Chapter 36

The early morning light barely broke through the darkness of the Erebor tunnel. Bilbo walked softly with Balin leading him to the interior of the mountain. "Right," the hobbit said firmly, "You want me to find a jewel."

"A large white jewel, yes," the old dwarf replied.

"That's it? I imagine there's quite a few done there, you know." Balin chuckled softly.

"There is only one Arkenstone. You'll know it when you see it." Balin began to walk back towards the entrance, then paused. "In truth, lad, I do not know what you will find down there. You…needn't go if you don't want to, there's no dishonour in turning back."

"No, Balin, I promised I would do this, and I think I must try," Bilbo said, a determined look on his face. Balin looked at him appreciatively, a soft chuckle escaping him.

"It never ceases to amaze me," the dwarf said.

"What's that?"

"The courage of Hobbits. Go now with as much luck as you can muster, before Ember tries to stop you…or worse follow you!" They shared a fond smile at the thought of their lady, still sleeping by the campfire. With a quick nod, Bilbo turned to go. As he proceeded down the tunnel, Balin called gently to him. "Oh, and Bilbo…if there is, in fact, a live dragon down there, don't waken it." Bilbo nodded, a worried look crossing his face. He walked along the tunnel, which seemed to be sloping down deeper into the mountain. Finally, after what seemed like hours, but was most likely shorter than that, Bilbo spied a soft gleam in the darkness. He tiptoed quietly toward the lair.

Ember awoke slowly, her dream of the previous night still clinging to her memory. She remembered the thought that had haunted her. "He's found me." She didn't know his name only that it was his evil eye that had marked the gate in Mirkwood, and it was he who had tortured Gandalf. But what he really wanted was her. She shivered, fear rising up in her throat. To top it off, she felt a wave of nausea hit her again. She really might have to let Oin know that she was not feeling any better. He would know what to do. Nodding to herself, she stretched, reaching out for her One. It was then that she realized that she was alone, covered in Kili's warm cloak. She raised her head to see the Company had dwindled down to only a few. She rose, concern mounting in her eyes, when a voice broke out near her.

"It's all right, Ember. Kili, Dwalin and the others have gone down to spar for a bit." Thorin smiled at her as she rose carefully, keeping Kili's cloak tight around her. She came close to the small fire, the warmth easing some of the nausea in her stomach. She sat down beside him, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Has Bilbo..." she began, breaking off as she felt a powerful urge to empty her already empty stomach. Thankfully, Thorin mistook this for her emotional anguish at letting Bilbo proceed alone into Erebor.

"He entered the Mountain shortly after daybreak, taal berch men." Thorin wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and she sighed into him, trying to shake off her feeling of dread, which was only making her stomach more uneasy. Thorin watched her silently, his mind full of thoughts. This girl had captured them all, was willing to die for him and his kin, and he knew there was no way he could ever truly thank her. He began to tell her a story of Erebor, the glory of its past, the memories he held most dear. Ember listened to his deep voice, picturing the beauty and richness of the lost kingdom she sat upon. Thorin's pride and love for his kingdom and his people touched her deeply. As the hours passed, he grew more animated, more excited, and as the others joined them once again, the air was filled with hope that their journey was almost over. But her nightmare weighed in the back of her mind, and Ember finally approached Legolas, gesturing for him to follow her. She felt Kili's eyes on her and she gave his hand a reassuring squeeze as she passed. Legolas walked with her away from the camp, and she turned to him, her voice low.

"Selenin, at the entrance to Mirkwood, there was a symbol painted onto one of the trees." She hesitated for a moment as Legolas watched her, a strange look on his face. "It…was an…eye," she continued. Legolas frowned at her.

"Yuula, why are you asking about that?" he asked suspiciously.

"Please, do you know what it is?" she insisted. He searched her face, then nodded.

"I am surprised you don't," he finally replied. "As the Greenwood was slowly poisoned and dark shadows crept back into its depths, that symbol began to appear on the borders. It is the eye of Sauron." She gasped. Sauron was a name rarely spoken in Rivendell. Ember knew the history, knew how the darkness had been defeated hundreds of years ago. Indeed, her vakha had been on the battlefield. Ember slowly turned away from Legolas, her mind racing. She realized now why Azog was after her. His master…was Sauron. But how could that be? Sauron was defeated, hundreds of years before her birth. But there was no mistaking that evil eye in her dreams, the screams of agony she had felt from Gandalf. If she was right, then that could only mean that Sauron was coming for her. She wrapped her arms around herself. Legolas watched as she gazed out into the warm sunshine, a slight shiver shaking her shoulders. "Yuula? Are you well?" he asked with concern. Her thoughts tumbled over one another. She had to leave…get away to protect her family. But…Kili. She could not leave him, indeed her soul pained her at the mere thought of it. And the others…Thorin, Dwalin, Bofur…Bilbo.

"Oh no," she whispered softly. Her friend was inside that mountain…with a dragon. And she had let him go alone. "BILBO!" she cried, racing back towards the camp.

Bilbo had quietly walked through a large doorway, finding himself in a massive hall. "Hello?" he whispered aloud. He knocked lightly on a wall near him, feeling he should at least observe some semblance of manners. He jumped as the sound echoed loudly, and he pressed himself against the wall in shock. When there seemed to be no reaction to the noise, he stepped out into the hall on an elevated walkway. "You're not at home," he murmured. "Not at home. Good. Good, good, good." He peered around, realizing he was at the top of a staircase. His mouth dropped open in shock. Mountains of gold, jewels, weapons, cups and other sorts of treasure piled hundreds of feet high overfilled the immensely massive hall. His hobbit eyes could scarcely see to the far side of the chamber. He climbed slowly down the steps before him, before stepping out onto the treasure. The coins and jewels beneath his feet clinked together, causing more noise than he liked. He knelt down, poking around in the treasure before him, searching for the Arkenstone. He quickly realized that this burglary was akin to finding a needle in a haystack. He sighed, climbing further out into the chamber. He spotted a large golden cup, and picked it up. A small avalanche of coins began to fall away, revealing something underneath. It took Bilbo a moment to realize that he was staring at…an eye. A very large, shut eye. Bilbo froze, as more of the gold seemed to shift away, and he turned his head, fear grasping his heart as he realized the creature's long body was buried in a large circle…and he was in the middle of it. The gold along the scaly hide rippled as the dragon began to awake. Bilbo took a few tentative steps forward, then halted as the large being before him began to raise its head. The eyelid fluttered and Bilbo dove behind a large pile of gold.

The dragon's lizard-like eye peered around the darkness of the chamber. Bilbo silently reached into his pocket, and pulled out the Ring. He hesitated for a brief moment, before sliding it onto his finger. "Well, thief, I smell you. I hear your breath. I feel your air. Where are you?" Smaug's deep voice pierced the silence of the chamber. Panicked, Bilbo raced down a mountain of treasure. The beast's head followed the trail of dislodged coins, and a low growl left him as he followed the invisible thief. Bilbo ducked behind a stone outcropping as Smaug's massive head reared behind him. "Come now, don't be shy. Step into the light," the beast cooed. "Hmm, there is something about you, something you carry. Something made of gold, but far more...PRECIOUSSSSS." The word reverberated in Bilbo's mind, and he struggled in mental pain. A flaming eye burst into his vision, and he yelped, yanking off the Ring. "There you are, thief in the shadows." The hobbit trembled, but a picture of Ember flickered in his mind, and he took a deep breath.

"I did not come to steal from you, O Smaug the Unassessably Wealthy. I merely wanted to gaze upon your magnificence, to see if you really were as great as the old tales say. I did not believe them." Bilbo braced himself for a reply, but the dragon stomped a few yards away, drawing himself up with what almost seemed like pride so that his entire body was visible. A faint gasp left Bilbo's mouth. The creature was truly massive, with two large hind legs equipped with razor-sharp claws. His bat-like wings filled the chamber, and his incredibly long neck seemed almost ill-equipped to hold his large scaly head.

"And, do you now?!" the creature asked.

"Truly, the tales and songs fall utterly short of your enormity, O Smaug the Stupendous." The serpent almost grinned, if such a thing were possible.

"Do you think flattery will keep you alive?"

"Well...no...no, no." In truth, Bilbo did not know if his words would make a difference, but they seemed to have forestalled his imminent departure from this world.

"No, indeed. You seem familiar with my name, but I don't remember smelling your kind before. Who are you, and where do you come from, may I ask?" The serpent snaked his head closer to Bilbo as he asked this. Bilbo opened his mouth to speak but then suddenly spotted something off to the side. It was a large, white gem glowing with an unnatural light, partially buried under a layer of coins. It could only be the gem he needed. The Arkenstone. He brought his eyes back to the dragon.

"I- I come from under the hill."

"Underhill?" Smaug hissed in confusion. Bilbo nodded, and snuck a peek at the Arkenstone. It was truly not far away from him.

"And under hills and over hills my path has led," the hobbit continued. "And, and, through the air. I am he who walks unseen."

"Impressive. What else do you claim to be?" Smaug snaked his head forward until his teeth were inches from Bilbo's face. The dragon exhaled, and Bilbo grimaced at his foul breath.

"I am...luck-wearer. Riddle-maker."

"Lovely titles; go on," the beast encouraged.

"Barrel-rider."

"Barrels?" Bilbo winced, realizing he should not have mentioned anything connected to Laketown. "Now that is interesting. And what about your little dwarf friends? Where are they hiding?" A chill raced through Bilbo, but he managed to apply a look of total bewilderment to his face.

"D-Dwarves? No, no, no dwarves here. You've got that all wrong." The dragon seemed to enjoy his discomfort.

"Oh, I don't think so, barrel-rider. They sent you in here to do their dirty work while they skulk about outside."

"Truly, you are mistaken, O Smaug, Chiefest and Greatest of Calamities." Bilbo struggled to contain his fear.

"You have nice manners...for a thief and a liar! I know the smell and taste of dwarf. No one better. It is the gold! They are drawn to treasure like flies to dead flesh." The dragon stomped about, his claws knocking the Arkenstone away in a shower of gold, and Bilbo gasped. The gem bounced down the mountain, and Bilbo raced after it. "Did you think I did not know this day would come, when a pack of canting dwarves would come crawling back to the mountain?!" Bilbo tripped as he ran, sliding down through the gold. Smaug followed after him, knocking over a massive stone pillar in his rage. The pillar collapsed into the chamber, its reverberations sounding throughout the mountain. The dwarves sitting in the clearing outside the secret entrance leapt to their feet at the sound.

"Was that an earthquake?" Ori asked. Balin looked grimly at the doorway, shaking his head.

"That, my lad, was a dragon," the old dwarf said. Thorin cast a worried look at the doorway, before turning his gaze back over the valley, to the ruins of Dale.

"The King under the mountain is dead. I took his throne." The dragon swung his head in search of Bilbo, who burst out of a pile of gold beneath the beast's claw. The hobbit bounded down a staircase, throwing himself back into the gold as the head narrowly missed him. "I ate his people like a wolf among sheep." The Arkenstone bounced rapidly down the mountain of gold, and Bilbo slid after it with Smaug in pursuit. "I kill where I wish, when I wish. My armor is iron." The Arkenstone and Bilbo finally came to rest under a covered stone alcove. Smaug opened his enormous wings, gliding down to land atop the structure. "No blade can pierce me! My teeth are swords! My claws are spears! My wings are a hurricane!" The dragon beat his wings furiously, and indeed Bilbo felt as if he would be blown away by the gusting winds. He shifted his thoughts to his friends outside, and felt a fear grip his heart, as the dragon spoke again. "It's Oakenshield. He sent you in here for the Arkenstone, didn't he?"

The dwarves sat anxiously about the clearing, tension thick in the air. Finally, Ori could stand it no longer. "What about Bilbo?" he asked. Thorin eyed him, before turning away.

"Give him more time," Thorin stated. Balin snorted.

"Time to do what? To be killed?" Balin growled angrily. Thorin was taken aback. It had been a long time since Balin had spoken to him like this. Thorin fixed him with a hard look.

"You're afraid," he said. Balin paused for a moment, then stepped up to his King.

"Yes, I'm afraid. I fear for YOU. A sickness lies upon that treasure hoard, a sickness that drove your grandfather mad."

"I am not my grandfather," Thorin replied calmly.

"You're not yourself. The Thorin I know would not hesitate to go in there, would do anything to make sure that SHE doesn't, not when she's-"

"I will not risk this quest for the life of one burglar," Thorin roared. Balin looked at him with disgust.

"Bilbo. His name is Bilbo," a soft voice spoke up. The Company turned to see Ember standing on the edge of the clearing, her eyes shiny with tears. Balin closed his eyes, the one person he had not wanted to hear his conversation was Ember. "Thorin…" she trailed off as Thorin gazed at her steadily. She sighed, and glanced around at the others, her eyes stopping for a moment on Kili, who stood near the fire. He recognized the determination in her eyes, but before he could react, she darted forward and sprinted into the mountain.

"Lass! You mustn't!" Balin cried.

"Ember! No!" Kili cried, stumbling in his haste to follow her. Thorin quickly strode forward, along with Fili, who shot a quick glance to Tauriel. The Elf made to follow, but Thorin shook his head at her.

"No elves in Erebor," he growled. Legolas and Tauriel glared at him in frustration, but he stood firmly planted in the doorway, one hand on Kili's arm, holding him back. Sensing their worry, Dwalin stepped forward, placing a hand on Legolas' arm.

"We'll find her," he said quietly. Legolas reluctantly sheathed his sword, and shook the dwarf warrior's hand in a firm grip. The warriors barely noticed Tauriel as she fixed her emerald eyes on Fili. She needed him to return. As if he knew her thoughts, he smiled, and nodded at her. As they reached a silent agreement, Tauriel stepped back. The elves stood silent as they watched the Company disappear into the darkness.

Smaug circled around the stone structure. Bilbo hid beneath it, his breath coming in gasps. He spied the Arkenstone at the far end of the structure and fixed his gaze upon it. He began to step softly towards the gem, but was forced to hide behind a pillar as Smaug's lizard-like eye peered into the darkness beneath the structure. "Don't bother denying it," the dragon boomed. "I guessed long ago that Oakenshield would try to return. But it matters not. Oakenshield's quest will fail. The darkness is coming, it will spread to every corner of the land." Bilbo felt a shiver run down his spine. He was uncertain as to what the dragon was referring, but the thought of his beloved Shire engulfed in darkness pierced his heart with fear. "You have been used, thief in the shadows," Smaug continued. "You were only ever a means to an end. The coward Oakenshield has weighed the value of your life and found it worth nothing." Bilbo finally spoke out, his own worry at Thorin's true feelings towards him having been voiced.

"No. No. No, you're lying!" Bilbo shouted.

"What did he promise you? A share of the treasure? As if it was his to give. I will not part with a single coin. Not one piece of it." The dragon had moved to the stand on top of the structure, and Bilbo decided now was his chance. He raced towards the Arkenstone lying a few feet away from the structure. But the dragon was swift. Smaug whipped his enormous tail around, sending Bilbo, the Arkenstone, and gold flying. Bilbo tumbled through the air, landing against a pillar. He got to his feet, searching for the white gem.

"Your reputation precedes you, oh Smaug the Tyrannical. Truly, you have no equal on this earth," the hobbit praised, feeling his only chance was to keep distracting the beast before him. He slowly backed up, and realized he was standing in a bare, open spot. The dragon faced him, glittering eyes wide with malice. Bilbo looked down and saw the Arkenstone lying just a few feet from him, and he gazes at it in wonder.

"I am almost tempted to let you take it, if only to see Oakenshield suffer, watch it destroy him, watch it corrupt his heart and drive him mad," Smaug taunted, weaving his head menacingly. They faced off, the small hobbit and the giant dragon. Finally, the dragon reared his head. "But I think not. I think our little game ends here. So tell me, thief, how do you choose to die?" The hobbit shrank back as Smaug's head streaked forward, his jaws open, and Bilbo could feel the hot breath wash over him. Bilbo jammed the ring on his finger and disappeared, as Smaug's jaws closed on the empty space. Angrily, the dragon raised his head, and a deep glow emanated from his belly. The glow traveled up his neck and with a colossal roar, Smaug bellowed out a massive wall of flames. Golden coins scattered unseen by the dragon as the invisible hobbit raced away up a flight of stairs. Reaching a hallway, Bilbo exhaustively pulled off the Ring. He raced away as behind him the dragon roared with fury.

Ember ignored the calls of her name from Kili, though it pained her to do so. Her focus was Bilbo, her friend, the loyal hobbit who had more than proved himself. She would not let him be eaten or burned alive by a dragon, not when they had come through so much together. She sped through the tunnels, and stopped suddenly as flames light up the walls. She took a deep breath, keeping her power under control, before running around the corner and onto the same walkway that Bilbo had. She stopped abruptly, her mind barely able to register the mountain of treasure surrounding her. Suddenly, a cry of fear reached her ears, and she turned to see Bilbo leaping up the stairs towards her. "Bilbo!" she cried, hugging him. "You're alive!"

"Not for much longer!" The little hobbit wrapped his arm around her, pulling her along with him. "Come on, my dear, we need to—" Bilbo stopped as he realized they were not alone. Thorin stood at the entry of the walkway, his eyes wide at the sight of the treasury. He fixed his stare on Bilbo.

"Did you find the Arkenstone?" Thorin asked.

"The dragon's coming!" Bilbo said hurriedly. Thorin was blocking the entrance to the tunnels. Ember could hear Kili calling out to her, and she made to move forward, but Bilbo dug his fingers into her arm, silently urging her to stay where she was.

"The Arkenstone!" Thorin repeated quietly. "Did you find it?" They all stared at each other for several seconds, and Ember felt a coldness creep over her.

"No. Now, we have to get out," Bilbo stated firmly, and made to move towards the tunnel. Thorin swung his sword across it, blocking the entrance. He pressed the blade against Bilbo, and Bilbo stumbled back, the sword still touching him. Ember glared at Thorin, but he would not meet her eyes. The tip of the sword stayed firm against the hobbit's chest.

"Thorin. Thorin!" she cried, her voice trembling. His face was stony, blank of emotion. She yanked the hobbit backwards and placed herself in front of him, Thorin's sword now pointing at her. He finally raised his eyes to hers, and was shocked to see a streak of fear along with anger. Ember was afraid...of him? Thorin struggled to clear his mind, and glanced down at the hobbit, who suddenly looked off to the far end of the chamber. Thorin turned as Smaug approached them over the mounds of treasure. The dragon snarled menacingly.

"Oakenshield!" Smaug roared. Suddenly, the remaining dwarves raced out of the tunnel, facing down the dragon. Kili grabbed Ember's arm, and she turned her eyes from Thorin. Smaug bellowed, rushing towards them, his chest and neck glowing bright orange. "You will burn!" A burst of fire swarmed towards them, and the Company turned and jumped off the staircase. They tumbled down the treasure, landing near the entrance to another tunnel, which they raced into. Ember pulled out of Kili's grip, turning to face the dragon. She fixed her eyes on the beast, which stopped in surprise as it felt her power. "Hmm…what have we here?" Smaug hissed. He peered at the small figure before him, sniffing the air. Suddenly, a loud sound echoed through the chamber and the Company realized the dragon was laughing. "The half-breed! The search is over! And in such FINE condition!" Ember forced her power towards the creature, and he shrank back in pain. Ember felt his evil thrust back at her, and she wavered slightly, but it was enough. Angrily, the beast shook his head and spurted forth flames in all directions. Thorin grabbed Ember, yanking her through the doorway. He felt the force of the flames thrust him forward, and he leapt into the room with the back of his coat on fire. Thorin threw himself to the ground, rolling to extinguish the flames, and just as quickly jumped back to his feet. He stared down at Ember, who lay gasping in the arms of Kili, Balin hovering over her.

"He's so strong..." she murmured softly. "So strong…" Kili looked up at his uncle with worry in his eyes. Thorin glanced at the Company, then moved further up the tunnel. Kili helped Ember to her feet, and she grasped his hand tightly.

"Come on," Thorin said. As Smaug roared in the background, they began to run.

selenin - cousin

taal berch men - my fire daughter

Yuula - Ember

vakha - guardian

I'm back! Sorry for the long delay...the holidays were crazy! I also wanted to see BOTFA before continuing on...Have to admit, cried my eyes out! Anyways, this chapter was a little difficult. Reviews are always welcome!