Dinner went by slowly as everyone talked of anything except Aragorn. Tension infected everything and most of them were growing tired over it. Elrond sighed and placed his napkin next to the plate before standing up.
"I am calling an end to dinner. All of us do not want to talk of Aragorn and where he possibly could be even though that is all we are thinking about. So instead of forcing conversation, I will retire to my study to look over some papers."
Just as he started to walk out of the room an elf warrior ran into the room and stopped in front of the elf lord.
"Lord Elrond, Lord Glorfindel bid me to come and inform you that a dark figure is flying swiftly towards Rivendell from the East. He believes it is what he has been watching for."
Elrond turned and looked at Gandalf. "It must be Sauros."
Amid a swish of robes, Elrond turned and hurried out the doors with everyone behind him. Pushing through another set of doors, he hurried down the steps and into the courtyard not minding the cold. Everyone stood around the courtyard as Glorfindel stood next to his lord and they all watched the nearing shadow.
"Glorfindel, instruct the warriors to stand down. No one shoots at the dragon," Elrond ordered as Glorfindel cautiously watched the shadow.
The wizard watched as the shadow neared and flew lower to the treetop. The pounding wings caused the trees to start to sway against the wind. Clawed feet touched the grassy courtyard as the dragon landed in front of Gandalf and folded his wings against his powerful body. The light from the torches glimmered off the blood red scales and the eyes that warily watched the small group.
"Many greetings Gandalf the Gray," he said and lowered his head to the wizard's level.
"Sauros, son of Rhiannon; I welcome you to Rivendell on behalf of the elves. May I introduce you to the lord of Rivendell, Lord Elrond."
"Must prosperity to your family and you Lord Elrond. I have heard much of you from my travels."
"These are Elrond's sons. This is Lord Elladan and Lord Elrohir."
"Twins! How wonderful! Both of you are to be blessed and lucky for the span of your long lives."
"We thank you for your blessing Master Sauros," Elladan said and bowed to the dragon.
"And this is Prince Legolas, son of Thranduil King of Mirkwood."
The dragon lifted his head and looked down at the blonde archer. His nostrils flared as he carefully breathed in the elf's scent. Pulling back, the dragon lowered his head and looked closer at the nervous elf.
"You are the elf from five years ago. You traveled with a human, did you not? Your friend did a good job with your injuries," the dragon commented, appraising the elf with a sharp eye.
"That is why I have called for you Sauros. Apparently saving his son's life was not enough for King Thranduil. After discovering that Legolas might never talk again, he banned Aragorn from Mirkwood under threat of death. He has not been seen or heard of in five years," Gandalf said as Sauros turned to look at the wizard.
"And this concerns me how?"
"The humans that harmed Legolas were hunting for you. Aragorn might have gone to track them down; in which case you might have ran into him. You interacted with him, perhaps you have befriended him. We are hoping that you may know where to find him."
"This is neither my problem nor my concern! The only reason I intervened was to stop the humans that were hunting me," Sauros hissed passionately.
Legolas stepped forward angrily and caught Gandalf's gaze. He quickly mouthed something to cause the wizard to flinch before turning to face the dragon.
"Legolas says that it is your concern. Aragorn is the son of Arathorn, lord of the Dúnedain, Isildur's heir, heir to the throne of Gondor."
"Which is an even better reason! When he becomes king, he will send all his men to hunt me down to give his kingdom the distinguished honor of capturing a dragon for him to have control over. I will not be a status raiser for a human!"
"You know nothing of Aragorn!"
Everyone gaped in shock at the gravelly voice that shook with restrained fury. Legolas glared daggers at the dragon before him that would have made his father proud. The mere thought of the dragon comparing Aragorn to any other human embroiled the elf's blood. Aragorn was far above the others of the second born and it was an insult to the elf when the dragon ranked Aragorn as a common edain.
"I know enough of the second born to know what to expect from a mere mortal!" the dragon snarled as it crouched low to the ground.
"Aragorn has more passion and love in him than I have ever seen. He would lay down his life for a good cause and never ask why. He has saved my life countless times and I do the same for him. He his more than my friend, he is my brother in everything but blood. But I assume that you have no idea of what I speak of!"
"Oh, but that is where you are wrong elf! I have seen my brothers, sisters, friends, and mate slaughtered with no respect for my kind! During the days we hide in caves and mountains, living where only ghosts and wandering spirits reside. We are hunted as prizes and used by the first and second born as mere pawns to further their wealth and prestige; that is, if they are brave enough to face my flames and wrath!" Sauros snarled as his tongue flickered out between finely sharpened teeth.
"I would be wary of my words Legolas. Nothing can sway a dragon when it is angered, not even a wizard," Gandalf warned the prince softly.
"I do not care for his anger or what he is! I would face anything if it meant helping Aragorn anyway possible!"
"Why do you love this human so much? What has he done to deserve it?"
"He has done nothing yet he has done everything," Elladan said and stepped forward to stand next to Legolas.
"Explain to me young lord. If you would be so kind."
"Aragorn does good deeds without knowing it. He makes people laugh, he makes people love. He stands up for what is right in his heart and no one can tell him otherwise. He gives people hope that they can trust and believe in."
"All of you believe in this human, and feel the same?" Sauros asked and looked at each other the elves and the wizard.
Each confirmed it immediately and Sauros stood slowly from his crouched position. "May I speak with you alone Gandalf?"
"Of course Sauros."
The dragon turned and walked away with the wizard by his side. Neither said anything until they were a distance from the elves.
"I apologize for the prince's attitude," Gandalf said to fill the silence.
"Nay, do not feel so. He was only speaking from his heart which is a rarity among these times. What do you have to say about this Aragorn fellow?"
"What can I say that has not already been said? Aragorn is everything that they say and much more. I trust him to do anything that I ask of him and know that he will do everything in his power to accomplish it," Gandalf replied and folded his arms in his robes.
"Is he worth saving?"
Gandalf stopped and turned to face the imposing dragon. He knew well enough that Sauros would not harm him but the dragon wouldn't hesitate to singe him around the corners. He disliked the image that dragons were victim to but it was something he could no change. Elves were often the victims of superstition and fear from the other races. Unfortunately, dragons were feared by all the races, elves included.
"Without a doubt."
Sauros watched the wizard before lifting his head to look at the dark sky. The starts sparkled brightly as a small puff of smoke drifted from Sauros' nostrils.
"I can recall the time when Ilúvatar called the dragons to his throne after he created Arda, and bid them to complete a task. He bid the dragons deities to watch over Arda and protect the inhabitants for they were the future of all. Lord Rhiannon vowed that the dragons would do everything in their power and abilities to do so. Ever since then, the dragons have watched over all and stayed in the shadows. Then one dragon stopped an entourage of murdering bandits and killed all the members. One member was a ten year old boy and soon dragons were seen as agents of Melkor, killing innocents at random. Soon we became the objects of hunts and scorn; we were reduced to hiding in caves and forests to save our lives. Many were killed and some flew to Valinor to escape. I am one of the last or I may just be the last," Sauros sighed and lowered his head to look at the wizard.
"You are weary of being the hunted. I do not blame you Sauros."
"I still hold hope that it may be changed and from what your friends and you say, this may be possible. All of you have trust and faith in this Aragorn fellow so I shall to. What is it you would wish to have me do?"
"Your help is much appreciated Sauros."
"Let us go back to your elf friends before they feel the need to slay me," he replied with a smile and turned to walk back to the elves. "Especially young Legolas. If he had a weapon near him he may have attempted to kill me."
"If you had continued to insult Aragorn I think he might have. I am more surprised that he spoke and actually yelled at you. He has not spoken in five years."
"I have a way of igniting the flames in people."
"And igniting some people into flames."
"You are stereotyping me Gandalf, it is unfair to me."
"Very well Sauros," Gandalf smiled as they moved to stand in front of the elves.
"I apologize for my harsh words Master Elves. I lost much of my faith in humans when they sought to kill me for fun. I shall help you find your friend."
"We thank you very much Master Dragon," Elrond said as he stood up from kneeling next to Legolas.
"And I apologize deeply to you Prince Legolas. My words were uncalled for and I wish to take them back. I will gladly help you find your blood brother."
Legolas nodded and gently massaged his throat. He had been surprised when he had yelled at the dragon with the fierceness he did. It just came out and in his anger he didn't feel the pain it caused. The fury had overrun the pain and all he wanted to do was make the dragon feel the kind of pain he felt. No one would dare insult Aragorn when he was around. Elrond feared that he had possibly torn something from the abrupt and strained outburst and had immediately examined the younger elf.
"How can I help?" Sauros asked and sat on his haunches.
"I think it will be best if we wait till morning. We can do nothing now," Elrond said logically and Gandalf nodded.
"I agree with Lord Elrond. Everyone should rest and be ready tomorrow to leave," Gandalf said as Elrond steered Legolas towards the healing wing.
"Early tomorrow morning then? I shall be here," Sauros said and moved away before launching himself into the air.
"Where does he go Mithrandir?" Elrohir asked as he watched the dragon fly away.
"To find shelter. A dragon does not dare risk sleeping alone in the open. When they do sleep it will be in a cave some where or up in the mountains," Gandalf answered and turned to walk up the stairs.
"A cave?"
"Yes, young Elladan; a cave. Most people do not venture into caves and it is one of the few places where Sauros may find rest."
Gandalf left the two young elves and moved into the palace. He hoped that they would be able to find young Estel and discover what the young man was up to. The wizard no doubt knew that the Ranger had himself neck deep in some dangerous business. Aragorn had the amazing ability to get himself into the middle of everything and anything that was happening. Find a conflict and Aragorn will be in the middle of it, he was sure.
Aragorn walked through the darkened halls of the castle with dark eyes piercing every shadow. His boots made no noise as he passed guards and servants on his way to the throne room. For four years he had been infiltrating a well-known slave trading town slowly working into the circle of guild masters. It took time to become accepted and trusted in this city but he finally did it. Other Ranger groups relied on his information that he passed on. He didn't know why he was there anymore. The Rangers had enough information to move ahead, especially after the stuff he just sent off. With a snort he rounded the corner and continued on. He knew why he hadn't left yet; he was scared. After this he wouldn't know where to go. His shame wouldn't let him go home to Imladris and his family. He did not want to see the shame in his father's eyes. No doubt his father would have heard how he had cost Legolas his voice. Elrond would have been ashamed of his foster-son and his weakness. He didn't even want to think of what Legolas thought of him. His heart pained him when he thought of his old friend and where he was or what he was doing. Probably doing much better since he left Mirkwood and never came back. He only infected others with his weakness and pitiful existence. Shaking the thought from his mind, he pushed open the doors and stepped into the throne room.
"You called for me, my king?" he asked and bowed quickly to the man.
"Ah yes, Valimer. I have heard some troubling news lately," the king said calmly as Aragorn rested his hand on the handle of his word.
"Of what, my liege?"
"Several of my men have been ambushed by Rangers as of lately and it has gotten me worried. Some groups have and others have not; there seems to be no pattern."
"Perhaps it is random. Changing the trail ways would fix the problems, I would think," he answered and watched as a slave brought in a food tray.
It despised him what King Jasper did to fill his treasury and pockets. He was the head guild-master of the slave masters and sold slaves to the highest bidders. Most of the buyers bought the slaves in large groups for specific types of work. The slaves were lucky to survive for more than a few months in the type of work they were put to.
"No, I think it is something else. I worry that there may be a leak in my 'extended family'. I would like you to investigate it and see what you may discover. It may be one of the new guards or someone like that. You are one of the few I trust to look into this."
"Of course I shall my king. I will report as soon as I have something."
"Very good Valimer. You are dismissed."
Aragorn bowed again and turned to leave. In stony silence he moved towards his room and closed the door behind him before leaning against the wooden door with a sigh. Tiredly, he unbuckled his word and tossed it onto the bed along with his other weapons. Walking to the corner, he poured water into the basin and splashed his face with the cold water.
Bracing his arms against the wall, he stared down at the basin and rippling water. Water trickled down his nose and was suspended there for a few seconds before falling to the basin. The water slowly ran down his face and over his parted lips as he released a shuddered breath. Opening his eyes, small droplets lingered on his eyelashes as he slowly lifted his head to look at the mirror. Slowly pulling himself up to full height, he stripped off his tunic and looked at himself in the mirror.
Scars dotted his chest and arms from countless injuries that he neglected to treat over the years. He found no reason to heal himself when he couldn't heal his best friend. Wounds went neglected and he didn't care. He deserved every wound he received and knew it was never enough. His yes were weary beyond his years and his body was worn. He didn't know who he was anymore, he was tired of looking for himself. Tired of everything around him.
How was he going to keep the face hidden that he was the mole? He couldn't tell the Rangers to stoop for a few days; Jasper would immediately suspect him. All he would need to do would be gather fake information and instruct the Rangers to cut back on raids. The cutbacks would hopefully imply that the mole was getting skittish once learning that Aragorn was asking around. He only hoped that he wouldn't get himself burned before he finished the job.
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Hobbit Killer-That really happened to you? Wow, that must have been really scary *shudder*. Well thank you so much for the compliment and I am glad that you are enjoying the story. I try very hard to make it enjoyable.
Bumper-Well thank you very much for the compliment. Well I have very high hopes for this story and hope that everyone will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it. Please review for and make me happy.
Star-Stallion-Very interesting name; I read your bio and I just love the description. I do not know why I am not getting a lot of review; it kind of disappoints me. Oh well, I guess some people just do not like it. Well here is the new chapter and I hope you enjoy it.