Because of a request from Espina Oscura I decided to do an extra chapter…so enjoy and have a good vacation, Espina!
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Chapter 12--Honorable Conduct
The magistrate examined all of them then looked at Lord Dalton. "Come forward and make your claim," he said.
Lord Dalton moved forward and bowed. "I bought the Elf in another town and my guard was taking him to be fitted with suitable restraints…" Lord Dalton began.
"You mean shackles," the Magistrate said.
Legolas was sure that he heard disdain in the man's voice.
"Yes, Magistrate Alaric, if I may continue," Dalton said.
"Continue, but quickly," Alaric ordered.
"Yes, sir. The slave tried to escape and my man pursued then Cedrin came onto the problem and refused to turn him over to my guard. He said I should come for him and when I did Cedrin refused to turn him over. I want him returned to me," Dalton finished.
Alaric looked at Cedrin. "Is this true, Lord Cedrin?" he asked.
"Yes, sir," Cedrin said.
"Why did you refuse to turn him over? He is a slave that by law is property," Alaric said.
"By law he must have a writ of ownership. Lord Dalton had none," Cedrin said.
Alaric scowled which made him look even more forbidding. "Is this true?" he asked.
"Well, yes sir, but I was getting one as soon as he was secured," Lord Dalton said.
"Your claim is denied. You have no claims of ownership on this Elf. You are forbidden to attempt to enslave him again because he is now a free citizen of this city and may do as he pleases," Alaric said. "Further more for wasting my time on a claim that you know was useless you are fined one hundred pieces of gold, half of this will go to the Elf as compensation for his suffering. You have until dusk to pay the fine or it will be you in prison. I have spoken."
Legolas was so shocked that he barely noticed the shackles being removed as Dalton stormed from the room.
"Thank you, sir," Cedrin said. He took Legolas by the arm and led him out with Keesha following them. "We will go back to my house where you may rest and decide what you wish to do," Cedrin said.
Legolas nodded and followed. Once back to Cedrin's manor Legolas went to his room and fell into reverie minutes after lying down. He was exhausted, but filled with new hope. Perhaps he had found a safe haven and a place to live.
It was a new day when the exhausted elf woke from reverie. He could smell food cooking and suddenly he was starved. After neatening up, he went downstairs and found Cedrin and Keesha waiting for him.
A servant filled his plate and poured juice before withdrawing. Legolas dug into the food hungrily.
Cedrin waited until he had slowed down a bit before speaking. "Legolas, I have heard Elves are the finest archers in the land. Are you an archer?" he asked.
"I am counted as one of the best, though I fear I may be a bit less skilled now. It has been a long time since I have held a bow," Legolas admitted.
"Well, you will have an opportunity to practice and when you have regained your skill I would like to hire you as an archery instructor for my men. I think you could teach them much. I will pay ten silver pieces a week plus lodging and food. What say you?" Cedrin asked.
The offer was more then generous and Legolas was thrilled he would offer. "I would be honored to train your men. I accept," Legolas said.
"Good, I will show you to the armory later and you may pick out a bow that suits you," Cedrin said.
Legolas felt like a huge weight had been taken from his chest. It seemed that finally everything was looking up. He nodded and returned his attention to his food…
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There ya go Espina, a little bit with no cliffy to freak you out. Twins and Aragorn will arrive soon…..Promise! R/R please!