There was an unusual feeling in the air that seemed to affect everyone in the mountain. Kili was the first to really put voice and name to the feeling.
"It's strange, isn't it?" Kili looked to his brother as they sat at their desks in their study.
"What?" Fili asked.
"I don't know what. But don't you feel it? It's as if I'm teetering on the edge of a cliff."
"Yes!" Fili smacked his hand on his desk. "That's the exact way to describe what I've been feeling. Teetering."
"But teetering on what? Something's about to happen Fili. I don't know what it is, but I can feel that something is about to happen." Kili looked around the room, looking to see if there was an attacker hidden in the shadows.
"It's stuffy in here. Let's go to the gate," Fili said.
Apparently, they weren't the only ones who felt the need for fresh air. A large crowd had gathered at the gate.
"Kili!"
Kili turned around to see his wife running towards him, her cheeks flushed.
"Tauriel, what's wrong?" he asked.
"I need air. I feel like I'm suffocating," she took him by the hand. They all walked out together, but much to their surprise, they felt no better. The air was still and hot. Not a breeze was to be felt. The light seemed a little off and everything seemed to have taken on an odd yellow tint.
"There's a storm coming," Tauriel gasped. "A large one, too."
"There's no clouds," Fili mumbled to himself. The sky was clear.
"We can only see what is in front of us, but not what is on the other side of the mountain," Tauriel said.
They all looked straight up along the sheer mountain wall that made the front gate. Directly overhead, a large, black cloud was just making its way over the edge.
"This will be a powerful storm," Tauriel looked to Kili.
Kili turned to the gate guard. "Is anyone out of the mountain? Any patrols?"
"Aye, my Lord, one patrol on ponies," the guard answered.
"Send a rider out, bring them back," Kili ordered.
The guard nodded and turned to his lieutenant. "Send Runco to fetch the patrol and see if anyone else is outside. They are to return to the mountain immediately, but make sure Runco takes a small supply pack, just in case."
The lieutenant took off.
The sky above them was filled with more dark clouds as the storm made its way over the mountain. There was a flash of light in the yellow-green sky and was followed almost immediately by a loud crack of thunder. The wind suddenly picked up and Fili had to brace himself against the sudden change in the air.
"Back inside!" Fili yelled. The dwarves who had come out, seeking fresh air moved back into the gate.
Kili turned to the guard. "Close the main gate, but leave the stable gate open for the returning patrol. Keep yourself safe, but keep an eye out for any trouble that this storm might cause. Send me word the moment Runco returns with the patrol."
"Yes, my Lord," the guard bowed.
Kili and Fili looked out over the landscape once more. They exchanged worried looks. "We'll be in our study, should there be news," Kili said as he and Fili walked away.
"I'll be at home, with the boys, if you need me." Tauriel kissed Kili and she went her own way.
The guard stood just outside the small guard door. The main entrance gate had been closed. He watched as the clouds moved and churned. The color of the sky continued to change until it was as dark as twilight. Another flash in the sky and another crack of thunder. The loud boom made the guard flinch. He had never much liked thunderstorms.
A single small black object appeared in the sky. He watched it as it got closer and grew larger. Finally he was able to see it was a bird. Poor bird. What was it doing out in this wind with a storm at its back? Surly it had the sense to go to its roost and ride out the storm there, not fly right through it.
It continued to get closer and the guard heard its squawking noises. Fool bird. What was it doing? Then, the guard recognized it as a raven. He knew his king could speak to ravens. Perhaps this raven had a message for the King. It was the only possible explanation for its odd behavior.
Awkwardly, the guard held out his arm. "Come raven, I can take you to King Fili." He felt very stupid for speaking out loud to a bird and was glad he was the only one standing out on the terrace. He was sure the bird could in no way understand him, but to his surprise, the bird flew closer. The guard was nervous. He had never been this close to a bird before, much less touched one. But, if it did have a message for the King, he would have to be brave. Another loud crash of thunder made him flinch again, but he kept his arm out. He knew never to show a beast fear and figured it was good advice with birds, too.
It was very close now. He could feel the breeze from its wings.
"Easy does it," the guard spoke, more to calm himself than the raven, who seemed to know exactly what he was doing. The bird landed on his outstretched arm. He felt its talons grip him, poking into his flesh through his clothes. Instinct told him to pull his arm away, but he could not. This was more important than his fear. The raven made a loud caw. The guard sincerely hoped it would not peck at his face.
"Good bird," the guard's voice was shaky. "I'll talk you to the King." He went inside. Everyone near the entrance backed up when they saw the large bird on his arm. He assigned one of his men to keep an eye on things outside, then he began walking as quickly as he dared to the King's study.
He realized this raven had done him some honor. The ravens did not go to anyone but the king and his family. To allow someone who was not of the Durin line to carry a raven was very rare indeed. He was still very nervous with the way the large bird's eyes never blinked.
He finally reached the King's study. The guard at the door opened the door immediately upon seeing the raven on his comrade's arm. He walked in. The king and the prince were there.
"My Lords," the guard said.
They looked up at him, visibly surprised at the guard with the bird. Fili held out his arm. The raven squeezed the guard's arm and took off to fly across the room. His arm, suddenly lighter, dropped to his side. He watched as the raven flew to the King and gently landed on his arm.
He was unsure what to do now that he had delivered the raven. He stood still and waited to be dismissed.
The raven cawed and clucked. It sounded like a bunch of noise to him, but the King's face broke into a smile. The Prince's did too. He guessed they could understand the noises.
After several moments, King Fili turned to the guard. "He brings us a message from Prince Hrafn and Prince Torsten. They arrived in Rohan safely."
The guard nodded his head. "That is good news, my Lord."
"He also said you were kind and calm in your offer to bring him to me. The storm was making him nervous. Even though he doesn't understand your words, he understood you. He knew he could trust you. Well done."
"Thank you, my King," the nervous guard smiled.
Prince Kili took something from his desk and brought it to the guard. It was a small cracker. The guard understood and held out his arm again. The raven flew to him and dug his talons into his arm again, but this time, he didn't mind and he was not afraid. He held up the cracker and it was promptly snapped from his fingers.
"Run your hand down his back," Prince Kili instructed.
The guard obeyed and was very surprised at the feel of the glossy black feathers under his hand. "He's very soft."
"What is your name, guard?" the King asked.
"Hithric, your majesty."
"Hithric, of the Guard of Erebor, you will now be known as Hithric, Raven Friend, of the Guard of Erebor. The raven you now hold is called Vek. You will see him more often now that he knows you. I suggest you keep a few nuts in your pocket now. They like their treats," the King chuckled. "Anytime he comes to you and lands on your arm, please bring him to Prince Kili or myself. If he simply lands near you, he is only begging for treats."
"I understand. Thank you, my King." Hithric, Raven Friend looked to the black bird who still sat on his arm. "It is an honor, Vek, to be your friend."
King Fili whistled and the raven left Hithric's arm.
"I'll return to my post at the gate, now. I left one of my lads as lookout."
"How is the storm?" the Prince asked.
"When I left to bring the raven to you, it was lightning, thundering and lots of wind. The sky was very dark. It has probably changed by now. I will alert you if anything happens."
"Thank you, Hithric. You are dismissed to return to your post."
"My Lords," Hithric bowed and left.
He pondered his new title as he walked back to the gate. It was indeed an honor. Just wait until he told his wife. She would not believe it. He would start saving nuts and bits of crackers from now on. He arrived back at the gate in time to see his Runco riding to the horse entrance where the stables were. Behind him were four dwarves on ponies. Thank goodness the patrol was back.
The sky opened and the rain began to pour, and not just rain either. Balls of hard ice fell. It hurt. Ice, in the summer! Hithric backed up into the gate. He would not be able to remain outside with the ball of ice hitting his head and face. He was glad the patrol made it back in time. He was glad the raven had not still be trying to fly with the ice began to fall.
Just then, a bright light streaked across the sky and to the earth, quickly accompanied by thunder. Hithric looked to where the lightning had touched. For a moment, there was nothing but the rain and then he saw smoke rising and fire. It grew larger.
"Jorn!" he called. "Quickly, go to the King at his study. Tell him Mirkwood is on fire."