Eater of Souls (part two)
Title: Eater of Souls (part one)
Word Count: 3604
Rating: R (violence and Merlin tends to swear, a lot)
Disclaimer: Owned by Shine, BBC, with a nod to Tolkien Estates. Please don’t sue me, I’m only playing!
Warnings/spoilers: none in this bit.
Summary: The boys strive to overcome hardship and save worlds from destruction
Back stories (with all the links) can be found here http://welshinnit.livejournal.com/2011/04/22/
2.
Merlin looked down at the apprentice spell book. He had read every page many times over since the professor had given it to him and had tried to do a few simple ones (moving an object from one side of the room to another, for example), but as usual nothing happened. It did not help that his thoughts kept drifting to Arthur and what he might be doing. The love, the hurt, the pain of rejection was ever present in his heart and he vainly wished the emptiness he felt would go away. He sighed for what seemed like the thousandth time that day.
“You are thinking of him again,” said Gaius with so much sympathy that Merlin felt his heart constrict.
“Yes.” The teen said hoarsely.
Gaius sighed and closed the large book he had been reading. “Morgana has told me some of it, but tell me in your own words.”
Merlin looked up and saw that the old man was genuingly interested. He decided to keep it short. “We argued, he met someone else, he’s moved on; there’s not much more to say. We keep hurting each other, so perhaps it’s for the best.”
Gaius raised one eyebrow that made the teen squirm in his too large armchair.
“It was sudden, I know, but I’ve only known him a few months. Well, many months if you include the travelling we’ve done on other worlds. He can find someone better…better than me. I’m not much of a catch.”
The professor coughed at that and put the book down on a small round table beside him. “Merlin, believe me when I say that you are quite unique. Only a few of the most powerful magi can dream travel and visit other worlds. From what you have told me, you have gone further and actually transported yourself and others to these worlds. Coupled with the fact that you have met the older powers and have received potent artefacts from them,” he indicated the twisted ring of silver and iron and the silver bracelet that Merlin wore, “and I would conclude that you are very powerful indeed. In fact I would go further and say that you are a ‘catch’, as you put it, and Arthur is the prat you aptly describe.” Gaius tapped his finger on his knee thoughtfully for a few moments. “Perhaps he’s enchanted? He is rich and famous in his own right and it has been known to happen. An emotional shock would do the trick.”
“Er, like a kiss?”
The professor narrowed his eyes. “I said an emotional shock, not some fairy tale lip sucking!”
“It’d explain a lot I suppose, about the enchantment thing, but I wouldn’t know what to do.” The beginning of a whine started to form in his voice and he abruptly coughed it away. He was an adult not a love sick girl. Merlin thought of the way Arthur called him that affectionately and his heart grew heavier. “It’s hopeless.”
The professor abruptly got up from behind his desk. “Defeatism is not what I expect from an apprentice of mine. Come on, time for a distraction and to bolster your sense of worth. Let’s visit the centre of the great House of Hermes.”
Merlin, his interest piqued, also stood and followed the old man from the study. In silence they walked down several oak panelled corridors until Gaius stopped in front of a door like any other. He opened it and the teen could see nothing but blackness.
“Hold my hand, Merlin and don’t be afraid.”
Merlin did as he was told and the professor gently pulled him through the doorway. Instantly he found himself on top of a tall square tower that overlooked a castle complex. The sky was black and peppered with glittering stars, but his attention was drawn to the rings of Saturn. He then noticed that over the castle was a shield of glimmering blue light and below ant-like figures scurried about their business. Beyond was a plain of what he assumed was ice. Throughout all this he simply gaped.
“House Hermes’ main Academia of Tethys. Not the real moon of Tethys, of course, but a copy in the Deep Umbra. Now, step from the pattern plate Merlin. We have been noticed.”
Merlin saw that he stood on a circle of silver glyphs that had been inlaid into the stone and he quickly stepped aside. As soon as he joined Gaius’ side, a tall and well built man in black robes appeared. He had a trim black beard and hair and he looked at the two from beneath bushy eyebrows.
Gaius bowed his head. “My lord Archmage Archimedes, I would like to present Merlin Emrys.”
The man stared at the teen with such intensity that he started to shift his feet nervously. Eventually the middle aged man spoke with a deep and booming voice. “Boy, welcome to Tethys. It is tradition that newcomers try their hand at strengthening the field that protects this place. Gaius?”
Merlin’s master bowed his head again. “I give permission, my lord.”
Archmage Archimedes’ lips twitched into what Merlin thought was a smile, but he could not be sure. “Good. Come then, both of you, and step back onto the pattern. I have no wish to run up and down stairs today.”
They did as they were asked and Merlin found himself in a small, circular room that had no doors or windows. They stood on another circular pattern of silver, but this one was slightly different. In the middle of the room was a large white crystal that spun slowly about three feet off the ground. It gave off a faint blue light.
“Merlin,” Gaius gently said and drew the teen’s attention. “Close your eyes and concentrate. You have seen Tethys and the field that protects it. Try and feel with your power through the crystal and strengthen it.”
“But I can’t,” Merlin whispered back, fearful of looking like a fool in front of the impressive Archmage, who seemed to be looking thoughtfully at the crystal, ignoring them.
The professor smiled encouragingly. “Just try.”
Merlin gave a small sigh and closed his eyes. He felt a thrumming in the back of his head almost immediately and he pushed with his mind as he concentrated on the crystal. He did not know how, but he felt that it was ancient and…and…it was slowly dying, its power dwindled. Through it he sensed the centuries old stones of the castle and the hundreds of people in it and, finally, the force field of pure magic that protected it. The teen felt power well up in the pit of stomach and chest and then his mind seemed to be burning with it. As he extended one hand towards the crystal, his eyes still closed, he released the pent up energy and fell down onto the cold stone and his rump. In shock and fear he opened his eyes and saw that the crystal span at an incredible speed and its light nearly blinded him. He looked up at the two men in apprehension. “Sorry?”
They both looked with shock back him.
“You,” started Archimedes and had to clear his throat to start again. “You make no incantation and have no focus and yet you accomplish a thing that was last done in the time of legends. Even I could not do such a thing.” The man composed himself then and straightened his shoulders. With a smile he turned to Gaius. “Apprentice?”
Gaius chuckled. “I new he had some power and his dream walking is surpassed anything I have heard of. He also has befriended powerful beings, my lord, as is evident from the ring and bracelet he wears, but I did not think it possible of such a display of power.” The old man smiled proudly at the teen as he helped the boy up.
“Back on the pattern, if you will,” said the Archmage. “I will give you a tour of Tethys and then we will have tea in my personal study. Afterwards, you may return to Earth, for I am a busy man.”
As they stood next to the large man, he put a hand on Merlin’s shoulder, who looked up at the touch. “Thank you my boy. You have done House Hermes a great favour and it will not be forgotten.”
Merlin smiled nervously. “Erm, it was nothing.”
Archimedes barked a laugh and let the teen go. They appeared in the middle of a courtyard where several men and women were about their business. Some were dressed in black robes and some wore modern clothes, usually the younger ones. They acknowledged the Archmage with a nod of the head and went back to their tasks.
“The main library first, I think,” and Archimedes led then up some steps to two large wooden doors.
Before he followed the two men, Merlin looked up as others were starting to and saw that the force field seemed brighter. Amid excited chatter he rushed to join the two magi and smiled. He had done that, all by himself.
The apprentice had never felt so confident.
* * *
The three cousins crouched low before the camp fire, their hands outstretched.
Bjalar looked to the youngest. “Narthri, if not one of your famous stews then at least a song to warm our hearts. You are a minstrel after all!”
The younger dwarf laughed. “No song will protect us from this snow, my lord.”
Bjalar scowled, which made both cousins laugh. He hated being reminded of his heritage and of his duties back at Erebor. At the Lady Anharadeth’s instruction, they scouted out the foothills of the Misty Mountains to see what goblin movements there were in Eriador, but they had encountered little of the foul creatures.
The second oldest of the three, Dugnar, suddenly stood and took up his shield and axe. Narthri picked up his mace and lighter shield while Bjalar looked around in alarm. “What do you sense, cousin?”
“The shadow encroaches onto our camp, or my old eyes deceive me.”
“Not only your eyes, Dugnar, for I see it too,” answered Narthri.
Bjalar looked back and his eyes widened. “By Durin’s beard!” Before him his two fellow dwarves were fading from view. “What sorcery is this?”
“Perhaps Officer Arthur calls us, though when he left this world it was in a cocoon of rainbow lights.” Dugnar’s voice grew faint. “”I have a bad feeling about this.”
“I will head for Rivendell and send a dove to the Lady, though I like this not. Take care, both of you.”
“And you, my Lord Bjalar,” came Narthri’s good natured reply and then the two were gone from Middle Earth.
Bjalar made to break camp, all the while his mind full of worry. As he was about to trek through the darkness to the valley of the elves he heard a lone cry of a wolf, which was answered moments later by another. He hefted his shield before him.
“Good. I was getting bored,” the guardian of the Lonely Mountain muttered.
* * *
Leon used the key Morgana had given him and let himself and Gilladrin into the apartment.
“I sense magic in the air, Sir Leon,” said the elf and the lupine hunter took out his gun.
A petite woman dressed in a short green dress came into the hallway and stopped short, her look of shock flickered just a moment on her face. A pleasing, seductive simile was soon etched onto her features. “Leon, Gilladrin. Arthur has spoken a lot about you two. What a pleasure.”
Leon lowered the gun and smiled stupidly, but the elf laughed and stepped in front of him, blocking the hunter’s view. “Your tricks of the mind will not avail you here, my lady. Leave in peace and it will go well with you.”
A scowl marred the woman’s beauty. “No, not of the Fey, but something close. A Sidhe lord perhaps or something close to it.”
Gilladrin bowed low and the mirth in his eyes did not fade, though he smiled no more. “Once again I say thus, my lady; leave in peace while you can. My friend here, I believe, is quick in action and you endanger my lord Arthur. Leon’s fealty is strong, as is the love I hold for my adopted brother.”
The woman reached out a hand as if to touch the elf gently on the cheek, but then thought better of it. “Very well, whatever you are, but know that he is mine. All mine.” With a gentle and triumphant laugh, the stranger swished passed them and out through the front door.
Leon breathed a smile of relief. “She…she was beautiful. Er, don’t tell Morgana I said that.”
“Not a word, sir knight. Come.” With that said the champion of Lothlorien led the lupine hunter into the living room of Arthur’s spacious apartment and saw their friend lying on the white leather sofa. The blonde was naked and gazed up at the ceiling as he drooled with a soppy smile on his face.
Alarmed, Gilladrin went to his side and felt for a pulse, his hand to the throat. “Sir Leon, perhaps a brew of that coffee concoction is needed here to stimulate his heart. Ai, if only I had athelas leaves here, but that foul brew will have to do.”
Leon darted for the kitchen. “On its way,” he mumbled.
The elf took off the jacket of leather that Morgana had bought him (she had insisted on dragging him through half of the city to buy his wardrobe) and draped it over his friend. When some of the black coffee had been coxed into the blonde, his eyes seemed to focus on the two arrivals and his smile faded somewhat.
“She’s gone then, for now.”
“Yes, my lord prince.”
“Er, I’m naked?”
“That bitch bewitched you Arthur!” Leon nearly shouted, relief and concern (for Merlin Gilladrin surmised) thick in his voice.
Arthur shot up and held the jacket around his waist. He pointed an accusing finger at the hunter. “Don’t you fucking dare say that about Sophia. I love her.”
Gilladrin made a small placating gesture with his hands and smiled. “Of that I am certain, Arthur, but perhaps it would be wise to accompany us back to your sister’s abode. For I warrant that you would not or should not be alone this night,” The elf’s voice took on a sing song tone and the blonde seemed to relax at the words. “It would also do well for you you to collect Gilgalad and your vest of mithril. I sense…I sense something not right in the air. I have not my sister’s talent, but a foreboding shadows my heart.”
Arthur hesitated. “But Sophia might come back,” he said with a pleading whine. Leon looked disgusted, but he hid it fairly well.
The elf placed a reassuring hand on the blonde’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze and the musical lilt to his voice did not leave him. “My lord, my brother in arms, I fear we have need of you. I beg you, come with us. I hope my concern is for nought, but I fear otherwise.”
Slowly, Arthur nodded his head and walked towards his bedroom as if in a daze. Concern was on his face, concern for Sophia or what the elf had said.
“You were just saying that right? Just to get Arthur to go with us, yeah?”
Gilladrin turned to the man and his smile dissolved. “This city is alien to me and I feel uncomfortable in it. That is the truth of it. My heart, however, has a deeper feeling that all is not well with the Brewers and I do not speak of my lord Arthur’s strange behaviour. I fear for the worst, my young friend.”
Leon shivered. He had learnt that Gilladrin was the epitome of happiness in the short month that he had known him and this sudden turn of his temperament was unnerving. The man gulped but then squared his shoulders. “I’m new to the Buckland Brewers,” he said, each word gaining in confidence, “but I know that we’re a fucking force to be reckoned with. I say, bring it on.”
The elf suddenly laughed and the lupine hunter’s heart lifted. “Even beyond the borders of Middle Earth, the heart of Man is a force to be reckoned with. Your courage fortifies mine and I am glad for it.”
Arthur then came back into the room. He was dressed in a russet overcoat which was embroidered in gold at the cuffs and hem. Over a white, open necked shirt and black woollen trousers tuck into sturdy but scuffed boots was a large grey hooded cloak. The pommel of the legendary sword Gilgalad poked up from behind one shoulder. “Let’s visit my harpy sister then.” At a raised eyebrow from Leon, the blonde simply said; “I am an officer of the Buckland Brewers first.”
At a laugh from Gilladrin, the three left the sterile apartment.
* * *
Mani looked over at the twins. Fenryck and Fenrey were fighters of Bree and the captain of Rohan was glad for their company. The mines of Moria was not a place to be alone. The three had helped the dwarves to retake part of that ancient mountain city and were now travelling back to the Hollin Gate, eager to see daylight once more.
Dwarves were busy going about their business and barely noticed the three men amongst them. The stone doors of the Gate were open and Mani breathed in fresh air for the first time in two months. His eyes squinted against the dying sun as they stepped out onto the rocky shore of a black pool and he saw an elf maiden in a russet frock coat bow low before them. The blonde bowed in return.
“Mae govannen, Brewers of Buckland,” she said in a most gentle voice.
Mani smiled. He had missed female company. “My lady, you know of us and we are at a disadvantage.”
She laughed. “Yes, the Lady Anharadeth warned me about you. I am Runekeeper Tanwen and am here at Myfanwy’s request. She thought you would be in danger, though it haunts Moria readily enough.”
One of the twins, Fenrey Mani thought, clumsily bowed before her. "The lore master is well?”
“Aye, faithful of Bree, and so is her lover, Lord Cynan.” The man shifted his feet nervously and Mani felt sorry for him. He too had once been taken in by the elf maiden’s beauty and had clashed with the hunter of Mirkwood over her, but that was now water under the bridge. “They were both hale when I saw them last.”
A faint shadow was cast over the four and the captain at first thought that a cloud had blocked out the sun, but the sky was clear.
“I sense great evil and sorcery at work,” Tanwen cried out in alarm.
“The Shadow or a Black Rider?” Mani did not fear the Necromancer or his lieutenants, but he would prefer facing them with more Brewers about him.
The elf did not answer for she was cut off by shouts of alrm from several dwarves. “You fade from view!” one shouted and Mani could see his surroundings lose their colour. He drew out his two handed sword and the twins redied their blades as well.
As all became dark, Tanwen reached into the bag at her hip and took out a rune. With a whispered word it started to glow brightly, but, besides the four, it illuminated nothing. “I sense we are moving, but I know not in what direction.”
“Well, whoever is behind this had better have a good reason,” said Mani, lightening the mood. “I was looking forward to a supper!”
Their laughter was swallowed up by the blackness and the blonde captain of Rohan tightened his grip on his sword.
* * *
“How is she?”
Anharadeth looked up at the guardian of Lothlorien and smiled weakly. He still had his armer and weapon from his practice with Cynan. “I have some hope, my Lord Aneirin. Your sister is strong, though what visions took hold of her so I know not.” The worry did not go from his face and the noblewoman’s heart reached out in sympathy. “I feel powerless as well and I wish it was otherwise.”
The elf warrior looked with alarm. “My lady, your hands!”
She looked down and saw splinters from her shattered staff embedded in her skin. Anharadeth had ignored the pain when she had carried Myfanwy into the house. “I will get Aldrhod to tend to them later.”
“Let me,” he said softly and knelt in front of her. He took tweezers and salve from his half-sister’s case beside her bed and tenderly saw to Anharadeth’s wounds. “Ever since their father died of old age, thus I have looked after Myfanwy and Gilladrin.” He cleared his throat, embarrassed. “I would do the same for you, if you would let me.”
The lore master saw him in a new light, not only one of steadfast resilience, but of gentleness and…love? It was her turn to clear her throat and she stood. He did the same. “I thank you, my lord. Perhaps…” her voice trailed off as she noticed motes of dark dust start to swirl about the elf. “No! What assails the warriors of the Brewers so? Take care, Aneirin. Come back to me.”
She did not hear his reply, for he faded from view.
Word Count: 3604
Rating: R (violence and Merlin tends to swear, a lot)
Disclaimer: Owned by Shine, BBC, with a nod to Tolkien Estates. Please don’t sue me, I’m only playing!
Warnings/spoilers: none in this bit.
Summary: The boys strive to overcome hardship and save worlds from destruction
Back stories (with all the links) can be found here http://welshinnit.livejournal.com/2011/04/22/
2.
Merlin looked down at the apprentice spell book. He had read every page many times over since the professor had given it to him and had tried to do a few simple ones (moving an object from one side of the room to another, for example), but as usual nothing happened. It did not help that his thoughts kept drifting to Arthur and what he might be doing. The love, the hurt, the pain of rejection was ever present in his heart and he vainly wished the emptiness he felt would go away. He sighed for what seemed like the thousandth time that day.
“You are thinking of him again,” said Gaius with so much sympathy that Merlin felt his heart constrict.
“Yes.” The teen said hoarsely.
Gaius sighed and closed the large book he had been reading. “Morgana has told me some of it, but tell me in your own words.”
Merlin looked up and saw that the old man was genuingly interested. He decided to keep it short. “We argued, he met someone else, he’s moved on; there’s not much more to say. We keep hurting each other, so perhaps it’s for the best.”
Gaius raised one eyebrow that made the teen squirm in his too large armchair.
“It was sudden, I know, but I’ve only known him a few months. Well, many months if you include the travelling we’ve done on other worlds. He can find someone better…better than me. I’m not much of a catch.”
The professor coughed at that and put the book down on a small round table beside him. “Merlin, believe me when I say that you are quite unique. Only a few of the most powerful magi can dream travel and visit other worlds. From what you have told me, you have gone further and actually transported yourself and others to these worlds. Coupled with the fact that you have met the older powers and have received potent artefacts from them,” he indicated the twisted ring of silver and iron and the silver bracelet that Merlin wore, “and I would conclude that you are very powerful indeed. In fact I would go further and say that you are a ‘catch’, as you put it, and Arthur is the prat you aptly describe.” Gaius tapped his finger on his knee thoughtfully for a few moments. “Perhaps he’s enchanted? He is rich and famous in his own right and it has been known to happen. An emotional shock would do the trick.”
“Er, like a kiss?”
The professor narrowed his eyes. “I said an emotional shock, not some fairy tale lip sucking!”
“It’d explain a lot I suppose, about the enchantment thing, but I wouldn’t know what to do.” The beginning of a whine started to form in his voice and he abruptly coughed it away. He was an adult not a love sick girl. Merlin thought of the way Arthur called him that affectionately and his heart grew heavier. “It’s hopeless.”
The professor abruptly got up from behind his desk. “Defeatism is not what I expect from an apprentice of mine. Come on, time for a distraction and to bolster your sense of worth. Let’s visit the centre of the great House of Hermes.”
Merlin, his interest piqued, also stood and followed the old man from the study. In silence they walked down several oak panelled corridors until Gaius stopped in front of a door like any other. He opened it and the teen could see nothing but blackness.
“Hold my hand, Merlin and don’t be afraid.”
Merlin did as he was told and the professor gently pulled him through the doorway. Instantly he found himself on top of a tall square tower that overlooked a castle complex. The sky was black and peppered with glittering stars, but his attention was drawn to the rings of Saturn. He then noticed that over the castle was a shield of glimmering blue light and below ant-like figures scurried about their business. Beyond was a plain of what he assumed was ice. Throughout all this he simply gaped.
“House Hermes’ main Academia of Tethys. Not the real moon of Tethys, of course, but a copy in the Deep Umbra. Now, step from the pattern plate Merlin. We have been noticed.”
Merlin saw that he stood on a circle of silver glyphs that had been inlaid into the stone and he quickly stepped aside. As soon as he joined Gaius’ side, a tall and well built man in black robes appeared. He had a trim black beard and hair and he looked at the two from beneath bushy eyebrows.
Gaius bowed his head. “My lord Archmage Archimedes, I would like to present Merlin Emrys.”
The man stared at the teen with such intensity that he started to shift his feet nervously. Eventually the middle aged man spoke with a deep and booming voice. “Boy, welcome to Tethys. It is tradition that newcomers try their hand at strengthening the field that protects this place. Gaius?”
Merlin’s master bowed his head again. “I give permission, my lord.”
Archmage Archimedes’ lips twitched into what Merlin thought was a smile, but he could not be sure. “Good. Come then, both of you, and step back onto the pattern. I have no wish to run up and down stairs today.”
They did as they were asked and Merlin found himself in a small, circular room that had no doors or windows. They stood on another circular pattern of silver, but this one was slightly different. In the middle of the room was a large white crystal that spun slowly about three feet off the ground. It gave off a faint blue light.
“Merlin,” Gaius gently said and drew the teen’s attention. “Close your eyes and concentrate. You have seen Tethys and the field that protects it. Try and feel with your power through the crystal and strengthen it.”
“But I can’t,” Merlin whispered back, fearful of looking like a fool in front of the impressive Archmage, who seemed to be looking thoughtfully at the crystal, ignoring them.
The professor smiled encouragingly. “Just try.”
Merlin gave a small sigh and closed his eyes. He felt a thrumming in the back of his head almost immediately and he pushed with his mind as he concentrated on the crystal. He did not know how, but he felt that it was ancient and…and…it was slowly dying, its power dwindled. Through it he sensed the centuries old stones of the castle and the hundreds of people in it and, finally, the force field of pure magic that protected it. The teen felt power well up in the pit of stomach and chest and then his mind seemed to be burning with it. As he extended one hand towards the crystal, his eyes still closed, he released the pent up energy and fell down onto the cold stone and his rump. In shock and fear he opened his eyes and saw that the crystal span at an incredible speed and its light nearly blinded him. He looked up at the two men in apprehension. “Sorry?”
They both looked with shock back him.
“You,” started Archimedes and had to clear his throat to start again. “You make no incantation and have no focus and yet you accomplish a thing that was last done in the time of legends. Even I could not do such a thing.” The man composed himself then and straightened his shoulders. With a smile he turned to Gaius. “Apprentice?”
Gaius chuckled. “I new he had some power and his dream walking is surpassed anything I have heard of. He also has befriended powerful beings, my lord, as is evident from the ring and bracelet he wears, but I did not think it possible of such a display of power.” The old man smiled proudly at the teen as he helped the boy up.
“Back on the pattern, if you will,” said the Archmage. “I will give you a tour of Tethys and then we will have tea in my personal study. Afterwards, you may return to Earth, for I am a busy man.”
As they stood next to the large man, he put a hand on Merlin’s shoulder, who looked up at the touch. “Thank you my boy. You have done House Hermes a great favour and it will not be forgotten.”
Merlin smiled nervously. “Erm, it was nothing.”
Archimedes barked a laugh and let the teen go. They appeared in the middle of a courtyard where several men and women were about their business. Some were dressed in black robes and some wore modern clothes, usually the younger ones. They acknowledged the Archmage with a nod of the head and went back to their tasks.
“The main library first, I think,” and Archimedes led then up some steps to two large wooden doors.
Before he followed the two men, Merlin looked up as others were starting to and saw that the force field seemed brighter. Amid excited chatter he rushed to join the two magi and smiled. He had done that, all by himself.
The apprentice had never felt so confident.
* * *
The three cousins crouched low before the camp fire, their hands outstretched.
Bjalar looked to the youngest. “Narthri, if not one of your famous stews then at least a song to warm our hearts. You are a minstrel after all!”
The younger dwarf laughed. “No song will protect us from this snow, my lord.”
Bjalar scowled, which made both cousins laugh. He hated being reminded of his heritage and of his duties back at Erebor. At the Lady Anharadeth’s instruction, they scouted out the foothills of the Misty Mountains to see what goblin movements there were in Eriador, but they had encountered little of the foul creatures.
The second oldest of the three, Dugnar, suddenly stood and took up his shield and axe. Narthri picked up his mace and lighter shield while Bjalar looked around in alarm. “What do you sense, cousin?”
“The shadow encroaches onto our camp, or my old eyes deceive me.”
“Not only your eyes, Dugnar, for I see it too,” answered Narthri.
Bjalar looked back and his eyes widened. “By Durin’s beard!” Before him his two fellow dwarves were fading from view. “What sorcery is this?”
“Perhaps Officer Arthur calls us, though when he left this world it was in a cocoon of rainbow lights.” Dugnar’s voice grew faint. “”I have a bad feeling about this.”
“I will head for Rivendell and send a dove to the Lady, though I like this not. Take care, both of you.”
“And you, my Lord Bjalar,” came Narthri’s good natured reply and then the two were gone from Middle Earth.
Bjalar made to break camp, all the while his mind full of worry. As he was about to trek through the darkness to the valley of the elves he heard a lone cry of a wolf, which was answered moments later by another. He hefted his shield before him.
“Good. I was getting bored,” the guardian of the Lonely Mountain muttered.
* * *
Leon used the key Morgana had given him and let himself and Gilladrin into the apartment.
“I sense magic in the air, Sir Leon,” said the elf and the lupine hunter took out his gun.
A petite woman dressed in a short green dress came into the hallway and stopped short, her look of shock flickered just a moment on her face. A pleasing, seductive simile was soon etched onto her features. “Leon, Gilladrin. Arthur has spoken a lot about you two. What a pleasure.”
Leon lowered the gun and smiled stupidly, but the elf laughed and stepped in front of him, blocking the hunter’s view. “Your tricks of the mind will not avail you here, my lady. Leave in peace and it will go well with you.”
A scowl marred the woman’s beauty. “No, not of the Fey, but something close. A Sidhe lord perhaps or something close to it.”
Gilladrin bowed low and the mirth in his eyes did not fade, though he smiled no more. “Once again I say thus, my lady; leave in peace while you can. My friend here, I believe, is quick in action and you endanger my lord Arthur. Leon’s fealty is strong, as is the love I hold for my adopted brother.”
The woman reached out a hand as if to touch the elf gently on the cheek, but then thought better of it. “Very well, whatever you are, but know that he is mine. All mine.” With a gentle and triumphant laugh, the stranger swished passed them and out through the front door.
Leon breathed a smile of relief. “She…she was beautiful. Er, don’t tell Morgana I said that.”
“Not a word, sir knight. Come.” With that said the champion of Lothlorien led the lupine hunter into the living room of Arthur’s spacious apartment and saw their friend lying on the white leather sofa. The blonde was naked and gazed up at the ceiling as he drooled with a soppy smile on his face.
Alarmed, Gilladrin went to his side and felt for a pulse, his hand to the throat. “Sir Leon, perhaps a brew of that coffee concoction is needed here to stimulate his heart. Ai, if only I had athelas leaves here, but that foul brew will have to do.”
Leon darted for the kitchen. “On its way,” he mumbled.
The elf took off the jacket of leather that Morgana had bought him (she had insisted on dragging him through half of the city to buy his wardrobe) and draped it over his friend. When some of the black coffee had been coxed into the blonde, his eyes seemed to focus on the two arrivals and his smile faded somewhat.
“She’s gone then, for now.”
“Yes, my lord prince.”
“Er, I’m naked?”
“That bitch bewitched you Arthur!” Leon nearly shouted, relief and concern (for Merlin Gilladrin surmised) thick in his voice.
Arthur shot up and held the jacket around his waist. He pointed an accusing finger at the hunter. “Don’t you fucking dare say that about Sophia. I love her.”
Gilladrin made a small placating gesture with his hands and smiled. “Of that I am certain, Arthur, but perhaps it would be wise to accompany us back to your sister’s abode. For I warrant that you would not or should not be alone this night,” The elf’s voice took on a sing song tone and the blonde seemed to relax at the words. “It would also do well for you you to collect Gilgalad and your vest of mithril. I sense…I sense something not right in the air. I have not my sister’s talent, but a foreboding shadows my heart.”
Arthur hesitated. “But Sophia might come back,” he said with a pleading whine. Leon looked disgusted, but he hid it fairly well.
The elf placed a reassuring hand on the blonde’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze and the musical lilt to his voice did not leave him. “My lord, my brother in arms, I fear we have need of you. I beg you, come with us. I hope my concern is for nought, but I fear otherwise.”
Slowly, Arthur nodded his head and walked towards his bedroom as if in a daze. Concern was on his face, concern for Sophia or what the elf had said.
“You were just saying that right? Just to get Arthur to go with us, yeah?”
Gilladrin turned to the man and his smile dissolved. “This city is alien to me and I feel uncomfortable in it. That is the truth of it. My heart, however, has a deeper feeling that all is not well with the Brewers and I do not speak of my lord Arthur’s strange behaviour. I fear for the worst, my young friend.”
Leon shivered. He had learnt that Gilladrin was the epitome of happiness in the short month that he had known him and this sudden turn of his temperament was unnerving. The man gulped but then squared his shoulders. “I’m new to the Buckland Brewers,” he said, each word gaining in confidence, “but I know that we’re a fucking force to be reckoned with. I say, bring it on.”
The elf suddenly laughed and the lupine hunter’s heart lifted. “Even beyond the borders of Middle Earth, the heart of Man is a force to be reckoned with. Your courage fortifies mine and I am glad for it.”
Arthur then came back into the room. He was dressed in a russet overcoat which was embroidered in gold at the cuffs and hem. Over a white, open necked shirt and black woollen trousers tuck into sturdy but scuffed boots was a large grey hooded cloak. The pommel of the legendary sword Gilgalad poked up from behind one shoulder. “Let’s visit my harpy sister then.” At a raised eyebrow from Leon, the blonde simply said; “I am an officer of the Buckland Brewers first.”
At a laugh from Gilladrin, the three left the sterile apartment.
* * *
Mani looked over at the twins. Fenryck and Fenrey were fighters of Bree and the captain of Rohan was glad for their company. The mines of Moria was not a place to be alone. The three had helped the dwarves to retake part of that ancient mountain city and were now travelling back to the Hollin Gate, eager to see daylight once more.
Dwarves were busy going about their business and barely noticed the three men amongst them. The stone doors of the Gate were open and Mani breathed in fresh air for the first time in two months. His eyes squinted against the dying sun as they stepped out onto the rocky shore of a black pool and he saw an elf maiden in a russet frock coat bow low before them. The blonde bowed in return.
“Mae govannen, Brewers of Buckland,” she said in a most gentle voice.
Mani smiled. He had missed female company. “My lady, you know of us and we are at a disadvantage.”
She laughed. “Yes, the Lady Anharadeth warned me about you. I am Runekeeper Tanwen and am here at Myfanwy’s request. She thought you would be in danger, though it haunts Moria readily enough.”
One of the twins, Fenrey Mani thought, clumsily bowed before her. "The lore master is well?”
“Aye, faithful of Bree, and so is her lover, Lord Cynan.” The man shifted his feet nervously and Mani felt sorry for him. He too had once been taken in by the elf maiden’s beauty and had clashed with the hunter of Mirkwood over her, but that was now water under the bridge. “They were both hale when I saw them last.”
A faint shadow was cast over the four and the captain at first thought that a cloud had blocked out the sun, but the sky was clear.
“I sense great evil and sorcery at work,” Tanwen cried out in alarm.
“The Shadow or a Black Rider?” Mani did not fear the Necromancer or his lieutenants, but he would prefer facing them with more Brewers about him.
The elf did not answer for she was cut off by shouts of alrm from several dwarves. “You fade from view!” one shouted and Mani could see his surroundings lose their colour. He drew out his two handed sword and the twins redied their blades as well.
As all became dark, Tanwen reached into the bag at her hip and took out a rune. With a whispered word it started to glow brightly, but, besides the four, it illuminated nothing. “I sense we are moving, but I know not in what direction.”
“Well, whoever is behind this had better have a good reason,” said Mani, lightening the mood. “I was looking forward to a supper!”
Their laughter was swallowed up by the blackness and the blonde captain of Rohan tightened his grip on his sword.
* * *
“How is she?”
Anharadeth looked up at the guardian of Lothlorien and smiled weakly. He still had his armer and weapon from his practice with Cynan. “I have some hope, my Lord Aneirin. Your sister is strong, though what visions took hold of her so I know not.” The worry did not go from his face and the noblewoman’s heart reached out in sympathy. “I feel powerless as well and I wish it was otherwise.”
The elf warrior looked with alarm. “My lady, your hands!”
She looked down and saw splinters from her shattered staff embedded in her skin. Anharadeth had ignored the pain when she had carried Myfanwy into the house. “I will get Aldrhod to tend to them later.”
“Let me,” he said softly and knelt in front of her. He took tweezers and salve from his half-sister’s case beside her bed and tenderly saw to Anharadeth’s wounds. “Ever since their father died of old age, thus I have looked after Myfanwy and Gilladrin.” He cleared his throat, embarrassed. “I would do the same for you, if you would let me.”
The lore master saw him in a new light, not only one of steadfast resilience, but of gentleness and…love? It was her turn to clear her throat and she stood. He did the same. “I thank you, my lord. Perhaps…” her voice trailed off as she noticed motes of dark dust start to swirl about the elf. “No! What assails the warriors of the Brewers so? Take care, Aneirin. Come back to me.”
She did not hear his reply, for he faded from view.