Previous Table of Contents Next
Aeärwen's Little Bits - 39. Rescue
I knew something had happened. The oppressiveness lifted, as if a heavy protection had been withdrawn and a weakness exposed; the air itself grew lighter, with hints of painful, freshness. The dark ones forgot me, forgot us all; their snarls now were for one another.
Then the dark ones left me utterly alone. For the first time in any memory I wanted to examine, there were no whips, no cudgels, no pincers, no brands. I could hear a dull roar far away; it lasted a long time until all was silent. I was silent too, too terrified to whimper.
Then the stones screamed and the ground shook, and I feared and hoped that the end and blessed release had finally come. But then the dark ceiling above my head opened up, and the cruel sun burned my eyes. I saw but one flash of vivid, brutal blue before I fell with my face to the floor, screaming.
Their hands were gentle, but gave as much pain as the dark ones had. Once more I was denied release to Mandos' Halls. I know not how to live in this new world, and those who found me will not let me die.