Into the Labyrinth

Author: Mirfaen

Chapter 23: The Storm Breaks

His joints ached all through his body and he could not tell whether it was a result of the uncomfortable position he had been tied in or a strange side effect of the drug. He wiggled his fingers. They were tingling painfully and his wrists and arm muscles were burning from the strain of the rope. His vision seemed unnaturally dim and stabs of pain shot through his head from temple to temple. Knowing that his hands would soon go completely numb, he began to feel around behind him for any knots that he might be able to loosen. His fingers ran over and under his own ankles and he found a knot in-between them. But he could only brush it with the very tips of his fingers; his hands bumped together if he tried to untie it from the top and he could not stretch far enough to reach under.

Unnaturally tired, he let his head rest on the wall next to him and his eyes fell to the floor where he noticed his own blood was smeared. He was too weary to feel any strong emotion at the sight and closed his eyes slowly. He needed to move. He wanted to get away from the barred doorway so that he could not be seen from the hallway. It crossed his mind vaguely that Aragorn would want to know he was awake. But he did not want to see or talk to Aragorn and so he did not make a sound. He felt humiliated at his own helplessness and although he knew the young man had most likely already seen him like this, he did not want his situation to be acknowledged between them.

He looked over to his metal bed. It was not that far away but he knew he was too weak to make it. He would have to walk on his knees with his hands tied to his ankles and even if the very thought of that simple prospect was not disgraceful enough, he felt as though were he to even push away from the wall he would topple onto his face. One corner of his mouth flitted upward ever so briefly in a smile at the thought of himself floundering on the floor face down. That would not be entirely impressive. Reviewing his options and surprising himself at his mind's ability to do so, he decided firmly to remain exactly where he was, ignoring the fact that it was indeed his only choice.

His mind began to wander and he let it, not quite wishing to confront his rapidly declining plight. He wondered what Isorfinduil and the twins might be doing at that very moment and was instantly ill at ease. They were not well. A strange force of darkness again pressed him, indistinct to his senses yet steady and growing. The connection between he and the life of the natural world seemed to be fairly tremoring at the dark invasion.

A sharp noise made him snap out of his shaded contemplation with a start and he thought he heard the echoing music of a man laughing. No, not a man. It was Alymar. He did not try to hear what was being said. His head ached too much and he did not care to listen. The corrupt twin's purposeful footfalls came down the hallway and he knew already that he would be paid a visit. Keys jangled at someone's hip and there was motion across the hall. Legolas looked up and met Aragorn's eyes, who was wearing a mixed expression of shock, pain, and anger. Noticing the thick bandages on the young man's right hand, the Elf cocked his head slightly in confusion. When did that happen? How long had he been unconscious? The silvery voice reached his ears again and he looked away from Aragorn.

"I would invite you in but I'd like this to be more of a private meeting, you see," it said.

"Quite understandable," replied an unfamiliar voice with a hint of a smile. "I'll be at the end of the hall as usual."

"Good, good. Yes, I'll take those." Keys jangled again and passed between hands.

Legolas let out a breath and with it the name of the man coming to see him, so softly that it could have been a pronunciation of his mind rather than his mouth.

"I see you know my voice," Alymar said, appearing at his doorway and fiddling with the key and lock.

"I would know your voice anywhere, Alymar. At any time," Legolas responded almost carelessly.

"I feel honored to be held in such high esteem by a person such as yourself," the man replied, turning the key as it fell into the lock.

"Low esteem, if at all."

Alymar laughed, looking at Legolas for the first time as he opened the door wide. His eyes shone like pieces of onyx expertly cut to catch the light. He spread an arm, indicating the length of the hallway.

"My spirited friend, you are free to leave."

There was a moment of silence and then Alymar laughed musically again, entering Legolas' room and closing the door behind him. He sat crosslegged in front of the Elf.

"In that case, let us have a chat."

Legolas snorted.

"Come now, you do not want to talk? I do not see any other pressing matters for you to attend to. If there are things that you simply cannot ignore, please feel free to go about them as we talk."

"What do you want?"

"Legolas, do not make yourself look foolish. I have told you twice now."

"What would possibly possess me to pass words with you?"

"Whatever is possessing you to do so now."

"Tell me what you want to know and I will decide whether or not to tell you, though I will most likely not."

"I'm not here to interrogate you. I simply want to speak with you. You interest me."

"Like a wolf is interested in a cornered deer?"

"Come, you think I do not like you?" Alymar replied with a chuckle. He was speaking as though they were two friends enjoying the warmth of a fire and catching up on lost years. "You are a creature of great mystery."

"So are you." Legolas said, partly surprising himself by voicing his thoughts.

Alymar became serious, studying Legolas as though trying to figure out something that the Elf knew and he did not. His arms were crossed and he vaguely reminded Legolas of the genies of children's stories, his stern features and the sharp line of his beard combined with the shiny green fabric of his clothes and his long braided hair giving him an unearthly bearing.

"That is a very interesting thing for you to say and we must go back to that point. But for now I would like to know something." The man leaned back against the wall and rubbed his chin with a hand. "When I think of everything you have gone through so far I can only admire your endurance. Not only physically but emotionally as well. And when I look at your eyes it is clear to me that you have been through much pain in the past. What is it, I wonder, that stops you from simply giving up? Why do you continue living out your eternal years if they bring you only turmoil?"

"I thought this was not an interrogation."

"It isn't."

"Are you not simply using pretty words to ask what is dear to me? You'll have to excuse me," he said disdainfully, "but you're the last person I would tell."

"It may sound as though I am jumping to conclusions my dear Elf, but I do believe I know you better than that. What is truly dear to you is far beyond my reach. In a way I see that you are as well. But only in that one, very small way." Alymar smiled, apparently very pleased with himself. "I am sure that your friend is very dear to you. And that if I were to kill him it would pierce your heart mightily. But your core is strong and is made of something that humans cannot possibly hope to understand. Am I right?"

Again Legolas surprised himself. "Yes."

"I wonder then, if perhaps you share a connection with other kinds that are not human. Other races that run deeper than human understanding. Dwarves? You dislike each other yes, but that does not mean you don't share a connection." Alymar looked deep into his eyes as he posed his next question. "Orcs? Creatures that originated from Elves must certainly have some bond with them beyond human comprehension. More often than not bitter enemies hate all the more passionately because they understand each other. Orcs despise your kind because they see what they had the opportunity to be, what they once were. But they will never be noble, they will never be beautiful as you are. They can only taste the clean beauty enough to hate you for having it, for being it."

Legolas did not know how Alymar expected him to respond to that and his head had again become painfully foggy so he remained silent. The laceration along the back of his knee was throbbing with dull pain.

"It would take virtually nothing to get an Orc to kill an Elf, yes? Just opportunity. Does that work the same for an Elf to kill an Orc?" After seeing that Legolas would not respond again, he continued. "I am curious as to how they match up in physical combat. Would one Elf and one Orc be evenly matched? Would that Orc be too much for one Elf?"

Legolas felt his pride flare in indignation. "Not nearly."

Alymar smiled slowly. "My, the pride of an Elf is to be reckoned with. However, I have confidence that an Elf standing alone and weaponless would die at the hands of, say, five armed and bloodthirsty Orcs."

"Then your confidence is ill-placed."

Alymar laughed and stood up abruptly. "I'll just have to try it sometime so we can find out for sure how many Orcs it takes to kill an Elf."

The man looked ready to leave but he paused to squat in front of Legolas.

"It is a pity that we did not meet in another world, under different circumstances. I think that we would have been good friends, Legolas."

Legolas' eyes burned with passion as he glared back at his captor. "Never in ten thousand lifetimes would I entertain the thought of being friends with you," he ground out. "No matter what world I found myself on. You disgust me."

Legolas' neck was suddenly caught in a strong grip just below his ear in one of Alymar's hands. A thumb pushed up painfully under his chin, forcing his head up slightly and fingers dug into the back of his neck as Alymar brought his face close. The man's countenance was tight and his eyes shone with a deadly light.

"Do not think for a second that because I respect you I would not drive a sword into your chest if I felt the desire. You are alive because you make us money, not because I like you. Be glad that I have not decided to do worse things to you than making you fight in the arena. And keep in mind that I still could do those things if you do not show a return of respect."

With that, Alymar patted the side of the Elf's head just a little too hard to be friendly, stood briskly, and left the cell door locked behind him.

Isorfinduil could hardly believe his fate. Being attacked by Elladan had left him aching and his ears ringing, and as he was late to meet with Kenan at the Sleeping Demon he had been sprinting at full speed for nearly half an hour. And up ahead, the storm of the century was stewing inside the Misty Mountains, gathering power until the mountains could no longer keep it in check and it spilled into the valley and the little town of Rahma. Thunder rolled lazily through the sky with an energy that he could feel in the ground under his feet. The sun had set and the deserted roads were dark.

The Sleeping Demon finally came into view ahead and he slowed his run, hugging the buildings at the side of the road. He could not see anyone out front but he was not surprised. If Kenan was still there he would most likely be within the trees to the side of the building. Isorfinduil slipped into the woods, trying unsuccessfully to regulate his racing heart and panting breath. His legs felt slightly weakened from the long and rigorous run.

The trees were silent around him but the air was heavy. Coming to a stop ten yards from the Sleeping Demon's wall, he turned his head to search the branches and tried not to think about what might happen if Kenan had not waited for him. He could have missed the one chance to learn where The Labyrinth was.

There was a rustling nearby and suddenly a hand grabbed his shirt.

"My God, where have you been!" Kenan's voice whispered harshly. "They know I'm out here, I know they do."

"Then make this fast so you can get back," Isorfinduil answered, trying to settle his nerves down as well as the young man's. "Where is it? When can we strike?"

"Don't you understand? They'll kill me the second I step foot inside. Not only that, they're going to torture me before hand to find out what I was doing!" His voice was growing frantic. "I can't go back, not now. But if I don't go back they'll get suspicious about Rovion."

"Calm down, this isn't going to help anyone. Tell me where The Labyrinth is and then I'll help you think this through."

"Why did I ever agree to do this?"

Isorfinduil grabbed the front of the young man's shirt in both hands. "Listen to me! You can save the lives of every fighter in the Labyrinth if you just calm down and tell me what I need to know so I can give the information to Cadell! Don't blow this one chance by getting scared now!"

Isorfinduil felt a shaky sigh go through Kenan's body. Thunder rumbled again, louder this time. Isorfinduil looked up at the sky. It was beginning to cloud over. During the brief moment that his head was upturned, there was a very soft thunking sound. As he looked down at Kenan's face again, the young man's eyes flew open wide and he lurched forward. The sharpened tip of an arrowhead burst through the front of his neck, and blood sprayed over the Elf's face.

Isorfinduil gasped in a breath and at the same time arms descended over his head, breaking his hold on Kenan's shirt and tightening around his chest with frightening strength. As he was dragged roughly backward, Kenan tipped forward and landed with a flop on the ground, unmoving, the arrow standing straight up from out of his neck. Isorfinduil yelled in rage, struggling with all his might against the man behind him. Forms had materialized from the surrounding trees and now stood in a rough circle around him, clearly ready to subdue him should the man lose his grip.

A man that seemed to be in charge stepped forward and motioned farther back into the woods as his eyes sized up the struggling Elf. "Quickly Vin, get him back deeper into the trees."

The man called Vin tried to walk him forward, but Isorfinduil dug his heels into the earth, refusing to move. The harder the man pushed, the harder Isorfinduil leaned back. He was going to be as much of a problem as possible.

"A little help," Vin grunted.

Two men came towards the pair and Isorfinduil watched them closely. The instant they came within range he leaned back and slammed his foot into one man's chin, sending the guard's head snapping backward.

"Thanks," Vin said and stepped forward before Isorfinduil could get his leg down to plant it again. Thrown off balance, Isorfinduil stumbled forward but the iron arms around him only tightened and held him upward.

When they were well away from the road and deep into the forest, the party came to a halt near a tall, thick tree and for a moment stood in uneasy silence. Isorfinduil had ceased fighting against his captor, seeing that he could not break away and that by struggling he was only sapping his own strength.

The lead man began to pace slowly in front of Isorfinduil with a hand rubbing his chin, watching him as though he were a wolf considering the best possible way to overcome a porcupine. The Elf's piercing eyes followed his every move with lowered brows, daring him to come within range.

Noticing that the men were beginning to steal nervous glances at each other, the lead man stopped his pacing and let out a short laugh. He walked towards Isorfinduil confidently. Isorfinduil tried to lean back so that he could kick the man as he had done the other, but Vin anticipated his move and held him rigidly upright.

"Don't worry boys," the lead man said lightly, looking Isorfinduil up and down mockingly. "If looks could kill we'd be in trouble, but I don't think there's anything too special about him. He just gives good glares."

The men laughed nervously, and Isorfinduil could detect their confidence returning. Using their moment of ease, he jabbed his left elbow into Vin's side and yanked his right arm upward, freeing it. As the man grunted slightly, he sent his right elbow crashing into his face. The grip around his chest loosened and he broke free of it, his mind racing for a possible route of escape even as the sound of over a dozen swords being drawn reached his ears.

A flash of lightning illuminated the half circle of blades barring his flight and Isorfinduil spun to find Vin straightening. He punched the man powerfully in the face, hoping to get to the large tree behind him. Vin was unhindered by the blow and stepped toward him threateningly. Isorfinduil danced back and was reaching for the white knives strapped to his back when a razor sharp blade tip dug into the back of his neck, stilling his movements. Isorfinduil heard the voice of the lead man standing behind him.

"You move a muscle, Elf, and I'll drive this blade through your neck."

Isorfinduil's arms were up and his hands were inches away from his knife handles. His fingertips tingled with the closeness but the tip of the man's sword was already drawing blood on the back of his neck. The man seemed to sense his desire and pushed the blade farther, causing Isorfinduil to stifle a cry.

Isorfinduil lifted his hands away from the handles.

"Don't move!"

He froze. There was movement all around him as the guards repositioned themselves in a circle and two men came forward to work on the leather straps on his chest. Isorfinduil forced himself to stay still as he felt their hands running over him, finding the buckle on his scabbard and removing its comforting presence from his back.

Rain began to sprinkle down on his shoulders and he glanced upward as thunder cracked high above the trees. There was a branch above his head, perhaps within his reach if he jumped. Coming to a split-second decision, Isorfinduil jerked away from the blade tip and leapt upward. The lead man called out orders below him as his hands closed on the thick branch and he pulled himself up as quickly as he could manage.

Just as he gained his balance, being still slightly dizzy from Elladan's blows, a rope suddenly appeared in the night air and cinched tight around his right wrist. As he grabbed at it, the men holding the other end on the ground gave it a forceful tug. Isorfinduil's feet flew off the rain-slicked branch and he tumbled backward into the air, the rope following him over the bough. As he fell, the men holding the other end of the line leaned back on it, stopping it from sliding through their hands.

Isorfinduil's descent came to a jarring halt in midair as his arm snapped up over his head. A disturbing rip was heard from his shoulder as it pulled loose from its socket and he screamed in agony. The blinding pain consumed him for several seconds and then he found himself crashing painfully into the ground. He was barely aware of the voices around him but was jerked back to reality when someone grabbed his arm and twisted it behind his back. Pain stabbed through his dislocated shoulder and his vision blackened as he cried out again, trying unsuccessfully to writhe away from the hands on him.

A simultaneous flash of lightning and peal of thunder resounded in the night sky as his hands were tied multiple times behind him. The rain had become heavier and his hair and clothing were now dripping. Someone tugged on his arm and he rose unsteadily to his feet. His vision had cleared somewhat and he saw the lead man before him, laying a forceful hand on his chest and pushing him until his back hit the thick trunk of the tree. His arms jolted against the bark and he had to force himself to remain quiet. It felt as though someone had driven a knife into his shoulder then left it there and every movement was like twisting the blade. Ropes were run across his stomach and his chest and pulled tight around the trunk.

He might have been able to snap his shoulder into place on his own but now it was pulled even farther away from its place. The position he was in was frighteningly painful and he twisted in the ropes, trying to ease his anguish. He heard laughter and glanced up angrily, blinking through the rainwater that was trickling down his face.

"See boys? I told you there's nothing special about him." The man in charge brought his face close to Isorfinduil's and his voice went low. "Not so dangerous now, are you? Where's your quick little moves? Hm? The word Elf means nothing to me. Your friend is fun to watch and he's impressive but I'm not afraid of either of you. Especially now that you're just another defeated person in our possession."

Isorfinduil's fury was brimming and although he wanted desperately to kick the man between the legs, his honor would not let him take the cheap shot and so he spat into the man's face. The man quickly wiped his face in disgust and after a brief moment of thought, slammed a fist into Isorfinduil's cheek – an area already tender from Elladan's blows. The skin split on his cheekbone and blood began to mix with the rain on his face. Several rapid bursts of lightning lit the forest and thunder crashed from above.

The man stepped back and motioned to another guard.

"Go get two shooters. That'll make this easier on everyone. Do it fast or I'll kill you and get them myself."

The guard ran off into the woods and the lead man looked back at Isorfinduil, his eyes darkening with deadly passion.

"Meanwhile, you get to experience all the anger that has been building in me everytime I see the Elf at the arena win a fight. And he's won a lot of fights."

It's been a while, huh? Well, I (as usual) apologize. Life had been so much harder lately and I haven't gotten to the computer until a couple days ago. In fact the only reason why this chapter got written was because I just up and decided to not do any of my homework for a couple nights so it could get done. How academic of me! Well, a friend of mine has been going through some really rough times so I've been trying to help him as well as the usual bustle of school and work.

I'm very excited right now (and glad I got this chapter done) because Thursday is my 18th birthday but I'm also having my first art show! I'm thrilled! It will certainly be a hectic day! Hm…and now I'm just rambling. On to responses…

Reviewer responses:

Deana – Hm, yes, Happy Thanksgiving to you too…Haha. Well, Merry Christmas as well. And Happy New Year. I might as well wish you a Happy St. Patrick's day. Thanks for the review and I hope you're doing well!

Niani – I'm sorry I'm hurting Isy! Now I feel bad, because this chapter didn't even include the two things you were wondering about! (Elladan and Elrohir). Well you can be assured that the next chapter will include them. It must be great to have an identical twin. I can't imagine. Thanks for the review! I hope you have a great day!

Nightingale song – I'm so glad you like it! And I promise Seon's reaction will be in the next chapter. Sorry to make you wait again! Thank you so much for reviewing and I hope you have a good day!

Rose – Well, you found out in this chapter where I was going with the darker Elladan. I'm glad you like him! All I'll say is to make note of the "force" that is affecting him. Like when Isor looks at his eyes and realizes that his rage at that point was not his own. But I'll leave it at that! Thanks for reviewing! Hope you have a great day!

SushiiSquirrel – No, I haven't heard of "A Village Fable." It sounds very interesting! I hope it went well. And that's awesome that you're in the choir. I kinda wish I had gotten involved in our choir in my freshman year. It seems like a lot of fun. You're right, I don't want to rewrite the last chapter, but you made a very good point. I actually didn't have him say that for the readers' benefit, although after your observation it does seem like it. I was really just putting down what I felt Elrohir would say in that situation. Thanks for pointing that out though, I wish I had time to go back and change it! Maybe sometime I will. Thanks for reviewing and I hope you have a great day!

Viresse – Don't worry, Elladan will leave the room soon! You're quite right, though, he has been spending too much time in the backround. Unfortuantely there's not much that I can do about it now. But he'll get his chance for some action soon, I promise. The climax has everyone in on the action. Very good guess about Elrohir…you'll see in the next chapter! Hm, and I'm not sure I follow your meaning on 'turning the tables' in these next chapters. But thanks so much for reviewing! Have a great day!

Everyone have a great week!

Mirfaen