Sorry Knight Kiwi-got enough characters to deal with. Jade-a sequel is in mind….thanks for answering my questions everyone---I'm glad everyone liked the revised Chapter 25 (I did!!) Next chapter is served!!!

Chapter 27

Jaisia stirred and opened her eyes. She looked around then spotted Legolas. She rose and walked over to him. "You should be resting. Your watch is long past over," she said softly. "I could take over for you."

"I am not tired, besides I do not believe I could sleep with my concerns weighing so heavily on me," Legolas said.

"So much for a pleasant ramble," Jaisia sighed. She laid down, pulling Legolas down next to her. "If you won't rest then we'll watch together, little brother."

Legolas smiled. "You have a kind heart, Jaisia," he said.

"I'm afraid, I'm ashamed to admit it--I don't know what to expect anymore," Jaisia confessed.

"Only a fool isn't afraid--true bravery isn't stupidly charging into something. It's continuing even though you are afraid," Legolas told her. "You are very brave, Jaisia."

Jaisia smiled. "Thank you for that," she said.

Suddenly Legolas leaped to his feet. He stared into the darkness, every muscle tense. "Aragorn, Gimli, Kai!! Wake!! They are coming!!" he said.

The others were on their feet in an instant. Jaisia scrambled to her feet as well. Aragorn moved up next to Legolas. "Which direction?" he asked.

"We are surrounded," Legolas hissed. He cautiously reached for his bow.

"Do not draw any weapons or you'll die where you stand!" a male voice said from somewhere ahead of them.

"Show yourselves instead of sulking in the dark like cowards!" Aragorn challenged.

Laughter came from all around them and it wasn't friendly. "Very well, bold one," the voice said. The intruders came forward.

"You're centaurs, like us!!" Jaisia gasped.

"Yes like you, but we do not travel with two-leggers, mare," the stranger said coldly. His eyes swept over Gimli, Aragorn and Legolas with distaste.

The strange Centaurs were obviously warriors. They all were well armed and wore armor. There wasn't a female in the group and most of them bore battle scars. Their eyes were cold and cruel.

"Please, we aren't---" Jaisia began.

"Be silent, right now you are all no more then prisoners, disarm them and bind them. Kill them if they resist . We will decide their fates later," the Centaur ordered.

None of them resisted as they were disarmed and their hands were bound. They were prodded into a walk towards the north. After walking until dawn they reached a small camp. Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli were shoved into a shelter, but Kai and Jaisia were taken in a different direction. The lead center scowled at the three men. "If you believe in a higher power you may wish to pray to them now. At dusk you will know whether you will live or die," he said. He left, leaving two Centaurs behind as guards.

BOO!! Like my new surprise? R/R!!!!