Hi everyone--just celebrated my birthday Monday…had a great time!! Here's more…

Chapter 77--Honor's Arrow

Just as the sword was about to strike an arrow shot past. It grazed Rian's neck drawing a thin line of blood then thudded into the ground right above Thranduil's head. "Nice attempt by your folk, Elf, but not good enough," Rian sneered and raised the sword again. It was then he began to shake and agony filled his eyes. "You have poisoned me, but I will not die alone." He plunged the sword into Thranduil's chest then collapsed next to him, convulsing and screaming then went still. The King of Minas Tirith was dead.

Aragorn shoved his way to Thranduil's side and fell to his knees to look at the wound. The sword had, by sheer luck, not pierced his heart, but it had come close. The wound was bleeding badly and it had to be tended before Thranduil bled to death. He grabbed the sword and pulled it out as gently as he could.

Despite his care, Thranduil screamed in agony then passed out. Aragorn began tending the wound the best he could.

Legolas finally got free from Qui's grip and began shoving his way through the soldiers, determined to reach his father's side. Qui followed close behind.

Aragorn didn't look up as Legolas dropped to his knees beside his father. "Is he alive?" Legolas asked.

"Barely, he needs to be healed quickly. Do you have the strength?" Aragorn asked.

"I will find the strength, no matter what," Legolas said. He laid his hands on Thranduil's chest and went into the healing trance.

Several of Rian's men backed off, making signs to ward off evil when they saw Legolas's hands glow blue and the ghastly wound start to heal.

*Meanwhile*

Mei Ling climbed down from the tree after slinging her bow back over her shoulder. Rian had lied to her, almost causing her to kill Legolas for the murder of Arathorn. Legolas had killed a rapist. He had not murdered someone in cold-blood as she'd been told. Killing him would have broken her honor, but now it was avenged with Rian's blood. She could go home now. She left without a soul seeing her go.

Thranduil woke up to find himself in his bedchambers. He looked around blearily to see Legolas asleep in a chair that had been drawn up next to the bed. He was so glad to see his youngest son was safe and unharmed. "Legolas, little Greenleaf," he whispered.

Legolas woke up at once and smiled in joy and relief to see his father awake. "You are awake, thank the valor! You have been asleep for two days," he said.

"What happened?" Thranduil asked.

"Rian is dead and his troops have surrendered. They are being held outside under the watchful eyes of our soldiers until their fate is determined," Legolas said.

"Jadriel?" Thranduil asked.

"He is fine, Father. He has been keeping everything in order while you slept," Legolas said. "I will go for him now that you are awake."

"Make sure that you return with him. I would like to spend some time with both my sons," Thranduil said.

"I will, promise," Legolas said. He slipped from the room to find Jadriel.

*Meanwhile*

"So you will now take your place as King of Gondor. That is a good thing. Minas Tirith will need a ruler and perhaps there can be peace between Men, Dwarves, and Elves once again," Boromir said.

"I suppose though I will miss my life as a ranger. I will need a Queen. I have decided to ask Arwen to be my bride," Aragorn said.

"Lord Elrond's daughter? She is a lovely and kind maiden. She will make a fine Queen. I will marry Syri so our child will have a father and a mother," Boromir said. "May I have a position in the army once more?"

"No, my friend, that will not happen," Aragorn said.

Boromir looked shocked and hurt by that, but Aragorn didn't give him time to speak. "You will be much to busy with your duties as my advisor," he said. "If you agreed to accept the position."

Boromir grinned. "I will be honored to accept, my King," he said.

The two men exchanged smiles and handclasps…

Almost done, more's the pity…R/R please!!!