Chapter Four - Escape from Gordamir, On the Road

"Hurry! They're closing the gate!" Kaladram exclaimed, pointing to the men who were indeed rapidly closing the gate to the haven. Each one of them cursed slightly, and began to run. They reached the gate, busting several Orc and Uruk-Hai heads against it, before slipping past the dead bodies of men into the safety of the Haven. It was then when Legolas let Kaladram stand on her own. Aragorn looked at her, and at the arrows. "You are wounded." She glared at him, ever so slightly, then smirked. "Indeed."

The battle raged on, the soldiers that had not yet fired a shot kept the enemy at bay, while the others rested…and got arrows yanked out of their back. Kaladram sat on a barrel, her back armor removed, as both Aragorn and a doctor of sorts, tired to yank the arrows out. "They are certainly well-made things. They are as hard to get out, as to chop in half." The man commented, stepping away, and rubbing his forehead in question. Kaladram sighed, and turned slightly, to better look at the one imbedded in her side. She gripped it, and took a deep breath, yanking it out of her flesh. Everyone around cringed at the sound of tearing skin, and a suction noise of the arrow being removed. "That wasn't so bad. Sounded certainly worse than it really is." She said cheerfully, handing the arrow over to Gimli. "You can dispose of it now. I have no wish to see it again, in me, or in another person." She thought for a second. "But it would be nice to see it in an Orc." She muttered, and closed her eyes. "Now, do we think you guys can at least rip them out? If I can, you can." The two nodded, and began to work them out of her skin, feeling her twitch just a little at the point where the arrowhead ripped out. On each end, there where tiny little spikes on the arrowheads, causing a painful removal.

Legolas had removed himself from the scene, and wandered around the Haven, noticing that he was receiving whispers, and even little glares from the people of Gordamir. "He's taken away our little Kaladram, he has. Him and those other two men, the short one, and the one with the hair." He heard an old woman whisper as he passed, who seemed not to care whether he heard or not. He dropped his head from it's regal status a bit, thinking this over. The Orcs and Uruk-Hai had more numbers, but less weapons and they were feebler than the men of Gordamir. However, they had taken down the main captain, and now the men seemed slightly scared, whispering among themselves. "What will we do when the others get tired?" One whispered to the other, slouching against the wall, and drinking deeply from a canteen, hopefully filled with water. Legolas shook his head, and started returning to the others, taking a canteen from a man who was holding it out to him as he went. "To parch your thirst, laddie. In times like these, a swallow'll do ya good." He smiled, and walked the opposite direction, his steps slightly wavering. Legolas shook his head, sniffing the liquid inside the canteen. It was half-filled with ale. Strong ale at that. He continued walking towards the little group, that now seemed to be arguing.

"I'm perfectly fine handling my men on my own!"

"Not with arrow wounds in your back! You can hardly stand up!"

"Yes I can! You just watch!" She shouted back angrily, and stood, but slouching slightly. "All the way, Kaladram."
"That's captain to you." She muttered back, straightening all the way. Aragorn had an amused look on his face, then turned away. "As it should be, considering that you are--" He stopped, having a hand clamped over his mouth. "You know then. Now, you will keep quite about it, until I say you can tell it, or until I die. Either one." She said to him, holding her blade to his throat. Gimli stood, his mouth moving but so shocked so that he couldn't speak. "If you are wise, you shall lower your sword." Legolas said darkly, reaching for an arrow. At once, the mood changed as Kaladram let go of Aragorn, they looked at each other, and started to laugh non-stop. Quizzing looks came to the two faces, and they both dropped their weapons.

"What is going on here?" Gimli questioned, quite bewildered. Kaladram shook her head, waving her hand at him as well. "Nothing that would interest the likes of you two." She turned away, and started heading for the armory. "Where do you think you're going?" Asked the doctor, catching her by the shoulder. "The armory. I cannot fight with broken armor, as it were."

"You'll be doing no more fighting."

The cheerful mood stopped as she glared at him. "I am going to fight, and no Man can stop me." She growled, and turned swiftly from him, stalking off to the armory.

The day wore on, filled with many a piercing scream, and garbled death cries. Kaladram had returned to the battle field, much to the protest of the doctor, and killed many more Orcs and Uruk-Hai. Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn remained for a little while longer, before joining her. The sight they witnessed was spectacular. Nearly every Orc or Uruk-Hai was slain, within a large circle around Kaladram. "You certainly have been busy." Aragorn commented, looking at the bodies around him. Kaladram smiled, whipping around with her sword, and slicing an Orcs head off that came charging towards her. "I believe so, lord Aragorn. Hurry, or you will not be able to slay some yourselves!" She said jokingly, resting against the wall before running towards another Orc. "It is quite enjoyable!" They all laughed, and drew their weapons, running for the remaining enemies.

"I'd say that work deserves a nice pint of beer!" Gimli exclaimed, sitting atop a stool, and leaning over the counter of a local brewery. The woman behind the counter smiled, and turned away towards the beer barrels. Aragorn smiled, and sat on a stool as well, looking around the brewery. "Where will you be headed towards next, when the Royals decide whether to let you go?" Kaladram questioned, taking a pint from the hand of the woman, who handed the beer to the others. Gimli nearly choked on his beer, and set it down. "To look for Merry and Pippin!" He exclaimed, slamming the mug on the counter. Kaladram smiled softly, and took a sip from her own mug. "They are two of our companions, we've lost them in the fray of war." Aragorn put in, helping her understand. "I see….and perhaps…I can travel with you?" She questioned, looking at them over the brim of the mug. This time, they all choked, placing their own mugs down carefully. "Why?" Legolas was the first to speak, holding his throat slightly. "You are going the way to Isengard, are you not? I have heard much from the fog-folk." She stopped, laughing slightly. "They say that you were breathing so loud, they could have shot you in the dark." The three companions thought of the exact line Haldir of Lorien had spoken to Gimli, that first time they met him. Aragorn sighed softly, shaking his head a bit. Kaladram carried on. "I intend on treading towards Lothlorien. For it will soon be Spring, and the floors of the forest will be golden. A sight my eyes have not beheld in the longest of times." She tilted back in her seat, clearly trapped in a wonderful memory.

"But how do you know of such things? It is not common for Men to know of Elves." Legolas questioned, letting his hand fall from his neck, the burning sensation of choking gone. Kaladram snapped out of her memory, glaring deeply at him. "Do not speak of things that you know nothing about, lord Legolas." She stood hastily, and made for the door, but not before throwing down several copper coins, for the drinks. They all sat for a moment, not speaking, and looking away from each other, the silence only broken by the sound of Aragorn sighing. "Where did we leave Gandalf?" He questioned, then took a sip of his beer. Gimli looked over, slightly puzzled. "I'm…not entirely sure. Didn't he go off saying he had something to do?" Aragorn shrugged, and looked away. "I believe he slipped off after we were riding out from Helm's Deep." He said the name quietly, still remembering the pain of the many good men lost in the battle. The two nodded, turning back to their own thoughts.

The next day, the three were summoned to the High Court of the Royals, along with their caretaker. They were led into a large expansive room, filled with all copper and silver decorations. The lights made an effect of everything glowing, even the Royals themselves. One in particular stood out. A tall woman, who, despite the fact that she had long silver hair, looked ageless. As she rose from her seat, the light reflected from her hair, and made a halo of sorts around her. "Greeting, Aragorn of the Men, Legolas of the Elves, and Gimli of the Dwarfs. It is a great pleasure to see outsiders in the great City of Fog." She smiled, and sat down as a man stood up. He was tall in stature, as all of the Royals seemed to be, but he had a wise face, framed with shining brown hair. "Indeed, welcome to Gordamir. Though, I do not think that you need a welcome, considering how gallantly you all fought for our city." He bowed slightly, and smiled at them. "As for your young guide," He took the time to look at Kaladram, who curtsied low. "I have great pride that you have been well served." He sat, nodding to the next man. He stood, and nodded to each of them, before speaking. "I speak for the Royal Council now, and a decision has indeed been made." He paused, most likely for dramatic tension. "You three outsiders shall not be able to pass the gates of Gordamir." He sat, and straightened his robes. Kaladram stood tall, and looked fierce with their decision. "And why are they not permitted to see their own worlds?" She challenged, looking at the Council in disgust. "Am I not to travel as well?" One of the women looked down at her, glaring at her slightly. "You dare to challenge the Royals? Such is punishable!" Kaladram backed off, bowing her head a little, and moving towards the door. "You are dismissed. I suggest you find more….permanent housing." The first man said as the doors were closing behind them.

"There is some evil force in Gordamir tonight." Kaladram said, sneering at the building they had just exited. "The army must have been a ploy." Aragorn walked swiftly towards the gates of Gordamir, glancing up at the guards as he passed. "Going to the cottages, eh?" One asked, a sneer on his face. Aragorn nodded, curious of his reaction. "Royals say…if you even step a toe out of Kaladram's land, we're to shoot you down."

They reached the house, feeling watched. "Like I said, there is an evil force in Gordamir tonight. We must leave as soon as we can."

"And how are we to do that? You heard what the guard said, we are not to leave, or be killed." Legolas argued, though not the least content to stay in Gordamir. Kaladram walked with them into the ground cottage, and walked to a dusty bookcase. From the bowels of the middle shelf, she fished out some parchment, yellowed with age. "And what may this be?" Legolas questioned, looking over her shoulder as she unraveled them. "Secret maps, of tunnels delved under the city. There are two leading from here." She pointed to two dark spots on the map, one, directly under where the tree was growing, the other, under the cottage. "That's a fine piece of luck, isn't it! Our two escape routes, blocked by the passage of man." Gimli spat, receiving a slight glare from Aragorn, meaning be quiet. Kaladram smiled at the dwarf. "Well said, lord Gimli. Indeed, the passages look to be blocked. But you must consider that every person that has lived in this very cottage, has been the only person not affected by any evil in the city." She laid the rest of the maps out, and studied them for a minute.

"It is said that when Gordamir and the Land of Men came to be, we were united. Enemies fell, alliances were formed, and friendships were strengthened. Men soon made alliances with the elves. Elves of Rivendell and Lorien alike came to defend, and at one point, were defended, against the growing power of Sauron. For even then, his strength was great.

Alas, the time of Dwarfs fell, and they were our alliances no more. For the most part, they continued to delve into the mountains, keeping to themselves, awaking….things. The Royals of the time accepted that, and when they sent word to the dwarfs for help, it would be only in grave danger. For back then, Men and Dwarfs had a powerful connection, and we understood each other."

She let the other's look at the maps of complex tunnels, and sat in a char.

"Gondor did have a connection with the dwarfs, but not as good as Gordamir. The King of Gondor later grew angry at the alliance his people did not have. A heated argument lasted through the years between the King and the Royals. Finally, the arrogance of men took over, and a great war was started between the two. Many perished, and the elves could not choose sides, for they were both Gondor and Gordamir alliances. The two fell into darkness, never to speak between each other again. The Royals devised a plan, and with the help of the elves, they put a protected area outside the walls of Gordamir. This way, at least one person could get away and find help.
And of course, having elves helping them, the area grew green and lush. This is that very area." She smiled, looking down at her hands in her lap.

"Another war started, and the person living in this area died in the path of an arrow. The elves mourned, because he was one of their kindred, and grew angry. They gathered wizards to cast spells over the area, so that no outside force could get through, neither solid, or something creeping through the city, unnoticed." She stopped, and took a breath, letting it out slowly. "When the person who resides here dies, a new person is picked. The only reason that I'm here is that they were short on people, due to a recent war with a distant land." She stopped again, and looked at them, smiling. "Which is odd, considering that I was not living here at the time."

Gimli had sat down, and drawn out his pipe. "Wonderful story. Now, I don't suppose we could get some dinner going?" He questioned, looking out the window at the fast fading sun. Kaladram smiled, and nodded, getting up and walking to the fire. "We will cook indoors tonight, only, not here." She stopped, and doused the fire with a pail by it. "In my cottage." She led them out, and up the tree, stopping only to light the candles that hung by her door. "Quickly.." She whispered, looking at the guards on the wall.
Inside, it was dark, and Gimli and Aragorn ran into things. Kaladram grabbed their shoulders, and guided them to the fireplace, then stopped. "Here, take the remainder of your weapons if they are still in the box." She whispered, and lighted a single candle, and holding it over the box. Aragorn took the rest of his weapons, and placed them along his belt. Legolas took his two swords, and placed them in their sheaths on his back. Gimli smiled, and shook his head. He already had his axe, he needed nothing more. Kaladram smiled, and moved to a door, opening it, they saw many cloaks and other articles of clothing. Quickly, she pulled out three cloaks that were made of a silvery material, that seemed to change colors every time it moved. "Here, just put them atop your other cloaks. They weigh very little." She said quickly and quietly, returning back to the closet, and putting on a large brown belt, then a vest, and finally, her own cloak. The three quickly donned the cloaks, and they indeed weighed very little. They all watched as Kaladram removed a quiver from the closet, and strode back over to the box, removing all the arrows, and placing them in the quiver with care. Next came the daggers. She picked three, strapping one to her arm, and the other two to her belt. Finally, she lifted two swords from the contents, gazing at them fondly before fastening them to her belt. "Quickly now, into the fireplace." She pointed, shoving Legolas from behind, Aragorn as well. They looked at her in confusion, watching as she picked up a rather large bow from another table. "Down the fireplace! Quickly now!" She hissed, pushing them all towards it. "What significance does this hold?" Legolas questioned, grabbing her arms, and holding her from pushing them any further. She glared at him, and twisted her arms around, snapping out of his grip. "Trust me. I have not lead you astray."

Should we trust her?
Why shouldn't we? Even now, we are risking death.

I see no problem in staying here. You heard the story, no evil can break this fortress.

That may be so, but then you would be left here, alone.

Legolas fell quiet, looking at Kaladram, who looked infuriated. "Indeed, you have not lead us astray. Lead." He nodded to her, and she pushed him into the fireplace, where he disappeared. "Where has he gone?" Gimli exclaimed, running to the fireplace, and peering down. A long scream could be heard as Legolas fell. Gimli felt a sharp prod from behind, and he lost his balance, tumbling in after him.

Aragorn looked at Kaladram, slightly on guard. "It is your turn, lord Aragorn. You must fall as well. But take caution not to fall on one of your weapons." She smiled, and rolled up a sleeve, revealing a scar trailing down her upper arm. Aragorn nodded, but stepped wearily towards the fireplace, hovering over the dark, cavernous pit. "I will be right behind you." With that, he closed his eyes, and jumped down the hole.
He hit the bottom, landing on a surprisingly nice cushion of hay, and rolled off just as Kaladram jumped down behind him. Gimli whirled around, brandishing his axe. "Calm, Gimli. It's me." Aragorn choked, leaning against the wall, and holding his side where he had landed. Kaladram tumbled out of the small shaft, and with a small 'umph', landed in a heap on the hay. Slowly, she rose, the hay falling from her hair, and looking at the other three. "Lord Aragorn, do you need assistance?" She stepped over to him, holding out her hand. Aragorn smiled, taking her hand, and lifted himself up. "I just landed on one of the sheathes of my daggers." He explained, shrugging, then looking around. As soon as his eyes adjusted to the light, he gasped, just as Gimli and Legolas had done. What they saw was a large, cavernous tunnel, with dim outlines of paintings. Elven, they looked, depicting the two wars of Men, and many delightful pictures of tree's, animals, and other elves. "Who did all this?" Legolas asked in a hushed whisper, trailing his fingers against a picture depicting an Elven archer. Kaladram smiled, and flung her arms open, as if welcoming the tunnel to her. "The oldest of the messengers started depicting what happened, things that affected the city." She explained, and started to walk away from them, into the depths of the tunnel. "Follow me. If you don't, you will get lost in the maze, and die here." They all shuddered, and quickly fell into step with her, looking around cautiously. "Where does this lead?" Gimli questioned, looking up at her, receiving a small smile. "Out of the marshes." She offered no more explanation, and continued to walk on, seemingly tirelessly.

And so an hour past, Gimli and Aragorn huffing slightly, while Legolas and Kaladram strode one at the same pace, side by side. "Are you two tired?" She questioned, turning her head to glance at them. Legolas glanced back at his friends, smiled, and stopped. "You are both weary. We shall stop for a few minutes." Aragorn and Gimli sank appreciatively to the floor, grabbing at their cramped sides. Legolas remained standing, and began eyeing the paintings again, simply fascinated. Kaladram sat by Gimli, handing the two bread she had packed. "Are you glad to be underground again, lord Gimli?" He looked at her, his mouth bulging with a large hunk of bread. Slowly, he nodded, and swallowed. "Though, nothing could compare to being in Lorien, with Galadriel." He commented, a wistful expression coming to his face. Kaladram smiled at him, leaning against the wall of the tunnel, nodding.

Two more days past, and the end was in sight, a pale sliver of light where a stone slab had shifted over the opening. "We are very close! Come quickly!" Kaladram shouted happily, running towards the light. Legolas sprinted after her, being an elf and not feeling tired. Aragorn and Gimli followed in a somewhat slower pace, slightly huffing at the effort. "It's a good thing, too. I was starting to dread being in here." Aragorn mumbled, jogging up to the other two. Gimli nodded, not quite in the mood to talk at the moment. "And I suppose we're to move the slab by ourselves?" Aragorn questioned, looking skeptical about the weight of the stone slab. Kaladram laughed, shaking her head at him. "Come, lord Aragorn, help us lift the stone." He groaned, and joined Legolas and Kaladram, lifting his hands to the stone. All together they shifted the large weight a little, more of the sun peeking through the fissure. "Well, you've nearly got it open enough for us to get through." Laughed Gimli, eyeing the beam of light. "Just a few more feet!"