Chapter 38 To the Edge of War
'What will we do once we find her?' Aradan asked.
The sun was just beginning to dip behind the verdant hills of the Shire. Darken and his army had established their camp at the forest's edge. From their vantage point, they could survey a vast expanse of land before them. The landscape appeared almost unchanged, yet noticeably quieter. The usual bustle of cows, sheep, and birds had subsided, all seemingly silenced by the looming threat of war. And even the hobbits who once filled the paths and fields were now also hiding in fear of the occupant.
'What do you mean?' inquired Darken.
Aradan frowned. 'My mother,' he staded.
Farewell, who sat on a stump a little further ahead, had a sly smile that Aradan couldn't help but notice.
'What's amusing you?' he asked, his fists clenched.
'You,' the counselor murmured. 'You and your boyish naivety...'
'Farewell,' Darken's voice rose like a rumble in the air, and the two other elves fell silent. 'Enough, leave now.'
Farewell bowed. The predatory shadow of his smile still lingered on his face. He cast one last glance at Aradan before leaving them.
The shadows of the night grew longer, and darkness would soon cover them. Darken stepped forward and placed his hand on Aradan's shoulder. The last rays of the sunset made a tear shine on his cheek.
'My son,' Darken murmured.
'You're lying to me,' the young elf suddenly interrupted. 'I may be naive, but I'm not stupid. You're all I have left, and yet I've never felt so alone. You claim to love her, that all your actions are for her, yet I fear you'll harm her the moment you reach her'
Aradan's words cut through the air like a silent tempest in the night. Darken remained composed, his demeanor unyielding. He could sway Aradan, but only to the extent he permitted himself to be swayed. Though he had endeavored, Aradan's devotion to his mother could not be altered.
'You're not answering... I must be correct,' the young prince concluded.
'"Not entirely..." Darken lifted his gaze to meet his son's eyes. "I do love her, that much is true."
Once more, tears welled in Aradan's eyes.
'However, Nienor betrayed me... And she must face the repercussions of her choices,' Darken finished.
A shadow fell across Aradan's countenance, a grim omen of what was to come. A swift movement, a glint of gray, shattered the stillness as a blade slid against its sheath. Darken was at bay, the tip of the sword caressing his throat.
'Swift... Impressive,' he acknowledged. 'What will you do?'
'End you!'
'Then do it.'
'Promise me you won't! Promise you'll spare her!' Aradan pleaded desperately.
Darken frowned, 'Why?' he inquired.
'Because she's all I have.' Aradan's voice tinged with anguish.
When she's gone, it will signify the demise of the half-elf as well. Victory will be mine, and the war will be but a game. Don't you desire to stand beside me, to rule with me? Aradan, I've long underestimated your resilience, but you are my son, and I have erred. It is within your power to forgive me..." Darken implored.
'I care little for ruling...' Aradan's response was resolute.
Darken raised his hand, and with a swift motion, Aradan was forcefully thrown backward, landing several meters away amidst the gritty embrace of the earth. Desperate, he struggled to rise, his sword tantalizingly out of reach. The ominous cadence of Darken's footsteps drew nearer, followed by the metallic echo of the sword being picked up.
'I should have ended your thread of existence long before now. And yet,' Darken declared, planting the sword firmly into the ground before Aradan, 'here you are, leading my army, sitting on my council, I offer you a crown, I trusted you with my soldiers, Aradan.' There was a peculiar sincerity woven into Darken's words. 'And Nienor... if her life is what you desire to preserve... so be it! I may pardon her transgressions. But prepare yourself, for the person you once cherished is but a shadow now.' He sighed then reached out his hand to him 'Rise, my son, for strength shall be your armor on the morrow.'
There was some sort of sincerity in Darken's voice. 'And Nienor... you want her to live... so be it! I will forgive her . But you'll see for yourself, the one you knew and loved is no more. Get up, my son, I need you to be strong tomorrow.'