I dedicate this to my cat that I had to have put to sleep on September 30th because of heart disease. I'll miss you, Dusty! I know sappy.
Chapter 20--Abducted
Legolas found Cedrin in the armory with his second-in-command going over the weapon inventory. He smiled at him. "Hello Legolas, what can I do for you?" he asked.
"I need to speak to you in private if I may," Legolas said.
"Of course," Cedrin said. He excused himself and led Legolas outside. "What is it?" he asked.
"I have decided to go to Imladris after all. We will be leaving tomorrow morning. I am sorry," Legolas said.
"Did they push you into this or was it your decision?" Cedrin asked.
"It was my choice. I fear something is very wrong and I must go there," Legolas said.
"I would not want to keep you if you feel you must go. I am grateful and I thank you for your help," Cedrin said.
"Nay, it is I that thank you and your Lady for all you did for me," Legolas said.
"Your thanks are accepted, now go on, you have archers to train today," Cedrin said. He waved him off.
"Yes, my Lord," Legolas said and hurried off. The class went even better then usual and Legolas excused the men feeling confident that Cedrin would have a strong force of skilled archers for his army. He was heading for the house when he thought he saw something. Puzzled and curious, he went to investigate. When he was close enough his eyes widened in shock and horror. One of Cedrin's guards laid at his feet, throat slit from ear to ear. Help, I have to find someone and get help! Legolas thought.
Suddenly a stinking cloth was clamped over Legolas's mouth and nose and a strong arm seized him around the waist. Legolas clawed at the hand, but to no avail. Soon everything went black.
When Legolas didn't return to the house two hours after the training session was over Cedrin sent a guard out to look for him. He returned deathly pale.
"What is it?" Cedrin asked.
"Rainor is dead, his throat cut and there were signs of a struggle. I found this by the body," the guard said. He held out a brooch.
The twins and Aragorn recognized it at once. The leaf shaped broach had been a gift to Legolas from his mother. "Legolas would have not murdered anyone in cold blood!" Elrohir said.
"Of course not, I do not even believe that," Cedrin said.
"Someone has taken him away against his will. He would have never left that broach behind. We have to go find him," Aragorn said. The twins leaped up, as Aragorn stood, eager to look for their missing friend.
"I will send out a patrol of guards to search as well. We will find him," Cedrin said.
Meanwhile
Legolas woke up with a horrible taste in his mouth and a splitting headache as his mind cleared he realized he was draped over a horse's back. He was bound hand and foot and gagged. He managed to turn his head to see the rider whose horse he was on. His heart sank in his chest when he saw there were two riders and both wore the colors of Mirkwood.
"You will soon be punished for your crime, kin slayer and the penalty will be a painful one," the rider smirked.
Legolas struggled briefly before surrendering. He was well and truly caught. All he could do was hope his death would be more merciful then his captor claimed. He closed his eyes and allowed the darkness to claim him once again.
Aragorn had to use all his tracking skills, but he soon found tracks that showed Legolas's kidnappers had taken him from the city. They hurried to fetch their horses and sent a stable boy to tell Cedrin. They paused at the gate to speak to the guards who were firm about not seeing anyone leave the city with a blonde Elf in tow. They mounted and rode out of the city at a gallop.
"They went over the walls," Elladan said.
"Probably," Aragorn agreed.
They were grimly silent then as they rode, determined to find Legolas before it was to late.
For you Dusty, R/R please!