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Saphira 14 chapter

Ten riders, as Saphira counted, were approaching, the sound of hooves and armour clanking getting louder. All of them were riding horses except for one elf at the front, who was astride an elk. Dragoness was quick to recognise the king of wood elves, a vain smirk on his face.

Saphira felt the urge to put out his arrogant expression once more as she did in his throne room not so long time ago.

''Do we have a problem?'' Bard asked, observing the intruders carefully like the rest of them.

''We will see,'' Legolas answered grimly. Saphira noticed his grip on the sword tightening. That action wasn't very promising. Saphira could sense Thauriel's discomfort likewise, as Kili gripped her hand reassuringly.

Although the people of Laketown were grateful to Saphira for being saved from Smaug's flames, elves had reasons to dislike her for violating their defences and hurting the pride of one king. Not that it was her fault anyway. She did what she had to do.

Riders stopped at a safe distance, not unmounting their horses. Quite a smart decision, especially if they didn't come with friendly intentions.

A tense, hostile silence fell between the ones gathered until Legolas broke it.

''Father,'' He greeted the king, his voice unmoving.

''Son,'' The king replied in the same manner with a nod.

''Prince Legolas, why are you standing there defenceless with this vile beast so close? Did it take you as a hostage?'' Elf from the king's left spoke up, never releasing the hilt of his sword.

Saphira was insulted by the elf's words, but tiredness and complicity of the current situation made up her mind to let the elven prince handle it. For now.

''No one took anyone as a hostage, Varion'' Legolas answered, this time letting cold anger slip into his voice. ''Her name is Saphira. Saphira Stormcleaver. Saphira, defeater of Smaug The Golden,'' That made a wave of surprised whispers roll through the line of elves, even the king seemed kinda impressed. Except for one figure. ''Both I and Tauriel stand here as her friends and allies.''

''So do I, just like all the people of the Laketown. We owe our lives to her,'' Bard joined.

''I can only add up to their words being trustworthy if my opinion matters anything to you. She is indeed everything that they say and even more, king of Woodland Realm,'' Gandalf caught up with them, together with the rest of the Laketown people, who observed the meeting curiously.

All of them speaking up for her, sent a warm sensation through her insides, followed by a glimpse of sadness.

They don't know how much it cost for the dragons' race. To me.

Elf king seemed to be processing the information he was given, told by his own son and one of his best warriors, backed up by a wizard and the humans. That certainly had to add some weight to the scales.

Of course, there always had to be doubters.

''You say it slew Smaug to save you. But all I can see are two beasts fighting for the same treasure. You might just happen to be useful for now until it heals the scars and takes over the mountain as its kin did before. I fought too many drakes, wyrms and dragons to know their behaviour all too well,'' the same elf spoke once more.

I know you are not going to like my behaviour if you continue calling me a beast, Saphira thought with a snort.

''Also we cannot forget it spoiling our city, burning our gates, wounding our soldiers, attacking our King,'' Elf looked to his comrades, searching for support.

Okay, maybe he got a point here. If it wasn't for a very valid reason.

Legolas was about to speak up for her defence, but she interrupted him. She wasn't a dog to be scolded. Enough was enough.

''Your king had imprisoned dwarves I was travelling with. My loyalty to my companions was the reason I invaded your kingdom intending to free them. If anything, I am not the one to be blamed. You brought it upon yourself,'' She answered proudly, with a tone indicating she had no regrets about her actions and would do that again if she wanted. You don't mess with a dragon, especially like her.

''And I have no wish to take over the mountain. Nor do I have any desire for gold within it. You say you know dragons from here. Well, elf. I can assure you never met a dragon like me. You thought Smaug was the greatest dragon of this age. Now he is dead, and I am here standing in front of you. So next time before you say something like this, I would advise you to think twice,'' Maybe the threat wasn't necessary, but she wanted to make a point.

It didn't really work.

''You not going to believe what it says, do you?'' Varion asked, turning to Thranduil who raised his hand in a silencing motion.

Elf king observed her judgingly, like a wolf before challenging his pack's alpha, calculating his chances.

He isn't as stupid as the other pointy-eared. He only hunted when he knew he can win, Saphira thought. That's what makes him even more dangerous, just as Gandalf said.

''Whatever reason she had in slaying Smaug, we cannot deny that it made us a favour. The wyrm was a threat to our Realm since it took the mountain as its lair,'' The king gave her a suspicious look. ''It doesn't mean that we will trust you, especially considering your breed and actions in the past against my people. Although…'' The elf seemed to fight against what he was about to say, grinding his teeth in annoyance. ''Although, for some reason, my son stands up for you a second time and I can't lie a blind eye to your… achievements. As far as you don't show any hostile behaviour toward me and my people, I don't see a purpose for a fight between us…'' He said before being interrupted by his advisor.

''You cannot be serious, this is clearly beast's manipulation…'' Elf almost spat words, his face strained by shock and hatred.

''You forget your place, Varion. I am your king. You will obey and refer to me properly,'' Thranduil answered with suppressed resentment.

This is interesting, Saphira thought observing the scene. She was glad that Elven King somewhat saw a reason and was keener to solve this peacefully and wasn't taking up arms to straight-up fight her, much to her surprise. However, she wasn't trusting him likewise. She didn't expect his advisor to be a bigger challenge to persuade in the end.

''With all due respect, my King. This is foolishness. You cannot consider this seriously…''

''I can and I will. If you don't want to be sent back to the camp you will not question me again in front of everyone. Do I make myself clear?''

The elf didn't answer, just send murdering glares to the blue dragoness which she gladly accepted by sending some of her own back.

After making sure he is not being interrupted again, Thranduil spoke once more.

''Unfortunately, we have another problem. You say you are loyal to dwarves and Thorin Oakenshield,'' He motioned behind himself to the camp. ''This army is here to storm Erebor's gates if my people are not given back what is rightfully theirs. That makes the situation… a bit more complicated as we clearly can see we are on the opposing sides once again.''

''This is madness, Thranduil. There is no need for a war between dwarves and elves,'' Gandalf spoke, shaking his head in disbelief. ''All of us have only one enemy.''

This indeed complicated everything. If the elves were going to attack the mountain, she will have no other way than to fight them. And still, considering the bad blood between them, the idea of fighting and killing elves was alien to her. Many pointy ears were hers and Eragon's guides, advisors, and battle comrades. She was struggling to see their kin as an enemy she had to slay.

''This is justice, Mithtrandir,'' Elf king answered. ''I will get back what we were promised in one way or another.''

''You are not the only one who seeks justice from the king under the mountain. My people were promised wealth and prosperous lives by Oakenshield. Everything that they got so far were death, fire and destruction. If not Saphira, all of us would be dead, and only because dwarves woke up the dragon,'' Bard crossed his hands, the crowd shouting in agreement from behind.

''Does your heart seeks gold and riches, lad?'' Gandalf asked.

''Not riches. Just what was promised and taken from us. To restore our previous lives. That's all I want,'' Human answered firmly, getting another wave of approval from the people he was leading now.

"See, Gandalf. If we get our justice and promises fulfilled, the dwarf gets to keep his mountain. If not…'' The elf king took his sword from the scabbard, the sun reflecting upon its cold steel. "Oakenshield will get war.''

''Then let us go through to speak to him, let us try to find a peaceful solution and avoid unnecessary bloodshed,'' Wizard insisted.

Thranduil considered all the possibilities, stopping his gaze upon the blue dragoness, before putting his sword back into its sheath.

''Very well. My army will wait until tomorrow's sunrise. Make sure he takes a smart decision,'' He said before turning around, his royal guards following after him. Varion gave her last spiteful look before taking their example. Someone said to Saphira that she is going to see him very soon again. And not on such 'nice' terms.

"I will lead my people to Dale. Maybe we will find shelter for tonight. Good luck Saphira. I hope you succeed for my people's wellbeing and their future,'' Bard told her with a sad grin on his weathered face. But there was hope and trust in it too. He trusted her with himself and his people.

"I will try my best,'' Saphira reassured him. She was confident that if Thorin did promise Laketown people part of his treasure, he will keep his word. Dwarves here seemed to value loyalty and honour very much, just like in Alagaesia.

''We would like to stay with you. If you allow us of course,'' Legolas spoke to her respectfully, to which she responded with warm consent.

The gigantic shape of Lonely mountain cast a shadow on them as they walked around the elves' camp towards the gates of the greatest dwarven kingdom. Some would say it was Moria, but as dwarves explained to her, Khazad Dum had never been as rich as Erebor, maybe more extensive, but it wasn't a priority value for the miners' kin.

Samira prefered to stay away from the elves' army, not knowing how many more pointed ears shared the ill feelings of the king's general. She had a glimpse of a few scorpions, ready to launch deadly projectiles at both grounded and flying targets. Machines didn't look as powerful as the one Bard used against Smaug, but Saphira wasn't enthusiastic to try it out.

During the war against Eggs' breaker, their enemy often would have the giant crossbows meant for taking dragons down. In her normal conditions, she had no problem dodging the arrows thrown at her, and Eragon's magic shield would protect her from any projectile if it managed to find a target after all.

He always would put wards around me first, thinking about himself only after, she remembered with bitterness, with all so growing longing for his presence and care for her.

Saphira always wanted to believe that she was the one watching over both of them, taking care of her rider as if he was her hatchling. Her brother. Her soul and heart mate. The only family she ever had. Trying to repay for the times when she was nothing more than a helpless hatchling, just hatched into this cruel world. But the truth was, they both never stopped relying on each other. Yes, she was a powerful dragoness in all her fury and might. And Eragon was one of the most capable swordsmen and magic users in all of Alagaesia. But together they were unstoppable. A sheer force, fighting as one, but with the power of two. Enemies fell and trembled in front of them.

Oh my Eragon…

As they came closer to the mountain, dwarves grew more impatient and restless with every step. In the end, they gave up on the anticipation and run in front of them toward the gates. Seeing this made Saphira's heartache less for the actions she was forced to takethat night.It was their home, their den and their shelter.

She never had a home. Not really. They left Carnaval too soon for her to be attached to the place. And later during the war, they travelled and changed places often. They had to fight with their claws and teeth to make their own safe corner in this world for they knew, neither of them will have peace until the king was alive. But after all that effort, even that was denied to them. She just hoped that one day she will find a place she could call home. Home for her and Eragon.

Dragoness's train of thoughts was stopped by the joyful shouts of dwarves. Fili, Kili and othershad already made their way up the barricaded gates, hugging their fellow kin.

''Saphira! Gandalf!'' They waved to them from above, as she send them back a roar of greeting.

Despite their not-so-good and fluent start, their company seemed to grow fond of each other, and she couldn't deny, that she was happy to see dwarves well and alive, remembering sour feelings in her heart after Smaug told lies about them being dead.

She might have failed Ori, but the rest was there still.

As Gandalf with elves was climbing with ropes thrown to them, Saphira crouched before leaping above the gates, with a few leaps of her wings flying inside the mountain, as the hole seemed wide enough for her wings stretched. It was just big enough for the more bulky body of Smaug to pass through.

As she landed on the polished stone, dwarves approached her with wide smiles on their faces, happiness radiating from them upon seeing their largest member in their company.

''Oh, Saphira. You won't believe how glad we are to see you alive,'' Balin cheered clapping his hands.

''Kili says you killed Smaug. Is that true?''

''Of course, it is true. No one else could beat that old slug apart from our Saphira. We saw them clash above the town and now Smaug is no more.''

With some help from a human and nature itself, thedragoness thought grimly.

''Where is Thorin?'' She asked them instead of focusing on a sore subject.

''Indeed. Where is Oakenshield?'' Gandalf repeated the question, his breath still rapid from the climb.

Dwarves grew sullen, sending each other anxious glares. Finally, Gloin spoke up.

''He is in the treasure room. He refuses to leave it until Arkenstone is found,'' He grabbed Gandalf's hand. ''We did nothing else these days but to search for it. The stone isn't there, but he persists. He is like obsessed with finding it. He ordered us to barricade the gates and let no one in. And upon seeing the elven army he became completely paranoid. He doesn't sleep, doesn't eat. We don't know what to do, Gandalf,'' Dwarf explained, worry and concern clear in his voice for his leader.

Wizard slowly nodded as if his fears were confirmed.

''Where is the little one?'' Saphira asked looking around for the hobbit. He was the first after Gandalf to accept her into the group and she greatly enjoyed his company, mostly due to his clearly more intelligent thinking than the rest of the dwarves, making their riddle games even so more enjoyable. She didn't forget that he was the one helping her last time dragging out dwarves from yet another trouble.

''Maybe in the treasure room helping out Thorin,'' Dwarf just shrugged.

Only then did dwarves see two elves appearing on the gates, their stances stiffening, their hands slowly reaching for the weapons. Upon seeing their reaction, Gandalf stood in between these two groups.

''They came here together with me and Saphira with friendly intentions,'' He gestured in calmly manner for dwarves to put down their arms.

All of them looked at Saphira, waiting for her confirmation and only when she nodded did they release their weapons. Wizard shook his head in disbelief.

''As if I would be simply tricks and threats seller with a pointy hat, no one seems to pay attention to what I am saying anymore,'' He grumbled under his nose, heading deeper into the mountain.

''Don't be so frustrated you are not their favourite anymore. My natural charms are not easy to dodge,'' She smirked before following the sulking wizard through the halls of the dwarven kingdom, Legolas following just a few steps behind her as the rest of the dwarves were reuniting with their kin after so many days of ignorance about each others wellbeing, Tauriel being involved in the middle of it, not minding it as far as Kili was by her side. Dwarves at first acted distrustful toward her until Kili told everyone how he was saved by the elvish magic. That seemed to put off any hostility aimed at she-elf, and Saphira was surprised observing as the dwarves embraced her as if she was one of them all along.

Dwarves never forget mischiefs done to them, but they never forget favours too, Saphira mused.

The kingdom of dwarves looked ancient and abandoned, the floor covered with a layer of dust and wreckage. The air was dense, mixed with the dragon and dwarves scent, sending waves of painful memories through her heart. It was home to a dragon for a long time. Maybe one of the last shelters where her kin still could live in this world. Thanks to her it wasn't the case anymore. Its host was killed and the sky will not hear his roar anymore.

Saphira knew she had to do it. She knew she had to kill one of the last dragons roaming these lands. Just like she helped to kill mad-one of the eggs breaker, it was something that had to be done, not because of her fault, but due to the actions of others. But not like many other things she had to do to protect herself and others, she knew she would regret this decision.

There also was another familiar scent, followed by footsteps quickly approaching their direction.

''It seems we found our hobbit,'' She spoke to them dragging their attention, turning to the side, from where just after a few moments appeared so mentioned hobbit. His quick gasps for air betrayed him for running as he looked at them, surprise clear on his face.

''What are you doing here?'' He asked still baffled, lost in thoughts.

''Greetings to you as well, little one. Glad to see you whole,'' Saphira spoke, pretending to be insulted by his manners.

Hobbit opened and closed his mouth, nothing coming out of it. After a few moments, he steadied himself giving her a nervous, but sincere smile.

''Happy to see you, Saphira. I was afraid of what happened to you. First Smaug left and then Gandalf went after him to search for you. We thought…''

''Where is Thorin, Bilbo Baggins?'' Gandalf's serious tone interrupted poor hobbit, who paled a bit after the question.

''That's why I was in a haste. We need to do something. No, we need to leave.''

Saphira looked at him questioningly.

''Is it because of him being obsessed with a stone Gloin was talking about?' 'She truly believed that her companions were exaggerating, doubting that a person can change so much due to some jewel, no matter how important it was.

''It's worse. Much worse,'' Hobbit breathed deeply, struggling to find words, his body language betraying how distressed he was. ''Thorin talks about things which don't exist or never happened. His delusions and paranoia are dangerous to him and others…'' Hobbit lost his speech as Saphira gently pressed her triangle head to his side, looking at him with a deep blue eye.

''It is going to be okay, little one. It is still Thorin. Our Thorin. Even if he is bewildered now, deep inside he is the same dwarf you and I know. We just need to get to him,'' Dragoness softly spoke encouraging words, hating to see her friend so fearful. She did it on instinct after she did so many times before with Eragon when her rider would become overwhelmed by the immense pressure and expectations put on him by the others.

Hobbit calmed down slowly, wrapped by her gentleness and strength, hugging her huge head, and wiping a few tears of relief.

''Now little one, lead us to Thorin. We need to talk to him and put him back to his senses,''

Hobbit nodded and waved them to follow him.

When Saphira first heard about the dwarves' treasure under the mountain, taken by the dragon, she expected it to be huge, but when she gazed upon the treasure hall the view was breathtaking even to her. Fields of gold and jewels lay as far as she could see. The hall itself was enormous, its ceiling held by giant stone columns lined up in order she could fly in between with ease.

Saphira never paid second thought to the trinkets of two-legged, but she had to admit, this was an impressive sight she could appreciate, just like she could admire her beautiful scales. She turned to the side and saw that her companions were in a similar trance. Except for a hobbit, who had a worried expression on his face.

Before she could proceed, they heard a clinking sound of coins made by footsteps. They recognised Thorin, whom they didn't see before by being taken aback by the sight of the treasure. His stare focused on them as he spoke loudly.

''Behold, the great treasure hoard of Thror,'' He spread his arms gesturing around him. ''Welcome my friends, to the kingdom of Erebor.''

The change of voice couldn't slip through the ears of Saphira, but for the moment, she was happy to see the leader of dwarves.

''Thorin Oakenshield, glad to see you again,'' She spoke softly, before leaping on the treasure, feeling cold coins between her paws.

''Saphira, the greatest of dragons. Seeing you here only confirms what I was suspecting. Smaug is dead!'' Dwarf shouted, the crown on his head jiggling. ''Old slug never was a match for our Brightscales. You Gandalf, you need to stop doubting our blue dragoness.''

''I remember you being the one with doubts before accepting Saphira into your company, Thorin,'' Gandalf pointed out, his eyes narrowing on the dwarf.

The dwarf was baffled for a second by the wizard's words. ''What is past is past. But now…'' He turned around, taking a good look at every gold hill. ''Now we celebrate! Because Smaug is no more and our homeland and gold are ours once more!''

''Yes they are, yet my father is outside your gates with an army, ready to storm your kingdom if he is not given back White Gems of Lasgalen meant for my mother,'' Legolas spoke up from above, his voice soft, yet carrying the weight of his words as Thorin froze in his steps.

''People of Laketown demand their promises be fulfilled as well. Will the king under the mountain keep his word and give what he promised?'' Gandalf followed, leaning on his staff.

Saphira closely observed as dwarf's stance tensed, hands coiling into fists, all friendliness has gone, his full loathing concentrated on people in front of him.

''Promise taken with a dagger by the throat doesn't exist like the honour of the demander,'' he hissed. ''I made that promise to save myself and my kin.''

''So your word means nothing, Thorin Oakenshield?''

''What about my mother's jewels? You cannot deny that they rightfully belong to my father and my people,'' Legolas stepped closer.

''He will get nothing from me! The jewels will repay the debt to my people, for all the harm done by his fake friendship. I will see myself dead rather than allow that arrogant elf king to take something from me again,'' Dwarf spat while retreating deeper into the treasure vault away from them. ''I will separate not with a single coin.''

''Outside your gates, there is a whole elven army, ready to do so if you decide to neglect their wish.''

''They may try. But they just going to crash into the hammer of the dwarf, like the wind into a rock. But the mountain will keep standing strong,'' Thorin grinned wickedly. ''Elves might have a numbers advantage, but we have a mountain. And a dragon.''

How did it come to this?, Saphira thought, seeing the fighting between what she believed were friends.

''I did not kill Smaug and protected you all, to just watch you now slash at each other's throats for something as silly as shining jewels,'' Blue dragoness eyed each one separately in the eyes, only Gandalf and Thorin managing to hold back her gaze.

''You don't know what you are talking about…'' Thorin started, but Saphira let out a frustrated growl, puffing out black smoke from her nose.

''Do not lecture me, dwarf. I am the only one who knows what I am talking about, the minds of all others seem to be darkened by gold. If what elves and humans are saying is true, you must keep your word. I do not care about the circumstances involved. You made a decision in the past, now pay for the consequences, simple as that.''

Saphira knew she was harsh, but she was too tired to speak in riddles and this nonsense about what belonged to whom had to end.

She saw that her words helped little but to anger the dwarf further, almost feeling the poison of his venomous glare.

''In the end, all my allies and friends are just traitors and enemies. Everyone craves what I possess. What rightfully belongs to me. I had to see, I had to know…''

''You have no enemies here, Thorin,'' This time the little hobbit spoke, coming from behind Saphira and standing near her front leg. He nervously rubbed his inner pocket, his breath rapid, but he stood strong.

As everyone's eyes focused on Bilbo, the hobbit slowly pulled out his hand from the pocket, causing everyone but Saphira to gasp. Bigger than his palm, a huge glowing stone rested on top of it. The gem took all light that fell upon it and changed it into ten thousand sparks of white radiance, shot with glints of the rainbow. Saphira knew that it couldn't be anything else, but Arkenstone.

''I wanted to give it to you many times, but you changed Thorin,'' Hobbit continued as everyone failed to move or speak. ''Thorin I know would honour his word. I was there as well, I gave a promise to the Laketown people. Like everyone else in our company. Thorin I know wouldn't break his vow or force his friends to do so. Thorin I know wouldn't doubt his companions' loyalty.''

Oh, how you've grown up, little one, Saphira thought proudly.

''Do not speak to me about loyalty, friend,'' Thorin spat, his tone sickly reminding Saphira of a serpent hissing, just like Smaug's. ''How dare you take and hide my and my people's legacy, thief?''

''I took it as my 14th share. I believe it is fair.''

''Your share?'' The dwarf shook his head in hatred and disbelief. ''I will give you the share you deserve,'' Thorin quickly said and just as quickly draw his sword and leapt towards the hobbit, his eyes burning for bloodshed.

Gandalf was halfway unsheathing his sword, but it was Saphira who stopped Thorin a moment before he could reach the hobbit. She knocked him down with her paw, pinning the dwarf with her claws, her menacing growl shaking coins beneath.

Thorin still had the sword in his hand, but her weight left him little space to move. He looked every inch frightened as dragoness stood upon him, her all fury focused on him.

She leaned closer, showing him the set of teeth.

''Thorin Oakenshield! You said and did enough! It is time to stop and wake up. Now!'' She growled out the last word, hoping it would reach into the clouded, stubborn head of the dwarf.

Saphira could see the distress of the other dwarves, torn in inner conflict about whether they should help their king or stay aside and let the enraged dragoness handle it.

''Saphira…'' Thorin finally broke out of the shock and fear, sword falling from his hand, but Saphira cut him immediately, pressing her paw on his chest harder, but not enough to cause serious injury. Just to make a point she wasn't playing.

''I expect your next words will be an apology for your actions and what you said. You threatened and called your friends and kin traitors after I have seen nothing but an undoubtful loyalty to you from them. You tried to kill Bilbo! The same hobbit who has saved you twice. How can you even have the dignity to raise a sword against him? Does everything we went through mean so little to you?'' Rage was gone from her voice, only disappointment and sadness left which seemed to stir the dwarf inside even more.

He blinked a few times as if waking up. He looked at each person gathered around like seeing them for the first time. Then realisation struck him and tears began dwelling at the corners of his eyes.

''I… I am sorry, Saphira. I never wanted it to come to this. I never intended to… I see now. I see now and I understand the consequences of my actions. I did you all terribly wrong,'' He tilted his head where the hobbit was standing. ''Bilbo. You did so much for this company. For me. You are one of the reasons we were able to reach Lonely mountain in the first place. And how did I repay you? With doubts and a blade to your back. I do not deserve your forgiveness, but I will still ask for it. Please forgive this fool of a dwarf because he did not understand what was really important. But you and Saphira showed me,'' He looked back at Saphira. ''Thank you for it. I needed someone to wake me up, because dreams were dark and malicious. I never thought I will call a dragon my friend. But here you are, Saphira. A true and loyal friend, who has a thousand times more sense of what honour is than a dwarven king.''

Saphira observed him for a long moment, piercing him through with her deep blue eyes. At last, she spoke slowly.

''Everyone makes mistakes. But I believe Bilbo and I can forgive you. What do you think, little one?''

''I would be glad to call you my friend again, Thorin,'' Hobbit said, giving a small smile.

''As would I. Your all friendship and love are more worthy than all the gold in Erebor. I hope I realised this much not too late.''

''As wizards like to say, it is better later than never,'' Gandalf said and winked at Saphira to which she responded with a snort.

''Yes, indeed,'' She muttered and lifted her paw from the dwarf.

Dragoness stepped aside as the dwarves hurried to help their king to stand up who was still shaken up a bit. They seemed happier than anyone else in the hall seeing their leader back to his senses.

''So what now?'' Legolas asked, standing a bit further from the scene.

''Now,'' Thorin began as he stretched his neck. ''Now it is time to fulfil promises. We are going to give Lake-town people and elves what they came here as we promised.''

''A very wise decision, your grace,'' Gandalf agreed, leaning on his staff.

Thorin sent Gloin to bring the jewels as all of them left the treasure hall behind their backs.

''First, we will have to deal with the elves and then negotiate with the humans how much they need to restore the city of Dale,'' Thorin continued. ''Now that Smaug is dead, thanks to Saphira, dwarven and human kingdoms can prosper together once more. There is a bright future ahead of us, my friends!''

Saphira couldn't miss a proud smile on the wizard's face, sharing her feelings for Thorin. Whatever sickness had infected dwarf's mind was gone now.

All what he needed was a dragoness pinning him down with her claws and roaring into his face, Saphira thought amusingly as her train of thought was interrupted by Balin hurrying towards them as fast as his short legs could carry him, shouting loudly as he did.

''Thorin! Saphira! The humans and elves are under attack. Orcs! They are here.''

Shit, here we go again, Saphira cursed as everyone looked at Thorin, waiting for his decision.