Just a word about this chapter. I changed the ending a bit. Thorin, Fili and Kili survive the battle. Mostly because Fili will be needed for my story to continue and I just wanted too. Also for Tauriel and Kili's sake. So I hope this doesn't upset anyone.
o – o – o –o – o – o – o – o
Chapter 10 – And The Sunshine We've Been Waiting For Will Turn To Rain…
O – O – O –O –O –O
As the sun began to rise, the Elven army and the members of Lake-town who had decided to fight left the ruins of Dale for the Mountain. Jasmine had climbed onto one of the walls to watch. She shivered in the cold morning air, but couldn't turn her eyes away. She only hoped that the Arkenstone would convince Thorin to honor his commitments to both Bard and Thranduil.
Both armies stood before the gates of Erebor as Thranduil and Bard rode their mounts through the middle of the armies until they stood at the fore-front of the vast gathering of Men and Elves.
Bifur had no love of Elves, except for maybe the ones he encountered in Rivendell. They had after all healed his Jasmine, but Thranduil was a different matter. He hated that Bard was down there since he had kindly taken Jasmine into his family and was making sure she remained safe. That did in fact bother him quite a bit.
Just as Thranduil and Bard stopped before the gate Thorin fired an arrow at the Elf, striking the ground just before him. Bard turned his head and glanced at the Elf King. He seemed unaffected by the threat.
"I will put the next one between your eyes." Thorin warned.
The other Dwarves all shouted and cheered.
Thranduil barely moved, but it was enough of a signal to his army. They prepared to rain their arrows down at the Dwarves in the Mountain.
Everyone except Thorin dropped below the stones where they could not be seen.
The Elf King put up his hand and his army stood down…at least for the moment.
Never lowering his eyes, Thranduil stated, "We've come to tell you that payment of your debt has been offered and accepted."
Still keeping his bow aimed at the Elf, Thorin replied, "What payment? I gave you nothing. You have nothing."
The Elf King raised his eyebrows slightly then turned to Bard who reached inside his coat and produced the Arkenstone.
Holding it up for all to see he said, "We have this."
Thorin was stunned. He lowered his bow, his eyes staring at the jewel.
Kili was also surprised. "They have the Arkenstone. Thieves! How came you by the heirloom of our house?"
Fili also responded. "That stone belongs to the king!"
Smiling slightly, Bard replied, "The King may have it with our good will." He lightly tossed the jewel into the air as his face became more stern. "But first he must 'honor' his word." He place the stone back into his coat.
Thorin was unable to accept what was happening, "They are taking us for fools."
Both Fili and Kili turned to stare at their uncle.
"This is a ruse. A filthy lie."
Now Balin stared incredulously at him.
Raising his voice so those below could hear him, Thorin shouted, "The Arkenstone is in this Mountain! It is a trick!"
A voice from behind responded, "It…it's no trick." Walking out to where Thorin could see him, Bilbo said, "The stone is real. I gave it to them."
Thorin was confounded by his words, but as he turned to face the Hobbit, his eyes teared up. The betrayal he felt by his friend showed completely.
"You."
Bilbo was straight forward in his response. "I took it as my 14th share."
The members of the Company that stood behind him were shocked by his statement. Bifur now understood what Jasmine had meant. Bilbo was the one who had left the letter on his bed.
Thorin stared at his friend unable to except that he had betrayed him.
"You would steal from me?"
Bilbo shook his head and grinned, "Steal from you? No. No, I may be a burglar, but I like to think I'm an honest one. I'm willing to let it stand against my claim."
Thorin stared hard at the Hobbit. "Against your claim? Your claim." He threw his weapon aside and began to advance. "You have no claim over me, you miserable rat!"
Trying to explain why he had given the Arkenstone away, he said, "I was going to give it to you…many times I wanted to, but…"
Thorin cut him off. "But what…thief?"
Leaning forward, Bilbo released his anger. "You are changed, Thorin. The Dwarf I met in Bag End would never have gone back on his word! Never doubted the loyalty of his kin!"
Still struggling, Thorin spat back. "Do not speak to me of loyalty." His anger boiled over as he shouted, "Throw him from the rampart!"
The Hobbit looked up at his friend, utterly stunned by his words. The others around him were also shocked by Thorin. They knew what Bilbo had said was true. Their leader had indeed changed.
Upset that no one had complied, he turned on his nephew Fili, trying to force him to do it. "Did you not hear me?"
Fili fought back, jerking his arm from his uncle's grasp.
Seething now, Thorin grabbed Bilbo and forced him to the wall's edge. "I will do it myself. Curse you!"
Several members of the Company, including Fili tried to stop him, but the rage he was feeling gave him extra strength as he forced Bilbo backward over the lip of the parapet. "Cursed be the Wizard that forced you on this Company!"
Striding out of wall of Elves, Gandalf spoke, his voice carrying to the ramparts above, "If you don't like my burglar then please don't damage him. Return him to me."
Bilbo was terrified. He never thought his friend would turn on him like this.
Gandalf continued to speak to Thorin, who had stopped his attack on the Hobbit. He was rattled by the sudden appearance of the Wizard below.
"You're not making a very splendid figure as King under the Mountain are you Thorin, son of Thrain?"
Releasing his hold on the Hobbit, Thorin continued to stare at Gandalf. Fili and Bofur moved Bilbo quickly away. Bofur took him over to the rope that was still attached to the stone wall.
Thorin shouted at Gandalf, "Never again will I have dealings with Wizards or Shire rats!"
Pointing at the rope, Bofur murmured, "Go! Go!"
Bilbo threw the rope over the wall and quickly climbed down.
Bard spoke to Thorin next. "Are we resolved? The return of the Arkenstone for what was promised?"
Thorin seemed to still be trying to come to terms with what had just happened. He also kept looking toward the distant hills as if he was expecting something to come over them.
Still ranting, he shouted down to those below as he paced the parapet. "Why should I buy back that which is rightfully mine?"
Thranduil looked at Bard and said, "Keep the stone, sell it. Ecthelion of Gondor will give you a good price for it."
"I will kill you! By my oath, I will kill you all!"
Thranduil apparently had had enough. "You oath means nothing." Turning to Bard, he added, "I've heard enough."
Still trying to reach his friend, Gandalf shouted, "Thorin lay down your arms. Open these doors. This treasure will be your death."
Balin also tried to reach him. "Thorin we cannot win this fight."
Lowering his head as if suddenly defeated, he didn't answer his cousin.
Bard shouted up one more time. "Give us your answer. Will you have peace or war?
Everyone waited with bated breath to see what would come next.
The sudden appearance of a large black crow made the Dwarf Prince look up. The creature landed on the stone in front of him, tilting its head. He slowly turned in the direction of the nearby hills.
"I will have war."
Balin's eyes widened. It was not the answered he wanted or expected from Thorin.
From her vantage point on the wall, Jasmine could see the clouds of dust rising up in the morning air. She could also hear the sounds of many metal clad feet tramping, moving ever closer. Soon a line of soldiers appeared on the horizon along with goat drawn metal chariots. In front of all of it was a rider on a large pig. He rode further down the hillside towards the Elven army.
"This can't be good." She whispered to herself.
Gandalf knew who it was immediately. He spoke only one word. "Ironfoot."
As the rider came down the hill, he shouted out, "Hey Thorin! Ironfoot has come!"
'Ironfoot,' Jasmine thought, 'must be another of Thorin's relatives.'
The Elven soldiers under Thranduil's direction moved to meet the new army…quick stepping to a new position.
Gandalf began walking in the same direction and as Bilbo ran to keep pace, asked, "Who is that? He doesn't look very happy."
"It is Dain, Lord of the Iron Hills. Thorin's cousin."
Looking up at the Wizard, he asked, "Are they alike?"
Gandalf paused his walking to glance down at Bilbo, "I've always found Thorin the more reasonable of the two." He then strode off with Bilbo following.
Dain stopped his pig-mount on a small rock jutting from the ground. "Good morning! How are we all? I have a wee proposition if you wouldn't mind giving me a few moments of your time. Would you consider…JUST SODDING OFF? "All of you! Right now!"
Dain's words echoed around the plains, even carrying to where Jasmine stood watching.
"Well," she said softly, "a lot of things have confused the hell out of me since finding myself here, but those words I understand very well. Jeez!"
Dain was clearly having an effect on the people of Lake-town as they collectively took a few steps back.
Trying to keep his small army together, Bard yelled, "Stand fast."
Gandalf stepped forward out of the crowd, "Come now, Lord Dain."
"Gandalf the Grey."
The Wizard bowed slightly acknowledging Dain.
"Tell this rabble to leave or I'll water the ground with their blood."
Gandalf walked closer to Dain. "There is no need for war between Dwarves, Men and Elves. A legion of Orcs march on the Mountain. Stand your army down."
Undeterred by the Wizard's words, Dain said, "I will not stand down before any Elf. Not least this faithless Woodland sprite. He wishes nothing but ill upon my people. If he chooses to stand between me and my kin, I'll split his pretty head open! See if he's still smirking then."
With that, Dain jerked the bridle of his mount and trotted back to his army.
Still trying to reason with the Dwarf, Gandalf shouted, "Dain…wait!"
Thranduil unaffected by Dain's threat replied, "Let them advance. See how far they get."
Still close enough to hear him, Lord Dain answered, "You think I give a dead dog for your threats you pointy-eared princess? Hear that lads? We're on! Let's give these bastards a good hammering!"
Beyond irritated, Thranduil rode his mount in front of Bard's group, telling them, "Stand your men down. I'll deal with Ironfoot and his rabble."
Bard signaled his people to hold their position as the Elf King marched his people forward.
Jasmine could feel her heart hammering in her chest. 'Why is it,' she wondered, 'that the vast majority of males, no matter where they are from, feel they can only settle their disagreements by fighting'
It didn't take long for the conflict to begin. The Elves sent a tremendous flight of arrows at the Dwarves, only to have them knocked from the sky with a weapon fired by the Dwarves. The twirling aerial spears continued forward, taking out scores of archers. It was horrifying.
Goat riders came down the hill next, smashing into the Elven army only to be taken out by the Elves with rows of spears. Jasmine wanted to look away but couldn't. She wondered how long this could go on before someone blinked.
She didn't wait long. An immense rumbling was heard that made everyone fighting pause and turn towards the nearby mountainous peaks. The ground trembled like an earthquake, even affecting the wall she was standing on making it sway on its old foundations. She grabbed the stone for support.
Her eyes went wide as a humongous worm-like creature shot from the ground. It made a roaring sound unlike anything she had ever heard and it was followed by three more, all of them chewing up the earth and rock like candy. Once the creatures had cleared a path, they disappeared back into the holes they made. A huge Orc army poured forth from all four holes moving quickly.
"Oh my God!" she whispered.
This new army made straight for the Elves and Dwarves. Jasmine gripped the stone wall in front of her even tighter. She stared across the great open plain, willing herself to see the parapets of the Mountain.
"Bifur…dear God no!"
A horn blared making her turn and look in the direction it sounded. On a tall set of ruins near Dale, she could just make out some odd looking flags that she had not noticed before. Standing there was a white looking figure. It was Azog the Defiler, the same Orc that had chased them from the Goblin tunnels to the outskirts of Mirkwood. He was back and directing his forces from this spot.
The Dwarf army broke off attacking the Elves and surged towards the advancing Orcs. The Elves stood and watched.
Along the walls of the Mountain, the members of the Company had watched the scene unfold below with growing agitation.
Unable to stand what was happening any longer, Fili said, "I'm going over the wall. Who's coming with me?"
"Aye!" someone shouted
Dwalin nodded, "Come on, let's go!"
With little emotion showing on his face, Thorin turned away from the carnage taking place below. "Stand down."
Ori answered, "What?"
"Are we to do nothing?" asked Fili.
As he walked down the stairs, he repeated, "I said, stand down!"
The Dwarves were appalled. Looking at each other in stunned silence as Thorin disappeared below into the halls of Erebor.
O – O – O – O
Ironfoot's legions formed a solid wall of shields and spears as the Orcs raced toward them. Jasmine couldn't help holding her breath as she watched.
The Elves had made no move to assist them and she began to wonder; 'Does their hatred of the Dwarves run so deep they won't help?'
Just as the Orcs were almost upon them, a host of Elves vaulted over the Dwarves right on to the Orc fighters. Right after the Dwarves surged forward into the fray with their pikes, ramming into as many Orcs as possible.
From another side of the fight, appeared impossibly large creatures carrying clubs. 'What the hell were these things?' she wondered.
Jasmine gasped trying to wrap her mind around what was happening. It suddenly occurred to her she might be vulnerable on the wall. If at some point the fighting shifted towards Dale…she would be in a terrible spot. She wanted to continue to keep her eyes on what was happening so she decided to move to another place.
Azog kept sounding his horns and just as she was climbing off the wall, it happened. Another blast of his horn sent some of his fighters straight for Dale. She saw them turn towards the city, chanting and moving in lockstep. She screamed down to some of the men below.
"Orc fighters are coming this way! THEY ARE COMING!"
O – O – O – O – O – O
Bifur stared across the flat plain in front of the Mountain at what was happening and he suddenly felt an ice cold chill run down his spine. Would the Orcs go after the people in Dale? His beloved Jasmine was there. She was there because of him. She had said in her letter not to blame himself, but right now how could he not?
As he kept his eyes on the fighting, he heard another horn blast and saw the flags change, directing a large number of Orc fighters towards Dale. His biggest fear was unfolding right in front of him.
His heart thundered in his chest, his breath came hard and fast. Speaking softly to himself, he said, "Jeg can't arzavaz hane. Hanja jr e thar oz jeg can't arzavaz hane."
Bofur had walked over and touched his shoulder. "Cousin, it will do you no good to watch this. We are stuck here."
He turned his grief stricken eyes on him, "Jeg alovath hane thar ilv werk hane. Jeg go etta!"
"This is not your fault. How could we have known this would happen?"
Bifur began to pace, his eyes stuck on the far away walls of Dale. Thumping his chest, he said, "Jeg glog hef beknor! jeg glog hef. Jeg glogti hef kept hane tella."
Bofur touched his cousin's shoulder again, "Bifur, you can't stay here. You can do nothing, you know that."
He stared at Bofur shaking his head. Tears welled up in his eyes at his inability to protect her.
Bofur hugged his cousin. Bombur who was also nearby did so as well.
The brothers finally convinced him to leave the wall. Slowly, they led their cousin down the stairs away from what was happening.
O – O – O – O – O – O
Gandalf heard the same horn and watched as a large contingent of Orcs shifted and begin marching towards the Dale ruins.
"Azog…he's trying to cut us off."
Bard also saw the shift. Yelling to his people, he said, "All of you…fall back to Dale! Now!"
Gandalf began running to the bridge leading inside, "To the city! Bilbo! This way!"
Orc war beasts lined a nearby hill and on command, fired boulders at the walls of Dale destroying some of the upper parapets. Another large creature launched itself at a section of the wall shattering the stone and creating a large hole that the Orcs began to pour through.
Jasmine had found Bard's children and was trying to lead them further inside the city, looking for any place to hold up and make secure. People ran in every direction, Screams and cries echoed everywhere. It was pure chaos.
As they were going down a street searching for a place, several fighters appeared in front of them, slaughtering the nearest people. Tilda screamed as did Sigrid. Jasmine shoved them into a doorway and came in after them. Outside she could hear Bain calling out for his sisters.
Unfortunately, their safe spot didn't stay that way as two Orcs flushed them from it. Jasmine, Tilda and Sigrid ran screaming back into the street, where Bain found them. He was able to take out one of the fighters, but missed the other as it knocked him onto some stairs. The Orc swung his weapon at him, but hit a piece of scrap metal sticking out of the ground. He hit the creature a second time and kill it. Jasmine had her arms around the two girls protecting them.
The four of them heard the sound of fighting on the upper part of the street. Looking at the scene above them, Sigrid saw her father and began screaming for him as did Tilda and Bain.
Bard turned when he heard their voices. He smiled briefly, realizing they were safe. It didn't last long, as one of the large creatures Jasmine had seen outside the walls appeared near them. As soon as it saw the four, it gave a hideous snarl. Tilda was petrified, giving a loud high pitched scream, as she hid behind, Sigrid and Jasmine.
As the creature advanced on them, Jasmine and Bain both raised their swords preparing to take it on. Raising its club, the thing stopped, staring up the street at something. Jasmine heard Bard's voice telling them to get down on the ground as he barreled toward them on a wooden cart.
Pushing the children onto the pavement, Jasmine covered them as Bard sailed above, leaping from the cart and stabbing the beast in the heart…killing it.
Climbing off the creature, Bard guided his children and Jasmine away and further up the street.
Turning to all of them, he said, "Listen! I need you to gather the women and children. Take them to the Great Hall and barricade the door. You understand?"
Bain nodded as did Jasmine.
"I'll make sure it's done." She said.
Looking at his son, he added, "You must not come out for any reason."
Tilda was upset and terrified. "We want to stay with you!"
Jasmine put her arm around the girl, trying to calm her.
Out of nowhere, Alfrid appeared. "Show your father some respect. You leave it to me, sire. You heard him. We make for the Great Hall."
Pushing Sigrid and Tilda away he tried to do the same to Jasmine, but she glared at him and under her breath, hissed, "Touch me and die!"
He backed up.
Bard said, "Alfrid! Women and children only. I need every man fighting. See that you return."
Alfrid replied, "I'll get them to safety, sire." Orc fighters appeared behind the group, bringing the war closer.
Terrified, Alfrid added, "Then my sword is yours to command." Grabbing some older women that were near him, he said, "Get up!"
Before he returned to the fight, Bard turned to his son, "Look after them."
Bain nodded and followed his sisters and Jasmine.
Rejoining his people, Bard led the charge back into the fight.
Still being the mini dictator he always was, Alfrid pushed an older woman yelling, "Shift it, granny!" then threw his sword at Bain.
O – O – O – O
Jasmine and Bain found as many of the women, children and injured as they could and guided them to the Great Hall.
Helping an injured man, Bain shouted, "Make for the Great Hall."
Jasmine carried two small children in her arms as she directed the survivors. "This way!"
As they moved into the square, true to form, Alfrid pushed his way between some of the women screaming, "Out of my way! Abandon the cripples!"
He almost knocked down several of the injured as he raced up the stairs into the building.
O – O – O – O
Bifur shifted between pacing and sitting with his face buried in his hands. His heart felt like it was shattering, his mind unable to even contemplate that he might lose Jasmine.
The Dwarves had holed up in large ruined section of Erebor waiting to find out if Thorin would change his mind and allow them to join the fight. The anxiety was palpable between all of them.
Thorin was nowhere to be seen and finally Dwalin could take no more and went in search of him.
Bofur sat down next to his cousin, putting a hand on his shoulder. Quietly, he said, "Take heart cousin, she is a strong, resourceful woman. She knows how to take care of herself. Don't think the worst, until you know it to be so."
Bifur nodded, but was unable to keep his thoughts from imagining the worst. All of the things Bofur said about Jasmine were true, but these Orcs were fighters, bred for that purpose and she was not fighter.
'Please Amrâlimê, stay safe.'
O – O – O – O – O – O
Bain, Jasmine and some of the stronger women barricaded the doors to the Great Hall, piling whatever they could find against it.
She could hear the fighting coming closer and wondered how much time that had. If one of those larger creatures she had seen decided to smash against the doors, she wasn't sure the barricade would hold.
Leaning her back on the wall next to the door, her thoughts turned to Bifur, hoping he was still safe. She prayed he was. If they both made it through this, she was going to insist they marry immediately so another day wouldn't pass without being able to call him husband and begin to start a family.
She wanted to give him children. She wondered who they would look like, her or their punk rocker father. She couldn't keep a smile from forming on her lips at that thought.
She had never told him that he reminded her of a punk rocker from her world. He did though, with his braids, silver hair ornaments, tattoos and pierced ear. He did give off that kind of vibe. No matter who they looked like, their children would be beautiful and well loved.
O – O – O – O – O – O
Bifur found himself pacing again, unable to stand or sit still for very long. He wasn't sure how much longer he could do this.
All of the Dwarves had removed their heavy armor and tossed it into a pile, keeping only their protective metal under garments on.
A sudden noise made Kili look up as a figure began to emerge out of the firelight emanating from a lower chamber.
It was Thorin.
No longer was he wearing his fancy fur cloak or his crown. He advanced slowly toward the members of the Company.
Kili got to his feet, his barely suppressed anger finally boiling over. He began walking toward his uncle.
"I will not hide behind a wall of stone while others fight our battles for us! It is not in my blood, Thorin."
They stopped within inches of each other's face.
Thorin smiled gently at his nephew. "No. It is not."
Kili stared back, unsure of Thorin's words.
"We are sons of Durin."
Kili gave a brief nod.
"And Durin's folk do not flee from a fight."
Thorin put his hand behind Kili's head as the two pressed their foreheads together. His uncle went around him as he fought back the tears.
As he approached the others, Thorin said, "I have no right to ask this of any of you, but will you follow me one last time?"
Everyone stood and nodded that they would.
Bifur took a deep breath. Finally they would join the fight and he could fight his way to Dale…to Jasmine.
O – O – O – O – O – O
Dain's army had been push back by the Orcs. They now stood with their back against the Mountain with nowhere to go.
Azog's horn sounded directing his hoards to attack when another horn sounded. This one issued forth from inside Erebor. Bombur stood on a parapet blowing the horn. It made a deep booming sound.
It made the advancing Orc army pause, not sure what was coming.
They didn't wait long as a large golden bell smashed through the piled up rocks and stones forming the improvised gate of Erebor. The debris scattered everywhere as Thorin and the members of the Company charged through the opening.
Dain cried out, "To the King! To the King! As he fell in step with the running group as they passed him. They formed the point of a spear stabbing into the middle of the Orc army.
Bilbo heard the horn and watched as Thorin led the Dwarves into the Orc army.
Running out onto a stone walkway above the fighting in Dale, he said, "The Dwarves. They're rallying."
Gandalf joined him, overwhelmed with the turn of events. "They're rallying to their king."
Seeing what was happening, Bard said to his people, "Any man that wants to give their last, follow me!"
He led his people back into the fight as they smashed into the charging Orcs inside Dale.
O – O – O – O
The fighting in Dale had become extremely fierce. The sounds outside the Great Hall drew ever closer and louder. It was almost on their doorsteps.
Unable to standby any longer, Hilda grabbed a spear leaning against a piece of stone. Saying to those around her, "I say we stand with our men in life and in death. Arm yourselves."
Women, men and some of the injured began to grab whatever weapons they could find and followed her to the door.
One older woman tried to coax another wrapped in a blanket beside her to join the fight. "Come with us."
Responding in a high voice, she said, "No, no, no. You leave an old woman be."
"Don't be afraid."
Suddenly the voice changed, becoming deep, menacing, "I said, get off!"
She stepped back in surprise.
Now suspicious, Hilda came back, yanking the blanket off the person's head.
When she did, it revealed the former Lake-town deputy dressed in women's clothing.
"Alfrid Lickspittle…you are a coward."
"Coward?" he responded, "Not every man's brave enough to wear a corset."
Hilda sneered at him. "You're not a man. You're a weasel." Turning away in disgust, she led those willing to fight, out of the Great Hall.
Following her lead, more people began grabbing the few weapons that were scattered about. One man grabbed a spear from a nearby stand causing a large clay pot to tip over. It shattered, spilling hundreds of gold coins across the ground.
Alfrid's eyes lit up as he spied the mini treasure. He immediately began scooping up the money, stashing it into his dress.
Across the room, Jasmine took no notice of what the former deputy was doing, she instead spoke with Bain.
"Remember what your father said; 'Don't come out for any reason. Keep your sisters safe.' I'm going to join those outside…stay here and look out for them. Let us do the fighting, alright?"
The boy nodded keeping his sisters close to him.
Turning to leave, she only managed a step or two before her sword arm was seized by Alfrid. Swatting the weapon from her hand, he snarled at her, "You're coming with me. We are leaving."
Wrenching her arm from his grasp, she shouted, "Take your hands off me you ass! I'm not going anywhere with you."
Getting in her face to make his point, Alfrid spewed, "That is where you are wrong! Do you still think that Dwarf runt is coming back for you? If so, you are sadly mistaken."
Unable to control her temper any longer, Jasmine balled up her fist, punching him hard in the face.
Falling back, but not down, Alfrid came at her. "Ooooh…that was a huge mistake woman!"
Making another grab for her, he pulled a knife from his waistband. Seizing both of her arms, they began to struggle for control of it.
Bain jumped into the middle of the fight, trying to help her, but Alfrid got the upper hand smashing the poor boy across the bridge of his nose, knocking him to the ground. Tilda and Sigrid shrieked rushing to their brother's aid.
Jasmine landed another punch to Alfrid, this time bloodying his nose. Howling in pain, she wrenched her arms free, racing out the door. She was trying to put as much distance as she could between them, but it only took him a minute to recover and run after her.
Sigrid followed them to the door, trying to see which way they went. Scanning the fighters nearby, she hoped to see her Da, so she could tell him what was happening, but the former Bargeman wasn't in the area.
It didn't take Alfrid long to catch up with Jasmine. She had reached a ruined section of one wall and was trying to climb it, when he overtook her. She had just started to climb it when he seized one of her legs yanking her back down.
Pinning her to the ground, he was frothing at the mouth as he yelled, "You are coming with me woman!"
Kicking and screaming in terror, Jasmine brought one of her knees up slamming it into his groin. Shrieking in agony, he rolled off of her. Getting quickly to her feet, she ran back to the wall to begin climbing again.
Sucking in a mouthful of air, Alfrid attempted to grab her again. He slammed into her, grabbing a handful of her long blond hair.
Jerking her backwards, he took his knife and sliced the courting braid from her head.
"You won't need this any longer!" he hissed in her ear.
With all the strength she could muster, Jasmine head-butted him, making Alfrid lose the grip he had on her hair.
Woozy, but still able to stand, she made it back to the wall and ascended quickly to the top.
Alfrid staggered over to it, trying to reach her one last time. She began kicking out at him hoping to make another connection with his head.
Boiling over in anger, Alfrid slashed at her with his blade, eventually cutting one of her legs.
Off balance now from the cut and her ringing head, Jasmine plunged backwards over the edge, screaming as she disappeared from sight.
Somewhat stunned by what had happened, Alfrid pulled himself up onto the wall. Peering over the other side, he saw that it led straight down to the Running River. There was no sign of Jasmine or her body below him. For over a minute, he stood staring at the water fixated on the spot where her body should have landed.
As he finally turned away, he realized an old man had been watching him. He had witnessed everything.
His mouth hung open as he blurted, "You killed her."
"No I didn't," he sputtered, "What happened was her fault, not mine. She lost her balance."
The old man shook his head, "That's not so, I saw."
Not waiting for anyone else to appear, he dropped the severed courting braid on the ground. Clutching at the gold he had stashed away in his dress, Alfrid Lickspittle disappeared.
O – O – O – O – O – O
The battle continued outside of Dale as the Dwarves and Elves continued to fight the Orcs and their minions.
Thorin had hatched a plan to go after Azog. Taking his nephews, Dwalin and Balin they grabbed one of the Goat Chariots and began to battle their way towards Ravenhill. He rode a single goat out in front as they followed. As he so aptly said to his cousin Dain, "I'm going to take out that piece of filth."
Bofur also came up with his own plan. With the help of his friends, he had commandeered one of the large Orc War beasts that had been waging havoc on the Dwarves. Now that he had control, he started smashing any Orcs that came near, grinding them into the dirt. He slowly worked his way across the flat plain with Bifur and Bombur protecting his rear.
Bifur was becoming more and more frantic to reach Dale, unsure of the conditions inside the ruined city. His anger at everything that was preventing him from reaching Jasmine was near a boiling point.
For a short time, he lost track of his cousin and the beast he was riding. He and Bombur just couldn't keep up with its long strides. Bofur did return finally without it saying only he had gotten all he needed from the creature.
The trio went back to fighting the individual Orc soldiers. There were plenty around to meet their needs. Bofur had managed to take one out when another one arrived, knocking him backwards onto the ground.
Seeing his cousin was in danger, Bifur finally let the intense rage festering inside loose. Screaming at the Orc, he charged forward, launching his body at the creature. As he head-butted the Orc, the axe in his forehead became lodged in its head fusing the two together. Bifur was freaked out as he desperately tried to pull himself free.
Quickly assessing what had happened, Bofur grabbed his cousin trying to jerk the two apart. Bombur joined in, also pulling hard.
Changing his mind, Bofur soon yelled, "Push!" as they shoved the Orc towards a short drop off, hoping it would separate his cousin from the creature.
As the Orc went off the end, Bofur almost lost his grip on Bifur. It was a wonder, his neck didn't snap. With the Orc still stuck to his forehead, Bombur walked over his brother then his cousin, adding his weight to the creature.
With one big pull, the two were finally separated as Bofur and Bifur went flying backwards. Bombur landed on the ground below, finishing off the Orc.
Breathing heavily from the struggle, Bofur realized that the axe that had long been stuck in his cousin's head was gone.
Shocked and amazed, he said, "By Durin…you've lost your axe!"
Bifur was stunned! Whimpering and still breathing hard, he put his hand to his forehead. His eyes grew large as he realized Bofur was right…it was gone.
Not sure how he really felt about it, he continued to whimper a bit. That is until Bombur came running, waving the axe-head he carried in his hand.
"No he's not. There you go cousin."
He took the piece into his hand staring at it. For the first time in a very long time, he spoke the common tongue, growling, "You know where you can stick that!"
He got to his feet, confused and surprised. "I can speak Westron again." He looked at Bofur, "I can talk to Jasmine…tell her I love her without having someone tell her for me." A smile grew on his face. "I need to find her…now."
Bofur was thrilled for his cousin, "Let's fight our way to Dale then. Come on Bombur."
Nodding to his brother, the trio got back into the fight, working their way towards the city.
O – O – O – O – O – O
Thorin and his group minus Balin, who had to give cover to the others as they rode the goats to Ravenhill, reached the hilltop. It didn't take them long to take out any resistance they came across.
Staring across the fog covered divide, Azog had seemingly disappeared from where he had been only a short time before.
"Where is he?" Kili asked. "It looks empty. I think Azog has fled."
Thorin kept his eyes on the Ravenhill heights before him. "I don't think so."
Finally he turned looking at his oldest nephew. "Fili, take your brother, scout out the towers. Keep low and out of sight. If you see something report back. Do not engage. Do you understand?"
Fili nodded.
Dwalin spoke up, "We have company. Goblin mercenaries…no more than a hundred."
Thorin watched as they surged toward them. "We'll take care of them. Go! Go!"
O – O – O – O – O – O
Alfrid had been sneaking his way through the streets of Dale, searching for a way out of the city. Still clutching the gold he carried, he thought little of what had happened to Jasmine. She was no longer his concern.
Peeking around the corner of a building, he didn't see anyone so he moved forward. Out of nowhere a large deformed Troll appeared. It raised its club to strike him down. Screaming, he took a step back and turned to try an escape.
An arrow flew past the former deputy killing the monster. It struck the creature in the heart and he dropped over dead. Turning, Alfrid tripped on the dress he was still wearing, spilling the gold all over the ground.
Bard came forward as he scrambled to retrieve his money. "Get up!"
"Get away from me. I don't take orders from you. People trusted you, they listened to you. Master's mantle was there for the taking and you threw it all away…for what?" He stood up after stuffing the gold back into the dress.
Bard turned, gazing with love toward his children standing in a doorway close to him.
Exasperated, Alfrid turned to leave. The former Bargeman had a final question for him. "Where is Jasmine? What did you do to her?"
Alfrid turned back for a second saying, "I didn't do anything to her. I left her at the parapet near the Great Hall. Imagine she is still there." With that he took off.
Not sure if he believed the man, he spoke to him one last time. "Alfrid…your slip is showing."
He huffed at Bard before running from the scene. He disappeared quickly around a building.
Sigrid looked at her father, "Do you believe him Da?"
Bard shook his head, "No darlin, I don't. We need to go find her."
O – O – O – O – O – O
Fili and Kili made it to Ravenhill and began to search through the different levels. They had not been at it long, when they heard faint noises echoing throughout the ruins.
Unable to tell precisely from where the sound was emanating, Kili started to forge ahead, but Fili stopped him. Putting a hand to his brother's chest, he said, "Hey…stay here. Search the lower levels…I've got this."
Not sure he wanted to leave his brother's side, Kili never-the-less did as he was told, turning and going the other way.
Fili slowly moved forward.
Across from Ravenhill, Thorin couldn't stop his nervous pacing as he waited for his nephews to return. "Where is that Orc filth?
Surprising both Thorin and Dwalin, Bilbo Baggins suddenly appeared. Out of breath from running to get there, he said, "Thorin."
Thrilled to see his friend, he said, "Bilbo."
The Hobbit continued, "You have to leave here. Now! Azog has another army attacking from the North. This watchtower will be completely surrounded. There will be no way out"
Angry, Dwalin replied, "We are so close. That Orc scum is in there. I say we push on."
Thorin grabbed his cousin's arm, "No, that's what he wants. He wants to draw us in. This is a trap."
Dwalin turned and looked over his shoulder at Ravenhill.
Thorin said, "Find Fili and Kili. Call them back."
Turning once more to him, Dwalin said, "Thorin, are you sure about this?"
"Do it." Thorin stared at Ravenhill. "We'll live to fight another day."
Thorin turned to leave, followed by Bilbo, when a slow drum beat began, coming from the watchtower. It became louder, fires suddenly flared from different place inside. Thorin turned as did Bilbo, their eyes staring at Ravenhill.
Out of the icy fog came Azog…and he was dragging Fili.
Thorin was beside himself, not wanting to accept what he was seeing.
Azog walked to the edge, lifting his nephew into the air for the Dwarf King to see. Speaking in his language, he said, "This one dies first…then the brother then you Oakenshield. You will die last."
Fili yelled out, Go! Run!" Using all the strength he had, Fili seized the Defiler's arm with both of his, pulling his body up, twisting it until he landed a blow with both feet to Azog's face. Kicking him as hard as he could.
Not expecting the Dwarf to fight back, the surprised Orc let go of him, but not before slashing at him with the large knife on his other arm.
Fili felt the weapon cut into his side, but the momentum of his kick also threw him from the ledge, falling to the snow covered ground below.
The Orc yelled at Thorin. "Here ends your filthy bloodline!"
Fili's body landed in front of his brother. Kili was shocked then began to snarl in anger. He raced up some nearby stairs to take on any Orc he found.
Satisfied with what he had done, Azog turned walking away.
In a blind panic, Thorin took off for Ravenhill, shouting his other nephew's name. "Kili!"
Trying to stop him, Dwalin ran after him. "Thorin! Thorin, no."
Bilbo was beyond stunned. He stood staring at the watchtower. Finally he pulled his sword, not sure what he was going to do next. He walked forward a few steps until he heard high pitched screeching. Hundreds of giant bats appeared practically dive bombing him. Bilbo crouched down letting the creatures sail over him. After they did, Orcs…a lot of them came over the ruined landing heading right for him. Getting back to his feet, Bilbo stared in terror as they raced in his direction.
At the last second, he dropped back to the ground as Dwalin came back, swinging his axe over the Hobbit's head. He started taking out the fighters left and right.
Trying to help, Bilbo began lobbing rocks at the Orcs. He took out multiple fighters until Bolg came around a corner striking Bilbo in the face, knocking him out cold.
O – O – O – O – O – O
Tauriel and Legolas had arrived earlier, bringing Gandalf the news of the second army coming from Gundabad. The two Elves had made their way onto the battlefield, heading for Ravenhill. Tauriel arrived at the watchtower and began to scour it in search of Kili.
Kili rampaged through the watchtower, taking down every Orc he came across. His white hot anger made him a death merchant on two legs.
Trying desperately to find him, Tauriel shouted out his name, "Kili!"
Taking out an Orc, the young Dwarf heard her, just as another arrived to take him on.
She called out to him again, "Kili!"
This time he answered back, "Tauriel!"
She heard his response, whispering. "Kili."
Appearing out of the tunnel she had come through, Bolg rammed into the Elf, smashing her against the stone stairs. She cried out in pain loud enough for Kili to hear her.
She and Bolg began to fight, Tauriel was able to take him on for a time, but he proved too strong. He flung her against a wall and advanced to kill her.
As she looked up, Kili launched himself onto Bolg from above. The Orc struggled with the Dwarf, but finally managed to pitch him off and onto the stone staircase.
His anger still raging, Kili jumped off the stairs slashing at Bolg. The Orc was hit twice with his sword, but finally grabbed the Dwarf, bending him backwards to take his life.
Tauriel jumped onto the Orc battling with him, trying to get him to release Kili. His strength was too much for her already injured body and he tossed her away like a ragdoll.
Bolg turned his attention back to the Dwarf lifting his weapon for the final blow, when Fili appeared above him.
He jumped onto the Orc, plunging his sword up to the hilt into his brain. Bolg's face froze as he released his grasp on Kili before dropping to the ground.
Fili let out an agonized scream as he fell from the Orc. His brother rushed to his side.
"I thought you were dead."
Shaking his head, He stared at his brother, "I feel dead. I hit my head, broke my arm and Azog slashed my side. See to Tauriel brother. I'll survive."
Nodding, he went immediately to his love and put his arms around her. Tauriel thoughts were a bit fuzzy, but she hugged Kili back as the two kissed.
O – O – O – O – O – O
Thorin and Azog squared off on a frozen lake. The two had both taken multiple wounds from their fight. Thorin sported a large gash on his forehead but he had been able to land several slashes to Azog's body.
During his fight with another Orc before taking on Azog, Thorin came into possession of his sword Orcrist again. He didn't know how it happened, but he was grateful to have the Goblin Cleaver once again.
The fight was savage between the two as each continued to land blows bloodying one another. Besides his arm sword, Azog also used a long chain with an attached metal ball. It gave him some reach, keeping Thorin away and off balance.
The two moved to the middle of the frozen water continuing their fight. Using his ball and chain weapon, Azog struck out at Thorin again and again, hitting the frozen water Cracks began to appear until there was a circle of broken ice surrounding both combatants. It broke free and became a floating platform for their fight.
Knocking Thorin off his feet several times, the Dwarf finally got them back under him. Making a run at Azog's he managed to duck under the Orc's weapon, delivering a long slash to his midsection.
Enraged, the Orc pivoted slinging his ball and chain at the Dwarf only to have it become buried in the thick ice below his feet. No matter how much he tugged, the metal ball remained stuck.
The two glared across the ice platform at each other, not moving. For Thorin it provided him a moment to regain his breath. He was exhausted. It was only his shear will to defeat his foe that kept him going.
As they continued to glower at each other down, the giant eagles appeared in the skies over Thorin, flying majestically past him.'
Surprised by them, Azog turned watching them sail toward his Orc armies below in the valley. A sound behind him, made the Orc leader whip back around just as Thorin dropped his sword.
Wrenching the metal ball out of the ice, the Dwarf tossed it at Azog who caught it. Too late, the Orc realized his plan, as Thorin quickly stepped backwards off the ice platform throwing it out of balance.
Slipping off the icy circle into the frigid water below, Azog had nothing to grasp on to. The weight of the ball pulled down into the depths below.
Standing for a time staring at the spot where Azog disappeared, something caught Thorin's eye. The body of the Orc leader reappeared under the ice. It slowly slid past him. In a trance Thorin walked in the same direction, his eyes never leaving it.
Something must have triggered him because as a last act, Thorin plunged Orcrist through the ice and into Azog body. His eyes snapped open, but immediately glazed over as he died.
Walking away from the Orc, Thorin went to the edge of the frozen falls and looked out across the valley. He was beyond exhausted. He also didn't know if any of his family or the Company had survived.
Unable to remain on his feet any longer, Thorin Oakenshield collapsed onto the ground.
O – O – O – O – O
Kili and Tauriel were able to get Fili off of Ravenhill taking him to a safer location to get him some help. The fighting in Dale was almost over as word spread that both Azog the Defiler and his son Bolg were dead. Now, all that was needed was to take out the last remnants of the Orcs and their minions.
Bifur, Bofur and Bombur finally made it through the gates of Dale. They ran into a few remaining Orc soldiers, but it didn't take them long to dispatch them.
Bifur was anxious to find Jasmine. As he moved through the ruined city, he couldn't stop himself from pausing beside any female body he came across. To his horror, there were many, but his beloved was not among the dead.
He and his cousins finally found Bard. He was directing his people to continue to fight where needed, to assist the many wounded, and to take care of the dead. Tho' they had survived the fight, it was not without many losses.
Bard had his back to Bifur as he approached. Sigrid saw the Dwarf and told her father. He took a long deep breath before turning to face him.
Bifur came up to the former bargeman, asking, "I've come for Jasmine Where is she?"
Surprised that he was speaking, Bard never-the-less raked his hand over his face, unsure how to answer him
"Is she somewhere nearby?" His eyes looked up at him.
Bard took another deep breath before saying, "Master Bifur, I'm not sure how to tell you this…We think Jasmine is dead."
Bifur blinked at him a few times, not comprehending his words.
"Dead?!"
Bofur put his hand on his cousin's shoulder. His eyes filled with tears, upset for what was happening.
Bard's face was full of sorrow as he tried to explain.
"Alfrid, the former deputy of Lake-town tried to force Jasmine to leave with him during the height of the battle. She of course refused, fighting back. He chased her to one of the ruined city walls and cornered her. It was just over there." He indicated a wall over his shoulder.
Taking another breath, he continued. "She fought him hard and was finally able to scale the wall to get above him. Alfrid took several swipes at her with his knife. He was able to slash one of legs. A Lake-town survivor came upon the fight and said she was kicking her legs to keep him away. However," Bard paused for a moment, "she lost her balance and fell from the wall and into the Running River below."
"When I found out what had occurred, I went there and found some blood and this." Holding out his hand, Bifur saw Jasmine's courting braid. He placed it in the Dwarf's hand.
"I was told that Alfrid cut it from her hair as they were fighting. We went down to the river and searched for her, but found nothing. It is likely that even if she survived the fall, she drowned in the water and her body was swept away."
Bifur took the precious piece of his beloved into his hand, closing his nerveless fingers around it. His heart felt as if it had stopped beating. Taking several deep breaths, he fought back the tears that were threatening to spill from his eyes.
Bofur looked at Bard. "What became of the man that caused this? Is he in custody?"
He shook his head. "Alfrid is also dead. He was killed by a large War Troll."
After a minute, Bifur pulled himself upright taking another deep breath. Staring firmly at the former bargeman, he said, "Jasmine still lives and I shall find her. Even if I have to search to the ends of Middle Earth."
Bard gazed down at the suffering Dwarf. "Master Bifur, I know you would like that to be so, but she fell from the heights into a swift moving river. In all likelihood, Jasmine is gone."
Bifur turned to leave, clutching Jasmine's braid in his hand. "No!" he replied gruffly, his voice thick with emotion. "She still lives. I am sure of it! I would know it here…" thumping his chest near his heart. "I will find her and bring her home."
O – O – O – O – O – O
Khuzdul - Jeg can't arzavaz hane. Hanja jr e thar oz jeg can't arzavaz hane.
English - I can't help her. She is in there and I can't help her.
Khuzdul - Jeg alovath hane thar ilv werk hane. Jeg go etta!"
English - I left her there to keep her safe. I did this!"
Khuzdul - Jeg glog hef beknor! jeg glog hef. Jeg glogti hef kept hane tella.
English - I should have known! I should have. I could have kept her close.