Bali was looking around the camp, searching for a clue to the enemies that had invaded it. But then he saw Dain, leading Gromfelt, Arlome, Belegond, and Burzdol into the woods. Dashing over, Bali caught Dain's arm and pulled him around. Those that were with him stopped short.
"Dain, listen to me. Its no good running off into the forest, you'll get lost and I can't have five good members of the company disappear into the woodlands. Control yourself!"
The dwarf was wild with rage. "That miserable Kaldon has my son, and there's no telling what he'll do to him! I've got to find him, I got to!" The dwarve's voice cracked and broke into long, ragged sobs.
"Aye, Dain, but Durin is a fine young chap with a good head on his shoulders. He'll be fine. The worst thing we could do for him right now would be to get lost in the woods. Come now, let's go and see how Kili is doing."
The dwarf wiped his eyes. "You're right, Bali." They went over and found Kili, sitting near the fire and drinking a warm politice that Yanithe had prepared. He had recovered quickly, though he still had a sizable lump on the back of his skull.
"We were ambushed. I thought I heard sounds in the woods, and so we went out to investigate. They ambushed us, I don't know how many. I'll tell you, Bali, that Kaldon is pretty sly fighter; he took us both on until his minions got here. Then we were finished. But wait! I remember, before I blacked out I saw Kaldon leading the others into the woods over by that large elm. Mayhaps you'll find tracks over there." They thanked the dwarf and gathered the others, explaining to them what they had been told.
"Eruantalon, you are in charge until we get back. I want all Gondorians to stay here and guard the camp. The rest of you, follow me." Checking around near the elm, Bali soon found a shrub that had been broken off during the hasty retreat. More signs were soon uncovered as the group moved through the woods, heading toward the enemy camp.
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