Author's Note: Please forgive my taking so long in posting this chapter. I have been quite busy and undecided on how to write this. Please review, the conclusion will be coming shortly. (faster for every review I get!)
Thank you for reading!
Chapter 26: Requiem
The sword felt heavy in the Elf's hand, however it did not impair in his advance. The metal almost seemed to become a part of his arm, an extension of his hand, and part of his soul he had been without all those long nights when he stood alone.
Alone, which was also how Kayrel stood, for every one of his leaders were in the field fighting the army of Lord Elrond. He knew they had a fighting chance, for no word of their abilities or numbers had left Mirkwood since the begin of his rule and the warriors of Elrond did not know the forest, as his followers did.
Standing in that great room, where the former throne room stood, Legolas could still hear the sounds from another time echo in his head. The sounds of music and laughter from one of the many balls. The sound of his father's voice telling him not to hide under the throne while he was trying to set law.
He could feel a force compelling him forward as Kayrel approached him. The young Elf could feel the presence of the forest urging him on, to save it from the darkness that had strangled it into oppression.
Kayrel pulled out his sword from its scabbard and drew it up, shining in the light of the many torches that circled the room.
"Do you find yourself angry, Legolas? Do you find yourself vengeful, hateful or empowered?" Kayrel's voice was not full of anger or rage, but simple questioning. Gentle and honest, he truly wished to know what he asked.
"I find myself questioning. Questioning everything that has happened to me, but it is too late now. I cannot back off or relent now. This must be concluded."
Kayrel smiled openly, "I always pictured this moment being full of shouting and anger, full of aggression and insults. What I feel now is none of those things."
"Kayrel, you must not be allowed to remain."
"You cannot rule, Legolas." Kayrel brought his sword down, with a loud ring it met with Legolas' over their heads. "For your tenacity, I'm afraid you must give your life."
"For your many murders, those I know about and those I do not, you must not be allowed to rule, Kayrel."
Legolas brought his sword around and again Kayrel drew his to meet it.
"I see Elrond gave you back your father's sword." Kayrel danced around, Legolas kept turning to keep him always in front.
"Yes, my ally Lord Elrond, whom you tied to turn me against."
Kayrel laughed out loud as again he brought another bold move down with his weapon, Legolas barely able to deflect it in time. "I thought that was a brilliant move on my part, it distracted you long enough for me to imprison you."
"You have dealt nothing but betrayal and deceit to those around you."
"This is needed to rule a kingdom, Legolas." Kayrel passed through Legolas' defenses, slicing his blade along the side of the Prince. Kayrel knew it immediately to be a fatal blow as Legolas' blood flowed freely onto the same floor that was once stained with another's.
Legolas twisted in pain, but did not submit.
"My father never needed to betray! He was a just leader!" Flashes came before his eyes, his wits still remaining with him so he could defend himself against the unrelenting attacks.
The room seemed to transform, to become what it was so long ago. As Legolas' blood left him, a form appeared amongst the shadows of the hall.
The hazy figure walked slowly towards him, emerging from the mists to become clearer.
It was his father.
"See what being just got him! Murdered, his son doomed to be raised among feeble mortals!" Kayrel's voice almost seemed distant as he spoke, time itself almost seemed to slow as Legolas watched the spirit stop, so close yet so far.
The ghostly image of his father smiled at his son, a smile of pride and acceptance.
"Only from your evils did such doom beseech him!"
Next Legolas said something he had never thought before, but when he said it aloud, made everything in his life perfectly clear.
"It was not his fault!"
Kayrel stopped for one moment, whether he was stunned by the outburst or saw something in the darkness will never be revealed. The slain king of Mirkwood nodded to him son, the loving smile having never once left his face.
Legolas brought down his father's sword upon his enemy.
Outside, the two great armies remained locked in close combat in the dark.
Shierra and Elrond stayed on the front, leading the waves of attacks when something happened that stopped all fighting.
The first rays of the dawning sun streaked through the treetops to touch the Elves below for the first time in many morns.
The Elves of Mirkwood closed their eyes, allowing the light to warm them.
They were free once more, and the spirit of the forest returned, brightening the lands to such beauty that gave no hint that evil never once touched its fair light.