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Another Bonus chapter for you!
Remember, keep track of where you left off, and don't miss any chapters.
Back to Kili for a bit...must see how he is doing with his new found 'awakening'
ha ha.
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Chapter 107
~X~
Kili woke later than he had planned the following day; having staying up half the night thinking of Tauriel and how to go about speaking to her had left him exhausted. Unfortunately, this led to him missing his fair elf altogether, for apparently she, Dwalin and Bain had ridden ahead to scout the path. Seeing that they were getting close to the mines, it was decided they best be on guard. So Kili ate his breakfast in silence, still mulling things over in his mind. He was still determined to speak his piece to Tauriel…to tell her just what it was he was feeling for her, but he found that doing so was more frightening than facing down Smaug. What if she laughed at him? What if she told him she shared no such feelings? What if he was now destined to remain alone, his desires for a mate unfulfilled, simply because he was foolish enough to fall in love with someone who did not love him in return?
They mounted up and began their journey for the day, still with no sign of the three scouts. Yet about an hour into their trek, Kili spotted them approaching on the horizon. They didn't seem to be in any big hurry, so apparently they had not encountered anything that would cause concern. When the two parties finally met, it was Dwalin who spoke.
"We're closer to our destination than we thought," he informed them. "We should reach the outskirts of the mountain range by nightfall."
"Excellent," Fili nodded, his palm itching to grip his sword at the thought of what this Gorbash creature was doing to his brethren.
"What do you plan on doing with your children?" Bain asked, nodding towards the two lads riding in front of Fili and Kili. "I can't imagine you intend to take them into battle."
"Nay," Fili agreed, looking down at Flinn with a furrowed brow. "We will need to find a safe place to leave the wagons, somewhere far enough away that they will not be spotted and alert them to our presence. I will assign a few dwarrow to remain behind as guards, the lads will remain there as well."
"What?" Flinn cried out, folding his arms over his chest in protest. "I want to fight!"
"The only fight you are going to be a part of, is with me, especially if you continue to disobey like this, Flinn," Fili warned, instantly putting the lad in his place. "You and your brother will remain behind with the wagons, is that perfectly clear?"
"Yes, Adad," they both replied in unison.
"Oin and I have been talking it over, and we will remain behind with the youngins," Bofur spoke up, having rode up to join the group. "He will be needed to stay with the medical wagon and get ready to treat the wounded, or any we rescue who are too weak to travel, and I'll mind Flinn and Frerin."
"I thank you for the offer, Bofur," Fili grinned, pleased to know that someone who truly cared for his sons would be the one watching them.
"And I promise to do a much better job than my brother in keeping an eye on them, too," he teased, pointing his finger in a warning fashion at both lads. Fili was glad his sons had the good sense to look ashamed of how they had tricked Bombur.
"It's settled then," Bain nodded, looking pleased by this plan. "If we ride hard, and stop only briefly for lunch, we can arrive before the sun goes down and set up camp."
"And then we attack!" Dwalin growled, apparently just as eager as Fili to engage the enemy.
"Agreed," Fili nodded.
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And so they all continued on, each man and dwarf aware of how close they were to their goal. Kili tried to keep pace with Tauriel, yet his pony's legs were a far cry shorter than her steed, and with little Frerin chattering away in front of him, he doubted he would have a chance to speak to her privately anyway. Thus as the day went on, Kili became more and more anxious to find a moment alone with her so that he could at last speak his mind.
Thankfully, not long after they had stopped for a short lunch, Frerin had grown tired and after sticking his thumb in his mouth, his eyes began to droop and soon he was fast asleep. Kili made sure to wrap his arm securely around the little dwarfling, preventing him from sliding out of the saddle, as he kicked his pony into a faster gait to catch up with Tauriel.
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Tauriel had spent the entire morning fretting over whether she had indeed insulted Kili by winning the fight. She had always had to work much harder than anyone around her to prove her skills, as well as defend her position as captain of the guard. She had even had a few of her so called friends turn their back on her, when some could not handle the humiliation of being bested by a female.
Yet Tauriel had never thought that Kili would be one of them. The lighthearted dwarf had seemed so easy going, so unflappable, that she had not once considered holding back when they were sparring. Now she truly wished she had…for he had not even attempted to speak to her since last night.
Granted, she had not really given him much opportunity, having volunteered to head out early to scout with Dwalin and Bain. It had been a cowardly act, perhaps, but Tauriel was not sure how to deal with a disgruntled dwarf. And she so much wanted their relationship to go back to the easy way it had been before. But something had changed last night, and she was now worried that things might never be the same between them again. Tauriel was determined to apologize.
So when Kili rode up beside her, she seized the opportunity, turning to him before he could even open his mouth to speak.
"Kili…I am sorry," she stammered, her heart skipping just a bit as she saw him there cradling his youngest nephew in his strong arm. The little lad was fast asleep, his soft eyelashes brushing against his skin as he unconsciously sucked on the thumb that was lodged in his mouth. It no longer surprised her that King Thranduil had been captivated by a small dwarfling, for she was quickly finding that they were worming their way into her heart as well.
"You…you are?" Kili asked, looking rather startled by her words. "For what?"
"I spoke to your brother, and while he claimed it was no fault of mine, I still feel responsible for the way you are feeling," she told him, doing her best not to insinuate that she had embarrassed him, or that he was in any way sulking like a child over the idea of losing to a lass. "I never meant to cause you to feel…well, as you are. That was never my intention and I am very sorry for the part I played in it. Can you forgive me?"
"You talked to Fili? About how I'm…feeling?" Kili stammered, his face turning beet red at the thought. Why had Fili not told him he had spoken to Tauriel, and what happened to his brother's instructions that he talk to her? What had Fili said? Kili was very confused, and a little hurt, to say the least.
"I could tell that something was bothering you," she nodded, hoping that she had not overstepped her bounds in that as well. "Please do not be upset with him…I was the one who asked. And I truly hope this will not affect our friendship, for I have dearly enjoyed our talks, and getting to know you better. But…I can't change who I am, or how I live my life, in order to accommodate others' sensibilities. It's not the way I am made…do you understand, Kili?"
"I…yes…I think I do," he nodded, his heart dropping in his chest, as he mistook her words as a rejection to his unspoken attraction. "And I too am sorry if I in any way made you feel uncomfortable…I…I just didn't know what else to do…these feelings are very new for me."
"I'm sure they are," she smiled, imagining that until last night he had never been bested in a fight before, let alone by a female. "I'm sorry it was I who caused you such…turmoil. I will endeavor to never do anything to make you feel that way again."
"You won't?" Now that was heartbreaking to Kili…for as far as he was concerned, just looking at her was enough to set his blood on fire. And here she thought she had the ability to control such effects on him?
"Of course not, Kili," she smiled, hoping that things would go back to normal, now that they had spoken. "Like I said, I value you as a friend far too much for that."
"A friend…right," he sighed. Well, that was it then…she did not wish for their relationship to go any further than that. He was now destined to live and die alone, with no mate to call his own, for his one had just rejected him.
Kili was literally crushed, his heart broken in two, and all the light gone from his life. Oh, how could Mahal have been so cruel as to pair him with a lass who had no interest in him? If this was love…Kili didn't want it! It simply hurt too much.
"I…I am glad we talked then," he muttered, looking down at the sleeping dwarfling in his arms. He would now never have a lad of his own, no wife, no children, and no one to hold in his arms each night. "I…I think I will head back to Oin's wagon and see about laying this little guy down for a proper nap. He's going to get a crick in his neck if he sleeps like this any longer." And before Tauriel could respond, Kili pulled his pony around and made for the wagon. He was having a hard time keeping the utter disappointment off his face, and the last thing he wanted was for her to see him cry.
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Tauriel was now even more confused than before. One would have thought that by apologizing, it would have fixed things. But if anything, doing so had somehow made it worse. Why was Kili so downhearted? Was his ego truly so fragile that he could not stand being shown up in battle by a lass? And while Tauriel had done her best to make things right between them, she was beginning to wonder if pursuing such a relationship was the right course? If Kili couldn't seem to get over something as small as this…what would happen when a bigger issue arose?
Perhaps they were just too different, unable to understand how the other thought and felt about things. This made Tauriel's heart ache with sadness. For deep within her, she had begun to feel that Kili was her soul-mate, the one she was supposed to be with. And in the space of one conversation, all those hopes and dreams had fallen to the ground, like a wild bird shot from the sky. And for the first time in more years than she could count, Tauriel felt a tear slide down her cheek…which she quickly brushed away, not wanting anyone to see her moment of weakness.
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~XXXX~
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It took less time than Dis had anticipated to locate Bergie's chambers, ushering the hobbit lass and her two children into the tunnels along with the rest of them. Dena was next, yet unfortunately Gimli was not with her, and she was instantly concerned for her son's safety after hearing of the trouble her husband was currently in. Bifur too was not in his chambers, leaving the princess to wonder where he had gotten off to…or if he might have been captured like the rest.
Now that they had gathered all those they could reach by the tunnels, Dis led the group down to the far end, stopping at the final door.
"This exits near the healing halls," she explained. "Yet I do not know how far the enemy's infiltration has gone. This might lead to safety, or it could open onto a trap." She removed her sword and held it out before her, taking a deep breath as she quietly opened the secret door. Poking her head out, she looked left and then right, seeing no one around in the deserted hallway. "Marigold, you stay here with the children, the rest of you come with me."
Marigold opened her mouth to protest, yet shut it when she realized Dis was right. In her present condition, she could not be expected to fight or run, so staying with the little ones was best. Taking a reluctant Freya from Sier's arms, she held the sniffling lass tightly as she watched the others sneak quietly out the door.
"Can't we go too?" Talin begged, having brought along her own toy sword, more than ready to fight.
"No, we must do what Dis says and wait here," Marigold insisted.
"Grownups get to have all the fun!" Talin pouted, flopping down on the stone floor and leaning her back against the wall in a huff. Rose and Torin soon joined her, not knowing how long they would have to wait for the others to return.
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Dis, Sier, Bergie and Dena crept down the deserted hallway, hoping that anyone they came across would be a friend, and not a foe. When they at last heard voices, they hugged the wall and inched closer in order to see who it was. When they recognized the voice of Dori, they became excited – for if Dori was here, perhaps Thorin and the rest of them were safe as well!
Yet when Dis peeked around the corner, she held up her hand to those behind her, signaling for them to be silent. For the princess could see that their friend did not look at all happy, and the handful of unfamiliar dwarrow standing far too close to him, led Dis to believe that Dori was speaking his words against his will.
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"I require a healer to come with me to the royal chambers," the dwarf ordered, yet the wavering in his voice revealed his fear to Dis. "The king has taken ill and needs attention."
"Yes, Lord Dori," one of the older healers nodded, grabbing his medical bag with every intention of following. "Are there any others that need our help? We heard the quarantine bell and have been preparing the halls for those who are in need. What illness should we be expecting?"
"We do not know yet," Dori told them, his eyes darting to the guards at his side. "Perhaps once you have examined the king, you will be able to tell us more. The rest of you wait here for further orders. Do not leave the healing halls, we can't afford to have our physicians falling ill as well."
"Aye," the three other healers on duty nodded.
As Dori bowed to the other healers, his quick eyes spotted Dis, peeking around the far corner. He could instantly see that she was assessing the situation and contemplating an attack. Dori silently signaled to her in Iglishmêk, using the dwarven sign language for 'no'. He could not risk Thorin and the others – not to mention Dis' life – on the chance that she might be able to free him now. It was better to do as directed and wait for a better opportunity. When he saw her look of confusion, he felt bad, but he sighed with relief when she pulled back, disappearing around the corner once more.
"Come…the king is waiting," Dori insisted, eager to complete his assignment and get back before they got worried and decided to start slitting throats.
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Dis watched as Dori, one of the strange guards, and the healer, all left. The others had apparently been ordered to stay and guard the entrance to the healing halls. With a grumble of frustration, the Erebor Princess turned back to her companions.
"I think our friend is being directed under duress," Dis told them. "He was apparently sent to fetch a healer…and I can only pray it is not truly for the king as he claimed."
"What if my Gloin is injured?" Dena asked, wringing her hands nervously. "What if…what if he's already dead?"
"Don't even think like that," Sier scolded, placing her arm around her distraught friend. "They are all fine, I just know it."
"But they will not be for long, unless we find a way to save them," Dis added. "Now, we need to get out of here and make our way to the soldiers' lodgings. We have to rally the troops."
"Yet how? Is it safe to be walking about?" Bergie asked in a hushed whisper. "If everyone had been confined to their chambers, anyone we meet will undoubtedly be an enemy."
"Then we must be very careful not to run into anyone along the way," Dis reasoned. "Now, come on, let's hurry."
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Back in the king's chambers, Thorin and Balin sat on the floor, their hands and feet still bound, as they waited for the others to return. Hagen had sent more of his cohorts out on various missions, one of which was a blow to Thorin's heart. He had apparently been correct, much to his sorrow, that the royal guards who were charged with protecting their chambers, were no longer among the living. Hagen had ordered two dwarrow to make sure that their bodies were taken care of, placing them someplace where they would not be stumbled upon.
Balin glanced over at Thorin and gave him a look of sympathy, knowing that each dwarf had been handpicked by the king himself, and they were more like friends than guards to both him and Marigold. At first the queen had balked about being followed everywhere, but each one had done their best to be as unobtrusive as possible, and the little hobbit had eventually become accustomed to their presence. The entire royal family would grieve to learn that their personal guards had met with a violent end.
Thorin's plans for vengeance against these ruthless killers was interrupted by the appearance of Dori and a healer, flanked by the one they called Nosh. When the healer saw his king, and Balin, tied up and on the floor he gasped.
"Your Majesty! What is going on?" he cried out, thankfully looking at both dwarves, and not specifically at one or the other.
"I will tell you what is going on," Hagen interrupted, stepping forward and pointing his weapon at the white bearded healer. "I have wounded over here, and you will treat them."
"I…I was told the king was ill…I don't understand," he continued to sputter, taking a step back as the Blacklock's blade came dangerously close to his chest.
"All you need to understand is if you do not fix my soldiers, then you and your king will die!" Hagen hissed, shoving the elderly dwarf towards where the wounded were sitting against the wall, some of them not looking very good at all.
The healer gave one more look of concern towards his king…and then he set to work, patching up the injured as well as his limited supply kit would allow. While this was going on, Ori and Gloin also returned, with their respective captors, who informed Hagen that their missions had been a success.
"Have the halls been cleared?" the dwarf in charge demanded.
"All unnecessary personnel have been relegated to their quarters," said a stout dark haired dwarf. "We have snuck the rest of our troops inside and they are fanning out through the mountain, making sure everyone is following orders."
"Excellent," Hagen grinned, looking back at the five dwarves, all of which now had their hands retied. "I think it would be best if we relocated our prisoners to the dungeons, don't you think? After all, these are the king's quarters…and I am now the king."
And so Thorin, Balin, Gloin, Dori and Ori were hauled to their feet and marched out of the room, with several guards going before them to make sure the way was clear. As they walked, Balin asked the question that was on everyone's mind.
"What about the healer…what do you plan to do with him?" the white bearded advisor questioned, almost afraid to hear the answer.
"He will serve his purpose," was all the guard said, shoving Balin just a bit to keep him moving.
"And then what…you plan to kill him?" Thorin snarled, struggling against the ropes that bound his wrists together quite painfully.
"What happens to him is no longer your concern," he was told, also receiving a shove from the guard. "I would suggest you worry about your own lives. Lord Hagen is not one to be trifled with, and if you do not offer up the information he wants about the location of the Arkenstone…then the old healer won't be the only one who will outlive his usefulness."
Balin turned slightly and gave Thorin a look of horror, knowing that all too soon they would be required to make a choice. Would they hold fast and refuse to hand over the jewel…or would their enemies find a way to make them capitulate?
Thorin understood his cousin's look, reading his thoughts easily, since the same thing was on his own mind. As long as Marigold and the children were safe, they could do whatever they wanted to him. Yet would he be able to stand by and watch his friends suffer when he had the power to save them? It was a choice he prayed he would not be forced to make.
They had to find a way to escape!
Yes...yes they do. Now, get on that, will ya?
And poor Kili...he thought she was talking about him being awake and in love, and she meant she was sorry if she embarrassed him by winning the fight. Oh, will they ever get if figured out? (I think they will, ha ha)
More on Monday, as scheduled. See you then!
Guest Reviews:
Please note...I will be posting odd bonus chapters now and then, so please keep track of where you left off reading, so that you do not miss any chapters that crop up unexpectedly. Thanks
Emrfangirl: Seeeeee, and this is why you should not miss a single day! Things fall apart without you. And I am glad you knew where you left off...I don't want to confuse anyone by having them miss a chapter! Happy that you liked the brotherly love stuff, and that I shocked you with all that is happening in Erebor. You sure had a lot of questions...but all will be answered in time. Yes, buckle up...it's going to be a very bumpy ride. ha ha. Thanks
dojoson41: From chapter 104 - Ummmm, they are still far enough away? Yah, that's it. They are out of earshot. ha ha. True, Fili IS the better one with the swords, but if Tauriel had sat on Fili the only thing that would have done was embarrass him for losing...not wake him up, which is what I wanted her to do to Kili...see...it was all part of my diabolical plan. ha ha. From chapter 105 - Yah, well, Thorin and Balin are buddies...and cousins. And Thorin was really putting them on him more as a punishment for making him take them off. ha ha. He became a dwarven hat rack you might say. From Chapter 106 - Oh, there are so many ways this could all go. BUT...I think I will let it go my way. ha ha. As for Dis, Bombur, and the messages...wait and see.
Aranel Mereneth: A TRAP? What? Naaaahhhh, can't be, they are too smart for that! Or are they? Now you have even ME worried. ha ha.
Guest: Yes, Dis has a sword...and a pretty fancy one too it seems, so yes, all will be well in Middle Earth now. Gandalf can retire. ha ha
abc: Yah, but I figure that Thorin don't travel much and they don't have TV, newspapers or internet, so how often would one dwarf know what another looks like if they have not met? Right? And Balin WAS wearing the crown...and Thorin had a helmet on. Yep, Dams with swords...a dwarrow's worst nightmare. ha ha. Thanks