Got a nice, long chapter for you here. Contemplated breaking it up, but felt it all flowed well together. Here we have Gwin dealing with the Dunlendings, and we finally check in with our Rangers! Enjoy!

Chapter 63

It seemed like an Age before the Brehures moved away from the Brenin, and he looked at me seriously as I tried not to fidget.

"We have considered your words, and have chosen to decline Saruman's offer; upon reflection, it seemed more like an order, and we do not bow down to dictators," he said grimly. "We will confer with the Brenin of Lhanuch and discuss what should come next. Do you know of other clans who feel the same?"

I was so relieved I almost forgot to answer, and Levra gave me a nudge, "Ah, yes. The Brenin of Tur Morva also chose to fight against Saruman."

"They are to the south, in the mountains, correct?" The Brenin asked, looking thoughtful.

I nodded, "Yes, and they risked much to get the message to us, but that is a story for another time." I had no desire to dredge up the memories of Lhaid Ogo.

"Now," the Brenin continued, looking pensive, "I am unsure what to do with you."

I frowned, and felt a little worried. "Do with me?" I asked tentatively.

"You are a prisoner here, and we generally do not let them go without punishment," he replied gravely.

I took a few breaths to calm myself. "With all due respect, I do not believe I did anything wrong. In fact, I think I did right in giving you information on Saruman's aims, in order to help you come to a decision about him." I had no idea what he was thinking. Would he brand me, like he did Gevorch? Would I be sold? Killed? My thoughts were racing. I had hoped my assistance would be enough to save me, but was I mistaken? I eyed the other Brehures, and their expressions gave nothing away in regards to their opinion of me.

He nodded slowly, "You make fair points, Elichthi. You have aided us in making a crucial decision." He paused, and after another, somewhat lengthy moment of thoughtful silence, he continued, "I will let you go free, as long as you promise to tell the Brenin of Lhanuch of our allegiance. I would like to open up a dialogue."

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. "Thank you, Brenin," I replied. "I am grateful for your mercy." I bowed respectfully, trying to keep the relief and shock off my face. I couldn't believe my luck.

"There is one more thing I would like to discuss," the Brenin added, and I felt a flicker of fear at his tone; perhaps I had been presumptuous in thinking I would be released unscathed. "Levra mentioned the Rohir, or rather Gondorian if your words are to be believed, who you were found with could still be alive." I nodded, keeping my silence. "I sent one of my soldiers to look for him, but she was accosted by wargs and had to flee. It is too dangerous of a mission to further endanger the lives of my people." My heart froze in my chest at the word 'wargs'; Ergothorn was out there all alone. If a warg or two came upon him, he would have no chance of survival. Perhaps he was already…already dead. I prevented myself from falling apart with great effort, forcing the familiar, calm mask to slide over my face. However, I felt myself shaking.

"I am sorry, Elichthi," the Brenin said quietly, sounding sincere. "Pray to the gods he has survived, and perhaps they will listen." I bit back a frustrated reply, as I currently was feeling less than pleased with the Valar. "Levra, could you give her some basic supplies?" He lumbered outside and looked at the sky. "The sun is setting; would you like to stay here tonight? It is not safe to wander at night, for enemies hide in the darkness."

Part of me just wanted to leave and search for Ergothorn, or make my way back to Halbarad's camp, but it was some distance yet, and the events of the day were catching up with me. I was embarrassed to note I was leaning on Levra somewhat heavily, and actively attempted to stand straighter. I sighed, "It would probably be for the best."

Dismissed, Levra led me to a small dwelling. "This is where we have travelers stay when passing through, although lately we have been less willing to host anyone." A dark expression was on her face. "The last visitor was a man who sounds similar to the Emissary who visited Lhanuch, and he was quite unfriendly."

"I would agree," I replied, shivering at the memory of the encounter. I looked about myself and noticed there was no one else in the dwelling, and I felt relieved. While I had luckily met some Dunlendings who had shown me kindness, I knew that most of them would not be so kind.

Levra helped me settle onto a camp bed. "I will gather a few things for you to bring with you when you leave tomorrow, as I see you have few supplies of your own." She looked at me curiously. "Where are you headed?"

I looked at her apologetically. "I cannot tell you the exact location, for it is hidden, but it is in the direction of Lhanuch." I also did not know exactly where to go, but figured I would be able to find my way.

"Ah, so not too far then," she replied, but looked a little uncertain. "I only ask because perhaps you might want an escort? Clearly someone is out trying to cause trouble for you."

I waved her off, "I thank you, truly, but I will be fine," and I gave her a genuine smile. She nodded, and left me to rest.

Picking up the waterskin Levra had given me, I took some small sips. I knew I should try and process what had happened the past couple days, but all I felt was numb. Ergothorn's injuries and possible death had been shocking, and I felt terribly guilty about it. If he had not gone to help me, out of the goodness of his heart, he would probably still be alive and well. Another life potentially lost, because of me.

I wondered what Candaith was doing right now. Was he sleeping, or lying awake and worried? Had he given up hope, and chosen instead to grieve for me? The thought made my chest ache. Were the twins on a mad crusade to find me, risking their own lives to save mine? They had done terrible damage to vast numbers of orc camps when they went to search for their mother all those centuries ago, barely making it out alive. Were they rampaging through Dunlending villages? I became nervous about what kind of trouble they could inadvertently cause.

Realizing there was nothing I could do right now, I laid down and tried to rest, falling into a fitful reverie.

Candaith's POV: Earlier that Day

I collapsed to the ground, having made it to our campsite again and finding out Gwin had not returned there. I had not slept more than a few moments in days, unable to find rest with her missing. Halbarad rushed over to me and helped me sit up, and I tried to shake off the dizziness. "I...I am fine, Halbarad," I mumbled, but I inwardly cringed at how pathetic I sounded.

Apparently, my friend disagreed, for he looked at me sternly and commanded, "You must rest, mellon nin. You are exhausted, and you will be no use to Gwinthilnel stumbling around like this."

"I cannot rest!" I croaked, my throat dry and sore from calling Gwin's name repeatedly. "She...she is out there somewhere, and needs me!" It sounded childish, but it was how I felt.

"There are others searching as well," Halbarad countered. "I can give you something to help you sleep, if you prefer."

I shook my head, not willing to be under the influence of some herb if I was needed quickly. Halbarad sighed, but gently (or perhaps not so gently) escorted me over to my small tent, and all but shoved me onto my palette. "Sleep. I don't want to see you leave this tent for a least a couple of hours." Giving me a stern look, he left, and I found myself staring at the tarp above me.

"Where are you meleth nin?" I whispered to the air above me. I refused to accept she was dead; Gwin did not give up easily, and had always fought hard to survive, even when it seemed impossible. I knew she had done many things in many places that were extraordinary, but she rarely spoke of them. She would say the memories were too fresh, or that there was no time to talk about it. It was clear she was deflecting, but I hoped she would open up to me someday. If she got the chance.

Elladan and Elrohir had been out on horses looking downstream, and even going as far west as the northern edge of the Mournshaws. This was not the safest land, but even a dragon would not be enough to stop them in their search. When I last saw them, there was a hard resolve in their eyes, but I could sense the panic just underneath. I secretly hoped they did not come across her there...for if she was that far downstream, I doubt she would still be alive. They were due to return today, to give Halbarad a report on their findings, but I knew it would be hard for them to come back here without her by their sides.

I shut my eyes tightly, trying to relax enough to fall asleep, but it was difficult. The image of her falling off of that cliff, looking at me with such fear, replayed over and over. I took some deep breaths, and tried some of Gwin's meditation techniques I had seen her do before bed on numerous occasions. I pictured her face as she smiled, and her green eyes twinkled in delight. I remembered what it felt like to run my fingers through her hair, and how it smelled like lavender. Her laugh was musical and airy, and always brought a smile to my face. Her body fit perfectly with mine, and her kisses felt like fire on my skin.

"Well, this is having the opposite effect," I mused, noticing my pulse had quickened in desire. Tampering it down, I returned to my breathing exercises, and found myself drifting off.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

I was jolted awake by someone calling my name. "Candaith! Come quickly!"

"W-what?" I mumbled, still half-asleep.

Corunir entered and literally dragged me out of bed. "We have a lead," he said intently, and I was wide awake now as we walked quickly over to where a small commotion was going on around Halbarad.

"Calm down everyone, I cannot read it if you are all trying to take it from me," Halbarad was saying firmly.

"Read what?" I asked breathlessly.

Halbarad looked over at me, and then gave everyone crowding around him a stern look. They settled down (slightly), and he started reading the letter out loud:

If you are reading this letter, I have regretfully come to an untimely end.

My name is Ergothorn, and I am the mysterious author of the other letters you received. I have two messages for you:

First, I found Gwinthilnel in the river and was able to rescue her. I brought her back to my camp, which is several hours ride straight east. I left bunches of purple flowers right outside the entrance of the cave, which is covered in pine branches. If she stayed put, you will find her there.

Second, she told me a little of your errand, and I have some knowledge that might be useful. As you know, the majority of the Oathbreakers dwell under the Dwimorberg, but some chose to flee north, and dwell in a place called the Forsaken Road. It is in the Lich Bluffs, and it is likely someone in Lhanuch can direct you to the entrance. It is a theory, but it is possible they could be compelled to aid Isildur's Heir, and it would add a sizeable force to the army he wishes to summon in the South. Of course, all of this is moot if it is pure legend, but I sense there is at least some truth to be found.

I have known Gwinthilnel for only a short time, but she has proven to be brave, loyal, and determined to return to you. I hope you find her safe, and may Bema watch over you.

-Ergothorn

Halbarad looked up, and his hands were shaking. My heart had lifted at the words regarding Gwin's survival, and I wanted to ride off at once. Before I could do anything, Halbarad turned to Corunir and asked, "What of his body? Did they leave it where he was found?"

Corunir shook his head. "The man is still alive, but only just." Halbarad's eyebrows rose; apparently he had been under the impression that Ergothorn was dead. "I had him placed in the healing tent, and am doing all I can." He sighed. "He will not wake, no matter what I do. I fear there is bleeding in his brain, and do not know how to relieve it. I am hoping Elladan and Elrohir have some suggestions."

Gathering my courage, I strode over to the entrance of the tent. The man was lying very still; the only way I could discern he lived was by the shallow, fast breaths he took. I came closer and kneeled next to his bed, and appraised him. I was surprised it was a Rohir, and noted he had been strangled, along with the head wound. I said a prayer, and whispered, "Thank you for taking care of Gwin. I hope you will survive, so I can truly offer my heartfelt thanks. She means more to me than anything else in this world." My throat was tight with emotion, and I fought the tears which tried to gather in my eyes. "We will take your words to heart, and hopefully find her safe and sound."

Standing, I made my way back over to the others, who were trying to determine what to do next. "The most logical course of action would be to travel to this cave and see if Gwinthilnel is still there," Halbarad said. "It is possible that, when Ergothorn did not return, she would have ventured out to look for him." He sighed. "I hope this is not the case, but we will be closely scanning the surrounding area in case she is wandering."

"Or in case she is lying injured or dead," Lothrandir said grimly, and I glared at him.

"She is not dead," I growled.

Lothrandir looked frustrated, "Candaith, I know you do not want to accept the possibility, but we must prepare ourselves for any eventuality!"

Angry, I strode over to him, "Why do you give up hope so easily?"

"Because this land is dangerous!" Lothrandir replied forcefully. "Yes, Gwin is strong, but even the strongest can fall-"

Before he could continue his ridiculous rant, I punched him. When I tried to punch him again, Halbarad anticipated my actions, and grabbed my arm. I struggled to get him to release it, but he held firm. "Candaith, if you cannot control yourself, you will need to remain behind when we search for her."

I was breathing hard, but felt the fire in my veins die, and my arms fell to my sides. I looked at Lothrandir and said contritely, "I am sorry, mellon nin. I let my emotions get the best of me."

Lothrandir nodded, rubbing his head and wincing, "I understand; this has been difficult for everyone, especially you." He then unexpectedly pulled me into a brief hug, and I had to admit it was comforting, despite the fact that I had punched him only a few moments ago.

After he released me, I took a deep breath and turned to face Halbarad once more. "Should we send someone to find the twins? They would be furious to know we left to search for her without them."

Halbarad looked thoughtful. "I believe they would rather us go find her at once, instead of waiting just because they were not here. Let a small group ride out to the cave, and another will carefully scout the surrounding areas. There are several Dunlending villages, and if she came across any, they may have taken her." I felt a flicker of fear at these words. Dunlendings were fearful of Elves, and would not treat her kindly. "Lothrandir, Calenglad, Radanir, and Candaith, you will head to the cave. Pay close attention to the road you take, as there may be clues regarding whether or not Gwinthilnel traveled that way. Make sure you are armed in case of enemies."

The four of us gathered together, and I felt my pulse racing in anticipation of being reunited with her. Would we be so lucky as to find her in the cave, as Ergothorn said? I felt hopeful, but knowing Gwin, she may have left to go find Ergothorn. Would we find her before someone else who was less friendly did?

We mounted up, and I decided to take the lead. Lothrandir looked at me with some concern, but I tried to reassure him I would be able to focus and remain calm, "I am fine, mellon nin. Let us trust to hope, and I pray we will meet up with Gwin soon." The question was whether or not she would be safe and sound…or thrust into yet more danger. Knowing her luck, it was likely the latter, and it made my heart clench in worry.

"Wait!" a voice shouted, and I turned to see Elladan and Elrohir racing towards us on their horses. "You go to search for Gwin?" Elrohir asked anxiously.

I nodded, noting their almost panicked countenance. "A letter was found on the body of a Rohir, who is apparently Ergothorn. He claimed he found Gwin in the river and helped heal her. He told us the location of the cave in which he had left her while he traveled to our camp. He must have been ambushed on the way by some enemy."

"Where is this cave?" Elladan asked quickly. "Is it nearby?"

"The letter says the cave is several hours ride to the East," Radanir replied.

Elrohir looked troubled, "I fear she will not have remained there," he said quietly, echoing my own worries.

"Well, we cannot know until we find the cave, and sitting here on our horses will not bring us any closer to that goal," I said a little impatiently. I decided not to bring up the "Forsaken Road" business until Gwin was safe and sound; she was the priority.

"Elladan! Elrohir!" Corunir shouted. "Can you not assess this man? You may be his only chance of survival."

The twins looked at him anxiously, before they met my eyes. "Will you wait for a moment? It should only take a short time."

I was desperate to go, but nodded shortly. We owed it to Ergothorn to try and help him. Normally I would simply ask them to catch up, but their sharp eyes could see something we might miss.

Sure enough, it was less than an hour before the twins returned to our sides. Elladan looked grim. "I agree with Corunir's assessment; there is swelling in his brain, possibly caused by bleeding. We performed a procedure to give more space to accommodate the increased size of it, but it is risky." He explained how they made a small incision, all the way down to the bone, which took some of the pressure off of the brain. However, Corunir needed to be very diligent in keeping it free from infection. "It is likely his only hope." The thought of it made me shiver, and I hoped the man did not feel the pain he surely would experience if he was conscious. "We are keeping him dosed with strong valerian tea and some poppy oil. Thankfully, he is still able to swallow, with help."

"We must pray to the Valar to help him survive," Elrohir added. I nodded in agreement, sending my own prayer up to the heavens. Perhaps they would listen, but did they care for such things as the life of one man?

I jumped as Lothrandir shouted, "Let us ride!" I turned my horse to face East, and we galloped across the plains. However, we did not move overly quick, as we needed to also scan our surroundings for signs of Gwin possibly traveling. Elrohir made his way over to a lone tree, looking curiously at it. Unsure why he was drawn to said tree, the rest of us followed closely behind.

Elrohir placed his hands on the bark and was running them over the branches. Elladan walked next to him, and softly asked, "What do you see, muindor?"

"There are indications that someone climbed this tree recently, and in haste," Elrohir replied.

"Could it have been the person who ambushed Ergothorn?" I asked. When the twins looked at me quizzically, I realized they did not know the whole story, and I quickly told it. "This was where he was found, and it is possible his attacker was hiding here, waiting for him to pass beneath it."

The twins both nodded, but did not add anything to the conversation. Getting impatient once more, I remounted and stated, "Let us keep moving East. The sooner we get to the cave, the more information we will have. If Gwin is not inside, there may be more clues to point us to her whereabouts." I tried to sound calm and collected, but not sure I managed it due to the slight shaking in my voice.

"Should some of us ride there quickly, while others follow behind to look more closely at the surrounding area?" Elladan suggested.

"Well, I think we should all get to this cave as fast as we can, and if she is not there, we will slowly make our way back down this path, looking for clues," Calenglad said firmly. "Why waste time scouring the ground if she is where Ergothorn said she was?"

They all looked at me, waiting for an answer. I realized this must be how Gwin or Halbarad felt when they needed to make decisions for the group. "I agree with Calenglad. Let us go in haste!"

At this, we rode hard, skillfully making our way through the forest once we got to the tree line, and eventually came across a wall of rocks and large boulders, and thick pine trees. Lothrandir let out a shout, and we raced towards the purple flowers lined in bunches on the ground. The twins didn't know what they meant, but I did, and I shoved my way forward, pulled the pine branches back roughly, and shouted, "Gwin? Gwin are you there?"

Hearing no response, I ducked inside and squinted in the darkness. Noting it would be easier for Elladan and Elrohir to see, I went to call for them, but they were right behind me. Elrohir carefully crept forward, and kneeled down next to a campfire that was currently out. He quickly started it, and the cave was filled with the warm light of the fire, making it easier for us to see. My heart sank as it became clear Gwin was no longer here…if she had even been here at all to begin with. Despite Ergothorn's words in his letter, it was possible he was lying. However, my heart told me he was telling the truth.

You could tell someone had lived here, for there were many signs of it. Two bedrolls were laid out, and there were various stashes of food and supplies neatly organized around the large cave. I came upon a collection of beautiful maps, and marveled at Ergothorn's skill.

My head whipped around as I heard a gasp, and noticed Elrohir had something familiar in his hand. It was a beautiful piece of jewelry, and I recognized it as Gwin's grandmother's ring. I rushed over to him, and was glad to see she had truly been here at one point. Elladan kneeled beside me, his brow furrowed, "She must have truly been in a rush to leave this behind."

"Or perhaps she left it on purpose?" Elrohir suggested. "In case one of us came here looking for her."

"Perhaps…" I murmured. "Do you think she left on her own volition?"

Radanir eyes were wide, "Could she have been taken?" he asked shakily.

Calenglad swept his eyes around more carefully, and shook his head. "I see no signs of a struggle, and the fire was put out carefully. I would guess Gwinthilnel gathered what she needed and went in search of Ergothorn, leaving this ring behind to assure us she had been here."

"Can you tell how long it has been since she was here?" I asked anxiously. "It would help us start to make a timeline of her whereabouts."

The Evendim ranger shook his head, "The coals are cold, so it has been at least half a day."

"Since she clearly is not here," Lothrandir began, "We should be on our way. Let us backtrack carefully; the path we take will likely be the one she was on, and there may be clues to her movements."

The rest of us nodded, and we exited the cave. I would make a note to Halbarad that we should try and return to collect Ergothorn's things; the maps were superb, and would be useful to us on our journey. It would also be prudent to remove the items; there were healing supplies, weapons, and food, all of which we could use or give to those in need.

Instead of riding the horses, we moved on foot and had them walk next to us; that way we were closer to the ground and could look for clues or signs of Gwin's passage. Occasionally, Elladan would note a set of footprints, and they seemed to be the right size and shape to be Gwin's. This gave us some hope.

We stopped suddenly as Elladan held up a hand. His eyes were fixed on something on the ground, and he had a worried expression on his face. "Muindor," Elrohir asked cautiously, "What do you see?"

"There is blood on the ground," Elladan said quietly. He put his hands on the ground, "Two bodies lay here, and there was a struggle." I could see what looked like clumps of pine needles and rocks that had been pulled up. "It looks like someone was thrown down, and they attempted to gain purchase." He put his face even closer to the earthy floor. "Someone's face was pushed into the dirt, but you can see they were able to free themselves somehow." He looked forward and pointed out footprints moving out of the trees, "They ran quickly, but were stumbling a bit, as their gait was uneven." He stood up and moved forward slowly. "Another set of footprints follows after."

My heart was racing, and I noted the alarmed faces around me. Could Gwin have been attacked? The evidence seemed to portray this, but we had no concrete proof as of yet that it was related to her. However, my heart was telling me she was involved in this scuffle in the trees, and that she needed our help.

The question was, where was she now? We had not come across her on our way to the cave, so was she hiding somewhere? We decided to search the area, calling her name softly in case she was nearby. After a short time, we realized she had moved on, and with a sigh, I continued forward, with the others following.

By this time, it was getting somewhat dark, and we conferred as to what we should do. Elladan spoke first, "We should make camp and keep searching when it is light again. I do not want to risk missing anything in the dark." The rest of us agreed, and we moved back into the trees and found an area wide enough to accommodate us, and also be sheltered from the open skies. We didn't have tents or anything, but we all had enough experience sleeping on the ground that our cloaks and packs did well enough.

The twins offered to take the first watch, and the rest of us warmed ourselves by the small fire, and tried to distract ourselves with quiet conversation and eating some rations we had with us. Part of me wanted to just keep searching, as I was worried for her safety, but if there was any chance we would miss a clue due to the darkness, I agreed we should wait until daylight.

I noticed Lothrandir settle himself down next to me, and he took out his pipe and some pipeweed, "Would you like some?" he asked.

"Aye, that would be nice," I replied, and after lighting it, leaned back against a massive tree trunk. We were not speaking, but the silence was comfortable. We all needed to support each other, and sometimes conversation was not required.

I found myself thinking about all the nights Gwin and I traveled together, and how we would sit together just like this, although Gwin never liked smoking. I smiled slightly as I recalled how she would joke about how deplorable smoking was, but I knew she found the scent to be somewhat pleasant. She told me once that, whenever she smelled it, she was reminded of me.

Radanir started playing a little flute he had with him, and the melody was soothing and relaxing. I found myself dozing off, and felt someone put a cloak over me before I fell asleep, visions of Gwin dancing behind my eyelids.

Well, looks like the Brenin will allow Gwin to go freely, although with her injuries and exhaustion, will she be able to leave the next day? We also see Candaith and crew are following Ergothorn's lead. Can they discern where she went? Things are looking grim for our Rohirric Gondorian. Will the twins' healing method save him? I hope you liked this lengthy chapter (12 pages!), and leave a review if you'd like!

Side note: I've had a couple questions about why Gwin has such low esteem for herself. I won't go into a ton of detail because there is more to be revealed in the story, but suffice to say it is not just her own thoughts which give her such feelings. If you recall, the mysterious 'dark force' that seems to dog her steps, impact her thoughts and even her behaviors at times, is always hovering. We don't yet know for certain what this is and what causes it, although our characters have some theories. Stay tuned to find out more!