Chapter 6: Fear

With shaking fingers Aragorn ignited his last torch at the dying old one. For hours he had walked through the tunnels of the cave system, running whenever he had enough energy to spare. More than once he had lost his way in the dark and had to double back to search for the chalk marks that led the way outside. But now, he was tired, sweaty and spotted some scratches and bruises from where he had collided with the cave walls in his hurry to follow Legolas.

Legolas…Whenever Aragorn thought of the elf, his stomach churned painfully. What if Legolas, in his haste to get out, had lost his way and was now hurrying through the dark caves all alone? And what if Legolas was outside already and had in his panic left for the Last Homely House without him? And what was producing the noises and the rumbling? Had the cave gotten instable and maybe…maybe even collapsed on Legolas?

Aragorn hastened his steps once more, holding the torch high so that its light illuminated the walls of the tunnel. Reaching a fork in the passage, he stopped for barely a second before he turned right, following the white scratch of chalk on the wall. A few steps later he had to stop once more as the tunnel opened in three different directions. Turning around, he held the torch high, trying to find the white mark that would show him the way. When he could not see it immediately, he bit his bottom lip. Where was the mark?

Turning once more, Aragorn hastened to the wall and trailed his fingers across the rough stone. After a few moments of desperate searching, he finally saw the small white line that showed him that he and Legolas had come that way the day before. With a shaky sigh of relief, he grabbed the torch tighter and moved on.

While he hastened through the tunnels, always searching for the white lines on the dark stone, the rumbling continued to shake the cave system. And, it seemed to get louder and took longer to vanish. Aragorn did not know what was making these sounds, but his feeling told him that it was nothing good. He only hoped that Legolas, in his haste to reach the exit, had not gone the wrong way and was now lost in the caves.

After another two hours of rushing through the caves, the torch he was carrying was slowly but surely dying. Already the flames flickered unsteadily, and Aragorn knew that the torch would not burn for much longer. He took another turn, willing his tired legs to carry him on. The adrenalin that had enabled him to hasten after Legolas had subsided long ago, and his legs felt heavy and tired. Another white chalk mark told him to go right, and Aragorn wiped a hand across his sweaty forehead.

A few minutes later the only warning Aragorn got that something was wrong, was the soft sputter of the flame, and then almost complete darkness descended upon him. His last torch had burned out.

For a moment, Aragorn simply stood in the darkness, breathing heavily. With the darkness, the sound seemed to have been affected, too. His breathing sounded loud in his ears. Slowly, he let his hand sink to his side. The torch landed with a clatter on the ground, echoing off the walls.

Numerous thoughts raced through Aragorn's mind. He was alone in a vast cave system with no source of light whatsoever. He knew he had come a good ways already and the exit had to be near. But, how was he supposed to find it in the complete darkness? The white chalk marks had been his only help, and even that had been taken away from him. He could go on, yes, and hope that he found the exit by sheer luck. But, what if he did not? Would venturing into the caves not mean that he would get lost? And what if Legolas came searching for him? Or his brothers? Aragorn was sure that they would eventually find him, the question was when.

Aragorn took a deep breath to steady himself. So, he had two options, basically. Stay where he was and wait until someone came looking for him, or go on. Neither of the two options inspired any warm feelings inside of him. He had not yet decided what to do, when a loud, booming thunder seemed to roll through the caves. Without hesitation, Aragorn reached out, touched the nearest wall and moved on.

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Legolas was nervous. The sky above him had turned an even darker shade of grey, with tinges of green and yellow. Thunder was booming in the distance and it was coming closer to his position. The wind had picked up as well and was blowing branches, needles and dry leaves everywhere; it seemed to come from every direction at once.

He was not sure how much time had passed since he had left the caves, but with every minute that went by, he became more nervous. Estel was still in there, caught in the vast tunnel system, unknowing what was going on outside. Numerous horrible scenarios flashed before Legolas's eyes, one more terrible than the other. What if Estel got lost and would not find the way out? What if his torches burned out before he found the exit? What if the booming thunder that shook the ground caused the caves to collapse?

Another thunder shook the forest, causing Legolas to wince. By now it was so loud that it hurt his ears. His gaze found the opening of the cave, hoping to see the flicker of a torch, but all he saw was complete darkness. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, twisting his long fingered hands. He was afraid to enter the caves and his angst was strong. Already his body was shaking slightly at the thought of entering the dark caves again. He knew, on an intellectual basis that the chances that there was a collapse were slim, but his heart was thundering so loudly in his chest that he was amazed that he would not hear it.

A rush of wind blew his long hair into his face, obscuring his sight. When he could see again, Legolas bit his bottom lip and made a decision. Estel was in the caves and he needed his help. Bracing his shoulders, Legolas swallowed and entered the caves to find his friend.

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Aragorn's hands scraped along the walls, looking for the next turn. He had been walking through the darkness for almost an hour now. With his harsh breathing and the rolling thunder as the only sounds he could hear, his mind had started to play tricks on him almost immediately. Every now and then he meant to hear sounds behind him, but when he turned and looked he saw nothing but darkness. It was cold in the caves, but for some time now he meant to feel a cold wind blew down his neck. After a time, he had stopped turning around.

His sweaty hands found another gap in the wall, indicating a tunnel. For a moment Aragorn hesitated, unsure if he should follow it. There was no way for him to find out if he was following the right corridor or not. So, he took his chances and moved onwards, following the new tunnel.

It did not take his imagination long to show him specks of light in the darkness. Grey shaped that stood at the end of the tunnel or hide in niches along the wall. Aragorn could see them out of the corner of his eyes, but they vanished as soon as he focused on them. And then the sounds began…silent at first, only a hush in the darkness. But then, Aragorn imagined to hear soft footfalls behind him, following him in the darkness. Somewhere deep down he knew that he was alone in the caves, that there was no one following him. But that knowledge did not help to slow down his rapid breathing or his racing heart. He wanted to leave this place, he wanted to see the light again, he wanted to go home, and most of all, he wanted Legolas.

On and on he walked, taking turns and moving down corridors. He knew that he could not be that far away from the exit, even if he had taken some wrong turns here and there. And it happened. A deep and loud growl echoed through the caves, causing some smaller pebbles to roll down the walls. Aragorn stopped in his tracks, holding his breath to listen. And then, somewhere behind him, a soft screeching filled the corridor and in the next moment, something soft brushed his hair.

A shudder raced through him, paralyzing him. For a tiny, horrible moment he was transported back into the forest close to his home, where Lithdal had cornered him. He meant to feel the elf's hands on his face again, the fingers caressing his hair. A great shudder made his body tremble and sweat appeared on his brow. From one second to the next, Aragorn's mind was swarmed with pictures of Lithdal, his icy eyes, the pale complexion, the long fingers, the strong hands that Aragorn could not shake off and his leering smile.

Panic seemed to crash over him like a wave. None of the patrols had found any sign of Lithdal, had they not? No one knew where the elf was, or if he had ever left the valley. What if the patrols had not found Lithdal because he had hid in these caves? What if Lithdal was still here? Maybe the footsteps Aragorn had heard were no fragment of his livid imagination. What if Lithdal was still after him?

A small whimper left Aragorn's lips. With his heart beating so fast against his ribs that it hurt, he reached out and stumbled onwards. He needed to get out, he needed to get away from here! He walked a few steps, but then his feet began running.

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Legolas walked through the vast tunnels, hoping to find a trace of Aragorn. He followed the white markings, but he also listened hard. If Aragorn had taken a wrong turn, he would perhaps be able to hear him. But, Legolas did not want to let fate take over completely. Now and then he called Aragorn's name, hoping that the man would hear him.

Turning a corner, Legolas made his way down another tunnel. So far he had not seen or heard anything unusual. "ESTEL!" He called again, but silence was his only answer. A booming thunder rolled through the caves, making the ground tremble slightly under his feet. Legolas stopped and waited until it was over, then moved on. He hated being in the dark caves. But he realized that it must be even harder for Aragorn, who did not yet know that the grumbling noises were just thunder and not a cave in.

Legolas went deeper and further, listening and calling Aragorn's name from time to time. He had just rounded another corner and entered a corridor, when another booming thunder echoed off the walls, making smaller stones and sand rain to the ground. Legolas skidded to a halt, his breathing fast. He waited until the thunder had gone and then moved onwards. Suddenly, his keen hearing picked up a faint sound, almost like wings. He narrowed his eyes and stared into the darkness. The sounds got louder and a moment later something soft brushed his hair and face.

Yelping, Legolas flung his arms over his head and crouched down. A moment later he chastised himself for his jumpiness. A swarm of small bats rushed through the tunnel, obviously woken by the thunder. After a minute or so the last animal flew past and Legolas got to his feet. Shaking his head slightly, Legolas moved on. At least he now knew that bats did indeed live in these caves, if not white ones.

He walked a few yards down the corridor, when his ears suddenly detected another sound. Standing still, Legolas concentrated to listen. There it was again, faint and first, but getting clearer. Running footsteps!

Eyes widening, Legolas called out "ESTEL! Can you hear me?"

He got no answer. With renewed energy Legolas moved down the dark tunnel, listening. The sounds were coming from his right, out of a tunnel that had no white marking. Legolas realized that Aragorn must have taken a wrong turn somewhere, which could only mean that the young ranger had no more torches. Otherwise he would never have taken a wrong turn, Legolas was sure of that.

Hastening on, Legolas entered a new corridor. He could hear the footsteps loud and clear now. And what was more, they were coming in his direction. "ESTEL!" He called again, hoping that the man would hear him and follow his voice.

Legolas again got no answer. He moved down the corridor quickly. The footsteps were so loud now that Legolas was sure he would see Aragorn any moment now. His keen eyes could make out a bend in the tunnel some yards away. The sounds were coming from that direction, as well. Aragorn had to be right behind the bend.

Legolas's heart beat fast in his chest and he rushed to the bend. He reached it just in the same moment Aragorn did. They collided heavily and tumbled to the ground, arms and legs interwoven. Aragorn landed on Legolas, having not been able to see the elf in the dark. Legolas got only a glimpse at Aragorn face; pale and scared, with wide eyes.

"Estel!" Legolas said, taking a hold of Aragorn's shoulders. "I found you!"

Instead of the relieved exclamation that Legolas had anticipated, Aragorn jerked his body away and tried to get away from him. "Get away from me!" He yelled, climbing to his feet and backing away until his back hit a wall. Legolas saw that the man's eyes were wide, darting around in the darkness. His skin was pale and sweat stood on his brow. There was such a stark fear in his eyes as Legolas had never seen before.

"Estel?" Getting to his feet, Legolas moved in front of Aragorn and placed his hand on the man's shoulder. The reaction was instantaneous. Aragorn jerked and pulled away, lashing out at the air.

"Don't." Aragorn said, his voice quivering with fear.

In that moment, Legolas was vividly reminded of a scared animal, and he remembered the scene of the previous night. Did Aragorn think that he was Lithdal? Legolas did not know, but he said gently, "Estel, it is I, Legolas."

"Get away." Aragorn said, trying to move sideways away from Legolas. He shifted and then turned and ran down the corridor, always close to the wall to find his way.

"Estel, wait!"

Legolas quickly chased after the man, afraid that he would hurt himself in the dark. With but a few long strides Legolas caught up to Aragorn. Without thinking he wrapped his arms around Aragorn's middle, stopping his flight.

Aragorn yelped and then tried to wriggle out of the grip. "Let go! Let me!"

But instead of letting go, Legolas held him even tighter and pressed him to his chest. "Estel it is I, Legolas. Legolas. I won't hurt you."

At first nothing happened and Legolas repeated his words. And then suddenly, Aragorn stopped fighting the hold. Breathing heavily, he asked weakly. "L-Legolas?"

"Aye, it is I, Estel. I am sorry I left you. So sorry." Legolas slowly eased his hold on the man, but he did not let go completely. He felt immensely guilty that he had left Aragorn alone in the caves. He had no excuse for his actions, and seeing what it had done to the young human, he felt like the worst elf ever.

"Not your fault." Aragorn said softly, straightening up and turning around to face Legolas. His eyes did not connect with Legolas's due to the darkness. "I should have known that you would not be able to stand the darkness."

"No, Estel. I am sorry." Legolas said. Here he was, having left Aragorn all alone in the caves, without so much as a torch, and the man was taking the blame. It was unbearable to Legolas. "Estel, I am so sorry I left you. I cannot…I will not…." Legolas could not find the words that would explain his actions. So, he simply hugged Aragorn close. "I'm sorry."

Aragorn nodded, "Can we leave now?"

"Yes, let us leave."

Without another word the two left the caves. But both knew that there were many things yet unsaid that needed addressing as soon as they had exited the caves. And neither of them were looking forwards to them.

To be continued.