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Chapter 13--Uneasy Riders

Aragorn and the others wasted no time gathering supplies then getting their horses ready They had just finished when the twins and Elrond walked up to them. The twins were leading horses. "What are you two doing?" he asked.

"Coming with you, Thranduil is angry about what happened to his son. He threatened to kill you. He will not dare if we are there," Elrohir said.

Aragorn considered that and nodded. "Your help and company will be more then welcome," he said.

"Be careful, my sons. I do not wish to lose any of you," Elrond said.

"We will be, father, Let us go everyone," Aragorn said. They mounted their horses and rode of towards Mirkwood. Aragorn led Silverheart.

The moment they were out of Rivendell they urged their horses to a gallop. They wanted to get to Mirkwood as fast as possible.

"So do you really believe your father is responsible for Legolas' disappearance?" Elladan asked.

"I fear so and I shudder to think what my father might do to him this time. I should have never let him go alone," Aragorn said, angry with himself.

"You did not know this would happen," Elrohir pointed out.

**Meanwhile**

It was late afternoon and Legolas was wondering why he hadn't been put to work that day when a guard entered. "Up, slave, King Arathorn summons you," he said. The guard didn't lead him too the throne room. He was led to a small room where a tub awaited. "The King has ordered that you bathe and change into clean clothes before you are brought to him," the guard said. "You have a half an hour."

Legolas went into the room and the door was closed behind him. He undressed and bathed quickly. The clothes caught his eye. A blue shirt made of silk and white legging of a thicker silk. There was no footwear. Frowning, he dried off and dressed. Finding a brush, he brushed out his hair. He had just set the brush down when the door opened.

"Time is up, elf, come on King Arathorn is waiting," the guard said. This time he took him to the throne room. When Legolas didn't bow to Arathorn they guard knocked him to his hands and knees. "Show proper respect to your master, slave," he snarled.

Arathorn laughed, rose from his throne and walked over to stand in front of him. "Stand, Legolas," he ordered. He looked him over critically. "Very good, you look presentable for your duties this evening," he said and returned to his throne. "I am having a formal gathering in one hour and you will be expected to stand beside and slightly behind my chair and serve me. Do you understand?"

Legolas bit his lip to keep from saying something he'd regret. "I understand," he said quietly.

"Good, now come sit beside my throne while we wait for the guest to arrive," Arathorn said, pointing to a spot on the floor.

Legolas had never hated anyone so much as he hated this arrogant King, but he forced himself to obey without saying anything. He didn't want anyone to be punished because of him.

**Back In Mirkwood**

Thranduil called two messengers before him. "I wish you to deliver these messages to Lothlorien and Rivendell as swiftly as possible," he ordered.

The messengers bowed. "It will be done, my King," one said and they left.

Jadriel looked at his father curiously. He could see he was upset. "What were those messages, father?" he asked.

"A request for aid, we are now officially at war with Gondor," Thranduil said grimly. "The King of Gondor has gone to far."

Jadriel swallowed. "What about Legolas? The King still has him," he asked.

Thranduil's eyes were haunted with sorrow. "Sometimes sacrifices must be made," he said …

Here we go, now things are going to get ugly!!! R/R please!!