Disclaimer: See Chapter One

A/N: Ok, time for a little explanation. I received a question in a review, wondering whether or not this story is going to be Slash. The answer is a definite no. I'm not a fan of slash, no offense to those who are, and I do not plan to incorporate it into one of my stories. The question has been raised as to the reason for Legolas's state of undress, and I will do my best to explain it. Amras is a pain/torture junkie. He likes to cause others pain (which explains the potions he loves to create.) He has spent years studying the art of torture, until he thinks he's got it down to a science. So, now for the nakedness…being naked itself can make someone insecure, less confident, and put them at a disadvantage -- it can be a form of torture in itself. So I added it to my story because Amras would know this fact and would incorporate it into his technique. Legolas is naked, tied to stakes in the middle of the forest…that should definitely make him feel more vulnerable, more exposed (no pun intended.) So, there will be absolutely no slash.

Again, thanks to all who have reviewed!!!

And back to the story:

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Chapter Thirteen

"Rohan has fallen?" Boromir whispered in shock. "What happened?"

"Come with me to camp and I will explain." Faramir sighed. He led the group a short distance to where a large camp was set up. Boromir quietly surveyed the gathered crowd, noting the large number of women and small children that huddled together near the sparse fires. Tired men and frightened boys stood guard around the base of the camp, their weary eyes ever watchful for danger.

Faramir watched his brother survey the camp, his keen eyes taking in every detail. "Rest yourselves around the fire. I am afraid this story will take some time." A tired smile appeared on his face at the sight of a young woman cradling a frightened child by the fire. "Gentlemen," Faramir began, "may I present Lady Eowyn of Rohan, niece to King Theoden. My lady, this is my brother, Boromir, and his companions." Eowyn nodded her head to the newcomers as everyone settled around the fire, her eyes lingering for a long moment on Faramir. Boromir eyed the two with interest, a small smile gracing his face, and he made a mental note to speak with his brother of the Lady Eowyn as soon as a chance arose.

"Can I get you some supper, my lords?" Eowyn asked, standing up with the small child in her arms. "I must return Nania to her mother."

"Did someone say supper?" Pippin asked, his ears perking up. "I would love some supper."

"Food does sound lovely." Sam agreed, his stomach beginning to growl. "The pace at which we have traveled of late has not left much opportunity for food."

"Splendid." Eowyn smiled. "I will bring food for you all when I return." She graced them with a parting smile and headed off in search of the child's mother. Faramir watched her disappear into the crowd, then turned back to the group.

"Tell me brother, while the lady is away, what brings you to Rohan?" he asked of Boromir. "The last I knew you had traveled to Rivendell at Father's request."

"Yes, I did travel to Rivendell." Boromir said. "And in doing so, became part of a quest of the gravest importance." Boromir's eyes locked with Faramir's. "The Ring of Power has been found, brother, and it is our quest to destroy it."

"The Ring of Power?" Faramir murmured. "Isildur's Bane? Found?"

"Yes. Sauron seeks it, to regain the power he once had. We seek to destroy it, within the fiery pits of Mount Doom. That is our quest. But first, we head to Isengard."

"Why Isengard, if the Ring must be destroyed in Mordor. Saruman is too formidable an adversary to go wandering through his territory."

Boromir nodded. "We are familiar with Saruman's power, but the journey must still be made. We were captured by his Orcs and held prisoner in his tower. We escaped, but a comrade was left behind…we intend to free him, then continue our journey to Mordor."

"We too head for Mordor, to battle the Dark Army. It is our last hope."

"To march on Mordor with such a small contingent will be suicide." Aragorn said.

"What do you know of the strength of Gondor's army, Ranger?" Huffed Faramir.

"Faramir," Boromir interrupted sternly, "this is Aragorn, son of Arathorn, heir of Isildur."

Faramir's eyes widened. "Aragorn?"

"Our King."

"But Father…"

"Has acted as Gondor's Steward long enough. In these dark times, Gondor needs her King." his expression softened. "And Father needs his rest. He has often talked of his retirement. Aragorn has my loyalty, brother. Will you not give him yours?"

Faramir smiled. "So Gondor's King has returned. Your timing could not have been better. And," he added, his grin turning mischievous, "despite the fact that my imbecile brother has vouched for you, you have my loyalty as well."

"I humbly thank you." Aragorn laughed, while Boromir scowled.

"And with my allegiance comes my army. We will march on Isengard with you, to free your comrade, and then we will continue on to Mordor. Gondor's reinforcements will join up with us along the way."

"Will there be no allies? No elves?" Aragorn wondered.

"That was the purpose of my journey to Rivendell and I have secured no help." Boromir said.

"You have us." Pippin reminded him cheerfully.

"And I could not have asked for better allies." Boromir assured him. "But we need numbers to defeat Sauron. His army grows stronger with each passing day.

"Help may yet be on the way." said Gandalf mysteriously.

"What do you mean, Gandalf?" asked Frodo.

"We will wait and see." was his cryptic response. "We may not have to battle alone."

"Mysterious wizard." Huffed Gimli. "Always speaks in riddles."

"Riddles keep our minds sharp." Eowyn said, returning with food. "No, do not stand for me, boys, help yourselves to some food." she said when the others began to rise. As she passed out bowls of stew and loaves of bread, she surveyed the grim faces on those around her. "Much serious discussion has taken place in my absence, I see."

"Dark times require serious discussions, I am afraid." Faramir said.

"Dark times indeed." Eowyn sighed. "I fear all will be lost with the fall of my uncle's kingdom."

"How did Rohan fall?" Aragorn inquired, pulling off a chunk of bread.

Faramir looked to Eowyn. "I suppose the beginning is as good a place to start as any. An advisor came to King Theoden's court. A deceitful creature by the name of Wormtongue. No one took notice as he filled the King's head with his poison words until it was too late."

"The King lost all power." Eowyn added. "Wormtongue controlled the guards. When the King's son was killed in battle, my brother Eomer went to the King, urging him to act against the growing enemy. Wormtongue had him banished from Rohan, along with the soldiers who remained loyal to him. When I last saw him, he was going to ride in chase of some Orcs rumored to be in our lands. I have not heard from him since."

"Eomer?" Frodo repeated. "We met your brother just days ago, riding in chase of the Orcs that had captured the others."

"Oh no." Sam whispered as Aragorn looked at the lady before him, suddenly noticing the familiar features so like another he had seen days before. "I am afraid that I must be the bearer of ill news, my lady, for our paths crossed with your brother's as well. He and his company were slain by the Orcs that had taken us prisoner."

Eowyn lowered her eyes as Faramir put his arm protectively around her. "I had feared as much." she said sadly as she gazed at Aragorn with tearful eyes. "Was he alone?"

Aragorn shook his head sympathetically. "No, my lady, I was with him."

Eowyn managed a small smile. "For that I am grateful."

"We had counted on his help." Faramir said. "Rohan stood not a chance without him." He gave Eowyn a concerned look before continuing. "When King Theoden refused to act against the growing threat, Eowyn sent word to Father in Gondor, begging for aid. At his bidding, I rode to Rohan with four companies of men. When we arrived in Rohan, we witnessed settlement after settlement destroyed. It was evident that a large army marched on Edoras, but we did not realize just how large. We arrived ahead of them and urged King Theoden to evacuate his people to Gondor, where our soldiers could protect them. He would not listen to us."

"He chose instead to listen to Wormtongue." Eowyn continued. "He was advised to lead our people to the safety of Helm's Deep. It was decided to leave immediately."

"Helm's Deep was a mistake, I told him." Faramir added. "Strategic suicide. The sheer size of the army advancing on them would overpower even the immense fortress at Helm's Deep and there would be nowhere to escape."

"My uncle ignored Faramir's words, but I could not. I knew in my heart that he was right, so I gathered all who would listen and we decided to follow him to Gondor." Eowyn's face grew remorseful. "Not all would listen. Too many still chose to follow their king."

Faramir again eyed her with concern as he continued. "I sent a scout to Helm's Deep when we had reached relative safety, to see how the others were faring." There was regret in his eyes as he spoke. "It was evident that a large battle had taken place, though Rohan could not offer much defense. They were leaderless and vastly outnumbered. My scout searched the ruins for survivors -- he could find none."

"The women…the children," Eowyn said sadly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, "they hid in the caves, but the Uruk-hai soldiers found them. I should have done more to convince them to come with us."

"It was their choice to make, my lady. We did all we could." Faramir said soothingly.

"And the King?" Gandalf asked.

Faramir looked at him. "His undoing was a sword in the back. A coward's blow, no doubt dealt by that evil creature Wormtongue."

"He was a friend, in another time." Gandalf remarked somberly. "He will be missed for the man that he once was."

"My uncle was a great king." agreed Eowyn. "Before poisoned words took his mind. How Wormtongue gained such control over him, I do not know."

"Wormtongue is an agent of Saruman." mused Gandalf. "Sent to destroy Rohan from the inside. But his plan did not succeed."

"Did it not? The King and my brother have been slain, along with my cousin. Rohan has no heir."

"Rohan has its Lady Eowyn." Gandalf assured her. "Some have survived along with you. You can rebuild."

"And we will." Eowyn smiled. "But it will be hard."

"I will help you." Faramir whispered gently, blushing when he noticed everyone watching him, Boromir in particular. Coughing lightly in attempt to cover his embarrassment, he was relieved when a rider rode swiftly into camp.

"Faramir!" The rider yelled when he spotted his lord by the fire.

"Another scout has returned." Faramir explained, rising to his feet to greet the man, followed by the others.

"What have you seen, Erestal?" he asked the agitated man.

"Isengard, my lord." Erestal began.

"What of Isengard?" Aragorn said sharply, surprising the young scout with the force behind his words.

"Destroyed, sir." Erestal stammered. "Completely destroyed."

Aragorn felt his heart skip a beat as his face paled. "Destroyed?" he asked in disbelief. "How?"

"Large trees, sir. They were walking around and talking! It was wizardry!" The scout said shakily.

"It was no wizardry." huffed Gandalf. "The Ents attacked after all."

"Ents!" Sam and Frodo cried in unison.

"I approached one." Erestal added bravely. "He said that an underground explosion had collapsed the tower and destroyed everything. The entire area has been reduced to rubble. They have searched for survivors, but the dam broke and has flooded the land. Few were found, all Orc. My lord, Saruman the White perished in the collapse of the tower -- his remains were found by the Ents."

"No survivors?" Gimli whispered, distraught. "There were no survivors?"

"Legolas?" Sam sobbed. "He perished in the collapse!"

"Aragorn?" Gandalf asked the stunned man beside him. "Are you all right?"

"We should not have left him there!" Aragorn shouted angrily. "It was my fault! I left him there and he perished because of me." He stalked away from the group as the others stared after him.

"Leave him be." Boromir said quietly as Frodo moved to follow the distraught man. "He needs to be alone."

"I am sorry for the loss of your friend, brother." Faramir murmured sympathetically. "He must have been a brave soul."

"The bravest." Pippin sobbed. "He saved my life more times than I can count."

"And mine." Merry added.

Gimli sighed sadly. "And mine. He may have been an elf, but he was a good elf." Tears misted in the dwarf's eyes as he cleared his throat. He looked at the others before turning and heading away in search of a place to deal privately with his grief.

"I cannot believe Legolas is dead." Sam said woefully. "He was a great friend…a prince among elves."

"His people will miss him terribly." Frodo added tearfully.

"As will we." Gandalf sighed. "As will we. One has fallen in defense of Middle Earth. Let his sacrifice not be in vain. Tomorrow we head to Mordor to destroy the evil of the Ring once and for all. But tonight, we mourn the loss of a friend."

* * * * * * * * * *

Contrary to his words, Amras did not return soon. As Legolas waited, his anxiety increasing with each passing moment, the night gave way to dawn and the dawn eased into afternoon. As the sun began to fade with the evening's approach, Legolas began to entertain the idea that Amras would not be returning, that he would be freed. It was a dream he knew would prove untrue, but as he lay in the dark, damp night, frost forming on his skin, he could not help the relieved thoughts that danced through his idle mind. A soft fluttering to his right caught his attention, filling him with dread as he feared that Amras had returned. His eyes danced over the dark shadows, searching for the cause of the motion, but he could detect nothing. Sighing, he returned his gaze to the space above him, mentally admonishing himself for his moment of panic. He closed his eyes, resolving to rest his mind, when something landed lightly upon his chest. His eyes flew open and a bewildered smile appeared as he came face to face with a small bird.

"Hello, little one." Legolas said softly, his voice sounding abnormally loud despite his efforts to whisper. "Have you been spying on me?"

The bird cocked her head to the side in confusion, then chirped softly in response.

"You are here to rescue me?" Legolas asked, unsure if he had interpreted the bird's chirping correctly. "I would appreciate any help I can get, but I am bound quite tightly."

The bird chirped again.

"Yes, and naked too." Legolas said, his face turning red. "Very observant. How about you work on these ropes now and focus on my nakedness after I am free."

Another chirp, this one reminding Legolas very much of laughter, and the bird hopped to the ground to work on the thick rope that bound Legolas's right hand. Legolas held his breath as the bird pecked at the rope, slowly fraying the strands. At this pace, he realized, it would take all night to free him. He heard the strands snap and he yanked hard, shocked when his hand came free.

"You did it, little one." he grinned happily.

"Yes." A cruel voice said from the shadows, immediately squelching the joy Legolas had felt just seconds before. "Good job, small bird, but your effort was in vain." Amras emerged from the surrounding trees and kicked at the bird, who hastily dodged the blow and flew high into the air, chirping angrily. With one last furious tweet, the bird flew off and Legolas lost all hope for escape. Amras appeared over him, looking smug.

"Enlisting the help of birds now, Legolas? You must really be desperate to escape me. And look, you have one arm free -- your escape attempt might actually have succeeded." He frowned. "Well, no matter. Please retie the Prince's arm, will you?" Amras said to someone Legolas could not see.

"Gladly." Came the response, the gruff voice immediately recognizable.

"Oh no." Legolas groaned. "Not you again."

"Hello, elf." Ugluk sneered, a perverse smile on his face. "Miss me?"

"Oh yeah." Legolas scoffed. "Like I miss a cave troll jumping up and down on my head."

"I knew you would be thrilled to see each other." Grinned Amras.

"Thrilled beyond words."

"I apologize for neglecting you for so long." Amras smirked. "I hope you have not been too anxious."

"No, actually, I have just been lying around, waiting. It has been a most relaxing day. A nice break from the hectic ordeal of trying to destroy the Ring."

Amras frowned. "Enough talk. You know how this works, Legolas. Tell me where the Ring is and I promise you a swift death."

"That is your offer?" Legolas scoffed. "The Ring for a swift death? That is hardly an incentive, Amras. You will have to do better than that. At the very least, you should be offering me power and riches beyond my wildest dreams."

"You are a prince." Amras smirked. "Power and riches are not new to you."

"Oh. Right. One tends to forget his station in life when he has spent a few days bound naked in the forest. You could offer me some clothes. The Ring for some clothes. It would be an offer I would probably accept -- the nights are quite chilly out here."

"Trust me, Legolas, a swift death is a greater incentive than you realize. It will be painless -- unlike the last moments of your life if you do not tell me." His eyes grew dark. "I will give you one final chance. Give me the Ring."

"No." Legolas answered. "Give me some clothes."

"Enough!" Amras yelled. "I have been patient with you long enough, Prince. You had your chance…now we will do this my way." He disappeared from Legolas's view, reappearing seconds later with a dreaded phial in his hand, filled once more with an ominous looking liquid.

"More Spider's Venom?" You have become quite monotonous lately."

A sadistic grin appeared. "Oh no. Quite different this time, I assure you. What I hold now is the culmination of my life's work. This is what I have worked to perfect all these long years." Amras paused. "What? No sarcastic comment?"

"I am just waiting for you to get to the point."

"Yes, the point. Soon. But first, a brief history so that you may fully appreciate my genius. Are you familiar with the Molif Beetle, Legolas?"

"Vaguely." Legolas answered, allowing a trace of boredom to lace his voice, which Amras chose to ignore.

"The Molif Beetle is unlike any other beetle in the world. This beetle is carnivorous and it feasts on its own kind as its main source of food."

"Fascinating."

"Indeed. And quite unique. It is the only known beetle that is a carnivore. But it has another unique quality, even more interesting than its eating habits."

"I thought this was a brief history." Legolas groaned. "Is it your plan to bore me to death because I concede now…I will give you the Ring to make you shut up."

"Wait, young Prince, and pay attention because this next part concerns you greatly. The Molif Beetle uses a powerful venom to paralyze its prey, rendering it helpless so that it may be easily consumed. Its ability to cause temporary paralysis was what drew me to it in the first place. But through years of research I have discovered that this venom, when injected into the body, can cause a wonderful reaction."

"You don't say."

"It will temporarily paralyze you, rendering you unable to move, but it will also increase your body's ability to feel pain, intensifying each touch, each sensation to cause unimaginable anguish and suffering. But, you need not experience this first hand. Simply tell me where the Ring is."

"Ah…no."

"I see you did not pay attention during my little lecture."

"I tried, but was absolutely boring."

"Very well. You will learn the hard way. Open your mouth."

Legolas clamped his mouth tightly shut.

"You will drink this potion, Legolas. Willingly or Ugluk will force your mouth open." Still, the younger elf's mouth remained closed. Amras sighed. "Ugluk."

Legolas gagged as large, filthy hands shoved forcefully into his mouth, prying his jaw apart. Hot liquid found its way into his throat, choking him, as Ugluk forced him to swallow. Immediately, a peculiar feeling engulfed him, a mild tingling that spread from his shoulders down to his toes. It was not unpleasant, which surprised him. He had expected worse from Amras.

"Try to move." Amras commanded.

Legolas almost smirked at the elder elf as he tried to move his foot to establish his mobility, but his smile quickly faded as the effort proved in vain. His foot refused to move. A bit panicked, he focused all of his efforts on moving, but to no avail. He truly was paralyzed.

"What have you done?" Legolas yelled, feeling even more helpless than he had thought possible.

"As I said, the effect is only temporary, little Prince. Movement will return. But you have not yet experienced the most interesting side effect." Amras bent down next to him and casually, with one finger extended, gently touched the bound elf's chest.

And Legolas screamed.

"Interesting, is it not?" Amras grinned as Legolas looked at him through watery eyes. "Would you believe that I made this marvelous discovery quite by accident?"

"What…?" Legolas began, the shock of the pain still overwhelming him.

"I told you, the venom increases the intensity at which the body feels pain. Every nerve is heightened, swollen, sensitive to touch. Even a gentle touch can feel like someone is searing your skin off, as you just experienced. I move to whips next, Legolas. Where is the Ring?

"I cannot." Legolas faltered, his eyes glued to Amras as the other elf retrieved a rolled up whip from a smiling Ugluk.

"Foolish elf. I will enjoy this." Amras snarled, unrolling the long whip and holding it ready above the immobile Prince. When it came down hard across his exposed skin, Legolas could not help himself. He screamed.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Look at her." Faramir said quietly, his back to the approaching Boromir as he watched Eowyn. "Have you ever seen another as lovely?"

"I have not." Boromir conceded, standing beside his brother to catch sight of the lady as she sang softly to a group of children by the fire. "She truly is a vision."

"And it is not just that." Faramir continued. "Her heart and her courage rival even her beauty!" he chucked softly. "She insisted that she would ride with us to Mordor. Into battle! She said it was her duty to defend her people."

Boromir chucked. "Her spirit is strong."

"You should have seen her in Edoras, brother. She has such a commanding presence, even in the face of such chaos and despair." He sighed wistfully. "All of Rohan would have been lost, had it not been for her. Those people never would have followed me alone."

"Will she ride with us to Mordor?" Boromir inquired with a smile.

"What?" Faramir sputtered in shock. "No! Of course not, no!" He stared at the laughing Boromir.

"A pity. Perhaps her commanding spirit would have scared Sauron into surrendering."

"You tease me brother, but my heart can find no humor in placing her in danger."

Boromir stopped laughing and seriously considered his brother. Faramir's gaze remained fixed on the fair-haired lady and despite his stern comment, his expression remained soft and wistful. "You care for her?"

"Very much." Faramir sighed again. "But she does not care for me in the same way."

"She has told you this?"

"No. Not exactly…no. But one so lovely could not possibly be in love with me. I have nothing to offer."

"That is true." Boromir grinned. "But I am certain she will love you anyway."

"You are full of comforting words, Boromir. I am so glad that our paths intersected."

"Your sarcasm is duly noted."

"Thank you." Another long sigh. "Tomorrow she heads for Gondor with her people while we ride to face battle in the dark land of Mordor. Do you think I will see her again?"

"I foresee a joyful reunion and the creation of many nieces and nephews. Now come, dawn draws near and we need rest."

"Fine, but only a moments rest." Faramir consented reluctantly. "There is much to do before we leave." Even more reluctantly, he pulled his gaze away from the vision by the fire and followed his brother, his mind lost in thought. Neither noticed the flock of black crows that circled above the camp, their eyes watchful of the occupants below.

* * * * * * * * * *

A/N: Well, there it is. Please read and review as always. Sorry again that this update took so long, but hey, at least I posted a new chapter eventually right? Right? Hope you enjoyed the chapter -- only a couple left to go :-)