Lure of the Forest
Jamie heard the soft distant whisper of the trees on the wind. It was like a relentless call that she was powerless to ignore. Here in the city she felt closed in, caged like a prisoner. She needed to get out, and she knew they would not let her. Sure, they would say it was to keep her safe, but it felt the same, and she hated it. She frowned at the distant hills from her window and went to breakfast.
Jamie and Allassante ran into each other in the hallway on the way to breakfast. Jamie seemed to be lost in thought and looking a little depressed, so Allassante asked her what was wrong.
"Jamie, where is your smile today?" Allassante asked.
"In the forest, I expect," Jamie said. "I miss it."
"You were not meant to hide within stone walls, were you?" Allassante asked. "Perhaps a little ride in the hills would be just what you need."
"Nope," Jamie said. "I'm not allowed to go without an escort, and to be blunt, I don't want company."
"Oh, are the Avari getting to you?" Allassante asked with a smirk.
"They're a nice bunch, but they hover," Jamie said as she rolled her eyes. "I need some breathing space."
"They feel out of place here, and you remind them of what they left behind," Allassante said seriously.
"I'm not even an Elf," Jamie said in confusion.
"No, you're the voice of the forest, and they see within you what you take for granted, the song," Allassante said.
"Well, I'd still like a break," Jamie said, brushing aside the explanation.
"You can't go alone, but perhaps we could both go," Allassante suggested.
"Would your father allow it?"
"No," Allassante said, "But, I have not always asked permission. I have a plan, go along with it."
Jamie smiled at Allassante's mischievous streak. "I'm with you all the way, but what about Cilmo?"
"I could use a break too," Allassante said as they entered the hall.
It was still quite early, and the hall was quiet. Jamie took a seat at a table while Allassante went to get a tray. They ate quickly and watched for someone to tell their alibi to. At last, Allassante saw Miiriel and smiled. When her sister in law joined them she casually mentioned their plans for the day.
"Good morning Allassante… Jamie," Miiriel said with a smile. "What are you two going to do today?"
"Jamie needs a few gowns, so we were going to visit Lyssia for a fitting," Allassante said.
Miiriel cocked a brow, "An excellent idea."
"Yes, and we were going to slip out early before the Avari joined us," Allassante continued. "Jamie needs a break, and so do I."
Miiriel laughed, "Oh, are you getting too much attention from lord Cilmo?" she asked with a smirk.
Allassante blushed, "Surely they can find other diversions in such a large city without having to follow us around."
"You like the attention," Miiriel said. "For once it is you who has an admirer."
Allassante glared at Miiriel, "I wasn't looking for one."
Miiriel smiled knowingly, "Indeed? Well, take your break then, I'll not tell them your plans, only that you are otherwise engaged for the day."
"Thank you, now we'd better get going," Allassante said, grabbing Jamie's arm and leaving the hall. They snuck back to their rooms and changed into their riding clothes. Jamie was just finishing up dressing when she heard a tap on her door.
"Who is it?" she asked nervously.
"It's me, open up quick," Allassante whispered.
Jamie opened the door and Allassante ducked inside and closed the door just as the Avari Rangers walked by. They listened at the door as they passed…
"And what are you and the princess going to do today?" Kiirar asked.
"It matters little so long as I can be in her company," Cilmo said. "Will you be instructing Jamie again?"
"Of course," Anwaner said with a chuckle. "She's a fair lady, and learns fast. It's too bad she's already spoken for."
"Watch your step, her betrothed is the King's nephew," Cilmo said…
"They're gone," Jamie whispered. "How are we going to sneak out without them seeing us dressed like this?"
Allassante smiled. "I know the keep inside and out, and every servant's entrance. Come on."
So the pair headed down the back stairs to the servant's quarters and down the passage to the kitchens. They slipped out the side door that led through the kitchen garden and down to the back entrance to the stables. It was too early to see the stable master, so they could saddle up and be gone before anyone saw them. And of course, that is just what they did. When they rode through the gates, they wore their hoods drawn up to hide their faces and didn't stop until they were out of sight of the guards. They followed the main path into the hills west of the city and right up into the forest. The air was cool and there was mist still covering the ground as the sun made its lazy climb from dawn to noon. Allassante wanted to stop by the pond, but Jamie urged them on, following the whispers of the trees she'd ached to hear for days.
"Where do you lead?" Allassante asked.
"The song is calling, can't you hear it?" Jamie asked with a smile. She urged Starsong to go faster and they tore through narrow paths and between trees that seemed to Allassante to be closing in around them. She was not comfortable with what she was seeing.
"Jamie, the trees, they're moving," Allassante called as she was forced to dodge them just to keep up. "Jamie wait! They don't want me to follow…"
Jamie halted and turned. Allassante was caught between four trees and couldn't get out. Jamie frowned, "Let her go!" she ordered in entish, and the trees moved aside. "She is my friend."
Allassante caught up to her and stared in disbelief, "You… you speak entish?"
"Yeah, go figure," Jamie said with a shrug. "Come on, they apologized. They thought you were chasing me."
They rode together at a light pace going deeper into the wood until at last they came to a small hidden spring fed pool. It was surrounded by a perfect ring of trees. At the center of the clearing, there was a stone monument, old and weathered, with ancient runes inscribed on it. Jamie smiled when she saw it and she dismounted and walked over to the stone.
"I have seen this rock before," she said, "But not here, at home." She reached out and ran her hands over the stone and closed her eyes. "It smells like home here."
Allassante thought she'd been all over these hills, but she'd never seen this place before. There was magic at work here and it unnerved her. Jamie's ties to the forest were strong and mysterious and Allassante felt anxious.
"What do the runes say?" Allassante asked.
Jamie opened her eyes, turned and shrugged, "I haven't got a clue," she admitted. "But it's familiar. The trees are quiet here, like they're listening. Can't you feel how peaceful it is?"
Allassante started to relax and she joined Jamie by the stone. The runes were not familiar to her, but she decided not to worry about it. They both took a drink from the spring and sat in a patch of sun to rest. Jamie fell back and stared up through the canopy at the sky. She started to hum, and the trees around them trembled. Allassante looked around in awe and then shook Jamie's arm.
"Why do they do that?" Allassante asked.
"They like the sound," Jamie said and started to sing. The words were entish, and echoed the whispers of the forest…
Oh, daughter of earth and sky and spring
Return now, lift your voice and sing
Our roots are chained to mother earth
Our branches weary and our bark thin
Free us, call our hearts to wake!
Our roots to loose and step again
What once was free to walk in mirth
In winter's cold or fairest spring-
The forest is no silent thing!
Oh, daughter of earth, sing, sing, sing!
The trees settled down and simply swayed dreamily and Allassante laid back and closed her eyes to listen. It was warm here in this hidden circle and the grass was soft and green. The day was quiet and peaceful and they fell asleep to the quiet lull of the rustling trees.
The River Ship docked at Harlond and Thelyn led his horse down the gang plank to the docks. The men that tended to the ships knew him well and waved.
"Visiting your sister?" one of them called.
"Visiting my betrothed," Thelyn said proudly.
"You jest!" he called back.
Thelyn cocked a brow and the sailors saw the bundle of wildflowers tied to his saddle.
"Perhaps you do not jest," the sailor said. "Congratulations, Wild one."
"Thanks," Thelyn said as he mounted up and headed down the short road to the main gate.
The sailor looked at his companion, "I never thought I'd live to see one of those two wed."
"You best get back to work or you won't," The old sailor said with a smirk.
Thelyn rode up to the courtyard and dismounted. He grabbed his saddlebag and left his horse in the care of the stable master. His heart was light, expecting to see Jamie as he strode past the white tree and up the steps to the King's Keep. Within the hall there was the usual activity, people from near and far seeking the wisdom or mercy of the King. Some of the family was usually around, and it was the same today. Eldarion was seated by the fire with little Nolvo, and Thelyn greeted him.
"There's a handsome prince," Thelyn said with a smile.
"Thank you, Thelyn," Eldarion said.
"I was talking about my nephew," Thelyn said with a smirk.
"Oh, well… Thank you," Eldarion said with a playful smile. "Here to see Jamie?"
"That was my intention," Thelyn said. "Where is she?"
Eldarion furrowed his brow, "I have not seen her today. She and Allassante have been keeping company with the Avari, but I have not seen them either."
Thelyn frowned at the mention of the Avari, "I'll find her," he said and headed out of the hall. He deposited his saddlebags in his room, and headed to the garden. If he knew Jamie, that is where he would find her.
Cilmo and his rangers were seated out in the garden, bored out of their minds. Anwaner was leaning against the tree with his arms crossed, frowning. Kiirar and Shaalth sat back to back glaring at the bear branches of the bushes. Lindar was lying down staring at the sky and Tinechor and Ohtar were pacing.
"When did Miiriel say they would be getting back?" Shaalth asked.
"She didn't say," Cilmo said dejectedly.
"I'm bored," Lindar complained. "Cities are boring."
Kiirar shook his head, "They'll be back soon."
Anwaner smiled, "What should we teach Jamie today?"
Ohtar looked up and interrupted, "Hey someone's coming."
Cilmo stood up and looked, "Is it Allassante?"
"Is it Jamie?" Lindar asked.
"No," Ohtar said and sat down. "It's nobody."
"Yeah? Well nobody's coming this way," Cilmo said.
Thelyn saw the Elves and headed right for them. Cilmo stepped forward and greeted him.
"Good afternoon," Cilmo said.
"I'm looking for Jamie," Thelyn said, ignoring the greeting.
"She has gone with Allassante for the day," Anwaner said lightly. "We have not seen them all day."
"Where have they gone?" Thelyn asked with concern.
"Who are you?" Cilmo asked.
"Thelyn of Ithilien. Jamie is my betrothed," Thelyn said indignantly.
All of the rangers perked up when they heard that and stood to look him over. Thelyn got the distinct impression he was being evaluated and got annoyed.
"What are you doing in Minas Tirith?" Thelyn asked as he crossed his arms and cocked a brow.
"We are here by the King's invitation," Kiirar said quickly. "Jamie is our friend."
"Peace, Kiirar," Cilmo said seriously. "You need not worry over us, Thelyn of Ithilien."
"Indeed?" Thelyn asked.
"You're not very trusting for an Elf," Anwaner said. "However did you charm so fair a lady?"
Thelyn uncrossed his arms and looked at Anwaner with fury, but Shaalth stepped between them.
"Miiriel knew where they were going, let's just go and ask her," Shaalth said.
"I want to know why you are all so well informed of her comings and goings," Thelyn said.
The Rangers all shuffled past him on their way back into the hall. Cilmo paused beside him and tried to put his mind at ease.
"Jealousy is a worthless emotion," Cilmo said. "She speaks only of you. Come, we will find her."
The Elves found Miiriel in the hall with her children and Thelyn picked up Lótétari and sat beside her. "Where's Jamie?" he asked her calmly.
Miiriel looked at the expectant faces of her brother and the Avari and sighed. "She and Allassante went to Lyssia's for fittings," Miiriel said.
"All day?" Cilmo asked.
Miiriel laughed, "Allassante wanted some time to herself, Lord Cilmo. And Jamie was tired of speech lessons."
Thelyn looked at the Avari curiously and spoke up, "That is what she has been doing?"
"She wanted to learn it for you, and she wanted it to be a surprise," Tinechor said.
Thelyn closed his eyes and sighed, "I owe you an apology. I thought…"
"We know what you thought," Anwaner said. "And we do not blame you. If Jamie were my betrothed, I'd be protective to."
Thelyn glared at him and Cilmo intervened, "Enough! Where is this seamstress' house?"
Thelyn set his niece down and stood, "I know where it is. Thanks sis."
"Anytime," she said with a smile.
Thelyn headed out of the hall and down the steps with seven Avari following. He stopped and turned and they looked at him questioningly. He just shook his head and kept going. When he reached Lyssia's house, he knocked. When the door opened, a kind older woman smiled at him.
"Well, what a surprise! Now, which one are you?" she asked.
Thelyn smiled, "Thelyn."
"Of course, of course! It is good to see you. It seems like only yesterday I made your mother's wedding gown," she said with a smile.
"And today you are working on a gown for my betrothed," Thelyn said. "Is she still here?"
Lyssia looked at him curiously, "I have seen no one today. Perhaps you are mistaken."
Thelyn sighed and gave her a bow. "I am. Sorry for disturbing you."
"Not at all," Lyssia said. "Visit anytime."
Thelyn turned and his expression was bleak.
"Well?" Cilmo asked nervously. "Where's Allassante?"
Thelyn looked at him and realized where his interest was. He gave him a broad smile, "Oh, now I understand."
Cilmo glared at him, "Our women are missing, this is no time for jests."
Thelyn's expression sobered, "I think I know what is going on. Follow me."
Thelyn went straight to the stables and spoke to the stable master. "Where's Starsong and Lightening?"
"They were gone when I came in this morning, the stable boy said he saw them leave right after dawn," the stable master said.
Thelyn frowned, "Thank you." He headed back to the keep and Cilmo ran after him.
"Well?"
"I better tell my uncle, and then we're going after them," he said. "Jamie and Allassante are not a good influence on each other. Jamie is flighty and Allassante is rebellious."
Jamie woke with the sudden realization that something was wrong. The trees were whispering warnings. Wake up daughter; wake up, danger, danger…
Jamie sat up suddenly and shook Allassante's shoulder, "Ally. Ally, wake up," she whispered.
"What is it?" Allassante asked.
"Shh, the trees are whispering, I think we should leave," Jamie said as she headed to the horses, but they were gone. She turned and looked at Allassante with panic in her eyes. "Ally?"
"All, right, just calm down," Allassante said. "We're not helpless, on foot or on a horse. Come on."
The pair left the circle and followed the barely visible path back towards Minas Tirith. Jamie listened to the trees, but they were suddenly quiet. She was worried. Quiet trees made her nervous.
Aragorn knew something was wrong as soon as he saw the look on Thelyn's face. He waved aside his last meeting and walked over to him.
"What is it, Thelyn?" Aragorn asked.
"What is it always?" Thelyn asked. "Jamie left with Allassante… without an escort. Where do you suppose they went?"
Aragorn looked at him with worry, "There is only one place, and it is not safe. Strangers have been spotted in the hills, and no one has been able to identify them."
"It's not us, this time," Cilmo said with a smirk.
"You're going after them?" Aragorn asked, knowing already that Thelyn would go.
"Yes, all of us," Thelyn said, nodding toward the Avari standing around him.
"Good, get going, and I'll follow with a few men as soon as we can saddle up," Aragorn said as he called Bergo over. "Allassante is really in trouble this time. Jamie follows the trees, but Allassante knows better."
Allassante suddenly stopped and grabbed Jamie's arm, "Wait, I heard something," she whispered.
Jamie looked around, and suddenly she saw a hooded figure step out of the trees, followed by another, and another… until they were surrounded.
"Let us pass," Allassante said boldly.
A figure stepped forward, and pulled down his hood.
"Ondollo," Jamie whispered.
Ondollo smiled but there was malice in his eyes. "Yes."
The hooded figures closed in and Allassante held Jamie's arm and said, "Sing Jamie!"
But it was too late. Jamie was struck on the head from behind and Allassante was shoved to the ground. They tied her hands behind her back, and Jamie was gagged despite being unconscious.
"What evil is this?" Allassante demanded.
"Not evil, survival," Ondollo said. "I will restore my home, and she will be the instrument of our salvation. Our forest will be healed."
"You are mad," Allassante said bitterly. "You cannot take what you want without consequences."
"I am counting on those… consequences," Ondollo said. "Cilmo is a traitor, but something tells me he will return for judgment to save you."
"My father is a peaceful man, but he will kill you for this," Allassante said.
Ondollo just smiled and motioned to his archer to gag her. They wrapped both captives in blankets and draped them over horses. Allassante tried to remain calm, but she was worried about Jamie. That blow on the head had been severe. At the moment there was nothing she could do. Their attackers all mounted up and they rode off, but to where? The harsh trots of the horse were making Allassante sick and she suddenly felt foolish for disobeying her father.
Thelyn and the Avari reached the tree line of the hills when he spotted a horse emerging. He recognized Starsong and felt relieved, until he realized he was rider less. He suddenly went pale as Lightening followed, also rider less.
"No," he said. Thelyn caught Starsong's reins and Cilmo caught Lightning's.
Cilmo's expression hardened and he felt a knot in the pit of his stomach. "Pick up the trail," he called to his riders. "Make all haste."
They back tracked along the trail the horses had left and then lost it as the forest became overgrown with bushes and ferns. They had to search around to find any signs that anyone had been there, but finally they stumbled on a small clearing and Cilmo and Thelyn dismounted to get a better look.
"Many footprints, large ones," Cilmo said. "And horses."
Thelyn looked around and his hand thoughtlessly brushed over his coat pocket where Jamie's lock was. He was absolutely terrified for her. "Why didn't the trees help her?"
"There is blood here, not much, but…" Cilmo said, but his voice trailed off when he saw Thelyn turn white. "We'll find them," he said, trying to reassure him.
Thelyn just mounted up and said, "Just read the trail and let's get after them. That is my love and my cousin, and I will have blood for this."
Cilmo's jaw tightened as he mounted up, "I will share in it," he said firmly. "They went this way, and it was not long ago."
They followed the trail at as quick a pace as they dare as not to miss their tracks. It seemed to wind along in no specific pattern and Cilmo was getting angry.
"This is a false trail," he said. "I know this trick well."
Anwaner looked at his captain with horror on his face, "He wouldn't."
"Indeed he would, and take pleasure from it," Cilmo said. "Now do I truly fear for them both. Ondollo has them, and he has twelve archers with him."
"The last of the army," Kiirar said. "They will follow him into fire without flinching."
"Fools!" Tinechor said angrily. "This is revenge for Nyére."
"No, it is revenge for me," Cilmo said.
Thelyn had heard enough, "He wants Jamie, and revenge is but a bonus."
Shaalth frowned, "This trail is futile in any case. We know where he is going."
Cilmo halted and hung his head, "Home."
Thelyn turned back towards Minas Tirith, "Uncle Aragorn is going to be upset. I think Ondollo has just declared war on Gondor."
Kiirar glared at the trail ahead, "That's just perfect. We're stuck right in the middle."
Thelyn just ignored them and picked up the pace with the rest following.
Cilmo was worried. He was not secure in his friendship with Gondor. A King with a lost daughter may not be as gracious as before. But he had no choice but to return. He would have to trust in the justice of this King, and hope he did not treat them as enemies.