Okay, on with the Elf and Centaur's tail….I mean tale!!!!
Chapter 38--Caught Between A Rock And A Hard Place
Three hours later they reached a large camp. A man rushed forward to take the bridle of Tern's mount and led it away after he'd dismounted.
Legolas slid of Jaisia's back; glad the ride was over. "So now what, Captain?" he asked.
"We will go to my tent and have a goblet of chilled wine then a little chat. Follow me," Tern said. He walked off without waiting for a response.
Legolas and Jaisia exchanged resigned looks then followed. Once they entered the tent Tern shut the flap, but not before Legolas saw the two guards outside.
"Please sit down," Tern said, gesturing to a chair that sat in front of a desk and chair. "I'll sorry I have no suitable chair for you, my dear," he said. He began filling wine goblets.
Legolas sat down and Jaisia laid down beside him. "What do you want from us, Captain?" he asked. "We do not have time for delays."
Tern handed each of them a goblet before sitting down behind his desk. "Your time is mine right now and how much I use of it is my choice," he said. He took out the letter of introduction Aragorn had given them out of his pocket and laid it on the desk.
Legolas could see it had been opened. "Diplomatic papers are supposed to be private," he said.
"You are trespassing in my Lord's lands. I wished to know why an elf traveled here when rumors say they had all sailed to the west. Why are you still here, Legolas?" Tern asked.
"That is no one's concern but mine," Legolas said.
"There is a small problem with this truce and possible alliance your King speaks of. We are at war with Queen Jacinth and we hardly wish her to form new alliances," Tern said. "This puts me in an awkward position and you also."
"What do you mean?" Jaisia demanded.
"Simply put, I can not allow you to continue until I take you to him. He must give you permission to proceed," Tern said.
"And if he does not allow us to go on?" Jaisia asked.
"Then you will be detained by any means necessary," Tern shrugged.
"You have no right!!" Jaisia said angrily.
"I have every right as long as you are in my Lord's lands, will you come quietly or are shackles needed? It matters not to me," Tern said.
Jaisia glared at the Human with angry eyes. She wished she dared kick him. (The bastard, Legolas, what should we do?) she asked.
(Go along with it for now) Legolas said. (We are outnumbered.)
"Well? I am waiting for an answer," Tern said.
"Shackles are not necessary, we will come without resistance," Legolas said quietly.
"Wise decision, my guards will escort you to a tent for the night, we will leave the day after tomorrow," Tern said.
Two guards entered the tent and gestured for them to follow. They set down their goblets and obeyed. Soon they were in a tent and left alone except for the two guards outside.
Jaisia sighed and laid down. "Damn, it is so unfair, we did nothing to deserve this," she complained.
Legolas suddenly collapsed to the floor and started laughing.
Jaisia stared at him as if he'd lost his mind. "What is so funny?" she demanded.
"Every time we travel somewhere together we end up in trouble! It never fails!!" Legolas gasped, trying to regain control of himself.
Jaisia smiled then started to giggle, which made Legolas laugh harder. Suddenly everything looked a little better--At least they were facing this together……
Just their luck to get caught between two warring cities!!! R/R please!!!