*Note: this will be rather short.

Chapter Twenty: Thranduil Prepares a Warning

While Legolas was preparing his horse, Arod, to go to southern Eryn Lasgalen, he did not know that his sire was making his way to Avathar's chamber. The King had received a classified letter from his friend Gil-celeb informing him to be wary of Avathar. The Beornings and Woodmen had been observing a certain castle located just beyond the borders of Gil-celeb's realm. A mysterious figure had occupied it for a time, and then he had disappeared. The Woodmen and Beornings said that they had seen the figure join a band of Elves travelling north, and that rumor had it that the elven Prince himself of northern Eryn Lasgalen was among the band. Having said all of that, Gil-celeb was compelled to inform Thranduil the truth concerning Falathar. From what Thranduil could gather, it seemed that Gil-celeb hinted that Avathar was Falathar.

'Now I understand well why none of this has ever reached my ears before. It is a very shameful matter for Gil-celeb to acknowledge. My heart was correct in warning me about Avathar then.' he thought.

He reached Avathar's chamber and knocked. There was no reply. He knocked once more. Again, there was silence. Thranduil burst open the door and looked around the chamber. It was empty. The King checked his son's chamber as well, just to make sure. But Avathar was gone. The King clenched his fists and cursed under his breath.

After he returned to his throne room, he called an urgent meeting and gathered all of his advisors and counselors. He informed them everything Gil-celeb had told them, but only after they swore secrecy.

"There should be a thorough search for him, hîr nín." one said.

The others murmured in agreement.

"I do not think it would be productive. You appear to forget with whom we are dealing with. This is the Dark Lord's servant in Dol Guldur. He betrayed his King purposely. Doubtless he knows some strong form of Dark sorcery. Even with my own magic I do not think I will be able to handle him. He is extremely deceptive. He caused my own son to doubt his very own mentor, Aerandir. This brings us to the other component of the issue. Falathar hates Aerandir because he wedded Míriel. It is this hate that caused Falathar to become a traitor." Thranduil said.

"Aran, do you possibly believe that Avathar, or Falathar, is on his way back to southern Eryn Lasgalen to kill Aerandir?" another asked.

Thranduil shifted uncomfortably on his throne. That was the first thought that entered his mind when he found Avathar gone. All the information pointed to it, and he found it extremely hard to deny.

"I believe so." he said very slowly and reluctantly at last.

There was an immediate uproar from his courtiers.

"What can we do to warn Gil-celeb?" a third questioned.

"Is Legolas gone yet?"

"He is." a guard announced. "He just left with a small guard."

Thranduil sighed.

"At least he goes protected, even if it is by a small group. I have already warned Legolas, and I hope he does not meet with him. Are there any runners we can send to Gil-celeb?"

"There are none. They are all away on scouting errands."

Thranduil closed his eyes.

"The only thing I can think of is to send a volunteer." he said.

There was a silence that filled the room. Then a tall Elf, Thranduil's most trusted advisor, came forward. His eyes glowed.

"I will go. Aerandir is a dear friend of mine." he said.

Thranduil opened his eyes. He looked carefully at his advisor.

"Are you sure you wish to go?" he asked him quietly.

The advisor nodded, his head held up high and proud.

"It is my greatest pleasure to serve my lord." he replied.

"Do you understand what you are facing? This is no common quarrel. Perhaps the survival of Gil-celeb and his realm depend on you. Gil-celeb, Aerandir, and Míriel are very dear to me. I owe my kingship to him. Do not fail them. If you fail them, essentially it is I who fails them."

The advisor sank into a low bow.

"I will not fail them, or you. Estelio nin."

Thranduil watched as his friends embraced him for perhaps the final time. He knew that his advisor would not fail him. The King's fear was that he would fail Gil-celeb—the warning would not reach in time. Northern Eryn Lasgalen had very few horses. Those that it owned were used by Legolas' guard, which meant the advisor would be relying on his legs. Thranduil feared Aerandir would be killed. His even worst fear was that Míriel would be harmed. He knew from what Legolas told him from the letters he received from the Princess that she was in the last trimester of her pregnancy. It was vital that his warning would reach in time. Thranduil offered a prayer to Eru.

"If there is any grace given to me, let it pass onto her. If any harm should come to Míriel, let my life be taken to spare her." he prayed.