Chapter 9

          The small group of rescuers sat scattered across the open clearing, deciding what exactly they wanted to do. Gimli was stroking his beard as Haldir kicked rocks against the silent trees. Gandalf sat with his hat covering his face, while Legolas stared at his bow as if it were going to magically give him an answer. Mylea looked at all of them and decided they couldn't wait any longer. Aragorn was trapped in Isengaurd, and they were wasting time.

          "I think we should make for the tower now." Mylea suddenly broke the silence.

          Gandalf slowly pulled his hat off of his face and looked at her.

          "Mylea, it would be safer to have a plan."

          "Gandalf; Lord Aragorn is in there as we speak! He could be hurt, Saruman could be torturing him right now!"

          Legolas looked at Mylea's face and saw the worry in her eyes. She had made a promise to Arwen and was beginning to wonder if it would fall through. Legolas sauntered over to Mylea's side and placed a hand on her shoulder.

          "I think we should do as Mylea says. We cannot risk Aragorn's life."

          Mylea glanced up at Legolas and gave him a grateful smile. She was sure this trip was worth it as she saw that he stood by her. They would not have traveled all this way in vein.

          "Yes! We shall go, I can take as many as twenty orcs at a time!" Gimli hollered and jumped up.

          "Gimli, it is not wise." Haldir stated, giving Gimli a look of disapproval.

          "What do you know elf!"

          Gimli and Haldir started to get at one another's throats and Gimli looked as if he would raise his ax on Haldir at any moment.

          "Legolas and I will go alone if you two will only fight. Gandalf, if you feel it is best you may stay behind as well, but I am not going to wait any longer." Mylea spoke with a fire in her eyes.

          Legolas nodded and he and Mylea started to make their way down the hillside. Haldir and Gimli stood staring at one another. Gandalf looked after Legolas and Mylea with sadness in his eyes. He knew what was awaiting them below. He felt something coming to Mylea in his heart.

          "Haldir, Gimli…we must go." Gandalf broke their concentration.

          Aragorn sat against the eroding wall and placed his head in his hands. He had to think of something. At that moment Bimley came slowly back down the stairs with a piece of bread in his hands. He came to Aragorn and felt sympathy for the man saw before him.

          "Lord Aragorn…I have brought you…some bread."

          "I do not need it Bimley." Aragorn spoke not lifting his head.

          "Sir, you must eat."

          "What is the point? I am only going to be put to death, and if I cannot save Arwen…then I deserve to die." Aragorn said jumping to his feet.

          "Sir…do not say that."

          "Why? You know what is going to happen to me!" Aragorn retorted and glared at Bimley.

          Bimley looked at Aragorn and saw the pain spread across his face. If Aragorn stayed in the dungeon much longer, he would break from frustration.

          Mylea and Legolas silently entered the tower and Mylea pulled Legolas with her against a black wall. He looked at her puzzled for a moment. She met his eyes and smiled sweetly at him.

          "Thank you Legolas. I do not think I could have gotten this far without you." She whispered.

          "Yes you would have, you are strong Mylea." Legolas spoke and brushed a piece of auburn hair from Mylea's face.

          She grinned and took his hand and then Gandalf, Haldir, and Gimli burst in. Mylea and Legolas quickly scurried apart and met up with them.

          "What are you all doing here? I thought…" Mylea started.

          "We are behind you Mylea, besides I cannot leave you to Saruman alone." Gandalf spoke in sincerity.

          Legolas nodded and the five of them moved slowly towards the dungeons of Isengaurd. Gandalf led the way and they walked in a single file line. They walked down a spiral set of gloomy stairs and finally saw a bright light shinning from the very bottom. Mylea placed her hand on her sword, ready to draw at any moment.

          They turned the corner and saw a tiny orc speaking to Aragorn. Aragorn looked distraught and worn. Mylea couldn't help it, she ran to his cell.

          "Mylea?" Aragorn spoke with a smile.

          "Yes, are you okay Aragorn?" Mylea said and grabbed his hand through the bars.

          "I am Mylea, but we must get out of here."

          Mylea looked at Bimley and was surprised he made no sound. He didn't even try to make a move to stop her from coming over.

          "You little orc, step away or I shall have to introduce you to my ax!" Gimli exclaimed.

          "No, Gimli, do not hurt him. This is Bimley…" Aragorn started.

          "You mean to tell me you have made friends with an orc?" Gimli questioned.

          "Master dwarf, you need not threaten me, I have come to a decision about Lord Aragorn." Bimley piped up.
          "What is this decision?" Gandalf questioned.

          "You must stop my Master." Bimley spoke and looked to Gandalf.

          "What did you say?" Legolas asked.

          "He is going to go after Lady Arwen if you do not stop him. He wants Lord Aragorn as well, he does not want the race of men to continue."

          "Then we shall fight him Bimley." Gandalf spoke and gently touched his shoulder.

          Bimley looked up at him in admiration. He then grabbed the large silver keys from his dirty pocket and unlocked Aragorn's cell. Aragorn walked out and thanked Bimley. Bimley nodded and then they all heard footsteps coming from above.

          "You must go now, the secret passage Gandalf!" Bimley yelled.

          Gandalf nodded in agreement and they all ran towards a secret passage hidden within the dungeon walls. One by one they went through. Bimley stood watch and knew what would be coming to them if they were caught. At least they had a chance to survive, as he did not. Soon the dungeon would be flooded with orcs and Saruman, and he would be put to death.