Chapter 10... its a little shorter then the more recent ones, butI was really sick today with a fever and all and it was hard to concentrate. Thanks to all my reviewers...I hope you like it!

-Part 10-

Living Sacrifices

Every nerve in Aragorn's body was screaming. The pain intensified with each breath.

"Time to leave, ranger!" Malazack announced with a sickening smile. Kelvar cut Aragorn's bonds and he slumped to the ground with a grimace. Every thing that came in contact with his drugged body caused him pain. It was a relentless ache that was increased by the slightest touch.

Malazack pulled him to his feet with a tight grip that caused Aragorn to cry out in pain. He tied the ranger's hands in front of him with a long line of rope.

The same was done with Legolas, whose other end was attached to the horse's saddle. Kelvar, who had finally finished with Legolas, tied the ranger to the elf.

Legolas felt like his heart was being ripped from his chest. He friend leaned upon a nearby tree, which despite taking the pressure off of his weary legs gave him no relief, for the simple touch of the tree caused him an unbearable amount of pain, which was visible in Aragorn's eyes.

Legolas made an approach to aid his friend, but a yank on the rough rope and the bite of a leather horsewhip caused him to stop.

"We will have none of that, my friend." Malazack hissed with pleasure.

"Where are you taking us?" Legolas demanded, surprised when he received an answer.

"If you must know," Malazack spoke in an impatient tone as if he had answered this a hundred times before, "We are returning to the place where you and your intrusive friend disturbed out ritual sacrifice." Malazack smiled and continued, "We need to complete the ceremony, only this time we have more to offer." With that he kicked his horse on.

Legolas grew desperate; this was it, his last chance. They needed to escape or be found soon or it would be too late for both of them.

They walked on at an agonizingly slow pace. Aragorn lagged behind them. The weakened ranger, who was oblivious to the root that protruded from the ground, suddenly tripped, pulling the Elf down with him.

After dragging the pair for several feet, Malazack stopped his horse and dismounted. Kelvar looked on eagerly.

Anger shone in Malazack's eyes as he strode over to where Aragorn was clumsily attempting to gain his feet. He backhanded the ranger sharply, causing him to collapse to the ground in exhaustion.

"I grow tired of you, ranger!" he said with annoyance, kicking him viciously.

Legolas was finished watching his friend being abused by this man, if he was even worthy of being called that. The Elf quickly gained his feet, and using his bound hands, pulled the ropes over Malazack's head and proceeded to choke him.

Kelvar gaped at the sudden attack and jumped down to aid Malazack, who was struggling for air. He grabbed his dagger and plunged it into Legolas' arm. The Elf cried out in pain and surprise as the weapon was driven into him causing him to loosen his hold on Malazack. This was all he needed to ram his fist into the Elf's face and escape from his grasp.

Malazack took hold of the Elf, and slammed him into a nearby tree. Legolas' head contacted with it, and he fell to the ground unconscious.

Aragorn, who was lying on the ground trying to steady his breath, stared on in horror as the scene played out before him.

"Kelvar, bind the elf and ranger. We will rest here until he regains consciousness." Malazack ordered, as he soothingly rubbed his own neck.

Aragorn put up no resistance as his feet were bound together, but when Malazack crouched down beside him, dagger and drug in hand he began to frantically struggle.

"Hold still!" he shouted as he grasped Aragorn's arm. He pushed up the ripped sleeve revealing the now infected gash.

"Please, not again." Aragorn pleaded weakly as Malazack slit a small section of the cut open again and administered the drug.

"I do not envy you," Malazack said with a smile, "But then again I do not pity you either, ranger." He rose and left Aragorn, whose heart began to race as the drug once again took its effect on him.

Legolas did not stir from where he was carelessly thrown; his arm, which was still bleeding, was left neglected.

"Ada, I found something!" Elladan exclaimed.

The trio of elves had returned to their searching after the sun had risen, giving aid to their efforts. Elladan had come upon the dried print that was left in the mud only two days ago by Aragorn's mount.

"Yes, Elladan, I think you have." Elrond said, his tone reflecting a sense of renewed hope.

The clues were unraveling slowly, but eventually they came upon the flet that Legolas had built. The dried blood that they found mixed in with the dirt beneath the tree caused them to quicken their pace, their fear only mounting with this discovery.

'Please let them be safe.' Elrond prayed, trying to maintain his emotions, as they followed the trail of Aragorn's blood and footsteps, that at times showed evidence of him being dragged over the forest floor.

Legolas stirred from where he was awkwardly lying only to discover that he was draped over a horse. He cautiously looked behind them only to see Aragorn being pulled along by the horse. The rope was tight between his hands and the saddle causing Legolas to wince in pain as he watched the rope steadily turn red with blood.

His arm stung as the horse jostled him about, and his head throbbed dully. His escape had failed. They would be killed, and no one would know what had become of them.

Legolas fought internally with himself for allowing Aragorn to accompany him. He knew that if he had not allowed it, Aragorn would have followed him on his own. Then what would have become of him, he would have been in the same situation, only alone.

The saddle was jerked under Legolas as Aragorn collapsed to his knees and awkwardly fought to gain his feet again. Legolas closed his eyes, unable to watch his friend's fight to remain on his feet., for he knew that they were only to be killed when their destination was reached.

A single tear fell from his eyes and disappeared into the foliage as the horse steadily trudged onward.

Poor Legolas and Aragorn...I hope Elrond gets there in time! Reviews please...they will make me feel a whole lot better:) See you next chapter!