Frerin appeared at the bars, shaking his head, "I turn my back and this is what you get yourself into? Really Thorin, I thought you had more sense than this." He stepped aside as a man unlocked the door. He smiled at Kili and Fili. As Thorin exited the cell, Frerin placed his hand on his older brother's shoulder. "You have some explaining to do," he hissed. Thorin was taken back by the venom in his brother's voice, but when he looked at Frerin, his younger brother wore his usual charming smile. The brothers said no more to each other as they made their way through Laketown escorted by a score of axe wielders. Frerin dropped his hand, jogging to catch up to Kili. Uncle and nephew soon had each other laughing heartily.
Fili dropped back to walk next to Thorin. Nudging his uncle Fili pointed to the Master, who stood glaring over the procession. Fili wondered if they had been released based on the force of arms, rather than the ransom the Master had been hoping for. But how did Frerin and his axe wielders come so quickly? He'd wait to ask Frerin once they were safely away. The company passed over the bridge; no one questioning the battle ready dwarves for passes. Upon reuniting with the rest of Frerin's force, four ponies were brought up. "Give the orders to march to Erebor," Frerin barked to a lieutenant, mounting his bay. Thorin mounted a grey pony, while Kili and Fili mounted the remaining ponies.
"Frerin," Thorin pulled up aside his brother, "Fili and I are not…"
"I have my orders," Frerin snapped, kicking his pony. Taking a deep breath and looking at his brother, he said, "Let's just get home and we'll sort this out."
"Erebor isn't safe for Fili," Thorin hissed, riding along side Frerin.
"I don't know what has gotten into you, but if you haven't noticed the world's not a safe place," Frerin retorted. "How far did you get? Do you think Mirkwood or the Misty Mountains or the lands of men to the south are any better?"
Thorin looked westward, "There are other dwarven settlements."
Frerin rolled his eyes. "Would you really give up Erebor and family to become a blacksmith or miner just so Blondie can get to know his father's side?" Frerin's eyes widened. "I mean Fili," he amended, quickly.
But Thorin's temper was flared. "If it means that Fili can live a life free of prejudice and hate, then yes. He can't help the color of his hair."
Frerin snorted, "Do you really think that's why Father denies him the throne?"
"What do you mean?" Thorin asked dangerously.
"Well just look at our two nephews. Kili's the natural leader," Frerin argued. "He has charisma, courage, and daring—the traits of a true leader."
"Fili has twice the brains Kili has," Thorin contended. "A king should be cautious and reserved not reckless and vexatious."
"Cautious?" Frerin quipped. "Kili told me that Fili's even afraid of venturing into the plaza."
"Oh really," Thorin challenged, "Fili told me that Kili can't accomplish a basic assignment without his help." Fili and Kili rode behind in awkward silence; their uncles not realizing just how far their words carried. Kili glanced sideways at Fili. Had Fili really said that about him to Thorin? Sure Kili had casually remarked to Uncle Frerin that Fili feared the public square, but that had been true. Huffing Kili kicked his pony, catching up to his uncle's bay. Fili gazed sadly after his brother, before reining up along side his uncle's grey.
"Erebor doesn't need a king who…" Frerin stopped as his nephews rode up. Smiling, he greeted his nephews, "We should be back in Erebor by this evening, Lads"
"I told you," Thorin replied hotly, "Fili and I are not going back. Come, Fili," Thorin said, turning his grey.
Frerin held his left fist, instantly two dwarves drew up, one seized Fili's pony's bridle, while the other waited for Thorin to make his move. "And I told you," Frerin said sadly, "I have my orders, which are to return you all safely to Erebor."
"So we're your prisoners then," Thorin challenged.
Frerin rolled his eyes, "You are so dramatic some times. Come on, Kili." Frerin, followed by Kili, rode ahead leaving Thorin and Fili with the two guards.
"We're not going anywhere," Thorin growled. The dwarf let go of Fili's bridle, but stayed along side. Thorin sighed, staring towards the Lonely Mountain.
Fili gazed westward towards Mirkwood and, beyond that, the Blue Mountains. He couldn't help but wonder what life would have been like there with his uncle and Kili. Since he was daydreaming, he pictured his mum and da there, as well. But then Dwalin's words resurfaced befuddling his reverie, as Fili tried reconciling his feelings for his parents with his new understanding. You don't have any parents, he reminded himself and turning his mind elsewhere. Glancing around, Fili noted the guards had moved off a small distance. It was probably an uncomfortable duty having to guard the crown prince and one's next king, Fili noted. Fili glanced at his uncle, then quickly ahead to Frerin and Kili. "Um…" Fili hesitated, "Kili and I…that is… We over heard you and Frerin talking—about us, that is."
Thorin gaped at his nephew. "Look Fili," he tried to explain, "Frerin and I, we were both angry…"
"Kili heard what you said I said about him." Fili sated at his reins. "I think he's angry with me…more angry, that is. I didn't mean it when I told you. I was frustrated and worried about what our tutors had been thinking," Fili rambled, trying to explain to his uncle and to himself why he would have said such a thing. Slumping in his saddle, he mumbled, "Not that any of it matters anymore."
Thorin's stomach churned. What had he done? Frerin's callousness had infuriated him. "I never…I didn't mean…" Thorin paused. "I betrayed your confidence and for that I deeply sorry." Fili nodded. Silence fell as the Lonely Mountain loomed towards them.
"I can't believe he said that about me," Kili fumed, as he rode alongside his uncle. "I don't…didn't need his help. It's not my fault he's more than willing to do both our assignments."
Frerin chuckled. "Kili," Frerin said seriously, "both Thorin and I were angry and may have said things we didn't mean."
"That doesn't change what Fili said," Kili replied. "Nor does it change the fact that he was willing to take off into the blue just because Thorin thought it was a good idea."
"Our brothers may be older," Frerin began, "but that doesn't mean they have our courage…or even our brains." He winked at his nephew.
Kili chuckled, "Or, apparently, our sense to keep out of trouble." Frerin threw back his head and laughed.
All too soon, for Fili and Thorin, the company reached Erebor. Fili stuck close to his uncle as they rode through the front gates. As the Durins dismounted, Frerin's aides led their ponies to the stables. Frerin leaned towards Thorin, "You're not going to make an awkward scene or anything, are you Nadad?" Thorin glared at his brother. Frerin held his hands up, "Just checking." The four dwarves made their way through the plaza and began the long ascent towards the palace.
Reaching the palace, a messenger approached, "The King awaits you in his personal lounge." Thorin noticed that the messenger had addressed Frerin. Frerin, walking aside Kili, led the way. Thorin place his hand on Fili, as they followed their brothers.
They found Thrain eating grapes, cheese and bread, as he sat in his overstuffed armchair. "I'm very disappointed in you, Thorin," Thrain scolded, not even looking up. "Do you have any idea what you almost cost us? If it had not been for your brother we would have been force to pay dearly." Thrain's voice rising as he continued. "Do you not know better than to go gallivanting about the countryside until someone decides to capture you and hold you for ransom? Do you not think of the inconvenience you've caused?"
"I did not intend…" Thorin began.
"Of course you didn't," Thrain interrupted. "I fear your training was not what it should have been. We'll just have to rectify the situation. For now, Frerin, you will act in the capacity of Crown Prince, while your brother relearns his place."
"But, what of Moria?!" Frerin protested.
"I'm sure you can find a suitable commander to lead he campaign," Thrain waved off.
"Khazadum was supposed to be my victory," Frerin objected.
"Erebor is in need of you more," Thrain maintained unmoved.
"Father…," Thorin tried again.
"Enough!" Thrain bellowed. "You are dismissed." Regaining his composure the king added, "I wish to speak to Frerin alone." Thorin and Fili turned to leave. Kili was about to follow, but Frerin held him back. When the door closed behind Thorin and Fili, Frerin boldly addressed the king, "Father, you know that I am loyal to you and wish only that which is best for Erebor." Thrain listened intrigued. Frerin took a deep breath and continued, "I wish for you to declare Kili son of Dis an heir to the throne." Kili gawked at his uncle.
"One of the runaways?" Thrain challenged.
"He was only demonstrating loyalty to Thorin and his brother, misguided as he now knows," Frerin explained. "But I do believe Kili worthy of the throne." Kili straightened, as Thrain studied him.
"What about his lack of a true beard?" Thrain pressed, impressed by his son's determination.
Frerin laughed. "I had not much more than peach fuzz myself at his age and now my beard is the envy of the Longbeards!" he bragged.
Thrain nodded, stroking his beard, thoughtfully. "Both of you come with me."
