Disclaimer: Not mine
There is a poll up for a new Naruto fic. Hope everyone had a good Christmas.
Chapter 4
Hari led the group into the trees and the air instantly became heavy and hard to breath. A feeling of menace pressed down on them and he tapped his staff against the stone path, the crystal set into the top immediately beginning to glow, lighting their way and lifting the oppressive atmosphere some. He could feel the elven magic lingering on the pathway but it was far weaker than it should be. What was Thranduil doing letting it fall into such disrepair? As much as he would like to march to the Palace and demand answers he decided against it since he knew of the feelings between the Company and the Woodland Elves.
"How long will it take us to get through this accursed forest Mister Hari?" Dori called out from the back of the group after several hours of walking.
"Three weeks if nothing impedes us and we manage a good pace. We will have to ration food and water carefully. I would not trust anything we may find to be safe." He wasn't worried about their food supplies but there was nowhere to refill their many water skins inside the forest unless they moved closer to the Elven settlements. He glanced at Bilbo and frowned, rationing would do the hobbit no good, he was already on the thin side for one of his people. It would hit the younger dwarves harder too but they could only carry so much.
The days fell into a pattern of endless walking as Hari led them deeper and deeper into the trees. If not for magic he would have lost the path several times and he was glad he had agreed to come since without him the Company would have lost the path days ago. He made sure a portion of his rations made its way to Bilbo and the young Princes since he could go without food for much longer than them.
Eventually they reached a dark river and were forced to stop as the bridge that once crossed it had long ago crumbled. "Remain here, I will search for another crossing."
"Won't you get lost off the path?" Bilbo asked in concern and Hari smiled gently.
"I will be fine Master Baggins. This is not my first time within this forest and I can use the magic of the path to find my way back. Remember, do not touch the water, an enchantment lies upon it." With that last warning he vanished into the gloom.
Several hours later he found what had to be a well-travelled crossing. The way the branches of the two trees met and intertwined was not a natural occurrence but one encouraged by Elven magic. He tested it and found it was strong enough to take even the heaviest of the Company. But what had him hurrying back was the webs. He hadn't seen such things for an Age. Things were dire indeed if such foul creatures had gained a foothold here.
He reached where the path met the river only to stare in dismay. The Company was gone, a dead spider beside the path a rather large clue as to what had happened. To attack such a large and obviously well-armed group the creatures were either starved or utterly fearless. A whisper of magic and a large black wolf leapt across the river, paws pounding over the forest floor silently as he tracked his prey. He shifted back to human as he reached the nest, easily spotting the signs of battle. He pulled an arrow from a spider and sighed, so much for avoiding the elves. He turned and headed for the Palace.
The two elves guarding the gates stiffened as he emerged from the forest. With his robes and staff they could not mistake who or what he was. "I will speak with your King immediately." He commanded and they hesitated but then opened the gates for him.
As he approached the Throne Room he heard raised voices and recognised both Thorin and Thranduil. He shoved the doors open and walked inside to find Thranduil sneering about dragons and greed. "Enough!" He called and they both turned to see him striding towards them. "The welcome of your halls is lacking these days King Thranduil." He chided the icy elf. "By what right do you accost travellers and throw them in your dungeons?"
"Why are you here Uirebon?" Thranduil demanded, shocked by the red wizards presence within his kingdom.
"On business of the White Council." Which was mostly true, even if a certain White Wizard didn't agree. "It is time both the dragon and Dol Guldur were dealt with."
"You would wake the dragon and bring its wrath upon my people?"
"No, I would kill Smaug and end the fear of his fire." Hari argued. "We are all agreed that it is time." Hari walked to stand beside Thorin. "There will once again be a King Under the Mountain."
"There will never be a King Under the Mountain!" Thranduil snarled but Hari stood firm, they both knew Thranduil had no authority to stop such a thing from happening.
"You will release the rest of our Companions and we will be on your way. You can sit here and rot for all I care. You have grown cold and careless Thranduil, the forest was your duty and yet the paths all crumple away without repair and spiders spread without resistance."
"Not without resistance Uirebon." A new voice called and Hari smiled, turning to greet the Prince.
"It is good to see you again Prince Legolas. And it is good to hear someone fights to keep the forest safe." They clasped hands happily as it had been centuries since they had seen each other.
"I have missed your counsel over the years. Every time we destroy a nest they reappear again several days later. Tauriel and I believe they are spawning in Dol Guldur."
"Agreed. Dol Guldur will soon be dealt with so hopefully the threat from spiders will diminish."
"Enough." Thranduil growled, not liking being ignored.
Hari sighed and looked back at the King. "You have no choice, release the Company or I will release them."
Legolas stiffened and looked between his father and old friend. It was his duty to stand by his King and Father but common sense said to move aside and obey the powerful wizards' orders, especially if they were backed by the White Council. "Father." He called softly, gaining the older elf's attention. Thranduil glared at him before sitting on his throne and nodding almost sullenly. Legolas relaxed and bowed, leaving to order the release of the dwarves. He found Tauriel sitting outside one of the cells, talking to the young dark haired dwarf within. He stayed back and listened as they talked of starlight and fire moons, unsure what to think. If the dwarves took back the mountain they would be neighbours and good relations could only help. But part of him was wary to trust any dwarf, they were greedy and cruel. But looking at the barely stubbled face and expressive brown eyes he thought maybe this dwarf was different, he seemed very happy and open as he talked to Tauriel. Finally he stepped forward and Tauriel stood immediately, looking worried. "Release the prisoners and return their belongings." He ordered to her surprise.
"Legolas?"
"Uirebon has convinced the King to release them." He answered even as he took the keys to open nearby cells. Several guards soon appeared with the dwarfs' weapons and packs.
"Maybe one day I can show you a fire moon." Kili smiled at Tauriel and she smiled back.
"Maybe."
"Kili!"
"Here Fili." He answered even as the blond Prince pushed forward to grab his younger brother, checking him over. "I'm fine."
"Come, your King and the wizard await with my Father." Legolas stated and the Company warily followed him, not knowing an invisible and relieved Bilbo followed them.
TBC….