13. Pending Threat
…
The sunset sky was hovering over Imladris as the night approached.
Thranduil was standing in the exterior corridor in front of his guest apartment, joined by two of his royal guards.
His day had been highly productive duty-wise, but an unusually prolonged one for his liking.
The follow-up meeting with the wizards and his fellow Elven rulers was scheduled to take place the next morning. Thus, he was pondering everything that had taken place so far.
The king already had a slight idea of what he wished to discuss at the meeting in regards to the war. However, he was still missing pieces of the puzzle for his argument to be a solid one, and his mind was still attempting to connect the dots somehow.
Thranduil did not have much to go from, though. He already had several opportunities to observe some of Reiya's deeds throughout the day. Therefore, what he had gathered up until that moment would have to do.
He looked at the queen's chamber door on the second floor, wondering what she was up to then.
Some of the Xandorian royal guards were keeping watch at the entrance, so she was inside at that moment, most likely.
Multiple events had called for the queen's attention that day, so her timetable must have been pretty hectic as well.
Thranduil's thoughts were suddenly interrupted when the lieutenant who spoke to Reiya earlier stepped into the courtyard, followed by a squadron of soldiers.
They were walking rather quickly and went straight to the stairs on the building where the queen's guest apartment was located.
Thranduil directed his attention back to the Reiya's chamber door when the lieutenant made his way inside, while the rest of his soldiers remained on the outside.
The king's intuition issued a warning of sorts as his mind went into a state of alert.
He was not entirely sure what was going on, but he suspected a likely scenario.
Something was wrong.
…
Reiya was in her guest office accompanied by Zila, the commander of her Queen's Guard; Norel and Bara, two of her royal guards and second in command amongst the Spear-maidens; Urien, the queen's seneschal and childhood friend; and Toby, Reiya's recently acquired puppy, gifted to her by her hobbit acquaintances.
She was sitting at her desk writing a correspondence letter, while Toby was smelling a few spots on the floor and exploring the room. The puppy had been groomed and was now wearing an intricate collar with a Xandorian sigil pendant.
Reiya and Urien couldn't help but smile at the sight of the dog pup, as he was getting used to his new space and the elves around him.
The queen suddenly shifted her attention to the door when Eldrec, her lieutenant and childhood friend, walked into the office studio. His pace was quicker than usual, and his expression was slightly tensed.
Unknowingly for Loitar and his Dark Generals, the statement that Eldrec issued to his squadron regarding their coordinates was actually a code phrase to let them know that they were being watched and should proceed with caution.
Thus, they cut their patrol routes short and went to inform the queen of everything that had transpired as quickly as they could.
"My queen, commander Zila." Eldrec stated, bowing to the two ellith politely. "Apologies for the sudden disruption. I request a word with the two of you, alone." He emphasized with a serious expression.
Zila narrowed her gaze, and Reiya's expression hardened.
Eldrec's query could only point to one thing: He had sensed some sort of danger throughout his patrol.
"Norel and Bara, join the other Spear-maidens outside and keep watch. Instruct them to enforce a high state of alert throughout the manor and remain vigilant." Zila ordered.
The two royal guards nodded to their commander and did as requested.
"Urien, take Toby and remain in your chambers until I command otherwise. Instruct my ladies-in-waiting to do the same." Reiya stated in a serious tone.
Urien widened her eyes slightly and nodded.
The seneschal was no warrior, but she had known her close friends long enough to sense a problem when there was one.
She lifted Toby to her shoulder and was about to exit the office studio, but turned to Reiya and Eldrec before she opened the door.
"Stay safe, you two." Urien remarked looking at her two childhood friends with a concerned expression.
"We'll do our best, dear friend." Reiya assured her with a kind smile.
Urien smiled back at her, then she looked at Eldrec, who nodded at her in an agreeable manner.
"Go." Reiya instructed with a lighter tone.
Urien bowed to the queen in acknowledgement and made her way out of the apartment.
Reiya then stood up from her desk and walked towards Eldrec and Zila to discuss the matter at hand.
"You sensed something, didn't you, Eldrec? What was it?" The queen inquired.
"Insects in the surroundings; flying ones, most likely. They were making unnatural sounds and seemed to be moving in erratic patterns. A result of magical enhancements, no doubt." He explained.
Reiya raised an eyebrow at the statement.
"Where?" Zila inquired.
"I heard the sounds in an area before the forest path up north." Eldrec responded. "I assume they were placed there to spy on us, even though I am not entirely sure how many are out there as we speak." He pointed out.
"What sort of flying insects do you suspect, lieutenant?" The queen asked.
"My assumptions might be entirely wrong, but judging from the sounds and movements, I believe they were either bees or hornets." Eldrec explained.
"According to our reconnaissance reports, there is a Dark General who specializes in surveillance tasks through means of very small animals that can infiltrate a wide range of locations if precautions are not taken, my queen." Zila explained.
"Yes, those reports came to mind. Flying insects definitely fit that criteria, considering their small dimensions." Reiya added with an objective voice.
"I agree." Zila stated.
"Eldrec's keen sense of awareness worked in our favor to detect the presence of those spying insects. But there is also a possibility that he was targeted by the enemy due to his abilities, I'm afraid." The queen stated, folding her arms and looking at the floor with a concerned expression.
"I knew the risks involved in this role when I accepted it, Reiya. I was aware that the enemy would target me sooner or later, but that will not deviate me from my cause. I do not fear them." Eldrec remarked with an assertive voice.
"That I know, and I commend you for your bravery, mellon (friend)." Reiya pointed out, looking at him with a light smile. "However, I cannot send your squadron into the field again. At least not while those insects are still in the area. The risk to your life is far too great in this scenario." She remarked in a serious manner.
"The queen is right, Eldrec. I wouldn't be surprised if Loitar already marked you for death, all things considered." The commander warned.
Eldrec sighed in resignation.
"I understand and will do as you command, my queen." The lieutenant stated in a respectful manner. "However, we cannot let those insects roam free if they are still out there. I know they might have already retreated to a different location or gone into hiding by now, but still... We should do something about it, shouldn't we?" He insisted.
"You are correct, lieutenant. Those spying insects could give Loitar and his minions unwanted leads. Thus, we should eliminate them promptly if they are still lingering around." The queen remarked in an objective manner.
"I could take a unit of Spear-maidens and dispose of the insects in no time, my lady. I would only need Eldrec's coordinates to go on mission." Zila suggested with a determined voice.
"I am sure your combat skills and those of your Spear-maidens would be more than enough to succeed at the task, commander." Reiya pointed out with a smile. "However, you will be better off supporting our ranks here since your battle formations provide one of our best lines of defense against any threat." She explained.
Zila looked at the floor in a contemplative manner, then shifted her attention back to the queen.
"Understood, my lady. Your wish is my command." She stated, bowing respectfully to her. "How do you wish to proceed, then?"
Reiya contemplated the question for a few seconds before voicing her intentions.
"I will go there and take down the Dark General's spies myself." The queen stated in an assertive manner.
Eldrec and Zila looked at Reiya warily.
Both of them were not in tune with the idea of sending off their close friend and only monarch to face the lurking threat alone.
They were aware that Reiya was quite powerful in her own right. Nevertheless, the queen could still be injured in battle, just like any other elf, and she was usually the enemy's primary target due to her Krisha abilities.
Sensing their reluctance on the matter, Reiya addressed her subordinates' concerns.
"Eldrec, Zila, you two are loyal comrades, and I know you do not wish any harm befalling me. Nonetheless, this is the one alternative that could save the most lives and reduce collateral damage, considering how destructive my power can be." The queen pointed out. "I highly doubt that Loitar will reveal the full extent of his abilities and challenge all the Elven rulers in this place. Hence, I should be able to handle the insidious creatures by myself with that in mind." The queen stated.
Zila sighed, then proceeded to speak. "
"Understood, my queen." The commander responded. "We still wish to help in any way that we can, though. Perhaps there is something else that we might be able to contribute in the line of duty?" She insisted.
"You definitely can." Reiya confirmed. "You and Eldrec will stay behind to protect Imladris while I am on mission, in case of any unforeseen attacks or potential traps. You may gather as many soldiers and Spear-maidens as needed to fulfill the task. Place them throughout several points of access here at the manor, especially in areas close to the gates." The queen instructed.
"Understood, my lady." Zila responded. "Should we warn Lord Elrond's wardens and the other Elven rulers about the pending threat?" She inquired.
"No." Reiya responded. "My fellow Elven rulers, including Lord Elrond himself, have not yet agreed to get involved in this war on an official basis, and Imladris was already attacked once. I do not wish to burden him or his guests again after what happened at the hearing. It is out of the question." The queen concluded in a definitive manner.
Zila accepted the order and bowed to her.
"Eldrec, pinpoint the exact location where you sensed the insects on one of our maps. I will go there directly when I head out." Reiya instructed.
"Yes, my lady." The lieutenant responded. "Are you taking Veryo with you?" He asked.
"No, I will go there on foot. I do not wish to draw the insects' attention if they are still at the site." She explained. "Well then, you have your orders, Eldrec and Zila. Wait for me while I get ready for the mission. I will personally relay my instructions to our units outside, and you will walk with me to the north gate before I head out." Reiya instructed.
"Yes, my lady!" The two subordinates responded.
…
Thranduil remained on alert following the rare appearance by the Xandorian squadron.
The king's warrior instincts, honed by countless years of battle experience, were fully engaged as his gaze continuously shifted back to Reiya's guest apartment.
The chamber door was suddenly opened, and the Lady of Fire herself walked out, followed by her lieutenant and the commander of her Queen's Guard.
Thranduil widened his eyes slightly at the sight.
That was Reiya, without a doubt, but she was no longer the charming monarch engaging with guests or the noble lady entertaining her suitors at that particular moment.
She presented herself as a warrior queen once again and was about to embark on a mission of sorts, it seemed.
Reiya was wearing her iconic Krisha hooded cloak and high knee boots, along with a battle outfit that was very similar to the one she had on the night of the attack at Mirkwood. She was also carrying her scimitar swords, and her gaze was sharp.
A sense of familiarity revisited the king's mind when he glanced at the fierce elleth, as she was disclosing the same determined look as the first time he met her.
Thus, it seemed like Reiya intended to fight something or someone, which further confirmed his suspicions about a potential threat lurking around.
The Lady of Fire stood in the corridor for a brief moment as she gave instructions to the Xandorian soldiers and guards keeping watch at her door.
All of them spread out to different locations after Reiya issued her orders, and she proceeded to head downstairs, joined by her lieutenant and commander.
Thranduil did not lose any time on his end either.
The king ordered his royal guards to remain in the corridor and proceeded to follow the Xandorian party at a conservative distance. He was going to figure out what was going on, or get as many clues as he could, at the very least.
To his disbelief, many of the noble elves seemed to pay no mind to Reiya as she was making her way to the north gate.
Perhaps they had assumed that she was merely a Xandorian warrior of sorts due to her attire at the time.
In spite of their occasional stares, the queen managed to get across without any resistance or questioning on their end.
Thranduil shook his head at the scene.
Some nobles and their cluelessness...
Once they arrived at the intended area, Reiya gave final instructions to her two subordinates, and then she discreetly walked out of the manor through the gate... alone.
'Wait… what?' The Elvenking widened his eyes partially.
Did she actually intend to fight whichever threat was lurking in their surroundings all on her own?
Thranduil tutted as his face quickly morphed into one of visible annoyance.
That elleth…
She had sneaked out of the manor, just like that, and neither Elrond or Galadriel were there to question her actions.
He couldn't detain the queen himself since that was not his estate to rule as well.
Moreover, Reiya was a monarch and sole ruler of an Elven settlement, so she could do as she pleased outside the boundaries of Elrond's home.
Unfortunately, Thranduil had diplomatic repercussions to consider when pondering any matters concerning the Red Queen.
He sighed in resignation, and his expression was impassive once again.
That was just it. She was gone, and he couldn't do anything to change that. However, he could continue observing the queen's subordinates at the site to follow any subsequent developments.
To his convenience, some did unfold at the time.
Reiya's lieutenant and the commander of her Queen's Guard were giving instructions of their own to the other Xandorian soldiers and guards present in the area. Moreover, they were creating formations around the gates and other locations in the manor.
Thranduil narrowed his eyes in realization as he thought of a likely motive for that.
Elrond's home was at risk of a potential attack again.
Reiya knew about it most likely, so she must have ordered her forces to protect the manor while she was gone.
Thranduil's expression hardened as he proceeded to walk towards a different location at the manor right away.
The Red Queen could do as she pleased, but he was not going to let the elf-warlock and his minions cause further death and destruction at Elrond's home, even if the chances of an attack were minimal at that moment.
Thranduil made his way to the Mirkwood soldiers and guards' watch posts so he could issue orders of his own.
"Feren and Tauriel, a word." The king requested.
The two elves stood close to their monarch as they awaited instructions.
"Listen to me very carefully." Thranduil spoke in a low voice, almost reaching the tone of a whisper. "Imladris is at risk of another attack." He stated.
Feren and Tauriel widened their eyes at their king's words.
"The Red Queen headed out to deal with the threat on her own. However, she instructed her forces to keep watch at the gates and other points of access here at the manor to counter any unforeseen traps, I presume." He explained.
Tauriel raised an eyebrow following the king's statement. Why would Reiya take on such a task by herself?
Her attention was brought to the scene promptly, however, when Thranduil resumed issuing orders.
"Hence, these are my instructions for the both of you. Call our soldiers and guards, and place them close to the Red Queen's own units in a discrete manner, especially at the north gate area. We will join them in their watch duty and defend the manor alongside the Xandorian forces, should it come of it." Thranduil ordered.
"Understood, sire. Shouldn't we warn Lord Elrond and his forces about the potential threat as well?" Feren asked in an objective manner.
"No." The king responded. "The preference for absolute secrecy was Lady Reiya's decision. She is an Elven ruler in her own right, and the house of Lord Elrond is deemed a neutral ground for all of us. Even though I do not agree with her course of action, I cannot overstep my boundaries and disrupt the queen's vow for discretion at this time." He explained.
Feren and Tauriel nodded their heads in acknowledgement.
"Alright then. You have your orders. Get to it immediately, and meet me at the north gate area as soon as you can. Do not forget to keep the utmost discretion when you gather the Mirkwood combatants." The king insisted.
"Yes, my lord!" Feren and Tauriel responded.
The two elves proceeded to fulfill their commands as they made their way to different locations at the manor.
In the meantime, Thranduil walked straight to the north gate area.
The king tightened his hand around the hilt of his sword while wondering if he would have to strike down another monster from the elf-warlock's arsenal that night.
Reiya had acted recklessly by going out to face whatever was out there without any assistance.
In any event, he just hoped that the queen knew what she was doing, for all of their sakes.
…
Reiya arrived at the forest path up north as she followed Eldrec's coordinates.
She inspected the area but did not see or hear anything at the time.
It seemed like the Dark General's flying insects had moved to a different location, but she remained there for a few more minutes just to make sure they were not lingering around somewhere nearby.
Reiya was well aware that her sense of awareness was not quite as developed as Eldrec's, which consisted mostly of sensing the most minimal changes in sound, temperature, pressure, and movement at great distances.
Thus, in order for her to hear what Eldrec had heard, she would have to tap deeper into her senses.
The queen closed her eyes as she focused on the sounds and movements around her while keeping a state of alert. She did not sense anything at the beginning, but heard a slight buzzing sound at a certain point before opening her eyes all of a sudden.
The whirring in question did not seem natural.
Hence, Reiya dove even deeper into her senses as she tried to pinpoint the exact location where the sound was coming from. She closed her eyes again and took a deep breath as her hearing senses were gradually heightened.
The buzzing sound had now become constant, and it was mainly coming from a certain direction.
The Lady of Fire opened her eyes, and she shifted her attention to a path leading further into the forest trees.
She narrowed her gaze slightly and walked in that direction right away. To her advantage, the buzzing sound was getting louder as she kept going further.
Reiya stepped into a clear ground area surrounded by trees at one point, then lifted her head gradually to look at something.
There it was. A strange-looking hornet!
The insect appeared to be small and harmless at first, but it was flying in a way that looked slightly unnatural, just like Eldrec pointed out.
There was no question about it. That hornet had to be one of the Dark General's spies.
"You are the one spying on us, I presume?" Reiya inquired in a confrontational manner as she narrowed her gaze at the hornet.
- Somewhere in the dark -
Fernor looked at his hornet projections with hatred and disdain as the Krisha made an appearance in one of them.
Loitar had ordered him to give their enemies a fight to taunt them if they were to retaliate, but he did not expect the Krisha herself to be the one coming for his hornets.
That accursed Xandorian lieutenant... He had sensed more than he led on in his hornet projections, just like he suspected. The ellon must have shared his impressions with the Red Queen right after, and provided her with leads.
In any case, he proceeded to follow his master's instructions.
Thus, the Dark General began performing a series of hand gestures as he kept his gaze on his hornet projections.
- Back in Rivendell -
Reiya widened her eyes slightly when the hornet suddenly began circling around in an erratic manner. Other hornets came flying from different directions and joined the first one while moving in the same manner.
A purple glow emanated from the newly formed swarm of hornets as they all combined into a huge hybrid insect of sorts.
The hornet monster had multiple eyes and stingers, giving it a dreadful look.
The creature released several stingers in Reiya's direction, but she jumped to the side before they could pierce her. She took a quick look at the stingers nailed to the floor, noticing a sticky substance in them.
'Poison.' Reiya concluded.
The queen looked up at the hornet monster with disdain following the attempted attack. "You wish to kill me, then?" She stated as her eyes gradually turned shimmering scarlet and she unsheathed her two scimitar swords.
"Nár Urya! (Enflame!)" Her blades were imbued with fire at the chant of her spell. "Well then. Do your worst." She stated with an assertive voice as she adopted a combat stance.
…
Some time had already passed since the Red Queen headed out on mission, while the Xandorians awaited the outcome with blind uncertainty.
Eldrec and Zila remained on high alert as their units were keeping watch on the north gate and other areas of the manor.
The Xandorian lieutenant sensed a slight increase in activity around them, so he took a moment to observe their surroundings in a discrete manner.
He noticed a few elves that had not been present when Reiya took off.
Perhaps the least expected bystander among them was the Elvenking himself, who was watching the scene from one of the corridors nearby.
Thranduil had his arms folded as his gaze remained fixed on the north gate. His demeanor was calm, but his focus seemed pretty sharp at the time.
There were also a few Mirkwood soldiers and guards spread out throughout the area, keeping a constant watch as well. Captain Tauriel and Lieutenant Feren were the ones in charge of their formations, by the looks of it.
Eldrec moved slightly closer to Zila, who stood beside him while he was assessing the situation.
"The Mirkwood elves… They know a threat lingers. The Elvenking watches." The lieutenant murmured to his comrade.
"Good." Zila muttered. "If something unexpected comes blasting through that gate, we are going to need all the help that we can get." She stated with a narrowed gaze.
Almost as if the commander had made a call for fate, the gate was opened all of a sudden.
Thranduil quickly grabbed the hilt of his sword, and all the other elves on watch duty adopted a defensive stance as they awaited the incomer's emergence in suspense.
However, all of them eased their stance and widened their eyes just as quickly when they realized the one individual entering the manor was the Red Queen herself.
"It's Reiya!" Eldrec muttered with a surprised expression.
"She returned to us safe and sound, it seems." Zila stated while smiling in relief.
Tauriel grinned slightly at the sight, and Thranduil's features relaxed slightly as the queen made her appearance.
Reiya was not visibly harmed, but she had not come out of her previous confrontation completely unscratched either. Some layers of her combat outfit had been slightly chipped, and there were spots of purple blood spread over her clothes and parts of her skin.
The blood was from the opponent that she had battled against and not her own, judging from the unnatural color.
As expected, many of the noble guests in that area seemed to have noticed the Red Queen more than before due to her battered appearance.
The two Xandorian higher-ups went to check on their queen right away.
"Are you alright, my lady?" Eldrec asked with a hint of concern.
She smiled at him lightly, in spite of her apparent state. "Yes. I was pushed slightly, but I am unharmed." She assured him.
Eldrec sighed in relief, and Zila looked at the floor with a relaxed expression.
"Most importantly, I was able to encounter the insects and took all of them down. I inspected the area afterwards to make sure there were no traces of them left." Reiya remarked. "You were right in your suspicions, Eldrec. The Dark General's spies were hornets." She pointed out.
The lieutenant nodded at the queen's confirmation.
"Did any incidents transpire in my absence?" Reiya asked in a wary manner.
"None took place under our watch, my queen." Zila responded.
"Good." She stated with a light smile once again. "Well, it looks like we have successfully disposed of the enemy spies and kept the manor safe without causing any major disruptions. I thank you both for your diligence and willingness to serve as usual, Lieutenant Eldrec, Commander Zila." The queen praised her subordinates in a courtly manner.
The two elves bowed to her in acknowledgement.
"I will retreat to my guest apartment then. I should clean up and take some rest." Reiya stated.
"Understood, my lady. Should we send in our healers so they can inspect you and check for any unseen injuries?" Zila asked.
"No, that is alright. I am fine." Reiya responded. "Inform my ladies-in-waiting that they are free to exit their chambers since the manor is now safe and clear. Also, tell Urien to bring Toby to my guest apartment later tonight. She can have supper with me if she wishes. Our watch squadrons can break formation as well." The queen instructed.
"Understood, my queen. We will follow your instructions accordingly." Eldrec responded.
"Thank you once again for your service, you two. I will see you tomorrow." Reiya stated in a more informal manner while smiling lightly at her close acquaintances.
Eldrec and Zila nodded at the queen and watched her in a contemplative manner as she retreated from the area.
"Do you think she is truly alright?" Zila asked with a hint of concern.
"We will never know for sure. All we can do is aid and serve her as best as we can." Eldrec remarked.
Thranduil also watched the Red Queen as she faded from sight.
Judging from the Xandorians' gestures, the threat had been eradicated, or contained, at the very least. Thus, they seemed to be out of danger for the time being.
The Elvenking raised his hand slightly at Feren and Tauriel to signal his permission for withdrawal. The two elves nodded at him and proceeded to retreat their own units from the area.
Thranduil then called it a night and walked back to his own chambers as he continued pondering his thoughts.
The incident that transpired that night had been uncalled for, but it was also a blessing in disguise since he had gained absolute clarity on what he wished to say at the follow-up meeting with his peers.
Reiya had guarded them from something or someone yet again.
It was not without saying that she had also played a dangerous gamble to fulfill the task, but the Lady of Fire came out victorious in spite of the risks.
The outcome would have been praised by the other Elven rulers, no doubt, but the king was able to see beyond the positives of a mere victory.
If they were to contemplate any chance of success in the war, things could not keep going the way they have until that moment. Furthermore, Reiya and her people could not just continue facing Loitar as they always have, while the rest of the Elven realms remained blind to the enemy's maneuvers and tricks.
Thus, per his reasoning, the ideal strategy laid not entirely in favor of or against the Red Queen but somewhere in between.
The time for him to voice his thoughts had finally come, as he was now ready to discuss his stance on the Lady of Fire and ways to best move forward in the rising conflict.
...
A/N: The Elvenking has made up his mind!
The time for observation is over. Thranduil has gained clarity on his stance in the war (and Reiya, it seems, for the moment, lol).
Now that his mind is set, what will he say to the other Elven rulers in the follow-up meeting?
Find out in the next one! :)