Chapter 14: Flee for Your Lives

In which there are two wizards, and an Elf.

When Sara got back to the sleeping dwarfs, Kili was still asleep in his spot and she lay down to try and rest. For a long time she lay there curled in on herself trying to warm up but it was no use; great shivers wracked her body and her teeth chattered audibly. The sound must have woken Fili for he rolled over to face her.

"Sara, what's wrong?" he asked.

"It's so cold," she said between her shivers. Fili frowned and held his hand to her forehead and then neck.

"You're burning up!" He set up and reached across her to nudge his brother awake. "Kili. Wake up."

"What is it?" moaned Kili groggily as he rolled to face them.

"Sara is sick." Kili sat up more awake as he rubbed at his face. "She is burning up. Go get Oin."

"No," hissed Sara curling in on herself as her her belly throbbed. "Just get me my pills."

"But Sara," argued Fili. "You're not well. Oin should look at you." Sara shook her head violently but Fili ignored her. "Kili go wake Oin." he instructed, but at that moment a blood chilling howl rang through the still air. Sara's eyes flew wide and she was filled with dread.

"Was that what I think it was?" she asked trying to sit up.

"Yes," said Fili. Bilbo, Balin, Gandalf and Thorin were suddenly among them waking the others.

"Up now!" said Thorin urgently to the others. "We must go now, sleep or no. The orc pack is only a few miles away. Up!" Sara got to her feet along with the others as Fili approached Thorin.

"Uncle, Sara is sick. She is hot to the touch but says she is cold. Oin should look at her before we leave," he said.

"No time. I'm not sure how close our enemies are. We must go now. The sooner we leave the sooner she can get help in Rivendell, but the elves will be of no use to her if she is dead at the hands of an orc," said Thorin briskly getting the others on their feet. Seeing his nephews distress he rested a hand on his Fili's shoulder. "Get her up and moving Fili. Keep a close watch on her. If she becomes worse, inform me." Fili nodded slowly.

They were now moving very fast along the road, Fili and Kili once again guiding Sara. Bilbo also hung onto the coattails of Bofur. Sara's ribs were now not the only thing that hurt; her stomach to felt hot, sticky and tender, but she pushed through the pain and discomfort trying to keep her distress from the notice of the others knowing that their was no time. They could all hear the howls behind them, through the direction and distance seemed to vary. The sun was just coming up when they stopped for a quick drink and a breath. Sara could now see but Fili and Kili still held her hands pulling her along for she had begun to lag behind. Gandalf and Thorin were speaking lowly.

"Something is coming!" shouted Dwalin his ax at the ready in his grip.

"Stay together," called Gandalf. "Arm yourselves quickly!" The group of dwarves drew closer together and Sara found herself pushed into the middle of the group along with Bilbo. Dwalin came to stand at their backs watching the rear as the others prepare themselves for what ever was crashing through the undergrowth towards them.

"Thieves! Fire! Murder!" came a shout from in front of them, and suddenly something burst into view. Sara was not sure if she was seeing things, for before them on a sled was a man in brown robes with a staff much like Gandalf's. There was a wild look in his eyes and Sara wondered if he was indeed mad, for pulling his sleigh were ten rabbits the size of labradors. The dwarves were all poised to strike but Gandalf's voice broke the tension, relief plain in his greeting.

"Radagast! Radagast the Brown," said Gandalf striding forward. The others relaxed but did not lower their weapons. Sara recalled that Radagast was the name of the brown wizard from a conversation she had with Bilbo and Gandalf when the dwarves were not speaking with her. "What on earth are you doing here?" questioned the gray wizard.

"I was looking for you Gandalf," said the brown wizard. "Something is wrong. Something is terribly wrong."

"Yes?" urged Gandalf. "Quickly now for we are being hunted."

The brown wizard made as if to speak but no words came from him and a flustered look came over his face. "Just give me a minute... Oh... I had a thought and now it's gone. It was right there on the tip of my tongue." He drew his hat from his head ringing it in his hands. Sara swore she saw a bird's nest in his hair before he replaced his hat, his face brightening. "OH! It's not a thought at all. It's..." Gandalf reached forward and drew something from off his companions tongue and dropped the small wriggling thing into the brown wizards hand. " ... A silly old stick insect," finished Radagast. Gandalf had said that Radagast preferred nature and the companionship of animals, but Sara would never have guessed it to be quite this ... invasive. Judging from the revolted look on Bilbo's face she was not imagining things. Sara fought the pain as a wash of dizziness swept over her and she tried to hear what the brown wizard had come to say.

Radagast continued. "The Greenwood is sick Gandalf. Nothing good grows there anymore. The air is foul with decay, but worst are the webs."

"Webs?" asked the gray wizard. "What do you mean?"

"Spiders Gandalf, giant ones. Some sort of spawn of Ungoliant, or I am not a wizard. I followed their trail; they came from Dol Guldur." Gandalf who had been pacing stopped and looked at the brown wizard warily.

"Dol Guldur? But the old fortress is abandoned," insisted the gray wizard.

"No Gandalf, tis not. A dark power dwells there, such as I have never felt before. It is the shadow of an ancient evil." Sara wondered what ancient evil that could be. The rise of the only evil she knew of was not to come for many years yet. She listened as Radagast continued. "One that can summon the spirits of the dead. I saw him Gandalf, from out of the darkness a necromancer has come." Radagast's eyes glazed over and he was still for a few moments lost in a trance before giving a start. "Sorry," he said. Gandalf let him take a puff of his pipe and the brown wizard relaxed considerably. The dwarves were still surrounding Sara keeping watch as she fought to stay on her feet.

"Now," said Gandalf, "A necromancer?" he eyes the other skeptically. "Are you sure?" Radagast straightened and handed what look like a wrapped sword to Gandalf. The gray wizards unwrapped the hilt and his face paled.

"That is not from the world of the living Gandalf," said Radagast, all disquiet gone from his eyes now. A howl pierced the thick tension and a warg came bounding through the trees towards them. Dwalin stepped behind a large tree facing the group and just as the beast burst through the bush beside him the dwarf brought his ax down into the creature's head stilling it instantly. A second wolf jump from over its fallen companion towards the group of dwarves. Sara heard a twang and looked to see Kili reaching for a second arrow, but his first had hit its mark clean and the wolf dropped. Thorin beheaded it with a swing of his blade. This was all too much for Sara and she sank to the ground.

"Sara," cried Fili but Oin reached her first and yanked up her Gravity Falls t-shirt to examine her stomach. He drew a sharp breath as he pulled away her bandage and a foul smell hit Sara. Had she had any food in her belly it would have made an appearance as she began to dry heave, groaning in pain as her stomach convulsed.

"The wound is septic," called Oin. Thorin and Gandalf pressed closer to her gently pushing Fili and Kili out of the way. "She needs immediate attention. Her fever is too high," said the old healer.

"We can not stop now," said Thorin torn. "How close are we to the elves?" he asked Gandalf.

"Very close indeed, but with the orc pack upon us, it will make little difference to Sara."

"We have to get out of here," insisted Dwalin as another howl rang through the air.

"I will draw them off," said Radagast. Thorin looked at the girl who is struggling to keep her eyes open; her skin was pale and her breath came fast. Panic and fear twisted together in his gut again as he watched her struggle.

"These are Gundabad wargs," said Gandalf disparagingly to his companion. "They will out run you." A gleeful glint came into the brown wizard eyes.

"These are Rhosgobel rabbits. I'd like to see them try."

"Alright," said Gandalf as he stood. "Let's try it."

"Dori," called Thorin. Dori appeared beside him. "You will carry Ms. Sara. Bifur take his pack. We will follow Gandalf." They rose and Oin helped settle Sara on Dori's back. "Take care of her Dori," said Thorin.

"Like my own kin," replied the dwarf. Radagast took off through the trees and they began to follow Gandalf at a run. Thorin nodded his approval as Fili and Kili ran past him, flanking Dori and Sara. Nori was near to Ori, and Bofur had charge of the small hobbit who looked positively terrified.

"Don't worry Mr. Bilbo, stay close to me and we may yet see tomorrow," he heard the toymaker reassure the would-be burglar. Thorin hoped the hobbit's courage would hold out as he and Dwalin took up the rear. Thorin could hear the brown wizard shouting obscenities and insults at the orcs and was glad to see as they broke through the trees into the open, that he had successfully drawn the pack off. The group gathered behind a large outcropping of rock out of sight. "Stay together," insisted Gandalf. "Stay quiet and dodge behind the rocks." He pointed and the group was moving again. Thorin drew his sword and followed, all the while watching for stray wargs or orcs. They had just gathered behind the fifth such rock when Thorin noticed Sara lay limp on Dori's back, her strength gone, through her eyes still cracked as she watched her surroundings dully. Thorin pressed closer to Gandalf.

"How much further?" he asked. "Where are you leading us to? Ms. Sara does not look well at all." Gandalf nodded his understanding and pointed.

"Just beyond that far outcropping I believe we will find the entrance, but it will be easy to miss indeed." Thorin judged it to be about three-quarters of a mile off. "Shall we risk a run for it?" asked the wizard. Thorin could hear the orc pack but could not see them near.

"All right," he said and gestured for the others to follow him. "Stay close," he called as he led them in a straight line towards his goal darting behind the rocks as much as possible. He kept an eye on the jagged horizon to his right for that was where the pack was judging by the sounds. They were about halfway there and were just ducking behind another outcropping when he saw the movement out of the corner of his eye to the right. Radagast crested the hill on his rabbit drawn sleigh, wargs snapping at his heels. The company clustered behind the rock, but Ori seemed to not have noticed for he was continuing past the edge of the rocks.

"Ori no!" shouted Thorin collaring the young dwarf. "Come back." The young scribes eyes were wide with fear as Thorin slammed him against the rock out of sight. Nori pushed closer to his brother and took him by the arm. They waited a moment as Gandalf peered around the boulders and then signaled the all clear. As they hid behind the next rock Thorin was sure he had seen a warg and rider peel off from the others and he held the company close to the rock signaling for silence. Small pebbles rained down on them and Thorin looked up to see his fears confirmed. Bofur held Bilbo, a hand clamped over the hobbit's mouth in case he should make a sound. Kili was beside him and Thorin gestured for him to try his bow. His nephew drew an arrow and with a swift movement shot an arrow into the wolf's neck. Rider and mount tumbled from a rock and onto the ground and the company was upon them, but before the pair could be dispatched properly the shrieks and screams of pain had been carried to the orc pack.

"Run!" yelled Thorin urging them forward. They all moved at once. Gandalf led the way and Dwalin and Thorin once again took up the rear guard. They had just entered a small valley with a large boulder in the center when the pack caught up with them.

"We're surrounded," yelled Fili. Thorin and raised his sword and hacked into the chest of a warg that was at his heals and then stabbed the rider.

"Kili," he shouted as he swung at another orc who had dismounted. "Shoot them!" He began to hear the regular sound of a bow as bodies fell to the ground.

"Where is Gandalf?" asked Nori. Thorin chanced a glance around but couldn't see the wizard. He decapitated an orc to his right.

"He has abandoned us," shouted Dwalin knocking an orc from it's mount his ax in its chest. Bifur stabbed the wolf with his boar spear. Gloin and Oin were finishing off a large orc.

"Hold your ground!" thundered Thorin fending off the attack of an advancing orc and stabbing it through the middle.

"This way you fools!" came Gandalf's cry. Thorin saw the wizard's head pop up from under the bottom of the giant rock in the middle of the clearing. Bombur pushed Bilbo down the hole and then went himself; Oin and Gloin who were closest also followed.

"Where are Dori and Sara?" asked Fili as he dispatched and warg his twin blades now stained black with blood. Thorin felt panic lance through him when he turned and saw Dori with Sara on his back and Ori at his side about a hundred yards out being chased by a large orc and warg pair.

"Kili!" shouted Thorin, but Kili's quiver was now empty and he held his sword in his hands swinging at the wolf in front of him. "Fili, Kili, Nori, Dwalin, hold them off," he yelled as he took off toward Dori, for he knew that despite the dwarfs great strength he could not protect himself his kin and the girl. Thorin turned to look behind him when he heard footsteps and saw Bofur, mattock in hand, trailing behind him. The wolf and rider were upon the three now and Bofur cried out as the warg snapped its teeth missing Sara by a hair but knocking Dori to the ground. The dwarf jumped to his feet standing over Sara and drew his sword. The orc dismounted and advanced on Ori. The warg leapt at Dori pushing him to the ground again, his sword flying from his hand to land near the girl who lie on the ground. Thorin and Bofur are were now about forty yards away as Ori drew his slingshot and fired a shot at the advancing orc which bounced off its armored chest. The orc kicked Ori high in the chest sending the young dwarf scribe sprawling. "Ori" screamed Bofur. Dory was under the warg now, its teeth sunk into his forearms as he pummeled the wolf with his other fist. Bofur peeled off to the left to aid him, a battle cry falling from the toymaker's mouth. Thorin knew he was not going to reach Ori in time as the orc held its sword high above its head to strike. "Ori move!" thundered Thorin, pouring all his strength into his legs but it was still not enough, for Ori was frozen with fear. A blur from the right smashed into the unsuspecting orc, knocking it to the ground and Thorin was astounded to see the girl atop it, Dori's sword in hand hacking wildly at the enemy beneath her. "Sara!" shouted Thorin as he came closer. She turned swinging at his head and he was surprised by the strength behind the blow as he blocked it deftly. Her eyes were wide and wild until her strength gave out altogether and they rolled back into her head as she collapsed. Thorin leapt forward catching her in his arms as Ori got to his feet. She was still breathing rapidly as he checked her for further injury. Bofur had driven his mattock into the wolfs temple and he and Dori now joined them.

"Sloppy work Thorin," said Bofur when he viewed the shredded face and shoulders of the orc.

"That is Sara's handiwork," said Thorin lifting the girl into his arms. Dori picked up both his and Thorin's swords, the red blood from his arm dripping down to mingle with the black on the blades.

"This way!" called Dwalin smashing his ax into the head of an orc as he and the others fought to keep the path to the rock clear. They ran for it, Bofur and Dori on either side as Thorin and Ori made for the rock that Gandalf and the others had vanished under. A horn rang loud through the air and the orcs and their wolf mounts both seemed to scatter, making a few last attempts at the dwarves as they fled. The only ones left above now were Fili, Kili, Dwalin and Thorin who still carried Sara. Thorin gestured for Fili and Kili to go down the hole as Dwalin stood guard. Once they were down Thorin followed sliding down as carefully as he could, keeping Sara's head tucked into his chest. Fili and Kili were waiting for him at the bottom on either side to slow his fall and steady him. Dwalin slid into the gloom moments later ax still at the ready as he turned to watch the entrance.

They were all silent, holding their breath as screams of pain, sounds of battle, and the thunder of hooves met their ears. The light was temporarily blocked out as an orc body fell down into their midst an elvish arrow jutting from its throat. Dwalin looked distinctly unhappy as he examine the shaft. They were in entrance of a narrow slot canyon wide enough for a single person and there was a thickness in the air that Thorin could not explain properly but would bet was magic. Dwalin had moved further down the canyon.

"I cannot see where the pathway leads. Do we follow it or no?" asked the warrior as he looked ahead.

"Follow it of course," said Bofur now herding a ruffled looking Bilbo in front of him.

"I think that would be wise," said Gandalf, now moving to lead the way with Bilbo and Bofur behind him. Fili, Kili, and Oin gathered around Thorin looking at the girl in his arms. Oin checked her pulse and forehead, as the princes looked on shuffling uneasily.

"We must move quickly if we are to save her." said Oin and Thorin shifted her higher in his arms and began a quick pace after the others. In a few short minutes the tunnel opened up onto a small overlook that offered a view that Thorin was sure the hobbit would find entrancing. True to character Bilbo stood staring in amazement his jaw open.

"Rivendell," said Bilbo. The rest of the company save Gandalf were not quite so impressed, in fact there were many deep scowls and weapons were still drawn. Thorin's own fingers itched for his blade which Dori had returned to him, but it was not practical with the girl in his arms and he knew it was a poor greeting for someone they sought aid from. Bofur who stood with Bilbo near the edge turned to his little friend with a flourish and a bow.

"See I told you we would arrive safely," said the toymaker a grin plastered under his mustache. His smile vanished, however, and was replaced with a startled horror as the ground beneath his feet gave way and he plunged down. They heard a thump and a crunch.

"Bofur!" cried Bombur who was now looking over the edge.

"I'm alright," came a voice followed by a moan of pain. "Mostly." Bifur was now scrambling down the narrow switchbacks to reach his younger cousin, Bombur hot on his heels. The others made their way carefully down the trail towards their fallen companion. By the time Thorin reached them Oin was prodding Bofur's leg. The dwarf had fallen some fifty feet onto a large rock and as his kin helped him to stand he clenched his teeth in pain.

"He has a broken leg, but we'll be alright," informed Oin. Thorin heaved a weary sigh.

"Get him up. We must keep moving." They slithered and slid down the steep path drawing ever closer to the ground and in a matter of minutes were making their way quickly through the green woods that seemed to make up the valley floor. The company traveled along a road made of white cobblestones, the trees tall and white on either side. Fili and Kili walked close beside Thorin now, casting worried glances at him and the girl in his arms. The dwarf king once again quickened his pace. The sound of hooves and metal came to his ears and his back stiffened. He turned to see several horses and riders approaching them from the rear, their armor glinting in the warm sunlight that streamed through the green leaves above.

"Close ranks!" roared Thorin, though his warning was hardly necessary as the company gathered together weapons at the ready.

Gandalf drew close to Thorin and the others. "If we are to be successful this will need to be handled with tact, respect, and no small degree of charm, which is why you should leave the talking to me," said the wizard. Thorin scowled. The riders closed the distance quickly and circled the company forcing them closer together still as they reigned in their mounts. A tall elf approach them on his own white horse.

"Gandalf!" cried the rider, pleasure evident in his tone as the wizard step forward.

"Lord Elrond," greeted the wizard. "Old friend. Where have you been?" The elf lord broke into a string of Elvis before glancing down at Thorin who had pressed his way forward to stand beside Gandalf and switching to the common tongue.

"We were hunting Orcs who came close to the hidden pass. It is strange for orcs to come so close to our borders; something or someone must have drawn them near."

"Ah," said Gandalf. "That may have been us. We have been hunted for several days now and it was only by your good timing, aid, and the hidden pass that we stand before you now."

"Thirteen dwarves, a hobbit, and..." Lord Elrond peered closer at Sara in Thorin's arms, his face clouding with concern. "... an ill woman. Quite strange traveling companions you keep Mithrandir." Elrond stepped closer to Thorin reaching for Sara but Thorin jerked away and the elf withdrew his hand.

"Welcome Thorin, son of Thrain," he said his gaze steady upon Thorin.

"I do not believe we have met," said Thorin suspicious of the elf lord.

"You have your grandfather's bearing. I knew Thror when he ruled under the mountain. But tell me what has happened to the companion you carry."

Fili stepped up beside Thorin and addressed the lord before he could reply. "Please Lord Elrond, Sara was injured by warg several days ago. Oin fears that the infection has taken her," he said reaching to grab her hand. "She also has several cracked ribs though Gandalf was able to partially heal them. Can you save her? Oin says we may lose her if she is not helped soon." The elf looked down to the blonde prince his gaze kind.

"May I?" asked the elf lord, reaching for the girl again. Thorin relaxed his grip and nodded to the elf taking several steps forward. Lord Elrond pulled back Sara's shirt which was now stuck to her middle and a putrid smell filled Thorin's nose. The elk shifted his hands to her ribs and Thorin saw the dark bruising that seem to make up her entire torso. His heart clenched, he had not known her injuries to be so severe and guilt twisted in his gut. When Lord Elrond withdrew his hand his face was grim. Oin came to stand near them looking to the elf as he yelled something in Elvish to the riders. Three elves dismounted and brought their horses forward.

"We must take her to my home quickly. Your healer Oin is correct, she is in grave danger. Gandalf you will come with us," said the elf handing him the reins of a brown horse. "And you Thorin will take this horse." He now held the reins of a black horse. "Here give her to me while you mount." Thorin grudgingly let the elf take Sara from him; he did not want to let her out of his sight. He told himself it was because she was to guarantee his company left this place, but he could not convince himself wholly of this reason.

"What about us?" asked Kili stepping forward to stand with his brother. "We want to come as well, she is our sister." Elrond's eyebrows raised as he regarded the two princes.

"She is your kin?" asked the elf lord looking to Kili.

"My nephews think to make her a heart sister," said Thorin turning to the princes. He missed the shocked expression on the elf's face. "But it will never happen." Fili opened his mouth to protest but Thorin cut him off. "Stay here with the others."

"But..." protested Fili. Thorin grasped his shoulder.

"Stay here and led the others after us. Help Balin keep the others in line. Do not anger or insult our hosts by arguing. It is not becoming of a prince of Erebor. Sara will be safe enough with Gandalf and I; or do you doubt our capabilities?" Fili looked unhappy, but gave a quick nod.

"Yes uncle," Fili said meekly and he and Kili stepped back to join the company beside Balin.

"Oin," called Elrond. "You are welcome to join us." Thorin moved to the large black horse and with a little difficulty got himself into the wide saddle. Dwarves did not often use beasts of burden and never a horse for they were too big. Lord Elrond passed Sara up to Thorin who was relieved to have her back. He situated her in front of him her back to him his arm wrapped around her stomach and up over her shoulder his other hand grasping the reins and saddle horn. Oin approached the elf lord.

"Their is one among our company who has broken his leg on the way into the valley," said the old healer.

"He may come with us," nodded Elrond. Dwalin and Bifur had to help Bofur and Oin up into the saddle of the third horse, but soon they were off at a canter lead by Elrond. Thorin found it difficult to balance on the dark horse and keep Sara from flopping around too much, and by the time they had passed through the forest and come to a large open villa he was glad to dismount. They followed Elrond quickly through the airy halls but Thorin did not take notice as a girl in his arms began to jerk and shudder and it was all he could do not to drop her without crushing her painfully to him. After what seemed to be hours but he knew to be only minutes, they entered a large room with several beds and curtains therein.

"Lay her here," said Lord Elrond removing his cloak and outer robs. Thorin brought her to the bed and laid her down as gently as he could. She was still once again; her chest only barely rose and fell and there was no color in her face. Worry and panic gnawed at his gut. Several other elves entered the room and their lord gave instructions in a loud clear voice. Thorin didn't even notice as Oin helped a hopping Bofur to a bed and they sat watching their King fret over the girl. Elrond approached her bed.

"You may leave us now if you wish Thorin. I will see to her personally." Thorin didn't move. He was determined not to leave her side until he was sure she would live, he owed her that much.

"Come Thorin," said Gandalf, turning to leave. "Let's let Lord Elrond work." Curtains were now drawn around Sara's bed, but the dwarf king did not move to follow the wizard. The elf lord took a pair of scissors and grasped the neckline of the Sara's shirt and cut from top to bottom exposing her heavily bruised torso. Elrond moved to remove her undergarment and Thorin felt his face heat up as the strange feeling returned in earnest squirming low in his abdomen; he was out the door and down the hall before he could see the wizard's knowing smile.