chapter 14
The next morning the three had woken early and were retracing their steps, when Estel, who was the better tracker noted arrows on the floor, and a familiar looking sword.
"This must have happened last night...not long after we separated..." he told them.
"These arrows...I think they are from men in the village...they hate Elves...if they thought it was me..." Elrohir trailed off. "We have to hurry."
"Do you know where the village is?" Legolas asked.
"It is protected by magic...but I think I can find it, and perhaps get in. this way."
The whip fell across his shoulder again, drawing more blood and pained screams. This seemed to have been going on for an Age and there were no signs of the Humans stopping.
The sun was beginning into rise in the sky when the man finally left him alone, hanging limply from a pole in the middle of the village, his back raw and slick with blood. He was also sure the arrows had been poisoned. As a healer he knew the arrow wounds would become infected if not treated, and the amount of blood he had lost...he knew he would not survive.
"Belthor." A small voice whispered. He looked up to see a young woman who was concerned walking toward him carrying a knife.
"Melá, away from him now," a guard warned.
"No. what has he done to warrant such treatment? He has lived with us for years and done nothing..." she said. "Well I can't stand by and see him treated in this manner." She cut the ropes holding the Elf up and gently carried him back home.
"Lord Arnen will not be pleased." They heard the guard yell.
"Melá, what..." Taria started and looked to see who she carried.
"Is that..." Adier and Tilo asked in unison.
"He was being whipped in the Square. I couldn't stand by and let them..." she trailed off, tears in her eyes.
"It's alright...he'll be alright..." Adier assured taking his sister into a loving embrace.
"Come on, we need to clean his back." Taria instructed already washing the blood away.