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Chapter 17--A Friend in Need

Aragorn wasted no time with questions. He got up and hurried off to get his herb bag and some clothes. He sent a servant to tend the tired messenger and another to find Arwen and tell her what was going on. He was packed and ready to go in less then an hour. He led Jacek out to the stable and had a horse saddled and they were off towards the village. They would ride hard and fast, but it would still take at least a week to reach the village.

Meanwhile

Jaisia dipped a rag and cold water and laid it gently on Legolas's forehead. She and Kai were constantly linked to their little brother though his weakness frightened them, but the link was keeping Legolas calm. She was afraid he would die. His eyes were closed and Jaisia knew that was a bad sign. (Everything will be alright, you will be fine, sweet cheeks, we survived to much for you to die from a silly fever) she said. She stroked a lock of his blond hair away from his eyes. (Do not leave, we have so much to do together.) She began to sing softly in Elvish.

When Kai entered Jaisia was sound asleep clutching Legolas's hand as if she would never let go. He looked at Legolas. The Elf's eyes were still closed, but he was breathing well. He laid a hand on his brother's forehead, still warm, but not as hot as before.

Jaisia stirred, sitting up and opening her eyes. "Kai? Is everything alright?" she asked sleepily.

""Yes, go back to sleep, little sister. I will watch over both of you for awhile," Kai said.

Jaisia smiled at him. "Thank you, Kai," she said. She was asleep again in minutes.

Kai settled himself down comfortably and started his own vigil.

Tier frowned out into the darkness and stomped his left front hoof nervously. Something was wrong, he was sure of it. He had heard movement. Making a decision, he went to investigate. Suddenly their was a soft hissing sound and an arrow struck him square in the chest of his Human torso. He didn't fall though, because of a Centaur's great size they needed to hearts, one for the Human part and one for the equine part. Whirling, he charged towards the archer, pike ready. He never made it. More arrows were shot and finally the second heart was pierced. He fell, but before he died he was able to shout out a warning.

Thanks to the sentry the Centaurs were ready when a hundred Humans charged into the village, bloodlust blazing in their eyes.

Tyon heard the battle cries and clash of weapons from inside his prison and heard his guard dash off to join the fight. He charged out as well. He nearly tripped over a dead Centaur. Cursing, he picked up the slain warrior's weapon and charged into the fray.

Kai darted into the shelter and handed Jaisia a spear. "We need to protect mother and Legolas. He can not defend himself," he said. Voices made him whirl. "They are coming!"

A week later

Aragorn was sickened by the horrible sight before him. The village had been burned to the ground and there were bodies everywhere. It was like Helm's Deep all over again.

The sentry desperately searched for survivals and Aragorn joined him in the task. He looked down and swallowed in sick horror. He fell to his knees next to Lilith and checked for a pulse, even though there was no way she could be alive. She had been brutally stabbed dozens of times.

"I have found Kai! He is hurt, but alive!" Jacek called. "He needs help!"

Aragorn stood and hurried over to kneel beside him. "Kai, what happened to Legolas and Jaisia?" he asked. "Why were you attacked?"

""Taken, to many, could not stop them," Kai managed before he passed out again.

Aragorn began to fight to save Kai's life.

Ugh, now where did this come from? Very ugly and bad. R/R please!