Chapter 17: Escape!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings.

Author's notes: Well, here is chapter 17, I hope that you will enjoy it!

"'Dan, the window is closed" Estel said. The hope that was in his heart was slowly fading away.

"Look, Estel, you could open it. Just push it forward" Legolas said, as he had a better view of the window.

Estel obeyed. The window was stuck, as if it had not been used in a long time. Estel was struggling with it; the window was so heavy for him to move.

At first, nothing happened. Then slowly the window began making its way outwards. It was slowly but surely. Everyone's heart filled with joy at the prospect of at least a small chance of escape.

Then, after a long time, the window stood open. Elrohir, with the movement that his chains allowed, helped Estel get down from Elladan's shoulders. The poor boy was panting with the effort.

"Good work Estel. Now rest a little" Elrohir said while Elladan got up from his crouched position. Estel then leaned against Elladan.

All were smiling. They couldn't believe that their plan was actually working. Now, Estel only needed to go for help.

After a few moments had passed, and Estel had regained his breath, Elladan once more crouched on the floor. A little steadier this second time, Estel stood on Elladan's shoulders, with the help from Elrohir.

Although the movements were restrained by the chains, they still managed it.

"Estel, I speak for the three of us when I say please be careful" Elladan said.

"Don't worry 'Dan, I'll be fine"

"Good luck mellon-nín" Legolas said. Estel at last got hold of the rim of the window, and climbed out of it. In the blink of an eye he was gone.

The twins and Legolas only hoped that their "hope" would make it in time.

Estel jumped out of the window. He was free! No more dark and scary Elves, no more chains! He was free, but his brothers and friend were not. He needed to get help.

The hut was bigger than it had appeared at first. Estel was afraid someone might appear and catch him, but luckily no one was in sight.

He carefully made his way around the hut, trying to hear if anyone approached. Of course, he was not an Elf, but he was being extremely cautious, knowing about the danger of the situation he was in.

He realized that he, the twins and Legolas had been in a back room. At the front of the hut stood tied three unknown horses, as well as Corusador, Rochmith, and his brother's horses.

He went quickly to Corusador, untied him, and rode up at a fast canter, trying to get away from that place.

Corusador kept on running. Sweat already was visible on his coat, but he didn't care, he knew that his master was in danger, so he kept going on. He had to get away from that place. He was in great distress, feeling the danger that his master and he were leaving behind.

Estel was no better. He was anxious to get away from that dreadful place, and he kept going on knowing it was for the best. That way, he was free to go for help. He suddenly heard horses galloping nearby.

Were they strangers? He had no idea if the riders worked for Duirellon or not, so he just tried to get out of the way.

He galloped to hide behind some bushes, hoping that it was someone who would help him.

Legolas, Elladan and Elrohir were still in the hut. It was some time after Estel had left, but they thought themselves lucky that still Duirellon didn't know.

But the luck was not going to last forever. It was afternoon and Duirellon entered the room where the three friends were.

"Good afternoon" he said. Apparently he was in a happy mood, but his big grin suddenly fell and his eyes turned with a deep anger. He now had noticed Estel's absence.

"Now will you tell me where that Adan is?" he said in a menacing voice.

The three friends remain quiet; they needed to get Estel as much time as possible.

"I think I asked you a question! Answer me!" frustration was building inside him. How he had let the little Adan escape? After all, he was just a little boy.

It was then that he noticed the open window. He glared angrily at them all. "How did he escape?" he said through gritted teeth.

There was still no answer. He felt his blood boiling inside him, he was so angry because he had been so reckless as to not taking care of the window, and now that Adan was going to ruin his plans.

"Let it be what you want, but I will find him" he angrily snapped, before turning and slamming shut the door.

"Well, it wasn't that bad, was it?" Legolas said. "Estel is intelligent and is several hours ahead of him"

"Yes, lucky for Estel. However I hope that he will be all right." Elladan said.

"Don't worry 'Dan, Estel will get help and take us out of here" Legolas said, having faith in his little friend.

"We really hope so, Legolas. We really hope so" Elrohir said.

"Salion! Nebegon!" Duirellon called.

"Yes, Master?" Salion said.

"That little Adan has escaped, and I want him back!"

"But, master, how long has it been?" Nebegon asked.

"I don't know! Just go out there and find him!"

Salion and Nebegon turned to obey the orders. They were outside when they discovered that one pony was missing. Corusador was not there.

"Do you think we should tell him?" Salion asked.

"Of course, better tell him now." Nebegon said.

They headed back inside to break the news to Duirellon.

When he saw them enter so quickly after they had left, Duirellon quickly asked them "What is the problem now?"

"Master, the pony, you know the one that the Adan was riding is gone." Nebegon said.

"What? Then what are you waiting, go for him!"

"But, master, the problem is that he left several hours ago, and is riding a pony" Salion said.

"I am sure that two horses can catch up with a little pony" Duirellon replied. "I want you to go and bring him to me. He escaped, and I am sure that he went for help. We must stop him. Now go, I don't care how long you take as long as you bring him to me"

With that the two brothers left, searching for Estel.

Estel was there, trying to hide among the bushes. The riders were near, getting nearer all the time. He realized that there were more than two.

He then realized that they were not humans, they were Elves! Their horses were making far less noise than any human horse would.

Suddenly, his heart gave a leap as he realized who was the leader of the riders, none other than his father, Lord Elrond of Rivendell.

TBC…

Oh, yes, Estel has finally found his Ada!

Author's notes: Thanks to the ones who reviewed. Thanks so much, your reviews mean a lot to me! Once again I will reply to them.

More is coming soon!

Silverstreak Wolf