The Littlest Warrior

As the Master of the Last Homely House approached the bed that held the body of the injured ostler, his seneschal separated the two healers. Lowering his voice to just above a whisper Erestor spoke through gritted teeth, his eyes squinted, his face contorted in an uncharacteristic scowl, and made his displeasure known as he took them to task.

“In all my long days in Imladris I have never witnessed such an unseemly display of behavior, the moment you have finished with your duties assisting Lord Elrond you will both report to me in my study…be prepared to explain yourselves and under no circumstance is there to be a repeat performance of this outrageous conduct…I trust I have made myself clear?”

Both elves were at once apologetic, with Elwaith speaking first. The usually mild mannered healer’s cheeks flushed a bright crimson as he sought to quell Erestor’s anger. ”I beg your pardon Lord Erestor, please forgive my outburst, it was not my intention to cause dissention or havoc in a space that should be a quiet place of respite.”

“I too must beg your pardon Lord Erestor,” Udalin cut in, “I apologize…I should have been more… understanding…and more reasonable in my approach.”

The two healers looked at Erestor beseechingly, and the seneschal could tell that they were indeed contrite. “It is not I to whom you owe your apologies,” Erestor said in a calmer tone, “our Lord does not need this kind of animosity flowing through the halls of his home – especially not on a day such as this one. I suggest you make your apologies to him,” said the irate little counselor, then leaning in close to the two he added…"at once!”

Turning, the two properly chastised elves made their way to Elrond’s side. As they began to speak, Elrond silenced them with a wave of his hand saying, “Assuage your guilty feelings another time; my concern is here, with Andras.”

The ancient healer sat perched on the edge of the bed, quietly soothing Andras while he gently unwrapped his arm. Udalin stood at Elrond’s side while Elwaith circled around to the opposite edge of the bed. Looking down at the elf he could see the perspiration beginning to bead on his forehead, a definite sign that the painkillers were wearing off. Elwaith quickly took a pitcher from the bedside table and poured a goodly amount of cool water into the accompanying basin. Udalin provided a clean cloth and Elwaith smiled faintly while nodding his thanks as he dipped the cloth into the water and dabbed gently at the elf’s brow. Andras looked back and forth between the three anxiously, and Elwaith knew at once what fears now tried to claim his friend. Gently taking Andras’ chin in his hand he turned the lad’s face toward him and speaking softly did his best to reassure the frightened elf.

“Andras, this is Lord Elrond Eärendilion, do you remember our talk…what I told you about him?”
The young elf looked fearful and near to the edge of breakdown. Elwaith continued to wipe his brow trying to distract the elf as more and more of his arm was exposed to Elrond’s view.

“We have reached Imladris young one…do not let fear take you now Andras, for our fight is about to begin…your champion is here,” then looking up at Udalin he added, “…and he has brought a second…Master Udalin.”

Udalin smiled gently down at the elf and nodded his affirmation, as Elrond finally laid the arm bare. Udalin’s heart fluttered and his breath hitched in his throat as he caught sight of the arm for the first time. He composed himself quickly, but not quickly enough, for both Elrond and Andras took note of his shock. As Andras jerked his head back to check the expressions on their faces, Elrond placed his hand gently alongside the elf’s face and turned it again so he could only look at him.

“Andras, Elwaith is right, you must not lose faith, we have a battle before us and I promise you, we…I will do everything in my power to win this fight. You are not alone Andras and there is nothing to fear, I will be your champion, and…” he added with a smile, “…I am not accustomed to losing.”

“All right then,” he said as he looked to the two healers beside him. “Let us get started. Elwaith, Rúmil tells me that you have brought an herb with you from Rohan, and that you have been using it with some success on the injury.”

“Yes milord, it has given him some limited relief… but it shows great promise milord, I thought that perhaps, with your knowledge…”

“Yes, we will start there. Udalin you and Elwaith get our young friend here out of these travel clothes, see to it that he is bathed and get him into something comfortable. I suggest we use only sleeping breeches for the time being, no sense repeatedly jostling his arm trying to get him in and out of a nightshirt. Udalin send Berach to the kitchens and have Lady Nilya make him a good strong broth, have them bring hot fresh bread with butter and honey, and add some diced chicken to the broth.”

“Yes milord.”

“We must first build up our young friend’s strength,” he said as he patted Andras softly on the chest. Turning his attention back to Andras he quietly added, “Andras, Udalin is going to make you something that will put you to sleep for a short while…” the great elf lord motioned with his head and Udalin raced to do his bidding.

“I do not want you to continue to worry over this, that is my task now - when you awake everything will already have been done, you will be bathed and clean – that in and of itself will make you feel better, and there will be a tray of hot food to fill your stomach. I will allow your friends to come in for a short while to visit with you, and meanwhile Elwaith, Udalin, and I will begin our work to find the answer…to find a cure.”

Turning then to the Lórien healer he said, “Elwaith, once Andras is asleep I want you and Udalin to move him into one of the more private healing chambers…one with a larger bed; make sure he has plenty of room and that there are ample chairs for his visitors,” then smiling down at Andras added, “…I am sure there will be quite a few of them.”

Andras’ voice was shaky, Elwaith’s potion was indeed wearing off, and he fought now to maintain control over the pain.

“Mm.. Milord? Do you think?” unable to hold it back any longer he finally broke down in tears. Elwaith was immediately on his knees at the young elf’s side gently stroking his hair and dabbing at his brow, cheek, and upper chest with the cool cloth.

“Do not weep ‘Dras…do not weep, we are here now, and everything will be all right. Is that not so Lord Elrond?” he said as he looked anxiously to the elder elf.

Elrond looked Andras in the eye as he told the elf the truth. ”I will not lie to you Andras, there is great evil at play here, and magic.” “But evil cannot triumph here in Imladris,” he said as he absentmindedly fingered the invisible sapphire ring on his hand. “And for every feat of magic there is a counter spell, I will find the answer young one…be at peace…whatever it takes, I will find the answer.”