I Know You're Out There Somewhere

by Greylyn

Jasmine never felt she belonged in the decade to which she was born, the 90's. She loved the music & clothes from the late 60's & 70's. Yet, sometimes she felt the pull of an age long past. After scrapping together money to visit a dream destination, her trip to a Fairy Circle in Ireland brought her into contact with the impossible & with someone beyond her wildest dreams.

8. We're Part Of The Fire That Is Burning

Chapter 8 – We're Part Of The Fire That Is Burning…

O – O – O – O – O

As Thorin and his party approached the mist covered shores just below the Lonely Mountain, Bilbo couldn't stop his eyes and his thoughts from looking behind him. Something felt off and he wasn't exactly what. Was he worried about Kili or was it a bad feeling about what was coming. He wasn't sure. Turning away from the receding Lake-town, he tried to focus his thoughts on the coming task.

The small boat finally arrived at the desolate coast line and the members of the Company stepped out starting to climb towards the mountain.

Bilbo stopped and glanced around him. He couldn't keep from commenting,

"So quiet."

Balin walked up beside him. "Wasn't always like this. Once these slopes were lined with woodlands. The trees were filled with birdsong."

Just as Balin made the comment, a lone bird flittered into view and came to rest on a nearby rock. The Hobbit watched it, tilting his head, wondering from whence it came.

Thorin strode up behind him, "Relax, Master Baggins. We have food, we have tools and we're making good time." As he continued forward, he suddenly picked up his pace and jogged over to a rocky overlook. Bifur followed close behind and walked up the rocks pointing in front of him.

As the rest of the group approached, the mist uncovered the ruins of what was once a large city. It must have been something majestic in its day, thought Bilbo.

"What is this place?" he asked in a hushed tone.

Balin came up beside him, "It was once the city of Dale. Now it is a ruin. The desolation of Smaug."

Everyone stared at the terrible destruction below them, shaking their heads.

Thorin stared up into the sky before saying to the others, "The sun will soon reach midday. We must find the hidden door into the mountain before it sets. This way."

The group turned away, everyone except Bilbo. "Wait. Is this the overlook? Gandalf said to meet him here. On no account were we to…"

Thorin leaned forward cutting him off. "Do you see him? We have no time to wait upon the Wizard. We're on our own. Come!"

The group walked away from the Hobbit following Thorin. Bilbo took one last look at Dale before following him.

O – O – O – O

Thorin planted his sword in the ground and stretched out his back. The group had been at it for a while, trying desperately to find a way to get to the top of the mountain and find the hidden door. Time was running out.

"Anything?" he shouted.

Further up the slope, Dwalin replied, "Nothing."

Thorin looked again at the map. "If the map is true, the hidden door lies directly above us."

Bilbo had gone past Dwalin, walking at a brisk pace searching everywhere. As he rounded a corner of stone, he saw it, stairs built into the towering stone statue. He shouted, "Up here!"

Thorin came running, a smile covering his face. "You have keen eyes, Mr. Baggins."

Everyone began to make the long climb to the top.

It took some time, but eventually the members of the Company reached their destination stepping out onto a flat landing.

Thorin walked over to a spot that in all probability would contain the hidden door. Now they just need to wait for the last light of Durin's Day to show them the way in.

"This must be it." Thorin whispered. "The hidden door."

Turning to the assembled members of the Company, he said, "Let all those who doubted us, rue this day." He held out the key that would unlock the door.

Everyone cheered.

Dwalin came forward saying, "Right, then. We have a key. Which means that somewhere there is a key-hole?" He began running his hands over and around the rocky surface, searching.

Thorin walked over to the ledge as the sun began to set in the sky. "The last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the key hole." He turned back to the wall, watching the light play across the stone surface. Dwalin continued to run his palms over the rock, trying to find the key-hole.

And air of expectation filled all of them, but as the light began to fade and nothing appeared, Thorin began to feel desperate. Deciding help was needed, he spoke to his thief, saying "Nori."

Dwalin too was becoming upset and began to push on the rock and bang on it with his weapon. For his part Nori was delicately tapping on the rock face and listening trying to hear anything.

Now in full panic mode, Thorin said, "We're losing the light. Come on."

"Be quiet! I can't hear when you're thumping." Nori told Dwalin.

"I can't find it. It's not here…it's …not…here!"

Anger finally taking over, Thorin yelled. "Break it down!"

Bifur and Gloin joined Dwalin as three of them proceeded to pound away with their axes.

Finally Balin yelled above the racket, saying, "It's no good. The door's sealed. Can't be opened by force. There's a powerful magic on it."

The light of the sun slowly faded and dropped below the horizon.

Thorin was beside himself. "No!" He approached the wall, pulling the map out again. "The last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the key-hole. That is what it says." He held out the map in disbelief. "What did we miss?" He walked over to his cousin. "What did we miss, Balin?"

Sadly, he shook his head. "We've lost the light. There's no more to be done. We had but one chance. Come away lads. It's over."

The members of the Company picked up their belongings and slowly turned away to begin the long trek down to the valley floor.

Bilbo still not believing it was over turned saying, "Wait a minute. Where are they going?" Watching as the group walked away, he yelled, "You can't give up now!"

He turned back to Thorin as he was the last one to leave. The Dwarf Prince was beyond despondent as he dropped the key on the rocks and walked away. As he passed the Hobbit he slapped the map into his chest and kept going.

Bilbo was left standing alone.

Unwilling to walk away with the others, he began going over everything that needed to be done to get the door to open.

In a quiet voice, talking to himself, he said, "Stand by the gray stone…when the thrush knocks. And the last light of Durin's Day will shine. The last light…last light." Bilbo gazed up into the night sky wondering. The sound of knocking caught his attention.

Turning to look behind him, he saw a Thrush banging a nut on a nearby stone. As the bird continued to knock, a bright ring of light began to form on the wall in front of him. The Thrush flew off, trilling as it went. Bilbo's face began to fill with hope and wonder as he realized what he was seeing was in fact the last light. In a hushed tone, he said, "The last light!" Louder he yelled, 'The key hole! Come back! Come back! It's the light of the moon. The last moon of autumn! Ha, ha, ha!"

He twirled around, desperately searching for the key that Thorin had dropped. "Where's the key? Where's the key? Where's the…? It was here. Come on, it was –it was here. It was just…"

Without warning, his foot kicked the key and it bounced away from him. Just as it started to go over the edge, Thorin reappeared putting his boot on the rope it was attached to, stopping it from falling. Gently he leaned down and retrieved it. Picking it up, he glanced at the key, then at the Hobbit. The members of the group reappeared beside him.

Thorin went over to the rock and inserted the key and slowly turned it. A thump was heard. He placed both hands on the rock and pushed. The door slid open. He stood for a moment looking through to the darkness beyond and whispered, "Erebor."

Balin came up behind him, tears welling up in his eyes. His voice broke as he said, "Thorin…"

He turned to his old friend and placed his hand gently on his shoulder as the older Dwarf tried to contain his emotions.

Thorin walked slowly inside, as his emotions also took hold of him. "I know these walls, these halls. This stone. You remember Balin…chambers filled with golden light.

As Balin entered, tears rolled down his face. "I remember."

As each of the Dwarves entered, they looked around the narrow passageway they stood in. Nori pointed to a carving on the wall above the door.

Gloin looked up and read, "Herein lies the Seventh Kingdom of Durin's Folk. May the Heart of the Mountain unite all Dwarves in defense of this home."

Balin looked up. "The Throne of the King."

Curios, Bilbo asked, "And what's that above it?"

"The Arkenstone."

"Arkenstone." Bilbo repeated. "And what's that?"

Thorin turned to look at the Hobbit. "That, Master Burglar is why you are here."

Everyone stared at Bilbo as he looked up at the carving once again taking a deep breath.

O – O – O – O – O – O

Jasmine boiled some water on Bard's stove…just in case it was needed. She was at a loss as to how else to help. Bofur poured some in a bowl and carried it over to where Kili was lying.

The young Dwarf was in so much pain and Fili was extremely worried for his brother.

"Can you not do something?"

'Oin was looking at Kili's leg and said, "I need herbs. Something to bring down his fever.

Bard had gone through his stock of medicinal herbs and brought them over to the table. "I have nightshade. I have feverfew.

The Dwarf doctor turned to him saying, "They're no use to me. Do you have any kingsfoil?"

Bard answered, "No, it's a weed. We feed it to the pigs."

Bofur latched on to his response. "Pigs? Weed. Right." Turning back to Kili, he pointed at him and said, "Don't move."

Jasmine felt that if he could have gotten off the bed, he would have smacked Bofur. Pouring some cold water into another bowl, she placed a cloth into it before laying it on her friend's forehead. He seemed grateful for the coolness even if it didn't help with the pain. She was extremely worried for Kili.

O – O – O – O

Bifur stood quietly waiting with the other members of the Company outside the newly found door into Erebor. After Bilbo's departure to begin his search for the Arkenstone, Bifur's thoughts and eyes turned toward the distant shores of Lake-town. He hoped that all was well with Kili and the others left behind especially his beloved Jasmine.

He hated leaving her there, but not knowing what would be found inside the mountain, perhaps a live dragon…it was for the best. He would be glad when it was over so he could go back to her.

While going over these thoughts, a tremendous rumble shook the mountain, making everyone stop whatever they were doing and look about.

Dori asked, "Was that an earthquake?"

Balin answered him, "That, my lad was a dragon."

As the rumbling continued, even Thorin face's filled with trepidation.

O – O – O – O – O

Kili seemed to be getting worse even as 'Oin tried to help him. He was running out of medicine and ideas. Fili feared for his brother as did Jasmine. Her friend was not getting any better.

The sudden rumble and shaking of Bard's house stopped everyone in their tracks. Tilda, his youngest, turned away from the food she was working on and looked briefly at her brother. Bain went immediately to a small window in the kitchen. It faced in the direction of the Lonely Mountain.

Sigrid also turned toward her father, asking, "Da?"

After looking out, Bain said, "It's coming from the mountain.

Bard gazed at his children, not knowing how to answer them.

Fili walked away from his brother and came over to the Bargeman. "You should leave us. Take your children. Get out of here."

Ever the pragmatic, Bard glanced at the Dwarf. "And go where? There is nowhere to go."

Tilda approached her father. "Are we going to die Da?"

Putting on a brave face, he gave half a smile to his youngest. "No darling."

Frightened the young girl asked, "The dragon…it's going to kill us."

Making a decision he thought he would never have to make, Bard reached above his head, and pulled on a large iron bar, removing it from its holder.

His children stared in stunned silence as he turned to them saying, "Not if I kill it first."

In his hand he held a Black Arrow…the only thing that could potentially kill the dragon. Even the Dwarves were stunned by this. Fili turned to Jasmine and in a hushed tone said. "He has a Black Arrow. It is the only thing that can pierce a dragon's hide."

"Would it be fired from that windlance that Thorin talked about earlier?"

Fili nodded.

"Could just one arrow kill it?"

Fili said, "Possibly, if as the story goes, the scale was loosen from the dragon's body back when Girion fired on it."

Kili moan and groaned louder. His pain and fever was becoming so much worse. Fili was scared for his brother; he just did not know what to do for him.

At this point, he feared it would take a miracle to save him.

O – O – O – O – O

Ori had been keeping vigil at the hidden door when a bright light flicked over the wall down inside.

"What about Bilbo?"

Thorin facing away from the door said, "Give him more time."

Balin challenged him, "Time to do what? To be killed?"

Thorin gave Balin a strange look. "You're afraid."

Balin was indignant. "Yes, I'm afraid." He approached his cousin, pointing at him. "I fear for you. A sickness lies upon that treasure hoard. A sickness which drove your grandfather mad."

Thorin turned away from him looking out across the valley. "I am not my grandfather.

Balin replied, "You're not yourself. The Thorin I know would not hesitate to go in there…"

Still not looking at Balin, he said, "I will not risk this quest for the life of one… burglar."

Now angry, Balin snapped. "Bilbo. His name is Bilbo."

Perhaps some part of what Balin said made an impression as he blinked a few times.

Bifur watched Thorin, unsure what would come next. He wanted this to all be over and done with so he could return to Jasmine. Something had begun to nag at him. He wasn't sure what and he was bothered by dark feelings. Turning his attention back to his king, he saw Thorin pull his sword and enter the mountain…hopefully to find the Hobbit.

O – O – O – O – O

Bard and Bain left the house to go to where the windlance was situated on the tall tower in the middle of the city. Their brother had returned not long after saying their father was trying to avoid the city guards. He had tasked him with hiding the Black Arrow so it could not be found. He and his father had separated and he had not seen him since.

Sigrid walked out onto their porch to watch for her father's return. Jasmine stepped out as well, trying desperately to discover if anything new could be gleaned by viewing the mountain again. Darkness had fallen, but a full moon cast its silvery glow everywhere. It looked the same as the last time she looked, but she couldn't shake the strange feelings that had plagued her since before Bifur's departure.

Trying to focus her mind elsewhere, she stood next to the young girl saying, "Don't worry. Your Dad will be fine."

Sigrid nodded, but answered, "I still worry. It's my way, I suppose."

"I understand. "Jasmine replied. "If I had family, I would feel the same." Turning back toward the mountain, she sighed, "Hopefully, if all goes well, I will soon know what it feels like to have a family."

Sigrid touched Jasmine's shoulder, "I'm sure he is fine."

She sighed. "That's what I keep telling myself. He is fine."

Turning, she reentered Bard's house, leaving Sigrid to carry on with her lonely vigil.

She remained outside for a while longer watching and waiting, when she thought she heard someone. "Da? Is that you Da?"

Not receiving an answer, she decided to go back inside. As she turned to do so, a harsh growl made her look behind…right into the snarling face of an Orc. The young girl screamed in horror, trying to get back inside and close the door. Everyone jumped as she struggled to slam it. The Orc finally wrenched it from her grasp, knocking her back. Another Orc crashed through the ceiling as 'Oin chucked a bunch of crockery at it.

Sigrid fell backwards onto a bench before rolling under the table. Fili rammed the closest Orc trying to protect the younger girl. Tilda also threw plates at an attacking Orc before she too joined her sister under the table.

Jasmine helped Bain flip over several benches trying to keep the Orcs off balance as more of them crashed through the ceiling. She went under the table trying to shield the girls from harm, just as another Orc knocked over the table to get to the three.

At that moment, Tauriel arrived on the front porch killing one of the attacking creatures, before taking on two more. Legolas dropped through a hole in the roof caused by the attacking Orcs, taking out one after another.

It was mass chaos inside the small house.

Another Orc grabbed poor Kili by his injured leg causing him to scream in utter agony before pulling it away and collapsing onto the floor.

It didn't take long for both Elves to make short work of all the attacking Orcs. One escaped from them jumping over a railing landing in a small boat below. He yelled out to his leader, in Black Speech, "Oakenshield is gone!"

It was Bolg, son of Azog, the Defiler. He bellowed to the assembled Orc soldiers also in Black Speech, "Fall Back! Regroup at the bridge." before striding away from the house. His Orc commandos followed after him.

The remaining Orcs inside Bard's house were soon taken out by Tauriel and Legolas, with the Elf Prince removing the head of the last one, dropping it into the water below.

Bain was completely stunned. In a shocked tone, he whispered, "You've killed them all!"

Legolas turned to the boy. "There are others. Tauriel! Come!" He made for the door to follow them.

Tauriel's eyes were large as she glanced at Legolas. Not wanting to leave, but knowing she needed to go with him, she started toward the door when 'Oin stared up at her from the floor, where Kili was writhing in pain. He pleaded with the Elf. "We're losing him."

Legolas stood in the doorway and repeated, "Tauriel."

She moved toward the door, but stopped when Kili's agonized moan made her look back. He was in such pain. She was torn between following her friend and staying to try to save him.

At that moment, Bofur returned, racing up the stairs, carrying a precious handful of the kingsfoil. Tauriel started to pull her knives until she realized what he had in his hand.

Taking it from him, she looked at the plant whispering, "Athelas! Athelas."

Bofur was shocked. "What are you doin?"

She gazed back at the Dwarf, giving half a smile, "I'm going to save him."

O – O – O – O

Balin had the remaining members of the Company prepare themselves to assist Thorin. He had decided that they would give him time to find the Hobbit and would then rush inside to help him. In truth, what he really feared was that the Dragon Sickness was beginning to take hold of him. He had noticed that not long after the hidden door was opened, he had begun to act odd. The change was subtle at first. Maybe he noticed because he had been around the Dwarf Prince for so long. This was not the Thorin Oakenshield he knew.

As the dragon caused the mountain to rumble again, he felt it was now time to search for Thorin and Bilbo. Directing the others, single file they entered the door to find their two friends.

Making their way further down inside the mountain, Bifur paused because he was sure he heard something.

Pointing straight ahead, he said, "Jeg alyr thaggr e avor vok."

Balin nodded. "I hear them as well."

The group hurried in the direction Bifur indicated, hoping they were not too late.

O – O – O – O – O

Thorin and Bilbo were directly ahead, just as Bifur had said. Rushing into the room, blades at the ready, they took a protective position in front of the two. That was the moment the Company got their first look at the beast…and it was indescribably large.

The creature was crawling toward them, snarling and growling as it approached. Smaug's chest began to glow as he prepared to unleash his fire.

"YOU WILL BURN!"

Screaming at the top of their lungs, everyone propelled themselves down a gold covered stairwell half sliding, half running to a lower doorway as dragon fire spread throughout the area.

Thorin bellowed in pain as the coat he was wearing caught fire. He rolled into the room behind everyone else, divesting himself of the flaming garment at the same time.

Jumping to his feet, he said, "Come on."

The Company followed after him.

O – O – O – O – O

'Oin, Fili, Bofur, picked up the writhing Kili and placed him on a table. He was in a very bad way and to Jasmine it seemed the end was near for him. Tauriel had taken the Athelas and was shredding it in a bowl of water held by Tilda.

Carrying the bowl, she walked around the table as Kili continue to thrash about. Setting the bowl down, she glanced at his wound. It was festering and black. Taking the Athelas into her hands, she mashed it up before pushing it into the wound, making Kili scream. She also began to speak an incantation in Elvish as she held the plant on his leg. Unable to stop his leg from moving, Sigrid, Tilda and Jasmine put their full weight on him trying to stop his thrashing.

Tauriel continued to speak in Elvish as slowly but surely Kili's wild movements began to lessen. His eyes focused on Tauriel in wonder. Perhaps seeing what the others could not.

Fili had been putting his weight on his brother's chest and one of his shoulders as Tauriel continued to speak. He would look up occasionally, staring at the Elf.

Jasmine was in complete awe as she watched her fight to save Kili. She understood that feeling because she knew if it was within her power, she would do the same for Bifur.

O – O – O – O – O

Reaching a corridor that led to an open walkway, they paused, uncertain if they should continue across the bridge before them.

"Shhhh!" Thorin whispered, stopping the group from continuing.

Standing near Thorin, Dori said, "We've given him the slip."

Dwalin shook his head slightly. "No. He's too cunning for that."

Bilbo leaned forward whispering, "So where to now?"

Responding softly, Thorin said, "The western guard room. There may be a way out."

Balin disagreed. "It's too high. There's no chance that way."

Thorin turned to his friend and cousin. "It's our only chance. We have to try."

Slowly and silently, he and the group crossed over the bridge. Everyone was on edge, casting their eyes in all directions, except for up. Single file, they made their way across until the sound of a coin hitting the stone bridge stopped them in their tracks.

Concerned it had fallen from him somehow; Bilbo began searching his coat, but found nothing. When additional coins clattered in front of him, he began to raise his eyes skyward.

Smaug was crossing above and over them on an upper walkway. The coins were dropping from his scales where they had become wedged. He gave a low pitched growl as he passed by the Dwarves and the Hobbit.

Thorin wiggled his fingers at the group, silently ushering them forward to the next corridor.

O – O – O – O – O

As Tauriel wrapped Kili's leg, she watched as his breathing steadily slowed to a more normal pace. His eyes were barely open as if he was fighting sleep.

'Oin came over to Fili where he was standing watching his brother and the Elf. As the older Dwarf walked around him, he said, "I've heard tell of the wonders of Elvish medicine…that was a privilege to witness."

Jasmine had been watching Fili's face. She was trying to figure out why her friend continued to give the Elf strange looks. He should be grateful Tauriel had been able to save his brother's life, but instead, his face seemed guarded, wary. It didn't make sense. She wondered if it went back to how Dwarves and Elves mistrusted each other. She wasn't sure, but she truly felt he should be falling over himself in gratitude because Kili had been so close to death.

Kili gave a breathy sigh. "Tauriel."

Hearing his voice, she turned towards him a gentle smile gracing her face. "Lie still."

Kili continued to speak in a weak tone, "You cannot be her. She is far away. She is far, far away from me. She walks in starlight in another world."

Tauriel gazed at Kili as he continued speaking.

"It's just a dream." His words were soft; his eyes stared up as if trying to remember something. He raises his hand tying to intertwine his fingers with hers. "Do you think she could have loved me?"

Tauriel looked down at Kili, struggling with her true feelings.

Jasmine felt tears well up as the scene between Kili and Tauriel played out. He was utterly in love with her. What Tauriel felt, she was not sure? What little she did know from her belief time in this universe was this: Would they get the happy ending they deserved or would it end in a tragedy, not unlike Romeo and Juliet. Given what little she knew about both Dwarves and Elves, she had her reservations, but she hoped it was the former.

O – O – O – O – O

The Dwarves ran single file down a corridor with Thorin in the lead. He turned a corner, saying, "Stay close."

As everyone entered the room, they stopped abruptly once inside.

The room was filled with bodies…men, women and children. They were everywhere. They had reached this area hoping for a way out, only to become trapped, unable to escape their fate.

Dwalin stood looking around him. Solemnly, he stated, "That's it then. There's no way out."

Balin walked forward, unable to keep the sadness from his voice. "The last of our kin. They must have come here, hoping beyond hope." Somberly he said, "We could try to reach the mines. We might last a few days."

Thorin walked further into the room. "No. I will not die like this. Cowering. Clawing for breath." Turning to face the members of the Company, he said, "We make for the forges."

Dwalin answered back, "He'll see us, sure as death."

"Not if we split up."

"Thorin…we'll never make it." Balin replied.

"Some of us might. Lead him to the forges. We kill the dragon. If this is to end in fire then we will all burn together."

O – O – O – O

Thorin, Bilbo and Balin purposely made noise as they ran across the stone bridge. "This way!" Thorin shouted.

The sound of wings flapping caught their attention as Smaug appeared near them.

"Flee. Flee. Run for your lives. There is nowhere to hide." He growled as he approached them.

"Behind you!" shouted Ori

"Worm!" added Dori. "Come on!"

Ori, Dori and Bombur now had his attention, giving Thorin, Bilbo and Balin a chance to escape.

From another side, Dwalin yelled, "Hey you!"

Once the dragon saw him, he shouted, "Here!" then punched Nori in the chest as they fled down another walkway.

Finally Gloin and Bifur came tearing down another stone walk and into the corridor on the other side. The dragon was now beyond angry and went after the last two Dwarves.

He focused his dragon fire in their direction filling the underground cavern. They were in trouble and knew it. Running as fast as they could, they reached the end of the space they were in before leaping down two separate metal chutes, tumbling and rolling to land with a thud in metal buckets on a line.

Bifur was terrified as he hit the bucket and stared upward. He half expected to see the dragon poke his head out and aim more fire down upon them. He sat up a bit and glanced over at his companion Gloin. He seemed just as stunned at their current situation. How would they get down to the others from this position? He did not know.

Leaning over he said, "Wizja galjeva voth kjior eth ogjart borfra bjuttagur?

Gloin shook his head. "Not sure there is a way. Just need to wait for a chance."

Bifur nodded as he looked below. He could just make out Thorin and the rest near where the great Dwarf forges resided. It seemed an impossible task to get the fires lit in them again. All he and Gloin could do from where they were was watch and wait.

His mind turned to Jasmine, waiting for him in Lake-town. He prayed to Mahal that this would all end soon so he could return to her. He wanted to begin their new life together. He was glad he had decided not to wait, to have one night with his beautiful love. If as Thorin said, this was to end in fire, he wanted that memory to carry with him.

Bifur was so lost in his own thoughts, he missed what Gloin said. So he sat up in his bucket and asked, "Vaem go tho thurv?"

Gloin turned to his friend and repeated, "I think they figured out a way to light the forges."

Bifur looked down at the others. From his position he could hear Thorin shouting at Smaug.

"I did not think to see you so easily outwitted. You have grown slow and fat in your dotage. Slug!"

Bifur shook his head slightly thinking, 'Well that should do it.'

The dragon unleashed his fire into the area. The heat was so intense he and Gloin could feel it from their vantage point. The plan worked as the forges below sprung to life…one after the other until all were blazing.

Gloin and Bifur watched wondering what would come next. The members of the Company scattered in different directions, no doubt trying to implement Thorin's scheme.

Bifur watched as his cousin Bombur jumped on the long chain that controlled the bellows, riding them up and down blowing air on the fire to make it more intense. From his position he also could just make out the Hobbit scaling a large set of stairs. What would come next?

He turned to Gloin and asked, "Vaem happens najandr? goth tho bekna?"

Gloin shook his head, "Not sure. We'll have to wait."

The two Dwarves didn't wait long.

From below, Thorin yelled, "NOW!"

Bilbo jumped up and pulled a lever that broke open the seals to great streams of water. It slammed into the dragon, extinguishing the fire that had been building within him. He also went berserk, flailing his body and wings about.

With the release of the water, the great Dwarf machines began to move the bucket lines, some still filled with their long ago ore. Gloin and Bifur stared over the rims of their baskets as the line inched forward, wondering where they would end up.

Smaug's dismay over the water didn't last long as he came crawling back toward Thorin. Dori and the others began throwing something at the dragon, trying to slow his progress. Explosion after explosion hit the dragon, but causing no damage to the creature.

Just as Smaug passed under them, Gloin reached out with his sword cutting the line to the buckets below them. The ore ladened baskets crashed on to the creature knocking it to the ground. Thrashing and twirling around, the dragon in its anger became more entangled. Growling and flailing, he threw back his head snapping the lines to their buckets. Bifur and Gloin smashed against the dragon before crashing onto the floor below. Both Dwarves rolled from their buckets barely avoiding the crushing feet of the infuriated dragon.

Thorin had opened the sluices to the forges letting the now molten gold slide out and into multiple stone channels.

"Lead him to the Gallery of the Kings." He shouted.

As Smaug continued to flail trying desperately to rid himself of the twisting lines and metal buckets, one was flung at Bilbo just missing him.

Thorin grabbed a wheel barrow zig zagging in between the dragon's legs before riding it like a small boat through the gold flowing down the channels.

Smaug's thrashing body rammed into multiple stone structures, one containing the Hobbit, rolling him onto the floor. Smaug saw him and rushed in his direction.

"Keep going Bilbo! Run!" yelled Thorin.

Bilbo was barely two stepped in front of the dragon as he jumped and slid down a slanted stone and into a corridor. As he ran into the Gallery of the Kings, Smaug smashed through the wall above raining stone and pieces of a large tapestry onto the frightened Hobbit.

Gloin and Bifur had joined up with the others racing after Bilbo unsure of his fate.

Thorin had jumped onto a large chain just as the wheel barrow went over the edge of the stone channel. If he was going to complete his plan, the others needed to get into position quickly.

While the dragon had been chasing after Thorin and Bilbo, all the melted gold had been flowing into holes in a large statue. Now that Smaug's attention was on Bilbo, Thorin directed the members of the Company to take up their positions at the rear. It was almost time for the final confrontation with the creature.

The large tapestry fell to the floor covering the Hobbit. He was just able to lift up the edge peering out at the dragon.

Smaug was furious as he turned on Bilbo, snarling, "You think you can deceive me Barrel-rider? You have come from Lake-town. This is some sordid scheme hatched between these filthy Dwarves and those miserable tub-trading Lakemen. Those sniveling cowards with their long bows and Black Arrows. Perhaps it is time I paid them a visit."

Behind the statue, Bifur heard every word the dragon spoke. It was going to Lake-town. It was going to where Jasmine and the others were. If they couldn't finish Thorin's plan…Mahal help all of them. A shiver ran down his back as his heart hammered in his chest. This had to work. There would be no way for him to reach her in time. He put his hand to his heart. He had never been this frightened, not for himself, but for her…for his Jasmine.

Bilbo was horrified. Crawling from under the tapestry, he shouted at the dragon, "This isn't their fault! Wait! You can't go to Lake-town!"

Smaug turned back toward the Hobbit. "You care about them do you? Good. Then you can watch them die." He slithered away from Bilbo, determined to carry out his threat.

Behind him, Thorin shouted out, "Here! You witless worm!"

Smaug stopped in his tracks, his large orange eyes narrowing. He swiveled his neck and head around, snarling, "You."

"I am taking back what you stole."

Smaug advanced on Thorin. "You will take nothing from me…Dwarf. I laid low your warriors of old. I instilled terror in the hearts of Men. I am King Under the Mountain."

Staring the dragon down, Thorin replied, "This is not your kingdom. These are Dwarf lands. This is Dwarf gold. And we will have our revenge." Yelling in Dwarvish to the members of the Company behind him, they began to break the chains on the statue, releasing the stone that covered it. As it broke and fell away a tremendous golden statue of King Thror was revealed.

Smaug, hypnotized by the golden visage before him came even closer.

Bilbo had climbed off the floor taking refuge behind a large stone column. He found he was also fascinated by the large gold statue.

As the dragon leaned forward, the gold began to melt. Holes appeared first around the eyes, then the body, shooting streams of the precious metal out into the Gallery of the Kings. It happened so quickly, Smaug had little time to react. He turned and tried to flee as the molten river of gold covered him.

Thorin let out a satisfied exclamation. The dragon had disappeared under the river of gold. His triumph was short lived however.

Smaug suddenly shot up out the golden floor, yowling, "Revenge?! Revenge?! I will show you revenge!" He broke through the carved stone edifice and out into the night still coated in gold. He took a few running steps before rocketing into the blackness above. It didn't take him long to rid himself of the golden covering. He turned several times before adjusting his flight toward Lake-town.

Horrified, Bilbo ran out into the night, climbing up to an overhang where he could see the dragon. He heard voices behind and realized the members of the Company had followed him.

Bifur was the first one to reach the elevated rock platform where Lake-town could be viewed. He was clutching his chest and shaking.

He shouted out in agony, "Atur! Atur! Atur! Mahal Atur!"

The last thing that could be heard as the dragon flew away was, "I am fire. I am death."

Bilbo's shocked and sorrowful face watched as Smaug flew toward the town. "What have we done?" he whispered.

O – O – O – O – O – O

The Lake-town bell began to ring out into the night. It was a warning. Something was coming. Something terrible!

A strange whooshing sound could be heard in the air. Standing in Bard's home Jasmine cast her eyes skyward, saying, "What is that? Can you hear it?"

Fili was still fussing over his brother, but he nodded. "Aye, I can."

Tauriel had also heard it and had gone out onto the porch. She gazed into the night sky and saw it approaching. She had seen the unthinkable. Coming back inside, she said, "We have no time. We must leave."

Bofur began grabbing their things. "Get 'em up."

Fili tried to assist his brother. "Come on brother. Come on we must go."

Kili jerked out of Fili's helpful grasp, "I'm fine! I can walk."

Bofur gabbed coats and cloaks, handing them to Jasmine and 'Oin. Putting her's on, she stood waiting. Her face was a frozen mask. Her insides were churning as she thought, 'Bifur…What happened to Bifur?'

Tauriel grabbed the coats for the two girls. Bain came over as she was helping Tilda put hers on.

"We're not leaving. Not without our father."

Tauriel said, "If you stay here your sister's will die." Turning to face the young boy, she said, "Is that what your father would want?"

The group went down the back stairs to the dock where Bard kept a small skiff for his family. The group began to pile into it, making sure the girls were safely placed in the boat.

Fili stepped into the boat, helping the others to board. "Give me your hand."

"We gotta go." added Bofur.

The cries and screams of the towns folk filled the air around them.

Tauriel tried to rush everyone because they needed to move. "Quickly now! Hurry!"

Fili called out to his brother who was lagging behind. "Kili come on!"

Jasmine sat down by the sisters, with Kili beside her and 'Oin close to him. Bofur and Fili took control of the boat, using the long poles to guide it. The sounds of death surrounded them as everyone tried to get out of Lake-town.

Tauriel stood at the front searching out the safest route for them. The dragon made pass after pass above the town, whipping the citizens below into a panicked frenzy.

Smaug soared over their heads, just barely, causing all of them glance skyward. The dragon shot straight up, turned and began to strafe fire across the city. The city began to burn.

The air was filled with screams from those seeking a way out, and those who would never make it.

The first pass by the dragon barely missed the group, the second set fire to all the buildings behind them. They slowly made their way through different sections of the canal until Bofur yelled; "Look out!" as their boat collided with The Master's large gold ladened barge.

Screaming, Jasmine wrapped her arms around the two girls as the boat listed dangerously to one side. Fili and Bofur were able to keep the boat upright pulling it back to keep them afloat.

Tauriel stared at the man. Her outrage was tempered as she knew it would serve no purpose if unleashed. After a moment, she had them move forward again, trying to desperately escape the burning town.

O – O – O – O – O

The members of the Company all stood watching in horrified silence as Lake-town began to burn. Balin took a deep breath before saying, "Poor souls."

Ori was sitting between his brothers, not able to even look at what was happening. The young Dwarf looked like he wanted to cry. Nori rested his hand on his shoulder trying to comfort him as best he could.

Gloin was unable to say anything as he thought about his brother below in the town. He glanced up at Bifur who he knew was having the hardest time of all. He had made the decision to leave the love of his life in Lake-town reasoning it would be the safest place for her.

Bifur's eyes were huge. He was having trouble focusing. He turned to Bombur who was also struggling since Bofur was also there. "Jeg alovath hane e lake-town ilv veforgjaer hane borfra eth jarlethurkon. Jeg evvil hef caused hane verold."

Bombur shook his head. "You did what you thought was best for her cousin. This is not your fault."

Bilbo turned and glanced behind him. Standing away from the others was Thorin. While everyone else was focused on Lake-town, his eyes were on Erebor. Not once had he turned to watch the destruction of Lake-town. Bilbo was disturbed by his friend's actions. What was going through his head?

O – O – O – O – O

As the dragon continued to rampage across Lake-town, Tauriel thought they might have found a path out of the city.

Bain suddenly saw his father up on the bell tower, he was firing upon the dragon, trying desperately to kill it. "Da!"

Tilda also saw him crying out, "DA!" Sigrid tightened her arm around her sister, as did Jasmine.

"Oh my God!" Jasmine whispered. "He's fighting the dragon."

Bard shot another arrow at the beast hitting it, only to have it bounce off his thick hide.

Kili was watching also and shouted, "He hit it! He hit the dragon."

Tauriel disbelieved his statement, "No."

Kili shot back, "He did! He hit his mark I saw."

Not taking her eyes off the bowman or the dragon, she said, "His arrows cannot pierce its hide. I fear nothing will."

Bain thought about her words, when he saw the boat where he had hidden the Black Arrow. Making a snap decision, he stood up and grabbed a dangling hook near the boat.

Bofur and Fili both tried to stop him as he was carried away.

"What are ya doin?" Bofur shouted.

Fili yelled at the boy. "Bain! Bain!"

His sisters too screamed for their brother, but Tauriel said, "Leave him. We cannot go back."

Crying, Tilda shouted one more time. "Bain!"

Everyone on board the boat watched the scene on the tower for as long as they could until the burning buildings and smoke hid it from their sight.

Jasmine hugged the girls tighter. This had become hell on earth for all involved. She couldn't stop the tears that came as she worried for everyone involved in this nightmare. Under her breath, she whispered. "Please protect us. Please give me a sign that Bifur lives...that the others still live. That they survived whatever took place in that mountain."

Bofur saw the tears falling from her eyes and leaned over, touching her shoulder. "It'll be alright lass…it'll be alright."

Just as he spoke those words, a tremendous roar, along with thunderous groans and moans filled the night air. It sounded like the dragon. Everyone searched the sky above, looking for an answer. Had Bard killed it? Had he somehow managed to slay Smaug?

The creature slammed into the water, somewhere near them, the impact shot a stream of water skyward, creating the feeling of a small earthquake.

Jasmine stood up trying to find the cause, but could see nothing. Sigrid and Tilda also got up carefully beside her. Sigrid cried out, "The bell tower…it's gone. Where is it? Where are Da and Bain?"

The tower was indeed gone.

O – O – O – O – O

Ori flinched at the sound. "What was that? What happened?" He asked.

Bilbo walked forward. "It fell. I saw it. It's dead." Turning to look at the others, he said, "Smaug is dead."

Gloin agreed. "By my beard…I think he's right! Look there, the ravens of Erebor are returning to the mountain."

Balin also agreed, smiling he said, "Aye! Word will spread and before long every soul in Middle Earth will know the dragon is dead."

Everyone began to cheer.

Bifur couldn't keep from walking forward to stare in the direction of Lake-town. The dragon was dead, but did Jasmine and the others survive? He had to know. As he stood there, he took some deep breaths thinking that if she had been taken from him, he would know it…he would feel it. As worried as he was about her, deep down he knew she still lived. His beloved had survived.

Before turning away, Bifur whispered under his breath, "Amrâlimê, Jeg'm coming rir tho. Ongra tzjail rir mikk."

O – O – O – O – O – O – O

Khuzdul - Jeg alyr thaggr e avor vok.

English - I hear voices in front of us.

Khuzdul - Wizja galjeva voth kjior eth ogjart borfra bjuttagur?

English - How can we reach the ground from here?

Khuzdul - Vaem go tho thurv?

English - What did you say?

Khuzdul - Vaem happens najandr? goth tho bekna?

English - What happens next? Do you know?

Khuzdul - Atur! Atur! Atur! Mahal Atur!

English - No! No! No! Mahal No!

Khuzdul - Jeg alovath hane e lake-town ilv veforgjaer hane borfra eth jarlethurkon. Jeg evvil hef caused hane verold.

English - I left her in Lake-town to protect her from the dragon. I may have caused her death.

Khuzdul - Jeg'm coming rir tho. Ongra tzjail rir mikk

English - I'm coming for you. Please wait for me.