NOTE: Thanks grandimagination, two more great reviews! You always have
something encouraging to say and I'm really thankful for that. It keeps me
inspired to write, as do all the reviews I've gotten so far. Thanks so much
to everyone! Okay, well, the accent markings still aren't working, and I
don't really know how to get that fixed. I'm just glad that the apostrophes
are keeping up, because it would be incredibly difficult to find some other
way to indicate speeches and all. Anyways, I hope you guys like this one,
and please review! If anyone else is reading, which hopefully people are,
tell me what you think, good or bad.
WILL TO KNOW: 9
"Who do you think you are?"
Ewan ignored the questions, staring straight at the blade pointed in front of him, his hand attempting to secretly pull his dagger from his pocket.
"Don't even try it." Ewan sensed the tension, and obeyed lifting his hands to show his resign from attempting to counter.
"Eldarion," Amdiriel spoke half questioning his presence in her tone.
"Amdiriel stand behind me, we're leaving, now," he commanded, not moving from his stance, his arm almost perfectly straight, threatening Ewan with his blade.
Amdiriel put her hand on Eldarion's arm, and gently lowered it. "He's not the enemy. On the contrary, he saved my life." At hearing her words, Eldarion's heart softened slightly, as he complied to lower his sword.
"Come. We're going home," he stated simply, turning to return to wherever he felt to lead his sister to safety, Amdiriel followed as she felt the seriousness in her brother's voice.
"You can't. Don't you see the threat it will cause? Bringing her back to Gondor will only bring more danger to your city. You must see it?" Ewan protested, following the young man as he walked forward, trying to ignore the nags of this unknown wanderer.
"I am not sure what makes you think I will all of a sudden listen to you; who you are, I don't know, and in truth I really don't care. I appreciate you helping my sister, but your opinion in the matter is of little importance." The two males were now standing in front of each other, eyes glaring. Amdiriel looked up to both, neither one noticing her watching.
"Well make my opinion of importance, your highness. You will put her in more danger, as you will do the same to your family. If you would only let your guard down for a moment and let me take you back to my camp, my companions can help you, we can think of a better plan to......."
"Back to your camp? What makes you think I'm going to trust you enough to let you lead my sister and I to a camp I know nothing of?"
Just then Laurelas came up to the trio, panting and gasping for breath as he did. "It's Arodiel," he said merely, as Eldarion headed back to the small site of refuge they had previously prepared, Laurelas, Amdiriel and Ewan all following. When they reached the camp, Arodiel lay in her brother's arms, as the cloth that was tied across her forehead was leaking with blood. Laurelas and Eldarion knelt beside Anarion, as Amdiriel held her sister Nestor who began to shed tears, understandably so, for the past two days have been traumatic to say the least, and now it seemed their dear friend was seriously hurt.
"What do we do?" Laurelas asked, frantic fret cracking his voice, as the three friends looked to one other.
"Nestor, can you heal her?" her brother asked. Nestor shook her head. "I'm afraid to. My mind is still not itself, I still feel a bit light-headed. It's not safe and I wouldn't want to risk her life anymore than it is."
"There's no need. Follow me and bring her quickly, there's not time to argue. If you want to keep her in tact then you would let me bring her to my faction, we can help her," Ewan offered, though it was more of an order than an offer.
Laurelas was the first to stand, expecting his friends would bring his love to follow the young man, as Amdiriel lead Nestor to follow Ewan, but Eldarion stopped Anarion from standing to join the crowd, and Ewan noticed.
"You would gamble her life, for pride?" Ewan asked, once again staring his counter part in the eye.
"I told you I didn't trust you and I'm telling you again. We can find our own way," he stated, clenching his teeth, as it was apparent the pressure was building upon his mind.
"ELDARION!" cried Amdiriel in protest, frustrated at his newfound proud nature. "Anarion bring her, now, there is no time." Anarion obeyed, quickly following Amdiriel as she followed Ewan, Nestor close behind. Laurelas approached his friend who opposed, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Eldarion, come on." Eldarion followed, though he felt his anger level reach a new high.
When they reached Ewan's camp, it was bigger than what they had all expected, though not incredibly large. Tents had been set up in a manner that looked scattered but in actuality were closer together than their appearances let up. Men were spread out in the camp, some sitting by a fire, patiently waiting for their food to be cooked, other's simply resting on the ground, sharpening and shining their weapons. A few were even by the water, as the camp was set near the bay, washing their clothes. As the group, lead by Ewan, walked through the camp, each man looked up from what he was doing, to notice the new strangers, particularly the maiden's, as the group was made entirely of men.
"Wait here," Ewan said, as he entered the tent he lead them to. Voices could be heard from inside, though what conversation went on proved to be unclear. Moments later a man of dark features, clothed with all black garments, hair waved and dark as the night with eyes deeper than the sea itself, emerged, Ewan standing behind him.
"I am Yrumyr, you needn't be afraid. Please, bring her," he motioned to Anarion, lifting the slit of the front of the tent like he was opening a door for the young man, who willingly carried his sister in. Laurelas took a step to follow, but Ewan raised his hand to stop him. "No, we can only wait now. Come, there is food and water for you. You're all hungry and tired no doubt." Though there was tension between them before, Ewan put that aside to motion to Eldarion that he welcomed him also. Eldarion, politely obliged, though a trace of resentment still present in his mind, as his expressions clearly demonstrated.
Hours had passed when finally Yrumyr emerged from the tent; Laurelas being the first to stand from the ground the group was seated upon to acknowledge the man.
"What news? How does she?"
"She will be fine. She lost a good amount of blood; fortunately the cut was not deep enough for the blood to flow out, though if you would have gotten here any later then it wouldn't have made a difference." Laurelas shook the man's hand in appreciation, as he entered the tent to see Arodiel. Yrumyr turned to the remaining group. "Your friend will be well enough to travel for tomorrow, if it is necessary, though I beg you not to. It is not safe, especially considering that you are so sought after, Amdiriel; Eldarion as well."
"But why, what do they want of us; of me?" Amdiriel asked, annoyed having been told she was sought after yet again.
Yrumyr sighed, as the young maiden stared at him, eyes pleading to be told. "They seek the two of you, mainly because of a prophecy. Ainik, as he was once known, is a man who was corrupted by evil. He hears voices in his head; it is my own opinion that these voices are none other than Sauron himself, though in his black heart he thinks the voice to be the Lord of the Nazgul. Whoever it is, it is using him. Through him, the evil bred an army from scattered orc and Uruk-hai, wisely commanding him to keep the militia hidden as much as possible, so they would not dwindle in number. The voice tells him whatever it pleases, and he concedes, for his conscience died years ago. Evil has been defeated many times before, and it was thought that the greatest threat was finally sealed away, but Sauron's thirst for revenge will never be quenched until he destroys what has defeated him. He's attempting to return, to be released from the bounds that hold his spirit and come back to Middle Earth to triumph, and he plans to do this through Ainik. Ainik sees things that the rest of us can't, and I imagine he found a way to release Sauron's spirit. From what I've come to find, there is a key, but where this key is it is uncertain. However, Ainik knows where it is, and that is our greatest disability. But we still have the prophecy; the prophecy of his demise that he's come to admit himself is that he will only fail, if the son of elves and daughter of hope rise to triumph him, which is why he is after you. He wants you dead."
"Which is why I suggest you stay clear from Gondor. If they find you've returned there, you will risk your family's safety. I also suggest that you, Eldarion, keep clear from where Ainik resides, and refrain from coming to the aid of your sister so quickly," declared Ewan.
"What will you have me do? Leave her and Aeronel to die at his hands? I will not rest until Aeronel and Maethoriel are safe in my care, with the rest of my loved ones. You suggest whatever you please, but I'm going to find them."
"Did you not hear a word Yrumyr said? Think clearly Eldarion! You risk the fate of this world, just as you wished to risk the life of your friend Arodiel? The choices you are attempting to make will get us all killed!"
At that moment Eldarion stopped where he was, as he had began to walk away the second he finished speaking. He slowly turned to Ewan, and began to approach him, only to shoot his fist straight at Ewan's face. Ewan fell to the ground, but quickly got up and tackled Eldarion, ramming him to the ground, both boys now locked in a physical fight. Men began to gather in a circle around the boys, chanting and calling as if enjoying entertainment. Yrumyr wished to split the boys, but they were so violent and rapid in countering each other's blows he feared he would only hurt himself, for age had already begun to catch up with him. He held back Nestor and Amdiriel, for fear they would be hurt as well, as it seemed the boys would not let up. Anarion and Laurelas appeared from the tent that held Arodiel to see what the commotion was about, and noticed the crowd. They rushed to see what was so amusing, only to find the two boys secured in battle. Immediately both intervened, Laurelas standing between Ewan and Eldarion as Anarion held back his friend. Both boys were standing now, breathing heavily, Ewan wiping the blood from his mouth. Yrumyr stepped within the circle, looking around to his men, signaling them to leave for the show was over. As the men dispersed, he shot a defiant stare to Ewan, clearly disappointed and angry he would enlist in such behavior towards their guest, even if the young prince had started the fight. Ewan, frustrated, shook his head as he left to go empty his anger and calm his nerves.
Nestor turned to her sister, shocked at what had just occurred.
"What are we going to do now?"
"I don't know Nestor. But I fear Eldarion will get himself killed if he doesn't rationalize, even for a moment. Come, let us go visit Arodiel, hopefully she is awake, as it will distract us from this business." Nestor placed her arm in her sister's as the girls headed for Arodiel's tent.
NORTHERN WASTE
Ainik was seated at a table in a dark, damp hall, with two other men besides him, one at each side. One was a Dunleding, inhibitors of Dunland and sworn enemies of the Rohirrim. The other was of the Haradrim, ancient enemies of Gondor. Both were leaders in each of their cultures.
"And how do we know this plan will work?" the Dunleding asked. "One doesn't simply call war on Gondor AND Rohan combined, it is madness." The Man of Harad nodded in agreement. "Even if our armies together form one greater than theirs, they will likely call the aid of ever other free race of Middle Earth, which will outnumber us greatly."
"Do not worry about that, my Dunleding ally, we have the aid of a most powerful spirit that they will never be able to match."
"And who, if I may inquire, would that be?"
Ainik bent closer to the table, looking to each man as if indicating what he had to say was of secrecy. "Sauron himself," he confessed, a smile stretched across his face. Both men gasped in amazement.
"It cannot be," said the man of Harad, unable to speak anything else.
"How, pray-tell, are we supposed to bring back Sauron himself?" spoke the Dunleding.
Ainik rolled his eyes in irritation. "I've found the key," Ainik didn't need to explain any further than that. They knew of what he spoke. "And I feel very fortunate, for the key is not really a key, but a person; the blood of a certain person, to be precise, and that person proves to be very versatile in use; I will slay her, and her blood will serve to be the key for Sauron's release, her death will serve to be the end of hope for the free people, and her loss will serve to be a fatal wound in Elessar's heart. It is perfect," said Ainik, laughing uncontrollably as he finished his sentence. Both men stared at one another, realizing the significance of this, and awkwardly joined in the sinister joy of the man who would lead them.
TBC, don't forget to review! Thanks again for all the reviews so far!
WILL TO KNOW: 9
"Who do you think you are?"
Ewan ignored the questions, staring straight at the blade pointed in front of him, his hand attempting to secretly pull his dagger from his pocket.
"Don't even try it." Ewan sensed the tension, and obeyed lifting his hands to show his resign from attempting to counter.
"Eldarion," Amdiriel spoke half questioning his presence in her tone.
"Amdiriel stand behind me, we're leaving, now," he commanded, not moving from his stance, his arm almost perfectly straight, threatening Ewan with his blade.
Amdiriel put her hand on Eldarion's arm, and gently lowered it. "He's not the enemy. On the contrary, he saved my life." At hearing her words, Eldarion's heart softened slightly, as he complied to lower his sword.
"Come. We're going home," he stated simply, turning to return to wherever he felt to lead his sister to safety, Amdiriel followed as she felt the seriousness in her brother's voice.
"You can't. Don't you see the threat it will cause? Bringing her back to Gondor will only bring more danger to your city. You must see it?" Ewan protested, following the young man as he walked forward, trying to ignore the nags of this unknown wanderer.
"I am not sure what makes you think I will all of a sudden listen to you; who you are, I don't know, and in truth I really don't care. I appreciate you helping my sister, but your opinion in the matter is of little importance." The two males were now standing in front of each other, eyes glaring. Amdiriel looked up to both, neither one noticing her watching.
"Well make my opinion of importance, your highness. You will put her in more danger, as you will do the same to your family. If you would only let your guard down for a moment and let me take you back to my camp, my companions can help you, we can think of a better plan to......."
"Back to your camp? What makes you think I'm going to trust you enough to let you lead my sister and I to a camp I know nothing of?"
Just then Laurelas came up to the trio, panting and gasping for breath as he did. "It's Arodiel," he said merely, as Eldarion headed back to the small site of refuge they had previously prepared, Laurelas, Amdiriel and Ewan all following. When they reached the camp, Arodiel lay in her brother's arms, as the cloth that was tied across her forehead was leaking with blood. Laurelas and Eldarion knelt beside Anarion, as Amdiriel held her sister Nestor who began to shed tears, understandably so, for the past two days have been traumatic to say the least, and now it seemed their dear friend was seriously hurt.
"What do we do?" Laurelas asked, frantic fret cracking his voice, as the three friends looked to one other.
"Nestor, can you heal her?" her brother asked. Nestor shook her head. "I'm afraid to. My mind is still not itself, I still feel a bit light-headed. It's not safe and I wouldn't want to risk her life anymore than it is."
"There's no need. Follow me and bring her quickly, there's not time to argue. If you want to keep her in tact then you would let me bring her to my faction, we can help her," Ewan offered, though it was more of an order than an offer.
Laurelas was the first to stand, expecting his friends would bring his love to follow the young man, as Amdiriel lead Nestor to follow Ewan, but Eldarion stopped Anarion from standing to join the crowd, and Ewan noticed.
"You would gamble her life, for pride?" Ewan asked, once again staring his counter part in the eye.
"I told you I didn't trust you and I'm telling you again. We can find our own way," he stated, clenching his teeth, as it was apparent the pressure was building upon his mind.
"ELDARION!" cried Amdiriel in protest, frustrated at his newfound proud nature. "Anarion bring her, now, there is no time." Anarion obeyed, quickly following Amdiriel as she followed Ewan, Nestor close behind. Laurelas approached his friend who opposed, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Eldarion, come on." Eldarion followed, though he felt his anger level reach a new high.
When they reached Ewan's camp, it was bigger than what they had all expected, though not incredibly large. Tents had been set up in a manner that looked scattered but in actuality were closer together than their appearances let up. Men were spread out in the camp, some sitting by a fire, patiently waiting for their food to be cooked, other's simply resting on the ground, sharpening and shining their weapons. A few were even by the water, as the camp was set near the bay, washing their clothes. As the group, lead by Ewan, walked through the camp, each man looked up from what he was doing, to notice the new strangers, particularly the maiden's, as the group was made entirely of men.
"Wait here," Ewan said, as he entered the tent he lead them to. Voices could be heard from inside, though what conversation went on proved to be unclear. Moments later a man of dark features, clothed with all black garments, hair waved and dark as the night with eyes deeper than the sea itself, emerged, Ewan standing behind him.
"I am Yrumyr, you needn't be afraid. Please, bring her," he motioned to Anarion, lifting the slit of the front of the tent like he was opening a door for the young man, who willingly carried his sister in. Laurelas took a step to follow, but Ewan raised his hand to stop him. "No, we can only wait now. Come, there is food and water for you. You're all hungry and tired no doubt." Though there was tension between them before, Ewan put that aside to motion to Eldarion that he welcomed him also. Eldarion, politely obliged, though a trace of resentment still present in his mind, as his expressions clearly demonstrated.
Hours had passed when finally Yrumyr emerged from the tent; Laurelas being the first to stand from the ground the group was seated upon to acknowledge the man.
"What news? How does she?"
"She will be fine. She lost a good amount of blood; fortunately the cut was not deep enough for the blood to flow out, though if you would have gotten here any later then it wouldn't have made a difference." Laurelas shook the man's hand in appreciation, as he entered the tent to see Arodiel. Yrumyr turned to the remaining group. "Your friend will be well enough to travel for tomorrow, if it is necessary, though I beg you not to. It is not safe, especially considering that you are so sought after, Amdiriel; Eldarion as well."
"But why, what do they want of us; of me?" Amdiriel asked, annoyed having been told she was sought after yet again.
Yrumyr sighed, as the young maiden stared at him, eyes pleading to be told. "They seek the two of you, mainly because of a prophecy. Ainik, as he was once known, is a man who was corrupted by evil. He hears voices in his head; it is my own opinion that these voices are none other than Sauron himself, though in his black heart he thinks the voice to be the Lord of the Nazgul. Whoever it is, it is using him. Through him, the evil bred an army from scattered orc and Uruk-hai, wisely commanding him to keep the militia hidden as much as possible, so they would not dwindle in number. The voice tells him whatever it pleases, and he concedes, for his conscience died years ago. Evil has been defeated many times before, and it was thought that the greatest threat was finally sealed away, but Sauron's thirst for revenge will never be quenched until he destroys what has defeated him. He's attempting to return, to be released from the bounds that hold his spirit and come back to Middle Earth to triumph, and he plans to do this through Ainik. Ainik sees things that the rest of us can't, and I imagine he found a way to release Sauron's spirit. From what I've come to find, there is a key, but where this key is it is uncertain. However, Ainik knows where it is, and that is our greatest disability. But we still have the prophecy; the prophecy of his demise that he's come to admit himself is that he will only fail, if the son of elves and daughter of hope rise to triumph him, which is why he is after you. He wants you dead."
"Which is why I suggest you stay clear from Gondor. If they find you've returned there, you will risk your family's safety. I also suggest that you, Eldarion, keep clear from where Ainik resides, and refrain from coming to the aid of your sister so quickly," declared Ewan.
"What will you have me do? Leave her and Aeronel to die at his hands? I will not rest until Aeronel and Maethoriel are safe in my care, with the rest of my loved ones. You suggest whatever you please, but I'm going to find them."
"Did you not hear a word Yrumyr said? Think clearly Eldarion! You risk the fate of this world, just as you wished to risk the life of your friend Arodiel? The choices you are attempting to make will get us all killed!"
At that moment Eldarion stopped where he was, as he had began to walk away the second he finished speaking. He slowly turned to Ewan, and began to approach him, only to shoot his fist straight at Ewan's face. Ewan fell to the ground, but quickly got up and tackled Eldarion, ramming him to the ground, both boys now locked in a physical fight. Men began to gather in a circle around the boys, chanting and calling as if enjoying entertainment. Yrumyr wished to split the boys, but they were so violent and rapid in countering each other's blows he feared he would only hurt himself, for age had already begun to catch up with him. He held back Nestor and Amdiriel, for fear they would be hurt as well, as it seemed the boys would not let up. Anarion and Laurelas appeared from the tent that held Arodiel to see what the commotion was about, and noticed the crowd. They rushed to see what was so amusing, only to find the two boys secured in battle. Immediately both intervened, Laurelas standing between Ewan and Eldarion as Anarion held back his friend. Both boys were standing now, breathing heavily, Ewan wiping the blood from his mouth. Yrumyr stepped within the circle, looking around to his men, signaling them to leave for the show was over. As the men dispersed, he shot a defiant stare to Ewan, clearly disappointed and angry he would enlist in such behavior towards their guest, even if the young prince had started the fight. Ewan, frustrated, shook his head as he left to go empty his anger and calm his nerves.
Nestor turned to her sister, shocked at what had just occurred.
"What are we going to do now?"
"I don't know Nestor. But I fear Eldarion will get himself killed if he doesn't rationalize, even for a moment. Come, let us go visit Arodiel, hopefully she is awake, as it will distract us from this business." Nestor placed her arm in her sister's as the girls headed for Arodiel's tent.
NORTHERN WASTE
Ainik was seated at a table in a dark, damp hall, with two other men besides him, one at each side. One was a Dunleding, inhibitors of Dunland and sworn enemies of the Rohirrim. The other was of the Haradrim, ancient enemies of Gondor. Both were leaders in each of their cultures.
"And how do we know this plan will work?" the Dunleding asked. "One doesn't simply call war on Gondor AND Rohan combined, it is madness." The Man of Harad nodded in agreement. "Even if our armies together form one greater than theirs, they will likely call the aid of ever other free race of Middle Earth, which will outnumber us greatly."
"Do not worry about that, my Dunleding ally, we have the aid of a most powerful spirit that they will never be able to match."
"And who, if I may inquire, would that be?"
Ainik bent closer to the table, looking to each man as if indicating what he had to say was of secrecy. "Sauron himself," he confessed, a smile stretched across his face. Both men gasped in amazement.
"It cannot be," said the man of Harad, unable to speak anything else.
"How, pray-tell, are we supposed to bring back Sauron himself?" spoke the Dunleding.
Ainik rolled his eyes in irritation. "I've found the key," Ainik didn't need to explain any further than that. They knew of what he spoke. "And I feel very fortunate, for the key is not really a key, but a person; the blood of a certain person, to be precise, and that person proves to be very versatile in use; I will slay her, and her blood will serve to be the key for Sauron's release, her death will serve to be the end of hope for the free people, and her loss will serve to be a fatal wound in Elessar's heart. It is perfect," said Ainik, laughing uncontrollably as he finished his sentence. Both men stared at one another, realizing the significance of this, and awkwardly joined in the sinister joy of the man who would lead them.
TBC, don't forget to review! Thanks again for all the reviews so far!
