Sorry, Morloth, hopefully you aren't too bored…Things are going to heat up now that the Dwarves are here. You betcha!
Chapter 72--First Strike
Thranduil sank wearily into a chair when Aragorn told him the news. "Not again, damn them, damn them," he whispered.
"I am sorry, sire. Qui nearly died defending him and crawled all the way back here to tell us of Legolas's capture," Aragorn said.
Thranduil nodded grimly. "Leave me, I wish to be alone," he said.
Aragorn bowed and left the tent. He found Boromir waiting for him.
"Is he alright?" Boromir asked.
Aragorn shook his head. "He is upset and angry. We have too think of some way to get to Legolas," he said.
"How? An army surrounds him. We cannot very well sneak in and free him," Boromir said.
"No, we cannot. Come, we have to plan our strategies over now that the Dwarves are here," Aragorn said. He and Boromir walked off to find the leader of the Dwarves and the Lake Men.
*Meanwhile*
Legolas woke from a restless sleep. It was near dawn by the light in the tent. He could hear footsteps. He peered towards the door. He could see the guards outside. The flap of the tent opened and Rian stepped inside and the guards followed. "I believe it is time we have that talk. Bring him," he ordered.
The bonds on his ankles were cut then he was dragged after Rian. Once they were back in the King's tent Legolas was shoved roughly to the ground at Rian's feet. "So you are or were my father's newest concubine. Pleased to meet you, Prince Legolas," he said.
Legolas blanched. "How…" he began.
"How did I know? One of the guards recognized you and told me. I suppose I can see why my father was so eager to have you in his bed. I have other uses for you. You will be reunited with your father, or at least your head will be," Rian said. He smiled cruelly. "Unless of course, your father surrenders Mirkwood to me."
"He will never do that," Legolas said defiantly.
"Then you are in a lot of trouble," Rian said. "I would pray that your father sees reason if I were you or you are dead. I will give him the ultimatum today. If he does not surrender by noon tomorrow my threat will be carried out."
Legolas swallowed, but raised his head proudly. He would not allow the Human to see his fear. "I will gladly die for my peoples' freedom," he said.
"Get him out of my sight. I will prepare the message. Send one of the men to me in an hour," Rian said. He watched as the guards took Legolas out. He took out ink, a quill and parchment and began to write his demands.
*Three hours later*
Thranduil and the others were talking about their next move. Kilin was in favor of attacking at dusk, but Dayn had pointed out the dim light would cause trouble with sight.
Kilin laughed. "The King has generously provided much kindling in the form of flammable wooden siege engines. The burning machines will provide plenty of light," he said.
Just then a messenger burst into the tent. "King Thranduil, forgive me for interrupting but, I bring a message from Rian," he said and bowed.
Thranduil frowned and took the message. He read it and his face paled.
"Father, what is the matter?" Jadriel asked.
"Rian demands I surrender Mirkwood by midday tomorrow. If I do not he says he will send my son's head to me," Thranduil said.
Everyone went dead silent in shock and building anger.
"Enough of his threats and demands. Can your men fight if the siege engines are set aflame for light?" Thranduil asked.
"Yes, I believe we can," Dayn said.
"Then we will indeed attack at dusk. This so-called King has went to far," Thranduil said. "Tell all those who will fight to be ready. We fight until victory or defeat…NO Quarter will be given," Thranduil commanded grimly. The meeting was broken up and everyone left….
Whoo, gonna be a wild fight! R/R please!!!