Rory immediately insisted on going back toRivendell, alone if necessary, to retrieve some of her gear from her room. Like radios and hand held communicators. She wished like hell she could hear the conversation between the chopper and its base. That must be rectified at once.
The shot people, a ranger and the Dwarf Eli, were not seriously injured, but needed attention. It was decided that everyone but two rangers would go back through the time portal to Rivendell and Rory would collect her things and come back with some suitable companions.
Back at Rivendell, a hurried council took place. It was decided a small rescue force would be best, Rory obviously, Glorfindel, Jessryn, and the other young Dwarf, Brin. Elladan and Elrohir protested that they wished to be part of their father's rescue, but it was Glorfindel who pointed out that in Elrond's absence they were the Lords of Rivendell, and so must stay. It was also decided not to say anything about Elrond's kidnapping to the people of Rivendell yet, as he might be rescued quickly.
The appointed four picked up supplies of food, clothing and weapons, the two elves arming themselves with bows and swords, the dwarf his axe, and a wicked looking knife. Rory added her machine gun, and a knife to her own weaponry, and they went back to the cave system.
As the four companions emerged on the far side of the time portal again, Rory realised that her original assessment of where they now stood in modern time had been incorrect, as she could see a small mixed herd of zebra and wildebeest. Clearly, they were somewhere in Africa. She commenced setting up her radio gear, while Brin, Jessryn and Glorfindel scouted the area. Curiously, the same two sets of modern footprints as were in the cave led off to the southeast, at least Jessryn said they were the same, and he was noted as a tracker.
As Rory's equipment took several hours to set up, and by then night had fallen, although they did receive some interesting information over the radio, Rory was unable to raise anyone she knew, but was hopeful of doing so in the morning. As it was also too dangerous to consider moving by night, the four cooked and atea meal, and set a watch withBrin getting first watch, and all settled down for the night.
Meanwhile, on the helicopter……
Elrond lay face down on the floor, a large man keeping him there by kneeling on him, and something that looked very like one of Rory's pistols pressed to his left temple. He deemed it prudent to remain still, and for the time being co-operate. As he lay, he couldn't remember ever being so afraid, not even as a very small boy when Sirion was attacked, and he and his brother Elros were found by the sons of Feanor, Maedhros, and Maglor. Then he had been convinced both he and Elros would be killed, but unexpectedly Maglor had taken them in and cared for them. Maybe he would be lucky again, and find a friend were he expected death.
He did not know how long he lay there, his back hurting where the man's knee pressed into him, his head aching from the noise of the flying machine he was in.
After a length of time, the thing landed, and Elrond was hauled to his feet, and nearly thrown from it. His hands were wrenched behind his back, and fastened there by what felt like metal bands. He was then escorted to a small room with metal bars for a door, and shoved inside. His hands still fastened behind him, he sat down on a bed that was in the corner, and waited to discover his fate.
Ok, a short chapter, but I promise the next one will be longer.