Chapter 10
Draco shuddered as the Lord gripped his wrist firmly after a few moments of...well Draco did not know what the Lord had done, he was not even sure that they had been honest, but what choice did Draco have other than to simply agree with what he had said and hope that he was being truthful? He was truly in a dreadful spot, and he doubted that it was going to get any better. The thought almost made tears form in his eyes, but he was lucky. He knew he was lucky, he was luckier than he could have been...he was...Draco felt his lower lip tremble as the Lord moved to grab it. Almost as though Legolas had sensed what would happen the Prince gripped him firmly over the shoulders, holding him firmly in place as Draco screamed in vicious pain. Sobs pulled from his mouth, his body arching backwards only to be held firmly by the Prince as he tried in desperation to pull his arm away from the Lord, but it was no use. The Lord remained firm in his grip.
He dissolved into pleading, for mercy, for kindness, for grace, even swearing that he would do whatever the Lord wanted if he simply granted him this kindness of leaving the mark alone. He knew that it was unorthodox, knew that he was being ridiculous and that he would be beaten viciously if not worse should the Dark Lord, or worse his father, find out what a coward he was, but he simply could not help it.
Elrond finally released his arm and he pulled it into himself, curling over it protectively, tears streaming down his face as his body shook from the pain. The Lord looked troubled, deeply troubled, to Legolas' eyes, and it was obvious that he wanted to speak to Legolas alone but was halting given the...harsh reaction that Draco had given.
"Your master seemed to have been quite a cruel one, the marking is made to solely punish, akin to a torture method I believe. You said that you were not the only one branded." Draco shivered, but did not respond, he was not given leave to speak, he could not speak, it was as though his throat had curled up, and his annoying obedience was not to be overlooked by Legolas, who softly ordered him to answer.
"N-No, my...my lord," Draco whispered, almost immediately after Legolas' order. it did not miss the attention of Lord Elrond, who gazed sharply at the two of them. He hummed, softly, and then reworded himself.
"Tell me then, are all the brands the same?"
"I...I do not know, The Dark Lord is not one to give information easily, and holds the cards in hand close to their chest." The words were soft, whispered with a furtive glance around the room. Scared, as always, as ever, and never ending. Though Elrond noticed a glaring fact, before he sighed heavily and tapped Legolas idly on the shoulder.
"I would speak with you," Legolas nodded, barely able to move before Draco's fingers had grasped the edges of his tunic.
"Your Highness?" The words were soft, fearful, but Legolas could do nothing more for him, and it pained him for this. The Prince gently stroked his hair, flattening it and soothing him slightly.
"Stay here, and wait for the Lord's return," He said softly, before pulling away, leaving the boy to drop his hands, his body going stiff with the softly laced command.
-
Legolas knew what the Lord was going to ask. He gave Legolas a pointed look as they were settling into his office.
"The boy has been marked, by a cruel master, who seems to have severely abused him. A marking solely for punishing the user is cruel. The amount of pain laced through his body the moment I touched it was unconscionable."
"We do not know much," Legolas admitted softly, fingers entwining behind his back as he stood stiffly. At attention, Lord Elrond noted with dissatisfaction. "We found him among a group of dwarves who seemed to have taken him against his will, but Father believes, despite his displeasure at it, that the Dwarves were not the ones who turned him into this shell."
"And who, then, does he believe is at fault?" Legolas gave the Lord a pointed look.
"I think you know full well the race he believes at fault."
"I do," Lord Elrond said with a sigh, lifting his fingers to his temples. "And unfortunately this thought has merit. The race of Men did have slaves at a certain point, but the Elves forced an accord with them. Should it be known they have desecrated this accord...I dread to think of the effects." Legolas, however, froze at his description.
"You believe he was a slave?" He whispered softly, a certain level of sadness pointed through his voice.
"I do not just believe. He said he has a master; this is not the words of someone who had any sort of freedom, Legolas," Elrond stated simply. "He also does nothing but by command, surely you have noticed this, since you were the one to command him to speak." Legolas nodded reluctantly.
"Father noticed it as well and was forced to use constant commands to get him to speak, or even eat, I had to as well, on the way here. He refused to even drink anything, even when placed before him, without permission of someone he deemed higher than himself." The last part had Elrond's gaze sharpening on him.
"Deemed higher than himself?" He questioned, tapping his fingers lightly on the desk he sat behind.
"Yes, he did not listen to the healers, nor to the soldiers, or the dwarves, not entirely. So far the only people he has obeyed without question is myself, father, and now you." Elrond hummed softly, thinking.
"Perhaps his master held him in a higher position. It is difficult to know, because we would need more information on this, but do not fear, I can work with it." Elrond stated confidently. "As for the marking, it will have to be removed, though I dread the way it must be done. I will need more information on it, and how it works, and how it was given before I can actually think to do such a thing though, I do not want to potentially damage him."
"There is, perhaps, another thing you should know, Father has not stated I should tell you but...but I fear it is important, if you wish to heal his mind." Legolas began softly.
"What is it then?" The Prince shifted slightly, an uncommon enough situation that it had the Lord of the Homely House straightening.
"We believe his master has..." Legolas paused, pursing his lips and trying to force the words out of his mouth. "Forcibly taken him, in a...sexual manner. Likely more than once."