The IRE of Winter

Chapter 12: PLEDGE TO A MORTAL

Gently, I closed the door behind me. Legolas mustn't know about my mission. I tip toed away from my room and down to the halls. It's too early, but it's better to leave too soon than too late. If I am quick, I may be back before noon and meet Armien in the fields. I hurried out of the palace. Outside, the hall was dim. Sconces and torches lighted the way, turning the view slightly orange and yellow. I made haste, rubbing my palms to warm myself.

It's a freezing morning.

The King said a man will be waiting at the gates, but I wonder if I will be waiting for him instead. My heart suddenly felt a strong anticipation, it pounded, dubbing louder than usual.

I easily made my way to the West gates after a long briskly walk. Two days were enough to familiarize myself in these halls. Few guards past by me but noone seemed to care. Passing through the gates was easier than I thought. At a corner, there was the man the King spoke about. He was a human, in his forties. He was holding something covered in black cloth. Our eyes met, I followed the man to the gates.

He paused upon approaching the huge door and spoke in elvish. The guards opened the door and off we went. It was when we were outside that I realised the man was carrying a small bird cage, inside it was a black feathered bird. A raven. The king must have planned it well. I chased the man until I caught him down the bridge. The West gate is an entance to Mirkwood's stunning river, the Forest River, I heard the elves said, a river of raging torrent and treacherous waves.

It was a river valley running down Southwest. The elves have build barriers for water confinement, it also serves as connecting bridges to move around the beautiful and uneven landscape.

'Hurry, child, while the sun is still asleep,' he urged. His ankle length cape draped to the grass. He was a short man, medium built and his blonde locks touched his shoulders.

I ran after him, chasing his short silhoutte. His torch flickered in the dark sending fragments of fire with the wind. The forest is young and filled with life. Little bugs and forest frogs cried for the night to end. It felt like home. My thoughts travelled back home once again. I remember father woke me up early one cold morning and told me go to grandma's barn. I was ten, I didn't understand what he was telling me. Grandma took me out of the house and we ran to her barn. I did not remember what father told me that time, all I remember was the feeling of excitement mixed with fear. It is strange that after many years, the same feeling has returned.

Cold, I wrapped my arms about myself to keep me warm. Mist have covered the river a little. The sky held countless of bright and sparkling stars. I followed the man as close as I can. 'Mister, where are we going?'I finally asked.

'Come, quick! This way.' He paused and gave me a glance then resumed his walk.

I jogged faster and finally caught up with him. I panted. He walks fast for a short man. We went farther and farther, away from prying eyes. He didn't speak to me until we came to a beautiful waterfall south of the gates. It is about three storeys tall and wide enough to create a huge pool. Lush trees, pines, larches, hazels and bushes help conceal its beauty. We stood for a while gathering our strength lost from the long walk. 'There is a hidden cave behind that flowing waters, such place is perfect for hiding.'

He looked at me with blank expression, but later he managed to give me a forced smile. 'Only a few know this place and those few never visited this cave twice. Come!' He handed the black cloth and instructed me to cover myself upon passing through the water. It's too early to get a shower, I thought, as I wrapped myself with the cloak. The man jumped into the flowing water.

I hopped between rocks and jumped inside. It was lightless and cold, and the air smelled like dirt and rotting leaves. I heard the man's footsteps echoed across the cave, then a spark of light lit up a torch. A sudden chill ran down my spine and it woke my senses. Something feels not right, I sense...danger.