Due to technical problems with fanfiction.net I had to remove this story, and resubmit it. Sorry for any inconvenience that I have caused.

A note of thanks to Arwen Tinuviel who reviewed my story. I hope that I can keep you intrigued.

Special thanks to StrawberryChick. If it weren't for you this story would never have appeared. You have been a pillar of strength.

To Slef: No, you can not read the longer version, but don't fear. Everything will be included in this story (except for everything that is in "Duty")

The Lost Heir

Chapter 1: Original Findings

Frumgar knelt on the forest floor.

His eyes were shut. He did not wish to see the accusing stares of those lying on the floor. Elves accusing him because he had been unable to save them. Because he had lingered when he had heard the sound of battle.

His hands covered his ears to bar the song of the trees. A song of mourning. Whispers of the horror they had seen seeped through, causing him to scream in anger and grief.

Men stood scattered around him. They spoke in whispers, afraid of bringing the wrath of their leader upon them. None had ever seen Frumgar act in such an undignified manner, which confused and frightened them.

One of them finally found the courage to speak out: "My Lord, they were only Elves!"

Frumgar opened his eyes and looked about him incredulously. The "only Elves" lay broken and mutilated. Their faces were frozen in the expressions they had held when they had died. Shock, horror and pain lined their fine features. They were never to smile, laugh, or know joy again. None had found a peaceful death.

*Oh, that I would live to see such horror*

With much difficulty he regained his composure, and stood up. Although not even the week old growth of beard on his face could hide his youth, his regal bearing had returned, and it was clear to all that he was the son of a king, not only in name, but also in disposition.

The man who had spoken covered back in fear, while the others found their confidence return.

"I would not wish this fate upon anyone – not even dwarves. These elves were warriors who fought bravely against great odds. We will honor them. Check every one. If there is but one left with breath in his lungs, we will do all that we can for him. The rest will be buried"

"And the orcs?" asked Rodib.

"Burn them."

One of the younger men – Lotert – approached Frumgar, while the rest began checking the bodies.

"My Lord, what is a large army of orcs doing in the forest? Must we not send a messenger to your father and warn him of the danger."

"Aye," Frumgar was deep in thought and did not really hear what Lotert had said. "Send Rodib. He will be pleased to be excused from this task."

Lotert bowed and left, leaving Frumgar to his thoughts. The initial shock had warn off, and now he wandered at what he saw before him. What would bring a band of elvish warriors this far from their home? Had they recognised the threat of the orcs and were send to destroy them?

He moved to a group that lay apart from the rest. Their bodies were bundled protectively over a single elf. Even in death they protected him and he had to admire their dedication. He began pulling them away to see whom it was that had inspired such devotion.

The last body was finally removed and Frumgar could do no more than stare in surprise.

Another scream sounded through the forest.

***

"This is absolutely ridiculous!"

Kari was fuming. She gazed at the Urena, at the cot, at Urena. Most people covered away from the future queen when she was so enraged, but Urena only smiled. This infuriated her even more.

"My son is gone! Dead! You were the one who told me not to dwell on that which I can't change and yet here you are, telling me to prepare for the coming of a child. It is ridiculous."

Urena took a blanked and brought it to her face. She breathed deeply and smiled again: "Perfect. Absolutely perfect. Everything is ready for his arrival."

Kari bit her tongue to stop herself from retorting in a very unladylike fashion. *This is not the correct behavior for a queen. Calm yourself. She is just so… infuriating* She took a few calming breaths and felt herself relax. When she spoke again, her voice was soft, with only a slight sound of menace: "Do not forget whom I am, Wisdom. My father shall hear about this."

Urena's smile disappeared and her face hardened. "You have only been married to the son of the king for two years and already you'll bother him with petty quarrels? You are more than welcome to speak to him. Do not forget who I am, and that my position is equal to that of the king."

Her cold menace of her words frightened Kari and she kept quite. Her anger was gone, replaced by uncertainty. Urena's face softened as she looked at the girl. *If only I could tell her what was to come. Warn her of the joy and pain that that the future will hold.*

"I am not trying to harm you, I am trying to help you. Trust me, as you once did."

Before Kari could reply, a servant entered their room. "I apologise for interrupting my Lady, but I thought you should know. A messenger from Frumgar is requesting an audience with the king."