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Chapter 70--Mountains and Lakes

When the Dwarven army got close they stopped and a Dwarf and Human moved forward to meet them. "Well met, King of Elves. I am Kilin, King of the Glittering Caves," the Dwarf said and bowed.

"And I am Dayn, lord of Lake Town," the Human said and bowed as well. "I am here to aid the Elven folk against the attackers as the Dwarves are."

"Your help is most welcome and appreciated," Thranduil replied graciously. "This is Aragorn, he will show you where you may camp. You must be weary after your journey."

Just then Gimli made his way to the front. "So there you are, you scruffy-looking Human. Where is that skinny Elf that hung around you?" he asked.

"He is with the healers, Gimli. I am sure he will be most pleased to see you again," Aragorn said. He led them off.

Legolas spotted them as they began settling down. He groaned when he saw Gimli. "Now I will never get any sleep with that Dwarf snoring. I bet all of them snore. It is going to sound like an earthquake," he said.

Gimli saw him and came over. "Hello, crazy Elf," he said.

"Well-met, stupid Dwarf," Legolas returned.

Qui laughed soundlessly and greeted the Dwarf with a handshake. The greetings went on for a long while before everyone had swapped stories and filled each other in about all that had happened.

It took time, but soon the Dwarves and men were also filled in about the army and all that had happened. Once the briefing was done it was time to formulate new plans to use their new allies to their best advantage.

Legolas took some empty skins and went to the river to fetch water. He had just finished filling the last one when a hand seized his shoulder. He looked to see Qui standing over him.

*Someone is coming* Qui signed.

Five Humans, wearing Rian's symbol emerged from the trees. "Well, look what we have here, a fat man and a skinny Elf," one sneered. The other four laughed nastily and then moved forward.

Qui shoved Legolas behind him and pulled his club out of his belt. He glared at the men dangerously.

Legolas drew his knives. He had to help Qui. He could fight!

Qui hit one of the attacker's in the gut, doubling him over then cracked his skull. Another lunged at Legolas who dodged then cut his throat. They were sure they would be able to win easily then nine more burst from the trees and joined the fight.

Qui was hit several times as he was defending himself. He took down four more before he fell to one knee. A sword came down on his head and he collapsed.

"Qui!" Legolas cried. He fought fiercely and took three more down before a blow to his jaw sent him sprawling. His knives flew from his hands.

One of the men touched the tip of his sword to Legolas's throat. "Should I kill this one too?" he asked.

"No, he might make a valuable hostage. Bind him and we will take him to the King," the first said.

Legolas winced as his wrists were bound tightly. He was hauled away, leaving Qui's bloody body sprawled in the dirt.

The guards were smart and stayed far from the Elven army. All to soon Legolas was being dragged into Rian's camp. He was dragged into the largest tent and shoved to his knees. "We have brought you as hostage, sire. We hope he will be some use to you," one said and bowed.

Rian didn't bother to look up from some papers he was studying. "You may go," he said.

The man seemed upset and disappointed, but he bowed and left. Only then did Rian looked up and a big smile spread across his face. "Well, what do we have here? For a minute I thought that my man had captured a lovely Elf maiden," he said. He stood and walked slowly around Legolas, studying him. "So who are you, Elf?" he asked.

*Meanwhile*

A groan escaped Qui as his fingers flexed weakly. The ground was soaked with his blood from many deep injuries, but he managed to get to his hands and knees. He began to crawl laboriously towards the Elven army. He would not die before he told someone that he had failed to protect Legolas and the young prince had been taken captive by the enemy….

Poor, brave Qui, will he survive and what will Rian do to Legolas? R/R please!!!!