Chapter XXX

                                    

                                          
Thranduil's pov
                          
"How do you think we should set up our walls?" Serion asks me.
                          
I shake my head. I didn't get much sleep last night and the fatigue was catching up to me.
                          
"Let's position the guards on the walls. If there are units on the ground, they are more likely to be killed. I suggest that we have groups near every base in case the guards need backup."
                          
"Wise idea." He says.
                          
"How is the training going?"
                          
"I believe in a week we will have more great soldiers. Legolas did a lot to help them learn when he was helping here."
                          
I pause. "I am pleased. And do we have another group beginning to train?"
                          
"Most certainly. We have a group of 200."
                          
"Work on training new recruits. We need more people on the walls. The orcs are increasing their strength, and I definitely don't want to orcs to break through the walls."
                          
Serion bows his head. "Understood Lord Thranduil." He stands straight, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
                          
It has been three days since Legolas has departed to Gundabad. I haven't heard from any of the messengers, which concerned me more than ease my worry. 
                          
I head down the hall, heading to the main entrance of the castle. Along the way I run into Elinor. He smiles at me, bowing his head slightly.
                          
"It has been a while, Lord Thranduil."
                          
"It has been." I reply. I continue to my destination, Elinor following behind.
                          
"I have received word from a messenger in Rivendell." 
                          
"Please relay it to me."
                          
"It is from Elrond. He said that the orcs have started attacking Rivendell as well. He says that he will need Legolas and Cindor to return once they have cured Legolas's curse."
                          
I pause, not sure which emotion he should feel. Elinor stops beside me, looking at me with curiosity. I see my son for the first time in years, and now I will have to say goodbye again. I feel sad, angry, and frustrated at the same time.
                          
"I see." I finally was able to find my words. "I will have them set out when they return. Any word from the messengers in the group?" 
                          
"No I believe not." He says.
                          
I nod. "Let me know once one of them return, bring him to me so I can hear the story myself." 
                          
Elinor bows. "Of course, Lord Thranduil." He turns to walk away.
                          
I pause. "Elinor." 
                          
The elf stops looking at me. "What is it my Lord?"
                          
I shake my head. "I don't know if it was wise to send Legolas with so few companions."
                          
Elinor looks at me solemnly. "There was little to no choice in the matter. There isn't any reason to worry. He can handle himself."
                          
I nod, turning and walking down the hall. I make it to the entrance before a frantic guard runs up to me. "Lord Thranduil, the orcs have broken through the walls."
                          
"What?" I say angrily.
                          
The guard looked worried, making me realize he wasn't certain of what to do. I breathe, calming myself down.
                          
"How are the back up forces?"
                          
He shrugs. "I didn't see them advance, I think there may be another fight occurring farther down the wall."
                          
I curse silently to myself. I pull out my sword. "Bring me my elk, I will provide some back up for the wall breech."
                          
The elf nods, rushing to the stables. I see a different messenger rush towards me on horseback. 
                          
"Lord Thranduil, I have news from Legolas." He says.
                          
I nod. "Tell me quick."
                          
"The company is halfway to Gundabad. Legolas is losing his mind about not being able to fight, but he has restrained himself."
                          
"Perfect." The original messenger leads my elk to me, and I mount onto it. It doesn't huff at me, in fact he almost enjoys our ride. He has been at my side for a few years now, and enjoyed every adventure we had.
                          
"Send backup to the wall." I command. I turn to my elk. "Let's go." 
                          
We rush off to battle, unsure what the condition was.