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The Forest

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Nightfall came as the comforting sounds of Eithel Irvin grew more distant behind them. Soon the pines gave way to more oaks and ashes and other trees whose yellow leaves were shedding copiously. But the travelers could not enjoy them in the dark, and pressed onward until the woods became sparse and soon turned into open plains. Here they picked up speed, anxious to pass from sight of the Sirion Pass and reach the cover of the Forest. They were fortunate to find small patches of trees under which to rest, taking care to keep as still and quiet as possible.

The Teiglin they followed south until it reached the Crossings, and they relaxed their vigilance somewhat under the eaves of the great forest, feeling safe enough for lanterns and firelight. In the fading light of early evening some of the party wandered off to forage and hunt for what wild harvests the forest could provide. Mírian wandered back eastward, curious to have a closer look at the river which they had just crossed. She gazed down in wonder at the mighty falls and rapids deep in the ravine, and placing her bow along the edge of the river's high bank she climbed down a ways to explore the boulders and cliffs before the daylight failed. At the bottom the sound of the rushing water was quite loud, and she could hear nothing of the world above. Finally she filled her water containers and climbed back out when it began to grow dark.

But reaching the spot where she had started Mírian found to her dismay that her bow was missing. The shades of evening were deepening, and she could not hope to look for tracks on the rocky, gravelly banks. She headed north toward crossings to find the road into the forest, but to her alarm found marks of careless trampling by a large group, leading toward her camp. She knew enough about the servants of the Enemy to understand who likely made them. Suddenly in the distance she heard shouts and cries of dismay ahead of her in the forest.

Pulling her long white knife Mírian hurried through the forest in a fright, anxious to find her companions. She came to the clearing where her camp had been, but the fire was out, and no one was there. Looking around in the dim light of the forest at sunset she tried to gauge which way to go, mustering the courage to put her training to use in a real crisis far from home. But she did not get the chance. Suddenly she heard a rustling in the tree over her head, and just as she looked up something was already coming down on her from above. Mírian gripping the handle with both hands held up her knife against it, but collapsed to the ground as it fell on her, and she saw no more.

*.*.*

The large Orc leading his company homeward spied a curious figure climbing into the ravine, and tarried a while. He directed some of his companions to harry the elves spotted amid the trees, so they would not attempt to waylay his mission. This Orc was more shrewd than most, and catching a closer view from the bridge he realized that though she had the garments and bearing to match the elves nearby he indeed looked upon a mortal. Taking her bow he broke it in two and cast it into a thicket of the forest, then hid in view of her camp and waited. When she reached the site he then pounced on her from a low tree, in an old trick which they used in those days. But she managed to gash his arm with her knife, which he took and broke also, and removing her cloak and containers and quiver of arrows he slung her over his shoulder. He caught up with his company who was already moving northward with great speed, and dropped her down when they stopped for a short break near the end of the woods upon crossing the Brithiac.

"Wudjya bother bringing that fer?" one of his fellow raiders asked him. "Them maidens run too slow for the haste we're to make. Is it dinner for the wolves?"

"No!" he snapped.

Another jumped in. "String 'er up for target practice. Then feed 'er to the wolves."

"Looks like the rabbit bit you there, cap'," interrupted another. This earned a round of chuckles from his comrades.

"No!" he barked, and paused with a snarl to flash a threatening glare. "Strap 'er to one of the ponies," he said. "Them wood elves don't take up with these stinkin' mortals. I bet any amount a' gold she's high kin to those sniveling elf-friends Master hates most. Master or his worm can question her, and we can get a fair reward for the extra offerin'. A better assignment maybe, at the least."

"And I'll be makin' sure she pays for this before we get there," he added, referring to the wound on his arm as he fished for his healing things.

Seeing sense in his reasoning, and the promise of good fun with an extra captive, they gave no more resistance. And so having driven the elf encampment safely off a good distance, they went on their way.

*.*.*

The girl's companions in the meantime had marked the Orc troop approaching and had all managed to flee safely. For the orcs gave little chase to them, being in a great hurry to avoid attack by the Men of Brethil and deliver their target captive swiftly. The elves then tarried a while in search of their charge, finding to their dismay most of her things heaped in a pile damaged or destroyed. But most of the group were wary of further danger and anxious to get the rest to safety. They had little choice but to continue on, and beseech the great elf king for aid. But their journey was still long yet, and they knew the trail would grow cold by the time they could find help.

Cúdolin was an experient woodsman, and he gave chase for a short while, but they were already long gone, and shortly he returned to the group. For it was getting dark, and he was the only seasoned fighter among them, and he could not leave the rest unguarded and unguided for the remainder of the journey. But it burned his heart to forsake a rescue, and he stood staring northward, clenching his fists, as fear and anguish wrenched in his eyes.

Now they stood in silence, their hearts heavy with their loss. Lothaelin cursed herself for insisting on separating the children and bringing the girl along. And Cúdolin rebuked himself for insisting they go east not south. Then Gilduriel said to both of them, "The Valar set for her a task to the succor of the elven kings. Believe not that they will fail her now. Take heart, my daughter! My heart tells me that her road will take her whither she needs to go."