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Thank you, Katy. You are brilliant!

Chapter twenty three

There was silence in the carriage; all were on alert apart from Legolas. Even after taking the herb tea his head throbbed and his stomach was turning in waves making him feel incredibly sick. Even lying down he was feeling incredibly dizzy.

"How are you feeling Legolas?" Elrond's voice held quiet worry.

"S… sick, d… dizzy." Legolas had his eyes squeezed tightly shut.

"The tea has not helped?" Elrond asked frowning.

"N… no."

Elrond reached into his herb bag and pulled out a few herbs and roots. One he gave to Legolas to chew. "Take this and chew it slowly. It will ease the nausea." Legolas did as he was told and then drank the clear, fresh water that Elrond handed him to take away the pain.

As Legolas was doing this Elrond was mixing the herbs in a goblet adding the hot water. Thranduil looked on anxiously, his son's hand held tightly in in hand the other thumb stroking it gently trying to give comfort and feeling completely and totally helpless. It was not a feeling he cared for.

"Here, this is slightly stronger than the other tea; it will make you drowsy but not sleep." In truth that was all that he did want to do, make Legolas sleep. It would be much easier on the Prince.

"T… thank y…you." Legolas accepted the goblet and drank the potion as quickly as he could. He had just finished when the carriage stopped abruptly. The all could hear the whistle of arrows and the thud they made against the wooden shields Glorfindel had suggested they take with them.

Elrond, Thranduil and Mithrandir all exchanged grim looks. The bait had been taken. The two Elves reached for their swords and Mithrandir clutched his staff and released Glamdring from its sheath.

Legolas was vaguely aware of what was happening and tried to reach for his knife. Thranduil noticed him struggling and picked the knife up from beside him and handed it to his son with a tight smile.

They all heard the piercing whistle that Elrohir gave to alert the warriors behind them. Legolas could not stop the wince that the whistle caused. The sound seemed to cut into him. Then they heard the sound of running horses and the clash of steal against steal.

Andechoriel dropped the reins controlling the horses and reaching for his own sword shouted a warning to those in the carriage, not that it was needed. Jumping down from his seat he made his way to the carriage door, opening it he looked in all four looked back at him.

"My Lord's you can not stop here. It is too dangerous, I can count only three, there must be another somewhere nearby." He had to make them see that it was not safe.

"Where do you suggest we go? Do you think they will leave it like this? Look out!!" Thranduil's warning was enough and Andechoriel ducked just in time. The arrow sailed harmlessly through the space his head had been just seconds before. It thudded into the carriage's side.

Thranduil turned to Elrond. "Stay with Legolas, I will see what is going on I want this Elf." With that and hearing Legolas cry of surprise he left the carriage, followed by Mithrandir.

Andechoriel was crouched by the wheel of the carriage, bow in hand trying to find his target. Thus far he had no idea where the arrows were coming from. Thranduil joined him his keen eyes watching the area around him.

"Cover me; I need to speak with the trees." Thranduil looked at the young warrior beside him.

"Yes, my Lord." Andechoriel fired arrows one after another in the general direction that the firing was from.

Thranduil ran as fast as he could seemingly just a blur. He made it safely to the cover of the trees and slipping behind one for protection he placed his hand against the bark, closed his eyes and began talking with the tree. It sang with joy at having two Wood Elves in the forest, it sang of love, of sun, of birds. Of danger. Thranduil's eyes snapped open and with a low thanks he made his way back towards the carriage.

He was almost there when another arrow was fired into the air. He had no chance. There was no where he could go to for cover. He gave a silent prayer to Mandos and the Valar that they would keep Legolas safe until they met again when he was pushed out of the way.

Thranduil hit the ground with enough of a thump that the air fled from his body momentarily. He heard the soft thump of arrow meeting flesh and the groan from who ever had been caught by the arrow. He opened his yes and he was just in time to prevent Andechoriel from hitting the ground hard.

Thranduil's eyes widened as he took note of the arrow embedded in the upper left hand side of the elf's chest. There was no way this could not be fatal. Blood was already trickling down from the right side of his mouth.

"Why? Why did you do that?" Shock still sounded in his voice.

"The Prince and Middle Earth need you. Could not let you die." He broke off a harsh cough shaking his lithe body. More blood came from his mouth. Behind him Thranduil could hear Mithrandir casting some sort of spell.

Thank you, Mellon-nin" Thranduil's voice was soft and sincere, barely heard above the clashing of swords and the shouts and grunts from the participants.

Andechoriel's eyes widened at the King's words. "Mellon?" His voice was a hoarse whisper, pain deep in his chest.

"Definitely Mellon. I will speak with your family if I can do anything; you have my word I will. They will want for nothing.

"T-tell them t-that I l-love them?" It was becoming harder for him to think and talk.

"Of course, Mellon-nin." Thranduil could see the glaze over taking those bright green eyes. "We will meet again, I will be able to thank you properly then."

"L-look f-forward…" His eyes glazed as his Fea fled this earth, leaving a confused and grieving King behind. He did not move from where he cradled Andechoriel to him, taking no notice of his surrounds. There were plenty to see to their assailant.

He did not notice the figure that crept up behind him. He felt a sharp pain in his head and consciousness fled.

The figure smile behind his cloak hood. This was too easy. Mithrandir was in front of the carriage still trying to find him using spells. For a Maia, he thought, he has not got any idea as to where he was. He should have been the hardest of them all to deal with.

He made his way into the carriage, taking note of the pale Prince, covered in blankets and propped up on pillows. He would be no match. That left Elrond. The older elf was watching him, eyes in slits anger burning in his brown eyes.

"Let me have the Prince and I will not harm you." The voice had an intense quality about it.

"Do you really think I would accept that? You have no intention of letting me go. Not when I can identify you." Elrond's voice was calm.

"It was worth trying."

"Why do you want the Prince?" Elrond was watching the figure, waiting for him to make the first move.

"That is for me to know. I will not break my promise to my Master." With that he made the first move. Metal clashed against Metal in the small space. Elrond was not going to give up without a fight.

They were close together when the other slammed his fist into just healed ribs, causing Elrond to grunt in pain and loose his breath. Satisfied that the Lord of Rivendell was out of the action for the minute he turned to the Prince.

Legolas watched him with calm eyes. His knife in his right hand.

"Do you really think that you can hurt me? You have no chance." He raised his sword to deliver a finishing blow. Legolas met it, wincing as the pain seemed too reverberated around in his head. He was too weak to keep it up for long and the assailant's sword made contact with his still healing left arm, leaving a deep bloody welt in its wake. Legolas grunted, trying to prevent further damage.

He could not the other was in full health and had full mobility. With a smile of triumph the other plunged his sword into Legolas upper right hand chest. Legolas' eyes were wide for a moment in shock and surprise before closing.

Elrond screamed in utter rage and he somehow found the strength to tackle the assailant. This time surprise was on his side and he connected the pummel of his sword against the side of the others head, just as Mithrandir reached into the carriage and struck the other with his sword deep in his side. He fell silently to the floor.

Elrond took a deep shaky breath, still shocked as to what he had seen. This Elf had been determined to kill Legolas and would have killed any who stood in his way. He made his way shakily to Legolas' side.

"Where is Thranduil?" His voice shook a mixture of reaction and anger.

"Unconscious. It would appear to be from a blow. He will be well given time." Mithrandir was watching Elrond closely. "Andechoriel is dead, I am sorry." Elrond closed his eyes momentarily at the news. He did not have time to grieve now; it would have to wait for later. For now Legolas needed him.

"I will look at him later. Can you pass me my pack? I need something to apply pressure with; this is bleeding far too much. What is happening out there?"

"It would appear things are coming under control." They could still hear the clash of weapon against weapon but not as acutely as before, in fact it sounded as if it was only one set of weapons being used.

Elrond worked quickly, gently pulling the blood soaked tunic away from the wound. Elrond winced, it was a nasty wound, and not life threatening that was sure but nasty all the same. With Legolas weakened as he was, this would take a long time to heal. A white pad was handed to him and he placed the cloth over the wound pressing down hard to try and slow the flow of blood.

Mithrandir meanwhile had made him self useful, he poured some water from the flask, thanking the Valar that it was still warm and handed the goblet to Elrond. He watched stripping Athelas leaves so that they could be added to the wound. Once they were in small pieces he began to chew them. Elrond would need them to pack the wound with.

"It needs stitching, but it should be alright until we get back to Rivendell." Elrond wished he could do it here and now, but he also wanted Legolas and Thranduil back in Rivendell. He accepted the chewed athelas pushing it gently but firmly into the wound. He then began to wrap the wound tightly with Mithrandir's help. He noted idly that the sounds of fighting had stopped.

The door to the opposite side of the carriage opened to reveal a very worried looking Estel. "Ada, Are you alright? We heard a scream…" He cut him self off as he took note of the pale Prince and the blood.

"Legolas has been hurt, but should be fine. Do you have any injuries?" Elrond did not look up from his work.

"Just a few scratches, nothing serious. Can we help? The others are all dead. What about him?" Estel's voice was deadly; they had finally got the people responsible for all of this.

"He is alive. Bind his arms." The sound of horses heralded the arrival of the patrols. Better late than never. "Get one of the guards to take custody of him. I will be talking with him later on. Also, Thranduil was knocked out; can you check him over for me?"

"Of course, Ada leave it to me." Estel turned to leave only to be stopped by Elrond

"Estel, Andechoriel has been killed." Elrond did not want Estel to find out without being warned.

Estel winced, while he did not know the Elf that well, they were on talking terms, he also had a very young family. "I will see that his body is seen to and taken home. His wife will be devastated."

"Aye, I know. Thank you, Estel." Elrond was beginning to gather herbs to treat any infection Legolas may be prone to in his weakened state.

Soon a small group surrounded the carriage, talking in low tones so as not to disturb Legolas. Estel with Mithrandir's help had lifted Thranduil into the empty space beside his son. A white bandage was wrapped around his head, the lump had been bleeding. Glorfindel and Elladan had taken control of the prisoner who was still unconscious.

Elrond noticed for the first time that his foster son was also bleeding. "I thought you said they were scratches." Exasperation flooded his voice. Estel had a deep wound across his forehead and his left arm was bleeding.

"It is nothing, just scratches." Estel tried to pull his arm out of reach.

"I will be the one to determine if they are just scratches or not. Sit." The tone was warm yet commanding. Estel sat.

Elrond dealt with the wounds before looking up once more with a twinkle in his eyes. "Well, Ion-nin they are just scratches, you will live." He could not help but tease. Relieved that this was almost all over.

Estel rolled his eyes. "I told you that!" Elrohir gave a small laugh, trying to hide it at his brother's frustration.

"Ah, but better safe than never, Estel. At least we know you are alright." Elrond was smiling too.

Estel scowled grumbling under his breath.

"We should make out way back to Rivendell. Elrohir can you make sure that the bodies are brought back with us. I would like to look at them. Estel please continue to look after Andechoriel for me." Elrond noticed the puzzled looks. He hurried to explain and the atmosphere turned sombre as they took in the news.

Fifteen minutes late they were all on their way, back the way they came. Not so vigilant and very sad.

They could just see the gates of Rivendell in sight when Thranduil groaned and slowly opened his eyes. "Easy, Mellon-nin, you took quiet a forceful blow to the head, you must have quiet a headache." Elrond was quick to reassure.

"Is that why I can see miniature Mumakil when I open my eyes?" One eye was squinted open as he looked at his friend.

"More than likely, Thranduil, more than likely." There was a small hint of amusement in his voice.

"Did we do it? Did we get them? Was any one else hurt?" The questions came fast as Thranduil tried to catch up on events.

"Whoa, one at a time. Yes, we did and yes we got one of them alive. The others are dead. Estel has some slight injuries. Legolas was stabbed I am afraid." the last was news that Elrond had been dreading.

"What?! Is he alright? I knew he should not have come with us. How bad is it?" Thranduil gingerly turned his head and looked at his son. Legolas was once more pasty white, Blood showing through the bandage that was wrapped around his chest.

"It is deep and needs stitches as does the wound on his arm. I will see to that when we get back to Rivendell, we will be there soon. He has lost a lot of blood and is weak, but I for see no real problems; he will just be put back a little in his rec…" He was cut off as Legolas began to shake, the seizure taking every one by surprise.

Mithrandir shouted at the new driver of their carriage an Elf named Mendael to stop. The whole patrol stopped with them. Elrohir dismounted running to the carriage to see what was wrong. Thranduil was gently holding Legolas, whispering soothing words as Elrond began to feed him the pre-prepared tea. They all waited anxiously until the Prince was once more relaxed.

Elrond took the time to change the bloody bandage; the force of the seizure had caused the wound to bleed even heavier. Once satisfied they began on their way once more.

It was with relief that they passed through the wide, welcoming gates. On Elrond's orders the carriage was stopped in front of the Halls of Healing. With Elrohir's help Mithrandir carried Legolas back into the house. Elrond followed, one hand holding his ribs discreetly the other helping Thranduil. The movement was not lost on Glorfindel, though.

Once they had Legolas settled Elrond once again removed the bandage, taking the athelas packing out he cleaned the wound once more making sure that their was nothing left that could cause infection. He threaded the needle with a speed born of long practice. When he had finished he moved onto Legolas right arm. He winced; the blow had caught the old wound and reopened it, making it longer and deeper. This was soon cleaned, stitched and bandaged.

Once finished he checked on Thranduil's head. It was already healing nicely.

The door opened and Estel followed by Glorfindel entered the chamber.

"The bodies have been taken to the hall of preparation, Elrond. The prisoner has been taken to a safety flet with guards surrounding it" They would not forget what had happened with Faren, this prisoner would not get away.

"Good, I want to be told the minute he wakes up. We need answers here and he is the only one alive to help us." Elrond tried to hide a twinge as his ribs as he moved.

"That at least gives me time to check those ribs of yours out." Glorfindel's tone was sure; he would be checking those wounds.

"It is nothing, just bruising. We have other things to worry about." Elrond tried to hold his friend off.

"As you said to me, Adar, we will be the one to decide what constitutes alright. We will not be put off by you saying no." Estel's arms were crossed as he looked at his father. Glorfindel also held the same stance.

Elrond gave up, knowing all too well he was beaten. "Very well, you may check me out." It was a grudging acceptance. Glorfindel needed no other invitation and he crossed to Elrond's side. He whistled as he took in there deep black bruising that was already standing out on the fair skin.

As gently as he could he probed the ribs, noting that at least three ribs moved underneath his fingers. He stood back. "You have at least three broken ribs. The callus formation must not have held them as they are still healing." He wrapped the ribs, pulling the bandages tight to prevent movement.

Then they settled down, Elladan and Haldir joining them as they let the adrenaline settle. Soon they were tucking into the meal that Calenli had provided especially for them, including a nourishing broth for Legolas. This was set aside by the fire to keep warm so that Legolas could have it when he woke up.

One by one they settled onto a pallet each, Thranduil and Glorfindel sitting in watch as the others began to fall asleep. The night passed with no problems arising. Dawn broke with a downpour of rain. The morning meal was a quiet affair as Legolas had still not woken.

It was not long after that that Erestor arrived to tell them that the prisoner was awake. Haldir and Elrohir offered to stay with Legolas so that the others could go and question the prisoner. This was readily accepted.

"Thank you, Erestor please have him brought to my study we will see him there." Elrond rose unsteadily, helped by Glorfindel.

"Of course." Erestor left.

The others minus Haldir and Elrohir to watch over Legolas. At last they would be bale to get some answers, now they would know what was going on. It was with anticipation that they made their way to Elrond's study.

To be continued

I thought I might give you all a little treat today. I hope you continue to like and let me know?

Deana: I am so glad that you like this story. Thank you for your kind words.

Until tomorrow every one.

Love,

Shell