Brown Eyes
The company rose early, taking advantage of the fair weather. Cilmo, Thelyn and Legolas worked out their travel route. The camp was packed up and they were off. Jamie seemed to be faring well, so Thelyn kept them on a brisk pace. As they passed the land of Mordor on the south and the sea of Rhûn on the north, the day was wearing to a close. Cilmo searched the horizon for a familiar landmark.
"What are you looking for?" Legolas asked.
"There was a small farm not far from here, and they were hospitable to travelers when last we passed this way," Cilmo said. "We can water the horses and make camp there."
"What manner of people are they?" Thelyn asked suspiciously.
"Easterlings, but they are peasants and peace loving. It is the Overlords and their armies we need to watch out for," Anwaner piped in.
The sun was sinking in the west when they noticed black smoke billowing into the sky just over the next hill. Thelyn halted them and Cilmo and Polodrin went to take a look. They crept up to the crest of the hill and were horrified by what they saw. It was the farm that Cilmo had been looking for, and it was under attack. Easterling bandits had set fire to all the buildings, and they had the family captive.
"There are at least twenty of them," Polodrin said.
Cilmo looked at the carnage with fury, "Call the others," he said. "These barbarians will pay with blood."
Polodrin ran back down the hill and leapt back into his saddle. "Easterlings are burning the farm, and they have the family captive. There are about twenty."
Thelyn's face turned serious and he readied his bow, "Jamie, Nyére, stay here. Let's get them!"
The Rangers rode over the hill with weapons drawn. Polodrin led Cilmo's horse to him and he mounted up and joined them. Down in the valley, the Easterlings scattered, but there was nowhere for them to run. The Elves were on them in a flash. Legolas, Ambartur and the twins were deadly accurate with their bows and took out ten between them before they were close enough to use swords. Bit the men that held the family exacted their payment for being interrupted and killed the family before they died on the blades of the Rangers. The battle was short, and all the Easterlings were dead. Not a single one of the company was wounded, but they were all dejected at the loss of the captives.
"They were kind to us before," Kiirar said sadly. "We will give them an honorable burial."
"What of the raiders?" Shaalth asked.
"Pile the carcasses and burn them," Legolas said angrily.
Jamie and Nyére rode into the yard and looked at the bodies with sympathy. Nyére just sighed and dismounted.
"Jamie and I will tend to the horses and set up camp over there," she said. There was nothing else to be done.
Polodrin took two Rangers and scouted around for any stragglers that might have eluded them while the rest of them dealt with the dead. There was the farmer, his wife and a small child to bury. The graves were dug and they paused to show respect before finishing. Jamie and Nyére joined them and Cilmo just hung his head and spoke softly.
"I regret we were not able to prevent it, may they find peace and rest," Cilmo said.
As the farmhouse was reduced to a pile of ashes, they finished the graves and returned to camp. It was relatively quiet, and no one had much to say. Poldrin was uneasy about their location.
"We have scouted around and found nothing, but I cannot shake the feeling that we are being watched," Polodrin said.
"Indeed," Cilmo said. "I found myself wondering where the rest of the farmer's family is."
"The rest?" Legolas asked.
"He had three boys," Anwaner said. "I remember the oldest tended our horses."
"Perhaps they got away," Thelyn said hopefully.
"Where would they go?" Nyére asked. "Children alone out here in winter… Will they be alright?"
Alcon just stood and headed for his horse, "I'm going to take a look around."
"I'll go with you," Legolas offered.
"No," Alcon said quickly. "If they are close, maybe one will be less frightening than two. Perhaps I can draw them out."
Nyére stood, "Maybe a woman would be less threatening. I'm sure they are terrified."
"No," Polodrin said. "Let Alcon go."
Alcon mounted up and rode out of the camp and looked at the terrain thoughtfully. He wondered where a child would run in time of danger. Somewhere familiar and safe, a place they would play perhaps. He saw a small grove of trees in the distance and headed for that. It was hard to see tracks in the failing light, but he could tell the ground was well worn. There were a number of large boulders and rocks piled there and he searched carefully. Then he saw it, the reflection of moonlight in a pair of eyes hidden beneath the bushes. He dismounted and laid down his weapons.
"My name is Alcon," he said softly. "I mean you no harm. Come out, and I'll take care of you."
The bush rustled a little, and a small child, about five years old crawled out of the bushes and looked at him suspiciously. Alcon stood motionless and waited. The boy was filthy, covered in soot, but he seemed unhurt.
"What's your name?" Alcon asked.
"Godwin," the boy said timidly. "Are you an Elf?"
Alcon smiled, "Yes, I am." He held out his hand and the boy backed away a little. "It's alright, you're safe now."
"The bad men came," Godwin said.
"They are gone now," Alcon said. "You must be hungry."
"I'm waiting for my brother," Godwin said. "I'm not supposed to leave."
"We're just going over there," Alcon said. "See the fire? My friends made some dinner. What do you say?"
Godwin took another step forward and looked at Alcon suspiciously. "Where's my father?"
"The bad men killed him, and your mother and little brother," Alcon said. "I'm sorry."
Godwin hung his head and walked over to Alcon, "That is what they said they would do."
Alcon took his hand and led him over to his horse. He lifted the boy onto the saddle, picked up his weapons and led him back to the campfire. "Where did your brother go, Godwin?"
"To find me something to eat," Godwin said. "He said he'd take care of me."
"I'll take care of both of you," Alcon said seriously.
He reached the edge of camp and Godwin panicked. "No, no, no. I changed my mind! Forwin wouldn't like me coming with you," Godwin said and tried to get off the horse, but Alcon just caught him.
"No one is going to hurt you," Alcon said setting the boy down.
Godwin stared at the Elves all gathered around and his eyes were huge. Nyére just calmly brought the boy a plate of food and gave him a smile.
"Here, why don't you eat something," she said. "You'll feel better."
The boy looked at her suspiciously a moment, but her smile won him over and her took the offered plate and started eating like he was starving. Alcon led him to a seat by the fire and everyone exchanged sympathetic looks.
"Where's the older one?" Cilmo asked.
"I don't know," Alcon said. "This is Godwin, and he said his brother's name was Forwin."
Godwin quickly cleaned his plate and Jamie made up a bed for the boy and stepped around the fire to talk to him. Godwin just looked at Alcon nervously and stood to back away.
"It's alright, Godwin," Alcon said. "This is Jamie. She made you a place to sleep."
"But I have to go wait for Forwin," the boy insisted with tears threatening.
Alcon watched the child with a lump in his throat. The boy had a lost look on his face and big innocent brown eyes. Alcon knew the child had no one, save a brother who was, at the moment, missing. He knew he couldn't turn his back on this child. In a few short minutes, little Godwin had wormed his way into his heart.
"He'll find us," Jamie said with a smile. "Come on and get some rest. We'll find your brother."
Alcon gave the boy an encouraging nod, so he followed Jamie and lay down. It wasn't long before he fell asleep. Alcon was in a black mood and it showed. The rangers divided up the watches and went to bed but Alcon just paced the camp. Cilmo went to talk to him.
"It bothers you, doesn't it," he asked.
"I chose my targets poorly," Alcon said. "We should have saved them."
"They were dead before we charged, Alcon. There was nothing you could have done," Cilmo said. "There are other farms around here, perhaps there is family that will take them in."
"What if there isn't?" Alcon asked as he looked back at the slumbering child.
"I don't know," Cilmo said. "Try to get some sleep."
Alcon scowled, but went to his blanket to try and rest. He wondered where the other boy was and if he was safe. He hated for Godwin to lose any more of his family.
Forwin stayed hidden and watched the strangers intently. He never should have left Godwin alone, but he knew he couldn't move fast enough to elude detection if he'd brought him. Now he had food, but no Godwin. He could see they kept watch, and they were careful. He couldn't sneak in to get his brother without being seen. There were too many of them to outrun if they should spot him, so he decided to wait. They didn't look like they would hurt him, so Forwin decided to wait and watch.
He looked at the half rotted roots he found and frowned. Not exactly tasty, but they would keep him alive. He took one from his pouch and ate it, all the while watching the footsteps of the two men that paced the perimeter.
Morning came and there was still no sign of Godwin's older brother. Thelyn wanted to wait, but their errand was too urgent for them to delay. While the boy ate, he held a conference with Alcon, Cilmo and Legolas.
"We can't wait," Thelyn said. "We don't even know if this boy is still alive."
"He is," Alcon said. "Perhaps he is afraid of us."
"You don't know that," Cilmo said. "Maybe he just ran off."
"I don't think so," Legolas said. "But Thelyn's right, we can't wait. Let's take the boy with us. Maybe we can find someone willing to take him in."
"He may have family close," Cilmo said. "Let's ask him."
Alcon went over to Godwin and sat down. "Godwin, do you have any family nearby, an uncle perhaps or grandparents?"
"No," Godwin said as he polished off his breakfast, "Just Forwin."
"Where would Forwin go?" Alcon asked.
"I don't know, but he'll come back. He wouldn't leave me, he'll come back, he will!" Godwin insisted.
"Of course he will," Alcon said quickly. "Why don't we get you washed up?"
"I can do it myself," Godwin said indignantly and went to the well to draw some water. He scrubbed his hands and face and Alcon rejoined the conference with a grave expression.
"No one," Alcon said. "Let's take him with us."
So it was agreed, and they broke camp. Godwin didn't want to leave, but Alcon managed to convince him. Godwin shied away from everyone else, so Alcon let the boy ride with him. They headed eastward and everyone watched for signs of the elusive older brother, but no one saw a thing, except Alcon. He saw their shadow struggling to keep up. He had to admire the boy's tenacity. It was obvious that this Forwin never intended to abandon his brother. Alcon looked forward to meeting the boy.
Forwin followed on foot, trying his best to keep up. The trail was easy to follow so he was able to remain out of sight. It was well after dark when he finally caught up to the riders' camp by a small river. He tried to get closer without being seen, but unfortunately he startled the horses and a couple of them neighed nervously. Forwin carefully backed away and crept low to the ground. He prayed they didn't come to investigate. All was quiet, so Forwin sighed with relief.
"So, you must be Forwin," a firm voice said behind him.
Forwin turned and was confronted by a tall, broad looking Elf. He was looking down at him with humor in his eyes.
"Have you no tongue boy?" The Elf asked.
Forwin slowly stood and his hand rested on his dagger. "I have a tongue," he said quietly. "I came for my brother. Release him and we will go in peace."
"You don't look like you can take care of yourself, much less a young boy. Where will you go?" The Elf asked.
"Our business is our own," Forwin said. "I do not trust raiders or Avari, and I will not debate with renegades. We have done you no harm, give me my brother!"
Forwin drew his dagger and took a step closer, desperate to prove his worth and get his brother back. But the Elf moved so swiftly he never saw him grab the dagger and knock him to the ground. In a split second Forwin found himself on his back with the Elf sitting straddling his stomach.
"Never draw a weapon you do not know how to use, boy," the Elf said and then smiled. "Come, I'll take you to your brother."
"Why should I trust you?" Forwin demanded.
"You drew a dagger on me and yet you live," the Elf said as he got up and helped Forwin to his feet. "My name is Alcon, come, you must be exhausted after running after us all day."
Forwin looked at him in surprise, "But I stayed out of sight."
Alcon smirked as he led the boy to the fire, "Oh really?"
Forwin cringed. What was he going to do now?
"Forwin!" Godwin shouted and ran to his brother.
Forwin caught the boy in a hug and lifted him up. "Hey kid, you alright?"
"Yes, but mom and dad are dead," Godwin said seriously.
"I know, kid," Forwin said with a sad look on his face. "Come on, let's go."
Everyone watched the reunion with sympathy, but no one spoke. When Forwin tried to lead Godwin out of camp, Alcon barred the way with his arms crossed.
"I think you should accept the hospitality of the Elves tonight, Forwin," Alcon said seriously.
"I'd rather not," Forwin said defiantly.
"Its okay, Forwin, Alcon is real nice," Godwin said innocently.
Forwin looked around and realized he had no choice. He didn't like being here. He didn't trust strangers, especially strangers with smiles. He was so used to hiding. Every time people came to the farm he hid, just in case there was trouble. He'd hidden his whole life, trusting no one but his family. That's just the way it had to be in the plains.
"It seems I have no choice," Forwin said. "Can I have my dagger back?"
"I'll hang onto it for a while," Alcon said firmly. "Get yourself some food."
Godwin tugged on his brother's arm and led him to the fire. Jamie made him a plate and everyone gave the boy a little room. Forwin sat quietly and ate, but kept his eyes on everyone in the camp. It was obvious to everyone that he was frightened.
Alcon took a seat by his brother and sighed. "He doesn't trust us."
"Thanks for pointing that out, I hadn't noticed," Thelyn said with a smirk.
"What are we going to do?" Legolas asked.
"Take them both with us," Nyére said seriously. "We can't leave them out here. I refuse to abandon them."
"That was never in question," Alcon said. "I'll look after them."
Thelyn looked at his brother in surprise. "Why would you want to take responsibility for a couple of boys? Let's find someone to take them in."
"Stay out of it Thelyn," Alcon said angrily. "I know what I'm doing."
Thelyn looked at him curiously, "Fine, Alcon."
"That's right," Alcon said, and then stood and crossed the camp to speak to Forwin.
Forwin straightened up defensively and waited.
"Since you have no family, you and Godwin will remain with us," Alcon said. "You can sleep there, by the fire."
"We have family," Forwin lied. "I was going to take him there when you abducted him."
"Indeed?" Alcon said. "Where is this family?"
"In the settlement on the banks of the sea, it isn't far," Forwin said.
"Then I'll take you there," Alcon said. "Who is this family?"
"No!" Forwin protested a little too quickly, and then more calmly, "You don't need to. I can get us there."
Alcon just smirked, "Godwin, who lives by the sea?"
Godwin just looked up with confusion on his face, "Our uncle lived there before the overlord killed him. We don't go to the sea anymore."
Alcon smiled, "Never lie to an Elf, Forwin, you'll always get caught."
Forwin visibly paled. He had to find a way to get away before they found out the really big lie. He couldn't keep up his charade for too long, and he was absolutely terrified. His father had warned him that no one was to be trusted, ever.
Alcon just watched his expressions carefully. The boy looked to be in his teens. He was very thin and his clothes hung loosely. His face was smudged, but his eyes were striking. They were a deep brown like Godwin's but infinitely mysterious. He could see the boy was thinking carefully about his situation. The warning about lies had rattled him. Alcon had a feeling this boy was hiding something. He wanted to win the boy's trust. It looked like the boy could use a friend as much as a guardian.
"Go to bed, Forwin," Alcon said. "You'll be coming with us."
Forwin stood and pulled his little brother into a protective hug. "Where are you taking us?"
"To the Dorian wood," Alcon said.
Forwin looked like he was going to be sick, but said nothing. He just went to the bed the Elf had pointed to and lay down with his brother. They shared the blanket and eventually fell asleep. Alcon just sat by the fire and pondered the way the evening had gone.
"Congratulations, Alcon," Legolas said. "You're a father."
But Thelyn just put a hand on his brother's shoulder and gave him an encouraging look before turning in. He had to respect Alcon for taking on the duty. Perhaps in time the boy would warm up to them.
It was before dawn when Forwin woke. The camp was all quiet and he looked around to see where the watch was. He sat up slowly and was about to wake Godwin when he heard that red haired Elf's voice.
"Let him sleep, you're not going anywhere," Alcon said.
Forwin glared at him, "Why are you holding us? Have you nothing better to do than kidnap children?"
Alcon sighed, "How old are you boy?"
"Seventeen," Forwin said.
Alcon cocked a brow. The boy looked fourteen or fifteen… maybe. He had to be lying. "Another lie."
"Not this time," Forwin said firmly.
Alcon studied the boy's eyes and there was defiance in them, but he was telling the truth. "You're the scrawniest young man I've ever seen."
Forwin glared at him but said nothing. The conversation was getting dangerous. He didn't want them looking at him so closely. "Let us go, please."
Alcon could see the desperation on the boy's face. He wondered why he was still so scared. "We haven't hurt you, why don't you trust us?"
"You are Elves," Forwin said flatly.
"Give it up, Alcon," Cilmo said. "The peasants in this land know nothing about Elves save the stories the overlords tell them."
"I know more than you think," Forwin said, surprising them with his understanding of Sindarin. "And we are not peasants, you conceited avari."
Cilmo cocked a brow, "Well, well, well, a boy masquerading as a man."
"That is better than an orc masquerading as an Elf," Forwin said sarcastically.
"Rein in your tongue boy, my patience is much shorter than Alcon's," Cilmo said. "He has taken responsibility for you. I don't like flatlanders."
"Then we are even," Forwin said.
"Peace, Forwin," Alcon said firmly. "You will speak with respect or not at all. Go wash the filth from your face before we go. It may be a while before water is in such good supply."
Forwin walked down to the shore and knelt down. He warily washed, but still remained alert. Alcon and Cilmo watched him and Cilmo made an interesting observation.
"It takes many years of practice to be that watchful," Cilmo said. "That farm is quite isolated. What do you suppose teaches a boy to be so distrustful?"
"Raiders," Alcon speculated. "By the stars he's a sickly looking boy."
"Indeed," Cilmo agreed. "Just keep him out of my way, and if we find someone to take him in…"
"I know, you think he belongs with his own kind," Alcon said with a hint of annoyance.
"Yes, he does," Cilmo said. "When the time comes, let them go."
Alcon glanced at Godwin and felt that same tug at his heart strings. He didn't want to let them go and he couldn't for the life of him figure out why. It wasn't just guilt or pity. He liked them. Somewhere in those big brown eyes he saw himself. They were wild boys, and now they were alone. They needed guidance from someone trustworthy. They didn't know how unsafe this land was. Alcon didn't want to just place them into the hands of strangers no matter what Cilmo said.
"I'm going to tend the horses," Alcon said. "Don't let him run off."
"He's not going anywhere without his brother," Cilmo said.
Alcon nodded. Of course he wasn't. That was going to be the way to keep a handle on Forwin. Godwin trusted them and would stay close. Alcon smiled with satisfaction. This guardian thing was going to be a snap.
The Rangers broke camp quickly and after a hurried breakfast they were off. Godwin rode with Jamie, having grown to trust her as well as Alcon. Forwin didn't want to ride with anyone, but Alcon just hauled him up behind him and ordered him to hold on. They passed just south of the mountain range that housed the dwarf mines they'd passed through on the last trip. The land here was dry and desolate. The icy winds of winter bit through their cloaks and chilled them right through, but they continued to press on. Not a soul was seen, and Cilmo despaired at nit being able to lighten their load by two plains children. The company finally halted by the banks of the Nuduin River just north of the Sea of Helcar. On the far shore was the southern Edge of the Dorian woods and beyond that, the southern peaks of the Orocarni Mountains.
"We'll camp here," Thelyn said. "Get a fire going."
Forwin slipped off the back of Alcon's horse and stared at the distant shore with fear. He wanted no part of this journey or these Elves. He went to his brother and the pair remained close all evening. Forwin was ever watchful of his captors, just waiting for the opportunity he'd need to get away. After dinner, he found his chance, and took it. The watch was scouting around for any signs of danger and everyone else was busying themselves with settling in for the night. Forwin found his dagger in Alcon's saddlebag and slipped it inside his coat. He took Godwin down to the water to wash, and made sure they saw him. After a few minutes, while everyone was preoccupied he took off down the banks.
"Where are we going?" Godwin asked.
"Anywhere but with them," Forwin said quickly. "We have to find our own way, Godwin."
"But they were nice," Godwin said in confusion.
"Were they? Where are mom and dad and little Jevan? Did you ask them that?" Forwin asked his brother.
"The bad men killed them," Godwin said, "And they killed the bad men."
"We're lucky they didn't kill us," Forwin said. "If they knew who we were, we'd be dead."
"I didn't tell, honest I didn't, no one knows," Godwin said with tears in his eyes. "I want it to be like before. I don't want to hide anymore."
Forwin halted and picked his brother up and hugged him. "Shhh, I'm here. I won't let anything happen to you, I promise. We'll find a place where we can finally be safe."
"It was awful when they came," Godwin sobbed. "They hurt daddy and wanted to know where you and I were hiding. They knew. They knew who we were. He wouldn't tell… he wouldn't…"
Forwin kept walking as fast as he could while holding his brother, but it wasn't enough. He heard them following and dove for some bushes to hide.
"Shhh," Forwin whispered.
Godwin buried his face in his brother's shoulder and tried to be quiet. Forwin could see Alcon and his twin brother searching for them, and they were getting closer. But then someone called to them and they rode away. Forwin sighed with relief and slipped out of the bushes and back down the banks where the tall reeds helped to shield them. He prayed they'd given up. He walked, carrying his slumbering brother until his legs gave out with utter exhaustion. He dropped to his knees and crawled into a thicket of bushes to hide and fell asleep. Tomorrow they could go back and find a safe place. That's what they needed, a safe place…safe…