Chapter 30
Lost allies and new evil.
The battle from the day before was still being cleaned up. Dead orcs, men, and trolls burned at pyres for we did not want their foul bodies to taint the ground. Many elves had been injured, yet few were killed thanks to the Valar.
Haldir and the elves from Lorien had been a great help cleaning up the battlefield and removing the filth from our land. The siege had not gone as the black captain would have wanted with Rogash dead. The siege that would happen to Carn Dûm would be all the easier for it. But still, I wanted to make sure Ada, Glorfindel, our elves, and the elves of Lorien had all the advantages they could as I sat down to write what I had seen.
As I sat there writing all I had seen down I felt the presence and heard a familiar voice.
"Elwen" To which I looked up.
"Ada!" A smile came to my face and I got up giving him a long hug. After all, I had not seen him or any of the family but my wife for a very long time.
"I have missed you so!" I said with great excitement.
"So have I you daughter. Now tell me, where is Tauriel? I need to see my daughter-in-law as well."
"She is out with the scouts looking for any signs of Thranduil and his elves. None of them came when they should have."
"Now that is worrying…" He said still holding me firm. "But I am so proud of you and Tauriel. You have both grown into two worthy leaders of our kin, but I also want to talk to you about a matter of great importance" he added and looked at the chairs hinting at us sitting down.
"Of course Ada, what is it you have on your mind?" I asked while I grabbed a goblet of wine and poured us both a drink.
"This assault. We cannot let it go unpunished. I have corresponded with Ciridan and Celeborn. We are to assault the fortress in the north" he stated very factually.
"I see. I have plans written out. Or plans from what I have seen" I said looking at the papers on the table.
"You have? Of course, you have" he said with a smile and started to read a few lines as I walked over and handed him the wine.
"Thank you," he said and read the rest of it while I sipped my wine and waited on questions I knew would come.
"It is well written and just as you have seen?"
"It is Ada. Except for the army he keeps in reserve will not be led by both his lieutenants. I killed one of them not long ago, which might change some of his plans. But I doubt the troll was one of his strategists" I let out with a chuckle.
"No, I expect not" Ada responded with a chuckle. "But why have you written this down? Will you not come with us?"
"Nay I will not, or I will not unless we find the forces of Thranduil. Tauriel still cares for her kin from Greenwood and I love her for it. With your leave, Ada our company will take the high pass to the east and look for them."
I could see he was disappointed, but I also saw he understood my point. After all, they were our kin and we could not leave them behind. Also, Tauriel is family and he cares for her. That was indeed clear by now.
"I see, and I agree. I still feel sad I will not have my best captains with me" A cheeky smile on his face. "But you are correct. We need to know what happened with the forces from Thranduil. That being said. You should see Nana before you leave. She has missed you both terribly for many years now."
Now I knew she had. But for all the years of the siege, I did not dare leave our post in fear of what would be thrown at our warriors. They all meant a great deal to me even if I did not know all by name or had personal contact with them.
"I know Ada, we missed her, Arwen, and the twins as well. You at least we have seen at the councils we have had. But we do miss the times of peace. War and loss do weigh on us" I said while looking into the cup of wine I still held in my hands.
"It does, war is hard no matter of age or experience. But you have done well indeed." He said and reached for my hands and took them as I sat the cup down. "If not for you and Tauriel our losses would have been higher and less prepared would we be. Try and see the positives of it my daughter"
"I do… we do Ada… still every loss weighs heavy on our hearts."
"Ohh Elwen" he pulled me closer and held me as only Ada could. "I am so proud of you."
When I was to answer him a horn blew not far from camp and we looked at each other as we moved outside. There came Tauriel and the scouts, banners flying in the wind, and a warm gust from the south blew north as if nature itself cast back the darkness that had been surrounding Imladris. Many cheers rose from our warriors and those of Lorien as they returned.
"My lord Elrond, my love!" she cried out as she saw us and stopped her horse not far from us, dismounting it and bowing to Ada before she kissed me. "It is so well to see you again my lord." She said before she hugged him.
"Tauriel dear Tauriel. You look well, command suits you!"
"I know not if it does. But Elwen has taken to it with grace"
At this comment, the elves around us stopped, looked at us and before we knew cheering had taken over the camp.
"ELWEN, TAURIEL, ELWEN, TAURIEL!" It shocked us, yet we took their cheering and the honor it came with.
We bowed to them and thanked them for their praise of us. How could we not feel overwhelmed by such a gesture?
"Now Tauriel, what did you find?" Ada asked from behind us and we turned towards him and she raised her hand for us to move into the tent and we did. Our cups were still at the table and I went to fetch her one as she sat down in her chair and Ada in the guest cheer.
"The high pass is open to us, but we saw no signs of any elves at it. Nor any of the enemy. Only remains of those we slain on our way north from the camp" She started to speak as I handed her a cup of wine and sat beside her. "Thank you my love" she responded and looked back at Ada. "before the pass we came over a few stragglers that had not managed to flee us and we cut them down easily enough. The land suffering by their presence" she added.
"Now that is worrying. If they did not even reach the pass an enemy on the other side might have prevented them. I see now an even greater need for you two to go" Ada commented as his right hand held his chin as he always did when in deep thought. "Though I do believe middlemen are holding the west side of the Anduin." Again he cut himself off drifting away in thought.
"We are to go?" Tauriel asked excitedly.
"We are my love, I told Ada we needed to before you arrived back. Both for the fact they are your kin, our kin, and our allies in this war. We cannot leave other elves in peril when we have the force to aid them" I said and grabbed her hand.
"How could I be so lucky to get such a thoughtful wife?" she grabbed my hand and asked.
"I know not, I ask myself the same every day and wonder how the greenwood even could let go of its most beautiful elleth" I responded and reached in for a few kisses with Ada watching us.
"Your love is a beautiful sight and two better-matched elves I doubt I have ever seen. But Elwen is right. I ask you both to go east over the high pass and find out what happened to the forces of the greenwood. I fear for the queen."
That got both our attention and we looked at Ada.
"Is the Queen leading the force?" Tauriel asked somewhat shocked.
"Yes, or at least one of the companies. We have decided to assault the fortress of Carn Dûm and they were to help us. If we cannot expect their aid our plans much change." He responded firmly.
"Then we must leave at once, we need fresh horses and our warriors to be summoned. I know they have been under great stress over the last many years. But we need them at our banner yet again" I said and got up. Tauriel was not far behind me as I heard Ada's throat being cleared.
"Elwen, Tauriel. Look out for each other. I will give Nana a word from you both and say you will return as quickly as you may. Glorfindel and I will leave as soon as we can north to siege Carn Dum and I hope you will be able to join us, but if not I will come and see you soon." At this, he sipped his last drop of wine and came over to us hugging us both. "Care for each other my daughters. I love you both deeply and take no risk!" he said giving us each a warm loving hug.
"we will Ada," I said "Always my lord" Tauriel added and we all left the tent.
As ada left the camp and we gathered our horses and elves a sadness fell over the camp. Those belonging to the border patrol would stay behind and they had become used to having us there. It felt safe for us all in numbers and friends had been made. But it was time.
Idril had rushed off and found supplies and those elves not in the main camp. Tauriel and I had seen to horses and Estelwen. Our dear Estelwen had packed our bags with spare underclothes and all we could need. The best servant and friend we could have.
Sadly, there was little time for great speeches or remembrance of what had been. But we were all in good spirits.
We had let our company know our mission and all were eager to set off to aid the wood elves the travel north was easy enough. We all talked and rode on up towards the high pass, we could hear birds sing, and see deer feed on the few patches of green and goats up the mountainside. No sign at all of any enemy presence.
But yet elves in our company commented on it.
"Foul creatures have ruined our great forest."
"The land is tainted with their remains. Alas we should stay to see such times"
And more comments like such followed.
"I find it strange," I said and slowed down from gallop. "There is no sign of any enemy presence and yet they have not reached the path. I thought the middlemen and shapeshifters held the land towards the path on the eastern side?" I said and looked at my wife.
"In all my life east of the mountain they did my love. Unless they have been defeated or driven away… but I think not. They are strong people and friends of all nature and most folk. Except filthy dwarves" she responded.
"If I may my ladies. What has happened cannot have happened on the west side. I think our answers will come, but not until we cross the path" Idril chimed in.
"You are right Idril. We will push on as far as we may and hopefully, we will arrive at the middlemen before the night comes over us. If not, we will sleep under the sky"
We then pushed on again and came to the top of the pass and started on the decline before the sun started to set truly. Our horses were eager to get down and pushed on as well as we wanted to come closer to the woods before we set camp. The mountains were no place for elves. As we descended slowly we all started to feel the presence of others. If only it had been the presence of someone we knew, but it was not. Whispers started behind us in the company and slowly whatever was around us came closer and closer by the moment. Gaerdir and Carandoldir who had been with us for many years reacted the least as they know us well.
"My ladies," Idril said as if she was curious if we were to take no action and we did not. Not until it was so close that we could feel their hearts beat and thus I cried out.
"ARCHERS READY" Bows were drawn with unmatched speed and the lances held their spears out. That was when several big middlemen and women came out of the woods. Dressed in simple clothing and armed with axes and spears they looked at us. The tallest coming forth towards me, Tauriel and Idril.
A faint whisper came from our company so low no man could hear it.
"Why do the men interfere with our travel? Do they serve the dark one?"
No answer came, just anger from the men.
"Elves? From the mountain… why do you come here at this hour… the dark one only traveled this pass in recent years. Do you serve him?" His tone went from curious, too scared to angry quicker than anyone I had ever seen.
I looked back and said in elfish "Lower your bows, they are not of enemy kind"
"SPEAK SO WE ALL UNDERSAND ELF!" the same man cried and those that followed him turned somewhat hostile grabbing their arms hard.
"Fear not. We are not your foe." Tauriel said and dismounted her horse. "I am of the wood elves of Greenwood the Great. My kin serve under King Thranduil" As she spoke our warriors lowered their weapons and the middlemen seemed to relax their stance. But the one commanding us to speak so they understand still stood firm looking at my wife.
"You lie elf. Thranduil only rules the forest in the east. Nor does his warriors wear such armor or fly such banners. Choose your next words carefully!" he said as if he was to growl at her and my hand rested on my sword and our warriors got uneasy. Idril clearly angry held her lance hard, but Tauriel only gave us a sign to not move as she stood now in front of us all.
"It is true that King Thranduil only rules the forest to the east, but I do not lie. His people are my kin as I lived in those lands for many years, longer than any of you have been alive. But I found love on the west side of the mountain and I moved there." She said looking back at me. "I am no longer in his service, but I once was a Sindar ranger. Long ago."
The air itself felt heavy as we stood there waiting for a response to come. When another man cried out.
"SHE LIES. No Sindar ranger would have such armor and weapons. No matter if she found love. They are far too costly! SHE LIES!" As he took steps towards us it was like our guard reacted without thought and drew their bows again and spears pointed at all the middlemen.
"HALT, do not act." Tauriel cried out in elfish.
"I SAID SPEAK SO WE ALL CAN UNDERSAND ELF!" Tensions rose quickly.
"MY NAME IS TAURIEL, FORMERLY OF THE WOODLAND REALM OF THRANDUIL. NOW OF IMLADRIS." Her arms held out not reaching for any weapon and released the hilt of my sword as well.
"CALM, we do not wish to harm them," I said in the common tongue to our warriors.
"Who are you? Sitting back there?" The same angry man said now to me in a still tense voice, but he did his best to control himself.
"I am Lady Elwen, daughter of lord Elrond and the lady Celebrain of Imladris. As my wife says, we wish you no harm and only come over the pass to look for our kin" I responded slowly and in as none non-threatening a way as I could.
"Lady Elwen… Lady Tauriel… the same angry man now said in a calm tone and his spear was now raised up.
His eyes going back and forth between us and in a calm tone, he asks.
"Did you fight at the battle of Wrakyaburg?"
"I did, many leaves have fallen since that time and many generations of men have passed."
"Many elves fell there too; you are no enemy Lady Tauriel. Nor is your wife. My deepest apologies" the man said and bowed to us. "Darkness has returned to the world and we can't be too careful as you see. Many unsavory creatures have used the high pass." As he spoke I dismounted my horse as well and walked over to the middle man and my wife. Giving a sign for our elves to lower their weapons.
"Of what creatures do you speak? Orcs? Trolls? Wargs?" Tauriel asked him
"Nay my lady. Shadows that one can barely see. But they make your bones rattle by the cold that comes from them. A fortress they have now in the south of the old forest of the elves. Dark and worrisome it is for us and we dare not move close as we did when your kind lived there."
"Amon Lanc…" she gasped.
"Nay not any longer. It is now called Dol Guldur" another of the middlemen said and the first held up his hand.
"Silent. It is not for you to speak." The other bowed and stepped back.
"My excuses my ladies. I am Belethor of the river folk. We have protected the pass and the lands around us for many years. But now… we are scared and weary of those that travel these days. The shadow is returning" As he said so a crow-like sound filled the air and it was like their courage faltered.
"come our camp is near, we will talk more there," Belethor said and we hurried to mount our horses and follow them. There was some distrust between us and the men, but they acted not to it.
Gaerdir whispered carefully to Idril as we rode "I trust them not, they raised weapons against us and our ladies. Captain, you need to speak up"
At witch Idril made a short replay "Our ladies trust them, it is not our place to go against them!"
"Captain" Pannion also added.
"I will hear no more this matter. We are sworn to them and we will follow them!" And that was the end of the matter.
It was not a far travel to the camp, rustic as it was many of their kin were gathered there. They are young, old, women, and sick.
"It is not much, but it is home. Please rest. We cannot offer you much, but what is ours is yours" said Belethor.
To help aid their trust in us I dismounted my horse and went for my saddle bag as I looked at our company.
"Pannion, Gaerdir bring your healing supplies," I said to the elves questioning me. And then Tauriel picked up on my idea.
"The rest of you what supplies you might share, let us give it to our new friends. Or friends of old. We have plenty, they have nought." She said and led by example taking bread, meat, and fruit all dried for travel and went over to a little family and sat with them.
"Be not afraid. We are not here to harm thee. See" she said and took a bite of each before handing out the food. "Off that cut looks nasty, may I see to it?" she asked, and the child she looked at looked at its mother got permission, and nodded back.
As my wife took my idea I did the same and the others followed us.
I could hear Tauriel, Idril, Pennion, Gaerdir, Taleth, Norieth, and others talk to them as best they could. After all not all talked the common tongue much. But it did help to ease the tension.
Some time passed before a face I remembered came to me.
"My lady. You aid my people and for that I am grateful. Though my behavior earlier was appalling I must ask. May you come and see to my wife?"
I was about to speak when Belethor saw us and came over quickly.
"Did I not tell you to stay away?! You have insulted her and our people enough!"
"I was mistaken when I spoke up. She and her people are helping us. I only wanted to thank her and ask if she would be willing to see Morgan, my wife. You know her to have taken ill!"
"What is your name," I asked calmly.
"Egron, my lady," he said as he bowed his head.
"Egron is a good man, my lady. Yet he has a temper and only wants what is best for our people. Even if it may come out rash."
"Then show me to Morgan, I want to help" Egron smiled and showed me the way, two elves were not far behind me as was custom for my station when out of Imladris as were two with Tauriel.
It was a small tent-like home they lived in. Two small bern sat by the bedding of their mother and gave me a strange stare the moment I entered.
"Da!" they cried and hurried over to Ergon. "Who is she Da!"
Ergon hugged them tight as he knelt to their level.
"She is an elf. Here to help Ma" he said calmly.
"She is so pretty!" the girl said not holding back at all.
"She is very very pretty!" the boy also said.
"Aye, she is," Ergon responded.
I could only smile and blush at their comment when I saw Morgan. Her skin was pale and covered in sweat, yet when I felt her forehead she was burning and cold at the same time. I slowly felt her body part by part and it was not like anything I had felt before it was so cold, like ice. Elves never got ill unless poisoned so the only treatment I had done was of men and their kin. Yet to my knowledge, this made no sense. I rushed my quiver off dropped it at my side and unbuckled my clock putting it over her. Both bern and Ergon tried to speak to me, yet I did not respond to them.
In elfish I spoke to my guards outside. "Bring me my bag and warm water!"
"At once, my lady" one of them responded.
I looked back down at her and put my hand over her heart and forehead as I started to speak.
"DA, DA what is she doing?" The bern cried and Ergon tried to comfort them, but I gave them no attention.
"Morgan, hear my voice. I am Elwen and I bid you come to the light. Your time has not come for the gift of men. Open your eyes for me I command you"
Not long after she gasped for air and slowly opened her eyes.
"MA MA MA" the kids cried.
"Ergon, take the bern out NOW!" I cried out and at first, he did not "NOW ERGON!" I cried again and my guard came in and helped them out.
"Morgan, what happened to you" I said lowly in elfish again. Her eyes opened as a door to her soul.
As she had been out gathering berries and mushrooms by the river as the men fished, then several clothed creatures came over to her. They said nough, but their action spoke louder than words as a dark mist came towards Morgan, and as soon as she smelled it she fell to the ground and darkness was in her mind. The next thing I saw was me looking down on her.
"My lady?" a guard said and came in with my bag and warm water.
"Thank you now tell everyone to look for fever, cold sweat, and other symptoms at the others living here"
"Yes my lady," he said and were off again.
I slowly took a fist of athletes from my bag crushed it into the warm water and had it in a cup. Slowly I stirred it and the sweet scent filled the tent home.
"Drink this," I said and helped her to sit up enough for her to swallow it. She was very weak. But at least she could get it down.
"It cannot be what I think it is. It is too soon." I said to myself lowly in elfish. "Nay it must be something else."
Morgan looked at me smiled and rested her head on me. Saying only "Are you the one?"
