Let's see now-Knight Kiwi--nah, it wasn't that. Pippin was just the one I thought was mischievous enough to teach Legolas something like that----Don't you agree?… -~_^ Jade, thanks, you flatter me!! Sequel WILL be done!! I promise!!! Here we go, peoples……..

Chapter 39


They came out the door and into the streets. It was late afternoon by the sun and it was starting to set. Aragorn and Gimli rode on Kai and Legolas on Jaisia. They decided to separate into three groups of fifty and rush the front gate. The guards wouldn't expect a flanking attack from inside. The townsfolk had fled to the shelter of their homes so they wouldn't be in the way of the Centaurs.

It worked perfectly. The guards barely had time to react before the Centaurs were on top of them and they were locked in combat. Aragorn and Gimli leaped off Kai and charged into the battle.

Legolas found a vantage point with some shelter and began firing arrows at the archers on the wall. The archers found themselves in a vise. Arrows were being fired from both sides of the wall, but the former Centaur prisoners were having troubles of their own as the shock of their attack wore off. They were outnumbered two to one.

Gimli moved through the mass of combatants. He had all ready decided on his target and it wasn't any of the guards. He was going to get that gate open no matter what the cost!! He finally to got it and grabbed the bar and lifted. It was heavy, but Gimli was stronger then most men. Slowly, but surely the bar was lifted from the brackets. Suddenly there was a sharp pain in his shoulder as he was stabbed. He gritted his teeth and ignored it.

There was a thud of a falling body then Jaisia was beside him and together they pulled open the doors. The Centaurs outside let out a triumphant cry and charged in. Now it was the men who were outnumbered before long they were forced to surrender.

The Centaurs cheered their victory then a well-muscled man on a black stallion entered the city. The guards stared as if they'd seen a ghost. The man smiled proudly. "No, my soldiers, you are not seeing things. It is I, Garth, the rightful lord of Rildar. My brother, Andur, had me attacked when I left the city. My escort perished, but I was found and saved by the very race that was being enslaved. The same race that was blamed for my death!!!! Where is Andur? He is under arrest for high treason! Find him and bring him before me!!" the man said.

The guards immediately obeyed. They spread out to search as did some of the Centaurs. Kai went to Gimli and tended the stab wound while others helped the wounded Centaurs. Aragorn joined the search as well. He was walking pass a man-made pond when he saw a hollow reed sticking from the water. He smirked. Oldest trick in the book, he thought. He thrust his hand into the water and dragged a startled Lord Andur to the surface by his hair then put Auduril to his throat.

"No!! I plead mercy!!" Andur shouted as two guards came over and dragged him from the water then over to his brother.

Garth stared at him, eyes filled with sorrow. "I thought we were close, my brother. You betrayed me and cost seven good men their lives. Many centaurs died as well for no reason except as scrape goats to cover your actions," he said. "Why did you do this?"

"I was always in your shadow and I hated it, hated you!! I wish you had died!! Damn you!!" Andur shouted. "The stupid beasts you befriended were the perfect ones to blame!"

"I'm sorry it has to be like this," Garth said. "Place him in the dungeon--at dawn he will be executed for treason by beheading. All of the centaurs are free to go with my deepest apologies for what they've suffered."

Two guards led the former lord away and the Centaurs began to file from the city. Tai came over to Legolas. "I am sorry for deceiving you, but it had to be done. We would have never succeeded if not for you," he said. "All I can do is ask for your forgiveness."

"Remove the spell and we'll consider the matter closed," Legolas said.

Tai touched Legolas' forehead and chanted softly. "It is done," he said, lowering his hand. "Good-bye, king of Gondor and prince of elves." He gave the group a nod and followed the other Centaurs from the city.

Lord Garth came over to them. "I offer you the comfort of my home for the night then tomorrow I will give you horses and supplies for your journey home," he said.

They accepted gladly and at dawn they mounted their horses and headed back to Gondor-- together.........

THE END

Well---all done folks! Did ya like the end or did it stink? Please R/R….. I'll redo the end if it isn't suitable--at least I'll try to redo it, but I kind of like it! Thank you once more to my faithful reviewers!!!

Stars light your path!!!