Sorry about the delay, real life has not been very cooperative lately plus I had to completely wipe my hard drive and reprogram everything back in! Attempted rape though not vivid!

Chapter 16--Raiders

Derek watched the small band of Centaurs gallop off then emerged from his hiding place cautiously. He had been sent ahead to tell their captain they would be there in little more then an hour. It looked like he had something more important to share now. He hurried off towards the others, eager to tell them what had happened.

The woman cringed back as he approached and Xavier grinned. She was a beauty and would bring a high price. This was one of the pleasures of slaving. Since she wasn't untouched she could be used for their pleasure while they traveled. He leered down at her.

"Please!" she begged, cringing away from him. She knew what she had dreaded since her capture was about to happen. "Do not!" She began to sob in terror.

Xavier knelt and seized her ankle and yanked, making her fall backwards. "Shut up, you have no say," he hissed. He gestured to the men.

Two seized the girl's wrists and pinned her down. Leering at her, they waited for their boss to finish so they could have a turn.

Xavier seized her blouse and tore it from the girl's body and smiled. Her body was as lovely as her face. He began to undo his breeches.

"Xavier!" a voice called.

Xavier was surprised to see Derek running towards him. He stood. "Put her back with the others," he ordered. Grumbling in disappointment, they dragged her off.

Derek skidded to a halt in front of the first mate. "Bad news, sir, the captain is dead," he panted.

"What? How?" Xavier demanded. He listened to the events and shook his head. "Centaurs are fairy tales and Elves have left this world to its true masters," he scoffed.

"Well, one of those fairy tales ran Nero through and they left along with the Elf as well. I seen it and I will swear by it if I need too," Derek said.

"On your feet, sluggards! We must make haste!" Xavier bellowed.

Meanwhile

Once they were safely back Kai and Jaisia insisted Legolas must go back to Isolanthe's shelter, so she could see he was alright and then Kai would look him over to make sure he was unharmed. They ignored any protests he made.

Isolanthe was delighted when they entered. "my son, you are safe!" she cried and hugged him. She pulled back after a long moment, eyes sad. "I am so sorry about what happened. I never thought Tyon would do such an evil thing. You can be sure he will be punished."

"Thank you, but perhaps he has a right to distrust me after what happened to his mate," Legolas said.

"You are kind, but there is no excuse for what he did. No one is above our laws, not even a chieftain," Isolanthe said. "I must think on his punishment before I decide."

"Sit down, Legolas, so I can make sure you are well and no arguments," Kai said.

Legolas sighed. "You have been around Aragorn far to much," he said, but he sat down. It was then it happened. Bile rose in his throat and everything spun around him. He had no time to cry out before everything went black.

Aragorn was just ready to send a messenger to the Centaur village to see if Legolas had been found when an exhausted Centaur charged into the throne room.

"Sire, I am Jacek, I have been sent to fetch you by Jaisia. Legolas is very sick and she begs you to come immediately," he panted.

More trouble, they never get a break! R/R please!