Legolas got Linnah settled comfortably on the bed in one of the Healing Rooms. He spoke to Meena. "Do not leave her side. I have business to attend to in the lower parts of the castle, but alert me immediately if the Healer reports anything serious."

Meena nodded and curtsied, "Yes. Of course, your Highness."

There came a light rapping on the chamber door. Meena immediately went to see who it was. As she opened it, Adriel peeked her head in and asked the prince, "May I come in, my lord? I was told Linnah was brought here...."

"Certainly, Adriel," answered Legolas.

Meena stepped aside and Adriel entered the room. She went over to Linnah's side and sat on the edge of the bed. Without taking her eyes off Linnah's limp body, she asked worriedly, "Why is she not awake? It's been hours since the attack and yet she is still ill."

"She did awake earlier, but some new trouble took hold of her spirit. I have called the Healer to come attend to her, as I fear there is some dark magic twisting its way inside of her," answered Legolas sadly.

Meena and the servant watched in quiet surprise as Legolas then walked over to the bed and leaning over placed a light kiss on Linnah's lips. He tenderly smoothed her hair and whispered to her, "I have to go, but I will return shortly. You are in safe company."

When he looked up, he caught their gaze. "I don't have the time to explain, but know that I love this maiden as surely as I love our kingdom. I would be in your debt, if you both stayed until I returned."

"Of course, your highness," they replied, bowing their heads to the prince.

Legolas smiled faintly in thanks. He left the chamber, first to change his clothes and then to pay a visit to Gollum.

Aragorn finished helping the castle guards dispose of the last of the enemy carcasses and entered the Great Hall. Selihl, who was now on his way to check in on Linnah, noticed the ranger's entry and came over to see if he needed assistance.

"Ah, Selihl isn't it?" asked Aragorn, his voice warm and genuine.

"Yes my Lord," replied Selihl, "Is there anything I can help you with? Can I send someone to draw a bath for you? Are you hungry?"

Aragorn laughed good naturedly. "Nay, I am not ready for the evening meal as yet and I can draw my own bath, which I intend to do this very minute," he said as he looked down at his soiled clothes and the orc blood drying on his hands. Then he asked, "I am interested though in having an audience with your king. Could you arrange that?"

"Yes Sir."

"Very good. Have someone send word as to when the king would meet with me."

"Of course, my Lord," said Selihl bowing. He left, walking toward the Throne Room.

Aragorn was making his way toward the stairway, when Legolas entered the Great Hall hurriedly. The ranger stopped him and asked, "Legolas, you look rushed. Is everything all right?"

"I am afraid it is not. But, I have not the time to explain. I am on my way to speak with Gollum."

"Would you like me to accompany you?"

"No, that is kind of you to offer, but I must speak with him alone. Besides, I hate to say it my friend, but you smell worse than he does," said the prince smiling slightly then.

"Aye, I can not disagree with you on that point!" said Aragorn returning the smile. "I will see you later then?"

"You will," said Legolas seriously. He was about to pat the ranger's shoulder and then thinking better of it, just forced a smile again and left.

"There is something very amiss here. The prince's smile was not genuine and this business with Gollum...Hopefully the king will explain," thought Aragorn to himself, as he walked toward his room.