The timing of what everyone is doing is a little confusing, but I hope I'm making it clear enough. Playing with POV again, just for fun. I know Radanir is an older, more serious ranger in the game, but I changed up his age and mannerisms because I wanted to differentiate him from the other, grim-faced Dunedain in the game. Hope it doesn't bother anyone!
Chapter 118Checking in with the Rangers: Two Days before Gwin's 2nd meeting with Saruman
Radanir
Radanir frowned as he noted the rather frayed ends of his cloak; he had been idly picking at some loose threads for the many days they had been locked in the dungeons of Tur Morva, and it had done a toll on the fabric. Forcing his hands to relax and drop the cloak, he observed his fellows.
As expected, Elladan and Elrohir were constantly on edge, with one of them usually pacing back and forth. He had noticed they rarely fell into reverie, and it was clear how exhausted they were, yet they refused to rest. Sometimes they would whisper back and forth in Sindarin, trying to plan a way out of here. One week was a long time to be incarcerated, especially when Gwin, Lothrandir, and Candaith were captured. He had asked them once how we would rescue our friends, if we made it out of here somehow, and all Radanir received was a pair of intense glares and Elrohir insisting they would manage it somehow.
It was not very encouraging.
Saeradan, the ever level-headed one, was usually found smoking his pipe and sitting in thought, or trying to quietly encourage the others to keep the faith. "Gwin and the others will escape; I feel it in my heart," he had insisted. Radanir wished he had such conviction, but it was difficult. From what was whispered by the guards, Isengard was a near impenetrable fortress, surrounded by high walls and crawling with Uruk-hai and other creatures, if one managed to even get as far as the gates. Logically, any escape or rescue attempt would be extraordinarily difficult, but Gwin was crafty and smart. She had shared some of her close calls, including a rather harrowing time in the dungeons of Carn Dum in Angmar. There had been some trickery, as well as a fierce battle, but she and several others managed to fight their way out to reunite with the Dunedain in the region. If anyone could get out of Isengard, it would be her. Would Candaith and Lothrandir be so lucky, and would Mair be with them? Radanir felt his heart squeeze as his mind conjured up how she might be suffering under the hands of her captors, but he tried to picture her smiling face instead. All he could do was pray she would find her way back here, and into her father's keeping.
Golodir was silently brooding, and often Corunir would sit by his side and relax his clenched hands while muttering encouragement. They were close friends, considering themselves to be brothers, and Radanir hoped Corunir's presence would ease some of Golodir's guilt. The older ranger blamed himself for not preventing the treachery of Lheu Brenin, as he had suspected something was not quite right with the leader from early on.
Radanir jumped at Golodir slamming his fist against the bars, and winced at how it likely hurt. "I had no proof, yet felt in my heart a flicker of dread when I beheld Lheu Brenin," Golodir said angrily. "Yet we did nothing!" Halbarad, who had tried to keep some order but himself was struggling to keep his emotions in check at times, put a comforting hand on Golodir's shoulder, but he shook it off. "I do not need your comfort, I need a way out of here!" he growled.
"Lheu Brenin swore an oath that he would only hold us two weeks maximum," Halbarad countered. "We are almost to that date.
"They could have suffered many torments already," Golodir argued. "I cannot imagine what even another few days will do to them." There was an unfortunately familiar haunted look in his eyes, and Corunir furrowed his brow in worry.
"This is not Carn Dum, mellon nin," Corunir said softly. "Perhaps it will be less difficult."
"Saruman is a master of deception," Golodir spat. "As much as it pains me to admit it, he could use his Palantir to cause great distress to any of them, as Mordirith did to me."
Before the conversation could continue in this circular manner, Penrod made his way over to them. The Dunlending looked uncomfortable, and had trouble meeting their eyes. It was obvious he did not agree with Lheu Brenin's plans, but did not have the authority to do anything about it. Addressing Halbarad, and trying to ignore the burning gazes of the twins, he said, "As you know, it has been a ten days since we incarcerated you. I…I hope you feel we have treated you well, despite the circumstances?"
"Treated us well! You bast-" Elrohir exploded, but Elladan put a restraining hand on his arm. Clearly biting back a scathing response of his own, he swallowed and said, "You have, but we must leave. Our friends are in danger, which also includes the Brenin's daughter. Perhaps we can be of service, somehow."
Penrod hesitated, looking uncertain as he appraised the Ellon. "I can pass along your wishes to the Brenin, but I do not know if he will agree to your request."
"I do not wish for violence," Elladan said, trying to remain calm. "But we will fight our way out, if we must." Halbarad raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Yet, I hope we can convince your Brenin to let us go peacefully."
His shoulders sagging heavily, Penrod nodded. "I will speak with him, that is the best I can do. I know you would have me release you behind his back," he said, discerning what Elladan had considered pitching to the Dunlending, "But the Brenin is my leader, and I will not disobey him. Mair is dear to us, and he did what he did in order to try and save her."
"We understand that," Halbarad replied calmly. "Please relay our concerns, and we hope to hear from him soon."
With that, Penrod inclined his head and quickly walked away and down the gloomy passage. Radanir sighed, feeling helpless. He was the youngest, and felt like he had aged a decade in the past few months. So much had happened, and much of it was not good. Surely, he would be unrecognizable to his mother when he returned. If he returned.
It was difficult to tell time in this place, but it felt like many hours before Penrod returned, with Lheu Brenin in tow. The leader stood tall, eyes piercing as he assessed the group. "Penrod has spoken to me of your concerns."
There were a few moments of silence, and once it began to stretch a little too long, Halbarad prodded, "And what have you decided?"
Lheu Brenin took a deep, cleansing breath, and Radanir could see his shoulders sag slightly. The weight of his daughter's capture was heavy. "After much thought and reflection, I agree to release you from your detainment."
Radanir felt a surge of hope, mixed with uncertainty. What would their release mean? How would they use it to save the others?
"Are there conditions?" Halbarad asked warily.
The Brenin shook his head. "I believe your Elichthi would wish for me to let you go without receiving anything in return. She, as well as the rest of you, did much to aid us when we were starving and in dire need. I feel we owe you our gratitude, and allowing you to pursue her and your friends freely is the least I can do," he said gravely.
"This is certainly a complete change of heart," Golodir growled, walking slowly towards the bars, his eyes full of suspicion. "How can we trust you will not shoot us in the back as we leave?"
At this, the Brenin looked offended. "Despite what you may think, we do have some measure of honor," he said evenly.
Golodir scoffed, "If you did, we could have devised a plan together to rescue your daughter, instead of using trickery and deceit."
"If I had told you that Gwinthilnel would need to be turned over to Saruman to save my daughter, you are telling me you would have gone along with it?" Lheu Brenin asked doubtfully. No one replied, realizing he was probably right. "I am not proud of how we acted, but it was the only way."
"We will have to agree to disagree," Golodir growled. "Release us."
With one last look at Halbarad, the Brenin nodded, and Penrod opened the cell gates, his hands shaking slightly. Everyone was allowed to keep their belongings in the giant cell, so the group quickly gathered everything and hastily made it out into the weak sunlight. Radanir felt like he had never breathed fresher air as he inhaled.
Halbarad gathered everyone together and spoke, "Now that we are free, we must decide what to do next. Does anyone have any ideas they would like to share?"
"I would like to join you," a woman's voice chimed in, and Nona stepped right into the middle of the group. "Gwin is very important to me, and we have been through much together. I cannot stay here while the rest of you go to rescue her and the others."
Everyone shifted a little, feeling uncomfortable. Halbarad and Nona had butted heads a number of times, and Radanir wasn't sure how this was going to play out.
"We will likely be working directly with the Rohirrim, at their encampments," Halbarad said. "However unjust it may be, they do not hold your people in high regard. I wish for them to trust me and the Dunedain, which will already be a potential issue as we are regarded with suspicion in many lands."
Nona heaved a heavy sigh, and replied, "I see your point. They might turn you away outright for even associating with me." Her fists were clenched tightly in frustration.
After a tense few moments, Halbarad moved a little closer and lightly squeezed Nona's shoulder, "I wish things could be different, and perhaps someday they will be. There is much good for you to do here, Nona. I can see how the others look up to you."
The Dunlending ducked her head, clearly unsure how to take this praise. "I will do my best. I hope you return here with Gwin and your fellow rangers, as well as Mair and the other prisoners." Radanir knew how important Mair's reunion here in Tur Morva was; although Lheu Brenin claimed they would not be punished for Mair's condition, there was always a chance he would go back on this promise. The surest way to make sure everything worked out would be to bring Mair back safe and sound.
With that, Nona walked away quickly, clearly wanting to get away from the rest of the group. Radanir sighed, understanding how it felt to be told to stay behind. Halbarad shifted the focus back onto himself, and asked for any input about what to do next.
Saeradan began to speak, "We are too few in number to assault Isengard outright. We may need to ask for help."
"Who would aid us in this land?" Corunir said pessimistically. "Even if some Dunlendings choose to fight against Saruman, that is a far cry from attacking him at his gates."
"There is a Rohirric encampment in the Gravenwood, according to Ergothorn," Elladan mused. "They may have the numbers we need."
"We could also rescue the others by stealth," Calenglad suggested. "They must open those gates a few times a day at least. We could disguise ourselves and sneak in with a crowd of Uruks, or ideally Men. I'm sure it would be easy to find out where the dungeons are."
"Even if we do find that out, we would need to somehow break them out of their cells," Corunir interjected. "I find it much more likely that they will instead find a way to escape, without our direct aid."
"So we should just wait nearby and hope they stumble across us as they escape?" Elrohir said, sounding unimpressed.
Corunir did not back down in the face of the Ellon's slightly condescending look. "Yes, I believe that is the best option. Gwin would hate for us to break in and then be jailed ourselves. She would say the most important thing is to get Aragorn the aid he needs, and getting ourselves locked up won't do any good on that front."
Halbarad sighed, "You all make fair points. Let me think on this for a short time." With that, Halbarad strode a short distance away and settled himself on the shore of the lake. The twins began pacing again, and Radanir decided to skip some rocks as they waited. He needed a distraction from his racing thoughts, and to prevent his own fidgeting. He smiled at the five skips, and Calenglad laughed softly behind him. "In Tinnidur, we make a game of skipping rocks. Whoever does the worst has to make the rest of us dinner."
"I bet the competition was stiff, for I'm sure all of you are skilled in such a thing," Radanir replied with a chuckle.
Calenglad winked, "You may be right!" Radanir appreciated the light-hearted moment, for it pushed away some of the panicked thoughts. The older ranger clasped Radanir's shoulder. "Try not to worry; we will rescue our friends."
"How do you know?" Radanir asked, his voice sounding small.
"I have to believe it, for I do not think the Valar would forsake them," Calenglad replied. "Gwin has survived things which would defeat almost anyone else, countless times."
"True..." Radanir said, trailing off in thought. During this journey alone, she had survived being shot twice, one of which nearly killed her with poison, and falling off of a cliff into the raging and freezing cold river. Although he didn't understand it very well, she also dealt with the strange, swirling darkness that seemed determined to drag her down. Not to mention all of the other things that had happened in her long life. "I will try and keep the faith."
Calenglad smiled encouragingly, and then we all turned to face Halbarad as he stood up from the ground. "I have decided we shall travel to the Rohirric camp in the Gravenwood. It is on the way to Isengard, and perhaps they will be able to help us."
Everyone agreed with the plan, and set out at a gallop.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
It took half a day to reach the camp, and did not arrive until after the sun had long set. The group found themselves greeted by armed Rohirrim, who were suspicious until Halbarad spoke with Theodred, their prince. "Welcome travelers," he said politely. "Let us move toward the fire, where we can speak more freely."
Halbarad hesitated, before nodding and heading into the forest, the rest of us following. Once everyone was seated, it was a little crowded, but the warmth of the fire was comforting. "You are of the Dunedain?" Theodred asked.
"We are," Halbarad answered quietly, eyes appraising the prince. "You have met some of our people?"
Theodred shook his head. "I have not, but a visitor to my camp spoke of a group of them whom he spent some time with in Enedwaith."
"Ergothorn!" Radanir exclaimed with a grin.
Theodred returned it, "Indeed! He is sleeping at the moment, but I am sure he will wish to speak with you once he wakes."
"Would you allow me to tell you of why we approached your camp?" Halbarad asked politely. Theodred nodded curiously, and Halbarad started to explain, keeping details about our quest vague. "Three of our party were brought to Isengard as prisoners. We hope to rescue them."
"I know of this, for Ergothorn himself saw them being carted down the road," Theodred replied.
"He saw them? How were they? What condition were they in?" Elrohir asked feverishly. Theodred seemed a little startled at the light in the Ellon's eyes; perhaps he had never even met an Elf.
"You will need to ask Ergothorn to get more specific details, but it seems they were roughed up a bit." Radanir felt a knot of worry settle in his stomach. "However, they were alive."
"How long ago was this?" Elladan asked.
"Ten days hence?" Theodred answered.
"Who knows if they are even still alive?" Golodir exclaimed, despair evident in his voice.
"We must have faith," Saeradan said firmly.
"Ergothorn volunteered to travel to Isengard tomorrow to assess the area. We plan to assault it in the near future, so Ergothorn's observations will help me and possibly reveal something which could aid your friends," Theodred said.
"We will join him then," Halbarad declared. "Our people are well-trained in the art of stealth; we will be difficult for the enemy to find."
Theodred smiled slightly. "Fair enough. I unfortunately do not have enough tents for all of you, so you will have to make do with what you have."
"We are most grateful for your hospitality, and need only a place to rest our heads for the night," Halbarad said with an incline of his head. Theodred escorted them to a somewhat open area, and everyone set out their sleeping palettes.
Radanir felt full of energy, but willed himself to try and at least rest his body. Tomorrow could be a very difficult day, and they needed all the rest they could get to prepare.
Despite his worries, he managed to doze off, the sound of the crickets lulling him into slumber.
And they're off! Hopefully Theodred can help them set off on their journey, but it certainly won't be easy. Will they be able to make a difference, or will their rescue plans only get in the way? Thanks for reading, and happy holidays!