Epilogue
Alcandir was in need of starting another job. He had returned home and spent a couple of months resting and catching up with his friends and surrogate family. The time was an enjoyable and much needed retreat. It was something that the bounty hunter hadn’t done in years. He had been too wound up in his work to take such a break.
But, the job had called to him and eventually Alcandir wanted nothing more than to be venturing the lands and doing what he did best. There were always men who were wanted by either the Gondorian or Rohirrim law and he had no qualms about helping them.
Some days he wondered about Medero and what he was doing now. He had hoped that the man had given up slave driving, but new that he wouldn’t be able to return to bounty hunting in Gondor, there was too much risk that the elf prince would recognize him. He could always speak to Legolas on behalf of Medero, he knew that the Prince would be reasonable, but had decided that it was probably best for the man to stay as far away from him as possible. After all, he didn’t need any competition when it came to his work.
Alcandir had made his way through the various levels of the White City, stopping here and there to look at the wares or have a quick drink. He had bumped into a few old friends and exchanged quick greetings with them before moving on.
Finally coming to the Minas Tirith jail, the man laughed quietly then entered the building. It had been so long ago since he had been here and the last time hadn’t been in the manner he was used to. He was more accustomed to being on the outside rather than behind the bars.
"Well look who has finally decided to return." The guard laughed at the sight of the bounty hunter.
"Hello Daron, any good prospects today?" Alcandir queried as he came to stand before Daron who sat casually, his legs stretched out with his heals resting atop the desk behind which he sat.
"Plenty." Daron answered, handing Alcandir a stack of papers.
Alcandir scanned through the pages and sketches one at a time, reviewing each one. He could never quite figure out a method for choosing a target. Sometimes it was the look of the person, sometimes the extent of the crime they were wanted for but there was never really any determining factors for the choice he made.
Being back in the jailhouse reminded him of the last time he was in Minas Tirith and that in turn reminded him of Legolas. Had the elf survived the journey home? Was he fully healed? He had thought often about the golden elf. He had, never before, taken on a task of such a personal nature. It had been very rewarding, on a personal level, for him to return a loved one to their friends and family. He had briefly thought of a career change, but didn’t think there was much use for a professional rescuer. Besides, the pay wasn’t all that good.
"Oh, I almost forgot." Daron interrupted the bounty hunter’s thoughts. "Lord Faramir was down here about two weeks ago asking about you."
This definitely piqued Alcandir’s interest and he gave his full attention to the jailhouse guard.
"Apparently he knew that you would be coming in soon because he left something for you." Daron swung his feet to the floor, pulled some keys from his belt and bent to the bottom drawer of the desk. Unlocking the drawer, he pulled out a leather envelope and tossed it at Alcandir.
The bounty hunter caught the envelope, untied the bindings and opened it to reveal a thick stack of Gondorian and Rohirrim banknotes. He didn’t count the money but rather pulled out the handwritten note placed on top of the stack.
No amount will ever equal the worth of that which you have returned to us. Many Thanks. -A
Alcandir read the note twice. He was surprised at the personal touch of the letter. There was no seal used and the signature was informal. The bounty hunter would never take advantage of the debt they felt they owed, he had done the job he was hired to do.
"What is it Alcandir?" The look of curiosity on Daron’s face almost made the bounty hunter laugh.
"It is nothing, just a small note regarding a job I did. Thanks Daron, I think I have one here that will keep me busy for a while." He took one of the pages and folded it, placing it in the pocket next to the leather envelope. He then moved to exit the jailhouse but stopped in his tracks and turned back to the jailer, a curious look on his face.
Tucking the envelope back into his coat pocket, he began to wonder about the Elf Prince. The note had not mentioned his condition and Legolas had been so sick whenhe had left the camp. "Tell me Daron, when last I was in Minas Tirith news had reached my ears that Prince Legolas had been abducted. What word is there?"
"The Lord of Ithilien was returned to the city a couple of months ago. He was ill for many weeks and many times word had spread through the city that he had passed.He is well now." Daron paused momentarily and glanced over the bounty hunter’s shoulder. "If you wish to see for yourself." The jailer tossed his head back and pointed to the door with his chin.
Alcandir listened intently to what Daron told him and was surprised by the last sentence. Lifting an inquisitive eyebrow at the young guard, he turned slowly toward the door and caught the tail end of a white horse passing just outside, across the courtyard. With barely little thought and almost on reflex, he hurried to the door and stuck his head out. There, riding through the Citadel gates was a very healthy, happy Elf Prince.
Perched behind Legolas was a ecstatic looking Gimli. The dwarf looked comfortable in his seat and was speaking with a vigor about something that broadened the smile upon Legolas’ face. He continued to watch the two, taking special note of the elf’s appearance.
Small, inconspicuous dark circles still surrounded Legolas’ eyes. He noted as Gimli raised his hand as though to pat Legolas on the back. His hand halted several inches above the elf’s right shoulder and hovered there momentarily, the dwarf then slid his arm around the elf, his gruff, strong hand gripping the elf’s upper arm before the pair continued their lively conversation.
Yet, had Alcandir not known to watch for such things he would not have even perceived anything wrong with Legolas. Legolas glowed, he looked almost angelic and Alcandir found himself staring, proudly at the golden elf as though we were watching his own child or a dear friend.
"He came in asking about you." Daron’s steady voice pulled Alcandir from his observation.
"Hmm?" The bounty hunter was so engrossed in memory he wasn’t sure as to what the jailer was referring.
"Lord Legolas." Daron responded. "He has been in here a couple of times asking about you and inquiring as to when you would be in again."
Alcandir eased away from the entryway and faced Daron, searching for any sign of jest.
"What did you do to warrant the attention of the Steward of Gondor and the Elf Prince?" Daron questioned.
Alcandir turned back to the doorway but remained tucked within the shadows of the building to stay out of sight, his eyes falling on the being who had once been the target of his search.
"Nothing I wouldn’t do again."
A melodic laugh filled the air and it brought a smile to Alcandir’s face, his own laugh echoing the elf’s.
The End