Chapter 10

"My dear I am worried about the king he has become so obsessed with gold and treasure he seems sometimes in a fever," Thorin sitting quietly for once overheard Domhilda talking to his father.

"I too have some fears wife but for the kingdoms safety we must not talk of this," he replied softly.

Domhilda nodded her head and continued her tapestry, Thorin thought more and more on his parent's brief words for he too had noticed a change in the king and it was disturbing. That night he followed his grandfather to the treasure halls and watched as the old lord strode amongst his hoard exclaiming with joy at sight and touch of it.

Ever since that time years ago before the birth of his brother Frerin that the Arkenstone had been found Thror had changed. Since then he had claimed that his right to rule had the approval of the gods this obsession had grown. He seemed to not be able to have enough of the gold Thorin had seen dwarves and men who were taken over by their love of wine and ale until they sickened, his grandfathers passion for gold seemed similar to him. Thorin turned away in sorrow to see the lust for treasure take over his beloved grandsire.

My sweet Edda, The time between our visits weighs on me most painfully I long to run my fingers through your soft ruby locks, to feel the smoothness of your skin and to look into the depths of your golden eyes. To hear your laugh again and to talk with you about every matter under the sun would fill me with joy. There are such wide abysses now of space and land between us, I exist only to hear from you and to see your gentle smiling face turned to me.

I have some fears of which I may not write but suffice to say I have spoken of them to you before. If only we were married already I might ease my mind by discussing these matters with you alas that we must wait another year. Still time will, I hope, fly like a bird on sapphire wings so that we may celebrate our marriage to one another. I am sure these dark imaginings are just that and will resolve themselves.

Frerin and Dis have both been asking after you Dis especially loves your company and will be exceedingly glad to see you next spring. Till then my love know that you are in my heart, all my dreams are bound in my love for you and in the life we will create together. For in your arms I am home.

Your Thorin son of Thrain son of Thror King Under the Mountain

Edda clutched the letter to her chest feeling overcome Thorin's words were beautiful and touched her heart, her tears ran quietly down her cheek. She also felt a tightness she knew of what Thorin spoke, rumours of King Thror and his madness were spreading and more dark words of prophecy were being spoken. She had seen Torgrim the Stormcrow watching her with dark eyes which at times seemed concerned and at others gleeful with spite. The orc's axe had changed him from a gentle dwarf to a strange and at times frightening being. From there news was worse, more and more rumours were spreading the other peoples of Middle Earth were beginning to speak of Thror's unhealthy lust for gold. Word of dark things being driven from the north had even reached the halls of Moria.

"Edda I am concerned about the news coming from Erebor it may be best to delay your wedding to the prince until things have settled," the king looked at his granddaughter with a frown.

"I beg you grandfather Thorin and I have waited it seems an eternity I must go to him and wed he is my destiny and I can wait no longer," Edda replied, although her words sounded subservient her tone was not.

"Ah very well my dove you may go but we will send a greater party to protect you and I will send a word to King Thror to have further guards waiting at the edge of the Greenwood."

Edda leapt into her grandfather's arms and kissed him soundly on his great beard, before running off to begin packing for her journey to her true love. The king shook his head as he looked at her and then glancing saw the grimace of satisfaction on Torgrim's face. He really should split that one in two he thought to himself he would be better off, his poison was infecting others and he seemed to be more a creature of darkness every day.

"I can't believe it Nora only two more days until I will see Him again!"

"Indeed my lady I must admit to some anticipation in seeing the good dwarf Roall again myself," Nora replied with naughty grin of her own.

"Oh Nora my dear I think he would be a great match for you perhaps we will both be new brides together, that would be perfect," Edda giggled.

"We could compare notes on our new husbands my lady," Nora replied.

Edda feigned shock at her maid's forwardness but was also amused with the idea but knowing her Thorin he would be somewhat affronted, she giggled again at the thought. Suddenly there was a great roar and a huge shockwave shook the earth, Nora was flung to the ground along with several others of the dwarven guards. Edda had managed to keep a grip on her pony and jumped down to help assisting Nora to her feet and checking the other fallen. One oldtimer had sprained his shoulder but dwarves are sturdy folk and the others whilst grumbling got to their feet.

"What is happening Princess?" A guard named Flori asked.

"I know not, let us continue on to Erebor we should be meeting up with the other guards from King Thror soon," she replied looking towards the lonely mountain which loomed ahead.

Great gouts of smoke suddenly began pluming forth from the Lonely Mountain, flames were searing high into the sky and looking up they saw it, a great and terrible dragon soaring into Erebor itself! They watched in horror as more smoke rose and rubble was sent exploding into the air. Edda was horrified surely none could survive this it was a catastrophe, her Thorin must be dead or dying even now. She felt herself shudder and her heart constrict until from the left she heard a call.

"Elves my lady! It is King Thranduil and his host see yonder we must reach them and beseech their aid," Flori rode towards the elves as he yelled his words to her.

Edda, Nora and the other guards caught up to them as Flori was explaining to the king who she was and the purpose of their party.

"Very well princess you may join us as we ride forth but I caution you to remain behind the guard and follow the directions given you," Thranduil said his voice soft and powerful.

Edda nodded her agreement but if she saw Thorin she privately swore she would go to him elvish permission or not.