Aragorn glanced at the sheet of parchment with wide eyes. His breath caught in his throat and the redness of his face increased. He stood motionless for three moments trying to reason his thoughts when he started into action. He folded the parchment and slipped it into his tunics pocket, over his heart. He then left the room heading for the guard room.

"This can not be, this can not be." He mumbled to himself

"What can not be?" Elladan asked turning and falling into step with Aragorn walking in the opposite direction to what he was directed by a serving maid

"This." The king said flinging the parchment at his adopted brother taking a sharp right turn

Elladan unfolded the parchment and read the words to himself. He froze mulling over what he had just read. He ran to catch up to his brother "But what does this have to do with anything? What does this even refer to?"

"That orc-blooded knifing lucwhit It happened a couple of years ago." The king said slamming open a large door and stepping into a room smelling slightly of sweat and ale

All activity in the room ceased when the king entered the room. The guards not standing got to their feet and bowed as the others did. A door on the other side of the room opened and Eldarion walked out with Arthur.

"My king," Arthur said stepping forward after catching sight of him "your son has informed me of your, predicament."

"Yes." Aragorn said turning out of the room pulling Arthur with him gesturing to his son and the elf to follow

"Ada, What is the matter?" Eldarion said stopping his father

"This." Elladan said handing over the parchment

"But how? Only now? Why does..?"

"We will speak more in a private room." Arthur said sensing a need for privacy, leading the three others to one of the council rooms next door to the guard room. Inside was a rectangular table with four chairs around it. The room was dimly lit and the walls were bare. Arthur sat down in a chair with Aragorn to his right and Eldarion across the table. Elladan took up the only unoccupied chair to Eldarion's left. Eldarion lay the parchment onto the table and turned it so that Arthur could read it. The older mans face lost expression as he was caught up in the memory the parchment had sparked.

Arilwen was skipping through the gardens happily with her minder strolling behind her. Arilwen was but five years old and already had her own way and timetables. It was a Tuesday of midsummer around midday and Arilwen was heading towards the stables as she usually did. Arthur was content to watch as she plucked a flower from the grass. All of a sudden a sense of foreboding was cast down on him and he lay his right hand on his hunting knife as he had not brought his sword. A shadowed figure loomed up behind Arilwen as she was returning with her latest prise and seized her by the waist and hoisting her over its shoulder. The figure flung off his hood and stared at his brother. Arthur didn't have time to think as he threw his knife at his heart. He had dodged and been struck in the shoulder and after that he knew no more.

"Why would Ardour want to capture Arilwen again?" Eldarion asked

"Because the last time she was used for ransom. This time most likely rape." The king spat

"Who in their right minds would abduct a ten year old princes and rape her!?" Elladan spat

"A deranged lunatic that wants to contaminate royal blood." Arthur reasoned "when Asher was back last he said that he had seen Ardour in the markets in Esgaroth. Said something about packing for a long journey. That though is a two month journey going by normal standards. It is possible that he was going to take Arilwen back with him after he had successfully nabbed her."

"As a fact she has not as of yet come of season and would then have to be imprisoned for at least another two years possibly longer to gain what is his wish." Aragorn stated matter of factually

"And that is long enough to traumatise someone into believing they've had another life all along." Eldarion put in as an after thought

"It can happen in a shorter time span then that." The elf deadpanned "so if this Ardour has got Arilwen and is traipsing back to Esgaroth shouldn't someone follow?"

"That is assuming we can get sufficient evidence." The guard went on "as much as it says here that he has her, we do not know for certain that he is heading back to Esgaroth."

"Well then, what is it that you propose we do?" Elladan asked

"Ask the gate keepers if they've seen anyone pass this morning. Then find out times and directions." Eldarion started

"But we'd have to also discuss cargo. Men with carts or large sacks are more likely to be suspects. Also those in groups." Aragorn added

"That's assuming he was the one that did the abducting." The prince pointed out "it is possible that Ardour sent someone else to capture her and the deliver her to him, making everyone then a suspect."

"But Arilwen might still be in the city and he's just waiting for all of us to be preoccupied before leaving." Arthur pointed out

"I reckon that you should gather a handful of trusted guards and explain this situation. Then gather the information from the gate keepers whilst carrying out searches. If you have previous insight into this Ardour I recommend checking any previous locations that he frequented."

"That could work Elladan," Aragorn agreed "Arthur could you please gather your best and most loyal men and do some investigating, Eldarion and I have to tell Arwen. Oh and Elladan could you please pop by the halls of healing and check on an old friend of ours."

A/N. Sorry about the massive delay in updates. I was at a massive writers block and couldn't think of any good ideas on how to continue the story. I'd also like to apologise for the short length but I thought that putting up a short chapter is better than no chapter.

I'd also like to give a shout out to Sehellys for giving me insparation for my writing and willing me to update.