Erestor bent over the body to once again examine the deceased healer's head. Elrond had commented that the blow had likely incapacitated the healer. Unfortunately, there was not way to prove if it had occurred before or after he took the poison, for the poison had indeed killed him. Elrond surmised that Master Salabart had not consciously ingested it. That would change this into a murder investigation.
"Perhaps I can find the blunt instrument that inflicted this." Erestor mused to himself as he again traced the bruise. It could have indeed been a table ledge as Master Falmar suggested but a backwards fall was quite unlikely. "Maybe a candlestick." But that was his last thought before someone jerked him backwards and twisted his arm ruthlessly behind him. A knife was pressed to his throat and he looked into the dark malevolent eyes of an unfamiliar man.
"Not a word elf." Someone else hissed as a sack was thrust over his head.
"Secure his hands." The enemy behind him swiftly bound his wrist tightly with rough cord. Erestor doubled over in a pained response to two swift punches.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Finish them off." The guard shouted as the door slammed shut with a scrape. The assignment of these foes was all too clear. But those thoughts barely registered as swords flashed in deadly precision. Two of the assassins fell to mortal wounds as Elrond struggled to close the gap between himself and the prince. Valandil bested another enemy before one thrust a table forward on castors. The flying table struck him squarely propelling him backwards. The sword flew from his grasp as his head hit the wall. Elrond shoved the table over as he jumped in front of his fallen friend.
"Three!" He counted mentally. "Only three left."
"Halt peredhel." The taller of his foe called. "It is not you we want. Let us trade. Lord Erestor's life for Valandil's." Elrond's eyes narrowed in anger as his mind searched for answers. Erestor had stayed behind at the healing halls. Surely, they would not believe that he would give up any of his friends. His enemy interpreted his silence as an indication that the offer was being considered.
"We took Erestor into custody. His guards are under strict orders to kill him if elves approach or if we do not return within the hour. Give up the prince and you and the other elves will be guaranteed safe passage." Elrond stood still with his sword raised.
"Three against one." He mused as he reviewed strategies for such situations. "Best wait for them to make the first move."
Xxxxxxxxxxx
The clash of swords and bang of furniture was audible to the guards outside. "Strangely the edain do not react." The fact barely registered in Cirulian's mind before he drew his sword and shouted.
"Rúmil! Beleg!" But Cirulian saw a flash of an object and the Galadhrim slumped unconscious to the floor. Beleg had drawn his sword but was surrounded. Only now did Cirulian note the changed faces of the Prince's guards.
"One man is as good as another." A low voice teased. Cirulian whirled around in surprise at Lord Senetan's genuinely malevolent smile. "I am surprised you did not notice your escort was changing. Tis, tis, for a legendary warrior of the eldar, you were most negligent." Cirulian's eyes narrowed but he did not move.
"I suggest you lower your sword Master Elf." Lord Senetan said calmly. His words were absurdly accented by the shouts and clashes, which rang from the barred room. "It would be a shame if some of our allies were accidentally injured during this coup."
"And what of Lord Elrond?" Cirulian pivoted and caught a man off guard to break into the circle around Beleg. At least they were together - two against ten. "Do you make a habit of killing foreign leaders?"
"Their orders are to dispatch the prince only." Senetan's lie was clear and confident. He pointed to where his soldier held a knife to the throat of the unconscious elf. "If you do not drop your swords, there will be one less Galadhrim in this world."
"Not if you want to raise the ire of the Golden Woods."
"It is your choice elf."
Xxxxxxxxxxx
A heady mix of pain, adrenaline, and anger flooded the growing connection between their faer. The unexpected feelings made Celebrían cry out as she brought her hand to her head. The sensations faded.
"Sell-nin?" Celeborn pulled his daughter close as he reached out with his senses.
"Elrond – something is wrong!" Celebrían fought to regain her composure. She saw Glorfindel freeze and close his eye in concentration.
"Can he speak mind-to-mind with Elrond?" She choked slightly on the question.
"It is a rare talent, even between married couples and siblings." Celeborn embraced his daughter protectively. "Elrond, Ereinion and Glorfindel had an age to perfect it, but even they could only manage to communicate over short distances."
Xxxxxxxxxx
The scene that played out before Valandil's bleary eyes was dreamlike. The dark haired elf pivoted with grace and deadly accuracy, taking the center foe off guard. The blade struck true and the man slumped to the floor without a cry. His two companions rushed forward but the elf snatched a second weapon and now wielded one blade in each hand. With frightening swiftness he had vanquished their attackers. Bodies now littered the floor. A split second later, the elf was bracing the table against the door, perhaps to buy them time.
"Are you injured?" Elrond whispered and turned. For Valandil the surreal scene cleared as the deadly warrior transformed into the wise and gentle Lord of Imladris. The elf trembled briefly at the horror and then gathered control of his emotions to focus on discerning the identities of their attackers.
"Are you injured?" Elrond repeated urgently as he started to strip a single item of clothing from each of their attackers.
"Bruised and a bit battered." Valandil rubbed the back of his head and blinked his eyes at the Elrond's peculiar actions. "But otherwise alright." He gasped as Elrond began to undress. The elf smiled slightly at the sound.
"They have Erestor, and from the silence outside, they have overcome our escort as well." Elrond pulled on the soldier's garb. His stance and manner instantly adapted to mimic a soldier of men. Only his telltale hair gave him away. As if he had heard the unspoken comment, Elrond pulled a blade to his hair. Seconds later it fell short and shoulder length, as was common for men in Arnor. "You must get to safety. I have called to Glorfindel. He and Celeborn are taking steps to insure your Mother's well-being."
"You can not go alone to the healers. Guards travel in pairs never alone." The prince removed his own robes of office.
"It is too dangerous." Elrond returned quietly as he ushered evidence of his transformation into the back of a desk drawer. But the prince rapidly imitated his actions, donning most of the clothing of one of the fallen traitors.
"It is equally dangerous for me to head out alone among the royal grounds. We have but an hour to locate Erestor. I would not have his or your kindness towards me repaid with your deaths." He followed Elrond towards the window. Luckily the council chambers windows opened into a seldom-used courtyard. There appeared to be no one in sight. He shook his head in bemusement as the peredhel jumped for the nearby tree, which seemed to welcome him.
"I am coming with you." Valandil stated following Elrond's path through the trees.
"Stubborn youth." Elrond grumbled as they made their way to the ground.
"It runs in our family." Valandil snickered. "Dear uncle."
Xxxxxxxxxxx
"Glorfindel!" Celeborn hissed. "What news?" The golden warrior blinked as he returned to himself.
"Queen Muriel, it is urgent that we move to a secure location." Glorfindel paused as King Meneldil called his son down from the trees. "An ambush was set for Valandil and Elrond in the council chambers. They have escaped but their escort was likely captured or worse."
"Rúmil?" Celebrían worried immediately. Celeborn hushed her and signaled for their own guards.
"Assuming it is a coup-d'etat, we should gather your loyal guards and soldiers and seek a secure location. It is doubtful that they yet suspect that we are aware of their plans. The advantage is ours."
Queen Muriel and King Meneldil signaled to their guards and the party moved quickly to the sentry station.
"What is happening father?" Young Cemendur was scared.
"Tis a game, Cemendur, we are going to stay with the guards for awhile."
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
"We have rounded up the healers and servants who are not part of our cause. They are locked in the two basement storage rooms." The guard stepped aside to allow two companions by. They dragged a hooded figure between them.
"Excellent." Erestor shivered at the malice in the human's deep voice. "Chain the elf up over there." Erestor struggled as the two guards dragged him further. The rope was cut from his hands. He twisted and reached to pull the sack from his head but was unceremoniously slammed against the wall. Lights flashed before his eyes even behind the dark cloth, and he gasped for breath against the rough fabric. A metal manacle chilled his left wrist as the second guard pinned him against a stone surface. The click of the second cuff caused the guards to laugh callously.
"I thought an elf would be far more challenging to catch." Their leader's deep voice was suddenly in his ear. Erestor tried to kick his captor.
"Ah, good you do have some fight in you." The man leered as his forced his body closer, pinning Erestor's thigh to the wall. "Such a shame that your Lord walks to his death, Isildur often bragged about his conquest on the mountain."
"You lie." Erestor hissed.
"Pity there is not time enough to sample your delights." The man's breath was hot and foul as he fisted Erestor's shirt. Buttons popped loose under the strain. Erestor thrashed against him but gasped in pain as he was kneed in the groin. "Perhaps later, once my brother and I have gained control of the throne."
"You have no claim to the throne."
"Ah, but our uncle was Elendil. I am named for the my grandfather."
"You actions dishonor him." Erestor's retort was cut short by a slap that snapped his head back against the wall. White pain exploded before his eyes and he struggled to draw breath against the hood. But the sparks of pain faded as he succumbed to darkness.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
They moved swiftly and silently through the bushes toward the healing halls. The wind whispered danger and carried the sobs of a child towards them. Elrond motioned for Valandil to follow and they wound around to the gardens, while carefully noting the guards stationed around the halls entrance. A small boy sat hidden in behind a large oak tree. Elrond carefully approached him.
"How can I help you, little one?" His voice was soft and full of care.
"Mama, they took Mama." He cried softly and buried his head trustingly in Elrond's embrace.
"Who took her?"
"She was coming to meet me for lunch when the soldiers stopped her. They took her away. The other healers do not like her."
"Healer Lótte?" Elrond guessed. The feisty, intelligent healer was one of two women who were appointed by the Queen.
"Yes." Tears ran down the boy's cheeks.
"My friend and I are here to help. The Queen sent us to search the healing halls. Do you know where they took your Mother?"
"The guards rounded up many of the healers. They said they were taking them to the basement."
"What is your name, child?" Valandil crouched nearby.
"Haleth." The boy said shyly.
"It is a good name." Valandil smiled. It was a popular name for boys. "Will you help your Queen?"
"Yes." The child straightened.
"Do you have family nearby?"
"My Grandmother lives down the hill. We usually walk there for lunch."
"Excellent Haleth. Can you go quickly to your Grandmother? You must pretend you are playing hide and seek and try not to be seen by other adults." The boy nodded solemnly.
"Tell your Grandmother that the Queen sees danger in the city. Tell her to spread the word to keep all the children indoors today. Can you repeat that?" Valandil watched the boy closely as he repeated the order.
"Excellent, young warrior. You are protecting your people." Valandil placed his hand over his chest in the salute between warriors. "Go with Elbereth's protection." They watched as the youth moved silently away. Then they moved to a clandestine position within sight of the guards to observe.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Muriel paced anxiously as she folded the report. Her guards and elite warriors were assembled in the courtyard. With King Meneldil's warriors and those of the elves, there were already over five hundred at ready.
"I place my guards at your command." King Meneldil promised.
"I am not a military strategist. That was Lord Senetan's duty, but it appears it is he who has betrayed us. I would appreciate any advice that you Lord's could provide."
"Are you sure that your Seneschal is behind this?" Celeborn asked. Muriel passed the report to him.
"Witnesses who fled from the scene spoke of Senetan and his men capturing Valandil's guard. It seems they also have two elves as captives in the administration wing." The Queen hesitated for a moment before voicing her worries to Lord Celeborn. "We should not ask elves to risk their lives in what is an internal manner for Arnor."
"We are already involved as four elven lives hang in the balance. Glorfindel is assembling a team to target the healing halls. We should move quickly before our foes relocate to a more secure location."
"There is some indication that Senetan's brother Amdil is at the healing halls rather than out at his plantation on the west bank of the lake." King Meneldil noted as he read the missive.
"What is their claim to the throne?" Celeborn asked curiously. He knew neither of these names.
"They are sons of Elendil's sister. Isildur appointed them to guard Arnor when he first took up the crown. He never returned here after the war."
"They stepped down when you returned."
"Not without some discontent. I am merely serving in my son's stead until he comes of age. The written agreement that documents my temporary rule was pivotal in convincing the council to ratify it. The split decision was in my favor."
"And Senetan was angered by this?"
"If he was, he never showed it. He has been an adversary in his political views, but I always found the debates with him forged compromises that were in our countries best interests. Frankly I am shocked by this aggression."
"There could be many innocent civilians trapped in the healing halls." Celebrían worried. She felt for connection to her beloved. It was steady and strong.
"Let us hope that our foes have some decency and do not harm innocents."
"But they already have, for it seems that Healer Salabart's death was murder."
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Valandil marveled at their fortune as they crossed the garden and approach the sentry. For he was sure, for a horribly long moment that the guard was going to raise alarm. But Elrond stepped forward and saluted him, exactly imitating the intricate hand greeting they had observed.
"You asked to be relieved?" Elrond's voice was hypnotic in cadence.
"Yes." The guard's mouth opened and closed several times as his questions went unvoiced. "It is about time you came. The captain promised to send someone over an hour ago. I have yet to get lunch."
"We can stay until you return." Elrond solemnly and slowly intoned. Valandil swore that time moved in slow motion. The man nodded and left. Elrond rubbed his temple. The headache had not abated.
"What magic do you possess?"
"A gift to mind-speak and …" Elrond swayed slightly as he tried to brokenly explain. Valandil caught him under the arm. This was obviously not something he usually attempted. "-Read the intentions of others. To look into another's minds is usually Galadriel's realm. But circumstance."
"Do not try it again. You need your strength." The prince hissed softly. "What did you learn?"
"The guard is in Lord Amdil's employment. He believes strongly that they are protecting Arnor."
"Amdil" Valandil repeated in confusion. "That name rings familiar."
"Could he be named after Amandil?" Elrond recalled word of the fate of last Lord of Andúnië. He sailed to beseech the Valar for aid, never to return, while his son Elendil organized the faithful to make their escape from Númenor.
"That sounds correct. I believe Mother said he was Lord Senetan's brother. Father sent them here as administrators and stewards after the war. They are sons of Elendil's sister."
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Elrond could hear the curses and Erestor's moans. Anger surged inside him. Only Valandil's arm held him back.
"Someone comes. We cannot help him now. We must wait." The prince whispered. Elrond nodded and strained to catch more of the conversation.
"Elves are so pretty."
"Yeah, real pretty." Another agreed sound of flesh hitting flesh and a tearing of cloth followed. Someone new barged into the room.
"Stop!" A gruff voice ordered. "We have received word that the ambush on the prince has failed. He and the peredhel are still alive. Senetan thinks the chief councilor of Rivendell may be of some use as a hostage. Go and choose ten hostages from those in confinement. We will bring them and the elf when we depart for the Amdil's plantation in an hour."
Xxxxxxxxxxx
"Adar, you do not have your armor." He was already dressed in leather scouts wear and had the gray, clandestine cloak of the Galadhrim draped over his shoulders. Celeborn raised his eyebrow at his daughters' comments. He knew her too well for her to hide her intentions.
"I - I wish to come." Celebrían confessed. Orophin, who stood behind her, mirrored her desire. Celeborn curled his hand around his daughter's head and kissed her brow.
"I agree with Councilor Hardan and Queen Muriel that most elves should remain here. Our enemy has already demonstrated that they value elves as hostages."
"But you go Adar."
"Glorfindel will go with a team of men to the healing grounds. He stands the best chance of locating and aiding Elrond and Valandil. Haldir and I will go with the second group to find Rúmil and Cirulian in the palace."
"Be careful. May Elbereth watch over you!" Celebrían embraced him. "I will help organize those with any training in healing, though I pray it our services will be unnecessary."
Xxxxxxxxxxx
"We should capture more of the elves. It makes for great entertainment." The larger guard commented as he exited the chamber.
"Entertainment must wait." The darker one turned to lock the door. Master Falmar will be down to check the elf's injuries. He will not be happy with his condition."
"I doubt healer Falmar's opinions carry much weight." The three men departed down the hall. Once they were out of view, Elrond and Valandil stepped from the shadows.
"Go, I will stand guard. There is little time." Valandil whispered. Elrond nodded and darted for the door. With the skills of a locksmith, he seemed in barely seconds to have unlocked the door. Erestor hung limply from chains, his head enshrouded in a cloth bag. His shirtless torso bore signs of repeated punches. Elrond rushed over to assess his friend's injuries, running his hand lightly over the darkening bruises.
"Elbereth help me." Erestor whispered at the contact, desperately seeking to move out of reach.
"Mellon-nin, do not fear." Elrond soothed as he removed the dark cloth bag from Erestor's head. His dear friend startled at the light, and his eyes darted up in fear at the man above him. Elrond waited for recognition to gradually dawn in his eyes.
"Elrond?" He stuttered in shock.
"I am sorry you had to endure this." Elrond used a knife to carefully unlock the chains that held Erestor upright. Erestor fell forward into his friend's arms. Elrond lowered him to the floor. Erestor could not hold back the tremors as Elrond's gentle hands assessed his injuries.
"Did they?" Elrond could not give voice to his fears.
"No." Erestor understood immediately and cringed at the look in his friend's eyes. "They threatened but punches were the worst of it." Elrond nodded and released a long breath. Then he quickly wrapped Erestor's ribs. Two were broken.
"The rest will have to wait, I fear. You have many bruises." But Elrond's words were silenced as door opened. Erestor's hand tightened in fear around Elrond's arm. But it was Valandil who entered carrying an unconscious guard. They quickly stripped the guard and dressed him in Erestor's tattered clothing, then locked him in chains placing the bag loosely around him head. Hopefully the ruse would buy them precious time. Then Valandil resumed his post outside the door. It took Erestor but a few minutes to realize their plans, and he stiffly pulled on the guard's clothing.
"Can you walk?" Elrond worried over his friend's strained movements.
"Yes." Erestor bristled slightly, the single word conveying his determination to escape.
"Lean on me. You need to save your strength for crossing the field. There are many soldiers." Elrond scrutinized Erestor's appearance, then mumbled apologetically as he drew out a knife. "Excuse the haircut, my friend, but we will face the scrutiny of many men on our way out."
"At least I am in good company." Erestor pulled at Elrond's shortened hair. "What will Celebrían say?"
"She will rejoice at seeing us whole and well." Elrond whispered as he cut Erestor's hair.
"Come we have no time to waste." Valandil called. Indeed they had barely made it down the hall and darted into a back stairwell when footsteps sounded in the hall.