Hello, everyone. Glad to see you're all enjoying my little tale. Here's the next chapter….

Chapter 7--Good Deed Turns Sour

Legolas was the first one awake the next morning. He got cleaned up the best he could and dressed. He was trying to keep quiet, but Qui, who slept in the other bunk, sat up.

"Are you not up a little early? It is barely past dawn," Qui said.

"I know, but I wanted to go look for that child before the streets get to crowded," Legolas said.

"Give me a few minutes to get ready and we will go," Qui said.

"Actually I think I should go alone," Legolas said.

"I am sworn to be your guardian," Qui said.

"I know and I am glad, but if you go she may be afraid. I will never find her then and I am concerned about her. I can take care of myself in a town," Legolas said. "Please, Qui."

"It is against my better judgment. You seem to get in trouble easily, but I will accept your wishes this time," Qui said. "Be back by midmorning though or I will come to find you and be careful."

"I will be and thank you, Qui," Legolas said. He finished dressing and picked up his knives then left the cabin. Soon he was back on the docks and entering the city. He wasn't exactly sure where to go so he headed towards the marketplace. It seemed like a good place to start.

Merchants were setting up their wares when Legolas entered the market and there were very few people out, except the beggars that lined the gutter. Legolas walked slowly along, keeping on eye out for the little girl. He didn't know that he was being watched as well.

"So that is the one, Dax?" Galion asked.

The beggar nodded. "I saw him help the girl myself, yesterday," he said.

The well-muscled man pulled two silvers out of his pouch and pressed them into the beggar's hand. "You did well. You can go," Galion said. He looked Legolas over thoughtfully as the beggar scuttled away. He knew many wealthy folk that would pay a fortune for that one. He smirked and moved off. It would have to be handled carefully, but it also had to be done while he was alone.

Two hours had passed and the streets were getting busy. Legolas had still seen no sign of the girl. He decided that it was time to go back to the ship. He hadn't gone far when he got the feeling he was being followed. He stopped short and looked around warily, but could see nothing out of the ordinary, whoever was trailing him was very good at it.

Not twenty minutes later two men came up on either side of Legolas, trapping him between them. One seized Legolas's arm in a painfully tight grip. "Not a sound or I will break your arm, elf. You are coming with us," he said.

Legolas drew one of his knives with unmatched speed and slashed the Human's arm from elbow to wrist. The man yelled and released him. Legolas quickly put some distance between him and them as he drew his other knife. "I think not," he said.

The man clutched his arm, blood welling between his fingers. "Little cat, you will pay for that," he growled.

Legolas backed away from the two men, planning to run when he was far enough back, but that plan was foiled when someone seized him from behind. Trapped and getting frightened, Legolas reacted instinctively. He did something that he knew could be done but had never wanted to do. He grabbed the Human's arm and used his healing ability, but in reverse.

There was a scream as a deep cut appeared in the other man's arm, showing bone. He released Legolas to grab his arm.

The minute he was released Legolas ran for his life. He disappeared into the crowd before any of his attackers gathered enough wits to stop him. Legolas ran until his was panting and his side ached. Finally he stopped and leaned against a building to rest. He was also lost and disoriented. He had run away from the dock instead of towards it in his haste to get away. He took some hope in the fact that Qui was probably getting ready to come looking for him.

*Meanwhile*

Qui left the ship, grumbling at his foolishness. He should have never let Legolas go alone. The silly Elf seemed to attract trouble like honey attracted bees. He hoped the healer had just lost track of time, but frankly he doubted it….

Neat, huh? Say whose saw Pirates of the Caribbean? I saw it yesterday. It's great!!! R/R please!!