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Few things can help an individual more than to place responsibility on him, and to let him know that you trust him.
)(-Anonymous-)(

Chapter 29

One Down, One to Go

Though seven elves and the lone horse rode at a fast gallop through the forest, none but another elf would have noticed their passing. The horses, partnered as they were to the elves who rode them, knew without prompting to run lightly, and that fact coupled with the additional assistance from the trees and other forest vegetation, made for a swift and silent journey.

Each rider was silent, thinking on the task that lay before them. A brother was coming home to them and even though severely injured, at least he would be assured of quality care – no more living and working in uncertainty and despair as well as under the cruel lash of a demanding master. Aragorn would be free once more – and the time for retribution for the treatment received at the hands of his cruel and sadistic keepers would come - in the very near future.

With determined looks and attitudes, the seven riders rode toward the edge of the forest to rendezvous with the human that would guide them to the entrance of the tunnel where they would meet Aragorn and his two friends. When Anayah finally glimpsed the waiting human through the trees, she held up her hand and signaled for a full stop. Rahan rode up until his stallion, Loki, was next to Anayah's Elias.

Using the sign language they employed during battle as well as in all situations that called for stealth, she told Rahan to have the others stay hidden while the two of them met with the human and after Rahan had relayed her orders, the other five riders concealed themselves. Riding forward, Anayah politely cleared her throat and even though she had given the human ample warning that they were approaching, he still jumped and spun around, holding a hand over his heart. Anayah smiled.

"My apologies for startling you, Master Human." She inclined her head gracefully then nodded toward her Captain. "This is Captain Rahan, my second."

As the human looked at each of them closely, Anayah could almost guess what he was thinking. Though there was no hint of any negativity in either the man's glance or demeanor, she guessed that this was probably the first time the man had ever seen an elf. Finally, with his curiosity having apparently been satisfied, he then surprised them all as he touched his forehead in respect and slightly bowed his head and though she showed no outward sign of it, Anayah was surprised.

"Welcome, Firstborn. My name is Aglarion and it is my pleasure to meet you and guide you to your destination."

"I believe the pleasure is mine Aglarion, for not only do you carry a Firstborn name but you are familiar with the greeting courtesies. May I ask how this is so?"

"My parents had a dear friend who was one of the Eldar and named me after him. The elf blessed my birth then sailed into the West not long afterward."

Anayah nodded.

"Well, your courtesy is much appreciated as well as refreshing. Now if you would be so kind as to climb aboard my Captain's horse, we should be off."

The man's eyes widened as he looked at Loki who was looking back at the human with interest and perhaps just a hint of mirth.

"Ride?" He looked at Loki again. "On him?"

Sensing his fearfulness, the stallion walked forward and gently nuzzled the man's neck. Finally Aglarion reached up and tentatively petted the stallion's velvety nose and when he discovered that his hand had not burst into flames nor had the animal bitten it off and swallowed it whole, he seemed to relax. Sensing that the man had overcome his fearfulness for the moment, she proposed that they be off and after Rahan had put the man behind him on the horse and after Anayah had signaled the others to rejoin them, they all continued their journey.

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Aglarion directed the elves through the forest on well-hidden paths and after about an hour of steady riding they finally found themselves on the western border of an orchard. They all came to a stop.

"Well this is where I must take my leave of you, my Lady."

As he started to swing his right leg over the horse's back, he found his movements stopped when the Captain grabbed his leg with one of his big hands and held tight. Aglarion looked at Anayah questioningly.

"My apologies, Master Aglarion but I am afraid that I must insist that you stay with us until our business is concluded for no matter that my heart tells me to release you, my logic tells me that I can not give you a chance to betray us whether such betrayal is caused by an intentional act or an innocent one. I do hope you understand."

Aglarion settled himself back on Loki's back.

"As you wish, my Lady. I take no offense."

She smiled at the human before she turned to the others.

"Just before we get to the entrance I want standard deployment – Elladan and Elrohir, I want you two to glue yourselves to Saeros and Súrion and follow their lead. Depending on Estel's condition, I may need you, so be ready to come to me with the med kits if I call. Rahan I want you with me – stand back but stay within striking distance for although I don't foresee a problem, I still want to be prepared."

After Rahan nodded, they slowly began making their way through the orchard towards the westernmost tunnel entrance. At the edge of the orchard, while Anayah and Rahan dismounted and buckled on their swords, Semoro rode up beside Aglarion.

"Master Aglarion, this is Semoro, my Captain's second. He will see to your welfare until we are finished with what we have come to do. Please do exactly as he says. Rahan … shall we?"

Nodding to his Commander, the two stepped out of concealment and began walking toward the tunnel and even though they saw nobody standing at the entrance, both elves knew that they were being closely watched. Anayah snugged her gloves a little tighter onto her hand and loosened her sword in the scabbard. She and Rahan stayed a comfortable distance away from the entrance to the tunnel hoping that by doing so, those inside would feel less threatened.

Finally, the vegetation-covered entrance began to open slowly and a tall human carefully emerged from the shadows behind it. He stood looking at the two elves for some moments, then apparently satisfied that they posed no immediate threat, he took a couple of steps in their direction. In turn, Anayah walked forward while Rahan stayed behind. She stopped about ten feet away from the big man when he held up his hand, signaling that she should come no further.

Anayah touched her heart in greeting.

"Greetings, Master Human. I am Anayah Dúnedhel, sister to Strider. I have come to take my brother home."

The man looked at her for a moment before he responded.

"You are his sister? How can this be, for you are Eldar and he is not?"

Anayah kept smiling although Lothur noted that the expression in her eyes had hardened. Still, he had to be sure for he was determined not to put Strider into anyone's custody if there was the slightest doubt as to their identity.

"I assure you that I am Strider's sister. Now, if you don't mind, I would like for you to bring my brother out so that I can examine him and tend his injuries."

"My sincerest apologies, my Lady, but I must be sure that I am not putting my friend into the hands of an enemy."

Although outwardly Rahan remained calm, his heart clenched for he knew the best way to get on Anayah's bad side was to issue a challenge as the human had just done. Mentally, he was praying to all the Valar to keep her from doing something that could not be undone later.

Anayah walked forward until she was only about five feet away. Making a show of once more snugging on her gloves, she sighed.

"Master Human, I think you will agree that up until this point I have been both polite and non-threatening. However, that fact may change in the next few moments for I am giving you until I count to ten and if you have not given my brother to me by that time, I will unsheathe my sword and will proceed to hurt you in ways that will make even your mother cringe. Do we understand each other?"

Lothur's eyes narrowed for he truly did not know if she was telling the truth or not. There was no mistaking or ignoring the aura of power and danger that was emanating from the she-elf and something in his heart told him that she was very capable of carrying out her threat. Still … When the door of the tunnel once more began to open, the battle of wills between the two was interrupted. They both looked as another human made his way into the open air. Halgar walked forward until he was beside Lothur.

"Lothur is not alone, my Lady."

"And neither am I, young sir."

The two humans watched as Saeros and Semoro casually walked out of the orchard and stood, alert and closely watching the drama unfold. Lothur and Halgar looked at each other but stood their ground. Then Halgar jumped and squealed as a voice spoke close to his ear.

"She's telling the truth."

Both humans whirled and Lothur had to quickly grab Halgar to keep him from falling to the ground as a grinning Súrion took a step backward.

"I really wish you would stop that, Master Elf for I don't think my heart can take much more of these frights!"

Any lingering doubt Lothur may have had as to the identity of the she-elf was erased when he saw Súrion. He had a feeling that everything was as she said and also knew that the odds of a second group of elves being in Hoth, asking after Strider would have been too high to calculate. He just wasn't quite able to put together just how she could be an elf and Strider a human although he knew that was a question that would have to wait to be answered. With a bow of apology to Anayah, he turned and reentered the cave, returning moments later with an unconscious Aragorn in his arms. After gently laying the young man on the ground and placing his head on Anayah's now-folded up cloak, he stepped back. Without taking her eyes off her brother, she raised her left hand and signaled for Elladan and Elrohir to come forward.

Within moments the twins were also kneeling beside their brother and while the three siblings examined Aragorn, the remaining four elves took up their normal defensive positions – Súrion up a tree, Saeros patrolling on the ground, Semoro watching their backs and Rahan supporting Anayah. Anayah looked at the twins.

"I find a concussion, several bruised and broken ribs, an extremely bruised and swollen ankle and a badly wrenched hip. Do you agree my brothers? Do you see something that perhaps I have missed?"

Both twins shook their heads.

"When we take him back, I want him sitting sideways on your horse, Elladan. It will be less painful for it will take unnecessary pressure off his hip."

Anything more they would have said was interrupted when Aragorn began to regain consciousness. He opened his eyes then frowned as he looked around him but when his eyes finally settled on Anayah and the twins, he smiled weakly.

"I knew you would find me." He whispered weakly.

While Elrohir carefully lifted his head, Elladan helped him take a few small sips of water. Anayah laid a hand on the eldest twin's forearm.

"Elladan, there is something I must do. Please go mix Strider a strong pain medication – and take these two with you. This will only take a few moments."

When both Halgar and Lothur seemed reluctant to walk off and leave their friend, Anayah looked at the two.

"Trust me."

Though neither could explain it, they both felt compelled to follow her request without further discussion – it just felt right to do. When she was once more alone with Aragorn, Anayah turned until her back was to the others. Aragorn looked at her seriously.

"I think I have something that belongs to you, my Lord."

She reached inside her tunic and took out the mithril chain that hung around her neck. Unclasping it, she took it off then removed the ring that had been in her safekeeping for much too long. Taking Aragorn's hand, she once more put the ring on his index finger. Barahir was home. Aragorn grasped Anayah's hand.

"Hannon-le muinthel-nín."

Anayah put a hand on the side of his face.

"Just don't make a habit of getting yourself into this kind of trouble, big brother."

Sensing that their business had been taken care of, the twins once more appeared beside them. Aragorn drank the pain potion without complaint and while they waited for it to take affect, the twins put temporary bandages and splints on his numerous injuries. As Anayah walked toward the two humans, she looked at Halgar pointedly, for she had a suspicion about the man and when she saw him stagger and grab on to Lothur's arm, she nodded.

"My apologies, Master Human but I had to be sure – and now I am."

"Sure of what, my Lady – and my name is Halgar. My rather large friend is Lothur." He held a hand to his forehead and took some deep breaths.

"The blood of Númenor runs true in you for only such a person would be so sensitive to the 'mental touch' of an elf."

Halgar shook his head.

"I do not mean to be argumentative but I have no ancestors who could make such a claim and the only instance in our village's history of contact with such a person was almost 3,000 years ago and …"

He saw Anayah looking at him with a raised eyebrow about the same time that the pieces of the puzzle finally came together for him. Anayah saw that the man finally comprehended everything, although a time for the full story would come later.

"The day you saw me standing by the tree you suffered a dizzy spell – besides, I smelled athelas on my brother, Master Halgar."

Halgar was puzzled.

"I use no herb by that name, my Lady."

"Perchance, do you use an herb with tiny white flowers that slows bleeding, has an antibiotic quality to it and when its leaves are bruised gives off a pleasant scent that eases emotional discomfort?"

Halgar understood.

"Yes, my lady, I use such an herb upon occasion although I did not know it was athelas for what I know of that herb is only through lore that has been passed down – I must admit that I did not make the connection."

Anayah laughed.

"That is its proper name although some call it Kingsfoil as well. The only beings who can use that herb to its full benefit are those in whose veins runs the blood of the Sea Kings of Westernesse. I would like to know more about this visitor but for now I suggest that we depart for we have already stayed much too long."

Giving a short whistle, the horses made an appearance and while Rahan held Aragorn, Elladan mounted then held out his arms for the sleeping human. Anayah clasped forearms with Aglarion and after conveying her thanks and sending him on his way, she and the others mounted the horses and started the trip back to their camp.

They were almost home when they came upon a loaded wagon sitting in their path. Anayah held up her hand and they all stopped then using hand signals, Anayah directed Súrion into the trees, Saeros to ground patrol and Semoro to check out the wagon. Loki swapped ends until he was facing the opposite direction of Elias while keeping his rider next to Anayah. Saeros soon returned and walked up to his Commander.

"Two horses, one light coming in and two horses heavy, leaving."

Anayah nodded then seeing the puzzled look on Halgar's face, Rahan answered his unspoken question.

"That means that a rider leading a horse followed the wagon in then picked up the driver and rode away."

"Semoro?"

"The wagon contains tents, medicines, bandages, food and other necessities, Anayah."

Anayah called Súrion in. Rahan looked over at her and was surprised to see her smiling.

"Your thoughts?"

She sighed.

"Does this place look at all familiar to you Rahan?"

Rahan looked around.

"Aye, it does at that."

She looked over at her Captain.

"I do believe that a certain someone is doing what he can for the cause."

"Do you think you can trust him?"

"Yes, I do, Rahan, and I do because I tested him on the day we had our little confrontation."

"How so?"

She shifted in the saddle and watched as Súrion rejoined them.

"We were drinking a cup of tea and he had just finished telling me about himself when I asked him what he expected me to do about it – for just a moment, his soul was bare and he looked away from me with a look of hurt in his eyes. I sensed no guile in him, Rahan – only longing for his own kind."

Rahan nodded as Anayah continued.

"He is starving for freedom – the freedom from having to hide who and what he is. I do not feel that I am wrong although until we have finished what we have come to do I believe we should exercise a measure of caution."

"I agree, Anayah. Shall we accept this gift then?"

Seeing that everyone was mounted and waiting, she looked at Lothur.

"Master Lothur – do you drive?"

"Yes, my Lady, I do."

The big man nimbly slipped off the back of Yavië, Saeros's mare, and climbed aboard the wagon then took up the reins and followed Anayah and Rahan as they began the final distance back to their camp.

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Once they had reached the camp, one of the tents was quickly erected then Aragorn was taken inside and laid on a palette with the twins in attendance while everyone went about setting up the remaining tents and otherwise ordering their camp. It was a busy time but a time that was well spent.

Rahan caught Lothur watching Anayah as she bustled around carrying supplies and equipment here and there, kicking at Súrion as he passed her by, after which he made some statement that caused him to giggle and her to glare. He danced deftly out of her way but when Anayah set her burden on the ground and started throwing pinecones at him, he put his load of supplies down and started returning the projectiles.

"There will be time for play later my little elflings." Rahan said with a chuckle.

After the two had resumed their respective tasks, Rahan turned to Lothur.

"Does she ever rest, Captain Rahan?"

"Anayah will never ask anybody to do anything she isn't willing to do herself nor will she abuse her rank and authority by ordering others about without thought for their dignity. She isn't perfect and will soon wear herself out and will become grouchy and will start throwing heavy objects at all of us."

He sighed deeply.

"It will be at that time that I will be forced to risk my immortal grace and go pick her up and carry her off to rest. I think that such peril is my lot in life and is how the balance in life, as we know it, is maintained – I am large, therefore I have a better than average chance of surviving such an encounter."

Lothur laughed before he returned to his own task of setting up tents.

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Rahan was checking the camp one last time when he accidentally caught Anayah standing next to a tree with her forehead resting against the bark with her eyes closed. He shook his head, especially when he remembered Semoro indicating that something had happened on her last visit to the Palace. She had been exhausted before they had gone to pick up her brother. He called to her when he was still a small distance away for he didn't want to startle her.

"Anayah?"

She immediately stood up and blinked sleepily at her Captain.

"Are you well?"

"I'm fine Rahan – I was just resting my eyes for a few moments. Why? Has something happened?"

"No, everything is fine in camp and Estel is resting comfortably. You, however, are exhausted and so it is my recommendation that you lay down and get a good sleep - we can hold things together until you have rested."

She shook her head as she patted Rahan on the arm.

"I'm fine Rahan – really. Besides, I can't rest for I want to go to the armories and open up the back doors tonight."

"Can this not wait for one more day?"

Anayah frowned.

"Tomorrow night I am going after Legolas, Rahan. When the armories are opened and Legolas is once more freed, I will rest – until then, I cannot."

"I understand."

He then turned and followed Anayah back into the main part of their camp.

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Her amber eyes were smoldering as she finished listening to her Captain's report. Her rage could not be abated, however, and she picked up a large, decorative vase from a nearby table and flung it passed Garm's head and into the pillar behind him where it shattered into a thousand tiny pieces. To say that Garm's efforts not to flinch were of epic proportions would have been a grand understatement.

"He would dare do this to me?"

She strode back and forth in front of Garm, flexing and unflexing her mannish muscles.

"I want you to find Greyfell and bring him to me – and if I find that he has betrayed me, I will take him apart!"

She looked at Garm.

"Well? What are you waiting for?"

Bowing to his High Chieftain, he turned and left the room.

TBC

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CapriceAnn Hedican-Kocur: Thanks for the understanding as well as the review. You cannot wait for them to get Legolas out of there? I don't think Legolas can wait either. He is a very emotionally stable and strong elf and if he is brought this low by his confinement, then things must be extreme. Give the boy some fresh air, sunshine, trees and stars and he should start perking up. I really felt bad about putting him through this. Hope you continue to enjoy the story.

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kukumalu: Mr. Potato Head … I almost forgot about him … you started that! LOL! Yeah, Mr. PH is a tough little cookie but at least he has two level-headed friends looking out for him that are willing to do what is best for him whether he wants to agree with them or not. I'm bad … I did not mean to be that obvious with the water flask … I'll try to do better in the future. (Alariel hangs head in shame!). It does make me feel good that my readers have not forgotten one of the major players in this story – the Elendilmir. I almost fell out of my chair when you called Ostara an old cow! ROFLMBO! That really made my day! She is an old cow, isn't she! Then there is that pesky old curse. Hmmmm. I hope you continue to enjoy the story!

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Ninna: Fanfic … sometimes they can be a "piece of work." I even checked my review on-line and it wasn't there. However, all that aside, I hope you know in your heart that I appreciate the thought – thank you – and thank you for this review as well.

It is any storyteller's dream to write something that somebody enjoys – thank you – for making my day!

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Orontelmi: You are the second person to remind me not to forget the Elendilmir. Thank you. It makes me very happy to know that the great jewel made an impression on you, but you are right, Ostara doesn't deserve it and shouldn't even have it on her head. Get her butt kicked … I don't think you will be disappointed. Thank you for the review!

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Karone Evertree: Our Mirkwood Prince is very strong but with everything he has had to endure, he is finding his emotional energy level kind of low at the moment. But that's where friends come in. Hopefully, he will be rescued soon although until or if that time comes, he will still be in terrible danger.

So, you want to see the slaves take their evil masters down. You may be surprised! Thank you for your faith in me as well as for your review.

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horsiegurl: Thanks for the review. I'm glad you are still enjoying the story!

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Nanahalfelven: I'm glad you are still enjoying the story – even though you know all my secrets! Heeheehee!