Take My Hand

Title: Take My Hand part 9
Author: Noelwing
Pairing: Legolas/Haldir
Genre: AU
Rating: R
Warnings: This chapter contains violence
Disclaimer: Everything in the realm of middle-earth belong to Tolkien and are only being borrowed for this fic-any other characters are property of the author. /Words/ denotes thoughts.
Author’s notes: Merry Christmas everyone. My gift to you on this oh so joyous of days is the ninth chapter of this story. Please enjoy and I would like to thank everyone for their enthusiasm for this story, it really helps. So everyone, take care and enjoy this next chapter.

Part 9: Flight

Above the Brown lands, a heavy blanket of clouds obliterated the moon’s light. No bright stars glittered for the two comrades as they bid their fallen friend one a last fair well. The fresh air and being outside of the mine gave little comfort on this night of mourning. Brodda, donned in a black cloak, just as Rune, placed a burning torch on the bed of dry grass and sticks that was to serve as Sari’s funeral pyre. The dry grass ignited immediately and bright flames of orange and yellow began to dance all over the pyre.

As Brodda watched the flames begin to consume the corpse of his soldier and friend, Rune began to sing a song for the dead. The lyrics were somber and Rune’s voice was haunting. It was a song for fallen warriors to guide them to the land of the dead. A tear slipped form Brodda’s eye as he thought about Sari’s sad fate. /Sari, you deserved so much better than to die in this lowly place so far from your home. Forgive, me for not getting you back safely/.

As the fire grew, its light grew brighter. Brodda and Rune could no longer see the pyre yet the flames still held them. They sat and watched deep into the night. Eventually, the once magnificent fire dwindled to ash and burning embers. Once the embers had cooled Sari’s ashes would be colleted.

Brodda and Rune relied on their lanterns to guide them back into the tunnels and caves of the mine. As they made their way, Brodda looked back on the events that had taken place; so much had happened in one, seemingly, small day. He had lost yet gained so much. He had lost a good friend but he had reclaimed what Nanook had stolen; the elven prince. Legolas was a great prize indeed, but within the depths of Brodda’s soul, he asked himself if he might trade it all just to have Sari back.

“He deserved better.” Brodda said his voice hushed with sorrow.

“My lord Brodda, you mustn’t be so harsh on yourself. Sari knew how much you appreciated him and that is why he remained so loyal to you.”

Something in Rune’s words sparked a sudden sense of fear in Brodda. The flames form the funeral pyre could have been seen by anyone, possibly by the patrols of Rohan no less. If so, it was very likely that they might send scouts to investigate. This meant that time was of the essence now, anything could happen.

“Rune, I want you to listen to me.”

“My lord…”

“Listen, with Nanook dead, the men acknowledged me as leader but I do not trust to their loyalty. Anything could happen at any time. It is possible that the flames form either Sari’s or Nanook’s pyre may attract attention-“

“Brodda, what are trying to say?”

“I am trying to tell you that you do not have to stay here, you can protect yourself by leaving. You may go back to our home land if you wish, I will not stop you. I do not think I can stand to lose another friend.”

“Brodda, you know just as well as I that I can’t just go back to the empire. I have no family and no place there-“

“Then go any where-“

“Middle-earth may be a big place but it is not big enough for an Easterling with out a home, you know this as well I.”

“Rune, I just want to protect you.”

“I know that and I am grateful but I choose to stay with you and I won’t let you deter me.”

“And if you die here?” Brodda asked frankly.

“If I die it is my consequence to bear and besides, someone has to look out for you and make sure you don’t get killed.”

Brodda resigned himself to Rune’s wish though it was against his better judgment. But there was much to be done and Brodda knew he could not do it all alone; he would need Rune’s help in transporting Legolas safely into Easterling territory. The two of them made their way back into the mine, they had much to plan and time now was of the essence.

*********

“My lord, did you see that?” Rumil asked Celeborn. His elven eyes had picked up a slight glimmer in the distance. It looked to be flames coming from the top of a huge mound of boulders.

Celeborn pulled his horse along side of Rumil’s. “Yes, but it could be anything; peasants for all we know.” The collection of boulders looked innocent enough, the geography of the Brown Lands was similar to that of Rohan. Both had vast, open plains with the occasional mass of hills and stones. But Celeborn knew it was the foolish one who dismissed anything after only one glance.

He dismounted and placed his hands upon the earth. Instantly, he could feel that the honey comb of tunnels and caves that twisted and spiraled beneath their feet. The vastness of the cave system was matched only by the strong mingling of human life forces. “There is more to this place than meets the eye.” Celeborn addressed Thranduil and Galadriel.

There was much anticipation in the air; were the flames in the distance the signal they had been waiting for? Were there loved ones somewhere in the earth beneath them? Galadriel could feel her heart pounding in her chest and her breathing quickened. “My lady, what is it?” Orophin asked. “Do you sense my bother?”

“I do and yet I do not.”

Both Rumil and Orophin tensed at her words, what did she mean?

“I feel his life force but it has faded so much that it feels more like a distant memory.”

“What do you mean Galadriel, surely he cannot be dead?” Celeborn was in an obvious state of alarm.

“What about Legolas, what of my son?” Thranduil had let himself become infected by the same panic.

“I do not know I feel as though he has been shrouded against my mind; like he is deliberately blocking out any attempt to reach him.”

“Celeborn, we must move in, if my son and your guard are here then we must rescue them.” Thranduil clutched the hilt of his sword. He was ready to advance at a moments notice. Also, they had been joined by his other son, Elgalad and his troops. They had a strong number now and could face battle.

“Believe me, I want to move in as much as you do but we have no idea what lies ahead. I sense a great amount of human life signatures as well; we have no idea how many there are. We could be outnumbered.”

“We will move in!” Galadriel’s voice boomed suddenly. Both elf lords turned to face the lady; was she serious about a preemptive strike?

“My lady, are you positive?” Thranduil asked in complete shock.

“I am dreadfully serious but we must learn more about our enemy first. I wish to send scouts to investigate and once we find a way underground, we move in.” Rumil and Orophin volunteered immediately; they would find a way underground and then signal for the others.

It was a foolish plan with no guarantee of success but it was all they had. They couldn’t afford to wait any longer till dawn now. Galadriel focused her mind on Haldir’s foggy life force. She sent out a message to him with her mind only to have it disappear into the mental fog. She could only pray now that he had received her words of hope.

********

Legolas floated in a void of darkness; it would have been peaceful if it were not for a terrible ache in his jaw. He wanted to stay in the darkness but the ache became too much to bear anymore. So, with great reluctance, Legolas opened his eyes. His field of vision was no great improvement over the darkness, everything was fuzzy and distant. When he tried to open his mouth to inhale a deeply, an ache sprung from a jaw and pierced him like a knife.

When Legolas opened his eyes again, he saw a face looming over him. Even through his blurred vision, he could make out dark hair and skin. Legolas panicked when he felt hands touch his body and he believed Nanook to be the one hovering over him.

Brodda gasped when the elf suddenly jumped. He had been trying to examine the elf’s bruised face when he suddenly woke. “Nay, do not struggle, it is I Brodda.” The elf stilled long enough for Brodda to finish examining his jaw. The whole lower right side of the elf’s face was black and blue. Brodda feared that the elf’s jaw may have of been broken but he really wasn’t sure.

Legolas’ vision cleared just enough to see that it was indeed Brodda who stood over him. Legolas calmed but just a little, he believed that Brodda would never do him any physical harm. But what had happened? The last thing Legolas remembered was being held by Nanook once more. After that, everything was dark? Now, he was back in Brodda’s lab and wrapped up in the same blankets as before. Legolas tried to ask what was going on but his aching jaw and dry throat prevented him from doing so.

“Here,” Brodda said pushing the opening of a water skin to the elf’s lips. “Drink.”

Legolas accepted the water without question. A fear that the man was trying to drug him again sparked in the back of his mind but he was too thirsty to care. After gulping some water Legolas tried to speak again. “Were…y…you able…to help…S…Sari?” His voice was nothing but a weak shadow of what it had once been. Gone was the melodic tune and he the words rolled off his tongue like rocks.

“He’s dead, Nanook injured him too severely.” Brodda was surprised to see tears fall from the elf’s eyes. Even after all he had been through the elf was still capable of compassion.

“Do not waste your tears Legolas, Sari has been avenged. We have all been avenged.“

“I don’t understand.”

“Nanook is dead. Haldir killed him.”

Any joy that Legolas may have felt in hearing that Haldir was alive was completely crushed. Brodda was lying, he had to be: Haldir was a warrior not a murderer.

“No…liar…Haldir c…could never…”

“But he did elf. Haldir survived by killing Nanook. Haldir is alive, for the time being anyway.”

Brodda’s words hit Legolas like a kick in the stomach. He very well knew that one way or another, Haldir’s fate was sealed. Brodda saw the devastation swallow the elf and tears fill in his eyes. In that moment, Brodda turned his back to Legolas out of shame. He just couldn’t bring himself to look at Legolas in that moment.

He turned his attention to a table in front of him. It was one of the few that Nanook hadn’t overturned but the bottles and scraps of parchment were strewn all over it. Brodda tried to pretend that he didn’t hear the gasping of the distressed elf and pretended to be fussing over the various materials on the table.

Brodda tried to ignore Legolas’ panicked breathing. /He knows what is going to happen, he must for he not a fool/ Brodda thought mournfully.

“Brodda…” Came the elf’s soft voice.

Brodda’s insides told him not to look at the elf; to just ignore him. But out of integrity or out of pity, Brodda turned back to Legolas. What he saw took his breath away. Never before had he seen such bitter tears and pleading eyes. /No, don’t let him sway you, no matter what/ His mind screamed.

“Let him go,” Legolas said flatly. “Please, you have me so let Haldir go. I promise to cooperate with you. I promise I won’t try to escape you.” From the blue eyes came a plea for one thousand mercies. All that mattered to Legolas was that Haldir be allowed to live.

Brodda could feel his throat tighten and tears threatened to spring from his eyes. /No get a hold of your self this is no time to be weak/ His mind ordered him and he would listen to his mind. He was too close to successes to go soft and above all, Sari had already lost his life. Sari had believed in Brodda from the beginning and Brodda would be dammed if he let Sari’s sacrifice go for not.

“There is something I must do. I suggest you rest elf for you will soon have a long journey ahead of you.”

Legolas watched as Brodda left the cave leaving him alone. Legolas could swear he could hear is heart breaking and once more, he fell into his tears. Brodda had apparently won and there was no hope left now. Never again would see his mother, father, brothers or Mirkwood or Haldir.

********

Haldir sat with his knees pulled to his chest with only the sound of his heartbeat to soothe him. Last night while he drifted in the dark of sleep he could have sworn he heard Galadriel call out to him. But it was just a dream; surely it was just a dream for Haldir dare not hope anymore. He was positive his fate had been sealed. Yet, for one who had nothing to do but count the hours until his life ended, he felt extremely calm. That is, until he heard the sound of approaching foot steps.

/Is this it, is it my executioner that comes to me/ Haldir thought, his heart now thudding in his chest. A light, dim at first, began to grow brighter as it drew near. It was the light of a lantern and the footsteps were made but by one man; it was Brodda.

“Is yours the hand that will end my life and thus avenge your brother?”

Brodda was taken aback by the elf’s voice; it seemed just as flat and cold as Legolas’. “Nay, I am not to be your executioner. That task shall fall to Nanook’s higher confidants. When the sun rises, you will be taken to the main chamber and there will be beheaded.”

Haldir gave no indication that he was at all affected by the news of his fate.

“The men wished for a more severe, drawn out punishment but I have ordered a swift death. You are not to suffer.”

“I see,” Said Haldir as casually as though he had just accepted instructions for a task.

Brodda’s hand gripped the handle of the lantern so hard that it began to shake. “Is that it then, are you so resigned to your fate that news of your doom does nothing to frighten you?”

“Why should I fear anything, I have nothing left to lose.” It was true; he had lost everything, his honor, his innocents and now it was only fit that Haldir lose his life as well.

“So what am I to tell Legolas, that the one he cares so much for has surrendered to death?”

Haldir got up from the ground and leaned up against the bars of his sorry cell. “What do you mean?” Haldir asked flatly.

“Legolas tried to bargain his freedom for yours. He promised to remain in my power and not to defy me provided you were released.”

“But you can’t allow that, it would interfere with you plans. If I am allowed to be released then what will you have to distract your troops while you make your escape?”

“That is not true. I plan to leave but not until after your execution has been carried out. I can’t return my brother’s body to our father the king but I can bring him the head of the one responsible for his son’s murder.”

“Do not insult me human. My execution is nothing more than a diversion. If you and your king are anything alike then the delivery of an elven prince will far out weigh any value Nanook may have had.” Haldir gripped the bars till his knuckles turned white. “Tell me are you proud to have Legolas as your prize?”

“I assure you, he is no prize. This may be hard for you to believe but if I am right, Legolas will give my people the edge in the conflict between Gondor. Perhaps if Gondor agrees to the terms of the Easterlings then there may at last be peace. It may take years, I know, but I promise that I will take care of Legolas.”

Haldir laughed bitterly and Brodda was put on edge. “What is so funny elf?”

“Do you really expect me to believe that a person like you really wants peace? I know your kind; you’re nothing but a bloody opportunist. You talk of looking after Legolas when really all you want is to use him to gain the power and influence you crave-“

“That is not true!” Brodda snapped, his body was livid with anger and the lantern shook furiously in his hand. The shifting light caused Haldir’s face to become a mask of dancing shadows. “I promise to take care of him; for the rest of my life if I must.”

“Then you needn’t fear for you will find that looking over Legolas a short commitment.”

Brodda’s heart skipped a beat. “Tell me, what does that mean?”

Haldir inhaled deeply. “Of course, you are a mortal, how could you know anything about the nature of elves.”

“I do not understand.” Being on the verge of revelation calmed Brodda and he waited with baited breath for Haldir to continue.

“We elves are blessed with immortality but in truth, immortality is a fragile thing. Legolas’ body was taken without his consent; the violation penetrates him to his very soul. This will cause him suffering beyond imagining and his soul will not be able to recover from it. Legolas will fade.”

“Fade,” Brodda said with disbelief. “Do you mean he will die?”

“Perhaps, it is said that our kind reject bodily life after suffering from such a violation as rape. Whether Legolas chooses to live or to fade depends now on his will to live.”

Brodda averted his gaze and the lantern nearly slipped from his hand. A grim sense of satisfaction welled up within Haldir as he watched Brodda squirm. Is this the look of a man whose plans are shattering in his face?

“Without Legolas you have nothing to gain you the influence you seek. You will be nothing.” Haldir said, indulging in some of his former arrogance. “There may be justice in this world yet.”

“I won’t let that happen, I will not let Legolas die!” Brodda exclaimed. “Nanook may have taken many things from me but I will not let him win this time. I promise you I will help Legolas recover his spirit.” Brodda stormed off leaving Haldir in the shadow once more.

Once outside, Brodda leaned up against the cold stone wall. He berated himself for letting that elf get under his skin. But doubt had taken root as well. What if Haldir was right and Legolas would eventually die?

The sound of scuffling feet snapped Brodda to attention. “Who goes there?” He demanded. He held up the lantern in the direction of the sound but all he saw was a slight figure dash away. Brodda guessed that by the character’s state of dress that it was probably one of the many slave girls.

It seemed odd that one of them would be here but Brodda didn’t care to delve further into the matter. He had more important things to deal with.

*******

Turin paced in his cell with a passion the likes of which a caged animal could admire. His cellmates told him over and over to forget about Haldir, that they would never see him again. But Turin refused to listen. He simply could not put Haldir’s fate out of his mind. He loathed the bars of his cell more than ever and he turned and pounded his fist against them. If only there was something he could do to help.

Suddenly, Turin could hear the sound of light foot steps. /I know those foot steps/ Turin thought to himself. Sure enough, the foot steps belonged to Namel the slave girl. And she was not alone, at her side was a stout, burly man whose hair and beard were so frazzled that Turin could barely see the man’s face.

Namel came to a stop outside of Turin’s cell. “Namel is it true what the guards say about Haldir; that he will die at dawn?” Namel nodded her head and Turin’s heart sank. “This cannot be…”

“It is lad, Namel spied on Brodda while he spoke with the one called Haldir,” Said the stout, little man from under his beard. “Everything you heard is true but what is there to be done?”

“I wonder, are you the dwarf who tends to the rare minerals?” Turin asked stepping slightly away form the subject.

“Yes, I am Gimli; looks to me as though you and I have a similar story. Whilst you kept Haldir company I was the one who occupied Legolas.”

“Legolas, I have seen him.” Turin somberly remembered the sorry state Legolas was in when he first laid eyes on the elf. /Haldir, no wonder you fought Nanook with such rage/.

“What of Legolas, do you know where he is?” Gimli asked with obvious concern.

“I don’t know. Nanook’s men left him here for a while to bait Haldir and then two of Brodda’s men took him away.”

“But what would Brodda want with Legolas…”

“What are you doing in here?” Came the harsh voice of a guard. Gimli and Namel backed away from Turin’s cell as the guard advanced on them. The man’s hand shot out and grabbed Namel around the neck. “I asked a question woman and I want it answered.”

“Leave her alone!” Turin cried from within his cell. The guard turned and sneered at the caged slave. It was just the distraction that Gimli needed. With all his might, the dwarf launched his body at the guard.

The guard gave a surprised wail and released his hold on Namel. And just as quickly as Gimli had, Namel joined in the assault and the dwarf and girl pushed the guard against the bars of the cell.

Turin acted without thought; his arms shot out of the cell and around the guard’s neck. The guard never had a chance to struggle for Turin snapped the man’s neck; his body crumpled to the ground.

The three of them stared at the man’s body feeling no pride in what they had just done but then Namel noticed something. She reached down to the body and pulled fourth a ring of keys. Turin’s heart nearly stopped beating, could one of those keys possibly be-

Namel selected one of the keys and placed it in the keyhole of Turin’s cell; they all held their breath as she turned the key. The click, the same click that Turin had heard many times before sounded better than he ever thought possible. The door to his cell opened and he stepped out.

Turin had long dreamed of the moment when he would be able to step out of his cell but this was different. In that dream he would run as hard and fast as he could and find a way out to freedom. But in this reality, he found himself spoiling the dead Easterling of his weapons.

“Namel, let the others out of their cells.” Turin ordered.

The slave girl complied and went from cell to cell opening the locks. The other prisoners tentatively stepped from their cells.

“Not that I am ungrateful to get out of that cell but what are we supposed to do now?” One of the men said to Turin.

“You may do as you like. I go to try and save Haldir.”

“Are you mad,” Barked one of the men. “If you get caught out of your cell they will kill you on the spot.”

“If that is so then I will take as many as I can with me.” Turin gave the sword he had just collected a few practice swings. “Look, it is time we finally stood up for ourselves and at least try to escape.”

The other men still looked apprehensive and Gimli and Namel seemed no more eager.

Turin sighed. “If I am to die I would much rather die fighting anyway. I’ll go alone if I must. Just promise me that all of you will take advantage of this opportunity and try and get out of here.” With that, Turin turned his back on the men and headed out of the cell block.

Apparently, his words had struck a chord with the other men. If it truly was there destiny to die in this mine then they would prefer to die fighting. And so, they too took off with Turin with Namel and Gimli picking up the rear.

********

“My lord, it is time,” Rune said formally. “The men already gather.”

“I see. Tell the chief overseer that he may go and get the accused. I will be there shortly.” Brodda spoke in a detached tone. He was not looking forward to the main event of this morning. But it was necessary that he followed his plan all the way to the end; he could not be weak now.

But still, Legolas lying prone on the bed still touched his sympathy. Legolas looked gaunt, his skin sickly pale and his hair, once gold and fine, now looked dull and brittle. Already the seeds of doubt began to grow. What if Haldir were right and Legolas really was dying; fading, as Haldir had put it.

“Brodda, we should go now.” Rune said with a pressing tone.

Brodda nodded to Rune but spared Legolas one last glance before he turned to leave. The elf was looking at him once again. “Legolas please believe me,” Brodda whispered. “I take no satisfaction whatsoever in what is about to happen.”

Legolas made no sign that he even heard Brodda. He lay completely still and uncaring.

“I’ll see to it that you recover. Once the demands of my people are met I promise to return you to your family.”

Legolas turned his head and looked at Brodda. Ever so slightly, his lips opened ready to form words. Brodda waited with baited breath for the elf to speak.

“You…you didn’t even let me say good bye to him…”

Brodda stormed over to Legolas’ bed and slammed his fist down only missing the elf’s face by a hair. “I am only going to say this once,” Brodda spoke through gritted teeth. “I have given Haldir the most merciful sentence I could and that took doing enough. I suggest you forget about him and worry about your own fate now.” Brodda dashed out of the cave just as quickly and Rune was weary not to get in his lord’s way.

Legolas was left alone with nothing left to do but to wait. Wait until the flame of his life force flickered and died. His death would save his people from the grief that surely would befall them if he allowed Brodda’s plans to come to fruition. But ultimately, for Legolas, death would reunite him with Haldir.

/I need only wait/ His thoughts whispered.

********

Once again, the slaves who worked the mine were made to gather in the main chamber. The scaffolding where public punishments were carried out was occupied by Brodda, a small band of his kin and Haldir. In the crowd, many wept silent tears for the elf who would soon meet his end. As the executioner declared the crimes for which Haldir was to die for, the crowd listened in defeated silence.

Haldir saw the man’s lips move and watched the ferocious hand gestures but he heard not the man’s words. He felt the weight of the chains that bound his wrists and the chill of the air around him. Inside he felt nothing accept for the beating of his placid heart. There was no fight left in him, even as the guards had pulled him from his cell he had remained listless. But only until he laid eyes on the chopping block did fear finally take hold of him.

/This is it, I’m really going to die/

All at once, four Easterlings closed in upon Haldir. Their hands shot out and took a hold of his arms, his shoulders and the chains that bound his wrists. Haldir’s legs locked as the men tried to coach him to the chopping block. Haldir’s breathed in fast, shallow pants and his heart thudded in his chest. One of the Easterlings kicked Haldir’s legs out from underneath him and the elf crashed down. Once down, bending the elf’s torso over and getting his head on the chopping block was an easy matter.

Haldir’s head was slammed upon the chopping block and the rest of his body was held firmly in place. Haldir began to shake furiously and his chest heaved from his rampant breathing. He felt the cold touch of metal tap his neck; a sword. Haldir stopped breathing and shut his eyes tightly. There was no sound in the chamber. All held their breath as the sword was raised high in the air. The sword remind poised for only a second before it began to fall through the air.

The sound of metal piercing through flesh set off an array of sickened screams and startled gasps followed by the sound of a dead weight falling to the floor of the scaffolding. The dead silence transformed into a flurry of yelling and confusion.

“HALDIR GET OUT OF THEIR!” A voice cried. Haldir’s eyes opened to see Turin running through the crowd of people and the body of his would be executioner lying beside the chopping block.

Turin praised the gods that the spear he had thrown had hit the mark. He pushed his way through the crowd of scattering people and made his way to the scaffolding. The Easterlings were already moving in; drawing their weapons as they advanced. But Turin and the other prisoners that had escaped the fight ring had commandeered weapons of their own.

In a moment of surprised distraction, the hands that restrained Haldir eased enough for him to break away. Haldir, using strength he didn’t know he had left, pushed away from his captors. Brodda made a dash for him but thinking quickly, Haldir kicked his legs in the air and managed to strike Brodda and knock him off his feet. Haldir didn’t wait for Brodda to recover; the elf flung him self off the scaffolding and he fell to the ground. Luckily for Haldir, Turin had arrived just in time.

Rune helped Brodda to his feet. He could tell that he and his lord were left with only two choices; fight or flight. Brodda knew this as well. The prisoners were fighting with rage that the Easterling had long oppressed. But now there was no turning back for any one.

Brodda drew his sword. “I do not ask you to stay Rune.”

“I told you already; I leave with you or I don’t leave at all.”

Brodda silently thanked his most loyal of companions before he and Rune flung them selves into the fray.

“Hold your hands out.” Turin commanded as he raised a sword in the air. Haldir complied and extended his arms so that Turin could break the chains. Haldir turned his head away as Turin raised the sword. The blade came down with a crash and the chains broke away freeing Haldir’s wrists.

Turin helped Haldir to his feet and moved him away from the scaffolding. By now, the other slaves had joined Turin’s group and the scuffle had escalated into a full scale riot. Turin wasn’t proud of the violence that rose by the minute but he was grateful for the diversion it gave. Turin was able to drag Haldir to at least a temporary safe distance.

“Haldir, it is I, Turin, can you hear me?”

Haldir took a deep breath and wrapped his hands around his throat before looking at Turin with disbelief in his eyes.

“Ai my friend, your head still sits atop your shoulders.” Turin gave Haldir a moment to catch his breath before speaking.

“Listen Haldir, this place is going to hell fast. You had better find your friend and get out of here!”

“Legolas,” Said Haldir, his mouth painfully dry. “But how, I have no idea where he is.”

As if on cue, Namel and Gimli appeared. Namel began to pull on Turin’s arm; she was trying to tell him something. Turin, unable to understand, pulled his hand away.

“What are you doing?” Gimli barked. “Namel knows where Legolas is.”

“But how can a simple slave girl know that.”

“It’s because she is a slave that she knows,” Haldir said as he rose to his feet. “Namel, take me to Legolas.”

Namel gave a fierce nod and took down what looked like any random passage. Haldir followed close behind with Gimli in tow and Turin covering their backs. The sounds of battle in the main chamber were becoming faint but Turin could have sworn that he heard the sound of arrows being loosed. It was very odd, Turin knew for a fact that the Easterlings did not use bows and arrows.

********

“Legolas.”

The voice was distant and far away. It echoed in the darkness like a cry sounded from a cliff above a vast canyon.

“Legolas.” The voice cried again. “Can you here me?”

/I know that voice/

“Legolas please, come back to me.”

/Haldir/

“Haldir, why isn’t he waking?” Turin asked nervously. Time was of the essence and they had no idea how much longer they had. Namel and Gimli stood watch at the cave entrance.

“By the Valar, his life force is so weak now.” Haldir held Legolas in his arms and shook him lightly. He continued to try to wake Legolas and all the while, he took in Legolas’ condition. His skin was deathly white and sallow accept for the area of his face that was bruised. Haldir tried to investigate the bruise when Legolas suddenly moaned.

“That’s it Legolas come on back to me.”

Legolas followed Haldir’s words out of the dark; his eyes opened to see Haldir’s face before him.

Gimli, when he heard Legolas’ name cried in relief, poked his head into the cave to see what was going on. Legolas was indeed awake and the two elves were staring at each other. Then Legolas raised his hand. Haldir did the same and the two elves joined their hands together. In that moment, Gimli felt something he thought himself incapable of feeling anymore; content. Seeing the two elves reunite and for one minute, exist in a world of their own brought a sense of peace to the old dwarf’s heart. One way or another, Haldir and Legolas were going to escape from this place. Even if the escape claimed their lives they would still win for Legolas and Haldir had a bond that would never be broken.

Haldir helped Legolas out of the bed and let Legolas put his arm around his shoulders. /Haldir finally there are no bars between us/ Legolas wanted nothing more than for time to stop. He wanted to fall to the ground with Haldir and hold him for as long as he could. But Legolas put such fantasies aside when a strange man appeared.

“Gods be praised, you got him on his feet,” Said the strange man. Haldir saw how Legolas eyed Turin wearily.

“It’s alright Legolas. This is Turin, he’s my friend.”

“Haldir listen, the river is not far from here. If you make it out of here alive you two can get to safety, can’t you?”

“What do you mean Turin, you are coming with us.” Haldir couldn’t possibly leave Turin behind; the man had saved his life.

“No, Haldir, some one has to cover you, now get a move on.”

“But Turin, if you stay behind you will die and you saved my life-“

“I may have saved your life Haldir but you saved my soul. You made me feel hope when I thought it had died in me. That’s debt that can never be paid in full as far as I am concerned my friend.”

“Oh, Turin…I-“

“Now go Haldir,” Said Turin, tightening the grip on his sword. “Namel and Gimli know where to go.”

At the sound of their names, both girl and dwarf presented themselves. Namel took off first while Gimli gestured for Haldir and Legolas to hurry up and follow.

“Legolas, I need you to move,” Haldir said as gently as possible despite the urgency of the situation.

Legolas gave a firm nod and tightened his arm around Haldir’s shoulders. Haldir, in turn, tightened his grip on Legolas’ torso and off they went. Haldir shouted one last thank you and wished Turin luck as the man went off in the opposite direction they were going. Turin spared Haldir one last glance before dashing off to the main chamber to settle old scores with the Easterlings.

********

Haldir could tell by the roaring echoes all around that they were getting close to underground river. His notion was further confirmed by the ever growing dampness in the on the rocks all around them. Haldir could feel Legolas begin to shiver as the cold increased as well. Namel Finally stopped at the ledge of a small drop off. Only ten feet below was the narrow but churning river.

“This is it my friends, if the water can get out than so can you.” Gimli pointed to the churning water. The river was black but and the foam from churning water barely showed in the light of the torch being held by the dwarf.

“But wait,” Haldir cried over the roaring of the water. “What about you and Namel.”

Gimli and Namel exchanged looks, again speaking in their unspoken language and coming to a silent agreement. Finally, Gimli spoke. “If the two of you can make it back to your people than they can come back and save us all. If Namel and I have survived as long as we have already we can survive till you return with your people.”

“We will make it and I promise to tell my leaders all about you. They will come and free you, I know they will.”

“Then be off with you then. The sooner you two get out the sooner the rest of us can.”

Legolas could hear Gimli’s words and his heart ached. He didn’t want to leave the dwarf behind, not when he had come to think of the dwarf as a friend. But his body was so weak; there was nothing he could do but hang on to Haldir and let him decide the next course of action.

Haldir stared down at the river. This may be the only way out but there was no promise that he and Legolas would come out of the water with their lives.

“Oh Valar,” Haldir prayed aloud. “Please protect us and let this river take us far away form this place. I beg of you.” Haldir and Legolas braced themselves and filled their lungs with what could very well be their last breaths.

Gimli and Namel stood back and watched as the two elves, holding onto each other tightly took the leap of faith and plunged into the churning river. Both dwarf and girl saw the heads of the two elves bob up and down on the surface as the river began to bear them away beyond sight.

TBC in chapter 10.

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