Hi all!

Here´s my new chapter. Please excuse the wait - but at least this chapter is none too short and you get to meet Legolas and Estel again :-)

Thanks to San for editing and to all who read. A special hug goes to me reviewers - thanks, it means a lot to me.

So please review, all comments are appreciated.

Happy reading!

Alina

Rating: K+

Disclaimer: Not mine

Beneath the Ice

Elrond kept his gaze on the wizard as Gandalf arranged himself comfortably on the ground, even taking his time to straighten out his grey beard. The elf worked hard to erase the blatant astonishment from his features. A quick glance at Glorfindel proved to him that he had not been the only one to be caught off guard, and oddly enough, this soothed his wounded pride, if only slightly.

"Well?" Gandalf raised one bushy eyebrow at the elves, the twinkle in his eyes betraying the fact that he quite knowingly imitated Elrond´s favourite gesture. "You will not leave me sitting by your feet like a child, will you, my lords? Come and join me, for I feel the age of this body and would prefer not to stand while we talk." He smiled warmly and extended his hand in invitation, much as if he bid his friends to sit beside a roaring fire in his very own hall.

Finally shaking off his surprise, Elrond nodded once and gracefully re-seated himself, Glorfindel by his side. Truth be told, he was thankful to sit again, for his vision swam from fatigue and the dull throbbing from his wounded arm seemed to spread, having reached his shoulder already and now creeping along his spine.

"Mae govannen, Mithrandir" /Well-met, Mithrandir, Glorfindel extended the formal greeting towards the wizard. He bowed his head as he spoke, even though the ghost of a smile on his lips signalled that he felt more warmth towards the other than he let on. "Your arrival fills us with renewed hope, even though it pities my heart that you have come so late."

"Ah, my dear friend, you know well that a wizard never comes late." The statement contained some of Gandalf´s initial mirth, but his voice darkened along with his eyes as he glanced towards the ruined village.

"Alas, there are times when even I question the Valars´ plans for me", he continued in much more subdued tones. "Much would I have hoped to be here earlier and assist you against this evil, but my path led me down a different road. I encountered one of the goer myself last night, yet it was only one and he was dying already when I approached." /werewolves/

Sensing there was more behind this statement, both Elrond and Glorfindel listened expectantly, but instead of continuing his tale, the wizard looked to his side, his eyes fixing upon a small puddle of water that had formed beside the tree. The cold had transformed its surface into a slightly dulled sheet of ice. Thoughtfully tracing his fingertips along the frozen water, Gandalf murmured: "So much there is that we only see the surface of, yet who knows the depth beneath? What seems solid can crack, what seems dead can come to life."

Even though no light of fire was to be seen, the ice suddenly melted beneath the wizard´s hand. Tiny cracks appeared in the shining surface and they widened swiftly, revealing the small frog that had survived in his icy prison. "For good or worse, so much is hidden from our gaze, yet in the matter at hand, we need to find our way to the bottom of truth and even beyond." Gandalf smiled faintly when the small creature clambered onto his hand and settled down on his palm, seeming rather comfortable.

"Even the smallest link in the chain can shed enough light to penetrate the dark." The smile remained upon the wrinkled face even as the eyes turned thoughtful and Gandalf fell silent, lost in his examination of the frog. Or so it would seem.

Elrond shifted uncomfortably, a frown on his paled features. Glorfindel noted his friend´s confusion and he sighed in heartfelt sympathy. A wizard´s reasoning resembled a badly lit maze in the best of times, and the lord of Imladris was by no means up to a long search in the dark.

"I take it that the dying gaur revealed some enlightening truth to you, Mithrandir"/werewolf/ the Balrog slayer offered in the hopes of rekindling the conversation. "Pray tell what you have learned, for as you say, the matter is urgent. We have the wounded to tend to and little Estel has gone missing, along with the young prince of Mirkwood."

"Hm?" Grey eyes cleared as they focused on the elves once more, and they lit with true mirth for the shortest of moments. "Ah yes, Estel has met Legolas by now, has he not? Much to follow that meeting, much indeed..." He trailed off and an expression of pity formed on his wizened features when he looked at Elrond, yet it was gone again before truly manifesting itself. "But the future has to wait to be born, has it not? And who knows how it will change in the meantime."

As the wizard was shaking his head as if to rid himself of lingering images, Gandalf´s eyes lost all softness and turned to pure steel instead. His posture straightened and he gently placed the frog down onto the ground once more.

"Indeed, lord Glorfindel, time is racing and we need to catch up with it." He fixed the elven lords with a hard gaze as he spoke on. "Not far away another horde of raiders and goer is about to attack. The first are driven by hunger for the loot they have been promised, the latter by the need for souls that has been implanted within their broken spirits. Why, you may ask yourselves? Who would dare to let lose such an ancient evil? Who would trust himself to control the dark army that he breeds thus?"/werewolves/

Elrond gasped suddenly as an image assaulted him. Piercing eyes seemed to penetrate his soul and he swiftly shielded himself form the scrutiny, but not before he sensed a great wave of eager satisfaction form the dark shape that crouched before him.

Hands clasped his shoulders as Glorfindel steadied him and Gandalf´s voice reached him as if from the other rim of a wide canyon. "You can sense him now, can you not, my friend? It is as the dying creature told me. The master tries to reveal himself to his minions once he attempts to gain control."

Elrond pulled himself away from the vision with an effort that left him gasping for air. He forced his eyes to open, looking straight at Mithrandir. He saw the truth of his suspicions reflected in the other´s worried expression. "Such strength", the elven lord gasped, "such trust in power and ability..."

"Aye", Gandalf agreed gravely, "who else would dare to call upon the werewolves in such a fashion but a wizard?"

oxo

Legolas stood calmly, his eyes fixed upon the seemingly peaceful countryside before him. He had taken watch on the village´s spiked fence along with other elves. Much to the humans´ surprise the immortals had little trouble holding their balance as they stood lithely on the sloping beams. In truth Legolas would have preferred a more comfortable perch, considering that he would have to keep it for a prolonged period of time, but there was little choice. So the elves remained still, outlined against the sky, and the humans breathed a little easier for their protection.

Not a soul in the village held any illusions about their safety, yet the town council had one more duty to perform before it began arranging more defences. Legolas easily followed events by listening to the exited voices that rang out behind his turned back.

"You will regret this!" Marhen´s tone had lost nothing of its vigour. On the contrary, it seemed to gain in both spite and volume as he was escorted to the gate by the mayor and a mob of angry villagers.

"Be thankful that you escape with your life, you lousy rat!" an infuriated man shouted. "By the Valar, if I had it my way I´d wring your neck here and now!" The threat was greeted by hoarse cheers, and Legolas could not help but cringe. Not long ago some of these people had supported Bowder´s execution with just as much enthusiasm.

"I will have none of that!" The mayor sounded not only angry but embarrassed, much to Legolas´ surprise. He seemed to harbour the same thoughts that had just crossed the elf´s mind. "Marhen is free to go, and none here shall dare to harm him. We have had quite enough of ordered killings to last us many years."

The cheers died down almost guiltily, but the curses remained and accompanied Marhen out of the gates and beyond.

"You will regret this!" The repeated threat hung in the cold air darkly, and even though it was only one wiry, elderly man who uttered it there was a strength to it that no-one could deny. "Mark my words, not long from now you will scream for my protection and nothing but silence shall be your answer!"

Legolas inwardly bowed to the mayor´s wisdom when the man drew his people´s attention away from Marhen, swiftly ordering further measures to be taken for the village´s protection. A bustle of activity swept through the settlement. The elf could almost sense the gazes, which had been on him almost constantly since he had taken up his watch, being diverted. A weight lifted from his shoulders and he stood as much at ease as he could while he watched Marhen walk away from the village, heading for the sloping hill that lay to the north.

It was shortly afterwards that he sensed a presence behind him and he smiled. "What are you doing here, little one?" he asked without turning. "Should you not help protect the village?"

"But I will", the boy protested with a pout in his voice. "I only need a little help getting onto the fence."

The rather confident comment made Legolas turn and gaze down on the child. He saw a challenge in the grey eyes, as if the boy dared him to doubt his abilities. "It seems to me that the fence is already well-guarded", the elf said carefully, "maybe your help will be needed more at the gate? You could take Beakon with you."

"I was at the gate already", the child informed him, "and Léod said that he was keeping watch there." Legolas smiled at the boy´s confidence in the ranger´s abilities and was slightly surprised that he shared it. The elf made his decision quickly and jumped to the ground before he could question the wisdom of the move.

"Maybe you are right", he said seriously. "There are only elves guarding the fence, so your human insight might prove very helpful."

Estel beamed as Legolas picked him up and put him onto his back. "Hold on tight", the elf said, suppressing a wince when the boy followed his advice with a little too much enthusiasm, "but please allow me to breathe as you do so."

It took Legolas some measurements and a few none too graceful moves to gain his perch again with his burden, but he ignored the rather surprised glances by the other elves and resumed his watch as if nothing had happened at all.

The child placed his head on the archer´s shoulder and Legolas could sense the boy´s concentration. He was by no means just enjoying the view. He was sharing a watch and did not disturb it by idle chatter.

Long minutes had passed before the little human said: "Where is Marhen going, Legolas? Is his home over there? I hope he will never come back."

Legolas pondered the comment before answering. The man was by now a shrunken dark form that had almost reached the crest of the northern hill. "That is a good question, little one. It does not seem to be a well-used path that he follows."

Indeed, Legolas could make out the paths that lead away form the village even beneath the snow, and it had totally escaped his attention that Marhen was following none of them. Frowning, the elf turned and called to a villager who was fletching arrows nearby.

"What lies beyond the hill towards the north?" he asked, "is there a village or some cottage in that direction?"

The man looked up, surprised at being addressed. He frowned for a moment, then answered: "There is a lake behind that hill, master elf. We do go there for fishing in summer and sometimes in winter, too, but not lately. We did not deem it wise to leave the village, with all the raiders and such."

Legolas nodded thoughtfully. "And what else is there by the lake?" he pressed. "Is there a settlement?"

The man shook his head, bending down again to resume his task. "Nay, master elf. There´s nothing there but a good big grove of trees and more, steeper hills. To reach the next village that way on foot one would have to walk for two days."

The elf straightened up again, just catching sight of Marhen as the man disappeared across the crest.

"If he is not going home", Estel asked curiously, "then what is he doing? Do you think he wants to go fishing?" The idea did not seem out of place with the boy, who quite enjoyed catching fish with his brothers, but he could sense that the elf was not satisfied with that explanation.

"I doubt it, little one. I doubt it sincerely." With these words, Legolas jumped from his perch once more. "Your question was a good one indeed", he told the child, "and I would very much like it answered."

oxo

"Happy that we are on the move again?"

Legolas could sense the grin in Léod´s words and made sure to keep his back to the man so he could not see how his own lips twitched in response. "Aye, I am", he answered, "Bowder is a good man and he had a difficult day already before you came along. He seemed quite relieved when you had to leave the protection of the gate to him."

The ranger chuckled, yet not loud enough to give them away should enemies lurk beyond the hill that they had almost completely ascended. The man and elf had followed Marhen´s trail, intent on finding out where the traitor was headed. It had baffled both humans and elves that none had thought of doing so before, focused as they had been on other things.

Léod seemed to think along the same lines, for he said: "Estel is a smart little fellow. It was a good thought he had."

"A child´s wisdom", Legolas replied without sounding dismissive. "Elves have far too little of it in these times. Long has it been since an immortal was born to Anor´s light."

Léod frowned at he elf´s back, trying to decide whether there had been sadness or regret in his new friend´s voice, but this time Legolas had managed to mask his emotions too well for him to see through them.

Before he had found a subtle way to address the subject again, Legolas dropped into a crouch before him and Léod followed suit as they approached the hill´s crest. All conversation ceased, for they could not know what awaited them.

Very carefully, man and elf eased themselves into a position that allowed them to glance down at the lake that indeed lay beyond the hill. It was covered by ice, and snow had fallen onto the water´s surface. It was difficult to determine where land ended and gave way to ice.

Marhen seemed to know his way well enough, though. He had almost reached the farthest corner of the lake and was just turning into the cove of trees that lay nestled between two smaller but steeper hills than the one they rested on.

"I cannot make out any settlement", Léod whispered, "nor a sign of life but for that lousy traitor himself. Yet that spot seems a well-enough hiding place."

Legolas nodded his consent with the human´s assessment. "Well enough indeed", he answered darkly, "there are traces of both wolves and men beneath those trees. No doubt they send sentinels out to make sure the villagers do not see them."

A shiver ran down the ranger´s back at the calm words. He could not see the tracks the elf spoke of but trusted the other´s superior eyesight without hesitation.

"Why have they remained quiet if their camp is so close?" the young man questioned, "the village would have been easy prey."

Legolas motioned for them to retreat slightly before he answered, his eyes and words thoughtful. "As you have said, Marhen seems to be in league with that evil folk. Who knows what bargain he struck with them? All that matters to us now is that whatever protection the village has known, it has ended today."

The comment seemed to increase the cold that surrounded them, and a harsh wind picked up, swirling biting ice into their solemn faces.

"So they will attack soon", Léod summarised, "most likely under the cover of darkness. It will be difficult to get close enough to guess their numbers and more difficult still to attack them first. Our only chance seems to be the element of surprise, yet I cannot see how we could use it. Time is against us."

Despite his best efforts to the contrary, despair had seeped into the man´s voice and he allowed his head to sink into the snow in a gesture of defeat.

Legolas remained silent for long moments. He raised himself to glance over the hill once more, and when the ranger finally looked at him again he clearly saw determination on the elf´s face.

"We cannot attack them first", the archer agreed quietly, "but there are more surprises than a foe emerging from the cover of night." A slow smile spread over his fair features, and Léod was amazed how threatening the immortal´s youthful face could appear all of a sudden.

"Imagine their surprise when the ground caves in beneath their feet." Legolas was openly grinning now. "Imagine their surprise when they are swallowed by icy waters."

Catching on to the elf´s idea, Léod sat up. Doubt and hope warred in his eyes. "You mean to use the lake against them? But why should the ice break? And why should they attempt to cross it instead of walking around?"

Legolas was not put off by the questions but instead turned, his sharp gaze once more taking in the lake.

"Why indeed?" he questioned back with the ghost of a chuckle. "That, my friend, will take some preparations. And a bait. A bait they will not be able to resist."

TBC