OMG thankyou so much Jozko Mrkvicka :D
I really appreciate your reviews so much and am so glad you like it so far. Don't worry I will continue with this all the way to the end. Because even though parts do change and I seem to be adding more stuff in than I planned to. I have an idea where this is going and I would never forgive myself if I didn't finish it lol :D
Anyway I hope you like this next chapter and I should hopefully have the next one up soon.
Bard was making his way around the towns market. Picking through the various types of meat on display and deciding what to choose next. In his sack he had already brought a few bread loaves, potatoes, eggs and three freshly caught trout from previous market vendors.
He had agreed to return to visit the Dwarves again that morning and drop of more supplies. Much to Thorin's insistence that there was no need and that he had already graciously provided more than they could of ever asked for.
But this time he wanted to use this visit as more of an incentive to inquire about the Dwarf Kings quest. No matter how hard he tried the Bargeman could not shake the deep pitted feeling of dread. It did not seem like the right moment to bring up the subject last night when the tragic incident was still so raw. Also if the conversation was to turn sour he didn't want his children to witness that kind of hostile atmosphere. Especially when they were already upset about the Hobbit's passing. And the only reason he agreed to go was mainly for his kids wanting to pay their respects. It was also Singrid and Tilda's idea to take them food, assuming that they may not have had enough to feed themselves. Unknowing that they were correct.
Deciding on a dozen sausages, a few lamb shanks and like before some whole chickens. Bard paid the grateful stall holder and eagerly made his way out of the bustling crowd and towards the Dwarves accommodation.
This time his children were not accompanying him and maybe unlike before he could appeal to Thorin's better judgement. Hopefully persuading him and his Company that taking back that mountain will only result in destruction and death.
The journey to the dwelling took a while but this gave Bard the time to try and figure out how he was going to choose his words. It also gave him opportunity to think over the exact arguments he could use to counteract any answer the Dwarves might give. Taking a few deep breaths once he reached the wooden door. Bard paused for a moment before knocking and waited for it to open.
Thorin sat quietly at the central table. His elbows sitting heavily on the wooden top and his face planted in his hands. He was the first to rise and decided just to let his Company sleep in for a while longer. With what they had all been though they had earned the added rest. Plus this moment of being by himself gave him the chance to privately think and contemplate to himself. The Dwarf king honestly did not know what their next move was going to be. To begin with this mission was never going to be easy but now with their most valuable asset gone. This now was more likely going to be a suicide mission. Thorin never thought he would wish that Gandalf was there. Because in this moment now he at least might know what to do.
All the Dwarf knew was he could not give up on the mission know matter what. His people were counting on him and it was his birth right to be sitting upon the throne of his Grandfather. As the one of the last line of Durin he could not afford to let his people down and that was not just a promise to his subjects. But to his remaining kin, his Company and to Bilbo. He left his own life in the Shire behind to help a group of complete strangers get their home back. To re-establish their own place in this world. Because like the Hobbit said nothing is more important than home.
Thorin was suddenly pulled out of his thoughts when he heard a firm knocking at the door. He looked up in confusion before remembering about Bard insisting he would be returning that same morning.
Pushing back the chair he then stood up and made his way over to the door. Turning the handle until it clicked he pulled it ajar to see if his assumption was correct before pulling it fully open.
" I was not expecting you to return so soon."
" Yes well I assumed that maybe it will be best to drop these off early. Especially after you informed me that some of your Company had already vacated to bed before we arrived last night. I assume they will be starving beyond measure." The brown haired man gestured to the bag he was carrying. To which the dwarf bowed in appreciation for the mans generosity.
" That is most kind of you would you like to come in?. Though none of the others have awoken yet."
Thorin stepped aside and gestured for the Bargeman to enter. The taller man obliged making his way over to the central table the Dwarf leader had just been occupying. He placed the large black satchel down and heard the click of the door latch click behind him. Bard kept his eyes down as he felt the presence of the other being soon join him. He did not give Thorin a second glance as he continued to empty the contents of his bag.
" I see that your children have also not accompanied you this morning." The shorter man questioned, eager to break the silence.
"No also like your Company. I found it best to let them sleep in after that busy late night. The Bargeman paused for a moment before clearing his throat. He slowly turned his gaze to Thorin. "I also wanted to talk to you personally."
He immediately saw the Dwarfs demeanour change. As his posture and muscles seemed to stiffen under his clothes. The features on his face hardened and the pupils of his eyes dilated. It was as if the dwarf was reading him and knew this was going to be a conversation he did not want to have. But to Bards surprise Thorin responded in a calm tone.
" What is it you want to bring up with me personally?"
The taller man let out a breath he didn't realise he had been holding. He turned his body so he was now completely facing the Dwarf. " I was hoping to once again try and persuade yourself and your Company to reconsider not going into that mountain."
Thorin was not by any means surprised by Bard second attempt to sway him. In truth the Dwarf leader was sure the topic would of arisen last night. But it was only a matter of time and Thorin knew he would not be able to easily change this mans mind on this. The Dwarf always recognized a stubborn individual when he saw one. Mainly due to being one himself
" Like I stated before Master Bard it is my right and mine alone to take back our people's homeland. Nothing you can say or do will change that."
" But at what cost will it bring. You are literally putting the lives in this town at risk for the sake of the riches within. Do you forget that they is still more than likely a fire breathing dragon laying upon that treasure hoard?" He emphasize on his last statement. Trying to push it into the thick headed Dwarfs skull. Drilling in the fact a deadly dragon came along with the gold he was so desperately seeking.
" I am well aware of that and that is why I am taking the time to reconsider our next strategic plan of action."
" A new strategic plan? What is there to plan? Anyone who enters that mountain is as good as dead. Along with the population of this town if you conjure up Smaug's wrath."
Thorin could feel his patience slowly beginning to chip away piece by piece. Why was he even explaining himself to this commoner. Technically as king he shouldn't bother himself with such things. But again he has no authority over the man so his best option was to take a page out of Balin's book and try to reason with him. " That will not happen we have left it in plenty of time to formulate. Even with this setback I will think of another way for myself and my men to now enter the mountain without alerting that dragon. If he is still residing in it's walls."
Bard looked at him was a confused expression. " You speak as if you already had a plan up until recently." Taking a few moments to recap this new information. It then dawned on him.
" Please do not tell me you were originally just going to send the Hobbit into the mountain?" He looked at the Dwarf through wide eyes. Dreading the answer he may be given. And hating that his assumption was might yet be true.
This did not go unnoticed by Thorin who decided to choose his next words very carefully. " Not entirely. He was going to go in and retrieve the Arkenstone and return it to myself. In the meantime me and the rest of the Company were going to be on standby if Master Baggins needed our help." He made sure not to let his gaze at the man falter. It would only complicate things further if the Bargeman in anyway thought his original plan of action was flawed. It would give him even more reason to doubt and question the success rate of his quest. To the point that even a new plan would be seen as a disaster before it even began. Right now he needed every available person on his side.
" I do not believe what I am hearing." Bard's voice came out as a low mumble. His tone dripping in one of degust and disbelief. "You were going to send that Halfling on a suicide mission. While you lot relaxed outside the front door."
The dwarf leaders brows furrowed." We were never going to leave him alone and defenceless. He was an honorary member of my Company and like all my men. I would have never left him to perish."
" And still it seems in a cruel act of fate he still died surrounded by flames." The taller man spat back in anger. "Master Thorin you must take this as an act of warning. Not yourself or any member of your group will be able to take down a creature such as that."
By now the Dwarfs collected demeanour was beginning to fade as the ugly rage within him riled up. The Bargeman's malicious words struck him like a stray dagger to the heart. But he still needed to stay contempt. So he decided to striking out with his own hurtful words to bruise this pricks ego. "A very defeatist attitude. Though I am guessing failure on your part must run in the family am I right?"
It had the desired effect as there was a long steady pause. The atmosphere in the room seemed to drop in temperature as the hostility grew. All that could be heard was the distant voices outside as towns folk went about their daily lives. Both individuals tried to keep their heavy breathing under control. But in the end Bard took one last large huff before making is way over to the door without a word.
Thorin kept his gaze forward not acknowledging the man as he stomped out of his line of sight. But took notice of the items the taller man was leaving behind" Are you not forgetting something?"
The Bargeman paused as his hand rested on the door handle" Unlike you Thorin I still have my honour and put others needs and welfare above my own. You still have three members who haven't eaten properly and also youngsters that cannot afford to skip meals."
This statement grabbed the Dwarfs attention and could not help himself. He pivoted in his spot so he was again taking in the taller mans disgruntled stare. He was about to respond but was instantly cut of by Bard. " The way I see it maybe the Halfling perishing the way he did was a lot more kind. A lot more than if that poor soul ended up in the claws of that dragon."
The Bargeman then pointed his finger to Thorin in warning. All the composer had left and was now replaced with bitterness and inflamed anger. "But I warn you now if anything should happen to my children. I will find you and personally slit your throat."
It was now the dwarf kings turn to loose any outstanding calmness he had within him. He hated to admit it but Bard's threats did in deed have him worried. He would not doubt that the man would carry out his promise if it came to that. But fear was not a word that was in the pages of his dictionary. In all honesty he was used to death threats, it was a hazard that came with his position. "Is that a threat Master Bard?"
" Take it as you will I am just stating a fact. As a father I will protect my family at any cost. And I hope deep down you would do the same." With that the Bargeman swiftly opened the door and slammed it behind him as he exited. Leave Thorin alone again to contemplate what had just transpired. Mainly with one thought running through his head.
' Well that could of gone better.'
Meanwhile outside of Laketown a group of figures looked on over at the settlement in the distance. Growls sounding out and the clink of metal weapons as the individuals eagerly awaited for their orders.
" It is known that the Dwarf scum made it over the lake and now reside in that man settlement." Bolg announced to his comrades. Not taking his eyes of the small built up Island in front of him.
" How do you know Oakenshield and his group have not already moved on from that town?" One of the other Orcs questioned his leader.
" Because the sent is still fresh enough to assume that it was not to long ago that they passed through here. I can also pick up the stench of man mixed with them." He then turned around and began to make his way towards his prized Warg.
" Even if they have left it will not be difficult to extract the information we may need from the residents of that town. Humans are pathetic, weak and easy to kill."
There was a low eruption of laughter as the thought of more bloodshed. Sounded like sweet music to the group of Orcs ear. Bolg by now had mounted his stead and bark one final order before they left for their new destination.
" We encroach on the town in tonight's late hours. Find out where them short bastards are hiding, slaughter them while they sleep and kill anyone who gets in our way."
There we go I think this is a conversation Thorin and Bard needed to have. I just hope it fits in lol.
Plus originally I wasn't going to have the Orcs in this but an idea popped up and I am just gonna go along with it. More people than I thought are going to be turning up now. But it does give me the chance to try out writing fight scenes. Which I will admit I have never done before lol.