Chapter 7
Suddenly all the sounds stopped around them, Zila looked up to see shapes approaching through the mist.
They did not seem evil, but he did not want to take chances, he hugged Estel closer and bared his teeth.
"Stayz back!" He snarled green eyes flashing dangerously.
They did not stop, but came closer. He noticed one drew a sword and held it limply at his side. The mist cleared a little and he could hardly make out a golden haired being coming forward, eyes were green like his. He had a strong yet lithe body and was tall, very tall.
"Let go of the boy dragon!" the being snapped. "Or face the consequences." his voice was now low and dangerous.
"No!" the golden dragon snapped back. "Not unlesssss I knowz what intensionssss you have forz him."
The golden haired being laughed, "I should be asking you that, beast!"
"But I will tell you, we come from Mirkwood. My name is Galanion, we were sent to deliver a very important message to Lord Elrond." Galanion stated firmly. "And we saw the orcs and wargs gathered round something and decided to help, your lucky we did."
Zilanaur seemed to be thinking it all over when Galanion spoke again. "We will take good care of him, I promise." the elf bowed and placed a hand over his heart. The dragon looked up and let out a sigh, "Alrightz, but please hurry." he leaned down and whispered into the young boy's ear.
"Take care Essstel."
As Zila let the elf take the boy, his heart broke. He had never felt he would bond with the boy so much in such little time, but it tore at his heart to see the limp body in the elf's arms.
But for a split second he was sure he had heard something inaudible, "Thank you Zila."
The dragon layed his golden head down on his arms and watched as the company of elves walked back down the path their figures becoming unclear, he knew not if it was the poison or fog, but he layed and waited for darkness.
~
Estel had gone back into a state of delirium; he shivered uncontrollably, and moaned at the pain. Perspiration dripped off his black hair and hit the ground as Galanion walked towards his black horse.
"Ada-" Aragorn's voice was weak and fever stricken.
"Shhh, it's alright I've got you." the blonde elf carefully held the delirious boy. "Hold on little one."
Galanion gently eased the ill being up onto his steed and then carefully got up himself, he positioned the child so his head was on Galanion's strongly beating heart, and held the boys broken and bruised body tightly to him, yet even though he held him tight, the elf's hands were gentle and comforted more than they hurt.
Aragorn began saying things in feverish statements again, he seemed to be talking to someone but it was hard to make out whom.
"I'm…orry…..rfi…el…so-" he could see tears coming from the boys eyes.
"Shhh! It's alright, we'll be there soon, hold on Estel."
The elf leaned down and whispered inaudibly to his horse, and with those soft words the horse leapt forward with all speed towards Imladris.
~
Darkness. It clouded around him and choked his lungs, the inky black mists swirled in different directions and caught in his mouth the bitter air touching his tongue and making him gag. Aragorn coughed violently trying to rid his air-starved lungs of the mist, but to no avail. Finally when he stopped he could make out a dim voice whispering in raspy tone:
All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost,
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
From the shadows a fire shall be woken,
From the shadows shall spring,
Renewed shall be the blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.
He layed very still and listened to the poetic verses repeating in his hammering head. "Go away." he moaned as the agony increased. 'why was he still in pain,' Estel thought his head beginning to swim. 'If I am unconscious, shouldn't I not hurt.' This was a question he would have to ask ada. 'But right now nothing matters.' He was trying to get away from the pain, when a pressure on his broken leg made him cry out weakly and begin to sob.
"I'm sorry Estel. I will be more careful." called a voice faintly from somewhere, but where was that voice. 'Who was that?' he asked himself. 'They sounded so familiar.' He pushed away all thoughts of anyone, it did not matter anymore, 'maybe it was Zila', he thought again, he had completely forgotten about the dragon, and how could he. He had save his own life. All he wanted was sleep, away from the pain, and he got his wish.
More black mist circled about him, and he fell even deeper into unconsciousness.
~
Galanion watched ahead of him, a rider was coming. They seemed elven, yet their horse had reigns and a saddle, they jingled lightly with each step.
'But how odd.' the elf warrior thought to himself. 'one rider, I would think an elven troop would be with him, no matter.'
He spurred his own horse on a little farther and watched as the other elf came ever closer, slowly though, which bothered Galanion. He would think also that this rider would be racing with eagerness. Yet as he drew closer, Galanion could see that this elf had a bandage covering his hand, and few others that showed. And he also seemed quite weary.
Galanion wanted to wait, but he was reminded when the sleeping form in his arms whispered.
"Go away" Estel said softly.
'I must go on.' the elf thought and spurred his horse faster on and he hope to catch the other rider