*gulp* One thousand and two apologies to my reviewers. I am so sorry it took me this long to get this chapter posted. I have started working and it just sucked up all of my time… still is, but I realized I was facing certain retaliation if I did not post this. So here it is but eLLe is still having computer problems so it is unedited so sorry for the mistakes.

Anyway – thanks for the huge amount of feedback the last chapter received and I would like to welcome my newest reviewers: usula, Legolasluver, Angel of Death and Ammunett.

As always there are personal notes to each of you at the bottom of the page.

Chapter #21 ~ Hail To The King

Legolas lost all sense of everything beyond his mind. One moment he had been conscious of his body, the pain, the helplessness, and the next it was only his inner light and reliving a continuous stream of memories. He felt as if he were being laid bare and shifted through, being analysed section by section dispassionately by some unknown lurking shadow. It was a disconcerting feeling, one that left him feeling violated and vulnerable, and he instinctively fought against it, curling up his soul into a tight ball in an effort to avoid the darkness that caressed it. He wanted to lash out, but lacked the substance such an attack would need, he felt small and very alone.

There was a seductive whisper in his head, one that promised safety if he only opened up his mind to the offered help, and a part of Legolas was tempted to accept this, yet another part warned, though he could not clearly remember why, that this was but a trap. He felt so confused. Nothing seemed to make sense any more and this loss of purpose was enough to send Legolas into a panic. He could see no goal, no event to shape himself around. He was lost and the darkness was so oppressive, so consuming. He could feel himself melting into it, slowly dissipating like the lingering rays of a setting sun into the twilight. More and more of himself was slipping away.

He wanted so desperately to scream his denial, to not fade passively into the void, but to fight, yet the present situation was to real for such wild desires. Hope had lost meaning in this world of the spirit, for hope comes with action, and such a thing was beyond Legolas now. He had no control.

As the darkness pierced his protective barrier, exposing him completely, Legolas' last coherent thoughts wondered if this indeed was death.

Then silence.

~*~

"Treebeard?" Aragorn asked quietly into the nighttime air.

"Hooroom. Yes, ask your question."

"I have a feeling that Pippin and I are needed elsewhere," the statement had been said. Aragorn felt rather guilty for abandoning the Ents at this delicate stage of their planning but he simply could no longer ignore his instincts, and those were currently screaming at him that this was *not* where he was suppose to be.

"Where will you go then?" the Ent inquired simply.

"I think we must head to Rohan. If Saruman has dispatched any of his army it will be to eliminate the people there. You yourself have told us this. I think I must go and help them rally, to hold against this dark tide, until help might arrive."

"Do you feel bound to them because they, like you, are human?" there was undeniable air of curiosity about the question and Aragorn smiled in the light of it.

"Mayhap I do. I also feel that Pippin and I can offer very little in the way of aid in your upcoming battle. We would be sorely out of place in such a conflict. I would like to go where I know my services would be most beneficial."

There was a small companionable pause in the conversation while both looked down at Pippin's small form, curled up into a ball and contentedly asleep, his belly fully after Treebeard had directed them to where they might find food. The Ent had been so abashed that he had not thought of those mortal comforts, and had been apologising profusely since learning of it. Yet now that both man and hobbit were fed and content neither could fault the Ent on this oversight. He had, after all, been organizing his people for war.

"And after Rohan, future King, will you go to your own people, hooroom?" the question was asked softly, not pressing or condescending in tone, merely inquisitive.

Aragorn sighed. Such was the road before him. So many paths; ones he would like to take, ones he was expected to take and the ones that he was unable to take. The ranger was at the crossroads of uncertainty. For all the prestige and power the title of King would give him, he did not want it. He knew he had a gift, a talent to inspire and to lead. He had become more and more aware of it as the fellowship had traveled and through his long years of service with the rangers, but for all that he feared having the power to command the fates of others, to dictate the outcomes of a nation.

"I doubt myself," he confessed. "I am not ready to lead those people."

The Ent chuckled lightly, making his branches rustle lightly, a few lone leaves cascading down to the ground. "Do you feel you will ever be prepared, young one, for who willingly takes on the burden of command without the voice of doubt?"

Aragorn's stray hand reached for the empty spot where the Evening Star once lay, missing the warmth and love the pendant had brought to him. He pondered the question for a long moment trying to form in words his doubts, his fears. "I would not lead an entire people astray. I could not even keep a fellowship of nine on course. How could I lead a kingdom to glory? I feel as though I am blind within this darkness. I would not know where to guild a fallen people, as those of Gondor are. I am not even sure they would have me."

"I think you underestimate yourself, Aragorn," the Ent said simply, his deep voice falling silent for the pause of a few breathes before he continued, "You will achieve much in your lifetime. Go where you feel you are needed and know that we Ents will do all in our power to contain the wizard. I must go and rally my people now, but I hope the future will see that we meet again. May fortune smile upon you and keep you alive."

"And you, my friend, for your aid and your kindness, I am grateful. May we both live to see the age of light dawn."

~*~

The Nazgul lingered in this area like vultures, hoovering above the flat lands that were festering with death. It seemed a fitting place for them, though Boromir wished them a world away. They crouched beneath the undergrowth; dirty, tired and afraid.

I am but a fool Boromir scolded himself. The comment surprised him, for it sounded like something Faramir would say more than himself, a profound inner comment upon the soul. Boromir was not one for doubt; was not built for it, but these times were challenging everything he thought he knew about himself. He was realizing, for the first time, that he was not the man he had thought himself to be. His own deficiencies undermining a confidence he would have once thought unshakable.

The episode with Frodo had troubled him. He too had heard the call of the dead voices in the water, had been in part seduced by their call, but his memories after that were hazy. He knew though, without a doubt that he had failed his companion. They all had failed Frodo, for none of them had been able to act quickly enough to save him, they had left that duty instead to the care of Gollum. So much could have gone wrong, and Boromir still felt somewhat surprised that the worst had not happened. Maybe hope still shone on them.

Boromir smirked. The dwarf was starting to rub off on him.

The Nazgul swooped again, its monstrous mount screeching. The unnatural sound made the hair along the back of Boromir's neck rise and his skin prickle. Beside him Frodo was pail, his eyes unfocused, the ring glowing with its call. Boromir stared at the scene, suddenly enwrapped by the display. He could see the power vibrating off the golden band. He wanted it. He could not ever recall desiring something so much, but yet he stayed his hand, for now his eyes had been opened and beyond the power he could see evil that emanated from it as well.

I am a fool, he cursed himself as he forced his eyes to turn elsewhere. He looked upon Merry next, the young hobbits eyes were dark and his face was set into a frown. He had been so quiet since the company had lost Pippin. Boromir felt somewhat guilty for not trying to help the hobbit overcome his sorrow more. He silently promised himself that he would make more of an effort to help Merry in the future.

~*~

Éomer could watch no longer. He knew suddenly that the time of action had come. He knew that this was the moment the elf had warned him of, that he had asked his help in dealing with, and Éomer could only hope that he was strong enough to do what needed to be done and live with the consequences afterwards.

"Will you promise me something, Éomer, for I have a request to make of you? Should it look like I will fail, falter in my strength, would you see to it that I do not speak? I would not betray my people or this land." the elf had asked and so Éomer would see that this request was granted.

He rose slowly, suddenly confident in what he needed to do. He watched with sympathy as the elf's body convulsed, his fair face still caught between Theoden's hands, an expression of such pain painted onto the features. This would be stopped; now.

The bow that hung at the station was ancient and covered in a filmy layer of dust, but it would serve its purpose all the same. Eomer grasped it, carefully pulling it from the hooks on the wall and collecting one of the finely crafter arrows. He strung it quickly, his eyes following along the sight. May the gods above have mercy upon him for doing this.

He fired.

~*~

Aragorn and Pippin were making reasonable time in their hike. The rolling plains were easy to traverse and the light and clean air livened their steps. It was a welcomed relief after the darkness and hostility of Fangorn. Pippin was in the middle of singing a rather buoyant hobbit drinking song and even Aragorn found that his heart was lightened.

Though he wished for the luxury of a horse.

He must be getting old, a part of him sighed at the thought. He was feeling tired and his body weary, despite the fact that things were looking up. His mind wandered, remembering the comforts of Rivendell, such was a home that could not be compared to any other, and he was privileged in his ability to refer to Rivendell as such. He missed it. Longed for it.

Arwen.

The name came unbidden to his thoughts, but he welcomed it gladly, a small smile turning up the corners of his mouth. The beautiful elf maid whom had pledged herself to him. Her gift and more importantly her love, gave him strength.

I am sorry my hope floundered, my love. In your name I shall not let it happen again, he vowed and out here on the flat plains, with the sun lazily caressing his skin, he could believe such a thing was possible. It would be well, somehow events would shape them selves on their proper course.

"Aragorn!" Pippin was smiling broadly, a small smirk spread across his face. "You were thinking of your lady, were you not?"

Aragorn felt his eyes widen in surprise at the question. He had not been aware that any of the fellowship, save Legolas and Gandalf, had been aware of the attachment between the daughter of Elrond and himself. To have Pippin confront, and be correct on his assumption, of that relationship surprised the ranger.

"What makes you think such a thing?" he stammered.

A wicked grin was definitely forming on Pippin's face now. Smirking loudly the hobbit replied, "Well Legolas does a wonderful impression of you when you are moonstruck, or so he named it, and was good enough to point out such moments to the attention of the rest of the company, though he never gave us details on who this maiden was. Will you tell me of her?"

Aragorn felt his cheeks redden slightly. Damn elf. Clearing his throat Aragorn did his best to respond to the hobbits inquiry. "Well, leave it to an elf to read too much into innocent daydreaming. Elves are romantic, for all they often do not allow people to realize it, which is why all of their songs are either about true love, heroic deeds or nature."

Pippin looked unconvinced and offered a small little knowing smile to his companion. "If you say so."

Aragorn resisted the urge to cuff the smaller being over the back of his head.

~*~

The arrow flew straight and true. Wormtongue gave a loud throaty gasp, his dark eyes widening in surprise momentarily as the arrow took his life. His body made a hollow thudding noise as it collided with the ground.

Saruman snapped out of whatever evil spell he had been engaged in, taking in the newest turn of events in a moment of shocked surprise, his eyes starting to flash throughout the hall in an attempt to discern what had happened.

"Release my Uncle from your fowl possession, sorcerer, or die with him," Éomer's voice rang out clearly, but coated in deadly purpose.

"You would kill you King and kin?" the wizard asked in an amused tone.

"I would release his soul from your torments and I would release my country from your fowl taint. Do not be arrogant enough to assume I bluff."

The wizard glared up at the brother and sister, for Eowyn had risen and now stood proudly beside her brother, offering her silent support in all of his actions. He glanced back at the elf, his desire evident in his eyes, and without further word he reached out again and resumed his spell.

An arrow took his life a moment later.

Theoden, King of Rohan, was dead.

The realization was slow to sink in as Éomer lowered his bow. He felt disconnected from his actions and beside him he could hear his sisters soft cries. He could not bare to look at her for her tears would undo him. The five soldiers in the room all stood silently, their own inaction a reflection of their shock, and the elf... the elf hung limply, his head hanging down upon his chest and seemingly dead.

One of the soldiers stepped forward hesitantly, clearing his throat as he did so. It took him a moment to seemingly build up the courage to speak but when he did his words shocked Éomer. "Majesty, I think I speak for everyone here present when I say how shocked I am that Wormtongue, though it has long been expected that he was of a dishonest character, would take the life of our King. It is only luck that you were here and acted quickly enough to avenge your uncle."

The complete alterations of the events left a deafening silence ringing throughout the hall. The same soldier seemed encouraged by the fact that no one was contradicting him and so he drew his sword, went down on one knee, and spoke clearly his oath of allegiance. "My services and honour upon my King, Éomer son of Eomund."

The remaining four soldiers followed suit, their voices once again renewed with hope.

~*~

Saruman cursed as he was flung from the body of the possessed king onto the hard stone floors of Isenguard. He had had too little time to fully break the elf. The creatures mind had been a swirling mass of confusion and pain, yet it had kept the ring's location so tightly guarded that not even the Istari could pry it out. It had proven to be too difficult! Curse the firstborn!

Saruman growled lowly in his throat, anger swelling from his chest into his limbs. Rohan would pay for its interference, and it would pay with the blood of its people and the razing of its land. The wizard vowed to rip out the heart of that country for its defiance.

This was but a delay, he reminded himself in an attempt to sooth frayed nerves. He had worked for too long and sacrificed too much to lose his goal at this stage. Walking out onto his balcony, staring in self-satisfaction at the sight that greeted him, he vowed that genocide was fated to those who opposed his might.

Rohan would be first.

See, nice long chapter for you all!!! ^_^

I know it is a bit disjointed and I am sorry for that. I kept writing it in sections but this will be that last chapter to take that form. Next chapter coming out not this weekend but the weekend after will focus on Legolas, Aragorn and Pippin and their reunion. The chapter after that will go back to Frodo and co.

I have to do a little self-advertising here so please forgive me for it. I posted a one shot vignette for any who are interested. It is set during the events of the hobbit and involved the sons of Elrond. I promised one of my reviewers I would work them into this story and it is taking longer then I thought it would so I wrote a separate piece for them. It has been humbly dedicated to Artemisa for her wonderful stories involving everyone's favorite twins.

Review Responses ~ all 17 of you!

Cheysuli ~ You have no idea how much I liked the idea of someone pushing Frodo in. It was not what I was thinking when I was writing that scene but after I had gone back and re-read what I had wrote I could see where you could think that. I might just use that little idea (if you don't mind!) because it would add another dimension to that scene, wouldn't it?! I think this chapter must have given you your fix on elf torture, lol.

White Wolf ~ LOL. Yes, I am getting my sadistic "watch the elf suffer and be in pain" fix. I think most of my readers are. This chapter at least does put an end to it but there will of course be recovery angst ahead – not to mention lots of Eomer angst over that whole "I killed my uncle" thing. Angst rocks and writing it is soooooo much fun. *grin* Thanks for continuing to review!

merrylyn ~ Yeah – I thought it was time that Boromir and Frodo shared an understanding. Those two characters are placed at odds in so many fics out there that I thought I might try and make Boromir more of a source of strength. In this one Boromir was tested, and overcame. He just needed more time to see. Eomer does have some issues he is now going to have to sort through. His problem is that he is over loyal and trusts too much in those loyalties, but when push comes to shove he can overcome. I am glad you liked my Legolas torture scene. I was fairly pleased with it as well. I am more pleased for the way the first torture scene in this chapter played out. LOL – glad I am not offending anyone by keeping Legolas scantily clad throughout my story. I have to leave Aragorn and Pippin for a while because I got ahead there and now I have to catch up in other places – but they will be coming back soon – like in this chapter, lol. We will soon have a reunion I think!

evil spapple pie ~ I am glad you passed your exams. I passed all of mine as well - including my chemistry one which was the subject I was worried about, so I am happy. I bet you will be pleased that Eomer and Eowyn finally did something. I hope this story isn't too scary! Do you think I should up the rating? The last thing I want is for it to be deleted because I under rated what it should be! As for a happy ending… I have not thought that far ahead, lol. I tend to write chapters spontaneously with no future idea about where things are heading… it will be a surprise for both of us.

usula ~ LOL – now that I am on my summer vacation I can assure you that updates will be coming weekly. I usually post on the weekends or Monday nights. Sorry to keep you hanging that long but unfortunately I can not write faster, lol. ^_^

Artemisa ~ Hey, I don't think I am going to be able to write the twins into this as quickly as I thought I was going to be able to which is why I wrote you that vignette involving the sons of Elrond. I hope that can help hold you over until they do make their appearance. Sorry about keeping you waiting for updates – I know how frustrating that can be – but exams just would not give me a moment and now work. I will try to keep posting regularly.

MoroTheWolfGod ~ Sorry no Gandalf here to save the day – but you are right – that would have been cool. Aragorn and Pippin are on route and we will have a happy reunion in a chapter or two – so that is something to look forward too. I am glad you have started with HP 2 and I look forward to reading more when you have the time to post. Thanks for reviewing.

sirithiliel ~ Well he wasen't corrupted – I just could not do that to my favorite elf – but there will still be repercussions for what happened. I am glad you are getting excited over this – I am too! *evil laughter* Torturing characters can be so much fun.

Niori ~ Thanks so much for your kind words – I have obeyed – the torture has come to and end thanks to the aid of Eomer. I am glad you found the last scene intense. It got to me too and I was writing the silly thing! I always enjoy reviewing other people's works (especially if they took the time to review me) so think nothing of it. I just want to apologize because sometimes I am slower at reviewing than I am at posting, lol.

Gwyn ~ *pats Eomer on the back* He has been a good boy, hasen't he? Do you think he has earned a cookie for helping out the elf finally, lol. He did not quite chase Eowyn into the room but he did put an end to the torture / interrogation so I think we can all forgive him. Thanks for continuing to review.

Rosie ~ I know I am supremely evil, lol. Glad you approved of my Legolas torture and I will warn you know that I will only get eviler as this fic progresses, lol. But on a serious note thanks so much for your kind words – it means a lot to me to know I am writing on par with some of the other great writers out here on ff.net. Sorry about the wait on this chapter.

Legolasluver ~ Legolas is strong and I do not doubt that in the end he will make it (after many loving get well kisses from his huge fan following!). I am glad you think this original. I don't like using other peoples ideas and I was kind of nervous because I am doing a variation on a story that has been told before. Hope you continue to like it.

eLLe ~ Hail to the beta-reader from the gods! I posted that vignette and then – much to my shame – realized I had not put your name in it as the beta person… so sorry about that!!! So I put your name in my bio page to make up for it and I hope you do not take offence. I am already more then half-way through chapter 22 so I will be sending it along to your shortly. Best of luck with school and hope your computer starts working again shortly.

Angel of Death ~ I understand completely. I am obsessed with Legolas too but try to pan out so that every character has equal attention. I am just so pleased you like it this much and read all 20 chapters to catch up to where I have written. That was a lot of reading! Updates will be coming as quickly as I can post them now that I am on my summer holidays – if my stupid job does not keep me working the insane hours I have been doing.

Peacock Girl ~ Eomer is a man of his word and it cost him a lot to keep Legolas silent. I am glad you liked the added tension the previous scene had with having Eomer and Eowyn be witnesses to the elf torture. I am glad you liked the marsh scene. I loved writing it just because it had that disjointed dream like feel to it. Dreams are fun to write. Weekly posting is here finally (if all goes as planned) – on the weekend or Mondays! My exams went well and I passed chemistry – which is simply thrilling!!!

Ammunett ~ Yes, that was an evil place to leave you hanging, I know, but I am evil and enjoy making my reader suffer! ^_^ Updates will come weekly now but I am sorry for the long wait with this chapter. I had exams and then had to travel home – so I was without internet for a while and then this job came up. I am back now though and will do my utmost to keep these coming out on a weekly basis.

TrinityTheSheDevil ~ LOL – Legolas torture is the best! If you want to read some excellent writers who excel in making our elf squirm then I would recommend "The Hunting Trip" and "Elven Song". Those are two of the best stories out there on ff.net and they both have a healthy dose of Legolas is them. Eomer finally acted – poor loyal and sexy Eomer. Look forward to some angst on his part coming up in future chapters as he deals with having to kill his uncle.