Disclaimer: See Chapter Nineteen.

Thank you, Katy.

Chapter Twenty two

Once full light had once more risen, more patrol's left to check out the surrounding forest. The area could be better searched in full light rather than dark. No one expected to find any thing, though.

Elrond had just had his splint removed and was being helped into a sitting position with both Haldir's and Estel's help when the three knock sequence was heard. As the others had their hands full, Thranduil stood and made it to the door. It was Erestor and he looked flushed and flustered.

"They have found some traces of Elven blood in the forest, where it should not be." He launched into his news.

"You think it is from our assailant?" Elrond was pleased, this was the first time they had slipped up, who ever these Elves were.

"We think so; it is heading out of Rivendell and is staggered as if who ever it was was injured. I have more patrols tracking as we speak. We may just have had our first break."

"Not before time, too, I would love to know who these Elves are and who they work for." Estel's voice was grim. It threatened all sorts of retribution.

"We will find them, Ion-nin. Do not worry about that. They may well try again. It may be worth trying to set a trap. What is it they are after?" Elrond's was sitting on the side of his pallet, looking thoughtful.

"Legolas, they have always been after Legolas." Thranduil's voice was flat as he stated the obvious.

"Yes, Legolas, what if we think along their lines and instead of just waiting for them to strike as we have been? We need to get inside their heads." Elrond's eyes were bright as he warmed to his idea.

"You mean we need to think they are?" Haldir sounded just as enthusiastic.

"Yes, exactly, they first targeted him in Mirkwood, so in all probability they are from nearby. They were watching enough to know that Legolas had left and was coming here. They attacked him as he rode. Legolas got away, they obviously thought they had injured him badly and he would not survive."

"Then when he got here, they realised he was alive and tried to cover their tracks. The fact that they used Faren means they have some sort of ring going on." Estel took over from his father. "It seems that he took things into his own hands and after drugging all of us they were going to finish the job. They failed yet again. This now makes seven failed attempts ignoring Faren's. They must be getting desperate." He stood by the window looking out once more.

"So what do you think they will plan next?" Thranduil was looking at Legolas once more, pleased that the herbs used for his seizures made him sleep as well. He was not sure his son was well enough to cope with this as well.

"Well, we know the extent to which they are prepared to go. The fact they can have Orcs at their beck and call makes it certain that they are working for someone of serious intent. For them to set up the diversion and try again tells me they will not stop. If we use Legolas as a lure…"

"No!" Thranduil looked furious. "No, you will not use Legolas like that."

"But if it puts paid to all these threats? What if we catch the Elves behind this? Would that not be better?" Elrond was earnest, willing Thranduil to see his point.

"D… do I…it." The quiet voice caused them all to jump, not one of them had realised that Legolas was awake.

"No, Legolas, you have been injured enough. I will not take the chance that they will have the opportunity to have another try at you." Thranduil was pleading.

"N… need t.. t… to g…get them." The pleased look on Legolas' face was a joy to watch. He had managed to get one word out the first time.

"Not this way, what if they hurt you again? I could not bare that. I want you to be safe, nothing more." He turned pleading eyes to Elrond.

"I am sorry, Mellon-nin, Legolas is way over his majority. If he wants to do this, you can not stop him." Elrond's eyes begged understanding.

"P… please, A…Ada." Legolas could only beg.

"Very well, if that is what you really wish, but I am not happy." Legolas nodded his understanding.

"Now all we need is a plan." Estel smiled at his friend.

"What if they think we are moving Legolas to Lothlorien? We could let it be known that we no longer feel that Rivendell is safe for him. If all the guards were to be asked to talk about it at various times, drop the hints that we will be moving him without many guards so that they feel safe attacking." Haldir was speaking his thoughts.

"Will they not feel they have been set up?" Erestor asked from his place at the door.

"Not if we plan this carefully. We could have them wait until they are outside Rivendell before they talk, have them say they need to be careful as they think there may be a mole in Rivendell it self. We could have some guards well hidden behind you, so that they can swoop as soon as they know the attack is taking place." Haldir was watching Legolas. The prince nodded his agreement and approval.

"I like." Estel made his own thoughts known. "I do think we need to wait for Mithrandir, Elladan and Elrohir to return."

"I would be happier having my men available as well. I may not agree, but I will be with you every step of the way." Thranduil patted his sons hand in reassurance.

"I agree with all of that. We can get the ball rolling though. Legolas, we only do this if you feel well enough to do so. Any time you feel uncomfortable you just need to tell us, you do understand that?" Elrond needed to know that Legolas fully understood what they would be doing and that he could stop this at any time.

"N… need t… to do t… this." Legolas was adamant.

"Very well we will start our plans then." They all moved in closer to make sure they were not over heard.

Later that after noon one of the patrols made their way out of Rivendell to begin their duty. The day had been quiet after the grim incidents of last night. All were very unhappy that these incidents had been targeting their own. To have some of their friends and families killed by these incidents did not sit well. Secretly they had all believed that the Mirkwood Prince should be moved so they were relived that this is what had been decided.

They waited, as they had been instructed, until they were well out of Rivendell before they began to discuss the move. Unable to hide their unhappiness at all that had happened they began to talk.

"I hear they finally agree with the rest of us and will be moving the Prince within a few days." Doletra, the patrol leader began the charade.

"Moving him? Where to?" This was Liannela.

"Lothlorien, they seem to think the Lady of the Light might be bale to help him regain his memory."

"And about time, too, they should have moved him out days ago." Athlel could not help but chip in. There was agreement all round.

Up in the trees, they were being listened to, the shadow moved closer, making sure he could not be seen. His leader would be very interested in this.

"I agree, it should have been done a long time ago. But they have decided that he is well enough to move know. I think they plan to move him quietly without warning. No guards, just them. Good riddance I say." Doletra made his voice sound vehement, not that he did feel that way. He just wanted to make this as real as possible. In truth he like the others, really did like the Prince, they just hated what had happened since he had been brought to Rivendell this time.

"No guards?" Liannela sounded surprised.

"You heard correctly, no guard's. They will be sitting ducks." A noise from across the clearing made them turn.

"What was that?" Athlel asked. They all moved to check. Above them the shadow disappeared without them ever knowing they had been there.

"It must have been an animal, there is nothing there." Athlel dismissed the noise as nothing of consequence. "We should get moving, Liannela will soon be boring us rigid with talk of his babe.."

The patrol moved off into the forest, unaware that their plan had been successful, and not just theirs either for they had not been the only one's who's conversations had been over heard."

Erestor smiled slightly to him self as the patrol's left, the men had taken his orders in good spirits, and feelings were running high in the aftermath of the fire and Deanol's unfortunately brave death. It seemed as if every Elf in Rivendell would give any thing to help catch the ones behind this.

He turned as the bright sun disappeared behind some low clouds, making his way back towards the main building. There were still some things that needed planning.

The first of which was planning some suitable food for the Prince. He did not think that Legolas would appreciate having another of the cook's specials. It would take all of his diplomacy to cool tempers down after Thranduil's visit.

It took an hour to sooth ruffled feathers and then Erestor left making for the library and to finish the plans for the 'trip'. The first thing that needed to be made ready was the carriage that would be used to move Legolas and Thranduil. It was without question that the King would not let Legolas travel on his own. Elrond would also need to be with them, he would want to be near to his friends.

It would have to be one of their larger ones. The middle carriage would be perfect, they could pad it out with plenty of cushions and pillows. They could also add plenty of blankets, Legolas would need to be kept comfortable. On that aspect they would also need to have a good supply of herbs. Keeping his pain under control would be a definite requirement. That in turn would mean that they would need a flask of hot water for mixing the herbs.

He would have to take another trip to the kitchen to see Calenli. He would be able to supply the flask, but also the food. Erestor could not stop the groan that followed on from that thought. Food. Legolas. Calenli. It led to one conclusion: a nightmare. The only person Calenli would really listen to was Elrond. Could he some how arrange a little trip to the kitchen's for his Lord? Yes, that would be the best possible course of action.

He would also need to choose the warrior's to follow them. He would have to choose those who had not been directly affected by the fire. Erestor could not stop the thought that the new prisoners would not make it back in one piece to Rivendell. He began to make a list of those he though suitable at the end of the day Elrond and Glorfindel would have the final say, but he could at least be ready for their questions.

So caught up was he that he did not realise that dusk had fallen. The sound of new arrivals outside made him leave the room, but not before he carefully folded the parchment and placed it carefully inside his robe pocket.

The sight that greeted him was one that raised his spirits somewhat. It was Glorfindel, once more in control and having Elladan helped into the Last Homely House. The scowl on the fair face was amusing to say the least. Elrohir was trying very hard to hide his own hilarity at the sight of his older brother being treated like an Elfling. He was failing miserably.

At least Elladan was capable of standing and complaining. He could not be that badly hurt. His protests could be heard as they made their way towards the Halls of Healing; before Erestor intervened and led them back towards their home.

Once safely inside he explained that they had moved Elrond and Legolas, but had not gone into why as they had arrived at Elrond's chamber. Glorfindel led the way inside only to stop.

Elrond was stood a pained look on his face beside Legolas' pallet. The Prince was once more in the grip of a seizure. Thranduil and Estel were feeding him the herbs once more as Haldir held his left hand carefully, Glorfindel could see the blood that trickled down from some wound he could not see.

Elrond's face was paling even as Glorfindel took all this in. He made his way to his friend's side and helped him to sit on his bed, taking in the tired smile of thanks.

Elladan was helped to the bed by Andechoriel and he sat with a quiet sigh of relief. As much as he hated to admit it his wounds hurt. Even healing as quickly as they were, they still hurt a lot and he still felt very weak from the Orc poison. He was aware of his father's probing look and replied with a weak smile.

It took a while for Legolas to relax into sleep and Estel sat beck with relief. This had been a bad one, he hated having to watch his friend going through this. It was then that he realised his brother's were back and he rushed to them hugging Elrohir with exuberance before moving to Elladan and gingerly and gently hugging him too.

"How are you? Mithrandir said you had been injured." Estel was trying to look at the healing wound on Elladan's forehead.

"Just a scratch.."

"A scratch? That needed twenty two sutures! And just happened to be poisoned as well." Elrohir could not hide his frustration, Elladan had been saying it was only a scratch since waking.

"It is fine, 'Ro, stop worrying." Elladan was frowning, any body would think he had collapsed.

"Where is Mithrandir?" Thranduil had once more settled and straightened his son before realising that one of them was missing.

Glorfindel just shrugged unconcerned. "He has gone to 'investigate' some things. He said he would be back by the morrow. He would not let us in on the mystery." He was watching Estel who at that moment was trying to feel Elladan's forehead in search of fever. Elladan was trying to pull back, highly displeased.

"Why have you moved? Surely it would be better for Legolas to be in the Hall's of Healing?" Glorfindel asked, needing to assuage his curiosity.

"We thought it might be the best thing, in case the attack was a diversion." Elrond had taken over from Estel in determining the health of his son.

"Was it a diversion?" Elrohir hovered at Elladan's shoulder, the sight of his brother unconscious had scared him more than he liked to admit.

"Yes, they attacked again last night. Deanol was killed as was one of the Elves. They got away." Haldir's voice was quiet as he explained. He had not known Deanol but he still felt pain at his death.

"Deanol is dead?" Elrohir could not hide his sorrow.

"Yes, he killed the other Elf and it looks as if he injured another as well, they found blood leading into the forest. They got away in the night." Elrond had taken over the tale. "How bad was the Orc attack?"

"The first village was completely decimated. Andechoriel had the presence of mind to send a warning ahead to the next settlement and they had the time to plan an attack on the Orcs before they got to the next settlement. We suffered no deaths and very few injuries; Elladan's was the worst. The Orcs and Wargs were mostly killed. A few got away." Glorfindel finished his report to the room.

There was silence for a moment as this news was digested.

"What do you think will happen now?" Elladan was trying his hardest to stay awake, the bed he was sat upon was calling out to his aching body.

"We have an idea, but that can wait for the morning and Mithrandir's return. As for the three of you, you all look exhausted. I will explain all in the morning, for know rest, go to your rooms and rest properly, we will continue to stay with Legolas. You all deserve a goodnights sleep." It was not a request, Elrond's tone made that certain.

It was a measure of their exhaustion, none of them argued as they were ushered from the room by Erestor.

Elladan was asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow. Elrohir and Glorfindel soon joined him. The last few days had been very tiring.

Once more the fire was making the shadows flicker in the cave. The four Elves were eating as they discussed what had been over heard earlier that day. If any found it odd that Legolas would be moved, not one of them mentioned it. The fact that two separate sources had verified the information had put them at their ease.

It had been agreed that they would listen out again for more information, it had worked well this time. All they would need to know was when the Prince would be moved. Then they could finish this job and get back to their families.

That was all that mattered….

To be continued.

Authors note: Sorry that this chapter is a little late, real life crept in for a while. First I had a wonderful kidney infection with a high fever and then my wonderful Mother In Law descended. It was a fun few days I can tell you. So please, I am sorry.

Replies to reviews:

LishaChan: I'm glad you liked it. Glad you liked the bit with the broth. Katy did too.

Banana nut muffin: Every one is pleased that Legolas is getting better, me to by the way. Nope they will not stop or can not stop. They have their reasons good or bad or sad, depending how you look at it. You will find out what I mean.

Iccle fairy: I am glad you are so excited. I will try and get another chapter out for you tomorrow for keeping you waiting. Please don't die of excitement I don't think I could cope with the guilt! Luvu!!

Arienis: Thank you, I will!!

Knight-Obi: Thank you so very much for your kind words. There will be another six or so chapters, but have no fear the next story is already formed and waiting in the wings and is a continuation.

Laer4572: Wow, thank you, you made me bounce when I felt like crap! I hope you continue to enjoy.

Thank you all for reviewing once again, please continue to let me know? I also have to say I have managed to upset my beta by killing her off. Trust me she is not happy!!!

Love,

Shell

xxxxx

(Note from Katy. Damn right I am not happy. I nearly decided not to beta and post this for Shell but the she offered me Cookies and I crumbled.)