Ingeras was frozen with fear. Never in his young life did he ever imagine that anything could be more terrifying than the Turks! But at this moment, he could not be more wrong. He watched in horror and shock as the ugly creatures ventured out of the trees into the open, lurking and glancing around for something to kill. There was murder in their eyes. Ingeras, already terribly weakened from lack of nourishment and the effects of his lingering fever, tried to scramble to his feet. He managed to get off his backside and letting out a small shriek of fright, he staggered away as fast as he could. But, unfortunately for him, the Orcs had heard his scream and gave pursuit.

Ingeras didn't know which way to go. His head felt so heavy and his limbs were like jelly. He could barely run and couldn't see straight. He was awfully dizzy and his stomach hurt. He heard heavy feet pounding behind him and gurgling, outraged yells. Ingeras fought to keep going, but he had no stamina left. He looked behind him, and saw the Orcs on his heels. He screeched shrilly. "H-help! Help!" He cried in fear. Not seeing where he was going, he tripped over a rotten log and fell over backwards. "Nooo!" He hollered pitifully. The Orcs surrounded him, leering down at him with bloodthirsty glee. Ingeras squeezed his eyes shut. He'd never seen anything so terrifying. These creatures were like something out a nightmare!

"Well, what have we here?" One of th Orcs sneered. "A halfling, man-flesh."

"And all by his lonesome." Another added, licking his lips. Ingeras tried to prop himself on his elbows but didn't have the strength and fell back again.

"Please...please!" Ingeras cried. "Leave me alone!" He begged helplessly.

"Sick one too." One of the Orcs announced.

"Good. He won't squirm as much then." The leader chuckled.

"But, what if it makes his flesh tainted?"

"Then you'll drop dead on us, dimwit." The leader rolled his eyes and reached out his claw in a threatening stance towards Ingeras's throat.

"No! Please! Noooo!" Ingeras yelled. Just when the Orc was about to grab him by the throat, a sharp whizzing sound whistled through the air and an arrow zipped through the monster's head. The leader was stunned, then dropped dead halfway on top of Ingeras. Ingeras shuddered and wriggled away from the filthy body. More arrows penetrated the Orcs who hollered and charged forward, forgetting about Ingeras. Ingeras looked up dizzily.

Legolas, Tauriel, and several guards were springing around among the trees, shooting arrows to absolute perfection. The Orcs swung their weapons and some of the elves charged. The Orcs were no match for them. Soon, they called a retreat and fled back toward the river. One of the beasts reached down and grabbed Ingeras around the waist, and hauled him along. "Noo! Help me!" Ingeras pleaded. It was just like when the Turks had snatched him away from Mirena as she was sent to her death!

Legolas pounced on the Orc from above one of the trees and thrust a dagger into the beast's throat, causing him to drop Ingeras. Legolas yelled to his guards to not let the few remaining Orcs escape. He knelt down beside Ingeras and Tauriel rushed over. "Ingeras? Ingeras! Can you hear me?" Legolas panted worriedly, gently shaking the boy's arm. Ingeras gazed up at him painfully, but he was still too shocked to speak. He was shaking and whimpering. "It's all right, penneth. It's okay, Ingeras. You're safe. I'm here. Are you hurt?" Legolas spoke soothingly. Ingeras trembled so hard that Legolas was sure his bones were going to crack. Ingeras's eyes rolled back into his head and he became unconscious. "Ingeras!" Legolas called. Fearing the worst, he laid his ear against the boy's burning chest. "He's alive." Legolas told Tauriel.

"But he's much worse." Tauriel said sorrowfully. Legolas cradled Ingeras's frail form in his arms then stood up and carried him.


Once they'd reported to Thranduil what had happened just off their borders, Legolas, Feren, and Tauriel waited outside the healing rooms to hear on Ingeras's condition. They prayed he would be okay. Malfortion finally closed the door behind him. "How is he?" Legolas was the first one to anxiously ask the healer.

Malfortion sighed. "Well, he's resting. We've got his fever under control and it is coming down."

"Thank the Valar." Feren said.

"He maintained only minor injuries, my lord." Malfortion told Legolas. "A few bruises and scrapes."

"That is a miracle." Tauriel smiled. However, Malfortion did not smile back.

"What is it?" Legolas asked sternly. "Something is wrong."

The healer took a deep breath. "Ai, my lord Legolas." He replied. "Ingeras is the definition of shell-shocked, in every physical, medical sense of the word that I've ever studied. The poor child was scared nearly to death. And I am afraid he may not come out of it this time. He is just too grief-stricken right now and scared. On top of draining himself with the fever, the encounter with the Orcs was too much for him. I hate to say it, but I do not believe I can help him overcome this." Legolas nodded solemnly.

"You have done all you can and more, my friend. That has to count for something." Legolas encouraged him. "Can we see him?"

"You can look in, but I implore you, my prince, not to question him. He needs all the rest and quiet he can possibly get." Malfortion warned him. Legolas, Tauriel, and Feren entered the healing chamber and made their way to Ingeras's bed. He was asleep, but he looked so lost and alone that their hearts cracked. His small fist was closed around the necklace in a death grip. Legolas rubbed his wrist while Tauriel gently smoothed the boy's curls.

"Don't give up hope, Ingeras." Legolas whispered.

"You are so brave, little one. You'll make a great leader someday." Tauriel smiled tearfully. She bent down and kissed Ingeras's pale face. Feren noticed Legolas's face cloud over darkly.

"My lord Legolas?" He prodded.

"I think it is time we send him to Lord Elrond!" Legolas declared.


Thranduil immediately sent another letter to Rivendell, by one of his fastest riders. The next day, he received a reply to his first letter.

My Lord King Thranduil,

I was most surprised to receive your message! It was certainly unexpected. This child Ingeras you speak of, it sounds as if you and your household are doing the best you can for him, so do not feel helpless, my friend.

However, as you pointed out, things are more sinister in the Wood right now than here. I am very much interested in this unfortunate child. If this letter finds you still feeling yourselves unable to help him thrive, I would be more than happy to come to Mirkwood and take a look at the boy myself. Or, if his case appears dire to you and your healer's professional opinion, then by all means, bring the child to Rivendell. We will care for him and do our best to help him through this difficult time.

I pray you and yours will find peace of mind on the right choices to make.

My regards,

Lord Elrond Peredhl"

Thranduil was relieved to hear Elrond's input on the case. They all anxiously awaited his next reply.


Ingeras woke to find himself in the healing wing and he panicked. Legolas was sitting on the bed beside him. He smiled and stroked his hands. "Hey, Ingeras. It's good to see you awake." Legolas said happily. "You had us all very worried when we couldn't find you!" Ingeras looked away from him and stared up at the ceiling. His blue eyes were dazed with grief and fear. "The Orcs are hideous, fell creatures. I'm so sorry you saw that!" Ingeras shuddered and Legolas felt his little body physically tremble, but he did not cry. "It's okay to cry, little one. It might make you feel better." Legolas told him, patting his shoulder. Ingeras bit his lip but remained silent and impassive. However, he did cling to Legolas's arm. Legolas smiled and rubbed the small hand. "It's all right, Ingeras. Things are going to get better. I promise!"


In a couple days, Ingeras's fever was completely gone. They offered him food but he refused it. He didn't speak and he just kept holding onto Vlad's necklace. Once he started getting up out of bed, he walked around in a daze. However, he did clutch Legolas's arm when the elf sat with him and he held fast to Tauriel's hand when she held his. Whenever Thranduil looked down at Ingeras and tried to smile or talk to him, Ingeras would stand as close to Legolas as possible, trying to hide. The great Elvin king still intimidated him, even though Thranduil was making extra efforts to be gentle and kind.

The rider from Imladris returned on the second night since his departure. Legolas watched anxiously as Thranduil tore open the letter. Elrond's reply was just what they wanted to hear:

My Lord King Thranduil,

Bring the child to me, as soon as is possible! I cannot promise miracles, but we will do our best to look after him and try to help him out of his shell."