Hi, new chapter for all, thanks to my reviewers!!

Chapter 41--Gilded Cage

Legolas was taken to a room on the third floor and locked in. The room was luxuriously furnished with a large feather bed, a thick fur rug and a bookcase full of books. A second door led into a private bathroom, but as far as Legolas was concerned it was still a prison. (Jaisia?) he said.

(I am here, what is the matter?) Jaisia asked.

(How is your room? Mine is very luxurious) Legolas said.

(Mine is too, but it is made for a person's comfort--not a centaur's) Jaisia complained. (Just a minute.)

There was silence for several minutes. (There, that is better) Jaisia said.

(What are you doing, sister?) Legolas asked.

(Just dragging the feather mattress onto the floor) Jaisia said.

(I do not believe our host will like that) Legolas said.

(To bad for him, I cannot sleep on a normal human bed--he will have to deal with it) Jaisia said pertly.

Legolas laughed. (You need more lessons in diplomacy, sis) he said.

(I can be very diplomatic, little brother, but he does not deserve respect. He has taken us prisoner) Jaisia pointed out.

**Meanwhile**

King Sarrin dug through the Elf and Centaur's pack that had been brought to him. The Centaur's pack contained nothing of interest so he began looking through the Elf's pack and found a carefully wrapped bundle. He pulled it out and unwrapped it. He was holding a circlet made of mithril with emeralds carved in the shape of leaves. "Excellent crafting, what do you think, Captain? This does not look like elven craftsmanship," he remarked.

"No, my Liege, it does not," Tern agreed.

Mithril, a regal metal usually saved for nobility and usually never given to an elf," Sarrin said thoughtfully. He gestured to a servant. "Fetch me Garian," he ordered. He returned his attention to Tern. "Garian will be able to tell us."

Before long the black haired, green-eyed Dwarven armorer entered the room then bowed. "What is it, sire?" he asked.

Sarrin tossed him the circlet. "Was this crafted by one of your folk?" he inquired.

Garian caught it easily and examined it. "Aye and whoever did was a master, but the design is more suited to an elf then a dwarf," he observed. He handed the circlet back. "Is that all? I have much to do."

"That is, you are dismissed," Sarrin said. He waited until the Dwarf was gone before speaking. "Interesting, I believe I need to have another talk with our Elvish guest."

"I fear the proud one will refuse to answer any questions that either of us ask and we dare not use torture," Tern reflected.

"There are other ways to gain information besides using torture," Sarrin said. He rose from his throne. "Come, I must speak to Arne."

Tern frowned a little at that. He didn't like Arne very much, but he followed his King from the throne room and into the lower levels of the castle. They went down almost to the dungeon level until they came to a door. They went in without knocking.

The room was cluttered with books, some were on chairs and some were on the floor, even the four bookcases were full. The tables were cluttered with various vials and bottle. A cauldron boiled over the fire in the fireplace. A gray haired, bearded man looked up from a thick book and saw them. "Welcome my Liege, welcome Captain, what may I do for you?" he asked.

"I need a truth potion, one that will effect an elf, Arne--" Sarrin said, "--and I need it as quickly as possible."

"I believe I all ready have one that will look, wait while I fetch it," Arne said. He began searching through the bottles and vials. Finally he brought out a clear vial filled with purple liquid. "Here it is," he exclaimed in triumph. He handed it to Sarrin. "This will work, but it all must be drank."

Potions, how fun, hope he didn't give him the wrong vial. **Snicker** R/R please!! I want more reviews--over one hundred please!!