Daughter of Arnor - Servant of Fate

Chapter Twenty Five: The Refuge of Stones

"He is a friend of bird and beast. But I am a friend of soil and stone." - Thorwen.

2nd September/Ivanneth, 3016, The Woodland Realm.

Everyone froze apart from Thranduil, who immediately drew Thorwen close. His keen eyes observed every dark shadow among the trees for a sign that a would-be assassin might still be lurking there. Bregwen approached him. Her calm exterior concealed her concerns. "Your orders, Hir Aran nin?"

His first concern was to get Thorwen safely back to the Halls. This attempt was a clear and sinister warning that the days of peace were coming to an end. "Detain all the servants and return them to the Elven Halls for questioning. Lady Thorwen and I will go on ahead. Pack everything away carefully and bring it to Lady Celephinniel. She has much knowledge of poisons. And return the horses to the stables." Bregwen saluted, and the Hurscarls put the attendants in bonds.

Thranduil took Thorwen's arm, and they walked towards Lagorphen.

"Surely I can ride back with Calithiliel."

"Lagorphen is swifter, and we must go by a different route to thwart any assassin lurking in the undergrowth. The Hurscarls will return Calithiliel to the stables."

"I will speak with her first. She will not understand otherwise."

Thranduil agreed but kept his eye on Thorwen as he mounted Lagorphen.

"Do you desire an escort, my Lord King?" called Bregwen.

"No, I shall make better time without one." He gave Lagorphen a command, scooped up Thorwen before she could protest, and they rode off at full speed.

Onward they went, faster and faster. The trees appeared to melt into one another, creating a vast tunnel of green and brown. Thranduil's nostrils filled with the floral scent of Thorwen's raven tresses. But there was no time to enjoy this longed-for moment. He kept his arm firmly but gently around her waist to prevent her from falling. She was silent throughout the journey. And he was keenly aware she had never travelled this fast before.

Suddenly, a white streak crossed their path, and Lagorphen slowed. "Noro Lim! Noro Lim!" cried Thranduil. But the Elk ignored his cries. Instead, he slowed to a trot before coming to a halt. "Something is wrong. Lagorphen would never disobey my command."

The Elk stood silently as if waiting for something. Thranduil thought it would be wise for them to prepare for an ambush. Thorwen must have heard him as they unsheathed their blades in unison. If Thorwen was afraid, she did not show it. Her slender fingers tightly gripped her weapons as they both looked about them. The silence was deafening. Not even the birds sang. Then, through the trees, they saw a brilliant white light.

The white doe slowly came into view. Her luminous white fur made her look like a ghost against the many shades of green and brown in the forest. "You see her too?" whispered Thorwen.

"Yes. And not for the first time."

As the doe drew nearer, Lagorphen stirred and blew through his nostrils. Their noses almost touched before she turned and jumped away. Lagorphen followed eagerly, and the couple barely had time to sheath their weapons before the Elk took off. Following the doe with all haste. It was as if he was under a powerful enchantment, but Thranduil did not sense any sorcery.

Onwards, Lagorphen carried them and the sun hung low in the sky by the time he slowed again. Now they were in a clearing, but to Thranduil, it felt unfamiliar. "Where are we?" asked Thorwen.

"I know every tree and glade of this forest and yet I feel I have never visited this place before." The doe stood in the centre, drinking from a small bubbling spring. She looked at Lagorphen and his riders and, with one nod of approval, sprang away and out of sight. Lagorphen paid no heed. He was far too busy munching the luscious grass beneath his hooves.