Chapter 29:
I was standing in the midst of a brutal battle. Screams of fear and pain echoing all around me. I heard someone sobbing; calling out for their lost loved ones.
There was ruthless laughter from behind me. I turned to find myself face to face with the Pale Orc. He sneered before dropping the severed heads of Kili, Fili, and Thorin onto the ground in front of me. I went to scream, but no sound came out. All I could hear was his endless cackling. I couldn't breathe.
Suddenly, blinding, white light shone all around me and a familiar voice cried out, "Take up arms! Fight! Fight!"
There was a loud bang and both Kili and I awoke with a start.
Fili was standing in the doorway, having flung the door wide open. He froze when he saw me, in only my slip. I hastily yanked the blankets up to cover me. His cheeks had a growing, pink stain to them.
"Oh, Libby-I- I didn't know you were still here," he stuttered, averting his eyes. "I'm so sorry...Kili, it's time to go...I'll just wait for you out here..."
He practically scurried out of the room.
Kili moaned and flung himself back down.
"It's too early for this."
"Yeah, maybe we should just stay here...in bed," I said, snuggling close to him and purposely pressing my chest against his.
"Nice try, Libby," Kili said with an amused expression. "Although I might take you up on that offer after all this is said and done," he added with a wink.
I couldn't help my blush.
Kili grinned and stood up. He stretched and I stared unabashedly at him. He threw on a shirt before picking up my discarded dress.
"As much as it pains me to say this," Kili said, smirking at me. "You need to get dressed."
"Please Kili," I begged, kneeling on the bed. "Please don't go!"
"You know I have too, love."
"No one would think any less of you if you stayed."
"Yes they would!"
"Well, I wouldn't."
"Sorry, love."
I huffed snatched the dress from Kili's hands. Once we were dressed, we walked to the dining hall. Fili's eyes moved between me and Kili and his eye brows raised.
"I see everything is back to normal between you two," he whispered to me with a smirk on his face.
"Yes, we talked last night and that's it. Nothing else happened," I snapped.
"Hey! I never said anything," Fili said, holding up his hands.
"Yeah, but you were thinking it."
He just shrugged.
The dining hall had changed drastically since dinner the night before. All the tables were gone and weapons and armor were spread out everywhere. We went over to where Thorin and Dain were standing.
"Ah, there they are! I'm glad to see you two made up after your lover's spat. You should never stay mad at someone before they head off to war," said Dain, sounding as cheerful as ever. He must have seen my eyes widen because he added, "There is nothing to worry about Lady Libby. I've fought many times and I'm still standing."
"Yes, Lord Dain is an impeccable fighter," Thorin spoke up. "With him and his army by our side, we are sure to win!"
The dwarves cheered.
"Don't deny your own skill, Thorin Oakenshield," said Dain, clapping Thorin on the back. "We all remember how you got that name!"
I stood by Kili and Fili as they dressed in their armor. I felt defeated. This was the whole reason Gandalf had brought me here and I couldn't think of a way to stop this war. Or at least stop Kili and Fili from fighting in the war.
The dwarves gathered before Thorin and he gave-what I imagined-was an encouraging and hopeful speech. I was only half listening, my mind was going one hundred miles a minute trying to think of anything I could do. But my mind went blank as I stared around at the company. Thorin, Kili, Fili, Balin, Dwalin, Oin, Gloin, Dori, Nori, Ori, Bifur, Bofur, and Bomber. They had all become my family over the course of this journey and I didn't want to see any of them get hurt.
"Miss Libby?" Ori spoke up, making me start. "Do you think you could sing for us one last time before we go out?"
The others in the company nodded in agreement. Even Dwalin!
I looked at gentle Ori, seeming so out of place in head-to-toe armor.
"Of course," I said, smiling sadly. Looking around at everyone, I took a deep breath and started to sing the first song that came to mind in the moment.
Wandering child of the earth
Do you know just how much you're worth?
You have walked this path since your birth
You were destined for more
There are those who'll tell you you're wrong
They will try to silence your song
But right here is where you belong
So don't search anymore
You are the dawn of a new day that's waking
A masterpiece still in the making
The blue in an ocean of grey
You are right where you need to be
Poised to inspire and to succeed
You'll look back and you'll realize one day
In your eyes there is doubt
As you try to figure it out
But that's not what life is about
So have faith there's a way
Though the world may try to define you
It can't take the light that's inside you
So don't you dare try to hide
Let your fears fade away
You are the dawn of a new day that's waking
A masterpiece still in the making
The blue in an ocean of grey
You are right where you need to be
Poised to inspire and to succeed
You'll look back and you'll realize one day
You are the dawn of a new day that's waking
A masterpiece still in the making
The blue in an ocean of grey
You are right where you need to be
Poised to inspire and to succeed
Soon you'll finally find your own way.
All the dwarves, even Dain and his men, bowed and nodded their heads at my song. There was a moment's silence before conversation resumed.
I turned to Kili.
"Please don't go," I whispered, a tear rolling down my cheek.
"Love," he said, pulling me into his arms and kissing the top of my head. "Do you still have that stone I gave you?"
"I carry it always," I said, reaching down and taking it out from my boot.
"Do remember when I told you that my mother gave it to me so I would remember my promise to come back to her?"
I nodded.
"Well, I want you to know it's now a promise from me to you. It's a promise that I will come back to you."
He leaned down and kissed me and I wrapped my arms tight around him. That kiss spoke volumes. It felt like fear, strength, hope, despair, passion, and love all at once.
"Be safe," I murmured as I reluctantly drew away.
"I will, I promise."
Kili held onto my hands as long as possible as he moved towards the doors. Eventually he had to let go and I wrapped my now empty arms around myself.
Fili came up to me next. He enveloped me in a warm, comforting hug and kissed my cheek before following his brother.
One by one, the company came up to me and grasped my hands, embraced me, or kissed my hand or cheek.
When Bofur stepped up to me he said, "I just want you to know that if this ends up being our last day here in this world, we are so grateful we were able to hear your sweet voice one last time."
Bomber, Bifur, and Ori nodded in agreement beside him, which made my tears flow once more.
Thorin stood in front of me last. I started up at him with tear-filled eyes, unsure what he thought of me at this point. He said nothing, but took my small hand in his large one and kissed it. He gave a small smile, which was more than I'd ever really seen him do.
I stood alone in the dining hall and listened as the dwarves broke through the walled up entrance of the mountain. I could hear them shouting a battle cry as they ran out onto the field. Once they were gone, I was truly alone.
I sank to the ground, sobbing. They had no idea what they were getting into. And I was a failure. Kili was right, I was of no use on the battle field. I barely knew how to use a sword and I didn't know any tactics when it came to fighting.
I was about to give up and go back to my room in dejection when I heard a sharp cry from above my head. I jumped up to see a raven soaring down towards me. I ducked out of the was as it zoomed by and circled around once more.
"I come baring a message from Gandalf the Grey," it croaked, still circling the hall.
"Yes?" I asked, a little taken aback.
I don't think I will ever get used to these talking birds.
The bird cleared its throat and spoke in a deeper voice.
"I want to remind you of why I brought you here. I chose you for a reason and that reason is I know you can do this. I have faith in you and all you need is to have faith in yourself. Prepare yourself and take up arms. Fight! Fight for what you love. Fight for what is yours!"
I gazed up as the raven circled around and around cawing "Fight! Fight! Fight!" over and over again. Hearing Gandalf's message brought me new found confidence and I sprinted back to my room.
I stripped off the hideous dwarf dress and threw on my old clothes. I laced up the leather armor I had worn on my journey here and hoped I put it on right without any help. I grabbed my sword in its sheath and tied it around my waist. I quickly braided my hair into a long plait and shoved my feet back into my boots. I kept the potion tucked safely in my sock but took out Kili's stone. His promise to me became more of a promise from me to him. He did not know it, but I knew.
I kissed the stone before sliding it down my armor and shirt so that it rested against my heart. Then, I took off at a run to the mountain's armory. It was one of the rooms I had explored when we first entered the mountain. I searched until I found what I was looking for; a bow and a quiver of arrows. I wasn't exactly sure how I would used them considering my terrible aim, but it was the only other weapon I recognized besides a sword. I walked slower this time to the main gate and stood behind a wall, not willing to be seen yet. I took a deep breath to try and calm my pounding heart. Everything suddenly became very real.
You can do this. This is your fate. To save Kili from his fate. You have to change his fate.
I released my breath slowly and stepped out from behind the gate and on to the battle field.
The noise is what I noticed first. With all the yelling and clashing of metal weapons, the noise was enough to tempt me to crawl back into the quiet mountain. There were bodies everywhere and I wasn't even sure who was who.
I stood with my back pressed against the wall, trying to stay unnoticed. I pulled an arrow from my quiver and positioned it in my bow. I had to think back to when Kili taught me how to shoot so long ago. Then I squinted around at the mess of people before me, searching for any sight of Kili. I gasped as I realized the orcs were already here. They were just as gruesome as when I first saw them. The tables had turned. Men, elves, and dwarves had banned together to fight the orcs and goblins. I could see Beorn helping us as well.
I took a tentative step forwards, looking all around me. I knew at any moment someone could attack me. I dodged everyone and made my way deeper into the battle, hoping that I wasn't too late. Sweat was dripping down my back and the sun- now high in the sky- was beating relentlessly on my face. My heart was racing.
Then I spotted something that made me stop dead in my tracks. It was as if my nightmares were coming true.
Kili and Fili were fighting side by side, their backs completely unguarded. Thorin wasn't far from them and he too had left his back unguarded. Azog, the Pale Orc was creeping up behind them all, a terrifyingly disfigured grin on his face. He raised his sword to Kili's and Fili's necks.
I had no time to think. My body reacted before my mind did. I raised my bow and let loose the arrow and I shrieked, "Kili!"
Maybe it was because my voice was higher than the men or maybe it was the fear that made it loud, but I swear half the men fighting turned to look at me. I did not care about any of them. All I cared about was Kili.
It was as if time had slowed down. I noticed everything all at once. Kili and Fili whipped around. I saw their eyes widen when they saw how close the Pale Orc's blade was to their necks. My arrow flew right past Azog's head, so close to him that it grazed his ear. He lowered his sword and his eyes zoomed right in on me. He raised his hand to his ear and pulled it away to reveal blood. The look he gave me was one of pure anger.
"Libby, run!" Kili shouted, desperately.
But I was too late. Azog had me in his sight. I dropped my bow and started sprinting back to the mountain. But I did not get far. A massive orc grabbed my arms and held me. I kicked and thrashed about, trying to break free but it was no use. I watched in dismay as Azog marched towards me.
"You!" he roared.
The whole fight came to a halt as everyone stared at Azog and me.
"I remember you," Azog spat, coming right up to my face. "You are that stupid girl who got in my way once before. I told you would die."
I refused to look away. If I had to die, I would not let him know how afraid I was. I was going to stay strong.
"Let's make this more fun," Azog said with a cruel smile. "We will fight. To the death."
"No!" roared Kili as he tried to push his way through the crowd to get to us.
Azog snarled something in orc language and an enormous orc wrapped his arms around Kili, holding him back.
"No one else will fight. Just me and the little girl. Drop her."
I was dumped unceremoniously onto the ground and I scrambled to get to my feet.
"If anyone tries to help her, I will have her killed instantly. That means you, lover boy," Azog said with a mocking smile towards Kili.
I pulled out my blade, with shaking hands. I glanced around at the all the people watching. Humans, elves, and dwarves had formed a circle around us, watching solemnly. I noticed the entire company was there, bruised and bleeding, but alive. Thorin and Fili were staring at me with grim faces. Kili was still being restrained by the burley orc. His sobs were echoing in the sudden quiet. Bilbo was standing with the company as well, silent tears rolling down his cheeks. I also saw Bard, Legolas, and Tauriel watching me with matching looks of horror on their faces. Lastly, I caught the eye of Gandalf. He did not look grim or sad like everyone else. On the contrary, he had a joyous gleam in his eye and he actually looked proud of me.
Azog roared and swung his deadly sword at me without any warning. I heard shouts of indignation from the crowd around me. I dived out of the way and swung my sword wildly. Azog laughed, clearing enjoying the torment he was causing me. It went on for what felt like forever. I kept on flailing my sword around and Azog kept blocking it.
I was growing tired already and Azog hadn't even broken a sweat. I knew how untrained I was. It was only a matter of time before he beat me. He could have killed me right away but he was playing with me. Purposely drawing the duel out.
I only narrowly avoided him when he unexpectedly thrust his blade at me. I wobbled, trying to regain my balance. Azog kicked me and I flew to the ground, all the air knocked out of my lungs. There were shouts from the mass of people. I managed to roll out of the way just in time as he stabbed his sword down at me. I leaped back up and brandished my sword, weakly. Azog lunged forward and caught me off guard. I screamed as his blade went through an opening in my armor and into my side. The pain was like nothing I had ever felt before. It was searing pain that surged through my whole body, head to toe. I felt dizzy and faint. I tried so hard to force myself to stay upright but my body won out. I was gasping out for air and I was finding it hard to concentrate on anything but the pain.
"No!" I heard more than one person yell as I stumbled and dropped to the ground.
"Ha! I hoped you learned your lesson you silly little girl! Never stand in front of the Pale Orc and his target! I'm just glad all your friends get to watch you die by my hand!" Azog laughed. Then he turned to the crowd. "See, Thorin Oakenshield! I will kill off everyone you love! One by one they will all die a slow and painful death, like this girl here! I will make them suffer. Then, as you are overcome by sorrow and guilt, I will kill you!"
I looked up through my foggy eyes. Azog had his back turned to me. I couldn't hear much of what he was saying, but I heard his cold laughter. It was worse than it had been in my nightmares. Hatred coursed through my veins. I didn't care if I died, but I was going to be sure that Azog never laid his ugly hand on any of my family ever again.
I pulled myself up with my trembling arms and my body burned in protest. The pain in my side was almost enough to make me pass out.
No! You can do this! You have to do this. For Kili!
The thought of Kili pressed me to keep my eyes open. I crawled over to Azog. I took a shaky breath and with all my might pushed myself off the ground and plunged my sword into his side.
"Nobody hurts my family," I growled, pushing my sword ever deeper.
He screeched in pain and spun around, throwing me off him. I landed hard on the ground and this time I could not get up. I saw Azog fall beside me, my blade completely inside of his body. All I could see was the hilt. I let out a soft cry in disbelief. The other orcs and goblins retreated in fear now that their leader was dead.
I could hear triumphant shouts of the others and I felt relieved.
I felt warm, strong arms around my trembling body and Kili's face swam into view above me.
"Hold on, love!" he cried, frantically. "We'll get you inside soon. Just stay awake!"
"Kili," I breathed. The sight of his face filled me with joy. "I did it. I saved you. I really did it."
"Please stay awake, Libby!" Kili said again as my eyelids started to droop. "You have to stay awake!"
"I love you so much," was all I could say as my eyelids grew heavier and heavier.
"No!" Kili wept, pressing his head against mine as he rocked us back and forth. "My love."
My head dropped forwards and everything went dark.
Author's Note:
Please please please don't come after me with pitchforks and torches yet! This story isn't over yet! We still have a while to go! So please try and remain calm. I know, it's hard to do.
But despite the bad seeming ending, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! This was Libby's big moment! Finally! I hope it lived up to your expectaions!
I just want to say a thank you to the follower who suggested this song. It's called "Wanderer's Lullaby" by Adriana Figueroa or adrisaurus on Youtube. I had actually heard that song before and loved it but forgot all about it. So thank you to the follower who reminded me of it! I think it fits the story perfectly :)
Feel free to favorite or follow and please leave a review letting me know what you thought of the chapter and what you hope to see in future ones.
~Fantasydreamer44
