[littlemanpoet]

If you value the life of your sister and friend, you will stop where you are, and come no closer.

Raefindan heard the words in his head, as clear as if they had been spoken aloud, and he knew who spoke them.

"I know this voice!" said Amroth, harshly. "Tharonwe!" Amroth's lips tightened; Echo's head dropped, and the group halted. His and Erbemlin's eyes narrowed to suspicious slits.

So I am called by those who seek to besmirch my honor.

"You have none, skulker! 'Tis mere cowardice that prevents you from showing your face!"

Nay, 'tis wit. Do you think me a fool to stand before three Elves without defense? That would be no fair fight.

"The swamp elf," Raefindan said, looking all around him. He could not see the speaker at any distance. "Where is he?" Next moment, he saw in his mind, Mellonin, alive and awake - and bound and fearful. The swamp elf stood next to her, and there were foul looking, lank haired and diminutive humans in loin cloths, their teeth sharpened to points; they eyed Mellonin hungrily.

Amroth said nothing. Erebemlin spoke. "Release the captive." Amroth waited, his eyes cold and dark.

I do not think you are in any position to give me orders, Lorien Elf. Tharonwe raised a sharp knife to Mellonin's face. The little men licked their lips hungrily.

"You have never taken orders, faithless one. For that you shall answer, " said Erebemlin.

Beware your words, for the sake of this sister and friend. Thraonwe's knife inched closer to her face.

"To whom is this one sister?" asked Amroth.

"She is your sister," Ravion said with some vehemence. "Do you not know her?"

"She is no sister to me," Amroth replied dismissively.

"Your faces could be mirrors!" Ravion said, his voice rising.

In Raefindan's mind's eye, Tharonwe turned to Mellonin; tears ran down her face. Did you hear, my sweet, how he disowns you? Her eyes closed tight with the pain.

"The body you wear, lord," said Erbemlin.

Yes, Mellondu, young Gondorian blacksmith, you have been occupied in the same fashion that the former Dark Lord sought to occupy your homeland. Is your will your own, or are you at the mercy of your own dark lord?