Chapter Four

AN: This takes place after Chapter Four of Spectrum: Ninniach's Tale, by Myth Queen, so please read that first!

I tensed as Ninniach spoke, unintentionally tightening my grip on her hand. "Who is coming for us?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Dr North and Dr Brightman from the hospital. They... I do not understand exactly, but they believe my blood could be used as some kind of energy source." She wrapped her arms round herself and shivered. "They are determined to take me back into their custody. They as good as threatened anyone who tries to keep me from them."

I gritted my teeth. "You saw this in a vision? Then we have to keep moving. This place is too easy to find." I pulled Ninniach to her feet, but she resisted, her expression afraid. "Listen, I know you do not trust me, but I give you my word, I will not allow the Mortals to harm you." I meant my words. Even before I had known that Ninniach was the jewel, I had been determined to keep her away from the race of Men. Eventually, she nodded, and let me take her hand and lead her once again. I had no real idea of where to go, as long as it was away from this place. The fact that it was dark now was useful, as it would make it harder for any pursuers to find our trail. Earendil's Star was still bright overhead, and I cursed softly as I looked at Ninniach.

"Is there any way to prevent that from happening?" I gestured at her glowing form. "It makes us far too conspicuous."

She closed her eyes in concentration for a moment, and the light faded. I sighed in relief, then began walking swiftly again. She kept pace with me well enough, though I imagined she would tire soon- she could not be in the best physical condition. We stayed on the beach, as I hoped the rise and fall of the tide would dispose of any footprints we left. I led her further north, unsure if there were any settlements in this direction, but deciding that living in the countryside for the time being was better, as we were less likely to encounter anyone who might ask questions.

"In the vision you saw," I began, "what actually happened?"

Ninniach was somewhat breathless already, but still able to speak. " Dr Brightman was holding a box that contained the vial of my blood. She and Dr North were discussing it. As I said, I did not understand all their words, but they agreed that I needed to be found."

"Then they have not actually begun their search yet?" She shook her head. "Good. That will give us more of a lead on them."

"Where are we actually going?" She asked. I had been right- she was already weary. I suppose it was to be expected, after the events of the past few days. She had had no real time to recover.

"We will keep moving until sunrise, if you can manage it. Then I will find us somewhere to rest. It is better if we travel at night, less humans will be around." She nodded her understanding, but remained silent. I hoped she had not noticed that I deliberately avoided her actual question. The truth was, I had no actual destination in mind. Returning to Valinor was the only option, I knew, but we could not attempt that if Mortals were pursuing us. That problem would need to be dealt with first.

We continued travelling for several hours, though neither of us spoke. My earlier conversation with Ninniach was replaying itself in my mind, and it made me feel uneasy.

'Will you return with me?' No...I cannot, the road to Valinor is closed to me. 'I wish you would.' Why would she want me to remain with her...? 'Your Father was my creator. That makes you my brother.' A sister...? I had gone so long without siblings... The most perplexing thing was that I had not been burned by making contact with her. Yet she claimed one of the Mortals, Dr North, had been. She indicated that I was free of the taint that made me unworthy, but how could that be? I was cursed for eternity, was I not? I was so lost in my thoughts that I jumped when Ninniach touched my shoulder.

"The sun rises. Do you have any idea of where we could stop to rest?" She looked exhausted.

I glanced around. We were still on the coast, but the sandy beach had been replaced with ground covered in long, thin grass. I could see what appeared to be an abandoned, one-storeyed building nearby. I gestured towards it.

"That will do for today. It isn't ideal, but we need to be out of sight. If the mortals have not already begun their search, they soon will. Come on."

I walked over to the derelict building, found that the door was locked, shrugged, and without much effort, kicked it open. The room was almost empty, though some old, rotting pieces of furniture were placed here and there. The main features of the room were dust and cobwebs. I closed the door when Ninniach came inside. Then a potential problem occured to me.

"Ah...do you need to eat? I just realised I have not once offered you food or drink. Unless you ate in the hospital?"

She looked at me, mystified.

"Are you hungry?"

She frowned. "I do not know what you mean."

I considered pressing the issue, but then realised that food might not be a necessity for her. She was not an elf, so who knew what she required to survive? I let the subject drop for now. I decided to tell her of the vague plan I had for the future.

"Alright, listen. Our first priority has to be making sure the Doctors pursuing you do not find us. We will have to keep moving until I find a better solution. When that is solved, we will need to return to Happisburgh. I do not know why, or how, but they have an elven ship in their possession, at the museum. If we can retrieve it, it could provide us with passage to Valinor."

Ninniach's face lit up. "Us? You will come with me?"

I was still far from sure that that would be permitted, but she looked so pleased that I nodded, unwilling to upset her. She was so innocent, in so many ways... Was I actually beginning to feel protective of her? I ignored that unsettling thought, and concentrated on the present.

"Do you need to sleep?" She nodded, so I took two of my blankets out of my pack, and laid one on the ground, so she would not have to lie in dust. She laid down obediently, and I placed the other blanket over her gently. Her eyes fluttered closed in seconds.

"Thank you, Maglor..." she murmured softly as she fell asleep. Her face was so childlike... how could a being so old appear so young? I nudged a loose strand of her long hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear so it would not irritate her while she slept. I settled down, to keep watch. Only one of us could sleep at a time, and I doubted Ninniach would know how to recognise signs of our pursuers if they came too close. Besides, she needed to rest. I sighed heavily as I realised that it was too late for me to pretend that I did not feel protective of her. She was, as she had said, technically my sister. The idea of having family still was comforting, even if it was unexpected. I was no longer alone. I sighed in contentment, watching my younger sister sleep.