Sorry it took longer than normal, I'm having major troubles with my
computer. I'll try and post faster but it depends on how my computer feels.
^^;
Chapter 9
A few days passed since Heero and Duo had fled from the ghost town. They rode as fast as they could and stopped late at night to start early. They had left the Hoarwell River and were now on the Old South Downs Road. The name suited it well as nature was quickly taking back what was hers. Grass covered the old tiles and the boys often had to stop and try to find some under the high greenery. The days grew chilly and rainy; autumn was making itself known. The high grass growing in the valley turned to gold and birds were often seen migrating to their southern homes.
Duo pulled is hood closer about his face to try and block the rain from pouring in. It was particularly rainy and the two boys were both wet to the core. Duo turned in his saddle and shouted to be heard over the howling wind.
" We should find someplace to make camp! We're going to get lost in this storm!"
Heero only nodded and pointed to a patch of trees farther east from where they were. The urged their tired horses forward and down a small slope to take cover under the trees.
It was big enough for them to be shielded from the pouring rain but the wind still found its way to their camp. Grunting, Heero got up and went to the saddlebags. He retrieved a long package that revealed to be a sword.
" Help me." Was all he said.
The braided boy looked puzzled for a moment but when he saw Heero start and chop down wood he understood. He took his own sword and helped. They started by pilling the branches between two big oaks until it vaguely resembled a wall. Then, they took leaves and filled the holes with them. That way, the wind was blocked, at least the biggest gusts.
" Say, where did you get that sword?" Duo asked once he had slumped down beside the fire to catch his breath.
" Found it in one of the soldier's saddle bags."
" Do you at least know how to fight with a sword?" the braided boy mocked.
Heero stared at him for a moment and smiled a mischievous, small smile. He stood up, took his sword and pointed at Duo's throat.
" Let's see then." The Perfect Soldier challenged.
" I've had a little more practice then you, you sure you want to be beaten?" Duo asked in false concern.
Heero responded by making a wild slash that would have beheaded the other if it weren't for his inhuman reflexes. The American scrambled for his sword and after being up, launched forward. Heero blocked it clumsily and Duo, letting his blade slide down to the hilt, twisted on himself and came back fiercely. This time, the Japanese boy backed off a pace under the force. His arm trembled up to his shoulder but he kept his grip and attacked.
They played/fought for quite some time, the moon was high, before they slumped in front of the fire, panting. Heero didn't show it but sweat pearled on his forehead. He had been nearly beaten often but had managed to stay put because of Duo's almost equal inexperience.
" So, how d'you find that?" Duo asked after having taken a long draught of water.
Heero shrugged and foraged in the saddlebag containing the food for something eatable beside dried nuts. They were getting close to nothing at all and they still didn't have any idea how much longer they had to walk. Tom's map showed they neared Helm's Deep, that is, if they weren't lost but it wasn't accurate when it came to distances.
Finally, the Japanese came upon a piece of dried mutton. He cut it in two and gave Duo a piece. It disappeared in one mouthful.
" We'll have to learn to hunt soon, if I'm right, that's the last piece of meat." Duo said slowly.
" That or we find a town soon." Heero replied.
" Only problem is that we don't have any money." The braided boy countered.
" Why should we?"
The American looked at him questioningly and burst out laughing.
" Right! The towns around here should be easy enough to steal, compared to an OZ base."
Heero nodded and went to check on the horses. When he came back it was to find Duo sleeping soundly, huddled on the side like a baby in his cloak. The Perfect Soldier couldn't help but notice how angelic he looked while sleeping. He knelt beside him and passed his hand down his cheek, brushing away the chestnut bangs and smiled. A thought crossed his mind and he froze. He hesitated a moment then checked the boy's pulse to make sure he was perfectly asleep. Once that confirmed, he leaned down and kissed him softly on the cheek.
" Sleep tight." He mumbled and left to lie down a bit farther.
He didn't notice the small smile that crept up Duo's face.
*******
" Hey Aseldir! You sure of what you're doing?"
The man called Aseldir turned around. He was a young man in his late twenty's. His short hair was a striking red and so would be his beard if he didn't cut it. His eyes were a piercing brownish yellow and shone in the pale morning's light. He didn't wear any armour but for his light mail coat and long sword dangling at his waist from a white and green belt. He wore leather clothing suited for traveling. He was very tall and rode a proud brown horse whose mane was jet black.
" For the hundredth time, yes Lezhtea." Aseldir called to the other mounted soldier following him.
The other was a bit smaller but sturdier. He wore the same attire as the first but rode a small stubby beige horse. His hair was a pale blond pulled back in a ponytail and his eyes shone a deep green.
" Come on, you were drunk last night, you probably imagined the whole thing." Lezthea replied plainly.
" Not as drunk as you old friend. I am positive about what I said and heard. I swear I was woken up by a sword fight and saw the faint gleam of a fire up there in that patch of trees." Aseldir countered rather hotly, pointing the designed area. They had had that argument a couple of times.
" Why didn't you wake me up to check what it was then? I told, you were dreaming." Lezthea argued.
" Like I would have been able to wake you up, drunk as you were. Contrarily to you, I knew when to stop drinking to keep a rather alert head. You would have wanted me to come upon them in the dead of the night, alone and half drunk?" Aseldir asked.
Lezthea grumbled a few incoherent words but shut up when they reached the top of the slope were stood the patch of trees. They jumped of their horses and crept slowly towards the centre of the crop of trees and stopped to stare at what they were seeing.
Two kids were huddled tightly in cloaks on each side of a burnt out fire and two horses were grazing absent-mindedly some distance away. Swords and knives, arrows and bows lay beside two saddlebags.
" What the.?" Lezthea started but was cut off by Aseldir's impatient gesture.
The red-haired soldier walked silently towards the first boy; a chestnut braided boy. The other walked to the shorthaired boy and unsheathed his sword. Aseldir did the same and knelt over the kid.
Suddenly, the black stallion whinnied loudly and startled the two boys awake. Aseldir barely evaded a sluggish kick, then a more accurate punch. He grabbed the boy by the arm, pulled it behind his back at its limit and placed his sword dangerously close to his throat. He heard a long, colourful stream of curses followed by a yelp of pain. Aseldir looked up to see Lezthea having troubles with his kid. That one had been quicker to awake and was faster still.
" Stop or I'll kill your friend." Aseldir menaced silently but loudly enough for the shorthaired boy to understand.
He froze in his tracks and stared at Aseldir with blue eyes so cold and emotionless that the red-haired soldier couldn't suppress a shudder. Still, he became docile and raised his hands in the air in submission.
" Lezthea, bring him before me and go get the horses. One false move and his friend's dead." He added for the shorthaired.
*******
Duo was dreaming but what was strange was that he knew he did. He was walking in a forest of big and ancient trees that loomed up to the sky as if trying to catch it with their branches. Their trunks were cracked and twisted as they grew so that they looked as if giant hands had twisted them. Their leaves were green. No. They were of all colours. When wind made them dance, they changed hue with each movement. It looked like a sea of tints dancing over his head.
Duo wanted to see them from nearer, to feel their touch. As if responding is very thoughts, he found himself soaring up to their head. He floated over their summit in wonder as he watched the leaves ripple and shift subtly of colours. He leaned down and stretched his hand to touch them but his fingers had barely made contact that the sky grew dark. He stared in horror as the leaves withered, died and fell. The trees then bent and fell noisily to the ground. Duo looked around frantically as the forever forest died under his very gaze.
// Who are you, manchild?//
Duo froze at the voice that had spoken right in his mind.
// What are you doing here? Go back. You do not belong here.//
He didn't move. He was paralysed by the soft womanish voice speaking to him.
// Calm your fears, I will not harm you. Please go, this place should not have appeared to you, manchild.//
Still no reaction from his part.
// Look at what you did and fear! Now go back or you shall be tormented by the horror you caused. Go! Leave this place and forget it as a valueless dream, go back!//
This time, he reacted strongly. He thought of wakening and he felt himself slip away but something restrained him on the last bit. He struggled but it was stronger.
// You have lingered here too long, now you will have to stay forever. You should have left sooner.//
Duo panicked. He fought until he found the restraining force loosening. He looked as the dying forest grew foggy and gave a last shake. Behind him, something cried in alarm.
// You are impressive, manchild. We shall meet again.//
As soon as the woman finished speaking, he was startled awake. He was vaguely aware that someone loomed over him so he kicked in reflex. He only managed to beat the air but this time, the fog in his eyes had cleared a little, he punched more accurately but missed nonetheless. The person grabbed his wrist and forced him on his feet. Then, he twisted his arm behind his back and pressed something cold against his throat. Duo swore the whole American curse dictionary but couldn't do otherwise; he was still too deep in sleep.
" Stop or I'll kill your friend."
Duo shuddered and tried to force his brain to think. Most probably Heero was fighting back and the man had menaced to kill Duo if he didn't cooperate.
" Lezthea, bring him before me and go get the horses. One false move and his friend's dead." Said the same voice.
Duo watched, powerless, as Heero moved obediently forward as the other smaller man called Lezthea took the horses' reins and brought them over to the taller one. The man holding Duo pushed him forward to Shinigami and removed his sword from his throat.
" Climb up, boy, but carefully or I might take it as an escape attempt." Said the voice behind him.
The braided boy obeyed and sat awkwardly in the stallion's saddle. Lezthea signalled Heero to do the same, remembering him that Aseldir was in advantage over his comrade. The two men tied their hands to the saddle's pommel and jumped onto their own steeds.
" I wouldn't usually treat kids this way but in these circumstances, I have no choice. Nothing will hurt you if you're innocent." Aseldir said reassuringly and offered an apologetic smile.
Lezthea quickly told him something in a guttural language that was obviously reproaching. Aseldir shook his head and shrugged. They rode silently down a slope and Heero and Duo gaped at the view before him.
The great mountain they had been walking towards now loomed like a giant, casting his shadow across the land. At his feet, in a valley, stood a small fortress surrounded by solid walls. A deep trench had been dug around it and the only way in was the huge gate of polished stone. Even from their place, they could distinguish the entrance to caves that ran along the mountain's side.
" Helm's Deep!" Duo exclaimed in surprise. It had been right under their nose!
" Yes it is and that's where we are precisely going. Enjoy all you want, you'll see it from inside soon enough." Aseldir said coldly.
They rode for about another hour or two before reaching the gate. Soldiers shouted from the wall above and joked in the same tongue Lezthea had used. Finally, after much laughter, they opened the gate and let the four of them inside. It wasn't as impressive inside. Only a big fortress of plain, solid rock. Still, Aseldir led them up to the entrance.
" You can go back, Lezthea. I can take it from here. You how much Lord Faramir hates company." Aseldir advised with a nod to the gate.
" You're right, he's been awfully edgy these days. He isn't his normal self." Lezthea replied with a bit of worry edging his voice.
Aseldir jumped down from his horse and untied the two boy's hands.
" Please, just cooperate. As soon as we're done, I'm sure you'll be able to go free." The red-haired soldier pleaded.
Duo was about to shot him a reply but Heero cut him with a sharp gaze. They walked before Aseldir down a single long corridor that lead to two, big oak doors. A servant stood before it and frowned at their approach. Aseldir talked to him quickly in his tongue. The boy's eyes widened and filled with respectful fear. He shook his head and replied something. This time, Aseldir spoke with authority and the boy started trembling. He reluctantly pushed the right door open and squeezed inside. They didn't wait long for the servant got out barely a few seconds after entering. He was white as milk as he spoke to Aseldir. The knight nodded and turned to the two waiting boys with an angry look.
" I'm sorry to tell you this but Lord Faramir won't see you, not yet. You are to be locked in a cell until he decides to meet you."
" What?" this time, Duo didn't contain himself. " First you come upon while sleeping, kidnap us and now lock us up without any reason! You'll find we won't stay put very long!"
" Please, do not yell like this. It will only make things worse. Lord Faramir hasn't isn't his usual self, please understand. I will try and talk on your behalf but I cannot promise you anything. You are suspicious- looking strangers." He asked them in a hushed tone.
Duo was about to say something else but was cut by Heero's hand on his mouth.
" Alright but if your lord doesn't see us in two days, you will find our cell quite empty." The Perfect Soldier in a cold voice matching his fury.
" Thank you for cooperating. I will see that you aren't mistreated since you are not yet proved guilty. Follow me." Aseldir thanked with a small sight.
They followed him down the hall and through a door they had over-looked before. A long staircase descended down in what was evidently the dungeon. The red-haired soldier stopped them before the end where another door stood ajar.
" The bottommost cells are for the war-prisoners and worse bandits. I do not think you enter either category." Informed Aseldir in what seemed a reassuring tone.
Duo snorted loudly but kept his remark. They entered the door to find themselves in another corridor, this one filled with cells containing ugly looking prisoners. The men looked at the new faces and started shouting to each other. One made a joke that seemed to be really funny, for everyone laughed loudly. Unfortunately, they hadn't spoken in a language the two boys understood. The nearest man, seeing their puzzled faces, guessed what it was and translated the joke.
" Hey Sir Knighty! Brought us some boys to keep us company at night?" the bandit bellowed, showing his mission teeth.
Duo shuddered deeply and felt Heero tense beside him. The others criminals renewed their laughter at their uneasy faces.
" Don't worry, I'd never be as stupid as to put you with those. You don't look like kids who'd be able to stand against them, no offence meant." Aseldir whispered as if to comfort the two boys.
This time, Duo was the one to laugh. Aseldir looked at him, puzzled. He saw Heero's smirk and was about to say something but thought better of it. Instead, he shook his head in disbelieve and showed them to the cell in the end of the corridor.
*******
Wufei looked up to the company riding behind him and stared for some time. Even though it had been at least four days since he had first came upon the army of elves and men, he still hadn't gotten used to having women riding too. He was used to see women in war informs, Une and Sally were good examples put seeing them in armours, well it was different. The image didn't quite fit for Wufei. They were singing yet wearing armour, sword and bow. It was strange but not unpleasant, he soon came to realize. It added some pleasantness to the uncomfortable feeling passing in the company. Elves hadn't helped humans since the battle against Sauron and had become even more shut out of the world afterwards. Only few people, like Aragorn, were still welcome with open arms.
Wufei had become fast friends with Aragorn. The Chinese boy liked the man because of his righteousness and sense of justice. On the other side, the king liked the young boy because of his way to always think forward, to see the future's possibilities. Also, he couldn't deny how smart and wise he was for a kid.
Even with all the friendship he shared with the king of Gondor, Wufei couldn't like someone: Legolas. The Chinese boy knew he was a good elf but Wufei found him somewhat, impulsive. He reminded him of Duo, yet it stuck up with the braided boy's personality. In Legolas, it seemed as if he was impulsive by choice, to hide what truly needed to be kept secret, as if to divert attention from himself because of his straightforwardness. All in all, he didn't like the elf.
They rode for another few days before getting to Helm's Deep. The lord, Faramir, welcomed them openly and smiled hugely at Aragorn. The armies of (1) Ineluki were moving fast and without his help, they would never have been able to fight them off. Still, due to the largeness of the new army, they were forced to camp on the ground outside the solid walls.
Wufei looked up expectantly at the hill. That was the only path down and from where the enemies would be forced to attack. Wufei caught himself doubting. He was a great swordsman but he had never fought on horseback and in the middle of a battle like the one coming. It was like living in the past.
One day, at dawn, great fires were seen over the slope to the valley. Slowly, great banners appeared and soldiers came up. They all bore the crest of Ineluki: a red dragon eye. The army of Aragorn quickly positioned themselves against the coming assault as the defenders on the wall did the same.
The Lord of the Sea's army was marching.
********* (1): I took the name from Tad William's trilogy: Memory, Sorrow and Thorn. It's the name of the utmost enemy.
Sorry again it took so long, a lot of things barred my way! I know, short chapter. I happens!
A-chan
Chapter 9
A few days passed since Heero and Duo had fled from the ghost town. They rode as fast as they could and stopped late at night to start early. They had left the Hoarwell River and were now on the Old South Downs Road. The name suited it well as nature was quickly taking back what was hers. Grass covered the old tiles and the boys often had to stop and try to find some under the high greenery. The days grew chilly and rainy; autumn was making itself known. The high grass growing in the valley turned to gold and birds were often seen migrating to their southern homes.
Duo pulled is hood closer about his face to try and block the rain from pouring in. It was particularly rainy and the two boys were both wet to the core. Duo turned in his saddle and shouted to be heard over the howling wind.
" We should find someplace to make camp! We're going to get lost in this storm!"
Heero only nodded and pointed to a patch of trees farther east from where they were. The urged their tired horses forward and down a small slope to take cover under the trees.
It was big enough for them to be shielded from the pouring rain but the wind still found its way to their camp. Grunting, Heero got up and went to the saddlebags. He retrieved a long package that revealed to be a sword.
" Help me." Was all he said.
The braided boy looked puzzled for a moment but when he saw Heero start and chop down wood he understood. He took his own sword and helped. They started by pilling the branches between two big oaks until it vaguely resembled a wall. Then, they took leaves and filled the holes with them. That way, the wind was blocked, at least the biggest gusts.
" Say, where did you get that sword?" Duo asked once he had slumped down beside the fire to catch his breath.
" Found it in one of the soldier's saddle bags."
" Do you at least know how to fight with a sword?" the braided boy mocked.
Heero stared at him for a moment and smiled a mischievous, small smile. He stood up, took his sword and pointed at Duo's throat.
" Let's see then." The Perfect Soldier challenged.
" I've had a little more practice then you, you sure you want to be beaten?" Duo asked in false concern.
Heero responded by making a wild slash that would have beheaded the other if it weren't for his inhuman reflexes. The American scrambled for his sword and after being up, launched forward. Heero blocked it clumsily and Duo, letting his blade slide down to the hilt, twisted on himself and came back fiercely. This time, the Japanese boy backed off a pace under the force. His arm trembled up to his shoulder but he kept his grip and attacked.
They played/fought for quite some time, the moon was high, before they slumped in front of the fire, panting. Heero didn't show it but sweat pearled on his forehead. He had been nearly beaten often but had managed to stay put because of Duo's almost equal inexperience.
" So, how d'you find that?" Duo asked after having taken a long draught of water.
Heero shrugged and foraged in the saddlebag containing the food for something eatable beside dried nuts. They were getting close to nothing at all and they still didn't have any idea how much longer they had to walk. Tom's map showed they neared Helm's Deep, that is, if they weren't lost but it wasn't accurate when it came to distances.
Finally, the Japanese came upon a piece of dried mutton. He cut it in two and gave Duo a piece. It disappeared in one mouthful.
" We'll have to learn to hunt soon, if I'm right, that's the last piece of meat." Duo said slowly.
" That or we find a town soon." Heero replied.
" Only problem is that we don't have any money." The braided boy countered.
" Why should we?"
The American looked at him questioningly and burst out laughing.
" Right! The towns around here should be easy enough to steal, compared to an OZ base."
Heero nodded and went to check on the horses. When he came back it was to find Duo sleeping soundly, huddled on the side like a baby in his cloak. The Perfect Soldier couldn't help but notice how angelic he looked while sleeping. He knelt beside him and passed his hand down his cheek, brushing away the chestnut bangs and smiled. A thought crossed his mind and he froze. He hesitated a moment then checked the boy's pulse to make sure he was perfectly asleep. Once that confirmed, he leaned down and kissed him softly on the cheek.
" Sleep tight." He mumbled and left to lie down a bit farther.
He didn't notice the small smile that crept up Duo's face.
*******
" Hey Aseldir! You sure of what you're doing?"
The man called Aseldir turned around. He was a young man in his late twenty's. His short hair was a striking red and so would be his beard if he didn't cut it. His eyes were a piercing brownish yellow and shone in the pale morning's light. He didn't wear any armour but for his light mail coat and long sword dangling at his waist from a white and green belt. He wore leather clothing suited for traveling. He was very tall and rode a proud brown horse whose mane was jet black.
" For the hundredth time, yes Lezhtea." Aseldir called to the other mounted soldier following him.
The other was a bit smaller but sturdier. He wore the same attire as the first but rode a small stubby beige horse. His hair was a pale blond pulled back in a ponytail and his eyes shone a deep green.
" Come on, you were drunk last night, you probably imagined the whole thing." Lezthea replied plainly.
" Not as drunk as you old friend. I am positive about what I said and heard. I swear I was woken up by a sword fight and saw the faint gleam of a fire up there in that patch of trees." Aseldir countered rather hotly, pointing the designed area. They had had that argument a couple of times.
" Why didn't you wake me up to check what it was then? I told, you were dreaming." Lezthea argued.
" Like I would have been able to wake you up, drunk as you were. Contrarily to you, I knew when to stop drinking to keep a rather alert head. You would have wanted me to come upon them in the dead of the night, alone and half drunk?" Aseldir asked.
Lezthea grumbled a few incoherent words but shut up when they reached the top of the slope were stood the patch of trees. They jumped of their horses and crept slowly towards the centre of the crop of trees and stopped to stare at what they were seeing.
Two kids were huddled tightly in cloaks on each side of a burnt out fire and two horses were grazing absent-mindedly some distance away. Swords and knives, arrows and bows lay beside two saddlebags.
" What the.?" Lezthea started but was cut off by Aseldir's impatient gesture.
The red-haired soldier walked silently towards the first boy; a chestnut braided boy. The other walked to the shorthaired boy and unsheathed his sword. Aseldir did the same and knelt over the kid.
Suddenly, the black stallion whinnied loudly and startled the two boys awake. Aseldir barely evaded a sluggish kick, then a more accurate punch. He grabbed the boy by the arm, pulled it behind his back at its limit and placed his sword dangerously close to his throat. He heard a long, colourful stream of curses followed by a yelp of pain. Aseldir looked up to see Lezthea having troubles with his kid. That one had been quicker to awake and was faster still.
" Stop or I'll kill your friend." Aseldir menaced silently but loudly enough for the shorthaired boy to understand.
He froze in his tracks and stared at Aseldir with blue eyes so cold and emotionless that the red-haired soldier couldn't suppress a shudder. Still, he became docile and raised his hands in the air in submission.
" Lezthea, bring him before me and go get the horses. One false move and his friend's dead." He added for the shorthaired.
*******
Duo was dreaming but what was strange was that he knew he did. He was walking in a forest of big and ancient trees that loomed up to the sky as if trying to catch it with their branches. Their trunks were cracked and twisted as they grew so that they looked as if giant hands had twisted them. Their leaves were green. No. They were of all colours. When wind made them dance, they changed hue with each movement. It looked like a sea of tints dancing over his head.
Duo wanted to see them from nearer, to feel their touch. As if responding is very thoughts, he found himself soaring up to their head. He floated over their summit in wonder as he watched the leaves ripple and shift subtly of colours. He leaned down and stretched his hand to touch them but his fingers had barely made contact that the sky grew dark. He stared in horror as the leaves withered, died and fell. The trees then bent and fell noisily to the ground. Duo looked around frantically as the forever forest died under his very gaze.
// Who are you, manchild?//
Duo froze at the voice that had spoken right in his mind.
// What are you doing here? Go back. You do not belong here.//
He didn't move. He was paralysed by the soft womanish voice speaking to him.
// Calm your fears, I will not harm you. Please go, this place should not have appeared to you, manchild.//
Still no reaction from his part.
// Look at what you did and fear! Now go back or you shall be tormented by the horror you caused. Go! Leave this place and forget it as a valueless dream, go back!//
This time, he reacted strongly. He thought of wakening and he felt himself slip away but something restrained him on the last bit. He struggled but it was stronger.
// You have lingered here too long, now you will have to stay forever. You should have left sooner.//
Duo panicked. He fought until he found the restraining force loosening. He looked as the dying forest grew foggy and gave a last shake. Behind him, something cried in alarm.
// You are impressive, manchild. We shall meet again.//
As soon as the woman finished speaking, he was startled awake. He was vaguely aware that someone loomed over him so he kicked in reflex. He only managed to beat the air but this time, the fog in his eyes had cleared a little, he punched more accurately but missed nonetheless. The person grabbed his wrist and forced him on his feet. Then, he twisted his arm behind his back and pressed something cold against his throat. Duo swore the whole American curse dictionary but couldn't do otherwise; he was still too deep in sleep.
" Stop or I'll kill your friend."
Duo shuddered and tried to force his brain to think. Most probably Heero was fighting back and the man had menaced to kill Duo if he didn't cooperate.
" Lezthea, bring him before me and go get the horses. One false move and his friend's dead." Said the same voice.
Duo watched, powerless, as Heero moved obediently forward as the other smaller man called Lezthea took the horses' reins and brought them over to the taller one. The man holding Duo pushed him forward to Shinigami and removed his sword from his throat.
" Climb up, boy, but carefully or I might take it as an escape attempt." Said the voice behind him.
The braided boy obeyed and sat awkwardly in the stallion's saddle. Lezthea signalled Heero to do the same, remembering him that Aseldir was in advantage over his comrade. The two men tied their hands to the saddle's pommel and jumped onto their own steeds.
" I wouldn't usually treat kids this way but in these circumstances, I have no choice. Nothing will hurt you if you're innocent." Aseldir said reassuringly and offered an apologetic smile.
Lezthea quickly told him something in a guttural language that was obviously reproaching. Aseldir shook his head and shrugged. They rode silently down a slope and Heero and Duo gaped at the view before him.
The great mountain they had been walking towards now loomed like a giant, casting his shadow across the land. At his feet, in a valley, stood a small fortress surrounded by solid walls. A deep trench had been dug around it and the only way in was the huge gate of polished stone. Even from their place, they could distinguish the entrance to caves that ran along the mountain's side.
" Helm's Deep!" Duo exclaimed in surprise. It had been right under their nose!
" Yes it is and that's where we are precisely going. Enjoy all you want, you'll see it from inside soon enough." Aseldir said coldly.
They rode for about another hour or two before reaching the gate. Soldiers shouted from the wall above and joked in the same tongue Lezthea had used. Finally, after much laughter, they opened the gate and let the four of them inside. It wasn't as impressive inside. Only a big fortress of plain, solid rock. Still, Aseldir led them up to the entrance.
" You can go back, Lezthea. I can take it from here. You how much Lord Faramir hates company." Aseldir advised with a nod to the gate.
" You're right, he's been awfully edgy these days. He isn't his normal self." Lezthea replied with a bit of worry edging his voice.
Aseldir jumped down from his horse and untied the two boy's hands.
" Please, just cooperate. As soon as we're done, I'm sure you'll be able to go free." The red-haired soldier pleaded.
Duo was about to shot him a reply but Heero cut him with a sharp gaze. They walked before Aseldir down a single long corridor that lead to two, big oak doors. A servant stood before it and frowned at their approach. Aseldir talked to him quickly in his tongue. The boy's eyes widened and filled with respectful fear. He shook his head and replied something. This time, Aseldir spoke with authority and the boy started trembling. He reluctantly pushed the right door open and squeezed inside. They didn't wait long for the servant got out barely a few seconds after entering. He was white as milk as he spoke to Aseldir. The knight nodded and turned to the two waiting boys with an angry look.
" I'm sorry to tell you this but Lord Faramir won't see you, not yet. You are to be locked in a cell until he decides to meet you."
" What?" this time, Duo didn't contain himself. " First you come upon while sleeping, kidnap us and now lock us up without any reason! You'll find we won't stay put very long!"
" Please, do not yell like this. It will only make things worse. Lord Faramir hasn't isn't his usual self, please understand. I will try and talk on your behalf but I cannot promise you anything. You are suspicious- looking strangers." He asked them in a hushed tone.
Duo was about to say something else but was cut by Heero's hand on his mouth.
" Alright but if your lord doesn't see us in two days, you will find our cell quite empty." The Perfect Soldier in a cold voice matching his fury.
" Thank you for cooperating. I will see that you aren't mistreated since you are not yet proved guilty. Follow me." Aseldir thanked with a small sight.
They followed him down the hall and through a door they had over-looked before. A long staircase descended down in what was evidently the dungeon. The red-haired soldier stopped them before the end where another door stood ajar.
" The bottommost cells are for the war-prisoners and worse bandits. I do not think you enter either category." Informed Aseldir in what seemed a reassuring tone.
Duo snorted loudly but kept his remark. They entered the door to find themselves in another corridor, this one filled with cells containing ugly looking prisoners. The men looked at the new faces and started shouting to each other. One made a joke that seemed to be really funny, for everyone laughed loudly. Unfortunately, they hadn't spoken in a language the two boys understood. The nearest man, seeing their puzzled faces, guessed what it was and translated the joke.
" Hey Sir Knighty! Brought us some boys to keep us company at night?" the bandit bellowed, showing his mission teeth.
Duo shuddered deeply and felt Heero tense beside him. The others criminals renewed their laughter at their uneasy faces.
" Don't worry, I'd never be as stupid as to put you with those. You don't look like kids who'd be able to stand against them, no offence meant." Aseldir whispered as if to comfort the two boys.
This time, Duo was the one to laugh. Aseldir looked at him, puzzled. He saw Heero's smirk and was about to say something but thought better of it. Instead, he shook his head in disbelieve and showed them to the cell in the end of the corridor.
*******
Wufei looked up to the company riding behind him and stared for some time. Even though it had been at least four days since he had first came upon the army of elves and men, he still hadn't gotten used to having women riding too. He was used to see women in war informs, Une and Sally were good examples put seeing them in armours, well it was different. The image didn't quite fit for Wufei. They were singing yet wearing armour, sword and bow. It was strange but not unpleasant, he soon came to realize. It added some pleasantness to the uncomfortable feeling passing in the company. Elves hadn't helped humans since the battle against Sauron and had become even more shut out of the world afterwards. Only few people, like Aragorn, were still welcome with open arms.
Wufei had become fast friends with Aragorn. The Chinese boy liked the man because of his righteousness and sense of justice. On the other side, the king liked the young boy because of his way to always think forward, to see the future's possibilities. Also, he couldn't deny how smart and wise he was for a kid.
Even with all the friendship he shared with the king of Gondor, Wufei couldn't like someone: Legolas. The Chinese boy knew he was a good elf but Wufei found him somewhat, impulsive. He reminded him of Duo, yet it stuck up with the braided boy's personality. In Legolas, it seemed as if he was impulsive by choice, to hide what truly needed to be kept secret, as if to divert attention from himself because of his straightforwardness. All in all, he didn't like the elf.
They rode for another few days before getting to Helm's Deep. The lord, Faramir, welcomed them openly and smiled hugely at Aragorn. The armies of (1) Ineluki were moving fast and without his help, they would never have been able to fight them off. Still, due to the largeness of the new army, they were forced to camp on the ground outside the solid walls.
Wufei looked up expectantly at the hill. That was the only path down and from where the enemies would be forced to attack. Wufei caught himself doubting. He was a great swordsman but he had never fought on horseback and in the middle of a battle like the one coming. It was like living in the past.
One day, at dawn, great fires were seen over the slope to the valley. Slowly, great banners appeared and soldiers came up. They all bore the crest of Ineluki: a red dragon eye. The army of Aragorn quickly positioned themselves against the coming assault as the defenders on the wall did the same.
The Lord of the Sea's army was marching.
********* (1): I took the name from Tad William's trilogy: Memory, Sorrow and Thorn. It's the name of the utmost enemy.
Sorry again it took so long, a lot of things barred my way! I know, short chapter. I happens!
A-chan