The Hidden Enemy

War

Part 2

Legolas was confined to the healing wing for almost two weeks now.

He hadn't seen his father or anyone else besides Haldir and the healer that looked after him.

Haldir had been busy looking into the war and keeping Legolas informed about what was going on.

The Easterlings and Haradrim had formed an alliance and planned on attacking Rohan, Gondor, Erebor, and Mirkwood.

Dain had declared war on the Easterlings and Haradrim, as well as Rohan and Mirkwood.

There were rumors that Eomer had considered joining with the Easterlings and Haradrim but Legolas wouldn't believe it.

"Eomer would never do something like that!"
He insisted.
Haldir sighed.
"Something dark is at work here Legolas. I have felt it ever since we returned."

"Do you think Alatar is behind it?"
Legolas asked.
"I would not be surprised if he was."
Haldir replied grimly.

Legolas closed his eyes.
This was all too much for him.
War? Against his friends?

"What is my father planning?"
Legolas opened his eyes again.
"I do not know. He has not spoken to me. He has not even asked about you."

Legolas was crushed.
How could his father just ignore him?
Of course, he had run away....

"I need to see him."
Legolas started to slowly raise himself out of bed.
The healer immediately rushed over to his side.

"You cannot leave Legolas. Your father has ordered you to remain here until you are well."

"If my father cares so much he can come here and make sure I stay put himself!"

The healer looked startled as Legolas threw off the covers.
Haldir helped him up and walked with him out of the room.

Legolas regretted his harsh words, he had taken his anger out on the healer.

Oh please. You know that you enjoy it.

Legolas froze as he heard his dark-self speaking in his mind.

You love making others fear you. It makes you feel strong and powerful.

Legolas ignored the taunting voice. It wouldn't bother him as much if it didn't sound exactly like him.

Why do you even stay here? No one wants you, not even your father.

"Shut up!"
Legolas shouted.
Haldir looked at him in confusion.
"Are you alright?"

Legolas sighed.
"I'm fine."

No. You're not.

()()()

When they entered Thranduil's throne room he was busy talking with an elf.

Legolas interrupted their conversation.
"When did you plan on telling me that we were at war?"
He demanded.

Thranduil looked at his son.
His face was emotionless, and his eyes were clouded.

Just like Aragorn.
Haldir thought.

"I thought I ordered that healer to keep you in bed."
Thranduil said, his voice lacking any emotion.
Legolas noticed and glanced at Haldir.

Something was wrong and they both knew it.

"I needed to know what was going on."
Legolas said quietly.
"It is none of your concern."
Thranduil replied.

"It is my concern because some of the people you are fighting against are my friends."

Thranduil glared at him.
"Your friends? Your "friends" have abandoned you. They have declared war on us and plan to march into our lands and slaughter every last one of us!"

Thranduil turned away and added, "Unless we attack them first."
"My friends have not abandoned us."
Legolas argued.
"Aragorn, Gimli, and Eomer would not betray us."

Thranduil laughed.
It was a cold and cruel laugh.
It wasn't natural.
"Do you truly believe that? You are so naive. Gimli is a dwarf, he will side with his own kind and will not think twice about going into battle against us."

Thranduil took a menacing step towards Legolas.
"Eomer has declared his hatred for elves and dwarves. He will not hesitate to wipe us all out."

Legolas backed away from his advancing father.
Fear filled his eyes as he suddenly reached out one of his hands and grabbed his throat.

"And Aragorn? The man you foolishly befriended? He will be the death of you."

Thranduil tightened his grip, cutting off Legolas' air.
"Adar!"
He gasped.

Thranduil ignored his cry.
Suddenly he threw him onto the floor. Legolas put his hand up to his throat and stared fearfully at his father.

"Aragorn... Would not.... Betray us."
Legolas managed to get out.

Thranduil tilted his head to the side.
"Do you truly believe that Legolas?"

Legolas nodded.
"I do."
Thranduil knelt down beside him and smirked.
"Then why did I just receive word that he has joined with Rohan to attack us?"

Legolas couldn't believe it.
He wouldn't believe it.
Thranduil stood over his son.
"I tried to warn you Legolas. But as always you never listen."

"Father listen to yourself."
Legolas pleaded.
"This is not you. Your mind is being poisoned, let me-"

Legolas gasped as Thranduil kicked him in the ribs, knocking the wind out of him.

"I think we both know who's mind has been poisoned."
Thranduil narrowed his eyes at him.
"You are dangerous Legolas. For your own safety and mine, I am going to have to restrain you."

He grinned wickedly.
"In the way, you fear most."
Legolas' eyes widened in fear.
Thranduil summoned two guards entered the room and seized him.

"You know what to do with him."
Thranduil told the guards who nodded.
"Adar please!"
Legolas shouted straining against the guards.

Come on Legolas, let me help you fight them.

No!

You know what they plan on doing to you. Let me out!

Legolas continued to shout as the guards dragged him away.

"Adar, please! Open your eyes! You can fight this!"
Thranduil ignored his son's cries.
He turned to the elf he had been speaking with earlier.

"Are my soldiers ready?"
He asked.
"Yes my lord."
The elf replied.
"We move out in three days."

Thranduil's clouded eyes raged with fury.
"We will destroy Gondor and Rohan first."