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Chapter 34--Time to Go

Neither of them bothered to take time to get dressed. They just grabbed their clothes and ran for the cave. Just as they got in they heard voices and horses. They'd barely made it.

Mei politely turned her back. "Please cover yourselves," she said.

A bit embarrassed, Legolas and Aragorn scrambled into their clothes. "You can turn now, Mei. Sorry about that," Aragorn said.

Mei turned. "You would have been a lot sorrier if they had seen you," she said sternly. She moved close to the mouth of the hidden cave where she could see out without being seen. "Mercenaries, perhaps working for Lord Hachi and it looks like they are settling down to rest and eat. We might as well relax," she said. She returned to the group and sat down. "Aragorn, you must write a letter for me to the captain of your ship, tell them to follow my directions. I will have them sail to this side and dock offshore. When I return I will guide you to where they are and they will row ashore and get you. You cannot stay here now. Lord Hachi will never give up."

"You are right. I will write the letter," Aragorn agreed.

Mei handed him parchment, ink and a quill. "Come Legolas, we have things to discuss before you leave," she said. They walked out of earshot and sat down. "You want to know about the gift I left you," she said.

"Yes, what is it and how does it do what it does?" Legolas asked.

Mei mentally prepared herself for the lies she was about to tell. She could lie very well. An assassin learned that skill very early. "If I had known you would come all the way here because of it I would have told. It enhances one's abilities, that is all. I asked for the Dragon's blessing and that is the power the spirit gave. It will help you heal and fight, make you strong. You freed yourself and killed those spiders with what it gave you. That is all," she said. The lies had worked. She could see that. She stood and smiled at him. "I must get the letter and take it to the docks. Soon you will be home and safe, sun child." She walked back to the others.

"I just finished the letter. They will do as you say or answer to me," Aragorn said. He told her the name of the ship as well.

It was nearly two hours later before the riders left and Mei left as well, reminding them to stay hidden and to be cautious.

Qui, Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas exchanged looks. It was going to be a dull and tiresome wait They settled down and waited.

Mei made her way back to the city in a couple hours and headed straight for the docks. She kept her eyes demurely on her feet as was expected and no one gave her a second look or tried to hinder her. It didn't take long for her to spot the ship. She quickly boarded.

A sailor met her. "what can I do for you?" he asked.

"I have a message for the captain from King Aragorn. It is of the utmost importance," Mei said.

The crewman studied her then nodded. "Follow me. I will take you to him," he said.

Mei followed him to the captain's cabin and waited while he knocked and went inside. After a minute he came out. "You can go in," he said and left.

Mei went into the cabin and closed the door behind her. "Good day, captain," she said. She offered him the letter.

The captain took it and read it. His eyes narrowed slightly then he lowered the letter and looked at Mei. I am at your command," he said. "Tell me what needs to be done."

"Thank you, captain. I know that this was a bit sudden and unsuspected, but it is very important and necessary for King Aragorn's safety," she said. She began to explain to the captain what needed to be done and where they needed to go.

An hour later the captain strode from his cabin and gave orders to raise sail. Another hour later and they were away from the docks and on their way to fetch their King….

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