'SkyBlue', 'Celebrisilweth' and Amanda – You are awesome, and I cannot thank you enough for your reviews.
'SkyBlue' that would be so cool if you starting writing something and I am over joyed my story has inspired you! And just so you know I often imagine myself right there with the Durin boys… (Ahh, if only…) :-)
Anyway, I digress. Hope this chapter pleases, thanks for taking the time to read it.
A Perilous Road.
Chapter Ten – Scouting Patrols.
Kili pitched a stone across the lake, watching as it skipped along, creating ripples in its wake. He was tired, but he was restless and had a surplus of emotion to deal with. Picking up the next stone he cocked his arm and launched it with all his strength, feeling a fleeting satisfaction at the distance it covered. Crossing his arms in frustration he turned to his Brother who was watching him closely.
"Urgh, spit it out and quit sulking." Fili admonished.
Kili dug his toes into the soles of his boots feeling his tension reach another level. "It's just… It's barely getting dark, why do we have to stop?"
Fili rested his elbows on his knees where he sat on the rock and blew out a long puff of smoke. "Because Uncle said so, we agreed to his terms Kili. You do recall, right?"
"But, we are getting so close now." Kili mumbled as he looked out across the lake. He heard his Brother move from behind him to stand by his side.
"We'll find her, Brother. Just be patient. If Uncle has told us to stop for the evening then it is for a good reason. We can't simply keep going and not eat or sleep, we'd never make it there."
Kili ground his teeth and scooped up some more pebbles. Fili was right, he knew that but with each day that passed he couldn't help but think about their Sister, where she was and what she could be going through. The thought alone made him feel on the verge of flipping out, it was unbearable. He'd always been the more impatient and restless of the two Brother's, and it was these traits which usually led to him being reckless. Feeling at a total loss Kili went to launch his next pebble when he felt Fili grab hold of his forearm.
"Wait!" Fili hissed.
Unsure of what was happening Kili followed his Brother's line of sight to the clearing on the opposite side of the lake. Seeing nothing out of place he frowned and looked to his Brother. "What?" He whispered.
Fili squinted and took a step forward, his eyes never straying from the area ahead. "I saw something move."
Feeling trepidation trickle down his spine Kili focused again on the clearing and sure enough there was movement amongst the trees, just beyond the clearing.
"Quick!" Kili startled as his Brother grabbed his arm and dragged him behind the rock he had previously been sat on. Crouching down they hid as best they could, watching with bated breath for what would emerge from the trees. Kili was sure it had to be a deer or something and was certain they would be laughing this off in a moment's time. But there was no ignoring the alarm bells going off in his mind, something definitely didn't feel right.
Sure enough the branches rustled and gave way to a huge wolf like creature, the likes of which Kili had never seen before. Ducking his head lower he glared at his Brother who appeared equally stunned. "What is it?" Kili whispered. When his Brother didn't answer Kili chanced another peek. The animal had stopped by the Lake's edge and was drinking the water when another slightly bigger emerged from the bushes beside it. The second Wolf stopped by the lake and sniffed the air, its eyes glowed eerily against the darkening backdrop. Some more rustling amongst the bushes produced two smaller creatures with dullish skin and sunken eyes. Kili ducked down lower and nudged his Brother. "What are they?" He asked tremulously.
Fili frowned and licked his lips as he processed what he'd seen. "I think… I'm not sure but I think the big wolves are Wargs."
Goosebumps erupted across Kili's skin as he mulled this over. Wargs. Wargs. He recalled the stories he and his Brother had been told as Dwarflings by their Uncle and was helpless to escape the fear snaking its way through his veins. Unable to resist he reached for his bow and immediately felt calmer just holding the weapon.
"Are you sure?" Kili whispered.
"No, I'm not sure." Fili admitted as he peeked carefully across the lake again. Kili joined him and felt momentary relief as the quartet began moving away down the lake's edge. "We need to warn Uncle and the others. Keep low and close to me."
Kili didn't hesitate as his Brother began moving away and back to the others amongst the trees. There was no telling how his Uncle would respond to this, and Kili just prayed he didn't freak and drag them back home.
Scampering as stealthily as they could through the bushes and overgrow Fili tried to calm his racing heart. Why had Wargs been out here? They wouldn't stand a chance if that was what stood between them and the cave city, there would undoubtedly be many more out there.
By the time they reached the clearing Oin and Gloin were already fast asleep and snoring where they were curled up next to the fire. Thorin and Dwalin sat side by side, their heads bent and deep in conversation. The Brothers raced over to their Uncle leaving a flutter of leaves in their wake.
Thorin looked up and immediately his face became tense. "What's wrong?" He shot to his feet, meeting the boys halfway. Dwalin followed closely behind, his face etched with concern.
Trying to catch his breath Fili pointed to the way they'd come from. "Across the lake, we saw…" He looked to Kili who wheezed for breath beside him. "…Something." Fili finished.
Thorin and Dwalin glanced over their shoulders. Thorin's fingers instantly reaching for his sword. "What did you see?" He challenged.
Fili looked to his Brother who was equally unsure. "We think it was Wargs." Fili answered.
Dwalin stalked back towards the camp fire and rummaged for his axe. Fili felt his stomach somersault. He'd been half expecting, or hoping, that Dwalin and Thorin would laugh the sighting off and tell them that Wargs didn't roam these parts, but the reality was much more sinister.
"How many? Were they alone?" Thorin demanded.
Fili looked to his Uncle who appeared remarkably calm considering the news they bore.
"There were two and… there were a couple of other creatures with them. Small and pale, I think I saw one carrying a bow." Kili blurted.
Thorin and Dwalin exchanged a knowing glance, and Fili couldn't help but feel like a Dwarfling again, so unsure and oblivious to the world. "Goblins and Wargs; a scouting patrol. The creatures often work alongside one another." Thorin growled. "Oin, Gloin!" He shouted in their direction.
"Scouting for what?!" Kili shrieked. Fili wished he could comfort his Brother, tell him everything was going to be ok but he couldn't. He didn't understand this situation any better than his Brother.
"Wayward travellers." Thorin answered as he stamped out the camp fire. Beside him Dwalin was shaking Oin and Gloin awake, much to their distain.
"We leave now." Thorin announced. "We will double back on ourselves."
"What?" Kili stormed after his Uncle and Fili couldn't help but pray he kept his mouth shut. If Uncle told them to double back it was for good reason, but Kili was often so bull-headed about things he didn't see clearly. "We are not turning back!" Kili argued.
Thorin spun around and scowled at Kili. It didn't matter though as Kili met his glare head on, his jaw set and hands balled into fists. Taking a measured step towards Kili, Thorin raised his brows as if daring Kili to question him further. "We are turning back." Thorin snapped.
"You'd do well to do as he says, Laddie." Dwalin warned as he fastened his luggage to his pony.
Fili hurried to his Brother and tugged on his arm. "Pack it in, Kili!" He hissed. But Kili shrugged him off and continued his stare down with their Uncle. The problem was they were both too stubborn.
Feeling the tension reach uncharted levels Fili threw his arms up in exasperation, glowering at them both in turn. "Seriously! We are being hunted by wargs and you two are having a bitching contest?!" Fili placed his palm on Kili's chest and pushed him backwards. Pointing a finger at his Brother, he spoke through clenched teeth. "Back off and do as you're told." He hated talking to his Brother like this and it rarely happened, but sometimes it was the only option.
Kili's nostrils flared as he looked to his Brother. "We are not abandoning her." Kili snapped.
Fili felt Thorin push past him, a volatile look on his face. "We are not abandoning her. We are doubling back and taking another route." Thorin ground out.
Kili stilled as he regarded his Uncle. "What route?"
Fili rolled his eyes and couldn't believe Kili was still questioning their Uncle. He was so set in his ways, completely oblivious to the holes he often dug himself into.
"There's a small settlement not too far back. We will have to pass through it. I wanted to travel through the wilderness and avoid large numbers of people, but I didn't account for the patrols." Thorin explained patiently. Fili couldn't believe how level headed he was remaining considering how much Fili wanted to throttle his Brother right now.
"It's too risky, Thorin. We have no idea who dwells in that settlement." Dwalin warned.
Shaking his head and overcome with desperation Thorin shrugged his shoulders. "What choice do we have?"
It took them the rest of the night and a good part of the next day to reach the settlement and by the time they'd made it Thorin could barely keep his eyes open he was so tired. He couldn't believe they'd been travelling as a group for four days and had already encountered a problem.
Directing his pony to the side of the track Thorin waited for the others to catch up with him. "Keep your heads down and follow my lead. Do not speak to anyone unless they speak first, understood?" Everyone nodded in understanding and Thorin took a moment to glare at Kili. "That incudes you." He snapped.
His Nephew pursed his lips and met Thorin's gaze. They hadn't spoken a word to each other since their confrontation and Thorin didn't doubt this feud would last a good few hours more.
"Kili." Fili warned from beside him.
Shooting his Brother a look of betrayal Kili popped his jaw and bowed his head slightly. Thorin took this as a sign of his co-operation and decided to lead on. But Damn that boy and his stubbornness. Kili would never back down from an argument and as much as it frustrated Thorin he had to admit he admired his Nephew for it. Most people wouldn't question Thorin and would know better than to push him when he was on edge. But Kili was a whole different story and at times he reminded Thorin a lot of himself. He was just appreciative that Kili had such a level headed Brother who could calm him down ninety percent of the time.
Deciding to focus on the situation at hand Thorin led the way. The village was quiet as they began their way through and Thorin felt grateful for the rain keeping the majority of people inside. Bowing his head and peering ahead from under his hood Thorin prayed they made it through unnoticed. He distantly clocked a few figures walking along the cobbled pavements and from their height he could see they were men. Clenching his teeth he pushed onwards, keeping their pace steady so they didn't stand out, but desperate to leave this place already.
"Halt!" The command was bellowed from in front of them and Thorin tensed as he looked ahead. A man stood in front of Thorin's pony, flanked by two other men holding bows with arrows poised directly at them. "Who are you? And where are you going?" The man barked as he paced closer to Thorin. The archers pulled their bows taunt and took aim. Beside him Thorin saw movement and held up his hand to stop his company from worsening the situation. Sensing the situation could turn ugly fast Thorin held up both palms in a surrendering gesture. He needed to remember to keep a cool head if he was to protect his friends and family.
"We are from the Blue Mountains." Thorin spoke confidently and looked the man in the eyes. "And our reasons will stay with us, I do not see how this is any business of yours." He bit out.
The man spluttered and puffed out his chest. "It is my business as I represent the Mayor. Nobody passes through our village without his consent."
"So what now?" Thorin growled as he eyed the archers.
"You will all come with me until the Mayor is ready to see you but be warned he doesn't take kindly to trespassers."
"We weren't aware we were trespassing." Dwalin challenged from behind Thorin, his voice laced with venom.
"Ignorance is no excuse! Remove yourselves from your ponies. You'll do well to not cause a commotion. I am in no mood for disobedience."
Glancing back at his company Thorin ground his teeth. He didn't like being told what to do, especially by some oversized moron. Looking past the others he noticed they were completely surrounded by archers, they had no choice. "Do as he says." Thorin ordered as he dismantled his pony. The others followed suit begrudgingly but mainly without resistance. A couple of men led their ponies away whilst the others removed their weapons. Thorin silently fumed the entire time but outwardly kept a calm façade. Diplomacy was their only way out of this.
"That's my gold!" Gloin bleated as a pouch of coins were confiscated from his belt loop.
"We'll keep that as payment for your trespassing." A man teased as he tossed the bounty to their leader.
"You better watch yourself…" Gloin squared up to the man as much as he could considering his height.
"Gloin!" Thorin hissed. The Blacksmith glowered at Thorin, spluttering and cursing.
Feeling a prod on his back Thorin looked scathingly at the man ushering him on. They were led silently through the streets, looked down upon by passing men and woman. He could hear whispering but couldn't make out individual words. They reached what appeared to be the village square and onto a looming pointed building where they were led down dingy stairs lit with candles in sconces and into a dungeon style prison. There were two cells in which they were spilt up into.
The door clunked shut with a groan as they were pushed inside and Throin couldn't help but glare at the 'leader'. "Don't go anywhere." The man teased. "The Mayor will want answers soon." And with that he left the dwarves in the cold damp prison, with nothing to do but wait.