Disclaimer: Well people, prepare for an unexpected event in this chapter. Though, everything seems to be unexpected in this story, and the last. Sorry about that, though it seems to be a good thing. I'll let you decide for yourselves. Thanks again for reading this story and the replies are at the bottom of the chapter, as always. Enjoy!

Chapter 19

The prince stayed asleep even through the painful process of removing the torn stitches and sewing new ones. It surprised even the Elven Lord, who in his many millennia of healing expected the archer to awaken, or just move away from the pain.

It was to be that Legolas would stay asleep for only an hour before struggling to wake. Estel noticed this change in his friend and moved the archer slightly. Elrond moved closer and tried to rouse the prince. The eyeballs moved beneath the lids of the golden-haired prince and a moan escaped his lips. One hand subconsciously moved and rested atop his chest, a wince breaking across the pale face at the new hurt.

"AMBUSH!" A cry was heard from Elladan outside the coach. Estel looked up in shock and Legolas twisted to try and get up.

"Estel, go and help your brothers! Legolas, you will stay exactly where you are. I give you this knife, only to be used when it has to be, and for no other time." Elrond instructed, moving the prince so that the Ranger could get up. The prince was becoming more aware of his surroundings.

Bowstrings sang and metal clashed outside the carriage and Legolas inwardly frowned at having to be hiding during the fight. For all he knew, his friends could be fighting for their lives and he was commanded to stay and do nothing.

For a good few long minutes, the battle raged on, the prince and healer knowing nothing of the health of their friends and family. The archer blinked against the light, and tried to sit upright, pushing against his own weight. His chest ached, though he would not show it.

"Legolas, stay still ere you tear your stitches again." Elrond demanded, pushing Legolas back down onto the seat of the carriage. "I will not have you pushing yourself too far this time, we both know what happened last time. Now stay there until Estel returns."

No more was said on the matter, though Legolas fingered his knife with anxiousness. He knew that Elrond was not really angry, just concerned about his sons. The prince understood this and did not say anything in return.

To the two beings in the carriage, the waiting seemed like an eternity. Suddenly, something burst through the door of the carriage. Legolas started at the sudden sight of the Orc. It swiped at him with the large, rusty blade it carried in its clawed hand. The prince moved swiftly out of the way and threw himself before the Elven Lord at the Orc changed targets.

Legolas manoeuvred himself and Elrond backwards away from the enemy. Thinking fast, he reached round behind and found the handle to the other door. He pushed down and Elrond tumbled out onto the ground. Legolas was now alone with the Orc. He dodged many swipes and gave a few of his own, injuring the Orc slightly. He was not as fast as he would normally have been. In a normal situation, this enemy would have been dead as soon as it had entered the coach.

Legolas heard his name being yelled from outside the carriage. He turned, thinking someone was in trouble, his first mistake. The Orc took his chance and placed a booted foot on the prince's chest, propelling him backwards out of the coach. Legolas hit the floor with a thud and rolled for a few metres, where he lay stunned and winded.

The Orc appeared above the prince, sneering evilly at him. Legolas felt like an idiot, not being able to defend himself properly. The beast leant over, and the archer took his chance. He thrust the dagger upwards, catching the beast in the heart. It gurgled for a few seconds then fell to the side. The whole exercise took a great deal of energy from Legolas and left him breathless and exhausted.

"Legolas?" Estel suddenly appeared above him, before kneeling down and helping Legolas to sit up.

"Can't … breathe…" Was all Legolas managed to gasp between forced breaths. The dagger fell from his hands into the dirt, forgotten.

"Come on, breathe with me." Estel said. He had moved so that he was sitting behind the prince, leaning the Elf on his chest. "Breathe in… and out. That's it. Just try to relax, there's plenty of air."

It took a few seconds before any change was noticeable in the archer's breathing. Elrond had now arrived, kneeling on the other side, but not saying anything as his son was doing fine by himself.

"Legolas, were you injured in the fight?" Elrond asked, visually assessing the prince's condition.

"No, just winded." Legolas replied, turning to the Elven Lord. "Were you injured?"

"No, I thank you for your actions, though I would prefer you to take more care next time. Was anyone injured?" Elrond called out to the others. It seemed that no one had taken an injury, much to Elrond's relief. "Good, well let us get back on our way."

Estel helped his best friend back into the dreaded carriage. It was obvious to all that the prince did not like travelling by coach and the twins send him identical smiles of encouragement. He smiled back, knowing that they were only teasing. Sitting back down in the coach, he winced slightly as it jerked into life once more.

"So, why do you think we were ambushed?" Legolas asked the Ranger.

"I am not sure. It seemed like they were just a patrol. Not looking for anything in particular, for which I am grateful. Though, the fact that they were so close to Rivendell makes my heart worried." Estel reported, looking between his friend and his father.

"I do not think that Rivendell is under any threat. The power of the Elves there will protect it from harm. Do not worry, mellon-nin." Legolas reassured his friend. Elrond thought about the conversation and made his own judgements. He agreed with both, it was unusual for the enemies to be that close, but he did not think it a great threat in any way.

TBC

Replies:

Fluffy's fangirls: Big hugs have been sent to our favourite Elf. I wonder how long it will take them to make it to Mirkwood, and what will happen when they get there? Thanks again!

treestumpwitch: Nobody's ever told me I rock before. I must say that this is my first (well, kind of second) fiction. So thanks for the compliments. I read over Hidden Truth the other day and made myself cry at the end too. And to think I was going to leave it there! What was I thinking? Anyway, now we have this one to keep us going, I'm not sure what's going to happen once this one's finished. And I promise I'll TRY to keep Legolas alive. Thanks!

Moonyasha: Well, things are going well in the carriage at the moment. They guys have brought along the roller coaster kit and are continuing to build it under Leggy's supervision when they stop for their breaks from travelling. Elrond is refusing to take part in the construction and the playing with, after what happened last time. All send their thanks again!

kel: Yeah, he's very tired after all those nightmares and all the pain he's going through. Who knows, he might just get better. That would be good. Anyway, hopefully more twins in the next chapter! Enjoy!

LanierShazar: I can't wait either. I do not have anything planned for Corriduil yet, so suggestions are welcome! Hope you enjoyed this chapter and thanks for reviewing!

Nomad6: Well, my first exam is over and I think it went well. But I'll have to wait until August to find out. Never mind. Thanks for your support and I'm glad you are feeling better! Hope you enjoyed this update! Thanks again.