The escape is on! Here we have both Candaith's and Gwin's POV, so events are happening mostly concurrently. They are trying so hard to reunite, but there is more peril to deal with…

Chapter 123

Candaith's POV

The journey up the long, sloping road from the dungeons felt agonizingly slow. We needed to be careful in order to avoid any guards, and running full speed could give us away. Besides, many of the prisoners were not at full strength, Lothrandir included. We went as fast as we dared, each group leaving at slightly different times to prevent all of us standing together at once. Keeping in the shadows as we could, my heart was in my throat at each turn. Luckily there were few Uruks, due to many of them sleeping, and we managed to silence them without trouble.

Instead of taking the main road south and then north around the entire lower level, there were various platforms we could use to climb across the area quicker and more directly. However, they required some strength to traverse, so we helped each other as best we could. Thankfully, none needed to be left behind, but it was slow going. Every sound we made seemed louder than it likely was, and I felt my jaw constantly clenched in anxiety. I could sense Gwin was worried, and I tried to keep my fears to myself.

Finally, we reached an area perched above the entrance. There were only two guards there, both orcs, and they were easy to pick off with my bow. Baldgar had found various coils of sturdy rope, and gave each group one of them. It was good we had some, for we used it to lower people down to the ground, one by one. There was a curved wall near the entrance to the surface, which was a good spot to hide after climbing down, and once my group was all accounted for, we crept up the wide staircase. We had to duck out of sight a few times, avoiding the few guards and finally reaching the surface. The stars were intermittently veiled, and only a sliver of moon was occasionally visible through the clouds. The darkness would provide good cover. I prayed that the other groups were still behind us, and thankfully had heard no commotion to indicate any had been spotted by the enemy.

Hugging the tower, we crept clockwise around to the other side, but we needed to hide as the number of Uruks and orcs on the Western side was numerous. We would not be able to traverse the land with even a modicum of safety until the distraction was set.

I was huddled against Lothrandir, who looked tired, but his eyes were shining with purpose. "We must find Gwin once we escape," he whispered. "Do you know where she is hiding?"

I shook my head, "She said she would find me once we got out of here. All I know is that she is hiding in some caves."

"You should tell her where we mean to exit. If she is nearby, she could perhaps meet us there," Lothrandir replied, just as quietly. He narrowed his eyes, studying my expression closely. "There is something you are not saying, something which angers you."

I pursed my lips in annoyance; he could always read me too well. "We shall speak of it later. We must focus on our current goal."

Thinking Lothrandir's suggestion a good one, I focused on our bond. I frowned as I sensed her anxiety. "Meleth, we plan to exit the Ring from the Western side. Where are you?"

"The Western side? That is unfortunate; a large enemy camp is not too far from the walls, so you will need to be careful as you sneak by it."

"How come you to know this?" Had she seen it?

"Galthrod told me of it, which is why I am off to the East. It will be a far distance to reunite with you, and I am not sure when it will be safe to venture out." There was a pause, and I could tell she was thinking hard. "Perhaps you could find shelter somewhere until morning, and then we can find a way to reunite safely?" I did not trust Galthrod as far as I could throw him, and worried he would do something to harm her. "Candaith, I am well. Let me worry about you for a change." I sensed a flicker of amusement, but it could not hide her distress.

"I will keep you updated. We will see each other soon." I hoped I sounded convincing, for I was having trouble believing the truth of it. We had gone through much together, and faced many trials. For once, I hoped things would go well.

The tension was almost like a physical force as all of the small groups ended up huddled together in our hiding place, which I had hoped to avoid. I frowned at the expressions in the eyes of the few children present; they were full of fear and despair, as if they had no hope of the escape plan working. The adults wordlessly attempted to reassure them, but it was too risky to speak much. I felt my anxiety gripping my chest like a vice, but a wave of comfort came from Gwin when I needed it most, along with some encouraging words. "Keep breathing, Candaith. You can do this."

"I hope you are right, meleth."

There was no time for further mental conversation, as we all felt the ground tremor along with the near deafening sound of an explosion. Next to me, Lothrandir bowed his head and muttered a prayer for Acca. He had paid the ultimate sacrifice, unless he managed to somehow escape.

We could not afford to fail now.

As we hoped, Uruk-hai and orcs ran towards the roaring fires now consuming the siege engines and other weaponry. I could feel the heat of the flames even from this far away. It was difficult to wait, but we had to be sure the coast was clear before we continued to the West.

As agreed ahead of time, Lothrandir and I snuck forward first, slipping into the shadows as we were trained. As the clouds briefly moved aside, I caught a glimpse of Earendil's ship Vingilot sailing across the sky, and it almost felt like he was watching over us. Gwin insisted he had something to do with reuniting us in the Huntsman's Glade, but I rather thought it was all Lavaneth's doing. Whatever the case may be, I whispered, "If you love your grandsons, watch over us." It seemed like the star sparkled a little brighter before it was behind the clouds once more, but I likely just imagined it.

Once the coast was clear, I waved the others forward. In parties of threes, the others followed behind us. My heart was in my throat the whole time, and it seemed like it took forever to finally reach the turret where Acca insisted the hidden door was located.

It was more hidden than I hoped, for we had difficulty finding it. I felt frantically for a handle of some kind, but the stone walls were smooth, and I was trying not to panic. The Uruks and orcs would only stay away for so long, before returning to their posts.

"Move over laddie," a voice said gruffly, and I raised an eyebrow. A lone dwarf had been a prisoner in the dungeons, and I had completely forgotten about him. My other eyebrow joined the first when he pressed his ear to the stone and closed his eyes as he tapped gently with his knuckles.

"What is that Völuspá doing?" a man whispered, sounding both frustrated and surprised. I hadn't heard that name for dwarves, only knowing the Sindarin 'naugrim' and dwarven 'khazâd'. Learn something new every day.

Surprisingly, only a few minutes later, the dwarf smiled as his hand found a groove I hadn't noticed, and pulled. An opening appeared, and I ducked inside to investigate. Luckily, no enemies were within the narrow turret, and there was a handle leading to outside the walls that was much easier to spot. We all filed inside, and I cautiously peeked out. There was just enough light to note that the immediate area seemed deserted. Nevertheless, I drew my sword, and as each person emerged, all those who possessed weapons of some kind had them in hand. I squinted as I noted an orange glow in the distance, but not too far from our location. Likely it was where the enemy camp Gwin had mentioned was located. I discerned we would be able to skirt by it without too much difficulty, depending on what evil creatures were lurking in the desolate landscape.

Lothrandir came over to me and muttered, "We should get as far from here as we can. Eventually our absence will be noticed, but hopefully not until morning when the overseers come to bring us to our daily tasks."

Baldgar situated himself on my other side. "Unfortunately, I am not familiar with the areas outside the Ring." He squinted into the darkness. "Luckily, I have been a scout for many years, and finding places to hide while spying on the enemy is my specialty." He grinned, his eyes sparkling.

I nodded in acceptance, and sent a quick message to Gwin while Baldgar canvassed the immediate area, Lothrandir accompanying him. "We have made it outside the walls." I tried not to sound too excited, for there were many challenges ahead, but knew it must be evident to Gwin when I felt her amusement.

"Thank Eru for that!" She sounded relieved. "Where will you go next?"

"Baldgar, a Rohirric scout, is looking for a place for us to safely gather for the night, but Lothrandir thinks we should go as far as we can until dawn." I wasn't sure what the right answer was, and hesitated before asking, "Does that Numenorian have any ideas?" The words were difficult to 'say', but we needed to use all the resources we had at our disposal.

"I have not told him of your plans to escape."

"As much as it pains me to say it, we may need his help."

"Very well." There was a lengthy pause, and I assumed Gwin was speaking with Galthrod. The thought of his dark, glittering eyes made me shiver in disgust. I hated the way he had looked at Gwin, but I knew she could handle herself.

If he tried anything with her, he would have to answer to me.

While I waited for her to reply, I watched Baldgar and Lothrandir sneaking around, until they were out of sight. Mair was nearby, calmly reassuring everyone. I was unsure if she was the highest ranking Dunlending here, but she had a quiet authority that I couldn't help but admire. Everyone was huddled close together, bonded by this shared experience.

I startled as Gwin's voice broke through my thoughts. "Galthrod says that once you are past the large camp to the Southwest, you could stay near the rock walls, but you will need to take care as you go, for wargs roam the caves. I sighed; yet more dangers ahead. I was unsure if we could protect everyone from roving packs of wargs.

"Is there no other way?"

Another pause, before she continued. "You could move more inland, and hide among the scraggly trees and random pieces of machinery scattered around. However, you may need to spread out, for Galthrod does not believe there is an area big enough to hide all of you."

"That may be our best bet." Perhaps Baldgar and Lothrandir would be able to provide more information from their reconnaissance.

It seemed like much time had passed before I noted a rustling in some trees ahead of us. All of us held our weapons in front of us, keeping those who were unarmed safely behind us. Luckily, some familiar faces emerged.

"Candaith?"

Gwin's POV

I felt a wave of relief come from Candaith, but Galthrod's voice interrupted my concentration. "You are smiling; I assume things are going well?"

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding and said, "He has not confirmed it, but I can sense some of his worries have faded."

Galthrod appraised me curiously, "Which of those men are you…what did you call it…bonded to?"

I blushed inadvertently; I had needed to explain the mental conversations, and the Numenorian seemed amused and perhaps a little skeptical. "Wouldn't you like to know." I was a little surprised at my teasing tone; clearly, I was getting a little too comfortable with this possibly untrustworthy man.

He raised a dark eyebrow, "Fine, keep your secrets. I will endeavor to stay away from him before you reunite."

"You intend to part ways before that?" I asked, a little surprised, but perhaps it would be best. I feared how Candaith would react to seeing Galthrod again.

He shrugged, "I can make my own way. If I run into orcs or Uruks, they know I am one of Saruman's more trusted servants." He smirked and continued, "Or rather I was. They will let me pass without too much trouble. It is you who is in the most danger. Saruman will be…most displeased when he finds you are gone."

"I care not about that wretched wizard's feelings," I spat, finding myself pacing. "We have to get through the Gap of Rohan to be beyond his reach, and that is no short distance, no matter which direction we go."

"Well, I will be going South as speedily as I can," Galthrod said. "One person can travel much faster than however many you travel with."

My heart sank as I remembered we wouldn't be going South right away. If Mair was alive, escorting her back to her home would use days we sorely needed in order to meet up with Aragorn. Would Lheu Brenin keep his word, and release the Dunedain?

There was a lengthy pause where we both stood in thought, considering what would happen next. Despite his blasé attitude and outward arrogance, I knew Galthrod must have worries of his own. He had people he loved, who he wished to return to safely.

I could only hope we would not meet again, for I feared it would be in battle and on opposite sides.

Trying not to think about that somewhat distressing realization, I said, "There are several hours yet before dawn, and I sense these clouds will cover the sunrise and douse us with rain. We should rest and make sure we have everything we need to depart speedily." I frowned, "I hope the others brought my pack with them from the dungeons."

Galthrod smirked, "I doubt you will wish to travel around Middle Earth in those prison rags. Unfortunately for you, I don't have any clothes to spare. Although you do wear them well." He winked and I rolled my eyes.

"There's the man I remember from when we first met."

He grinned, but I could see a flicker of disappointment in his eyes that I did not think he meant for me to notice. "Glad I still fit your views of me."

"I think there is a bit of something halfway decent in there," I replied, and his wide grin softened into a small, perhaps grateful smile. If you looked close enough. Perhaps his arrogant and flippant attitude was a front for something kinder.

With that, I put my focus on Candaith once more. "Meleth, what has happened?"

So, what do you think? Candaith and crew have escaped by the skin of their teeth (at least the Ring of Isengard but not yet all of Nan Curunír), and he is pretty far away from Gwin and of course Galthrod. They are certainly not out of the woods yet! Hope you enjoyed the chapter!