Hi, the villain's name is Dalton; sorry about the mix up….here's the next part. Happy 4th of July all!

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Chapter 10--The Unburdening

The three of them were quiet for a long time after Dalton left then Cedrin shrugged. "Well, that was pleasant, nice of him to drop by," he said. He looked seriously at Legolas. "Sir Elf, if you are hiding anything you should tell me now. Are you truly a slave?"

"Nay, I was working for money, not because I was owned," Legolas said firmly. He hesitated then sighed. "I am from Mirkwood, my father is the king there," he admitted. He hoped his belief Cedrin was trustworthy weren't wrong.

Cedrin handled it well. "Are you the crown prince?" he asked.

"Nay, I have an older brother," Legolas said.

"So why were you working?" Cedrin asked.

Now came the true test. "I was to be executed for the murder of my mother," he said.

Cedrin's jaw tightened. "Did you kill her?" he asked.

"NAY! I loved her. I never would have harmed her," Legolas said fiercely.

"Why do they think you did?" Cedrin asked.

"Mother liked a cup of herb tea before going to bed and I always made it and carried it up to her at about the same time. I took it to her, wished her good night then went to bed. I was dragged from my room by two of my father's guards and I was told she was found dead of poison," Legolas said softly.

"That is awful," Keesha said.

"Let me guess they decided you had to be guilty because you were the last one to see her," Cedrin said.

Legolas nodded then eyed Cedrin warily. "Will you turn me in to them? You would probably get a reward," he said.

"I do not need one and I see no reason to turn you in, but it is best nit to mention the reward around anyone. They probably would turn you in. Do not mention that you are a prince either. They would demand poof and you do not want them to discover any else," Cedrin said.

Legolas considered that and nodded. Cedrin was right, best to keep silent. They finished their meal in silence then Legolas rose to go to his room.

Just then someone pounded on the door. This time Cedrin opened it, revealing two city guards. "Yes?" he asked.

"We are here for the Elf under the magistrate's orders he is to be incarcerated until the hearing tomorrow, so he cannot flee," one said.

"I have said that I will bring him. This is an insult to my honor and the honor of my family!" Cedrin protested.

"I am sorry, I have my orders. If you try to interfere I will be forced to arrest you as well, my Lord," the guard said.

""I will go with them. Do not get yourself in worse trouble for me. I will be fine, Cedrin," Legolas said, approaching.

Cedrin was angry, but he didn't argue as the guards seized Legolas and led him from the house.

Keesha came up and embraced her husband, knowing he was upset. "Hush, love, all will be well," she murmured.

Cedrin returned the hug, but he was worried. He knew that Lord Dalton could be dangerous and sneaky when he wanted something or wasn't getting his way. He feared for the Elf's safety, but for now he could do nothing but wait.

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Legolas didn't try to resist as he was led to a gloomy building that served as the town prison. He was pushed into an uncomfortably small cell and the guards left him alone. Sighing, Legolas sank down on the thin straw pallet that laid on the floor and settled down to wait. There would be no sleep for him tonight….

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Going from bad to worse isn't it? I was thrilled to see I had over a hundred reviews for this all ready! Thank you! R/R please!