Eclipse of Hearts ✔

Chapter 63. [Eldinòr]

Carefully he touched his left eye. The skin was sensitive and he felt a swelling growing. Great. It was crazy what he was willing to do for that girl. 
He could only hope his little piece of acting had provoked the right reaction, but it was a while ago he had seen her. He hoped they would hurry a little, for time started to press. He couldn't sail around forever. 
He leaned against the post and took the golden necklace in his hand. The gem in the pendant was green and reminded him of the colour of her eyes. With his finger he touched the polished surface and for a moment he was lost in its beautiful brilliance. It was the only object that was left of her. Everything else that had belonged to her, had ended up in flames.
Somebody bounced at the door and Eldinòr put away the jewel. Even before he had given permission to enter, Philae walked in In his hand he held a letter. 
"It's from Chyndall," the coxswain said and he pointed out the seal. 
Lost in thoughts Eldinòr took the parchment. Raphael had never taken the effort to send him a letter and Eldinòr was curious to find out what had changed his mind. 
He rolled out the parchment and the message he read was short and alarming. 

Alyssae has to return to Chyndall as soon as possible. 
Raphael 

He took a deep breath and folded the letter. What was going on? Had they found the winged child? Eldinòr's heart longed to see the creature. He however expected other, more urging matters. A threat of war? He didn't know why someone would want to call back his daughter in that situation. A sudden death? That made him curious, even though the prospect that Alyssae had to process the umpteenth shock made him feel sad. 
"What's going on?"
"Alys has to go back."
Philae gave him an examining look. "And the dwarf?" 
"I guess he has to come too."
Eldinòr concluded from his face that there was something else occupying Philae's thoughts. 
"Say it."
"I decided to go to Mirkwood."
Eldinòr stared at him. "What?"
"Kíli asked me, to see if Niamh's there."
He had already noticed a bond had grown between the dwarf prince and Philae. Kíli had been trying to sail the ship for a few days now and Philae loved curious students.
"It's been a long time since one of us has been there."
"And that isn't without a reason," Eldinòr grumbled. "If he finds out, he'll throw you in the dungeons."
"Until you have accomplished your last mission."
Eldinòr suppressed a sigh and bit his cheek. Something he was postponing continuously - and he didn't even know what price it would cost him. Maybe Philae should go indeed.
"Fine," he said eventually. "But promise me you will cut off his pathetic head if you get the chance."
Philae grimaced. "I will."