I believe this story is almost done. It's been one hell of a ride. Many thanks to all those that reviewed and offered comments or encouragement. It means a lot to me!

Chapter 31-Arach Attack

Elrohir and Legolas moved deeper into the forest, both scanning the undergrowth for any signs of danger. They knew that there were spiders about, but as of yet they hadn't shown themselves.

Elrohir looked around as there was a rustling sound in the bushes. "The foul beasts are stalking us," he muttered.

"I know, they are trying to surround us, but I know a good place for us to make our stand. I am trying to get us to it before they attack. Hurry!" Legolas said.

Speeding their pace to a run, they reached an overhang of rock, which made it so there was only one way to get to them, from the front. They7 weren't minutes too soon. Only minutes after reaching their haven a dozen spiders emerged from the cover of the forest and moved towards them.

Elrohir drew his sword while Legolas notched an arrow, both knew this wouldn't be an easy fight. "I will take down as many as I can before they get close enough for melee," Legolas said.

"And I will try to keep them off you," Elrohir said.

Legolas fired, striking a spider in the head and dropping it in its tracks, but the others kept coming. Soon the fight became like a bad dream. Finally Legolas was nearly out of arrows and both of them were soaked in green blood. Every time one spider was killed two more emerged from the woods.

"They are going to overrun us," Elrohir panted, killing another as it leaped at him.

"Then at least we will have sold our lives dearly," Legolas returned, firing another arrow. All too soon Legolas had fired his last shaft and then Elrohir cried out and fell as a spider slipped under his guard and sank poisonous fangs into his leg.

"Bastards!" Legolas screamed. He kicked the spider whom had bitten Elrohir viciously, knocking it back and dragging the prone Elf out of the way. Snatching up the sword, Legolas continued the fight. Just when he thought they were both dead he saw the two Elves who had taken them to Zion.

One cried out something in a language that somehow made Legolas feel ill then to his shock the spiders backed off a bit. "Drop the sword or we will allow the spiders to continue the attack!" one said.

Legolas looked at the many spiders still alive and knew deep inside he was fighting a losing battle. He couldn't win. Slowly, he lowered the sword. "I will surrender if you swear to tend Elrohir and bring him with us," he said.

"Agreed, surely the master can find a use for him, now drop the sword and kneel," the Elf ordered.

Taking a deep breath, Legolas obeyed.

The two Elves walked straight through the gathered spiders without a hint of concern and working quickly bound Legolas's wrist. The other poured something into Elrohir's mouth that Legolas recognized as the antidote used for the spiders' venom then bound him and picked him up. They took their recaptured prisoners away as the spiders dispersed. No one noticed a movement in one of the many cocoons housing the remains of the spiders many victims.

Zion was very pleased when his brothers entered the lower chamber with the escapees. "Well done, it looks like you will survive this, my brothers. Place the prince on the altar," he ordered them.

Instinctively, Legolas struggled as his bonds were cut and he was led to the altar.

"None of that, princeling, or I will kill Lord Elrond's brat before your eyes," Zion warned. His tone showed that he meant every word.

Legolas stopped struggling and allowed himself to be lifted to the altar and chained in place. He closed his eyes, mentally preparing himself for what ever was coming.

Zion moved to stand over him. "An escape attempt must be punished. Do not fear death, at least not yet, though you might wish I allowed you too," he said.

Meanwhile

The cocoon moved again then there was a soft rip like cloth and a pair of badly withered arms burst through the webbing. The web was further torn away and the thing that emerged was like something from a nightmare. The young female Elf that Zion had left to be eaten by the ravenous spiders stepped from her web prison. Turning, she headed off through the forest towards an unknown destination.

A shallow grave dug on the edge of the forest was stirred by movement then the sentry who had been murdered for aiding Legolas and Elrohir pulled himself free from the earth. He too moved off, unheard and unseen by anyone.

Never watch zombie movies like the new Dawn of the Dead DVD before writing. Wait until you see what is gonna happen to that creep Zion. It will be worse then anything the Elves could do to him! R/R please!