Smiley and the Demigorgon's Warband

Chapter 3: The Captive Prince

The deeper Smiley and Wesley traveled into the forest, the more the air seemed to thicken with tension. Sunlight barely filtered through the towering trees, casting long shadows that stretched across the forest floor. The stories of the elves being secretive and territorial echoed in Smiley's mind, but it was not the elves they encountered first.

Without warning, figures darted from the underbrush, surrounding them in an instant. Bandits, rough and scarred, their faces hidden by makeshift masks. There were at least six of them, each wielding crude weapons and grinning with a menacing confidence.

"Look what we've found," one of the bandits said, his voice rough and gravelly. "Two little hobbits, all alone."

Smiley instinctively raised her garden hoe, but Wesley nudged her arm. "We're outnumbered," he whispered nervously. "We need a plan."

The bandit leader, a tall, broad-shouldered man with a jagged scar across his face, stepped forward, swinging a rusted sword lazily in front of him. "Give us your valuables, and we might let you leave with your heads still on your shoulders."

Smiley's eyes flicked to Wesley, then back to the bandits. She knew they couldn't fight their way out of this one, but she wasn't about to give in so easily. "We don't have much, but what you want isn't here."

The leader chuckled, stepping closer. "Oh, we'll take whatever you've got. But first, we've got something to show you."

Before Smiley could respond, two of the bandits grabbed them, dragging them deeper into the forest. They were taken to a small clearing, where a makeshift camp had been set up. In the middle, tied to a tree, was a young elf. His long, silver-blonde hair was tangled, and his regal clothing was torn and dirty. His eyes, though sharp and proud, flickered with frustration.

"That's no ordinary elf," Wesley whispered, wide-eyed. "That's a prince."

The bandit leader smirked. "You've got good eyes, little hobbit. This here's Prince Elendir, son of the Elven King. Worth more than all the gold in the world once we ransom him back."

Smiley's heart raced. This could be their way out. "Why ransom him when you can't even keep him in line?" she said loudly, drawing the leader's attention.

The bandit leader frowned. "What are you talking about?"

Smiley gestured to the prince. "He's an elf. They're tricky, magical even. He'll find a way out before you can collect a single coin."

The bandit scowled, then turned to Elendir, gripping his chin roughly. "Is that true, elf?"

Elendir's piercing green eyes locked onto Smiley's for a brief moment, a flash of understanding passing between them. "I won't be your prisoner for long," he said defiantly.

The bandit leader growled, clearly unnerved, and motioned to his men. "Keep an eye on him. And these two, as well." He turned back to Smiley and Wesley. "We'll deal with you later."

As the bandits busied themselves around the camp, Smiley and Wesley were thrown to the ground near the prince. Smiley's mind was racing, trying to think of a way out. "Are you really the prince?" she whispered to the elf.

Elendir nodded, his expression grim. "I was ambushed while traveling through the forest. They think they can use me to get a ransom from my father."

"Well, we've got to get out of here," Wesley said, glancing nervously at the bandits. "Before they decide we're not worth keeping around."

Smiley leaned closer to Elendir, her voice low. "Do you have any magic? Something that can help us escape?"

Elendir shook his head, his frustration evident. "They've bound me with iron chains, enchanted to block my magic."

"Of course they have," Smiley muttered. "But we're not helpless. Wesley, do you have anything in that satchel of yours?"

Wesley's face brightened as he rummaged through his bag. "I've got a couple of traps, some smoke bombs—nothing too powerful, but it might give us a chance."

Smiley glanced at the bandits, who were distracted by a cooking fire. "Good. We'll create a distraction, free the prince, and make our move. Wesley, set up one of your traps near the entrance of the camp. Once we spring it, we'll need to move fast."

Wesley nodded, carefully sneaking toward the edge of the clearing. Smiley turned to Elendir. "When we cut you loose, can you run?"

Elendir gave her a determined nod. "Just get me free, and I'll do the rest."

With their plan in place, Smiley waited for the right moment. Wesley gave a quick signal—he was ready. Smiley took a deep breath, her heart pounding, then stood up quickly, drawing the attention of the bandits.

"Hey!" she shouted, waving her arms. "Over here!"

The bandits turned, confused, and in that moment, Wesley triggered his trap. A net of vines shot up from the ground, ensnaring two of the bandits in its grip. At the same time, a smoke bomb exploded, filling the camp with a thick cloud of mist.

Chaos erupted.

Smiley darted toward Elendir, using the cover of the smoke to cut through the iron chains with a sharp blade Wesley had slipped her earlier. The chains clattered to the ground, and Elendir wasted no time. He leapt to his feet, his elven grace returning instantly, and grabbed a fallen sword from one of the bandits.

"Now!" Smiley shouted, and the three of them sprinted for the forest, dodging the panicked bandits who were still fumbling through the smoke.

One of the bandits managed to break free and lunged at Smiley with a dagger. But before he could reach her, Elendir stepped in, his sword flashing in the dim light as he disarmed the bandit with a swift, precise strike.

With the bandits confused and disorganized, the three of them escaped into the forest, running until they were sure they were no longer being followed.

Once they reached a safe distance, they paused to catch their breath. Elendir looked at Smiley and Wesley with a mixture of gratitude and admiration. "You've saved my life," he said, his voice sincere. "I owe you a debt."

"We're just glad you're alright," Smiley replied, smiling at the young prince. "But we could use your help. We're on a quest to stop the Orc King, and we could use all the allies we can get."

Elendir's eyes widened slightly at the mention of the Orc King. "Then you've come to the right place. My father, King Elenthir, has long been preparing for the battle against the Orc King's forces. I'll take you to him. He will reward you for your bravery—and I will join you in your fight."

***

Later that evening, Smiley and Wesley found themselves standing in the grand hall of the elven king's palace, the walls shimmering with golden light. King Elenthir, tall and regal, listened intently as his son recounted the tale of his capture and their daring escape.

When Elendir finished, the king rose from his throne, his eyes warm with pride and gratitude. "You have done a great service to my family," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "You will be rewarded, as promised."

He gestured to one of his advisors, who handed Smiley a finely crafted elven sword, its blade gleaming with enchantments. Wesley was given a satchel filled with magical supplies, far more powerful than his humble traps.

"And as for you, Elendir," King Elenthir continued, "I see that your journey is not yet over. If you wish to join these brave hobbits in their quest, you have my blessing."

Elendir stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Thank you, Father. I believe our fates are intertwined."

With their new companion by their side and the support of the Elven King, Smiley and Wesley set off once again—this time with an elven prince as part of their growing team, ready for the battles that awaited them.