A Second Chance Chapter 11
AN: Thankyou to Telborial for your review!
I do not own Lord of the Rings
***
About two days into the journey I asked the twins, "Can either of you teach me how to wield a sword, so I would be able to better defend myself?"
Elladan spoke up, "I will teach you, since Elrohir specialty is the bow."
Calale seemed to perk up at hearing this, "Elrohir could you help me with the bow? I want to beat Atanvardo the next time I see him."
Everyone laughed at this before Elrohir, who was blushing replied, "I would be honoured."
So this is how we spent the next three weeks. Riding form day break, till late afternoon, when we would spend an hour or so training. Calale's nightmares still came, although no where near as bad as what happened in Hobbiton. We each took turns at staying up, and watching over her, giving her the sleeping draught when she needed it.
The mountains were coming closer each day, and on the sixth day, of the fourth week since leaving the Shire, the trees thinned out to give way to the mountain rock. We had reached the gap. Setting up camp, I became anxious, although I tried to hide it. Elrohir and Elladan offered to take watch that night, and even though I should have been grateful for the chance to sleep, none would come to me.
"We will head out after breakfast. What shall you two do?" I heard Mithrandir say to the twins early the next morning. 'When had I fallen asleep?' I wondered. Sitting up I found everyone already awake, sitting around the campfire.
"We will probably leave here and make for Lothlorien. Either that or try to meet up with Estel in Rohan." Elrohir said.
Elladan nodding at what his twin spoke up, "We haven't made our decision yet and will stay here until we have decided."
So gathering our belongings we mounted our horses and left the twins at the campsite we had made. I must admit after being with them on the road for almost two months I was sad to depart form their company. Thinking at what they had said that morning I was happy that they would be staying at the Gap of Rohan until they decided where they would go.
Wondering down a ford the next two days left little to the imagination, although I did get the chance to ask Calale about Elrohir.
"So what do you think of the twins?" I asked, hoping I sounded subtle.
Before she could catch herself Calale said, "Elrohir is sooo nice to me!" Realising what she had just blurted out she blushed, covering her mouth with her hands.
Smiling I said, "That's nice to hear. You know some day you thank him for teaching you archery." I didn't say any more, and she asked for no meaning.
The next afternoon we came across the entrance to Isengard. Pushing our tired mounts on, we came to Orthanc by the time the stars where making themselves known in the night sky.
Saruman was waiting at the base of the stairs for us. Leaving our horse to roam the fields within Orthanc, we went to greet the white wizard. "Welcome Gandalf the Grey." Turning to us he spoke, "Welcome Lady Nolwe and Lady Calale. I am glad to finally have a chance to meet you both." Motioning for us to follow him up the stairs, I reminded myself why we were there. Although he seemed to have good intentions I was still wary.
Sitting at table that had food laid out on it, Mithrandir turned to us and said, "I need to speak to Saruman on a few issues. Please have something to eat, and when we come back, Saruman shall perform the spell of Calale."
I said, "Then we shall await your return." I was not happy about being left alone with Calale in this dark place, but I could not object while the host was still in the room. Seeing the food I ate a small amount and drank a little, before looking at our surroundings. The walls were made of some sort of black rock, which was smooth, like marble. The window edges were carved and appeared similar to a Celtic pattern.
***
Meanwhile, Gandalf followed Saruman into the room. Closing the door behind him, he turned and said, "I did not think we would make it at one point."
Saruman kept his emotions hidden, sat down on a chair and asked, "Why? What has happened since we last meet my friend?"
Gandalf looked at him and said, "When we reached the Shire, I think Calale became possessed by the person who causes these dreams. She pointed at a hobbit and proclaimed that he had what Sauron wanted. I am not sure, but the magical ring that this hobbit has might be the one ring." Gandalf had kept a few things from Saruman, and even lied, but then again it was better to be cautious. Although he would not say it he felt something fell in the air.
Saruman thought over what Gandalf had told him before deciding what he should say. "I can tell you now that the one ring is being held by Bilbo Baggins."
Gandalf rose from the seat he had taken, "How do you know this?" A sense of dread filling his gut, like a bag of stones.
Saruman walked over to the Palantiri and removed the cloth. Gandalf meet him at the Palantiri and grabing the cloth form him and covering it, but not before the image of a burning eye was seared into his mind. He knew now why Nolwe was hesitant. Looking at the door he tried to make his way there, but was stopped by the force of Saruman.
"Gandalf I give you a chance to join the winning side." Saruman whispered, altering his voice, so it flowed with sweetness like honey.
Gandalf turned with a rage in his eyes and said, "It is folly." Then thinking asked, "What do you mean to do with the two girls?"
Saruman looked at Gandalf in the eyes, and for a moment there Gandalf saw what Saruman had become - a power hungry fool. "The elf Calale has the gift of far-sight, something that would be useful in defeating those who oppose Mordor. The dreams are nothing, since it was I that gave them to her. As for the other elf, I care not." Not waiting any longer Gandalf summoned his powers in an effort to break himself free of Saruman's powers. It was useless since Saruman was the stronger. After a short battle Gandalf laid on the top of Orthanc, his body battered.
***
Time passed and I was starting to wonder wether Mithrandir was coming back or not. I didn't have to wait much longer, when the doors open and Saruman come out, "Mithrandir is reading a book which I found contained some information he needed," not missing a beat he approached Calale and asked, "Shall I perform the spell now?"
Calale looked at me before looking at the wizard and saying, "Yes. I think I have waited long enough." Closing her eyes she sat back in her chair and waited.
Saruman placed both of his hands on either side of her head and started to mutter a spell in a language I could not understand. Several minutes passed before he stopped. Lowering his arms he asked Calale, "Who is your master?"
'WHAT!?' I thought. Something was obviously wrong when Calale opened her eyes, and like in the Shire, she had no pupil.
"My master is Sauron, though I am his servant through Saruman." Calale spoke in a voice which would give the dead shivers.
Saruman seemed to forget about my presence for a few moments, and continued to ask Calale questions. "So could you tell me about the Shire and a Bilbo Baggins?"
"Yes," came the dead reply form Calale.
I let out a cry, and Saruman remembered my presence. Speaking to Calale he said, "Calale see that elf," nodding her head, he continued, "Kill her." He whispered the command before leaving the room, back to where I suppose he was keeping Mithrandir.
Calale snapped her head and looked at me for a moment. I did not know what to do. I didn't have any time left since Calale was coming from across the room with a purposeful stride, holding a knife. I begged, "Calale it is me Nolwe, your cousin, who loves you."
For a moment a confused look came across her face, but was soon replaced by a sneer. "I have no cousins." But the again at that word her face contorted and all of a sudden she cried out in her normal voice, "Nolwe run! I can not control myself no longer."
I approached her, but before I go to her, Calale leapt from where she was onto me. Holding the knife above me she growled, "That stupid bitch won't escape again. I hope you said goodbye to her while you had a chance." With a dry cackle she began her attack. Fortunately for me, with all the training that Elladan and Glorfindel had given me, I was able to avoid the first few strikes. Feeling the knife tear at my tunic and scrape my skin, I acted on instinct and kicked Calale in the knee. Forcing her off me, I remember that I had left my sword with my pack, which was with Suume.
Seeing that the door was still open I ran outside, and down the stairs to the fields. I felt something graze my leg, looking at the ground I saw an arrow. Turning I could see Calale at the top of the stair case, now holding the bow that had been a gift from Atanvardo. Watching her notch another arrow I focused ahead of me.
Not giving her another chance to try and hit me, I ducked into the trees and whistled for Suume. Waiting for her I wondered wether I was making the right decision. Suume came up to me and, as I mounted her I felt an arrow go into my left shoulder blade. Grasping hold of the reigns with a cry, I urged Suume to the gate at the other end of Orthanc. Praying that I would not be killed along the way, I looked back and saw Calale talking to Saruman. Not wanting to look any more I turned my eyes on the path in front of me, as tears fell down my face.
***
"She mounted her horse and rode away, but not before I was able to hit her with an arrow," Calale spoke to Saruman, grinning.
Saruman focused his eyes on the figure who rode away in a cloud of dust. Turning to Calale he said, "Go inside and wait." Calale nodded her head at her new master and did as he said.
Saruman spoke in a tongue not many dared to speak. An orc came, and stood at his side waiting patiently. "A young elf has just left. She has been shot with an arrow, and will not last long. Find her, and kill her." The orc grunted in response and gathered his bow and swords - it had been awhile since his master let him hunt.
***
Nolwe rode well into the night, only stopping to remove the arrow from her shoulder. It was at this moment when she cried her hardest. 'What went wrong?' I asked myself repeatedly. Bandaging my wound as well as I could, I mounted Suume and continued to ride late into the night.
Being an elf allowed me to only need small rests, but I had to stop every few hours for Suume. Sometime through the night I realised that I would need to find help. The wounds need the attention of a healer. Taking out my map, and looking I realised that my options were very slim. I could go to Edoras and hope that king Theoden was not already under the influence of Grima Wormtougne. On the other hand I could head to Lothlorien, which was almost a weeks further ride, or I could hope that somewhere along the way I would meet up with the twins.
While thinking of this I didn't here the orc approach, until it was about two feet behind me. Grabbing my sword I quickly brought it around in time to deflect a blow. Leaping to my feet I continued to fight, although my shoulder was causing me problems. Wincing from the pain, the orc took the chance and sliced the arm which I held my sword with. Crying out, but not dropping the sword, I struck back, embedding it into the orcs side. Withdrawing my sword, the orc fell with a grunt. Not waiting to see if it was alive I once again, mounted Suume and set off.
After an hour I slowed Suume's pace to a walk, and bound my new wound. By now I was tired from my blood loss, and decided it would be better that I stayed mounted. I rode for one full more day, before reaching the Gap of Rohan. Looking at the campsite I realised that the twins had only left maybe an hour or two ago, and immediately headed after them.
The movement of the horse was getting to me, but I pushed on, hoping to see the twins. Nightfall came and I decided that I would rest. Not wanting any attention, I decided not to light a fire and instead, ate some lembas before falling asleep. Through the night I awoke several times to the sounds of wolves howling. Each time they seemed closer. Realising they could smell my blood, I forced myself to stand. Dizziness overcame me, and for several minutes I had to steady myself, holding onto a tree trunk. Scraping my feet across the ground I called Suume to me. Waiting patiently for me to mount, I succeeded on my forth try. Motioning her into a walk, we continued down the path.
An hour later any hopes that the wolves would loose interest in me did not come to pass and soon, with my elvish hearing, I could clearly make out that three followed me about one kilometre behind. Urging Suume into a trot, I felt a sharp pain jolt through my body. My hands failed me, and I lost my hold on the reigns. Falling onto the dirt, I tumbled off the side of the path, feeling my body twist in angry pain, before hitting my head on a rock.
Closing my eyes, I fainted.
AN: Thankyou to Telborial for your review!
I do not own Lord of the Rings
***
About two days into the journey I asked the twins, "Can either of you teach me how to wield a sword, so I would be able to better defend myself?"
Elladan spoke up, "I will teach you, since Elrohir specialty is the bow."
Calale seemed to perk up at hearing this, "Elrohir could you help me with the bow? I want to beat Atanvardo the next time I see him."
Everyone laughed at this before Elrohir, who was blushing replied, "I would be honoured."
So this is how we spent the next three weeks. Riding form day break, till late afternoon, when we would spend an hour or so training. Calale's nightmares still came, although no where near as bad as what happened in Hobbiton. We each took turns at staying up, and watching over her, giving her the sleeping draught when she needed it.
The mountains were coming closer each day, and on the sixth day, of the fourth week since leaving the Shire, the trees thinned out to give way to the mountain rock. We had reached the gap. Setting up camp, I became anxious, although I tried to hide it. Elrohir and Elladan offered to take watch that night, and even though I should have been grateful for the chance to sleep, none would come to me.
"We will head out after breakfast. What shall you two do?" I heard Mithrandir say to the twins early the next morning. 'When had I fallen asleep?' I wondered. Sitting up I found everyone already awake, sitting around the campfire.
"We will probably leave here and make for Lothlorien. Either that or try to meet up with Estel in Rohan." Elrohir said.
Elladan nodding at what his twin spoke up, "We haven't made our decision yet and will stay here until we have decided."
So gathering our belongings we mounted our horses and left the twins at the campsite we had made. I must admit after being with them on the road for almost two months I was sad to depart form their company. Thinking at what they had said that morning I was happy that they would be staying at the Gap of Rohan until they decided where they would go.
Wondering down a ford the next two days left little to the imagination, although I did get the chance to ask Calale about Elrohir.
"So what do you think of the twins?" I asked, hoping I sounded subtle.
Before she could catch herself Calale said, "Elrohir is sooo nice to me!" Realising what she had just blurted out she blushed, covering her mouth with her hands.
Smiling I said, "That's nice to hear. You know some day you thank him for teaching you archery." I didn't say any more, and she asked for no meaning.
The next afternoon we came across the entrance to Isengard. Pushing our tired mounts on, we came to Orthanc by the time the stars where making themselves known in the night sky.
Saruman was waiting at the base of the stairs for us. Leaving our horse to roam the fields within Orthanc, we went to greet the white wizard. "Welcome Gandalf the Grey." Turning to us he spoke, "Welcome Lady Nolwe and Lady Calale. I am glad to finally have a chance to meet you both." Motioning for us to follow him up the stairs, I reminded myself why we were there. Although he seemed to have good intentions I was still wary.
Sitting at table that had food laid out on it, Mithrandir turned to us and said, "I need to speak to Saruman on a few issues. Please have something to eat, and when we come back, Saruman shall perform the spell of Calale."
I said, "Then we shall await your return." I was not happy about being left alone with Calale in this dark place, but I could not object while the host was still in the room. Seeing the food I ate a small amount and drank a little, before looking at our surroundings. The walls were made of some sort of black rock, which was smooth, like marble. The window edges were carved and appeared similar to a Celtic pattern.
***
Meanwhile, Gandalf followed Saruman into the room. Closing the door behind him, he turned and said, "I did not think we would make it at one point."
Saruman kept his emotions hidden, sat down on a chair and asked, "Why? What has happened since we last meet my friend?"
Gandalf looked at him and said, "When we reached the Shire, I think Calale became possessed by the person who causes these dreams. She pointed at a hobbit and proclaimed that he had what Sauron wanted. I am not sure, but the magical ring that this hobbit has might be the one ring." Gandalf had kept a few things from Saruman, and even lied, but then again it was better to be cautious. Although he would not say it he felt something fell in the air.
Saruman thought over what Gandalf had told him before deciding what he should say. "I can tell you now that the one ring is being held by Bilbo Baggins."
Gandalf rose from the seat he had taken, "How do you know this?" A sense of dread filling his gut, like a bag of stones.
Saruman walked over to the Palantiri and removed the cloth. Gandalf meet him at the Palantiri and grabing the cloth form him and covering it, but not before the image of a burning eye was seared into his mind. He knew now why Nolwe was hesitant. Looking at the door he tried to make his way there, but was stopped by the force of Saruman.
"Gandalf I give you a chance to join the winning side." Saruman whispered, altering his voice, so it flowed with sweetness like honey.
Gandalf turned with a rage in his eyes and said, "It is folly." Then thinking asked, "What do you mean to do with the two girls?"
Saruman looked at Gandalf in the eyes, and for a moment there Gandalf saw what Saruman had become - a power hungry fool. "The elf Calale has the gift of far-sight, something that would be useful in defeating those who oppose Mordor. The dreams are nothing, since it was I that gave them to her. As for the other elf, I care not." Not waiting any longer Gandalf summoned his powers in an effort to break himself free of Saruman's powers. It was useless since Saruman was the stronger. After a short battle Gandalf laid on the top of Orthanc, his body battered.
***
Time passed and I was starting to wonder wether Mithrandir was coming back or not. I didn't have to wait much longer, when the doors open and Saruman come out, "Mithrandir is reading a book which I found contained some information he needed," not missing a beat he approached Calale and asked, "Shall I perform the spell now?"
Calale looked at me before looking at the wizard and saying, "Yes. I think I have waited long enough." Closing her eyes she sat back in her chair and waited.
Saruman placed both of his hands on either side of her head and started to mutter a spell in a language I could not understand. Several minutes passed before he stopped. Lowering his arms he asked Calale, "Who is your master?"
'WHAT!?' I thought. Something was obviously wrong when Calale opened her eyes, and like in the Shire, she had no pupil.
"My master is Sauron, though I am his servant through Saruman." Calale spoke in a voice which would give the dead shivers.
Saruman seemed to forget about my presence for a few moments, and continued to ask Calale questions. "So could you tell me about the Shire and a Bilbo Baggins?"
"Yes," came the dead reply form Calale.
I let out a cry, and Saruman remembered my presence. Speaking to Calale he said, "Calale see that elf," nodding her head, he continued, "Kill her." He whispered the command before leaving the room, back to where I suppose he was keeping Mithrandir.
Calale snapped her head and looked at me for a moment. I did not know what to do. I didn't have any time left since Calale was coming from across the room with a purposeful stride, holding a knife. I begged, "Calale it is me Nolwe, your cousin, who loves you."
For a moment a confused look came across her face, but was soon replaced by a sneer. "I have no cousins." But the again at that word her face contorted and all of a sudden she cried out in her normal voice, "Nolwe run! I can not control myself no longer."
I approached her, but before I go to her, Calale leapt from where she was onto me. Holding the knife above me she growled, "That stupid bitch won't escape again. I hope you said goodbye to her while you had a chance." With a dry cackle she began her attack. Fortunately for me, with all the training that Elladan and Glorfindel had given me, I was able to avoid the first few strikes. Feeling the knife tear at my tunic and scrape my skin, I acted on instinct and kicked Calale in the knee. Forcing her off me, I remember that I had left my sword with my pack, which was with Suume.
Seeing that the door was still open I ran outside, and down the stairs to the fields. I felt something graze my leg, looking at the ground I saw an arrow. Turning I could see Calale at the top of the stair case, now holding the bow that had been a gift from Atanvardo. Watching her notch another arrow I focused ahead of me.
Not giving her another chance to try and hit me, I ducked into the trees and whistled for Suume. Waiting for her I wondered wether I was making the right decision. Suume came up to me and, as I mounted her I felt an arrow go into my left shoulder blade. Grasping hold of the reigns with a cry, I urged Suume to the gate at the other end of Orthanc. Praying that I would not be killed along the way, I looked back and saw Calale talking to Saruman. Not wanting to look any more I turned my eyes on the path in front of me, as tears fell down my face.
***
"She mounted her horse and rode away, but not before I was able to hit her with an arrow," Calale spoke to Saruman, grinning.
Saruman focused his eyes on the figure who rode away in a cloud of dust. Turning to Calale he said, "Go inside and wait." Calale nodded her head at her new master and did as he said.
Saruman spoke in a tongue not many dared to speak. An orc came, and stood at his side waiting patiently. "A young elf has just left. She has been shot with an arrow, and will not last long. Find her, and kill her." The orc grunted in response and gathered his bow and swords - it had been awhile since his master let him hunt.
***
Nolwe rode well into the night, only stopping to remove the arrow from her shoulder. It was at this moment when she cried her hardest. 'What went wrong?' I asked myself repeatedly. Bandaging my wound as well as I could, I mounted Suume and continued to ride late into the night.
Being an elf allowed me to only need small rests, but I had to stop every few hours for Suume. Sometime through the night I realised that I would need to find help. The wounds need the attention of a healer. Taking out my map, and looking I realised that my options were very slim. I could go to Edoras and hope that king Theoden was not already under the influence of Grima Wormtougne. On the other hand I could head to Lothlorien, which was almost a weeks further ride, or I could hope that somewhere along the way I would meet up with the twins.
While thinking of this I didn't here the orc approach, until it was about two feet behind me. Grabbing my sword I quickly brought it around in time to deflect a blow. Leaping to my feet I continued to fight, although my shoulder was causing me problems. Wincing from the pain, the orc took the chance and sliced the arm which I held my sword with. Crying out, but not dropping the sword, I struck back, embedding it into the orcs side. Withdrawing my sword, the orc fell with a grunt. Not waiting to see if it was alive I once again, mounted Suume and set off.
After an hour I slowed Suume's pace to a walk, and bound my new wound. By now I was tired from my blood loss, and decided it would be better that I stayed mounted. I rode for one full more day, before reaching the Gap of Rohan. Looking at the campsite I realised that the twins had only left maybe an hour or two ago, and immediately headed after them.
The movement of the horse was getting to me, but I pushed on, hoping to see the twins. Nightfall came and I decided that I would rest. Not wanting any attention, I decided not to light a fire and instead, ate some lembas before falling asleep. Through the night I awoke several times to the sounds of wolves howling. Each time they seemed closer. Realising they could smell my blood, I forced myself to stand. Dizziness overcame me, and for several minutes I had to steady myself, holding onto a tree trunk. Scraping my feet across the ground I called Suume to me. Waiting patiently for me to mount, I succeeded on my forth try. Motioning her into a walk, we continued down the path.
An hour later any hopes that the wolves would loose interest in me did not come to pass and soon, with my elvish hearing, I could clearly make out that three followed me about one kilometre behind. Urging Suume into a trot, I felt a sharp pain jolt through my body. My hands failed me, and I lost my hold on the reigns. Falling onto the dirt, I tumbled off the side of the path, feeling my body twist in angry pain, before hitting my head on a rock.
Closing my eyes, I fainted.