Hi everyone, the cat is back--here is the next chapter--this story is dedicated to all my readers and reviewers--you keep me going. You're all in for a surprise!!!!

Chapter 23--Betrayal

Once the secret door closed Galen took a torch from the wall and lit it. He noticed Legolas was looking around nervously. He touched the Elf's shoulder in an attempt to comfort. "I know Wood Elves dislike caves, but we will not be here for long. Soon you will be among trees, Legolas. Now come with me," he said.

Legolas nodded and followed. It indeed only took an hour to reach the other end of the tunnel. Galen pulled a lever and the secret door slid open. They left the tunnel.

The air was full of the scents of trees and night blooming flowers. Legolas began to feel better in an instant. He stood motionless, soaking everything in. After what had seemed like an eternity he was free and he could go home!!

Galen looked around. He could barely see the gate. "Damn it, Jandra, where are you? We must not waste time," he muttered.

Legolas froze and looked around nervously. "Something is wrong," he hissed.

Suddenly torches flared to life, revealing Jandra and seven guards. Three had loaded bows aimed at Galen and Legolas.

"Jandra, what is the meaning of this?" Galen demanded.

"I have prevented my Liege's killer from escaping," Jandra smirked.

Legolas tensed, waiting for her to point him out, but she pointed at Galen.

"You should not have killed Arathorn, Galen. Everyone knows how much you hated him, you should have known that you would not get away with it," Jandra said.

Galen knew protesting his innocence would do no good. "You are clever, Jandra," he said.

"Arrest him for the murder of King Arathorn," Jandra ordered.

Galen didn't resist as two guards seized him and shackled hi hands. He stared at Jandra coldly. "I guess I was a fool to trust you."

"Do not try to blame me for your murderous actions, Galen. It will not change your fate. Take him to the castle. I will return after I deal with my Lord's consort," Jandra ordered.

Galen was roughly prodded onto a horse and the guards rode off towards the castle. They were alone. "Well, are you going to thank me for saving your life?" Jandra asked.

"You betrayed us to the guards!!" Legolas protested. "How could you? I thought you were a friend!!"

"No, I betrayed Galen to the guards, you see Arathorn has a bastard son who is his new heir. Galen prefers men, but his son is completely the opposite. I will seduce him and bear his child then get him to marry me. It should be simple to arrange a tragic accident after the child is born and acknowledged as heir to the throne then I will be Queen of Gondor. My mother may be content to spend her life as a common mercenary, but I want more," Jandra said. "I should thank you for killing Arathorn. It saves me the bother of killing him myself."

Legolas stared at her in disbelief. He couldn't believe it. "You are a power mad, traitorous woman!! Galen trusted you and so did I," he breathed. "Why did I not feel uncomfortable around you?"

Jandra shrugged. "When we met I had no intention of harming you. I hated Arathorn with all my being," she said.

"And what are your intentions toward me now?" Legolas asked, though he had a feeling he didn't want to know.

Jandra drew a long slender dagger. "Since you know the truth I am going to kill you. I am sure my dear mother will show up to ask my help in freeing you. I will tell her that you snapped and killed Arathorn then yourself. That was what you planned after all," she said. She began stalking towards him……

Surprise!! I bet you didn't expect this one!!! R/R please!!!