Welcome to my new reviewer, heiders!! On with the story…

Chapter 13--Tragedy Strikes

Jaisia galloped along the plains as fast as possible. Lilith kept up with her despite her age. It was urgent that they got to Aragorn as swiftly as they could.

After two weeks of hard travel they were back in Minas Tirith. They entered the palace at a full gallop and Jaisia led the way to royal chambers.

The guards met them at the door, obviously upset. "Queen Arwen has been kidnapped, right out from under us. We do not know how," one said.

Lilith impatiently waved them aside. "We must deal with that later, we must save the King first then we will search for the Queen," she said and entered the room. "Leave, all of you. This I must do alone, I just pray that it will not be to late to help him. You too, Legolas and Jaisia, go rest if you are needed I will send for you."

Reluctantly Legolas and Jaisia obeyed. Lilith closed the door firmly behind them and went to work to try and save the King's life.

Jaisia and Legolas went to get some rest; both of them were exhausted. After several hours they returned to the royal chambers to be told Lilith had not come out yet. They sat down and waited. Several more hours passed and finally Lilith came out of the room.

Legolas stood, worried by her grim expression. "What has happened?" he asked.

Lilith looked at him. "I could not save him, the King is dead," she said.

The words rang in Legolas' ears and faintly he heard Jaisia gasp and start to sob. "Then we have failed, Aragorn is dead and Arwen is missing," he whispered. He turned and walked slowly away. He made his way to the garden and sank down on the soft grass, tears stinging his eyes. He didn't know how long he sat there before he felt someone sink down beside him.

Jaisia put her arms around Legolas and drew him close for a long embrace. (Little brother, do not hold in your pain. Let it go. I am here) she said.

Legolas relaxed in Jaisia's embrace and allowed the tears to come. Jaisia said nothing more. She just held him.

**Meanwhile**

Darrin laughed triumphantly. "It has worked!! The King is dead and the Queen is my willing slave. I will rule Gondor through her and eventually through her daughter," he laughed. He looked down at Arwen and Sandi who knelt at his feet. "Come sit on my lap, Sandi, my sweet. We have much to celebrate," he said.

Sandi obeyed and Darrin began to plan how he would return Arwen to Minas Tirith without arousing suspicion. The sooner he did so the sooner he could claim his throne. "There is a way, there is always a way," he said. He began to plot, imagining the power he would soon wield.

Minas Tirith was in deep mourning. Black wreaths hung on every door as the people grieved for their King. Search parties went out to try to find Queen Arwen before the city fell into chaos. They needed their Queen returned safely.

Gimli, Legolas and Jaisia privately mourned the lost of their dear friend. They swore they wouldn't let Gondor fall. It was the least they could do for Aragorn and Arwen, but where had Arwen been taken and how were they to find her? None of them had any idea, all they could do was wait and hope for a miracle.

Cade led the main search party down the road, swearing he would find the Queen or die trying. He and his group had been traveling for eight hours when they spotted a battered figure lying in the road with someone kneeling next to them.

When Cade got closer the man looked up. "I found her in the road, I do not know who she is," he said.

Cade knew however. "Queen Arwen!!" he gasped…..

She's back, but what has Darrin plotted? R/R please!!