AN: Well-met, friends! The Cat is back at last. My computer is finally all well. It caught a nasty virus that removed key programs it needed to work properly. Once the virus was found and removed and the systems rebooted all was well, but it took bleeding forever! Thanks for being patient!

Chapter 19--Foreboding

A week later Thranduil awoke suddenly from a restless reverie to see it was barely past dawn. He rose and put on a robe then walked out onto the balcony. The foul dreams that haunted his sleep burned in his mind. He felt like something horrible was going to happen. He was filled with longing to see and speak to Legolas. Perhaps then some things would be cleared up. He went back inside and called for a servant.

One came immediately and bowed. "What is your will, sire?" he asked.

"Have the captain of the guard gather an escort of our best warriors. I would ride to Imladris," Thranduil ordered.

The servant bowed. "Yes sire, I will do so right now," he said and rushed off to give the order to the captain of the guards.

Feeling better, Thranduil began to prepare for his journey. He felt that once he spoke to his younger son that some things would be cleared up. He had just finished getting dressed when there was a tap on the door. "Enter!" Thranduil called.

The door opened and Zion entered the room. "Good morning, sire. I hear that you are to ride to Imladris," he said.

"Yes, I wish to speak to Elrond," Thranduil said.

Zion offered a goblet. "Would you care for a drink before you leave on your journey?" he asked.

Thranduil looked at the goblet and frowned. "No, I think not. Thank you just the same, Zion," he said. He turned to pick up his sword belt and buckled it around his waist. He missed the venomous look Zion gave him before he left.

Zion stormed down the hall towards his hidden lab. Face flushed with anger, if he hadn't had to replenish certain herbs he could have carried out his plans and he would be king now. Curse that fool. Now I must wait and I wish to settle this. Well, my forces will reach the princeling first and I will make sure he is not found, he thought. He entered his lab and closed the door then locked it securely behind him.

Meanwhile

Aragorn didn't like how pale and tired Legolas appeared when he came downstairs to breakfast. "Mellon-nin, are you well?" he asked.

Legolas managed a wan smile. "I am fine. I just had a foul dream," he said weakly. He nodded his thanks to a servant who brought his breakfast. Legolas ate slowly like his mind was miles away. When he was finished he pushed his plate aside then looked at the twins and Aragorn in turn. "I think that we should go to Imladris after all. I fear something is wrong," he admitted. "Can we leave tomorrow morning after breakfast?"

"Of course, Legolas, whenever you want," Elrohir said.

"Thank you, but I must go speak to Cedrin first. After his kindness to me I owe him an explanation for needing to leave tomorrow," Legolas said and left the table.

At noon two heavily cloaked figures arrived at the gates. After speaking briefly with the gate guards they were allowed to enter the city. They headed directly towards where their quarry was staying. They had been told what must be done and they would succeed or die trying.

A/N: Now things are gonna start heating up! Thanks again for being so patient! R/R please!