elves nearly five hours ago, and now the winter sun was setting in the west casting long shadows everywhere from the surrounding jagged peaks. They had taken a meal at noon, and then Boromir had ordered all those not on watch to take some rest as they could. Whatever lay ahead of the company, Boromir was certain sleep would be greatly needed.
Tolmoth rested near to Legolas. Boromir had noted the Dunadan woke from his slumber once every half hour to check on the elf's progress, but each time he completed his examination the Ranger would merely glance at the crown prince of Ithilien and shake his head. Legolas would wake in his own time, and there was nothing any of them could do to hasten his recovery. In truth, however, this was not first on Boromir's list of concerns. It was the elf with the dark hair who lay near the opening of their hiding place that had occupied the majority of his thoughts.
He and Aldaluin had questioned her several times on what had taken place since her capture. Her story had not changed, but each time she had related it Boromir grew more and more certain that she was indeed hiding the truth. Little could be done, however, until Legolas woke and could relate his story, and so Boromir had contented himself by keeping a constant eye on her. He would not give her any opportunity to disappear while the company rested.
Legolas moaned softly and stirred in his sleep. Instantly, Tolmoth was at his side. He was quickly joined by Aldaluin. As was the custom of elves, the captain of Legolas's guard hid his emotions under years of training and practice, but Boromir knew something of elves, having lived amongst them all of his life. The long stares at the unconscious prince and his constant interrogation of Tolmoth as to Legolas's current condition gave him away, and Boromir knew that Aldaluin suffered greatly to see his leader in such a state.
Quiet as the Dunedain and elves were the rest of the camp was quickly awakened by the sudden activity, and most had drifted toward where the elf- prince lay. Boromir grunted as he stood, muscles still sore from being seated on the stone of the mountains for some time. Out of his habit for the past few hours he glanced briefly to where Serewen was sleeping, and then blinked in surprise. The elf was no longer there. Quickly Boromir checked the faces of those who had surrounded Legolas, but she was not among them. In one single motion Boromir grabbed his sword off the ground and fastened it around his waist. Without a word to the rest of the company he ran after the missing elf.
Behind them lay a sheer cliff wall blocking any possible escape route to the south. On his left was the way back to the stone steps, but Firith kept watch back that way and would have seen Serewen coming. The only other possible route was the steep hillside leading down into the valley below. Quickly he scanned the land below him. Thankfully there were few trees in this barren land in which Serewen could have easily hidden from his view. The terrain was rocky and very steep, almost too difficult for one to navigate, but this was an elf, Boromir reminded himself, and she might find the land difficult to navigate but not impossible.
Boromir was about to turn around and ask Firith if she had passed his way when out of the corner of his eye he caught movement. It had come from near a large boulder some 200 feet below him. Without a moment's hesitation the young warrior was running down the hillside towards the boulder. The steep, rocky slope proved more difficult than he had imagined, and it was only the fact that his feet spent little time in contact with the ground that prevented him from slipping and falling. In moments he rounded the corner of the boulder.
The slim form of Serewen was now some one hundred feet away from him. She was heading towards a great shoulder of the mountain. If she was aware of his pursuit she did not show it. Beyond the boulder the land leveled out somewhat, and Boromir increased his speed. She rounded the shoulder with Boromir less than twenty feet behind her. She had to have heard him approaching by now, but the young man could ill afford to slow down and so he rounded the mountain at top speed.
He realized his mistake almost immediately but it was too late. Previously hidden from view Boromir now desperately tried to stop himself as he approached the edge of a small cliff. On his right he caught the form of Serewen where she had stood out of his path. Desperately one hand reached out to grasp a gnarled tree root sticking out of the dirt as his feet skidded out into nothingness. His arm felt as if it would be torn from his body as his momentum carried him forward, but the son of Faramir held fast. His shoulder felt as if a hot poker had been thrust into it. Quickly he reached his left hand up to take the root before his right arm gave way.
A cold, cruel voice laughed at him from above. Serewen was standing over him with her sword point in his face. ""Tis a shame that you should die so easily, young one. We had such plans for you." Swiftly she brought up her sword for the killing blow, and Boromir had seconds to consider whether to let go of the branch or accept the blade. Only vaguely did he become aware that Serewen's sword had dropped to the ground in front of him. The clattering of the sword on stone soon brought him out of his reverie, and he realized that Serewen was falling forward, towards him. His injured arm caught her around the waist as she nearly tumbled over the edge into the valley below. Boromir let out a sharp cry as his shoulder protested the action.
Within seconds Firith stood over him and lifted Serewen's body off of Boromir. Serewen was not dead, however. Her shoulder had been pierced by one of Firith's arrows, and that had knocked her off balance. Firith quickly pulled his hunting knife and held it to her throat while his other hand quickly rid her of all her weaponry.
With only one truly useful arm Boromir struggled to pull his legs up to the ledge. He was eye level with the stone shelf, and his one arm cried out against the strain. With one final heave he was able to get his right leg up. He was working on the other leg when he felt strong hands grasp his tunic and yank him up to safety. Boromir lay on the ground gasping for air. Pain ripped through his shoulder, and the young man was pretty sure it was dislocated. Glancing to his left he saw Firith standing over Serewen with his knife.
When he had sufficiently caught his breath Boromir said to the elf, "Thank you, Firith. I believe I owe you my life."
"I only did what you would have done in my stead. Think nothing of it."
Boromir nodded in acknowledgement. Elves were often times exceedingly poor at receiving gratitude. "How did you find us?"
"I was keeping guard on the road when I heard the sound as of a wild horse running heedlessly through scrub brush. When I went to investigate I saw you running down the mountainside. I did not think this was normal behavior, and so I followed you. It is lucky that I did." The elf's mouth betrayed nothing of his feelings, but even in the fading light Boromir could discern the smug look in his eyes.
"It is lucky I sound like a wild horse running heedlessly through scrub brush as well,' Boromir added a hint of laughter in his tone.
"Yes, that is lucky as well." Firith's eyes stated he had taken Boromir's self-deprecating humor as a mere fact to be acknowledged.
"Right," Boromir smiled. The young man struggled to his feet. "Let us take Serewen back to the camp. Undoubtedly, the others are wondering where we are."
"Indeed we are," came the deep voice of Aldaluin who was now standing at the edge of the great shoulder of rock. His eyes glanced menacingly at Serewen. "I am glad that you are both alive. However, I believe Tolmoth will need to look at that shoulder, Your Highness."
"Yes," said Boromir through clenched teeth, "I think it has come out of it's joint."
"Then let us go," said Aldaluin, "Firith let the Daequendi walk before us."
Firith none-too-gently urged Serewen forward. The dark-haired elf grimaced in pain at the arrow that still protruded from her shoulder, but she began to slowly trudge up the mountainside. For his part, Boromir thought that he might feel better if he could only rip the arm from his body, but though he was young he was still a Dunadan, and so he bore his wound without sound or complaint. By the time they returned to their makeshift camp the sun had set behind the mountains, and the light was quickly fading.
Boromir was surprised to see Legolas sitting upright by the fire eating some of the soup Tolmoth had prepared from the dried vegetables and herbs he kept in his pack. It never ceased to amaze Boromir how quickly the First-born recuperated. He was fairly certain his shoulder would trouble him for several weeks.
Tolmoth rose as they entered the camp, and ignoring Serewen and the arrow she wore went straightway to Boromir to look at his shoulder. Boromir stood while the elder Dunadan probed the sore flesh. "Gerath, come hither." The Ranger obeyed the command instantly. "Place your shoulder here." Tolmoth positioned Gerath so that his shoulder rested just above Boromir's Right shoulder blade. "Good, now hold fast." In one swift motion Tolmoth drove his two hands at Boromir's injured shoulder. With a sickening pop the arm repositioned itself. Boromir stumbled as blinding pain raced from his shoulder through every nerve of his entire body. Somehow he stifled the scream that threatened to rip out of his lungs and give away their position to any that might be standing within earshot.
"Go sit by the fire, my Prince. I have Athelas steeping in some water there. It will help to lessen the pain." Boromir did not argue, but went immediately to the fire and began taking long draughts of the perfumed air. After a few minutes the pain had indeed subsided considerably, and Boromir relaxed somewhat.
As the effects of the Athelas took hold Boromir slowly became aware that he was seated next to Legolas who was looking at him with concern in his eyes. Boromir laughed softly, "It is ironic that you, who have lain unconscious now for many hours because of your hurts, should look upon me and my suffering with such pity."
Legolas smiled, "My wounds are already well on their way to being healed. And though my head still feels as though I have been listening to dwarven singing for days on end, I have known the pain of a dislocated shoulder. I would not wish to trade places with you." Boromir grunted in a noncommittal fashion, but in truth the elf-prince's words touched his youthful pride. To bear pain that even an elf would complain of was saying something.
Looking across the fire he could see Serewen. Aldaluin and Firith had bound both her hands and legs, and they had fitted her with a gag. Tolmoth had removed the arrow and was now binding the wound. When he had finished he removed her gag to give her a mouthful of water, then replacing it he left her to her own thoughts and pain. She lay now in the darkness far away from the others, but he could feel the hatred in her eyes as it bore into the members of their company. So strong was it that Boromir wondered how he had not sensed it before.
"She eluded me as well, and I spent more time in her presence than you." Legolas conceded as he too stared at the traitor in their midst.
Boromir nodded, but the elf's confession made him feel little better about the situation. If he was to someday rule Ithilien he must be a better judge of a person than this. "What happened to you Legolas?"
Legolas grimaced and a dark shadow seemed to come over him for a moment, then just as swiftly it passed, "She took me from behind while we were engaged in the battle in the Morgul Valley last night." Boromir blinked in surprise – Had it really only been one day since then? Somehow it felt as if that fight had taken place ages ago. "I was higher up on the hillside than all of you, and so in the heat of battle my abduction went unnoticed. She had only two orcs as her guard, and we easily slipped away up the Ringbearer's trail."
"Did she say aught of what her intentions are? Or what the intentions of the Daequendi are?"
Legolas did not speak for a moment, but only stared at their captive. His gray eyes seemed to bore into her head searching for something. At last he spoke, "She said many things to me, some of which I do not wish to discuss for they are of a personal nature and do not affect our quest. In her own words she wishes vengeance upon my father for the death of her father and brothers."
Boromir stared at Legolas in disbelief. "Is her accusation true?"
Legolas shook his head, but did not break eye contact with Serewen. "I know not the answer to that question. If you had asked me such a thing even yesterday I would have had no doubts as to the falseness of her claim, but now I am not so sure." The others of their company had now gathered around the fire and were listening to Legolas's tale. "She claims that her name is Morwen, and that in the time of the First Age, when my father served the great King Elu Thingol, he murdered all of her family. She also claims that she and her father have murdered the children of Thranduil before in retribution."
The Prince's words were shocking to all, but the Dunedain were more than amazed when the last statement brought gasps of shock from the elves in the company. Even the eyes of Aldaluin had grown wide. Legolas finally broke eye contact with Daequendi in their midst and stared almost sadly into the fire. Lalaith rose and going around to stand behind the elf-prince she placed her hand on his shoulder. "Surely, she has told you lies to serve her own ends, sire. She would seek to turn you against your father."
Legolas did not speak, but continued to stare into the flames of their campfire. It was Aldaluin who spoke next, "Nay, Lalaith, I believe that Serewen . . . Morwen speaks the truth."
Boromir was thoroughly confused by the conversation. He wondered if the Athelas was affecting his thoughts, but decided against it at the confused looks of all the Dunedain. "Aldaluin, forgive me, but I think we Rangers are amiss somehow. What is it that Morwen said which you all find so disturbing?"
Aldaluin turned his steel gray eyes on Boromir. Even with his years of experience with elves the captain's stare made him feel as if he had been stripped and laid bare for all to see his innermost thoughts. "As far as any of the Silvan folk know, Thranduil has but one child – Legolas Greenleaf. But if this Morwen's words are true then our King has other children which have preceded him to the land beyond the western sea."
Legolas's attention was now focused on Aldaluin. "What do you know of this, Aldaluin? For you have been in the service of my father longer than most."
Aldaluin shook his head, "I know nothing for certain, my prince, but I met your father in Lindon many years ago, and even then there was a sadness about him which none would speak of. But it was your mother, Elessea, who housed the sorrow of all the elves. Even when we took our leave of Lindon and journeyed to Greenwood the Great, where your father founded his kingdom, still your mother mourned. None of the elves of the Woodland Realm knew what sadness lay upon their queen. In the days leading up to your birth your father appointed me to be your guardian, and so I was there even as you came into this world, and I saw your mother as she beheld you for the first time. Such happiness there was, but also much sadness. And then she held you close, and I heard her whisper to you, 'We will wait for you, little one." And as you well know, it was then that she departed this world for the Undying Lands.
"At the time I did not question the 'we' that she had uttered thinking only it was some slip of the tongue as she gave up this world, but in that I now believe I was mistaken." Small tears, like little diamonds, shimmered from the corners of Legolas's eyes. Aldaluin knelt before his prince, "Forgive me, sire. I did not wish to remind you of such pain, but I felt it was necessary. And also, please know, I held nothing back from you. It was only at this moment that I realized the truth."
Legolas stared down at the elf, his guardian, and Boromir beheld the Prince of Mirkwood in all his glory. "You need not ask forgiveness, Aldaluin. You have been ever faithful to me, and even now when you know your words sting my heart you provide me with truth. Would that all men had such a guardian." Aldaluin bowed his head before his Prince, then rose and took his guarded stance over his lord. His face had once again become a mask concealing all his thoughts.
An uncomfortable silence lay upon the group following the emotional speeches of the two elves. Finally, Boromir cleared his throat, "Night has fallen, and we must make haste if we are to rescue Gimli. The question at hand is what to do with Serewen? Should we leave her here with a guard until our mission is complete, or should we bring her with us to the tower of Cirith Ungol?"
"We must bring her with us," Legolas answered with resolve. "We cannot leave anyone to guard her in this realm. There is no place to hide, and orcs or others of these Daequendi could attack them. I will not leave one of our company in such peril. Besides, when we arrive at Cirith Ungol we may need every hand to defeat our enemy and rescue Gimli."
All nodded in agreement. Boromir gave the order for them to break camp, and within minutes they were ascending the first of the long stairways leading to Shelob's Lair. Serewen, whose feet had been unbound, was being guarded by Firith and walked in the middle of the group. Legolas climbed the steps directly in front of Boromir with seeming ease, but the crown prince of Ithilien suspected the elf's head throbbed as much as his own shoulder. Boromir laughed to himself. He wondered if the enemy could see them coming would they prepare for battle or just simply laugh.