Chapter 14
I Found You
Haldir's POV
I got into the palace and ran through the halls. Dain's dislike for Merida led me to believe she would be held in prison. I grabbed a lone guard and shoved him against the wall.
"Where is Princess Merida!"
"Hel…"
I held a knife to his throat.
"Tell me where my wife is or I swear I sill kill you!" I snarled.
"In the prisons. Down that hall, on the left there is a door."
"Good."
I knocked him out and ran down the hall. I found the door, but it was locked. I broke it down and ran down the steps.
Merida's POV
I heard the guards outside my cell draw their swords. Haldir came into view and one guard ran forward. I smiled and got the other one by the throat.
"Alone at last!"
I snatched his keys and smashed his head against the bars. He fell down and I let myself out. I ran forward and grabbed the dwarf. I smashed my head against his and then threw him down. I spun around and kissed Haldir.
"I still remember the day you did that to me."
I smirked and he held out my bow, sword and quiver.
"I found them on the way down and thought you might like them."
"You know me so well."
He took my hand and we ran.
"Halt!"
We kept running and I drew my sword.
"~I do not want to hurt you but I will!~"
They ran at me and I shrugged.
"I warned them."
Haldir shot one in the shoulder and leg and I clashed swords with the other. I pushed him back and cut his leg open. I took his hand and we ran once more. We fought and wounded several more guards along the way and reached the gate, but Dain was waiting for us. He closed and locked the gates. Haldir took out his bow and aimed to shoot.
"Haldir no!"
"He kidnapped you Merida!"
"So this is the husband is it? Did you honestly think you could escape me? I will have the throne!"
I drew my sword and walked forward.
"You shall have nothing! The throne belongs to my mother and then to my brother Thorin the third!" I snapped.
"So my cousin had another mongrel child!"
I smirked.
"Two of them! And the oldest is the worst!"
I ran forward and my sword collided with his. He threw me back but I stayed standing.
"You stupid girl! I trained with a sword far longer than you!"
He ran forward and I jumped away. I would not doubt he was good, but I was younger and faster. I blocked his swings and he dodged mine. I had to get my bow! It was my only chance. I blocked and pushed him back with all the strength I had. I ran for my bow and grabbed it. I took an arrow and turned. Dain was not two feet from me and I fired.
Maetharanel's POV
Ad we approached the palace gate I heard Haldir shout.
"MERIDA!"
I smashed through those doors and gasped. Dain was on the ground with an arrow in his forehead. Merida was stuck to a wooden shelf, Dain's sword in her sleeve. Haldir ran over and pulled the sword out. She fell into his arms and I smiled.
"Merida!"
Thranduil, Verya and the rest of the company rushed in.
"She lives!" Bofur shouted.
Merida smiled and ran to me. I hugged her.
"Oh thank Durin you are safe!"
Legolas hugged us both and I smiled with tears in my eyes.
"I love you both so much." she cried.
"And we love you."
She hugged her grandmother and grandfather.
Merida's POV
I hugged everyone and then I ran back to Haldir. I kissed him and I did not care who saw.
"You found me."
"I said I would. I will always find you Merida. I will always know where you are. I love you."
"And I love you!" I said.
He gave me a squeeze and I smiled more. I was back in Haldir's arms and I felt safe. I wished I had another choice than to shoot Dain, but I did not. Haldir and I walked outside and Haldir whistled. Wind came galloping forward and I smiled. Haldir picked me up and set me on the horse. He mounted her behind me. I smiled at him and kissed him. My papa came up and pat Wind's neck.
"Haldir, you have proven to me that you will always take care of my daughter. You went after her without a second thought at risk of your own life. Return home, both of you."
I jumped down and hugged him.
"I love you papa." I said.
He hugged me tightly and then kissed my forehead.
"I will always love you Merida. Now go on home. Your life awaits."
I kissed his cheek and jumped on Wind. I took her reins and turned her.
"YAH!"
Haldir held onto me as Wind jumped and ran forward. I smiled and laughed when Haldir almost fell off.
Legolas' POV
I put my arm around Maetharanel as we watched our eldest daughter ride away.
"~It went by too fast.~" She whispered.
I kissed her temple and nodded.
"~I know, I know. But she will always be our little girl. You told me that.~" I said to her.
She looked up at me and smiled. I kissed her soft lips and then held her in my arms. I had to trust that Maetharanel and I had raised Merida to the best of our abilities. And that Merida would be alright, especially with Haldir at her side.