A/N) Hi again! Thanks for all the reviews and kind comments. I've had a few questions regarding whether Glorfindel is behind the attack on Estel and is planning it all, however I cannot say at the moment. It has to remain a mystery to everyone who is reading. It is essential to the story. I am terribly sorry that I cannot reveal whether Glorfindel is behind it all or not. And there is even worse news coming when this story is finished in about three chapters time. I am terribly sorry. However if you wish to know then email me at: Stridersgirl03@hotmail.com and I will email you back and tell you what you wish to know. I hope that clears everything up for now.
Just An Innocent Child
Chapter 8 - The Mountain
The elves had turned their course towards the mountains that bordered Rivendell. For more then two hours they had followed the trail towards the mountains making sure they did not miss read any signs. Elladan was riding ahead while Elrohir stayed by his father's side. In the years since Estel had been brought to Rivendell, the elf lord had become attached to the little boy that had filled his heart with joy. But now that Estel was missing and possibly in the hands of a mad-man, Elrond felt his heart breaking. He had vowed to Gandalf that nothing would ever happen to Estel when the wizard had assisted in bringing the boy to Rivendell when he was two following the death of his father.
"Father do not worry. We will find the ones responsible for this whole incident." Elrohir soothed seeing his father's troubled face.
"We won't find them Elrohir. Whoever killed Dilir will not show themselves until it profits them. And until they do we cannot do anything. Convincing Deollyn will be harder. If he's done anything to Estel then I will hand him over to the village people to be tried for his crimes."
Elrohir fell silent. He did not want to think of what Estel may be going through.
"Father!" Elladan called as he galloped over with two other elves at his side. "Glorfindel and Sîrfalas have returned from their trip. They've decided to accompany us in search of Estel."
As the three elves rode up Elrond asked: "What did you find?"
"Nothing that is much use." Glorfindel said. "We found that Deollyn has declined in having visitors until he started being visited by a cloaked elf. The elf has been coming and going during the night and then heading back to Rivendell. Whoever it is belongs to Rivendell."
Elrohir frowned. "If this elf lives in Rivendell then why didn't he just try to kill him at night?"
Sîrfalas stepped forward. "Maybe its because he doesn't want to be caught. Maybe he knows that if he tries anything he will not be able to escape from Rivendell quickly before being caught."
"A good assumption." Elrohir murmured.
"We are heading to the mountains. The trail we have been following leads there." Elrond said glancing upwards. Somewhere up there his son was being held prisoner.
Quickly the five elves headed towards the mountain path that wound all the way up into the mountains. As they neared they could see a figure running across the plains hailing them.
"It's Marihel!" Elladan identified. Quickly he pulled a knife that hung in his sheath and rode up to the panting human.
Marihel stopped and looked up into Elladan's burning eyes. "Please do not harm me! I've come to bring word of Estel."
Elladan's eyes slitted. "Tell me!" he said as the rest of the party drew up. "He knows something Father."
Marihel looked at each elf in the eye before speaking. "Deollyn has hurt the boy badly. Beating him. My brother and I interfered for we felt that Deollyn is cruel to do that to a child. Neither of us knew why he wanted to take Estel. He had told us for ransom but it seems that he lied. He questioned him but he would not answer. My brother and I decided to help Estel. I've risked much in coming here to tell you this. If you want to see Estel again follow me. I will lead you to him."
"How do we know this is not a plot to hold us hostage?" Elladan demanded.
"Deollyn is afraid of you. He does not wish to tangle with you. If you come he will surrender to you." Marihel said.
"We will follow you." Elrond stated calmly. "How badly hurt is my son?"
"Badly." Marihel paused. "Estel said he wanted to die. I'm afraid his innocence is gone. Deollyn has destroyed his childhood."
Every elves face was burning anger and they all looked up at the caverns. Elladan whispered: "He will pay. Pay very dearly."
*****
Mardil sat with Estel who was quivering. His voice was etched with pain and tears glistened down his cheeks. Mardil wiped them away. He could hardly believe what Deollyn had done. The man had returned earlier but when he had seen Marihel wasn't there he had gone into a rage. He had once again hit Estel hurting the child even more but Mardil had prevented him from doing any more damage. Deollyn had vented his anger on the child that Marihel had gone to tell the elves. Mardil had tried to tell Deollyn what he was doing was wrong but the mad-man wouldn't have anything to say about it. Now Deollyn had left the cave looking for Marihel hoping to find him before he stumbled on to the elves.
Mardil could only hope that his brother reached the elves before Deollyn caught him. He didn't want his brother being hurt for what he had done.
*****
The elves were steadily climbing the path on their horses that wound round the mountain. Below Rivendell could be seen. It was an impressive sight to behold. But none of the company cared. All they wanted was to find Deollyn and Estel before any other harm came to the boy.
As they rounded a corner the elves caught sight of a disheveled man sitting on a rock with his back to them. Almost immediately the twins were upon him twisting the human around before he could even register their presence.
It was Deollyn.
"You!" Elladan said, gripping Deollyn's shirt. "Where is my little brother? What have you done to him?"
Deollyn spat in the twin's face. "As if I would tell an elf what I've done. They are vile creatures, who have no idea of other life then there own immortal one! They have no care for others!"
"Don't tell me what elves like and don't like!" Elladan bellowed. His hand grasped Deollyn's throat and the man gagged as the pressure increased.
A sharp warning from Elrond stopped Elladan. "Stop it! This is getting us no where. Elladan control yourself."
Elladan reluctantly let go of the human's throat. "You'll pay dearly. Dearly indeed." he whispered.
Elrond knelt down beside Deollyn and told him: "If you co-operate we will go easier on you. Tell us what have you done to my son."
"What have you done to my son?" the man replied. "Tell me what I want to know and then I'll free that pathetic little boy."
"As I say neither of us know who has done this terrible deed." Elrond said. "We are trying to find who did this but you are making things difficult for us by doing what you did."
Deollyn closed his eyes, but then he pulled away from the grip Elladan had on him and pushed himself to his feet. Quickly he lashed out at the elves and ran back up the path.
"We have to get him!" Elrohir said.
"I know what he will do." Marihel said and paled. "He will kill the boy and my brother."
"How do you know this?" Sîrfalas questioned.
"Because that is what he said at the beginning when he employed us to act as his brothers. He said that if the elves didn't meet his demands that he would kill the boy and anyone who got in his way before he was caught or killed himself." Marihel whispered.
"Then we do not have much time." Elrond said. "We must hurry."
TBC
Well this is definitely not turning out the way I planned it in the beginning. First of all Marihel and Mardil never switched sides and the Shadow Elf attacks them while coming up to the hideaway hole, but now that has all changed. There is going to be - I think - at least two more chapters, possibly three. So this will soon be finished.
Hopefully by the end of next week, and the sequel will be worked on as well. Look out for the next chapter on either Monday or Tuesday!