Storm Warning

Take my hand my son,
We'll make it together.
I'm sorry this had to be,
But on my life,
I'll get you back home,
I promise.
Now close your eyes,
Dream of home.

(*)

The cargo wagon bounced down the trail to Bree. Looking behind her Sam looked down at the elf. He lay on his side protectively wrapped around the human. Black hair, that reminded her of the color of ravens feathers, drifted over the child body like a blanket. Turning back around she looked at her friend, Samuel, that got coaxed into taking the reigns. Sam couldn't help but wonder if what she was doing was incredibly wrong. After all they are going to kill a child after all, and make an elf suffer until his dying days.

'It's still a day and a half to Bree Sammy, I would not get to attached.' Samuel warned.

'I can't help it.' Sam whispered.

'I know, but try.'

Bono evilly looked at Sam, and Samuel, he knew they were talking. What about, he didn't know, but he wouldn't allow for it. All he didn't need right now would be a mutiny. Kicking his horse, he trod up to them. Both shut up at the appearance of Bono, knowing full well he had a short temper.

'I advise you two to shut up before I accuse you of being traitors and kill you myself.' Bono paused. 'You don't want to meet a death more horrible then your daughter and your husband now do you?'

Sam dropped her head staring at her hands. So hard she tried to forget about her daughter and husband. Killed by orcs in their own home. The same one destroyed by the storm. Samuel stared sympathetically at Sam, he to lost family members that day. Chuckling Bono rode ahead, taking place back by Vic.

Sam took a quick glance backwards, to see the elf lords eyes looking at her. Unable to take it she collapsed on Samuel and began to cry. Holding a calm poker face, Samuel focused on the road ahead.

(*R*)

"Ow, ow, ow, ow."

Elladan looked up from his chair and at his brother who walked around. He shouldn't have been up walking around, his legs were still in need of healing. Still it was not up to him to tell his stubborn brother what to do. Dropping his arm over the arm of the chair, Elladan stared thoughtfully at Elrohir.

"What Elladan?" Elrohir asked thinking his brother was going to bitch.

"The humans are to smart, were on middle earth would they head to. Some place we would not think they would go." Elladan pondered.

"Easy, if I were human and I kidnapped father, and little brother I would not head towards Mirkwood, or Bree." Elrohir clapped his hands together, quickly running out the door.

Elladan's head shot up as he stared after his brother. Elrohir definitely will regret moving that fast on his injured legs.

(*D 1 3/4 L*)

The now covered wagon approached Bree. Along the way some of Vic's men broke off to serve as a patrol, and to limit the numbers going into Bree. At the gate of Bree, Samuel jumped off the wagon pounding on the door. With how many refugees around from the storm, they would be lucky if they would be given admittance.

'No more refugees,' The voice shouted from behind the wall.

'It's me and Sam!" Samuel called back.

The window on the door opened. 'Long time no see, I'll let you in you are after all are more then welcome here.'

The gate opened, allowing them in, along with Vic's remaining men. The streets were jammed packed with people, so much so that there was barely any room for the cart to pass. Encouraging his horse faster, Vic took the lead. There was someplace pacific they needed to be. A few buildings past the Prancing Pony, he turned them into an alley. Bono then dismounted knocking on a back door.

Slowly the door opened, revealing a fat butcher.

'You finally, put the child in the cellar.' The butcher said closing the door.

Bono nodded leading them over to a small set of doors that hardly looked like they belonged to a cellar. Opening them up he notions for Sam to get them. Gracefully she hops over the back of her seat by Elrond and Estel. Carefully she unwinds the young boy from Elrond.

'Come before they hurt you again.' Sam ordered in a disembodied voice.

Elrond rose with some difficulty having inability to use his hand. Vic grabbed him by the arm pulling him the back of the wagon, shoving him towards Bono. Who in return shoved him into the cellar not caring when Elrond fell. Sam cringed a little, knowing Elrond must have broke something in that fall.

'Careful Sam, long way down.' Bono teased.

Sam walked past Bono, holding Estel close to her chest. She leapt down carefully down into the cellar, cringing at the distance she fell before she hit ground. She stood momentarily not moving, letting the pain slip form her legs.

'Be careful human.' Elrond spoke, voice pained.

Sam grunted at Elrond, the light from the open cellar doors disappearing. Walking forward she felt with her foot till she found were Elrond lay, then laid down his son next to him. Right now she didn't want responsibility of a child she knew would die eventually. Walking over to a corner she felt out a small fireplace that all cellars had. For any underground room was usually built for a wine cellar.

Elrond watches Sam carefully as she lit the fire with some empty crates she found. Since Bono talked to her about her family, Sam's demeanor had totally changed. He could do nothing for her though, he had his son to worry about right now.

"Estel, little one, wake up." Elrond whispered to Estel.

'I'm going to get something to eat.' Sam said walking quickly towards the cellar doors.