Severity of Silence
Chapter 6: Arkots and the deadly assassin
"Beware of the riders
So fast with fury
They come from the ashes
Of hatred long past
Nothing can outdo them
Not even the purest soul
Hatred in the end will consume
All"
The Earl of Druth sits at his desk, face contorted in thought as his colleague walks before him with arms clasped behind his back hidden by long pure white hair.
" So you say the elf traveling with him is the Prince of Mirkwood?" The colleague nods, his golden eyes coming to rest on the book of Past.
" It tells of the last survivor destroying all plans and slaying the last." He says, tracing the dark brown bindings with a slender finger. The Earl only watches the man with amused eyes as he quickly withdraws his hand from the leather, as if it burned.
" Would you like to have your soul back Kerrick?" He asks, a laugh coming from his mouth at these words. Kerrick turns, gazing at the human man with golden eyes now burning brightly with hatred.
" To touch your wife, and hug your children?" He continues and smiles at the growl from the man.
" If you do this one task for me, I will restore your soul and humanity." The offering brings golden eyes up sharply, narrowing in question as he moves closer to the Earl.
" What are you proposing my lord?" he asks cockily, leaning across the desk so the human and he are face to face. Staring into dark green depths Keririck can only see mirth and enjoyment at this and he knows this is a lie. Even if he does this form the man he will never be free.
" Kill the last of the Mirkwood line and you will be free to live your days as you wish." The Earl leans back in his chair, as the demonic assassin seems to contemplate his options. Finally a wicked smile spreads over the pale features and sharp incisors can be seen.
" Deal." He says and stalks from the room, slamming the door closed behind him and the Earl turns to gaze out the window at the approaching travelers.
" Come young prince. Come to your awaited doom." He laughs.
Aragorn
After the adventure in Mirkwood both Legolas and I agreed to not go back that way when we return home, the trauma seems to still weigh heavily on my friend. The elf's natural happy manner is now a bit more monotone, toned down and less energetic. He doesn't eat properly and dark circles under his eyes alert me to the nights he has gone without sleep, choosing to stay on guard all night. Approaching the manor of Druth we slow the stallions to a walk, making them obey our commands to not bolt away when the gates open. Casting a look at the men around us I give Legolas a side-ways glance, noting the stern look on his face and how the brown cloak hood covers his hear and face, leaving much to the imagination. He usually will wear his hood up to cover his features when traveling this far from Gondor, since people in this area hold a deep hatred for elves.
" Lord Aragorn." A young boy about thirteen greets his clothes suggesting he is part of the family rather than a peasant. Dismounting I bow slightly, although I hold a higher rank over the youth I still show him the respect all of royal blood should show. He then turns to Legolas who is standing tense at my shoulder, hands ready to grab the knifes on his belt.
" And Warrior Killilea, my father is waiting for you in the main hall. Please follow me." I take my place behind the boy and walk through the halls, trying my hardest to avoid shivering at the sheer terror this place puts in me. The youth leads us into the chamber where an older man sits, waiting for us. His face is sagging and eyes hollow, skin as pale as Ivory. In his deep-set sockets are dull blue eyes, almost lifeless, without a soul. I keep my face neutral and prepare to address the Earl when another man speaks from the other side of the hall.
" Jakob. Please take your grandfather back to his room." I bring my eyes to face the true Earl of Druth. This man is in his mid-forty's with salt and pepper hair. His long legs make him easily six feet with pale green eyes. He greets us with a cool smile and watches our every move with close eyes.
" Forgive my father… he has been infected with the brain sickness. He will not be with us much longer I fear." He says sadly and I smile slightly, bowing my head. Legolas beside me does the same, although his eyes never leave the surrounding shadows.
" Earl Karyl Drago, greetings from my father, King Arathorn of Gondor. He sent me and my companion to deliver this message." I offer the Earl the rolled parchment. I know not of what the faded paper says but I had a feeling from the first time that I laid my hand on it, it wasn't good. My father's words echo through my mind 'Don't wait for an answer. Leave that realm as soon as the parchment is in his hands. Stop for nothing until you are safe. Get out of Druth.' Those words come to me with full force and I clear my throat, as the Earl is about to unroll the parchment.
" My Lord, father needs us both back at Gondor. We shall be taking our leave early." I tell him and the man gives me an annoyed look but smiles none the less.
" Alright. I hope the gods see you on a good journey home." He says and I bow before exiting the hall, Legolas falls into stride beside me, his eyes depths of pure ice, void of every emotion. We walk back the way we were shown and are soon in the courtyard, where the horses are tied, their heads hung low and eyes close. Going to my stallion's side I toss the reins over his neck and mount, Legolas already atop his horse. Nodding to the elf we kick the horses in the sides and force them into a canter. Soon we are beyond the gates and racing our way across the plains.
" We have followers." Legolas says through gritted teeth as I look over my shoulder. Cursing I lean further over the stallion's neck, asking him for more speed. The horse only snorts and slows down, fighting the rein. I pull the beast up, as he tosses his head and prances around until he lets out a wild squeal and drops on his side. In haste I kick my foot out of the stirrup and jump off the horse, landing heavily on my shoulder. The horse thrashes around on his stomach before going still, ceasing all motion… even breathing. A wild whinny draws my attention to Legolas who's own horse does almost the same thing, but this time rears up on its hind legs so tall, he topples over himself, catching Legolas between the beasts' back and the ground. Racing to where the elf has fallen I pull him out from under the dying horse, noting the blood running from a gash on his head and dazed look. Pulling him far enough from the thrashing horse we both watch as our last hope of escape dies.
" Poisoned." Legolas whispers before getting to his feet shakily, my hand remaining on his shoulder. My own right arm aches but I can still move it, Legolas seems to have gotten away okay, minus a gash and possibly a concussion. We stand and draw our weapons, ready to defend ourselves against this foe. The riders are upon us no sooner than my sword is drawn from the sheath.
" Surrender. You have no hope." One says, his face hidden by the helmet he wears over his head. My eyes narrow and my stance become more firm, hand tightening around the hilt. Legolas' bow is taught and notched with a white-feathered arrow, his gaze firm on the killing point on the man's unprotected throat.
" I think we do." I mutter and begin to back away slowly, Legolas following my lead but never allowing his eyes to leave the men before him. The men only laugh at us and charge, their lances and swords coming at us. Legolas lets loose an arrow, which nocks the rider from his horse, but does nothing to stop the already skittish beast. The horse heads straight for him, but the elf grabs the reins and hauls himself up. Wheeling the horse around he grabs onto me and pulls me up behind him. Although the horse is slower carrying two riders we soon make the hard ground and the boundaries of the Dwarf Caves. Most will not cross the invisible line made when the plain meets unyielding rocks but we were given the mark of Gimli. His people are to respect the mark of friendship, even when the travelers are an elf and man. Legolas steers the horse through the trail, making the animal snort and fight the elf the whole way. I hear the elf hiss a swear when the horse stops and refuses to move.
" I swear these people breed hatred into everything they touch." He growls before dismounting, going to the horse's head. I drop off the back and walks around the small spot we are in, hidden by two outcropping rocks with the same in the other side. Above us is a great outcropping rock and before me is a large rock, shielding us from view of the plains and woods.
" We should camp here." I say and a flash of fear comes over the blonde elf's face, only for a second.
" So close?" He asks, taking the saddle off the horse and tying it to a small sapling. The animal snorts, pawing the ground.
" Well with these rocks no one will see if we have a small fire, something to cook and clean our wounds with." I tell him and absently reach for the slightly bleeding gash but stop when the elf draws away from my hand, narrowing his eyes.
" Alright, but a small one. How's your arm?" he asks, digs into his belt pack to get some flint and stone as I gather a few pieces of dead sticks. I shrug and begin to sit down when the elf grabs my good arm.
" I asked you how your arm is." He says and I sigh, forcing him to let go of the limb.
" Bruised… numb. Nothing to serious." I tell the elf and begin wondering how we are going to boil some water without our utensils and pots. Legolas seems to notice this too and sighs, wiping a rag across his face in attempt to clear the blood. I watch as he tries to get the dried blood off by scrubbing, then wetting the tip of the rag. It gets most of it off but not all. Sighing I get up and sit beside my companion, taking the flask and putting water on it I begin washing away most of the blood, making my friend wince and pull away when I get to close to the wound.
" Okay, what are we going to do about getting back to Gondor?" I ask, leaning back against the rock. Legolas shrugs and looks up to the stars, his eyes changing from icy blue to a soft silver color. He then looks back down at the crackling fire before glancing at me.
" Ride through Mirkwood." His soft voice making me strain to hear it.
" That's crazy. Legolas don't think I haven't heard you at night, tossing and turning. That shook you more than you're willing to admit. I'm not going to put you through that again."
" I am not going to allow you to be caught by that mad man. We're going through the forest and I don't want to hear an argument." He snaps and I back off, knowing how fierce Legolas can be, even with his tongue.
" Let's get some re-." I get cut off by Legolas holding up a hand to silence me. The elf's eyes narrow and he draws his bow, I grip my sword.
Legolas
The soft 'twang' of the bow alerts me to an incoming arrow and the flash of a bright red feathered arrow tells me it is directed at me. I dodge the arrow but not quick enough and it hits me in the knee, forcing me on my knees. The sounds of someone running across the rocks are heard as pain laces through my leg.
" Legolas. Who… what was that?" Aragorn asks, coming to my side and holding onto my shoulders as my body trembles in shock. Look at my knee I snap the shaft of the arrow off, yelping in pain.
" Kerrick, an Arktos." I gasp. Aragorn has no recollection of the race of Arktos, or people of the shadows. These are the people who sold their souls to be able to save another, and once that soul is sold it can only be given back if the holder bids. Most of these Arktos turn into killers, the people who once held their freedom long dead and buried with the secret of where the soul is hidden. I have only two run-ins with the Arkots, and Kerrick to be precise while in the camps, before we were liberated by Lord Arathorn.
" Their arrows are deadly, not because they are poisoned but because they are tipped with a barbed head, that when removed claws the arteries and basically make the victim bleed to death." I inform the Gondor prince who props me against the rock and tries to attend the wound. I can't bend my knee for the arrowhead will scrape against the bond and cause more pain.
" I'm going to snap it off the rest of the way and then bind it. Elrond will have to see to you when we get back." I nod and prepare for the intense pain breaking and binding will cause. He does this quickly, all with a grim expression on his face. My breathing is harsh and uneven when he is done, leg burning with fire.
" I'll prepare the horse and we'll leave tonight. Reach the other side of Mirkwood by midnight, then camp on the boundaries." He says while he gets the horse tacked and leads the beast over to where I am sitting. He helps me to my feet, allowing my body to rest heavily on his shoulders and then mount. I bit back a yell of pain as my knee is forced to bend, but lean into the Prince's chest as he clucks to the horse to move out, going back the way we came and down the trail we came from within Mirkwood. I close my eyes, knowing I do not want to see the horror of the massacre once again, but my ears catch every word the trees say, listening for warning but know full well that not even the green elders can see an Arkots.
Flashback, General POV
The blonde elfling ran, his small legs pumping as fast as possible as he raced headlong through the trees. He can still hear the angry shouts of the human killers behind him and his determination to get away fuels his exhausted and abused body to keep going. His bright eyes narrowed when he saw the river, the boundries between Mirkwood, Druth and the realm of Gondor. He had heard the killer's say they fear Gondor and surely making it into the King's realm would make him safe. His heart sank when he realized that Elrond and Glorfindel were not going to be there with him when he entered the King's hall to explain what was going on. The youth was so caught up on his troubling thoughts that he didn't notice the roots from a tree and fell flat on his stomach, knocking the air from his already abused lungs. The elf lays their a few minutes, catching his breath and is about to rise when a strong hand grips his shoulder, hauling him into the air. The hand turns so Legolas is facing the man only to gasp at the sight of golden eyes peering at him from under long bangs of white. A smile creeps onto the man's face as he turns on his heal and begins walking back toward the camp, sharp incisors showing from his mouth.
" Well little one, you sure lead me on a grand chase. But our time for games has ended." He remarks and soon are around the bend from the boundaries of Mirkwood and Gondor… he had been so close.
End flashback, back to Legolas' Pov
So close to escaping. Not even a week later the Lord of Gondor came crashing down into the camp and liberated us all. Most elves that were imprisoned didn't survive the short trip back to Gondor and were buried or burned. Out of a camp of twenty-two only Elrond, Glorfindel and myself survived. I shiver as I feel the terrible cold creeping up my spine as we pass the same angry torture tree and leave it without a word. Soon my body, so tired from not sleeping these past nights brings me into an abyss of sleep, where I see nothing and hear nothing. Only the feeling of Aragorn behind me gives me the courage to allow my guard to drop enough for sleep.
Immortal Sadness: Oh I brought in a whole new race of people. If you have ever read the Icewall Trilogy by Douglas Niles your will recognize Kerrick and Arkots. I do not own the names but the characters that represent the names I do.
Since I'm on vacation and don't have to work I'll try to update much more. So, I'll have the next update up as soon as I can.
REVIEW! Please? Review!