Disclaimer: All things related to Tolkien's works are his.
A Twist of Fate
Chapter VIII – Freedom
An elf landed neatly in front of Tiddyn, as naturally as an acorn would from a tree, and before the man could even twitch, had drawn his bow and had the dangerous end staring at Tiddyn. He remained silent, awaiting the answer to his question.
"We are but passing through these woods as delegates to another town," Tiddyn chose his words carefully so as not to offend.
"Strangers are not welcome in these woods without the permission of our sire," His arrow remained pointed at Tiddyn, but it seemed to the man that the elf relaxed his grip just a little.
"But if what you say is true and you are simply passing through… I see no harm that can be done. Your passing shall be noted by our King. Go now in peace strangers. But heed my words, there are more dangerous things in Mirkwood then Wood elves." The elf removed his bow from Tiddyn's face, caught the branch of the nearest tree and with a rustle of leaves disappeared into the thick canopy.
"Why did you simply let them go?" One of the younger warriors in the patrol questioned.
"That is where you are mistaken. We are to follow them until they reach the borders of our woods to make sure they do no mischief." Their Captain replied.
~*
Addrymer continued to try to distract the ranger with his surprising revelations but his efforts were in vain. It was not by Addrymer's words that he was distracted, but a soft moan that came from his friend.
His attention slipped for one small moment, and that was all the time Addrymer needed. He stabbed his knife into his opponent's leg and twisted, the pain bringing the ranger to the ground, the full weight of Aragorn coming to rest on his injured leg which was bent under him.
Aragorn tried to hold back the man's hand that was moving steadily for his heart, but his awkward position on the ground, lessened his chances of succeeding and the cold silver blade of the knife crept inch by inch closer to his heart. It was now a mere finger's length away from the vital organ. Aragorn gulped.
Suddenly, something changed. The pressure was reduced and the assailant crumpled to a useless heap before Aragorn. There, behind the now unconscious man, stood Legolas, swaying slightly, with a rock in his hand.
"I told you… you could always trust me… to save your neck…"
He said softly, grinning weakly, before falling onto his knees.
~*
Aragorn caught his friend before he could slump forward further and lowered him to the ground. He sought out Legolas' pulse which was far too rapid for his liking. Under Aragorn's critical eye, the elf was deathly pale and a sheen of sweat covered his bare skin.
A trembling hand gripped the Ranger's hand loosely and the faint whisper was almost lost on the man.
"We should leave at once. He will not be out long." Legolas' eyes darted to the insensible man lying close by.
Aragorn nodded. The further the distance put between them and their previous captors, the better. Hastily, he tore a long strip from his cloak and proceeding to bind his leg wound tightly to staunch the bleeding. Legolas looked on quietly. Normally, he would never have allowed the ranger to treat his wounds in such a careless manner, but right now, their main priority was to get away from this place as quick as was possible.
Together, the two continued their journey once more, the ranger supporting the weakened elf.
~*
TBC…
I'm so sorry for the delay!! My comp was spoilt... :o(
Please review!!!! I hope people are still reading this…
