*** " [ " indicates the contents of a written letter. " * " indicates unspoken thought. ***

A/N: Aly, Irena, Song, Arianda, Jan, OrliBloomLuvr, and Elwen thank you soooooo much for the reviews. It really makes my day!!!! :) Jan, I'll try to keep you guessing as to who the culprit is! lol This is my first mystery short story, so I hopefully I can pull it off. I don't want to make it tooooo easy. I like to keep all of you guessing. :D At the same time, I hope that once the puzzle is solved it will make some sense too.

Arwyn, KrystalB2000, and Analorien thank you so much for your comments and for your supportive reviews on the prequel "The Road to Isengard." It means a lot to me that you liked my writing enough to look for more!!

Jocelyn and TK thank you for your steadfast support!!! Hugs all around!! OOO Jocelyn, I hope your finals are going well. Good luck Girl! :)

OK, after all of that… here is chapter 7. Finally a little action and adventure! Enjoy. ~Nebride



"The Caverns of Mirkwood"

Chapter 7

Dark Deeds



[Dear Gimli,

Nay, do not trouble King Elessar. This may be a plot against the throne. But how they have accomplished my Father's illness, I know not. Alede is convinced it is a spell. I intend to do a little investigating tonight and will let you know what I find.

When I return, I will instruct you in the proper way of handling a hawk, and a pony for that matter.

Legolas

P.S. How is your "swelling'?]

*********

Alede ran the brush through her hair one last time and left the balcony, walking back into her room. Her hair was dry after its washing and she felt more comfortable with the blood washed away. A stiff dose of her own willow bark tea and a green spell to go with it had cured her headache. The head wound was healing, though it was incredibly tender.

After leaving Legolas' chambers she'd checked again on the King and made some adjustments to his doses. The extract of poppy was keeping him quiet and comfortable, but she knew she could not keep him on it much longer. The drug would enslave him after a few days. At least in his fogged state he was able to take a little food. The strange lump in his belly had disappeared. Both she and Lomomir had noted that it seemed to change location, almost as if the King has swallowed a small stone the rolled about as the King did.

"But what Thranduil would be doing eating stones, I know not," she said sourly to her reflection as she braided her hair in the mirror.

Legolas had given her much to consider during her bath. She had not known of Lomomir's relation to the royal family. As the King's Healer, he could certainly administer a potion and as the King's brother he certainly had a motive. There was another puzzle as well which she had not mentioned to Legolas. If the King's illness was the same as his wife's, then she too must have been murdered.

*But why?*

Of all of them, Prince Franduil had the most likely motive. Crowns had caused murder before. And while Legolas stated an obvious fact, Elves did not kill other Elves. This just might be a first time.

*Or do they kill in such a way that no one has ever suspected murder before this?*

Alede pondered that thought for a while. *Perhaps this was a first of many.* And if Prince Franduil was the assassin, did his wife Elvothien know of it? Her open manner could be a method of diversion to mislead Alede. Or did the prince plot without his wife's knowledge?

A sound on the balcony made her glance that way. All of her senses were heightened since her fall. Twice during her bath she had been convinced that someone watched her through the window. But she'd seen only trees when she looked out.

Walking cautiously to the balcony, she picked up her staff as she went. Early morning sunlight streamed through the trees onto the balcony. She stepped out slowly, surveying the forest around her. An Elf could easily hid in the dense growth and she'd never see them. Movement to her right caused her to jump but it was only a thrush. It flew away with a flit of wings.

Alede leaned back against the wall, laughing slightly at her own nervousness. Going back inside, she closed the balcony doors. She hated to shut out the sweet morning air, for Mirkwood became stifling hot during the afternoon. But she had to have a little more sleep. Locking both the balcony and the main door with a spell, Alede cast herself on the bed, promising to sleep only an hour.

*********

She had no more fallen asleep when she dreamed of being in deep water and struggled to breathe. Fighting against the currents, she tried desperately to swim to the surface. Frantically her limbs flailed out and her knee struck a solid object.

Alede woke with a start, only to find that the reality was worse than the dream.

She could not breathe.

She lay on her back, pinned to the bed, a heavy weight resting on her chest and something soft and suffocating on her face. Her arms were pinned as well. She tried to scream, but could get no air. She clutched with her hands, but could reach nothing useful and the object would not budge. Just has her lungs were on fire with need of air and her strength was nearly gone, she remembered what her knee had struck. Kicking upward, she bumped what felt like someone's spine. Before the person could shift, Alede kicked again this time with every once of her remaining strength.

Her attacker pitched forward with the force of the blow. The weight on Alede's chest shifted, as did the pillow covering her face. She gasped, sucked in a lungful of air and let out a scream of fury. Kicking again and wrenching an arm free, Alede struck out as hard as she could. Blankets tangled her arms and the pillow still covered her face, but Alede struggled for all she was worth.

Her attacker suddenly seemed to give up and the weight heaved off of Alede's chest. With a shout Alede surged up, only to find herself so entangled in the blankets and pillows she could see nothing, nor could she get loose for several seconds.

In the mean time, someone had begun pounding on her door. Alede rolled off of the bed with a thump, shedding most of her coverings as she fell. Leaping to her feet, she called her staff to her and looked wildly around the room. Ignoring the shouts and banging at her door she ran to the balcony instead. The door was still locked, but as she glanced sideways she saw that the small window in the bathing chamber was open. Alede ran to it and looked out. No one was in sight, but she knew that an Elf could hide right in front of her and she'd never see them.

She scanned the trees never the less. Thick vines grew also around the window. They would make an easy ladder for an Elf.

A crashing sound from the main room alerted Alede to new danger. She raced into the room to see an enormous Elf rising from the splintered remains of her door.

*Am I to be assaulted from all entrances?* she thought incredulously. Without pausing she rushed forward, grasping her staff in an offensive posture. Before the Elf could regain his footing, she stuck him. As he surged defensively to his feet, she danced out of the way of the long knife he carried. She hit him again and he parried quickly with the blade. She felt its impact along the staff and danced back out of range again, only to realize that the Elf was shouting her name even as he defended himself.

"Lady Alede, cease! I am sent here to guard you!"

"What?" she asked in astonishment, lowering her staff so quickly that only the Elf's quick reflexes stopped him from hurting her.

He warily lowered his knife and began again. "Prince Legolas assigned me to have a care for your person. I have been outside your door. When I heard sounds of a struggle from within, I tried to enter, but the door would not open."

"Ahh, well…" Alede blew an errant hair out of her face. "I locked it with a spell. My apologies." She glanced at his knife. "Someone tried to smother me with a pillow. I'm afraid I thought you'd come to help them."

The Elf's eyes widened and he took in the tousled bedclothes. "Where…?"

Alede nodded toward the bathing chamber. "Through the window."

The Elf hurried past her. Alede followed and watched him scanning the trees as she had done. His mouth turned down in irritation.

"I didn't see anything," Alede said. "But I have not the keen eyes of Elves."

The tall warrior turned to her. "Yet even my eyes see only trees. It is true then?"

Alede raised a brow. She didn't know what Legolas might have told him.

"Someone threatens the King and anyone who would heal him?" the Elf persisted.

"Apparently so," she replied. "Tell me your name, if you please?"

"I am called Hithrawyn."

"Hithrawyn, I am glad of your company. Let us make our way to the King. I think it best that I do not leave him since our attacker now grows so bold."

*********

Legolas stood outside his uncle's doorway and listened to the night silence all around him. He'd donned dark hunting garb and a cloak to hide his fair hair. In an inner pocket was a star crystal; a small blue gem that once exposed to sunlight would glow for several hours after dark.

Carefully, he opened the door and slipped inside. He listened for any change and when he heard none, he proceeded with his silent search.

Alede had given him much to think about, though he had not wanted to admit it. But the crown was a very real motive for murder and he dared not trust anyone, even his family. If he could find but one clue, then perhaps he could also find a cure for his father.

Most of all, he hoped to find the book that Alede had carried when she was pushed on the stairs. He'd spent the day in the Hall of Records with the Keeper, questioning the Elf about everything he remembered of the ancient healer's journal. Unfortunately, it wasn't much. But Legolas was certain there was a reason why Alede's attacker had taken it. Even if he found the burned remains of the book in a fireplace, he would know the identity of his father's would-be assassin.

In his own mind, his uncle Lomomir made the most likely suspect, though Legolas was loath to consider it. But Lomomir and Thranduil had ever been at odds and who knew what might have transpired during Legolas' absence?

A slight sound in the bedchamber caused him to pause. His heart pounded as he listened to his uncle's breathing. Lomomir's wife sighed in her sleep and Legolas relaxed a little. They appeared to be dreaming. Though if they should wake, no explanation would ever be sufficient.

He slipped into the main room and examined the shelves carefully with the star glass. There were dozens of books, but none of them appeared to be from the first age. Most were written in Lomomir's own hand.

As Legolas leafed through one ancient volume, his uncle groaned loudly in the other room. Legolas froze. But there was no further sound and after a few moments he continued his search.

The fireplace had recently been cleaned and nothing remained but soot. Frustrated, Legolas prowled the chambers. He dared not enter the bedchamber, for even he might wake them, though his stalking skills were admirable.

After a fruitless search he left.

He searched several more chambers that night, his father's steward, some of the councilors that Thranduil did not agree with… and his own brother's.

Legolas felt sick as he entered Franduil's chamber. He was sick at heart and furious with himself for doubting his own brother.

*I should trust him,* he thought angrily. But Alede had placed a seed of doubt in his mind that would not go away. *And I can not deny that my father is dying.*

Despite his misgivings he searched their chambers anyway. Legolas knew he could never have peace with himself if he did not try all avenues. *At least, I may prove my brother's innocence if I find nothing,* he thought.

Elvothien kept their rooms spotlessly clean and well ordered. If Franduil had the book it would have stood out amongst the tidiness. Legolas was relieved that he'd found nothing. If he could face his brother with out guilt in the morning, all would be well.

He was nearly to the door, when movement alerted him. Ducking into the nearest doorway, he found himself in the children's room. He slipped silently behind the door and waited.

Elvothien came to the doorway, ghostlike in her nightdress. Legolas held his breath and prayed that she would not sense him. She walked in, checking the children who were fast asleep. Tucking the blankets more securely around them, she turned and left with out seeing Legolas in the dark corner behind the door.

He let out his breath, with a soft sigh. While his hunting and stalking skills might be admirable, they were nothing in comparison to motherly instincts. Deciding not to return through the main room, Legolas went to the window instead. He passed the two small beds on his way and couldn't help looking in. The twins were nestled in downy white linens and their faces were soft and peaceful.

Little Elvomir still sucked his thumb when he slept, though he was past the age when most children had given up the habit. Legolas grinned down at his little nephew. He'd missed so much of their childhood while he'd been away.

And while he loved his nephew, little Thrania was the one who tugged at Legolas' heart the most. She was the sweetest, most precocious little girl and he cherished her. That she seemed to love him as much was a blessing. Legolas reminded himself that once he had a chance he'd take Thrania out on Arod. She loved horses and always begged to ride with him.

Turning toward the window, Legolas started to ease it open more when a slight sound halted him.

"Psstt!"

He turned, knowing what he'd find.

Thrania was propped up on one elbow looking up at him, one tooth missing from her wide grin.

"Uncle Legolas," she whispered loudly. "What are you doing?"

"Hush Nia," he said, coming to kneel beside her bed. "I came to kiss you goodnight, for I have not seen you in days."

"I've missed you," she gave him an adorable pout.

"I've missed you too Nia. Maybe in a couple of days I can take you riding. Would you like that?"

She nodded enthusiastically.

"Now you go back to sleep and not a word to your mother about this, alright? If she knew I was in here waking you up, she'd be angry with me."

Thrania's eyes grew large. "Would Mummy spank you?"

Legolas managed to keep a straight face. "She might," he said mock seriously. "So, not a word, alright?"

Thrania nodded solemnly, her eyes huge with the enormity of her secret.

Legolas reached down and hugged her tightly, kissing her forehead as he tucked the linens up around her chin. He received a tiny wet kiss on the cheek in return and grinning, he quietly left the room.

*********

The second night of Legolas' vigil, he roamed the Great Halls in darkness, with no specific purpose. A strange sound in the dungeon had drawn him to the lower caverns earlier, but it had not been repeated. It had reminded him of Orcs, though of course there was no Orc in the Palace. He'd explored the lower regions and found nothing. Though in truth there were corridors and locked doors that even Legolas did not know what lay behind them. The caverns made his skin crawl. Once he'd explored them as a boy, but even then, he'd not been able to endure their closed quarters for long. After only a few moments the walls seemed to close in on him.

Not for the last time, he wished Gimli were here. The Dwarf would march boldly down the steps, berating Legolas for his cowardice and poking into every dark corner without fear.

Leaning against a dark wall, Legolas considered the situation. The second attack on Alede had alarmed him greatly. It meant she was getting too close to the truth. Legolas had assigned Hithrawyn to guard her door. He was an able warrior and very loyal to the family. Legolas knew the Elf would not fail him. Another warrior watched Alede's balcony and more had been posted around his father's chambers.

*But who is it that I protect them from?* Lomomir still seemed the most likely, merely because of the arguments that had occurred over the years. But Legolas could think of no true motive that the healer might have. Lomomir certainly expressed no desire for the crown. He was a quiet, scholarly Elf and cared not for politics.

Franduil made the most sense, as heir. But his brother did not even wish to be crown prince, let alone king. Legolas could not see Franduil giving up his quiet family life for the worries of rule.

And Elvothien would not wish for Franduil to rule either. She wished for her husband to be at home.

Legolas considered the other possibilities. His father's steward and the members of council would gain nothing from the king's death. The crown was hereditary. They could not supplant Thranduil with their own choice, even if they wished it.

*Nay,* Legolas thought. Only family members would gain from Thranduil's death. Of his sisters, only two of them remained in Mirkwood. They were both married, but had no children and their husbands were not eligible to rule.

*Truly, of all of them, I stand to gain the most,* Legolas sighed. *If Franduil were gone as well, I'd gain the power and wealth of Mirkwood. And there is much that I could do with both,* he thought with a shudder, not liking the ways his thoughts were turning.

Many knew of the long-standing quarrels between the King and his youngest son. *Could someone hope to frame me?* he wondered. But once again, he could think of no motive. *Why?* That was the question that he could not seem to answer.

Because he was tired and lost in thought, Legolas almost missed the shadowed figure that crept through the Hall and slipped down the stairs that led to the caverns. Instantly alert, Legolas followed with care.

He lost the figure at the bottom of the steps and stood listening. But he picked up no sound in either direction. Finally turning to the left, Legolas headed toward the treasuries. If this person wanted the crown, perhaps they sought gold as well.

He found nothing, but halfway through his search, he heard that strange keening cry and froze. The sound was not very loud, but it sent icy chills down his back.

Creeping back the way he came, he suddenly saw the dark figure move down another corridor. Leaping in pursuit, Legolas turned the corner, just in time to see the figure move into the wine cellar. Running stealthily, he went to the door, but loose stones beneath his feet announced his presence. The figure ahead turned and saw him.

He was dressed in the same dark garb that Legolas wore and a hood also covered his face. Legolas gave a shout, but the figure sprang away, winding through the huge barrels and racks of wine fleet as a deer.

Legolas gave chase. He rounded another corner and suddenly his feet slipped. He was vaguely aware that a small wine cask had been smashed on the stone floor and it was the dark purple wine that he slipped in. Quick reflexes kept him from going down, but the dark figure had been waiting for him. Before Legolas regained his balance, the attacker shoved over a rack of empty wine barrels.

Legolas cried out as the barrels rained down on him. Shielding his head with an arm, he tried to duck out from under them, but one struck his shoulder forcefully and he was thrown to the side. When the cascade finally ended, Legolas leaped over the splintered wood, running down the corridor where the dark figure had fled. But the diversion had worked too well.

The attacker was gone.

He woke up the Guardsmaster. Then with many Elves and many torches, they searched all of the lower caverns. Another group of guards searched the upper halls at the same time. None of them found a mysterious dark figure or any creature that might make the odd keening sound that Legolas had heard.

Exhausted and furious, Legolas continued his vigil long after he'd sent the guards away.

*********

"Legolas! What are you doing here?"

"Unilyn…" He'd heard her approach, but hadn't known who it was until she rounded the corner. He slid his long knife back into his belt.

"I have been looking for you for two days," Unilyn said with concern. "What are you doing down here?"

"Shh… my old friend," Legolas cautioned and pulled her well back down the corridor that he had stationed himself in. "We must speak quietly. I believe we have an intruder. Someone who wishes to harm my father and I am watching for them."

"Do you mean…" Unilyn gasped, putting a hand to her mouth. The multiple bracelets on her arm tinkled softly. "Do you think your father's illness is deliberate?"

He sighed. "Yes."

"But who could…?"

He shook his head wearily. "I do not know. I've searched for evidence, I've questioned people. I just don't know."

"Oh, you poor dear," Unilyn said sympathetically. She brushed a gentle hand over his brow. "How tired you look. Have you eaten?"

Legolas thought about it. "No, I have not. I had forgotten."

"Then come upstairs and I will get you something."

"Nay, I thank you. But I cannot leave. I doubt that our intruder will come back, but I dare not chance missing him."

"Well, then let me bring something to you," Unilyn said eagerly.

Legolas smiled his thanks. Obviously she wanted to help, but it was not a good idea. If the attacker would harm Alede, he might go after Unilyn as well. Legolas told her this, but Unilyn ignored his advice.

"I won't let anyone see me," she whispered before tip toeing away.

Unilyn was back a few moments later with a plate of cheese and bread. She also had a blanket draped over her arm and they spread it on the dusty floor while they ate.

"Have you heard anything Unilyn?" he asked in between bites. Now that he had food, he realized how hungry he had been. "Anything that would lead you to suspect someone would wish to harm my father?"

"No. But this does explain why that Witch would not allow me entrance into your father's chambers. I'm sure she suspects everyone."

"Alede would not let you in?" he asked. "I will speak with her, for I know how fond father is of you. But I would ask you not to speak of Alede in that manner."

"I am sorry, Legolas. But since Lomomir became ill, she guards your father like a dragon over treasure. I…"

"Lomomir is ill?" Legolas asked with alarm.

"Yes. Did you not know? He was ill this morning, though his wife claims that he has been ill for several days and has been hiding it. The Witch… I mean Alede tried to see him this morning, but his wife would not allow her to enter their chambers."

"But then Lomomir is without medicine!"

"Legolas, he is a healer himself and his wife has some skill…"

Legolas shook his head. "He has not the skill for this. I should go to him."

Unilyn stayed him with her hand. "He will not see you. He will not see anyone for he thinks this illness will spread."

Legolas closed his eyes in weariness and desperation. *Was it contagious?* Alede had not seemed to think so.

Leaning back against the cold wall he tried to decide what to do. What was he missing? There was a vital piece of information that he did not see. What was it? And where was that book?

"Dear Legolas," Unilyn whispered and he felt her snuggle close, wrapping her arms around him. "I have missed you so. If you were back here in Mirkwood permanently, I'm sure you could put everything to right. Everything between us could be as it once was."

The words struck him wrong, as did her cloying affection. She'd been devastated when he'd ended their relationship years ago. But he thought they'd moved past that. And now when he was in need of support and help, she brought up that same old argument.

Gently, he pushed her away. "I'm sorry Unilyn. We've had this conversation before. I thought you'd accepted it. One way or another, I will return to my own kingdom in Ithilien."

"But…"

"I'm sorry," and he couldn't help the coldness in his voice. "Thank you for bringing me something to eat. But I need to continue my watch. Go on back."

She pleaded with him to let her stay, but he refused as gently as he could. Sobbing loudly, Unilyn ran up the steps.

Frustrated, Legolas got up. He nearly kicked the plate as he stood. Not only had Unilyn given away his position, but now he felt worse than ever.

*********

Chapter 8 "Reconciliation" (complete with bathtub scene) coming soon! ;)

List of Original Characters:

Lomomir: Mirkwood's Healer and Thranduil's youngest brother.

Unilyn: A young she-Elf, probably about Legolas' age. She is Legolas' former lover.

Prince Franduil: King Thranduil's second son. He is now the crown prince, due to the oldest son's death in the War of Five Armies.

Princess Elvothien: Wife of Prince Franduil and sister-in-law to Legolas.

Elvomir: Prince Franduil and Evlothien's little boy. Nephew to Legolas.

Hithrawyn: A warrior sent to guard Alede

Thrania: Prince Franduil and Evlothien's little girl. Twin to Elvomir and niece to Legolas. He affectionately calls her Nia.