The King of Mirkwood (Thranduil fan fic)

Ch.17: Rescue

The image of Galather preventing Deryth from rescuing me replays in my mind. Each time feels like someone strangling me. The cobweb cocoon surrounding me grows tighter with every minute. I might as well be dead.

I close my eyes and let them spider drag me away. I failed my father. I failed my kingdom. And I failed myself.

"Thanduil!" Someone yells. The arachnid carrying me stops in its tracks. I open my eyes and see Deryth sprinting along the tree limb towards me. She is holding a long knife in each hand. The giant spiders in the area start hissing. They surround her, but she twirls around gracefully around, killing them quickly with her blades. Finally, after many moments of fighting, Deryth comes over to cut me out of the cocoon.

I stand up shakily, but she places a steadying hand on my shoulder.

"Deryth, I-" I start to apologize and thank her, but she leans forward and puts her lips on mine. But just as quickly as she kissed me she pulls away. I can feel a blush rising to my cheeks and my heard racing.

Suddenly Ninthalor appears. His aged face is full of shock and relief.

"My lord! You're alive!" He exclaims. A few guard members follow the elf.

"Barely," I sigh, feeling dizzy and dazed.

"Let us get you back to the palace and have the healer see to you immediately."

"Thank you." Deryth wraps her arm around me shoulders and assists me in climbing down the tree. When we reach the ground I reach forward and pull some spiderweb out of her hair. She smiles at me briefly but then frowns. Her face grows pale.

"Deryth?" I gasp. She puts her hand to her side, groaning. I quickly use my last bit of strength to hold her up, to keep her from falling.

It is now I notice a long wounds running from her armpit down to her hip. Panic rises inside of me.

"Get Deryth to a healer now!"