A/N A very short chapter in which Tauriel finds out about the poisoned arrow and decides what she must do
I press my hands to my face impatiently, forcing the heel of my palms against my eyes to block everything out. The interrogation is taking much too long in my opinion and we have learnt little of use. King Thranduil commands his questions to the orc in a low, calm voice as he circles the beast. His long, silvery robes trail on the floor delicately. The slow movement matches the pace of the questioning. It angers me and I fight hard to keep a smooth expression.
"You were tracking the company of thirteen dwarves." Thranduil states, "Why?" The orc merely chuckles, causing himself to retch and choke once more. He is an ugly thing.
"Not thirteen," he finally gets out and the king's brows rise in the form of a question. "Not anymore," he continues, suddenly turning his gaze to me. "The young one, the black haired archer. We stuck him with a Morgul shaft." He coughs up more blood between his laughter as he watches me intently. My heart leaps, a morgul shaft! A poisoned arrow! If it is true, Kili will not last long. I feel the urge to vomit as again the image of Kili's grey, dying face swims in my mind. I cannot allow it. I will not.
"You like killing things orc? You like death? Then let me give it to you!" I lunge forward suddenly, moving my blade to remove his head. The king's hand clamps down on my arm.
"Leave now, Tauriel." He casts me a warning glare and I stride from the room without looking back.
I don't leave time to think in my haste, gathering weapons and items for my journey. It is clear what I must do; find the dwarves, save Kili and dispose of the other orcs. I will find out what their quest is and help if I can. Although it would be ill advised to admit it, my king is wrong. We are a part of this world and our duty to protect it lies beyond our borders as well as within them. I was born to do something of use in this world, not to sit in great halls and waste away all my many years. Yes, I will help put an end to this growing darkness and I will bring back Kili's light.
