Thorin sighed as he saddled the pony as he prepared to start his long journey to the Blue Mountains. That quest Gandalf sent him on to the Iron Hills proved to be nothing but a failure. The seven families would not help Thorin without the Arkenstone, saying they had no reason to join in a battle that was not theirs to fight. This was a giant waste of time. Hopefully Clill had better luck than him. Erebor had to be taken back. It couldn't stay in the hands of the dragon forever.
"My lord Thorin!" a Dwarf called out.
He turned to see a messenger holding a note in his hand. The seal belonged to his family. Thorin ripped the envelope open and read the note inside.
"My dearest Thorin,
I have gathered those who are willing to help us on this mission. I warn you, there are not very many of us. I sincerely hope that you have gathered the help we will need. We are heading toward a place called the Shire, hoping to find the burglar Gandalf said we will need. I hope to see you there. Please return safely to me, my love.
Forever yours, Clill"
Thorin sighed and folded the paper into his pocket. He had an even longer journey on his hands now and knew he was going to be showing up much later than the others will. He was worried when Clill mentioned there were not very many Dwarves who were going to join them. They just had to win the Lonely Mountain back. They were not going to leave it in the hands of the dragon.
"Cousin."
Dain walked toward him, the sunlight shining on his bright red hair.
"I'm sorry we couldn't help you", he said. "But you do understand that the Lonely Mountain is none of our concern. We have our own problems to look to. Erebor is your kingdom and you are the surviving heir. The mountain is yours to win back and defend."
"I understand", Thorin nodded with a heavy sigh. "Thank you for the hospitality anyway."
The two Dwarves hugged each other tightly before Thorin mounted the pony. It was going to take him probably half a year to get to the Shire considering how far it was.
"Mama?"
Clill turned with a smile to see a young girl of about five years of age running into the bedroom, wrapping her arms around her legs. Her thick dark hair was tangled and knotted, covering her eyes. She gave a wide smile, showing a few teeth were missing. Her chubby cheeks were covered with soot. It was obvious that she was down in the depths of the mountain, playing around the mines.
"Sidda", Clill said picking her up in her arms. "What did Da say about going to the mines unaccompanied?"
"I was careful, Mama", She said. "I made a hole of my own in the mines."
"Da and I don't want you alone in the mines. I don't want any tunnels to collapse on you."
"Collapsing tunnels?"
Clill smiled as Thorin opened the door. He saw Sidda's filthy face and shook his head.
"Playing in the mines again?" he asked.
Sidda nodded with a smile. It didn't look as if Thorin was upset over this.
"Did you go by yourself?" he asked.
She nodded again, giving him a wide smile. He nodded with a smile before frowning.
"That's bad."
"But, Da I was careful", Sidda pouted trying to get back on her father's good side.
"Now you know the rules", Thorin said taking her into his arms. "I will not have my only daughter going into the dangerous areas of this mountain on her own. You are not nearly old enough to be wandering in those areas alone."
"But, Da, I made my own tunnel", Sidda said wiggling out of his arms. "I like it there."
She took his hand, bringing him and Clill down to the mines. As she walked into a smaller tunnel, the mountain began to shake.
"Sidda!" Thorin yelled.
The parents cringed as they heard the sharp cry of the little girl. The rocks began falling, caving in on the princess. As the dust settled, all that could be seen of Sidda was a small hand. Clill screamed at the sight of her daughter's dead body.
"Clill, wake up!"
Clill was shooken awake by Balin. She panted and looked in her hand to find the necklace digging into her glove. She pulled her glove off to see the burned scars of her hand.
"Sidda…" she cried.
