Legolas sighed as he laid back down in his bed. His sigh was a heart-breaking sigh uttered proving his fading hope.
Thranduil took his son's hand and smiled sadly at him though he knew Legolas could not see him. " All will be well my son. Rest now Legolas." Thranduil said softly to Legolas in elven.
Midway to Mirkwood Elladan stopped his horse suddenly when a cloaked figure appears as if out of thin air.
The figure smirked and changed directions when Elladan tried to get passed him.
" What is it that you want?" Elladan asked finally in irritation.
The figure's face was hidden in the shadows of his crimson hood. When the figure spoke his voice was cold and cruel and was a human voice. " What do you want? You travel through my territory." The figure returned.
Elladan sighed in exasperation. " I don't have time for this!"
" Make time because you are going no further in this direction. Hand me that letter you carry for the 'king' and send back this message." He paused for a long while for effect. " Bring the prince here on the next full moon and leave him here alone. In exchange for the prince we will free your sister."
Elladan's mind erupted in panic ' Arwen!'. He didn't notice the disappearance of the figure, but at once he spurred his horse and headed back to Rivendell. He jumped off his horse, and let the stable hand take care of the horse while he ran inside and searched for his father.
" Elladan back already?" Elrohir asked in a teasing tone, but at once his face grew serious upon seeing the look on his twins face. " What's wrong Elladan?"
" Where is Ada? I will tell you both at once." Elladan answered shortly.
Elrohir sighed and led Elladan to their father's study and left only to return again with Elrond. " What's going on Elladan?" Elrohir asked impatiently.
Elladan launched into the story about what happened on the way half way to mirkwood and the conversation with the figure.
" Arwen.. We must get her back." Elrohir said.
Elrond stood and paced the room in a shocked silence. His face was grim and dark. He stared into the wall as if trying to see through it. Finding out she never made it to Lorien was ill news indeed. " Yes we must get her back."
" At the price..." Elladan said.
" We know what he shall do if he finds out..." Elrohir continued.
" He will go in order to free her." Elladan finished his brother's statement.
" Then we do not let him know. We have a week to come up with a plan." Concluded Elrond.
Unknown to them all Legolas had managed to sneak out of his room and was listening in the shadows just outside the room. He drew in a deep breath and found his way outside. Erendeil sensed his master's urgency and hurt and became his eyes as Legolas whispered words in elven to direct the horse to the clearing. " Valin!" Legolas called when Erendeil stopped. " Let the elfling in your care go and do what you wish to me." Legolas's voice was cool and commanding. Unknown to him he was staring straight at his brother.
" Well if it isn't my little brother playing the hero once again. Very well, but we will release her when I see fit." Valin remarked with a smirk upon his face. He gestured to one of the cloaked figures and the grabbed Legolas off the horse and poured some bitter tasting vial down his throat clearing his vision.
The figure drew back his hood revealing cool green eyes and short light brown hair. He looked no older then 20 years old. The human smirked cruelly at Legolas. " Consider me one of the last faces you will ever see you worthless piece of scum."
" Akail deal with him as you wish, but do not kill him yet. I shall bring in the child." Valin said to the human as he left to go get Arwen. Valin returned shortly with Arwen. " You will watch what is to happen to your rescuer and speak not a word what you caused to happen to him." Valin told her.
Legolas lifted his gaze towards Arwen. " Arwen don't believe a word he has told you. This isn't your fault..." Legolas was cut off as they started to brutally beat him.
" Silence scum. You only speak when you are spoken to." Akail spat.
" Legolas!" Arwen screamed.
TBC....
Reviewers:
MoroTheWolfGod: Here is the next chapter. Thanks for the review I am glad you are enjoying the story.
Dalas Ray: Does this chapter answer your question about Legolas's sudden blindness in this story? As always thanks for the review and I hope you enjoy the chapter.