Chapter 7
The Elves were a league from the Mirkwood border when a dark presence filled their consciousness.
"Orcs." Elrond muttered. "We cannot outrun them; I fear we will loose Estel for sure if he is badly jolted much more. We must stay in the trees, we are less noticed that way; Legolas go ahead and get home; we have to pray Thranduil has cooled down..."
"Elrohir take Estel and go with him, if he does not let you pass his gate head for Lórien, we will meet you there," Elladan finished for him. "GO. RUN." With that the two younger Elves sped off into the trees.
"Elladan..." Elrond started.
"Come on father, we shall run whilst we can." Elladan said and they followed the younger Elves toward Mirkwood palace.
"There are too many, we cannot outrun them for much longer." Elladan said looking back.
"You don't have to." Elrond said suddenly.
"What?" Elladan asked but it was too late, the elder Elf was running toward the horde.
"Father..." Elladan called seeing the elder.
"Get out of here son." Elrond yelled seeing the Orcs approaching fast, screeches of Nazgûl not far behind.
"No, I will not go without you."
"You have to go, go back home, take over."
"I can't..."
"You are ready to lead on your own, trust your instincts."
"Father don't do this."
"There is no other way to stop them from getting you. Make sure the others are safe."
"Father..." tears welled in his eyes.
"Take it, I will always be with you my son," he wrapped something small in his son's palm, "guard it well." Orcs were in sight. "Go, hurry. Run." He yelled.
Elladan swung into a tree and watched in silent horror as the Orcs surrounded him, he saw determination and dilution in the elder's eyes as he fought against the Orcs, the Nazgûl rode forward. Elladan forced himself to stay hidden in the tree as he saw swords going through his father, unwanted tears rolled down his cheeks. I am sorry father, he thought turning his head away. Namári.
Elladan was forced to wait until the Nazgûl and Orcs had dispersed through the trees before he silently dropped to the floor and continued after his brothers, ways he could have saved his father running through his mind.