An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.—Mahatma Gandhi
Aragorn leaned his head back and stared at the thick foliage above him. His brothers were in the trees looking for any sign of the dark elf. The human had a feeling that they wouldn't find anything. The dark elf knew how to elude his trackers and seemed to do it effortlessly. Aragorn search the ground while the twins searched the trees. Aragorn was disheartened to find nothing, not even an oddly bent leaf. The search parties had started searching three furlongs from the end of the tunnel in a circle. None of the other search parties had yet reported any sign or evidence of their quarry. He rubbed his forehead and shifted in the saddle. He looked up as Elladan dropped lightly from a tree and crouched on the forest floor.
"Nothing?" Aragorn questioned quietly.
Elladan shook his head sadly as Elrohir appeared on a low branch of one of the trees to Aragorn's right. The younger twin also shook his head as Aragorn sighed.
"This is getting us nowhere. They could be in Rohan by now for all we know," he said tiredly as the horse under him shifted.
"Estel, I have been thinking," Elrohir said hesitantly.
"Oh marvelous," Elladan muttered as his twin shot him a dark look.
"About?" Aragorn asked, ignoring the dark looks passing between the twins.
"The transfer bond that you formed with Legolas, can you still sense it?"
"What are you getting at, Elrohir?" Aragorn questioned before swinging off the horse.
"Can you somehow increase the bond and possibly find Legolas? Or converse with him?"
Elladan and Aragorn stared at Elrohir in disbelief. Elrohir shrugged his shoulders as Aragorn looked to Elladan. Aragorn wasn't sure if he could find the remnants of the bond and focus on it to learn something. He didn't even know where to begin.
"Are you serious 'Ro?" Elladan asked as his twin jumped off the branch.
"Why not? We might be able to find Legolas and help him if Aragorn can do this."
"And what if it backfires and Estel is harmed? Remember what happened last time?" Elladan asked as Aragorn rested his hands on his hips.
"Excuse me! But this is neither of yours' choice. I will do whatever I can to help Legolas. He is my blood brother to death and beyond," he snapped as he pulled off his leather coat and draped it over the horse's withers.
Unbuckling his sword belt, he handed it to Elladan before settling himself on the ground. Shooting a glare at his brothers, he rested his hands on his knees and worked to calm himself. He consciously relaxed his muscles and let himself slip deeper into his conscious. The forest sounds faded away and his awareness dimmed as he explored his inner self. He finally found a special link that seemed bound tightly to his own life.
Urging his mental self along the link, he moved forward until stumbling into a dimly lit area. Looking down at himself, he jumped slightly upon seeing through his own body. Everything about him was faint and transparent as he looked around where he was. Torches lit the cave walls and the cave looked well lived in as Aragorn slowly turned in a circle. Looking to the far wall, Aragorn saw faint movements in the shadows. Seeing nothing else in the cave worth looking at, he slowly moved towards the shadows. His eyes widened in shock upon recognizing the hunched figure shackled to the stonewall. Long blonde hair obscured the face but Aragorn knew who it was. Blood ran down Legolas' arms from his slashed arms and manacles around his wrists. Aragorn heard the soft sounds of Legolas' blood dripping on the stone floor as he fell to the ground in front of Legolas.
"Legolas?" he asked quietly as the elf hung by his wrists and leaned forward.
Aragorn could hear Legolas mumbling something under his breath. The human leaned forward and listened closely to the soft-spoken Sindarin.
"Can not control me…hope is with me…can not be controlled…hope is with me."
"Mellonin, can you hear me?" he asked quietly as the blond head slowly lifted.
Aragorn gasped when he looked into his friend's eyes. Instead of clear blue eyes, the eyes that looked at him were obsidian black. The black eyes looked through Aragorn and slowly looked around the room. His eyes fluttered shut and dropped his head as it swung side to side.
"No more…stop," he muttered and twitched sharply.
Aragorn turned sharply and saw the dark elf standing at a large table, looking at a thick book. The elf was reading something from the book and occasionally glanced over at Legolas. Legolas started convulsing against the manacles as Aragorn staggered to his feet. Bretharso moved around the table and looked down at Legolas.
"Must you insist on being stubborn? He will take you over soon enough."
Aragorn gasped and suddenly felt himself be jerked away. Everything swirled around him as he rushed back into his own body.
A face loomed in front of him and he scrambled away while grappling for the dagger hidden in his boot. Just as he removed it from the sheath, a hand grabbed his wrist and stilled his hand. His other hand was soon stilled as well while being forced backwards to the ground. He struggled as a knee pressed into his chest to keep him from moving while a voice broke through the fog.
"Estel! Stop struggling, Estel!"
The fight left the human when he recognized the voice. Glancing up at his brother's worried face, Aragorn worked to slow his breathing and heart. Elladan glanced over at Elrohir worriedly and nodded for him to release Aragorn's hand. Easing his knee from the human's chest, Elladan sat back and eased the dagger from Aragorn's hand before helping him sit up. Aragorn pressed his face into his hands and memorized every detail from his vision. He didn't want to forget anything that might hinder him from finding Legolas.
"What happened Estel? Speak to me," Elladan said quietly as Aragorn slowly lifted his head.
"Legolas was in a cave somewhere. He was shackled to a wall and…he had been beaten…badly from what I could tell. Bretharso was there, he was reading from a book in the black tongue. Legolas…he started convulsing and…and his eyes were black. They were empty…Bretharso is doing something to him…I do not know what exactly," Aragorn said quietly and clenched a fist against his forehead.
He wracked his memory for anything that could help them. There were weapons on the wall, a small underground lake, supplies, and torches, everything needed to live. He did not see any openings to the outside to help him any. The river and lake may be the only thing that could aid them.
"Do the Mirkwood elves know of any underground rivers and lakes?" Aragorn asked as he rubbed his forehead to hopefully disperse his small headache.
"We are from Imladris, Estel, not Mirkwood. You would have to ask them that question," Elrohir replied sarcastically.
"Sarcastic elf."
"Ignorant Dúnedain."
"Enough from both of you! This bickering is not helping Legolas," Elladan snapped and glared at both of them.
Elrohir and Aragorn looked at each other and saw the apology in each other's eyes. They knew that their harsh words were just an outlet of tension and worry. All three of them were terribly worried about Legolas and what Bretharso could possibly do to him.
"Elladan is right. Both of you keep looking and I will ride back to the palace to ask. Since Bretharso use to be friends with Thranduil, he might know where Bretharso could hide Legolas. I will see you tonight, brothers," Aragorn said before mounting his horse.
Departing from his brothers, Aragorn cantered his horse through the forest towards the palace. He cautiously watched the forest surrounding him while riding until finally seeing the large gates opened to the courtyard. His horse's hooves clattered sharply upon the stone as he slowed to a trot, walk, and then stopped. Swinging out of the saddle, he passed the reins to an attendant and jogged up the steps. He knew Thranduil would be in either the throne room or his study. It would be far too dangerous to have the king out searching for his son. The death of the king and heir to the throne would throw Mirkwood into chaos. The king understood but he wasn't very happy about it. In fact, he was actually down right hostile about it.
Aragorn quickly walked to the throne room and leaned in to quickly look for the king. The throne room was empty, so he quickly turned and walked in the direction of the king's study. The door was partially open and Aragorn knocked before pushing the door all the way open. Thranduil was standing by the large windows gazing out at the forest. He turned and looked at Aragorn as the human walked into the room. The king just had to look at Aragorn's face to know that they found nothing.
"I am sorry, my king, but my brothers and I lost his trail when he took to the trees. They are looking for the trail again while I came back to ask some questions."
Aragorn wasn't about to tell Thranduil of what he saw in his vision. The king would just suffer from the knowledge and Aragorn would wish to spare him.
"King Thranduil, when Bretharso and you were friends did you two have any secret places that you regularly visited? Any place where he could keep Legolas?"
"No, I have been thinking of that but there is no place. WE explored every part of Mirkwood from the north edge to the south edge," Thranduil sighed and moved to sit behind his desk.
"Are there any underground rivers or lakes that you know of in Mirkwood?"
"The only river running through Mirkwood is the Forest River to the north and the enchanted river," Thranduil murmured and rubbed his eyes.
"Thank you, King Thranduil, I shall take my leave now," he said before bowing slightly and turning to leave.
Aragorn had just reached the door when Thranduil's voice stopped him.
"Estel?"
Turning back to the king, they locked gazes for a moment and Aragorn saw tears brimming in the elf king's eyes.
"Find my son and bring him back to me. I almost lost him one time; I do not want to lose him again. Please."
Aragorn quickly swallowed the lump in his throat as he nodded. He could not fail the king and the people of Mirkwood. He would bring Legolas back. Aragorn just had no clue of where to start looking. He walked quickly out of the palace and into the stables to retrieve his horse. Galloping out of the courtyard, he rode north towards Forest River while thinking back to one of his countless travels. He vaguely remembered riding through the northern parts of Mirkwood and seeing a cave entrance while riding towards the palace. The memory wasn't that clear because at the time he had a powerful orc poison coursing through his blood stream so it could have been imagined. He sure did get a long lecture from Legolas after that incident; he chuckled to himself.
His horse slowly and carefully selected his footing as they rode through a thick part of the forest. Aragorn ducked his head to dodge branches that seemed intent on scratching him. Stopping his horse, he slipped off and told the faithful animal to wait for him.
Aragorn could hear the sounds of the Forest River ahead as he moved through the forest. His memory did include the river so it had to be close. Looking around, he searched for anything that might suggest that the dark elf had been around this area. Knowing his luck he was probably searching in the completely wrong place and was wasting precious time. He resisted the urge to scream out loud in frustration at the entire situation. From the very beginning everything had gone terribly wrong and it was turning into the snowball effect. Everything kept building on itself and getting bigger. When all of this was done and Legolas healed then Aragorn would have a long and serious talk with Legolas. Aragorn had no clue what the lecture would be about but it would be a good one, he vowed. A very good one.
He pushed past some branches and looked around before locking his eyes on something that didn't belong in a forest. A tunic was hanging from a low branch in a clearing and looked to have blood staining the pale green material. Pausing for a few minutes to evaluate the situation, he slowly moved out from his hiding place and approached the tunic cautiously. Just as he reached the tunic and took the last step, his senses suddenly screamed at him of danger.
The ground dropped out from under him and he yelped in shock before disappearing underground. Dirt and leaves rained down around him as he hit ground and starting rolling down the incline. Rocks and roots banging into his body as he tumbled along unable to slow his speed. He could only imagine what kind of bruise he would have by the time he stopped. He would just be one massive bruise. His head slammed painfully into a large rock and stars exploded behind his eyes. A few moments later, he finally came to a stop and coughed from all the dust. His vision wavered as he saw something move towards him. Bretharso leaned down over him and slowly smiled.
"Greetings human. Welcome to my home. I have been expecting you."
The elf faded away as Aragorn's eyes rolled into the back of his head and slipped into unconsciousness.
(This is a small elapse of time—Spades)
Aragorn jerked awake at the vicious slap across his cheek. Blurrily blinding his eyes to focus, he looked up at Bretharso and narrowrd his eyes angrily. If he hadn't been hanging by his wrists, he would have loved to beat the elf to a bloody pulp. It was extremely rare that Aragorn ever let felt pure hatred for a creature and this was one of those times.
"You look so glad to see me, human," Bretharso commented before stepping away.
"Where is Legolas?"
"He shall be along shortly. I am very interested to learn how you saved him from his earlier wound. There is not sign on his flesh that proved it was even there," the elf commented as he poured a goblet of wine and sat down in a chair.
"You must be crazy if you think that I would actually tell you. Again I ask: Where is Legolas?"
"Behind you."
Aragorn gasped when a fist slammed into his kidney painfully. He tried to shift away but couldn't. Squeezing his eyes shut, he regulated his breathing and worked through the pain. Opening his eyes to slits, he watched as a tall figure moved around him to walk towards Bretharso. He couldn't believe that it was Legolas who hit him. He couldn't stop the gasp when the figure turned and looked straight at him. It was Legolas. Black eyes stared at him with just as much emotion as the Ranger had seen in orcs. Red blood stained his tattered tunic and whip marks were visible on his chest and arms. He didn't seem to mind the wounds or blood that stained his porcelain skin.
"Human, I would like you to meet Mathulius, my son. Regrettably, he died a long time ago but his spirit resided in Mandos. It took a little work but I found a way to revenge his murder."
"Murder?"
"Thranduil murdered my son! And in return, I took his," Bretharso snapped as he stood.
"This is about revenge?"
Bretharso grabbed the bloody whip from the table and lashed out sharply to catch Aragorn around his chest. Something embedded in the whip tore into his skin and ripped it to shred when Bretharso jerked the whip back. Aragorn bit his lip in pain as Bretharso used the whip a few more times. When he finished, Aragorn was panting against the pain. Bretharso walked up to Aragorn and grabbed his hair to pull the human's head back to look him in the eyes.
"This is about more than revenge. I watched my wife and son be violated, tortured, and murdered in front of my very eyes while I was forced to stand by. Thranduil allowed it all to happen to that makes him as much of a murderer as the orcs that wielded the blade. This is about proving that being a king does not put you above feeling anguish and loss. He took two things that were precious to me and I will take one of his in return for one of mine," he snarled and dropped the edan's head in disgust.
Stepping back to where Legolas stood silently, he looked at the younger elf before nodding towards the exit.
"Go and kill Thranduil. When you return, we shall both kill the human."
"Yes, father."
Legolas turned and started to leave while Aragorn watched horrified. There had to be some part of Legolas still there. Aragorn had to believe that; he had to believe that his friend was still alive and fighting.
"Legolas! Mathulius does not have control over you! No one is your master! Fight him! I have faith in you!"
Aragorn was cut off by a sharp punch from Bretharso to snap his head back. Stars danced in his vision as he shook his head to clear the sudden cobwebs. He didn't see the departing elf stumble slightly and shake his head. He only hoped that his words had reached the elf he prayed was still there. Turning his attention to Bretharso, he snarled at the dark elf with a burning hatred that glinted in his silver eyes.
"I think you and I should have a talk, edan. I believe I shall do most of the talking though."
Aragorn bit back a groan as Bretharso walked to a table with several different instruments on it. He had a feeling the next few hours or so were not going to be pleasant in the least.
(This is a divide for the reviewers responses—Spades)
You know what? I have far too many stories going at one time. My brain is about to have a melt down, I swear it is. In addition to my stories running around in my head, I am helping out Linuvial Greenleaf with a new story of hers so I have been toying with that one also. So many stories and so little time. So, please review for me and I shall see you all at next update.
Deana- Hannon lle, mellonin. I am glad that are enjoying this story so much.
Someone Reading- LOL, well I am glad that I surprised you. I find a lot of joy is shocking my readers with these ideas that I come up with; quite fun, actually.
Dha-Gal- MELLONIN! How are you doing dearie? I am doing marvelously…well not really. Last night I went to bed at about Midnight and then I woke up at about 4:50 in the morning and could not go back to sleep. So I got out of bed and watched Insomniac Music Theatre on VH1 then worked a bit more on this story so now I am posting it and it is about 9 in the morning. I really hate mornings.
Snow-Glory- I want to learn how to track. Be even better if Aragorn could teach me but I doubt that would ever happen. Oh well, I can still dream.
Riva van Dyk- I do not get the eye twitch; I can make my nostrils flare and I usually do that when I get irritated and trying to calm myself. Quite funny actually if you watch me.
Leggylover03- Estel pain is here and there is more on the way so have no fear the pain is here. Oh god, I need some more sleep.
Roz- I love it when my readers review! It just makes my day and gets me all giddy inside. I just finished my sophomore year at college and still love you write. Not essays or term papers but I still love writing everything else. Thank you for the compliment on my stories; I really work hard on them to ensure that the readers will like them. And when are you going to update your story? I was/am enjoying it.
Got-lotr- ATTACK OF THE PENGUINS! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES OR THEY WILL KILL YOU WITH FISH!...penguins eat fish, right? Oh well, anyway. Happy reading.
Mirwen Sunrider/Elrondiel- Well thank you very much for the compliment. I have been getting a lot of those types of reviews saying that my writing is the best that they have seen on ff.net in a long time. But, oh well, I just continue to write.
Elven-Star-of-Gold- Sane people understand that it is almost impossible but insane people think they can fly…or bring someone back from the dead. Either way it never works out in the end. Good will always win over evil.
Jadesaber- I had a really hard time writing that scene with the carpet and everything, it just kept drawing out and I was worried that it was starting to get boring. But I am glad that it worked itself out in the end and everyone enjoyed it.
Beling- Oh yeah, like the president is going to come onto the television and say: "All schools are closed today so Spades can write the next chapter to her story." Yeah, when pigs fly. Heehee. I really wish; that would be so cool.
Coolio02- Thank you very much for the compliment. Hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Rose- YOU ARE IN ENGLAND? I LOVE ENGLAND! I am actually heading into London in a few days. So far it is my favorite city from all my travels. Well, anyway, thank you for the compliment and I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Galadriel evenstar- Heehee, (praises hidden future) because I have no idea what I will write.
Tychen- LOL, oh honey, you should participate in some of the conversations that Linuvial Greenleaf and I have at times. Oh my god, they can get X rated at times and it is so hilarious. Well, Aragorn really does not have to get dressed (smirks). BAD SPADES! (slaps hand).
Astalder27- Here is the new chapter (speaking to self: Back away slowly, Spades. Do not make eye contact and make no sudden movements). Enjoy!
Lynn- Hope you enjoy this chapter as much as the others.
Elven Kitten- I have been reading one of your stories and for the life of me I can not remember the name. Blast! Oh well, still next update, mellonin.
Grumpy- Thank you, mellonin, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Othrilis- Sorry it took me so long; it usually does not.
Alariel- Yeah, Bretharso has gone off the deep end and we shall see a good glimpse of that in coming chapters. I am so evil with my villains.
Linuvial Greenleaf- MELLONIN! MULTICOLORED BALDING PUSSY! HA! Heehee, okay, it is out of my system now, Heehee, yeah I am good. Anyway, dearie, I loved your comments on the story when you sent it back to me last night. I can just see you swinging that shirt around with one hand and holding onto some two dollar bills with the other. Heehee. Skinny dipping elves, Heehee, my mind is entering a new realm of bad thoughts and it is far too early in the morning to be thinking this way. Did you really set trap, honey? That is not a nice thing to do…but who really gives a flying flip? Do not scare the poor Ranger and elf. Males beware is we two ever meet up.
Hiei-Rulez- I explained it a bit in this chapter and will hopefully explain it more in either the next chapter or the one right after it. Hope you enjoy this chapter and till next time.