Hi all, have a good holiday? The cat is back and raring to go…
Chapter 40--The Unwanted Side Trip
Jasia and Legolas were ignored the rest of the evening, but the net morning they were woken early and given breakfast. They were escorted from the tent and placed under guard while the camp was broken down.
Tern came up after they finished and were mounting. "It is time to go, we have a four day journey to my home city and the King will be waiting," he said.
Legolas swung onto Jaisia's back and they moved out. The four-day journey went by without a bit of trouble. Legolas wasn't surprised; no one would be likely to attack a unit of soldiers.
Tern came up beside them as the reached the top of a hill. "There it is, the city of Naviria," he said proudly.
The city was surrounded by lush plains and surrounded by a stone wall that looked out of place. "The stone was brought in from another land to be used for our wall. King Sarrin is a wise and good man, who cares well for his people. He will be just in his decision of your fates," Tern said. He gestured to his men and the rode to the city gates.
The guards at the gates saluted respectfully to Tern without giving Jaisia or Legolas a second look. "Welcome home, Captain Tern, the King wishes you to come to him right away," one said.
"I will do that, thank you," Tern said.
The gates were opened and they entered the city. Citizens waved and cheered at the soldiers as they rode down the street and stared openly at Legolas and Jaisia. They were both relieved when they cam to a large building that seemed to be the barracks.
Tern dismounted, allowing one of the men to take his horse. "I must take our guests before the King, take the prisoners to the usual place and prepare them. The King will deal with them at his leisure," he ordered.
"Yes Captain, at once," the man said.
"Follow me, Jaisia and Legolas if you please," Tern said. He headed off without waiting for an answer.
(Wonder what he would do if we said no and just stood here?) Jaisia smirked, but she did follow.
(Probably have us dragged there) Legolas said.
The castle wasn't to far from the barracks and they soon reached the castle gates. The guards saluted and let them pass.
A man wearing red silk robes met them at the castle doors. He was fat, with no hair and a small goatee. "The King has ordered me to bring you to him the minute you returned," he said. He gave Jaisia and Legolas an uncertain look then gestured for them to follow.
Legolas couldn't help but admire the decoration. Tapestries lined the walls and soft rugs covered the floor. Most castles were so gaudily decorated that it was vulgar. They reached a set of beautifully carved doors. Legolas slid off Jaisia's back. (Here is your chance to practice your newly learned diplomacy skills, Jaisia. We must not anger him) he said.
"Wait here, I will announce you," the robed man said and went inside. Ten minutes later he opened the doors. "You may enter now," he said.
They did and walked up the red carpet until they were ten feet from the throne. All three of them bowed. The King was not as Legolas had expected. He had thought he was an older man, but he looked only a few years older then Aragorn.
King Sarrin studied Jaisia and Legolas, dark eyes shrewd and knowing. "Welcome, Legolas of the Fellowship of the Nine, it is an honor to meet you,' he said.
"Thank you, sire," Legolas said politely.
"And to you as well, Lady --" the King paused.
"Jaisia, sire and I am honored to meet you," she said.
"I hope Captain Tern was not to harsh, I gave him very strict orders about intruders," Sarrin said.
Legolas was encouraged by the King's gracious behavior, perhaps all would be well after all and they would be able to continue their journey soon.
Tern stepped forward and bowed. "You should see this, my Liege," he said. He handed over Aragorn's letter.
Sarrin frowned as he read it. He folded it then shook his head. "What a pity, I had hoped I would not have to do this," he said. He snapped his fingers and four men in heavy plate stepped into the room. "These are my elite guards, these two will be our guests for a long while, take the centaur to the chambers on the first floor and the Elf to the ones above, they are to be kept separated," he ordered.
Jasia and Legolas were led from the room. Once the door closed Sarrin turned to Tern. "We must decide how to use this turn of events to our advantage, Captain," he said…….
Oh boy, here it goes again!!!!!! R/R all!!!