Gwin and Galthrod enact their plan of escape. Will they be successful? Read on to find out! Trigger warning for references of sexual assault.

Chapter 121

Galthrod insisted I limp alongside him as we went, so I looked weaker than I was. It was not difficult to do, for I did not feel at full strength. I was uneasy without any weapons, but it would look strange for me to carry them now, as it was not allowed. I hoped Candaith would grab my things before they left.

We made our way to the surface, and Morflak looked unimpressed when Galthrod presented me to him. "What happened to you, she-elf?" he barked.

"The mubullat kolaoz," Galthrod answered for me drily.

Morflak raised an eyebrow, "What got you in there?"

"Didn't answer Sharku's questions," Galthrod said, rolling his eyes.

"Ah, that'll get you in trouble," Morflak replied knowingly.

"Saruman has a special task for her today," Galthrod said, sounding quite convincing.

"A special task, huh," The Uruk-hai mused. "Well get on with it then, and come back when you're done. Got more gear for you to pick up."

I nodded meekly, and Galthrod steered us so we faced South, towards the gates of the Ring of Isengard. He seemed completely at ease, his signature smirk on his face as we went. The orcs were jeering at me, and as we got close, we were met with two large Uruks. "Where do you think yer goin'?" One of them asked with a growl.

Without missing a beat, Galthrod drawled, "Saruman is casting her out of here. He says he has no more use for her."

The Uruks looked at each other, "Well why don't we just eat 'er then?" the other one said.

"He wants her alive," Galthrod replied. "At least until she gets out of here. Then she will have to fend for herself." The Numenorian grinned, looking as deplorable as he had when we first met. "If you will excuse me…" The Uruk's moved aside, but their hungry gazes burned into my back.

I released a shaky breath as the gates swung shut behind us. I could feel the tension draining from Galthrod, which had not been evident to me until this moment. "Let us go East, across the river. There are too many orcs to the West."

"How do you know this?" I asked quizzically, keeping my voice down.

"I have been in and out of Isengard a few times, including the one to retrieve you," he explained. "I made note of it."

"So there is somewhere safe for us across the river?"

Galthrod nodded, "There is a small network of caves. They were abandoned, the last time I heard, but we may need to clear out a few…nuisances." I was surprised when he handed me a short sword, which had been hanging from his belt. "You might need this." He had his own still sheathed.

I briefly considered killing Galthrod with my new weapon; it would solve a lot of my problems. However, he had helped me escape, and although he was a Dark Numenorian, he was also a Man. I simply couldn't bring myself to end his life, unless he were to try and kill me first. Or if he tried to force himself on me. I felt a shiver run down my spine. I could only hope it wouldn't come to that.

Carefully, we snuck our way through the bleak landscape. There were many places to hide; abandoned pieces of machinery, large boulders, dead trees…we avoided roaming wargs and orcs with some difficulty. Galthrod let out a sigh of relief when we made it across the bridge. He said that there were few enemies here, and I agreed with his assessment as we came upon the caves Galthrod mentioned, with little to avoid.

"I shall let you go on ahead," Galthrod said. "You have more experience with this sort of thing, from what I have heard."

I raised an eyebrow at his teasing tone, "You can just admit you are afraid; I would not hold it against you." I dimly realized I was joking around with him, and found it disconcerting.

"I can assure you I am not afraid," he insisted with a smirk. "You simply have more skill than I."

"Fair enough," I said with a sigh. "But if you attempt to attack me from behind, I know how to use this," I held up my short sword and he nodded in understanding, still looking amused.

Eru must have been looking out for me, as there were no enemies to dispatch as we thoroughly inspected the caves, all the way to the back. There was evidence of some animals, but they had not been there for some time. We were further away from the end of Nan Curunir than I liked, but at least I could take a few moments to recover my strength and make some sort of plan without worrying I would be ambushed by orcs.

Settling ourselves on the ground, we were a comfortable distance apart. Galthrod handed me his waterskin again, although his fingers held contact with mine perhaps a little too long. I nodded in thanks and took a few swigs. He showed me he had another full skin, as well as supplies like food and even medicine. "How long have you been planning to leave?" I asked curiously.

Galthrod sat in thought for a moment, before saying, "I knew I did not wish to be a part of any big fighting force, but having Saruman as an ally allowed me access to his many books of lore, as well as the opportunity to hear more specifics about his plans to dominate Rohan." His lip curled. "Seeing the rate at which the Uruk-hai and orcs bred was…most unpleasant."

"How did you learn about the Palantir?" I murmured, feeling a shiver run down my spine at the memory of it.

"He had all of us Numenorians look into it, to demonstrate to us how powerful he was, and who his allies were." Galthrod frowned. "Personally, I believe the Dark Lord Sauron is using Saruman to further his own aims, and not the other way around, as Saruman thinks."

I nodded, "I agree; yes, Saruman is quite powerful, but in his current form, he is no match for Sauron."

"Current form?" Galthrod asked quizzically.

I hesitated for a moment. Should I explain to him what I knew of the history of the Istari? What if the enemy did not know of this? Would Galthrod share it and use it against us? Gandalf was dead, and Saruman turned to evil. I knew Radagast, for he often spent time in Eryn Galen when I was young, and I heard rumor of two other wizards of who's whereabouts were unknown. Did they dwell in the South, secretly helping Galthrod's own people?

Deciding to be as vague as I thought I could get away with, I explained, "Saruman is also named Curufin, and he is one of the Istari who traveled across the Sea from Aman in order to aid the forces of good against Sauron. However…he has chosen to set that noble mission aside and join Sauron instead. He may be punished by the Valar for these actions, especially if Sauron is thrown down somehow."

Galthrod looked intrigued. "How come you to know these things?"

I shrugged, "I have been alive a long time, Galthrod, and paid attention in my lessons."

He smirked, "I cannot say the same, for I did not enjoy my teachers as they droned on about ancient history." He narrowed his eyes. "Although, I bet some of what I was supposed to be learning is as old as you."

"Perhaps," I replied hesitantly. There was a lengthy pause where we both looked at each other, and I tried not to fidget. "So…will we stay the night here, and carry on tomorrow? Or shall we set off again still today?" I wanted to get into the Gap of Rohan as soon as possible, and hopefully find some friendly Rohir who could run a message to Prince Theodred. Then tomorrow I would reunite with Candaith and Lothrandir, as well as help escort Mair back to Tur Morva. There was much to do, but it all depended on how things went here with Galthrod. I had promised him 'more than just a kiss', and was regretting it now as I noted his dark eyes on me.

His lips quirked up into a sly smile, and he reached out and took my hand, tugging me a little closer to him. Not in an aggressive way, but clearly indicating he wanted…something from me. How far would I let this go? I had been vague on purpose, hoping he wouldn't just assume I wanted to sleep with him. I noted Candaith's presence in my soul, which was always there, but he was not trying to assess my state of mind or speak to me. Reluctantly, I set a 'wall' carefully in place. I hated hiding this from him, and he would likely notice the barrier eventually and question me about it, but hopefully I could get this over with quickly…whatever 'it' was.

I snapped my attention back on Galthrod, noticing he had shifted himself so he was angled more towards me, and running his fingers lightly up my arm. It made me shiver, and not in a good way. The Numenorian didn't seem to notice, and eventually he moved his hand upwards and twirled some of my long, dark hair around one finger. "Your hair is very soft," he murmured. I was unsure what to say, so I remained quiet as he came even closer and tucked it behind my ear, cupping my cheek in his smooth hand and running his thumb lightly across my skin. I tried to keep my breathing even and stay still, but it was difficult. I even managed to keep my composure as he brushed his lips against mine, and forced myself to kiss him back as he deepened it. I can do this I can do this I can-

Until I couldn't.

"Let's have some fun, shall we?" he whispered, not knowing that the last 'person' to say that to me was the Uruk in the Lone Lands.

I felt the memories crash down upon me like a wave, and pulled roughly away from him as I stumbled to the other side of the cave. He looked shocked as he beheld my trembling form, and I was sure my skin was white as a sheet. "What-?"

"S-stay away f-from m-me," I choked, the images of my torture flashing before my eyes like lightning. I almost felt as if I was not even there, in the cave, but rather back in those desolate lands, surrounded by enemies.

Galthrod, to his credit, stayed where he was. I could sense him watching me with confusion. I was blinking rapidly, trying to bring myself back to the present, trying to convince myself that I was over it, that the Uruk was long-dead, that no one was going to force me to do anything.

After a lengthy period where I tried to get control of myself, he said softly, "I will not come any closer," and his concern sounded genuine, but was it? Could he just be playing with my frayed emotions? Finally, the shaking ceased as I took slow, even breaths, my eyes closed as I recentered myself. I found it odd that Candaith had not reacted to my near-breakdown. Either the wall was so strong that he didn't notice, or he was too busy to focus on anything but his current situation. Part of me was glad, for I did not want him to know about this, but the other part wished desperately for that comforting warmth and love. It was a direct betrayal of our love and commitment, and I was ashamed at my actions.

I made eye contact with Galthrod, and tried to explain, "I was…" I swallowed thickly, pushing the emotions aside. "I was almost…almost r-raped by an Uruk-hai." I hadn't wanted to tell anyone this ever again, but perhaps it would prevent Galthrod from trying anything else.

His brow furrowed, and he surprisingly looked down at his hands, which were clenched tightly. Was he angry at me? I endeavored to try and explain, "He said those same w-words when he tied me to a…to a tree and…" I couldn't say anything more, cursing myself for my shaking voice. "Please, do not be upset with me."

"Stop," he said softly, almost too quietly to hear. His eyes met mine, and I noticed the pain there. "I am not upset, at least, not at you."

"What do you mean?" I whispered.

Galthrod sighed deeply, running a hand through his black hair. "My sister, she was captured by another tribe in Umbar, one we are enemies with." He swallowed as I heard his voice catch. "Our father was an important figure, and they took her as leverage so we would do what they demanded."

"What happened?" I asked, a sinking feeling in my stomach.

"We gave them the gold and land they asked for, all the while unable to see if she was safe, or even alive," he continued. He gripped his cloak and started twisting the fabric in his anxiety. "Finally, they released her, but she was…she was not the same. They did something to her, but she would not speak of it." He chuckled humorlessly. "She was a shadow of her former self, moving around like a wraith and always focused inward. Sometimes I would find her staring at the wall, unseeing and unaware of where she was, or who was speaking with her. Eventually, we heard what happened." His eyes flashed, clearly furious at the memory. "She had been passed around to whoever paid the most every night, like some common whore, forcing themselves on her."

"I…I am sorry," I stuttered, unsure what to say. "I was lucky to get out of my situation alive and…" Unspoiled. "But it was a close thing."

"Did you think I would force myself on you?" Galthrod asked, looking pained.

Maybe. "No, well at least I hoped not, but we are strangers, and I pulled away from you," I replied nervously. "Consider how you acted towards me when we first met."

"I see your point. I…I was not kind to you, nor respectful." Galthrod sighed. "Even though we are perhaps on opposite sides of this war, I am not the type of man to do something so deplorable. I thought you were interested in me, but I think I know the truth of it now." I thought he would be angry for seeing through my deceptions, but he just looked tired. "Honestly, I don't blame you for using me to get out of that hell-hole. Saruman wouldn't have let you out of there alive, I think, even if you told him what he wanted to know." His lips twisted up in a rueful smile. "I would have done the same thing, in your place."

I gave him a tentative smile. "I am sorry for the deception, but you are right, I do not think I would have survived, especially if I had to spend much more time in that dark cell." I shuddered; even one night was horrible.

"Besides, I think perhaps you are involved with one of those rangers," Galthrod replied, raising an eyebrow. I smirked, but did not answer, and he took it as a confirmation. "Looks like they're still stuck in there."

I debated telling him they had a plan to escape, but I didn't trust Galthrod quite that much. What if he went back to Isengard and told Saruman? Instead, I asked "What time is it?", before poking my head outside. The sky was full of ominous-looking clouds, but it was still daytime.

"The weather looks poor," Galthrod mused. "I know you want to continue on, as do I, but I'm afraid it would be potentially dangerous."

"You're probably right," I said with a sigh, still finding it ironic how we were actually speaking to each other amicably instead of dancing around each other as enemies. "It will be a long journey for you, going all the way to Umbar."

"Where will you go?" he asked casually.

"I cannot tell you that," I replied steadily. "For it is a secret, and one I have worked hard to keep."

"Was that what you were keeping from Saruman?" He looked contemplative.

"Among other things," I said simply. "Now, do you have any more food?"

We spent the rest of the day in a strange, almost companionable way, sharing stories of our past and trying to keep things light. I let the wall between Candaith and I crumble, and I wondered if he had even noticed it. Tonight would be the 'great escape', and I could only hope they would all get out of there alive. It would be dangerous, and Acca would be sacrificing his life to save theirs.

It looked like I would just be meeting up with them after all.

To those of you thinking, "Why would Gwin do something so out of character, by letting Galthrod kiss her?", it's a good question. My explanation is that she was so desperate to escape and save her loved ones, that she lost sight of her core values and what is truly important. There is a darkness in Isengard that can impact anyone, even the most virtuous. Her actions will not be without consequences. I hope you enjoyed the chapter!