15. Fear and doubt
After we have left the mountain and reached the gate to the mines, we take a short break and give Gandalf the time he needs to open the gate to the mines. With heavy steps, I walk to a stone that is a bit offside and sink down on it.
I know what awaits us all in those mines. I know what will await us at the end of this seemingly endless darkness and at this thought I have to swallow hard.
Although I haven't known Gandalf for very long, I have already taken him into my heart and the thought of seeing him fall into the eternal shadow makes my heart grow heavy. And the knowledge that he will soon return to us does not really make it easier.
But, of course, I realize that there is nothing I can do about it. It is important for the story that he falls into the shadow and becomes a white wizard.
At the next moment, a hand lays on my shoulder and I turn around jerkily. Behind me stands Aragorn and smiles friendly at me. I also give him a light smile. He is really friendly. "What is troubling you, Amalia?", he asks calmly.
I sigh softly. As much as I would like to tell him the truth, it just won't work. And for the first time, I wish I didn't know everyone's fate. Only now do I realize what a big burden all this really is.
"I'm a little afraid to go into those mines," I confess quietly. At least it is part of the truth because I am really afraid to go in there.
Fortunately, the ranger doesn't keep asking why and what exactly. Instead, he gives me an encouraging smile. "Don't worry so much, Amalia. You'll be fine. And besides, you're not alone." I smile tentatively. I know I'm not, but that doesn't really ease my tense nerves.
At the next moment, a sound comes up and I turn to Gandalf, who has finally managed to open the door. But instead of relief, the fear spreads more and more in me. Okay, into the darkness.
With another soft sigh, I follow Aragorn, who is single-mindedly heading for the entrance and disappears into it. My heart pounds quickly against my ribs and my hands shake a little. To calm myself down I take a deep breath and then enter the darkness.
Immediately the deep blackness surrounds me and I become even more nervous. Slowly I can really understand why elves hate darkness and caves.
At the next moment, a disgusting smell rises into my nose and I remember again what is still here. Immediately nausea sets in. Don't choke. And when Gandalf activates the light of his magic wand and I see the pictures in front of me, I make a suffocating sound. Okay, the image in front of me is more than brutal.
Gimli, who was just teaching Legolas about dwarven hospitality, has discovered the image and emits a scream. Boromir sums it all up in a rather fitting phrase. "This is not a mine this is a tomb."
I feel the horror of the others, but I myself am still far too shocked by what we see before us. How can one be so brutal as to wipe out an entire people in cold blood?
At this moment Legolas looks at an arrow and his face is horrified. "Orcs." Immediately he pulls an arrow from his quiver and puts it in his bow. The others also draw their weapons and I want to draw my sword as well, but Gimli stops me by pushing me with a determined expression to the Hobbits, who stand behind the warriors in fear. "Stay behind me, lady."
I roll my eyes in annoyance. The fact that this dwarf still thinks I'm helpless is starting to annoy the hell out of me. Although I'm not really looking for a fight, I hate being treated like a helpless little kid.
But I don't say anything, because the tension that is in the air is clearly felt. And then a horrifying scream rings out beside me.
