Sorry I haven't updated this a couple days, but the plot bunnies were more interested in Soul of a Healer--here's the next chapter…
Chapter 35--Strange Captors
They walked for hours it seemed before they stopped. Their blindfolds were removed and they found themselves standing by a river. The sun was just beginning to set. They had walked through the remainder of last night and all of the day.
Their captors were careful to keep them separated. Some of them began to set up camp. One gestured for Jaisia to lie down. When she did he hobbled her feet. Legolas was taken to the other side of the camp then made sit down and his ankles were bound as well.
Finally Legolas was able to study he and Jaisia's captors. All of them were Human with dark brown skin. All of them had black hair and eyes. Each had elaborate designs painted or tattooed on their bodies. Some wore jewelry in their ears or nose. None wore shirts and all wore simply wrapped leather kilts around their waists.
One came over to Legolas with a bowl of water, a cloth and a brown pouch. He casually tore open Legolas' shirt and began washing the dried blood off his wounded shoulder. After cleansing the wound, he opened the pouch and took out a smaller one filled with a dark brown paste. He began plastering it on the wound then covered it with a bandage. Suddenly he froze, brushing Legolas' hair back he studied his ear. Rising, he hurriedly joined the others around the fire and started talking rapidly.
Legolas sighed. (Jaisia, are you well?) he asked.
(Yes, what do you think they plan to do to us?) Jaisia asked. (Kill us?)
Legolas considered. (Nay, I do not think so, otherwise I think they would have done so) he said.
(We have to find a way to escape) Jaisia said.
Loud conversation from the fire got their attention and they looked that way. It sounded like their captors were arguing about something. It only lasted a few minutes then they started eating . After they'd finished one came over to Legolas and freed his hands. Dried meat, bread and a water skin were laid next to him. He did the same for Jaisia.
Legolas ate slowly and watched the men. There were ten of them, armed with spears and long knives. He wondered where they were from.
The minute Jaisia and Legolas had finished eating their hands were bound again, though not as tight, much to both their relief. All the men but two settled down to sleep.
Jaisia woke at dawn to see one of the men leaning over Legolas, looking puzzled. He must still be asleep. I do not think these people are familiar with elves, she thought.
Just then Legolas stirred and the man jumped back hastily then rejoined the others. (What is the matter with him?) Legolas asked.
(You startled him, I think he thought you were awake) Jaisia said.
The bonds on their ankles were cut and they were prodded to their feet, but the blindfolds were left off this time. The group crossed the shallow river and continued.
Legolas figured it was a couple hours after midday when they came to a village made of skin tents. They were led into the village and immediately surrounded by a mob of chattering Humans. Curious hands touched Legolas' ears and hair, Jaisia was going through much the same thing. Finally the Human that had tended to Legolas' injured shoulder snapped a few tense words and the crowd reluctantly dispersed. Much to Legolas and Jaisia's dismay they were led in different directions. Neither had any clue to what was going to happen to them…..
Ha--I'm still the Queen Of Cliffhangers!!!! R/R please!!