Sigh--sorry-fan fiction net was down again when I got home from work, but I'm going on as fast as possible…

Chapter 36--No Time To Grieve

Just as the deathblow was about to connect the soldier jerked and a sword burst from his chest as he was ran through from behind. Legolas scrambled back just in time to keep the corpse from falling on him. "Arwen!" he cried.

Arwen looked at Thranduil's body. "I am sorry, Legolas," she said. She offered her hand to help Legolas up.

Legolas nodded and carefully removed the royal seal his father wore, placing it around his neck for safekeeping. He then allowed Arwen to pull him to his feet.

The fight was dying down as the surviving soldiers of Xandir fled for the dubious safety of Darrin's fortress. A lot of people were dead on both sides.

"The others?" Legolas asked.

"Are fine," Arwen said. "Come, I imagine Aragorn will want to know you are safe."

Legolas gave his father's body a final mourning glance then followed Arwen to where the others had gathered.

Jaisia hugged Legolas fiercely. "I'm so glad you're safe," she said. She pulled back at the grief she sensed through the bond. "Legolas…?"

Legolas took a shuddery breath. "My father is dead," he said softly. Tears filled his eyes, but he forced them back.

Jaisia understood. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

Legolas took a deep breath. "There is no time to grieve, we must finish this," he said. "Do we strike at the heart, Aragorn?" he asked.

"Indeed, it's the best way to destroy the beast," Aragorn said. He turned to the armies and began yelling orders briskly. Some of the forces would stay behind to tend the wounded and guard them from harm. The rest gathered and headed for the castle.

Jaisia came up beside Legolas, offering silent comfort and support to her soul-brother. She knew how much he hurt. "He'll be avenged, Legolas," she whispered.

When they reached the gates they were met by a messenger. "Lord Darrin demands you leave this city at once," the messenger said haughtily.

"And I demand he surrender at once. He started this by the assault on Prince Legolas, the kidnapping of my daughter and the murder of my sons. I will not leave until he does this. If he does not I will be forced to destroy his soldiers and his castle. Tell him that and I shall waste no more words with his lackeys," Aragorn said coldly.

The messenger cursed and rode back to the gates which opened enough so he could enter then boomed shut behind him.

"He'll never surrender, father, he does not care if all the soldiers and innocents are slaughtered," Sandi said. "I know him all to well."

Just then screams and cries of pure horror sounded from behind them as one they turned to be confronted by a sight so horrible they were frozen in disgust for a instant.

"Oh, Elbereth, nay," Legolas groaned.

"Sick bastard!!" Gimli growled.

The bodies of the slain--allies and enemies alike were rising with weapons in hand and advancing to attack the horrified armies. Their eyes glowed with unholy life as they approached.

"NO!!!" Sandi screamed. "I will NOT allow you to do this!!"

Mwahahahaha!! I have an evil mind!!! R/R please.

There will not be any weekend updates for awhile because I will be attending Renaissance Festivals for a few months…. This weekend until the final weekend of September, but I will update during the week. I'm considering doing a Drizzt Do'Urden fiction next. You guys will read it--**Puppy Eyes**-- Right?