Hi there, here I am with the next chapter….
Chapter 42--Interrogations
Legolas was taken to a large tent and dragged inside. The soldiers forced him to his knees. "We have brought the elf as you commanded, sire," one soldier said.
"Good, leave us," Arathorn ordered. The men bowed and left. Arathorn stood and walked over to Legolas, looming over him. "So who are you, elf and why are you traveling with Aragorn and Boromir? Do you live in Mirkwood?" he asked.
Legolas stared straight ahead, refusing to look at the King or answer.
"I know that you understand me, one of my men heard you speaking in Westrin. Answer my questions or you will be hurt," he said and waited.
Legolas still refused to speak. He shook his head. Rough fingers tangled in his hair and jerked his head back, making him gasp a bit in pain.
"I do not like being refused or defied, you would be wise to remember that. You are a prisoner and I will do whatever I have to do to get answers," Arathorn growled. "Answer me or pay the price."
"My father was from Mirkwood, but my mother was from Rivendell. He died shortly after I was born. I have never been to Mirkwood," Legolas said, hoping the Human would fall for the lie.
Arathorn studied him coldly. "I think you are lying to me, elf," he said and drew a dagger. "Perhaps I will get the truth if I cut off a few of your fingers or perhaps the tip of your ear."
"It is true, I swear it," Legolas said, watching the dagger warily. He would have never lied to anyone except an enemy. There was no dishonor in that.
Arathorn snorted. "So pretty, like a woman, even long hair like a woman's. I can fix that," he said. He began hacking off Legolas' long hair with the dagger until it barely reached the nape of his neck. He then thrust Legolas roughly away.
Legolas landed hard on his back. He laid there helplessly, unable to get up.
Arathorn kicked Legolas in the ribs hard. He kept battering him until Legolas lost consciousness. He called a soldier. "Get this trash out of here, take him back to the other prisoners," he ordered.
The soldier carried Legolas back to the prison tent and dumped him callously to the floor then left without a word.
Aragorn cursed his helplessness. He couldn't help Legolas. The Elf was bruised and battered. Both eyes were blackened. His nose and mouth were bleeding and who knew what other injuries he had suffered.
Qui strained against his bonds, but they refused to give. He couldn't speak, but his anger and concern were easily read in his eyes.
Two hours later Legolas opened his eyes with a groan. He almost wished he hadn't regained his senses. He still ached all over from the beating, but thankfully no bones seemed to be broken. The bruises would heal soon enough.
"I am sorry, Legolas," Aragorn said.
"It is not your fault," Legolas said. He could have healed himself, but he knew it would be a bad idea. It was better that Arathorn knew nothing about his ability. "He is a cruel tyrant, I see why you ran away from Minas Tirith now."
Footsteps approached the tent. "Oh Elbereth, not again," Legolas groaned.
Arathorn entered the tent. "I see you have awakened, did you enjoy your nap?" he asked Legolas with mocking courtesy. "That was mild compared what will happen if you do not cooperate. I will give you until dawn to reconsider your position," he said and left.
"What did he want?" Syri asked.
"He wanted to know who I was and if I was from Mirkwood," Legolas said.
"What did you say?" Boromir asked.
Legolas told them. "But I do not think he believed it," he said.
They were silent after that and finally they fell asleep one by one. Legolas was awoken by a sharp kick in the ribs. "Up, elf--King Arathorn is waiting," the soldier said. Once more Legolas was taken away…..
Mild torture this time, but it will probably be worse…..R/R please!!
