Just wanted to say thank you to the handful of people who reviewed, you're the only reason I continued with this.
Chapter 27--Subtle Challenge
They returned to the door that led to the crew's sleeping area and Jaisia calmly went up then put her back to it. "Get ready for a fight," she said. Taking a deep breath, she kicked the door with all her might.
The force of Jaisia's kick tore the from the hinges and it fell with a thunderous crash.
Jaisia moved quickly away from the doorway, giving Legolas a smug look. "Well?" she asked.
"Subtle as a charging horde of drunken Orcs," Legolas snorted.
Further discussion had to wait as the first slavers burst through the door.
Moments later they were locked in battle.
Legolas parried a blow aimed for his head then stabbed his opponent through the heart. A hiss escaped his lips as another blade cut his arm. He returned the blow, separated his foe's head from his shoulders.
Jaisia kicked one slaver, sending him overboard and killed another with a quick blow from her sword.
The other captives fought just as fiercely and many died, but they were slowly winning. It was then Xavier joined the battle. The slavers seemed to rally at his arrival and slowly the captives were forced back against the railing as more died.
Legolas and Jaisia exchanged grim looks. If they lost the fight they both doubted any mercy would be shown to them. Three more prisoners fell then Xavier motioned for a pause. "Surrender now and it will be easier on all of you," he said.
The other captives had obviously had enough and they dropped their weapons. Jaisia and Legolas did not. Neither of them had any plans to give in.
"Come now, you are throwing your lives away for nothing. Slavery is better then death I would think," Xavier said.
"Better to die on your feet then live on your knees," Legolas snapped.
"My men will be able to overpower you eventually," Xavier said.
"You will lose more of them and we will force you to kill us, no matter what," Legolas retorted.
Jaisia suddenly had an idea. It was a crazy one, but they really had no better options right now. Seizing Legolas around the waist, she spun and leaped over the railing before anyone could stop her. They plunged deep into the water, but surfaced rapidly, unharmed. The water was cold, but Jaisia's hide would protect her for awhile. Pulling Legolas with her, she began to swim.
Legolas was too busy catching his breath to argue for awhile, but he finally did. "Are you insane? What processed you to dive overboard?" he asked.
"It seemed like an idea at the time," Jaisia shrugged.
"We are in the middle of the damned sea! You do not even know if we are close to any land or which direction it might be!" Legolas yelled.
"Therein lies the adventure of it all, little brother. At least we will not spend our lives in chains," Jaisia pointed out.
"That is true, but can you honestly say our current situation is any better?" Legolas asked.
"Do not worry, it's a great day for a swim and to spend the day on the beach," Jaisia said cheerfully.
"You are insane, Jas," Legolas sighed. "I just hope we find a beach to spend a day on."
"So do I, little brother, so do I," Jaisia said and kept swimming. She looked back to see the ship moving away. Evidently the slavers had decided not to bother trying to recapture them. They figure we will drown and they might be right, she thought grimly. She knew that was the most likely scenario and she knew Legolas knew it as well. They would fight to live, but if they did not survive at least they would die free.
Wow, I didn't plan for this to happen…R/R please!