Hello,

I am SO SORRY. I really wanted to update but there were a lot of things to organize and school isn't always easy. I am really sorry for keeping yo waiting for such along time. Please have mercy with me.

I hope you like the chapter. :)

Under Attack!

Chapter 10:

When Thorin came to he could feel every single muscle in his body and his back hurt like fire. He tried to sit up but fell back and then there was Dwalin at his side.

"I thought you never came back to us."

"What happened?"

"You were captured by orcs and then we rescued you." Dwalin stated simply.

"I remember fighting against the orcs and then…Fili and Kili are they alright?" Suddenly Thorin shot upright remembering his nephews on the ground and cried out in pain when his wounds were pulled. Fili and Kili who had been sleeping right next to him were awake in an instant but when they saw their uncle awake they relaxed again. However, they remembered his scream and his wounds and gently pushed him down again.

"You have to rest uncle. Your wounds need to recover."

"Fili, Kili I thought I lost you." He choked on his words and coughed.

Kili fetched some water for him and he gently helped him to drink.

"How long was I out?" Thorin asked after he finished the water.

"Just a day, as usual, you just cannot rest." Dwalin chuckled.

"We do not have the time to rest! We must move on." With that he sat upright again and grimaced at the sudden pain but he kept on struggling to his feet. Although Thorin was determined as ever his body would not obey him so he finally said:

"Dwalin, help me up, please."

Fili and Kili were looking a little shocked at their uncle. Thorin had always been careful to hide his miseries otherwise his pride would have crumbled and that was something he just could not allow to happen.

Dwalin, however had always been around their king and knew how often he had gotten into trouble. Furthermore, they just knew each other too well. Each of them would give their life for the other, although Dwalin would always try to protect his king and friend. That is why he did not comment on Thorin's pleading. But he knew that when his friend was saying it with this tone he was seriously injured and tired. After he put his hand under Thorin's shoulder he lifted him up. When they stood his leader swayed a little but caught himself before he could fall back again. Then they started to walk to the middle of camp. Apparently no one had noticed their king was awake and was about to move on.

As soon as they reached the campfire everyone stopped what they were they doing and looked in something that was close to awe. Then cheering grew loud and everyone came close to clap Thorin on the shoulder. What they missed though were his injuries and the gash on his back was not healed. So when Bofur clapped him firmly on back and shoulder Thorin screamed out and is knees buckled under his weight. They watched helpless when he crumbled to the ground. Dwalin bent over and put a reassuring hand on Thorin's arm.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

When Thorin did not reply instantly Balin ran away to get Oin and the rest of the company were looking accusingly at Bofur but then:

"Yes, I'll be fine", said Thorin through gritted teeth. "I just need to regain my breath and Bofur next time please try to be a little bit gentler."

The dwarves along with Bilbo burst out into laughter and Balin who came back with Oin at his heels was astonished to see everyone rolling on the ground with fits of laughing coming from them. Just Thorin and Dwalin were standing close together at the edge of the scene but smiled although Thorin's looked a little forced. When everyone regained their composure Balin made sure that everything was packed and they started their walk.

Fili had an observing eye on his uncle who was walking in front of him. He could see Thorin limp and sometimes he would stop and try to straighten his back what was not possible. However, he always saw Dwalin right next to his uncle and was sure that his old friend would always be there to help Thorin.

The sun was slowly fading and soon Fili walking next to Kili noticed their uncle stumbling over some roots hidden by the low light. They could hear the sharp intakes of breath when Thorin's wounds were pulled by the sudden movements and he and his brother exchanged worried glances. After the fifth time they had heard their uncle moan they ran forward to where Thorin was walking supported by Dwalin.

"Uncle, you have to stop. We should make for camp anyway. It's growing dark quite fast and all of us especially you need their rest."

"But we need to find a good shelter or clearing otherwise it is too easy to ambush us. Maybe you and Kili can scout ahead and look for something suitable. I am slower anyway" Thorin said with a small smile.

The next moment Fili and Kili ran off into the distance and were soon gone in the thick dark forest.

The rest followed into the same direction and a few minutes later the company could hear a shout coming from a few meters ahead of them.

They reached a small clearing with a few rocks at the edge and in the middle were Fili and Kili standing proudly.

So here it is. I am once again, truly and deeply sorry that it took me so long to update. I hope the chapter was to your liking at least that is something I try to give you :) .

Saddly, I have to say that I am quite busy at the moment and there is not much time for me to write on this story so it might take quite long for the next chapter but I have started the next one already. That's at least something.

I hope I can update before the next part of the Hobbit hits the theaters but I can't promise anything. I am so excited and really want to watch the next part ;) .