Suddenly a volley of silver arrows shot from the darkness, the spiders scattered squealing, some fell; huge bodies falling through the layers of the webs to the ground. Figures, not dark creatures but human like figures ran through the shadows surrounding the spiders. Arrows came flying past Harriet, Jem, Jemima and Anna but never hit them, speeding into the bellies of the spiders.
The arachnids panicked and scattered, the spiders that lingered soon fell. The trapped girls looked on, wide eyed, surprised at the sudden death of the spiders. Hope began to enter their bodies, but they stayed quiet, still frightened. It became silent, and the warriors who had saved them were obviously skilled in hiding for there was no trace of life except for the girls.
A shrill scream pierced the quiet; it came from Harriet. The last dark spider loomed over her, grinning, then it plunged its dagger like pincers deep into her side. She yelled, and went quiet.
"Harriet!? No! Are you ok.?" Screamed the others, the web hindered their sight and they could not see her.
An arrow whistled from the shelter of the trees, lodging itself in the spider's head, it collapsed, Harriet beneath it.
"Harriet? Are you ok?" exclaimed Jem, "what is happening, I can't see."
"Blood, oh God. Blood, there's blood," Harriet whispered, muffled beneath the spider. Her eyes shut, she was unconscious.
The trees rustled, and from the darkness sprang an elf, sword in hand. He pushed the spider from on top of her, with such strength. She lay crumpled and wounded, he slashed the web, releasing her free and picked her up, gently, cradling her in his arms.
Other elves, male and female leaped onto the webs, avoiding the sticky droplets and cut loose the three others, they grabbed them and held them firm. Jem tried to struggle, but the female elf holding her captive tightened her grip. "if you struggle you will die, think wisely." She snarled at Jem. Then turning to Legolas she shouted "Legolas, why did you leap with no command? We were waiting till morning came. You should've stayed hidden, you idiot!"
"Be calm Arien," he answered. "if we had waited she would've been dead by sunrise, she is losing blood. We must get her to the healing rooms, come, swiftly!" He commanded. Arien, the black haired female elf scowled, "Legolas, these are not our guests, they are our prisoners!"
"Arien, do as I say!" He said. She followed him reluctantly and signalled to the other elves to follow too.
"Will you hurt us? please do not hurt my friends." Anna pleaded with the elf man who held her hands behind her back. He did not answer.
Jemima stood wide eyed, staring at her captive's pointed ears. "Hey Anna, Jem! They're elves, this is so cool." she breathed. Then she realised Harriet was missing. "Where is Harriet!?"
Jem and Anna realised too and looked around. She was not there.
Jem, Anna and Jemima stood shakily, hands knotted by silver rope behind their backs. "Move, do not run." The male elf grunted to them.
Harriet was far before them, unconscious in the arms of Legolas. Legolas ran ahead, as fast as he could, if he failed to get to the healing room in time it would be too late….