Stop jumping on my bed you guys!! I'm writing, I'm writing!!! Darn plot bunnies are so pushy!!
Chapter 22--Weapon Master's Loyalty
Finally darkness fell. Cade fetched his horse and left Minas Tirith by a rarely used gate. He knew the farmhouse the hobbit meant and headed there straight away. Once he arrived he could see a light in the window. He tethered his horse and knocked. The door opened and he went in. He found himself staring right at Aragorn. It took a minute, but Cade fell to one knee in a low respectful bow. "My Liege, you live!! This is fine news!!" he said.
"Thank you, Cade," Aragorn said.
Cade shook his head. "Sire, I regret to tell you that Prince Legolas is--" he began. His eyes widened when Legolas walked out of the back room.
"I am what?" Legolas asked curiously. He sat down next to Aragorn.
"B-b-but, you were hanged---- I-I saw it!!" Cade sputtered, completely confused by now. "How is it possible that you are both alive? I saw you buried, my Liege and you executed, Prince Legolas." Cade frowned suddenly. "I am sorry that I did nothing to try to stop the hanging, but I swore an oath of fealty to the Queen and King when I became weapon master."
"You were in a bad position, Cade--all is forgiven," Legolas said
"As for what happened it is a long story, Cade. Sit down and I will explain," Aragorn said. Cade did and Aragorn began to talk. It took nearly two hours to explain everything.
Cade was furious. "Then that mage is responsible for all of this and he has taken command of Queen Arwen?" he asked. "He must be stopped before anything else happens."
"We plan to slip into the city. Arwen will make a speech for the festival. Darrin will be there for sure and Legolas knows the face the mage is wearing he will put an arrow in his heart from cover. The problem is he has no bow and we need help at least to get into Minas Tirith," Aragorn said.
"I can help with both problems. The servants destroyed your other processions but I was able to save your bow and daggers, Prince Legolas. They are hidden in my chambers," Cade said triumphantly. "I will ride back to the city and fetch them. I can also bring back clothes that you might be able to hide your identity."
"Perfect, Cade, just take care that you are not seen," Aragorn said.
"Yes, my Liege, but I have one question," Cade said.
"And that is?" Aragorn asked.
Cade looked at Legolas. "Prince Legolas, why is your hair purple?" he asked.
Legolas blushed as Aragorn began laughing. "It is a long story that can wait until later," he muttered. "There is more pressing matters to deal with now."
"Of course, I will return as swiftly as I may," Cade said. He stood and bowed then left the house.
Legolas looked at Aragorn. "It is not to late, I could still murder them, Aragorn," he said.
"Come now, Legolas, where is your sense of humor? It was nothing but a harmless prank," Aragorn said.
"I will remember that the next time Jaisia pulls one of her little tricks on you. Expect no sympathy from me when she does," Legolas grumbled. "You will not think this is so amusing then."
"It could have been far worse," Aragorn said.
"How could it possibly get any worse?" Legolas demanded.
Aragorn grinned. "It could have been pink and I do not think that is your color," he said.
Legolas groaned at the thought. "Please Aragorn, do not give her any ideas, she thinks of enough mischief on her own," he pleaded.
"And she, Merry and Pippin have been talking for two hours. They get along well," Aragorn added. "I wonder what they are discussing."
"I am sure we will find out and I imagine we will be sorry when we do," Legolas sighed.
True to his word, Cade returned an hour later with Legolas' weapons and a bundle of clothes.
Aragorn looked through the clothes and nodded. "These are guard uniforms, clever, Cade," he remarked.
"What about me, Gimli and the hobbits?" Jaisia asked.
"There is no way to disguise you and you would certainly draw to much attention, Lady Jaisia," Cade said.
Jaisia opened her mouth to protest, but Gimli cut her off. "He is right. We will have to stay behind," he said. "I do not like it anymore than you do."
"I can stay here. I am off duty tomorrow. We can enter Minas Tirith after dark. No one will think twice about me returning so late," Cade said.
"Then let us make some plans," Aragorn said and they did, long into the night, even after the others had fallen asleep….
To bad Aragorn has black hair, huh? Maybe I ought to sick the trio on Gimli next? R/R everyone--It soothes the savage plot bunnies!!!! Thanks to my small but loyal fandom for following this series!!