Whew, this is turning out to be a long one! And it's finally starting to pick up new fans! This was going to be the last story in the Centaur chronicles, now perhaps it won't be!! Who wants more? Let me know!!

Chapter 49--Back Into The Fire

At dusk they had a brief supper they were ready to continue. Legolas dug in his pack and was both relieved and delighted to find the map. "Whew, without this we would be lost," he remarked.

"Let us go, sweet cheeks," Jaisia said.

"Right, imp," Legolas returned. He swung onto her back and they headed off.

They didn't talk much as they traveled. They knew how important it was to make haste. After awhile Legolas looked back and saw dust just barely in range of his sight. "Here they come," he said.

"How far behind us are they?" Jaisia asked, quickening her pace.

"Several hours, do not push yourself yet. You will need all your strength later," Legolas said.

Jaisia slowed back down. "Should we fight?" she asked.

"There is at least seven, maybe more, we should only fight as a last resort," Legolas said.

"Perhaps we can lose them, they are probably tracking us so that will slow them down," Jaisia said.

"Perhaps," Legolas agreed.

Six hours later their pursuers were still there and Jaisia was starting to tire. "There is a tall hill ahead, we will stop on the other side so you can rest," Legolas said.

Once on the other side Legolas dismounted and Jaisia laid down to rest, breathing heavily. Legolas sat down beside her. "Are you all right?" he asked.

"I will be, damn them, they just will not give up. We have no quarrel with them, why are they so determined to catch us?" Jaisia said.

"Because he does not want us to form an alliance with a city he is at war with," Legolas said.

"But we do not even know if there will ever be one!" Jaisia protested.

Legolas shrugged. "He wants to be sure of that," he replied.

Jaisia sighed in frustration. "It makes no sense, I am ready to go on," she said. When Legolas mounted she took off again.

After several more hours they crested another hill and Jaisia slid to a sudden halt, almost making Legolas tumble from her back. "Oh, damn, we are in trouble again," Jaisia groaned. They had run right into a group of armored and well-armed warriors.

Several bows were aimed at them almost immediately. Legolas was careful to keep his hands away from his own bow.

"Legolas," Jaisia whispered. "They are all women."

She was right, all twenty warriors were indeed women, dark haired and dark eyed, and they eyed them coolly. Finally one rode forward and stared boldly, looking Legolas over arrogantly. She didn't seem overly friendly. "Who are you and why do you trespass?" she asked.

Legolas hesitated not sure how much to tell her. There was no way to know who she was and Legolas wondered if it was wise to reveal their real reason.

The woman gestured and bowstrings were pulled back. "Answer swiftly or you will be shot here and now, boy," she warned.

"We are traveling to Tyr Gyleth," Jaisia blurted out before Legolas could stop her. "We did not mean to trespass on your land."

The woman glanced at her then returned her attention to Legolas. "Get down," she said. She dismounted as well.

Menaced by arrows, Legolas had to obey. He was startled to realize how tall she was, even taller then Aragorn.

Another woman rode up to her. "Tol Aither?" she asked.

"I think that is very possible," the first woman said. "Who are you?"

"Jaisia and this is Legolas," Jaisia said, trying to be polite and defuse the situation somewhat.

"I am Deirdre," the first woman said. "You will come with us."

"And if we refuse?" Legolas demanded.

Deirdre looked at the archers and smiled.

Legolas got the hint and turned to Jaisia.

A strong hand gripped his arm and pulled him back. "You are riding with me so you will not be able to flee," Deirdre said. She remounted, pulling Legolas up with her. At her command they headed off…

I LOVE strong women warriors in my stories!!! Hope you guys do too!! R/R please!!!