Three weeks had passed since the incident in Goblin City , and the Company had made good progress. They had descended from the Misty Mountains, crossed the Anduin on makeshift rafts (with Escanor swimming alongside them, his strength making the treacherous currents seem trivial), and were now approaching the edge of a forest that stretched before them like a dark green wall.
Black Forest.
Even from a distance, Escanor could sense that something was wrong with this place. The air smelled of decay and disease, the trees grew too close together, too twisted, and there was an oppressive silence that was unnatural for any living forest.
"I don't like it," muttered Bilbo , looking at the trees uneasily. "It feels... evil."
"Because it is," Gandalf said, dismounting and studying the forest with a somber expression. "A sickness has taken hold of Mirkwood. The darkness of Dol Guldur spreads, corrupting the very roots of these ancient trees.
—Dol Guldur ? — Thorin frowned — The necromancer's stronghold. I thought it was farther south.
"It is," Gandalf confirmed. "But its influence extends far. And I must go there. I must verify my suspicions about who truly dwells there."
" Are you leaving us?" Fili looked alarmed. "Now?"
"I have no choice," Gandalf said, looking at each of them. "If I'm correct about Dol Guldur , if the Necromancer is who I think he is... then I need to know for sure. And I need to act before it's too late.
—So we're alone crossing this enchanted forest— said Dwalin with distaste. —Perfect.
"You are not alone," Escanor said, his hand resting on Rhitta . "You still have me. And Gandalf is right. If there is a greater threat in Dol Guldur needs to be investigated. We can't ignore it just because it's inconvenient.
Thorin nodded slowly.
— Escanor is right. Gandalf, go. Do what you must. We will continue through the forest and meet you on the other side.
"Do not stray from the path," Gandalf warned sternly. "The forest will try to confuse you, separate you, and lead you astray. Stay on the path, do not drink the water from the stream you will cross, and by all heavens, do not fall asleep under the trees."
—Cheerful— Bofur remarked . —Very cheerful.
"Be careful," Gandalf said, looking specifically at Escanor . "And you, keep your power under control. The light could attract... unwanted attention."
—Understood — Escanor nodded.
With that, Gandalf mounted his horse and rode south, his grey form soon disappearing into the distance. The Company watched him go in silence, each feeling the weight of his absence.
"Very well," Thorin squared his shoulders. "Then let's go in. And let's remember Gandalf's warnings. Stay on the path, stay together, stay alert."
They entered the forest.
Suddenly, the world changed. The sunlight vanished, replaced by a sickly green gloom that filtered through the thick canopy above them. The air grew heavy, difficult to breathe, and there were sounds in the distance—creaks and whispers that could have been the wind, or they could have been something far worse.
The road they followed was old, paved with stones that had seen better days. Climbing plants grew over it, and in some places it had almost disappeared altogether. But it was better than nothing, and they clung to it like sailors to a life preserver.
" How long will it take us to cross this place?" Bilbo asked after several hours of walking.
Balin replied . "Maybe a week if we're lucky and the road stays clear."
"We won't be that lucky," Dwalin muttered , his eyes scanning the shadows suspiciously.
He was right.
Three Days Later
The forest was getting worse. Cobwebs began to appear, at first just a few thin strands, but then thicker, denser, until they had to cut them to continue. The sounds also grew louder, closer. Clicks and snaps that sounded like... feet. Lots of feet.
" Escanor said softly, stopping abruptly. "Giant spiders."
" How do you know?" Kili whispered .
—I can feel them. In the trees, above us. They're watching us. Waiting.
The dwarves immediately drew their weapons, forming a defensive circle. Bilbo stood in the center, his small sword (which he had named Sting after finding it in the trolls ' cave ) trembling in his hands.
" How many?" Thorin asked quietly.
—Dozens— Escanor looked up at the canopy. —Maybe more. They're coordinated. Hunting in packs.
"Then we must move," Thorin decided. "Quickly! Before they attack!"
They started to run, but it was useless. The spiders had been waiting for that movement. They descended from above in waves of chitinous legs and dripping fangs, horse-sized creatures with multiple eyes that gleamed with malevolent hunger.
" Defensive formation!" roared Thorin .
But there were too many spiders, too fast. They separated the Company, surrounding individual dwarves, dragging some into the shadows. Bilbo disappeared with a shriek. Bombur was ensnared in webs and lifted up into the trees.
Escanor moved like lightning. Rhitta sliced through one spider, then another, then another. But for every one she killed, two more appeared.
" This isn't working!" he shouted. Fíli , his sword dripping green spider venom—There are too many!
Escanor made a decision. Gandalf had warned against using his power, against drawing attention to himself. But if he didn't do something now, the Fellowship would die.
And he hadn't survived goblins , mountains, and everything else just to die at the hands of spiders.
" Cover your eyes!" he roared.
And then he unleashed his power.
Light exploded from its body like a miniature sun. The nearest spiders were instantly incinerated, their bodies bursting into flames. Those farther away shrieked and retreated, their multiple eyes blinded by the sudden glare.
" Cruel Sun !" Escanor summoned a dozen spheres of solar fire, sending them flying toward the canopy where more spiders were hiding. The explosions shook the trees, and flaming spiders rained down like fiery rain.
In less than a minute, the surviving spiders had fled, disappearing into the depths of the forest. Silence fell, broken only by the crackling of flames in the trees.
Escanor let his power recede, breathing heavily. He had used a lot, perhaps too much. But they were all alive. That was what mattered.
" Is everyone okay?" he called.
The dwarves began to answer, counting. All present. All alive. Bruised, poisoned in some cases, but alive.
" Bilbo ?" Escanor looked around. "Where's Bilbo ?"
" Here!" The hobbit emerged from behind a tree, looking surprisingly unharmed. "I'm fine! I just... hid. I'm good at hiding."
Something in his tone made Escanor look at him more sharply, but before he could comment, a new voice spoke from the shadows.
—That was an impressive display of power.
They all turned, weapons raised, to see figures emerging from the forest. Elves. At least twenty of them, armed with bows and swords, their movements as silent as the whisper of the wind.
And in front of him was an elf who made Escanor stop.
She was beautiful, but in a way entirely different from Arwen . Where Arwen was ethereal grace and regal majesty, this elf was fire and edge. Her hair was red like burning copper, her eyes green like newly sprouted leaves. She wore green and brown leather armor, and carried two knives at her hips with the ease of someone who knew exactly how to use them.
" Who are you?" he demanded, his voice clear and authoritative. "And what are you doing in King Thranduil 's domain ?"
"Travelers," Thorin stepped forward, his tone cautious. "Just passing through. We're not looking for trouble."
"Dwarves always cause trouble," the elf said , but there was curiosity in her eyes when she looked at Escanor . "And you're not a dwarf. What are you?"
— Escanor . Just a man.
"There's nothing 'alone' about you," she said, moving closer and studying him with an intensity that bordered on rudeness. "Your power... I felt it from miles away. Like the sun itself descending on the forest. Who are you, really?"
"She said his name," Dwalin growled. "It's Escanor . The Lion of the Sun. And you're being very rude, elf ."
"I am Tauriel," she replied, without taking her eyes off Escanor . "Captain of the King's Guard. And I have orders to bring any intruder before King Thranduil . So you will come with me. Now."
"We're not criminals, " Thorin protested . "We haven't done anything wrong."
"They invaded the king's woods without permission," Tauriel pointed out. "That's crime enough. Now, they can come peacefully, or we can force them. Your choice."
Escanor looked at Thorin , who clearly wanted to fight. But he could also see that the dwarves were exhausted, poisoned, and in no condition for another battle. And the elves outnumbered them and had the advantage of the terrain.
"We will go peacefully," Escanor said , before Thorin could argue. "But not as prisoners. As guests requesting an audience with the king."
Tauriel considered it, then nodded slowly.
—As guests, then. For now. But keep your weapons holstered and avoid sudden movements. My guards won't hesitate to shoot if they feel threatened.
"Understood," Escanor bowed slightly. "Thank you for your... hospitality."
Was it her imagination, or did Tauriel almost smile at that?
"Follow me," he ordered, turning to lead the way.
As they walked, escorted by the elven guards , Escanor found himself walking beside Tauriel . She glanced sidelong at him occasionally, clearly still curious about him.
"I've never felt power like yours," he finally said. "How did you achieve it?"
"I don't know, " Escanor admitted . "I don't remember anything before a little over a year ago. I only know that I have this power, and the responsibility to use it wisely."
—Amnesia— Tauriel frowned. —That's... unusual.
"My whole life is unusual," Escanor smiled slightly. "I've gotten used to it."
—And these dwarves? Why are you traveling with them?
"Because they're on a noble quest. To reclaim their home from the dragon that stole it. And because..." she hesitated, "...because I feel I'm meant to help them. That this is my purpose."
Tauriel looked at him for a long moment.
—Purpose. That's a strong word.
—But the correct one, I think.
"Perhaps," she said, looking ahead. "We'll see what my king thinks of your purpose. Thranduil is not known for his love of dwarves."
"Then let's hope he's more reasonable with strange men with solar powers," Escanor murmured .
This time, Tauriel definitely smiled.
"Perhaps. Or perhaps I'll find you even more suspicious." He looked directly at her. "But for what it's worth... I think you're sincere. Whatever you are, whatever you're hiding, I don't sense any malice in you."
Escanor said honestly. "That means more than you could possibly know."
They continued in silence for a while, and Escanor found himself watching Tauriel when she wasn't looking. There was something about her... something that resonated. Not in the same way as Arwen , not that immediate connection of souls recognizing each other. This was different. More gradual. Like a spark that might, in time, become a flame.
No , he told himself firmly. You love Arwen . You promised to return to her. You can't...
But even as he thought this, he couldn't deny the attraction he felt. Not physical, not entirely. It was something deeper. The recognition of a kindred spirit. Of someone who, like him, fought against the darkness not for glory but because it was the right thing to do.
" What are you thinking about?" Tauriel 's voice pulled him from his thoughts.
"In promises," she answered honestly. "And in how complicated the heart can be."
Tauriel looked at him strangely, but didn't press the issue. Instead, she pointed ahead.
—We have arrived. The Forest Kingdom.
And there, built in and around massive trees, with wooden bridges and staircases winding upwards in the green gloom, was the home of the Wood Elves.
It was beautiful in its wild way, quite unlike the refined elegance of Rivendell . This was nature and civilization intertwined, each enhancing the other.
And in the center, on a throne of twisted wood and stone, sat King Thranduil .
Even from a distance, Escanor could sense the power and presence of the elven king . This was someone ancient, powerful, and not easily impressed.
"Be prepared," Tauriel murmured. "My king can be... difficult."
"I've dealt with difficult things before," Escanor replied .
"Not like this," she said, and there was a warning in her tone.
They ascended the stairs, crossed the bridges, and finally stood before the throne. Thranduil watched them with eyes as cold and clear as winter ice, his expression utterly inscrutable.
"So," she said finally, her voice like silk on steel, "intruders in my forest. Dwarves. And... something else." Her eyes fixed on Escanor . "Something that shouldn't exist in my land. Explain your presence. And do it properly. My patience is... limited."
Thorin took a step forward, squaring his shoulders.
—I am Thorin Oakenshield, King under the Mountain. We seek passage through your forest to reach Erebor , where we will reclaim our ancestral home from the dragon Smaug .
" Smaug ?" Thranduil leaned forward, interest flashing in his eyes. "So you finally plan to face the worm. How... ambitious. And how foolish."
"It's not foolish to want to recover what was stolen," Thorin replied. "It's justice."
" Justice?" Thranduil laughed , but there was no humor in it. " Dwarves know nothing of justice. Only of greed. Only of gold. And when your grandfather refused to pay what he owed, when he went mad with the dragon sickness, it was MY people who suffered. So forgive me if I do not find your quest noble."
The tension in the hall was palpable. Escanor could see Thorin struggling with his temper; he could see the other dwarves gripping their weapons.
It was time to intervene.
"King Thranduil ," Escanor stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "I understand your distrust of dwarves. I understand your history. But the past is the past. Thorin is not his grandfather. He can choose a different path."
Thranduil looked at him, his eyes narrowing.
—And who are you to speak for the dwarves? You who shine with power that does not belong to this world. You who are neither man, nor elf, nor anything I recognize.
"I am Escanor," he replied simply. "And you are right. My power is not of this world. But I am here now. And I have chosen to use that power to protect, not to conquer. To defend, not to destroy. Thorin and his company are not your enemies. They are just dwarves who want to go home."
"Nice words," Thranduil leaned back. "But words are cheap. Actions speak louder. And the actions of dwarves throughout history speak of treachery and greed."
"Then let me speak for them with my actions." Escanor straightened, looking directly into the king's eyes. "Give me proof. A task. Something that demonstrates our noble intentions. And if I complete it, grant us passage through your forest."
Thranduil studied him for a long moment. Then, slowly, he smiled. It was a cold, calculating smile.
"Interesting. Very interesting." He rose from his throne, descending the steps until he stood before Escanor . "Very well. You have your test."
- What is it?
"To the south, deeper in the forest, there is a plague," Thranduil said. "Spiders, but not ordinary ones. These have been corrupted by the darkness of Dol." Guldur . Its venom doesn't just kill, it infects. It turns living trees into dead wood. And it's spreading. If it continues, the whole forest will die. —He stared at him.— Destroy the source. Find the spider queen and kill her. Do this, and you'll have your pass.
" Escanor said without hesitation.
— Escanor , wait — Thorin began, but Escanor raised his hand.
"It's the only way. And honestly... those spiders need to be stopped anyway. It's the right thing to do."
"So noble," Thranduil smiled. "We'll see if your nobility survives the encounter with the Web Queen. Tauriel , you will go with him. Make sure he doesn't get lost. And if he fails... make sure he doesn't escape to tell the tale."
—As you command, my king — Tauriel bowed, though he did not look happy with the order.
"You have until the moon rises tomorrow," Thranduil said, returning to his throne. "Fail, and the dwarves will remain in my dungeons until I decide what to do with them. Succeed... and you are all free to leave. Those are my terms."
"Understood," Escanor nodded. "I won't let you down."
"I hope not," Thranduil waved his hand dismissively. "Now go. Time is ticking."
Later that night, as Escanor prepared for the hunt, Bilbo approached him.
" Are you sure about this?" the hobbit asked worriedly. "Those spiders nearly killed us before. And now you're going to look for their queen?"
"I have to do it," Escanor said, checking his equipment. "It's the only way to get Thranduil to let us through. And besides... he's right. Those spiders are killing the forest. Someone has to stop them."
"Then I'll accompany you," said a voice, and Tauriel emerged from the shadows. "Orders of the king."
—Or your own choice? — Escanor looked at her sideways .
She smiled slightly.
—Perhaps both. I'm curious about you, Escanor . About your power. About whether you can really do what you say.
"Then I suppose you'll find out," Escanor said, turning to Bilbo . "Stay here. Keep the others safe. I'll be back."
"You'd better," Bilbo said, giving Escanor a brief hug. "Be careful."
-Always.
And with that, Escanor and Tauriel disappeared into the night, heading towards the dark heart of Black Forest.
Towards the lair of the Spider Queen.
Towards danger, darkness, and perhaps something more.
Something none of them expected.
To be continued...