Sigh, sorry this took so long. I got stuck--plot bunnies went on strike and I had to bribe them to come back….

Chapter 48--Flight

It seemed like they were in the tunnel for hours, but finally they reached the other end. "We made it," Jaisia said. She snuffed the torch and tossed it aside as they left the tunnel. Once outside Legolas leaped on Jaisia's back and she took off at a gallop, hopefully no one would think to look for them until morning. It was hours away and it would give them a good head start on any pursuit.

They traveled hard the rest of the night and late into the day. Finally Jaisia got to tired to continue. They took shelter in a grove near a small lake. Jaisia laid down and fell asleep in minutes, even before eating anything.

When Jaisia opened her eyes it was dark. She could see Legolas sitting beside her. "What time is it?" she asked with a yawn.

"About midnight. Are you all right?" Legolas asked. "You just passed out, I was a bit worried about you. There is supper, just bread and cheese I am afraid. I did not want to risk a fire."

"I am fine, but you must be exhausted after being awake so long. You should have woke me," Jaisia said. "I did not need to sleep this long." She accepted the food and took a large bite. She was starved!

"You were the one doing all the work. We need to try to contact Kai and let him know we are free and safe," Legolas said. "Then we can continue our travels."

"Damn, you are right!" Jaisia said. They clasped hands and concentrated.

(Legolas, Jaisia, what is it? Are you well?) Kai asked.

(Never better, we are free and safe. We are going to continue our journey so tell sugar not to worry) Jaisia said.

(Be careful, my siblings, I will tell Aragorn) Kai warned.

They assured Kai they would be then closed the link. Jaisia patted the ground next to her. "Now it is your turn to get some sleep. It will not hurt to stay here a little longer," she said.

Legolas was about to argue then changed his mind. It had been a long night and half day and he was tired. He settled down. The last thing he remembered before sinking into reverie was Jaisia covering him with a blanket.

Legolas woke at dusk and heard splashing. He sat up and looked around to see Jaisia in the pond. "What are you doing?" he asked.

"I needed a bath now that I got the wrappings off my hooves. We will have to remember that idea if we ever need to move quietly. It really works well," Jaisia remarked.

"Aye, it does at that," Legolas agreed. A bath sounded good to him as well. He tossed the blanket back, stripped and joined her in the water. It felt good. "We should leave when it is fully dark," he pointed out.

"Do you think they are following us?" Jaisia asked.

"Aye, I am sure of it," Legolas replied grimly. "Sarrin will not want us to escape."

**Meanwhile**

Sarrin was furious. "Escaped?! How could they have escaped?! The locks could not be picked and the doors were stronger this time. The centaur could not have kicked them down and even if she could someone would have heard her!!!" he yelled.

"Someone released them, my Liege," Tern said.

"If I discover who dared they will be hanged as a traitor! Gather your best men and the best of our trackers! Find them and bring them back! Kill them if you must, but do not let them escape!! Do not fail me, Tern," Sarrin ordered.

Tern bowed. "I will not fail you, my Liege," he vowed and left the audience chamber. Twenty minutes later Tern and his hand picked men left the city, determined to track the Elf and Centaur down.

Sarrin watched them go from the window. "Catch them, they must not be allowed to escape!!" he growled…

So what ya think? Again sorry for the delay--Enjoy!!!! R/R please!!!