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Chapter 10

Thorin and Balin sat in the dining hall, drinking leftover ale, and picking apart the day.

"So what do you think?" Balin asked. "They're a minor family but perfectly respectable, and they do have the finest dyes and spices we can find in the area."

Thorin nodded but said nothing, his attention fixed on the amber liquid in the crystal tankard held in a silver frame.

"Aye, they do."

Balin tilted his head and observed his somber king.

"But?"

Thorin looked up, his sky-blue eyes thoughtful.

"But there's something strange going on," he replied quietly. "I can't explain why I think so, but the hair on the back of my neck went up when they were introduced."

Balin put his elbow on the table and held the side of his face between his fingers and thumb.

"Do you suspect treachery or dishonesty?'

Thorin inhaled and exhaled slowly, pressing his lips together.

"I'm not certain," he replied, his eyes slightly unfocused as though he was looking off into the distance. "Something is awry, but I can't prove why I think so."

Balin bobbed his head from side to side while he considered the possibilities. Entering into a trade agreement was a serious matter and depended on the honor and trustworthiness of one's partners. Thorin was always fair but cautious in his dealings. So far, everything seemed in order; that is, until now. He couldn't see anything immediately wrong, but Thorin's instincts were on target more often than not.

"What will you do?"

His king took a long drink, pushed the tankard away, and steepled his hands under his nose.

"I won't sign the agreement right away," he replied. His eyes narrowed as he thought through his plan. "I'll ask them all to stay for about two months. At the end of that time, I'll know what I need to. I'll give them some gold upfront as a measure of good faith. Perhaps that'll relax their guard, and I can find out what I want to know."

Balin pursed his lips and nodded.

"And if you're wrong?"

Thorin shrugged matter-of-factly.

"Then no harm done."

I slept fairly well, and in the morning Otha told me that I had received a message from Prince Kili. Something had come up, and he wouldn't be able to spend time with me today. I think the thing that came up was me. I didn't blame him. I liked the idea of a day to myself. I needed to come up with strategies anyway to deal with the Durins until the agreement was signed. Then I didn't care if they wanted me or not. Feron was coming and, if I wasn't allowed to stay, I'd go away with him. I felt a little strange about that though. My silly crush faded away a long time ago and what was left was a fond friendship. Then I considered his offer briefly. At the moment, I couldn't add it to my list of things to think about, but I was sure I would come to love him in time if I needed to. His embrace was warm and welcoming, and he never tried to bend me to his will. That was important. I couldn't be anything other than myself—excepting the present circumstances, of course—and I needed someone who'd let me be me. I hoped Prince Kili was the understanding sort.

"Did he say couldn't or wouldn't?" I asked. She looked at the parchment again.

"It says wouldn't." She pulled a face. "Perhaps he meant couldn't. Anyway, he says that you're to rest your ankle today so you can recover faster. Maybe he's hoping to take you shooting soon."

Hmm, maybe I could make it through today without dislocating my jaw from my foot being wedged firmly between my teeth.

"Is that all?"

Otha sighed. "It seems that King Thorin has extended an invitation for your father and Lord Boron to stay for two months."

I hoped I was wrong in what I was thinking, but nothing seemed to go my way lately.

"Before or after he's signed the trade agreement?"

I held my breath waiting for the answer. I knew I couldn't hold on for two months. I was sure before, but it was only confirmed at my first meeting them that the Durins were no fools and would find out quickly.

"After, my lady, we're so sorry," Otha replied in obvious distress. Kitra added her condolences.

I felt a hollow feeling in my belly. Sky and Summer were going to die. Their death sentences were already signed. Kitra ran for a handkerchief.

"There, there, my lady," she said soothingly. "Perhaps it won't be so bad after all. We've been treated very kindly by King Thorin's staff, and that's unusual for servants. Perhaps he'll treat you the same."

Aye, like a servant. Maybe he'd put me in charge of scrubbing his privy. I wasn't impressed, and I was getting angrier by the moment. How could father and Lord Boron put me in this position? I had a good mind to limp to their rooms and kick them both in their most sensitive spots. Then I'd take Summer and Sky and run away. I was sure we could find our way home.

"That's not all, my lady," Otha said. I could tell that she was dreading my response. I had just wiped away my weepy tears, but she seemed sure that her other news would send me off the height of hysterics.

"King Thorin has instructed his personal physician to see you this morning."

I threw myself into my pillow and sobbed.

Master Oin had come to my door twice already, but I managed to dodge him. I would say that was pretty amusing since I could hardly walk at all, but desperation was known to increase one's speed, and I was too upset to joke. The first time my maids said I was in the privy, and the second time I was "in my bath." Their regretful tones appeased him the first time, but he was a little more forceful the second. I knew there wouldn't be a third.

A knock confirmed my fears, and I jumped into bed and pulled the covers up, pretending to sleep.

"I'm sorry, Master Oin, but Princess Areen is asleep," Kitra said with just the right amount of polite indignation.

Bless mother for sending those two gems with me! Father was too obtuse to see that she had placed her allies under his nose. He had looked over from time to time only to see them muttering about me and scowling. Once he looked away, they rolled their eyes and tittered.

"Well, my lord ordered that I see to the lass," Master Oin said firmly, "and I'm sure she's slept enough for the day."

Without asking permission, he pushed the door open and marched in. It seemed that a king's command outweighed a princess' request. Of course it did.

"Princess Areen," he said in his normal tone. Mahal, he knew I wasn't asleep. "I see you're shy about my checking your ankle, but I have my orders. King Thorin insists that you receive the best care, and that is what you'll get—now."

I opened one eye and imagined a dwarf scowling down at me like an irritated and knowing parent. Pretending was over. I pushed the covers back and folded my arms across my chest. I had only one move left, and I hoped he was as honorable as his king. Everything depended on it. Mother's words about King Thorin rang in my head, but I pushed them away.

"Master Oin," I said in my most serious tone while I looked past him like a petulant child, "I will allow you to examine my ankle under the condition that you keep all information to yourself, never to share it with anyone. You need to swear to me on your honor and the oath you hold most sacred."

He didn't say anything at first. I wasn't sure he'd ever had a patient who demanded such a thing first-off. I held my pose while he shifted on his feet, no doubt trying to assess my secret. I hoped he didn't suspect anything serious yet. Everything all depended on him thinking that I was just shy and private.

"Why, my lady," he replied finally, "there's no need to be skittish. I'll not hurt you."

He chuckled a bit, but I held firm.

"Do you swear?" I demanded.

His breathing changed from calm and controlled to deep with loud puffs from his nostrils. Perhaps he suspected something but wasn't sure if it was serious enough to tell his princes and king. I could tell that he was weighing what I might tell him with his duty to his king's command.

"Aye," he replied finally, "I swear on my honor and Durin's tomb that I'll not share anything I learn from today."

I nodded and pulled out my injured leg from the sheets. He unwrapped the bandages and held my instep firmly while he gently manipulated my foot. I knew that the swelling had gone down and that the time would soon come when I couldn't justify the wheeled chair.

"Healing nicely. Let's compare this ankle to your other one," he said amiably. "So you knew that Princess Della was expecting, eh? That's unusual."

He paused and hummed for a moment like he was remembering something, but I shrugged and said nothing. I could hear Otha and Kitra drawing closer. He pulled the sheets off my other leg and placed them together. No one made a sound.

"My lady," he said slowly, "I assume that this is what you wanted to keep from me?"

I nodded and tears welled. I pulled my knees up and dropped my head on them. He sighed and lifted my chin. I looked away from his hand.

"This isn't so very much," he said. "There's no reason to feel ashamed. I don't know why your people didn't make a special shoe for you though."

My head jerked back to him. Such a thing had never occurred to me or anyone else. He inhaled slowly, his breath hissing between his teeth. My maids tried to rush him out the door, saying that he was done and could leave, but to no avail.

"Tell me," he asked, drawing out his words slowly, "what did you think of the throne room where you met King Thorin?"

I didn't know why he asked me that, but I was game.

"It was very loud," I answered, ducking my head like I was impressed but shy about sharing my opinion.

"I see," was all he said. I heard him tapping his foot.

"And how was your dinner last night?"

Now I knew that something was afoot, but I couldn't figure it out. I felt lost, like everyone knew what was going on but me. Otha and Kitra kept making worried noises behind him and clearing their throats.

"It was good but rather bland for my taste," I replied softly. Then I knew why he had asked those questions. I was caught.

"Oh, lass!" he said softly, "how long did you think you could hide this?"

I fumbled for his hand. I was completely undone, and I was sure I looked like the small, stumbling child I once was.

"You mustn't tell, Master Oin," I cried. "You promised!"

I felt his weight as he sat on the edge of the bed.

"I can't keep this to myself, my lady," he replied. "It's not right for Prince Kili and King Thorin not to know. It's not fair to them."

I didn't care.

"You promised!" I said. "You promised on your honor and with an oath, and by all I love, I will hold you to it!"

He took my hand and squeezed it.

"You should have told them. They deserve to decide whether or not you're suitable."

My blind eyes flashed. I knew I couldn't see him, but I would make him see me! I jumped off the bed and turned to him.

"Guide my eyes to yours!" I commanded.

He lifted my face.

"Am I looking at you?"

"Aye," he replied uncertainly.

I balled my hands and faced him squarely.

"Then you listen well," I said harshly. "Am I less of a person because I'm blind? Have I lost my feelings, mind, or heart because a fever took my eyes? Do you discard your elderly or wounded because they're no longer suitable? Don't we honor them instead? I'll have you know that I'm just as capable and fully myself as I was before I went blind, and if my blindness offends your precious prince and king then they aren't good enough for me!"

I heard him stammer while he tried to take in what I said. Then Kitra came over and hugged me while Otha put her hand on my back. He made a noise of surprise.

"You're much-loved, my lady," he commented. "They defend you." Then he grudgingly added, "Not that you need it."

I lifted my chin proudly.

"No, I don't, not usually anyway," I said in a slightly more civil tone.

He slapped his knees and snorted, but I knew then I had him on my side.

"Well," he said, "we have quite the situation here. Why didn't your father say something from the start?"

"My people are hungry, so we needed this trade agreement," I explained impatiently. "I couldn't say anything because father said he would kill my guide dog and pony if anyone found out before the agreement was signed."

"Ah," he replied as all things became clear, "he doesn't want to show weakness then, does he? Tell me, my lady, did you want to come here?"

I shook my head.

"I was forced at first, Master Oin," I said, "but then I thought that I might be able to help my people who are suffering because of father's incompetence."

"You love them enough to go along with his cruelty for their sake?" he asked in a thoughtful tone.

I wasn't sure what he wanted to know, but it didn't matter anymore.

"Of course," I said. "They're my people, and I'd do anything for them. However, if I'm shunned here or cast off, a friend will take me away with him to the Iron Hills and marry me. His brother and sister would join us later since they're my dearest friends. It's all arranged if I agree."

"And we'd not leave you, my lady, so we'd be going with you too," Otha replied. Kitra loudly seconded.

His weight shifted on the bed. I got the feeling that he was somewhat unnerved.

"You have another suitor then? Has he bonded himself to you?"

I shook my head.

"No, he waits for word from me," I said slowly. I wasn't sure how wise it was to involve Feron at this moment, but then I remembered that if he wasn't going to reveal my blindness, then he certainly wasn't going to reveal anything else. "He's coming with the first shipment of dyes and spices to find out my answer."

Master Oin blew out his breath in a mighty whoosh.

"I promised not to tell on my honor and oath," he said at last, "but you'll not be able to put this by them for long, and Master Balin is shrewd to boot. You'd best come clean soon."

I shook my head.

"And have blood on my hands for it? No, Master Oin, I'd rather have your king come down on me with lightning and fire than betray those I love."

He heaved to his feet and kissed my hand.

"Your leg is shorter by two and a half inches," he said by way of sealing our pact. "I'll have a pair of boots and shoes made by tonight. The rest is up to you."

I took a relieved breath and smiled gratefully.

He walked to the door and opened it. Then I heard his voice one last time.

"Beware, my lady. If Thorin Oakenshield discovers your deceit, he will come down on you with lightning and fire."

Please review! I rushed this out as a thank you for your support.