Thorin could feel the heat on his skin. The flames of the funeral pyres. One of them belonged to his beloved brother Frerin. He was driven into the woods alongside the rest of the vanguard. Thorin came to late to help him. The survivors told him that Frerin's ferocity in battle saved many lives on that black day.
He fell like a true heir of Durin, meeting his enemy without fear, head held proudly, with an axe in hand. It took five Orc warriors to bring down his scholarly brother. How he missed his easy laugh and clear perspective. Their father was severely wounded in battle. He lost an eye and his leg was badly cut by a scimitar.
The blows kept on coming. First they lost their beloved mountain to that vile worm, then their grandfather to Azog's cruelty. In this battle they lost almost half of their warriors. But they were always together, comforting each other. And now Thorin stood all alone, heir to a broken, diminished, homeless people. He felt despair gripping him. A tear ran down his cheek, and he fell to his knees.
The end of the people of Durin seemed to be close at hand. He closed his eyes to the flames of the funeral pyres burning all around him. In his memories, he saw a different fire burning inside a mountain. Thorin had seen a city destroyed by flame. It seemed that flame was the doom of his people. But it will not be so again. The legendary stubbornness of his people gave him strength.
He will do his best to protect the dwarves. He will do his best to bring recovery to a broken people. He will do his best to defeat their enemies. And if destruction is the destiny of his people, they shall bring their foes with them. All shall burn in the flames. He took his axe, wiped away his tears and got up. He had a lot of work. He could almost feel Frerin giving him an encouraging nod from the halls of Mahal.
Later that evening, Thráin asked him: "Will you come with me back to the anvil? Or will you beg your bread at proud doors?" . Without hesitation, Thorin answered: "To the anvil. The hammer will at least keep the arms strong, until they can wield sharper tools again."