Oh drat and darn!!! **Blush** You'll hate me for this, but I uploaded the unfinished Chapter 27 by mistake Friday night so reread, okay? There's more to it!! Sigh--hate it when I do that! Guess I should stop updating at two in the morning!!! Of course I'm a tease, Jade--this is a LOT more fun that way!!!

Chapter 28

Legolas managed to squirm free of his bonds then untied Aragorn and Gimli as well. It wasn't much use since they were weaponless and outnumbered, but it would be more comfortable.

Gimli frowned. "I hope they don't harm Jaisia or Kai because of us," he grumbled.

Legolas sighed. "So do I," he said. He played with the centaur charm around his throat absently while he watched the entrance to the shelter.

"Do you think that charm might help us?" Aragorn asked.

"I don't know; they don't seem inclined to listen. Hopefully Kai and Jaisia can talk to them," Legolas said. He settled down flat on his back. "Guess I'll try to sleep."

"SLEEP!!! How can you sleep now?!" Gimli yelled.

"Because I'm tired, what's wrong, stupid dwarf? Do you have important tasks you must deal with?" Legolas retorted.

Gimli shook his head in annoyance. "Crazy damned elf!" he snorted.

Legolas didn't answer. He'd all ready fallen deeply asleep.

Three hours later a Centaur entered the shelter. He looked around then went to Legolas' side. "Get up--you are wanted," he ordered. He scowled dangerously when Legolas didn't move.

Aragorn quickly moved to Legolas' side, fearing the Centaur would lose his temper and hurt the Elf. "He's sleeping. Elves sleep with their eyes open. I'll wake him," he said. He gripped Legolas' shoulder and shook him gently.

It took a bit of shaking, but finally Legolas blinked and his eyes focused. "Aragorn--what is it?" he mumbled.

"GET UP!!" the Centaur bellowed before Aragorn could answer. "They wish to see you."

Legolas stood, giving Aragorn and Gimli a grim look before the Centaur shoved him roughly out of the shelter.

The Centaur seized Legolas by the arm and half-dragged, half-led him across the camp toward a shelter that was slightly bigger than the others. He didn't enter, but he shoved Legolas inside.

Legolas was relieved to see both Kai and Jaisia inside along with two strange Centaurs. "Are you two hurt?" he asked.

"No.. are you?" Jaisia asked.

No, I am well," Legolas said. Except that I'm going to have fingerprint shaped bruises on my arm, he thought.

"Enough," one Centaur said. "You are the one the twins say was adopted into their tribe?"

Legolas nodded. "I am," he said.

The Centaur moved forward and examined the charm. "I am Sarin, chieftain of what's left of this tribe. What do you think, Shaman Tai?" he asked the other Centaur.

"I would speak with him in private back in my shelter if I may," the other Centaur said.

"Very well," Sarin said. He frowned warningly at Legolas. "Do not try to escape or your friends will pay the price. Go with Tai."

Legolas glanced uncertainly at the twins before reluctantly following the Shaman from the shelter.

So you guys like? R/R, please!!!!!