The judge was not sympathetic, nor did he believe their story of where they were from, and why they were here.

the judge bellowed, as the members of the Company all tried to talk at once. This is my sentence: you, he pointed a finger at Boromir. Will provide much entertainment as part of the joust. Your comrades in jail, here he gestured towards Legolas, Gimli, Gandalf and Aragorn, will pay with their lives if you try anything funny. If you win, you will all be set free. If you lose. . .you don't want to think about what happens then.

This is ridiculous! Gandalf broke in. I am a wizard, and I. . .

the judge roared, and guards moved in to surpress him. I am not quite finished. These odd little people, he said disdainfully, glancing at Merry and Pippin, will be sold to the traveling circus. People will come from far away to see them.

You will feel the wrath of Gondor for this! Boromir threatened as four guards attempted to drag him away. The others tried to prevent from being separated, but seeing as they were tied up, it was rather difficult. The guards tried to stay away from Legolas, looking up with fear and wonderment as he towered above them at six feet.

Well, I don't think much of being sold to a circus, Pippin remarked as he and Merry were carried off. I don't fancy having people coming from all over just to stare at us.

Neither do I, Merry replied, but at present, there's not much we can do about it.

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

Are you sure this chain mail doesn't make me look fat? Boromir asked skeptically.

Legolas, who was standing nearby, tied up with a sword at his throat as a reminder for Boromir to cooperate, rolled his eyes in exasperation. The elf glanced up at the nearby tower where his companions were being held. It had taken a considerable amount of time to get all of them up there, since none had gone readily. Their weapons, which had been deemed outlandish and demonic by the judge, were being prayed over by a local priest. Legolas sighed, wondering how they were going to get out of this mess, and hoping that by some remote chance that Boromir would be a natural at jousting. Although, with his chain mail comment, that didn't seem very likely.

Where is my opponent? Boromir demanded, brandishing his lance at a nearby guard, who quickly ducked.

He is entering the field, the guard replied, gesturing to the opposite end of the tournament ground. Boromir stared at the man, who wore chain mail like his own.

Does he look somewhat familiar to you? Boromir asked Legolas, squinting down the field.

It's Aragorn, Legolas said in surprise.

I will not fight against my own countryman! Boromir roared. This was not in the agreement! The guard ducked again to avoid the lance. Before he could reply, the trumpets announced the beginning of the tournament.

Will the opponents appear before the royal box! the herald shouted. Boromir and Aragorn rode from either side of the field, and turned to face the herald.

What is going on? Boromir whispered.

It appears that they've tricked us, Aragorn replied, ignoring the herald's proclamations. But, I believe we can use this to our advantage.

Boromir glanced at Legolas, who was now being guarded at the foot of the grandstand. And how are we to do that without killing Legolas?

Aragorn muttered a hasty plan as the trumpets sounded a fanfare.

My good people, the herald cried. The opening of the tournament will be delayed until His Majesty King Henry arrives. Thank you for your patience.

This is extremely poor craftmenship, Boromir remarked, fiddling with his chain mail. I'm not sure if it will stand up to this plan.

Aragorn shrugged.

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

The guards assigned to Legolas were not enjoying themselves. I'm dying in this heat! one of them complained.

Let's go get some ale, the other one suggested.

We can't, the first one objected. We're supposed to guard this guy. He jabbed his sword in the direction of Legolas.

He's not going anywhere, the second said. Beside, the King isn't even here yet. We have plenty of time. Come on.

The guards headed off to the ale tent, still arguing.

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

On the count of three, Aragorn said quietly. One . . . two . . . three! He and Boromir wheeled their horses around, and charged at the cluster of guard filling the gateway.

Ha! Watch the cowards run! Boromir laughed, as the guards scattered in terror.

Yes, but we'll face more resistance before we can free our comrades at the tower, Aragorn reminded him. They rode through the gateway and headed towards the prison.

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

Aurelia sighed at the news that the tournament would be delayed. She glanced at the hostage again. She couldn't help feeling sorry for him, even though he was abnormally tall and blocking her view. She wondered what he had done to deserve this. She watched in amusement as his guards bickered about the heat, and then left to get some ale. All of a sudden, and idea sprang into her mind. Why couldn't she set him free? He was directly in front of her, and it wouldn't be hard to reach the ropes from her seat.

She noticed the jousters turn and charge at the gateway, and she took advantage of the following commotion to untie the ropes.