Chapter 4

"We're almost there," Ori cried, having slipped ahead of the group.

Fili left Bofur's side and ran up next to the young dwarf. He hid behind a bush, pulling Ori with him. "Ssh!" He hissed, seeing guards nearby.

Ori turned around and signaled the rest of the company to crouch down and be quiet. As all the dwarves neared each other, they could see the cobblestone bridge leading to the gate. Suprisingly, it was open. No guards nearby either.

"Well that's convenient," muttered Gloin. He was shushed immediately.

"All right. Let's go, men," Thorin replied.

"Father,"Legolas said. "Please, may I kill him now?"

The king turned to look at his son who was standing over Kili, bow poised for the kill.

"Patience, my son," Thranduil cooed. "I want to do it in front of Thorin. Those dwarves will never get out of here."

Tauriel, listening close by just about lost it.

"Why do you want to kill him," she snapped. "I still don't see why you even want the dwarves." She addressed the king.

Thranduil gave an evil cackle. "Because, my dear Tauriel, he refused my offer. I offered to let him go if he got what I needed, yet he refused. If he won't continue his journey for me, then he shouldn't go at all. I want to make them suffer. His grandfather wouldn't listen to me. I tried to help him, but he laughed. I will make sure that the line of Durin will suffer. We can start with him." He finished, nodding over toward Kili.

Legolas sighed and lowered his weapon. "Fine father. I will wait until the rest of the dwarf-scum comes."

"I can't believe you," Tauriel hissed, storming out of the throne room.

Legolas looked between his plotting father and the door Tauriel left open. He started toward the door.

"She has no love for you,"Thranduil murmured. "Her eyes are only on Thorin's nephew."

Legolas stood fuming, fists balled up. He then relaxed. "All the more reason to kill him."

Thranduil looked fondly at his son. "Perfect. I've raised you well."

"Ssssh," Fili hissed to the other dwarves. All of their boots weren't helping with stealth.

He only hoped that Thranduil hadn't done anything to Kili. He preferred his brother in one piece.

As the dwarf posse crept through the halls of the elven kingdom, Fili started to have his doubts. Why would the gates be open with no guards in sight? Last time they were here, the palace was crawling with guards. No matter, he just wanted his brother.

Thranduil paced across the throne room, pondering what to do with the dwarf scum.

As if on cue, they barged through the big carved doors, yelling, waving their weapons around.

They looked menacing, but adorably stupid. They couldn't take on Thranduil. He got what he wanted always.

"Kili!" Fili cried, running to his brother. He took Kili by his shoulders.

Kili looked awful. His head lolled to one side and he was unconsious.

"What have you done him," Thorin roared, pointing his sword at the king's throat.

Thranduil smiled coolly and waved his hand. Elf guards appeared immediately, taking the dwarves on easily. In minutes, the dwarves were outnumbered.

The king then smiled widely. "I think this is the start of a beautiful rival."