The Gift

The Gift Part 6

Natulcien stood there a moment, so Terel spoke. "Is aught amiss my lady?"

She looked up her face filled with concern. "I do not know. But I am never wrong. But what if this time I am?" She could not stop thinking of it...what if...

She moved past him to where Durion and the others assisted Beleg to the healing houses but paused and issued a command to Terel for Durion then moved to Odo.

"I see you made it safely." She inquired to which Odo spun about his grizzled face pleased to see her.

"Aye, my lady t'was a close thing. Thank ye and yer men for the assistance. Not sure why the King does not send an escort. He knows we are having issues getting it to him safely." Then realizing how loudly he spoke his grizzled face flushed. " He pays us well to deliver, with the thieves about we just do not have men for an escort, not with the thieves causing havoc and We need this trade."

Seeking to comfort him she laid her hand upon his arm. "Perhaps the King is unaware of the issues or of how serious it truly is?"

She started, but Odo violently shook his head. "We have sent numerous missives to apply for an escort. He never replied not even when we lose men."

"The attack today...was there anything different about it?"

He scratched his chin then spoke "Aye. They attacked with a larger force, and they left the wine alone."

Natulcien studied Odo and heard the truth of his words. They had seemed to be the focus of the attack...but why? No one had known they were coming here for it had been a last-minute decision.

"I met a man from Esgaroth. I believe his name was Tran..". She got no further because his mouth curled in disgust. "Lazy cur. Don't trust that boy. Ragnor takes up for him as he be young." He spat on the ground and continued. "Young my arse! He is a man growed and needs to act it. Never can be found. Says he be looking for the thieves all the time but he is shady that one."

"Thank you, Odo. I am glad you are safe, and I will petition the King on your behalf. I must check on my men." She smiled at him and made her way to the healing houses. Once there she washed up and checked the progress on Beleg. Durion and another were working side by side. For the next few hours, Natulcien meticulously laid inner and outer stitches. Rising slowly, she stretched out the kinks in her lower body and carefully washed her hands before applying a poultice and wrapping his shoulder. Then another healer approached with a sleeping potion. He would keep use of his arm but traveling would be painful.

She stepped outside to find Terel waiting for her, and she was surprised to find it was nearly dark. "Time to meet the woodland King," he said and handed her red cloak now mud-stained and travel-worn.

Slipping it over her shoulders, she groaned. "A warm meal, a hot bath and something softer than the ground."

Terel laughed and then stated he alone would accompany her; the men would stay with Beleg in case we needed to move fast.

**What has happened while with Beleg?** she inquired using mental communication so as to not be overheard.

**They are curious but have kept their distance. I would assume Odo is asleep or has left for Esgaroth. ** Seeing her dismay, he quickly went on stressing ** And we must approach the King. He has been patient and again I am assuming it was due to Beleg's injury.**

Natulcien glanced up to take in everyone still about and noted Golvan and Tauriel headed their way.

Tauriel had taken the time while the group was in the healing house to send yet another message to the King. No replies had come back, but that did not surprise her. At least now she was able to provide full information as to the identity of their guests. She wondered how he would react as he was not known for his hospitality. One of the healers had sent her word when they were almost completed with their attention to the injured.