Disclaimer: All things related to Tolkien's works are his.

A twist of Fate

Chapter VII – Resolution

"Do as he wishes." He ordered the men sternly.

"If they do not wish help from us, it shall not be given." With that said, Aragorn and Legolas were once again left alone accept for a few guards close by. In the hopes of easing the elf's discomfort, the ranger laid him on the ground. He noted that his friend was trembling. Shudders ran through his body at regular intervals.

Legolas closed his eyes and tried to focus his mind on other things to construct a weak barrier against his pain. Every breath he took was slow and labored and he was beginning to feel extremely weary in the simple matter of breathing.  His head pounded loudly and the world around him was bleary. Besides that, the wound in his shoulder was paining him immensely. Due to his quick elven healing, it had began to close up and the splinters in his flesh were becoming more and more firmly embedded because of the tissue forming around them.

"It seems, my friend that you are without a doubt cursed. You journey with me home and trouble comes looking for us … as usual."

The almost inaudible whisper reached Aragorn's ears. He smiled despite the dire circumstances they were in and turned to look at his friend who although his eyes were closed and pain furrowed his brow had the smallest of smiles on his lips.

Quietly, the ranger resolved that he would get the elf back home or die trying.

~*

They were about to set off again and Aragorn bided his time carefully. He knew that they might not make it far, but he had to try. There was no way he was going to allow the two of them to stay in the captivity of these men – these men who had harmed his friend – for a moment longer.  The elf had fallen unconscious a while back, the pain finally overwhelming him.

A moment of inattention on the guard's part was all he needed. He gently hoisted his unconscious friend onto his shoulder and began to run.

As he had predicted, he was soon discovered. However, by some chance of luck, only one was sent out to recapture the two. Perhaps, they knew Aragorn couldn't get far with an injured elf on his hands.

Addramyr followed the two steadily; he was catching up to them by the moment. He was mere meters behind the ranger now. With a spurt of energy he threw himself into the man.

Aragorn landed hard on the ground, Legolas was flung off him. Aragorn whirled around to face the man, who had pulled a knife swiftly out of its sheath. He lunged at the ranger. Aragorn was prepared and dodged the man's blow.

Soon the two were locked in a deadly struggle.

Aragorn swerved to one side to avoid a knife wound to his side.

"You are just too much trouble you know? I had to find a way to keep you two in the camp. An arrow wound should have been sufficient, but I had to make sure. Your friend was further handicapped."

Addramyr knew it was going to be a hard fight and he sought to press all advantages to his side. He hoped to distract his opponent through speech.

"And now, I think, it would be best if you were out of the picture too. For the elf, is certainly not going anywhere without your help."

Aragorn felt his wrath swelling as he realized it was this man who had poisoned the water.

He would not allow himself to be distracted he thought to himself, and doubled his concentration.

~*

Back at the camp:

"Where is Addramyr?"

"He went after the two captives, Sir." Tiddyn had no doubts of the abilities of Addramyr and trusted that he would retrieve the prisoners. Besides, he had heard tell that deeper into these woods, the going became more fraught with dangers, and he did not want to further reduce their numbers by sending more men after the two who had escaped.

"We set off in an hour. Tell the men to make ready."

Up in the trees above the men, the area was already surrounded by a dozen elves, their arrows pointed and drawn at the intruders. The scout had done his job well.

A voice rung out in the small clearing, "What is your purpose here strangers? Intruders are not welcome in our woods these dark days."

TBC…