Please forgive my long delay in updating. I hope you enjoy this new chapter.

Chapter Ten: Taurus

"You are a fool!" Arcon screamed, "You have just given away the most important thing you had against Thranduil. Now he will be able to figure out your motives, you have no trump card to play any longer."

"Silence, Arcon. It was my secret to tell and I told it. Into the hands of the King I have placed the next move. The pieces are in motion now and I fear none can stop it any longer." Varyar sighed. "I did not wish it to come this far, how have come into this moment?" His whisper was meant to be to himself, but the ears of an Elf are never to be underestimated.

"How did we come to this, you ask? By cunning and guile, by our wits and our resourcefulness." Arcon stared into space, his dark eyes reflecting the light. "Soon, we shall have all we desire," he turned and regarded Varyar with a subtle glare, "and you shall have all that by rights is yours."

Varyar was alone in the dark of night, or so he thought.

Celepharn was faced with a difficult decision. Ahead of his lay the lands of Eryn Lasgalen, realm of Prince Legolas friend of his own King Elessar. Normally he would have no fear of approaching the elven land, but now he was not so sure. So many men have died with wounds appearing to be made by an Elf.

Aragorn had bade him to find out more information from the Prince of these lands and he would not disappoint. The matter of gaining such information might have to change. The Captain turned to his men.

"I go alone and I do not want to hear any objections. I think it best if I attempt to enter alone and speak with Legolas. They would be less wary for I have visited here before. Stay here for all things holy, keep on your guard!"

The Captain left alone, approaching the gates with no little fear in his heart. Aragorn was still in camp, but they could not risk him on this mission.

The distance was not far and soon the man found himself in front of an armed Elf guard.

"Your business in these lands?"

Celepharn bowed slightly to the fair haired Elf in front of him, "I come to speak with Prince Legolas. Your Prince is friends of my King and has always welcomed men into his company. In the spirit of what this land was founded on, I ask to be allowed to enter." The man didn't know if his plan would work. To his surprise, the Elf stood aside.

"You are welcome here so long as you are unarmed. We have been wary of your kind of late and must seek to protect the Prince."

Handing over his only weapon, a sword at his side, the man proceeded and was shown to the room where Legolas sat alone.

Legolas sat in a large chair and for the first time since Celepharn had known him, the Elf looked tired.

"Prince Legolas, a Captain of the land of Gondor is here to speak with you."

Perking up at the announcement, Legolas stood and quickly walked to the man.

"You are welcome in these dark times, Celepharn. I remember your last visit when Aragorn came by on holiday. You must tell me all that's happened." Legolas turned to the guard, "Leave us, please."

Once they were alone, Legolas spoke quickly in hushed tones.

"There have been murders here, my friend, of a most terrible nature. Elves have been dying and dying hard. I have no explanation, but many believe it is the work of the hand of man." The eyes of the Elf drove straight into the man with a great intensity. "I know it is not Aragorn's doing or even in his knowledge, for he would tell me if he knew anything. Tell me, do you know anything?"

The man shook his head, "My King is deep in despair, for men have been killed, though to us it looks to be done by the hand of Elves. Specifically, elves of your realm. Aragorn wishes to speak with you, he is nearby."

There was silence then as another Elf stood in the doorway.

"Is all in order, Savinis?"

The elder nodded, "All is as you commanded."

"Legolas, what is going on?"

"I am taking back what is mine. I cannot sit idly by while an Elf overcome by madness brings despair to these lands."

"You are going to fight against Varyar, whom you appointed."

Legolas sighed, "I hope not to have to fight Varyar, only Arcon, for I believe my advisor will know what to do when the choice is laid out before him."

A choice was laid out before Varyar at that very moment. A human he did not know stood before him, smiling with a most unpleasant manner.

"I know you are high ranking. Do you ask how I got here, for the answer would most likely confuse you ever further than you already are."

The Elf's eyes stayed focused on the mysterious figure before him, yet his mind was darting around for a way out. Varyar was unarmed, yet this man had in his hand a sword of the world of men. In addition, though, on his back was strung a blade of a familiar design, an elvish blade, if only he could place it's owner.

"What do you wish?"

"Ah, the direct approach, I love that in a victim. Do not fear, I shall soon remove all mysterious when I remove your life from your body." The man walked forward, however though unarmed, the Elf he faced was an experienced fighter.

Varyar stood tall, "You will find that I shall not prove an easy kill."

"Come now, when they find your body, they will have no idea. No idea I killed you, just as I killed all those other elves and men. For soon both your lands shall go to war and I shall profit more than I could ever dream. You now lead the army, so your death will be the beginning. It will throw everything into turmoil and when I next slay your Princeling, my task shall be completed."

"Who are you?"

"Since you are going to die anyway, why not tell you," the man smirked, "I am Tieced."

Just as the large man was about to pounce, Arcon entered the chambers.