Chapter Fifteen
Danger Comes In Many Forms
~~Elaina's POV~~
I made sure I was near Bilbo who at this moment was holding onto a sword I have never seen before. Now was not the time to ask where he found it. We rush towards a wood, as we all heard a strange whizzing sound. Without hesitation, I draw out my sword as the noise drew near us.
"Thieves! Fire! Murder!" shouted out a very strange looking man who was riding a sleigh.
I carry on looking and also saw alot of large rabbits that were moving the sleigh he was in.
"You have got to be kidding me!" Hetti exclaimed gaining a chuckle from Fili and Kili and Bofur.
"Radagast! Radagast the Brown. Ah. What on earth are you doing here?" asked Gandalf clearly surprised to see him here.
So this was Radagast, he was wearing a brown robe and wore a strange hat that I thought moved on its own accord. He appeared to be in his own world, as his eyes seemed to glaze over, until Gandalf called his name once again, which seemed to snap Radagast back to the present.
"I was looking for you, Gandalf," began Radagast, getting of his sleigh"Something's wrong. Something's terribly wrong." replied Radagast, heading towards Gandalf.
"I'll say," Hetti began "Rabbits moving that sleigh, that's not normal!"
Several chuckles were heard around me but I was watching Radagast. Something had definitely spooked him, as he was searching around the area, as if something was laying in wait for him.
"Yes?" replied Gandalf, which snapped me back from my staring.
As my eyes watch Radagast, it appears he is about to say something, but then closes his mouth again. He then opens it again and it looks like he is about to talk but then he shuts his mouth once more. It dawns on me, he has forgotten what he was about to say.
"This could take a while." said Loki, with a smirk on his face, despite myself I find myself laughing at that.
"Oh, just give me a minute. Um, oh, I had a thought, and now I've lost it. It was, it was right there, on the tip of my tongue." said Radagast.
I watch him curl up his tongue, and looks surprised at something.
"Oh, it's not a thought at all, it's a silly old-," he continues.
Gandalf shocked me by placing his fingers inside Radagast's mouth and pulled out an insect out of his mouth.
"Stick insect." remarked Radagast.
I turn my head, suddenly feeling very queasy, unaware that Radagast was watching me, which Thorin and Hetti had spotted.
"For a second, I thought she was-," I heard Radagast say before Gandalf ushered him away from us, to speak privately.
"I can safely say, we have the right wizard with us." I remark glancing at Gandalf and Radagast.
I heard some laughter and catch Thorin's gaze who had a faint smile.
"What a strange fellow!" I whispered.
"Elaina," I turn my attention at Hetti who was walking up to me "Do you know that man?"
I gave her a weird look.
"Until now, I have never met Gandalf's friend in my entire life. As well you know!"
"True but the way he-,"
"I wish they would hurry up!" I heard Thorin say, pacing around like a yo-yo.
Thorin kept glancing at Gandalf, becoming inpatient with each passing second.
~~Hetti's POV~~
The way that friend of Gandalf's stared at Elaina, unnerved me. What did he mean by 'I thought she was!' It was like he knew who Elaina was, which was impossible right? While waiting for signs from life from Gandalf and his odd friend, I looked around for something to do and found some twigs on the ground and was about to pick one up when Bilbo called out my name.
He motioned me to follow him away from the others and I could see he was was thinking things over.
"Hetti." said Bilbo, now watching me.
"Are you alright Bilbo?" I asked him, as he was clearly not himself.
"It's about Kili." began Bilbo.
I frowned, just what had Kili and Fili done now?
"They haven't made you do something else have they?" I ask him.
I watch Bilbo as he shakes his head.
"No, but they are both sorry for what happened Hetti." whispered Bilbo.
"Bilbo!" I begun but was interrupted by Bilbo.
"I saw the way Kili looked at you when you walked of. He looked remorseful. If I can forgive and forget then, so can you!"
Bilbo walked away and left me to my own thoughts. I smiled as I realised that Bilbo was slowly coming out of his shell. I slowly head back to the others.
"Bilbo why are you blushing?" teased Bofur.
"Bofur, please leave Bilbo alone. He was just telling me some sound advice!" I reply to him.
"What's that then?" asked Bofur.
"That everyone deserves a second change." I gently say catching Fili and Kili's gaze.
Seeing them look at each other before coming towards me. Without warning Fili grabbed me, then hugged me.
"I am truly sorry Hetti." said Fili.
"As well you should be," I reply "and I apologise for snapping at you both."
"No you were right Hetti, we were despicable and should have helped out more, right Kee?" said Fili stepping away from me now.
"Aye, that's right." said Kili.
Before I got my bearings together, Kili wraps his arms around me.
"I too am sorry for putting everyone in danger. It won't happen again." whispered Kili in my ear.
"Apology accepted from the pair of you" I reply feeling Fili hug my back "Um this is not normal" I add, hearing laughter around me.
~~Elaina's POV~~
I laughed as I saw Hetti being embraced by the both brothers.
"Enough!" remarked Thorin.
Fili and Kili stepped back but I caught Kili, who lingered near Hetti and was watching her, who seemed oblivious to his staring.
'Seems Hetti has an admirer.' I thought to myself.
Shaking my head, I turn around and saw Gandalf was still having an intense conversation with his friend Radagast. Thorin meanwhile, was pacing the ground which made me smile. The smile vanished when the air around me, now smelt stale. Something was coming.
"What is the matter?" asked Thorin, who had stopped pacing and was walking up to me. "Is your ribs still hurting you?"
"No, my ribs aren't so bad at the moment," I reply.
"Then what is wrong?"
"I'm not to sure, but I sense trouble coming!"
"You are certain?"
"Yes," I began "I'm beginning to trust my instints more."
The feeling I had, was getting stronger and I went to my belt and held onto my sword, just in case I should need it. Suddenly there was a sound, it sounded like a howl.
"Was that a wolf? Are there-are there wolves out there?" asked Bilbo, sounding agitated.
"Wolves? No, that is not a wolf." I heard Bofur say.
Looking at the ground, I knew that any second now, this strange feeling that had been been building inside me, would show itself. Holding my sword tighter, I waited.
I heard a growl and saw a grey looking dog on a rock and was growling at all of us. Loki threw a knife towards the animal that was about to pounce on us and the animal cried out in pain. The knife was embedded in its neck.
Another one of these animals came forward and I watch Thorin use his sword on it, while Kili uses his bow and arrow. The animal was still moving, only to be silenced for good by Dwalin.
"Warg-Scouts! Which means an Orc pack is not far behind." replied Thorin, watching Loki as he retrieves his knife.
"Orc pack?" queried Bilbo.
Loki bend down, wiping his knife clean, on the dead animal, before putting his knife back in his inside pocket.
"Who did you tell about your quest, beyond your kin?" demanded Gandalf, surprising me with his harshness.
"No one." replied Thorin.
"Who did you tell?"
"No one, I swear. What in Durin's name is going on?" exclaimed Thorin.
"You are being hunted." said Gandalf, somberly.
"We have to get out of here." remarked Dwalin.
"We can't! We have no ponies, they bolted." said Ori.
'Use your power Elaina, you all need to leave. Now!' came Zeus's voice in my head again.
Those ponies had to be nearby still. I had no idea how I could summon the ponies. The only thing I could think of was, was to whistle. Willing myself, I whistled with all my might and knew everyone was now watching me.
Thinking it had not worked, I was about to explain my actions when we all heard a lot of noise. Everyone braced themselves again, except for Loki, Gandalf and myself. The ponies came running up to us.
"I thought you said the ponies had bolted?" exclaimed Dwalin to Ori.
"They did!" exclaimed Ori, watching the ponies then at me.
I felt eyes on me and I look around and see Thorin, Bilbo and Gandalf look at me with surprise etched on there faces.
"I see your power is showing itself Elaina," smiled Gandalf "Quickly get on!"
Nearly everyone gets on their ponies and I noticed Hetti riding with Dwalin. Before I had time to protest, a hand went around my arm, pulling me up against a pony. I was now siting on Midna with an arm around me.
"Hold on tight!" whispered Thorin, in my ear.
Before I had time to respond I heard Gandalf's friend say.
"I'll draw them off."
"These are Gundabad Wargs, they will outrun you!" said Gandalf.
"These are Rhosgobel Rabbits, I'd like to see them try." remarked Radagast who then sped of.
As soon as Radagast fled, so to, did we. I felt Thorin hold me tightly as we galloped away from these animals named 'Wargs' Even though we were miles ahead of these Wargs, I glanced over my shoulder and saw many more of these dogs chasing us and some had these ugly Orcs on top, riding them. It was here that I first spotted a new adversary.
This figure was in complete black garp. He 'I assumed it to be a he' was wearing a hood, veiling his face, making it very hard to identify with. I watch as he swiftly got near us and again, I panic.
'It is time to use your power Elaina.' I heard Zeus say again.
'What power?'
I had no idea what he was talking about.
Gandalf to had spotted this new adversary and had caught my gaze.
"Embrace your power Elaina!" shouted Gandalf.
Breaking eye contact from Gandalf, I focused on this dark figure that was swarming with Wargs now.
~~Thorin's POV~~
I had been watching everything that Elaina was doing, while being careful not to scare Midna. I saw her look fearful at something and I turned my head to my left and saw a dark figure riding on a black horse. There was something of putting seeing this. Both rider and horse, looked evil.
"Embrace your power Elaina!" I heard Gandalf shout out.
My eyes shot back on her and she then had this look about her, like she was the one who could deal damage to this dark rider. I held her closer, as I saw her left hand go up and saw a light emanate her hand.
The light touched the sky, before descending towards the Wargs and the dark rider. I was completely stunned seeing this and had no idea what would happen next.
Elaina's hand stayed firm as she trapped the advancing enemies in this light bubble and I watch as the dark rider is trying to free himself from this blinding light. It seemed to be working too, as the dark rider had managed to free his right hand out of the light.
I caught Gandalf's face and I watch him use his staff, using his power, helping Elaina's own unique power, strengthening it. I watch in fascination as the light speads out across the land, hurling advancing Wargs and Orcs that dare go in it's path. I watch and hear as the dark rider, screams in agony as he tries everything in his power, to be free from this light.
The light goes brighter and making sure Midna was alright and riding in the direction Gandalf was headed for, where ever that was. The dark rider, makes a final attempt at trying to free himself from this light, but it was no use as the light went very bright then disapeared completely.
I was shocked to say the least, everything that was tailing us, had disappeared. Hearing a sigh from Elaina, brought me back to reality as she slumbed against my chest. I held her protectively knowing for a little while, we were safe. Where was Gandalf taking us though, that was bothering me.
Gandalf galloped of futher up now and we all try and catch up to him. We were near a mountainside and watch Gandalf up ahead, slowing down. Gandalf gets of his horse and waits for our approach.
"We have to go through here, so the ponies will have to find they own way." said Gandalf.
"Where are you taking us?" I demanded to know, but Gandalf never answered which angered me.
Being careful not to knock Elaina, I got of Midna, then holding Elaina's bag, which I pass on to her sister Hetti, I gently pick Elaina up and hold her bridal style while I wait to see what Gandalf was planing.
Gandalf then went in a crack in the mountain and I nod my head when the others watch my reaction at this new turn of events. I wait as I watch the others slide inside this crack, before I too, slide in, holding Elaina protectively.
"Will Elaina be okay?" I heard the burglar say.
"She will be, Bilbo," I heard Gandalf say "She's just not used to using her full power yet!"
I glance at her sleeping form and hold her tightly across my chest before noticing something glint on the ground. With careful maneuvering, I managed to pick up the thing that was glinting, without Elaina slipping out of my grasp. Looking at what I found, I frowned, it was an arrow.
"Elves." I spat, before dropping the offending arrow back on the ground.
A sound above makes me look upwards to where we were, had there been any enemies that Elaina and Gandalf missed?
"I cannot see where the pathway leads. Do we follow it or no?" asked Dwalin, looking ahead.
"Follow it, of course!" said Bofur.
"I think that would be wise." agreed Gandalf.
We begin following the path. It is quite narrow, and it is a crack between two tall cliffs. At times, some of us have difficulty going through. The pathway eventually opens out into an open area, there is a valley below, and in that valley is the city of Rivendell, and I am livid at Gandalf's deception!
"The Valley of Imraldis. In the Common Tongue, it's known by a another name." said Gandalf.
"Rivendell." replied Bilbo who appeared to be in awe of this news.
"Here lies the last Homely House east of the sea." said Gandalf, smiling.
"This was your plan all along, to seek refuge with our enemy." I spat at Gandalf.
"You have no enemies here, Thorin Oakenshield. The only ill-will to be found in this valley is that which you bring yourself." scored Gandalf. "And in any case, Elaina needs rest."
I glance down at her, seeing her head rest on my shoulder and felt a warmth course through my body, not once but twice had this enchanting beauty saved our lives.
"You think the Elves will give our quest their blessing? They will try to stop us." I say to Gandalf, though my eyes were on the sleeping Elaina.
"Of course they will. But we have questions that need to be answered. If we are to be successful, this will need to be handled with tact and respect and no small degree of charm. Which is why you will leave the talking to me."
I looked up and glared at Gandalf. Who does he think he is talking too? We continue walking across a bridge and enter Rivendell. A few elves are seen strolling about. I watch Bilbo smile at being here and I roll my eyes at him. The rest of us, except, Loki and Hetti that is, look around uneasy.
A dark-haired elf walks down a flight of stairs and greets us.
"Mithrandir." said this elf.
"Ah, Lindir!" smiled Gandalf, walking up to him to embrace him.
Dwalin was by my side and I whisper to him.
"Stay sharp!"
Dwalin nods his head and starts looking around. The elf Lindir starts speaking in his own language to Gandalf and I was not amused by this.
"I must speak with Lord Elrond." explained Gandalf.
"My lord Elrond is not here." said Lindir.
"Not here? Where is he?" asked Gandalf, clearly upset at these new turn of events.
Suddenly, the Elvish horns from earlier are heard again. We turn around and we see a group of armed horsemen approaching along the bridge at a rapid rate.
"Ifridî bekâr!" ('Ready weapons!') "Hold ranks!" I remark to my men.
We bunch up together into a tight circle with our weapons pointed outward, the mounted Elves arrive and ride in circles around the dwarves. Eventually, they stop, and one elf, who I realise is Lord Elrond, separates himself from the others.
"Gandalf." smiled Elrond.
Gandalf bowed down gracefully who then starts speaking in elvish so did Elrond himself before getting of his horse.
"Strange for Orcs to come so close to our borders. Something, or someone, has drawn them near." remarked Elrond in the common tongue.
Elrond holds out an Orc sword and shows us it, before handing over to Lindir.
"Ah, that may have been us." confessed Gandalf "With some help from a friend." he adds looking at Elaina in my arms.
Lord Elrond walks over to us and I instinctively try and shield Elaina from him. Elrond watches her in fascination but says nothing. He then looks at me.
"Welcome Thorin, son of Thrain." said Elrond.
"I do not believe we have met." I reply, noticing Gandalf shake his head at my rudeness.
"You have your grandfather's bearing. I knew Thror when he ruled under the Mountain."
"Indeed, he made no mention of you." I scoff at him.
Ignoring my insult, Elrond turns to the dwarves and speaks in Elvish again. The others don't understand what he is saying and it is beginning to get on my nerves as well.
"Nartho i noer, toltho i viruvor. Boe i annam vann a nethail vin." said Elrond.
"What is he saying? Does he offer us insult?" snapped Gloin.
"No Gloin," replied Gandalf, "He is offering you all food to eat."
"Ah well, in that case, lead on." said Gloin.
"Wait." I said.
Elrond and Gandalf watch me and I frown but continue what I have to say.
"Elaina is exhausted. Is there a place where she can rest in peace?"
Elrond again comes up to me and looks at Elaina.
"She will be taken care of Lord Thorin, perhaps one of my elves could help you an-,"
"I'm not leaving her!" I interrupted.
Elrond raised his eyebrows in surprise but said nothing, only nodding his head. He finally said,
"Very well, follow me, I shall take her to a quiet place where she can get her much needed rest."
Leaving the others with Gandalf, I followed Elrond to the chambers where Elaina would get her much needed sleep. One thing was for sure, is that I would not leave her side, while in the company of elves.