Author's Note: Please accept my sincere apologies at the length of time it is taking me to get this written. I have since the last posting, been sick for two weeks, been in a friend's wedding, had a job crisis and been having an increase of homework. (plus my muse decided to take a short holiday) I will now hide from all the bricks and such which will be thrown in my direction for leaving you guys with a nasty cliffhanger for so long.
Please review and let me know that some are still reading this story. Thank you so much!!
Chapter 9: Death and Rebirth
The flames began to spread closer to the horse's stales, making them panic. The young Elf could hear their words as clearly as any language spoken by man or elf. They pleaded for help, hoping that above all, an Elf would be one who would rescue them from a cruel and undeserving fate.
Suddenly, Legolas could see his father in the chaos in front of him. His father would not lie down to this fate, no, his father would fight against all evils and the dying of any innocent beings. So would his son.
The Prince snapped out of his trance and began to run to the stalls. His hands burned from the heat already on the metal as he released them one by one.
The wildest and most spirited of the horses, a beautiful black stallion, ran to the back of the barn and there used his great strength to kick down a section of the rear wall. The horses and elf ran out the back just before the barn collapsed in on itself.
Mog watched from the front, smiling as he saw the completion of his task, the killing of the annoying little boy. He turned to disappear into the night.
As he walked he thought he heard something, he turned to look down the alley, he saw a giant black horse coming up from behind him. He didn't even have time to gasp before the horse's hooves came down upon his skull.
Legolas stayed in the ally behind the barn for a long time, afraid to move. He knew that Mog was killed in a most awful way, but he was still afraid of things that might come out at him in the night. He did not know what to do next. Then, he remembered her kindness and her knowledge of his secret. He knew she would protect him still, as she had done before.
He bid farewell to his four footed friends and began back towards the cavern, weariness and injury finally catching up to him. His hands hurt from the metal and his chest ached from the smoke. It still seemed that his vision was obscured by smoke. He stumbled into his new home and into Jaden's arms and knew no more. Sleep was more than welcome.
The sun shone into the room and the birds sang a new song, a carefree song that was until now unheard by a small Elf's ears. His eyes opened to new possibilities, the possibility that perhaps he could survive in this strange new world. Perhaps all was not lost and that one day he might reclaim his birthright. He felt a new well of strength come into him from sources unknown. He now had a reason for living, a reason for caring, all that had happened until now was not going to be in vain. For he was a prince first and foremost and when things seemed without hope, he would always find help and the fates coming to his aid.
He rose from his bed and exited his room, seeming to fly down the stairs he searched for her.
"Jaden!" He found her in the kitchens, sitting and reading a book.
"Why, young Elf, whatever is the matter?"
"I have some things you need to know." Jaden put down her book at Legolas' words.
The day seemed short, for soon his story was ended, but the sun had already bid farewell to the day and the moon shone brightly, bringing envy to the stars with its glorious light.
"My young Elf, that is quite a story. What shall you do now? Reclaim your birthright?"
"I'm not sure. Things that were once so clear are now fuzzy and faded. Before, I knew two things, I was a prince and my father would always be there for me. Now, only one is still true. Will it always be so?"
"Oh, Legolas." She knelt before him and stared into his eyes with her piercing vision, "You are still and always be who you were on the day of your birth. You are the prince and shall always be. Ten thousand enemies with ten thousand swords can take that away from you. Always remember that."
In that moment Legolas saw another friend in her eyes, a friend that had similar words, but had to leave him alone in the world. He wondered if he were to ever see her again.
Jaden peered down at her book, "For now, a young Prince of any realm must have proper instruction. Come, you must learn all there is to know about humans and the world you have been born into for all eternity."