Map
Home Stories Whos who Maps Costumes Recipes References Contacts Spacer
legolas
 

 

Part 21

Legolas examined the repair.

The patch had stayed in place, but its edges were badly puckered.

Breathing heavily, he pulled out the bottle, dipped the brush, and painted a generous quantity of gum around the edges. Then he set to work on the second patch.

Eowyn leaned sideways and, holding the wheel rock-steady, peered into the seeing-tube.

Despite all the weight that Haldir and Arador had jettisoned, and the extra fuel that Master Eldacar was burning, and despite whatever Legolas was doing, hidden somewhere upon the bladder, The Shieldmaiden was still sinking.

“Sir,” she shouted, “Master Eldacar! I think we are about to run aground!”

The scholar responded instantly. “Arador,” he called, “come and take over the burner—keep the flames as high as you can.” He hurried aft. “Let me take the helm, my Lady,”—he grasped the wheel—“you hook yourself to the rail, ma’am,”—he glanced into the seeing-tube—“ah... Yes, I suggest that you and Master Haldir crouch beside the anchor housings, my Lady, shielding your heads with your arms.”

“But... But what about Legolas?” Eowyn ran forward, and leaned out over the bow, looking upwards. “Legolas!” she shouted. “Legolas, you must come down! Quickly, my love! Quickly!

...

Legolas lifted his hand. The second patch, neater than the first, seemed secure. He unhooked his arm from the netting, and began climbing down to the hull.

Legolas!

“Melmenya?”

“You must hurry!”

He looked down, and swore, for his repairs seemed to have made no difference—they were still going to hit the ground. “Melmenya,” he shouted, “get back from the gunwale. Please! Get well back! I am com—” In his anxiety for her safety, he missed his hand hold, and swung out over empty space, legs kicking.

Lassui!” Eowyn screamed in terror—she had seen him slip.

He grabbed the rope and hauled himself to safety, shouting, “I am all right, Eowyn nín!” He knew, now, that there was no time to reach her before they hit the ground. “Please, my darling, do whatever Master Eldacar tells you.”

But Eowyn was still leaning out, trying to see him.

He caught a glimpse of her golden hair, and then her sweet face, and then, very slowly, she seemed to roll over the gunwale and, arms and legs gently waving, to fall.

MELMENYA!” he shrieked.

 

 
snowflakes
back
Map