Chapter 10 ~ A Stab of Betrayal

The next morning was foggy. The sky under the Carrock was an endless mist surrounding them. Kale had packed her bag, washed up, and ate without being told. She knew she would always ride on Gwaihir everywhere she went for the promise he made to Thorin. They were waiting on the landing beside the bench she sat with Thorin and watched the sunset. She smiled at the memory and then it quickly faded feeling the loss of his absence. She climbed onto Gwaihir, pulling her hood over her, and they took off into the rising sun. The wind was cool and this time there was no warmth from his body to keep her warm. They flew high in the air and she remembered that this made her happy and smiled imagining that he was with her. She closed her eyes and heard his laugh in the wind and felt his kisses on her face. Sweet precious moments had been taken from them and she basked in their memories.

They flew for a short distance and she lost her breath looking down. She could see the place Thorin had been attacked.

"Gwaihir stop, take me down there."

"That is at the foot of the Misty Mountains Kale. Bad things wonder those woods."

"Please, just for a minute. I have to see something, please."

Gwaihir's commands were final but Kale seemed to possess persuasion that swayed him to reluctantly swoop down and lite on the edge where Thorin was attacked. Kale slid down off him and tears pooled in her eyes. She was numb at the memory of him being hurt and she laid her hand on the rock where he fell that was still stained with his blood. She put her hand over her mouth as the tears choked her.

"Kale, we must go," Gwaihir said quickly fidgeting on guard and worrying if she would listen.

She shook her head trying to regain the courage to stand and she remembered Kili mentioning him losing his oak shield, something he had with him since the battle of Azanulbizar in Moria.

"Gwaihir his shield, I must find his shield for him." She searched the cliff desperately and then suddenly saw it lying upside down on its side against a rock. Her trembling hands yanked it up and she thanked God as she held it to her. He had lost so much. She refused to let him loose anything else.

"You will never loose me," she whispered looking out at the horizon.

As she turned it around, she saw more streaks of his blood inside, it broke her heart and she rubbed her fingers across it and the etching where he had carved his name. She pictured him sitting on a rock after battle, blood stained and tired but making the oak branch part of him. He had lost his grandfather and many friends and kinsman that day. His own father had disappeared and he was left young and scared with a people that depended on him for answers and guidance. The oaken branch had saved him that day after losing his own shield and she envied it for being with him so long.

"Oh, Thorin," she whispered. She had missed so much of his life and prayed that after this, they would never be parted again.

"I'm ready," she said to Gwaihir, standing and looking around one last time. She never wanted to come back to this place again, the place that almost took him from her, it was poison and stunk of orc. She quickly ran to Gwaihir and hugged his chest. He was shocked and taken off guard but remained still.

"Thank you, Gwaihir for saving him that day," she whimpered.

He held his neck down after a moment to hug her to him and he closed his eyes at the comfort and warmth, "You're welcome," and then he cleared his throat. "Now let's get out of here."

She quickly climbed onto his back and he flew off, meeting the others in the air, in the direction of Rivendell.

Thorin spent the whole day wondering where Beorn and Gandalf had wandered off to. The day was hot but the food and company pleasant. They needed to leave immediately, but Gandalf was an important key to their travels. When evening fell, Gandalf had returned and told them of Beorn's shape shifting abilities. He also informed the group that there was evidence of a great gathering of bears. Beorn later returned as well and after proving and hearing of their tales being true, he was more satisfied than ever. Beorn would do anything to help his new found friends that truly were everything they claimed to be, and more. He offered his ponies, food, and provisions, with the only request being that they send the ponies back at the edge of Mirkwood.

They had planned on leaving at dawn's first light, too much time had already been wasted there, but Gandalf assured Thorin it was necessary to have Beorn as an alley in the future and to trust him. They did not know when and if they would need him again, but Gandalf seemed to think they would.

Thorin once again lay on his pallet awake. He held her necklace around his neck. He closed his eyes, remembering her touch, remembering her smile, remembering the beat of her heart under his hand as she would whisper his name, making his heart sing.
"I'm yours Thorin," he heard her say.

"Why do you love me so? Why me?" He pleaded closing his eyes. They were standing on her balcony, the moon high in the sky pouring light around them. He could see every detail of her face, feel the warmth of her body against his, and smell her scent in the air.

"Why not you? You're a fine prize my love and you give yourself so little credit. Life blessed me so, when you came to Rivendell that day, and I will forever be thankful."

He could've lost all of this when he argued with Gandalf not to get help from the elves. He would have rather starved than seek their advice and protection. He realized then that it was her that brought him there, her pull that left him with no choice. He bet the old wizard knew all along.

He smiled, "What is it?" She said matching his smile.

He ran his hands up her back and then behind her neck pulling her to him kissing her until every nerve in his body was on fire. He stopped after they were breathless and looked deep in her eyes.

"I was dead Kale, a lifeless soul wandering the earth." She frowned sadly but he continued. "Ripped of everything and no will that left me barely hanging on, but you my love, you breathed life into me. You made me want to live again. I was a ghost and you made me new, whole. I know now I am nothing without you. You're my half, the best part of me. My heart that breathes life into my soul."

She smiled with tears in her eyes. "I love you my Thorin and life will only get better with you by my side. Come back to me."

He opened his eyes and closed them again knowing it was just a dream. The fire crackled from the hearth and soft breathing and snores from others let him know he was awake and it was only a dream. He stared up into the rafters of Beorn's ceiling watching the moonlight seep through the roof and then he quickly tried to find sleep again to find her there.

The next morning they were packed and ready to leave. Beorn pulled Thorin to the side wishing him the best. He admired Thorin's expedition and above all, the promise to return to his love. Beorn hoped to meet her one day in the halls of Erebor after they reunite. Thorin nodded dreaming of such a day with her by his side.

That same morning, Kale woke in her bed. She was hot and shaky as she rose, but thankful Thorin was there with her last night as she dreamed. They made the trip to Rivendell and when she arrived she grew ill. Her brother and father had graciously welcomed her with tears into their arms, but after seeing she was weary had carried her to bed and cared for her through the night. Gwaihir not knowing exactly how to help her, was thankful of Brakin and Rafe and promised to stay close by.

Kale saw the oak shield lying beside her and held it close. She remembered the day the eagles had came and got her after he was hurt. They landed on the cliff at the Carrock and Gandalf and the others were waiting on her. They quickly ran her to his room and her heart stopped. She held her hands over her mouth as she took in his condition. Kili and Fili stood by his side with tears in their eyes desperate for her help. They were so relieved to see her. He was bruised, bloody, and broken. The tears made her eyes cloudy. She ran throwing herself gently over him as Kili and Fili held them both. She poured all the power and love she had into healing him until she could not even walk. He was wet with her tears but began to look better. Kili and Fili had watched over them both through the night. They would have to wake her, holding her head up to drink warm broths trying to help her regain her strength and then she would fall back asleep, resting after making sure Thorin was on the mend.

She smiled as she remembered him finally waking days later and closed her eyes thanking God she was able to help him. She walked to her window wiping her eyes and saw a new sun that was rising without her love in her arms. She drank some water and felt somewhat better. She then sought out her father who was already outside her door with food. Rafe soon joined them and they sat on her bed hearing where she had been those last few days.

They were worried sick and heartbroken to hear she would be leaving with the eagles again soon. They refused to let her return but she promised she would heal completely first and often come back and visit. She wanted to be in sight of the Lonely Mountain knowing Thorin was in between the two. They planned to go with her if she refused to stay.

As morning drew on she knew she still was not well. She took a walk with them to see Arwen and grew weary. They sat her on a nearby bench before deciding she should be back in bed. Rafe carried her back to her room as Brakin fetched Elrond.

Far from Rivendell, Thorin and company had reached the edge of Mirkwood before guessing Gandalf would not be joining them. They sent their ponies back and Gandalf reminded them they should walk straight through, staying on the path. He had pressing matters to attend to in the south but had promised himself he would take them this far. Thorin grew angry at such a loss. The old wizard was handy on their quest and he did not know if they would need him again.

"Keep Bilbo close Thorin, and do not leave the path through Mirkwood. Keep a clear head and don't think of the dragon at the end. Think only of the real treasure that awaits you."

Thorin looked up and smiled sadly knowing he meant Kale.

"I wish you the best Thorin. You have been a thorn in my side but I admire you. I will see you in the end. Stay on the path that leads you to her. Oh, and Beorn also warned not to drink the water."

"If you're leaving you better get on with it then," Thorin grumbled after hearing more and more advice from Gandalf before he abandoned them.

Thorin looked into the old woods. The trees bent in disturbing, unwelcome shapes and forms, sending warnings to not enter. He sighed and wished he could just close his eyes and run right through. Their bags were heavy and he was thankful because something told him they would be light with little food all too quickly.

Days drew on and Kale remained in her bed. It killed Rafe and Brakin to hear her whisper Thorin's name desperately as she slept. They knew her bond to him was what was keeping her alive. Elrond did not know what to make of it. He made her healing drinks filled with sacred herbs and whispered chants of healing power, and yet nothing seemed to help her improve. He finally sent for Lady Galadriel hoping she would know what to do. She had arrived a couple of days later and after laying her hand on her, knew what was wrong.

"She is with child," she whispered later to Brakin and Rafe. They stood down the hall outside Kale's door. "She is carrying the first living heir of Durin since Kili and Fili over 70 years ago. Today is a new day in the hope and promise of Erebor's restoration. If only Thorin knew of such news it may give him the strength he needs to keep fighting and pushing ahead. Do not worry Brakin and Rafe, she will be just fine, but being so small and having used all her power to heal Thorin she is just weary. It will take time for her body to adjust and restore itself and the sooner she is back with Thorin the better, but she will be alright."

They did not know what emotion to feel, blessed, angry, or happy, but the thought of a little one in her arms had Brakin in tears and Rafe on edge.

"So Thorin has not only left her but left their child as well," Rafe growled angrily.

Suddenly Galadriel whispered inside Rafe's head making him take a couple of steps back to regain his stance. It hit him like a hot sword being struck by a hammer on an anvil. "I know the evil deed you have done," echoed through his mind.

She then continued out loud, eyes on Rafe, but where Brakin could hear. "Thorin knew leaving her here was what was best for her or he would have carried her with him. Would that have made you happier Rafe? Would you have then betrayed him in the Misty Mountains if Kale was at his side?"

He glared her way and crossed his arms. She knew and was exposing him. Brakin looked at them speechless awaiting answers and Rafe unwilling continued.

"I let the goblins know about the dwarves coming through the mountains."

"What were you thinking? Were you going to leave her without a husband and father for her child," Brakin yelled angrily after hearing of his son's treachery.

"As long as it was best for her," he countered. "I was blinded by my hate for what Thorin had stolen from our lives."

"It would've killed her," Brakin yelled.

They all turned suddenly and a fragile Kale was standing there and had heard everything. Her eyes batted with tears that fell like rain down her cheeks and she looked horrified barely able to catch her breath.

"Kale, please!" Rafe begged as she started to turn.

She stopped as he walked up behind her.

"I'm so sorry Kale, I was wrong. I did not think. I was full of anger. It hurt me to think he was taking you from us, from me," he stammered.

She turned to him eyes full of weakness and hurt. "You almost killed him Rafe, my husband, my life. I saw him dying on a bed covered in his own blood and it took every drop of my power to save him. I'm still not even strong enough to carry our child."

She looked over at her father then and he ran to her and held her.

"My God, I did not know. Why didn't you tell us?" he whispered holding her closely.

"I wasn't sure myself," she said weakly.

Brakin released her and she looked sadly into Rafe's eyes.

"Please forgive me," he whispered.

"I cannot," she cried, tears filling her eyes shaking her head. "I'm packing my bags and leaving with Gwaihir tonight."

She could not hear as everything became muted. Rafe fell on his knees begging her to stay and Brakin was begging her as well. She felt faint as the room began to spin and as she closed her eyes as blackness took over.