Thanks to MoroTheWolfGod, KitCloudkicker, Itsuki Tachibana, Kimmuryiel and Musicstarlover for name suggestions. It was a hard choice but I chose Kimmuryiel's suggestion, Yokoku meaning ally. Special thanks to Musicstarlover who offered three names and a web page I could try. Thanks again all!

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Chapter 42--On the Edge

Yokoku left the room where the other three Westerners were being held and hurried off. He had a lot to do if his plan would be successful, but first he had to visit someone who could help him. He was able to leave the old temple without being seen then went into the forest.

Time seemed to drag for Legolas. He found that the fear of being confined wasn't the only thing that was a problem. Chained tightly and unable to move, his muscles were starting to stiffen and ache. It was ironic. Legolas could have eased the pain easily, but he dared not. "Valor, I cannot bear this much longer. Help me, I beg you," he whispered. He started when he saw the door leading into the room start to open.

*Meanwhile*

After nearly an hour Yokoku came to a faint path and followed it. It led him to a modest hut. He removed his shoes and weapons then knelt before the door. "Reija, it is I. May I enter? I desperately need your aid," he said.

"You may enter, my brother," Reija said.

Yokoku did and slid the door shut behind him. "Thank you, sister," he said.

"It has been a long time. What do you want from me?" Reija asked. She wasn't wasting any time. She studied her brother with sharp, knowing eyes.

"A sleeping drought, one that has no antidote and cannot be resisted," Yokoku said. "I need it quickly as you can make it, my sister. Four lives depend on it."

"Herbs to make a draught so strong will take time to gather and make. Why do you require such a thing? What lives are in danger? Tell me everything," Reija said.

Yokoku sighed and made himself comfortable and began to explain all that was happening to his eldest sister. It would be a rather long story. He just hoped that his sister would be willing to help after she had heard everything. He had lives depending on it just as he'd said.

Reija listened as her brother explained and as he talked she liked what she was hearing less and less.

*Back In the Dungeon*

Legolas had to hide a shudder when Wai Chee entered with two guards and walked over to the cage. "I thought I would be merciful and give you one more chance to speak. If you do I will have you released from the cage. I imagine it is very uncomfortable for you. Will you speak?" he asked.

"I have already told you. There is nothing to speak of," Legolas said.

Wai Chee shook his head pityingly. "So very stubborn, as you wish," he said. He gestured to the guards and they started for the door. Suddenly Wai Chee stopped and looked back at Legolas. "There are worse punishments then the one you are suffering. I would consider that if I were you," he said then he and the guards left.

Legolas slumped in his bonds wearily, wincing as the shackles bit into his skin. He didn't know how long he could bear this without breaking. He wondered what Aragorn, Qui, and Gimli were doing then he had a horrible thought. They could already be dead for all he knew. "No, let that not be true," he whispered…

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Whew, thought I would have to break my promise! Couldn't get on the site for two hours! It's 3:30 am, so I'm going to bed. Good Night and R/R please!