**Lost and Found**
After the fall of Sauron, few of his allies remained to resist, but men from the east and south, from Rhûn and Harad, with long years of hatred for the kings of the west, rallied for one final stand of desperate battle. Among them were Deckion and his remaining men. They rushed the westerners that stood before the gates, but their hearts faltered and they were easily overthrown. Deckion came face to face with Gimli the dwarf, wielding his battle axe already stained with the blood of many Easterlings. As Gimli roared and raised his axe for the blow, Deckion's mind raced back to the woman's words… 'Tomorrow you will die; an axe will split your skull like a ripe melon.' He quickly threw himself down before the dwarf and cried out.
"Mercy!" Deckion said. "I yield!"
Gimli held his axe and barked harshly, "What mercy would you have shown to us?"
"I beg you, mercy," Deckion said. "I do not dare fight a king with such powerful allies. I am their captain; I will order them to withdraw."
Around them, Deckion's men were already surrendering, and Legolas walked over with Ẻomer to deal with them. There was a low murmur among the soldiers about a red witch. Ẻomer grabbed Deckion by the shirt and lifted him from the ground.
"What is this that your men speak of?" he demanded angrily. "Who is this red witch?"
"The woman, your king's prophetess," he stammered. "The black Rider called her the seer of Gondor."
Legolas put a hand on Ẻomer's shoulder, so he dropped the man, though his expression remained fierce. Legolas continued the questions.
"Where is the woman now?" Legolas asked. He was calm, but it was an effort.
"The Nazgul placed her in my custody two nights ago," Deckion said. "No harm came to her in my keeping, I swear. The Lieutenant of the Tower came to speak to her last night, and she did battle with him verbally." He paused and smirked. "I do believe she won."
Gimli frowned, "Go on!"
"We were ordered to march to the gates early this morning, and the Nazgul came for her again. I have not seen her since." Deckion's face went pale as he looked back at Gimli's axe. "She told me that an axe would take my life today."
"Where would the black rider take her?" Legolas asked quickly.
"There is a place," Deckion said quietly. "None he takes there ever return."
Ẻomer looked at Legolas and Gimli for a moment and the three came to a silent agreement. Ẻomer called for two horses.
"I cannot go, but you two can," Ẻomer said and then he turned to Deckion. "You would do much to gain the mercy of the king if you guide these two to our friend."
"I will lead them true, you have my word," Deckion said.
Legolas and Gimli shared Arod, as was their habit, and Deckion was given a horse.
"How long has it been since Elladan left?" Gimli asked.
"Less than an hour," Legolas said. "We will catch up to him and then he will lead us to this place of which he speaks."
The three rode through the gates and followed the Ranger's tracks at a full gallop. They caught up to the Rangers by dusk, and Deckion nervously led them to his campsite to show them where he'd guarded Miranda.
"She was here," Deckion said as they rounded the boulder. Elladan, Legolas and Halbarad dismounted to look and they found Grolg's body.
Deckion growled and spat when he saw him. "Grolg!" he said. "Deserter! Your seer has robbed me of my chance to repay his treachery."
Elladan looked closer at Grolg's body and found a button in his hand. He took it and immediately recognized it as one from Miranda's coat. He showed it to Legolas and Halbarad before he turned to look at Deckion.
"What treachery did he do here?" Elladan asked angrily.
Deckion blanched, but all he said was, "I can show you The Black Rider's lair, if we ride hard we can reach it before nightfall."
Elladan pocketed the button and they mounted up to ride. Everyone was silent. No one wanted to think of what might have happened to Miranda in this desolate land.
*****
Late that night, Aragorn returned to camp after overseeing the clean up before the gates. The army returned to camp where they had the previous night, but many patrols and guards kept watch in the surrounding hills and before the gates. The wounded had been removed to safety earlier in the day, and Aragorn went to check on the most critically wounded. Haldir was among them, and Elrohir was watching over him.
"How is he?" Aragorn asked as he looked over the injuries.
"The wounds are clean and dressed, but he has not awakened since Elladan left," Elrohir said with concern.
"This arrow came close to his heart," Aragorn said. "He will sleep until his body can recover from so grievous a hurt."
"He would recover more quickly if Miranda were here to tend him," Elrohir said. "I hope my brother has found her."
"Halbarad is with him and he brought the best trackers, they will find her." Aragorn said as he put a hand on Elrohir's shoulder. Aragorn rose and went to check on the other wounded. After he'd tended to everyone in need, he went to Gandalf to check on Frodo and Sam. He checked Frodo's wound where Shelob had stung him.
"He's been hurt badly with this one," Aragorn commented.
"His body will sleep for many days while it fights the poison," Gandalf said. "They are both bone weary, but I expect them to recover."
"Here are the true heroes of the day," Aragorn said.
"Yes, the victory is theirs," Gandalf agreed.
Aragorn's face suddenly grew serious and he looked Gandalf in the eye and asked, "Is there not one other hero unaccounted for?"
"By all means, Aragorn, say what is on your mind," Gandalf said sarcastically.
"Why did you not retrieve her too?" Aragorn asked. "Is she not as precious as these two?"
"Make no mistake," Gandalf said evenly. "I love that child more than you will ever know, but today I could not interfere. I would not have been able to find her if I'd tried."
"I do not pretend to understand the ways of a Wizard, but you seem very calm about today's most unexpected events," Aragorn said. "Did you know they had her?"
"No," Gandalf said.
Aragorn paused for a while and then he chuckled. "I never argue with a seer," he repeated humorously. "Not the answer our black rider wanted to hear."
Gandalf let a smile cross his face briefly, but it quickly faded. "No, but there was truth in the statement; I would have been less than a fool to give in to save her. He had no intention of killing her."
"Because she was his daughter?" Aragorn ventured.
"No, Israfel was beyond redemption, he cared nothing for her," Gandalf said bitterly. "But Miranda is clever; it was clear that she had a plan."
"But did she plan her escape?" Aragorn asked.
"I do not know," Gandalf said. "I cannot see her, near or far off. The men may only return with her body if they find her at all."
Aragorn sat in silence, staring into the fire with an angry expression. That was not what he wanted to hear. He had grown attached to the little sister who had stayed with him from the beginning of their journey. She put her life in danger for him too many times. She was the most selfless person he'd met in many years. He glanced back at Elrohir and Haldir thoughtfully. She had won the love and respect of the elves, a feat not easy to do. If she did not return, it would crush the spirit of Haldir, and he would likely not recover.
"Give no more thought to this," Gandalf said. "Miranda has surprised me before."
"Yes, in Rivendell," Aragorn said with a grin. "You were quite surprised to see her."
"I will not be surprised to see her this time," Gandalf said. "I look forward to hearing the full tale of her captivity."
*****
Miranda woke in a choking fit. She slowly sat up and looked around. The ash had stopped falling, but it blanketed the ground. She pulled her scarf from her face and stood up. It would be dark soon, and she needed to get under cover. There was a dip in the earth up ahead, and lots of rocks and niches where she could hide. She sheathed her sword and replaced the belt around her waist where it was more comfortable. Her food was gone, she had no water, and she was close to passing out again. She took a deep breath and followed the path down into a hidden channel near the road. If she stood up straight, she could see the road that led out to the gates. But if she stooped, she was completely hidden. It was the perfect place to rest, and she found a little niche to curl up in. She put her hood over her head, wrapped her cloak around herself and crawled in. In the dark, a whole platoon could march by and never see her. She closed her eyes and immediately fell into a deep sleep.
*****
On the road above, the search party rode past on their way up into the hills. Deckion led them to the entrance to the canyon, but he stopped before entering. Halbarad lost his patience.
"You first," Halbarad said.
"But if the Mouth of Sauron lives, he will kill us all," Deckion said.
"Move, or I'll kill you right now," Legolas said as he reached for his bow.
Deckion knew when to quit, so he led the way through the narrow passage. There were skeletons and rotting bodies all along the channel. When they came out into the open again, they had to watch their horse's footing for the floor of the canyon was riddled with fissures. They dismounted and started searching on foot. Deckion stayed with the horses, too terrified to go any further.
Gimli found the body of the black rider, "Here is what's left of the mouth of Sauron," he said.
"Here's the rest of him," Legolas said as he lifted up the head.
"No sign of Miranda," Halbarad said. "She slew her captor, so she probably left on her own."
"If she didn't fall into that crevasse," one of the Rangers said quietly to himself.
But Elladan stood motionless, staring at a heap on the ground.
"What is it?" Gimli asked as he walked over.
Elladan bent down and picked up Miranda's riding coat. There was a button missing from the collar and Elladan closed his eyes and seethed. The vile soldier had tried to violate her. He wished the man lived so he could kill him again.
Legolas looked at the coat. "None of the buttons are ripped, she took it off," he said.
"Here," one of the Rangers said, "Footprints, small like hers."
Halbarad ran to look, "Yes, it's her! She walked out of here, but the tracks are lost in the rain of ash."
"It won't matter," Elladan said. "She's alive, and we'll find her."
The search party mounted up and left the canyon. They paused outside and surveyed the hills, each one guessing the most logical direction to search.
"If I were Miranda, I'd return to the gates to rejoin the army," Gimli said.
"But would she know which way to go?" Halbarad asked.
"She'd go back the way the Rider brought her," Legolas said. "But she'd be careful to stay under cover."
"What if she's hurt?" Elladan said.
"Enough," Halbarad said firmly. "We are all worried about Lady Miranda. We'll follow the trail, but fan out and look for any tracks. We have less than an hour of light. Let's go."
*****
Galadriel led Miranda through the woods to an open space hidden in the trees. The ground was covered by a soft carpet of grass, and several of the elves that had led them to the city were seated at the far end laughing and talking together. When they saw Galadriel, they stood and walked over to her.
"Haldir, I need your help with something," she said.
"You have only to name it my lady," Haldir said to Galadriel.
Galadriel dismissed the other elves and then continued. "The lady Miranda needs to be trained in the use of a sword. The time is short and the need most urgent."
Haldir looked at Miranda a little skeptically, but would not refuse the wishes of Galadriel. "I will do what I can."
"Then I will let you get started," Galadriel said and then she left.
Haldir stared at Miranda for a few moments and then he said, "Come with me."
Miranda followed without question, but watched him closely. He was a little gruff with her, but managed to remain polite. He led her to a sword smith's and spoke to him in Elvish. The smith looked at her and then motioned for her to hold out her hands. He frowned briefly and then went to the back of his shop and returned with a small sword. He gave it to Haldir and they spoke again for a few more moments. Then Haldir started to lead her away, but she stopped and turned back to the sword smith.
"Thank you," she said, though she didn't know if he would understand her.
The smith glanced at Haldir and then looked back at Miranda and smiled. He said something in Elvish and gave her a nod. Haldir sighed and led Miranda away. They walked in silence for a while, and then Haldir just said, "He said you're welcome."
"I'm sorry you have to do this," Miranda said quietly. "I'm sure you have better things to do than teach me swordsmanship."
Haldir frowned to himself, realizing how rude he'd been to his student. He looked over at her, scarcely more than a child, but there was something in her eyes. He stopped and grabbed her hand.
"Who are you?" he asked.
"A member of the fellowship you led to the city yesterday," she said.
"I remember, but who are you?" he pressed.
"My name is Miranda," she said in confusion. "What do you want to know?"
"What is your part in this journey? Why are you here?" Haldir asked. It was most unusual to find a woman on such an urgent quest.
"I am a seer," Miranda said. "Gandalf let me come along."
Haldir looked into her eyes and was intrigued. He'd never seen eyes like hers before, crisp green and discerning far beyond her years. Her hair was like a cascade of flames around her shoulders, and her face was breathtaking.
"Very well, he said casually. "Here then is your sword, and our lessons begin with how you will hold it…"
Haldir smiled in his sleep, and Elrohir glanced over at Pippin who had joined him by the fire.
"A happy dream perhaps," Pippin said.
"I'll wager Miranda fills his dreams," Elrohir said. "I'll be glad when she is safe again." He looked at Pippin and added, "You should rest now, master Peregrin. Troll slaying is tiring work."
Pip smiled and wrapped up in his blanket. He looked at the quiet elf and said, "Wake me if Frodo or Sam wake, or if they find Miranda."
Elrohir smiled and nodded, but he didn't expect anything to change before tomorrow.
*****
As night fell, the search party was forced to make camp, but Elladan and Legolas kept searching. Elladan's horse nearly fell into a hole, and he gasped when he saw it. He waved at Legolas who quickly joined him.
"A hidden trail," Legolas said. "It has possibilities."
"Here, stay with the horses, I'm going down for a look," Elladan said. He dismounted and lowered himself down. His head and shoulders were above ground so Legolas could see his progress and follow along.
"What do you see?" Legolas asked.
"Lots of places to hide, wait!" Elladan said abruptly as he saw something up ahead. There was definitely something or someone hidden between the rocks. He came closer and found a gray form curled up in a small hole in the side of the trail. His heart stopped and he carefully pulled back the hood.
"Tula sinome!" he called to Legolas, "Come here!"
Legolas led the horses over and squatted down to look.
"Arwenamin," Elladan said softly as he gently touched her cheek. "My lady," he repeated in a language she would understand.
"Is she alive?" Legolas asked nervously.
"Yes, but she sleeps deeply," Elladan said. "I cannot wake her." He looked back at Miranda and whispered wistfully, "Cormamin lindua ele lle.ª " Even huddled in a tiny hole, covered in soot, she was beautiful. He carefully pulled her out of her hiding place and lifted her into his arms. She was so light, and it broke his heart to see her so frail. He stood and looked at Legolas.
"I'll take her while you climb out," Legolas said.
Elladan passed his precious burden to Legolas, and then he climbed up and mounted his horse. Legolas handed Miranda up to him and they returned to camp.
"We found her," Elladan said. "Not very far from here, she was well hidden."
"Miranda is a smart one," Gimli said. "Is she hurt?"
Elladan laid her near the fire, and Halbarad covered her with a blanket. They checked for blood or any signs of injury.
"She seems fine, but she's unconscious," Halbarad answered. "Exhaustion, no doubt."
Deckion was silent. "Even in sleep the woman frightened him, but here were two elves a dwarf and six men fawning over her like a queen. He was glad she slept, for at her word they would likely kill him.
"Well, now I can sleep," Gimli said. "The lass is safe."
There was a murmur of agreement in the camp, but Elladan was not content. He would not rest until she woke and assured him that she was alright.
ª - Translation: My heart sings to see thee.