Someone to Watch Over Me

Chapter Seven

Thorin heard Seren hit the ground, jumped in after her, and found her at the bottom of the shaft in a crumpled heap. He righted himself, dusted himself off, and moved over to her. "Seren?"

Gandalf counted them off as a horn sounded in the distance but Thorin ignored it as he gently rolled her over. Her black eye was worse now, and there was a gash along her left cheek. She coughed, then grimaced as her eyes opened and a low groan rose from her lips. "What happened?"

Relief surged through him as those green eyes finally focused on him. "You've had a rough morning, is what happened."

"Rough morning? It began last eve, when I did battle with trolls and it's been downhill ever since." She slowly sat up. "Where are we?"

Before anyone could answer, an orc fell into the hole and rolled down the slope. Without thinking, Thorin grabbed Seren and jerked her out of its path. As it came to a rest where she had been sitting, he frowned, tugging the black-tipped arrow from its skull. "Elves."

He turned to Gandalf. "Where are you taking us?"

Gandalf didn't reply, but arched one eyebrow and shot him a pointed look before turning away. As the others followed him, Thorin hung back with Seren, helping her to her feet. "Rivendell," he muttered. "Wonderful."

"Oh, don't look so worried," came her tired response, "I'm certain you'll win the elves over with that sparkling personality of yours."

He sighed, his arm about her waist. "Can you walk? That was a nasty tumble."

"Compared to being flung into the trees by a troll? That slope is a child's amusement ride." She stepped, and her knee gave almost immediately. She grabbed his fur wrap, her knuckles going white as she said. "It's a bit sore."

"Lean on me."

"That will raise eyebrows."

"Worry not. No one will notice."

Her expression suggested she didn't believe him, but then she winced and said, "Go on. I'll catch up. I need to sit a moment."

His first instinct was just to swing her up into his arms and carry her. But that would most definitely raise eyebrows, so instead he said, "Sit. I'll return in a minute or two."

She nodded, easing her blade free once more. "Just in case I have visitors."

He glanced toward the opening. "You should be fine."

"Go. I'll catch up."

"You'll do no such thing. Wait here for my return."

He waited for her to nod, then hurried up to stop Gandalf. "The boy is injured. He cannot put weight on his knee."

"Seren?"

Thorin nodded. "Tell me where to find you and I'll wait until he's rested a bit and then we will join you."

Gandalf's eyes narrowed. "Rivendell."

Although he thought as much, Thorin scowled just the same. "Elves."

"We need their help, so stop being so bullheaded and join us there as soon as you are able. Carry the boy, if you must."

"Very well. We will be there before sundown. I give you my word."

Gandalf nodded, although he certainly didn't look happy about it. "Fine."

Thorin turned and made his way back to find Seren exactly where he left her, leaning against the rock wall, head back, eyes closed. The bruise under her right eye was worse than last eve and the gash on the opposite cheek still bled.