I promise I will update more often. We had a testweek last week so due all the studying I couldn't fit the writing in my schedule. Review please! - Nanja

Chapter Fifteen: Piaculum

The fire was enormous, but distant. It was illuminating a big part of the forest ahead. Aragorn made his way through the dark forest, fixing his gaze on that fire.

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"What are you waiting for?" One of the Men said to the other, seemingly irritated.

"Sorry, I was just listening... it's almost as if someone's there..." the other said.

"No one's there, now get on with it. Elf!" the man looked at Legolas.

"Mmm?" replied Legolas innocently, not knowing what was about to happen.

"The fire is ready... it's time for the sacrifice... " said the man to Legolas.

"Sacrifice?" questioned Legolas.

"Yes. Any last wishes?"

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Aragorn left his horse in the forest as he made his way to the open field. The fire was still burning and he saw two men in front of it. Left of the men, stood an Elf...

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"Why would you want to sacrifice me? What goal would you reach?" asked Legolas, confused and angry.

"You see... our leader needs a new body... and that can only happen if we sacrifice one... And guess who has the honor?"

Legolas' eyes looked around. There was no way he could escape. The two men were powerful and besides, they had taken his swords, arrows and bow. He would never get far...

"So, this is what happened to Arwen then? You sacrificed her as well?" Legolas asked, still trying to find a way to escape.

"When everyone was in battle, we went up to the tower..." began one of the Men.

"YOU BRUTE! HOW COULD YOU!" cried Legolas.

Before any of the Men could replied, Aragorn came running foward, slaying one of them and pointing his sword at the other. "Who is your leader?" he demanded.

"Atrox..x.." stumbled the man.

"Who is this Atrox? When did he or she first appear?" Aragorn demanded, pushing the sword against the man's troath.

"D-don't.. I don't know!"

Aragorn sighed and slayed the man as well. He turned to Legolas.

"Did you follow me?" asked Legolas.

"No," replied Aragorn "I was searching for the troups that are heading for Rivendell."

"Rivendell?" Legolas frowned "Why would they be heading for Rivendell..."

"I have no idea, Legolas, but my guess is Elrond."

"Elrond? You mean... You think they are going to revive Atrox in Elrond?"

"I do think so. Especially after seeing this. They wanted to use you, because Elrond knows you and he would let you enter Rivendell without hestitation."

"But they don't have me now. How will they approach Rivendell?"

"I can't clear that up... but it is best to get to Rivendell as fast as possible."

"You want me to accompany you?" asked Legolas carefully.

Aragorn looked at the Elf with great concern. "I... I don't know, but it seems best for now if you do..."

Legolas cast his eyes down, feeling guilty. "Very well, I will then. But please don't see me as your friend, because I know our friendship is broken."

"You need more than just a kiss to break a friendship, Legolas," assured Aragorn him.

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They made their way in the direction of Rivendell, silent and carefully.

Suddenly Legolas halted and Aragorn threw him a questioning look.

"There is something there... in the distance... It's too far for me to make up what it is, but it is approaching us very fast... I think it may be a messenger..." Legolas narrowed his eyes as he stared into the distance.

"A messenger? From who, do you guess?"

"I can see it clearly now... it is a messenger from Rivendell! Probably heading for Minas Tirith!" Legolas cried.