Hello all! Sorry for the late update, I was sick over the weekend and didn't really feel like writing. Oh, well... On to chapter 4 and more Thorin!
Chapter 4-
It had been several weeks since Kili had awoken after the battle to find his life changed. Their kin had left for the Iron Hills after helping to clean out the halls and rooms of Erebor and make them liveable once again. As soon as he had awoken, Fili had sent ravens to the Blue Mountains to let them know of the battle and that Erebor was now safe to return to. The brothers had decided together that they would keep the news of Thorin's death from their mother until she had arrived. It was news that they felt needed to be be told in person and not in the stiff, formal tones of official news. Meanwhile, preparations were being made for Fili's coronation. After a long talk with Gandalf and the remaining member of the company, they had decided that a king was needed as soon as possible in order to cement the rule and new government in Erebor. Only Kili could see the toll that this was taking on Fili. He would often leave the chambers they shared, late at night when he though that Kili was asleep, and walk the darkened halls. Once Kili followed him and watched as Fili wept at the memorial they had hastily built for Thorin in the throne room. Plans had been made for a giant golden to be erected the day of the coronation, in memory of Thorin. Kili had left his brother to his grief and pain and had gone back to bed. He knew that he would have to speak to Kili soon, before his grief became more than one dwarf could bear alone.
The weeks that passed also saw Thorin grow in strength. He could now walk without the aid of a stick, which he had hated, and his arm was healing remarkably well. Illea knew that she would not be able to hold him here much longer and began to plan how she might accompany him back to Erebor. One night, while Thorin was sleeping, she heard a knock on the cabin door. Slowly, she stood and drew the dagger which was constantly at her belt. It was almost as long as her lower arm and was incredibly thin as well as wickedly sharp. Holding the knife behind her back, she advanced towards the door and slowly opened it. Outside was a short figure with a hood drawn over his features, but she would recognize him anywhere.
"What are you doing here" she asked. "Why are you not with the young princes? "
"You told me to report to you if I saw anything out of the ordinary my lady. I fear that if your plan is not soon put into place, that the eldest prince will be driven mad by his grief." Illea stiffened as if the dwarf had struck her.
"Do you mean to tell me that you, a common dwarf, dare to question me? My plan will come to fruition in its own time and will not be rushed by the likes of you!" She whipped the knife around and held it menancingly under the dwarf's chin. To his credit, the dwarf showed gave so sign of surprise but merely looked evenly back at Illea.
"If you had wished to kill me my lady, you would have done it long ago." She grinned and dropped the knife.
"You assume much, master Dwarf. Now go... Oakenshield will return to the mountain soon. Tell your men to put the first part of my plan into motion." The dwarf gave a small bow, hardly more than a deep incline of his head and left. Illea watched him go, until the night swallowed him in shadow.
"Jarth," she said and her servant slolwy crept from the shadows. "Follow that dwar. Make sure that he stays true to his word. If he doesn't... kill him." Jarth gave a smile, exposing his jagged teeth, and shuffled after the dwarf. Illea shut the door and turned towards the figure on the bed. She put the knife on the table and stood by the fire. Closing her eyes, she reached out to the shadows around her.
"Listen to my voice," she said. "Hearken and obey. Come forth creatures of the night and do my bidding..." She grinned as she heard the beginnings of howls and cries as they encircled the cabin. She turned towards the bed and hastily summoned up a few tears. She raced to the bed and shook Thorin by the shoulder.
"Wake up my lord, please! I fear we are under attack!"
Well... what do you think? Who was that strange dwarf? I think you may be right if you distrust Illea... hint hint, reviews make me write faster. =) Thanks again to all who have liked this or made it one of their favorites. Love ya all!
Thorinsgirl900