All right, time for the next chapter, my thanks to my reviewers, new and old and all my silent readers! I know you're out there!! I hope I can continue to please all of you--Enjoy!!

Chapter 16--Unexpected Allies

Arathorn laid beside Legolas, rubbing a lock of hair between his finger for a long time after he was through with him. You are a most delightful lover, I look forward to many more nights in your arms," he whispered. "You will learn to enjoy my caresses in time."

Never, you make me sick every time you touch me so, Legolas thought angrily.

Just as Arathorn started touching him again someone knocked on the door. The King cursed. "What is it?!" he shouted.

"The diplomats are here for the meeting, my Liege," a voice said.

"Very well, I will be there shortly!" Arathorn called. He got up and dressed then kissed Legolas possessively. "We will continue this later, my lovely. You have permission to wander the castle."

"I would like to visit the garden. I do not like being inside all the time," Legolas said quietly.

Arathorn studied him thoughtfully for a minute then nodded. "You may have my permission to go out to the gardens, you can get to them by following the hall to the left, but remember the consequences if you try to flee. Make sure you are back in this room by dusk to attend to my needs," he warned then left the room.

Legolas stood and dressed quickly then left the room. He hurried down the hall towards the garden, feeling like he had just been freed from prison. That is exactly what this place is, a prison no matter how luxurious it is, he thought. He reached the double doors and opened them. The garden was huge and packed with exotic trees, flowers and shrubs. Legolas didn't even recognize some of the plants. He wandered around for an hour before he came upon a small pool with a waterfall. Legolas sat down beside it, finding the water soothing. He noticed many exotic fish swimming in the crystal clear water.

Legolas sat there for two hours when he heard someone coming. He waited, expecting to see Arathorn, but it was the mage. Legolas tensed. "What do you want?" he demanded.

"To talk, I swear that is all," Galen said. "May I sit?"

Legolas nodded warily.

The mage sat down. "First I am sorry for the attempted spell and for all you have suffered. I tended the child's wounds and he will be fine," Galen said.

"Why are you telling me these things?" Legolas asked.

"Because we are both enslaved by a man with no honor or mercy," Galen said.

"What do you mean?" Legolas asked.

Galen sighed. "Arathorn saved me from being burned at the stake, in return I took an oath to serve him, if I had known the type of man he was I would have never done so. So we are both trapped in the same noose. I must go, but remember I will help you as much as I can," he said. Standing, he left.

Legolas stayed in the garden another hour before making his way inside. He paid no real attention to where he was going and to his surprise he found himself on the battlements. He stood, looking down, feeling the wind stir his hair. He thought of his father and brother, wondering how they fared. There was a noise behind him and he whirled, angry at the invasion of his moment of peace. It was the woman he had seen at the party.

"Were you planning to jump?" she asked. "I thought your kind were stronger then that."

Legolas frowned and turned away. "I had no intention of jumping though I do not see why it should bother you if I did," he said.

The woman stepped up to stand beside him. "I cannot blame you for that, but I think we should talk while we can not be overheard by that perverted tyrant who calls himself a King. My name is Jandra," she said.

"Why should I want to speak to you? I do not even know you," Legolas said.

"Because Syri would want us too and she would want me to try to help you so would Qui, Legolas," Jandra said.

Legolas stared at her, eyes startled and shocked. "How did you know my name and how do you know them?" he asked.

A hint of amusement lurked in Jandra's eyes. "She told me about you and because Syri is my mother," she said…

I love surprises! I even surprised myself this time…R/R please!!