Don't throw a tantrum, Jade--I wrote you another chapter !!! Here it is!!

Chapter 29

Once they were both in the shelter Tai closed the flap behind them. He pointed to a pile of cushions by a fire pit where a small fire burned. "Sit there," he directed.

Legolas obeyed warily. "What do you want from me?" he asked.

"I have no intention of hurting you. Kai and Jasia were very determined in their defense of you and the others. They made it very clear that we would have to kill them if we harmed you," Tai said. He laid down so he could look directly into the Elf's eyes.

"Then why have you brought me here?" Legolas asked calmly, refusing to advert his gaze.

"Why do you care about centaurs being taken and forced into servitude as gladiators, elf?" Tai asked, coppery eyes boring into Legolas'.

"No one has a right to enslave anyone and Kai and Jasia are as much my family as my birth family," Legolas replied.

Tai held out his hand. "Give me your hand," he said firmly.

Legolas did and the Shaman examined his palm then picked up a dagger. Legolas instinctively tried to pull his hand away. Tai tightened his grip. "No, do not struggle," he said. He made a cut in Legolas' palm then turned his hand palm down. The shaman caught some of the blood in a small bowl and laid it aside then released Legolas' hand.

Legolas pulled back. "Why did you do that?" he demanded.

"That is not your concern," Tai said. He tossed some unfamiliar herbs on the fire and a bittersweet smell filled the shelter.

Much to Legolas' concern his vision started to blur. He tried to gain his feet and toppled sideways. The last thing he saw was the Shaman's copper eyes before he lost consciousness.

Tai nodded in satisfaction then picked up the bowl he'd caught the blood in. He added several crushed herbs and powders then chanted softly over the mixture for several minutes. Using a twig for a brush, he painted a symbol on the Elf's forehead then painted the same one on his. He chanted again and both symbols faded as if they'd never been there.

"Shaman--may I enter?" a voice called.

"Enter, Sarin," Tai called. He laid the bowl aside carefully.

Sarin entered, glancing over at the unconscious Elf. "It is done?" he asked.

"It is though I wonder if it was truly necessary to do the ritual," Tai said.

Sarin looked grim. "We have to protect the few of us that are still free. We must be cautious and use whatever methods needed," he said. "The elf will not be damaged if all goes well."

"I just hope all does go well for all our sakes," Tai said and shook his head.

Legolas was taken from the shelter by one of the Centaur guards and taken to one where Jaisia and Kai were staying.

**DRAMATIC DRUM ROLL!!** On with the cliffies! I love 'em!! R/R!!!