Chapter 17 – The Cry

We now return to a few days back before Narla reached the Hidden City. Amid the Iron Hills dwelt a tribe, which the people of Searia knew nothing of. In caves they lived, and these were not as grand as the dwarves' but were instead filthy and dull, neglected for a thousand years. Darkness filled the place with evil and the stench of sweat and blood was unbearable. A broad figure sat in silence in one of the great caves as another smaller yet no less evil creature scurried towards it.

"Massster Zalryn, the company split up. Two went south, towards the bright ones and the rest coming this way."

The figure named Zalryn leaned forward and spoke in a deep and sly voice,

"As for the two, leave them. The pixie witch will take care of them. Bring the rest here...alive!"

A menacing laugh followed and the smaller figure skid off, joined by a small army of larger creatures, all dark save their yellow eyes gleaming excitedly. Zalryn grinned at the thought of having a feast with the rest of the cannibals as they had not had a proper meal since the plague occurred. Soon they would have a great variety of meat to enjoy, after his primary mission of course.

_________

Oriah groaned in fatigue. Since the departure of Legolas and Narla, they had been moving east for one whole day without break. Everyone seemed to be hastening as though there was a race. Oriah and Mirgom were very concerned with Narla's fate, but they were not with her, thus all they could do was concentrate ahead. The party was extremely alert since the attack and with Legolas gone, Calegris and Vortayn had put more caution in their path forward. Irthal had her swords out by her side at all times and seemed very sensitive to every sound. Mirgom guided the remaining horse along as well as guarded Oriah. That left her with nothing to do but be careful. Narla was not there to look after her, thus she had to take care of herself, no matter how much she disliked it. Every now and then, she would pray that Narla would be fine and reunite with them soon, but that did not rid her of her fear. However, nothing was on her mind now except resting, for her back and feet ached and her eyes felt like they were going to wilt. Leaning on her staff for support, Oriah called out,

"Could we rest for a while? We have not stopped since yesterday."

Calegris turned around with an annoyed look on his face. Being an elf, he knew not of fatigue thus could not comprehend this weakness.

"We shall rest once we reach the base," replied Calegris sharply. "Save your whining for walking."

Oriah was outraged and was about to retaliate had Mirgom not interrupted,

"Nay, Calegris. Lady Oriah is right. We ought to camp now before we reach the base where there would be no shelter. The horse, too, needs refreshment."

An unspoken agreement seemed to pass as the others found a spot and rested their tired legs. This was the first stop since the battle and they were glad of it. Oriah was still upset with Calegris' rudeness but kept quiet, taking a short nap as Mirgom fed the horse. Vortayn and Irthal were speaking softly and looked quite serious. Calegris, on the other hand, was restless. He scouted the area expecting danger for he felt that they were being watched.

"What bothers you, my friend?" asked Mirgom as he noticed his kin's uneasiness.

"Danger lurks here. I can smell it," replied Calegris softly. "We should move."

It would be a mistake going against Calegris' instinct, for Mirgom knew that his kin was wiser in battle than he was. So only a half-hour break was allowed before Oriah was awoken and they journeyed on.

Two days passed without any danger, but Calegris' unease had grown until the others felt it. Fewer trees grew and the land became barren. Boulder upon boulder was their path and some had deep crevices where one would not like to fall into. The bottom of the Iron Hills was near, but River Carnen would still be another day's journey. The company moved more cautiously and as quiet as they could, even Oriah complained less. The elves became more alert and their hearts heavy. A sudden darkness filled the air and the atmosphere was tense. Stops were brief and camps were short-lived. Oriah had a bad feeling about entering Iron Hills, but she didn't dare voice out. Calegris had been sharp towards her lately and she didn't want to provoke him. At last they reached the base.

Though a fire was lit the place did not look any brighter. No trees sheltered the company and the shadows of the rocks looked menacing while the flames cackled evilly. Even the horse felt threatened by the silence of the land. Everyone was exhausted save the elves, but they kept their guard. Suddenly an ugly cry pierced through the night, as shrill as fingernails scraping on a blackboard. Everyone stood up in shock and the horse went berserk. It jumped up on its rear and even as Mirgom coaxed it in Elvish the horse had fled into the surrounding darkness. Swearing, Irthal said,

"What the hell was that?"

"I wish I could say it was just a wild animal, but it was not," replied Mirgom in dismay for the loss of the horse. "Whatever it was, it sounded evil. I shall find the horse."

"Nay, Mirgom," said Calegris with his bow and arrow ready. "We should stay together. If what made that cry is heading this way, we shall be prepared to face it."

In tension everyone waited, until dawn came and still nothing. Momentarily relieved by the appearance of the sun, Oriah sat and rested, but the others were still alert. Whatever made the cry did not advance on them, but they felt it still around, watching them. A terrified neigh was heard nearby. Mirgom went for his weapon in horror. Their horse was still around and it was attacked. A decision was made. Despite Mirgom's protests to follow, Calegris and Vortayn would go find the poor beast and bring it back along with its load, and the others should wait there in case it returned. If they sensed any danger, they must leave the place and reunite at River Carnen.

As they waited Irthal became restless,

"What if they encounter the thing that made the cry last night?"

Mirgom tried to calm her down, but her negative thoughts did not stop.

"Or what if they were ambushed with the horse as bait? We should have risked the landslides, I tell you."

"Now, Lady Irthal, calm down. There was no way we could pass through the landslides of the Hithered Weath, and the others would be fine."

"What about Narla and Prince Legolas?" asked Oriah, suddenly anxious for her friend.

Before Mirgom could reply, they heard another cry, followed by footsteps of a dozen heavy boots. Aware of enemies towards them, Mirgom scanned the direction of the cry. There a dozen of troll-like creatures stampeded forward, each brandishing a long weapon forged from many. Though heavy-looking, they traveled at great speed. Without hesitation, Mirgom picked up their belongings.

"What are you doing? Are you going to leave Vortayn? I shall not escape like a coward!" cried Irthal in anger.

"This is no time for courage! We are outnumbered. These creatures are of a breed I know not of. We must make haste before they arrive. The others shall join us at the river."

Oriah definitely agreed with Mirgom, and knowing she wouldn't stand a chance against a dozen alone, Irthal followed furiously. They left most of their belongings behind and ran fast, blood pumping hard in their veins. Oriah was more frightened of this crowd than the imps. She sensed great evil and death in the cry, and blamed Gimli for sending her on such a dangerous mission. Soon they could no longer hear the footsteps, but they kept running towards the river.

Though Mirgom, Irthal and Oriah slowed to a walk when they heard the current nearby, they never stopped. Mirgom did turn around to scan the area once in a while, but he could see no sign of their attackers, as well as their comrades. After a day of unrest and anxiety, the three finally reached the intersection of the base and the river. Carnen shone blood red at the arrival of dawn, sending a chill down their spines. There they finally made camp. Irthal was still mad at Mirgom, but her fury was overcome by worry for her partner. Oriah collapsed in fatigue, dozing off as soon as her body touched the cold land as her legs could stand no longer. Mirgom kept watch, praying silently that all their companions were safe.

_________

His ears tweaked up. His eyes scanned the landscape and searched the source of the shrill cry. His companion looked up at him in shock and fright.

"What is that?"

"I know not, but it emits evil. It came from the bottom of the Iron Hills," replied the elf, his body alert and tense.

"But, Legolas, could our companions be in danger?" asked Narla anxiously.

Legolas made no reply. He didn't know what creature made such a sound, but he did not like it. The others should be around the base of the mountains by then and it was likely that they were in danger. The two of them were to reach their destination by dusk the next day, but now he felt the need to hurry.

"I know no answers, Narla. We shall continue our journey early dawn, but rest now."

With that Legolas continued staring into the night in the direction where the cry was, their horse stirring in unease. Narla took up his advice and curled up on the ground to sleep. The old man did not appear again and she had her training to distract her of anything else, except for...him. As Narla's body rested, her mind recalled what happened that day.

They were supposed to meet their companions that night had Narla not fell off a crevice. The morning was spent travelling and the noon spent training her sword skills. Narla could wield Gaildryn at her will now, but she still had to learn fighting techniques. There weren't a lot of trees around, just short bushes surrounding rocks. So Legolas taught Narla a few basic strokes and left her to practice. Narla was doing well when suddenly the pain on her chest attacked again. She staggered a little and the weight of her blade pulled her forward. Half unconscious, Narla stepped into a bush, which led to a deep crevice below. Realizing the trouble she was in, Narla tried to hold onto the bush but it was useless. She fell, with Gaildryn still at hand, towards the solid ground below. An arm caught her by the waist. Legolas had seen her fall like a stone and hurried to her rescue. He pulled her to him and leaned his body on the rock, making them slide down instead. Before they reached the bottom, Legolas leapt off the wall and carried Narla in his arms. With his legs extended, he landed on the ground hard, but both of them were unharmed. All this while Narla was left in a daze. Everything happened so fast, but she was aware of her body next to his. She did not think that he would feel so warm and her cheeks went pink. When Legolas placed her on the ground, Narla muttered her thanks with her head lowered, too embarrassed to face him. Legolas, too, felt her warmth on his body when they slid down, but he had no time to ponder over it when he needed to act fast to land properly. Noticing Narla's embarrassment, but not knowing the reason, Legolas raised his eyebrow as he said,

"I am beginning to wonder if you are doing all these stunts out of spite for me."

This made Narla look up, only to see an elf prince in stained clothing, with small tears across the back. Feeling extremely guilty, Narla replied,

"No, I am not. I apologize deeply for troubling you, Legolas."

Feeling her misery, Legolas' intention of teasing her turned to pity. Brushing his clothes lightly, he helped the miserable-looking girl up and looked around.

They were quite far down from their camp where their belongings were, but at least their weapons were at hand. Narla looked up at the wall and felt even more upset. Legolas gave a sympathetic smile and comforted her. They would need to climb back, but the only way was a winding path of corroded rocks on the wall.

"I shall climb up and throw a rope down for you, Narla. Wait here."

The elf climbed the rocks as though he was climbing stairs and halfway through the wall, he looked back towards Narla, only to see her gone. Frowning, Legolas started down when he saw another being under him. Narla was climbing up the rocks, and though at a slower pace, she seemed to be at ease, not worried of falling at all. She was so engrossed at her climbing that she didn't notice Legolas' gaze of wonder at her. He continued to move up when he saw her climbing firmly and though it took a while, both of them reached the top. As they walked towards their camp, clothes stained with dirt and sand, Legolas smiled at Narla,

"That was impressive."

Narla looked up, surprised at Legolas' word of praise. She couldn't believe her ears.

"What was?"

If Legolas knew how to roll eyes, he would have done so, but instead he replied,

"Your fall."

The two returned to their campsite with a bewildered horse waiting for them. The journey continued and when the moon was high, they camped beside the river. Though neither could forget about the possibility of pursuit from the pixie princess, both became more aware of each other.

Indeed, Narla's ideal partner would be someone like Legolas, or so she thought. When she first saw Legolas in Thranduil's domain, she thought that her dreams came true, but it was not to be. The elf prince was cold, distrustful and quite snobby, in her opinion, throwing heaps of sarcasm at her every possible moment. In fact, she found the other unknown people much more friendly and warm, including Gimli. But after the encounter with the imps and pixies, Narla seemed to see the other side of Legolas, the 'good' side, which made her wonder whether he would only show it when they were alone, or when she was in danger. Only when he was there that she felt secure, peaceful. She felt her heart slowly reach for this handsome, quiet elf who spoke through actions, but Narla knew nothing would ever happen, for she belonged to another world. The truth was, Narla was practically kicking herself for feeling attracted to Legolas, when he would have thousands of beauties to choose from, and if he was to land up in her world, he would be bombarded by millions of Legolas fans, from which many were bound to be pretty. Another discouraging thought was her role in this world. The heirloom from her parents was the real reason she was so important to everyone, it was the only reason Legolas would stay with her, protect her. Her heart sank lower as she thought of this, not noticing a pair of elven eyes locked at her.

Legolas tried hard to brush the memory of her scent so near him and it worked when they were travelling, but once they stopped to camp, his eyes would automatically be drawn to her and he spent the night watches thinking of this mysterious girl. This disturbed him, extremely, especially when he needed all his concentration on the mission ahead. He tried to push her away with sarcastic remarks, but ended up regretting it. Narla wasn't unpleasant company, and she was not weak either, for Legolas had seen her in worse conditions, yet she made it through without tears and she had a strong will. But she was not of this world, and maybe that fact was what fascinated him. He told himself repeatedly that it was his duty to look after this girl lost in Arda, but he just could not brush off the other feeling which showed itself more often now than ever. The only thing suppressing his feelings was the fact that Narla had not told the full truth, she had known Legolas from somewhere, but she did not acknowledge it. Every time he thought of this, it alerted him, and he would look sadly at the brunette wondering what she was keeping from him.

Tonight the thoughts were cut short by the cry. Listening to the air for clues, Legolas was on his guard at all times, for horses moving uneasily meant trouble. They would be meeting their companions the next day, hopefully all of them.

Author's Notes: I'm grateful for all the reviews and apologize for the slow progression in romance. This is why I changed the fic's genre to action/adventure first, sorry...but yes, there will be more romantic moments among the characters in the future, along with more plots and enemies! Thanks again for your time and patience~! Thanks for those who reviewed more than once, you all make me going!