Chapter 25

More fallout from Kili's "death"

Nori nodded to the guard. He was a young dwarf, still get used to being in the new King's army. His inexperience showed in his black bearded face. It was one thing to talk of torture. It was entirely different to witness it. He was queasy and uneasy in his stance. However, he struggled to not let it affect his countenance or movements.

However, Nori noticed. That was his job after all, to notice everything others might miss. He couldn't help the green soldier. The boy needed to learn some things are bought at a high price. Today was an example of that. And if the Spy Master happened to enjoy the said activity, well, the boy would soon discover some insults were meant to be returned in full.

Nori had questioned Borgi for three hours. He was smug about turning the tables on drunken arse. The first three blows had just been payment for the horrible insults the dwarf had paid to the House of Durin. During the beating, Nori had been quite clear why Borgi deserved it and more. Nori had been pleased when Borgi refused to cooperate. He had much more in store for the dwarf.

Now he wiped the blood of his hands and knives. Borgi had talked in the end, begged and sobbed. Nori just wished it had soothed his anger more.

Borgi spoke of Nevi. It was clear the witch was the brains behind this plot. However, Borgi revealed Nevi took orders from others. These were also witches, of which there were at least two more. Borgi did not know their names nor their location. When pressed Borgi screamed he believed they lived in the wild toward the east. In pain, Borgi also screamed each witch had a special craft they excelled at. Nevi's was poison. Nevi paid them in gold and had a contact with someone in the Iron Hills. This was the extent of Borgi's information.

Nori had hoped for more, but realized Borgi was just a setup stooge. It was actually amazing he knew this much at all. The other prisoner, the one Bofur saved, had much the same information. The only addition was this contact was of noble rank, but not the king himself.

"Sir, what should we do.."

Nori sighed, "That is up to Prince Kili to decide his ultimate fate. Keep him alive for now." Not the king, he thought, for Nori still did not trust Thorin to be returned to his senses. The other companions might be so trusting, but he was not. Thorin had not yet done a thing to earn the Spy Master's trust. Until then, maybe never, he would always defer to Kili. Nori could not hide the relief he felt at Kili's revival. Over these weeks the two had become friends. Kili admired Nori's skill to see through subterfuge, to not be bound by other peoples' expectations. Kili encouraged Nori to do what he'd always desired, to follow the strings on the puppets. Then Kili trusted him to give his summations accurately. The two would plot courses of action together. The return of the Arkenstone was just one result.

It felt good to be trusted, to be relied upon. Nori never truly felt those emotions until recently. Oh, he knew Dori loved him. But the elder brother always withheld his full approval. Always leaving subtle hints, Nori was not to be actually counted on, at least not for the everything. Nori knew Dori resented him for leaving Ori in his care alone so often. Nori could not help himself. Dori tried to pretend they were just normal dwarves. They weren't. However, some part of Nori's bitter heart understood why Dori tried so much for Ori's sake. He just could not be around to play pretend, to be domestic. In the end Nori knew he'd bring more harm to his two brothers than help.

Working for Kili was different. It was freedom.

When Nori had heard the news of Kili's demise, the gingered dwarf was in the process of searching Nevi's bed. At first he had just sat heavily on the tossed bed, saying nothing. Not really believing the news. Then his brain processed it. Kili was still of a noble heart. His intentions were still for the good of others. Of course, the young, brash prince would find the witch. Then of course, the injured princeling would fight the bitch on his own, not getting help. Because that was Kili, acting on impulse and emotion and trying to make everyone happy.

Nori would have broken him of that habit. Try to teach him to put his needs before others. Yet, he would never have the chance. Nori erupted after his quiet minutes. He tore the bedding apart with his bare hands. He broke the bits of furniture, all the while raging at the top of his lungs. He did not feel this way when his mother died nor his father. Then again, he had not loved them.

He was with the first prisoner when word reached him about Kili. The prince was miraculously alive. Nori had disbelieved Ori. Nori did not have hope nor a childish belief that fates were ever kind. Yet, Ori insisted. His bright face was shining in joy. His eyes held no shadows, no untruths. Ori had grabbed his brother's hand, yelling to follow. He did all the way to the Prince's chambers.

Nori had left reluctantly along with most of the company at Oin's barked orders. None had wanted to leave Kili, not so soon after mourning his loss. Nori did though. He still had a job to do. For his friend, for his king.

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Bofur sat smoking his pipe in Kili's chambers. Dwalin reclined in another chair. They had both volunteered to sit with the prince even though still exhausted from their own journey. Food and drink had been provided, which restored the two somewhat. Bofur admitted he might have dozed off a bit now and then, but he doubted Dwalin did.

Bofur glanced at the hour glass. Soon Gloin and Dori would relieve them. Dwalin hadn't spoken but a few words, "Pass the salt." Bofur was different. He had sung to Kili. He knew how much song soothed the lad's nerves. He also told him great tales and small jokes. Dwalin had grunted, but not joined in. Kili seemed to rest more comfortably after that, pleasing Bofur.

Bofur, though, he was a might concerned about a great many things. That included his silent friend.

"You should stop blaming yourself."

Dwalin blinked, almost startled by the statement. "What? Why do ye say such a thing?"

Bofur blew out some smoke and nodded his head toward the bald captain. "Because it's as plain as day. Anyone can read it on yer face."

Dwalin's face screwed up into a frown, but Bofur was not easily detoured. "Ye can try to hide it. It's a waste of time, it is. He'll be needed ye to concentrate on other things. Like his uncle and the others involved in this mess."

"I don't know what yer talking about. Best be quiet for Kili's sake." Dwalin again tried evasion.

It failed. "Naw. I don't think so. The lad worries about all of us. He'd not want you to be in right state of guilt for this." Bofur waved his hand at Kili. "None of us knew the lad was going after the bitch."

"We should have. He's too damn thick skulled and rash. The young brat!" Dwalin grumbled.

Bofur nodded, "Aye, yer right about that. Expecting Kili to sit and allow others to sort out Nevi, it was a bit daft of all of us."

"Yer not helping."

Bofur smiled, "The point being, if I may make it clear. Is that we all failed to predict Kili's behavior. He told Balin and Oin he was going to speak with the prisoner. A perfectly logical thing to do. But when does Kili act logically without Fili in matters such as his heart?"

Dwalin became defensive, "He's done right well by the kingdom."

Bofur's hat bobbled as he nodded in agreement, "That he has. The people sing his praises and its right that they should. But this was a threat to Thorin and in Kili's mind, I imagine to Fili most of all."

Dwalin shifted in his chair. Bofur could make him feel uncomfortable with all his talk at times. This was one of them. He wished for Gloin and Dori to hurry up. He wanted an ale, he wanted a bed. He did not want to think on the day and its events any longer.

Bofur allowed the silence to stretch for a moment before speaking quietly again. "We can't dwell on mistakes. We can learn from them and move on. It's a hard lesson, but one I'm glad I'd learned many decades ago. Kili was being his true self. Just as we were trying to help him, them."

Dwalin nodded at this. Bofur continued, "The next days will be rough my friend. Thorin has much to make up to the lad. Horrible things were said and done. Kili might forgive him. The boy does have a generous heart. But I don't know that he will ever trust Thorin again. Watching it, being around it, will be as tough as sitting here beside his bed."

There was a knock on the door. Dori and Gloin walked in. Dwalin just nodded at the both of them while making way to his own room. He had much to think on.

Ackk! For some reason I find Bofur the hardest to write for. He's just a cool character and I want to do justice to him. I hope I did so. Thanks for still reading, I appreciate ya'll. Coming up-dark deeds in Mirkwood with Fili and Bilbo. And lots of angst between Thorin and Kili.