Disclaimer: Unfortunately, none of this is mine!! *sob*

Title: Strike of the Serpent

Rating: R

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Note:: This chapter contains mild (and I mean mild) slash content. You have been warned!! ;) Sorry for the delay again!! I'm working on TNM and I'll soon be at the part I've already got layed out, which means I'll have more time to spend on this and you guys don't have to come after me!! Everyone's a winner!! And now, back to the fic… ;)

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Chapter 5

As soon as Legolas drifted into sleep, he knew he should have stayed awake. The image of Saruman loomed large in his mind, waiting for him. The evil Maiar smirked.

"Ah, finally decided to join me? Tis not fitting for a prince to keep people waiting, you know. And yes, I do know who you are. A prince of Mirkwood and one of the nine who left Rivendell to destroy the one ring."

"Why are you doing this?" Legolas snarled in his mind, "You have me, why bring Strider into this?"

Saruman's image shook its head, "As I told you before, men are weak. You are promised to Grima, so I cannot kill you, but him…I can do anything I like to the Human. Bend him until he breaks…"

"Leave him be, Saruman!" Legolas cried desperately, "You can do whatever you like to me, but do not harm him!"

Saruman's image chuckled. "Ah, my dear prince, you insult my intelligence."

Legolas snorted.

"Do you really think I would let him go free so he can lead help to you?"

"And where would he get help?" Legolas snapped, "He is injured and we are miles from anywhere."

"Do not get smart with me, Elf," Saruman growled. His image raised its hand and a jolt of intense pain shot through Legolas' body. It took all his willpower not to cry out at the sudden sensation.

* * * * * * * * * *

Aragorn watched as Legolas' body jerked, a grimace of pain crossing his face. He frowned. What in all Arda was going on?

The Ranger watched, as the archer seemed to struggle with some unseen force for several more minutes, before his eyes suddenly flew open. Legolas was breathing heavily through the gag and there was a flash of anger and fear in his eyes.

"Legolas!" Aragorn hissed sharply to get his friend's attention. Legolas' head whipped around and as his gaze settled on Aragorn, he seemed to relax some, but he still looked troubled.

"Are you alright, my friend?" Aragorn asked softly. The prince nodded slowly.

"Are you in pain? I saw what they did to you,"

Legolas frowned in irritation at the Ranger's unnecessary concern and shook his head firmly. Aragorn smiled. Even bound and beaten as he was, Legolas was still as proud as ever.

"You should try to get some sleep, Legolas," Aragorn suggested quietly, "Your wounds need time to heal."

To his surprise, Legolas' eyes darkened and he looked away. "Legolas?" The archer shook his head again. He could not sleep now, not with Saruman waiting for him as soon as he let his guard down.

After a long stretch of silence, Aragorn figured that Legolas had gone back to sleep, despite his protests, as he had not moved. The man cast one last worried look in his friend's direction before lying back down and drifting into a light sleep.

Legolas glanced over as he heard Aragorn's breathing even out. He was now deeply worried for the man. Saruman had said that Aragorn's presence served no purpose other than to seek information, and Legolas knew that, whatever happened, the Istar would make sure that Aragorn ended up dead.

He tried desperately to think of a way to get the future king out of Saruman's clutches, but he knew Aragorn, and he knew that the man would never willingly leave without Legolas by his side. He cursed himself softly in several languages for getting into this mess in the first place and struggled desperately with his bonds, grunting in frustration and pain when they did not give, instead tightening painfully on his already abused wrists.

He growled softly to himself, glancing once more at Aragorn, assuring himself that the Ranger was safe for the time being. Turning his gaze upwards, he noticed the sky was brightening with the approaching dawn. Perhaps today he would be able to get Aragorn out of here…

He held hope that Gimli and Gandalf were still behind them, tracking them. Several scenarios ran through his head of how to get Aragorn to safety, but each was quickly discarded for one reason or another. He looked around the camp, and his eyes fell on the sleeping form of Grima. An idea formed itself in his mind as he looked upon the sleeping form of his captor. It was not perfect, but it was worth a try.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Arise, Master Dwarf! We must make haste,"

Gimli grunted and chanced opening an eye, seeing Gandalf hovering over him, backlighted by the dawn sky. He grunted again and reluctantly sat up, throwing back the blankets of his bedroll and shivering at the chill of the early morning.

"How is your head this morning, my friend?" Gandalf asked.

"Much better than it was, Gandalf, much better."

Gandalf nodded in approval. "That is good to hear, Gimli, for we have some hard travelling ahead of us today. They will soon be in sight of Orthanc, we must try to reach them before then."

Gimli nodded, trying not to think about what would befall their companions, should they not reach them in time.

* * * * * * * * * *

Aragorn awoke to an insistent prodding in his side. He groaned and rolled over, finding himself looking into Grima's face. He scowled silently at the other man, trying to convey all his loathing and anger with a single gaze.

Grima backed off slightly, his eyes narrowing. "Up, Ranger. We have not the time for laziness, we must move on."

Aragorn growled softly at the insult, pulling himself awkwardly into a sitting position as Grima headed across the camp towards Legolas. The Elf was already awake, and Aragorn saw him watching Grima with a calculating gaze as the man came towards him. Aragorn's eyes narrowed. He knew that look…Legolas was planning something.

Grima crouched beside Legolas, gazing longingly at him for a moment, before reaching out and removing the gag.

"Time to rise, my Elf," he said, extending a hand and caressing Legolas' cheek.

Aragorn's jaw fell open when Legolas stiffened, but allowed the contact, gazing steadily back at Grima. The Ranger blinked. "This is not real," He muttered to himself, "I am still dreaming." But when he looked back, the scene was the same. Evidently, Grima was startled also, for he withdrew his hand and looked suspiciously at Legolas.

"I have a proposal to make, Grima," Legolas said, "If you are willing to listen."

The evil man raised an eyebrow, moving closer to the bound archer. "Go on," He purred.

Legolas' gaze flicked to Aragorn, before returning to Grima's face. "I ask you to let the Ranger go free,"

Grima snorted and stood to move away.

"Hold!" Legolas snapped. When Grima paused and turned back, he continued. "Let him go, and in exchange, I— I will give myself to you freely."

Grima gazed at him for a moment, shock mixed with lust and disbelief written all over his face. Aragorn was similarly struck speechless.

Grima leaned forward and kissed Legolas roughly, giving Aragorn back his power to speak. "Legolas, no! You cannot— " A kick from one of the guard orcs stopped him mid-sentence.

Grima released Legolas, pulling back and slapping the Elf hard enough to rock his head back harshly. "Freely?" He spat, "You, my Elf, are far from willing! Do not think to lead me on just to save your friend's skin."

Legolas glared at him. "I can learn to be willing," He ground out through clenched teeth, "I was unprepared,"

Grima slapped him again. "Pathetic attempt, Elf. I should punish you…but we have a deadline to meet." He turned to the Uruks. "Get them up! And do not worry about being gentle with them,"

The beasts hauled Aragorn to his feet, their claws digging into his bound arms. He growled in protest, as the creatures seemed to be wrenching Legolas in several directions at once as they untied him from the pole and raised him from the ground, retying him securely. They then dragged him over to stand beside Aragorn.

The Ranger looked closely at his friend. His fair face was haggard and drawn from exhaustion; his lips were bruised from Grima's assault and raw at the corners from the gag. One side of his face was darkening from where he had been struck and his eyes were fever-bright. Aragorn could feel the unnatural heat radiating off the prince.

"Legolas…" He sighed softly, "My friend, I cannot believe what you tried to do! Are you out of your mind?"

Aragorn frowned when Legolas made no answer, staring at nothing with glazed eyes. The man gently bumped him with his shoulder and Legolas started slightly, turning to his friend with a questioning look.

"Are you well, Legolas?"

The Elf nodded absently. "I am well, Strider, do not concern yourself."

Aragorn leaned forward until Legolas met his gaze. "What were you thinking?"

Legolas lowered his eyes. "I am sorry, I thought only of your safety." His voice dropped to a whisper. "Once he has what information he needs, Saruman has no further need for you. He will kill you without a second thought! You are the hope of mankind, Estel, your survival must be ensured, otherwise we have no hope of winning this war."

"So you tried to save me by condemning yourself to a Human lifetime at the hands of that foul snake?"

Legolas' eyes raised to meet his once more, "If that was what it took to save you, yes. You are not only the hope of man, you are my brother."

Before the man had the chance to answer, the Uruks grabbed them.

"Bring me the Elf," Grima hissed.

Aragorn watched as Legolas was pulled roughly over to Grima's horse, where he was forced to mount first, without the use of his bound hands. Grima mounted behind him, wrapping his arms around Legolas' waist to take the reins.

"We move on," He growled.

Aragorn was forced to run with the Uruks, as there were no other horses. Luckily for him, his sleep the night before had restored much of his energy, even if his shoulder still pained him. They set off immediately, leaving behind the remains of their trampled campsite.

Aragorn fumed silently as he watched Grima run his hand down Legolas' injured back every so often, smirking at the pain he caused as he whispered to his captive. The Ranger swore to himself that, when the opportunity arose, he would happily separate Grima from his head.

They had been travelling for more than half the day when the dark spire of the tower of Orthanc rose up on the horizon from amid the smoking ruins of the gardens of Isengard and the edge of Fangorn forest.

Legolas' Elven eyes could see the destruction in the distance as clearly as if it was right beside him. Remembering the past beauty of the land from his younger days, he shuddered violently at the damage Saruman had inflicted on the lands.

Aragorn noted the Elf's shudder with concern. Legolas had been looking steadily worse throughout the journey, and his ribs were obviously paining him greatly.

He looked up and frowned to himself as he saw the heavy rain clouds that had gathered, blocking the warmth of the sun. Aragorn had a feeling that they would not take the time to stop and shelter to wait out the rain.

As that thought crossed his mind, the first drops fell, quickly becoming a downpour that soaked the entire party in minutes. Aragorn's suspicions had been correct; they continued to travel through the rain without stopping, until the rain began to slack off as dusk fell.

The Uruks found a relatively dry spot at the edge of Fangorn and Aragorn was pushed down to sit on the ground and his ankles were bound securely. Legolas was pulled from Grima's horse and thrown down next to Aragorn. The creature bound his ankles tightly before leaving them alone.

Aragorn turned to Legolas, finding him shivering violently, his head cocked as if he was listening to something. The man raised his bound arms and pressed the back of his hand to Legolas' forehead. His fever had escalated and he had not even reacted to Aragorn's touch.

Aragorn quietly cursed their captors for not seeking shelter during the storm, as it has only worsened Legolas' condition.

"Legolas? Can you hear me, mellon nìn?"

"The trees, Estel," the Elf said tonelessly, "They cry out to me… So many of them has Saruman destroyed…they scream in pain and I cannot help them!"

Aragorn's eyes widened. "Do not worry for them, Legolas, you must worry for yourself! You are not well, my friend,"

Legolas sighed, "Tis nothing that will not heal, do not concern yourself with me."

Aragorn gently gripped Legolas' chin with his bound hands and directed his gaze to his face. "We are in this together, Legolas. Allow me to heal you as you did me."

The Elf stubbornly shook his head. "Do not be foolish, Estel. Your shoulder still pains you, I can see it in your eyes, and the running cannot have helped. You need all the rest you can find to heal. I will be well,"

"Legolas!" Aragorn was getting frustrated at Legolas' selflessness, "You were beaten beyond what you could take…you have a fever and it is draining your strength, you cannot hope to face Saruman while you are not at full strength!"

Legolas had to stop himself from saying that he had already faced Saruman, instead frowning at his friend. "I know what we shall face, Estel," He said in Elvish, "When the time comes, I shall be ready for him."

* * * * * * * * * *

Gandalf stepped into the trampled ruins of the campsite, looking around him in disdain. Only orcs could leave such total destruction behind them. As he walked over to the fire pit, he heard Gimli enter the area behind him, snorting in disgust.

The remnants of the fire were cold, the tracks led away from the site, but they were already several hours old at least. Gandalf sighed sadly. They were hours behind by now. Shadowfax was fast, but the party that held their friends moved as if the whips of Isengard were at their heels.

The Istar turned as Gimli cried out, seeing the small being holding up a sword. Aragorn's sword, he realised. He reached out and took it from the Dwarf, drawing it to check for damage. Finding none, he sheathed it, buckling it to his waist.

"When the time comes," He muttered, "I fully intend on returning this."

Gimli nodded. "As I mean to return these," He growled, gesturing to Legolas' twin blades, hanging from their sheaths at his own waist.

Gandalf's gaze fell upon the pole that Legolas had been tied to the night before and his eyes narrowed. He moved over to it, brushing his hand across it and bringing his fingers to his nose to smell the dark substance smeared across its surface.

His face darkened and he turned to Gimli, who had come up behind him. "There is Elf blood here,"

Gimli made a choked sound of anguish, taking in the amount of blood on the pole and on the grass beneath. His hands squeezed his axe so tightly that it creaked under the strain. "We are too late then?"

Gandalf straightened. "We do not know that, Gimli. Legolas is strong, as is Aragorn. We must keep looking for them, we cannot afford to give up hope now."

Gimli silently moved over to Shadowfax. "What are we waiting for, then? Let us be gone. Perhaps we can still catch them,"

Gandalf nodded slowly, mounting Shadowfax easily and pulling the Dwarf up behind him. Digging his heels into the horse's flanks, they held on as the great beast sped off, following the trail closely. Both their faces were set in determination. They would find their friends.

They had to.

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I know the ending was a little abrupt, but it's the best I could come up with! Sorry!! :)

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Review replies::

Cheysuli: Yeah, I treat him so badly! First he's Elfnapped and beaten and now he's sick!! I have to give him a break soon…I understand about getting distracted by other fics, so do I!! :) Hehehe!! Sorry for the lateness again, but you know me! ;)

MoroTheWolfGod: Glad to hear it! I'd hate to have to confiscate them!! Just kidding! Don't kill me! I know I'm late again!! It's all TNM's fault!! Silly fic…but that problem'll be fixed soon! Hope this chap was okay. I had to rush cos I suddenly saw how long it's been since I last updated!! Oops… ;)

Lefty: Ooh nice one! Thanks for the name, that's been annoying me… ;) *blush* Thank you for thinking I write him okay! He wasn't very evil in this chapter though, I'll have to work on that!! This chap was written off in a hurry cos I haven't updated in ages and Alice and Sirith are coming after me, so I hope it's okay!! :) That X-Files ep sounds good, I'll have to see that one! Creepy man… ;)

DXPrincess: Aw thank you! I'm glad he's okay! But he wasn't evil enough in this chapter, but then again he didn't say much… I hope this was okay cos it was written off in a rush! You like pain?? I've got some more coming up!! ;) You know me with Legolas, he's never safe… Hehehe!! Hope your fic's going well! :)

Alice7: *ducks heavy objects* It's here! You can stop throwing those now!! How's London these days? Any rain yet? ;) Oh don't shoot Grima yet!! I need him to be evil for just a little longer! Please?? Aragorn's starting to look worried about your manflesh remark…! I'll give them to you as soon as I'm finished, although you're doing a fine job with the auld torture yourself in your fic (which I love by the way)!! Hope you liked!! :)

Shandrial: Rat? He is a rat, isn't he?? Grr…but someone has to be the evil one, otherwise there's no fun!! ;) I'm sorry!! Don't hurt me!! Poor Legolas!! I agree with you, everyone needs a little Elf torture every now and again! It brightens the day…well, maybe not… Hahahaha!! Hope this chap was okay!! Twas a total rush job! Enjoy? :)

Sirith: I'm sorry! Don't send people after me! I've got enough after me already!! Don't fall off the chair alright?? It's hard on the @$$!! Hugs right back atcha!! Your fic's coming along great, I can't wait to see what happens next! Glad you liked though and hope this chapter was okay!! Don't send them after me! I was good!!! =)

LOTRFaith: Yeah, I should kill him painfully, shouldn't I? I'll see what I can do!! Thanks for fav authors by the way!! I read 'I Remember' on Cassia's website, it's fab!! :) I'm glad you're enjoying the story and I'll try to have more up soon!! Hope this chapter was okay!! =)

Kit Cloudkicker: Ooh nice one! I've read some of it, but I had to go to work and I keep forgetting to go back! I'm sorry!! I'll read it soon, but from what I saw, it's brilliant! You're a brilliant writer!:)

Legolas's fanatical fan girl: I'm sorry!! I made you wait forever again, didn't I?? *cringe* I can't help it!! To New Mutiny is taking up all my time at the moment!! *blush* Thank you for saying that! I don't deserve it though!! Hope the site's going well! The fic's coming along well, I'll send it to ya as soon as it's done! :)

Andmetwen: ARGH!! My head will explode with the size of my ego if you keep complimenting me like that! Not that it would be a bad way to die… ;) Will I kill him yet?? I don't think so…well, not just yet anyway!! ;) Hehehehe!!! I am so evil! Yeah it's kinda hard to decide what to do, isn't it?? I'll have to ponder that some more! Hope you liked and that you still forgive me! :)

wispykitty: Oh don't unleash it!! Please!! I worked for three days solid to get this written! Does that keep it behind its bars?? Hope you weren't worried again! I know it's been ages, but we can just blame it on my other fic! Sound good? Hope this chap was okay though!! ;)

Irish QT: I like that! Love hurts… Hehehe!! ;) Love the evil cackle by the way! I can never do it, always ends up sounding like I've got laryngitis… Ah well! Are you really Irish?? Cos I am!! Live in good old Dublin! Yay!! Glad you're enjoying the story!! I'm sorry for the delay, I know I suck! *sigh* I'll try to do better next time! :)

tamara: Did you?? Good I'm glad!! I hope you like this one as well cos it was so rushed it's not funny!! Aye, I have to agree with you! Poor Legolas…Between me and the other Elf torture writers, he doesn't stand a chance… :( Let's kiss him and make it better!! ;)

Estel Baggins: Yeah I was gonna go with it being a universal painkiller thing and that's how he knew about it… does that work?? I was gonna have the Rohirrim come after them, but I'm having too much fun this way…maybe later!! ;) Aragorn was just bound hand and foot cos he was injured and easier to control than Legolas. And they were on the plains, but now they're by the forest! Does that answer everything? :) I'm glad you liked Legolas not knowing everything. I figure he shouldn't, cos he's not really a healer. Hope you're still enjoying the fic and I'm still loving yours!! Fantastic work, keep it up! :)

Amber Eyed Goddess: Wow! *blush* So many compliments!! Thank you!! :) I'm sorry for the wait but my other fic is taking up most of my creative juices right now! I'm really glad you're liking this though! I hope this chap was okay cos it was very rushed! I suddenly realised how long it's been since I've updated!! *gulp* ;)

Ravenwing: Sorry!! I'm being very cruel to him, aren't I? But it's all in the name of entertainment!! And I'll give him to you afterwards so you can kiss him better, how's that for a good deal? ;) Yeah Grima is nasty isn't he?? Grr…Enjoying every word?? *blush* I'm happy!! :) I love hearing that people enjoy it!! I'm a total Legolas torture reader myself, so I totally understand the obsession!! Hehehe! Hope you liked!! :)

Celtic Bard: I know I'm late!! I'm sorry!! I tried to get it up sooner, but things kept getting in the way…you know how it is sometimes!! *thinks of every possible use of rubber bands and chewing gum* Hmmm…that could be fun!! Hehehe!! *blush* I'm glad you're enjoying this so far, even though I am a terrible person who is always late… Hope you liked this chapter though! It ended abruptly, but I'm getting to something!! ;)

Vicky: Aha! I haven't fully decided that either, but as soon as I do, I'll let ya know!! Hehehe! ;) Sorry this took so long, I am a horrible person!! Feel free to smite me! Hope you enjoyed anyway! :)

Tears of Eternity: I thought that was you! I was like, this sounds like an AoD review…Yay!! I tell you what, as soon as I'm done with this fic, you can have Saruman and ponytail him all you want! Deal?? You've never seen It?? *gulp* It's really freaky! I've never looked at a clown the same way…Yeah mimes are really creepy aren't they?? *shiver* Hahahahaha!! We're both mad!!! *manic smile* This is fun!! Awh I hope your throat is feeling better and your evil laugh is back to full strength! Hope you liked!! =)

JUST ME: Awh I'm glad you like it! I know I'm late, I'm really sorry!! Things keep getting in the way! You know how things can be… ;) But it's up now and hope you liked!! :)

celticgoddess578: *blush* Wow! Really?? Hehehehehe!! Hope you liked this chapter as well, it was a bit rushed! Wonderful?? I wouldn't go that far, but thank you!! Sorry for the delay, I am a horrible writer, aren't I?? *smacks self over head* Write faster!! Enjoy?? ;)

Black Hawk: I agree, it was a horrible place to leave it, wasn't it?? Bad writer!!! *blush* You think my fics are great?? Thank you!! I'm sorry for the delay! I'll try to do better, I promise!! I updated just for you! ;) Hope you liked!! Love the name by the way! =)

Fishton: Wow…thank you!! I've never been told that my story rocks before!! *blush* That's so nice of you!! :) Hehehehe!! Sorry for the delay, but it's up now!! Yay!! Hope you liked! ;)