Disclaimer: See Chapter One

A/N: Thanks to all who have reviewed so far! I am so close to my goal of 100 Reviews…its so exciting :-) Reviews definitely make writing more fun!

I apologize for the long periods of time between updates. I will do my best to update more frequently :-)

Now, back to the story.

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Chapter Nine

"He will not find the Ring there?" A confused Boromir asked. "Well, this does not bode well for us."

"It certainly does not." Pippin agreed, his face fearful. "Do you think he means what he said, about killing us each one by one?"

"More than likely." Aragorn groaned, consciousness slowly returning. "Though at this moment I would not consider such a thing to be a bad idea. My entire body aches."

"Hmpf. You should try the Spiders Venom I just had. It would make your mere muscle pains seem like nothing." Boromir smiled.

"Really? Glad I missed it. Good thing I went first."

"Yeah, remind me to volunteer first the next time."

"They may start off with the Spiders Venom first next time." Aragorn pointed out.

"That would be my luck. But actually, its Gimli's turn next."

"Ai, and I would gladly face the tormentors to save my people."

Aragorn smiled, despite his swollen lip. "Very noble of you, Sir Dwarf."

"Noble to the end." Boromir agreed.

"The end will arrive very quickly for us all when Amras returns. I envision he will be one very unhappy Elf when he does not find the Ring in Parth Galen." Legolas sighed.

"He will indeed. It was a good diversion, Legolas." Boromir said. "We will deal with him when the time comes, but until then, at least we are rid of him for a few days." the man smiled.

"An added benefit." Aragorn looked thoughtful. "Are you sure you did not hide the Ring in a tree?"

"Pretty sure." Legolas said.

"Oh. Did you by any chance hide a fake ring in that tree, to mislead him?"

Legolas grinned. "No."

"Now that would have been a good idea." Boromir said. "We should have thought of that."

The others laughed as Pippin and Merry quietly watched them. "They are all very cheery for having just been threatened with death." Pippin remarked softly to Merry.

"They are indeed, Pip. Men, Elves and Dwarves are strange creatures, I have learned."

"That they are, Merry. That they are."

* * * * * * * * * *

Amras strode out of the cell, a satisfied smile on his face. He met Saruman coming down the dungeon stairs.

"Well?" Saruman raised his eyebrows, noting the smile on the elf's face.

"The Prince has spoken. I ride to Parth Galen tonight to retrieve the Ring."

"He spoke? So quickly?" Doubt played on the wizard's face, to the annoyance of Amras.

"Of course he spoke! My methods have been tested and proven, Saruman. You know it to be true."

"Yes, I have witnessed your successes. But this elf is not a slave, easily broken. His will and determination are boundless." A dubious smile played on his lips. "I find it doubtful that he would divulge that kind of information after only a day in your care."

Amras fumed, his anger barely controlled. "You find it doubtful?" He snarled. "Do not presume to know this prince as I do, wizard. I have known him since birth and his weakness has remained the same. He will protect his friends at all cost. Even if it means condemning Middle Earth to your evil."

"You dare call me evil?" Saruman scoffed. "You would know evil, Amras, as you are the embodiment of it. But I will indulge you in your beliefs. Go to Parth Galen and retrieve the Ring and when you return, the Prince will be yours to do as you please." He looked thoughtfully at the elf in front of him. "But if I am right and he has worked his deception on you, what will you do?"

A sardonic smile formed. "Exactly as I promised. I will kill each of his friends one by one, in front of him, until he tells me where it is."

"And if he still doesn't tell you?"

"A good question, my dear Saruman." Amras said, pondering. "If he still withstands, then I will have a little surprise for him. A device that not even the great Prince Legolas will be able to withstand. And when he meets this device, his screams will echo across Middle Earth for all to hear."

Saruman considered the statement. "Yes, I believe you would have such a device. And I pity him if he should meet it."

"You should, Saruman. You should."

* * * * * * * * * *

Legolas sat quietly in a corner of the dark cell, lost in thought. Amras's army had been gone for many days and would return to Isengard soon, a realization that filled him with dread. As he listened to the sounds of sleep around him, he was surprised to find one hobbit awake.

"Pippin," he said softly, "you should be asleep. What keeps you awake?"

"I am afraid," the small voice whispered back, "and I am ashamed to admit it while the others are so brave." he gave a small smile. "I fear Amras's return, for a vengeful Elf is not something I wish to face."

Legolas smiled back. "I do not wish to face him as well and I will have no choice but to tell him where the Ring is, when he asks. Perhaps with the information he desires, he will not carry out his threat."

"Do you really believe that?"

"I do." Legolas nodded. "If he harms any of you, I will vow never to tell him."

Pippin layed down in the dark, trying in vain to sleep. "It is no use. I find I am still worried and there is no hope in sight."

"Hope." Legolas echoed. "There is always hope. Perhaps a story of such will calm your nerves?"

"It would." Pippin smiled.

Legolas sat back against the cool wall, searching his mind for the right story. "In Mirkwood we have a legend of a great bird, as big as a horse, if not bigger. Ruler of all the birds, he soars through the skies, his eyes ever watchful for those in need." Legolas paused, smiling as Pippin seemed to calm a bit. Keeping his voice low and soothing, he continued. "Long ago, when Mirkwood was still known as Greenwood the Great, there was a young mother, a she-elf, who wandered those woods with her infant son, deep in the forest and far from the palace. Believing the woods safe, as this was before Darkness had entered the forest of Greenwood and thus turning it into Mirkwood, she had taken her young son out for a walk and had gotten lost. As night fell, darkness consumed the forest and the frightened she-elf found herself surrounded by danger. A pack of hungry wolves had caught her scent and had tracked her to a clearing, blocking her escape. As they drew ever near to her and her child, the mother cried out to the Valer, asking that her son be spared. The growling beasts closed in and the mother despaired, losing hope as she realized that she was helpless to protect that which was most dear to her. But then, as if in answer to her plea, a dark shape fell swiftly from the sky and picked her up, a pouncing wolf just barely missing her. The mother screamed, terrified that some other, more fiendish beast had captured her.

"Fear not, elf-mother." The creature said, its voice gentle and soothing and she gazed up in awe to discover that it was a giant bird that had carried her to safety and in its sharp eyes she saw not malice, but tenderness and wisdom. The large bird flew them to the safety of the city, setting her and the baby gently down just outside the doors of the palace.

"I am in your debt for eternity." The mother swore to the bird, who merely shook its head.

"I am called Gwaihir the Windlord." It told her in its gentle voice. "And I will be there always, if a wood elf is in need."

"I thank you my friend." the mother said. "And my son thanks you as well."

"And so Gwaihir flew away." Legolas concluded. "But to this day, if ever a wood elf is in need, it is said that Gwaihir will appear, forever ready to help. So you see, my small friend, no matter how hopeless it seems or how much we despair, help is always out there to give us hope."

"It was a nice story, Legolas." Pippin yawned. "Have you ever seen Gwaihir?"

Legolas smiled, lost in memory. "Once, Pippin, in my hour of greatest need he appeared. But that is a story for another time."

Weary with exhaustion, the hobbit finally succumbed to sleep, the soft sounds of his slumber filling the cell.

"Have you called that big bird of yours yet, Elf?" Aragorn mused quietly.

"I am sure he is busy helping those truly in need." Legolas grinned.

"Really? What do you call this? Amras will arrive back any day now and he will not be a happy Elf."

Legolas frowned. "And I will never forgive myself if harm comes to any of you."

"Legolas," Aragorn began, "we have sworn, by our lives OR by our deaths, to keep that Ring from evil and to destroy it." His gaze was fierce. "We each meant those vows. You cannot tell Amras the location of the Ring, no matter what happens."

"I know." Legolas sighed. "I meant my vow as well. Will you forgive me what I must do?"

"There is nothing to forgive, Legolas. If I must die to save my people, than that is the destiny I choose."

"And I." Boromir echoed from the darkness.

"Ai, the same goes for me." Gimli whispered. "If by our death, Middle Earth is saved, then so be it."

Legolas managed a smile. "So we resist, until the end?"

"Until the end." The others echoed in unison.

"Or," Boromir added, "until we are rescued."

* * * * * * * * * *

"Is this where they were captured?" Amras demanded as they entered a clearing at Parth Galen.

Ugluk nodded, shrinking away in fear of the angered Elf. "This is the clearing."

"Search for the largest tree!" Amras shouted the order. "And be quick about it!"

As the Orcs dispersed to search, Amras eyed the grotesque bodies of dead Orcs that littered the ground of the clearing. Dozen upon dozens of bodies, each in varying stages of decay. The air around them was filled with the stench of death and Amras breathed in deeply, savoring the scent, a scent that he found very appealing. Death and pain had always been an obsession of his. He sat back on his steed and gazed at the surrounding trees, his eyes expertly searching until they finally rested on one tree, its peak towering high above all the others.

"There." he said quietly to Ugluk. "There is the tree. Those fool Orcs should have spotted it before me!" With a growl, he spurred his horse into action, galloping into the trees and down the hill until finally resting next to the large tree. Dismounting, he landed lightly on the ground, eyes surveying the earth below him. He smirked as he found what he was looking for…dried Orc blood stained the grass just below the tree. "This is it."

"I will scale it myself, sir." Ugluk offered, moving towards the tree. Amras waved him off, irritated.

"It would entertain me to see you haul yourself up that tree, you fat oaf, but we do not have time for that. I will retrieve the Ring myself." he sneered.

"Yes lord." Ugluk scowled, his eyes narrowing as Amras expertly scaled the large tree. Climbing slowly, the Elf inspected each possible hiding place, becoming more irritated as each proved fruitless. Reaching the top, his anger flared.

"Impossible!" he growled. "He would not dare lie to me!" As he climbed down, he glared at the Orcs. "Cut them down! Cut them all down and find me that Ring!"

* * * * * * * * * *

Frodo impatiently circled the clearing where the Ents talked, looking once again at the group to see if a decision had been reached. As before, the Ents continued their slow talks, completely impervious to the nervousness and irritability radiating from those who watched them. Walking back to Sam, he sat down heavily on a log and sighed.

"It has been days and yet they still talk!" he complained in frustration.

"Fear not, Frodo." Gandalf said quietly. "I sense that their discussion has drawn to an end."

Frodo and Sam sat up quickly as the Ents suddenly ceased talking. They watched the large creatures disperse, their eyes wide with anticipation. Gandalf also stood to greet Treebeard, frowning as the expression on the Ent's face.

"You have decided, then?" Gandalf asked.

Treebeard nodded, the gesture showering the hobbits with fallen leaves. "Hoom, hmm! A decision has been reached. The Ents, "Treebeard said, his voice apologetic, "will not wage war against Saruman."

"But why?" Frodo all, but shouted, shocked at the decision. "We have waited for days while you talked and that is what you decide? To sit back and do nothing?"

Gandalf sighed. "Frodo…"

"No Gandalf." Frodo interrupted. "Saruman is evil and the Ents have the power to stop him, yet they do nothing." He turned away in anger. "We have wasted days here while our friends sit in a dungeon and it has all been in vain."

Treebeard looked truly saddened by the hobbit's wrath. "I did try, little hobbit. The Ents are now few and I am afraid I do not carry as much authority as I once did."

Frodo's expression softened alittle. "I am sorry Treebeard. I know it is not your fault. I am just worried about the others."

"We will find a way to save them, Mister Frodo. Gandalf has a plan, right Gandalf?" Sam asked hopefully.

Gandalf nodded. "We will simply walk in and get them. I know where the dungeons are located."

"We walk in and get them?" Sam repeated. "Well, why did I not think of that? It will be so simple." he said, his voice full of sarcasm.

"I admit I had hoped for a diversion." Gandalf apologized. "But I have a masking spell we can use. To uninterested eyes, we will appear as Orcs."

"Uninterested eyes?" Frodo asked.

"Yes. Close inspection will allow them to see through the spell."

"Well," Treebeard said happily. "Perhaps I can help you after all. I have a collection of old Orc gear which you will be able to use."

Sam looked at him. "You have Orc gear? Where did you get it?"

"Hoom, hmm! Why, from Orcs, of course. They tried to chop my trees and I stomped them. But I have a nice collection of their gear."

"A disguise would help the illusion." Gandalf said. "We will gladly accept what help you can give us."

"Then come, friends, and see what I have."

* * * * * * * * * *

"The Ring is not here." Ugluk stammered fearfully, refusing to meet the steadfast glare of the angry Elf.

"He lied to me." Amras whispered, his low voice menacing. Ugluk shrank back, determined to put as much space between himself and Amras. "That smug Prince dared defy me!" His eyes narrowed. "He will pay for his treachery!"

"Your orders, lord?" Ugluk asked.

"We return to Isengard at once. I have prisoners to kill and an Elf to torture." Amras growled.

"Yes, my lord." Ugluk acknowledged, grateful for the opportunity to get away from the Elf. Begrudgingly, he had to admit to himself that this was one Elf that deserved his fear. Summoning his army with a loud grunt, Ugluk turned and awaited Amras's command.

"Do you want to taste man flesh?" Amras yelled to the Orcs.

"Ai!" They answered in unison.

"Move swiftly," Amras said, "and I promise you man flesh, straight from the bone as he dies in your grasp! Back to Isengard!"

* * * * * * * * * *

"My helmet is too big!" Sam complained. "I cannot see."

"Shhh!" Gandalf whispered. "Better too big than too small."

"This will never work." Frodo said, from their hiding spot at the edge of the forest. "We look nothing like Orcs."

"We need not look like them. We only need to give off the impression that we are Orcs. The spell will do the rest." Gandalf assured him.

Sam gazed out at the now baron forest floor. "I wish Treebeard had come with us. He should know what Saruman has done to his forest and to his trees."

Gandalf looked sadly at the devastation, trees uprooted or cut down. "It would pain him greatly to see this. These trees were his friends. If the Ents truly knew how evil Saruman could be, perhaps they would not have declined our request for help."

"Look!" Frodo said quickly. "A large group of Orcs approach, down the path."

"This is our chance." Gandalf said. "We can join their ranks at the end and follow them into Isengard."

"Follow the Orcs?" Sam gulped. "It sounded like such a good plan when you explained it, but now that we actually have to join Orcs, I am not so sure."

"Fear not, Samwise Gamgee, for our identities will be masked by the spell." Gandalf said. Raising his staff, he muttered a few quick words that Sam did not catch. "There, it is done. When they pass, follow my lead, but stay out of sight of the Orcs."

Frodo and Sam nodded. "And they will believe we are Orcs?" Sam asked again.

Gandalf nodded. "Just do not give them a reason to inspect you too closely."

"Oh great." Sam moaned.

"Shhh!" Frodo cautioned. "They near."

The three ducked quickly into the safety of the trees, watching the group as they passed.

"Was that an Elf?" Frodo asked, bewildered, as the leader of the group rode past on a midnight black steed.

"It was." Gandalf nodded, his eyes narrowing. "One that I know well. It does not surprise me to find him in league with Saruman."

They watched in silence as the rest of the Orcs marched by, a feeling of dread building in Sam as he watched the beasts. As the last one passed, Gandalf moved. "Quickly now, join the back."

They hurriedly crept out of the trees, watching closely to be sure no one noticed their movements. Falling into step behind the army, they breathed a small sigh of relief.

"We did it." Sam whispered.

Gandalf regarded him solemnly. "That, Samwise, was only the beginning."

Sam nodded, his anxiety growing as each step took them closer to Isengard.

* * * * * * * * * * *********************************************************

A/N: Well, at least it's not another cliffhanger, right? As always, please take the time to Review. It only takes a minute and it makes me soooooooooo happy :-) And a happy author will try her very best to update soon! (just a hint, more yummy Elf torture is on the way!)

Hey! Do not make me mind-whammy you to get you to Review! closes eyes and thinks very hard "you WILL review, you WILL review" There, consider yourself mind-whammied!