Chapter Forty
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SUMMARY: The nightmare is over, and it's time to take the rescued hostages back to Dale.
It is also time to face the difficult task of saying goodbye to lost friends...
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"What is family? They were the people who claimed you. In good, in bad, in parts or in whole, they were the ones who showed up, who stayed in there, regardless. It wasn't just about blood relations or shared chromosomes, but something wider, bigger."
— Sarah Dessen, Lock and Key
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Just before dawn, South of Dale, 30thof May 2943 T.A.
They made the trip back to Dale at a slower pace, because many of the horses were carrying two riders. It was just as well - the party needed some quiet time, to calm down and begin to process the events of the last fourteen hours, before they faced the public again.
Sigrid rode in front of her father on Fînlossen, with blanket around her shoulders, and Bard took comfort in her warm, solid presence, as the aftershocks of their trauma crashed over him in waves, but the slightly smoky smell of his daughter's hair comforted him, and reassured him.
Tilda was snuggled back against Thranduil, both wrapped in Celeborn's cloak. She was fast asleep, with her hand clutching her Golden flower. The Elf would occasionally lean down and kiss the top of her head, and remind himself she was still there. Bard didn't blame him.
"Da?" Sigrid turned her head.
"Yes, Darling?"
"You're going to have to tell me sooner or later how you did all that."
"Did what?"
"Da-a….Come on! You should have been killed jumping out of that tree, but you landed right on your feet like it was nothing! I saw you! Then you did this… somersault thing… right over that man's head, you know you did! And you were so fast, everyone saw you! You fought like Ada."
"Please tell me you didn't watch the whole thing!"
"Well, no; Ruvyn grabbed me, and made me look away when you hit him, but…"
"As he should! Look, I did what I had to, but it's not something I'll ever feel good about."
"I think I'd do worse, if someone tried to hurt my kids, but still you… I mean, if I didn't know better, I'd think you turned into an Elf! Why didn't you tell me?"
"Sigrid, it's a long story, and Ada and I need to keep it secret. We didn't want to burden you with it—"
"Burden me? I thought it was fantastic! You kicked that bastard's arse!"
"Language!"
Sigrid snorted, and jabbed him with her elbow. "Pot, Kettle," she giggled. "You might as well tell me, Da. I know it has something to do marrying Ada,and I've read about fëas,but it's more than that, isn't it?"
He looked around to the rest of the returning party. "All right, when everything calms down, Adaand I will tell you everything, I promise."
"Well, you don't have to tell me where little Elves come from, or anything like that," she joked.
"Just for that, we'll tell you anyway." He snarked back.
"Da-a! Ew!" His daughter shuddered, then sighed. "It feels good to laugh, doesn't it?"
"It does, indeed, my beautiful girl," he kissed her temple, and held her close. "I'm so glad you're all right."
"I love you, Da."
"I love you more." He hugged her again, and smiled.
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At last… In the gray twilight, just before dawn, the walls of Dale were finally in sight, and the torches could be seen from the top of the walls and by the South Gate.
A horn blasted, followed by a shout, "I see them! They've got them all! Ring the bells! Here they come!"
Sounds of cheering reached his ears, and he closed his eyes and sighed with happiness.
"Wake up, darling." Bard whispered in his daughter's ear.
"Hmm?" Sigrid stretched, and blinked, as the gates opened.
Thranduil was doing the same to Tilda. "I think some people are happy to see you, Tithen Pen. Would you not like to open your eyes?" Tilda woke up from the noise and blinked awake, and Bard saw him lean down and whisper in her ear, then gently take her flower, so she could wave.
Bard thought he had cried himself dry, but the sight of his people lining the streets, cheering and waving and welcoming, did him in. Thankfully, Fînlossenknew the way, and slowed his pace further, to allow the people to see for themselves that their King and his family were safe.
"Everybody's crying, Da. Don't be embarrassed." Sigrid wiped her eyes, too.
"I wouldn't know," he sniffed and smiled. "Can't see a thing."
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They reached the courtyard at last, and saw everyone was waiting on the dais.
"There they are!" Hilda took off down the steps and Thranduil stopped and helped Tilda into her arms. "Oh, lovey…. We were so worried about you…"
"I know, but you're squishing me, Auntie Hil."
Tauriel had Sigrid in her arms just as quickly, and Bain was screaming, "Da! Da!" and before he realized it. Bard was off his horse and holding his son. Thangon pranced around the group, barking loudly with excitement.
"I'm so glad you're all right, son." Bard reveled in the solid warmth of his boy. "I'm so glad…"
"Me, too. When they told me about the girls, I…"
"I know, but we're all here." Bard stood back and checked Bain. "Were you hurt? They didn't hurt you, did they?"
Bain lifted his hair and showed him the plaster bandage on his ear. "An arrow nicked me, and it bled a lot, but it's fine, only…" Bain looked stricken. "They shot Bregolas, Da, and the Elves had to put him down. I wanted to be there to say goodbye, but I couldn't make him wait, and let him suffer."
"That's a good lad." The thought of the beautiful black horse with the white star, broke Bard's heart. "I'm sorry, son. I really am."
"And Esta's dead, too; they told me. Does Til know?"
He nodded, sadly. "Tilda knows, too. We've got a lot to tell you, Bain; we'll have a long talk when things settle down, yeah?"
"Sure, Da." Bain hugged him again. "I thought they had killed everybody, and Dáin wouldn't let me leave!"
"Dáin was right to keep you there, so don't be angry with him. No matter what happens to the rest of us, the Northern Kingdoms must be protected. That must come first, do you understand?"
Bain nodded reluctantly. "I know; Balin kept saying the same thing. Tauriel did, too, even though she was mad she couldn't go either. Dáin had to force her to stay."
Bard smiled and looked over at his Elven daughter. She had a bandage on her right forearm and did indeed have several stitches on her cheek. He could see it hurt her to smile, but she couldn't help herself.
"I'm glad Dáin kept her safe. She was just as much a target as you were, Bain."
The boy swallowed and looked up at him. "It's really over, right?"
"All but the cleanup, and we'll deal with that soon enough. For now, let's get everybody inside and get something to eat."
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"Are you sure you are well, Rhian?" Turamarth's voice asked her in concern, as she rode in front of him.
"I'm just sore, all over. And really tired."
"You put up quite a fight, I am told. When we get back, we will see about making you a bit more comfortable."
"Are you sure Darryn's all right?"
"Yes, Hind Calen. He has been taken to the Great Hall for safekeeping."
"What about Evan and the Guards?"
The Elf hesitated before answering. "Meldon did not survive, as I am sure you have been told, and Ivran and Evan are in the Healing House. I am not sure the extent of their injuries, but they were alive when we left to rescue you. I will find out as soon as I can, and let you know."
"Thanks, Tur. For everything." She sighed. "I was so glad to see you there; you have no idea!"
"Of course, I would be there," he smiled. "If I let anything happen to you and Darryn, Daeron would have my head!"
"I suppose he would," Rhian laughed. "He's nuts about Darryn, and would've hacked those men to pieces, or died trying." She was silent for several moments, then asked, hesitantly, "Tur, can I ask you a question?"
"Of course."
"You've seen violence plenty of times. How does somebody get past something like this? What do you do to get back to normal?"
"I spend time with my friends and family, to remind me of what I fight for. I try to keep to my regular routine, as much as possible." he paused, as he steered Sandastan around to get into position behind King Bard. "Keep your thoughts on all the good in your life. If you are worried about suffering from anxiety like you once did, I do not believe you will."
"What makes you so sure?"
"You are not alone, now. You are surrounded by supportive friends, and you know Daeron cares about you, as well, though he is far away."
Rhian smiled. "You're right. I just… can you imagine what Daeron's going to say, when finds out? He'll explode!"
"I am sure he will." Turamarth laughed. "Then he will be overjoyed that you and Darryn are safe and well, and feel anxious to return, to make sure for himself."
Rhian felt a pang of… Something, at the thought of Daeron riding back into Dale, and at that moment, she'd never missed him more.
"It is all right, Mellon nîn."Tur's voice was concerned. "It is over, and just think of how happy Darryn will be to see you."
"I won't feel right, until I get my hands on him."
When the party entered the courtyard, Rhian's heart lifted at the sight of her son in Da's arms.
"There he is!" She sobbed. "Oh, there's my baby!"
After trotted around the fountain, Tur quickly dismounted and helped her down. Then Ben handed Darryn over, as she cried into his hair.
"Are you all right, Sweetheart?" Ben held them both. "They didn't hurt you?"
"I'm fine, Da, really." She nodded to Hannah, who was being helped down from a Warden's horse. "There's someone else who needs you, too."
Ben was instantly beside Hannah and once her feet were on the ground, they were off again as he swept her up in his arms. They didn't speak, just held each other for several moments, before they pulled Rhian and the baby into their embrace. Hannah's son and his family joined them in a group hug.
A pained shriek pierced the air, and everyone's heart clenched, when Adila ran down the steps with her arms out. The Elves quickly help her children into her arms, sobbing. Percy and Hilda stood nearby, to offer support, then gently urged them inside.
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The reunions continued inside the Great Hall, accompanied by a hearty breakfast served by Cook himself, who seemed eager to please, and was pleasant for once.
To be honest, that made Hilda feel uncomfortable. The change in his normally gruff demeanor only enhanced the enormity of their trauma, and she found herself wanting nothing more than to see Cook banging around, barking orders and frightening the household staff.
But how could things ever be "normal," again? Their entire world had been attacked from all sides at once! Meldon, Bron, Wynny, Esta, and Bain's beloved horse, were all dead. Yes, things could have been much worse, but what kind of consolation could that be to those families? How would any of them feel safe again?
Get a grip,she told herself, fiercely. Those bastards are not going to take any more from us! I won't let them win; I won't!
Hilda took a deep breath and stood up straight, as her eyes swept the room.
Bard was sitting with Percy, Dáin, and Thranduil, with all three children hanging on to their fathers. Thranduil still wouldn't let go of Tilda, but she didn't seem to mind all that much. Bain and Sigrid were seated on either side of Bard, and he had his arms around each of them. Dáin was holding Tilda's hand, and Percy was ruffling Bain's hair, and speaking words of encouragement to the boy.
Thangon was parked under the table with his head resting on Bard's foot and wouldn't budge. He was still pouting about having to stay in Dale, but Thranduil didn't dare take a chance; with so many members of his family in mortal danger, the Elvenking couldn't be sure the big dog could restrain himself. No one blamed Thangon, really; the dog had more than proved his mettle when he helped save Adila, and during the long hours of last night, he had helped the Elves and Dwalin in the Dungeons to sort out the true prisoners from those who had been blackmailed into doing The Boss's bidding.
Rhian was sitting with Ben, with her baby in her lap. Darryn was sleeping, but she stared at her little boy in the same way Thranduil held Tilda, two tables over. Hannah sat on the other side of Ben, and the City Planner had his arms around her and his daughter. Hannah's son and daughter-in-law were sitting cross from them, as they held their sleeping children, and chatted easily with Ben and Rhian. There was one sign of hope for the future, wasn't it?
Adila was hugging her children to her, and talking with Ermon and Elenaril. He was checking the injuries to her face, asking her to follow his finger with her eyes, then touched her nose gingerly, to make sure she wasn't in any pain. His wife, Elénaril was checking the children over and encouraging them to eat, but all they wanted was their Mam, the poor dears. They had just been told of their father's death and were naturally devastated. Hilda had made arrangements for all of them to stay in rooms at the Long Lake Inn (at no cost to her), until their home could be cleaned up and all signs of violence removed. She made a mental note speak to Adila later about perhaps moving to a new house, if that was what they wanted.
Hannah insisted that Ben, Rhian and Darryn stay with her, until repairs could be made their home. Rhian and the baby would take her spare room, and Ben would occupy the couch. Alun had offered Ben a place at their home, but he wouldn't be parted from his daughter and grandson, and from the way his hand remained protectively on the small of Hannah's back, he didn't want to let her out of his sight, either. Under normal circumstances, this arrangement might be frowned upon, but these weren't normal circumstances, were they?
No; it was right that Old Ben would watch over his family - for everyone could see that he and Hannah were going to be family, and Rhian would not only have a Da but soon, a loving mother, and stepbrothers, along with nieces and nephews!
She smiled as she watched Thranduil approach her and kissed her hand.
"I see you finally let someone else hold our Little Bean." She was only half-teasing, because the Elvenking looked like he had aged a century, and she hated to give voice to her worries, but she had to know.
"Thranduil? They weren't… You're sure the girls haven't been…"
The Elf swallowed and shook his head. "They have not, praise the Valar." His eyes filled. "I do not know what I would do, if— "
"Shhh," Hilda suddenly threw her arms around him. "Don't think about it, again, and just be happy you're all safe and sound." She stepped back and saw the state of his clothes. "My lands! What have you been doing?" She held up the end of his braid. "And your hair…"
"It will grow back. I will need to borrow your shears, to take off the worst of it, then Galion can trim it, when he comes."
She took his hand. "Come with me, love." She led him into the Corridor and took him into their Sitting Room. She picked up her workbasket, and pulled out her scissors. "Turn around." She took a piece of wool, and tied it back, four inches from the ends, then quickly got rid of the singed ends. "There. All taken care of. The clothes can't be salvaged, I'm afraid. Best to throw them out and be done with it."
"It is just as well. I have no wish to see them again, after this." Thranduil turned around and smiled at her. "Thank you, Hilda. It was nice of you to make sure a hot meal was ready."
"Oh, you can thank Cook for that. I think he feels responsible about Wynny, and trying to make amends."
"We will talk to him about it, but not today." Thranduil sighed in exhaustion. "I have assigned Guards to Hannah, Rhian, and Adila and her family, and they will stay with them as long as they need, to feel secure."
"Good thinking; that might help them sleep a bit easier. Now," she told him firmly, "what do you say, we get everybody washed and off to bed, Aye? We all could use some sleep."
He kissed her cheek. "Yes, My Lady."
Finally, the small crowds began to disperse. Bard had decreed that his Council will meet tomorrow, in the late morning, to compare notes and make plans for the City to move on. Today, they would just be with their families and get some rest.
After a sincere thank-you and a round of applause, all the Elves involved in the rescue were given strict orders to go home and rest, and to take the next three days off. Rúmil, and Turamarth saluted the Kings, embraced the children, then left with Ben, and his family, and their Guards. They wanted to go to see Bowen and his family, to see how they were faring.
Ruvyn had received several hugs from the hostages for his valiant efforts as well, and left with Captain Mablung. They were headed over to the Healing House to have his arm properly seen to, as well as check on his best friend, Ivran.
The Dwarves got up. "We've go' te get back," Dáin said. "It's been a long night, an' I'm pure done in, ye ken."
Bard, Percy, Hilda and Thranduil walked them to the dais to see them off. Bard clasped the King Under the Mountain's wrist, and tried to speak.
Dáin put his hand atop Bard's. "Dinna fash, lad. Ye jus' look after those bairns and we'll see ye soon, aye?"
Bard nodded his head and smiled.
Dwalin had completely dropped his gruff persona and hugged the King of Dale. "Thank Mahal yer family's goin' te be all right."
"Thanks, Dwalin." Bard patted his back. "I'm sorry you had to… do what you did in the Dungeons, but you have no idea how grateful…"
"None o' that, lad. None o' that." The Dwarven Commander stepped back and met his eyes. "All tha' matters, is gettin' yer bairns back safe."
Thranduil held out his hand and clasped Dwalin's wrist. "My heartfelt thanks, Mellon nîn. I was told you and Thangon got the prisoners sorted."
The Dwarf leaned in to whisper, "I'm jus' glad that Beastie's on ourside."
After seeing the Dwarves off, Ermon and Elénaril exited the Hall, and bowed to the Kings.
"I want to see you all at the Healing House first thing tomorrow morning, and you will submit yourselves to complete physical examinations, is that clear?"
"We'll be there." Bard agreed. "Now, make sure your wife gets some rest." He smiled at Elénaril, who had her hand on her growing belly.
Hilda went to Adila, who we're getting ready to leave with her children and two Elven Guards.
"Now, you take it easy, and just be with those kids." She encouraged the new widow. "I've had some clothes and such from your house sent over to your rooms, at the Long Lake, and Rod and his wife'll make sure you want for nothing. Elénaril wants to see all three of you this afternoon, so make sure to go."
Adila nodded bravely. "How are the children at the Orphanage?"
"They're just fine. I went and checked on them myself, as soon as Percy and I got back to Dale, and Indis is with them. They're a little shook up, but we all are, yeah?" She cupped Adila's cheek. "One foot in front of the other; that's what my Percy always says, and he's right. We're all here for you, love, and if you need anything, anything at all,you just holler."
"I will. Thank you, My Lady."
Hilda, the Mother of Dale, sighed, went back into the Great Hall, and started clapping her hands together to chase her family off to wash and to bed.
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A few hours later, an Elven Guard named Nualë, newly assigned to the Royal Family, walked down the Corridor to retrieve Thangon, who was scheduled to be fed, then taken for his afternoon walk.
She peeked into Lord Bain's room, where Thangon usually slept, but there was no one there. Nor was anyone occupying the two beds in the Princess' room.
Farien, Lady Tilda's grey tabby, trotted out of Tauriel's room to demand something to eat, which wasn't surprising, as her belly was fat with another litter of kittens, but Lady Tauriel's room was unoccupied as well.
The Guard's heart began to pound in alarm.
She knew, for a fact,that no one left through the Great Hall since the Royal Family had gone to lie down, but that didn't mean they couldn't leave through the passageways on the other side! Those were also heavily guarded, but full of hiding places…
Ai, gorgor… She couldn't help the panic, considering the recent scare, and was about to go and tell the others, but decided to check the King's bedroom first. She went to the double-doors of the Royal bedchamber and turned the knob.
They all somehow managed to pile on the Kings' bed. Lord Thranduil was on his back, fast asleep, with Lady Tilda face-down on his chest, and had one hand protectively over the small of her back. His left arm was around Tauriel's shoulders, whose chair had been jammed against the bed, and her feet had been propped up on one of the footstools. Sigrid was on her side facing the Elvenking, and was holding Tilda's hand, as she slept. Next to her was Bain, who was on his stomach, then Bard on the other side of the bed, facing his family, with an arm around his son and daughter.
And, of course, there was Thangon, stretched out on the rug by the hearth, and the sonorous noise that emitted from the giant dog reverberated throughout the room. Nualë looked down at her feet, as Farien slipped between them into the room, jumped on Tauriel's lap, and settled down with a loud purr.
Nualë smiled to herself, and quietly turned to leave, but left the door open, just a crack, for the animals to nudge their way out.
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City of Dale, 31stof May 2943 T.A.
As much as they wanted to stay with their children, Bard and Thranduil couldn't put off their duties any longer; too many arrangements needed to be taken care of.
Just after breakfast, the Royal Family reported, as ordered, to the Healing House, where Ermon and Elénaril subjected them all to a thorough checkup, and were (eventually) given a clean bill of health. Tilda tolerated the endless poking, prodding, and questions, only because her Da warned that if she didn't, she wouldn't get permission to resume normal activities. She bore it with remarkable patience, but after being asked to repeat her story for the fifth time, she rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, and asked to go home.
Of course, Thranduil had already sent a fervent note of thanks, via bird, to Lothlórien, for the immeasurable help they had been given. How could you thank someone who had given you back your life, and that of your little girl?
The Elvenking also sent one to the Palace, informing them of Meldon's unfortunate death, and asked that Galion and Feren break the news to his family, and to extend them every courtesy, until they could bring his body to the Woodland Realm for burial.
Then the Kings met with members of the Council in Dale, to make sure that those who had been affected would receive the proper support, and to decide what should be done with the prisoners. Dwalin and Thangon had worked well together, and the victims and the criminals were being held in separate sections of the prison, to await the pleasure of the King of Dale.
The revelation that this "Jarod" character was actually a Thrall, had an effect on the level of guilt for many of them, and seemed to coincide with claims of the one called Bert. Thirteen of the Men imprisoned claimed they were forced to participate, and though they did not wish for mercy for themselves, begged for protection for their families.
Captain Mablung, as well as the Elf in charge of the Dungeons, attended the meeting, and reported that the prisoner called Chuck had indeed bled to death from his injuries, though no one mourned him. Sandy remained stoic and defiant, as well as the one called Monty,and five more henchmen.
After the meeting was adjourned, Bard and Thranduil planned to go visit Ivran and Evan, and were not surprised when Sigrid asked to go along.
"I needto see them, Da; they went through so much to help us, and I feel like I should be there."
"I agree, Iellig, but only if it will not upset you. What do you think, Bard?"
The King of Dale studied his daughter carefully. "I think it would do you good, Darling." He kissed her forehead. "Come on, then."
Ermon's original assessment of Ivran's injuries had been correct: The barbed arrowhead in his abdomen could only be removed by forcing it through to the back, but even so, the damage had been considerable. Once he was brought in and put to sleep, it was a quick procedure, yet delicate and very dangerous. Ivran had been taken to a room, and would remain in a Healing Sleep, for at least three more days, where he was constantly monitored.
Ivran's parents had arrived from the Palace last evening, and were sitting beside his bed, when the Kings and the Princess entered the room.
"Pinnig maer, hiril vuin?" Thranduil took his mother's hand in both of his.
She nodded and leaned on her husband, who put his arm around her shoulder.
Sigrid came forward, and curtsied deeply to the Elven couple, and said in perfect Sindarin: "On behalf of my sister and my friends, please accept our sincere thanks for your son's bravery, and our hopes for his recovery."
The Elves returned her gesture with watery smiles and salutes. "We are told his recovery will be slow, but we are grateful he is still with us."
"Ivran will not enjoy his confinement," Thranduil smiled ruefully and stroked the Guard's brow. "But he will follow orders, you can be sure of that." Then he said a blessing and a prayer for his healing, and left to see the other patient.
Evan had sustained several cuts, a separated shoulder, a wound to his leg that barely missed his artery, and a severe concussion. His right eye was swollen shut, and they had to wake him up every few hours to ask him pertinent questions, but, like Ivran, if he minded his Healers, he would eventually be all right.
"The Elves tell me I'm still one piece," he tried to smile, but his mouth was still swollen. "They keep telling me I'd be in a lot more pain if it wasn't for them, but it sure doesn't feel like it right now."
"They're not kidding, you know," Bard told him sincerely. "Ermon told me you developed some bleeding on your brain, and they had to work quickly to get rid of it, or you wouldn't be here right now."
"I know," Evan said, quietly. "Don't tell Rhian any of that, please. She's been through enough already."
Bard agreed. "Has she been in to see you, yet?"
"Not yet, and I won't stop her, but to be honest, I'd rather she not see me until my face is more recognizable."
"You do look terrible," Thranduil smiled. "I am not sure we can keep her away, Mellon, but we will encourage her to wait a few days, until the Healers can do something more about the bruises."
"Could you? All that matters, is that she's all right, and the baby wasn't hurt. I just want to get better and get back to work."
"How long will you be in here?" Sigrid asked.
"They think I'll be here another few days, but it'll take a couple of weeks before I'm up and around a lot, so Alun and Rhys offered to let me stay with them. My apartment is on the third floor of my building, and stairs aren't my friend, right now."
"Let us know if there is anything you need." Sigrid went over patted his arm. "Thank you, for everything."
"My pleasure, Princess."
As soon as they closed Evan's door, Sigrid burst into tears.
Both Kings had been waiting for this, and they quickly led her into an empty room, sat her down on a bed, and Bard held her, as she let it all go.
"You come by this legally, you know." Bard handed her his kerchief. "Your mother used to do it, too."
"Do what?" She wiped her eyes.
"Mattie could get through anything while it was happening, but a couple of days later, if she dropped a fork on the floor, or missed a stitch in her knitting, she'd fall apart." Bard hugged her to him.
"It's true." Sigrid wiped her face. "I always kind of go numb, or get mad and get through it. It's when things are better, that I start bawling like a stupid baby."
"Iellig, you are not stupid." Thranduil told her gently, as he handed her a cup of water. "Not by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, it will help you be a good Healer, because you stay calm and get things done."
"Adais right. You've had a trauma, and just like it is good for Tilda to cry and mourn, you need to do that, too."
"Is it terrible that I hate it when people see me cry? Not because I'm afraid of what I look like, though I do get all splotchy and ugly. But… I just don't like to feel so… exposed in front of people I don't know well."
"Oh, Darling," Bard hugged her to his side. "You're just private with that stuff; there's nothing wrong with that. And you could never be ugly."
"I suppose." She finished wiping her eyes. "Can we go home now?"
"You bet. We'll take you home, then I want you to lie down for a while and take things easy. All right?"
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After drooping Sigrid off, the Kings made a quick visit the Orphanage to say hello. The children from Harad, who had been terribly frightened, were grateful to see them. Indis was working with them, as well as the rest of the staff, and that was a good sign. They all asked after their beloved Mistress Adila, and Bard assured them that she would stop by soon.
Thranduil had expressed outrage that the children had found out about Bron, but Bard shrugged. "It's better this way, love. I wouldn't want them asking questions out of ignorance; that would put Adila in the position of telling them herself. Now they can all try to comfort her, which will do her a world of good."
Their next stop was the Dungeons, where they spoke to Bert again, and confirmed Captain Mablung's earlier report. The Men that had been blackmailed and threatened were separated from the rest, and were given more comfortable surroundings. Surprisingly, none of them asked to be released, though if they did, Bard wouldn't grant it. The King of Dale informed them they would remain in custody, while they gathered evidence to confirm the truth of their stories.
Then Bard and Thranduil went down several flights of stairs to the cell where the remaining seven Men were being held.
"Your loyalty to your leader, the one known as 'Jarod,' along with the testimony of fourteen of the Men you forced into service has sealed your fate." Bard told them. "I will not order your executions; there has been enough death from all of this." At the relieved look on their faces, Bard held up his hand. "The King of Harad is entitled to seek his own vengeance for the irreparable harm to his people. Therefore, you will be given into his custody and he will dispose of you as His Majesty sees fit. May the Valar have mercy on your souls, for you will get none from him or me."
With that, King Bard and the King Thranduil turned on their heels and left them to rot.
Then they went home to their family.
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After dinner they spent the evening quietly together in the Sitting Room.
Bain had news: Rhys and Bowen had come by earlier, to say that Beriel had given birth - Thangon was now a father! Mother and all eight pups – three males and five females – were doing fine.
Bain and Sigrid made plans to go see them soon, but when asked, Tilda shook her head.
"Why not, Little Bean?" Bard asked her.
But she just shrugged and said nothing, and went back to her drawing. Bard and Thranduil's eyes met, then spoke of happier things, such as the results of Ermon's examination. It was indeed the best news: after almost sixteen months, their baby was given a clean bill of health, and the days of hovering and nervousness were over!
"Ermon said I'm really better, but my muscles need time to get strong again, so I have to do more exercises!" Tilda made a face.
"He's right, Beanie. But did he tell you what kind?"
"No."
"Well, he told Ada and me that he wanted you to start running, climbing, jumping and all that, just do it a little at first, then more every day."
"I still can hardly believe it." Hilda had her arm around the little girl. "You're cheeks are so pink!"
It was true. No one had realized just how grey her skin tone had become, though they couldn't help but notice the blue tinge to her fingernails, or how often her hands and feet became cold. Now, of course, her hands were warm, and she took deep breaths, without difficulty.
"Celeborn and Galadriel have given me back my family… How do I begin to thank them?" Bard wondered, not for the first time.
"I think they did it, because you are their family, as well, Meleth nîn. I do want to go see them soon, Bard; they deserve to see for themselves the miracles they have wrought."
"We'll do that, love. I don't know when I can get away, but even if you have to take the children by yourself, we should make that happen."
"Da?" Tilda came over and asked, "Can I stay with you and Adaagain tonight?"
"Sure thing. Don't think you can try your own bed, yet?"
"Esta always slept with me," She shook her head, with sad eyes. "It wouldn't feel right."
"I know, Beanie." He rubbed her back. "You're going to need to try, sooner or later, but not right now."
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When she had gotten into her pajamas, and crawled into bed between them later, the Elvenking noticed something was missing. She had Daisy and her Elf-doll Meriel, but…
"Where is Charlotte, Tithen Pen?" Thranduil asked her. "Greta took such pains to make sure she was cleaned up for you."
"She's on my bed."
"I shall get her for you," he sat up, and grabbed his robe.
"No, don't… please?"
Bard's eyes widened with concern. "What's wrong, Beanie?"
"She just... makes me think about things," she said in a small voice.
"What do you mean?"
"I was playing with her, when they…came in and the man took her and threw her, and the other man hurt Esta and... I just keep thinking about it, then my stomach hurts. I know it's not Charlotte's fault, and I don't want to hurt her feelings, but I can't… look at her right now."
"I'm sure Charlotte understands." Thranduil told her. "Perhaps we will ask Sigrid to look after her for a while, yes?"
Thangon jumped up on the foot of the bed and put his head on Tilda's feet, with a soft whine.
"He's missing Esta, too." Bard said.
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The next few days were filled with the sad task of bidding farewell to loved ones.
Bregolas was buried on the edge of Hope Field, in a large hole dug by Farmer Jarvis and his sons, along with several volunteers. The Royal Family stood with Bain as he tearfully said goodbye to his friend and companion in a small, private service, Tauriel and Turamarth stood on either side of Bain, Rhys and Bowen, and sang the brave horse's spirit to its final resting place.
They laid poor, brave Esta to rest in a large flowerbed by the Courtyard. She was buried with her toys and wrapped in Tilda's quilt, because that was where she'd always slept. The family was joined by their Guards, Miss Eryn, and several of her schoolmates who had the pleasure of knowing the friendly, black and white sheep dog. Even Cook, who had been particularly fond of her, came out and buried a bone with her, and gruffly wiped his eyes.
Tilda solemnly laid her Elanorflower atop the mound of dirt, then burst into tears. Bard picked her up and held her and whispered words of comfort, but it did little good.
"I know Esta went to b-be with Mam, but I w-want her here, with me! She was my f-friend," she howled into his shoulder. "I want her back, Da! I w-want her back!"
"I'm so sorry, Little Bean." Bard could say little, but he held her and rubbed her back. "We'll all miss her."
.
The funeral for Bron, Adila's husband, was attended by just about everyone, especially the Harad children, who were anxious to offer their friend what comfort they could. The traditional pot-luck meal was served in the Great Hall, and the Blacksmith's wife and children were offered heartfelt condolences. A large group of volunteers were already at work on the repairs to their home, and would be ready by the end of the week.
The kitchen maid, Wynny, was laid to rest as well. Bard had ordered that the truth of her behavior with Tim - if that was even his real name – be put under seal, as it was clear she had been victimized, too. Her little cousin and his adoptive Elven parents came from the Woodland Realm, to pay their respects, and Cook stood next to Hilda and Greta and wiped his eyes with his red kerchief.
"I shoulda looked out for her better," He sniffed. "She was a good girl, My Lord, and too innocent for the likes of that bastard. I should have paid attention, and I didn't."
"She was a good girl," Greta offered. "Wynny only wanted what any girl does: someone to love her and hope for the future. There's nothing wrong with that. Everyone saw how you watched out for her, Lewis."
"I know she had no business speakin' of your comings and goings My Lady, and believe me—"
"Don't worry about that now," Hilda rubbed his arm. "In any case, she paid the ultimate price for her mistake. We'll speak to the staff, but I think they've all learned a good lesson from this, don't you?"
Cook sighed sadly. "I should have done better." He wiped his eyes as he and the housekeeper stepped forward and laid a bunch of flowers on the fresh mound of dirt.
.
Thranduil held a Memorial Service in Dale for Meldon, who had dedicated his life to the service of the King he loved, protecting a family he had grown to deeply care about. That was little consolation to the Prince and Princesses, who had considered him a close friend. Tilda tried to remember what Celeborn had told her about the Halls of Waiting, and offered a prayer that he wouldn't be there long, because he was so nice. She decided she would pray for him and Esta every night.
After the service, Thranduil made ready to accompany the body to his Kingdom for the burial, which would take place the following day. He and Bard had discussed the idea of taking the children with him, for a change of scenery, but wasn't surprised when they elected to stay with their Da.
"I must go, though I hate to leave you all." Thranduil said with regret. "But I will be back in three days, and I will bring Galion with me."
"It's okay, Ada; we'll be all right." Sigrid hugged him tight. "Just hurry back."
"Tell Meldon's Mam and Da I'm sorry about what happened." Tilda kissed him. "I liked him a lot."
"I know you did, Tithen Pen." He nodded. "I will tell them."
"Bye, Ada." It was Bain's turn to hug the Elvenking. "Tell Galion we can't wait to see him."
"I will Ionneg. I am sure he is most anxious to see you all, as well."
Bard stepped up. "I hate letting you out of my sight, you know. This is hard." He forced himself to smile. "Have Galion fix your hair, while you're at it. It still looks choppy." Then he kissed his husband and held him tight. "You love me, very much. Hurry back."
"And you love me, very much." Thranduil's voice was rough. "I will be back in three days."
And they waved as they watched the Elvenking ride away, then turned back to go inside.
It was time to start moving on, as best they could.
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ELVEN TRANSLATIONS:
Pinnig maer, hiril vuin – Are you well, beloved lady?
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