-Chapter 12: Where does this tunnel leads? -

Saruman had been searching for traces of his daughter for a while now. If she was with the criminal Oakenshield, he would most likely go somewhere criminals wouldn't be bothered by guards. So, the quickly aging man arrived at the Prancing Pony. From the outside, he could hear music being played and he carefully peaked through a window. He gritted his teeth at the sight. His daughter was being twirled around by dwarves, as they threw plates around the inn. His heartbeat increased in fear every time a knife flew too close to the precious hair. If anything happened to it, he would lose his means to immortality. He was about to go in when he heard someone coming. He quickly ducked behind a tree and watched as royal guards stopped before the establishment. This was bad. The guards would certainly arrest Oakenshield and probably his daughter with him. If any recognised her as the lost princess, he would never find her again!

Inside, a man was keeping watch on the road and gasped when he saw the guards. He stood quickly and shouted loud and clear:

-Guards are coming!

The entire inn froze just as the door was kicked open by the capitain of the guard himself, Thranduil. Belinda was greatly confused when she was grabbed by the arm and pulled down behind th counter by Thorin. The dwarf gestured her to keep quiet as he looked over the side. The guards poured in after their capitain, and tugged two very familiar orcs with them. Azog and Bzog looked around the inn, no doubt looking for him as well. Thorin pressed himself against the side of the counter, cursing his luck. A knee nudged his side and he looked up to Nori, who was pointing at the wall. The three crawled towards it and the star-haired dwarf pulled loose some planks, revealing a tunnel.

-Follow this and you'll arrive at a secret entrance in the forest. From there, you should be able to get away without running into much trouble.

-Thank you. Thorin said, helping Belinda in.

-Just don't get caught! The other replied as he replaced the wood after them.

Thorin spotted a pack of torches lying on the side. He did not need one, since dwarves could see very well in the dark, but when he saw Belinda run straight into the cave wall, he sighted and lit one up. He grasped a large bunch of the woman's hair under an arm and the two began walking in silence. After only a few seconds, Belinda broke the silence by clearing her throat.

-Soooo... Would you mind telling me why we have to hide from those people.

Thorin gulped and prepared himself for a very long explanation.

Back at the inn, the guards had been searching for the criminal Oakenshield, but found no sign of him anywhere. Just as they were about to leave, Legolas arrived. He began to walk around observing everything he could. Some of the guards were confused, but Thranduil let his son do as he pleased. He knew the boy had a very acute vision, even for an elf. And so, if there was one person who could noticed something he'd miss, it was his son. And to his great pleasure, Legolas did find something. The elf walked to the side of the inn and kicked loose a few boards, revealing the secret tunnel Thorin and Bella had disappeared in.

-Well, done, my son. Thranduil praised him. Lindir, guard those two. The rest of you, follow me!

The guards all entered the tunnel one at the time, and a young dark-haired elf was left alone to guard the two orcs. Lindir watched Azog carefully, but Bzog took advantage of that and headbutted the elf before he could react. Taking out a dagger from one of his hidden pockets, the younger orc sliced his bindings, before moving to his father. They barely had to share a look before they entered the tunnel. No one in the inn stopped them, despite the fact the company really wanted to do so. But the orcs were tall and attacking them would get them severely injured and most likely kicked out of the inn.

Outside, Saruman watched the event's unfold and cursed again. He had lost his daughter again and she could easily get killed if he didn't do something! He then noticed someone leaving the inn. It was the man who had raised the alarm when the guards had arrived. Keeping quiet, he walked right behind the man and grasped him. The ruffian tried to break free, but was pushed up against a tree as a dagger was raised to his neck. Saruman pressed the cold metal harder against the man's throat and growled:

-Where does that tunnel lead?