I'm sorry, I'm late again. I've just been having a lot of trouble writing lately. I guess I'm getting a little burned out. Don't worry though. I WILL finish, it might just take awhile!

Chapter 30--Unexpected Aid

Elrohir moved slowly toward the sentry from the right while Legolas moved in from the right. He was almost in place when the guard turned towards Legolas.

"I know you are there, my Prince. I will not betray you. Show yourself, please," the sentry said..

Legolas emerged from cover after a moment and Elrohir did the same.

The sentry bowed. "Prince Legolas, few of us believe that you would murder Queen Riana. All of us know how fond you were of her," he said. "We have not forgotten our oaths of loyalty to you, my Lord. Zion is a snake and many fear and distrust him."

"Then what will you do?" Legolas asked.

"Give you the weapons you no doubt need and send you on your way. May the Valar guide your steps and keep you safe," the sentry said. He handed over his bow, quiver and sword. "Now I have just one thing to ask of you, my Lord, hit me."

"What?" Legolas asked.

"You must knock me out, so my involvement in your escape will not be known, my Prince. Please," the sentry said.

"Thank you," Legolas said and hit the guard with all his strength.

Elrohir caught the sentry as he fell and lowered him to the ground. Taking the sword, Elrohir followed Legolas into the forest.

"It seems you are more trusted then you thought. Perhaps we will escape more easily then either of us imagined," Elrohir said.

"I have to admit that I would like that. We still must be careful, even if the guards turn a blind eye to our escape there is still many dangers in Mirkwood.

The sentry was roughly awoken by the brothers of Zion. 'My Lords, what happened?" he asked.

"You betrayed us, betrayed the master," one said. "You sealed your fate."

The sentry had no time to protest before his throat was coldly slit and hiss body left to scavengers as the two hunters moved on without giving their victim a second look. They had their commands and that was all they cared about.

Meanwhile

Elrond had little interest in conversation as the group rode towards Mirkwood as fast as their mounts could take them. Elladan's descriptions had sent a chill through him and he was desperately afraid for his younger son.

Glorfindel kept giving his Lord worried glances. He was upset too. Elrohir and Elladan were like his sons as well. He had trained them and watched over them. There would be blood spilled if either Legolas or Elrohir were hurt. He could swear to that.

Thranduil noticed as well, mainly because he felt the same way. "We will be there in time, Elrond and the one who has done this evil thing will be punished most harshly. I swear it to you," he said.

"Do not worry, Thranduil. I am quite sure punishment will be given, one way or another," Elrond said.

A chill went through Glorfindel at that. He had never hear such coldness in Elrond's voice before. He silently swore to make sure his Lord did nothing he would regret later.

Things are getting ready to collide! R/R please!