Estel was getting a headache. All he wanted to do was to get home,
but the others decided that they weren't going to do what Estel
wanted. After all, they were older, and, therefore, they did not
have to listen to someone younger.
Finally, Estel had had enough. He stood in his stirrups and
roared "WE ARE LEAVING FOR RIVENDELL NOW!" Legolas almost fell off
his horse. The twins were surprised and startled. None of them had
ever seen this side of Estel. They were so surprised that they
started to ride.
However, Estel knew that they were not home yet. He also knew he
would have to be alert-the others would be watching for a chance to
show him who really was in charge-and it wasn't him!
Suddenly, Elladan made a break for the trees. By this time, Estel
was getting just a little fed up with them. At first, he thought
about just letting them go. However, he knew Elrond would not do
such a thing. He knew that Elrond would get them home, and so he
would do the same.
He simply went after Elladan, grabbed the reins, and returned to the
other two. "All right. Since I know you won't go quietly, I'll just
make sure none of you leave by yourselves." With that, he took the
reins of the other horses and led the three on.
"That's not fair." He heard Elrohir tell Legolas. "I think we should
do something about Estel and the way he yelled at us."
"Like what?" asked Legolas.
"I thought you might know," answered Elrohir.
"We'll just tell Ada," replied Elladan. Estel just smiled and said
nothing.
"Oh, that is just the thing to do," said Legolas sarcastically.
As they rode, the three tried every trick they could remember, or
think up, to get Estel to release the reins of their horses. Estel
was always ahead of them however; due to the fact they were not very
quiet as they talked. They also kept drinking the water, even after
Estel told them to stop.
"It's going to be a long ride," sighed Estel. His headache was
getting worse.
Back at Rivendell, the four elf lords were deciding on the terms of
their wager. Thranduil spoke first. "I believe Legolas will carry
Estel home. Therefore, my forfeit shall be a case of my best ale to
each."
Glorfindel then spoke. "It is my belief the twins will be carrying
both Estel and Legolas home. My forfeit shall be a broach of
mithril."
Elrond just shook his head. "Nay, mellon nin. I will go with Estel
bringing Legolas back. I will forfeit a platter of blackberry
tarts."
Finally, it was the turn of Celeborn. He thought for a moment,
then said, with a little smile, "All four will return safe. If
not, then my forfeit shall be clasps for your cloaks in the shape of
the leaves of Lorien."
The other three looked at him, wondering what he knew that they did
not. However, he just stood there, with an enigmatic smile upon his
face.
"Agreed," said they all.
Elrond said "I had best get medicines and bandages ready." With
that, he turned and entered his study.