Author's Note; Greetings guys! Sorry it's been so long since I've updated, but I've just started college, so you can imagine how busy everythin' has been! (I highly recommend student life, btw! LOL!) Anyway, to my darling reviewers….

TeZukAb0ch0u; Well, look out for lil details in this chapt. as regards more suspense and stuff to come! Also, there'll be points of view from the bad guys now too - sometimes! (Do people think that's a bad or good idea?)

Lemar2RedFox; Yep, you're gonna have to keep readin' – LOL! Things are gonna get a lot more mixed up before anything resolves! I am delighted you're liking this so far.

RS; Thunder and music – LOL! I'm actually happy you mentioned that dear 'cos I was goin' for a dramatic, movie moment! I am interested on hearing your reaction to this chapt. – I'm not sure if including the bad guys is gonna be a good or bad thing?... At least we have Aragorn and Arwen at the end, ey:-) xx

Sarahbarr17; Well, it's been quite a while, but here's what Aragorn does next….. It's not a typical reaction, mind, but you'll see where it'll go. Xx

LindaHoyland; As I mentioned above, I am wondering if including the bad camp's view is a good idea or not, so I'd love to hear your thoughts on that. I'm not all that confident writing stuff that isn't lovey-dovey anyway, so bear with my attempts at writing bad guys! LOL! And thank you for you lovely compliment in you last review – it was really lovely to read! Xx

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Chapter 7 – "It won't happen again"

"Tell me, where is the child?" he asked upon their arrival. Two had departed, but as he looked at those who stood before him, it seemed only two returned.

"I en'ered 'is chamber, Master, while Barak kept an eye from outside," the first nervously explained, "but there wasn't no boy in there!"

"So where is he?" came the biting reply, echoing in the cave-like dwelling.

"We don't know, Sir……"

"Did you not seek him out? Did you not search? After all the minuet planning, you would see it result as thus! Why did you fools bother returning to me – your uses were few as they were, and none without the child!"

The second man stood bravely forward, hoping to calm his senior's rising temper. "We will get 'im, great one. It won't 'appen again. Hagos and meself will see to it!"

The pair's commander took little notice of them in his revising of the situation. Turning his fur coated back, he muttered worriedly to himself. "It is likely the palace now suspect the kidnap. The dawn is breaking, and it is probable guards are already scouting the grounds. Their security measures will increase, and we will not get such an easy second chance - the boy will be minded day and night…." He whispered, running short of breath, "….How shall I get him now?"

"We will find a way, Master, just like Barak promised!" Hagos offered again.

The Superior turned slowly to the comment, fully around until eventually locking a steely gaze with his footman.

"….If the guards will be occupied with the Prince, we could maybe take one o' the gerwls instead? Or per'aps the Lady Queen!"

A first, the Superior simply glared at the thin gaunt man – emotionless and silent. Hagos felt nervous under the green-eyed stare, but thought the Master might be digesting his somewhat worthy idea. Without so much of a warning, however, the Superior reached inside his rich purple coat and with a sudden jerk, threw a blunt dagger across the distance and through the servant's chest. With a sharp gasp, followed by a flat thud upon hitting the floor, the slight man lay dead upon cold stone.

Void of any sentiment, the Superior objectively pulled the blade from it's setting.

Barak looked in horror at the display, unable to register what he witnessed. As he stared startled at his lifeless companion, he was roughly turned and felt a fist grab his torn coat collar. Hoisted in mid-air, the frail man found his eyes on par with that of the Superior's.

"You would not dare give me suggestions, peasant!"

"Nnn…no….no Master….. neva! Not at all!"

"And you would not dare fail me again?"

"….Neva fail you Sir, I swear!"

The Superior's voice fell dangerously calm before diving the blade through his subject's gut , "I shall see to it that you don't."

The second body fell dead at his feet. As he moved to dip his blood-stained hands in water, a bent figure moved from a far shadowy corner. Holding his slim, crooked walking stick in one hand, and pointing a twisted finger with the other, he waddled to the Superior's side, "Perhaps the peasant's idea regarding the Queen was not futile. There is something you may be interested to know…."

-

Arwen had been awake watching her daughters, unable to sleep. She smiled at their peaceful faces whilst they slumbered easily in the early light. The night's uneasiness would not leave her and the flighty feeling inside her stomach made her ill. It was a feeling she was becoming used to. As she mused, the Queen recognised that she had felt somewhat odd since the night of Eldarion's first dream. Not only did the whole situation lead her to worry, but she herself had begun to feel 'different'. Of course, with all the excitement around the palace, she thought it best not to voice any concerns, and believed whatever was the mater would soon pass.

Arwen's deep thoughts were interrupted with the sound of an approaching horse and carriage. Suspecting it to be her husband and son, she hastily ran downstairs to meet them.

The Prince jumped from the carriage door onto his most familiar ground, oblivious to the large number of guards surrounding him and his parents.

"I knew I was not ill, Naneth," Eldarion proudly declared as he became wrapped in his mother's embrace, "I have no medicine to take!"

"I did not think you would!" the Queen replied, not wanting to let him go, "Did you sleep well?"

"…Very well," Aragorn answered, exiting the charade, "he is able to stay home tonight."

Letting Eldarion walk ahead, Arwen straightened to stand before her husband. She was glad to see him. "Did you manage to rest?"

Avoiding a direct response, the King led her to walk inside the Palace, "I will be better rested after today's council meeting. All representatives are to attend. Berard….."

"Yes, your Majesty," the dutiful assistant answered, running to walk beside him.

"Have you sent out a summons for the council meeting this evening?"

"Yes Sire, they were sent immediately after you requested so last night. It seems it is set to be a busy day."

"Yes, we will have much to do," Aragorn stated.

"I would be glad to contribute to the evening," Arwen offered, "is there anything in which I can do to alleviate some of the duties?"

"We have all taken care of, My Lady," Berard replied, smiling at his Queen's constant generous nature.

Satisfied that their son would not notice them speak, Arwen took the King's hand into hers, "Husband," she gently whispered, "did Ioreth report anything of Eldarion's stay last night?"

Suddenly pausing, Aragorn did not know what answer to give….. he simply turned to his wife with troubled eyes, unable to speak.

"My Lord, My Lady, we have breakfast prepared for you….." Berard called from up ahead, breaking their silence.

"I am not hungry," Arwen decided, brushing her spouse's hand before letting it go, "I shall tend the girls until they wake."

"I will go wit….."

"You have a big day ahead, and you must prepare for it. Our concerns can wait until tonight," she said, giving a slight, comforting smile. She kissed his cheek before turning to ascend the large staircase.

He watched her leave as his assistant came beside him, "You meal will now be served, Sire."

"Berard, was there any trace found last night," he asked lowly, "….of the intruder?"

"No, My Lord. As you said, we think it is most likely a breech in security – the guards think there is an obvious explanation. It won't happen again."

Deciding it best not to pursue further, the King gave a slight nod.

"You may be glad to know we already have word that the Steward will be in attendance," Berard announced, brightening their conversation.

"Ah," Aragorn warmly smiled at hearing of his most trusted aide. Faramir's supporting presence in a room filled with merciless politicians would be more than welcome, "The day might not be so long after all!"