CHAPTER FIFTEEN

The rest of the trip went with little problem. Eldarion and Elboron managed to gain quite a reputation for themselves by being as boisterous and innocently charming as both set of Imladris twins had been before them. By the end of their visit they were feeling particularly pleased with themselves as they had managed to discover a passage within the house that most had forgotten. The twins, true to form, had shown them some of the other passages. Again true to form, Glorfindel was right there behind them, apparently determined on giving Erestor some grey (or even white!) hairs. They had tried to involve Faerveren but Arwen had put her foot down, much to the disappointment of the boys.

The night before the Gondorians were due to leave found Eldarion unable to sleep. After tossing and turning for about two hours he gave up and clambered out of bed. He crossed to the window where silvery moonlight was streaming through. The gardens below created such a peaceful setting that Eldarion's restless spirit was drawn to them. Smiling gently to himself he pulled on a heavier tunic and pair of leggings. After pulling on his light boots, Eldarion snuck out into the gardens.

The plan had been that he would go for a short walk within view of the House, just to use up some of the extra energy he seemed to have acquired since dinner. However the best laid plans never happen the way they are supposed to.

Instead of taking the path around the house as he had intended, Eldarion found himself wandering towards the woods. There was no rhyme nor reason to his action but that did not stop him. Slowly the world around Eldarion grew darker as the tress greedily swallows the moonlight so that the forest floor was dappled rather than drowned silver. Eventually Eldarion lost sight of the Last Homely House and the House lost sight of him.

As Elboron wandered, Elboron, who up until this point had been sleeping peacefully, began to grow restless. Groaning in disgust at the idea of being awake before dawn, Elboron rolled over and tried to get comfortable again. His unease however did not abate and he woke up fully with an anguished cry of his best friend's name.

Hurriedly throwing back his covers to the extent that they tumbled to the floor, Elboron ran from his room. Eldarion's door was open causing Elboron's concern to increase.

"'Darion?" asked Elboron as he edged towards the obviously slept in bed yet Eldarion was nowhere in sight.

"Eldarion!" called Elboron and span on the spot. He looked under the bed, in the bathing chamber and under the dishevelled bedding. By this point Elboron was beginning to get a little panicky. Realising that there was nothing he could do, Elboron headed, at a sprint, to the chambers his parent were using where the adults were enjoying a last night of calm before their return to duty.

Eldarion wandered around the forest admiring the moonlight bathed trees. He ran his fingers lightly over the knotted trunk of a particularly old Oak, his fingers delving into holes and crevasses, created both by nature and the wildlife that used the tree for a home. As it was unusual for a human to be present this far into the forest in the middle of the day let alone at night, several nocturnal creatures appeared.

A vixen who had been out teaching her latest litter of cubs to hunt halted in her tracks as Eldarion examined the tree. Her four cubs peeked out from around her legs and seeing what they perceived to be an Elf, scampered out of the shadow and began to play in the earth around about Eldarion's feet. Eldarion giggled when the boldest of the cubs licked at his ankle. Turning his attention away from the trunk he sat on the ground and rested against the tree behind him. The cub that had licked his ankle ignored the warning yip from his mother and deposited himself in Eldarion's lap. Eldarion instinctively looked up at the vixen who had emerged from the shadows ready to defend her offspring if necessary. She cocked her head studying Eldarion, who, as yet had not laid a finger on the cub in his lap, despite said creature's best effort. As a second of her cubs followed her sibling on to Eldarion's lap the vixen settled herself on the ground, sensing no threat from Eldarion but cautious all the same. Eldarion smiled at the vixen and began to softly stroke the copper fur of cub, causing a series of content growls from the animal in question and several yips of protest from his siblings.

Several other creature came to get a look at the new and decidedly odd inclusion to their habitat, though none were as bold as the fox cubs. As Eldarion played with the cubs, a tawny owl appeared in the branches of the Oak and softly hooted. The vixen looked up and the owl hooted again, sounding slightly more urgent. The vixen sat up and sniffed the air. She gave a sudden growl of warning and Eldarion and the cubs stopped in their antics. Eldarion hastily removed his hands from the cub who had claimed his chest as a resting place. The vixen came forward and took her cub by the scruff of his neck. She gave a series of short sharp barks and yips. The more adventurous of the cubs responded and after delivering a quick lick to Eldarion's cheek, scampered off into the forest followed by his litter mates. The smaller mammals had also disappeared to be swiftly replaced by a group of foxes, the youngest of which being at least a year old. The vixen gave another series of barks. Eldarion began to get a little worried in the presence of the adults, especially when three of them advanced on him emitting what could only be described as a growl.

It was then that Eldarion also sensed the extra, and unwanted presence in the forest. Try his hardest not to let his fear surface, Eldarion huddled back against the trunk of the Oak tree. Though he was not fully Elven, and had not been instructed in the way of communicating with nature in the same way he had witnessed Glorfindel, Eldarion felt safe resting against the wooden life form as the foxes formed a form of protection barrier in front of him.

A foul stench assaulted Eldarion's senses, causing him to gag and his eyes to water. It also served to increase his level of panic. Why? Why had he left the safety of his room. He had plenty to do there. Or even then he could have stayed in the garden! Tucking his knees tightly up to his chest he waited for the Orcs to find him and his fox guards.

"Elboron!" exclaimed Éowyn as her son came crashing through the door to the chambers. Aragorn, Arwen, Faramir, Glorfindel and the twins also looked up in surprise. Glorfindel was immediately on alert, as was Aragorn and Faramir seeing the panic in Elboron's eyes.

"Elboron what's wrong?" asked Faramir setting down his wine glass and holding out an arm to the boy.

"Eldarion!" panted Elboron. "He's gone….don't know where….something's wrong…."

"Gone?" echoed Aragorn. "What do you mean gone?"

"He's not in his room," replied Elboron. "His boots are gone, so are his tunic and leggings that he was wearing today."

"What makes you say something is wrong?" said Aragorn.

"I have a really bad feeling," said Elboron feeling a little silly. Éowyn stared.

"You came tearing in here, claiming that something was wrong with Eldarion because of a bad feeling?" she said in disbelief.

"With the bond that the pair of them share, it is to be expected," said Glorfindel. "I'll go look outside, Elrohir, Estel, you can help me. Elladan why don't you go with Faramir and search in the house. Ladies, Elboron, you should go to Eldarion's room in case he returns there."

Without a word of argument, the group split to look for the missing Prince.

As soon as Glorfindel reached the garden path that Eldarion had started to follow he knew something was amiss. The forest, which was usually filled with the noises of animals coming and going, was deathly quiet except for a the rhythmic thud. The trees also seemed a little unsettled. Resting his hand against the nearest trunk, he opened his mind and allowed his thoughts to mingle with the tree's. Within in seconds he had pulled his hand away sharply and turned to look for Aragorn and Elrohir.

"He's in the forest and he's in trouble! Elrohir, go and find Elladan. Grab your weapons and meet us at your mother's tree. Aragorn, we are going to the armoury!"

"What about Éowyn, Arwen and Elboron?" asked Elrohir.

"If you pass them, tell them we have found him. But only if you pass Eldarion's room," replied Glorfindel before turning on his heal and sprinting to the armoury.

"Glorfindel? What's happening?" asked Aragorn.

"Imladris has some very unwelcome visitors," said Glorfindel. Handing Aragorn a sword and a bow, he turned to the man he loved as a son with fear in his eyes. "Yrch have entered the Valley once again. Eldarion is caught in their path." Orcs

Aragorn blanched. Sharply tying the sword around his waist and slinging the bow and quiver over his shoulder, Aragorn hardened his gaze. "Which path?" he demanded.

"The one leading to the glade of the flowers," replied Glorfindel. Before he could even form a protest in his mind, Aragorn was sprinting into the forest. He was not going to lose anyone else to the Orcs, especially his son.

Eldarion tried desperately to quieten his breathing as the fox pack continued to guard him, though the intelligent animals tried their best to make it look like they were simply gathered in the one spot. Eldarion began to feel very queasy as the Orcs approached closer. Snuggling deeper into the tree and earth at its base, Eldarion prayed to whoever was listening or watching that he would survive, along with the foxes. The dog to his left gave a small bark and licked the back of Eldarion's wrist in a reassuring manner. When Eldarion looked at him, he butted his nose against the boy's leg and lay down as close as possible to the child. Eldarion's fingers found their way into the creatures coat and he slowly stroked it, allowing the action to calm him.

Nothing however could prepare him for the sound of the Orcs crashing through the undergrowth, hacking away at the trees as they past, for no other reason than they could. As they walked they talked in their language of snarls, grunts and malicious words. Eldarion stuck his fist in his mouth as they moved closer in an effort both to quieten his breathing and also to prevent himself from being sick as the foul stench hit his nostrils like a perfectly aimed arrow.

An Orc spotted the foxes and nudged his companion. He muttered something, pointing at the vixen who was casually licking her paw while keeping her eyes firmly attached on the Orcs. The Owl in the Oak above Eldarion's head hooted again. This time the dog at Eldarion's side barked in acknowledgement as the vixen, along with three others, kept an eye on the Orcs. Eldarion tried his best to remain silent but when an archer aimed its bow at the vixen he couldn't help but call out. The Orc that was aiming at the vixen grinned maliciously and continued to add tension to his bowstring.

Eldarion watched helplessly as the arrow was let loose. He wanted to prevent the arrow hitting the vixen but the dog at his left and manoeuvred himself into a position that prevent Eldarion moving. Screwing up his eyes, Eldarion waited for the yelp of pain that would indicate that the vixen had been hit. When none came, Eldarion cracked open his eyes as saw that the vixen had moved and the black arrow was now imbedded in the soft earth. Eldarion heaved a sigh of relief until he realised that the Orc archer now aiming a second arrow straight at him.

Just as the archer was about to release the arrow into Eldarion, an arrow from a second source flew into his chest. As the dead body could not keep the tension in the string to fire the arrow it slid out of the Orcs grasp and fell harmlessly to the ground. The archer followed.

The other Orcs looked around in surprise but as yet could not see their attacker. Another arrow flew from the trees and landed in a second archer's back. They too fell to the ground. Now however, the unknown assailant was within adequate 'sniffing distance' of the Orcs and the leader made this quite clear when he called out, in Westron.

"Come out you pathetic Man! Pick a fight like a real warrior!"

"Picking on innocent creatures is hardly the way of a real warrior," replied Aragorn. He knew it was not wise to taunt an enemy, especially an Orc who had ever opportunity to end his son's life. Aragorn moved around the trees putting every skill he had been taught by the Elves and Rangers into practice, in an attempt to be as close to Eldarion as possible if a full scale fight broke out. The fact that Eldarion was surrounded by at least half-a-dozen foxes did not help Aragorn's nerves. Eldarion's grip on the dog's fur tightened when he recognised his father's voice. In return the dog licked his wrist.

"You should be ashamed," jeered the Orc leader as he signalled for another of his followers to target Eldarion. This creature too was hampered in his attempt, though the arrow that struck him down was not fired by Aragorn.

"You never learn do you?" said Elrohir as he appeared along the path, Elladan and Glorfindel flanking him and his bow drawn tight again. "You should know by now that to enter the Valley means death."

As Elrohir spoke, Aragorn crept up behind Eldarion and crouched down behind the Oak. Eldarion yelped when he was pulled sharply backwards and the dog who was protecting him growled in warning. An arrow landed in the Oak trunk, inches above where Eldarion's head had been five seconds previous. Aragorn ceased his movement and stood. He moved out to join his brothers and Glorfindel, withdrawing his sword.

"Elves and a Man, fighting together? Over what, a pack of foxes and a brat?" jeered the leader. He smiled maliciously. "What say we have a wager? We fight and the winner takes the spoils. The losers of course will be dead." Elladan's arrow in the Orc's chest was the only answer the company received.

Fifteen minutes later, the Orc company all lay dead, their foul black blood seeping to the forest floor. Elrohir was nursing a lacerated forearm while Elladan had a gash to the forehead. Glorfindel had a few minor cuts from where he had come in contact with the razor armour of fallen Orcs and Aragorn had acquired a collection of bruises and had split to skin on his knuckles and elbow from when he had taken an Orc on in some variation of hand to hand combat. Three foxes lay dead, having been caught in the crossfire, including the dog which had been sitting next Eldarion. The fox was sprawled across Eldarion, who had been knocked to the ground when the dog had lunged at him.

"Eldarion?" asked Aragorn crouching down to remove the dead animal. He choked when he uncovered his son. The dog had taken an arrow in the back when he had lunged the child and because of its momentum, the tip had penetrated the chest. The tip had implanted itself in the soft tissue of Eldarion's stomach which was now bleeding at an alarming rate. Swearing in three languages, Aragorn ripped Eldarion's tunic sleeve, balled it up and pressed it on to the wound. The pain was enough to bring Eldarion round.

"Nin geheno," whispered the boy. forgive me

"We will deal with that later, now I have to get you back to the House," said Aragorn scooping his son into arms. "I need you to keep pressure on your wound before you lose to much blood."

"Sore," whispered Eldarion as he did as he was bid.

"Good," said Aragorn. He didn't mean to sound so heartless but the pain would keep Eldarion awake, at least until they reached the house.

As Aragorn retreated down the path with Elrohir, Glorfindel noticed a fox cub appear from the undergrowth and follow the threesome until it reached the edge of the forest where it stood and gently yipped for its new found playmate. Elladan stared after the cub as it retreated before turning to Glorfindel.

"Why were the foxes protecting Eldarion?" he asked in bewilderment. "We are lucky if we can approach one but to have eight sitting around him as if as a guard?"

"Eldarion has an affinity with animals, especially those that others would consider wild," replied Glorfindel.

"He tames them?" asked Elladan.

"No, that would be the same as locking him in the house. He recognises them as wild but he does not shy away from them if they decide to approach him. My guess is he met the at least one of them, probably the vixen before the Orcs were detected."

"But why protect him? Why not run when the Orcs arrived?" asked Elladan, completely confused by the unique situation his nephew had been found in.

"Mutual threat. Much better protection and higher chance of survival as a group than as an individual," said Glorfindel as they began to ascend the steps to the house.

"They were Orcs not hunters!"

"Orcs attack and kill whatever they chose. If a fox ran into their path, they would not hesitate to kill it, especially if it could supply them with meat," said Glorfindel. "Now, if you will excuse me I have to tell Elboron the condition of his friend."

My sincerest apologies for the lateness of this chapter but real life got in the way last week and I am afraid will be doing to the same this week. Now, a couple of you asked me some questions. Here are my responces;

'The oath witness' - I have no idea who witnessed the oath between Eldarion and Elboron. I will leave that decision up to you. The only limit I have imposed is that they would have seen Elrond/Elros, Elladan/Elrohir, Estel/Kalya AND Eldarion/Elboron make the oath.

'Where's Haldir' - He's still in Lórien. Even though he is Eldarion's guardian, he is still March-Warden and returned to duty. Not sure when we will see him again but he will definately reappear later.