Chapter 35
A String of Madness
"Hail Thorin! Why do you fence yourself in like a robber in his hold? We are not yet foes, and we rejoice that you are alive beyond our hope. We came expecting to find none living here; yet now that we are met there is a matter for a parley and a council."
I looked at Thorin, hoping he would do what was right.
"Who are you, and of what would you parley?"
"I am Bard, and by my hand the dragon was slain and your treasure delivered. Is that not a matter that concerns you?"
"It was well done. However I shall not yield any of my gold while the Elvenking and his host stands before Erebor as if in war."
"The Elvenking is my friend, I have no quarrel with him."
Though I understood Thorin's anger towards Thranduil….there was something more going on here. I could not bring myself to stay and listen. I walked away and sat down in an empty room. I took out the Arkenstone and looked at it. I hated it. I threw it to the ground and then started to cry. I knew that I had to destroy it, and I knew if I did so that Thorin would hate me forever. That and he would cast me out and I would never see my husband again.
"How can I do this mother? I know you told me to destroy it but how can I? I will never see Kili again." I cried.
"Gwirithiel?"
I quickly put the Arkenstone back in my pocket and turned to face my husband.
"What are doing in here?" he asked.
I told myself over and over again to be strong, but I could not. The tears came and I fell to my knees. Kili's arms were around me in mere seconds, cradling me and comforting me. I had to tell him.
"Kili…..my mother spoke to me."
He pulled back and looked at me in confusion.
"How? I thought that she…."
"She is. She told me I had to find the Arkenstone and destroy it once and for all. It has only put a curse on your family. Thorin is slowly slipping away and I cannot bear the thought of losing you or Fili to this damned jewel."
Kili's POV
The second she mentioned the destruction of the Arkenstone, I froze. If my uncle knew what she was planning…..
"Gwirithiel, do you know what you just said?"
She nodded and there was nothing but determination in her eyes.
"Gwirithiel he would banish you! And I…."
Tears fill her eyes and she touched my face.
"I know the costs. I know you would not come with me…."
"No that is just the thing! I would go with you! Even if it means my uncle would disown me, I would never let you leave without me. Especially not when you are carrying out first child."
"But Kili…"
"No 'buts' Gwirithiel! I promised you and your father I would always be with you. We are in this together, no matter the consequences."
She smiled and nodded.
"Now come. We must find the Arkenstone."
I stood but she grabbed my hand. She took a deep breath and reached into her pocket. My eyes went wide when she brought forth a shining white jewel. I knew immediately what it was.
"Is that…"
"The Arkenstone!" came a voice.