Okay, let's see if we can find the company!
Chapter 37
As Albriech informed me that we were nearing Bard's house, I thanked my lucky stars that I had a guide. Even an abrupt and stolid one such as Albriech was better than none in this maze of docks, rickety buildings, and riverways.
"Lie low, they watch this house," he said to me.
"Why?"
"Because Bard gives the people hope. Aside from the Master's own spies and guards, there isn't a soul in this town who doesn't want Bard to be our leader. Bard won't do anything revolutionary, at least not until his children are grown, but that doesn't stop the Master from publicly keeping an eye on him."
"Is that all?" I asked.
"There is one more thing. The Master will do anything to keep the people of Laketown from remembering that Bard is a descendant of Girion, Lord of Dale," Albriech said.
"Then, is that your reason for giving Bard the allegiance you do?" I asked.
"That's part of it," Albriech said.
"And the rest?" I asked.
Alrbriech went red and told me to get my head down and stop talking. I thought I could guess what it might be, but I did as he asked without further questioning.
At length, the boat beneath me slowed to a halt, and I heard Albriech's voice above me saying "Don't draw attention to yourself."
I harrumphed and sat up. Who did he think I was? Of course I knew not to call attention to myself.
I slipped my pack on, hopped off the boat behind Albriech, and hurried up the stairs to Bard's house. When we reached the landing, he turned to me and spoke in a hushed voice.
"Listen carefully. I meant what I said about not drawing attention to yourself. I've watched the waters near that guard outpost for a long time, and I saw the boat holding those fishermen you saw in the shack," he began.
"So what?"
"So, I didn't recognize them. In this small town that isn't a good sign," he said.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Nothing for sure, but my instincts have yet to fail me, and I don't like this one bit. I won't question you further, but I have to know this, is there anyone that might want you dead?" he asked.
I shivered.
"Yes."
One quest. One hopeless mission. One task that could disrupt the plans of a certain pale orc.
He nodded and knocked thrice upon the door.
"My father's not at home, come back later," said a voice.
"Sigrid, it's me," Albriech told the closed door in a much kinder tone than the one in which he'd addressed me.
The door opened a crack, and Sigrid could be seen standing just behind it.
"Now isn't the best time, Al," she said.
"I know about your stowaways," Albriech said.
"News travels fast," came the reply.
"No. I have a different source. Two guards tried to hold this one, but I thought it wise to return her," Albriech said.
"Oh, alright. But, Al, please don't come in. I don't want you associated with us any more than you have to be. Not until...not until the spies go away at least," Sigrid whispered, worry evident in her tone.
"Don't worry. I'm not about to get myself arrested. Not yet, anyway," he said.
I was quite sure that I now knew Albriech's reason for staying loyal to Bard, and it had nothing to do with his descent from Girion.
"I'll come back late. Don't expect me until night falls. There are more newcomers in this town than a couple of dwarves," Albriech said darkly.
"Don't do anything foolish," Sigrid warned.
"Never do," was his quiet reply, and I thought I saw a hint of a smile touch his face.
"Trust nobody," he said to me, before hurrying away, down the stairs.
I watched him go before turning back to the house.
"Aria, isn't it?" Sigrid said.
"How did you know?" I asked.
"There was a heated discussion soon after they arrived here. They weren't sure whether to go find you or not, and my Da had to tell them it was useless to try anything before nightfall. A couple of them didn't take that very well. They seem better now, though," she told me, before ushering me into the house. I got a good look at her as she shut the door behind me. She was around my age, with hazel eyes, a clear complexion, and features that had a delicacy to them I couldn't quite place.
I turned to survey Bard's home, finding it just as I remembered it from the films. The only difference, being the group of discontent dwarves huddled around the table, arguing.
"It makes no sense to go now, we'd be spotted sure as daylight," said Fili.
"We'd be spotted because it's daylight," Ori put in.
"That wasn't necessary," Dori chastised.
"I don't care about being spotted. We need weapons, and we're missing a company member. The only way to get those things is by leaving. I'd rather do that now than sit here idling about while Durin's day slips closer and closer to us," said Dwalin, arms crossed.
"Hang on, what am I missing?" Nori asked.
"Prison's in the armory," said. Bofur.
"Right," Nori replied.
I set my pack down quietly, and walked up to the table, standing slightly behind Oin and Bofur, waiting to inject myself into the conversation.
"Be that as it may, there's no use in going now if we get caught as soon as we set foot in the armory," said Thorin.
"On the contrary," I said. "I agree with Dwalin. It's getting dark, and if we wait until the bargeman gets back, he might try to stop us from leaving altogether," I finished.
"Finally, someone who sees reason," Dwalin said, before doing a double take.
I was surprised and pleased at the reaction to my return that followed. There was a lot of cheering and back patting, and a couple of 'how did you get away's?'''
My simple answer was that I had used a boat.
Once order had been restored to the table, I gave up trying to see around Bofur's hat and moved down to the end of the table where Fili and Kili were standing. I didn't say anything but moved in to stand beside Fili. Thorin continued to speak, but I wasn't listening anymore. I looked down at the table, my hand brushing Fili's beneath it.
He turned to me, taking a good long look at me.
"I'm sorry," I whispered.
"Nothing to be sorry for. It wasn't your fault," he whispered back.
"Ah, so there wasn't a heated argument while I was gone," I said.
"Uh, no. There was still a heated argument. That's putting it kindly," he replied.
I took his hand under the table, and we turned back to listen to Thorin.
"So, our choices are clear. Now, or after nightfall?" Thorin asked.
"It's now, or never, actually," I began. "Bard heard your name, Thorin. By now he'll have found out who you are, and he won't want you going anywhere near that mountain," I said.
"How did you know the bargeman heard his name," Dwalin asked.
"I told her," Fili said, his hand tightening in mine as if to say 'be careful, that was close.'
"Well, I say she's right," Dwalin said.
"Fine. We leave now," Thorin said.
"Take everything you brought in. We won't be returning anytime soon," Balin reminded us, and there was a scuffle to get ready and collect belongings from where they hung by the fireplace or over the backs of chairs.
As soon as everybody had busied themselves around the room, Fili turned to me.
"How did you manage to do it this time?" he asked.
"I sneezed. The guards heard. Bla bla bla," I said, shrugging.
"You're almost as talented at getting into messes as Kili," he told me, amused.
"We're all in quite the mess right now," I said. "But I'll give up running off, if it helps,"I offered.
"Just don't give up coming back and you can do what you please," Fili said.
"Oh? Is this an invitation?" I asked, one eyebrow quirking upwards.
"Have you still got that backpack?" he said.
"You dodged my question," I said, before stepping away from him.
"You never answered mine," he countered.
"The both of you had better shut up, or we'll still be here come sunrise," Dwalin ordered from across the room. I tried to hide my amusement and crossed the room, shouldered my pack, and stepped out the door after Thorin. As we left the house, I heard Bain trying to reason with each member of the company as they passed, trying to stop us from leaving.
The sun had set by the time we had reached the armory. We'd had to dodge several watchmen on our way there and even gotten lost once, having to double back and retrace our steps to find the mistake.
Thorin directed some of the company to crouch, forming a sort of ramp. The rest were directed to climb into the armory and collect weapons. Both Fili and I protested when Thorin told Kili that he would be among the first group to climb into the armory, but our protests were silenced, and the operation preceded with all speed and stealth.
"Stay here, hide in the shadows. Give us a signal if you see anything," Thorin ordered me.
"Should I stay as well?" Bilbo asked.
"I should think not," Thorin said, and the hobbit nodded.
Thorin turned towards the newly formed living ramp and was about to send Nori up when a thought occurred to me.
"How should I signal? You don't want me to hoot like an owl, do you?" I asked.
"Why would I want you to do something ridiculous like that?" Thorin asked.
"Maybe you should ask one of your nephews," said Bilbo.
"Shh, keep it down," warned Dwalin from nearby.
"As soon as we have the weapons, we make straight for the mountain. Go, go, go!" Thorin ordered.
Nori bounded up the dwarven ramp and into the armory, followed closely by Bilbo, then by the others. I retreated into the shadows to wait.
Time passed, with minimal noise from the armory. I was beginning to hope that we might get out on time, and beginning to believe that just maybe the films had been mistaken.
My hopes were dashed when I heard a distinct clanging and clattering noise from above, accompanied by a thud.
Kili had fallen.
The guards patrolling nearby rushed to investigate, and I had no time to provide a warning before the dwarves had been captured.
As my companions were lead out of the armory, I made to follow them, dodging in and out of shadows, but always away from view.
The guards led us through the streets of Esgaroth...Well, if you could call the rickety waterside walkways streets. By the time we reached the Master's square, I was properly lost. I wouldn't have been able to find my way back to the armory, let alone to Bard's house.
Ahead of me, the dwarves were pushed to the front of the torchlit square, and their escape blocked by a semicircle of guards. I had to push and shove my way to the guards, and from there, I quickly realized that I would be unable to get any closer to them.
"Get off of me!" I heard Dwalin protesting as he was shoved by a guard.
There was no shortage of protest from the other dwarves, but most of it was held in indistinct mutterings and growls.
The door to the Master's hall was pulled open by a pair of guards, and outstrode d a grotesquely fat man with a greasy ginger comb over, wearing a fur-trimmed robe that might have been luxurious fifty years ago, but was now word and dirty.
"What is the meaning of this?" the Master of Laketown blustered.
"We caught 'em stealing weapons, sire," said Braga, one of the Master's lead henchmen.
"Ah. Enemies of the state, then," surmised the Master.
"This is a bunch of mercenaries if ever there was, sire," said Alfrid, every bit the worthless weasel I had expected him to be.
"Hold your tongue. You do not know to whom you speak. This is no common criminal; this is Thorin, son of Thrain, son of Thror!" Dwalin interjected, stepping forward. At his words, the crowd around me began to buzz with noise. Thorin stepped forward, making himself known to the Master.
"We are the dwarves of Erebor," Thorin said.
The crowd whispered in shock and recognition, and I saw people all around me craning their necks to get a better look at Thorin.
"We have come to reclaim our homeland," Thorin said, stepping forward and turning to face the people. "I remember this town and the great days of old. Fleets of boats lay at harbor, filled with silks and fine gems. This was no forsaken town on a lake! This was the center of all trade in the North."
People began to nod in agreement, for though none present were old enough to well remember the time, they had heard the tales of prosperity now lost in time.
"I would see those days return," Thorin continued. "I would relight the great forges of the dwarves and send wealth and riches flowing once more from the halls of Erebor!"
The people cheered and clapped, and through a gap in the crowed I could see the Master looking on, calculating.
Suddenly, a voice called out over the crowd, and Bard stroed forward, people left and right parting to let him through.
"Death! That is what you will bring upon us. Dragon-fire and ruin. If you awaken that beast, it will destroy us all," he warned.
The mood of the people seemed to change from one of jubilation to one of apprehension.
"You can listen to this naysayer, but I promise you this; If we succeed, all will share in the wealth of the mountain. You will have enough gold to rebuild Esgaroth ten times over!" Thorin called, rekindling the sparks of hope in the crowd. The Master looked on as the people cheered and applauded, his face beginning to twist into a dishonest smile.
"All of you! Listen to me! You must listen! Have you forgotten what happened to Dale?" Bard called in desperation.
A hush fell once more over the people.
"Have you forgotten those who died in the firestorm?" The bargeman asked.
There was a smattering of 'no's and shakes of the head. Bard continued.
"And for what purpose? The blind ambition of a mountain-king so riven by greed, he could not see beyond his own desire!"
The crowd's mutterings grew, but were quickly silenced by the Master.
"Now, now, we must not, any of us, be too quick to lay blame. Let us not forget that it was Girion, Lord of Dale, your ancestor, who failed to kill the beast!" he shouted, pointing an accusatory finger at Bard. I saw Thorin's look of shock, before turning my attention to Alfrid.
"It's true, sire. We all know the story: arrow after arrow he shot, each one missing its mark," said the talking weasel.
Bard turned to the crowed, but like the fickle beast that it is, the crowd turned on him.
"You have no right, no right to enter that mountain!" Bard shouted at Thorin.
"I have the only right," The mountain King replied, before turning to face the master.
"I speak to the Master of the men of the Lake. Will you see the prophecy fulfilled? Will you share in the great wealth of our people?" he asked. There was a pause. "What say you?" Thorin asked again.
The Master took his own time replying.
"I say unto you...welcome! Welcome and thrice welcome, King under the Mountain!"
The Master opened his arms in welcome, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Bard looked on silently, and I rolled my eyes. How did they not see the logic in Bard's words. I didn't want the company stopped in their quest, and even I knew it was bad idea. As the crowd cheered around me, I tried to distract myself. Why? Because, subtle though it may have been, the signs of dragon sickness had already begun to present themselves.
I shuddered to think of how far the sickness would progress by the next morning.
The cheering continued for some time before the Master raised his hands to call for silence.
"Tonight, you shall dine with me. Tomorrow, you shall dine at the mountain!" he shouted, and the crowd cheered once more.
In the pandemonium, the guards loosened their restraining wall around the dwarves, and I slipped through, nearly bumping into Kili as I did so.
"Are you alright?" I asked, placing a steadying hand on his shoulder.
"I've been worse," Kili said, tone lacking all of his usual easy confidence.
"Real drama queen this one, isn't he?" I said, gesturing towards the Master.
"Yes. A pitty he's not the least bit charismatic. Or attractive," Kili answered, attempting enthusiasm.
"I agree. The combover kills it for me," I said.
"Really? I was thinking of getting one," Fili joked.
"Don't you dare. I'll walk right away if you do," I said, crossing my arms in mock horror.
"You're marrying me, not my haircut," Fili reminded me.
"If I were Aria, I'd only be marrying you because of your haircut," Kili put in. The three of us laughed, though Kili's turned to a grimace of pain before long.
"Catch up, your lagging," Thorin ordered us.
I turned to see that the rest of the company, along with the guards, heading up the steps and into the Master's hall. Fili supported Kili as we too crossed the excuse for a town square and began the steps.
"And what was all the hilarity about, if I may ask," Thorin said, standing at the top of the stairs with his arms crossed.
"Fili's getting a combover," Kili said, wincing as his bad foot hit a step.
"And when he does that, I'll be getting a new heir. Kili, how'd you like to be the next King under the Mountain?" he asked.
Kili muttered something about just wanting to get to the top of the stairs before taking another painful step upwards.
I watched from the foot of the stairs as the two brothers reached the landing and walked (slowly) inside, before following them. I made for the door, but was stopped by Thorin, who hadn't moved from his place at the top of the stairs.
"A great kingdom falls without a strong leader at its head," he said.
"So it does," I acknowledged, unsure where this conversation would lead.
"And yet, all but the elves grow old, and their rules must come to an end...Do you think I chose well, to leave Erebor's future in Fili's hands?" he asked, not turning to face me.
"I don't think you could have found a better ruler in all of Middle Earth," I said without hesitation.
"Hence my decision," Thorin said, and there was a pause that I was unsure how to fill.
"Yet," he said at last, "Fili has already made the first decision of his reign before even I have taken the throne."
"I...what decision was that?" I asked hesitantly.
"A decision I could never make for him. He has chosen his queen. A complete outsider with no knowledge of our customs, a preference of silver over gold, and no sense of self preservation whatsoever," he said.
I could feel a blush spreading across my face. Not a blush of embarrassment, but one of anger.
"Thorin, I'm not asking your permission, nor have I ever sought it. As you said, it's Fili's decision to make and I don't care what your opinion of me is, and as for the rest, I have a lot to learn, I know that, but I don't see how one less gold thirsty ruler is a disadvantage to Erebor," I said, barely taking a breath.
"If you'd have let me finish-" he started.
"I meant what I said, I don't need your approval."
"He has chosen well," Thorin said.
"I don't ca- wait, what?" I asked.
"Fili has chosen well in both a partner to rule by his side, and a mother to raise the future heirs of Erebor," Thorin said slowly.
"Thank you," I said, immediately relieved, for I had not expected such a positive reaction from him, and I felt a weight lifted off of my shoulders. I waited for a response, but when none came, I turned back to the hall and entered. I looked back, but Thoring made no move to follow me inside. I frowned, wondering why he chose to stand motionless at the top of the steps. That was before I saw what he was looking at. Through the shadows of night, and past the cloud cover of winter, a solitary peak was visible.
The Lonely mountain was nearly a day's journey away, but the treasure within had already begun to work its whiles on our hapless leader. I continued on alone, the elation of Thorin's approval long gone.
I could hear hearty laughter from within and It didn't take me long to find my companions seated around a long table with the Master at its head. Despite the less than pleasant circumstances of our first encounter with the Master of Laketown, the dwarves were in high spirits, eating, drinking and conversing in manner I had come to expect only from their race.
The dwarves were not the only ones at table, closer to the door sat Braga and a couple of other guards who appeared to have some clout, but they ate in relative silence. I noticed that only three seats remained unoccupied. The one at the Master's right hand was for Thorin, and I was left to take one of the only two left at the end of the table. I sat down in the seat on the very edge, leaving a gap between myself and the nearest guard, and began to eat.
I hadn't realized just how hungry I was until I bit into the fish that had been set before me. I hated seafood of all types, but I hadn't eaten anything in two days, and my tongue could hardly protest while my stomach growled so loudly. As I ate I watched the doorway, hoping Thorin would enter, but ten minutes later, he had yet to show himself.
I was beginning to drift off, when someone did indeed show himself...but it wasn't Thorin.
"We need to talk," said Albriech, taking the only empty seat.
I glanced at the other guards, who had begun a game of dice, and nodded.
"What is it?" I asked.
Now it was Albriech's turn to take a glance at the guards. Once he was sure that our conversation would enjoy relative privacy, he spoke.
"I tracked those two fisherman to the toll gate, and was able to take one aside on the pretence of searching him."
"And?" I probed.
"And I was right," he said. "Sniveling coward spilled his guts when I threatened him. It was mostly unintelligible, but I was able to gather some information," he said.
"What information might that be?" I asked.
"He and his companion are mercenaries whose leader recently sold their service to a pale orc, whatever that means. The orc promised them slaves after his kind took the land for their own. From what I've heard, those creatures have always talked about the coming of 'the age of the orc,' but-"
"But it's never actually happened," I cut in.
"That may be, but the mercenaries believed it this time, and since then, they've been in the service of this pale one," he continued.
"While this is fascinating, what does it have to do with me?" I asked.
"I was getting to that. The two from outside of town were recently given a very specific task, the explanation of which, he conveniently blubbered through. I did manage to catch some of what he said. Something about an orc pack chasing a group of dwarves. The pale orc gave their leader orders to kill you," he said.
"Kill me?" I asked, my voice dropping to a whisper, my eyes growing wide.
"I didn't get much more out of him than that, but yes. You're all wanted dead
"What should I do? I already knew we were being chased," I said.
"Those two won't be getting into town any time soon, but take no chances. Especially with the dark haired one. He's in no shape to fight, or to trek up to a mountain."
I just nodded in acknowledgement.
"How did you get all that out of him?" I asked.
"I asked some specific questions," he replied. "Oh, and should you need a healer, Sigrid keeps healing herbs from the surrounding area. You're more likely to find what you need in that house than in the town apothecary. I should go. It's getting late," he said.
"Wait. Why did you do that? You owe us nothing."
He seemed to think a moment before answering me.
"I told you earlier, didn't I? Nothing ever happens in this town. I have a feeling that might change, and I'd like to be on hand when it does," he said.
Without another word, he stood and pushed his chair back from the table. He exited quietly, unnoticed by most of the diners.
The rest of the meal past in discomfort, for the noise began to make my head ache, and the fish turned sour in my mouth.
I hoped that the dwarves would finish soon so we could all leave, but I had no such luck.
"When you've finished, just have Alfrid show you to your rooms," I heard the Master telling Balin quite loudly. I didn't catch the reply. The company of Thorin Oakenshield seemed to have no inclination to turn in.
Braga and the guards left only a short time after Albriech, and a half hour later, the Master left, followed by Alfrid, who skulked about his heels like an oily mut of the street.
"No, stay here. And don't leave until-" here the Master hiccuped "-they're all out of my dining room."
"Whatever you say, sire," Alfrid grumbled, before going to lurk in the doorway.
The dwarves, however, showed no sign of leaving, and I understood the reason for their merrymaking.
After all, they were so close to the mountain, and they were celebrating. I, on the other hand, was completely out of spirits. All I could think about was dragon sickness, hidden killers, and the uncertain future that lay ahead. Whether I was successful or not, this tale would come to its conclusion in a matter of days, and I couldn't even begin to fathom what would happen if I could not succeed. I couldn't even imagine what would happen if I did.
Thorin had brought to my attention something I hadn't really considered. While Kili had teased me by calling me princess, Thorin had placed before me an unchangeable fact. I might one day rule Erebor. I was completely unprepared for that occupation. I'd planned to head off to university for a degree in English. Not Kingdom Management.
This was one problem to many for my sleep deprived brain.
I groaned, and my head sank to the table, arm shoving my empty plate away to make room for my bushy hair.
The light was too much.
The sound was overpowering.
I need it to go away desperately.
"Aria," said a kind voice from behind me. I felt a hand brush my shoulder.
My hands clenched into tight fists.
"Aria, you're not well. Come with me," said the voice, and though I couldn't hear well over the noise, I recognized it as something only Fili would say.
I pushed myself to sit up straight, and slipped out of my seat. Fili put his arm around my shoulders and led me from the room.
"Where's Alfrid?" I asked.
"Who? The Master's weasel?"
"Mhmm," I said tiredly.
"He's up ahead, I've already spoken with him," Fili said. I felt immensely grateful, and utterly exhausted, but as the noise of the celebrating dwarves fell behind us, I noticed my headache begin to subside.
The hallway Alfrid led us down was dark, and I began to wonder where exactly we were going, when he stopped and opened a door. The room behind it was lit by a single flickering candle. Most of it was occupied by an old four poster bed that had been grand at one time, but now looked as tired as I felt.
A chest of drawers, on top of which sat the candle, was the only other piece of furniture in the room, save for a thread bear armchair sitting forlornly in the corner.
Fili thanked Alfrid, but the adviser just harrumphed and retreated back into the hallway, muttering something about having to do servants work.
"Here, take this off. I don't think I've seen you without it on in weeks," he said, helping to relieve me of my backpack, and setting it just inside the room, closing the door behind us as he did.
I walked over to the bed, and sat down, burying my head in my hands.
"Why does this entire town smell like fish?" I complained, aware of just how ridiculous I sounded.
Fili crossed the room, sat down beside me, and hugged me comfortingly.
"I hate it here," I said.
"We'll be gone by tomorrow morning, and glad of it," Fili reassured me.
"If we stay, nothing can happen. If we could only stay in this smelly, oppressed, boring town, we'd never have to worry about pale orcs or dragons again," I said, shaking my head.
"But you'd never do that," Fili pointed out.
He loosened his embrace, and I lay back, collapsing onto the coverlet to stare up at the ceiling.
"No, you're right. I never would. I'd never forgive myself, and besides, I've no respect for that idiot Master. Who came up with that title, anyway? Master of Laketown. You know, I wonder what would happen if the people actually picked a leader who treated them fairly," I said, my words slow, and edged with drowsiness.
"Who would you suggest? The guard you were speaking with at dinner?" Fili asked.
"Albriech? No, he's a bit of a prat. A helpful one, but still," I trailed off.
"When did you meet?" Fili asked.
"He helped me escape and sneak into Laketown. He has a thing for Bard's eldest daughter, so he was willing to help," I said.
"Clarify has a thing for," Fili said.
"Oh, clarify, um...he's in love with her," I said, momentarily trying to remember what the word "clarify" meant.
"So, if not the guard, then who?" Fili asked.
I turned my head to face him instead of the ceiling.
"Well, Bard," I said, having thought it obvious.
"Weren't you in the square? Did you not hear him shoot down our quest?" Fili asked.
"He wasn't wrong," I shrugged.
"Do you know what Thorin has done for our people? Unlike Bard, he is willing to go to any length to secure the wellbeing of his people. This quest is proof of that."
"Unless you're his injured nephew. Then he just watches your older brother try to help you up the stairs and does nothing," I retorted.
"What are you saying?" Fili asked.
"Thorin never came in. He's probably out there now, just staring at the mountain," I replied, yawning after I'd finished.
"Thorin does not have dragon sickness," Fili stated, the fact unquestionable in his mind.
"Fili," I whispered, not knowing what else to say.
"You aren't guessing, are you," he said, and I saw the realization on his face.
He sighed heavily and lay down next to me.
"How did we not see this coming?" he asked tiredly.
"There's no 'we' in that sentence. I knew this would happen. It's just shocking to see it in person," I said, voice catching in my throat.
We were silent for awhile but lost in our own thoughts. I was surprised in the changes of my own outlook. I would have to face the task ahead, and there was no way to avoid it...but I wouldn't be doing it alone.
I turned on my side to face Fili, looking at him through eyelids that felt heavier and heavier by the second. He looked just as tired as I was.
"When Thorin told me to guard outside the armory," I started, pausing to collect my thoughts. "He told me that hooting like an owl wasn't an appropriate warning signal," I said.
"So?" Fili mumbled.
"So, what'd you go and tell Bilbo to do at Trollshaws for?" I asked.
"That made no sense," he answered.
I don't remember anything after that moment, for sleep took me in its enviting arms, and did not surrender me to the world until early the next morning.
Well, Aria is back with the company, Albriech's motives are cleared up, and
Yikes! dragon sickness is already taking Thorin. Off to Erebor!...Unless Aria takes a four-day nap and misses everything.