Thanks to my reviewers new and old!!

Chapter 8--Explanations

Legolas listen as the footsteps approached the door. He realized there were two pairs. A key rattled in the lock and the door opened. It was Deirdre with the servant who'd come to fetch him at the palace.

"I can not believe you were so stupid. The whole guard force is out looking for him," Deirdre growled. "Now you have really stirred things up." She moved to Legolas' side and began working on his restraints. "I am sorry about this. I did not plan to get you involved in this business."

Legolas winced as pain shot through his stiff arms. He flexed his fingers to get the feeling back.

Deirdre untied the gag and removed it then got him sitting up. She caught his left wrist and began massaging his arm, working up to his shoulder.

Legolas bit his lip to keep from yelling and waited until the pain subsided. "What business?" he demanded hoarsely. His throat was so dry it hurt to speak.

"Bring him a glass of water," Deirdre ordered sharply. "Idiot, has he been like his since you took him?"

The man looked offended. "He could not be allowed to escape," he protested.

"Just get the damned water and some food," Deirdre snapped. She began to work on his right arm.

The man scowled, but nodded and left.

"Once again I am sorry, golden one. You should not have been taken, but sometimes Van gets a little overzealous," Deirdre said. Her voice was truly sorry. " I will explain everything soon."

Van returned with the food and a pitcher of water. "It is not much, just bread and cheese," he said.

"Put it there and go find the Centaur he was with. Bring her here. She deserves an explanation as well," Deirdre said. She released his arm as Van left. "There, that should do it."

Legolas found he could move his arms without pain again. He accepted the water Deirdre offered him and drained the tankard.

Deirdre refilled it and handed it back to him then shoved the platter of cheese and bread well in his reach. "Eat, as soon as Van brings Jaisia I will explain," she said.

It was almost three hours later when Van returned with Jaisia. "Here she is," he said.

Jaisia ran to Legolas as he was standing up and hugged him fiercely. "I was scared to death. Do not ever do that again!!" she scolded. She hugged him again then wheeled on Deirdre. "I want to know what this is all about," she said.

"So do I," Legolas said, staring at Deirdre.

Deirdre sighed and gestured for them to sit down. "Jacinth is not the eldest of us. Kendra is, she was supposedly killed in an accident when there was a fire in her study. Jacinth found her body or so she claimed," she said.

"You said supposedly," Legolas noted. "Is there a reason to think otherwise?"

"A body was removed, but it was shrouded first and the coffin was not opened during the ceremony. More oddly the two guards that carried out the body died in accidents mere days later," Deirdre said.

Legolas frowned. "That does seem odd, but why was I taken?" he asked.

"Van thought you might be a spy for another land that she was dealing with. My son is often brash," Deirdre said.

"Your son?" Jaisia asked.

"Yes, his father was a soldier. He died in battle when Van was fourteen. He is seventeen now," Deirdre said.

"So do you think your sister is alive?" Legolas asked.

"I do not know, but perhaps we can find out with your help. There are catacombs deep in the bowels of the castle. Your strong vision could be useful and as a diplomat she would be more cautious about harming either one of you. Would you help us?" Deirdre asked.

Jaisia and Legolas exchanged looks. Legolas tried to reach Jaisia through the link and this time it worked, much to his relief. (What do you think? It could be a trap) he said.

(If it is they cannot let us live. I think we should agree for now. We can change our minds once we know more) Jaisia replied.

"We will do our best to help you find the truth," Legolas agreed.

"Thank you, we will return to the castle. I will think of a story explaining your disappearance for my sister," Deirdre said. She led the way back to the castle…

Surprise again! Deirdre wasn't the villain!!! Is she? *Snicker* R/R please!!