A/N: I must apologize for the delay but around the beginning of the month, it is extremely difficult for me to sit down and write as there are important matters to take care of such as paying bills, grocery shopping (yawn!) - sorry!
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Each person designs his own life, freedom gives him the power to carry out his own designs, and power gives the freedom to interfere with the designs of others. BR
Eric Berne
Chapter 23
Aragorn
As agreed upon, two nights after the victory feast at the palace, the elves met in the hidden glade for an accounting of how their extraction mission was going. It was unanimously agreed upon that the time was right to contact Aragorn and remove him from where he was being held.
"This is not a task that I can do, for Legolas is too ill to be left alone for long and I don't feel that we can get him out of the Palace at this time without the danger of further harm coming to him. He has been traumatized enough so we must take great heed of what would be in his best interests and it is my fervent belief that it will still be another few days before he will be strong enough to move safely."
"So how are we going to get Estel out of the slave barracks?"
Anayah looked at Elladan and could well read the worry on the eldest twin's face and knowing how personally he always took Aragorn's safety and well being, she knew he was growing extremely anxious to see his human brother safe once more. She looked at Rahan who nodded his head in assent.
"Elladan, I want you and Elrohir to make contact with Estel as well as the human from Hope. Something tells me that the second human is important to the events of the future - and while I do not know whether it is foresight that tells me this or instincts, my heart says those two must stay together. The point is, that we must make sure that we get them both out - now come here and look at this."
She sat on her heels and after wiping the sticks, leaves and tiny stones away from a section of the ground, produced a fairly accurate depiction of the southern part of the city.
"This is where we are." She drew and "X" in the middle of a bunch of lines that indicated a forest. "And this is the outskirts of Hoth." She drew another "X" then lines to denote streets and buildings.
"Estel gets taken from the quarry to this barracks at sundown every day so he should be in the barracks and accessible to you right now. When the two of you get inside the compound, be alert for guards or anybody else that might not be sympathetic to your cause and who might alert the guards to your presence. There appears to be another large human looking after Estel and his friend and since he is about as big as Rahan and he will be near Estel, you shouldn't miss him."
After spending a few moments pointing out every nearby landmark that she had found on her scouting mission, including the orchard across the road, then making sure the twins knew exactly what to do, she rose to her feet. Just as Elladan and Elrohir were turning to leave, she put her hand on their arms.
"Be stealthy, the two of you, and above all - be safe."
With a nod to Anayah and the four Guards the twins turned and disappeared into the darkness of the surrounding forest.
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Anayah sighed and turned around to face the four Guards.
"Rahan, although I have faith in my brothers, I do not have faith whatsoever, in the ability of the strange people in this strange city to hold true to a set pattern of activity. It is therefore my decision that regardless of how my brothers will feel about being followed, I am going to insist that we stick to our policy of backup."
The four Guards nodded in agreement.
"To that end, I want one of my stealth specialists, to shadow them - Súrion, you're up."
She looked at the Silvan Guard seriously.
"Shadow them carefully, Súrion, for there is very real danger in Hoth, and if they get into trouble, use your best judgment as to a course of action. I must remind you of this, though. To be effective on this mission, the Thurin Tirith must remain a low-profile factor, so be patient - don't rush into a situation without thought and get yourself or someone else hurt. Are my wishes clear so far?"
Súrion nodded.
"We don't want to alert the Wainrider military that there is a group of extremely large, combat trained elves showing an interest in one of their human slaves. Such awareness could create a clear path back to Legolas and we could then end up losing both Estel and our Mirkwood Prince. I didn't tell the twins that they would have a shadow because I want them to keep their heads in the game and not divide their attention between contacting Estel and who is watching their back - they must maintain a singular concentration."
She sighed deeply, then began to massage her temples in an attempt to rid herself of a headache that she had had for some time and when he saw her wince, Rahan reached out, turned her around, and began to massage her tight neck muscles.
"How are you feeling, Anayah?"
She looked at her Captain over her shoulder but he turned her head back to the front and continued his work.
"Is it that obvious?"
Rahan chuckled.
"I'm afraid so."
She forced herself to relax.
"Ostara is going to be a problem, Rahan. That woman is more than six feet tall - she's about the height of Saeros … 6'2", and is built like a man - solid muscle. She's smart, vicious to a fault, cares nothing for anything or anyone other than herself, and is brutal in her dealings with other Chieftains as well as her own military. She does not have a sound mind and neither do those who willingly follow her - including her own soldiers who would kill in her name only because they fear what would happen if they didn't."
Semoro looked at her with a cold look on his face.
"You know, Anayah, you have but to say the word and Ostara will no longer be a problem."
She smiled at her lieutenant.
"Semoro, your offer is tempting and I know in my heart that I could ask it of any of the four of you and you would gladly carry out my wishes, but this particular thought will have to be put behind us for a time. If Ostara were to be assassinated, there would be someone else to take her place before a new sun rose on her cooling body, and we don't have time to profile anyone new. We must also consider that if we take Ostara out that a lockdown could be put on the Palace which would make it more difficult to get Legolas out without putting him in mortal danger."
She patted Rahan's hands for she did, indeed feel much better - her headache was gone.
"Another factor we have to consider is that there would be so much fighting over who would succeed Ostara that we wouldn't have the freedom we do now to move about the city. No - our present plan must be the one we use."
She once more turned to Súrion.
"Súrion … take off and go do your sneaky thing - watch out for the twins and take care of yourself."
Without another word, the Silvan Guard turned then melted soundlessly into the darkened forest.
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Two identical shadows detached themselves from the trees in the orchard across the wide path that separated the slave barracks Aragorn was in, to the orchard where the twins presently lay concealed. Looking closely at their surroundings and seeing nobody about, they silently moved across the roadway and after making a hole in the enclosure's fence, crawled inside.
Their elvish senses, having been tuned to their brother's existence for so many years, soon detected his presence. Elladan carefully looked in the unshuttered opening of the building then peered into the darkness, trying to visually find Aragorn.
Elladan saw him and pulled his head back from the opening, then leaning close to Elrohir's ear, he spoke softly in a voice that only his twin would be able to hear.
"He is against the western edge of the barracks and there is no being between this opening and him."
Elrohir nodded then after Elladan had nimbly and soundlessly leaped up to the sill of the window and had lowered himself to the floor on the other side; the younger twin did the same. They were both soundless, and didn't expect to encounter anyone and so they missed the quick movement at the back entrance of the building as a human, coming back into the main room after taking care of necessary needs, slipped back into the shadows.
Quietly the twins crept across the room, being careful not to alert the other sleeping beings, until they at last stood beside their brother's bed. They both frowned, for they could easily see without even touching the young man, that he was thin because of illness, abuse and despair and this fact lit a fire in their hearts. Kneeling on the floor, Elladan put a hand over the young man's mouth then quietly whispered in his ear.
"Strider - wake my brother."
Aragorn's eyes popped open and he looked frantically around him then at the shadowy figure beside his bed who was holding a hand over his mouth but when Elladan saw the frantic gaze turn to one of recognition, he removed his hand. Both twins turned as they heard the sound of movement behind them and saw as an extremely large human as well as a smaller human approaching them with a protective look in their eyes. Seeing them approach, Aragorn held up his hand and the two relaxed their aggressive postures although as the two drew near the bed where Aragorn was sitting and staring at the twins in disbelief, they were still cautious.
Then Aragorn threw his arms around first Elladan then Elrohir his eyes welling with tears as he finally spoke.
"I had almost given up hope!" He whispered sadly.
He motioned to Halgar and Lothur.
"I want you to meet two friends of mine - Halgar and Lothur."
He pointed to the two respectively and both humans nodded respectfully.
"Halgar, Lothur, these two are my brothers, Elladan and Elrohir."
Elladan put a hand on Aragorn's shoulder.
"We came with Anayah and her Guards and are here at the request of two very worried fathers."
When he saw Aragorn look down at his hands, he sat on the edge of the bed and put his arm around the young man's thin shoulders. He didn't miss the wince as his little brother's injuries were aggravated by his touch and with concern in his eyes, the eldest twin examined the many bruises, cuts and lash marks that covered much of his body. When he at last looked into the young human's eyes, his heart was beginning to feel the fury of his own emotions. He sought to reassure Aragorn.
"Strider, none of this is your fault - we all know this - and Ada knows this as well. He is just worried about you and had a sense that you needed help which is why he requested that we try to find you and give you whatever assistance was needed. Now, however, it is time to take you home."
Both twins were shocked at their brother's next words.
"I cannot go - at least not yet."
After both twins opened and closed their mouths soundlessly a few times, it was finally Elrohir that spoke.
"Would you mind explaining why?"
Continuing to look down at his hands, the young man answered.
"I cannot say more - I mustn't say more - for there may be ears listening that must not know of certain things. This whole thing is complicated."
He looked at both of his brothers, his eyes begging for understanding.
"I can tell the two of you this - the slave trade in this city has got to be stopped - and until it is, I cannot leave."
Elladan sighed.
"While your thoughts and sentiments might be considered well-placed under normal circumstances, my brother, I must tell you that I am concerned, for there are only seven of us, eight, if we count you. How do you expect us to take on the entire military force of this city?"
"Excuse me?"
Everyone turned to Halgar and he blushed at the sudden attention.
"I am not without skills that would be of use to you and if my martial skills are not up to the standards that you require - well, let's just say that there are many other things that I am able to do and I would consider it to be my honor to serve in any way that I could."
Aragorn looked at Lothur and the big man nodded his head.
"You can count on me as well, Strider. Before I was a slave, I was a Lieutenant in the High Chieftain's military therefore it goes without saying that my knowledge would be an asset to you."
Aragorn nodded his head at the big man in thanks then turned back to Elladan and Elrohir.
"There is an army of consequence here in Hoth who we have not yet taken into consideration, my brothers."
"Who might they be, Strider?"
Aragorn smiled grimly.
"A force that has too long been discounted but who, when called upon, could very well be a force to be reckoned with - the slaves - and these men very much want to be free."
There was a moment of silence before anyone spoke then Elladan shook his head.
"But Strider, they are half-starved and weak from their captivity. How could they hope to stand up to their masters? These are Wainriders I am talking about … they use chariots in battle … they wreaked havoc on Gondor for 100 years."
Elrohir shook his head as well.
"Freedom for the oppressed is a noble sentiment, Strider, but I agree with Elladan - I don't see it as an attainable goal."
Aragorn sat quietly for a few moments and Halgar brought him some water that he had been saving. He looked at both twins then at Lothur before his eyes once more looked upon the future King of Men, the very man he and his ancestors had been preparing for, for over 3,000 years. When he finally spoke, it was with such intensity of emotion that the words almost tore the heart out of all those who were listening.
"I know more about the history of Arda from the time of the Last Alliance until now than you can imagine and while I do not have the wisdom of the elves nor your strengths, I do have knowledge, and this knowledge I now willingly share with you. Down through the ages, it has been proven that even a few beings, with the hearts and determination to rise above their station, even though these few determined souls faced odds that would send the bravest soul to his knees in tears, would see the job done. They would see it done in the name of not only themselves but also in the names of those that would come after, so that not even they should have to suffer under the yoke of slavery."
Lothur looked steadily at the twins.
"I know with certainty that these slaves, with a little encouragement and direction, would go to whatever ends necessary if it meant an end to their bondage. If whatever was asked of them meant they could once more be free, whether that freedom was in this life or in the arms of the shadow of death - it would make no difference to them - they would willingly do whatever was asked."
Elladan nodded, having finally accepted what his youngest brother meant to do.
"Well, then little brother, we will relay your wishes back to Anayah and see how she wants to coordinate things on the outside. I know that she can get you any current logistic information that you would want or whatever else you would need for your rebellion."
"Where is she? Is she well?" Aragorn was concerned for he knew only something important could have kept his sister from coming herself.
"She is well, Strider. At the moment she is under at the Palace, caring for Legolas."
The eldest twin's voice trailed off as he noticed the looks on both Halgar and Aragorn's face. Elrohir reached out and steadied his youngest brother as all the color left his face and he began to sway unsteadily where he sat.
"What is it - what has concerned you?"
Aragorn's shoulders began to shake but strangely, it was Halgar that he reached to for comfort, for between the two of them, they had both suffered at the thought that the Mirkwood Prince had been lost to them. The two touched foreheads then Aragorn laid his forehead against the man's shoulder as he quietly wept with relief. After Halgar had dried his own tears, he explained their reaction to the news to the concerned twins.
"The despair that was taking your brother from all of us was not brought on by just his captivity nor even from his illness and injuries. He was told soon after he was brought here that Legolas had died."
Both Elladan and Elrohir were stunned by the revelation and both reached out to their little brother.
"Strider, Legolas is definitely not dead. He is ill and injured and is being held in the Palace by the High Chieftain of these people."
Elladan nodded his head in agreement with his twin.
"If anyone can get him out of the Palace, it will be Anayah and her Guards - of this you can be assured."
Elrohir leaned closer to his twin.
"Brother, I am getting uneasy. We should go back to the camp for I fear we have been here too long."
Elladan nodded in agreement and after both he and Elrohir hugged their brother fiercely to them for a few more moments, and promising him they would return soon, they then crawled out the window and were gone.
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Keeping to the shadows, the twins departed the way they had come and within a few moments, were back at the hole in the fence. The two were shocked to find the breach repaired and fortified and were just about to reopen the hole when a slight noise alerted them and they spun around. Ten humans now stood in back of them and each held an evil looking club in their hands. The leader detached himself from the others and after handing his club to one of the humans standing beside him, walked forward until he was no more than three feet away.
"Now what do we have here?"
TBC
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kukumalu: Legolas is the older elf.
So, it was aggravating to you when Legolas kept missing out on the opportunity to recognize Anayah. Yay! I was hoping that people wouldn't miss that. It was like a "comedy of errors" and everybody was just about one step out of synch. It all worked out though and maybe that's how it was meant to happen.
When I think of their ally, I keep humming this tune to myself called "Secret Agent Man." I think you will be pleasantly surprised when you finally find out about him - he is quite unusual and truly one of a kind. Keep in mind that there isn't too much that happens in this story without a reason.
Poor Legolas … he has found out the hard way that it was better for him not to be noticed. Are there police in Middle Earth? Kind of - the Rangers are about as close as I think ME ever came to having a police force although each large metropolis, usually had some kind of military force to protect them. Anyway you look at it though, Legolas had given up hope that anyone would ever come to save him.
You are so funny! LOL! 00! I love it! The answer to why people are afraid of the shaking of the room is right in front of you! Heeheehee!
I'm really surprised that you have accepted the Wainrider people so easily … I would have thought at least you would have been surprised. Although … the cameo appearances (two of them) will probably knock you right out of your socks!
Your thinking cap should be put to good use in this one but in case you miss anything, I usually have a wrap-up near the end of my stories.
As far as my age goes … I am 51 years old - and don't act it - although that is usually why people are always telling me to act my age … and grow up. Why? It's more fun being young. Besides, I have earned every grey hair in my head. I got my first horse when I was 4 years old and started working seriously with them when I was about 6.
I thank you for your wonderful review and look forward to hearing from you next time!
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horsiegurl: This chapter should be what you want … Thanks for the review!
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aduwathiel: Thank you very much for the compliment - I didn't know I could blush that particular shade of red! LOL!
School … ah, yes … I remember it well. I think back fondly on my college days and consider them the best years of my life. Hopefully, it will be the same for you someday as well. School may be a thorn in your backside now but someday you will look back on it and sigh from the remembrances. Thanks for the review.
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CapriceAnn Hedican-Kocur: I apologize for the chapter being so short! LOL! I am glad you are enjoying the story and hope you continue to do so. Sorry about the Santa thing … it would not be politically correct to have Santa and elves in the same story … LOL! Like I give a rat's behind for being politically correct! Oh … did I say that? Sorry. I'll start behaving myself. Hannon-le for the review!
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Legolass Q: Your story is really good and I am enjoying reading it when I get the chance even though I am dreadfully neglecting my own 650,000 word WIP. Tolkien gave us just the bare bones of what was going on in his world then bequeathed that world to us so that we could fill in what had been left untold. Middle Earth was full of wonderful possibilities and "what ifs."
As history was one of my majors in college, I am in love with what could have possibly been going on behind the scenes and I fully intend on playing with it more in the future.
Once again I will emphasize that there isn't too much written in my story that wasn't done for a reason and you will find that this is where my female OC and I are alike - neither of us give a rat's behind about the status quo! However, there are certain boundaries that even I will not breach because there is no way that it would be possible for some things to exist. Don't get me wrong, just because Tolkien didn't write about some things, doesn't mean that those things couldn't exist in the world he created. Tolkien only expounded on the fellowship and the events leading up to Aragorn taking the throne. I write about what went on behind the scenes. Arda was a beautiful world and there were a lot of things happening there.
To that end, I will often throw something inside a dialogue or an action that is totally off-the-wall. You're right, we weren't there so we don't know for sure if something like that was or was not ever spoken. Tolkien was a linguist who spoke 16+ (?) languages and he is probably turning over in his grave at some of the liberties I have taken! LOL!
But to do true justice to the different languages when we write, we would have to take into consideration many different factors ... Old English, Finnish and Welsh, just to name a few things ... then ask ourselves what would be realistic, in those languages and their mirror languages (Common, Quenyan and Sindarin) for the time. But then one must also take into serious consideration, an authoress that likes to shake her readers up a bit now and then. Too many thees and thous put me to sleep! The language and vocabulary I use for my characters, OC or not, is my writing voice. I guess I am too used to listening to it! LOL!
Some people have this idea in their heads that elves were dignified, graceful and intelligent beings, and rightly so after millennia of life-experiences behind them, but who is to say that they didn't have comics or klutzes? That's half the fun of using the imagination. Ilúvatar was big on the balance thing ... good language - bad language, graceful-not so graceful.
Thank you for your wonderful review.