Can't believe how many reviews this story has gotten and I haven't even reached 10 chapters. Thank you so much!

Chapter 9--Waiting

Legolas waited quietly in the gloomy building. He understood why he should stay here, but he didn't like it much. It was dirty and smelled in there. He stood to stretch then froze as he heard footsteps approaching the building.

"He disappeared from this alley, Galion," one man said.

"Fools, no one just disappears into thin air, Elf or not," Galion growled.

"Maybe he was some sort of mage," another voice suggested.

"Fools, there is an opening right here," Galion said.

Legolas tensed and drew his weapons, preparing to fight. He hoped that they would go away though.

"But that opening is too small. He would never fit," the first voice protested.

"An Elf is more slender in build then a Human, you idiot. He might have been able to get in," Galion said. "Come with me."

Footsteps moved away and out of the alley, but Legolas didn't relax. They were up to something, but the question was what. Legolas listened intently for clues to their location.

"You go back and guard the opening if he is in here he might try to escape out it while we are breaking in this way," Galion ordered.

Legolas took a deep breath and shifted his hold on his daggers. No way out. He had no alternative, but to fight.

There was a loud bang from the front door, as someone slammed into it so hard that it rattled in its frame, but held. It wouldn't hold for long though.

Legolas looked around for a place where he wouldn't be in plain sight when they came in and moved into it. The shadows hopefully would help hide him. No sooner then he got in place the door flew open, crashing against the wall and two men burst into the room.

"We know you are in here, Elf. Make it easy on yourself and come out!" Galion called. "We do not want to have to hurt you."

Legolas thought about staying hidden, but he knew that the men would search and find him eventually. They wouldn't go away either. He stepped into view. "Why are you chasing me?" he demanded.

Galion looked over at him and smiled. "Because you will bring a high price on the slave block, that is all. It is nothing personal," he said.

"Funny, I take it personally," Legolas returned sharply. "Go away and leave me be and I will not have to hurt you."

"We cannot do that, Elf, so I guess you will have to hurt us, or at least try," Galion smirked. They headed towards him.

Rather then retreat Legolas lunged at them, catching them by surprise. He had an advantage by being willing to hurt them even kill if he had to. They wanted him alive.

Galion cursed as his arm was sliced and fell back, drawing his sword. The other man did the same. Together they moved to attack, but Legolas was fast enough to get in a couple more blows before they could strike back.

Galion aimed his first blow at Legolas's leg, trying to cripple. Legolas managed to parry the blow and leap back.

"I wish I had my bow," Legolas muttered. That's when he heard running footsteps and five more men burst into the room.

Galion smirked nastily at Legolas as they moved in. "Did I forget to tell you I had more men waiting at the mouth of the alley? How forgetful of me," he said.

Legolas swallowed hard and braced himself as the new men raised their weapons and got ready to attack. This did not look good at all. He hoped Qui would get here before it was too late. Help would be most welcome right now.

Qui followed the Thaila as she hurried along the busy streets. Soon they came to the building. The front door was smashed open and they could here the sounds of a fight. Qui didn't waste time. He drew his weapon and charged towards the building…..

Whoohoo! Qui to the rescue! R/R please!!