Disclaimer: Please see chapter One

Thank you to Katy, friend and Beta

Chapter Twenty

For the twins and Glorfindel the ride to the village was too slow. They all knew only too well that the Orcs would get there before them. The thought of what they would find made all their blood run cold.

They had left shortly after Erestor's announcement; the guards not out on patrol had readied themselves in no time, Thranduil's guards joining them with no problems. Orcs and Wargs were enemy to all in the fight against darkness.

It had been one of the hardest things for Estel to ever have done, seeing his brothers and friends ride off into battle. The thought that he may never see them alive again was playing on his mind as he saw disappear through the Great Gates.

A hand on his arm warned him he was not alone and he looked up to see an understanding smile on Thranduil's face.

"They will return, Estel, have faith. Come your Ada wants a word with you." Thranduil turned waiting for the younger man to join him. Estel looked once more towards the gates before sighing and moving inside.

It seemed so quite in the room without his brothers, as the day drew to a close he kept expecting to hear a cry of 'Check!". Legolas was still sleeping and Estel found himself desperately wanting his friend to wake up. He needed the familiarity.

He moved instead to his Ada's pallet and sat down. Haldir stood by the window; hand on his sword, looking out over Rivendell.

"You wanted to speak to me, Ada?"

"Yes, Estel, we need to make plans. I have the feeling this is a diversion. It is just too convenient that Orcs should suddenly attack. That was one of the reasons I asked Haldir and you to stay. With Thranduil we will be able to guard Legolas. One thing I do want to do is move our room. We will do this tonight once every one is settled. I want only Erestor to know. Who ever are planning this must be kept in the dark."

"That is a good plan, Elrond; it will throw them off balance if they find this room set up but empty. Where will we move to?" Thranduil was pleased at this suggestion.

"My chamber, it is closest to the front door if we need to get out. We can use the side door."

"Side door? What side door?" Haldir had been to Rivendell many times and even stayed in the Halls of Healing as a patient, yet he never knew there was another door into the building.

"It is the door we use to take bodies out of, it is situated at the back, far away from the sight of the street. It is only used for that, so it is not normally spoken of." Estel tried to explain. The door itself was hidden and the path covered by bushes to add privacy to the solemn occasion of a loved ones death.

"It is not talked about normally so any visitors are a little in the dark about it. We can use it and enter the Last Homely House with no one the wiser. Estel, will you please go and get Erestor for me? We will need to put this plan into motion and he is vital to it." Elrond winced, the pain in his leg was niggling once again.

"Of course, Ada, but it can wait for a few minutes until I organise some herbs for you." Estel was already at the table.

"Estel…"

"I will not take no for an answer, Ada, you either have them and I go and Erestor or we sit and look at each other until you give in!" Estel's voice was stern.

Thranduil's laugh did not help matters. "I would give in, Mellon-nin; I think that at present you are in no position to argue."

"Be that as it may, Thranduil, I will get my revenge, I think they are all enjoying this far, far too much. I will be patient and wait my turn. But you are right; I need to be pain free over the next few hours. Vilya may be needed and I need to be clear headed for that." Elrond accepted the goblet of herbs.

Estel made his way to the door; he could not help but notice that both Thranduil and Haldir had their weapons to hand. Even Elrond had a short knife. They were all ready and waiting for the next attack. One they were all certain would be coming.

It was not long before Estel returned with Erestor and the plans made put into action.

The ride was hard on Elf, Wizard and horse. They only stopped when absolutely necessary, basically when the horses were in dire need of rest and water, they rode through the night and on into morning. Not one of them voiced their concern that they would all be arriving too late to help the innocent Elves who happened to get in the way of the Orcs.

Night fell in Rivendell and peace once again descended. One by one family settled in their flet's, worry over friends and family pronounced. All they Elleth's could do was pray to Valar to look after husbands, fathers and sons. All knew only too well, from past experiences, that Orcs did not know the meaning of the word mercy.

Crickets could be heard and once in a while a solitary Owl could be heard hooting as it hunted for Voles and Mice. No noticed a door open and a solitary figure emerge into the gloom of the night.

Checking carefully to make sure he had not been seen and indeed that no one was about, the figure disappeared once more.

A minute later, the figure emerged once more with him was three other's carrying something on a stretcher. Not one word was spoken as they moved with hurried, yet careful steps towards the rear of the Last Homely House. Once there they disappeared once more.

Three figures emerged ten minutes later and keeping to the shadows they made their way once more into the Hall's of Healing.

They left the building a while later, two carrying another figure, one hand on sword, just on the off chance of trouble. They soon vanished from view and all was quiet once again.

The front door of the Last Homely House opened an hour later, Estel and Erestor left, heading over to the Healing rooms as planned. Talking between themselves, they entered, standing under the lantern to cast one last look around.

Once in the room Legolas had been nursed in they began to ready it. Using pillows and bolsters they arranged the beds so that it would look as if the beds were occupied. Choosing a chair by the fire, they made another bolster to look as if the watcher had fallen asleep. Leaving the window open slightly, they left the room.

All was ready.

Elrond watched Thranduil pace the room; he had stayed behind to guard Legolas when the others had retrieved Elrond. Now he was driving both Rivendell's Lord and Lothlorien's March Warden as they watched him.

Thranduil could not help it, something just was not right. The move of rooms had just gone too well. He could feel his skin almost crawling. It felt as if every hair on his head was raised. Every cell in his body was on alert. Something was coming and it was going to be big.

Three knocks in sequence on the door brought him to a halt. As Elrond had wanted only Erestor knew where they were. Estel and Erestor hurried into the room, Estel taking up his post once more between his father and friend.

"All is ready, Ada, just as you asked. When do you think it will happen?" Estel once more had Legolas' hand in his.

"I do not know, Ion-nin, it may not even be tonight, I did not want to take the chance, though. Thranduil, would you please stop that and sit down!" Elrond could not help himself; his friend had begun his pacing once more.

"Something is not right, Elrond. Can you not feel it?" Thranduil had a deep frown marring his forehead.

"Yes, I can feel it, but pacing will not help. If you are exhausted you will be of no use to Legolas. Please, rest. I need you all." Stuck with his fractured leg as he was, he was in no position to help during the fighting, if it came to that.

"I know you are right. I just hate this waiting." Thranduil was whining and he knew it.

"I know, Mellon-nin, I know." Both were Elves of action and sitting around like this was just not what they were used to.

"E… Estel? W… where?" So intent had they been in watching the King pace, none had realised that his son was awake.

"Legolas, we are in Adar's bed chamber. We moved you both earlier. How do you feel?" Estel smiled at his friend in reassurance.

"S… sore. A… Ada?" Thranduil had moved to his side.

"Yes, Ion-nin?" He brushed the hair from the pale face, hooking it behind Legolas' ear.

"E… 'Dan? E… Ro?" Legolas was beginning to get fed up at not being able to get the words out in just the right way.

"They had to leave to sort out a problem with one of the patrols, they will be back soon." It had been agreed that Legolas would not be told of the real reason as to why his friends were not there. "Where does it hurt?"

"H… head a…and l…leg." Legolas swallowed his mouth dry. "W…what ha… happened?" He was squinting at his father, the pain in his head becoming more pronounced as he tried his hardest to remember.

"You were in an accident, Legolas; you are well on the way to recovery." Thranduil looked up as a goblet was placed before him. Smiling his thanks to Haldir, he moved to help, Legolas sit up. The scowl that crossed Legolas' face brought joy to the hearts of all watching.

"C… can d…do." Much to their amusement he tried to sit himself up, tried desperately in fact. But to no avail.

"Let us help you, my Greenleaf; you are still weak and recovering. No one thinks any the less of you." Thranduil had known for years that this was one of his son's biggest fears. "It will only be for a short while and it will go no further than this room. Will it?" He looked at the other occupants, one by one. They all quickly agreed.

Legolas reluctantly let them help him sit up noticing for the first time that his left arm was not doing all that he wanted it to. Wanting to know more, he tried to take the goblet in his left hand, if it had not been for Thranduil the goblet would have ended up all over the pallet. Saying nothing, Thranduil helped his son drink the tea and then settled him down.

Legolas felt his eyes closing of their own accord, he felt so tired, but he had just woken up; he should not be this tired.

"A… Ada? T…tiwed." He frowned once more.

"You hurt your head, Legolas, your arm and head have been affected. You will be tired for a while longer, or so I have been led to believe." Thranduil glanced over to Elrond who nodded his agreement.

"Rest, you will feel better soon, close your eyes and let the tea do its job."

Legolas had no choice in the matter; his eyes were already closed as he felt the herbs once more do their job.

Nothing was said in the room. All were grateful that Legolas seemed to be more cognizant every time he woke. The confusion they could all understand.

Nothing much happened that night, Elrond himself fell into a good healing sleep, just after midnight, the others took turns to sleep, the others all on alert.

Dawn broke revealing a damp, grey day. All in the group being led by Glorfindel were soaked to the skin. The rain had caught all unaware.

All were exhausted and worried. Ahead of them they could see the dark smoke that rose ominously from where they knew the village was. The minute they had spotted it on the horizon they had pushed their horses harder than ever.

Know they were reaching the outskirts of the settlement. It was their worst nightmare come true. Every single Elf had been killed. All the men, women and children. Not one had been left alive. Evidence of the fierce fight lay scattered for all to see. The Elves had not given in without a fight and Orc corpses were in evidence among the Elves.

Glorfindel closed his eyes and spoke words of prayer to the Valar to keep the Elves fea safe. He was just ready to remount when a movement caught his eye. It was one of the Orcs. Moving swiftly he brought his sword out and moved to the beast's side.

"Where are they headed next?" Glorfindel's voice was a low growl that promised retribution.

"As if I would tell you!" The Orc tried to sneer, but coughed instead, dark black blood dribbling down his chin.

"If you tell me I will make your death clean and painless. If not I promise you will scream for a long time." It was not an idle threat.

"You will be too late they left an hour ago. That much I will tell you, filth!" The Orc spat at Glorfindel, black blood spattering across the Elf Lords chest.

"Glorfindel, they are heading east! They did not try to hide their tracks. Andechoriel and his troop are behind them!" Elladan hurried to his friend's side.

"Then we have no need of this scum." In one quick move, he slit the Orcs throat. Standing he looked at the others around him. "We can return later to bury our dead. For know they threaten another of our settlements. They left an hour ago, we must hurry."

Once more they mounted and turned to follow the trail left by the monsters that had no souls.

They had been riding for forty minutes when they heard the first sounds of fighting. Urging their horses all the more they readied themselves for the fight.

This time the Orcs had not made it into the actual village. The men had had warning with one of Andechoriel's men alerting them as he had done Elrond. Know they were all fighting, Andechoriel and his men adding to the number of Elves. The fight was already bloody. Screams and cries rent the air.

Screaming an Elven war cry Glorfindel plunged into the fray, neatly severing the first Orcs head from his shoulders. The others soon joined in. The Orcs panicked somewhat when they realised that more Elves had arrived. Some decided to forget the fight and run, some even ran the wrong way and were cut down by the Elves from the village.

Realising that the fight was not going his way the lead Orc growled profanities at any of his fighters who appeared to be giving up. Glorfindel took advantage of his distraction to make his way, blade slashing and flashing in the dim light, towards this leader. If he could stop him, the Orcs would have no sense of direction.

The Orc turned just as Glorfindel moved in behind him. It grinned evilly, its sharp teeth blackened and disgusting. It raised its scythe. "Ready to meet death, Elf?"

"No, but you will, I promise you that." The Orc made the first move, swinging his weapon around in an arc. Glorfindel had no trouble dodging it gracefully, bringing his own sword down with a crunch on the Orcs arm, it left a deep bloody welt and he could have sworn he saw the white of bone.

The Orc only growled its fury and attacked once more. Glorfindel met its attack with no difficulty what so ever. He pressed home his attack, causing his foe to stumble as he tripped over a body. It had no chance and Glorfindel ran his sword right through the beast. He stood a moment taking a deep breath before turning back to the fray.

With the death of their leader, the fight seemed to leave the Orcs and those who could tried to flee. They were not allowed to do so. A low growl from behind him made him freeze and he heard Elladan scream his name. He turned slowly to face the biggest Warg he had ever seen. Its eyes glinted in the light and Glorfindel could see the saliva that dribbled from its mouth in anticipation of a meal.

He brought his sword up and at the ready as the animal pounced towards him. The weight of the Warg dropped him to the floor and he felt hot pain erupt in his side as the beast slashed at him with its claws. Unable to move he could only wait for the inevitable. The Warg opened its mouth ready to finish its prey when it gave an almighty howl and fell to the ground, crushing Glorfindel even more.

A pale face appeared a look of horror written all over. "Glorfindel! Oh, thank the Valar!" It was a panicked Elladan. "We need to get this off of you. Are you hurt?" Between the two of them they pushed the corpse to one side and Elladan held his hand out to Glorfindel to help him up.

It was then that the Elf Lord took his first good look at Elladan. He was covered in blood both black and silver red. He had a large cut across his forehead and one across his right bicep, both were still bleeding. "I am fine, just a scratch. You do not look so good."

Elladan flashed him a bright smile. "Just scratches that is all. We seem to have the upper hand."

Indeed they did. Only a hand full of Orcs were left and they were falling quickly. It appeared that the Elves had only sustained a few injuries, some serious, but nothing deadly.

"So I see. You fought well, Elladan. We need to…." He stopped it took all of his remaining strength to prevent the younger Elf from falling. Elladan's face had blanched white under the blood and gore, he fell into Glorfindel his eyes rolling into the back of his head. "Elladan!"

To be continued.

Thank you to all my reviewers you are the best.

Replies to reviews:

Jopru: Sorry I stopped there, but here's some more. I hope you like.

Deana: I'm glad you thought it was funny, so did I in the end. Imagine red tomato soup followed by vanilla ice cream. I do not recommend wearing them! Here is chapter 20 for you.

Inwenalas: Thank you, I hope you continue to enjoy.

LishaChan: I'm glad you are enjoying this. I love Legolas too!

Iccle fairy: I'm glad you liked the flash back. It just seemed the right way to start it. Here is some more for you.

Elanor8: Thank you once more. I am glad you are continuing to enjoy this tale of mine.

Thank you all once more. Please continue to let me know how I am doing? Please?

Love,

Shell