Sorry about the delay, real life got into the way of yesterday's update, so here it is. Thanks to all my reviewers!!!
Chapter 13--Separated and Frustrated
Legolas muttered a vexed curse under his breath as Aragorn and Qui disappeared into the crowd. He stopped and looked around. "We have lost them," he said.
"You came by ship. Best to go there," Gimli said.
Legolas gazed towards the place where Aragorn and Qui had disappeared. "I suppose you are right," he agreed reluctantly.
"Qui and Aragorn are strong. They will be fine," Gimli said.
Legolas sighed and glanced around then he and Gimli headed towards the dock.
*Meanwhile*
Aragorn watched as the other person entered the alley and looked around.
Qui struck without warning. He grabbed the stranger from behind and clamped his arm around his neck.
Aragorn walked over to stand in front of the man. He could see that now. "A beggar? Why are you following us?" he demanded.
"Please do not kill me, Lord!" the beggar gasped. "I meant no harm."
"I have no intention of killing you, but I want to know why you were following us," Aragorn said.
"Galion wants the Elf. I figured you and the big one would lead me to him," the beggar gasped.
"What do you mean? He has Legolas already," Qui said.
"No, he escaped and Galion is not pleased about it. He has all his people looking for him," the beggar gasped.
"Get out of here and do not follow us again or you will be killed," Aragorn warned.
Qui released the beggar and he fled as fast as he could go from the ally and disappeared from sight. "I believe Legolas would have headed back to the ship to get you to help if he thinks I am still in jail," Qui said.
"I think you are right. Let us go quickly and see," Aragorn said. They headed towards the dock.
Gimli seemed to know the city quite well. He knew ways to avoid the worst of the crowds and the made quick progress towards the dock.
Avoiding the crowds suited Legolas just fine. There was no doubt in his mind that Galion would have his men searching for him and he didn't want to be caught again. He had to get Aragorn so he could help Qui. Finally the smell of salt and the cries of gulls caught Legolas's attention. "Are we close?" he asked.
"Yes, we will be there in about ten minutes as long as we are not delayed.
No sooner then the words were out of Gimli's mouth the delay stepped in front of them in the form of four big men. Legolas groaned inwardly. He didn't even have a dagger.
"Get out of the way," Gimli growled.
"We are only interested in the Elf. We are to take him with us," one man said.
"He does not want to go with you. You will have to go through me first," Gimli said and grabbed his axe. "Get back, Legolas. You do not want to get splattered," he said.
The men glanced at each other. It was obvious they hadn't expected resistance from the Dwarf. "We have no quarrel with you. Step aside and you will not get hurt," the first man said.
"I will risk it. How about you? Come face me. Who will die first?" Gimli challenged.
The men didn't look too pleased, but they moved forward, drawing their weapons.
A noise behind Legolas warned him. He dodged just as a sixth man tried to seize him. He grabbed for his daggers instinctively then cursed when he remembered he didn't have them. He hurriedly backed away.
"No weapon, Elf? Good, that makes it much easier for me. Galion was most displeased that you left without proper farewells," the man said. He stalked Legolas with the deadly patience of a hunter.
Legolas glanced quickly over his shoulder and saw Gimli trading blows with the men in front of them. No help there. Legolas knew what he had to do, but he didn't like it. He allowed the man to seize his wrist then grabbed the Human's arm with his free hand.
The Human yelled at the pain as the reversed healing power surged through his arm, rendering it useless. He cursed as the Elf pulled easily free.
"Go away or I will do much worse," Legolas warned.
"Do your worst, Elf. Galion will certainly kill me if I do flee," the man said. He lunged at Legolas…
Whoo hoo, I love a good fight!! Don't you? R/R please!!!