One Last Kiss
Part 15
Angel of the Night Watchers: Thanks for being one of my few faithful reviewers, no matter how long I take to update.
IceAngel: Good...it seems I'm starting to get the knack of this writing thing.
Elfy: Thanks for egging me on...Alfy.
Emily: Thanks for reviewing!
Disclaimer: I don't own it...it owns me.
~*~
Aragorn held himself proudly as he was pulled by his chains to meet the King of the Umbarrim. Faramir had been dragged away by some other guard to some dungeon, if Aragorn guessed correctly. After that, he knew he had to be on his guard. Behind the blank face and ramrod straight back, the last King of the Númenóreans was taking note of every movement, sound, word and passageway. He would not be held prisoner here for long, if he could help it.
After passing countless halls and rooms, they arrived in the small, private council chamber {in which} the King had chosen to meet Elessar. Aragorn was shoved to the ground in front of the King, but in an instant was struggling to get up, yet suddenly he felt the cold, smooth medal of a sword across the back of his neck. "What have you done with Faramir, you spineless vermin?" he spat out in a muffled voice.
The King's chuckles sent shivers down Aragorn's spine. "Let him up. Your precious Steward is safe, Thorongil."
At the sound of his long abandoned guise, Aragorn choked and genuine shock that he could not hold back spread across his face. "Where did you hear that name?"
Now grinning widely, the King mysteriously answered, "I have my sources. Now, back to the Steward. He is currently in a cell being told the exact same things I am about to tell you. He gets twenty lashes for every time you put a single toe out of line. If he does not obey my commands, you will be beaten within an inch of your life. Is this understood?" When Elessar did not answer, he slapped his face, causing blood to trickle down his chin. "Is it understood?" He repeated in a deadly soft voice.
"Yes," Aragorn glared at him.
"Good! I see you are learning already. Take him to the dungeon, men."
~*~
"Elboron! Elboron!" Éomer called over the threatening sounds of the waves. At the end of his patience, he kicked his nephew in the ribs. Hard. Shooting up out of the bed, cursing with just about every vulgar word known to mankind, Elboron woke up.
"You are needed on deck, you lazy rat. Go! There's something wrong with the sails. Apparently it's serious."
As Elboron dashed out of the room, Éomer caught him mumbling a quick threat, "I will remember that kick, uncle!"
Éomer swore. He didn't expect the boy to be merciful next time he tried to sleep through a council meeting. Sprinting back to the deck of the ship, he went to find something useful he could do.
~*~Two Days Later~*~
"Well, that storm certainly was refreshing!" Eldarion remarked with sarcasm. "'Twas just what I needed to relax."
Ignoring his friend's comment, Elboron replied, "With more fair winds such as these, we should arrive in Umbar within the week." A very long and challenging storm had subsided mere hours ago, but good winds that easily got them back on course soon followed.
"We need to figure out exactly what we're going to do to save the King," Elchirion remarked thoughtfully. "We cannot simply barge in there without even the barest hint of a plan."
"Simple," Eldarion scoffed, "we go in the dead of night, find the cells, break them out, get them on the ship, sail away. Killing or disabling any guards in our way."
"Of course that is the first plan, my Lord," Elchirion stated with a long -suffering sigh, "but everything may not work out as perfectly as we would like. We need something we can do if all else fails." That caused the room to fall into a dead silence, every individual trying to think of something that would assuredly work.
"If we are caught, offer them Celewen." Éomer broke the tension with his abruptness.
"You would offer them my sister as a slave in exchange for my father and Faramir? You are mad!" Eldarion cried in outrage.
"Offer only, young one." Éomer snapped. "After arriving in Gondor with Elessar and Faramir, we send the military to conquer Umbar."
"And if they insist on sending an envoy with us?" Elboron warily asked.
"We kill him and his guard when we are far out to sea. 'Tis very simple."
"It is a plan," Eldarion, who had calmed down acknowledged grudgingly, "but it is to be used only if there is no other choice. Understood?"
"Yes, Highness," Elboron and Elchirion spoke in unison, recognizing the time for formality.
"Of course, Elboron," Éomer shot a smile at the Prince and ruffled his hair. "No harm shall come to your sister."
~*~
Please Review!
Part 15
Angel of the Night Watchers: Thanks for being one of my few faithful reviewers, no matter how long I take to update.
IceAngel: Good...it seems I'm starting to get the knack of this writing thing.
Elfy: Thanks for egging me on...Alfy.
Emily: Thanks for reviewing!
Disclaimer: I don't own it...it owns me.
~*~
Aragorn held himself proudly as he was pulled by his chains to meet the King of the Umbarrim. Faramir had been dragged away by some other guard to some dungeon, if Aragorn guessed correctly. After that, he knew he had to be on his guard. Behind the blank face and ramrod straight back, the last King of the Númenóreans was taking note of every movement, sound, word and passageway. He would not be held prisoner here for long, if he could help it.
After passing countless halls and rooms, they arrived in the small, private council chamber {in which} the King had chosen to meet Elessar. Aragorn was shoved to the ground in front of the King, but in an instant was struggling to get up, yet suddenly he felt the cold, smooth medal of a sword across the back of his neck. "What have you done with Faramir, you spineless vermin?" he spat out in a muffled voice.
The King's chuckles sent shivers down Aragorn's spine. "Let him up. Your precious Steward is safe, Thorongil."
At the sound of his long abandoned guise, Aragorn choked and genuine shock that he could not hold back spread across his face. "Where did you hear that name?"
Now grinning widely, the King mysteriously answered, "I have my sources. Now, back to the Steward. He is currently in a cell being told the exact same things I am about to tell you. He gets twenty lashes for every time you put a single toe out of line. If he does not obey my commands, you will be beaten within an inch of your life. Is this understood?" When Elessar did not answer, he slapped his face, causing blood to trickle down his chin. "Is it understood?" He repeated in a deadly soft voice.
"Yes," Aragorn glared at him.
"Good! I see you are learning already. Take him to the dungeon, men."
~*~
"Elboron! Elboron!" Éomer called over the threatening sounds of the waves. At the end of his patience, he kicked his nephew in the ribs. Hard. Shooting up out of the bed, cursing with just about every vulgar word known to mankind, Elboron woke up.
"You are needed on deck, you lazy rat. Go! There's something wrong with the sails. Apparently it's serious."
As Elboron dashed out of the room, Éomer caught him mumbling a quick threat, "I will remember that kick, uncle!"
Éomer swore. He didn't expect the boy to be merciful next time he tried to sleep through a council meeting. Sprinting back to the deck of the ship, he went to find something useful he could do.
~*~Two Days Later~*~
"Well, that storm certainly was refreshing!" Eldarion remarked with sarcasm. "'Twas just what I needed to relax."
Ignoring his friend's comment, Elboron replied, "With more fair winds such as these, we should arrive in Umbar within the week." A very long and challenging storm had subsided mere hours ago, but good winds that easily got them back on course soon followed.
"We need to figure out exactly what we're going to do to save the King," Elchirion remarked thoughtfully. "We cannot simply barge in there without even the barest hint of a plan."
"Simple," Eldarion scoffed, "we go in the dead of night, find the cells, break them out, get them on the ship, sail away. Killing or disabling any guards in our way."
"Of course that is the first plan, my Lord," Elchirion stated with a long -suffering sigh, "but everything may not work out as perfectly as we would like. We need something we can do if all else fails." That caused the room to fall into a dead silence, every individual trying to think of something that would assuredly work.
"If we are caught, offer them Celewen." Éomer broke the tension with his abruptness.
"You would offer them my sister as a slave in exchange for my father and Faramir? You are mad!" Eldarion cried in outrage.
"Offer only, young one." Éomer snapped. "After arriving in Gondor with Elessar and Faramir, we send the military to conquer Umbar."
"And if they insist on sending an envoy with us?" Elboron warily asked.
"We kill him and his guard when we are far out to sea. 'Tis very simple."
"It is a plan," Eldarion, who had calmed down acknowledged grudgingly, "but it is to be used only if there is no other choice. Understood?"
"Yes, Highness," Elboron and Elchirion spoke in unison, recognizing the time for formality.
"Of course, Elboron," Éomer shot a smile at the Prince and ruffled his hair. "No harm shall come to your sister."
~*~
Please Review!