As always none of Tolkien's work is mine! Enjoy the chapter and REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW!
Chapter Seven: Dwarf Rescue.
I reached down and took Bilbo's small hand in my own, larger hand. It was like holding the delicate hand of a child. I felt a district need to protect this creature I did not know. My instinct told me this hobbit was pure of heart, kind and brave.
We walked quietly through the tunnels of the palace, reaching the door to the guard's room undetected. I pointed to the dungeon keys which were hanging at the far side of the room. I thought carefully for a moment, deciding how to act.
"I'll distract them." I said eventually "Make yourself disappear little hobbit!"
I watched as the hobbit took something small from his pocket once more and quickly slid it onto his middle finger. He instantly disappeared. I wondered with curiosity what it was that Bilbo kept in his pocket.
Sticking to the plan, I strode into the guard's room with an air of confidence.
"I do hope you aren't slacking gentlemen!" I called loudly
The guards, who had either being drinking, playing cards or slumbering, shot up from where they rested. They stood to attention when they realised who had caught them red handed.
"My Lady! How can we be of assistance?" The head guard stuttered nervously
"I've come for some wine. For dinner tonight. Would you search for the Merlot '84? It's the Kings favourite." I lied smoothly.
"Oh. It's just that… a servant normal comes down for the wine…" He mumbled
"But tonight I have come for the wine! Is that quite alright with you?" I snapped and he flinched. He mumbled an embarrassed apology.
Under my glare, the guards scattered quickly. They searched the wine racks for the desire bottle.
A few moments later a bottle was given to me. I thanked them graciously and left the room, sending up a silent prayer that Bilbo had manage to retrieve the keys.
As I stepped back into the darkness of the tunnel, I stooped down and left the bottle of wine standing by the doorway. I looked up to see Bilbo, hiding in the shadows, holding a bunch of keys. I smiled with relief, and he grinned back up at me. Taking his tiny hand once more, we ran through the empty tunnels, towards the dungeons.
The dungeons of Mirkwood were not the typical dark, dank hell holes most castles possess. Our dungeons were beautiful. Made of iron and wood, they were carved deep into the ground, and were inescapable. Bilbo and I hid behind a tall pillar and watched the dwarves despairing behind their iron bars.
"We're never going to reach the mountain…" One of them muttered sadly.
"Not stuck in there you're not!" Bilbo said, coming out from behind the pillar and shaking the keys lightly.
"BILBO!" Many of the dwarves shouted and cheered
"Shhh! There are guards nearby!" I hissed at them, catching Thorin's eye.
Bilbo ran between each of the cages, freeing the dwarves swiftly. I motioned for them to follow me. Some of the dwarves seemed to hesitate.
"You must trust me. I have nothing to gain from being caught!" I hissed again.
We moved silently through the dark tunnels. On the way I collected my weapons from their safe hiding place, my heart telling me I'd need them. My quiver of arrows sat on my back and my bow was tightly held in my hand. I tucked the daggers, gifted to me by Thranduil, into my long boots. I also slipped the small book of maps of Middle Earth into my quiver; A gift from my father. All my prized possessions were with me.
I directed the dwarves back to the wine cellar-come guard's room. As expected, the guard were once again sleeping on the job. I motioned to the barrels which waited by the trap-door.
"Go down the river. The barrels should keep you relatively safe." I whispered
The dwarves look sceptical and looked to Thorin for instruction.
"Tell me Thorin Oakenshield, what other option do you have but to do as I say?" I asked harshly.
He nodded and the dwarves clambered into the barrels. Only Bilbo was left. I knelt in front of him and took both his hands.
"Good luck Bilbo Baggins. Travel safe and swift." I said before kissing his forehead and helping him into the last barrel.
I pulled the trap-door's leaver and the barrels tumbled into the raging river below.
I did not wait around. It would be difficult to explain why I was down here if I was caught. So, I ran as fast as the winter wind, back to the main halls, taking the discarded bottle of wine from earlier with me.
