Okay, two surprises and I think you'll like them if you don't throw things at me,
Chapter 15--The Execution
Legolas was awoken from a restless sleep by the cell door opening. Kade stood in the doorway, looking at him. "It is time, I came for you myself," he said. He walked over to stand in front of him.
"I did not kill Aragorn, Cade," Legolas said quietly.
"I am sorry, Prince Legolas--" Cade said. His voice hardened. "--If you swear not to flee or struggle I will allow you to go to your death unbound with some dignity."
Legolas knew further protests of innocence were futile. His fate was all ready sealed. "I swear that I will not flee or struggle," he said.
"I accept your oath," Cade said. He unlocked the chains and was forced to catch Legolas when his stiff muscles wouldn't support his weight. He supported him until he could walk then led him from the cell. They were forced to pause again until Legolas' eyes readjusted to the light.
Legolas could feel every eye on him when they emerged outside through the convict's gate. Looking across the courtyard he could see Arwen sitting under a pavilion with the disguised Darrin and Sandi. He also saw the gallows. So I am going to be hanged, somehow I expected something more dramatic--like beheading, he thought.
Cade prodded him forward and Legolas obeyed. The watching crowd booed and shouted vile insults as Legolas approached the gallows. He held his head high and looked straight ahead.
The gallows was directly on the ground. There would be no swift death from a broken neck, he would hang and slowly strangle to death. The executioner took a tight grip on his arm and moved him into position. Legolas forced himself not to flinch as his hands were bound behind his back. The noose was then put around his neck and tightened.
Arwen stood and the crowd went silent. "On this day, Prince Legolas of Mirkwood is sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of Elessar, King of Gondor. Does the condemned have any final words?" she asked.
Legolas decided not to bother. Nothing he said would help him. "Nay," he said quietly.
"Very well--" Arwen said. "--Executioner, do your duty."
The rope creaked as Legolas was hoisted of his feet and the noose tightened brutally, cutting off his air. Legolas struggled instinctively, but couldn't get free. The last thing he saw was Darrin triumphant smirk then everything went black.
The executioner checked the limp body for a pulse then turned to Arwen. "He is dead, my Queen," he said with a respectful bow.
"You may cut him down, he is to be buried in Convict's Field with other executed criminals," Arwen ordered. Her and her entourage rose and went into the castle. Arwen never looked back.
Legolas' body was cut down and callously tossed into a ramshackle wagon to be buried in the burial ground outside MinasTirith without ceremony and without mourning. Only those who were considered the worst sort of scum were buried there. The executioner leaped into the wagon along with two helpers and drove out of the city to finish the task.
Once inside the Queen's private chamber Darrin poured himself a goblet of expensive wine to celebrate. Now no one was left to stand in his way. He was now King of Gondor. His mind filled with plans for future glories. Finishing his wine, he ordered Sandi to remove her clothes and lay on the bed. He laughed when she immediately obeyed. He was master here now. All that mattered was what he wanted and his own desires. He removed his own clothes and joined her. He entered Sandi roughly and took her brutally, laughing…..
Okay, soory--one surprise in this chapter--the other two will be in the next one------R/R please!! Hope you are enjoying this!! Thanks for reviewing!!