8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Though I stand at the edge of the abyss and look down upon the darkness and doom, my fate remains undecided for it is still ultimately my decision whether I choose to advance or retreat.
-ME
Chapter 33
The Search Begins
As Aragorn turned away to gather his healing supplies Legolas put his hand on his friend's shoulder.
"Estel, there is more."
Aragorn looked at the Prince questioningly.
"Greyfell said that the High Chieftain's soldiers would soon begin searching the forest and since this camp would no longer be safe for any of us, advised that we pack what we could then return to the tunnel entrance. He said that either he or someone he sent would meet you there and escort you to a safe place."
Aragorn nodded before he turned to the others who had been listening closely to everything Legolas had said.
"Everybody break camp then follow Lothur back to the tunnel entrance, for I am sure he will be more than capable of leading everyone there by the safest route."
He laid his hand on Legolas's shoulder, but when he seemed uncertain about what he wanted to say, the Prince just smiled at him. As had been their custom in the past, few words had to pass between them for there to be an understanding of mind and heart, just as it was now, for Legolas already knew his brother's heart and knew what he was going to say.
"You don't have to say anything, Estel. I will willingly follow the others for whether I would will it or not, it would serve no useful purpose for me to go back with you to Hoth though my heart wishes to see Anayah back with us just as much as does yours."
He looked into the young man's eyes, willing him to understand and believe what he was telling him.
"I will be fine, my brother and now that I know that you are safe and well - all things are possible."
The two friends then turned back to their individual tasks and once more began gathering healing supplies and packing up the camp.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
While he was waiting for Aragorn, Aglarion slid off Elias' back and walked to where Halgar and Lothur were packing food and other items into containers and readying them for transport.
"Excuse me."
The two humans turned.
"Master Halgar, I was wondering if I might have a word with you in private?"
Lothur laid a hand on Halgar's shoulder then walked off a small distance to give the two some privacy while they talked. When they were finally alone, Aglarion held out a small, cloth-wrapped bundle to the man and when Halgar took it from him, tried to explain.
"It was quite the strangest thing, Master Halgar, for when Lady Anayah accepted the sanctuary of my Master's home she was carrying this around her arm. As to how I know it should go to you - I have this to say in my own defense - every time I touched it, I thought of you and so when we left to come here and summon your healer, I brought it with me. I am sure the Lady would approve of what I have done as well as my motives."
Halgar unwrapped the parcel then gasped when he discovered what the cloth had hidden within its folds. He looked up at the young man.
"Thank you Aglarion - my most heartfelt thanks for your thoughtful actions, for I thought this to be lost to me. I will see that this is given to the right person at the appropriate time."
"I am glad I could be of service." Nodding his head, Aglarion then turned back and remounted Elias.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
"Estel?"
Aragorn turned to find Rahan standing behind him.
"Yes, Captain?"
"I am leaving Semoro and Saeros here to help with the move and to provide military support for those who are staying if they should need it. Súrion and I will ride back with you, for our responsibility and duty is to our Charge and we must go to her as quickly as possible."
Aragorn nodded.
"I thank you for your assistance, Captain and quite understand your position but must also admit that I will feel more at ease knowing that at least two of you will be near while we are in that accursed town. I should be ready to leave momentarily."
Nodding his head, Rahan turned and went back to his horse.
Aragorn had one more thing to do before he left and so went to his tent and once inside grabbed what was lying on his palette, then went in search of Legolas, finally finding him working beside Semoro and Saeros, helping to load supplies into the wagon.
"Legolas?"
The blonde-haired elf turned, his eyes widening when he saw what his friend was holding in his hands.
"Anayah was planning to give these to you herself but under the present circumstances, I am sure she wouldn't mind if I did this in her stead."
Legolas carefully and almost lovingly took his beloved bow from Aragorn and ran his hand gently over the entire length almost as if he were welcoming a close friend home who he had thought he would never lay eyes on again. He did the same with his quiver and long knives and when he finally looked up at the young edan, there were tears in his eyes.
"I had thought these lost to me forever - hannon-le."
Aragorn just nodded his head.
"Wish us well my friend for I must now take my leave of you. Be well until we are together once again."
The two hugged each other one last time before Aragorn finally turned away.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Though the day had worn itself down to dusk, it was still light enough for Tathrin to see outside and so he had stationed himself at the window of the small hut where he was keeping careful watch for any sign that the soldiers were beginning to search in their area.
Anayah started to cough violently, and when she didn't seem to be able to catch her breath, Greyfell lifted her into a sitting position and settled her against his chest which seemed to help her to breathe better. He carefully wiped the frothy blood from the corner of her mouth then felt her forehead, frowning when he felt the heat of a newborn fever. Tathrin walked up to the bed.
"How is she doing?"
"She is holding her own although how much longer she will be able to do so I do not know for already she is becoming feverish."
Tathrin nodded his head before he continued.
"You realize that it won't be too long before it is full dark?"
Greyfell nodded as he took a damp cloth and gently wiped the sweat off Anayah's forehead and face.
"Yes, my friend, I know." He sighed. "I cannot leave Anayah to the care of another for her condition is too critical and while I have every faith in you under most circumstances, it is only myself that I trust to care for her and keep her safe."
"I understand fully and take no offense from your words, Captain."
"Tathrin, I would like for you to go meet the elves and escort them to Sanctuary."
Tathrin rose from the chair he had sat himself in while the two had been talking.
"As you wish, Captain. Before I go is there anything I can get or do for you?"
"No, thank you. Now go and do what you can for the others."
After nodding his head and drawing his hooded cloak closely about him, Tathrin exited the house and headed for the opposite end of Hoth.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
The harder it was for Anayah to breathe, the more restless she became. Greyfell kept talking to her soothingly, trying to encourage her to relax and even though she was unconscious, it almost seemed as if she were listening. He knew she was in pain and wished that Tathrin had had some type of analgesic herb in his house that he could give her. Since the man had no herbs, all the Captain could do was try to soothe her by holding her to make it easier for her to breath and trying to calm her when she stirred restlessly. Since part of her seemed to be listening to him, he decided to tell her a story, hoping the sound of his voice and the cadence of the story would continue to give her comfort.
"Once upon a time in a land far, far away there was this boy elf. This boy elf had been raised by other people after the boy elf's parents had been killed. Because he had never been raised around other elves, and because other elves had been mean to him, he grew up confused about who he was and what he was supposed to think and feel. Then one day this boy elf met this beautiful princess …"
He paused as Anayah stirred and hoarsely mumbled something but after he had gently caressed her head and she had stilled, he continued with his story.
"Anyway, as I was saying … this boy elf met this beautiful princess who beat him up and held her dagger to his throat. After they both had quit trying to hurt each other, they sat down and talked and it was then that the beautiful princess gave the boy elf a wonderful gift. She gave him hope - and unconditional acceptance - something he had never had before. It was a gift that he had never expected but one that helped him see his life in a whole new light.
One day the princess was hurt by a very bad man while she was trying to save another elf. Now the boy elf had a chance to repay the kindness the princess had shown him and so he sat with her in a small dark house and tried to comfort her, hoping that she would live for he much desired to see her beautiful green eyes one more time."
Greyfell jumped when Anayah reached up and put a hand over his but when he looked down at her, he sighed, for he saw that she was still unconscious.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
The five elves and two humans sat in the concealment of the orchard that was near the entrance of the tunnel. They were patiently waiting for someone, either Greyfell or another, to make an appearance and guide them to a place of safety and were all quietly talking among themselves as they waited. Seeing Legolas eyeing the tunnel entrance nervously, Halgar walked up to the Prince and laid a hand on his shoulder. Legolas jumped as he turned to the human.
"My apologies Legolas - I did not mean to startle you."
Legolas sighed as he once more turned to the partially concealed door.
"For too long I went without the sight of sunlight or star shine and now, on my first day of freedom I still may not get to see the stars."
He sighed.
"Why does it always have to be a cave?"
Halgar chuckled quietly. After another few moments of silence, he cleared his throat, suddenly nervous, for he meant to speak with Legolas on a matter that had lain heavy on his heart for some time. He opened his mouth to speak but Legolas beat him to it.
"No, I don't."
"I'm sorry?" Halgar was puzzled.
"No, I don't hate you nor am I even angry with you for leaving me that night."
"You now read minds, my Lord?" There was a twinkle in the human's eyes.
Legolas turned fully to the man.
"I am neither hurt nor angry about what you had to do that night Halgar for I understand full well, the decision you were faced with. You had a 3,000-year-old responsibility to meet and you did what your duty bid you to do. You went with Isildur's heir and aided him however you could and from what Elladan and Elrohir have told me, you saved his life when you killed the guard that was beating him. He is more dear to me than a brother and for what you did, I will be grateful to you forever."
He turned to Halgar and favored him with a smile.
"Thank you Halgar."
Halgar nodded, then he and Legolas continued to stare at the entrance to the tunnel. Legolas sighed again.
"Why does it always have to be a cave?"
Halgar shrugged his shoulders.
"Well, technically it is more of a tunnel."
Legolas looked at the man and raised an eyebrow.
"Is it not underground?"
It was Halgar's turn to sigh.
"Aye, my Lord. It is underground."
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Greyfell may have been lost in his memories but that did not mean that he was not still alert to his surroundings. When he heard the sound of light footsteps approaching the hut, all his senses went into combat mode. Very carefully and gently he leaned Anayah forward and scooted out from behind her but when he began to lay her down, she reflexively grabbed the front of his tunic and refused to let go. He kissed her temple and gently pried her hand loose. It was his thought that she didn't really know what she was doing but out of respect, he spoke to her anyway.
"Everything will be all right, Anayah - I promise that I will not go far."
Even though unconscious, she seemed to accept his explanation for she relaxed her grip on his tunic after which, Greyfell placed her hand back on the bed. After blowing out the only light in the room, he drew his dagger and quietly walked to the door. When it started to come open, he stepped to the side and when a human male stepped across the threshold, he grabbed him from behind and placed his dagger against his throat.
"It's just me, Greyfell."
Upon hearing Aglarion's voice, Greyfell released the young man and stepped back but continued to glare at him for a moment.
"What have I taught you about entering a dark room when you are among the enemy?"
Before Aglarion could open his mouth to speak, Greyfell felt as a dagger was placed against his own throat from behind. A quiet voice spoke next to his ear.
"Perhaps you taught him not to lose track of other entrances, including the back door?"
Slowly the elf raised his hands in submission. The knife was removed and after one final glare, Aglarion pulled the curtains shut and lit a single globe. Greyfell turned and faced the being behind him and recognized him as one of the two elves that had come to escort Anayah back to camp the day the two of them had their confrontation in the forest. It was the Silvan elf - the one they called Súrion.
The two nodded to each other then turned as a young human stepped across the threshold followed by the second of the two elves he had met that day, the one called Rahan. Greyfell's eyes widened in surprise the moment he saw Aragorn then touching his forehead in respect, he stepped back.
"My Lord."
Aragorn was puzzled.
"I'm sorry, have we met before?"
Greyfell shook his head.
"I have seen paintings of Elendil and must say that you bear a striking resemblance to the great King - as you do to your father."
"You knew my father?"
"I knew of him, my Lord. However, that is a story best left for another time as you have someone to attend to. Rest assured that as of this moment your identity is no longer even on my mind."
Aragorn nodded.
"I am quite curious to know how you came to know so much about me, but you are right - I have a sister to attend to so if you would be so kind as to take me to her I would appreciate it."
"A sister? Anayah is your sister? But you are human and that would mean that she is …"
Aragorn chuckled.
"Yes, Captain Greyfell … she is half-even … just like you."
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Aragorn worked quickly and an hour later, Anayah's lung was repaired and he and Rahan had managed to get her to drink a pain relieving tea. He sat with her for a time, just holding her hand and when it finally became evident that she was regaining some of the normal color in her face and was breathing easier, he sat back and nodded his head. He turned to the others and was about to speak when Súrion came through the door with a look on his face that caused the hearts of those in the room to clench.
"There are soldiers no more than a block away going from residence to residence. They will be here shortly."
Rahan turned to Aragorn.
"Can she be moved?"
Aragorn shook his head.
"No, it would not be a wise thing to do for she is still too close to death. However, I understand that if it comes to a choice between moving her and risking further harm, or capture, I am sure that she would choose the former and if she would chose a chance at life then I believe the rest of us should do so as well. For the moment, I believe we should stay put, for the soldiers may yet turn away from their search but if it becomes clear that will not be the case, then at that time we might want to explore other options."
They all nodded then Rahan turned to Súrion.
"Go and keep track of them and see if they turn back. Account for a suitable amount of time for us to leave and when the soldiers pass those parameters, inform us."
Súrion nodded his head then left the room.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Garm was getting frustrated. He and his soldiers had been searching Hoth residences for the entire day and had found no trace of either the two elves or the horse. There had been instances during the day when he had gotten the impression that some of the vendors and some of the slaves had been somewhat less than forthcoming with the information they were willing to share. Unfortunately, no amount of bullying had managed to loosen their tongues.
Now it was dark and while some soldiers had earlier tried to convince Garm that the two elves were long gone, he had some thought or instinct niggling at the back of his mind that the two were still somewhere in the city. He knew it and was going to waist no effort proving that his instincts were correct. They only had one more row of buildings to search and afterwards could return to the Palace - not that Garm wanted to face Ostara if he came back empty-handed. So intent were he and his men on their search that they totally missed when the shadow of an adjacent building seemed to move as the being who had been standing there had slipped further back into the shadows then had headed for the path that would lead him back to an injured friend and her protectors.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Everyone looked up as Súrion quietly entered the room.
"I suggest that everybody get ready to move for the humans are closer than we first had thought and will be here momentarily."
Rahan grabbed a blanket and after wrapping it securely around Anayah picked her up and headed for the door. They had opened the door and were just about to exit when they heard the sound of voices. Stepping back inside the house and quietly closing the door, Rahan handed Anayah to Aragorn and drew his sword.
"Would the backdoor be a viable exit?"
It was Aglarion who replied.
"No, sir. The doors of this house sit wrong and you have just as much of a chance of discovery exiting through one door as you do the other."
Rahan was thinking quickly but before he could speak, Greyfell stepped up to the door then turned to the others.
"I will buy you the time you need. Get her out of here as soon as you can."
He had turned to leave when Rahan laid a hand on his shoulder.
"Though Anayah would be the first to honor your sacrifice, I also believe she would wish for you return to us - try not to disappoint her."
Greyfell looked at each of them one last time then after nodding his head, turned and left the house.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Garm and his men had finished searching the next to the last building and had just come out of the house when they heard a familiar voice and froze.
"Are you by any chance looking for me?"
Garm walked up to the man he had worked with for years and when he stopped in front of him, locked eyes.
"Greyfell."
"Garm."
The two continued to stare into each other's eyes and it was Garm who was the first to look away. The move was only momentary for he suddenly turned back and used his body's momentum to drive his fist into the stomach of his adversary.
"Ostara wants to talk to you."
When he finally caught his breath he straightened and again locked eyes with the other.
"You have an odd way of delivering messages, Captain."
Once again, Ostara's Captain drove his fist into Greyfell's stomach.
"I think it might go better for you, traitor, if you kept a civil tongue in your head."
"Or what, Garm? Are you going to run home to your Nanna and tell her that nasty old Greyfell hurt your feelings?"
Garm just stood and glared then looked at the four soldiers that were surrounding the prisoner.
"I want the four of you to convince ex-Captain Greyfell just why it is so important not to anger his betters. Teach him a lesson - just remember to leave enough of him for Ostara to question."
The four soldiers then diligently applied themselves to their Captain's orders. An hour later when they finally stood before their High Chieftain, the being they dropped at her feet little resembled the being they had encountered not that long before.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Garm had his soldiers drop Greyfell at Ostara's feet then he proceeded to tell her how the man had just walked up to them and had given himself up and after they had questioned him thoroughly they had brought him to her. Ostara stared at the bloody being at her feet for a few moments before she sat on her heels and looked at what was left of Greyfell. She felt for a pulse and when she found it shook her head for it was barely noticeable and after a few more moments of looking at him she stood and turned to Garm. Drawing her hand back she slapped the man hard.
"I told you to leave enough of him for me to question. Did I not make myself clear in my instructions?"
Garm shifted nervously from foot to foot.
"Yes, ma'am, you did. He resisted our questioning and had to be disciplined."
Ostara stared hard at her Captain then without warning grabbed the human by the front of his tunic.
"If I assumed that you found neither of the two elves, would I be correct?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Then see if you can follow what I am saying you stupid, stupid man."
She gave the Captain a little shake but did not release her hold of his tunic.
"Captain Greyfell is an extremely capable Captain and on more than one occasion has shown courage at least a match for your own. Now, after a full day of searching in which you find neither the Captain nor the two elves, you are just about to give up the search when all of a sudden he walks up to you on the street and gives himself up. Now I ask you why would this Captain, who could easily have evaded you and your soldiers, would have walked up to you and just give himself up - for no apparent reason?"
As the realization suddenly came to the man, all the blood drained from his face and he hung his head. Ostara shook her head in disgust and loosed her hold on the man's tunic and roughly shoved him from her.
"Garm, I want you to see that Captain Greyfell is taken far from the city. I do not want you to put him out of his misery and in this, you will not disobey me. I want him to spend his last moments of life aware and alone and after you have finished this task, I want you to continue your search. Do not come back until you have something to report that I want to hear. Do you understand me?"
Garm nodded his head then motioned for his soldiers to pick up the Captain's body. After a bow to Ostara, they all turned and left.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Greyfell was barely conscious when the soldiers roughly drug him off his horse and threw him to the ground. He neither moved nor cried out but remained still, as if he was breathing his last. It was not surprising to him when the last soldier to turn away "accidentally" dropped a water flask on the ground then kept on walking. Soon he was alone.
It was true that whether he lived or died was still undecided at the moment for the horrible beating he had suffered at the hands of the soldiers had left him with some serious injuries and when the new sun finally rose, if he had survived the night and the creatures that roamed the darkness, he would have to contend with the heat. But he did have a little piece of help and slowly his bloody hand reached out until it finally grasped the water flask then withdrew until he finally held the flask to his chest. His ears started to buzz and his vision darkened and just before he finally lost consciousness he manage to speak one word.
"Bitch."
TBC
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
nanahalfelven: Thank you for your review as much as for your encouragement. It really helps on days like these when the words are so hard to find. All writer's get writer's block at one time or another and today was my day. Then I think of "mud pies" and laugh before I once more pick up me keyboard and get to work. (No … that wasn't a mistake.)
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
kukumalu: Yes, the two are back together again. It seems only right, doesn't it? And yes, the B no longer has the Elendilmir and the Lilliputians no longer have to put up with the big, bad, ugly B - yay Lilliputians!
Ah yes … the arrow. The chances of being able to pull the arrow back along the same path that it had entered Anayah's chest without moving it just a fraction and further tearing the lung, were infinitesimal. I really feel that Greyfell made the right decision although thinking of him doing that to Anayah gave me about as much pleasure as chewing on a wad of tinfoil! Eeeew, indeed!
You managed to say Darn Garm 3 times? Am I embarrassed! Ok. Here's another one … Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers! I have tried this one for years and still have problems with it. And yes, my dear, you can now say you have a talent! However, I really doubt that it will be a talent that makes you rich and famous … sorry!
Uh huh! You were absolutely correct in saying that the Elendilmir was taking a personal interest in spoiling Garm's aim. She has been disrespected enough and wants to go back where she belongs.
No need to apologize for having an overactive imagination as that is what reading stories are all about - especially my stories. I am so happy when my readers have fun by rooting for the good guy while also blowing raspberries at the bad guys. If you can get involved in the story then I have been successful in my story telling.!
As soon as Anayah wakes up I will tell her that you are sending good wishes her way.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Pestiset: Thank you very much for your kind words. I am assuming that you live in Japan. I do not know much about the country other than what I have seen in the movies but it looks so absolutely gorgeous. Now was Taranaki where the film was shot or where the real events took place?
I am glad that you are enjoying the story and again, thank you for your review.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
CapriceAnn Hedican-Kocur: Inquiring minds want to know. Don't keep me dangling! LOL! Tell me what happened between you and the horse.
Thank you for the compliment on the chapter. As you can see in this chapter, everything didn't exactly go as planned. Uh oh … what are they going to do now?
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Karone Evertree: (knee deep in warg droppings) I'm telling on myself here but I grew up on a small, working cattle-ranch in Montana. My brothers, both of whom are younger, and I, used to have cow pie fights (only oldy mouldy ones were used!) which was fun until the time I was running from them because I had destroyed all their cow pies and then stepped in a gopher hole and almost broke my ankle. I also liked to walk barefoot in the really old "pies" that had been around so long that they were nothing but warm mulch. Ah yes … the good old days! (Sigh!)
(she's dedicated and strong) Some people might say that she has a one track mind but I think a little differently about it. I prefer to think of her like you said, as dedicated and strong. It wasn't just a job she had been sent to do. Rather, it was a promise that she had made and her sense of honor absolutely forbade her from giving up just because things got a little hard.
(Aragorn to the rescue) Yes, this time Aragorn got to save her. Thank you for your review!