I have everyone on the edge of his or her seats again, don't I? I love it when I do that. Once again I want to thank all my reviewers and those that have put me on their favorites list…Thank you!!
Chapter 75--Royal Duel
Heart pounding, Legolas looked up to see who had blocked his way. "Boromir, by the Valor you scared me!" he said.
"Are you hurt?" Boromir asked.
"Nay, I am alright," Legolas said.
"Good, hurry back to the camp. Qui needs your help," Boromir said. "I will cover your escape; GO!!"
Legolas nodded and took off at a dead run. Soon he was safely back at the camp. He ignored the questions from those left behind and went to where the injured were. He found Elrond kneeling beside Qui. "Does he yet live?" he asked.
Elrond smiled in relief that Legolas was safe then nodded. "Against all odds, yes, but he needs your power," he said.
"He will have all I can give," Legolas swore and knelt beside Qui. He laid his hands on his chest and sank into a healing trance. The wounds were bad, very bad. It was hard to get them to heal. He sank back, exhausted and panting, but it was done.
Elrond gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Well done, young one," he said. He studied Legolas with concern and helped him to his feet. "Come, you should rest. You have been through a lot."
Legolas allowed Elrond to help him over to a pallet without argument. He was asleep the minute he laid down.
*Meanwhile*
Mei left the tent, grim-faced. Her knives dripped blood. She glanced around then began to make her way around the outside fringes of the fight. There was something she had to do if she could or die in the attempt.
Aragorn parried a blow and cut his opponent down. No new enemy closed so he took the opportunity to look around. The fight was going well, thanks to the aid of the Dwarves and Lake men. They might actually manage to succeed and survive this battle. Grimly, he waded back into the battle, sword slashing.
Gimli tore his axe free of a dead man's chest then glanced around. He saw a man looming over a fallen Elf, ready to run him through. Howling a battle cry, he threw the axe at the Human's unsuspecting back.
Haldir glared up at his opponent with open hate as the Human brought back his sword for the deathblow. Suddenly the Human jerked, eyes wide and fell. Haldir barely got out of the way to keep the Human from landing on him. Once the Human had fallen Haldir could see the axe buried in the foe's back. He staggered to his feet as Gimli ran up and tore the axe loose. Dwarf and Elf exchanged nods then both returned to the battle. Further thanks would have to be voiced later.
Roderick stayed close to King Rian, guarding his back even though he had lost all taste for this battle. It seemed so foolish to waste so much life fighting over a forest that would be of no use for years, but he knew his duty and would continue to defend his King.
Thranduil was weary beyond belief, but he kept swinging. There would be no retreat this time only victory or defeat. He prayed to the Valor that Mei had gotten Legolas to safety. He couldn't bear losing his youngest son. He and his bodyguards clashed with another group of Humans and Thranduil found himself almost face to face with Rian. Both sides froze and stared.
Rian smirked. "Have you come to surrender at last, Elf?" he asked insolently.
"I have no intention of surrendering my lands to you," Thranduil said.
"A shame your son had to die because of you. I have to admit that I can see why my father wanted him in his bed," Rian sneered. "You are a very poor father to allow your son to be killed so for a few trees."
Thranduil forced his anger back. He knew Rian was trying to anger him and make him careless. Mei has saved him by now. She must have, he thought.
Rian pointed his sword in Thranduil's direction. "Perhaps we should see who is the better of us, blade to blade," he said.
"As you wish, I accept your challenge," Thranduil said.
The guards backed off as the Human and Elven King moved towards each other, blades at ready….
And the winner is……..Guess you'll have to wait and see….*Snicker* R/R please!!!