Through the Lies

2

Bang!

     Anniera was woken from a sound sleep by the sound of someone at the door. It was late at night, and they were not expecting visitors.

Bang!

     The company wasn't leaving, who in Eru's name was at the door?

Bang!

     The sound of shuffling feet reached Anniera's ears as her mother went to open the door. It creaked open, and immediately Anniera's mother called her father. Her tone was panicked and her father raced to the front door. Even though the door to Anniera's room was shut, she could still hear her father gasp. Quietly, the child crept over to the door and cracked it enough to listen clearly to the conversation drifting from the entryway before retreating slightly.

"I thought was had more time." 

         Anniera's father was desperate, and the girl did not know why.

"Our master was kind enough to let you be for so long, but now he requests you fulfill your end of the deal."

     The voice of the stranger sounded rough and deep. Soon, her mother chimed in.

"Please! We've only had twelve years! We were promised more time."

"My master said up to fifteen years, not in fifteen years. He wants the girl, now."

"Why does he want to take away our dear Amaryllis?"

"No, not her, Lord Saruman wants the other girl."

"That was not the agreement, he said one of our children, Anniera is not actually our..."

"Silence! He said a child in your guardianship, that includes the other girl, now stand aside."

     Anniera paled. What was this deal, how did it involve he really and her sister, and why in all of Valinor did a powerful Maia want her? She was not given much time to ponder these things before the door to her room burst open. In front of Anniera towered and Uruk-hia. The sheer size of the monster shocked the young girl as she stared up at it. Before Anniera knew what was going on, the Uruk dragged her out of her room and through the front door.

 "Mother, Father!" She screamed, writhing as the foul creature dragged her back to its leader. Anniera watched as her Mother's eyes filled with tears as she stood by while the child's hands were bound in front of her and she was led away. The Uruk leading her tugged violently on the rope, pulling the girl along even as she fought to return to her parents. Anniera finally gave up and, after walking for hours, she was allowed a rest. Despite her grave circumstance, at least she had not changed out of her work clothes, which consisted of a long, dark blue tunic, brown pants, and a thin black belt.

     For the next few days, the child followed the creatures through the countryside, trying to keep up so the rope would not rub against her wrists and make them raw. The conditions were rough, she was given no food and only had limited access to water. Many times, Anniera fell to her knees, barely maintaining enough strength to press on, the harsh bite of the rope reminding her the journey was not over. Harsh storms frequently tormented her, making the road slick and hard to manage. Her feet were bare and bleeding from the innumerable roots and rocks she had stumbled and stepped on. During the few hours she was given to sleep, Anniera cried silently and mourned for the loss of her family and home before she was dragged to her feet and continued on her way again.

     Finally, the tower of Isengard loomed above the small traveling party like a black tidal wave. The grounds were beautiful, but Anniera sensed an evil presence in the stronghold. Upon entering the tower, the girl was met with a seemingly unending stairwell. She stumbled and leaned against the walls to steady herself. By now, her clothing was torn and caked with dried mud. Her hair was dirty from sleeping on the ground and her face was smeared and stained with dirt and tears. At any moment, her legs threatened to collapse underneath her from lack of rest and food.

     After an eternity of climbing and being practically shoved up the stairs, the two Uruks and the small child arrived in the throne room of Saruman.