Chapter 28 - The Escape from the Woodland Realm Part 2

Once Bilbo had freed the Dwarves and Taranis from their cells, he hurriedly explained his plan to use the empty wine barrels. "We'll float down the river and escape! Trust me; it's better than sitting here!"Thorin, still grappling with the events that had unfolded, glanced skeptically at the barrels. "You think we can escape in those?"Aredhel stepped forward, her eyes shining with determination. "It's a risk worth taking. You can trust me. My brother has taught me much about the woods and the rivers here. If we time it right, we can make it out before the Elven guards realize what we're doing."With a collective nod, the Dwarves climbed into the barrels as Bilbo and Aredhel pushed them into the water. The current quickly carried them downstream, away from the looming shadows of the Elvenking's Halls.As they floated down the river, the initial excitement began to fade. Taranis clung tightly to the sides of his barrel, his heart pounding as they navigated the twists and turns. "I can't believe we're doing this!" he shouted over the rushing water. "What's next, a grand escape from a dragon?"Bilbo laughed nervously, glancing back at the distant trees. "Let's just hope we don't encounter any dragons on our way!"Suddenly, the tranquility of their escape shattered as Bolg and his Orc party ambushed them from the riverbanks, arrows flying through the air. "Get them!" Bolg shouted, his voice a chilling growl."Quick, everyone! Stay low!" Taranis yelled, ducking behind the barrel's edge. He glanced at Aredhel, who was poised and ready with a bow. "Can you shoot?""Just watch," she replied, drawing her bow with ease. She let loose an arrow, striking an Orc in the shoulder, causing it to howl in pain.The chaos escalated. Kíli, eager to help, leapt from his barrel to raise the portcullis that barred their passage. "I can do this! Just hold on!" he yelled, straining against the heavy structure."Be careful!" Tauriel shouted, her voice rising above the din of battle. But before Kíli could manage to lift it, an Orc's arrow flew through the air, striking him squarely in the shoulder. He staggered, gasping in pain as he fell to the ground."Kíli!" Fili cried, rushing to his brother's side.Legolas and Tauriel turned their attention away from the fleeing Dwarves to help fend off the Orcs. "We have to protect them!" Legolas commanded, his bowstring taut as he unleashed a flurry of arrows at their pursuers.With a fierce determination, Taranis joined the fight, brandishing Anguirel. "We won't let them take us back!" he yelled, channeling the power of the sword as he struck down an Orc.In the chaos, the Dwarves finally managed to reach their barrels, and with Aredhel and Bilbo guiding them, they floated down the river. Legolas and Tauriel, meanwhile, found themselves swarmed by Orcs, forced to hold the line. "We cannot let them escape!" Tauriel cried, determination etched on her face.But the onslaught of Orcs was relentless. In a moment of desperate bravery, Tauriel shouted, "You go! Save the Dwarves!" She turned to Legolas, her eyes fierce. "I will not let them harm Kíli."Legolas hesitated but knew she would not be swayed. "I will follow you!" he shouted as he caught a glimpse of Kíli's injury. Reluctantly, he followed her, leaving their original task behind.Meanwhile, as the Dwarves floated farther down the river, they could hear the distant clash of metal and the cries of battle behind them. "We made it!" Bilbo cheered, though a sense of dread loomed in the back of his mind.After the battle, a battered and bloodied Bolg returned to the Elvenking's Halls, dragging an Orc captive with him. "This one knows of the One," Bolg sneered as he threw the captive at Thranduil's feet. "He is of the Dark Lord's servants."Thranduil's expression darkened. "What do you mean by the One?" he demanded, his voice cold and authoritative.The Orc, trembling with fear, stammered, "The Dark Lord returns! He—"Before he could finish, Thranduil swiftly drew his sword and decapitated the Orc. "Seal the kingdom!" he commanded, turning away from the grim sight. "We cannot let this evil take root in our realm."Back outside, Aredhel returned to her father's side, her heart heavy with the knowledge of her betrayal. She had aided the Dwarves, and she knew the repercussions would come. "Father," she began, but Thranduil's piercing gaze silenced her."You have broken our laws, Aredhel," he said, his voice low but full of authority. "You aided those Dwarves, knowing full well the dangers they pose.""But they needed help!" Aredhel pleaded, stepping forward defiantly. "They are not our enemies; they seek to reclaim their home. If we do not help them, we risk the wrath of Sauron himself!"Thranduil's expression hardened. "Your loyalty is misplaced. You will remain confined to the halls until I see fit."Aredhel felt her heart sink. "Father, please—""Enough!" Thranduil's voice resonated through the halls, silencing her protests. He turned away from her, his decision final.---As they floated safely down the river, Taranis glanced back toward the Elvenking's Halls, his heart heavy with the knowledge of their narrow escape. "I hope they'll be alright," he said quietly, not just for the Dwarves but for Aredhel as well.Bilbo nodded, determination in his eyes. "We have to keep moving. There are still dangers ahead, and we must be ready."With newfound resolve, the Dwarves and Taranis paddled their barrels further down the river, leaving the past behind as they prepared for the challenges that lay ahead.