Sorry for the wait, real life has been busy! This chapter is one I enjoyed writing, and I hope you like it!

Chapter 30

As we waited for Elrohir, I watched with some amusement as Candaith paced back and forth some distance away, looking like he was using all his willpower to stop himself from coming over to me. Corunir also seemed entertained, but made sure not to let Candaith see such an expression on his face. Despite this, I could feel the dark presence stronger now, like it was coming ever closer but yet had not moved from its location. Looking over at Elladan, I saw the same unease in his eyes. He was shifting uncomfortably and trying not to look at the cloak on the ground.

I had to admit I was nervous and apprehensive. Things could go very wrong quite easily. I reached into my pack and pulled out the largest beryl I had, which was not nearly as large as the powerful stone Glorfindel had lent me in the past. I gave Elladan an unsure glance, and he shrugged and said, "We must do with what we have."

Shortly after, Elrohir arrived, eyes wide and looking much younger than he was. I could tell he was afraid of what he would see when I removed the cloak. "Muindor, please tell me you are not truly considering trying to banish the evil out of this…this thing!" He looked to me pleadingly, and I shrugged helplessly. It was disconcerting seeing such an expression of naked fear on his face. I had always looked to him and Elladan for reassurance and strength, and I tried my best to school my features into one of encouragement. "Is there no other way?"

Elladan shook his head; he looked serious and said sternly, "We will do what we must." This made Elrohir blanch, but he summoned his courage and stood next to his twin. I pretended not to see that he was shaking. Elladan, however, looked strong and confident. "Gwinthilnel, do you have the beryl?"

I slowly handed it to Elladan, feeling the anxiety creeping into my chest. What we were doing was risky at best, and suicidal at worst. He took it in his right hand, and Elrohir touched it with his left. They looked into each other's eyes, clearly communicating something only they could hear. Elrohir relaxed, and gave his brother a shadow of a smile. Nodding in unison, they began to chant words in Quenya, and it made my eyebrows raise. It was not spoken often in conversation, and I had trouble understanding them. The beryl began to glow with a soft white light, which grew brighter and brighter until it was nearly blinding.

"Gwinthilnel, remove the cloak," Elladan said, and his voice was filled with a commanding power that reminded me of this father.

Carefully I used my knife to lift up the edge of the cloak, and threw it off in one deft motion. The coins glittered brightly and the green glow was more intense than it had been. I pulled back in revulsion; the menacing presence felt as if it was choking me. Fearfully I looked over at who I now considered to be my brothers, and their eyes were shining with brilliant light, either from the reflection of the beryl or from their own power. They held it up into the air together, before thrusting it in the direction of the gold.

A powerful ray of light shot towards the coins, and it hit a barrier of the green aura surrounding them. The twins pushed ever harder, their voices raising. My eyes widened as I felt like I was watching something the Elves of old would have done, and was thrown to the ground as the forces of light and darkness battled. I peered with squinting eyes at Elladan and Elrohir, and saw that they were shaking and nearly brought to their knees with the effort, and I feared they would not withstand the assault. It was shocking, the power of evil coming forth from such a harmless-looking item; I could not imagine attempting this on something greater and more terrible. I attempted to move towards them, to try and help somehow, but I was rooted in place.

After what seemed like an Age but likely was only a few moments, I heard a scream of anger so piercing that I held my hands over my ears; they felt like they were bleeding. The light became all encompassing; and then faded. I found myself curled up in a ball. After catching my breath, I crawled over to the twins, who had sunk to the ground and were unmoving. It was as if my strength had been spent along with theirs. I knew distantly that I should see if they had been successful, but I feared their actions had cost them more than just energy. I shook their shoulders roughly. Upon closer inspection, I noted they were both breathing, but their eyes were tightly closed; never a good sign. "Elladan, Elrohir…e-echuio (awaken)," I gasped. "Athog (please)…"

A minute passed, and then another. When I despaired it was too late, their eyelashes fluttered and they looked up at me. I sighed in relief, and noted I was crying when Elrohir whispered, "Are they tears of joy or sadness?" and he weakly raised a shaking hand to wipe them away.

I laughed a watery laugh and put his hand against my cheek, "Joy, at least this time muindor". The warmth of his skin comforted me and reassured me he was alive. I noted Elladan looking around and he sat up slowly, eyes fixed on the fell chest of coins they had worked so hard to cleanse. I whipped my head around, afraid their efforts had been for naught, and found Candaith carefully examining it. "Candaith, get away from there!" I tried to yell, but it came out more like a choked plea.

He looked towards me in concern and started towards me, but when I raised a hand to forestall him, he reluctantly acquiesced to my request and backed slowly towards the rest of our party. I noticed they were staring at the twins and I in awe and disbelief…and perhaps a little fear. Standing shakily, I helped Elladan and Elrohir to their feet with some difficulty, and we cautiously approached the chest. "What do you think? Did it work?" I asked. My voice still sounded weak.

Elladan closed his eyes, and to my horror placed a hand on the object. A small smile graced his ageless face. "I believe so. Muindor, can you confirm this?"

Elrohir touched it and nodded tiredly, "I sense no evil in it. However, I cannot tell if we destroyed the presence or simply caused it to flee."

Thinking for a moment, I replied, "Did you hear the scream emanating from it?" When their brows furrowed, I explained, "As the light of the beryl fully encompassed it, something cried out in anger, and it grated horribly in my ears. It almost reminded me of the sound of the Gaunt Lords when they are defeated. However, even in defeat they return, not being of mortal creatures but rather spirits that use others as a host to survive." I sighed. "I suspect they are tied to the darkness of Sauron. Once he is defeated, they too will pass away." I refused to say 'if he is defeated' because the thought of failure was not one I could entertain without falling into despair.

"For now, at least, we have one small victory," Elladan murmured. "What shall we do with the coins? They are harmless at this time, but they could yet again be imbued with a fell spirit."

"Perhaps they could be melted down and destroyed? Although it pains me to deprive someone from desperately needed funds, I would rather they be gone than be used for dark purposes in the future," Elrohir suggested.

I nodded, "I agree. Eregion is not yet far from us; perhaps one of you could deliver it quietly to one of the forge-masters at Echad Mirobel? If you could stay and watch the coins be unmade, it would ease my heart."

"I will go immediately," Elladan volunteered. "It should not take long, no more than two days. If you should move on, Dagoras will be able to tell me where you have gone and I will find you."

I frowned, "At least take some rest for a little while; you have done much and look exhausted."

Elladan raised an eyebrow, "Do you doubt my strength mellon nin?"

I huffed but couldn't help but smile, "Of course not, oh high and mighty Elven Lord."

"Is that sarcasm I detect, my lady?" he replied cheekily.

"Perhaps," I said, laughing lightly. I went to my pack and pulled out some lembas and an athelas potion. "At least take these with you, just in case." I squeezed his shoulder gently, "Be careful."

With a smile, he whistled for his horse and, mounting it, set off north at a gallop. I turned to look at Elrohir and saw concern on his face. "He will be fine," I said softly. "Do not worry overmuch. You know how strong he is, and how stubborn!"

"Ai Gwinthilnel, but we have both nearly spent ourselves. I feel weak and have little energy," Elrohir replied, looking fatigued.

"We have endured in more dire situations. Trust in Earendil to watch over him," I replied, throwing my arm around his shoulders. "He is your dearadar (grandfather) you know."

Elrohir rolled his eyes and said drily, "I am well aware. He is also very far away; not much he can do should Elladan do something foolish like fall off of his horse."

I laughed, "Perhaps not." Gesturing towards the Dunedain who were still waiting a little way apart from us, I said, "We should return to them; I am sure they want to know more about what happened."

"I am sure a certain ranger would like to make sure you are well," Elrohir said with a smirk and a wink.

I narrowed my eyes, "Whenever you find an Elleth who will tolerate you, do not expect me to withhold teasing of my own." Elrohir just laughed musically in return, and it made my heart lighten.

Making my way over to Candaith, I felt some guilt at the worry in his eyes. I knew my actions to keep him well away from us had been necessary for his safety, but it must have been hard for him to see me in such peril.

As soon as I approached, he grasped my hands in his and squeezed them, before pulling me into a tight hug. "I feared for you," he whispered, his voice shaking slightly.

Gently pulling out of his embrace, I placed a hand on his cheek. "I am well, see?" I smiled at him, and he tried to smile back but it looked more like a grimace. I knew I must look a state; I felt fatigued, and my heart had finally settled. I knew the danger I had been in, but could not let him see how scared it made me. I needed to be strong for him.

He apparently disagreed, "You do not need to pretend with me Gwin. I know you are shaken. Things could have gone very wrong…and I would not have been able to save you." At this, he looked crestfallen.

"You have already saved me enough," I said sincerely. "I am stronger than I look you know."

Still looking serious, he stepped a little closer to me, "Despite what you say, I will always want to keep you safe."

I looked into his eyes and saw clearly how much he cared for me, but was it love? I still did not have the courage to ask. Instead, I replied, "And I you, but we live in a world full of danger. The most we can do is watch over each other and do our best to survive."

Finally, a hint of a smile appeared, "Indeed; you somehow manage to do so by a hair's breadth. When I think there is no possibility that we will get out of some sort of peril, you manage to find a way."

"What can I say, I admit I enjoy making the enemy angry by foiling them at every turn." I replied jokingly, trying to lighten the mood.

"You will have to tell me more about these many escapades," Candaith said. He put his hand over mine, which was still on his cheek.

My smile faded, and softly I said, "Maybe someday." Wanting nothing more than to embrace him once more, I resisted the temptation and lowered our hands, intertwining our fingers briefly before stepping away. He sighed softly and a rueful twist of his lips formed.

We made our way to Echad Dagoras, and took some time to eat and rest before discussing the next length of our journey. Halbarad was of a mind to keep moving south as quickly as we may, but Lothrandir disagreed. "We must get the Uch Luth in Lhanuch on our side before continuing on. Although they tolerate me, it would be helpful to secure an alliance. Perhaps they could help parley with the other tribes and convince them to turn away from Saruman."

Halbarad frowned, "I am not sure our interference would be welcome. If the Uch Luth haven't already been successful in swaying others to abandon Saruman to fight against him, I doubt we would be able to make things easier."

"Could I perhaps ride out with someone to Lhanuch and try and stem the suspicion for the Dunedain? I am able to disguise myself somewhat and can come across as charming and harmless if I wish. It has suited me well in the past," I suggested, but before I had even finished speaking Lothrandir held up a hand. "You disagree?"

"I do not think you will fool them; they are a shrewd people and can discern when someone is lying to them, unless the person is as skilled at deception as Saruman. You are not able to deceive at his caliber," he replied, and I sighed. He was right; my abilities would likely not be enough.

Before we could continue our discussion, there was a small commotion on the path up to our camp. Corunir was arguing with someone, who was yelling back with a thick accent. Corunir came to the top of the path, and with him was a male Dunlending, his hands restrained behind his back by the ranger.

"Let me go, Duvodiad. These are my lands and not yours; you have no right to hold me this way!" the man growled angrily.

"If we release you, you must promise not to draw the sword on your hip. Otherwise we will be forced to subdue you with violence, and I would prefer to avoid such things," Halbarad stated, looking curiously at the Dunlending. After a quick nod and a glare in return, Corunir carefully removed his hands from the man's arms. "What is your name?"

"I am Wadu, son of Suvulch of the Uch Luth in Lhanuch. You are Duvodiad and not welcome by the Dunlendings here in Enedwaith." He gestured to Lothrandir and Dagoras, "Only by their presence do we tolerate you, as we have had peaceful dealings with them. You must move on, for we do not wish to have the wrath of the other clans rain on us due to your movements here."

Halbarad nodded, "We mean to continue south, and will trouble you no more if you let us pass."

Wadu looked thoughtful, but still unfriendly. "We will grant this, but only if you do something for me."

Lothrandir sighed, "What would you ask of us? I thought you wanted us to leave as soon as possible, and yet you now want our aid."

Wadu continued, ignoring Lothrandir's comment, "There are luth (Dunlendings) who have deserted their clans, both ours and those of our enemies, that have killed others in cold blood for gold. They put marks on wood using the blood of their victims to brag about the number they have slain. The punishment for betrayal of their clans is death. You must retrieve these blood marks and the weapons of those they have slain."

"You would have us kill them for you?" Halbarad replied angrily, understanding what Wadu was inferring. "That is not our way; we do not deliver justice by murder, and we only take the lives of those who threaten ours and are black of heart."

"Could we not take their blood marks and weapons by stealth?" I chimed in, and Wadu noticed me for the first time. "Under the cover of darkness, we can sneak into their camps and retrieve what you wish. Only if we are directly attacked will we respond in kind. I also would wish to avoid the deaths of these peoples, even those who have turned to Saruman. They were deceived by a master of words; his whispers can sway even the strongest of hearts to do his will."

Wadu looked at me closely, "I accept your terms."

I turned to Halbarad, silently asking if he agreed. Nodding, he replied, "So be it. Where are these men located?"

"They have made camp just south of here in a place called Lhe Lechu. It is sheltered under an overhang of the hills that line this side of the lands. I will show you the way." Wadu replied. "As the lady said, we must wait until dark before approaching. There is thick forest right next to the camp." He looked at me again and moved closer. "Who are you, and why are you in this band of Duvodiad?"

Corunir stepped in his way and placed a restraining hand on Wadu's shoulder. "She is a friend, and will not betray you or anyone," he said quietly, but there was an echo of a threat of retaliation should Wadu attempt to harm me. I almost rolled my eyes at his protectiveness, but appreciated it nonetheless.

Wadu looked angry and suspicious, "It is my business to know who wanders my homeland, and the way she hides in the shadows makes me distrust her."

"Do you sense evil from her?" Saeradan asked, quiet but firm.

Wadu hesitated, suddenly looking unsure. "No, but even the fairest can be spies."

Candaith, who had been sitting near the fire, jumped to his feet. "She is no spy!"

I sighed, annoyed at his outburst. "Peace Candaith. I have nothing to hide." Candaith relaxed, but only slightly. I lowered the hood of my cloak, and Wadu gasped as he saw my pointed ears. "My name is Gwinthilnel."

"You are an Elichthi (Elf)!" His eyes were wide, but they quickly narrowed in distrust. "Again, I must ask, why do you travel with these men? They are not your kind."

My eyes hardened. "My business is my own. Be assured that I am no threat to you, and only wish to help."

Wadu replied, "We shall see." With that, he turned away from me and approached Halbarad, "Are you the leader of this group?" Halbarad nodded, and they started to formulate a plan for tonight's infiltration.

Whew, a lot happened in this chapter! Cursed gold cleansed by the twins, and now Wadu makes his appearance. Thanks for reading, and review/follow/favorite!