Here we are, about to enter the next story arc! Just to keep in mind, this follows the general plot of "Lord of the Rings Online" (sometimes very loosely), so if some places are unfamiliar to you or you have any questions, let me know! I make many changes and don't always go about things in the way the game does, so I hope you still like it!
Chapter 106It was late in the evening, just before sunset, when the Brenin called us to meet with him once more. His face was stern, and gave little indication of what had happened at the council.
Once we all sat down, and were served a light repast, he began to speak, "The summit went better than expected." I raised my eyebrows in pleasant surprise. "It seems that the knowledge of the battle at the barricade spread far and wide, telling of how the creatures of Saruman imprisoned and forced Dunlendings to fight. Even the Avanc-luth in the Dunbog had heard of it." I knew the Dunbog was as far away from Tur Morva as you could get in Dunland, being in the very Southwestern area of the region, where Tur Morva was in the Northeast.
"How did they get to the meeting place so quickly?" Golodir narrowed his eyes suspiciously as he spoke to the Brenin. "It is a far distance."
"As soon as they heard of the battle and its outcome, they rode with haste," Lheu Brenin replied, meeting his gaze evenly. "We met in Galtrev, as it is our capital city and a central location in Dunland." I wanted to inquire on the state of things in Galtrev, but figured I should let the Brenin lead this meeting. "Many came, and it was a very informative meeting."
"Was some sort of alliance created?" Halbarad said. "Did you make any plans of how to combat Saruman?"
The Brenin gave Halbarad a piercing look, and I wondered at it. "Do not concern yourself with all of the details, Lord Halbarad," he said, his tone both dismissive and stern. "Saruman will pay for his actions, and we will fight him with all of our strength." His eyes found mine, and they softened into something I couldn't quite interpret. "Elichthi, I have a task for you, should you be willing to aid me."
"What can I do to help?" I asked hesitantly.
"The Emissary has asked to speak with you. He says he has information and is willing to share it, but only to you."
I raised an eyebrow in disbelief, "To me?" The Brenin nodded. "What does he get out of this request?"
"He wishes to be released," Lheu Brenin replied. "I would only consider doing so if his information was both truthful and very useful. It would need to be proven in order for it to be enough." The thought of him being let go and free to return to Saruman made a shiver run down my spine, and I shifted nervously. Candaith threaded his fingers with mine and squeezed my hand in comfort, but it did little to alleviate my anxiety.
"Can the rest of us help you in some way, Lheu Brenin?" Saeradan asked softly. "We wish to continue on our journey soon, so if there is anything else we can do before we depart, please say so."
A tiny smile formed on Lheu Brenin's face. "That is a kind offer, and one I will take. Cungen," he said, motioning to one of the Brehures in the room. "Could you escort these rangers down into the storage caverns?" He turned to face us again. "We need help reorganizing the various goods and resources we now have, thanks to your help. Cungen and his wife Ilma will be able to direct you, and it should not take too long."
"Very well," Halbarad said. "Gentlemen, let us follow Cungen."
Candaith paused, "Halbarad, should some of us stay with Gwin? For protection?"
The Brenin looked a little offended. "I assure you, she is well-protected in the dungeons by my men," he bristled.
"Peace, my lord," I said softly. He turned to face me, confusion present on his weathered face. "It is not physical protection he speaks of. Speaking with the Emissary…it is difficult for me. He has already caused me much pain, both with words and actions." I sighed. "I would be grateful for the support of my husband, at the least."
After a moment of contemplation, the Brenin nodded. "Very well. He may accompany you, and one other, if necessary."
"I will come," Lothrandir volunteered with a smile, which I returned gratefully.
Halbarad looked conflicted, as if he had anticipated being the one to come with me. "Halbarad, go with the others," I insisted gently. "They need someone to keep them in line." I could tell he was concerned for me, due to the tightening of the skin around his eyes, and I felt a wave of affection for him. He wasn't my father by blood, but he was one in my heart.
I was surprised when he came up to me and clasped my shoulder, before kissing my forehead lightly. "Be safe," he whispered, before letting me go and heading the way the other rangers went. I sighed, but smiled at a worried Candaith. "I am fine, meleth. With you by my side, all will be well."
The question was if I truly believed this.
I forced myself not to frown as Léolin stomped his way over to us, looking decidedly unhappy to be relegated with the task of bringing us to the prison. "Come, duvodiad, before I change my mind." The Brenin gave him a stern glance, but the other Dunlending pretended not to notice as we walked. I was surprised the Brenin was coming along, but figured he wanted to be nearby, in order to be one of the first to get this mystery information.
Despite the people who were coming with me, I knew I would be the only one allowed to speak with Gwilhum. I doubted the despicable man would even open his mouth if Candaith was by my side. At least they would be nearby, hopefully close enough to hear or aid me. I wondered why Elladan and Elrohir had not jumped up to volunteer themselves. With a servant of Saruman, there was always a risk of dark magic. Could he somehow tap into the strange dark forces that possibly threatened me? I was unsure if the curse was as strong as it once was, or if the combined efforts of the twins had dispelled it, or at least weakened it. Assuming it was a curse, since we still hadn't confirmed it. Perhaps they trusted Candaith and Lothrandir to keep me safe, and pull me out of there if things were to go sideways.
Shaking myself, I focused in on where we were. As Léolin opened the heavy iron door to the prison, I took a deep, cleansing breath.
Elbereth, give me strength.
"If the information he gives you voluntarily is worthless…we will find another way to gain it," Lheu Brenin growled. "He will sing for us, or face death by steel. Enough waiting." I shivered, knowing what he meant by 'sing for us', and praying I was far away from him if it happened. Candaith squeezed my hand, and I couldn't help but smile as Lothrandir took my other one.
The cells got danker and more unpleasant as we went, and I furrowed my brow in confusion. "Lheu Brenin, was the Emissary moved?"
Léolin answered instead. "The filth was getting far too comfortable in his cell. He required…different accommodations," he spat. I bet if I was looking into his eyes, they would be flashing with anger. I wondered what condition I would find Gwilhum in now; it didn't seem promising for him.
"Very well," the Brenin replied. "Perhaps that is why he finally felt the need to speak with us."
"Follow me, duvodiad, you do not want to lose your way," Léolin said gruffly.
"What does he think we have been doing?" Candaith whispered in Sindarin, and I stifled a laugh.
After what seemed like forever, while I was feeling more and more claustrophobic due to the dankness and closeness of the cave walls, we finally came to a cell block. "We are here, Elichthi," Léolin said brusquely. "The rest of you stay here."
I peered around him, and noticed another man standing in front of a cell, which I assumed held Gwilhum. It was further away than I'd like, but there was nothing I could do about it. At least it was well within the sight of Candaith and Lothrandir. Before I continued, I turned to both of them and squeezed their hands. "Thank you for coming with me."
Lothrandir smiled, "Of course mellon nin. Just shout for us, and we will be right by your side."
"You know I am always with you, meleth," Candaith whispered, placing his hand over my heart. I nodded in understanding, and with a deep breath, I forced myself to turn away from them.
Yavanna, give me courage.
I walked with my back straight, standing tall and confident, despite feeling anything but. The Dunlending guard gave me a tiny nod, before stepping a short distance away as I approached the cell.
The man inside was much diminished from the last time we spoke, which had only been days ago. This new location and his lengthy captivity had done a number on him.
And yet…when his dark eyes met mine, they still shone with a stubborn, malicious light. His spirit was not yet broken. "I was not sure if you would come, Elichthi," he said, surprise coloring his tone.
"What information do you have?" I asked, getting straight to the point.
"Skipping pleasantries then, are we?" Gwilhum replied. "It is so…good to see you again."
I narrowed my eyes, "I cannot say the same. Now, you said you wanted to tell me something. What is it?" I felt a wave of chilly air hit me, but tried to dismiss it. These caves were drafty, and it was cold. "Well?"
Gwilhum heaved himself up off the ground and glided forward, his grimy hands wrapping around the iron bars. "Come closer, and I will tell you."
"I am close enough," I said bitingly. "Speak now or I am turning around and letting the Brenin torture it out of you."
"Ah, so you are not as honorable as you pretend to be," Gwilhum murmured, raising an eyebrow. "You would allow me to be treated so cruelly?"
I was nearly shaking with anger, but forced myself to calm down. "I would, for you deserve such things. You would do the same to me, if our places were reversed. Why should I or anyone give you mercy, when you would give me none? Besides, what the Brenin does to you is no business of mine. However, if you cooperate and actually give me what information you said you would, perhaps you can avoid such a fate."
Manwe, give me discernment.
His eyes were glittering dangerously, but gave away nothing of what he was thinking. Should I continue to play this game, or turn away? "Last chance, Gwilhum."
"Very well, very well," he muttered, looking away briefly, before his eyes locked with mine, and I felt dread hit me like a wave. It was like I was choking on it, and I gasped for breath, unable to look away.
"Gwin, what is happening?" Candaith sounded bewildered.
"I-I…don't…" I couldn't finish my message, as I found myself drifting closer to Gwilhum, almost against my will.
Irmo, break me from this trance!
"Yes, come closer," Gwilhum crooned. "I have something very important to tell you." His voice was chilling, yet smooth as silk. I was mesmerized, but filled with fear. I could hear voices distantly, which sounded like they were shouting, but couldn't put my focus on them.
"W…what?" I stammered.
"Oh, do not try to speak, it is my turn now," he said, his tone of voice just as slippery. "You thought you had the strength to beat me at this game?" What game was he talking about? "Instead of getting information from me, I will get some from you."
"N-no," I gasped. "D-daro!"
He laughed harshly, his eyes still locked on mine, black as night. "No, I don't think I will stop. Now, what is your errand? Why do you seek to bring down my master?" I bit my lip so hard it started to bleed, refusing to answer. "He will reward you handsomely, should you help him." My jaw was locked tight, and it took much effort to stay silent. "Very well then. I hoped we could do this here, but I suppose the White Wizard will be able to get what he wants from you."
My eyes widened. "S…Saruman?" I slurred.
Gwilhum grinned, and with a voice filled with malice, he whispered, "You have been betrayed."
Sorry to end it on a cliff-hanger! Things aren't looking so good, so tune in to the next chapter to see what happens! Thanks for reading, and leave a review!