Disclaimer: I have no creative rights over the characters and places you can identify in this story and have no way profited from this work.
16/05/2017
Sammael29: Like many stories, things need to get worse before they get better.
Denz-El: Thanks for all your reviews.
JJChandler: I'm not sure at this stage. If he does, I should've kept Smaug alive to do the bargaining.
Chapter 25 – Discoveries on the Abyss
After leaving Lake-town's survivors, Legolas and Tauriel made for Mount Gundabad as fast as they could ride. Legolas was convinced the Orc stronghold was going to be the launching pad of a major assault on Erebor. Their path traversed around the northern edge of Mirkwood. The terrain was as desolate the lands on the west border of the forest. None described it as expansive though. For the Grey Mountains stretched across the length of the northern horizon. Balin said the ancient mountain range was teeming with evil creatures ready to attack the unwary. Two and half days into their journey, the Elves unexpectedly encountered a larger threat.
It was night when Legolas and Tauriel first heard a rumbling sound to the west. The pair dismounted before quickly creeping up a low ridge. Their eyes widened in shock after peering over it. They no longer needed to go to Gundabad – Gundabad had come to them. A fifteen thousand strong horde was marching directly towards them from less than a mile away. Ranks of heavily armoured orcs bristled with pikes and other forged weapons. Bolg lead them from the front mounted on his warg.
"They must have been ordered to march out some time ago," Legolas grimly concluded. "Meaning a similar force would've also left Dol Guldur."
Tauriel took in a nervous breath. In less than three days, Erebor and Dale would be subject to a massive onslaught. The Company and the Men of the Lake weren't the only ones who'd be caught in it. Thranduil's army would have arrived the day before. If that army was destroyed, the Woodland Realm would lay defenceless. Tauriel's dread turned into confusion upon spotting something unusual.
"Their banners," she drew Legolas's attention to it. "That is not the mark of Gundabad."
It was testament to Elven sight the pair could make out the details given the time and distance. Each banner had a large pair of red square eyes and gaping red mouth painted over a black background. Legolas couldn't recall seeing such a symbol before. Given Narzug's interrogation, the list of possible candidates was very short.
"That mark could only belong to one," Legolas prefaced before locking eyes with his companion. "The Lieutenant."
The pair suddenly had to duck as a flock of bats swarmed directly overhead. Larger than normal, these bats weren't natural but creatures in the service of dark powers. They could scout for their masters and, like the ravens used by Dwarves, act as messengers as well. This flock immediately reported to Bolg about the enemy just ahead. Bolg was unconcerned. The Elves who foiled him in Lake-town would soon die like the rest of the Free Peoples. He instead thrust his mace into the air.
"Uk broshan goth!" Bolg exhorted the legions under his command.
"ULTRON! ULTRON!" they thundered in acclaim.
The Elves were shocked to the core.
"That's why Wanda was afraid!" Tauriel gasped in realisation.
"Meaning Ultron's commanding the other army!" Legolas added.
Bolg grinned as the pair ran back to their horse. It was due to what Ultron called the 'big picture'. Like all orcs converging on Erebor, Bolg had a personal goal in mind. Once the Free Peoples were crushed, he would be allowed to rule Gundabad as Ultron's vassal. The automaton even promised to take care of its current ruler ("When it comes to killing fathers, I'm always happy to help").
Other rewards awaited Bolg depending on how the battle went. They included being second-in-command of Ultron's new order. That is, if the automaton's preferred candidate said 'no'…
Evening saw debate continue within Thranduil's pavilion. Bard had excused himself to check on the militia as well as spend what time he could with his children. But not before extracting a concession from the King of the Woodland Realm. Thranduil agreed to amend one of his orders given Vision's arrival. From now on, the Wood-elves could only attack the Scarlet Witch if she attacked them first. It was a condition that Thranduil was willing to push to the limit. Vision silently witnessed the Elf-king and the Grey Wizard go head-to-head about it. Thranduil sat on his throne while Gandalf anxiously paced the floor with pipe in hand.
"As I said to Bard," Thranduil firmly stated, "the heirlooms of my people are not lightly forsaken."
"You're still attacking?!" Gandalf was incredulous. "I told you what's coming!"
"I asked the location of those armies, Mithrandir," Thranduil reminded. "The best you could tell me was them arriving sometime tomorrow."
"We came directly from Rhosgobel to give warning," the wizard said of Vision and himself. "We didn't have time to go out looking for them."
Thranduil believed impending danger only supported his argument.
"And how much time are you giving Oakenshield to come to his senses?" Thranduil retorted. "Are you prepared to wait until the point of Ultron's arrival?"
Gandalf's patience was a byword. But even he felt the Elf-king had struck a low blow.
"I spoke with Ultron myself," Gandalf testily reminded. "I'm well aware what his arrival heralds."
The King of the Woodland Realm kept using the wizard's words to ram home his point.
"Oakenshield doesn't grasp the threat currently on his doorstep," Thranduil referred to the armed host at his call. "Do you seriously believe you can persuade him of the threat Ultron poses simply by telling the truth?"
The Grey Wizard took the opportunity to indirectly berate Thranduil's mistrust in someone else.
"Not if it comes just from me," Gandalf asserted. "You forget, milord. The Company contains someone who battled Ultron before he even came to this world."
"You read her note, Mithrandir," Thranduil had no confidence given the individual's own words. "Collgwend hasn't been able to remove Oakenshield's madness."
"And nor will Wanda give up trying!" Gandalf insisted.
Thranduil's mouth twitched. Gandalf had provided the perfect opening to finally settle the matter.
"You've heard us, Master Vision," Thranduil slyly addressed the other individual present. "What is your opinion? How long will it take for your fellow Avenger to remove the effects of dragon-sickness?"
The Elf-king shared Galadriel's perception about the android being newborn. Vision's super-intelligence still didn't grasp the finer points of rhetoric.
"I don't know, sir," Vision answered, unaware of the question's hidden agenda. "Wanda's somewhat like myself. What we know of her telepathy is greatly outweighed by what we don't."
The King of the Woodland Realm gave Gandalf a vindicated look.
"You can't guarantee Oakenshield will listen," Thranduil coolly declared his mind was made up. "Let alone he'll do so before those armies arrive. Either way, Mithrandir, the Dwarves are out of time."
Bilbo and the Dwarves were happy for Wanda to eat with them. They nonetheless insisted she have some privacy as well. Close to their common quarters was a small guestroom that Wanda slept and changed in. It was also where she retreated after storming out of the armoury. The Scarlet Witch hadn't emerged since closing the door behind her. Except for their leader, the rest of the Company was more than concerned. None of them dared disturb her though. The dwarves were still ashamed at how the Avenger stung their consciences. Guilt prevented Bilbo given what he planned to do later. The Hobbit found himself unable to knock on Wanda's door even though she could be heard softly weeping.
Late night saw Wanda's room in pitch blackness. Laying on her bed, the Sokovian had long ceased crying but still couldn't sleep. The blackened room represented how she felt alone and in the dark. Only a miracle could now prevent the Quest of Erebor ending in tragedy.
Wanda had failed to free Thorin from dragon-sickness. Nor had she been able to persuade the other dwarves to detain him. Even with all her power, the Scarlet Witch didn't have the stamina to hold out a besieging force indefinitely. It formed the basis of Thorin's calculations. Wanda would have to destroy the besiegers if she ultimately wanted to save the Company. Her worst fear was Bard and the Lake-men joining Thranduil and the Wood-elves in attack. No matter the outcome, the Scarlet Witch would never be trusted by any of the Free Peoples again. It was then she realised there still might be one.
Like Wanda, Bilbo had opposed Thorin to his face. Not having super powers made the Hobbit's opposition even more courageous. Bilbo didn't have to be part of tomorrow's madness. All he had to do was slip on his ring and hide within the mountain until the fighting was over. Maybe he just had to be assured the Scarlet Witch would still protect him?
Wanda stood up and put on her armour. She made to open the door but stopped upon hearing a loud and tired yawn from outside. It was Bofur turning in for the night. His frame of mind saw his thoughts leaking everywhere. Wanda's eyes widened in alarm – Bilbo had already left the mountain! She sensed Bofur wouldn't tell anyone. Touchingly, the Dwarf wanted to shield Bilbo from tomorrow's events as much as Wanda did. But that didn't make going over the wall a good idea. Using an invisibility ring to get past hundreds of Silvan archers was still highly dangerous at best. Particularly given their king's order was more than likely 'shoot to kill'. Wanda had to find Bilbo before the arrows of the Wood-elves did.
Wanda's next actions resembled hers when escaping Thranduil's palace. She quietly stepped out of her room before again using her telepathy. The thoughts from the common quarters suggested most of the dwarves were asleep (Balin's indicated that Thorin was brooding alone on this throne). Confident the coast was clear, the Scarlet Witch discreetly made her way through the mountain's interior. Elrond's boots again proved their worth as Wanda's footsteps fell in complete silence.
The Sokovian soon reached the barricaded Gates of Erebor. She hadn't been here since arriving from Dale. After a precautionary glance over the shoulder to ensure she hadn't been followed, Wanda elevated herself onto the platform. It was her first taste of fresh air in more than a day. The Scarlet Witch couldn't help but take a deep breath of it. Being cooped up within the mountain had almost been as suffocating as Mirkwood. This included the mountain having a distorting effect on her telepathy. The relief Wanda currently felt saw her realise too late she wasn't alone.
Bombur stood looking at the Scarlet Witch just a few yards to her left. He had taken over watch duties from his brother. The Company's cook wore a morion-style helmet and was armed with a halberd. There was an uncomfortable pause as Wanda weighed up what she should do. Smaug's voice taunted her lack of will about using her powers on the Company. The outside air though allowed Wanda to recall Galadriel's counsel in Rivendell. For the first time since returning the mountain, the choice in the Sokovian's heart was clear.
"Bombur," Wanda began persuading him, "Bilbo's gone over the wall. I have to find him or the Elves will kill him on sight."
The Sokovian's restraint and trust was rewarded more than she expected.
"It's alright, Wanda," Bombur assured. "I won't tell anyone."
It was the first time she had ever heard Bombur talk. The Scarlet Witch smiled in wonder at his dulcet voice. It was the happiest she felt since before Dale. The Avenger could only agree with something Gandalf once told her – it was the small things that kept the darkness at bay.
"I'll be back as quick as I can," Wanda promised before taking flight.
With discussions at an end, Thranduil stood up and walked to the table with his maps. He dispassionately began the task of preparing a battle plan. That included preventing any interruptions from Gandalf.
"Master Vision," Thranduil co-opted the android into the process. "I'd be grateful if you tell me all you know of Ultron."
Vision began by describing Stark's goal for a suit of armour around the world. Gandalf gave an annoyed grimace. Thranduil was effectively freezing him out of the planning process. Stepping outside, Gandalf spotted the other allied leader just a few yards away.
Bard had just finished dinner with his children. Privately, he pondered if it would be their last meal as a family. The news about Ultron had quickly spread among the Lake-men. While anxious, none of them could fully grasp the threat posed by the automaton. They had every faith the Scarlet Witch (now helped by Vision) would save them like she did from Smaug. Bard couldn't find it in himself to say otherwise even to his children. The truth could see even worse scenes of panic than when the dragon attacked Lake-town. While consulting with a pair of militia officers, Bard was abruptly reminded that Ultron wasn't the only crisis.
"You, Bowman!" Gandalf got his attention. "Do you agree with this?"
Bard excused himself and went to the wizard for a private word. The last thing the militia needed to know was of divisions within allied command.
"Agree with what?" Bard wanted clarity.
While reading Wanda's note, the Grey Wizard also picked up its subtext. He only wished circumstances had been kinder to her and Bard.
"Attacking the Company at dawn," Gandalf answered. "Do you really want to put Wanda in an impossible position?"
Bard's eyes narrowed. Of course, he didn't want that to happen. But he still believed the Sokovian had a key part to play in resolving the crisis.
"Wanda won't break her word," Bard insisted. "She'll use her power to prevent bloodshed. We just have to get Thorin to back down before the others arrive."
"Thorin won't back down!" a breathless voice interrupted. "Not when he thinks he can make Wanda fight for him."
A surprised Gandalf felt an equal measure of relief and joy.
"Bilbo Baggins!" he greeted the Hobbit.
Bilbo was immediately taken to Thranduil's pavilion. It meant being introduced to Vision before learning about Ultron. The Elf-king impatiently sat on his throne waiting to raise something else. It would take more than the end of the world for Thranduil to overlook acts of trespass within his palace. The trespasser in question was trying to understand a new villain even more frightening than an old one.
"Where does this leave Azog?" Bilbo asked despite still being afraid of him.
"But a pawn of Ultron's," Gandalf answered. "If our forces are destroyed, I suspect Ultron will kill him shortly after."
The Hobbit hadn't forgotten standing between Azog and his intended prey. He fervently hoped never having to do likewise with Ultron. Wanda told him the automaton greatly prized something.
"Would, um, Ultron," Bilbo warily pointed at Vision's forehead, "still want the Mind Stone?"
"Most certainly." Vision confirmed before explaining, "It's important to understand, Master Baggins. Ultron's in a great deal of pain. He thinks the stone will help. In truth, it will only make his pain worse."
Bilbo's response bordered on whimsical. "Bit ironic really."
Their host rolled his eyes in frustration.
"If I'm not mistaken," Thranduil testily interrupted, "this is the halfling who stole the keys to my dungeons from under the nose of my guards."
"Yes," Bilbo awkwardly admitted. He apologised like having stepped on a neighbour's flower bed, "Sorry about that."
Gandalf and Bard quickly gave it a good-humoured smirk.
"What did you mean by ironic, Bilbo?" the former then questioned.
"I came," Bilbo said while walking up to the table next to him, "to give you this."
The Hobbit set down a small bundle of cloth before unwrapping it. A stunned silence fell over the pavilion. For within the bundle lay the Arkenstone. The sight of the brilliant white jewel saw the rest of the pavilion gather around it in awe. It was the first time Thranduil had seen it since his ill-fated audience with Thror.
"The heart of the mountain!" he gasped in recognition. "The King's Jewel."
"And worth a king's ransom," Bard spoke the corollary.
Vision's interest in the Arkenstone was more scientific. The android's eyes were as good as electron microscopes. JARVIS would have been within right describing it as 'alien'. The jewel's crystalline structure was flawless. A greater mystery was the light it radiated. Vision couldn't detect an obvious energy source. Was it somehow related to the Silmarils mentioned in JARVIS's files? Girion's heir tried solving another mystery.
"How is this yours to give?" Bard questioned its bringer.
"I took it as my fourteenth share of the treasure," Bilbo answered. "Thorin values this stone above all else. In exchange for its return, I believe he will give you what you are owed." The Hobbit's motives were simple. "The truth is, I've grown very fond of those dwarves. None of them deserve to be killed by you. Not even Thorin."
Gandalf proudly smiled. There was more to Bilbo than even the wizard had realised. The Hobbit had been through so much peril on the quest. And yet, he was willing to come away empty-handed if it meant saving just one life. Bilbo's priorities put those of mighty Elf and Dwarf lords to shame. Gandalf wasn't the only one who shared this belief.
"Wanda said you were selfless," Bard commended the Hobbit.
Bilbo modestly shrugged.
"I meant what I said that night," he referred to the one outside the Master's house. "She's the kindest person I've met." Bilbo paused before reflecting, "And I'll do all I can to save her."
"What's wrong with Wanda?" Bard immediately inferred.
"She's back!" a Lake-town soldier cried out from the courtyard.
Bard immediately rushed outside the pavilion. His fellow Lake-men were cheering that the Scarlet Witch had landed among them. Flying to Dale wasn't impulsive on her part. Even with her powers, the Avenger would struggle to find Bilbo in the dark. After leaving the Lonely Mountain, Wanda flew as close to the city as possible. She sensed the Elves would only act against her in self-defence. Hopefully the same leniency could be extended to Bilbo. It was a near certainty Thranduil wouldn't even listen to Wanda. But she was more than confident of someone else intervening on her behalf.
"Wanda?" Bard walked up to her both happy and confused.
The Bowman was caught completely off-guard as the Sokovian pulled him in for a passionate kiss. The Men of the Lake had the grace to keep their reactions to a discreet smirk or chuckle. Bard recovered his wits after he and Wanda finished.
"Nothing wrong with that," he said sotto voce.
A smiling Wanda noticed who else had left the pavilion standing just a few feet away.
"Gandalf!" she didn't hide her relief.
"Hello, Wanda," the wizard fondly said.
The Sokovian walked into Gandalf's warm and comforting embrace. To Wanda, it was like being held by her grandfather again. She also felt compelled to give Gandalf a contrite look afterwards.
"I'm sorry, Gandalf," Wanda confessed.
"What for, my dear?" he was unsure.
"For everything's that happened since you left us," the Scarlet Witch felt she failed his trust.
Gandalf smiled in compassion. "You've looked after the Company better than I could've ever hoped to."
"No," Wanda rejected absolution. "Bilbo – "
"Is here safe," Gandalf guessed what was troubling her. "We'll take you to him."
The Scarlet Witch sensed a trace of Gandalf's thoughts. Apparently, there was someone else she'd be happy to see. Wanda chose not to spoil the surprise though. She happily held hands with Bard as the three of them walked to Thranduil's pavilion. Wanda's anticipation at seeing Bilbo was abruptly cut short.
"That's far enough," Thranduil told them to halt.
The Elf-king stood behind a line of his infantry blocking entry into his pavilion. Accepting the Scarlet Witch wasn't a threat didn't necessarily mean a change of attitude.
"I meant what I said, Collgwend," Thranduil imperiously told her. "Do not expect to find welcome here again."
The King of the Woodland Realm succeeded where Alfrid failed a few days ago. Thranduil's action spurred Girion's heir to finally claim his heritage.
"As Lord of Dale, I decide who's welcome here!" Bard angrily told him. "Wanda is a hero to my people. Bar her from your own realm, milord. But by the right of kings, no Elf shall block her path in mine!"
Outside the confines of his palace, Thranduil's thoughts were unmasked to the Scarlet Witch. Beneath his impervious façade, the Elf-king had been completely caught off-guard. Thranduil expected visitors to his realm show complete respect for his authority. Now Bard was making the same demand of him. Failure to do so would cast Thranduil's grudge against Wanda as rank hypocrisy. For once, the great king's only choice was to back down.
"Let them pass," a tight-lipped Thranduil ordered.
The Elf-king turned back into his pavilion as his guards stepped aside. Wanda simply gave Bard's hand a proud squeeze. Nor was she the only one who felt the same. Gandalf looked around at the faces of the Men of the Lake. Bard's declaration had locked in their loyalty. Ultron or not, they would follow their lord to whatever end.
Bilbo stood waiting inside the pavilion. He more than understood why Wanda didn't greet him first.
"Vision!" she ecstatically recognised the android.
All excepted Thranduil smiled as Wanda rushed up and embraced her fellow Avenger. Initially unsure how to react, Vision tentatively gave his first hug in response. Wanda's joy evaporated after picking up his thoughts.
"No," she groaned.
Wanda sat on a chair as she was brought up to speed. Gandalf described all that had happened to him since leaving the Company at Mirkwood. This included encountering Sauron and Thrain at Dol Guldur.
Vision informed her about events on Earth. The first thing she learnt was the vortex's effect on time. What had been nearly six months for her was but six days on Earth. The Avengers and the Sokovian Government had worked together around the clock since her 'disappearance'. Stark, Vision, and FRIDAY took three days to finally understand how Ultron's portal worked. Their research discovered not only where Wanda had been sent but also who had gone before her. Vision was quickly dispatched to save both Wanda and the timeline of Middle-earth.
The Scarlet Witch simply noted most of the briefing. Not even the Arkenstone and Bilbo's reason for bringing it here grabbed her attention. All Wanda could think of was her worst fears about the Lieutenant having been confirmed. Ultron would be arriving tomorrow with a large army at his call. The Battle of Sokovia demonstrated that Vision and the Scarlet Witch couldn't defeat him by themselves.
"Why haven't the others come?" Wanda referred to the other Avengers.
"Ultron ran out of time to finish his portal," Vision replied. "Currently, it can only be used by individuals imbued by the Mind Stone."
"Is that why I set it off by accident?" Wanda connected events.
Vision nodded before revealing, "I'm able to open the portal one more time. I'm sorry, Wanda. But Captain Rogers has ordered Ultron be dealt with before we can return."
The Sokovian wouldn't have it any other way. Nor did she underestimate the task Captain America had given her.
"It took all the Avengers to stop him before," Wanda stated in relation to Ultron. "He could've already made other versions of himself."
It was as a prisoner that Gandalf taunted Ultron's claims to freedom. In a twisted sense, Sauron's spell had imprisoned his Lieutenant as well. Ultron had no means of survival outside his armour. And it was highly unlikely the Enemy's magic would allow otherwise.
"As far as we know, his consciousness has no means of escape," Gandalf first gave Wanda the good news. "Unfortunately, Ultron's made up for it by becoming a very powerful sorcerer. It's doubtful even Lady Galadriel could now withstand him. And I daresay Ultron wouldn't be headed here without believing he could match you, Wanda." The Wizard paused before concluding, "For all that, we still have one advantage."
All but one held their breath to hear what it was. It proved to be something of a bittersweet disappointment.
"Ultron doesn't know Vision is here," Gandalf stated. "And it's vital we keep it that way as long as possible."
"How long, Mithrandir?" Thranduil queried.
Being pulled down a peg hadn't blunted the King of the Woodland Realm's intuition. He suspected Gandalf meant Vision was to be kept hidden even after the fighting started. The said Avenger confirmed those suspicions as he provided the reason.
"At Dol Guldur, I found where Ultron conducted his research," Vision began. "He destroyed most of it before leaving."
"Why would he do that?" Bilbo blurted out.
Bilbo was no longer the same hobbit who left the Shire. He still retained something of an innocent curiosity though. That included when trying to make sense of dark lords and their behaviour.
"So that Sauron didn't find out all he was up to," Gandalf answered they were all paranoid.
"But I believe I discovered his final solution for the Free Peoples," Vision resumed his narrative.
Wanda hadn't used the euphemism since coming to Middle-earth.
"By that you mean how he plans to exterminate us?" Bard checked its meaning.
Vision nodded. "I'm the only one who can stop it. If Ultron discovers I'm here, he'll simply retreat and deploy it elsewhere." The android told Thranduil, "Most likely your kingdom, milord."
For the first time in centuries, Thranduil looked visibly alarmed. Narzug boasted the walls of the Elf-king's palace couldn't keep out what Ultron had ultimately designed. The King of the Woodland Realm's mood quickly changed upon realising the implications of Gandalf's 'advantage'. Hundreds of Silvan warriors would die tomorrow as effectively little more than bait.
"Meaning Ultron must be forced to use it here," Thranduil surmised, his tone laced with displeasure. "Only then will Vision enter the battle."
"It's not enough just to defeat Ultron," Gandalf implied there was no other way. "We have to destroy him and all his works. The very future of Middle-earth depends on it."
Only Vision knew the full subtext behind the last remark. A critical but unanswered question about Ultron prevented the Scarlet Witch from sensing even a hint of it.
"So," Wanda began asking, "what's his swift and terrible sword this time?"
Debate in the pavilion finished a short while later. Wanda went with Bard afterwards to spend a few minutes with his children. Vision stood alone outside looking at the Lonely Mountain. It was the same spot he, Gandalf, Thranduil, and Bard looked at it earlier in the day. Just behind the android was the throne of the Lord of Dale. The throne might be broken but, due to this evening's events, could no longer be considered unoccupied. Bard would need to show the same lordly resolve a few hours from now.
It was critical the situation involving the Company be resolved before the battle started. To that end, those in Thranduil's pavilion agreed to play a bluff at dawn. Like all who knew about it, Vision couldn't be sure of the outcome. It exemplified his greatest hindrance come tomorrow.
None of the Avengers fought in the Battle of the Five Armies. The only written account about it they were aware of was a book in the possession of Samwise Gamgee. At this point of Middle-earth's history, that book was still decades away from being written. The only other knowledge the Avengers had about the battle came from anecdotes told during their adventures in Middle-earth. Vision's knowledge was limited to those anecdotes recorded by JARVIS. The force arriving from the Iron Hills was one example. Precise and accurate information about army numbers, tactics and casualties though was non-existent. Even then, Ultron's very presence cast a great deal of uncertainty about those events unfolding in the first place. The potential paradoxes were too many for even Vision to comprehend. A key one walked and stood beside him.
"Alright if I join you, Vision?" Bilbo asked.
The Hobbit was having a quick smoke. Bilbo hoped Wanda's fellow Avenger might be able to answer something that was troubling him.
"By all means, Master Baggins," Vision replied.
"Bilbo," the Hobbit said what to call him. "Any friend of Wanda's is a friend of mine."
Gandalf told the android about the close bond the pair had built between them.
"And on behalf of the Avengers," Vision acknowledged, "I thank you for being such a good friend to Wanda."
"It wasn't that hard really," Bilbo felt he could've done no less. "Everyone likes Wanda. Well, obviously except…" He cleared his throat before broaching what he had come to talk about. "Will, um, Ultron have any of those spiders with him?"
Vision described how the automaton planned to carry out genocide. Like at Novi Grad though, Bilbo assumed Ultron would throw other forces at the Free Peoples before launching it.
"Possibly," Vision didn't know otherwise about the spiders. "Nor can it be ruled out he's developed a similar formula for other creatures."
The Hobbit took a deep whiff of pipe-weed as he imagined being confronted by super-sized orcs and trolls.
"I just hope things get sorted with Thorin before we find out," was all Bilbo could say.
"Bringing the Arkenstone here was the right thing," Vision assured him. "And Wanda will protect you whatever happens."
Bilbo didn't want to put the Scarlet Witch in that position.
"I'll say one thing," he segued to a different but relevant act of theft. "I'm glad I wasn't contracted to steal your cradle."
"You underestimate yourself, Bilbo," Vision sincerely disagreed. "I think you still would've tried."
Bilbo emphatically shook his head. "Ultron terrifies me."
Vision made his first attempt at providing the perspective Galadriel said he could.
"I'm sure you've been terrified many times on this quest," Vision began describing one of Bilbo's unique gifts. "But it never stopped you. You kept going even though you were afraid, and that is true courage."
Bilbo gave a proud smirk before answering in inimitable style.
"I'd still like walk through walls like you can," the burglar wryly thanked him.
For the first time in his existence, Vision smiled at another person's joke.
The Scarlet Witch soon returned to Thranduil's pavilion where Bilbo was waiting for her. She took the Hobbit's hand before leading him just outside. Wanda estimated she could reach the mountain a few minutes before Bombur's watch ended. Gandalf stood under the flap of the pavilion in farewell. The wizard was secretly concerned about the pair re-joining the dwarves.
"You don't have to go back," Gandalf tried dissuading them. "I dread to think what will happen if Thorin finds out what you've done."
"He's not that mad," the Scarlet Witch referred to her power.
Gandalf arched a troubled eyebrow. "It's not just his reaction I'm worried about."
"We have to go back," Bilbo intervened. "Otherwise, Thorin will know something's up."
"Be that as it may, Bilbo," Gandalf warned, "you'd be much safer remaining with us."
"Trust me, Gandalf," Wanda said with heavy understatement. "Nowhere is safe from Ultron."
Wanda and Bilbo promptly flew towards Erebor. Gandalf gave a sigh of resignation just before Vision stood alongside him. Both watched Wanda's energy trail while resuming an earlier and private conversation.
"Who else besides Galadriel knows of your plan?" Gandalf asked.
The android knew he was referring to this side of the vortex.
"Just the Valar," Vision said plainly. "They were going to appeal to the Iluvatar."
Only the greatest discipline prevented Gandalf's head snapping towards the android in shock. The last such appeal resulted in the destruction of Numenor. How did Vision first contact Arda's powers-that-be? Gandalf sensed there were some details the android was keeping to himself. It was something the Wizard often did himself to help with the flow of events. Not being a hypocrite, Gandalf chose not to pursue the subject further.
"Wanda will be heartbroken," he sadly forecast instead.
Vision gave a pointed reminder. "We must first destroy Ultron."
Bolg's chant is a rough approximation of "All hail the master!" in Black Speech.
Bombur's scene with Wanda is another nod to the original work. And nor was I expressing an opinion about the Arkenstone being one of the Silmarils.
The Red Book of Westmarch wasn't copied until long after Sam left for the Undying Lands. Cap, Thor, Bruce were too busy catching up with friends to find out about the copy in New Bag End.
I certainly don't consider our favourite android naïve. Thranduil's manipulation is based on Vision's remark about being born yesterday. Being able to precisely quote The Prince doesn't make you Machiavellian (or spot someone who is).
The 'true courage' quote comes from the BOTFA Visual Companion. I'm sure Balin wouldn't mind Bilbo hearing it from Vision instead of him.
And the impending battle will be spread across more than one chapter.