Caught in Thorns >EDITING<

Caught in Thorns: Chapter 8

~Chapter 8~

The man eyes the company for a bit. He turns his gaze to rest of me every now and then. I don't lower my arrow though, and neither does he. We stay completely still, Kili's groans of pain are the only sound being made. My muscles begin to twitch from being strained so long.

"I don't know what you're doing here, but you need to leave." The man says before walking off.

I tilt my head to the side slightly, contemplating what I should do. Then I lower my arrow and follow the man. I glance back to see the Dwarves all looking at me like I have lost my mind.

"Sir," I call out, nearing the man. "Sir, we could really use your help."

"Why should I help you?" The man asks, walking up to a dock where the barrels sit.

"I could put in a good word for you with King Thranduil." I say.

"Looks like you are definitely on good terms with the king." The man says sarcastically, gesturing to the barrels.

"That's a long story." I mutter.

"I don't want my people to feel the wrath of King Thranduil," the man explains, choosing his words carefully. "I can't help you."

My eyes narrow instinctively and my hands clench into fists. This man is starting to get on my nerves.

"Explain to him about Kili." Thorin says.

"He has an arrow wound in his knee and, on top of loosing a lot of blood, something seems wrong. I think that arrow had some sort of poison on it that's killing him." I say softly. "He needs help."

"Why can't you do it? Your an elf." The man says.

"I don't have any herbs to work with. I need herbs to heal him, you must have something." I say.

The man stares at me, searching my face for signs of a lie. Then he looks over at Kili, who lets out another groan.

"You're sure its poison?" He asks.

"No, but I know that something other than the initial wound and blood loss is affecting him." I mumble.

"Celaireth, is it? Look, I know he's your friend, but there isn't anything I can do. I can't help you." The man says turning to walk away.

I give a signal to the Dwarves and Bilbo to follow.

"But, um, what shall we call you?" I ask politely.

"Bard." The man grunts, clearly unhappy with my persistence.

"Bard, he needs help. If he doesn't get it soon he could die." I say. "Please."

Bard looks back at me. He shakes his head again and keeps walking. But we keep following. We follow him right to his boat.

"What if we paid you?" Balin questions.

This gets Bard's attention. He look back at me then at Balin with narrowed eyes.

"How much?" Bard asks.

"How much do you want?" Balin replies.

"35, to get you back to my place safely." Bard says.

"De-" Balin begins but I cut him off by raising my hand.

It can't be as simple as it sounds.

"Will your townspeople accept the Dwarves going through the streets?" I ask.

"No, we'll have to sneak them." Bard says. "You won't be a problem, all you have to do is hide your weapons and cover your ears. They'll think your one of them."