I am very very sorry this took so long – and even more sorry that once again that I have not found the time to respond to the wonderful reviews I received. I love you all and thank you for taking the time to review. I promise to answer when I have recovered my energy.

Chapter 46 - Interrogation

*~ Elves should not suffer from headaches. Maybe Ada forgot to mention some human ancestry in our blood. ~*

Legolas took a deep breath, stopping his hands from straying to his temple by sheer force of will. It would not do to indulge himself in such a human manner. Mirkwood’s Captains were scandalised at it was by Legolas’ orders. Seeing their Prince behave with so little restraint would only compound the problem. Elves might be immortal but they could be very stubborn at the most inappropriate times.

The muttering continued amongst the gathered elves, taking no notice of the Prince whose mood became darker with each grumble. Legolas shook his head; he had a while to go before he could stop a room’s conversation with a glare as Thranduil could. Maybe his father would be willing to teach him.

The thought of his father put a small smile on Legolas’ face – even though in his mind’s eye Thranduil was at his coldest, Kingly best. Legolas could see the fair face as clearly as if Thranduil had been in front of him – the gold hair circled by the Oak Crown, the green eyes narrowed slightly, the hands that lightly gripped the sides of his chair. It was no so much what Thranduil said which made him fearsome but the way he said it. Legolas knew from innumerable personal experiences that Thranduil was able to put the greatest of displeasures into the simplest of tones.

If Thranduil had been here, none of the Captains would have dared to speak so disrespectfully. Freedom of expression was one thing but no one ever forgot who was in command when Thranduil was around.

*~ Well, if Adar can do it – then so can I. ~*

Legolas filled his lungs again but only to let the wind bleed out from him slowly. No one in the room paid the sound any attention. That was their first mistake, the first warning ignored. After that, Legolas remained almost motionless - still in his chair, like a raptor waiting to make his kill.

One by one, the Captain around the table fell silent as they realised that their Prince was looking at them. Perhaps, frowning at them would have more accurate. At that moment, it was uncanny how much Legolas resembled Thranduil – the same white-hot steel was in his eyes. The steel that had been passed down from Oropher, which still burned those who were impertinent enough to ignore it.

“While I have never begrudged my Captains the right to speak freely in my presence, I will not tolerate such disrespect. If you have questions, then ask them. Do not waste my time with these petty accusations. There is much to be done without my having to pander to such mindless prattle.” 

Every elf in the room flinched at Legolas’ words. It was not often that the Prince lost his temper but when he did … Oropher would have been proud indeed. It seemed as if the Ages past had not robbed Mirkwood of its fire.

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

It should have been a routine meeting, one that Legolas had often chaired. Thranduil made it a point to have regular meetings with the heads of the various patrols to discuss the defence of the Realm. Over time, Legolas, in his capacity as Prince and Commander of the Border Patrols, had often sat in place of Thranduil. The Captains knew their Prince to be a formidable warrior in his own right, and had come to accept his presence on the council despite his relative youth. At first, there had been a few grumbles at having the Prince replace the King, but eventually even those had died down as Legolas proved himself in battle time and time again. If there still was a slight condescension in the Captains’ attitudes, Legolas excused it after accounting for their age and experience.

Elves with their long memories and nearly immortal lives were not ones to accept change quickly. When one measured their life spans in Ages instead of years, change was a slow process. It was generally true that the older the elf the more set he would be in his ways. As with any generalisation, there were exceptions to this rule but Legolas had tended to find that most elves would treat those younger with a loving paternalism that often bordered on indulgence. As a Prince that put Legolas in a unique dilemma – while strangers and most subjects would automatically defer to his title regardless of his age, elves who worked with him tended to see him as a child. While the Captains would never disobey the Prince they still saw him, in some corner of the minds, as a child who did not know any better.

Legolas had been forced to be better, quicker, cleverer, and more devious than other elves his age to overcome this barrier. While his peers had been allowed the luxury of youth Legolas had to grow up faster than them. Everything he did was scrutinised and analysed to catch any mistake – anything to justify the opinion that he was ‘too young’. By the time Legolas realised how much had been demanded from him it was too late to change. He was committed to the game – a game to prove that he deserved to be a Prince, Commander – Lord.

With a stubbornness and pride handed down from his grandfather, Legolas chose to excel, there would be no mere coasting for this Thranduilion. If he had to play then he would be the best at this game – he would defeat the naysayers by being better then they ever could be. Oropher had done it and won the Wood-elves as his own, Thranduil had done it and made sure that his young Realm survived. It was what the Royal family did – it was their duty.

Legolas had thought that he had finally won the game, he had finally proved himself. He was a formidable archer, a skill won through centuries of practice and tenacity. He was a hero – dubious title though that was. He had proven himself in battle, he had fought for his people and won. He had thought it had been enough – now maybe he would be able to stop, to rest without having to prove himself yet again. 

He had thought wrong.

As he looked at the silent, but stubborn faces of the Captains Legolas realised that as long as he was Prince he would have to prove himself. As long as breath remained in his body he would have to win the faith he needed to protect his people.

*~ If that is what is needed then – so be it. ~*

Legolas squared his shoulders – he would win this game too. He would show the Captains why he was the Prince of Mirkwood.

  x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x 

The Captains, stunned, looked at their Prince with such disbelief on their faces that Legolas was tempted to wince. Naturally, he did not. He was not about to let them see that he shared their doubts about the proposed patrolling plans with the Avari. Someone had to maintain an air of confidence and as Prince, the task became his.

*~ Trust Rhinure to cause me problems even when she is not here. ~* Legolas thought wryly.

Legolas closely scanned the silent faces in front of him. Six Captains for the six territories of Mirkwood, each a formidable warrior in his own right. Six elves that formed the offensive Border Patrol of Mirkwood’s forces. Conspicuous by their absence was Mirkwood’s defensive forces; especially the Home Guard’s Captain – Arandur. Some had wondered why the mornedhel was not present but after listening to what Prince Legolas was proposing, it was no wonder he had been omitted.

If Prince Legolas’ plans were implemented the Wood-elves would be virtually handing the southern portion of Mirkwood to the Avari. Granted that the elves had been pushed out of the south by Sauron’s minions but to hand over claim to it and its protection to other was unacceptable.

“Your Highness, are you seriously considering these plans?” Captain Brêgond demanded.

Legolas chose to ignore the insolence in the Captain’s tone, “If I were not serious about implementing the plans I would not have brought them to this council. I am no given to wasting my time, Captain.”

“My Lord, be reasonable. Following these patrols will our southern borders vulnerable.”

“Perhaps I am looking at different plans from you, Captain. I see no such weakness.” Legolas kept his face blank as he took in the captains’ reactions. As expected, Brêgond was less than pleased with Legolas’ answer, but it was surprising that the other five seemed upset as well. While Legolas had been expecting some measure of discontent over the joint Avari-Silvan patrols, he had not been expecting such resistance. This would be harder than he originally planned.  

Still, he would prevail – he must, failure was not an option. He needed the consent and support of the Captains to successfully implement the plans. Implicit in all governance was the assumption that the House of Oropher ruled by the choice of their people. The Captains insurgency undermined that trust putting Legolas in a difficult position. He did not want to force the issue by pulling rank but he would do so if it was needed. The wood-elves had chosen his family to rule and until they decided otherwise, rule he would.

Legolas waited, remaining silent. He waited for one of the others to speak, break the uncomfortable silence that had settled in the room – giving them enough rope. Whether they hanged themselves depended on how he performed.

Brêgond took a deep breath, obviously the Prince was not thinking clearly otherwise he would not have made such a juvenile statement. If the rest of the Captains did not say anything then it became his duty to do so. He could not let Mirkwood be compromised in such a cavalier manner. “My Lord,” his voice softened to a more reasonable, gentle tone – much like what a parent would take when talking to an errant child, “perhaps you have not understood our concerns clearly.”

“Perhaps.” Legolas would later marvel at the reserves of self-control he had managed to develop. It seemed as if being a Prince was good for something after all.

Brêgond nodded, it was good that the Prince was being reasonable. The Thranduilion stubbornness would only further complicate matters. “My Lord, you must understand, concentrating our forces as you propose will give the Avari a free hand.”

“I am well aware of that, Captain. However, I still fail to see the problem.” Legolas was not bout to make this easy for Brêgond. “The southern half of the Realm is sparsely populated as it is. These plans will allow us to concentrate on the relatively more important areas. And it is not as if we will be abandoning the south completely. Though the majority of the area will be patrolled by our allies, the Avari, it does not mean there will be no Silvan presence in the area. Our forces will be reduced, not withdrawn.”

“But we will be dependant on the Avari.”

“Yes, that is so. Generally, allies are known to depend on each other.”

“My Lord, you are being deliberately obtuse!”

“You would do well to reign in that tongue, Captain. Whatever you might think of these plans, I am still your Prince.”

“Forgive me, my Lord. I spoke in haste. But surely, you must see the problem.”

“I am afraid I do not. Perhaps you would be so kind as to enlighten me.” 

Brêgond gritted his teeth, the Prince was being politely stubborn which put the older elf at a severe disadvantage. Already the rest of the Captains were looking at him disapprovingly. Whatever qualms they had about the plans, they did not appreciate Brêgond’s tone. If he was not careful, he was going to force them to side with Prince Legolas even if they intellectually agreed with him. “Your Highness, you are handing over the defence of our entire Realm to elves who cannot be trusted.”

“I think I have already made the point that I am doing no such thing. Mirkwood is protected by the Wood-elves, so it had always been and so shall it always remain. However, that does not preclude us taking help when it is offered.” Legolas held up his hand to pre-empt Brêgond, “Other than your lack of trust, can you see a military weakness in the plans?”

“The weakness is their lack of dependability. Not only are the Avari being given more responsibility than their reliability merits, they are being put in charge of our most active border. By pushing us nearer to the capital, you are making them our first line of defence.”

“Would you rather have them nearer to our more populated settlements? Perhaps we can let them guard the Palace and let the Home Guard patrol with you.”

“ I would have them as far away from the Realm as possible.”

Legolas managed to keep his voice eve, “That is not your decision or your concern. The last time I checked, matters of policy were decided by the King. The Avari are our allies and you have to work with them even if you dislike the idea. Unless the King wishes otherwise, so shall it remain. I repeat my question, for the last time, do you see a military weakness in these plans?”

“My Lord, you must listen to me.” 

“Answer the question Captain Brêgond.”

“No, my Lord, I do not see a military weakness. But …”

“Then there is nothing further to discuss.”

“But my Lord, the problem still remains.” Brêgond started talking quickly, determined to make the Prince see reason. There was a faint hint of desperation in his voice, like an elf who had bloodied his hands beating on a stone wall. “The Avari cannot be trusted. They will not provide the numbers or the intelligence they have promised. Even if they do so, their help will be suspect. Everything they do, this intelligence they provide – which we cannot hope to verify – is a trap. They hope to mislead us.”

“Do you have any evidence to back these claims or must I indulge you further?”

“No my Lord, I do not but I need it not …”

Legolas interrupted Brêgond before the older elf could start pontificating on the general lack of character and decency in the Avari. “Then it is a matter of judgement, Captain?”

“Most assuredly, my Lord.”

“Are you suggesting that your judgment is better than Ours?”

To Brêgond’s credit, he recognised that he was treading on thin ground – very thin indeed if Legolas’ frown was any indication his anger. However, Brêgond was known for his courage, if not his prudence. “My Prince, with all due respect, you are young still.”

“And therefore, I do not know any better?”

“My Lord, I did not say that but it is easy for youth to be misled. It is no secret that you are fond of your wife. While I trust your judgement, Lady Rhinure would not hesitate to use your emotions against you and your people.”

No matter how true these words were, Legolas was not about to let the Captain malign Rhinure with impunity. If nothing else, she was Crown Princess of the Realm. “Have some care, Captain. You accuse your Princess. I will not tolerate such words against her.”

Brêgond could take it no longer, “My Lord, this is exactly what I mean. Once again, you take her side against ours.”

Legolas was unsure what to say; he could feel the blood pound inside his head like an out-of-control drum. He would not lose control, he would not lose sight of the fact that he was a Prince and could not beat an elf into a bloody pulp – no matter how much he wished to.

Brêgond must have realised that he had crossed the lines of propriety with that last statement. He fell silent, unsure about how he should proceed. He should apologise, say something – anything, to lesson Legolas’ fury. The other Captains looked at Brêgond for a horrified minute, too shocked to say anything. It was one thing to accuse Princess Rhinure, no one in the room really trusted her – probably not the Prince either. But to accuse Legolas himself – that was unforgivable.

The entire room reverberated with the silence as the elves looked at each other. In an ironically synchronised moment each captain started speaking at once – pleading with the Prince to overlook Brêgond’s hasty words. In his anger, he should not take any action he would regret for even if Brêgond had overstepped his privileges he did have a legitimate grievance. The Prince, in his graciousness, would not forget that – should not forget that. Brêgond was not thinking when he said what he did – and so on.

Eventually the captains fell silent when they realised that Legolas was not going to reply to their comments or answer their pleas. Legolas let his gaze fall on each and every one of the Captains, showing them his displeasure in no uncertain terms. “I have been patient with you and I appreciate your concern. However, Princess Rhinure is my wife, and for that alone you will respect her. Her Avari are our allies and for that alone, you will work with them. As for whether you can or cannot trust them, that is the King’s decision. He has chosen to trust them and you will obey his orders.

“Even if you presume to think that your judgment is better than the King’s, I am not interested. I trust my King and advise you do the same. I do not ask you to put faith in the Avari but in my King and myself. I am your Prince. I know what that title means even if you have forgotten. I serve my people; it would behoove you to remember that when you accuse me of siding with Princess Rhinure.

“I have heard you all speak and not one of you have commented on the merit of the plans militarily. Instead of speaking on matters you are chosen for, you presume to instruct me on my duty. Even insolence I am willing to forgive – but I will not overlook the implication that I endanger my people by implementing these plans. Even if you think so little of my duty, do you really think I would be so rash as to endanger myself by leading the patrols personally?” Each Captain flinched, not having an answer to the question.

Legolas waved his hand, “You are dismissed. I do not wish to waste more of my time with this matter. The patrols will be organized as shown – see to it.”

All six elves rose and saluted the Prince before leaving, “As my Lord commands.” 

  x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

The Captains filed out of the room leaving Legolas alone in the room. Well, almost alone – Legolas could feel Herenion lurking somewhere in the background. Legolas was tempted to ignore the bodyguard but he knew it to be futile. Herenion would not leave until he had commented on the ruckus.

Legolas sighed, better to get this over with, “Do you have something to say, Herenion?”

“And if I do, your Highness, will I be reprimanded as well?”

“Not you too,” Legolas groaned, burying his head in his hands. He did not think he could take any more of this.

“Can I take that as an answer to my question, my Prince?”

*~ If you are going to play it this way then … ~*

Legolas raised his head and forced his voice into a more neutral register, not betraying the weariness he felt. “In answer to your question, I will most certainly reprimand you if you ever speak to me with such disrespect.”

When Legolas received no answer to his assertion he glanced back at Herenion, afraid that he would read disapproval or even worse, hurt on the older elf’s face. He did not know if he would be able to handle either. He needed Herenion, his faith, his good cheer – he had so little for himself these days. The pride that he saw on the older elf’s face almost made him fall off his chair in surprise.

“Careful Elfling, we would not want to lose our princely stature by acting like a 30 year old.”

“We would not?” Legolas managed to get out – to his great annoyance, he found that his throat had closed up.

“Most certainly not. After that masterful performance I think it is safe to say most of the Captains will now fear you.”

Legolas’ face fell, “I did not want that.”

“I am sure you did not, little Prince but you managed it anyway. Besides, a little fear can be healthy too. Keeps some people in their rightful place. Though I must say …” Herenion paused, frowning.

“What? What did I do?” Legolas’ heart pounded, still racing at the thought of Herenion’s disapproval.

“You must work on that frown of yours – ask Thranduil for lessons if you have. It will save you from making speeches in the future.”

“I do not intend to do this in the future.”

Herenion’s face became serious as he said, “You will have to, my Prince. This is just the beginning. Now that you have chosen to assert your rights as Prince of this realm, you also must be prepared to defend them. If they chose to call you Prince then they must be ready to obey you as well.”

“Life is never easy, is it?”

“Would you want it to be? It would so dull otherwise.”

Legolas grinned, “I guess so. We better leave – I have to lead a patrol soon.” Legolas sighed theatrically, “A Prince’s work is never done.”

Herenion swiped at Legolas’ head but the younger elf was waiting for the blow so he avoided it with ease. “After you, Herenion. I am afraid that age is making you slow and I would not want to lose you somewhere far behind me.”

Legolas could have sworn that he heard Herenion growl but decided not to press the issue.

  x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x 

Legolas did not manage to get far when he heard a voice behind him. “My Lord, a moment of your time?”

Legolas turned to see Captain Maenon waiting expectantly by the door. Maenon was the oldest Captains in Mirkwood’s Border Patrol, and by far the wiliest. It was said that not even his left hand knew what his right was up to. Of all of the Captains that Legolas had faced today, Maenon was the most dangerous and the one whose support Legolas had most needed. The long years had sharpened his intelligence into a deadly tool, one that Maenon used with great precision. Whatever he wanted, Legolas was sure it was not a simple conversation.

“What may I do for you, Captain?”

“Walk with me, hîr nín.”            <My Lord>

Legolas raised an eyebrow at Maenon’s tone of voice – it did not seem like a request. “I have things to attend to, Captain. If you wish to speak to me, I will find a more opportune moment when you may return.”

Maenon chuckled, inordinately pleased that his Prince had fangs in that pretty little mouth of his. However, the greater concern was whether he had claws to defend those fangs or not. “It will not take long, my Prince. If I may, I will accompany you to your quarters. I know you must be in a hurry to get ready to lead the first patrol out.”

Legolas hesitated, not sure if he wanted to be in Maenon’s company at this very moment.

“Hîr nín, Prince you may be, but even so you are not so old as to deny an old servant’s request for a moment of your time.”

Legolas glanced at Herenion, who nodded imperceptibly. One did not ignore Maenon or what he asked for. He had been serving the Woodland Realm too long for such behaviour to be honourable. Even subjects had rights, some more than others. “Of course, Captain. As long as it does not delay me, I have no objections to your accompanying me.”

Maenon fell into step besides Legolas but did not speak even after a few pointed glances from Legolas. “Are you planning to speak, Captain or am I to gather your meaning from your silence?”

Maenon smiled, “It seems as if your youth has not left you, my Prince. You still have much to learn.”

“Is that what you wished to speak to me about? I believe I have heard enough about my relative youth from Brêgond.”

“Brêgond is often a fool, my Lord. You are not. You should know the difference between an observation and an accusation.” Legolas opened his mouth to reply when Maenon continued, “I would not like to change that opinion, my Prince.” Legolas immediately shut his mouth; sometimes it was best to listen – even when one was a Prince.

“I heard what you said today – and what you did not.” Maenon stopped walking and looked Legolas squarely in the eyes. “You did not invite Arandur to the meeting today.”

“He is Captain of the Home Guard, not the Border Patrol. There was no need for him to be present today,” Legolas replied smoothly, and continued walking.

“Indeed,” Maenon followed. “Still, I cannot help but wonder if had something to do with the fact that he is Avari.”

“Is this an observation, Captain, or an accusation?”

“A little of both, my Lord.”

“Then to both I will repeat my answer – this meeting concerned the Border Patrol only and not the Home Guard.”

“A very prudent answer, my Lord, despite the fact that Arandur has always attended such meetings in the past.”

“Every case is different, Captain. I do not have to explain that to an elf with your experience.”

“Of course, you do not. But my experience also suggests that you deliberately excluded Arandur.”

“Really? And what else does your experience suggest to you?”

“That no matter what you say about trust and respect, you do not fully trust the Princess.”

“That is an interesting speculation.”

“I thought you would enjoy hearing it, hîr nín. May I continue?” Legolas nodded politely, knowing that he really did not have much of a choice. Maenon was not going to be stopped by a negative answer.

“While you do not completely trust her, and I believe that it would be imprudent of you to do so, you have still implemented the joint patrols. To my mind that suggests that dark times are still ahead for Mirkwood – enough so that you feel it necessary to ask for help when we have never needed it before.”

“We have had allies before. The situation is not as different as you would portray it. The only difference is that now they are our darker Kin.” Legolas wondered if Maenon would accept this simplistic counterargument.

“That is true, my Lord. And I for one applaud your courage. Audacity will often win victories when caution fails.” Maenon smiled at Legolas, silently telling him that he would accept the Prince’s kind words – even though he believed none of them.

 “I thank you for your encouragement but cannot help but feel that it was more appropriate in the Council chamber than in this hall, Captain.”

Maenon smiled “Perhaps you are correct in this – but then I have never been particularly vocal in the other Captains’ company.”

“And why is that?” Legolas was intrigued enough to ask, though it was unlikely that Maenon would give a straight answer.

“As was demonstrated today, the Captains are courageous elves but lacking in a basic – shall we say, common sense?”

“You may say that, if you wish.”

“I say that and more. Though older than you, these Captains are too young to know any better. They are brave and know how to lead well but they do not see what it in front of them.”

“And what is in front of them?”

Maenon turned to look deep into Legolas’ eyes before he replied solemnly, “That no son of Thranduil would ever jeopardise his people – no matter what he feels for his wife.”

Legolas nodded, controlling the surge of elation that ran through him – Maenon supported him. The other Captains would fall in line as well – Maenon would make sure of it, making Legolas’ job a little easier. However, Legolas could not help asking, “If I am so young, then why do you support me in this, Captain.”

“You are my Prince and for that alone I would die for you. But when one is immortal, age begins irrelevant. I am not saying that is the case with you, young Lord, before you jump to that conclusion, but I have been around long enough to recognise merit when I see it. I believe you know what you are doing, my Prince and so I follow you. Do not make me sorry for what I believe.”

Legolas nodded, suppressing the urge to salute as Maenon walked away.

“Confusing elf, is he not?” Herenion commented.

“That he is.”

“He was proud to be your Captain today.”

Legolas smiled before he entered his rooms, “Then I must learn to lose my temper more often.”

  x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

“No Herenion, you may not accompany me on the Patrol.” Legolas impatiently tugged on his armbands. He reached for his quiver, noting the stubborn set of Herenion’s jaw.

*~ And he says that I am pig-headed. ~*

“I am your bodyguard. It is my duty to accompany you when you go out.”

“You are the Heir’s bodyguard and yes, it is your duty to protect the Heir. But I am not going in my position as Heir. I will be leading the patrol.”

“Does that mean that you do not need anyone to watch your back?”

“Someone will watch my back, but I need no one to protect me. You know this – I cannot be tied down by considerations of personal safety.”

“You honestly believe that telling me that you are going to behave recklessly will make me back off?”

“I am not saying anything of the sort. Herenion, please do not be difficult. You know I have to take risks when I am on patrol, which you as bodyguard will not allow me to take. You know this, do you not?” Legolas placed his arm on Herenion’s shoulder, causing the elf to grumble.

“Difficult – I am not being anything of the sort. I want to go along to make sure you do not do anything stupid.”

“If I promise not to, will that be enough?” Herenion mumbled something that sounded suspiciously like ‘no’. Legolas sighed, “What is this really about, Herenion?”

“The last time I let you go off on your own, you involved yourself on some foolish quest.”

Legolas smiled, “Well that is not going to happen this time – I do not see any Hobbits needing my help, do you?”

Herenion smiled back, gently tugging the braids in Legolas’ hair, “Just come back safely and please – no heroics.”

Legolas grinned and saluted, “As you wish.”

  x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

 Legolas peered out from behind the branches of a great oak. The forest beneath was silent, almost peaceful. For once, there was no sign of trouble – beyond the usual appearance of spiders. Legolas had even shot down two of the horrid creatures but it had been more of target practice than anything else. Legolas signalled to his scouts but they reported in the negative – no sign of orc activity. At least Herenion would be pleased. It was unlikely that Legolas would have any chance for heroics today.

The leaves behind Legolas made the faintest of sounds as Faelon slipped through the branches to come rest next to his Prince. The great oak called out in silent greeting, reassuring the Sindar Prince that the intruder meant him no harm. Legolas thanked the tree for the warning, unnecessary though it was.

“It seems as if the patrol will return without trouble today.”

Legolas nodded, “If only all days were as this one.”

“Are you sure you wish that, hîr nín? You will lose your voice if you have to pontificate with such regularity.”

Legolas shook his head in dismay, “So you have heard abut what happened in the morning?”

“Not only myself but the entire garrison.” Faelon grinned, “We all thought it high time the Captains learnt what we have always known.”

“And that is?

“That you are your father’s son.”

Legolas smiled, “So what do you think of the plans?”

Faelon shrugged, “You know best. If you think that the Avari information is valid then it is so.”

“I asked you what your opinion was.”

“I am not paid to have opinions, my Lord.”

“Faelon!”

“But if I did,” Faelon continued hurriedly when he saw Legolas’ eyebrows draw down, “I would be sceptical of the intelligence. Orc activity was predicted here today but I cannot see any.”

Legolas raised an eyebrow, “There is still one more scout left. He could have found your missing orcs.”

“Possibly, but I am positive that nothing will go wrong today.”

Legolas pointed, “May I add that to your list of famous last words?”

Faelon winced as he looked in the direction Legolas was pointing in. The returning scout seemed to be in a great hurry. Even at this distance, Faelon could tell he had been injured.

  x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

“Orcs, my Lord. Attacking one of our settlements near here. If we hurry we should be able to reach them within the hour.”

Legolas steadied the poor scout who was almost swooning from fatigue and lack of blood. “How many?” If the elf’s wounds were anything to go by the battle had been fierce.

“Too many – the Avari will not be able to hold out for long.”

“The Avari?”

“Yes, my Lord. Orc numbers were greater than predicted. The Avari patrol diverted to the settlement when they confirmed the orcs movement.”

*~ So the Avari fight with us today. ~* Legolas was pleased. He ordered the patrol to move out. They would have to make haste if they hoped to make it in time.

  x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

 Erutunín ducked as an orc swung at him and the blade whizzed past his head. Before the creature could attack again, Erutunín drove his sword into the creature’s gut. Pulling it out, he swung around to decapitate another attacker. As he turned he heard an unearthly scream of agony. On the ground, an orc lay dying with an arrow through his throat. Erutunín nodded as the Avari archer saluted him. “Thank you, sassoji.”            (Mother-in-law).

“Do mention it. My daughter would have never forgiven me if I did not bring the father of her child home.”

“Unborn child,” Erutunín pointed out as he killed another two orcs.

“Child, unborn child – same difference. The point is that you have to return home.” The she-elf turned to shoot down an orc running towards her. “Stupid creatures.”

“Stupid yes, but they have an advantage over us. We will not be able to hold against them much longer. They are too many.”

“Then we should abandon the village.”

Erutunín’s eyes flashed, “Things will have to get a lot worse before I even contemplate such an option, Mother-in-law.”

“Consider it, Son-in-law. If Mistress’ prince does not come soon, we will have no choice. You should evacuate while you have the chance.”

“He will come. His patrol should be nearby.”

“That is if they bothered listening to what Mistress Rhinure suggested.”

“Mistress Rhinure had faith that they would.”

“Mistress Rhinure has a tendency to put her faith in untrustworthy things.”

Erutunín’s voice lowered in warning, “Careful, sassoji.”

The she-elf sniffed disdainfully, “It is my right to feel as I do.”

“But not your right to air these feelings. Feel what you will but I will not hear accusations against my Sacrifice. He will come.”

“We will see.” With that she left Erutunín to reinforce the village’s south wall.

“He will come – he better,” Erutunín whispered as he went back to his butchery.

  x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

 One, two, three and then another – orcs fell like pins under Legolas’ arrows. He brought his company forward as the elven archers picked off the orcs. With any luck they would be able to kill many with their arrows and not have to personally engage them. Legolas was not eager to turn to his knives just yet.

The fighting was as intense as Legolas had feared. The orcs had almost overrun the makeshift walls by the time Legolas had arrived. He shuddered to think what would have happened if he and his Company had not made it in time. Or if the Avari had not been there. Legolas could see that the majority of the defenders wore black – most likely Avari fighters. Avari fighters, interspersed at irregular intervals by the brown and green of Mirkwood, were all that stood between the orcs and his people. And they would be enough – Legolas would make sure of it. No orc would harm his people – not today.

Legolas switched to knives as the orcs came closer. The orcs would suffer for invading his Realm, for hurting his people. He would make them pay – pay dearly indeed. With a predatory glower on his face – an expression that made even the orcs pause in their blood-lust – Legolas engaged the enemy.

  x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

Legolas wiped his mouth as he withdrew his knife from the orc’s heart. His tunic was covered in the foul creature’s blood. If only Rhinure could see him now – she would have much to complain about.

Even though Legolas knew it was highly impossible that Rhinure would be here, he could not help scanning the Avari fighters again. There were ellyth fighting but – no Rhinure. Legolas ignored the pang this realisation caused, as he concentrated on the orc in front of him. It was best that Rhinure was not here. Really – it was best.

As he brought his knife down into an unprotected groin he decided to keep an eye on the Avari nevertheless. One never knew – he might have missed something.

  x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

“Fine day to have a battle, is it not my Prince? Anor shines brightly, the breeze is refreshing. What more could an elf ask for?” Faelon asked facetiously as he kicked a blade out of an orc’s hand and then lopped its head off. He growled in disgust as the blood dripped down the blade onto his hand.

“I could ask for these foul creatures to die and leave us alone,” Legolas replied as he pushed as orc off his blade.

“Where would be the fun in that?”

“If this is your idea of fun, Lieutenant. I might have to see about having your head examined.” Legolas looked around, “Where are they coming from?”

“From the deepest pit of Hell.”

“That question was not meant to be answered.”

“Then are you not glad I answered it anyway?”

Legolas swept an orc off its feet, driving his knife into the creature’s throat. He glanced up, eyes burning, “I want one of these things captured alive. I will have my question answered.”

Faelon took the time out from the battle to salute Legolas. He could not help himself, when Legolas looked like that it was hard not to. “As my Lord commands.”

  x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

 It could have been a few minutes or a few hours, Legolas could not be sure but eventually the fighting died down. The elves had won.

Legolas looked at the stinking corpses – twisted, evil creatures, nightmares given shape. Even after their death they would continue to pollute the land. Their memory would linger and the land would mourn its loss.

As Legolas killed the last orc he could see he called out to the Avari, “Who is the Captain of this company?”

Erutunín stepped forward, tired beyond words but otherwise unharmed. “I am.” He paused as he took in the Eldar Prince, “You came.”

Legolas wiped his knives on the grass before returning them to their sheaths. He apologised to the earth for tainting it but the dried blood would have caused the blades to stick and one never knew when they would be needed again. “You did not think we would?”

“I did not say that,” Erutunín replied coolly. So, this was Mistress’ husband.

“You implied that.”

“And if I did?” Erutunín supposed Legolas was handsome – in a flashy, blond fashion. He would have to look closer to see what Mistress Rhinure saw in him – as soon as his head stopped spinning from fatigue.

“It would not matter. We are here.” Legolas folded his arms defensively. He did not appreciate the way the Avari was looking at him. He felt like an Elfling standing before the Ada of an elleth he was trying to court. He only prayed that this elf did not turn out to be some relative of Rhinure – that would be the crowning event of this wonderful day.

“And it is a good thing you are.” Erutunín nodded sagely and promptly keeled over into Legolas’ arms.

  x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x