Chapter 38

"Frodo has passed beyond my sight. The darkness is deepening." Gandalf said.

"If Sauron had the ring we would know it." said Aragorn.

"It is only a matter of time. He has suffered a defeat yes, but behind the walls of Mordor our enemy is regrouping."

"Let him stay there! Let him rot! Why should we care?" Gimli said.

I turned and looked at him.

"10,000 orcs now stand between Frodo, Sam and Mount Doom." I said.

My father and mother looked at me. I could not meet my father's gaze.

"I have sent him to his death." Gandalf sighed.

"No, there is still hope for Frodo. He needs time and safe passage across the Plains of Gorgoroth. We can give him that." Aragorn said turning.

"How?" Eruantien asked.

"Draw out Sauron's armies! Empty his lands. Then we gather our full strength and march on the Black gate."

Gimli coughed on his pipe and I had to smile.

"We cannot achieve victory through strength of arms." Eomer said walking forward.

Aragorn looked at him.

"Not for ourselves. But we can give Frodo his chance if we keep Sauron's eye fixed upon us. Keep him blind to all else that moves."

"A diversion." Legolas said.

"Certainty of death, small chance of success….what are we waiting for?" Gimli said.

"I agree. If it shall help Frodo…..I will gladly fight all the orcs of Mordor." I said.

"Silanna….."

"Mother…if I am to rule Erebor one day, I must trust not only what I know, but what I feel. Aragorn is right. If Frodo is to be successful…..we must march upon the Black Gate."

My father looked at me.

"Silanna is right. But she will remain here."

"FATHER!"

"It is not open for discussion Silanna! You are the future Queen of Erebor. Your safety is what is most important to me. You are my daughter."

"And what of Eruantien?" I asked.

"He is coming with us."

I glared at my father. I could see the hurt in his eyes for I never glared at him.

"If that is your will….my lord I shall of course obey!" I snapped.

I turned and left.

"Silanna!"

They called after me, but I did not turn. I walked back to my room and slammed the door shut. How could my father have me stay behind when he, my mother, brother and friends were going to war? There was a soft knock on my door.

"Silanna? Please open the door. Speak to me?"

"Leave me alone father!" I snapped.

"Silanna I know there is more to your anger then my having you remain here. Will you not speak to me before I must go."

"You need not say good-bye if you would only let me go with you!"

"Silanna please!" he begged.

"NO!"

"Thorin we must go." came Bofur's voice.

I heard Bofur walk off.

"Silanna…..I know you will not open the door. But I love you my most precious daughter. I love you and I always will. Never forget that."

I heard the pain in his voice and he sounded on the verge of tears. I walked to the balcony and saw them leaving.

"Silanna?"

I opened the door for Eowyn. She came in and I walked back to the balcony.

"You did not go?"

"My father bade me to stay here where it is safe."

"This does not sound like the Princess Under the Mountain."

I looked at her. She was still watching them leave.

"The Silanna I knew would have never taken no for an answer." she said.

She looked at me and smiled. She was right. I hugged her.

"Thank you Eowyn. I know what I must do."

"You will go after them." she said.

"Yes. And if I do not return…."

"Speak not of such things. You will return. Now go quickly. Before it is too late."

I pulled back and smiled.

"Thank you."