Disclaimer: I still do not own these characters, I really wish I did!
Thank you, Katy. You are wonderful.
Chapter twenty five
It was a silent group that left the Hall's of healing. It had been decided that Estel and Elrohir would stay with Legolas and the others. They all knew that the study was big enough to hold more, but it had been decided that the fewer there the better. So it was Elrond, Thranduil, Glorfindel and Mithrandir who made the short work to the study.
The guards bowed to them before moving to one side and opening the door.
They waited impatiently for the prisoner to be brought to them.
A knock at the door alerted them once he was inside they stood taking stock of the Elf before them. He returned their looks, calm as if he were at a royal event.
"Do you know this Elf, Thranduil?" Elrond did not move his eyes from the Elf.
"No, I have never seen this elf before in my life." Thranduil's voice was cold as he faced the perpetrator that has caused such misery.
The Elf sneered. He had long deep black hair that reached his back and his eyes were a strange colour. They had no pigment, but were completely black. He was also thin, so thin it looked as if a strong wind would blow him away. Down his left cheek ran a long bright red scar that looked to be barely healed. He also had a stain on the tunic of his left arm.
Elrond smiled a grim almost grimace. This must be the one that Deanol had confronted him. It still hurt to think that the young healer had died as result of a pure coincidence. If only he had not gone to check out that noise… And the grieving families of those lost in the fire. Oh this Elf may not have been the one to set the fire, that was Faren as he well knew, but it was because of the ultimate situation that the Elf had responded to. Oh, yes, they would be getting answers this day, that he promised.
"What is your name?" Mithrandir's voice was like a low grumble in the study. He received no answer.
"Who are you working for?" Glorfindel asked. The Elf raised an eye brow, but again no answer.
"If you answer, your punishment will not be as harsh as it could be." Elrond stood hands on hips his face grim.
"I have the perfect place for you to continue to live. It would be a pleasure to have you in my custody." Thranduil's voice threatened dire retribution.
"Where would you keep him?" There was a gleam in Glorfindel's eyes that made the Elf in front of them shiver.
"My dungeons, they have not been used in sometime, but I am sure they can be made ready with out any problem." There was certainty in Thranduil's voice.
The Elf had his eyes fixed on Thranduil his face expressionless, so he missed the small smile the other three shared. They knew all too well that in actual fact Thranduil and Mirkwood did not have any dungeons, if one was needed it was usually a locked storage cupboard.
"May I join this conversation?" It was a soft voice behind them. They all turned to find Galadriel. Surprise turned to acceptance.
"Of course, Galadriel, we would be delighted for you to join us. Please come in." Glorfindel moved out of the way and once Galadriel was inside the study he moved to block the door so that he could continue to help with the interrogation.
"Mae Govannen, Saefnol. I am sorry to meet you in such circumstances." Galadriel's voice was sweet and calm. The Elf blinked at her in surprise before remembering the old tales of this Elf being a powerful witch. All of a sudden this was not what was planned. He did not like this. Why did they bring her into it?
"Do not be worried, I already know who you are and what you have been told to do. The thing I have not been able to see is who has ordered you to do this." Her smile was gentle.
"What have you seen, Galadriel?" Mithrandir had not stopped looking at Saefnol; there was something about this Elf that did not feel right.
"I saw the last attack. Are you well, Thranduil?" She turned bright intelligent, ageless eyes towards the king.
"I am well, Galadriel a little sore and a headache but I am well." He smiled at his old friend.
"Good, I am glad. Legolas is well too?"
"He was stabbed during the last altercation, but Elrond thinks he will recover in time." Thranduil's smile was now one of relief.
"That is good to hear, although he has a long road ahead of him."
"Why are you here?" Elrond had to know what had brought his mother in law on this unexpected visit.
"My vision of what is and what is to come has brought me here. I was meant to be here at this time. Time it self will tell us why." Was the enigmatic reply.
Thranduil frowned. "You can be as awkward as Mithrandir for giving answers to our questions." He could only gripe.
Galadriel gave a tinkling laugh before turning back once more to Saefnol. "It would be better for you to answer our questions. You must realise by know that you have the leaders of the three Elven Realms in front of you. If we wish we can sentence you for your deeds right now; we would be well within our rights. Then what will happen to your family? The others with you have already gone to Mandos Halls. Do you really think your Master will let you live with your failure, or the others in your family?"
At the mention of his family Saefnol turned white but made no other move or sound.
Galadriel just gave that calm blank smile that the others in the talon knew only too well. She was speaking telepathically to the Elf.
Do you think he will even let little Endorel live? Neither age nor infirmity will stop him. Speak and we can help you, stay silent and you sign your own death warrant.
"I believe it would be a good time to leave Sea…" A shout interrupted her and they all turned to see Haldir running towards them. He skidded to a halt giving a sketchy bow and welcome to his lady before turning to Elrond.
"You are needed in the Hall's, Elrond. Legolas is fitting and we can not stop it." He was already talking to empty air. The others had left already, leaving him with Saefnol and the guards.
Saefnol sneered and spoke for the first time since his capture. "The Prince is not so well then? What a pity, it may be better if you put him put of his misery."
Haldir waited no more and in a lunge that was so quick even the guards missed it he had Saefnol up against the study wall. He snarled into the pale face and watched in satisfaction as it paled further at his words. "If my friend dies because of what you did to him, I promise I will hunt you until the end of your days. You will never know where or when I will be there, but I promise with the Valar as my witnesses that I will find you. You disgust me, striking out at an injured Elf." With that Haldir punched the other Elf squarely on the jaw, knocking him out. He let him fall not caring how he fell. "Take him back to his cell and out of my sight!" It was a snarled command.
As he left the study the guards looked at him with awe. Every single one of them had wanted to do this, but could not pluck up the nerve, knowing they would have to face Lord Elrond if they did so. They all felt Saefnol deserved it, more than deserved it if they were to be truthful.
Haldir his mouth set in a thin grim line made his way back to the Hall of Healing he had a good friend he needed to check on.
The room was once more in chaos when he arrived. Elladan and Elrohir were gathered around the French windows. Estel was hovering above the top end of the bed trying to hold Legolas' head still as Elrond tried to feed him more of the tea that had previously worked. Thranduil was kneeling by the bed holding his sons hand and murmuring reassurances. Galadriel had her eyes closed a hand on Legolas' forehead her mouth working as if talking but no words coming out. Glorfindel stood at the herb table cutting any herbs and roots that Elrond might need.
The air in the room was tense as he made his way to the twin's side. "Is he any better?" It was a daft question and he knew it. Just one look told him that Legolas was far from alright.
"No, not even Ada can stop the fits. He has tried quiet a number of teas." Elrohir's voice sounded as if he could burst into tears at any moment. Not that he would, Haldir could never recall seeing either the twins or Legolas cry before.
"He will, give him time." Haldir could not take his eyes from the tableau in front of him.
Elrond had to admit defeat, he had not wanted to have to do this again, but he really had no choice. "Galadriel, could you please empty the room? Thranduil and Glorfindel can stay. You can all come back in a short while."
Puzzled glances were exchanged but they all knew the urgency of the situation and did not argue but quickly left the room.
"Glorfindel could you…" He stopped his friend had already made the paste having pre-empted him; the bowl was ready and waiting for him. "Thank you. Thranduil we need to lay him on his left side."
All were tense as they waited for the drug that had just been administered to work. Glorfindel and Thranduil kept the Prince safe while Elrond washed his hands.
It was a relief when Legolas finally went limp. Thranduil pulled him into a hug, holding him carefully aware of just how many healing wounds his son now had. But he needed to have the contact. This had shaken him to the core. He had never seen a seizure that severe; all those he had witnessed so far had been minor ones. But this…
A voice shook him out of his worried thoughts. "Thranduil, Mellon-nin, he is alright now. He will sleep, would you like a goblet of wine?" Elrond was worried about his friend, he looked so shaken. This had been the worst seizure Legolas had had in a while.
"I would like that, thank you." Thranduil only had eyes for his son. This was so hard. He could feel the heat of hot tears burning his eyes. If only he could cry, but he could not because he feared that if he did start he would never stop. So instead he became the King, once more hiding very well behind the title as he always did his face blank.
It was Glorfindel who left to fetch the wine and let the others back in.
He returned a while later with enough wine and goblets to go around. As far as he was concerned they all deserved it after the occurrences of the past few days.
"We will speak to Saefnol once we have rested a while." Glorfindel sounded as weary as he felt.
"That would be a good idea." Galadriel's voice was sincere. Too sincere for Elrond who raised his right eyebrow to her. She smiled back a twinkle most definitely on her face.
The wine was drunk in silence all worried about Legolas. No one had the energy to talk not even the twins.
Once they all felt a little more rested the elders in the group made their way one more across the square, this time going to the security talon. The guard bowed once more before opening the door for them.
Saefnol was sat on the floor, knees tucked comfortably beneath him. He looked up as they entered. The bruise along his jaw was evident for all to see. Elrond's eyes caught all of this and turned to the guard.
"What happened to the prisoner?" His voice was steady.
"He fell against the door, my Lord." Was the guards reply.
"Really?" Doubt clouded Elrond's voice now.
"Yes, my Lord, he tried to escape and fell against the door."
"Very well. Thank you." He turned back to look in to the talon. Once again the prisoner had a blank face.
"Are you willing to cooperate now?" Glorfindel was the first to speak.
"Now why would I want to do that?" The sneer was back.
Galadriel replied before the others could. "For the sake of your family. Are you really that willing to take a chance on their life?"
"Do not presume to tell me what I am or am not willing to chance. You have no idea as to what is happening!" The voice was icy cold.
"I have more than just a little idea. But you have to want us to help you." Galadriel's voice remained serene and Thranduil found him self admiring her once more. He him self wanted nothing more than to beat this Elf to a pulp if he could get the answer's they needed.
"You can not help me nor will you. I know that." There was no change in the inflection of his voice.
"How do you know we can not help you if you will not take the chance?"
Elrond jumped in here. "If you are willing to help us we will most certainly help you. Why make your family suffer for your mistakes?"
Mithrandir closed his eyes. This was not helping and Elrond's last comment had caused Saefnol to retreat even further.
"My mistakes? How dare you! My mistake was not making sure the Prince was dead in the first place. His guard was easy enough to draw away. But the Prince?" He gently traced the scar that ran ragged down his left cheek. "That is now personal. No one marks me like this and lives to get away with it!" His voice was a deep snarl, unlike any thing any of them had heard coming from an Elf before.
"Legolas did that to you?" Thranduil's voice was smug. At least his son had managed to do some damage to his attackers before being overcome.
"Yes, he did this and believe me he will pay. I will have my revenge."
"And just how will you accomplish that?" Glorfindel asked. "You are in our custody and well guarded. Do you really think we will not guard you closely?"
"I will bide my time, you can not watch me all the time and my master will come for me." Saefnol's eyes went strangely blank before he smiled mysteriously. "He is already on his way for me. I will not be here long."
Thranduil bent down so that he was face to face with the other Elf. "He will meet stiff resistance when he does come and it will be my pleasure to meet him. He will not walk away, that I can promise you."
"If you think you are any match for my master then it is you who are disillusioned. You will not stand a chance." The sneer was back once again.
"So you will not willingly help us?" Saefnol's attention was once more on Galadriel.
"I will never help you, willingly or otherwise."
"That of course is your prerogative. It also means we can use force if need be." Galadriel's voice was still soft but it held a rarely heard touch of steel.
"Do what you want, I will never talk." All Thranduil wanted was to wipe that sneer from his face.
"There are many things we can do, not all pleasant. I am sure that Mithrandir and Elrond will be happy aiding me. I know you will tell us what we need to know. It will only take time and we have plenty of that." Was Galadriel's comment.
"Do you? Do you really?" Elrond raised his eyebrow at this.
"Is there something else we should know?"
He received no answer. After that no matter how hard they tried they could get no more from the prisoner. He remained stubbornly silent. Finally they gave up and left. But not before promising they would be back.
They made there way back to the Halls of Healing in silence. All caught up in their own thoughts or going over just what Saefnol had said.
"Mithrandir, do you know of any way we may be able to get him to speak?" Galadriel's voice was soft.
"Not at the moment, may I have a short time to reflect?" Mithrandir's voice was as thoughtful as he looked.
"Of course, Mellon-nin just do not take to long!" This was said with a bright smile. "Elrond, do you know of any potions that may loosen his tongue? I really do not want us to have to resort to using our rings."
"I will look at my books, I am sure there is something that can help. I also would not like to use the rings on him. If he did escape that would be news I would not like becoming well known." Elrond's voice was deadly serious.
"Then we are agreed. Thranduil, stay with your son he needs you. Leave this with us. When we are ready to speak with Saefnol again we will come for you. I will help Elrond." Compassion showed in Galadriel's voice. She knew just how difficult it was when a child is injured.
"I will return and stay with Thranduil. In case I am needed." Glorfindel wanted to be near the Prince just in case he had another seizure.
With a nod they all went there separate ways. Elrond and Galadriel to the study, Glorfindel and Thranduil to Legolas' side.
Mithrandir made his way slowly through the scented gardens deep in thought. Spying a small copse that was shaded he settled him self down. Absent minded he filled his pipe and lit it. He always thought best while smoking.
How long he sat there he did not know, his mind working on the puzzle Galadriel had presented to him. How to make a reluctant prisoner talk besides making him drunk. That might well be a very valid idea, but the Maia had a feeling this would not work. The prisoner was too careful to fall into a trap like that.
Drugs would be the next best thing, but that was Elrond's area of expertise. A spell could also work. But he knew deep down that he would only use that as a last resort.
What was really nagging at him was the Elf him self. There was something that just was not right. Why was he so sure that his master was coming for him? How could he be so sure? He shook his head, he was getting no where. He looked up with a sigh, it was very near to the noon day meal and knocking the ash from his pipe and placing it safely into its place on his staff he made his way back to Legolas' room.
He met Elrond and Galadriel along the way, to his discerning eye they both looked more than a little pleased with them selves. As they drew near to the tall building a serving Elf came out carrying a tray on it was a small plate with fruit, bread and cheese on it. It also held a glass of water. Elrond stopped her.
"Is that for the Prisoner?"
"Yes, Lord Elrond, Master Calenli instructed us that he was only to have plain food." The young Elleth blushed at her words, worried she may be in the wrong.
"Good, very good. I just need to add this to his water." Elrond added action to his words. The young Elleth frowned not sure what her lord was doing.
"It is just something to help the prisoner, young one it will help his wounds heal." Galadriel was quick to reassure. Once the herbs had been dissolved and had left no trace they let the girl on her way. Watching her go Mithrandir watched his friends.
"I take it that was not just for his health?" He could not keep the amusement from his voice.
"No, we found a reference for truth telling herbs, they will leave no taste and will take a while to work. He will have no recollection of what happened." Elrond looked rather smug as he explained.
"When will they work?" Mithrandir was openly amused now.
"In around two hours time, but I will check him once we have eaten. Come; let us spend our noon meal in the company of friends and family." Elrond ushered them into the Halls of Healing.
The room was quiet as they entered. Thranduil was asleep cradling Legolas in his arms. It was a sight to warm the heart. Glorfindel was soundly beating Haldir at Chess. The twins and Estel sat to one side conversing in low whispers, making sure not one person present could detect what they were talking.
Elrond felt his heart sink. It was more than obvious that the three were planning some thing. Galadriel twitched an eye at him and only she noticed the delicate rolling of his eyes in exasperation. Her return smile was wide.
Mithrandir though, harrumphed as he caught sight of them. At the sound they jumped apart and tried to look innocent. It only made Elrond groan even more. He knew that look all too well. It always boded trouble for the one they were plotting against. It was usually Legolas. That thought caused him to frown. They would not do anything to Legolas while he was so ill? Would they?
He did not have time to ask, Erestor arrived with some servants with trays of food. At his friend's look of amusement he grinned, making it aware that he knew this was where they would be eating for the foreseeable future. The herb table was cleared and served as an impromptu dining table. Soon they were all eating. They had woken Thranduil and he had joined them, leaving Legolas to his drugged sleep. It was not lost to the others that he sat at the space nearest to his son.
They were half way through when Estel turned and asked his father. "Ada, why did you have us leave the room before? When you were treating Legolas?"
Elrond smiled at him. "I needed to give Legolas some drugs and did not think he would want to have an audience."
"What drugs and how would it be embarrassing for Legolas?" Elrohir sounded uncertain.
It was Galadriel who saved Elrond from speaking. "I do not think we need to speak about this at the dining table. I for one would like to enjoy my meal and not think about healing procedures." She favoured each of the young Elves and Man with her eye, quelling there argument.
Once Elrond and the others had finished he left the room and made his way across to the security Talon. Nodding once more to the new guard he entered the small room. Saefnol still sat on the floor, but this time his head was cradled in his hands, he looked up sluggishly as Elrond stood before him. That was all it needed to see and he asked the guards to go and ask Glorfindel, Thranduil and Galadriel to join him.
He waited patiently for them as Saefnol blinked at him in confusion.
The others soon arrived and Elrond knelt beside him. "Can you tell me your name?"
"Saefnol son of Voltonion." The voice was as vague as the gaze.
"Good, can you tell me where you are?" Elrond kept his voice calm and reasonable.
"Rivendell"
"Can you tell me where you travelled from?" The others let Elrond do the questioning.
"Mirkwood."
"Is that where you hail from?"
"Yes."
"Why are you in Rivendell?"
"To kill the Prince." The others shared a glance this was working well.
"Why do you need to kill the Prince?" Elrond asked.
"Master wishes it."
"Who is your master?" They were almost at the crux of the matter.
"My master is…"
A sound from behind them brought them all around all had a look of shock on their face….
To be continued.
Thank you all once again for reviewing.
Replies to reviews:
Blue September Rain: Thank you next time I am in Town I will look for her books. I hate dangerous chairs. Be careful!! Am I that evil that you still expect cliffies? Hmmm, oops I just have! I promise to keep it up for you. The next story is already waiting in line…
Laer4572: Foaming at the mouth is not a very good idea. Trust me! I promise not to keep you waiting so long in future! I'm so glad you like this story.
Coolio02: As you say a lot has happened. I am so glad that there will be no projectiles coming my way; I hope it stays the same after this chapter!! You want to hit Saefnol? I have a line waiting it seems; first in line is Katy, my beta. I killed off the character named after her. She is not a happy bunny!!! (I'm all dead and no one loves me and I feel bad.)
Deana: You are most welcome, I'm glad you continue to like this story. Poor, poor Legolas. ;(
Elanor8: I am feeling a lot better thank you, Mellon-nin. The antibiotics seem to be doing their job. I'm glad you continue to enjoy this story.
Arienes: Thank you.
LishaChan: Glad you like the two chapters; I thought I would surprise you all. Hm, don't mention Andechoriel Katy will scream! Here is another chapter for you. (you just had to kill me off did you not. I was very happy but no I had to die)
Thank you all once again. I hope you will join me next time.
Love,
Shell