Chapter 13
Legolas
The sun was setting. The final moments of the Yeerk's life had come and Stacey would be free. I watched her closely, never taking my eyes off her. The creature inside her mind glared back at me. Sweat ran down her face and she began to shake violently. The Yeerk screamed and struggled against the ropes that held her in place. I called for the others.
"It's happening," Rachel said.
"Legolas," Stacey called.
I wanted to go to her, to help her but Rachel held me back. "Wait. Not yet."
I hated seeing her in such pain. However, I knew that it was the only way. After what seemed to be an eternity of screaming and crying, the Yeerk fell to the stable floor. It was a disgusting sight to behold. Then it turned to dust and was blown away by a gentle breeze. I quickly untied Stacey and helped her stand. She wrapped her arms around me and held me tight.
"You are free," I told her.
"Thank you," she whispered.
The two of us went for a walk in the woods, making sure to stay close to Cassie's in case something happened. She had her arm around my waist and head on my shoulder. She seemed to be lost in her thoughts. She was probably trying to cope with all the recent events.
"I'm sorry," she said at last.
"For what?"
"Deceiving you like that. Can you forgive me?"
"Ú-moe edhored. You were not yourself."
"But I still feel guilty. He used our love for one another against us."
I put a finger to her lips to quiet her. "If what he said was true, then we both want the same thing." I kissed her deeply. "I love you."
Someone clearing his or her throat interrupted us. Nicole stood a few feet away, a crimson blush spreading across her face.
"I hate to bother you during such a sweet moment, but Ketara has a new circuit board for the portal. It's ready."
"I guess this means you're going home," Stacy said with sadness.
I brushed her cheek softly with the back of my hand. "If only you could come with me. There are still many battles we must fight to save Middle-Earth."
"And I want to help, but my fight is here."
"I understand. You must protect your people, and I mine."
"I'll miss you," she said as a tear rolled down her cheek.
My heart ached. For the first time, I had found someone to love, and now I had to leave her behind. I returned to the stable with her. Her friends were waiting for us next to the same gate we had arrived through. Ketara pulled a lever and a bright swirling light illuminated the center of the gate.
I set the portal to send you back to the same place you arrived from just a few minutes after you left, Ketara said.
I nodded. I knew that Aragorn and the others would be traveling to Isengard to find Merry and Pippin by now. From what Ketara spoke of, it would be as though I were not gone long. I approached each of them, placing my hand on their shoulder, and said farewell.
"It was an honor fighting with you all. You are worthy warriors," I said. I approached Stacey. "I shall carry you with me in my heart for as long as I live." I kissed her one last time and stepped through the gateway. There was a blinding flash of light and then I was back in Helm's Deep. Aragorn and Gimli ran towards me.
"What happened? Where did you go?" Aragorn questioned me.
"I shall explain everything as we journey to Isengard."
We mounted our horses and rode to Isengard. It was a three-day journey, which would give me enough time to recount my adventures with Stacey and her companions. Aragorn and Gimli, even Gandalf, were amazed by my story, but were curious as to how I accomplished it all within a matter of minutes. I explained to them as best I could about Ketara's unique gateway.
"You went off, had an adventure, and didn't bother to take me along!" Gimli ranted.
I smiled. He was always wanting in on the action, no matter what it was. We set up camp that night to rest and regain our strength before continuing onward the next morning. As I lay in my tent, my thoughts went to Stacey. I missed her greatly and longed to see her once more. The following morning we set off again. I was silent as we traveled, not wanting to speak with anyone at the moment. I felt an overwhelming sadness deep within my heart as realized more and more that Stacey would not be with me during the final battles of Middle-Earth.
"Up ahead," Aragorn said. "Someone needs help."
I looked off into the distance and saw a hooded figure waving their hands in the air towards us. We hurried to their aide, but remained alert in case it were an ambush of wildmen. We halted a few feet away from them. They wore a cloak, their face hidden by the hood. Aragorn approached slowly.
"Are you hurt?"
"No. But perhaps you can answer me this…" They pulled back their hood and I felt my heart flutter. "What's a girl got to do to get a ride around here?" Stacey asked.
To be continued…
"Ú-moe edhored." ("There is nothing to forgive.")