Chapter 17
Wow, another chapter, you say? Yes, I somehow still have the drive to write and I figure to use it while I can! This chapter drove me crazy because I was trying to get through that scene when the company gets caught stealing and I don't know why but it was like pulling teeth! But I got through it. Kinda a filler chapter, but I hope it's still enjoyable!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Hobbit or any of its characters! I only own my OC and this story so let's keep it that way!
They moved quickly and quietly through the sleeping town. Well, as quietly as dwarves could move. Skylar watched Kili walking a few dwarves ahead of her; his hair was wet with sweat and his skin was paler than she'd ever seen before.
She slipped up next to him and gently grasped his elbow," Kili…are you doing okay?"
He looked over at her, clearly trying to focus through the near delirious state he was in," Of course. I'm perfectly fine."
"Kili, I know you're trying to stay strong for your uncle and the rest of the company, but I don't think you realize the severity of your wounds," Skylar spoke quietly but firmly, and he opened his mouth to argue but she cut him off," I know…don't say anything. Just…remember we need you healthy and strong, not like this. Everyone just wants you to be okay Kili, remember that."
The youngest Durin swallowed thickly and nodded at her before speaking so quietly even she could barely hear him," I know…thank you…"
Skylar stepped back from him as they neared the city armory. Once they snuck past the two watchmen on the boat several of the dwarves formed a staircase up to the window. Nori ran up and through the window first and Thorin looked to see who was going," Next!"
Bilbo ran up next, Skylar followed then after Thorin, Kili and a couple of the others were in they began gathering the weapons. As Skylar passed swords and axes along the line she watched where Kili was worriedly. The weight of the iron weapons was clearly too much for him, but he had too much pride to rest. Thorin turned to pass him another sword and he eyed his nephew with concern," You all right?"
Kili nodded, pain in his eyes," I can manage. Let's just get out of here."
Thorin looked at him for a moment longer before setting the sword on the pile in the young dwarf's arms and he turned to head down the stairs. Skylar watched as his leg gave out from the pain the weight he carried caused. He let out a cry of pain as he fell and the weapons dropped out of his hold with a loud clang! and everyone froze for a moment. The sounds of the watchmens' voices could be heard along with footsteps that were approaching rapidly.
Everyone moved and grabbed a weapon from the wall but by the time they turned around guards were guards with pikes pointed at them. The captain of the guard had Kili in his grasp with a blade at his throat. The youngest Durin gave the group a guilty look before looking down at the ground.
The guards began grabbing them and pulling them down the stairs and out of the armory. Skylar shoved the guard who was pulling at her roughly, to which he just pushed her forward and held her by the back of her shirt. They lead the company into the town square and as the guards lined them up in front of the doorsteps to the Masters mansion, the doors opened and the Master walked out, still putting his robe on.
"What is the meaning of this?" The Master demanded, looking confusingly at the dwarves.
"We caught 'em stealing weapons, sire," The captain replied.
"Ah, enemies of the state then!" He remarked.
Alfrid piped up from beside the Master," A bunch of mercenaries of there ever was, sire."
"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 spoke out to the crowd that had formed around them.
Skylar stepped close behind Thorin," Speak to them Thorin, it's the only way to win the people over."
Thorin stepped forward as Dwalin gestured to him," We are the dwarves of Erebor. We have come to reclaim our homeland."
"I remember this town and the great days of old. Fleets of boats lay at harbor, filled with silks and the finest gems. This was no foresaken town on a lake! This was the center of all trade in the North!" Thorin spoke firmly, a his voice rang out through the main square.
The people of Laketown had murmurs throughout the crowd and Skylar could see some of them nodding in agreement with Thorin's words," I would see those days return. I would relight the great forges of the dwarves and send wealth and riches flowing once more from the halls of Erebor!"
The people started the cheer, clearly excited and hopeful from Thorin's words. Bards voice cut through the cheers," Death! That is what you will bring upon us! Dragon-fire and ruin. If you awaken that beast, it will destroy us all."
Thorin glared down at Bard," 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!"
The people again cheered, this time it was louder, and the Master looked pleased with the promises Thorin was making. Bard looked around in disdain," All of you! Listen to me! Have you forgotten what happened to Dale? Have you forgotten those who died in the firestorm? And for what purpose? The blind ambition of a mountain king, so riven by greed, he could not see beyond his own desire!"
Thorin locked eyes with Bard and they glared angrily at each other. The crowd grew louder until the Master stepped forward and silenced the crowd when he spoke," Now, now, we must not, any of us, be too quick to lay blame. Let us not forget is was Girion, Lord of Dale, your ancestor, who failed to kill the beast."
And the noise of the crowd started again Thorin glared harder at Bard as Alfrid spoke," Its true sire. We all know the story; arrow after arrow he shot, each one missing its mark."
The crowd grew rowdier and Bard strode up to Thorin," You have no right, no right to enter that mountain."
"I have the only right," Thorin said back to bargeman, calmly but firmly 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? What say you?"
The Master pursed his lips in thought for a moment before smiling and pointing at Thorin," I say unto you…welcome! Welcome and thrice welcome, king under the mountain!"
Thorin stepped up a couple of steps and looked out at the crowd. His eyes met Skylar's and she gave him a small smile and nod. The company was whisked away to the towns great hall where they were fed and some of the company drank a bit too much. Skylar watched the happiness throughout the group from the corner of the room, happy to see them getting a bit of relaxing time. But her mind weighed heavily on the days to come, how close they were to the dragon.
She was surprised at how almost nothing changed from her presence in this world, expect the things that she did to purposely change events. She was taken out of her thoughts by Thorin who came up beside her to lean against the wall next to her, his body pressing against hers.
"I am worried about Kili," He said softly after a moment.
"I know…I am too, he won't allow himself to rest, he has too much pride," She replied in a quiet tone before looking over to meet his eyes," And I think he fears he'll disappoint his uncle."
Thorin clenched his jaw," There is nothing Kili or his brother could do that would take away my pride of them."
"Of course…but he doesn't know that. He's going to push himself Thorin, I tried talking to him earlier, but I don't think it got through to him," She told him and he nodded, sighing.
"I feel I'm going to have to do something I don't want to do," He said, turning to lock eyes with her and for just a moment she could see the hurt in his eyes. Skylar wished she could do more but in that moment all she did was reach forward and gently take his hand in hers. Almost instantly he held her hand back tightly, and they stood like that together for a moment.
Thorin looked over after a few minutes and broke the silence," Would you like me to fix your braids?"
Skylar smiled softly at him," I'd love that."
They moved to a spot in the corner where they sat down together on some blankets near the fireplace. Skylar allowed herself to relax and enjoy the warmth of the fire and the feeling of Thorin's hands working diligently in her hair. Sure, there was a lot of stressful times ahead, but no matter what happened, she was thankful for the friendships she had forged with the company.
Most of all she was thankful for her relationship with Thorin. And she was praying to god that she could change the future.
As always, thanks for reading! Hope this chapter was enjoyable!