Author'sComment:

I got a review saying that my story has nothing to do with Lord of the Rings. Actually, there is a connection. However, I am yet to show that. Please bear with me…I will show you all the connections in my later chapters. Thank You!

CHAPTER FOUR:

Cofniben Durion woke up and sat upright on his bed. He rubbed his sleepy eyes with his hand. He opened his eyes and looked at the tent, hoping that yesterday was just a nightmare. However, all the beds were occupied, except for one. He cursed Nosteruion's curiosity and said, "If you just controlled your curiosity for one day, we both would have passed the test and became Ithil warriors."

He got out of his bed, pushing Nosteruion thought away. He wore his tunic and washed his face.

His fellow mates were still asleep. Therefore, he went outside the tent and looked around.

It was still dark; the sun will not rise for another hour. When it does, their final test will begin. He has no idea what the final test is going to be. So far, they have mastered on swords, long-range weapons, melee attacks, stealth and solo survival.

Cofniben took his sword out and practiced. As time passed, his fellow students exited the tent. Finally, Teela came out on her practice dress. Cofniben shot a look. He has always fancied her. She was so striking. She had a long black hair, her skin was fair and her eyes were crystal blue. She excelled on Bow and arrows.

When Teela saw Cofniben staring at her, she smiled. He smiled back in embarrassment and turned his attention to his practice.

The sun slowly rose from the horizon, making the sky pale red. All the nineteen students stopped their practice and formed a straight line in front of their Master's tent.

After few minutes, Master Turwaition came out of his tent. Everyone bowed to him. He bowed back. Cofniben gave a grave look at Turwaition, clearly showing his disapproval to his previous action on is friend.

The old man looked at every one of his students, and spoke in a clear tone.

"Each one of you has come so far in order to attain this great Honor. Today will be the final day. The one who fails in this will not become an Ithil Warrior. So hear it well.

"Before we came here, my men have buried a precious stone (Gil Gond) within this forest. This stone will shine like a lamp in the sun light, and it will glow like a diamond in the moon light. The one, who finds it, will be the winner. However, none will be alone in this test. Each one of you will have a partner. Since, one of your friends have gone, one group will have three in it.

"I have picked a partner for each one of you. So forgive me, I cannot give you the liberty of picking one for yourself."

Cofniben swore under his breath. If Nosteruion was present, they both would have went into this forest in search of that Gil Gond.

Turwaition picked a partner for everyone. Finally, when he came to Cofniben, he chose Teela for him.

A small smile twitched on Cofniben's lip. Teela bowed to him and stood near him. He was a head taller than she was and this is the first time he has seen her close.

"Now everyone has a partner, now be gone. Come back with the stone. The one who finds it keeps it. Not everything is evil or good. So be careful. Watch out for the Draugs," announced Turwaition.

Everyone dismissed and entered the tent. Cofniben took out his hunting dress, which consisted of a leather vest, a long trouser and a belt. He wore them. He sheathed his sword and his small axe into his belt. He wore thick leather boots.

He combed his hair and looked himself in the water. Unlike Nosteruion, he had an unshaven face against his fair skin. Moreover, he is more muscular than his friend is.

He came out of the tent and stood near Teela, who wore a long leather pant and hunting vest on her torso. She had a small dagger on her hip and a Bow and arrows on her back. On this full gear, she was almost as tall as Cofniben.

They both nodded and stood still. When all the nineteen students, resumed the straight line, Turwaition stepped forward.

"God be with you. Follow the clues, for they will lead you to the stone. Go now and come back with Gil Gond," he announced and entered his tent.

All the students, with their partners, entered the forest and started to spread around. This forest was huge; it stretched until the ocean behind.

The sun was now high on the sky. Teela and Cofniben chose the East path, which will lead them to the heart of the forest. They jogged in silence.

The forest smelled of morning dew. The breeze was soft and the trees were silent.

"Let's search the east side of the forest. And find some clues," said Teela. Her voice was as beautiful as she was. Cofniben said nothing but just nodded in agreement.

After few miles, Teela stopped and listened. Cofniben went near her and asked, "What is it?"

Teela motioned him to be silent. She looked as if she was trying to listen. Cofniben looked around in order to find something suspicious. When he found none, he turned towards Teela questioningly.

"I thought I heard a whisper," she said, "Did you hear anything Durion?"

"No," he admitted honestly. She nodded back and they started to jog again.

When the sun reached the mid sky, the forest was clear. They could see every leaves on a branch. Both Teela and Cofniben stopped under a tree's shadow in order to catch their breath.

"Would you like have some food? I think we should take some rest before we travel again," suggested Cofniben.

Teela looked at him and said, "Ok, let's have our lunch first. Then we can resume. A little rest will not affect us." She sat gracefully under the tree. Cofniben sat near her and opened his leather bag.

It had few breads and bottle of water.

"I think Master wants to find us this Gil Gond within a day or so," said Cofniben

"Really?" she asked back, looking away from her own bag

"Yes, he only allowed us to carry a day's provision," he replied

"Well we can hunt if our search consumes time," she said smiling

Cofniben cursed himself for not thinking about that, and he smiled back flushing.

They had their lunch in silence. Cofniben looked everywhere except Teela. He did not want to be caught staring at her. After few minutes, Teela turned towards Cofniben and said, "I am sorry about your friend, Durion"

Her voice had concern and truthfulness.

"It's alright, he paid for his foolishness," replied Cofniben gravely. He still could not help pitying for his friend.

Teela looked at Cofniben with admiration and looked away. After their lunch, both got up and resumed their search.

For rest of the day, they looked for clues. They looked on every tree, plant, sand and stones. However, none appealed to them. Everything looked normal.

"Maybe, we are looking on the wrong places," said Cofniben frustrated.

"Maybe," she replied.

Both their eyes were darting around the forest looking for clues. When they reached a huge stone pile, they stopped. They sun was setting beyond the trees.

"We have been searching for the whole day, and we yet to find one clue," his voice betrayed frustration.

"Patience, Durion! It's a virtue," she replied.

As she was talking, a huge creature jumped on Cofniben. He yelled and pushed the creature away from his body. Teela took her bow and set an arrow on it. She aimed at the creature, which was growling near Cofniben's body.

Cofniben scrambled himself upright and removed his sword. The creature was a Draug. It had four huge legs, and sharp teethes. Its eyes were glowing like a burning torch. Its body was in a form of a huge Wolf. It sneered at them and jumped.

Cofniben ducked and sent the creature flying above his head. Teela released an arrow towards the Draug. However, it missed the Draug by a hair.

Cofniben slashed his sword in front of the creature's face. It left a huge scar on its face. The creature howled loudly and threw itself on him again. This time it nailed him to the ground.

Since Teela could not get a clear shot, she removed her dagger and punched a hole on the Draug's body. The creature yelled with pain.

Cofniben threw the creature away from him and got up. He drew his sword from the ground and slashed the creature's head off.

"Are you alright?" asked Teela worried

"I am great, thank you," replied Durion smiling.