There and Back Again: A Girl's Tale

Chapter 30 My Only One

Chapter 30 My Only One

Bard carefully peered around the corner to make sure the way was clear before he motioned for his son to follow.

"A black arrow?" Bain asked, exasperated. "Why did you never tell me?"

"Because you did not need to know," Bard replied.

Bard had often thought of Brynn in the last twenty-five years. He'd wished she was there for the birth of his children. Had longed for her comfort when his wife died. But now, more than ever, Bard needed his twin. He was no slouch with a bow, but Brynn had always been the better shot. It should have been her racing toward the windlance, arrow in hand.

Then again, if Brynn were still alive, much would be different.

Elwen had wanted to come with him instead of Bain. She was already protective of his children, and it gladdened him. But the injured dwarf had reached out for her hand and gripped it with his remaining strength.

"Stay," the dwarf had said.

Bard thought perhaps Kili knew he was close to death and wanted Elwen by his side. Bard didn't blame the young dwarf, nor did he blame Elwen for looking stricken and afraid. She was torn between a family she'd built and the one she'd just found.

That was why he didn't blame her for speaking for Thorin Oakenshield. She was loyal, and she loved him. No doubt Thranduil had tried to make her choose. Bard would never ask that of her.

"Stay," Bard had echoed Kili's plea. He gave her a look so grateful, it broke his heart for her.

When Elwen had turned back to Kili, Bard could see the love and agony written on her face plainly. There was something deeper than friendship between the pair, something far deeper. What had his niece gotten herself into with these dwarves? That was a worry for later.

Bard and Bain moved from cover to cover, doing their best not to be seen by the guards. Bard put an arm around his son's shoulder.

"Listen to me carefully. I need you to distract the guards." Bard motioned toward the windlance. "Once I'm at the top of the tower, I'll set the arrow to the bow."

"There he is! Bard! After him!"

It was his bad luck that Braga spotted him. "Quickly," he said to Bain. "Down there! Go!" He pushed the boy down a side lane, and they raced as the guards shouted for them to stop.

So the master has finally ordered my arrest . Bard was surprised it had taken so long. Alfred had always hated him, and the master feared his influence, thinking Bard had the ambition to replace him. That couldn't be further from the truth. Bard had never wanted to be any type of leader, he just wanted to keep his family fed and safe.

He wasn't doing such a great job with the second bit. His daughters were at home with a dying dwarf, a cousin who was a virtual stranger, and his son was in danger of being arrested along with him. What their mother would think...

The guards were gaining on them; Bard could hear them crashing through the market, knocking over innocent citizens as they gave chase. There were too many of them, there was no way they were going to escape.

"Bain!" Bard pulled his son to a stop. "Keep it safe," he said, thrusting the black arrow into Bain's hands. "Don't let anyone find it. I'll deal with them."

"I'm not leaving you!" Bain tried to protest, but Bard gave him a small shove away.

"Now go!"

Bain obeyed, like Bard knew he would.