In the blood of Kings

Everything is because of you

Melcon POV

I made my way through the winding corridors searching for my destination. It was then that I spotted it up ahead, the dungeons.

There were no guards posted that I could see and I made my way easily into the darkened area. It was not hard to find the stranger that had helped me get to where I am now. The man looked to be asleep and I silently knelt down to his sitting level.

"Excuse me sir" The man startled awake. He stared at me for a second as if remembering who I was. But he was quick to remember. He made his way over to the door.

"It's you" he said as if he could not believe it. I smiled "Yes it is I. I hope you are doing well under the circumstances. I never got to properly thank you for what you did for me." The man shook his head. "I am sure anyone would have done the same."

But I shook my head instead. "But it was you and now you are stuck in here. I promise I will find a way to get you out. I will speak with the king." The stranger's face changed to a very shocked expression. "How would you do that? The king does not do anything for anyone."

I frowned, Thranduil had been so kind to me the last few days and I was not afraid to ask him this. "Whatever people say, I think different. I will see you off. You have a family yes?"

I said indicating his ring finger and the band that was wrapped around it. The man smiled "Yes I have a wife and two children." I smiled "you will see them again I promise you" I was about to speak again when a figure pulled me away roughly.

"What are you doing down here?" the guard yelled angrily. "Who let you down here?" I slowly moved to stand facing the guard. "I came down on my own, I wished to speak with this man." The man drew his sword and moved into an offensive pose.

"The king will know how to deal with you and this treachery." The Elf grabbed my wrist pulling me along.

"And I'm sure the king will know how to deal with a guard to who leaves his post, so anyone can get by." The guard stopped and slowly turned towards me. "Are you threatening me?" I put on my serious face and stood straight in front of the man.

"No, I am making a promise. I'm sure the king would love to hear how you were to busy.....drinking" I said eyeing the multiple bottles of wine on a nearby table.

"And you can't threaten me. You have no authority to do that. It is for the king to decide." I felt pretty proud of myself in this moment. "Fine go" The guard released me and I ran and made my way towards the throne room.

The moment I stepped in I slowed down, I knew the guard was not far behind. Thranduil looked up towards me and I could see his shoulders lift as if a weight had been lifted.

"Melcon, what do I owe the pleasure?" I shifted nervously from foot to foot not sure of how to go about this. The king must have noticed my unsease for he motioned me closer so was at the foot of his throne.

"As you know your Highness I was brought here by a man, a man who if it was not for him I would not be standing here today." I could see the king tense slightly at my words but I continued.

"That man now sits in your prison. I would ask if you could please allow this man to be released. He has done no harm." I stopped and looked into the king's eyes begging him to do this for me.

Thranduil made no move to comment, but thought through what I asked. "If that is what you wish then it shall be done.

This man has done good to you and I must repay him for that." His words confused me, why would helping me be such an honor.I nodded my head in thanks watching the same guard from earlier leave.

"So what is this man to you" Thranduil asked and I couldn't help but frown. "He rescued me sir. He brought me here to safety. Without him I would most likely be dead."

Thranduil nodded and I could see him settle back on his throne. A few minutes later the stranger was led into the room. He was dropped to his knees and I ran over and knelt beside him.

"Take off the cuffs" I called to the guard who was doing nothing. The guard scowled but did as I said. Once the cuffs were off the man stood and I was finally able to see him really for the first time.

"Are you ok?" I asked. The man nodded and took my hands which took my by surprise. "Thank you so much...." The man paused as if not knowing what to say. I took my hands from his and gave him a hug.

"It's for helping me earlier, I couldn't be more thankful." "There is a horse waiting for you at the door on your way out." Thranduil said in a stiff voice."

The man nodded and turned towards the doors. "Wait" I called out and the man turned towards me. "I never got your name" The man smiled

"My name is Oric" With that the man turned and I never saw him again.