[AN]
Hi Everyone. First of all I have to apologise to all the readers who like my Fic (The three of you) for not updating in about a gazillion years!!! Uni has been hectic and I have just had no time to get it all typed up and pretty for you to be bored by. I am on holidays now, so will try my hardest to get the next chapters up.
Second, I want to thank all the people that have read and reviewed my Fic and put up with me being so absent. I appreciate everyone's feedback and hope that you enjoy reading the Fic as much as I enjoy writing it. Well, destroying the work Tolkien and Whedon worked so hard to create (you will see after reading the chapter evil grin).
Third, feel free to email me about any questions you have (just be sure to have fanfic in the subject) or stick them in a review and I will do my best to answer them.
I can only hope that I can give you a Fic that you can enjoy or hate or feel anything for. Writers (however novice) write for their readers and value them above all else. All you out there, glancing, reading or analysing make my day especially when I get the feedback that lets me know.
Here it is and I hope you enjoy... Chapter 8 – Orcs and Elves Aplenty
§ - Sonofgloin
A peaceful quiet lie upon Rivendel as Elrond looked into the coming evening. The sun, her scarlet rays, washing the trees and grass and water with gold and bronze. He stood there firmly on the balcony of his chamber staring into the depths of the Bruinen, though his gaze seemed to pierce areas leagues away on the very edge of time and memory.
For a time he stood. His face growing grimmer as the sun sank finally into shadow and the stars and moon shone brightly in the heavens above, the waterfalls of Rivendel singing loudly in harmony. He sighed deeply and spoke quietly to the night as though tree and breeze and cloud heeded his word.
"I amar prestar aen," [The world is changed]
"Han mathon ne nen," [I feel it in the water]
"Han mathon ne chae," [I feel it in the earth]
"A han noston ned gwilith," [I smell it in the air]
His thought was interrupted by the coming of soft footsteps behind him. He turned to see his daughter Arwen. She looked sad and helpless as one torn between heart and mind.
"Have you come to your decision?" asked Elrond in the tongue of his kind.
"I have," replied Arwen in the same manor, though not meeting his eyes.
"You have made the right decision my daughter," he said.
Arwen raised her head to look at her father.
"You are right," Elrond continued "To leave Imladris and travel into the West. There you will look upon the shores, evergreen of Valinor. You will be with your kin. There your heart will not be dark but will grow bright and strong and until the ending of the world you will be safe."
Arwen held a bitterness within. Not for her father, but for what fate befell her and her kind.
"You ask me to choose," she said "Between what I know and that which I love. Such a decision by no means was easy to come upon."
"Do I not also have your love?" Elrond asked.
"You have my love," said Arwen quietly.
Elrond walked to his daughter and kissed her softly on the cheek. He put his hand to her face and gently wiped the tears from her eyes.
"I will join you soon Arwen, when my purpose here is ended."
"Namaarie," [Farwell] he said.
"Namaarie atar," [Farwell father] Arwen replied then left the chamber.
Night was deep when a host of elves including Arwen set out for the Grey Havens. There Cirdan 'The shipwright' was to lead them to Valinor. For ages uncounted was Imladris filled with night noises, of tree and animal, yet now it seemed to Elrond they were quietened, but for the river which raged with an uncommon ferocity. Back on his balcony Elrond looked down, many Elven lamps dotting the blackness with their cool blue glow. The party was beginning to leave and Elrond smiled for the first time in many months for finally his daughter would be safe. Arwen stood surrounded by twenty elves, some her guard and others of her elf kin seeking the pleasure of the undying lands away from the growing shadow of Middle Earth.
Elrond then heeded movement close by, in all directions, more by thought then by sight or hearing. His time for alert was short lived as an elf maiden beside Arwen fell, the lamp in her hand smashing, her life and fire extinguished. The ground beneath the eaves of Imladris rung suddenly with the sound of arrow shots. Elf after Elf in the party stricken with arrow in stomach and back and face. Some returned fire through the blackness, their Elven bows blazing with hate and malice at their unseen enemy.
Arwen turned and looked to her father, a plea as her and her company scattered in all directions from the slaughter. But all was lost. There was not time to act.
"Atar!!" Arwen screamed and that was her last word for her cry was cut short. A black arrow with feathers like midnight sank deep into her chest. She fell back, lifeless, and saw no more.
"Arwen," Elrond cried in pain and fury as the sounds of thousands upon thousands of orcs and Uruks filled the air, their screeches and foul language blackening all, as they spilled evermore into the valley of Rivendel.
"What is wrong elf?" said Gimli as Legolas slumped a little in the saddle.
"Nothing," replied Legolas. "A sudden swoon came upon me, yet it has passed."
Gimli gave an unsure look but questioned no further. The night had been long and even Elves become weary.
The sun rose from the East, a deep red. Legolas looked to its coming, sad and distant, though he spoke naught of its meaning.
Little there was to wake the company. The wind blew hot and harsh from the North and the air hung about them thickly. All was silent but for the three dozen horses and rider returning from battle. Buffy sat quiet looking into the mane of her steed. Even she did not think this loss would hurt her so much. Theoden rode up beside her.
"Their fall was not in vain," he said.
Still she sat silent.
"They died true warriors, protecting the people."
"'The' people," Buffy spat at him, cold fury in her eyes "Your people more like."
The look she now gave Theoden brought a chill upon him.
"They shouldn't have been here, 'we' shouldn't be here," she said.
With that she spurred Rochruin [Horse of red flame] and sped to the front of the party.
"Let her be my Lord," said Legolas "We have all suffered great loss this day." And for hours after, all rode again in silence.
The sun was high when the company made left on their path. Great cliffs, dark grey, rose on both sides. All was bare and lifeless. Only the few birds that circled overhead stemmed the complete emptiness. Despite the surroundings the hearts of the riders grew great. Before them now the cliffs closed in and at the base of a great sheer wall lay their destination, the great fortress of Helm's Deep. The riders approached to the welcoming cries of the Rohirrik people.
"Oh," cried Gimli "A fine place this be Theoden."
Sadly Buffy realised that the Dwarf's words were not strung with sarcasm.
They trotted through many thin alleys till they came upon a large stone shelf. The riders dismounted and looked to the king. "We are now safe," was all he said and retreated with Gamling to his chambers. Buffy felt a soft hand on her arm.
"Buffy?" said Eowyn.
Buffy tried to give a smile.
"You guys made it here then?" she said.
"Indeed," replied Eowyn.
Eowyn looked around confused.
"Where is Faith and Lord Aragorn?"
Buffy didn't let the emotion stain her any longer.
"They're dead." She said icily pushing past Eowyn.
Disbelief fell on her and Eowyn looked to Legolas and Gimli. They returned sad expressions and she knew it was true. A tear slid from her eye and she simply stood there, a lone flower in a desert of despair.
Faith lay still, lost in dream. She was at the Hyperion surrounded by the Scoobies and all the LA gang. She sat happily talking with them till all suddenly went dark as though night had fallen in an instant. She searched the lobby looking for her friends and she found them, piled in front of the entrance steps. Deep wounds in their necks, their eyes open and glazed staring at her. She froze in fear, not one of her more ready emotions. She saw Dawn and Conner, and Gunn and Anya, blood flowing from their necks and mouth. The witch, the Slayers and the watchers also splayed on the floor. Faith's breath now quickened as she realised she was alone. Or was she? Faith now saw two figures, dark and menacing, crouched over the bodies, feeding on them. They rose and looked at her. Their vampiric faces stained with the blood of their kill. They walked towards her and Faith couldn't move. She looked at them both inturn, a child, no power, no strength, no hope. Spike touched her and she shuddered.
"All alone bit, all vulnerable," he said, though quietly and as if distant.
"You're nothing," said Angel. "Just a dirty little stain that won't wipe clean."
"You couldn't save them," said Spike now circling her and looking to the fallen.
"You can't save yourself," added Angel "A show, a scared little girl cloaked in yummy wrappings."
"I want to taste her," said Spike "Feel her warmth in me. Take a bite, just a nibble."
"She's used," said Angel "Everyone's had a bite."
"No matter," said Spike "Still lots left."
The vampires moved closer. Faith could taste her friends. Angel lent in and bit her shoulder. It was cut with searing heat and she cried out though no sound left her mouth. It was unbearable and soon all fell into shadow and Faith remembered nothing of the dream.
A lite was before Faith's eyes, white and blinding. She blinked furiously and tried to move.
"Lie still Faith," said Aragorn quietly.
Faith regained composure and finally could see clearly. She was propped against a rock, her shirt off. A large bloody cut lay exposed just under her shoulder blade.
"I feel like I was hit by a truck," she said "Aragorn?"
"I am here Faith, just lay still."
She looked to him. Aragorn had kindled a fire that was giving off a sweet fume. It seemed to refresh Faith though her shoulder still pained her. Aragorn walked to her and crouched at her side.
"This will help," he said.
Aragorn pressed a green paste into the wound. It did not sting but gave a strange relief. He pushed Faith forward a little and placed some also on her back.
"The arrow pierced right through," said Aragorn "You are lucky to be alive. I awoke to find you on your side, the river water lapping at your neck. You had lost a lot of blood. I feared for you."
"I'm fine now," said Faith.
A concerned expression came upon her.
"You're hurt," she said looking at a deep gash in Aragorn's left arm.
"It is nothing," he replied.
Aragorn tore a length of cloth from his shirt and tried to tie it around his arm.
"Here," said Faith motioning to him.
She stood and Aragorn moved toward her.
"Faith you must rest."
"We slayers heal fast," she said defiantly and bandaged Aragorn's arm.
"How long we been out here?" she asked.
"A day possibly, I would think no more. The rest of the party shall have reached the Deep."
Aragorn looked at the sky then to his surrounds.
"We must make South-West of here and we must leave soon with all speed. Saruman does no longer hold the king yet I fear more of his spies and servants yet roam these lands."
Aragorn bent to the fire and took a handful of the cooled ashes. He beckoned Faith and smeared them atop the paste. He then took two large leaves and placed them over the wounds.
"That will help," he said.
With no food or much rest they set out. The day was hot and of no comfort. Their strength was drained from them. Staggering up a hill they peered over the coming plain. It spaned for leagues North and West and on the very edges of sight the White Mountains died and the Misty Mountains began. Aragorn looked South and was stunned.
"Valar be praised," he said and set off at a steady pace, Faith following. Soon she too saw what Aragorn went to. Hasufel, his horse, stood still saddled grazing lazily on the green grasses of Rohan.
"Great," panted Faith "No more walking."
Now with horse they galloped at great speed. The day was fading and Aragorn did not wish to be on the plains this eve. As they came within a league of Helm's Deep the wind changed direction and blew cool and refreshing from the South. With it it brought ominous clouds of silver and grey.
"That's it?" said Faith highly unimpressed at the huge structure.
"Indeed My Lady," said Aragorn with a faint smile. In late afternoon they met the causeway, the beating of horseshoe on stone echoing in the air.
"Open the gate!" Cried a voice from on top of the wall and so it was that the vast wooden doors opened inwards in welcome.
"Where are they?! Out of my way! I'm going to kill them," shouted Gimli. He saw them both and nearly wept. He turned to Aragorn.
"You are the luckiest, the uncanniest, the most reckless man I ever knew." Gimli nearly tackled Aragorn in his rush to greet him with a hug.
"Bless you laddie," he cried.
"Gimli," said Aragorn seriously "Where is the king?"
The Dwarf nodded in the direction of the King's chambers and Aragorn departed quickly.
Gimli then turned his big brown eyes to Faith.
"I like you and all," Faith said "But no hugging."
The dwarf laughed and reached to his side.
"Here," said Gimli "It was begging for its master."
He held the axe he had given Faith. She looked stunned yet very appreciative.
"You dropped it on the field," he said. "I thought you were lost."
The Slayer and the Dwarf's reunion was cut short by a harsh female voice cutting the air.
"Where the hell were you? I thought you were dead!"
Faith rounded on the blonde Slayer and smirked.
"It's not funny," said Buffy.
"C'mon B," said Faith "You know the Slayers these days die 'at least' three times before they actually stay dead."
Buffy couldn't hold anger for Faith and simply smiled and walked away feeling a lot happier then she had thinking she was stuck here with only Andrew to remind her of home.
Eowyn now sat with Andrew in the shadow of a great stone wall in the Hornburg. Andrew was rambling about his days as an evil genius when Eowyn gasped.
"I know," said Andrew "Wouldn't pick me for one would you?"
"Aragorn?" she sighed and stood much to the confusion of Andrew.
"It's okay," Andrew said "I'm all redeemed now."
Eowyn stopped suddenly at the sight of Legolas pausing Aragorn. The Elf held in his hand the jewel Eowyn knew to be the Evenstar pendant.
Aragorn accepted the brooch and all feeling left Eowyn. She stood there, empty, lost in confusion of hurt and sorrow.
"Oh I'm sorry," said Andrew.
He placed his hand on her shoulder. A single tear slid down Eowyn's cheek.
"I know how it is," he continued "For someone else to have your man's heart," he paused "W-woman's heart," he stammered "Um, ah... oh? Coming Buffy. Sorry Eowyn can't keep miss important Slayer waiting."
With a last horrified look and nervous laugh Andrew ran off leaving Eowyn alone to her troubled thoughts.
"So," said Theoden though not surprised "Aragorn son or Arathorn returns."
Aragorn entered the king's chamber and knelt before Theoden.
"What news is there?" asked Aragorn.
"I was going to ask the same of you," returned the king. "After your fall we met no resistance, not through Helm's Dike or Gate. I have had council with messengers of Erkenbrand, master of the Westfold. Three days ago now a great host of Isengard broke upon our borders, destroying as they went, ric, cot and tree. All resistance was met and washed away. He commanded what people he found to flee to the deep, our last stronghold. When all was lost he fled himself. They told though, even as Erkenbrand and his broken company rode, the enemy fell away and retreated back to the West side or the Isen. He feared they were regrouping for another, even greater strike. Even still he holds that place and sends no news of the movement of the enemy. More the puzzle is that since we arrived no Orc or Uruk, or bird or beast or spy of the enemy has been seen within leagues of here, for the Gap of Rohan is not the only path to this place."
Theoden stood and walked to an open window. The last light was now staining the stone copper and marking their armour-meant as if with fire.
"Did you see any such force on your approach?" asked Theoden "Any whisper of our foe?"
"Nay my Lord" said Aragorn "Your plains were quiet but for breeze and horse step."
"This is ill news," continued Theoden "What devilry may Saruman be planning?"
The night wore on in silence and gloom. All forces were drawn behind the wall and the gates were sealed. The woman and children were sent to the caves in readiness for the coming attack. For all agreed that soon it would come, the full force of Saruman's army, word or no. Thunder and lightening and rain swept in from the South causing the mountain stream to swell. All was still in the king's chamber where the companions sat, Dwarf, Elf, Slayers, Andrew and Eowyn. All was cold and bleak. The hot day had turned to icy night. The storm still blew harsh and a constant drip, drip, drip punctuated their silent conversation.
"Ahh," growled Gimli "Finally I have stone beneath me instead of horse, yet I have no Orc necks to cleave." He looked to his company and growled again "My axe grows restless in my hand."
"Be patient Gimli," said Legolas "You will yet have opportunity to swing your axe."
"And you to empty your quiver I suppose," replied the Dwarf.
Eowyn sat by the window her uncle had looked out earlier. Every so often her face would be streaked with colour, pale and beautiful, followed by the voices of Manwe and Ulmo.
"We should say something," hissed Andrew to the Slayers.
"Andrew you tard," said Faith "She wants to be left alone."
"It's a chick thing," said Buffy "You wouldn't understand."
All fell silent once more, so thick that it was suffocating. All they were doing was sitting and waiting. A room full of fighters doing nothing.
"Man," shouted Faith standing and pacing the room. "I'm with Gim. I can't take this anymore. This waiting is doing none of us any good. Where's the rumble already? Where's Aragorn?"
The doors opened with a fresh ring of thunder, loud and ominous. Aragorn stood there soaked and grim, yet it seemed to all in the room that a fire was kindled in him and he stood now taller, cloaked with valour and strength.
"Finally," said Buffy.
"Aye," chorused Gimli.
"What news is there Aragorn?" Legolas asked.
"None different then before," said Aragorn. "The king is still with his men, rechecking the defences. Still no word comes from Isengard, good or bad."
Aragorn walked to a blazing fire by the side wall and sat beside it filling his pipe with the last of his weed.
"My heart is still heavy, yet I do not feel attack will come soon."
As he lit his pipe a horn rang through the deep, loud and long. Andrew fell off his chair and all others harkened to the noise. Aragorn looked to Legolas with surprise.
"You are right to wonder Aragorn," said the Elf "That is no Orc horn."
Six jumped up and rushed from the room.
"I'll just wait here then," yelled Andrew nervously from behind.
The companions now stood on a high place of the Hornburg. The wind howled about them and the chill cut their faces. They peered out into shadow and there before them shone more then two thousand torches.
"Yes," yelled Gimli over the torrents of rain. "Finally my axe will taste flesh of the enemy."
"Not this night," said Legolas with a smile both glad and sorrowful.
Aragorn looked to the Elf.
"Legolas, what do your Elf eyes see?" he asked.
"The company is far off and night is thick. Yet they are Elves," he paused "Bearing the standard of Rivendel."
"Elrond," Aragorn sighed.
"What can this mean?" asked Gimli in wonderment.
"We will not have to wait for answer long," said Legolas "The will soon be upon us."
As the Elves arrived at the feet of the Deep the rain ceased. Messengers were sent to Theoden who came with great speed to the gate. There he met Aragorn as the doors swung open to reveal the Elves, sad and beautiful.
"How is this possible Aragorn?" Theoden asked.
"We shall soon know my Lord," he replied.
The men of Rohan made way as the Elves filed in.
"Elrond?" exclaimed Aragorn.
Elrond stood there, still a king among elves, yet he seemed weak or diminished as though he had lost something precious to him.
"I welcome you master of Rivendel," said Theoden "But why have you come and with such a host? Do not let me confuse you my Lord, for you are most welcome, yet I must ask, what brings you here?"
"Your welcome is greatly appreciated," replied Elrond "But this is not the place for such a tale. Is there a fire where we may converse? Our road has been long."
"Indeed," said Theoden and motioned to Elrond to follow.
As Aragorn made to move he looked back down the causeway. Where before the view was clouded by mighty warriors fierce, tall and strong, it now gave way to many Elves on stretchers and others bandaged and broken.
"Arwen," he cried and flew to her side. The two Elves bearing her placed her down. Arwen lie there still and cold. Her face pale and her lips blue. Slowly Aragorn reached to her and caressed her cheek softly with the back of his hand. She looked as though death had taken her yet Aragorn gasped.
"Thank the Valar, she is yet alive."
He felt a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Please come Aragorn," said Elrond "We must talk. Great evil is stirring. Arwen shall recover with time. My skills are not yet broken."
Aragorn nodded sorrowfully and leant close to the Elf maiden's ear.
"Arwen," he said "Telin le thaed. Lasto beth nin, tolo dan na ngalad." [I am here to help you. Hear my voice, come back to the light]
He kissed her hand then stood and followed Elrond and Theoden to the king's chambers.
"So it was the lord of Rivendel," said Gimli as Elrond entered the room behind Theoden.
"Yes master Dwarf," he replied "The eyes of the Elves are not easily deceived."
Elrond walked to the chair by the fireside and sat with a great sigh. He looked around the room and bowed his head to each as he went.
"Legolas, Gimli," he said.
His eyes fell then upon the Slayers and Andrew.
"You must be Faith and Buffy and their companion Andrew from Sunnydale."
"Hi," was all they managed to reply. They could sense great power and strength in him.
A door closed behind them as Eowyn returned carrying bread and wine.
"Forgive me," she said bowing and presenting Elrond with the fare "I had not time to gather more."
"There is nothing to forgive Eowyn of Edoras," Elrond replied "I thank you greatly for this and even more if my people should have the same."
"Indeed my Lord," Eowyn said and made to leave.
"No may Lady Eowyn," said Gamling "I shall go."
Gamling left and the room fell into silence.
Elrond drank deeply from his goblet then looked once more around the room. His eyes were full of sorrow.
"Please sit," he said "There is much to tell."
Theoden and Aragorn took places close to Elrond, the others sitting within the gleam of the fire. Once again the storm commenced, thunder and rain streaking the sky. Elrond shook his head.
"I do not know how it happened," he said.
His words were short and strung with weariness and anger.
"I do not know how they cane upon is so quickly."
Elrond turned to the fire and warmed his hands. They seemed weak and grey where before they held great power.
"Forgive me," said Gimli "I could sit and listen to the law of Elrond till the end of time yet I beg of you, tell us this tale, for the wait of news from the North has been unbearable."
Elrond turned to the Dwarf.
"Indeed I shall tell my tale now Gimli son of Gloin, but what I tell will be of no good news to any."
Elrond's eyes closed. He seemed to be in pain or straining for thought of time passed.
"Three nights ago now they came upon us, the foulness of Isengard, blackening the valley of Imladris."
A stir went around the room. Even to the Slayers and Andrew it went, for they had heard of the splendour of Rivendel, its beauty and majesty and also of the wickedness and deceit of their foe.
"A weight had been on me," Elrond continued "But other matters took my thought. It was folly of me to do so."
He rested his forehead on his hand and went on.
"Night was deep and the clouds had hidden Tilion. A host of my house was setting out for the Havens. Then I felt it, a shadow growing on me, consuming me."
His words became bitter. They reeled with hatred as he went on, his hands clenched.
"Arrows sped in all directions, from mountain and tree; the very breeze carried upon it the hand of death."
His eyes met Aragorn's for a moment then again swept away.
"Nearly all the party was killed. Few survived and none without injury. Horns blew and the fighters came but it was too late. There was naught that could be done. The beasts swept down the very mountains and hid in tree and darkness striking from afar."
He halted here and looked more grim then any had seen him.
"But then," he said "They sped upon us. Ten thousand strong I reckoned the Uruks. With such speed and ferocity they came, little could be done to hold them back. My people were scattered, fleeing in all directions. Homes were lit, hacked and thrown down. The very forests alight with the enemy's joy."
The company's heads fell. Such sorrow they had not known since Boromir left. For the last homely house, the house of Elrond was surely destroyed.
"Footsteps were racing to my chamber," Elrond continued. "I drew my sword as the door was cast back. Elledan and Elrohir stood there, stern and troubled. 'Father' Elrohir said 'they are upon us'. Elledan then told that the valley was surrounded but for the river in the South. I motioned to leave when Elrohir's face fell, his eyes wide, his mouth spilled with blood. He reached to his stomach where an Elven blade thrust through. I called to him as he was kicked off the sword to the floor."
Elrond's eyes fogged. He was there now, in that chamber as his son died.
"Something stood behind him." Elrond went on through pain and sorrow. "What, I could not say, yet it was of ancient years and terrible to look upon. A man it was like, of stature and frame, yet tortured, and more powerful then those of the ancient land of Westerness. I shall never forget the grin on its face, the malice and contentment of its dark eyes, the beads of sweat falling from its furrowed brow. It laughed to see him dead, Elrohir broken and drowning upon my floor."
Elrond shook his head and surveyed the room. Legolas and Aragorn were washed with sadness for Elrohir was well known to them and like a brother to Aragorn. Elrond's story however was just beginning.
"Elledan jumped back and put an arrow to his bow. Another now stood there of like appearance and hate. Elledan fired and pierced it in the chest, yet without a flinch it removed the shaft and with a growl swept forward and broke Elledan's neck. The fell beast cast him upon his brother."
Elrond nearly wept as he told them this. His sons were lost to him.
"The last word from Elledan's lips was a whispered 'atar' as death took him. Rage filled me, like none I have ever felt. It consumed me and I broke. I drew myself up and bent my will to destroy these creatures, yet they were not hindered. So swift were they that in an instant they were both before my eyes, and with terrible strength they thrust me into the wall. I could not move. They had me. I will remember their words forever, even to the ending of this world. 'Let me eat him' one said. He seemed to breath me in, bewitched. 'We're not here for that' the other said and he took my right arm and thrust it above my head. With such force he did this my wrist was crushed. I cried out and the first delighted. 'Nice one mate' it said. Its words were strange and foreign. 'These bloody Elves need a bit of learning' the other did not heed him though."
Elrond paused and all held the silence. Not the storm raging outside could break the quiet.
"This so far," said Elrond "May seem to you a loss so great that none could endure, but I say to you that the worst is not said, for he saw it. I do not know how but he saw it upon my hand, the blue stone of Vilya, the mightiest of the three."
Aragorn gasped.
"Elrond," he cried "My Lord, you held one of the three?"
"Held," said Elrond "Was the correct word for you to use. For you see he took it from my hand."
The company cried aloud.
"No," said Gimli.
"This is not possible," said Legolas.
"I assure you it is Legolas," continued Elrond "For it is so. He took it from my very finger though he should not have been able to see it. I had no fear of this for I knew it to be so. He took it from me and even then I felt my power fail. The river erupted and the mountains shook. A swoon came upon my people, like a loss of a part of them."
"That is what I felt then," said Legolas "As we rode to the Deep. It was as darkness filled me. Like the world was shadowed and the cries of the fallen filled my being. I saw destruction and pain, sweeping over me like wave upon wave. It passed, yet there is still shadow in my mind."
The others of the company all looked scared by this, especially Gimli, for he cared deeply for his Elven friend. He indeed saw it happen as they rode, yet accepted Legolas' word that he was fine. Elrond spoke again, and again silence fell.
"He looked upon it, the one who took it, with a lust in his eyes. He grabbed me and such terrible strength I never knew. With ease he threw me across the room, smashing me into the wall, a lantern shattering and spraying me with glass. Blood flowed from my brow; the metal of my crown had bitten into my skull."
Elrond paused and seemed, with difficulty, to gaze back, searching the failing pictures for the one he sought.
"He stood there, taken by it. The stone blazed. His hands shook and the excitement radiated from him. He put out his finger and as though time slowed he slipped it on. In that moment I knew horror more then I ever have. I saw its being, its mind, its will, I was afraid. He radiated with light, a blue sheen of godly power. He breathed it into him and he laughed, a terrible laugh that brought even more fear. My gaze left him and I saw my broken sons, and as though from a Northern wind the cries of my people were brought back to me. My sword in hand I rose, and with much sorrow and short farewell to my kin I made to leave. The second made after me but the hand of Vilya spoke. 'Leave him' it said and his voice was commanding and the other stayed 'We have what we came for and there is still more to do'. I took my chance and fled. Down to the river I sped through fire and wrath. What kin I passed I commanded to follow yet fear had them and not all heeded and were slain by the Uruks. We fought through, the Elves I had at my side. Not nearly thirty we made our way down to the Northern side of the bruinen. The moon broke through the deep clouds above and I saw my kingdom. The trees began to wither, the buildings fall. The river quietened. All that was fair was last. As I looked again to my purpose we made it to the Northern bank and there lay my daughter, stricken. I cried her name and fell at her side. She was alive but her breath was faint. I removed the arrow and put forth much of my remaining strength into her. She opened her eyes and saw me before she fell into darkness. Scores of Orcs were upon us, though even as we diminished our rage drove us on. At my feet I found the horn of Rivendel, wrought of gold and silver and gems of green and red and marked with power. I put it to my lips and sounded a mighty call. It rang the eaves and shook the sky and called all my people to my side. Little over two thousand survived, but a fraction of my house. Had I sensed or known, the number would be greater and even we may not be here but still living in peace in the North. For never since the beginning has any evil thing entered the valley of Imladris."
Still more he told as time wore on and the hearts of the companions were taken with grief. Elrond drank from his goblet and took little bread. The fire crackled behind him and all the company were in silent thought.
"As my people were with me," said Elrond "I remembered the words of Elledan that the river in the South was not taken, so to that I lead them. We followed the bank South and fled. As we moved, the forces gave way and my heralds gave call on their horns. So we fled from our home turning back before it left our site to see the dark smoke and flame still rising into the sky. The enemy did not give chase. We had little provision and would have none but for the horns of Elledan and Elrohir that sounded on the attack. What lay upon me now was a choice that may rule the fate of many. Where did we make for? We could not take Carhaderas for the mountain would defeat us, and Moria was no option. Not even the light of the Elves could open that darkness. And all, the bridge within was cast down. Already my powers were weakened and my foresight lost. The realms of Mirkwood and Lothlorien could be of no aid. Then the words of Gandalf came to me 'It is in men that we must place our hope'. But do I risk it? For the path to Helm's Deep, where I knew Lord Theoden had fled, and to Gondor also, lay past the Gap of Rohan, mere leagues from Isengard, that source of our bane. My choice was to follow the feet of the Misty Mountains. Upon nearing the Isen we would make West and South till we met its water then following its course East continue on to here. Our journey was slow yet need drove us and we continued without rest. Isengard loomed on our left and my people were afraid. Ten of my bravest men set out to scout the land. All returned and told of no movement from the black tower. They did not go close but saw far. They told of tall trees surrounding it and water to its very walls yet of Orc or Uruk they saw naught. I took this chance and pushed on and even now I tell that we came here without sight or sound of the enemy."
Elrond finished and Theoden spoke.
"And what of Erkenbrand of the Westfold?"
Elrond nodded and answered.
"His riders saw us and rejoiced until I told of our plight. I learned what I could and told what I may and still he waits and holds the East of the Isen. His scouts did not see the Uruks leave Isengard. They clearly went through mountain passages. Few tracks we found and of them they were many days old."
"This is a terrible tale," said Gimli "I hoped we would meet again my Lord but not in this way. I hoped for a fire and a pipe and a song."
"No Gimli," A voice came from behind them "There is a long time yet, if at all, when free folk may sing of good times again."
All turned and before them stood Gandalf and Eomer. None had noticed the sun rise on the fifth day from his ride.
"I have returned with the Rohirrim and none too soon," said Gandalf "I know all there is to know, or all that needs to be. I know that Vilya is gone at least."
"Then what is your council Gandalf?" said Theoden "For seldom now could we do without your wisdom."
Gandalf looked at them all and he put forth his hand and from it shone Narya and the stone shone with flame. Power flowed from him. He spoke hateful words and so intent was he that none doubted his council.
"We ride," he said "We ride to Isengard and see what we may. His Worm has returned to him but not all is right. We must know who these two new men are and what there purpose here is. But I tell you this." He spoke, and more terrible was his voice then ever "Their arms will have grown long indeed if they think to take Narya from my hand."