The Wanderer

Chapter Six

Tauriel was waiting for us at the river's edge. She did not look into my eyes, feeling guilty for leading me into a trap. I did not blame her, she did not want to be left behind, and it was partly my own fault. If I hadn't been so protective, I would've caught up to the dwarves by now.

Legolas took out one of his knives, turning to me. "If I cut your bonds, will you run?"

"That wouldn't be very bright of me; we are going to the same place after all," I told him, smiling slightly. Despite herself, Tauriel let a small smile appear on her face, though Legolas was stoic as ever. The prince cut my bonds, letting the rope fall to the ground.

The rope had left a sore on my wrist, one that bothered my scars, but I ignored it as I took back my blade.

Looking around at my surroundings, I spotted a poorly up-kept dock with ropes strewn messily across. As Tauriel and Legolas engaged in a conversation discussing which way the dwarves had chosen, I climbed onto the dock and inspected one of the ropes. It was still wet, a tell-tale sign it had recently been used.

"The dwarves found a bardman," I interrupted, standing up and adjusting my sword's sheath, "He took them to Esgaroth, for supplies, no doubt. I suspect they left less than an hour ago."

"They knew the orcs would catch them if they went around," Tauriel commented, coming to stand beside me.

"We will have to cross the bridge, it's not too far, just south from here," Legolas spoke up, putting his blade away. We would not need it with the orcs already far ahead of us. "We will have to travel swiftly if we wish to catch them."

The chilling sound of a warg's howl filled the air, declaring some victory it had accomplished. I sincerely hope that something hadn't happened to Rieka; all I wanted was to storm the orcs, slaughter them all, and have Rieka back at my side, but I knew I couldn't do it alone.

"Where is Rieka?" Legolas suddenly asked. I looked to him, surprised. Barely any elf I had known bothered to learn the name of my companion; they all thought her to be a monster.

"She went after the pack to keep an eye on them," I told him, nervously fidgeting with my belt.

"Then we must travel quickly." Legolas ran off, towards the bridge, with Tauriel following silently, but I stood there, slightly shocked. I wasn't sure, but it sounded like the prince actually cared about Rieka; no one has ever done that except me. It was strange change, but a good one.

I hurried after the two elves, ready to catch up to the orcs and keep them from murdering any more innocent people. Even with the grim thoughts of battle, I couldn't keep a small smile off my face.

~~~

It was dark by the time we arrived at the bridge. The moon shined on the three of us as we ran across the bridge. I could already hear the battle cries of the orcs; they had reached the town before us.

The screams of towns-folk that had spotted the orcs rang through the air, prompting me to move faster. It seemed that most of the orcs were focusing on one house in particular on the north side of the town. That must be wear the dwarves are.

"Farren, take care of the orcs on the south side," Legolas commanded, taking out his bow and notching an arrow.

"But-" I protested, a little irritated to be kept out of the main action.

"Farren," he said strictly, giving me the same look his father gave me while trying to keep me in line. I sighed, but did as he said.

As I ran through the streets of the town, I realized the prince had been right. Orcs roamed the street, terrifying innocent people and destroying property.