Don't fret. All will go well--hopefully. Don't grind your teeth or hit anyone Alida!!!

Chapter 19--Clever Mare

The guard walked down the hall, carrying a bowl. she paused in front of the cell and looked inside. The Centaur stood at the back wall. "I brought your food, horse," she said. She unlocked the door and started to open it.

That was when Jaisia moved. She charged, slamming into the door and sending it and the guard flying. A quick blow to the prone guard's head with her hoof finished the unpleasant business. She headed down the hall, wincing when her hooves clopped loudly on the stone floor. The guardroom was empty. She'd learned by listening that only one guard was in the small jail at night.

Her gear laid on the floor at one side of the room and she grabbed it then she noticed a couple pairs of worn leather boots. That gave her an idea. She stepped into the boots, covering her hooves then took a few steps to see if they would stay on. The boots seemed like they wouldn't fall off and she nodded triumphantly. At least now she would be quieter. She was free for now, but how was she going to help Legolas?

Maybe he is awake now, she thought. (Legolas, little brother. Can you hear me?) she asked.

(Jaisia, I hear you) Legolas replied.

(You sound strange. Are you all right?) Jaisia asked.

(Yes, it is just the drug that I was given for the pain) Legolas replied.

(Good, I have escaped from the cell. I am coming for you) she said.

(Nay, do not! She is in the next room. You must get out and go to Minas Tirith for help) Legolas said.

(I cannot leave you here!) Jaisia protested.

(I am not the one she plans to execute this evening. You must flee here and get Aragorn) Legolas said.

(With your help we could reach Kai and tell him. He would tell Aragorn then they would be on their way here immediately) Jaisia suggested.

(It will not work. I can barely keep focused enough to link with you. We both have to be completely clear minded to reach Kai. The only choice is for you to escape and bring help) Legolas said. Suddenly the link was severed.

(Legolas? Legolas!) Jaisia called, but it was no use. The link was broken. Jaisia knew Legolas was right, but she also knew that she would not leave the city without her little brother, no matter what the danger to herself was. She left the jail to look for a place to hide until she came up with a plan.

The darkness helped Jaisia move around unseen as the boots on her hooves kept her from being heard. She finally wandered into the poorer section of the town where there were many abandoned houses. She choose one and went inside. She hoped she would be safe there while she tried to think of a way to get to Legolas so they could escape together.

*Meanwhile*

Deirdre entered the bedchamber to find Legolas asleep, eyes open in reverie. She was glad to see it. She checked the ugly cuts the lashes had left and shook her head. She couldn't believe how quickly they were healing. She stroked his long blonde hair, delighted by how soft and silky it was.

Legolas stirred uneasily at her touch then his eyes lost their empty glaze. He jerked away. "Do not touch me!" he protested, backing off as far as he could.

"You are acting like a nervous virgin, golden one. I will wait until your back heals before I take you again. I can be patient for we will have plenty of time. I have put off the Centaur's execution until then as well. I want you to see her die so you will know that you are alone here," Deirdre said.

Legolas glared at her, eyes sparking with rage.

"If you had a dagger, you would go for my throat. I see it in your eyes. I know how much you hate me. You will adapt. You must adapt," Deirdre said. A knock sounded on the door. Deirdre went to get it. "ESCAPED!!!! How could she have escaped!! Do not waste time you fool! Capture her, find her!!" she yelled and stormed back into the room.

Legolas took one look at her enraged expression and started laughing. You were not as clever as you thought. She is long gone by now. You should have just let us leave," he said.

"Shut up, damn you!!" Deirdre yelled and hit him across the face, bloodying his nose.

Legolas didn't care. He kept laughing despite the pain.

Deirdre cursed him and stormed from the room, locking the door behind her…….

Dreamingfifi gets credit for this chapter's title I got it from her review on chapter 17.…..R/R everyone!!