Each step was reluctant and each day that passed made a heavy cloud of dread on Nalmalu's shoulders. Thirteen days passed. Nalmalu's mind was a tangle of questions and anxiety. They came to a sheltered spot as night fell.
Nalmalu scanned the surroundings, listening for noises and looking for signs of the enemy. But nothing was there. She set herself on the ground and looked up at the sky. Stars were twinkling down at her with an encouraging glare. She glanced at Flo who had fallen asleep. A sudden feeling came to her. It was like a wind, yet it was not cold or harsh. It was calm and soothing. It made Nalmalu feel calmer. Then it vanished. Then Nalmalu realised. ‘The Aura’ she thought. She shook her head and closed her eyes.
When she woke the next morning, to her surprise, Flo was already awake and her cloak and pack on her shoulders. She smiled at Nalmalu. Flo had a look of serene tranquillity around her – or was it Nalmalu’s imagination? Then her thoughts returned to Rabbard. ‘It is getting stronger. They sense it.’ Flo certainly did not look like a simple hobbit this morning – but that was because she had rested a while in comfort – that was why she looked different. Nalmalu hoped it was anyway. Still there was something that hung about Flo.
‘Come then, Flo,’ she said, forcing a smile. ‘We must carry on to Mirkwood. See - it is not far now.’
Flo looked ahead and saw in the distance the huge mass of greenery. As they walked on, leading the horses, Flo talked happily to Nalmalu in a lively fashion. Nalmalu felt too anxious for her spirits to belifted by the carefree manner of the hobbit. She felt nervous. Nalmalu’s mind went back to the night before. It was the Aura again – but it was lingering for longer this time.
At mid-day, just reaching Mirkwood, Nalmalu stopped. They had not eaten anything the previous day and both travellers felt hungry. Nalmalu and Flo sat down on the ground and ate a little food in silence. Nalmalu then brought out an old book and studied it for a few moments. Flo decided not to disturb her and stood up.
‘Do not wander, Flo.’ said Nalmalu, not looking up.
‘I am not-‘
‘Then sit down – you need strength – so rest when you can.’
Flo sat down again. She felt restless and wanted to carry on walking, but Nalmalu did not seem to share this wish. Flo picked up a small rock and turned it over in her hands. As she stared at it, she felt energy build up within her. Her eyes were wide and burning. All she could see was the rock, her ears ringing with a rushing sound. She could not bring her eyes from it.
‘Flo – we need to go along the-’
WOOSH!! A purple light filled the area, lighting everything with its colour.
Nalmalu yelled in mid-sentence and leaped to her feet . She looked down at Flo. She seemed weary now or as if she had just run a long way without stopping. At her feet were four pieces of broken rock. She looked up at Nalmalu who simply gaped at her.
‘What …?’ stammered Nalmalu.
Flo looked at Nalmalu, then down at the rock and back up at Nalmalu.
‘I … I ... it was …’
Nalmalu stooped down at Flo and picked up some of the rock. Then she looked into Flo’s terrified eyes. ‘Did you do this?’
Flo opened her mouth. She was shaking. ‘I … I didn’t mean to – I couldn’t turn from it.’
‘And the light – was that you?’
‘I am not sure – yes – but I didn’t mean it, Nalmalu.’ she looked up at Nalmalu, alarmed and seemingly afraid.
Nalmalu looked away. She quickly stuffed everything in her pack and picked it up, drawing her sword as if she thought danger would be lurking around them.
‘Come, Flo. We must keep going.’ She muttered.
Flo stood up shakily but seemed too shaken to walk. Nalmalu sighed and picked her up and placed her on her horse and her pack on Chirrel’s saddle. She took the two horses by the reins and walked on through Mirkwood, looking about her every so often and still with her sword drawn. A while later Flo dared herself to speak.
‘What happened?’ she asked.
Nalmalu did not turn to look at her, but looked to her left through a clearing in the trees. ‘Nothing happened,’ she said, distractedly. ‘You did it yourself. You weren’t aware of it – but it takes a long while to control them and learn to use them properly.’
‘Use what?’ asked Flo.
‘But they will sense them. Especially now. Even I sense it.’
‘Sense what?’ asked Flo, feeling confused.
‘They know how to use them – He will know – and He will use them.’ Nalmalu went on, as if ignoring Flo’s questions.
‘Who? What?’ asked Flo. Nalmalu did not reply. ‘Nal-’
‘Please, Flo. Do not ask me questions yet – now is not the time.’ Nalmalu’s tone told Flo she meant it and Flo stayed silent.
During the afternoon Nalmalu did not stop walking either to rest or to work out a direction. She seemed to know where she was headed. Flo remained silent and did not even ask to be lifted from the horse back onto the ground; she suspected Nalmalu would not agree to this anyway. They went deeper into the forest until the sunlight could only filter through the trees. But this was enough for Nalmalu to follow. Then the few rays of sun sank into darkness. As the night before, stars twinkled over the tree-tops when they stopped. Nalmalu first unloaded Chirrel of the packs and spread out the blankets. Then she took Flo from the horse and set her on the ground.
‘We should not light a fire to warm us tonight – it may lead them to us.’ She explained to Flo. ‘So wrap up in the blankets as best you can to keep out the cold. I cannot sleep tonight – I will stay awake.’
Flo looked at the dark shadow of Nalmalu.
‘Will you tell me now, please?’ she asked, walking over to her.
Nalmalu turned and looked at Flo. She took her shoulder and led her to where the blankets were.
‘Nalmalu.’
‘Come, Flo. You should rest.’ answered Nalmalu, ignoring Flo’s questions. She laid Flo down and wrapped the blankets around her.
‘Nalmalu!’
‘Do not worry, sleep peacefully.’
‘NALMALU!’
Nalmalu looked at Flo who sat up. Nalmalu looked down. ‘Please, Nalmalu. What happened today?’ she asked. ‘You know what I mean.’
Nalmalu looked skywards.
‘As far as I am aware, it was your powers that did it. You cannot yet control them as it takes years.’
‘Powers?’ asked Flo.
‘I cannot tell you as I do not know myself. But they are powers that the Dalde wish to possess themselves. That is why they seek you.’ answered Nalmalu. ‘And if they find you – anything I do - you must forgive me – as there is no other way.’
Flo looked away. She remembered what Ghenbay had told her. ‘Nalmalu must hurt you to save you.’ Did this mean Nalmalu knew somehow they could not escape capture? Knew that it would have to be done – whatever it was? Flo nodded.
‘Now – lie down to sleep. The Aura is stronger so I will stay awake. Do not fret.’ said Nalmalu, pushing Flo down to the blankets again. She wrapped Flo up warmly and then as Flo closed her eyes, she walked away, crouching down, keeping her eyes open and senses alert for any that would come this way.
A dim light filled their camp as early morning sunlight rose, filtering through the trees. Nalmalu had stayed awake all night, yet her concern over-powered her weariness. She turned to wake Flo – and heard a voice behind her. She turned, clasping her sword. Nothing was there.
She walked over to where she thought she had heard it. ‘Who’s there?’ she asked.
No answer. A movement came from her right. Something stood up and looked straight at her. Then she saw someone or something running through trees ahead of her. Without thinking, she ran after them.
She lost sight of whatever it was she was chasing. Perhaps it might have been an elf for they occupied these woods. Still with her sword drawn and all senses on alert, she looked about. Only the pale mist of morning could be seen in the trees. She walked on a little, looking behind the trees thinking perhaps the person was hiding.
‘NALMALU!’
She spun around and looked back along her path. That was Flo. She sounded like she was in trouble. Then a horrible thought took her. While chasing – whatever it was – she had left Flo alone. Alone and unprotected, making it easy for others to find her – giving them chance to take her without trouble.
She turned and ran back towards Flo. Hopefully she wasn’t too late. Please let her be on time, though she knew in her heart it would be no good. She heard a scream that was quickly muffled.
She carried on running and ran straight into someone who wrapped his arms around her.
‘Mel?’ she gasped.
He laughed. She stared at him. ‘Let me go!’ she spat at Melodious and fought free. She scanned the camping place. Melodious placed a hand onm her shoulder.
‘Come, Nalmalu. The Halfling will cause you no more harm. We both have other things to talk about now – don’t you agree?’
Nalmalu turned to him and stared at him. 'And what would that be?' she asked.
Melodious laughed. 'You know what it is, Nalmalu - you know.' he answered.
'No ... I ...' Nalmalu trailed off and backed away. Melodious walked towards her and looked at her closely.
'No??' he grinned. 'Are you denying?'
'Denying it?' asked Nalmalu. 'I do not deny that I have looked - seen! But what is it to you? What is it of your business?'
Melodious laughed loudly. 'What is it of MY business?' he asked. He shook his head. 'Do you not remember who made the deal with you? Do you not remember how I brought you into it - thinking I could trust you to keep your side of the deal?'
Nalmalu pulled away from him disgusted. 'My side of the deal is nothing, I cared not for the deal!' she shouted.
'Ah - but you agreed - and I played my part all the way - but you - you still owe me, Nalmalu - your debt to Dinius has been paid through the halfing - but my debt still has a price.'
'The deal served at it's time. It is nothing now...the halfling is gone now-gone!' she fell silent and then suddenly laughed as another thought struck her. 'And to think that I should pay you any debt at all, Mel! I am no fool! For did I not see? I saw the look in your eyes! Once the halfling was gone I knew what you would do! Well now is the time - though I doubt that you have the courage to do so.' she sneered.
Melodious's eyes flashed with rage, but he remained calm in his speech.
'No courage?' he asked, drawing his sword. 'I have killed before, I have caused endless suffering on some - what makes you different?'
'What makes me different?' laughed Nalmalu. 'Are you blind? Time passes and your mind decieves you still! For look! I still have it!'
Nalmalu felt in her cloak and produced a small glass ball. Melodious looked at it for a moment and then sprang to Nalmalu, who stepped aside.
'Give it to me!' he shouted.
Nalmalu laughed aagin.
'Alas for you Melodious - dearest of enemies, for why would you want such a thing? Why would you want it? Why, when you could have the halfling! This is no use without the halfling! And you have sent her away!' she laughed, shaking her head mockingly.
'GIVE ME THE GLINT!' roared Melodious, losing his temper.
Nalmalu held the Glint in her hand and then it disappeared. She looked at Melodious with raised eye-brows. She leaped up into the tree and looked down at him.
Melodious climbed up after her. 'Nalmalu, do not be a fool - I gave you the Glint to clear your debt - it is already cleared - now give back the Glint - it is no use to you now! Give it to me and I will walk away and leave you - never to harm you again.' he said reasonably.
Nalmalu looked amused again. 'Never to harm me again?' she spat. 'Surely that is not inside your nature, Mel? I am no fool! I shall keep this from them! Without it-they will fail! You need it not Mel. And what should you want it for? Mutany is not good you know!'
Melodious looked suddenly desperate.
'My master needs it - you know that - why would I take it from him when I do not have the halfing?' Unless you have come to care for it - which I doubt.'
Nalmalu chuckled and shook her head. 'Caring means death Melodious! Death! And death shall come to thee! If thee does not walk away now. Or I shall have to kill you!' she produced her own sword.
Melodious held out his own sword, ready. Nalmalu jumped from the tree and looked up at him. He followed her down and aimed at Nalmalu, but she raised her sword just in time, preventing him touching her. But he walked her backwards and into a tree where he put all his weight on her.
'You do not know how to use it.' he reasoned. 'Don't know what it can do.'
'And you do?' asked Nalmalu, pushing him away and spitting in his face. 'I have learnt enough.'
'I do not wish to use it myself - they have the halfing - what do you think they will do to her if they do not have the Glint - she will be no use - but they will not let her go - she will suffer - and it will be your fault!' he shouted.
'My fault? If I give this to them then she will be as good as dead anyeway!' replied Nalmalu.
Melodious sighed impatiently.
'But if you don't - think, girl - think what they will do to her - her life will not be worth living - they anger easily - and they will slowly break her down - she will beg for death just to ease the pain - can you see her live like that?' he shouted. Then his voice softened and he held out his hand. 'Yet if you give it to me, she may live - yet if she dies it will be quick and painless - what do you wish?' he asked.
Nalmalu looked straight into his eyes before speaking. 'I wish for death! Death to us all! Let the world envelope us in darkness and we shall fall! Fall to the brink and die!' she yelled madly.
Melodious laughed.
'I am talking about the halfling - do you wish for her to live or die - or live a life of pain and suffering, surrounded by darkness - wishing for the death that will release her from pain.' he asked.
Nalmalu looked away and then said quietly. 'I do not know what I wish.'
Melodious stepped towards her, lowering his sword. 'Then give me the Glint - and the best choice will come true.' he said gently.
Nalmalu looked at the Glint in her hand, and then looked up slowly.
'The best choice you say? Why was it not I that should hand it to Dinius? Why you? He always liked you! For Melodious is it not true? Is it not true that we are family? Or did he not tell you?' she asked.
Melodious looked at Nalmalu, taken aback, but recovered his senses soon. 'It is true,' he answered, nodding his head. 'But we are no closer family than enemies - we have broken apart - but if you give me the Glint - we will come closer together.' he smiled, holding out his hand.
'Closer?' Nalmalu thought for a moment and sheathed her sword.
Melodious smiled, a strange light in his eyes. 'Yes, Nalmalu - think what it would be like to be joined again - live like we once did -remember 10 years ago? Dinius reunited us! And those days they were good-were they not? Think! Doing this small thing could bring us back together.' he smiled.
Nalmalu's lip shook.
'Really?' she asked. 'Then the halfling...will she die?'
'Perhaps - perhaps not - she may live and not remember any of it.' he smiled gently.
She suddenly looked at him suspiciously.
'You wouldn't deceive me would you Mel?' she asked.
Melodious shook his head.
'Look at me - do you see deceit in my eyes?' he asked. Nalmalu looked into his eyes and swallowed.
'We shall prevail!' she said, taking his hand.
Melodious smiled.
'Then come quickly.'
Nalmalu nodded and smiled. 'Yes, I shall keep the Glint for a while longer-then I shall give it to you.' she said.
Melodious dropped his smile a little.
'Do you not trust me?'
'Of course I do brother! But I see no reason to hand it over now.'
He nodded. 'Very well, but come along - we must hurry.'
'Yes.'
