Chapter Fourteen

Fin had been allowed to leave her bed when she awoke in the morning. Estel, Legolas, Tan, and the twins had been gone for several hours, and Elrond thought the house would be calm enough for her to be up. He helped her to the dining room and they enjoyed breakfast together, talking quietly about nothing in particular.

"I would like to see you rest for a few more days before you try to resume your normal activities. At least stay near the house, if you go out at all. I believe the poison has left you, but you are still weak."

"I think I will try to do more reading, my lord, I still need practice. I understand from Elrohir that there are many maps in the library. I would like to learn to read a map, if you would be willing to teach me. I have never seen one, other than one that had been scratched into the dirt."

"I would be delighted to show you. I think you will find this easier, most of the maps here are in elvish."

"That is good, I am better at reading elvish words."

They spent most of the morning looking at the maps that were stored in the Rivendell library. It was quite an extensive collection, many had been drawn by Elrond himself and must have taken years to complete. Some were even works of art. Fin was fascinated by the figures that represented different features in the outlaying areas; trees, woods, water, mountains, deserts, and such. Some maps marked the existence of caves, villages, castles, roads, paths, and bridges. Some were large and some were small, the latter meant to be carried and used.

They stopped for lunch, and then Fin went to her room to rest. She had slept for several hours, and when she awoke, she felt strong enough to leave her bed on her own. She wanted to go down to the courtyard and sit outdoors. Even in winter, the gardens of Rivendell still held some plant life, and her days indoors had her longing to be around green, growing things. She knew the weather was cold, but she had her warm cloak and longed for fresh air. When she got downstairs, she headed through the main hall, and was surprised to see Elrond had a visitor. She had met this person on one other occasion, and that had been in Mirkwood when she was very young. She stood silently in the entryway, waiting to be seen.

Elrond looked up and noticed her. "Ahh, Fin, come over. I would like to introduce you to someone."

"But my lord, I already know him, though he may not remember me."

The man in the long gray robe and gray pointed hat turned then to look at her.

"I believe I do remember you, elfling. Though you were very young. It is good to see you again, Fin."

"As it is you also, Mithrander," she said, bowing to show her respect.

________________________________________

The man that lay in the small clearing obviously died a very violent death. There was much blood on his head, and his skull was partially caved in. Blood seeped through his clothing, running down until it could be seen on his hands, and it pooled under him. What other injuries his clothing hid, the scouts could not tell, nor was it clear what had done this. One thing that was clear was that this man was taken totally by surprise, for he had not even drawn his weapon. His sword lay in it's sheath, a dagger still in his boot.

Legolas and Tan quickly scanned the surrounding area for any signs that may be there. Estel bent to examine the body. This man was a ranger, one he had met before, but did not know too well. He was from the south, and had traveled here for the first time several weeks ago. Elladan and Elrohir stayed by the horses, their senses on alert to detect any threat that may still have lingered. Estel stood and looked over at Legolas, who was intently tracking something along the ground. He pointed off through the trees, and Tan took several quick strides in that direction. He then turned and nodded his head, agreeing with whatever it was that Legolas had said. The snow in this area was partially melted and in some places the ground was hard and frozen, in others it was wet and soft. Tracks could be easy to spot in these conditions, but maybe not so easy to follow. Legolas walked over to Estel, Tan behind him.

"I believe it was a troll, Estel, but I do not know what a troll would be doing this far south. This man appears to have been killed only a short time ago, and that would mean the troll had been out in the daylight."

Estel looked puzzled. Tan nodded his head in agreement, as he had also seen signs of a troll.

"Ada has told me that there are different types of trolls, but I do not know if any can dwell outdoors during the day. Elladan! Elrohir! What do you make of this, brothers?"

"I have heard of cave trolls, snow trolls, and hill trolls. I believe that hill trolls are able to travel during the day, although they must stay out of the sunlight. This day is overcast, at least this far north of Rivendell. Hill trolls are somewhat smaller than other types of trolls, are they not, brother?"

"Aye, but just as deadly. I do not understand how this man was caught so unaware. Perhaps the troll was lying in ambush?"

"Are they that intelligent?"

"I am not sure, though I have always heard they were not very bright. I have heard that some trolls travel with orcs, like pets."

"We should be careful," said Legolas as he strode back to his horse, "Whatever did this may still be close by. I would like to try and track it." He mounted and turned his horse back in the direction he thought the troll had gone.

"Do you think it was a lone troll? I have heard that trolls sometimes travel in packs. Has anyone else heard this?" asked Tan as he also mounted to follow Legolas.

"We have hunted trolls before, but they were cave trolls who dwelt alone. I have heard, though that although some trolls travel alone, it is not always the case."

The five scouts were now mounted and were traveling single file through the densely growing trees behind Legolas. They were traveling back toward the lake. The sun had reached its peak and was now traveling back down through the sky, though a thick layer of clouds hid it here. They had followed the trail as it curved farther north around the lake. They were only a few leagues from the border of the area known as the Trollshaws.

Legolas suddenly stopped, raising a fisted arm to signal the others to stop as well.

"We are not alone," he whispered.

Thank you to all who have reviewed so far. It is very exciting to hear your comments. You inspire me to continue. I am already at work on the next segment of this story.

Thanks Again!!