Thawing the Ice

Chapter 35--A Brief Rest

Erestor rode until it was nearly dawn before reluctantly deciding that the horses needed to rest and so did he. He stopped his mount and slid off.

The horse seemed pleased with the decision and shook himself vigorously. Moving to join the others, they wandered over to the river to drink then settled down to graze.

Erestor went to the river to get a drink as well. Looking at his reflection, he cringed when he saw how filthy he was. He began stripping off his clothes then waded out into the water. It was cold, but it felt good at the same time. He spent an hour in the water before wading ashore. He dressed and went foraging for food. After a meal of berries Erestor settled himself as comfortably as possible and went to sleep.

Glorfindel held up a hand to signal the others to stop when he spotted a band of Human men on foot ahead of them. "Be ready," he hissed.

Grim-faced, the guards readied their weapons and waited for their captain's signal.

Glorfindel urged Asfaloth forward at a gallop. The others immediately followed. It happened so fast that the Humans didn’t even have time to draw their weapons. In an instant they were surrounded by grim faced Elven warriors, some with bows trained at them.

“What is the meaning of this? You have no right to attack us!” one man protested.

“Where is he?” Glorfindel asked.

“What do you mean? I have no idea what you are talking about!” the Human said.

Glorfindel frowned, wondering if he had ambushed the wrong group of men, but studying the Human he noticed signs of nervousness that he tried to hide. “You lie, now where is the Elf you took from Imladris?” he asked sharply.

The man opened his mouth to speak, but Glorfindel cut him off. “If another lie leaves your lips, Human, you will be shot, make sure you speak the truth,” he warned.

The man scowled, but nodded. “He got away earlier this evening, ran off with all our horses,” he muttered.

“Did you harm him?” Glorfindel demanded, one hand going to his sword.

“No! Nothing worse than a few bruises,” the man said.

“I should have you all killed for trespassing in our lands, but I do not wish to waste the time. I will give you one warning and one warning only. Never show your face near Imladris. I will give your description to all my men and they will have orders to kill you on sight. Now be gone before I reconsider,” Glorfindel said.

The men didn’t pause to question their good fortune. They fled without looking back. The group found the men’s’ trail and began to backtrack it, hoping it would lead them back to their missing advisor.

Erestor was awoken around midday by the horse he had been riding nudging his shoulder. He sat up quickly. “What is wrong, my friend?” he asked.

The horse snorted and tossed his head then turned around staring intently at something behind him. Erestor stood quickly, tensed to fight or run if necessary. After a minute he relaxed, recognizing one of the voices. “I am over here, Glorfindel!” he called.

Glorfindel galloped Asfaloth from the bushes, pulling him to a halt and leaping off. He hurried over to Erestor.

The next thing Erestor knew he was in the blonde’s arms then Glorfindel kissed him. He yanked his mouth free. “Glorfindel!” he protested, blushing when he saw the guards had arrived and were staring at them.

Glorfindel ignored him. “Do not ever scare me like that again, lirimaer,” he said seriously.