Sorry about the wait. I had company Sunday and Monday I was gone all day and didn't have time to write. Monday FF.Net was down…Sigh….

Chapter 76--Between Kings

Slowly the fighting died as both sides attention turned to the duel between Rian and Thranduil. It was between Kings now and the winner would be the victor of the fight. A crowd formed as the various soldiers gathered close.

Thranduil parried a thrust aimed at his chest and struck at Rian's head. His blow was parried off as well. They paused to eye each other with reluctant respect then began to circle each other warily. They watched closely for a lapse in the other's defenses.

"I must admit that you are skilled at sword play, Elf-King, but I will win," Rian bragged.

"We will see," Thranduil said. The fight continued.

Aragorn glanced around the spectators and saw one of Rian's men move forward. Sunlight glinted off the blade of his dagger as he drew it. He moved toward Thranduil. Aragorn moved with the speed of the Elves he'd grown up with. He reached the man in an instant and caught the wrist of his dagger hand. "No, this is a duel and you dishonor your King by your interference. He twisted the man's wrist roughly.

The man cried out in pain and dropped the dagger. Seeing the dangerous look in Aragorn's eyes, he backed up with hands raised in surrender.

Aragorn stayed there. He would guard Thranduil's back from now on.

Rian slashed at Thranduil's leg and this time it hit. The sword slashed a deep cut into Thranduil's leg.

Thranduil cried out in pain then his leg buckled under him and he fell. His sword flew out of his hand as he landed on his back.

Rian put the tip of his sword to Thranduil's throat, eyes glinting with triumph. "It appears I have won. I will give you a choice, surrender or die," he said.

*Meanwhile*

Legolas woke up from his restorative sleep to see Qui looking down at him. "You are awake," he said. "I am glad."

*I am sorry that I failed you* Qui signed.

"You did not fail me. You nearly died defending me and I will always be grateful," Legolas said.

Qui laid his hand on Legolas's shoulder and nodded. *It is an honor defending you* he signed.

Just then a messenger ran up to them. "Prince Legolas, your father has been hurt in a duel with the Human King and he has fallen!" he said.

"No, take me to him," Legolas said. He scrambled to his feet.

Elrond touched his shoulder. "Legolas, you should not…." he began.

"I must go to him, please Elrond!" Legolas pleaded.

Elrond sighed and lowered his hand. "I suppose you must, but take Qui with you at least," he said.

Legolas followed the messenger and Qui gave Elrond a quick nod and followed them.

"Well, Elf? Do you yield or shall I take your head?" Rian asked. "It matters not to me."

Legolas saw what was going on. "Father!" he cried. He started that way, but Qui wrapped a strong arm around his waist and wouldn't let him go further.

"Let me go, Qui! I must go to him!" Legolas protested, struggling against Qui's grasp.

Qui's heart ached for Legolas's agony, but he couldn't let him go. He tightened his grip on him and shook his head.

Thranduil heard his son's voice and relief swept through him. His youngest son, his lady's last gift to him, was alive. He could join her in Mandos' hall now. He looked up at Rian and smiled, catching him by surprise. "I refuse to yield to you, Human," he said. "I will not rot in your dungeon as your personal war trophy. I chose to die rather then that."

"I will put your head on a stake on the castle gates, Elf! I gave you a chance, but now you die!" Rian raged. He raised his blade high, sunlight glittering off the tip.

Thranduil waited, still smiling and unafraid as his death approached. My love I will be joining you soon and I know you will be waiting as you promised me, he thought.

The sword arched downward….

This looks like a great place to stop…Snicker….R/R please….Thank you!