Chapter 10
Dark Clouds overwhelmed the sky that was once blue. A shadow crept and stretched far across the land. Gray smoke tinted with red sparks covered the air as the notorious orcs stomped their way through the village, setting every house they see on fire, slaughtering those who were in their way. After the destruction Elrond and Isildur made, many of the orcs were slain, but there still remained enough to over take the village and its fighters. I
If Elrond and Isildur do not return soon....
Many women took their children and fled as far as their legs and horses would take them. Leaving their home of many winters behind, with nothing ahead of them, but memories. Cries of distress filled the air, shrieks of terror coming out from the orcs' throats can be heard many a league away.
The men continued to fight hard.
"Where is Isildur when we need him?" A man cried out, as he threw a dagger, sending it towards an orc's back.
Another had sweat pouring down his rugged face. Dry blood caked his cheeks, helping his fellow warrior drag the dead orc onto the pile of carcasses. He pulled out the knife that embedded itself deep into the flesh of the orc and replied hoarsely, "It would not be a simple matter, journeying to a place so foul and full of evil, and to return so soon." He dare not mention Mount Doom, where the dark lord resides, fearing if he uttered such words, the dark lord would hear.
But the other man understood him well, for he, and many others, have the same fear.
"Whoever took the elf, he would not let him go so easily if he had wanted him in the first place."
The man nodded in agreement, reaching for the weapon his friend retrieved, wiping the disgusting blood of its steel, thunder rolled the sky. The earth beneath their feet rumbled and shook slightly. The wind howled just as fiercely as when the beginning of this battle had started. The thumping and stomping of the orcs continued on, never stopping. Clanks of weapons can be heard against the wind. The two men eyed each other wearily.
They were tired, very tired.
"I do not know how long I can keep on."
The man whom pulled out the dagger stood tall and replied, "No matter what comes, we have to stand together. " Glancing at the direction where Isildur took off with his group of men, we must have hope....we cannot let the capture of Elrond go in vain."
The thunder clashed once again, bringing both men back to their senses.
"Hope all does not go ill with our companions."
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"I did not intend for things to go so ill between us." A twisted voice of malevolence stated.
Elrond glanced up from his captivity. The chains binding him burned against his skin, cutting into the already wounded and bruised wrist. His legs stood shakily, trying to support his weight.
"There are many great things we can accomplish, you and I." He continued, fingering an object on his hand. "With your power and mine combined, we can be invincible! Does that not tempt you? Does it not tempt you to know that we can be the most powerful beings in this Middle Earth?"
He knew how much power this particular elf possesses. His courage and strength could be an asset to his scheme, if only he can turn his heart around. No longer would he have to deal with the worthless maggots he finds as servants that dangerously compromises his plans, ubiquitously failing him time and time again.
No.
He wanted to win, to rule, to have the supremacy of all. But in order to accomplish this goal, he must break the elf.
Elrond smirked at the proposition, twice made since his capture; the possibility of him working with the dark lord is as much as he would eat orc flesh.
"I said it before, and I would not hesitate to say it again. I will never, ever, give into you, nevertheless, to become a partner in ruling." Elrond replied, trying to control his breathing, "I would rather die."
That remark earned him another lash on this body. Already welts and welts of blood covered his skin, with newer ones constantly adding on top of each other. Its excruciating pain sent a burning sensation down Elrond's spine. He did not utter a sound, clenching his teeth.
The lashes came again and again; soon, the pain was so much that he could no longer feel it anymore. The loss of blood caused his mind to cloud ever more; he could barely tell what is going on anymore.
"Then I shall give it to you, shall I? If death is what you wish so much." Sauron scowled menacingly. This prisoner had a unique gift of getting under his temper. He held out his shiny, spiked hand, pressing it against Elrond's heart. The sharp tips toyed against his thin clothing. Elrond could feel its tips searching for the right spot. "I think....I would like to add the heard of the halfelven into my collection of winnings. It would be the most prized yet."
Elrond held his gaze squarely with the Dark Lord with his remaining strength, feeling repulsed by his actions. Even until death, he was not going to show any weakness; against someone who seemed to think he is in control of everything. He held his head high, and replied as hard as he can, "You will not go unpunished." Burning ire filled his eyes.
Sauron found amusement in his words and laughed loudly. "You can dream on your journey to the halls of Mandos."
"Not if you get there first!" A shout cried out clearly and suddenly. A sharp dagger flew through the air, taking aim and found its mark deep into the shoulder of the Dark Lord.
He spun around, paying no attention to the dagger now prodding behind his back. Framed by the doorway, there stood Isildur, holding his long and sturdy sword firmly. Determination fired through his eyes, filling every part of his body. But his heart nearly failed when he saw the image of his friend behind the monster that caused all this.
Elrond still stood shakily, barely registering what is happening. He heard a familiar voice, a sense of warmth gathered in his mind, but he could not react. He was too exhausted. His head hung low, letting his strength wane, blood drenched his clothes, and even from afar, Isildur could see the new welts forming on the surface of his skin, cuts and bruises everywhere. Pain and fury exploded within him. He held onto his weapon even more tightly, he was not about to let this malice go unharmed.
"So, you have finally come, human." Sauron spat out. Reaching behind his back, he pulled out the dagger and threw it carelessly onto the cold, stone floor. The wound did not seem to have much affect on him.
"I knew you would have come, come to save this little pathetic fool of a friend you have." He walked towards the man. "You should have seen him, begging for mercy, crying out for you, wishing he were dead. He begged, but I would not give him what he wants. Pathetic, do you not think so?"
"You lie."
"Hm. Do I now?" Sauron said, forming a sneering grin beneath his mask, "Just look at the state your so called friend is in, does he have any look of a dignified warrior? No, just a pitiable fool, begging for his life."
Isildur did not say anything. He knew he was taunting him, he was not that stupid enough to believe words that come out from a monsters mouth.
Sauron licked his lips, "So you see," pointing his spiked finger towards Elrond, "I have broken him" "Liar!" Isildur cried, lunging forward, aiming his sword at Sauron's heart. Sauron reached beneath his cloak and produced his own weapon. He flung Isildur's sword easily away from its initial target, the two began to battle with one another.
"Men, always so foolish."
Isildur attacked, sending his sword close towards his body. In the middle of the great room, the two dodged each others blows, and swung as hard as they can, hoping for the death of the other. The fire had cease to die out, rather it rose up high once again, causing the temperature within the room to rise up as well. Swords clanked, they shot at each other with amazing speed, violently aiming at each other's throats. The noise caused Elrond to stir, his eyes managed to flicker open, enough to see what is going on.
*Isildur?*
Suddenly pain rose up his body. He bit his lip to stop himself from crying out loud. The last thing he needed was Sauron's attention on him. His back stung as sweat poured unmercifully, every fiber of his body was burning once again, since he regained consciousness. He felt his blood boil, eating its way through his veins, he tried to release himself from the shackles, but he could not move an inch.
"Stop forcing yourself." A voice whispered softly.
Elrond could not make out who was talking to him. He turned his head slightly, noticing for the first time that there was someone else standing next to him.
It was the man that brought him here.
Sensing Elrond's panic, he quickly covered his mouth and silenced him.
"I am not here to hurt you..." Valion said gently, he felt so guilty of what he has done to the fair being. "I am so sorry for what I have done...I did not know...I did not know the price that you would face..." Tears again started to fill his tired eyes, but he remembered what he was here for, he had to get him out.
Reaching for the chains, he said, "I am here to save you...."
Elrond did not move. He did not know what to believe anymore.
As quietly as he could, Valion tried to remove the chains. Using his powers, he got himself into the room without any sound, in hope to free Elrond. It was part of the plan. Isildur was to distract the Dark Lord, so he can use his vanishing powers to save Elrond. Simple as that, but harder than he thought it would be.
He finally loosened the chains and caught Elrond before he sunk to the ground. He studied the elf. He was still young, a proud visage graced his features, though hurt and dirtied, he did not seem to be tainted. The natural glow of his being still shone slightly, a star upon his brow still could faintly be seen. But he knew if he did not get out of there soon, all will fade into the darkness.
Sauron did not notice another lone figure appearing from thin air, concentrated on the new pray before him.
Valion, taking the chance, kneeled softly on the floor, eyeing the battle, making sure that Sauron does not see nor feel his presence. Blood covered his hands, as he had not noticed earlier. But they were not his blood, they belonged to Elrond. He stared at it, so much blood lost. Isildur's voice rang in his head, saying that he would look past his differences, and accept him for who he is. He understands.
"Would you really understand?" Valion asked softly. Elrond breathed heavily, it was hard to focus on the man that kneeled before him. His pale face did not seem to be evil as before, not as menacing as he seem to have been. The features were not handsome, but had softened. How, Elrond did not know. But deep inside, his instincts told him that this man was not born like this, no man could be born like this. He had been taught, brainwashed all his life, being force fed stories that were far fetched from the truth. He could not be blamed.
Knowing what he meant, for he felt it with his heart, Elrond replied as smoothly as he could, "I...do not blame you...." His throat burned. He tried to stifle the coughs that were threatening his body to let out, it was hard. Breathing became hard, everything could not be done without pain.
"Please....help me..." He formed words without sound. His trapped lungs left no room for speech, it burns.
Valion could not stand what he was seeing, forcing tears back into his eyes, he tried as gently as he could to bring Elrond up.
The clash of cold steel brought Valion back to his senses. He looked up quickly. Isildur had just blocked a killer blow aiming for his head, his legs supporting his stout body as he kneeled to slash the Lord on his legs. He was holding his fight, but it did not seem he could hold much longer. Sweat flowed heavily down his brow, on his side a thing red line of blood was visible, blood seeped through and dropped to the ground, causing many red circles to form. He had many deep cuts on his arm, leading his aim to fail him many times. Once again he blocked a blow aimed at his chest, but that was all he could do, block, he did not have the power to attack.
Sauron was too swift.
He felt a slight shake, the next thing he knew, his sword was knocked out of his sweaty palms, and it landed on the ground with a crash.
All went silent.
Isildur felt a cold tip pressing against his skin. Sauron had took the advantage and placed his sword directly at his opened neck.
"I did not think this battle would end so soon, did you?" Sauron asked with a hint of sarcasm edged in his voice. "Neither did you, I imagine," Without changing his stance, "my faithful servant, Valion."
Isildur frozed.
Valion's head jerked up in shock. He was at loss for words, he did not know what to do. Stealing a glance at Elrond, he was still breathing heavily, things seemed to have worsened for the young elf. Catching a glance with Isildur, his face paled. What to do?
"Kill Him."
*What?!*
Sauron did not turn to face Valion. His sword still pointed at Isildur. "Kill him, or this one dies."
Valion tired to think, but he could not. Panic strained his mind. But one thing popped into his mind.
"But what of the power you wished to gain from this elf?"
Sauron smirked at the comment. "Then perhaps, you would like to change another victim to slay?" He grabbed Isildur by the collar, "Perhaps this one?"
He flung him roughly in front of Valion. The crash knocked the air out of Isildur's lungs, but he was not in terrible shape as he thought he was. But at that time, it was of little comfort.
"Kill the man, kill him, then I will spare you your life, as I had done many years ago. It was because of me you are now standing here today. You did not forget that so soon now have you?"
Valion did not speak.
"Go pick up the sword this filth dropped! Then show me where your loyalties lie."
*Show me where your loyalties lie.*
As if controlled by strings strung on his legs, Valion slowly stood up and walked away from Elrond. He went to pick up the fallen sword. He could not feel the coldness of the handle, it felt numb in his hand. From the darkness to light, now back to where he started, to the darkness where he begun. Where does he really belong? His heart cried out for comfort, but none came. Nothing but a feeling of emptiness and despair, ice formed in his blood, his eyes turned darker against the night.
He eyed the weapon he had.
This is the weapon that will end another life.
Another life that he would soon finish.
Slowly he walked towards Isildur, Sauron stood before him, making sure his prey does not make any rash actions. He knew humans were idiotic, especially when in stress. Valion faced the man, sword held securely in his fist. His dark eyes reflected from the glow of the rising fire, gazing at Isildur, as if begging for forgiveness. He had not meant for this to happen. It was in his blood, he could not have helped it.
~ So would you help us? ~
~ There is so much that the heart of the halfelven can take. ~
Valion swallowed hard. Those words were engraved inside his mind. It would not stop repeating itself over and over again in his mind. He remembered his father, how he treated him, he remembered the villagers, how they ganged up and made fun of him, teasing him for someone that he did not choose to be. Anger from the past slowly rejuvenated into his body, his hands felt warm.
Slowly, he lift up Isildur's sword, ready to kill the helpless man whom lay before him.
Sauron grinned evilly beneath his mask. Men are so easily corrupted. A few simple words and a play of the mind would change a man's path of thought. If only the elf's mind were so easily seduced. But then there would be no challenge, the thought of more torture towards the elf made him excited.
Isildur closed his eyes. *This is the end.* He thought. Opening his eyes he saw Elrond, stone stilled on the floor. * I am sorry my friend. You gave us so much, and yet I cannot even save you.* Isildur lowered his head, he had gone so far to let all the men down, to let his friend down. Death seemed like a copasetic way to end this tragedy.
Valion hardened his heart.
He had made his choice.
"This is the end." He whispered.
Then as hard as his strength could give him, he swung the sword. Isildur waited for the anticipated blow to end his life.
A sharp cry of dismay rung out the room, a shout of distortion echoed within the walls causing Isildur to cover his ears.
A loud scream shook Elrond's mind. He held his head with both of his hands, trying to lessen the scream ringing in his ears. His body trembled. He can feel antipathy and malice filling the air, clawing its way into his heart. He felt darkness sinking into him deeper.
The whole room shook violently. Dust and debris fell from the ceiling, causing it hard to see or breath. The blackness was suffocating.
Isildur's sword fell to the ground, breaking into two.
It was not Isildur Valion struck.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Wow, after hours and hours, here's another chapter for you all to enjoy. Thank you for the reviews, please keep them coming! They make me want to write more and more! Hope everyone has a great weekend...as I will spend mine with Elrond full on my mind.
=D
Dark Clouds overwhelmed the sky that was once blue. A shadow crept and stretched far across the land. Gray smoke tinted with red sparks covered the air as the notorious orcs stomped their way through the village, setting every house they see on fire, slaughtering those who were in their way. After the destruction Elrond and Isildur made, many of the orcs were slain, but there still remained enough to over take the village and its fighters. I
If Elrond and Isildur do not return soon....
Many women took their children and fled as far as their legs and horses would take them. Leaving their home of many winters behind, with nothing ahead of them, but memories. Cries of distress filled the air, shrieks of terror coming out from the orcs' throats can be heard many a league away.
The men continued to fight hard.
"Where is Isildur when we need him?" A man cried out, as he threw a dagger, sending it towards an orc's back.
Another had sweat pouring down his rugged face. Dry blood caked his cheeks, helping his fellow warrior drag the dead orc onto the pile of carcasses. He pulled out the knife that embedded itself deep into the flesh of the orc and replied hoarsely, "It would not be a simple matter, journeying to a place so foul and full of evil, and to return so soon." He dare not mention Mount Doom, where the dark lord resides, fearing if he uttered such words, the dark lord would hear.
But the other man understood him well, for he, and many others, have the same fear.
"Whoever took the elf, he would not let him go so easily if he had wanted him in the first place."
The man nodded in agreement, reaching for the weapon his friend retrieved, wiping the disgusting blood of its steel, thunder rolled the sky. The earth beneath their feet rumbled and shook slightly. The wind howled just as fiercely as when the beginning of this battle had started. The thumping and stomping of the orcs continued on, never stopping. Clanks of weapons can be heard against the wind. The two men eyed each other wearily.
They were tired, very tired.
"I do not know how long I can keep on."
The man whom pulled out the dagger stood tall and replied, "No matter what comes, we have to stand together. " Glancing at the direction where Isildur took off with his group of men, we must have hope....we cannot let the capture of Elrond go in vain."
The thunder clashed once again, bringing both men back to their senses.
"Hope all does not go ill with our companions."
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"I did not intend for things to go so ill between us." A twisted voice of malevolence stated.
Elrond glanced up from his captivity. The chains binding him burned against his skin, cutting into the already wounded and bruised wrist. His legs stood shakily, trying to support his weight.
"There are many great things we can accomplish, you and I." He continued, fingering an object on his hand. "With your power and mine combined, we can be invincible! Does that not tempt you? Does it not tempt you to know that we can be the most powerful beings in this Middle Earth?"
He knew how much power this particular elf possesses. His courage and strength could be an asset to his scheme, if only he can turn his heart around. No longer would he have to deal with the worthless maggots he finds as servants that dangerously compromises his plans, ubiquitously failing him time and time again.
No.
He wanted to win, to rule, to have the supremacy of all. But in order to accomplish this goal, he must break the elf.
Elrond smirked at the proposition, twice made since his capture; the possibility of him working with the dark lord is as much as he would eat orc flesh.
"I said it before, and I would not hesitate to say it again. I will never, ever, give into you, nevertheless, to become a partner in ruling." Elrond replied, trying to control his breathing, "I would rather die."
That remark earned him another lash on this body. Already welts and welts of blood covered his skin, with newer ones constantly adding on top of each other. Its excruciating pain sent a burning sensation down Elrond's spine. He did not utter a sound, clenching his teeth.
The lashes came again and again; soon, the pain was so much that he could no longer feel it anymore. The loss of blood caused his mind to cloud ever more; he could barely tell what is going on anymore.
"Then I shall give it to you, shall I? If death is what you wish so much." Sauron scowled menacingly. This prisoner had a unique gift of getting under his temper. He held out his shiny, spiked hand, pressing it against Elrond's heart. The sharp tips toyed against his thin clothing. Elrond could feel its tips searching for the right spot. "I think....I would like to add the heard of the halfelven into my collection of winnings. It would be the most prized yet."
Elrond held his gaze squarely with the Dark Lord with his remaining strength, feeling repulsed by his actions. Even until death, he was not going to show any weakness; against someone who seemed to think he is in control of everything. He held his head high, and replied as hard as he can, "You will not go unpunished." Burning ire filled his eyes.
Sauron found amusement in his words and laughed loudly. "You can dream on your journey to the halls of Mandos."
"Not if you get there first!" A shout cried out clearly and suddenly. A sharp dagger flew through the air, taking aim and found its mark deep into the shoulder of the Dark Lord.
He spun around, paying no attention to the dagger now prodding behind his back. Framed by the doorway, there stood Isildur, holding his long and sturdy sword firmly. Determination fired through his eyes, filling every part of his body. But his heart nearly failed when he saw the image of his friend behind the monster that caused all this.
Elrond still stood shakily, barely registering what is happening. He heard a familiar voice, a sense of warmth gathered in his mind, but he could not react. He was too exhausted. His head hung low, letting his strength wane, blood drenched his clothes, and even from afar, Isildur could see the new welts forming on the surface of his skin, cuts and bruises everywhere. Pain and fury exploded within him. He held onto his weapon even more tightly, he was not about to let this malice go unharmed.
"So, you have finally come, human." Sauron spat out. Reaching behind his back, he pulled out the dagger and threw it carelessly onto the cold, stone floor. The wound did not seem to have much affect on him.
"I knew you would have come, come to save this little pathetic fool of a friend you have." He walked towards the man. "You should have seen him, begging for mercy, crying out for you, wishing he were dead. He begged, but I would not give him what he wants. Pathetic, do you not think so?"
"You lie."
"Hm. Do I now?" Sauron said, forming a sneering grin beneath his mask, "Just look at the state your so called friend is in, does he have any look of a dignified warrior? No, just a pitiable fool, begging for his life."
Isildur did not say anything. He knew he was taunting him, he was not that stupid enough to believe words that come out from a monsters mouth.
Sauron licked his lips, "So you see," pointing his spiked finger towards Elrond, "I have broken him" "Liar!" Isildur cried, lunging forward, aiming his sword at Sauron's heart. Sauron reached beneath his cloak and produced his own weapon. He flung Isildur's sword easily away from its initial target, the two began to battle with one another.
"Men, always so foolish."
Isildur attacked, sending his sword close towards his body. In the middle of the great room, the two dodged each others blows, and swung as hard as they can, hoping for the death of the other. The fire had cease to die out, rather it rose up high once again, causing the temperature within the room to rise up as well. Swords clanked, they shot at each other with amazing speed, violently aiming at each other's throats. The noise caused Elrond to stir, his eyes managed to flicker open, enough to see what is going on.
*Isildur?*
Suddenly pain rose up his body. He bit his lip to stop himself from crying out loud. The last thing he needed was Sauron's attention on him. His back stung as sweat poured unmercifully, every fiber of his body was burning once again, since he regained consciousness. He felt his blood boil, eating its way through his veins, he tried to release himself from the shackles, but he could not move an inch.
"Stop forcing yourself." A voice whispered softly.
Elrond could not make out who was talking to him. He turned his head slightly, noticing for the first time that there was someone else standing next to him.
It was the man that brought him here.
Sensing Elrond's panic, he quickly covered his mouth and silenced him.
"I am not here to hurt you..." Valion said gently, he felt so guilty of what he has done to the fair being. "I am so sorry for what I have done...I did not know...I did not know the price that you would face..." Tears again started to fill his tired eyes, but he remembered what he was here for, he had to get him out.
Reaching for the chains, he said, "I am here to save you...."
Elrond did not move. He did not know what to believe anymore.
As quietly as he could, Valion tried to remove the chains. Using his powers, he got himself into the room without any sound, in hope to free Elrond. It was part of the plan. Isildur was to distract the Dark Lord, so he can use his vanishing powers to save Elrond. Simple as that, but harder than he thought it would be.
He finally loosened the chains and caught Elrond before he sunk to the ground. He studied the elf. He was still young, a proud visage graced his features, though hurt and dirtied, he did not seem to be tainted. The natural glow of his being still shone slightly, a star upon his brow still could faintly be seen. But he knew if he did not get out of there soon, all will fade into the darkness.
Sauron did not notice another lone figure appearing from thin air, concentrated on the new pray before him.
Valion, taking the chance, kneeled softly on the floor, eyeing the battle, making sure that Sauron does not see nor feel his presence. Blood covered his hands, as he had not noticed earlier. But they were not his blood, they belonged to Elrond. He stared at it, so much blood lost. Isildur's voice rang in his head, saying that he would look past his differences, and accept him for who he is. He understands.
"Would you really understand?" Valion asked softly. Elrond breathed heavily, it was hard to focus on the man that kneeled before him. His pale face did not seem to be evil as before, not as menacing as he seem to have been. The features were not handsome, but had softened. How, Elrond did not know. But deep inside, his instincts told him that this man was not born like this, no man could be born like this. He had been taught, brainwashed all his life, being force fed stories that were far fetched from the truth. He could not be blamed.
Knowing what he meant, for he felt it with his heart, Elrond replied as smoothly as he could, "I...do not blame you...." His throat burned. He tried to stifle the coughs that were threatening his body to let out, it was hard. Breathing became hard, everything could not be done without pain.
"Please....help me..." He formed words without sound. His trapped lungs left no room for speech, it burns.
Valion could not stand what he was seeing, forcing tears back into his eyes, he tried as gently as he could to bring Elrond up.
The clash of cold steel brought Valion back to his senses. He looked up quickly. Isildur had just blocked a killer blow aiming for his head, his legs supporting his stout body as he kneeled to slash the Lord on his legs. He was holding his fight, but it did not seem he could hold much longer. Sweat flowed heavily down his brow, on his side a thing red line of blood was visible, blood seeped through and dropped to the ground, causing many red circles to form. He had many deep cuts on his arm, leading his aim to fail him many times. Once again he blocked a blow aimed at his chest, but that was all he could do, block, he did not have the power to attack.
Sauron was too swift.
He felt a slight shake, the next thing he knew, his sword was knocked out of his sweaty palms, and it landed on the ground with a crash.
All went silent.
Isildur felt a cold tip pressing against his skin. Sauron had took the advantage and placed his sword directly at his opened neck.
"I did not think this battle would end so soon, did you?" Sauron asked with a hint of sarcasm edged in his voice. "Neither did you, I imagine," Without changing his stance, "my faithful servant, Valion."
Isildur frozed.
Valion's head jerked up in shock. He was at loss for words, he did not know what to do. Stealing a glance at Elrond, he was still breathing heavily, things seemed to have worsened for the young elf. Catching a glance with Isildur, his face paled. What to do?
"Kill Him."
*What?!*
Sauron did not turn to face Valion. His sword still pointed at Isildur. "Kill him, or this one dies."
Valion tired to think, but he could not. Panic strained his mind. But one thing popped into his mind.
"But what of the power you wished to gain from this elf?"
Sauron smirked at the comment. "Then perhaps, you would like to change another victim to slay?" He grabbed Isildur by the collar, "Perhaps this one?"
He flung him roughly in front of Valion. The crash knocked the air out of Isildur's lungs, but he was not in terrible shape as he thought he was. But at that time, it was of little comfort.
"Kill the man, kill him, then I will spare you your life, as I had done many years ago. It was because of me you are now standing here today. You did not forget that so soon now have you?"
Valion did not speak.
"Go pick up the sword this filth dropped! Then show me where your loyalties lie."
*Show me where your loyalties lie.*
As if controlled by strings strung on his legs, Valion slowly stood up and walked away from Elrond. He went to pick up the fallen sword. He could not feel the coldness of the handle, it felt numb in his hand. From the darkness to light, now back to where he started, to the darkness where he begun. Where does he really belong? His heart cried out for comfort, but none came. Nothing but a feeling of emptiness and despair, ice formed in his blood, his eyes turned darker against the night.
He eyed the weapon he had.
This is the weapon that will end another life.
Another life that he would soon finish.
Slowly he walked towards Isildur, Sauron stood before him, making sure his prey does not make any rash actions. He knew humans were idiotic, especially when in stress. Valion faced the man, sword held securely in his fist. His dark eyes reflected from the glow of the rising fire, gazing at Isildur, as if begging for forgiveness. He had not meant for this to happen. It was in his blood, he could not have helped it.
~ So would you help us? ~
~ There is so much that the heart of the halfelven can take. ~
Valion swallowed hard. Those words were engraved inside his mind. It would not stop repeating itself over and over again in his mind. He remembered his father, how he treated him, he remembered the villagers, how they ganged up and made fun of him, teasing him for someone that he did not choose to be. Anger from the past slowly rejuvenated into his body, his hands felt warm.
Slowly, he lift up Isildur's sword, ready to kill the helpless man whom lay before him.
Sauron grinned evilly beneath his mask. Men are so easily corrupted. A few simple words and a play of the mind would change a man's path of thought. If only the elf's mind were so easily seduced. But then there would be no challenge, the thought of more torture towards the elf made him excited.
Isildur closed his eyes. *This is the end.* He thought. Opening his eyes he saw Elrond, stone stilled on the floor. * I am sorry my friend. You gave us so much, and yet I cannot even save you.* Isildur lowered his head, he had gone so far to let all the men down, to let his friend down. Death seemed like a copasetic way to end this tragedy.
Valion hardened his heart.
He had made his choice.
"This is the end." He whispered.
Then as hard as his strength could give him, he swung the sword. Isildur waited for the anticipated blow to end his life.
A sharp cry of dismay rung out the room, a shout of distortion echoed within the walls causing Isildur to cover his ears.
A loud scream shook Elrond's mind. He held his head with both of his hands, trying to lessen the scream ringing in his ears. His body trembled. He can feel antipathy and malice filling the air, clawing its way into his heart. He felt darkness sinking into him deeper.
The whole room shook violently. Dust and debris fell from the ceiling, causing it hard to see or breath. The blackness was suffocating.
Isildur's sword fell to the ground, breaking into two.
It was not Isildur Valion struck.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Wow, after hours and hours, here's another chapter for you all to enjoy. Thank you for the reviews, please keep them coming! They make me want to write more and more! Hope everyone has a great weekend...as I will spend mine with Elrond full on my mind.
=D