Part Thirty-Five

Elrohir's blood ran cold when Saelbeth blurted out the news. He glared at the wild-eyed Mirkwood elf, his own grey eyes narrowing as he did.

"Master Saelbeth, I think you are incorrect," he said in an icy tone. "My brother could not possibly have done such a thing, nor would he."

Saelbeth glared back at him. "I have proof."

"He has been with me or with Rúmil since before the Prince was missing!"

"Actually," said Rúmil, "I did not spend last night with him."

Everyone turned and looked at Rúmil. Elrohir sighed inwardly. It did not change his mind about Elladan, but it might prove a problem that he had no alibi, judging from the expression on King Thranduil's face.

"Elrond--" Thranduil said, drawing a deep breath, but the Lord of Imladris cut him off.

"Thranduil, I can assure you that Elladan would never, never do something so vastly inappropriate!"

"Elladan has been after Legolas since he arrived in Mirkwood," Orophin said.

Elrohir rounded on him. "If I recall, it was both him and you who started the whole business in the first place."

"Do you think I would poison my own brother? Elladan dragged me into this!"

"If you think Elladan would have poisoned Haldir and kidnapped Legolas, our friendship is over, Orophin of Lórien."

Elrohir was bitterly angry. He could not believe that Orophin would chime in with the ridiculous accusation. He understood that both Rúmil and Orophin were upset about what had happened to Haldir, but it was inexcusable of them to attempt to pin it on Elladan.

"I cannot believe Elladan would have done this, either," said Haldir. "Saelbeth-- where is Legolas?"

Saelbeth ignored Haldir and looked defiantly at Thranduil. "Your majesty--"

"Yes, yes, Saelbeth, answer him. Where is my son? And why are you accusing Elladan?"

"I caught Elladan in the dungeon with Legolas. I locked him in so he would not escape." Saelbeth held up the keys to the dungeon.

"There has to be a logical explanation," Elrond insisted before Thranduil could explode. "Why do we not go retrieve them and find out what it is before everyone gets upset?"

"Too late for that," Elrohir said with disgust. His father put a hand on his arm, a silent warning that he should not lose his cool.

Haldir tried to get out of the bed, but he could not rise to his feet. His brothers grabbed at him and pushed him back down, protesting.

"I must go to him."

"You are not even dressed!" cried Orophin.

"Oro-- let me go," Haldir growled in a low voice. Elrohir silently admired his love, his devotion to the Prince. Haldir has also won his affection when he spoke up for Elladan.

"Haldir, please, rest," said Thranduil in a kinder tone than that which he had addressed Elrohir's father. "Rúmil, Orophin, you will stay with your brother, and I will bring Legolas back here as soon as I am able."

Haldir clearly did not wish to agree to this, but after a moment, he acquiesced, clearly still very ill. Elrohir met his eyes. Later, he would come back and speak with this noble elf of Lórien. He was deserving of the affection of the Prince. And Elrohir already regretted his harsh words to Orophin, but it made him sad that Oro was so quick to condemn Elladan.

Could he truly blame him?

But Elladan was his twin. They were closer to each other and more loyal to each other than they could ever be to anyone else.

Saelbeth led the way to the dungeon, Thranduil closely on his heels. Elrond and Elrohir followed. In the hallway, they encountered Glorfindel, Silindë and Erestor, and Elrond bade them follow as well. The seven of them descended the steps to the dungeon and quickly traversed the hall to the small cell at the end of it.

"Father?" came Elladan's voice. Elrohir could tell from the one word that he was anxious, angry, and tired. There was a hint of guilt in the tone.

"Elladan!" Elrond cried. He snatched the keys from Saelbeth and ran to the cell, fumbling with them. "Is Legolas in there with you?"

"Yes, Lord Elrond, I am fine," Legolas called. "Can you let us out?"

Thranduil in turn snatched the keys from Elrond. "Legolas!" he roared.

"Father?"

"How did you get in there? Did this good for nothing elf of Imladris lock you in?" Now Thranduil fumbled with the keys.

"How could I lock him in if I am trapped inside with him?" Elladan hissed.

"You were not trapped inside when I found you," said Saelbeth.

"Yes, I was, Saelbeth!"

"The keys were right here," Saelbeth insisted. "I took them so you would not escape and lead the Prince to further harm."

"I never had any intention, ever, of harming Legolas," Elladan said exasperatedly.

"He did not hurt me," said Legolas.

"Who locked you in there?" asked Silindë.

"I do not know."

Thranduil dropped the keys. Lord Glorfindel pushed forward, smiling slickly at the Elvenking.

"Clearly, everyone is upset where there is little cause for it. Please, allow me." Glorfindel picked up the keys and opened the door to the cell. He then bent and released Legolas. The Prince murmured his thanks and Saelbeth went to help him to his feet.

Thranduil immediately put Elladan into a choke hold, pinning him against the wall of the cell by his throat. Elrond grabbed at Thranduil's arm.

"Let him go, Thranduil! He is innocent, I would stake my life on it!"

"Please..." Elladan whispered. For the first time, Elrohir felt fear. His twin was a trouble-maker, but so was he, himself at times.

"Elrond, there is no other explanation. Saelbeth would not lie about this."

"I do not think Elladan is to blame," Glorfindel added slowly. For the first time, he looked slightly alarmed. "If you need to punish someone, take me in his place."

"No," said Elrond. "Take me. I accept all the blame for this situation."

Saelbeth got Legolas to his feet, but the Prince looked as fragile as straw. "My Prince? Are you well? Do you know who locked you up? It was Elladan, was it not?"

Legolas looked at Saelbeth with unfocused eyes. "Take me to Haldir," he said, then he pitched forward unconscious into the other elf's arms.

Slowly Thranduil let go of Elladan. He looked upon his son with concern, then indicated that Saelbeth and Silindë should take him back to his room. Erestor accompanied them. Elrohir went at once to his brother's side, standing with him protectively.

"Very well," said Thranduil. "Let Elrond bear the burden of this crime."