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Chapter 15
Aragorn swiftly strode through the grand halls of Celebhen's palace, looking for Legolas. The elf was beginning to worry him. The ranger had seen not a trace of him since after breakfast, as had the rest of the fellowship. And it was nearly time for lunch.
The ranger roamed the halls, occasionally stopping to ask an elven servant if they had seen the elf prince. Their answers were varied, if they chose to give them. Some had spotted him, some hadn't. Others asked why he was looking for the Prince, and told him to check his bed chamber. Aragorn already had. He thought that possibly Legolas could be hiding from him no purpose. After all, the elf hadn't been acting like himself at all.
In his rush Aragorn passed by a familiar door, and he paused. It was the cellar door. Could it be possible that Legolas was hiding down there questioning someone again? It was worth a look. The ranger was about to open the door when he caught the slightest sound coming from the other side.
Carefully and quietly, Aragorn placed his ear to the door, and focused all his energy into listening to what made that sound.
There were two voices speaking…no, they were arguing…arguing in the Common speech. Strangely, one of them sounded like that of Celidur, but that was ridiculous since Celidur didn't know how to speak in that language. But then again…he had lied about nearly everything he had told them…maybe this was no different.
Aragorn's thoughts of the matter faded away as he continued listening to the conversation.
"…you could have gotten me discovered! How dare you just come out and reveal yourself! And to Prince Legolas of all people, who is already is suspicious of me!"
"I do what I please." Aragorn took note that this voice was dark and hissing…like that of a snake. "If I wish to toy with the Prince I will. He knows nothing."
"If you continue doing 'what you please' then you might as well forget this whole plot. If the Prince finds me out I am finished. Which means you are finished."
"The Prince knows nothing except that you told him false words. He won't report you to Celebhen. If he does, he'll have an equal share of guilt, for he was the one who was prying deliberately into the affairs of your people."
"They aren't my people. They're traitors. They're all traitors."
"Yes. But you'll get your revenge soon. And my master will get what he wants. The Ring."
Aragorn started. The hissing voice had said 'my master' and then mentioned the One Ring. Was it possible that he spoke of Sauron? Suddenly Aragorn recognized the voice. It was a Nazgul. A Ringwraith. Right here in Nimeryn!
"What!" Celidur's voice continued. "We never agreed upon anything about The Ring. Your master wanted me to destroy the royal family and ensure the destruction of the Nimar in return for my life and a new identity. That was our bargain!"
"You haven't a say in the matter." The Nazgul wheezed angerly.
"I have! I agreed to kill those who wronged me in return for this body and that was it!"
"My master offers you a new deal. In addition to killing Celebhen and his family, you must kill the Ringbearer and his companions. Deliver the One Ring to him. And he will make you as powerful as I."
"No deal." Celidur said coldly. "I have no interest in your so called 'power.' But allow me to make you an offer."
There was a pause. "And what would that be?" The Wraith asked, it's voice as sharp as a sword's edge.
"I will do as your master orders. I will kill Celebhen and all his kin—except Cefielle."
"Why not her?"
"You know why. I love her."
"Your feelings for the girl make you weak."
"Maybe so, but that's a lot to say for a being who has no feelings."
Aragorn heard the Wraith hiss in rage at the elf's comment and then heard the sounds of a struggle.
"Go ahead, Wraith." Celidur taunted further. His voice was raspy, as if he was being choked. "Kill me. Then go and try to explain to your master why his plans failed."
Aragorn heard a soft thud, like someone being dropped to the ground.
"You are clever, for an elf. If the girl is what you want, then my master agrees."
"I wasn't finished."
"You dare ask more?"
"I do." Celidur said smugly. "I was a prince once. I want to be a prince again. I want you to give me the body of Prince Legolas as you gave me this one. I'm sick of pretending to be a servant anyway."
There was another pause. "The Prince has a strong soul. It will be difficult to banish it."
"I can do it. I did it with this one."
"Very well. Your conditions are agreeable.
"Of course they are."
"Enough. Go. Do the duty you have been assigned. Then you will receive your reward."
At that, the voices ceased, and Aragorn heard footsteps coming up the stairs. Quickly he ran to the end of the corridor and hide behind the corner.
After a moment, Celidur appeared. He peered out cautionsly, but then seeing nobody around closed the cellar door and walked away in the opposite direction.
Aragorn watched the elf as he went. What he had just heard confirmed that he and the rest of the Fellowship was in very real danger. Especially Frodo and Legolas. The bit about Frodo Aragorn certainly understood, but what had Celidur mean about 'giving' Legolas's body? And to make the matter more confusing, he also spoke as if the body he had now wasn't his.
Your master wanted me to destroy the royal family and ensure the destruction of the Nimar in return for my life and a new identity. That was our bargain!
Was Celidur planning to kill Celebhen and his kin? Why?
I agreed to kill those who wronged me in return for this body and that was it!
Did Celidur hold a grudge against Celebhen? The seamstress had mentioned that Celidur's parent had died. Was it possible that Celidur blamed Celebhen for their death?
Aragorn rubbed his head. It was beginning to throb because of all the thought he had been giving in this matter. Right now that is not the task…He scolded himself. Right now he needed to warn the others…and find Legolas before it was too late.
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