I'm sorry I haven't updated as regularly as I usually do! I've just gone back to college and I've been so busy especially with my mock exams and revising for them.

Anyway, thank you for the lovely comments and feedback on the previous chapters, I really appreciate you all taking the time to give me your opinions!

So I really hope you like this chapter! Please comment, vote and follow! Thank you so much! :)

Please enjoy!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Cassy's POV*

My fingers tugged on my dark hair as I ran them through my curls in frustration.

Catalina had finally calmed down enough for me to bring her back to Bard's house. She was currently laid in the bed that Bard had given me and was sleeping, although not peacefully - her sleep was consumed with images of Alan and the orcs, I just knew it.

I could tell that from the worried frown and the scared look that marred her features even in sleep. She was distraught and it killed me to just sit and watch as she suffered through her storm of negative emotions.

I sighed and rested my head in my hands. What was I going to do?

I couldn't just track down the orcs on my own - that would be a suicide mission.

I mean I was reckless but I wasn't plain idiotic.

But Alan didn't have much time - I had no idea what those orcs were doing to him, I didn't want to imagine the possibilities - so I couldn't risk wasting time by travelling back to the mountain to get more soldiers.

I knew Devlin would go with me, he wouldn't give me a choice since Alan was his family too.

I knew Dastan and Carter would want to help too - they were Caspian's close friends so they would think that they owed him that.

Dax and Mikealson...I didn't know whether they would help ot not but I supposed they might.

I sighed again and stood up.

As quietly as I could I pulled on my leather corset and my black trousers along with my chainmail. After that, I strapped on my weapons.

I guess I was going to get him back...the sooner the better.

Once I had braided my hair I left the room and ran into Devlin.

"Where are you going?" He asked with a confused frown at my fighting gear.

"Catalina is here." I told him.

His eyes widened.

"Caspian's wife?" He asked wide eyed.

I nodded.

"What about Alan?" He added.

"On their way here they were attacked by orcs." I said avoiding his gaze. "They took Alan." I added sadly.

"You're going to get him back, aren't you?" He sighed as he rubbed his temples.

"He's my nephew, Devlin! Of course I'm going to get him back!" I hissed, feeling outraged that he even thought he would have to ask me that.

"Then I'm coming with you." He said simply. "Afterall he's my family too."

I smiled, feeling relieved that I wouldn't have to go alone.

"Thanks." I said to him.

"Let me get my things and I'll meet you by the horses."

I nodded and continued on outside into the early morning air. It was freezing and still dark out - the sun had yet to rise and I realised it was probably only three hours until sunrise.

"Cassy?"

I turned to see Bard.

"Where are you going?" He asked.

"I don't have time to explain - Caspian's son is in trouble - Catalina is here in the girls' room. Keep an eye on her please?" I asked. Urgency evident in my voice.

He nodded. "Whatever it is that you are planning just be careful." He told me.

"I will." I said before I took off down the streets towards the stables.

It didn't take me long to saddle my horse before Devlin showed up - although he was not alone.

"What are -" I didn't get to finish my sentence when Dax interrupted me.

"We swore an oath to keep you safe so we are coming with you." He said as he gestured to Mikealson and Dastan and behind him.

"But we could just be walking straight into trouble." I argued.

"Then we'll be walking into trouble together." Mikaelson said.

"Let's go then." I said with a grateful smile.

They all seemed relieved that I allowed them to come and soon enough all the horses were saddled and we were galloping swiftly out of Dale and towards the forest.

"Where's Carter?" I asked.

"He stayed behind to look after Catalina and he was going to head back to the mountain when she woke to tell King Fili and Prince Kili what has happened." Dastan replied from somewhere towards the back of the group.

I nodded. My heart clenched in worry about not telling Kili that I was knowingly running straight into inevitable danger.

I clenched my eyes shut and just prayed that everything would be okay.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Alan's POV*

It was so dark. I've been out in the dark before but this was a terrifying form of darkness. It consumed everything around me and every tiny sound was amplified causing me to flinch. I couldn't see anything, not even my own hands in front of my face.

I gulped nervously as I shifted from my position leaning against the wall. The metal chains that were binding my wrists to the wall jingled and echoed throughout the dungeon cell that those orcs had thrown me in.

I wasn't ashamed to admit that I was absolutely mortified at the moment.

Upon being dragged here I had seen over a hundred orcs so I knew there was no chance of an escape.

I felt a tear escape my green eyes and my breath caught in my throat as I remembered the attack on my mother and I. They had let her run - they didn't even chase her! That's how I knew something was wrong.

They must have let her go to tell the dwarfs of Erebor - or more likely my aunt Cassy - that I was taken so they could set a trap.

Don't get me wrong but I was so relieved my mother was still alive and that she got away but knowing that my aunt could risk everything to save me was truly scary.

My heart thumped crazily when the dungeon door swung open with a thud.

A bulky, leather clad orc walked in. His movements intimidating and meaningful as he sent me a black toothed smile.

"Let's have some fun, boy." He drawled as he held the knife up, the blade shining lightly in the dim light.

I gulped and tried to scramble backwards but the chains stopped me.

"P-Please..." I begged but the orc only smiled.

"No one can save you now." He hissed and advanced towards me.

My screams echoed through the dungeons - it was the only sound that could be heard. It was the only sound I could remember before darkness enveloped me.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sorry it was so short (and late!) but I still hope you liked it!

Please comment, vote and follow! Thank you! :)

Bye for now!!!!! :D