The Jewel of Mirkwood

A/N Continuation from chapter 71.....was to big to fit into one chapter so had to split it to two. So
C
Chapter 71

Obediently Erestor allowed himself to be dragged to Elrond’s library uncaring now what happened to him. Without Glorfindel Erestor would fade anyway and considering what the future now held Erestor considered it a much better option than living on under the rule of Echthelion. Once in the library Erestor merely pointed to the top row of books where the entrance was hidden to the cavern. In detached images Erestor watched as Echthelion’s men got to work pulling the ladder around and beginning to climb the stack. As he watched however a voice began to swim in Erestor’s mind. It was a strange voice unconnected with the world around him. Echthelion was standing in front of him talking to him yet Erestor could not hear him or his men he vhe voice in his head became louder. It called his name several times and by complete surprise he heard himself responding to the voice, though his lips never moved.

{Erestor what are yoingoing? You know in your heart this is not right but yet you sit idly by and watch it take place.} Erestor cocked his head to the side as the female voice in his head spat at him harshly. Compelled to reply Erestor snapped nastily back.
“I am powerless to prevent it, Glorfindel is dead and Echthelion is now the only reborn elf left in middle earth. It is the val wil will I can not interfere with that.” Erestor heard his own voice echoing in his mind yet still his lips did not move, even as he watched the first solider reach the top row of books and begin pulling them down.
{You are foolish if you believe that Erestor. Echthelion was never reborn, because he never died. Glorfindel only saw an elf that he thought was his tutor, lying upon the battlefield. Echthelion ran from his duty long before the fighting started and has been living with men men of the west as an outcast for most of his life. He desires only power Erestor and you are willingly standing by and letting him have it. They have all given up hope but hope still remains in Legolas and you know it, you saw it in his eyes the moment you met him. You will stop this immediately Erestor. I am one of the r anr and this is not my will.} Erestor could hardly believe what he was hearing but the strength that engulfed him from the mere presence of the voice in his mind told him he had just been graced by one of the valar. He had heard stories as an elfling about those possessed by the valar in times of crises and while he had always been sceptical about it being true he had now become a firmly believer.
“What do I do?” Erestor again spoke to the voice in his head as he saw the soldiers uncovering more of the opening to the cavern.
{Kill him Erestor it is the only way. Then you must get Legolas to Glorfindel if he is to survive, they must bind or all will be lost.} Erestor allowed himself to smile having heard it from one of the valar herself that Glorfindel and Legolas were meant to be together. He had known if from the beginning and while there had been times he had doubted it, having heard it from the valar finally sealed the idea into his mind.
“Thank-you.” Erestor whispered softly as he glanced sideways and spotted the large metal fire stake the maids usually used to stoke the fire.
{Aye your thanks is accepted and you will be well rewarded for your deeds, it is your fate Erestor that will save all others.} Erestor felt suddenly light headed as the voice disappeared from his mind and he was again bombarded by the harsh angry sound of Echthelion shouting orders to his men.

Steadying himself Erestor watched as Echthelion turned his back to him to address the soldiers that had finally uncovered the entire entrance of the thin and narrow passageway. Taking his opportunity Erestor slide sideways and took up the hefty piece of metal from the side of the fireplace. Its sharpened point glinted in the candlelight and Erestor sneered angrily as he pointed the bar at Echthelion’s torso. He had never enjoyed fighting before in his life but the anger that welled up inside of him at seeing Echthelion try and take everything away from him he loved, was more than Erestor could control.

Echthelion turned around the moment Erestor rushed forward. Erestor’ strength was clearly visible by the deathly white grip he had on the bar held out in front of him. Echthelion could only scream in pain as Erestor drove the stake straight through his chest. The force of the impact sent Echthelion into the wall, essentially pinning him there as Erestor forced the sharpened point clean through the thin elf before him. Erestor was almost feral as he released the bar and reached for the ceremonial swords that hung dusty and unused for years above the fire mantel. Like an eagle in full flight Erestor spun around and instantly took out two of Echthelion’s soldiers that had advanced on him. Their bodies fell like children’s toys to the ground their bodily fluids staining the wooden floor like liquid ruby. With a twist and a turn Erestor was on top of Elrond’s desk, a place he had spent many nights sitting writing parchments. Now however the tanned green leather of the desk was covered in splatters of blood as Erestor again slashed and hacked at his attackers. With each blow another solider was slain and it was only as the last man fell to the floor his arms missing and a sword though his stomach that Erestor finally relaxed the tension from his body. It had been a tough fight, the warriors matching him move for move, but he had the valar on his side this time.

With an almighty sigh Erestor breathed out deeply and closed his eyes forcing his body to relax, after being strung ightight during the fight. His anger had caused him to tense and consequently his muscles now seised up having been stretched dramatically after years of no use. With another reluctant sigh Erestor placed the soiled weapons back on the mantle. The swords had been that of Gil-galad and while they had been useful to Erestor just now, Elrond would be surely annoyed if they were not replaced. Slowly Erestor turned around to where Echthelion’s body was still pinned to the wall by the fire stake. Most remarkably the elf was still alive his impaled body twitching in pain as Echthelion’s eyes flittered back and forth around the room in confusion. Blood poured from the gaping wound in his chest and Erestor took no delight in seeing the elf bleed to death. As much as he hated Echthelion his sense of decency as a warrior told him to grant the elf a quick death, to save him from suffering. Stiffly Erestor lowered himself from Elrond’s desk and picked up one of large books from the blood-covered floor. Most remarkably the book seemed untouched by the carnage all around it and in mere interest Erestor opened it to inspect it’s title.
“The tale of Glorfindel of Gondolin The Balrog Slayer.” Erestor shook his head in amusement. Whether it was irony or fate that Erestor had picked up that particular book out of the thousands of others lying around the room was unimaginable but Erestor knew what it was meant for. Closing the book Erestor stepped up to Echthelion’s twitching body and smiled warmly. “May talaralar grant you forgiveness in Mandos halls.” For a brief second Echthelion’s eyes met Erestor’s in small sympathy but it did not last long. With his last remaining strength Erestor swung the book back behind him before slamming it down forcefully on Echthelion’s head, snapping the blonde’s neck with a sicking crack and instantly killing what life remained in the body of Tutor Echthelion of Gondolin.

With careful hands Erestor climbed silently up the ladder of the stack of books and replaced ‘The tale of Glorfindel’ back in it’s rightful place in the shelves before reverently climbing back down. It was now time to get Legolas and Glorfindel back together, and save the Balrog slayer from death yet again. Turning on his heel Erestor left lib library and began running towards the hall again. He was sure that Elrond had not moved from there and while Erestor looked like a corpse himself covern frn fresh blood both his own and the others, he still couldn’t waste time taking a bath. There were still some soldiers of Echthelion’s to deal with and a lot of things to explain. There was hope in his heart again and even as he ran towards the hall looking like death he still couldn’t prevent the smile that graced his lips. The valar had spoken and everything would be as it was written in the texts of ancient times.

TBC>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(A/N) Yeah Erestor kicked arse!!!!!!!! But he's still a true peace loving elf at heart as we all know. Hope you enjoyed the update will be back sometime on Friday me thinks.