Ships in the Sky Chapter Eleven- Kronos

All too soon they glided into land outside a huge black building near to the centre of the city. As they climbed from the shuttle Legolas could not suppress the shudder that ran through his body. T'Pol reached out a reassuring hand, gently touching his arm.

'It looks like Mordor. You say that these people are mighty warriors?' he asked.

'Yes. They have a long history of conquest. They hold honour and death in battle above all,' she replied, 'The blood kin of Vorlor feel that he was killed in a dishonourable way. They claim he was unarmed and that during 'festival' it is not permitted to kill unless in a duel.'

'So I have to fight, to kill another one of them. All because the first was a thief and trying to steal the weapons of an injured person?'

'Yes. They do not believe our story.'

Legolas shrugged. 'So be it.'

Archer suddenly stiffened, 'Here comes the reception committee.'

Walking towards them across the courtyard were three Klingon males and a female. They were dressed in their traditional clothing but the female had a black veil over her face.

'That is the widow of Vorlor, until the duel is over and his honour satisfied, she will wear the veil,' T'Pol said in an undertone.

One the Klingon males stepped forward.

'Human, you have come in answer to vendetta. Are you aware of the rules?'

'We don't have much choice, do we?' replied Archer. T'Pol stepped forward.

'Yes, we are aware of the rules of vendetta. I present Legolas Greenleaf, he will answer to your champion.' And she indicated to Legolas to step forward.

The Klingon laughed.

'This- this boy will answer to our champion? He cannot be the creature that killed our father.'

'Yes, I killed your father,' Legolas said. 'I lay injured and he was little better then a thief trying to steal another's weapons. I will fight your champion.'

'So be it boy, it will be a short but pleasing diversion. No quarter will be asked or given.'

Legolas nodded.

'Hold on just a minute. We were told that if Legolas fought well that there was a chance of kra'qu,' Archer put in hotly.

'Only if the widow so allows,' was the reply.

Archer looked towards the veiled female.

'I do not believe that this child could have killed my husband honourable. I call him murderer and kin slyer and grant no kra'qu,' she said, tilting her head up.

'Such is said, such it is. Unless you do not wish to fight, boy?' The Klingon leered at Legolas.

'I will fight.' The Elf was unmoved.

The lead Klingon stood back to one side and indicated that the party from the Enterprise should proceed him into the building.

They entered a long, echoing corridor which seemed to lead into the bowels of the building. After a short while they walked out into an open area bordered on all sides by high walls. Here they stopped.

'This will be your battle ground. Prepare to die, child.'

The Enterprise group withdrew to one side of the arena. Legolas drew his twin swords and handed them to T'Pol to inspect.

'See, beloved, they are strong and well made. If I fail here today it will not be through a fault in my weapons but in myself.'

Archer was about to make a comment when Phlox put out his hand to still him.

T'Pol handled the weapons with a consummate ease. They were very light but seemed well constructed.

'He naa brannonôn.' she said softly.

'Brannilîn,' Legolas replied, taking the swords from her hands. He bent and kissed her and then walked to the middle of the arena.

'I am ready,' he declared.

A taller than usual Klingon entered the arena, carrying a bat'leth.

'I am Telmork, son of Vorlor. I demand satisfaction from Legolas Greenleaf, slayer of my kin.'

'I am Legolas Greenleaf and I am no kin slayer,' Legolas called back in a ringing voice. 'I have no argument with you, Telmork.'

'You killed my father and now name him thief. I will take your blood today!'

Another Klingon male had entered the arena. This one had a white robe over his traditional dress. He bowed to both combatants.

'I am to act as judge. Will you accept my ruling and authority over this matter?'

They both nodded. He gave a curt look to the watchers.

'Let the battle commence.'

He naa brannonôn - 'You are my Lord.'

Brannilîn - 'My Lady'