Hi there, and here we go! Thanks for reading!

Chapter 32-Ultimate Punishment

Legolas had to fight back his revulsion as Zion loomed over him. "Too bad I must eventually kill you my young Prince, but do not worry. Your father and possibly your brother will soon join you in the Halls Of Waiting," he said.

"Bastard," Legolas hissed. "I will see you dead for what you have done!"

"I hardly think that you are in the position to do anything, but you have earned a worse punishment with that remark," he smirked. He picked up something from a small table. After a moment an agonized scream split the air, but no one could hear.

The royal tomb resting in a courtyard just outside the castle. No one guarded it which was a good thing considering what was to happen. The lid of the Queen's coffin fell to the stone floor with a loud bang and Rianna sat up. She looked around then left the coffin and walked to the door. The door swung silently open, even though it had been locked. She left and headed toward the castle. She knew exactly where her murderer was and she knew he had her son. She would not allow her youngest child to be harmed.

Other Elves rose as well, all were given the same right by the Valar, to avenge their deaths at the hands of the one who had killed them to gain favor with the Dark Lord he had chosen to serve.

Rhianna did make one detour. She walked to her eldest son's room. He was in reverie when she entered. She went to the side of the bed and looked down at him. Leaning over she brushed her lips against his cheek. "I love you, my son and I forgive you," she whispered. She left the room and went to find Zion.

Meanwhile

The guards leaped to attention when Thranduil and his escort entered the main courtyard. "Sire, welcome home," one said.

"Never mind that, where is Zion?" Thranduil demanded.

"I believe he is in the study, sire," the guard said.

"No, he is not, but I can take us to him. I can sense Elrohir's presence," Elladan said.

"Fetch more men, Zion is to be arrested for high treason, murder and kidnapping," Thranduil snapped as the group dismounted. "Lead the way, Elladan."

There was ten more guards in the group as they went. Elladan led the way to a heavy wood door.

Elrond barely touched the door and his eyes darkened and he shuddered.

"Father, what is wrong?" Aragorn asked.

"Valar protect us, such evil, such pain," Elrond whispered. He seemed to be slipping into a trance. Suddenly he yanked his hand from the door as if it had been burned. Suddenly he whirled, eyes wide as he stared at something behind them. Puzzled, the others looked to and were frozen with mingled shock, pity and horror. Twenty Elves stood there. All were pale and showed fatal wounds, but the worse was the one who stood in front of them.

"Rhianna, love," Thranduil whispered. "You cannot be here."

"I will only be here long enough to fulfill my wish, our wish. We are but some of the ones murdered by Zion. The Valar allowed us to return to avenge ourselves. Alarion was as much a victim as any of us, be kind to him, my husband," Rhianna said. "Move aside."

Stunned and dazed, they obeyed and the door swung open and the murdered Elves entered. Thranduil, Aragorn, Elladan, and Elrond were the first to enter.

Seeing Elrohir barely conscious on the floor, Elladan went to him. Zion looked up and horror filled with his eyes. He backed away from the altar, dropping the whip. His brothers whimpered in terror and backed off as well, cringing in the corner.

Legolas was covered with lash marks, in agony, and barely conscious. His eyes met Rhianna's. "Nana, is that you?" he whispered, voice nearly gone from screaming.

"Shh, my little warrior, all will be well. I love you, sleep now," Rhianna whispered. Her son slipped easily into reverie. The next moment Legolas appeared in Thranduil's arms.

"Leave, my husband, this is not for your eyes," Rhianna said.

Thranduil wanted to protest, but he couldn't. They obeyed and the door closed behind them. Only seconds later the most horrible screams ripped through the air. It seemed to last hours, but finally it ended and the door fell open.

Cautiously, they entered to find the room was empty. Nothing, not even the furnishings were left. The walls were blackened as if scoured with fire.

"What has happened?" Elladan asked, brow furrowed.

"The dead have returned to the Halls and taken the kin slayers with them. They will be judged and punished by the Valar themselves," Elrond said quietly.

After a final look the group went to tend to Legolas and Elrohir. It seemed to be over…..

What did you think? Suitable punishment don't you agree? R/R please