Hi everyone--sorry about the delay, but I had a bit of writer's block…

Chapter 23--Memories And Denial

Sandi stared at the portrait for a long time before wrapping it and returning it to its place. Returning to her room, she summoned a certain servant. He came in and bowed. "I want you to arrange a little surprise for the Elf and Centaur. Kill them both!!" she ordered. She know longer wanted the Centaur alive. She would die with the Elf. She ignored the memory the portrait had awakened. It was not true; she knew what had happened-- Darrin had told her.

"How must they die?" the servant asked.

"Whoever you send may do whatever they wish to them, but they both must die," Sandi said. "Now go, spy and find men to carry out the assassination."

"As you wish, future queen of Gondor," the spy said with a mocking bow and left the room. He had the perfect men in mind. He went to find them.

Meanwhile Legolas and Jaisia were hurrying back to Minas Tirith as fast as they could go though Legolas refused to allow Jaisia to push herself to hard.

"We must get back as soon as possible, we can't waste time," Jaisia gasped.

"What good will it does for you to exhaust yourself?" Legolas demanded. "It's getting dark so we'll stop. I do not want to risk you injuring yourself."

Jaisia took a deep breath. "All right, we'll stop for the night," she agreed reluctantly. She knew Legolas was right. They stopped and set up camp; they would continue first thing in the morning.

**Back In Minas Tirith*

The spy moved down the dark streets with confident ease until he reached a rather seedy-looking tavern called The Warrior's Rest. Opening the door, he slipped inside. The common room was crowded and the air was hazed with smoke. He moved through the crowd, knowing the man he sought would be in here. Finally he spotted him at a table in the back of the room. He went over to him. "I have a proposition for you and your men, Garth," he said.

"Sit down, Shade," Garth smirked.

Shade scowled, but did. "I want your men to kill the elfin prince and the centaur," he said. "You will be paid generously. They are outside the city, traveling, make sure you catch them before they can reenter the city."

Garth drained his mug. "It'll cost you five hundred gold for this and I do not haggle," he said coldly.

Shade knew the mercenary meant it. He nodded. "Agreed, amuse yourselves as you wish as long as they're both dead," he said and left the tavern.

Garth smirked nastily after the man. This murder will be most enjoyable, the men and I will enjoy a little sport with the elf before we cut his throat, he thought. He stood and went to get his men and prepare to leave. He was anticipating some real sport from torturing the Elf.

Hahh, Sandi's a nasty wench, isn't she? R/R!!!!! Thanks for being patient!!!