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Please read Shell's message at the end.
Chapter Twenty Three
Lomion could only watch as the dark figure made its way towards him. Slowly the light changed so that he could get his first good look at his captor. His heart dropped. It was Darenholt.
The other Elf had a strange smile on his face and glint in his eye that Lomion could not identify. It sent shivers down his back, none the less.
"Well, well, the little Prince is finally awake. It is about time."
Lomion could only raise his eyebrow in question at the servant before him.
"Your father has been made aware of where you are, in a sense, Princeling. He was given one hour to reply to my demands. It will please you to know just how much he thinks of you as he has not replied."
Lomion forced him self to keep calm at this statement.
"Does it hurt knowing he does not care one jot for you?" Lomion could not answer as much as he would love to, the gag prevented that.
Darenholt grinned as he took in his prisoner. Then it dawned on him that the Prince was helpless and his to do with as he wanted. The grin became an evil one. This would be fun.
Looking Lomion in the eye he moved to his side. With not one word he pulled back his right leg and kicked the Crown Prince hard, Then again and again.
Lomion could only grunt in pain as the blows landed. He could not even roll into a ball to protect him self.
Darenholt could not stop; now that he had started he just carried on, laughing maniacally as he heard the Prince's ribs crack loud in the cave.
Finally the madness diminished and he looked down to find the Prince, his face stark white and eye's closed tightly against the pain, barely clinging to consciousness. Calmly and coolly he took a deliberate step forward and stepped on Lomion's leg. The resulting crack and stifled cry was like music to his ears, it felt good as he watched the Prince beneath him go limp. Oh yes, Thranduil's spawn would suffer.
The search parties had widened their search area. Having scoured the area Darenholt had been seen in earlier and found nothing, Thranduil had sent for reinforcements. He had to find his son.
Elrond and Mithrandir were riding close to the King, worried for him. This really was the last thing that he needed. As each sector was searched and they came up with nothing, Thranduil became more and more desperate.
At last Elrond called a halt and had all the parties return to one central place. With Thranduil by his side, he called for maps of the area to be brought out and studied. As each area they had searched was crossed off, the patrols were handed new assignments and left once more, all eager to find their friend and Prince.
Estel was still keeping Legolas occupied; once more the room was dotted with the assault course for the animals. He would never admit it to any one but playing with Legolas and his furry friends was great fun. The tiny Elfling found such joy in all manner of things.
"Estel?" the voice was quiet and he turned to find Legolas gently holding Scamp.
"Yes, little One?" he smiled at his friend, he looked so sweet sitting their like that.
"Scamp is scared." Wide, trusting blue eyes looked at him.
"Why is Scamp scared, Legolas?" He moved nearer to the Elfling.
"Storm is coming." Legolas could not stop the shiver that ran through him.
"A storm?" He looked towards the window to see light grey skies.
"Yes, big storm. Scamp can feel it." He was trying to calm the small animal.
"What kind of storm, Leafie?" Estel was concerned, not sure that Legolas was really able to understand the small creature.
"Snow, it is bad snow."
"Well, that is alright, you are all safe inside. Nothing can harm you in here, I am with you." He hugged the two small forms to him, offering what comfort he could.
"Lomion is sad."
Estel blinked at this change of subject and he let the Elfling go to look down at him. Legolas took the chance and he stood and made for the window. Setting Scamp down on the chair by the window he used it to climb up onto the windowsill. Once there he stood looking out a frown marring his fair features.
"Legolas, why is Lomion sad?" He moved near to the window too. Trying to see what Legolas was looking at.
"He is in the dark and hurting. He is so cold. The trees told the wind and they tell me." Was the simple explanation.
"Lomion is in the dark?" Estel could not hide his puzzlement.
Legolas nodded not taking his eyes off of the forest.
A thought occurred to him then. "Legolas, did they tell you where he is?"
"Yes, Ada is looking for him, but they go in the wrong way."
"Can you tell me where Lomion is?" A nod. "Would you show me?"
Wide frightened blue eyes looked at him and Legolas frantically shook his head.
"I will be with you and we can take 'Dan and 'Ro with us, we will not let anything get to you. You do want to help Lomion do you not?"
"Yes. I scared." The little voice quaked with fear.
"You are good and brave, Little Leaf. I will not leave your side. Did Scamp say how long before the snow came?" It was a surprise to Estel as he realised that he actually believed the small rabbit had given them a warning.
"Not long. We go?" Legolas was trying to be brave, but deep down he was very scared and did not want to go outside.
"Yes, but not before we put you into some warmer clothes." Estel hunted through the Elfling's wardrobe and chose some thick winter clothing along with a warm bright red cloak. It did not take long to have the Elfling ready and hand in hand they walked to find the twins.
They found them in their chamber; Estel noted with a small smile that they were already planning their next prank on Nolvo and Alcarnor. They jumped at the chance of helping Legolas find his brother and ten minutes later the four of them were on their way to the stables.
Legolas was held in Estel's arms clutching his bow tightly to him, his small quiver on his back. To the two Elves and the Man's amusement he had insisted on going back to his chamber for it. When they had tried to argue against this he had been adamant and in the end they had felt that they had had no choice in the matter.
Legolas kept nervously looking around him, he really did not like being out here. Estel tried to reassure his small friend. But by the way he was rigid in his arms he knew he was failing. The only thing they could do was get him to the stables and safety, at least for a short while.
Legolas stood nervously watching as they readied their horses. The wind was telling him to hurry and that Lomion was hurt.
Once the horses were ready, Estel settled the Elfling carefully in front of him and they were on their way.
It took little time to reach the outskirts of the main forest. Once they did, Estel halted his horse. Turning to Legolas he asked. "Which way do we go, little One?"
"I speak to tree." It took a second to realise what Legolas needed to do. He moved towards the old gnarled tree. Legolas reached out and touched the bark. A small smile appeared on his face as he listened to the trees song. It soon turned to a frown as the tree changed and gave him its warning.
"That way, Oaky say we need to hurry." Legolas was pointing towards one of the darker routes into the forest. Estel exchanged a startled look with his brother's. Elladan mouthed "Oaky?" Estel could only shrug as confused as they were.
Legolas prodded them. "Hurry!" They needed no further urging and they headed towards the path that the Elfling indicated. Estel could feel his young charge shivering as the forest swallowed them.
Thranduil was becoming more frantic as every minute passed. The thought of his eldest being in his eldest son being in the hands of this crazy Elf scared him more than he could explain.
He did not even notice that the day was becoming darker by the second nor that the wind had become stronger and was continuing to increase.
All he could concentrate on was finding his son. At least the others were safe back at the Palace. He watched as Elrond handed out the new search parameters. He could only thank the Valar that he had such wonderful friends. He would have to find a way to thank them properly when all this was over and done with.
Darenholt sat by the small fire he had made watching the Prince for signs of his return to consciousness. During the time he had kept a close eye on the other Elf he had planned what he would do next.
Even if the Thranduil handed over the Bratling to him, Lomion would not be returned as he had left, oh no. If he had his way the Prince would never be the same again.
All he needed know was for him to wake up and he could carry out his plan….
Legolas shivered where he sat. The forest looked so scary, it was dark. Darker than he had ever thought was possible and all sorts of noises echoed around them. Most of them he could not identify.
He snuggled back into Estel's warmth as they continued on their way. The wind was rising by the second making the branches around them sway back wards and for wards. Even though he knew the wind and the trees would not hurt him, it scared him. A lot.
"Are we going the right way?" Estel could feel the trembling body but did not know how to react.
Legolas gave a nervous, shaky nod. The trees were being very specific. So specific that they were know moaning their encouragement to them. Their urgency clear, it scared Legolas even more.
Not one of them noticed a small time later when all other sounds apart from the wind and the moaning of the trees had vanished. Legolas was growing more nervous by the minute. He did not know why but he could feel that something was going to happen. That something was waiting.
He was just about to warn Estel when Elrohir gave a cry from his spot behind them "Orcs!"
Estel muttered a few well chosen oaths then, only stopping when he noticed that Legolas was listening to every word he was saying. He did not have time to deal with that then, he released his sword and made ready, berating himself for not having more guards come with them and for unwittingly putting Legolas in danger. It was too late for regrets though as the Orcs poured through the trees bent on killing the Elves in front of them…
Elardion was becoming frustrated. No matter where they were searching there was no sign of either Lomion or Darenholt. He shivered in the failing light. Every inch of him was on the alert. Even his hair felt as if it was on edge. Some thing was going to happen and soon. He could feel it and almost sense it.
Urging his horse on he continued to search. Again and again he came up with nothing.
He was just about to turn and rejoin his father and the main search group when the sound of metal hitting upon metal caught his attention.
Drawing his own sword he made his way through the trees towards the sound.
The trees opened into a small clearing. In that clearing were about twenty Orcs. They were scattered around three horses. On one of those horses to his horror was his very frightened and white youngest brother.
He needed no bidding and with a war cry joined the battle taking the Orcs by surprise. The fight did not last long but was very fierce.
Legolas clung to Estel scared beyond comprehension as he watched some of the monsters who had killed his mother fight.
He had seen them all too often in his dreams, joined by the hated spiders. But he had never expected to see them again in real life. They were horrible and terrified him. What if they were to kill Elardion and Estel? What would he do if he was left all alone out here?
He could only squeal as once of their wicked curved weapons came very close to him. It left a shiver of air behind and Estel turned the horse to protect the Prince. It did not help. Another Orc took up the challenge and just before Elladan decapitated it, it managed to take another swing at Legolas and left a long bloody wound on the Elfling's unprotected left leg.
Legolas could not prevent his cry as the blade hit home leaving in its wake a burning feeling. Elardion snarled at the sound and fought the last few Orcs with a viciousness none had ever seen before.
Then it was over and he made his way to Estel's side. Offering the human a glower he accepted the crying Elfling before going to sit beneath one of the trees out of range of the bodies. Reaching in to his pack he pulled out the medical pouch that he carried with him out of long practice.
As he was cleaning the long wound, Estel was trying to comfort Legolas. Elardion could not help but ask the question that was upper most in his mind. "What in the name of Valar are you doing out here? And with Legolas? Have you gone mad?" His voice was harsh, he could not help it after all he had just had the one of the largest frights in his long life.
"Legolas knows where Lomion is. He is showing us." Estel tried to explain.
"And you believe an Elfling?" Contempt was clear in his voice.
"Yes, I do and if you had any sense so will you. Is it poisoned?" There was new fear in Estel's voice.
The reply was succinct and to the point. "Yes. Lucky for the three of you I have the correct herbs to treat it with me." He had to smile, grimly at Estel's shock at this. "You forget we fight this menace daily. We all carry the herbs and spider anti venom. Or at least we do now."
"When did you start this?" Estel was curious.
"Since Legolas was bitten. Adar put the Captain of his Guard on the spot and he caved in to Adar's wishes. Admittedly Lord Elrond giving Ada his support along with our head healer, made it very difficult for him to refuse." Estel watched as with sure hands Elardion treated and bandaged the wound.
Legolas was quiet now watching his brother's face. "There good as new, Leafie. All I need for you to do now is drink this for me." He reached for the water skin and mixed the herbs before handing the skin to Legolas to drink. He could only smile at the face the Elfling pulled. "That will help with the pain, little One. What is this that I hear about you knowing where Lomion is?"
Every eye in the clearing turned to him as he asked this. The twins finished moving the carcasses from the path and moved towards them. Elladan sat and as they listened he began to clean the long, deep wound that Elrohir had received during the fighting.
Legolas just looked at his brother and Elardion shivered there was something… old about that look. Not just old but positively ancient. He had never seen Legolas like this before. Before he could ask again Legolas smiled and pointed. "Snow!"
Estel started and looked up just in time to see the first few flakes of snow beginning to fall from the heavens. He turned to Elardion. "Legolas told me quite some time ago that there was a snow storm coming. He was right. Legolas, can you take us to Lomion?" He smiled down at the Elfling once more.
"Yes, wind says we have to hurry." They needed no further bidding and even Elardion found him self believing his brother. Once again they began to move through the forest.
Elardion could only watch in amazement as his brother, who to his knowledge had never once been any where near this part of the forest, led the way unerringly through the trees. He would not have believed it if he had not been there to see it.
Then just in front of them was an opening in the trees, behind it they could see some rock. As they moved forward they could see that there was an opening.
"There. Lomion is there!" Legolas called out. Estel was just about to praise him when he felt the Elfling in his arms stiffen once more.
"Legolas, what is it?" Estel's voice was soft. He did not want to alert what ever it was that frightened Legolas.
"Spiders. Spiders here." The last came out on a sob of fear.
Not one of them doubted Legolas this time. They all knew just how uncannily accurate he was when it came to detecting spider's.
"Elardion, get Lomion. We will sort the spiders out." Estel called to his friend and Elardion nodded. Before he disappeared from sight.
The others drew their swords and bows before leaving the safety of the horses. "Legolas, stay close to me. Elrohir and Elladan will try and kill the spiders with their bows. Do not leave my side!" Legolas nodded and to Estel it seemed as if he had a determined look on his face.
Then the monstrous creatures were upon them. Elrohir tackled the one nearest to him and managed to dispose of it with one shot through the eye. Another soon took its place.
Soon all that could be heard was the whoosh as arrows were sent into the black swarm that was coming at them.
Spider after spider was killed, only to be replaced by more. Estel was too involved in keeping Legolas safe so he was not really watching his surrounds as he should have been. He did not notice the big old spider moving with a sense of purpose towards him.
But Legolas did. He calmly took one of Estel's arrows from his quiver and even though it was too big for his bow her managed to fire it at the spider, his hands shaking somewhat.
Estel spun around at the sound in time to see one of his arrows hit the spider right in the eye. He could only gape as it squealed once before falling dead to the forest fall. He looked down in shock at the Elfling beside who still held the quiver at the ready. He could only shake his head in amazement as he turned back to the fight.
Elladan was pinned to the ground, the spider above him trying to both bite and sting him in its agitation. Luckily he was still able to move and rolling from side to side he managed to keep out of the range of the creature. A second later a familiar arrow sank into the monsters eye and it fell to the ground, just as Elladan scrambled, very un-elf like, out of its way.
"Thank you, Estel!" he called already tackling another spider.
"Do not thank me, it was Legolas!" Was the reply.
Elladan put this down to his imagination the Elfling could not have shot the spider. That was impossible; he had not even had a proper archery lesson yet.
Suddenly more arrows shot through the clearing aimed solely at the spiders. More Elves poured into the clearing. Mirkwood Elves, at that. Led by the King him self. Soon no spiders were left alive and the group all gathered together. Thranduil cried with alarm as he caught sight of his youngest son amidst the carnage and he caught him in his arms worried by the blood that coated his leggings.
"Just what is my son doing here?" His voice was cold and throbbed once more with anger.
"I am sorry, my Lord, but he knew where Lomion is. Elardion is getting him as we speak. Legolas saved both mine and Elladan's life." Estel was looking at the Elfling with such pride he almost felt as of he would burst.
"Legolas? But how?" Every one of the new comers as well as the twins were surprised and amazed at Estel's claim.
"He used his bow. He is an incredible natural." Legolas was smiling back at him.
"What with? He has no sharp arrows." Thranduil was looking at his son in shock.
"He used mine when I was other wise engaged. He truly is amazing." Soon all were chattering amazed at the skill the young Elfling had shown.
Elardion hated leaving the others to the spiders, but he also needed to find Lomion. He crept into the opening and followed the path deeper into the cave. His hand clutched at his sword, he was ready for what ever he might find.
The cave widened and Elardion could see the flickering of flames in the light that the fire shed. Moving closer he saw Darenholt standing beside a very battered Lomion. A knife was held to his throat.
"You!" The traitor practically spat the word.
"Me. Let my brother go." Elardion's voice was steady and cold.
"Or what, Princeling? Do you really think I find you a threat? Is this the best your father could send?" Darenholt's voice once more held contempt.
"Trust me, filth you should do. You hurt any one of my family and I will hurt you." The voice held steady and Elardion meant every word.
"You? A healer?" The laugh echoed around the cave.
"Me and you will find that I am more than just a healer." With that Elardion moved closer to the Elves in front of him determination leaking from every pore on his body.
To be continued
Hi, everyone. Shell here. I just wanted to put every one's mind at rest. Despite what Meisalliam thinks we did not argue about chapter 22. We had a creative discussion. All has been settled and is well. I am going no where and we both continue to write.
Oh, and Mei, if I were to get angry (which is very rare) Nick would hear it in Kuala Lumpur. He will hide trust me!!!
Thank you once again to all our reviewers, you are the greatest!
Replies to reviews:
Bradleigh: Arwen? I think she is doing her hair! More from her soon, I promise. As you say Darenholt is crazy and sadistic which is such fun to write! More angst? From us?!! No!!! LOL!!!!!
Triptych: Um, can I suggest you go and read that chapter again? There is a little… extra I don't think you realised. Shell ducks and bolts for the door. (That was what we had our discussion about by the way.)
Pointy-eared-elfs: Isn't it just awful when that happens? We wanted to make it uncertain as to what had happened to Laurelin, so I'm glad it worked. Drowlin? You will have to wait and see, but we may not have heard the last of him. All your answers will come. As to Thranduil, you will have to wait and see we don't want to spoil any thing for you. I love Darenholt I (Shell) have to admit it was my idea; I just had no idea how evil he would turn out to be. I wanted Thranduil to be Leafie's Ada that was what we had the talk about. Nope, not mad at Mei. We hope you had a nice vacation?
Dark Borg drone: We are sorry that being a Drone sucked. Are you happy now?
Sky14: We are both glad that we have you intrigued. We hope it continues to do so. As for Thranduil's reaction? Hold on to your seat!!
Lirenel: I am sorry you were confused, but we are glad that you like this. Here is your update.
Well, everyone this is all for now. See you all soon as it is Mei's turn to thrill you all.
Until then…
Love
From all of us!!!