Exterminators

Aragorn rose after only a couple hours of sleep. He felt a little refreshed and now he had to deal with a few decisions. First on his list was checking on Jamie. He went to the fire where she lay under the watchful eyes of her betrothed, Thelyn. Aragorn sat down and felt her forehead to see if her fever had returned.

"She hasn't stirred, Uncle," Thelyn said softly. "This waiting is killing me."

"Have a little faith, Thelyn," Aragorn said. "Her body needs rest to recover. She will wake."

Thelyn looked at Aragorn with uncertainty in his eyes. Before him was a man he'd known all his life, a great King and his mother's closest friend and brother. He wanted to believe there was hope, and if Aragorn said there was, then he would hold on tightly to it.

"You have never lied to me, and I know your skills as a healer. I will wait… with hope," Thelyn said.

Aragorn gave him a smile and put a hand on his shoulder, "Stay with her, but try to rest. You need to eat something."

"I'm not very hungry, maybe later," Thelyn said and turned back to Jamie. He held her hand and brushed a lock of hair from her face.

Aragorn sighed and left him some privacy. He had other things to deal with, like the spider infestation. Thelyn had slain the queen of the nest and burned the brood she'd been guarding, but there was a large colony still inside the caves. He went to the fire where Faramir and Eldarion were sitting with Alcon, Polodrin and Legolas. He sat down by his son and poked at the fire thoughtfully with a stick.

"Your daughter is quite upset," Legolas said.

"I do not understand her anger. Jamie lies there barely clinging to life, and yet she pleads for mercy," Aragorn said in annoyance.

"It is not the prisoner she pleads for, it is the captain," Eldarion said.

"If you would know of these Avari, speak with my wife," Polodrin said. "She had high praise for Lord Cilmo; he is well respected among his people."

Aragorn sighed, "It is his choice to stand with the archer. I do not understand the choice, but he has made it, and his Rangers follow."

"How is Jamie?" Alcon asked.

"Still sleeping," Aragorn said. "She is stronger than she looks. I am hopeful."

"Then give some to my brother, he has lost his," Alcon said.

"Already done, but he needs to eat and rest, Alcon," Aragorn said seriously. "Go and see to his needs, he is too upset to look after himself until she recovers."

Alcon nodded, "I'll take care of him," Alcon said as he rose. "He never was much good at looking after himself when he had something on his mind." Alcon left to get Thelyn something to eat, and feed it to him if need be.

Aragorn watched him go and then frowned, "In the mean time, as we cannot travel with Jamie in her condition, I thought we might busy ourselves with destroying the colony. Any suggestions?"

"Burn it," Legolas said firmly. "It will require a few brave men to go back inside, but it will do the job."

"There were no other ways out that we were able to find, but that doesn't mean there aren't any," Polodrin said.

"What of other creatures in the mountains," Faramir said. "We have only rumors, but it is certain that this land is not empty."

"Indeed, that spider was well fed," Aragorn said. "Perhaps we should leave her family to feast on orcs and trolls."

Legolas chuckled, "The idea would have merit, save the chance that they could migrate when their food supply gave out."

"I'll go, father," Eldarion said. "We saw most of those tunnels and it wouldn't be too hard to torch their nests."

"Why not wall up the entrance?" Faramir suggested.

"Spiders are a hearty sort," Legolas said. "We had an infestation in our wood some years ago. They tend to multiply when left alone. Burning them out destroys their eggs."

Aragorn nodded. "Very well, Eldarion, you see to it. Pick a few volunteers and gather whatever you need."

Legolas, Eldarion and Polodrin left to deal with the vermin in the caves and Faramir looked at Aragorn thoughtfully.

"How long will we camp here, my lord?" Faramir asked.

"There are no titles between us, Faramir, what is on your mind?" Aragorn asked. Faramir only spoke formally when he had something important to say.

"I understand our laws, but I think we should try to make peace with these Avari. Mercy may be the bridge to alliance. Let's not turn away the lost Elves of the East," Faramir said seriously.

"Your new daughter has made an impression on you," Aragorn said. "She is a kindhearted lady, but her people were not so friendly."

"Her father was mad, and he commanded deep respect from his army. This one's loyalty to him was his folly, but he is not an evil elf," Faramir said. "I followed the command of madness for a time out of my love for my father. I knew it was folly, but I chose to die by his word if that was his wish. I was given a second chance. All I ask is that you think about it."

Aragorn looked across the camp to where the Avari sat. His daughter sat with the captain he'd already grown to trust. "I have already given my judgment in the matter. If Jamie dies, the archer dies, along with any who choose to stand with him. It is Gondor's law, and if we lose Jamie, it is just."

"Jamie is not Miranda," Faramir said.

Aragorn looked at him with sparks of anger in his eyes. "My fondness for Jamie has nothing to do with my love for Miranda. The wizards in our world have gone, Miranda is gone, and the wisest of the Elves have crossed the sea. Fate brings another with a gift into our realm and we should guard and protect her. But if Jamie were the simple daughter of a peasant from the outskirts of my kingdom I could make no other judgment in this matter. Blood demands blood, and my daughter's life is no more valuable than any other. My daughter is well, but damage has been done. Three riders died in the caves killing spiders. Ondollo drove his own Elves to their deaths. We would not even have this conversation if I had not stayed my hand in the cave. I wanted to kill him then."

"Why didn't you?" Faramir asked with a cocked brow.

Aragorn frowned and stared angrily at the fire. "I saw him defending her," Aragorn said softly.

"I do not envy you this decision," Faramir said. "I spoke my mind, and will support whatever you choose to do."

"I didn't doubt that," Aragorn said. "Some days it is hard to be a king."

"Some days it is hard to be a father," Faramir said.

"Indeed," Aragorn agreed. "And daughters are the worst."

"And the best," Faramir said glancing at Failon as he walked by.

Aragorn noticed where his attention had gone and smiled. "If I could find her a husband as true of heart as Miranda's sons I would worry less."

"If?" Faramir asked. "I thought you had."

"So had I until he stood up for a kidnapper," Aragorn said.

"His people are lost to him," Faramir said seriously. "Take a walk in his boots and tell me you would behave differently."

Aragorn abruptly stood, "Enough! I will not debate this further until Jamie is well."

"So they wait for death while you ignore them," Faramir said.

"When did the Steward become my conscience?" Aragorn asked with a smirk.

Faramir smiled, "When did the king start distrusting Elves?"

"When I met Ondollo," Aragorn said and then strode away. Faramir was a tenacious debater. He loved his neighbors in the Ithilien wood, and his daughter now dwelt there. His son brought home an Avari princess as his bride. It is no wonder that he would plead for mercy on their behalf. But Aragorn was still reeling from the sight of his daughter inside a vile pit of spiders, screaming in terror. A swift death had been too kind for Ondollo. His crime deserved a better payment than that, but what's done is done. Aragorn needed some time to think without the opinions of others to cloud his feelings in the matter.

The day wore on, and Eldarion, along with Legolas, led twenty men back into the caves. They were armed with torches and swords and a plan. They'd seen enough to know the probable layout of the colony, and Legolas' experience made him an excellent guide. Outside, everyone waited fort heir return, and after several long hours, all of them emerged, unharmed, but covered in soot. Legolas and Eldarion just laughed when they saw the fading light of the evening.

"How fared the hunting party?" Failon asked when they reached the top of the cliff.

"When the queen had been killed, several of the large females started fighting to take her place. There weren't many left to deal with," Eldarion said. "The stench was unbearable, but fire cleanses."

"This nest is done for," Legolas said. "If there were other ways out, it matters little. None escaped."

"Then our ride was not entirely unneeded," Failon said. "It didn't take an army to rescue the ladies, but it has been fair weather for winter and it got me out of the house."

"Really, Failon! What would Silivren say?" Legolas asked with a grin.

"There are chores, Failon, get out of the kitchen… or something like that," Failon said as he laughed.

"Any news on Jamie?" Eldarion asked.

Failon's expression turned serious, "No change."

Thelyn was sick of everyone hovering over him. Alcon had been bombarding him with food and insisting he rest, and Bergo was hanging around like a relentless mosquito. He just wanted to be alone with Jamie.

"Bergo, will you kindly take my annoying brother and go get some dinner or something?" Thelyn asked in annoyance.

"Good idea," Alcon said. "I'll bring you something."

Thelyn rolled his eyes, "That's not what I meant."

Bergo laughed, "The fire is going strong; I'll be back later."

Thelyn just glared at his brother, "I don't need you to mother me."

"All right, I'm going," Alcon said. "But I will bring you some supper later."

"Fine!" Thelyn snapped at him.

"Fine!" Alcon said and stormed off. Stubborn lovesick Elf!

Thelyn sighed and hugged his knees. He was losing sight of his hope and his whole chest ached. He rested his head on his knees and tried to hold back the tears. It seemed that ever since he found her, there was always something keeping them apart. First it was her age, then his uncle, and then she was gone. He'd traveled through the waters of magic to find her, and now she was lost again. He was afraid there were no more miracles left for them. His fair lady with the golden voice slumbered near death and he was powerless to help her.

"Like Snow White, don't you think?" Polodrin said as he sat on his haunches beside Thelyn.

Thelyn looked up and his eyes were red and puffy. "What?"

"The sleeping lady, peaceful as death, like Snow White, perhaps you should kiss her," Polodrin said.

"You have your fairy tale, prince, don't taunt me," Thelyn said.

"If you give up, what has she to fight for?" Polodrin said angrily. "Talk to her, she can hear you. Tell her how you feel. Give her a reason to open her eyes." Polodrin stood and looked at Jamie. He didn't want to see her die. Her purpose in Middle Earth was not ended, he was sure of that. He didn't want to see Thelyn's heart broken either. He was going to say something else, but changed his mind and just walked away.

Thelyn turned to Jamie and lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. "Don't leave me like this, Jamie. Don't go where I can't follow," he said softly. "It's not fair for you to fall into my arms and make me love you and then leave again. I need you, Jamie."

Thelyn bent down and kissed her softly on the lips and then whispered, "Come back to me."

Jamie sighed and turned her head in her sleep. Thelyn sat up and waited anxiously. "Jamie?" he asked in a little louder voice.

Jamie was running through the trees of her home in the redwoods. Ondollo was chasing her, riding a giant spider and she couldn't seem to lose him. Jamie dodged between trees, but he managed to follow every time.

"Don't just stand there, save me, damn it!" Jamie shouted at the trees. Oh, yeah, you have to sing. "Kill the spider, kill the spider, kill the spider!" Jamie sang to the tune of the Bugs Bunny opera's 'kill de wabbit' song.

The trees didn't move a twig and Jamie finally tried to climb up a small cliff to get away. But then she heard a faint voice…

"Don't leave me like this."

"Thelyn?" Jamie called.

"Don't go where I can't follow."

"Thelyn? Where are you? I can't find you!" Jamie pulled herself up onto the ledge and looked at the spider and its angry rider.

"No one can save you now!" Ondollo shouted bitterly.

"Come back to me," Thelyn's voice said, sounding louder now. Where was he?

"Thelyn? Thelyn?" Jamie mumbled in her sleep.

"Yes, Jamie, I'm here," Thelyn said with a mixture of excitement and desperation in his voice. "Come on, my love, open your eyes."

Jamie's eyelids fluttered and finally opened. She seemed to take a moment to focus, but then she looked into his eyes and smiled. "You came for me," she said and then her expression turned serious, "Ally…"

"She's fine," Thelyn assured her. "How do you feel?"

Jamie just reached a hand up and touched his cheek, "I was really scared, but I'm fine now."

"You were hurt," Thelyn prompted.

"My head hurts a little," Jamie admitted.

Thelyn smiled warmly. He was so relieved. He bent down and kissed her tenderly. "I'm not leaving you again. I'll stay in Minas Tirith until Yenearsira."

"But your traditions," Jamie said in surprise.

"I have ordered a few new things, but the house is not important. It is you that matters. We will set up a house together," Thelyn said seriously.

"We could live under a tree for all I care, as long as we're together," Jamie said. "I missed you."

"Well, look who's awake," Alcon said. He turned and waved to Aragorn who immediately perked up and practically ran to join them.

Aragorn sat beside her and gave her a smile. "How's your head?"

"Sore," she admitted.

"Let me have a look," Aragorn said, "Turn your head a little." He carefully lifted the bandage and its poultice, and then he smiled. "The wound is clean, and mending." He replaced the bandage and smiled. "You had us worried there for a while."

"I'm tough," Jamie said, "And hungry."

Aragorn laughed, "Well, Thelyn, it seems we worried for nothing. She survived a blow that would have killed most men. Get her something to eat."

"I have that covered," Alcon said, holding up a plate. "Dragon stew, compliments of the Ithilien Rangers."

Thelyn rolled his eyes, "Charming."

"Dragon? What's it taste like?" Jamie asked.

Aragorn just chuckled and walked away, "Just like chicken, Jamie."

"Nah, it's more like pork," Alcon said with a wink. "Polodrin made it."

"Oh, well then it can't be too bad," Jamie said.

Thelyn helped her sit up and the three sat by the fire and talked while Jamie and Thelyn ate. Jamie thought the dragon tasted a little like bacon, but perhaps it depended on the cut. Alcon was satisfied that his brother had eaten, and he figured he'd be able to rest now that Jamie was on the mend. He excused himself and let them have a little time to talk.

"Allassante said they were very cruel to you," Thelyn said.

"They were afraid to let me speak. We were in the forest and I think they were afraid of the trees," Jamie said. "The gag was tight, I feel a little bruised." Jamie rubbed the corners of her mouth and Thelyn leaned closer and kissed her cheek.

"I think she was talking about something else," Thelyn said.

"Ondollo is a cruel hearted fellow. If that one archer never spoke up, we'd have gone days without water," Jamie said.

"Ondollo is dead, and most of the others, save one," Thelyn said.

"Which one," Jamie asked.

Thelyn pointed, "He is there, with the Rangers of the east."

Jamie strained her eyes and then smiled, "He's the one who stuck up for us. If anyone was going to make it out of that spider web, I'm glad it was him."

"But he kidnapped you," Thelyn said. "He is as guilty as the others."

"Haven't enough people been hurt already?" Jamie said.

"Indeed," Aragorn said as he came up behind them. "Jamie, what would you do in my place?"

"What do you mean?" Jamie asked.

"If you had died, he would have been guilty of murder, and the choice would have been clear," Aragorn began.

"But I live, so let him go," Jamie said.

"He is still a criminal," Thelyn said. "He kidnapped the King's daughter."

"Ondollo was the leader," Jamie said. "I wasn't feeling my best on that trip, but I know one thing, they were afraid of him. They followed a dictator. That one there tried to help us as much as he dared, and in the end, he stopped Ondollo from killing us."

Aragorn looked at Jamie and sighed, "You were the most abused in this kidnapping, and yet you are the most forgiving. How can I not listen to your counsel?"

"What do you intend to do with him?" Thelyn asked seriously. "Surely not just let him go free."

"Peace, Thelyn," Aragorn said in frustration. "See to your betrothed and leave the King's duties to me."

Thelyn gave him half a frown, "Sorry uncle."

Aragorn shook his head. "The sun has gone to bed, and so should you, Jamie. Rest is what you need, and if you feel up to riding tomorrow, we'll head home. I'll send a chaperone over here so you can stay close, Thelyn."

Thelyn blushed, "Uh, thanks," he said as he tucked the blanket back over Jamie.

When Aragorn left, Jamie looked at Thelyn with a twinkle in her eyes, "I bet we have five minutes before that chaperone arrives."

Thelyn smiled wickedly, "We are surrounded by two hundred riders, and you have a wound on your head yet you flirt with me. Where is your shyness now?"

Jamie blushed, "I only thought of a goodnight kiss," she said as she looked away.

Thelyn smiled and bent down close to her face. He rubbed the tip of his nose on hers and whispered, "Forever you will be the innocent girl I found, Jamie, but you need not blush with me. I like your flirting."

Jamie looked up into his green eyes and smiled, "What'd I ever do to win the heart of someone as wonderful as you?"

"You did nothing, Jamie. It is who you are that I love," Thelyn said. "I have had maids try to impress me, but they did not gain a second glance. Your heart is as beautiful as your face. That is what made me love you."

Thelyn closed the short distance between their lips and kissed her. He was careful to be gentle, remembering her treatment by the Avari. He heard footsteps and forced himself to break the kiss.

"Goodnight, Jamie," he said. "Rest now, I will be here."

"Goodnight, Thelyn." Jamie whispered.

Thelyn sat up and caught sight of his chaperone in the corner of his eyes and turned to see Failon standing there. He tossed a bedroll at Thelyn and he caught it.

"I want to see three feet between you," Failon said with a cocked brow.

"Yes, papa," Thelyn said with a smirk as he laid out his blanket by Jamie.

"This is as much for you as for her," Failon said in annoyance. "I'd rather be sleeping."

"Then sleep, I won't dishonor her," Thelyn said.

"Naïve Elf," Failon said shaking his head. "I can't wait to see you with a daughter. Then we'll see what you think about guarding a lady's honor."

"Shut up, Failon," Thelyn said as he lay down and covered up. "It is weeks until Yenearsira, and I intend to have sons."

Failon chuckled, "Good luck with that."

Thelyn just smiled and closed his eyes. Sons, lots of sons.

In the morning, Jamie was up and around before Thelyn. She smiled when she saw him sleeping beside her. She knew he probably hadn't slept very much so she let him sleep. She put her boots and coat on and rolled up the blankets. It was a large camp, larger than she'd ever seen and she felt a little lost. But then she saw Allassante seated by the Avari and Jamie went to join them.

"Jamie, you look a lot better," Allassante said.

"I feel better," Jamie said. "How about you?"

"I wasn't hurt like you were," Allassante said. "Just a little sore from riding on my stomach."

"Yeah, me too," Jamie said. "Not a fun way to travel."

Ambartur stood and looked at Jamie with deep sorrow in his eyes. "I am truly sorry for our treatment of you," he said. "I beg your forgiveness, Lady."

"Ah, forget it," Jamie said lightly. "It wasn't your idea."

Ambartur looked at her in shock, not knowing what to say. He looked at Cilmo who just shrugged. "But…"

Jamie just furrowed her brow and brushed the subject aside. "So what's for breakfast, Dragon steaks and eggs?" Jamie asked Allassante with a laugh.

"Where's Thelyn?" Allassante asked.

"Oh, he was still sleeping so I didn't wake him. He probably had a rough night while I was sick," Jamie said. "If it was him, I wouldn't sleep so…"

"Jamie?" they heard someone call.

"You should have waked him," Cilmo said and then made a loud whistle sound to catch Thelyn's attention. "Go to him," Cilmo said. "He slew several spiders to rescue you. He's a worthy Elf."

Jamie headed back to Thelyn who was practically running to meet her. He grabbed her and hugged her. "I thought you were gone again," he said. "I had this dream and then when I woke…"

"Oh, Thelyn, I just thought you'd like to sleep," Jamie said.

"All right, break it up," Aragorn said with a smirk. "How do you feel?"

"I can ride," Jamie said.

Aragorn looked at Thelyn for confirmation and he nodded. "Good, but you'll have to ride with Thelyn, we're short on horses."

Thelyn smiled, "I don't mind."

"I didn't think you would," Aragorn said.

"As long as I don't have to ride on my stomach like a sack of potatoes," Jamie said with a laugh.

"You'll be comfortable," Thelyn whispered in her ear.

Jamie just smiled and Aragorn rolled his eyes.

The camp break down was efficient, and the small army was on its way back to Ithilien in no time. They returned the way they'd come, though not at such an urgent pace. Jamie rode in front of Thelyn with his arm wrapped protectively around her waist. Allassante rode with her brother, Eldarion, with Cilmo keeping a close pace with them. Aragorn watched the Avari riders carefully as they went. They remained unbound, but unarmed, and they followed without question or protest. They large company rode as far as they could in daylight and finally made camp beyond the gates of Mordor, a few hours ride from Ithilien. While the others made camp, Aragorn went to the Avari to give them his decision.

"Lord Cilmo, gather your Rangers and the prisoner," Aragorn said.

Cilmo made a quick signal to Anwaner and in minutes they were gathered around.

"We are ready to receive your judgment," Cilmo said, standing firm as if to bear the brunt of a severe blow.

"Your Lord is gone, where is your allegiance?" Aragorn asked.

"I will answer to the Princess, though she dwells in her husband's country," Cilmo said. "By right of birth, she is our lady, we owe her our allegiance."

"What do your laws say is payment for kidnapping?" Aragorn said.

"Death, swift and sure," Ambartur said. "I accept it, and ask that you not honor their request to stand with me."

"Gondor guards its own, and often deals out blood for blood. But there are many who speak for you, even in this small company," Aragorn said.

"Your daughter is gracious," Cilmo said.

"My daughter loves you," Aragorn said, a little annoyed at being interrupted. "If it were only her, I would not have been so swayed, but Jamie has pleaded for you. She was the most wronged, and yet she asked me to let you go."

Ambartur looked at the King in shock and waited for him to finish.

"I pardon you, and you are free to go where you will. Fretho will return all your weapons, and you may keep that horse. Go in peace," Aragorn said.

Ambartur dropped to his knees, his heart heavy with gratitude, "I have nowhere to go, save with this captain."

"Do you accept responsibility for him?" Aragorn asked Cilmo.

"I do," Cilmo said.

"Fine," Aragorn said and then left.

He had done what he thought was right, despite his anger. The survivor did not deserve death, but he would have preferred the Elf return to the east rather than join the Rangers. Aragorn was not ready to trust him; his anger was still too fresh.

Thelyn was settled in by Jamie at the fire. In their company was Failon, Alcon and Legolas all chatting and telling stories to entertain Jamie. After a few minutes, they were interrupted by Ambartur, and Thelyn stood and glared at him.

"What do you want?" Thelyn asked angrily, and then noticed he carried his weapons again.

"Aragorn pardoned him," Legolas said.

Ambartur looked at Thelyn nervously, but would not back down before he could speak.

"Take your pardon and go," Thelyn said.

Jamie reached up and put a hand on Thelyn's and he paused.

"Say what you came to say," Jamie said.

"The king pardoned me at your word, Lady," Ambartur said. "I am in your debt."

"Go home to your family and be happy," Jamie said. "That is all the payment I need."

"Our forest holds them captive," Ambartur said. "If they live."

Jamie had not heard this story and she stood and looked at him in surprise. "What?"

"Pollando cursed the Avari when he sent you home," Legolas said. "If they ever tried to make war on another, the forest would crush them."

Jamie went pale. "No wonder Ondollo was crazy."

"I have nothing to return to, and I would repay my debt," Ambartur said.

Thelyn glared at him, "You would do just fine if you just left."

"How many?" Jamie asked weakly.

"What?" Thelyn asked her.

"How many of your people are trapped by the forest?" Jamie clarified.

"Only a few, no more than a hundred," Ambartur said. "My wife is among them."

Failon and Alcon both cringed when they saw the look on Jamie's face. She was going to volunteer to help them, they just knew it.

"No one told me," Jamie said. "I would have gone in a heartbeat if he had just asked me."

"After all that has happened, I cannot ask," Ambartur said.

"And knowing the truth, I can't let them die," Jamie said. "If there is a chance, I have to go."

Thelyn looked at Jamie and saw sheer determination on her face. There would be no stopping her, and he knew it was pointless to try. He just took her hand and led her away from the fire to talk.

"Where does all this compassion come from?" Thelyn asked. "I look at him and see an Elf I would have killed if I'd gotten to him first."

"I know," Jamie said. "But he tried to help us, and I trust him. And those people in the wood did nothing wrong."

"It won't be an easy trip," Thelyn said. "It is the coldest days of winter."

"So we'll pack a few extra blankets," Jamie said.

Thelyn sighed, "You know I am only doing this because I love you."

"And I am doing this for Nyére's people. I'm not ready to give up on them, and I made her a promise," Jamie said. "They deserve a chance."

"And what of our wedding?" Thelyn asked.

"No one said we had to have a big wedding. Nothing like a little adventure to pass the time," Jamie said.

Thelyn hugged her. She wouldn't be the woman he loved if she could have turned a blind eye to the suffering of others. He would have to do this, but he'd need his uncle's permission. That might not be easy to get.

"I will take you there, but you will need the King's leave," Thelyn said.

"No problem," Jamie said.

Thelyn chuckled, "Right."