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Chapter Eleven: Libra
"What is going on here?" Arcon questioned to the individuals standing together. A large man appeared to be going after Varyar with a sword.
Tieced saw the intruder, and the long knife he wore. However, his task was too important, he must see the job done! The man lunged towards his target, desperate for the killing blow. Arcon was to his friend's side quickly, for no matter how devious the Elf may have been, he would do anything to protect a friend from danger. Wielding his blade with expert talent, the man was soon defending his life, and losing. The decision to come alone and kill off the next target would prove to be his undoing. Arcon's blade soon rested in the man's chest, a look of shock forever remaining on the dead man's face.
As quickly as it had begun, it was over and the instigator of this entire plot was dead at Varyar's feet.
Arcon ask his question once more, "What was that about." Varyar stared at his companion and began to move towards the exit. "What are you going, Varyar?"
"I must speak with Legolas. I believe I know what is going on."
"What do you know?"
Varyar turned around, "You and I have been pawns, nothing more. A human's quest for power by profit from war is what started this whole thing. If not for that thing," he said in disgust, pointing at the body, "none of this would have happened. You thought it was your cunning, but when one stands back and looks at the whole situation, one sees what has really happened here." Varyar turned at leave, "I must stop this before it is too late."
"My brother?" Legolas gaped. The Prince stood on the fields of Eryn Lasgalen in full armored glory, wearing a small bit of armor but nothing more. He was in front of a field of elves all prepared to fight on the side of their Prince even if it meant fighting their kin. A civil war was about to break; Tieced's dream of war between races had been usurped.
Thranduil nodded, "He has claimed as such and," The King looked humble for the first time in a long time, "more than likely his claim is valid."
"What would you have me do, father? Stand down? If I tell these elves to stand down now, they will fall into despair. They fear war and would not this land used against man, or anyone. Once they have fallen apart they will not be brought back together again."
"I can only beg your forgiveness for this dire situation. This decision is yours and yours alone. I can no longer help you, for now I am also a pawn in this matter. If I were to interfere, Varyar would use his lineage as a very powerful weapon."
Legolas nodded, knowing there was nothing more his father could do to aid him.
"I will face Varyar. There is no going back now."
Thranduil watched in desperation as his son left the room to enter into a great battle the likes of which has not been seen in Middle Earth since the ring's demise.
Arcon smiled as he looked upon the faces of the great army of Eryn Lasgalen. If Varyar were too weak to lead this great army, then he would have to do it for him. His companion had not been seen since that odd confrontation with the human. Probably had gone off to debate more on the situation.
There was no time for contemplation; the time to act was now!
Arcon sat upon his horse facing off the band of deserters who still remained loyal to the royal family. They would be put in their place soon enough and he would evil kill the Prince to see his victory obtained.
Oh yes, the Prince he could easily see. The old white horse for the war of the ring still remained his mount making Legolas unmistakable in front of his followers.
Wasting no time, Arcon rode out to the center of the fields to wait for his opponent.
A lone figure began making his way towards the absolute center of the land.
"Arcon" Legolas muttered to himself.
He spurred Arod on to meet with this Elf who would usurp all they had fought for.
Arcon smiled as he saw Legolas riding out to meet him. This would all end without anyone needing to die and he would have all of Eryn Lasgalen at his command.
He made sure that Legolas did not see poisoned blade in his armor's sleeve. One prick and Legolas would die a quick and very painful death. Without their leader, the army will break apart. Kill the shepherd and the flock will scatter.
"Where is Legolas?" Varyar questioned as he rushed into Thranduil's chambers. The King stood slowly, unsure of what to make of his barging in or his request.
"He had gone to the awaiting armies."
"No." Varyar whispered. Was he too late? Without any respect or formality, Varyar left as quickly as he had come.
They met in the center, Legolas and Arcon. All of the events of late, known and unknown, a plot of one man, a revealing of parentage, and a coups of a army came down to this one moment.
Arcon offered his hand, the blade skillfully hidden so the point was in his waiting palm so the Prince would prick himself before he even had hold of his hand.
Legolas acknowledged the warrior's greeting and extended his hand………