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Posting a bit early...but I don't think you will mind. ha ha.

Now, back to Erebor!

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Chapter 116

Barafazrâf mêzun bintarg rakhâs! = Your clan are beardless orcs

Caragu = Dung

~X~

Gimli and Bifur made their way down to the lowest levels, where the treasure was housed, following Thorin and Balin's directions to the letter. It took them a lot longer to get there than planned, since they had to navigate around several enemy guards who were blocking their way. The one Blacklock dwarf they had captured and pumped for information had told them there were at least a hundred who had invaded the mountain, and yet for as many as Bifur and Gimli encountered on their way, it felt like a lot more.

"Now where?" Bifur asked, as his companion read the next part of the instructions.

"Into the fourth chamber, it says," he said, pointing at the fourth door to the right. As they pushed it open, they found that it housed many of the more rare and precious stones, the larger ones labeled and placed on shelves, while there were chests and chests full of the smaller ones. As they held up their makeshift torch, there was a veritable rainbow of colors bouncing off the walls. "Now we are supposed to look for a chest with a silver latch and a large sapphire stone on the lid."

"Durin blue," Bifur nodded. "The king's colors for the king's jewel."

And so they searched, having to pick through dozens upon dozens of chests until they found one that fit that description, just about the size of a bread basket. Holding their breath, they opened the lid…and let out a moan of misery when all that lay there were a mixture of uncut gems of little value.

"I don't understand," Gimli huffed, looking at the paper again, reading off the directions out loud. "This has to be the chest! It is the only one in here with a silver latch and a blue stone."

"Maybe it is the right one…we just have to dig for it?" Bifur suggested, sticking his hand into the pile of rocks as he began to search. However he found that while the chest appeared to be rather deep, his hand only went down a few inches before he hit bottom. That was odd. Yet it also gave him an idea. Taking off his coat he laid it on the floor, and picking up the chest he dumped it over. All the semi-precious stones came tumbling out, but along with it, a false bottom and a large item wrapped in a blue velvet drawstring bag.

"Could it be?" Gimli asked hopefully, reaching out for it.

"No!" Bifur barked, grabbing the younger dwarf's wrist and halting it in midair. "Don't touch it, you have Durin blood in ya."

"Oh…right," Gimli nodded, taking a cautionary step back. He remembered Thorin's warning, but for some reason, just the idea that the bag held the Arkenstone was almost more than he could resist, wanting nothing more than to get a look at the fabled gem.

Bifur took a deep breath, and picked up the bag, opening the top and dumping the contents out into his hand. And there it was…the Arkenstone. The King's Jewel and the stone that bestowed the right to rule. It was smooth to the touch, and oddly warm, with an eerie glow about it in blues and pinks mixed with silver. It was nothing short of hypnotizing, and Bifur immediately understood the lure such a jewel could have on a dwarf.

"It's amazing," Gimli whispered, his hand unconsciously coming up in an effort to touch it, but Bifur pulled it away, stuffing it back in the bag with a sad shake of his head.

"No…it has the power to corrupt, and we've been charged with getting it safely out of the mountain," he reminded his friend. "The less we look at it, or touch it, the better."

Gimli, who seemed to snap out of a spell the moment the rock was hidden from his view, nodded sagely.

"Of course…you're right," he agreed. "We must go now before we're discovered and all of this has been for naught."

Bifur stuffed the bag into his vest pocket, buttoning the flap closed for safety's sake and then jerked his coat out from under the contents of the chest. He slipped it on as they made their way out of the treasury room and through the corridors, being ever so careful not to be seen. It still bothered them greatly to know that by escaping the mountain, they were leaving the dams to fend for themselves, as well as Thorin and the others. But they also knew the importance of getting the Arkenstone out of their enemy's hands.

It took nearly an hour to cautiously make their way to the little known secret exit, the very one that Bilbo and the others had entered all those years ago. While the tale of their journey and the retaking of Erebor were now part of the dwarve's history, the exact location of the door had always been kept a closely guarded secret. Yet, Bifur had been there when it had been used, and Gimli was privy to this information due to his father's friendship with the king, making it easy for them to locate and use.

However, as Bifur pulled at the heavy stone door, not having been opened since Fili and Kili had set the fireworks off on the ledge outside as a farewell display for the hobbits, he noted that Gimli appeared hesitant.

"What's the matter? Come on, we must hurry," Bifur urged, the first rays of morning still hidden behind the hills to the east.

"I…I can't go," Gimli stated, looking apologetic yet determined. "I can't just leave my amad and adad like that. I have to go back and help them!"

Bifur gave him an understanding nod, stepping back into the tunnel and placing his hand on the younger dwarrows shoulder. He had known Gimli since he was just a dwarfling, and to see the fine dwarrow he had grown to be made the toymaker smile. Gloin had every reason to be proud of his son.

"I understand. I would feel the same way if Bofur or Bombur were still inside Erebor. Go back…help where you can," he encouraged. "I'll get the Arkenstone away from Erebor. Just be careful."

"You too, my friend," Gimli said. "Ride hard and be safe."

The two dwarves smiled once more, gripping the other's arm in a warrior's farewell. Bifur stepped outside the door onto the ledge and watched as Gimli shut it behind him, the entrance sealing and instantly becoming invisible. It could not be opened again from the outside until Durin's Day…and that was many months away.

Bifur wasted no time scaling down the hidden stairs, skirting around the mountain until he came to the stables. With utmost care, he peeked inside to make sure no one was around. It occurred to Bifur that if the stable hands had been sent to their chambers under quarantine, there was no one to feed and water the ponies. Thankfully, the soldiers who had rode out the previous day had taken most of the mounts with them, leaving only a few in the stalls and enough food and water to last them quite a while. Bifur began to saddle a sturdy caramel colored pony, eager to get on the road for the Iron Hills and bring back the soldiers. He had considered riding to Dale first, but their troops were already a full day ahead of him, and he dared not delay any longer. Besides, he was not sure what Bard could do to help anyway, what with the gates locked up tight and closely guarded.

He led his pony out of the stables, still on the lookout for any of the enemy who might be nearby. Thankfully, he ran into no one, and quickly mounted up, ready to ride. Yet before he heading off, he turned and took one last look at Erebor.

"I'll be back soon, Thorin," he whispered, patting the stone still hidden within his pocket. And with a heavy heart, Bifur rode out, taking the backway so that hopefully no one would see, or follow, him. The toymaker knew he had accepted a very dangerous assignment, yet he and his family had never been anything but loyal to their king. He, Bofur, and Bombur, had all traveled across Middle Earth, risking life and limb to reclaim their mountain home. And while others in the company had all been somehow related, even if it was by a very small and distant amount, they had chosen to answer Thorin's call purely out of loyalty, honor and a willing heart. And now, even sixteen years later, all three were still as faithful as ever. So it was, that Bifur pushed his pony onward, over the hills and through the forests, desperate to catch up with the army of dwarves…hoping that he could find them and return in time.

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Back in the tunnels, Dis and the others had just finished making up a cozy spot for the children to sleep, using Nori's stolen bedclothes. They were talking about the key and how they needed to get it to Thorin, when little Talin spoke up, pointing at the strange object with great concern.

"It won't fit," she informed them.

"What won't fit?" Dis asked, leaning down a bit in hopes of understanding the little lass.

"That key…it is too big," Tal explained. "It won't fit through the holes in the grate that lead to the prison cell."

Tor also stopped what he was doing and peered up at the key, nodding his head in agreement. "Yes, it is way too big."

"I could hardly fit my finger through, see…it scraped the side, it was so small." Tal held up her pointer finger as proof, showing Dis the little red mark on her skin.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, my dear," the dwarf princess cooed, taking hold of Talin's finger and giving it a little kiss. When the child seemed placated, she turned back to the others. "Now how are we going to get Thorin the key?"

"Is there any other way into the prison cells? Any way at all?" Sier asked, wishing she had some brilliant idea.

"None…only the one way in or out, and I'm willing to bet it's well guarded," Dis lamented. "And here we thought we had the perfect plan."

"We will just have to figure out a new idea then," Bergie said in a determined voice. "We are their only hope for escape, and I for one do not intend to let them down. Do you?"

"NO!" the rest of the dams said firmly…yet without any clue as to how to go about it.

"Then let's get to thinking, ladies," Dis stated. "We have a key, and there is a lock…we just have to find a way to get the two together." Yet when no one spoke, Dis gave a heavy sigh. "This is going to be harder than we thought."

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Hagen marched towards the prison cells, feeling rather kingly in his new crown and coat. He could see that being king had its advantages, and now that he had had a taste of royal living…he was not about to give it up easily. Hence, he needed the Arkenstone to hold his new position, and he knew just the one who could give it to him. Thorin Oakenshield.

As he entered the dungeon corridor, he saw three of his soldiers lounging outside the door, all of them looking rather tired, yet still vigilant. When they heard him approach, they leapt to their feet, standing up straight and tall.

"And how are our guests doing this morning?" Hagen asked, with a smirk.

"Quiet, My Lord," one of the dwarrow answered. "Nary a peep since last night."

"Fine, fine," their leader mumbled. "Open the doors."

The guards complied, allowing Hagen to make his way down the long hall until he came to the cell that housed the prisoners. They had heard the clinking of the door and the voices as they approached, so Thorin, Balin, and the others were prepared for company. It was no big surprise to them when Hagen came into view, followed by at least a dozen of his toughest looking guards.

"Good morning, former king under the mountain," he sneered, looking directly at Balin. "Do you like my new attire? I would say it looks rather stunning, and fits me quite well."

"You can dress up a pig all you want, but he still ain't good for nothing more than ham and bacon," Gloin retorted, giving a snort of derision at their captor.

This of course made Hagen snarl with rage, yet he schooled himself quickly enough, doing his best to appear kingly. He walked over to the bars and crossed his arms over his chest, eyeing Balin pointedly.

"Are you prepared to give up the location of the Arkenstone?" he demanded.

"Are you prepared to admit defeat and leave Erebor?" Balin countered, taking on the same posture as Hagen, meeting his gaze with one of hate.

"Defeat?" Hagen barked out a laugh. "Perhaps it has escaped your notice that it is you who are behind bars, not I. I hold all the cards…not you, Thorin. And should you choose to deny me the information I desire, I will be only too happy to take it from you by force. This is your last chance."

"And this is your last chance to cease this foolishness and surrender," Balin continued, not wavering in his brave insistence. "If you yield now, I might allow you to live…but continue this any further and your life will be forfeit."

This seemed to anger Hagen, and the five dwarrow watched as his face grew hard, his eyes taking on a glint of evil that left no doubt in Thorin's mind what he had planned. So it would be torture.

"Get in there and make them talk!" Hagen ordered, snapping his fingers to the large dwarves behind him. "Start with the king…and make the others watch."

Thorin and the others, though brave and resolved to give away nothing, still took a step back as the armed dwarrow opened the cell door and stepped inside. They immediately separated Balin from the rest, keeping their swords pointed at them to deter any resistance. Thorin's eyes met that of his friend and kinsman, begging Balin to allow him to speak up and reveal his identity, yet a firm shake of the white bearded dwarf's head stopped him. The sons of Fundin were a brave lot, and Thorin was never more proud to have them as kin than right now.

"Last chance, king," Hagen snarled, remaining safely outside the cell, though watching with eager anticipation. "Where is the Arkenstone?"

"Barafazrâf mêzun bintarg rakhâs!" Balin shouted, the insult having the desired effect as he watched Hagen's face turn red with rage.

"Make him bleed!" Hagen screamed, rushing forward and wrapping his fingers around the bars as he pressed his face against them in rage. "If he will not tell me what I want to know, next cut his tongue out so he might never speak again!"

Two of the burly dwarves grabbed hold of Balin by the arms, restraining him from getting away as a third approached, rolling up his sleeves as he prepared to implement his master's commands. Yet before he could even draw his fist back to deliver the first punch, they were interrupted by the calls of another guard, rushing into the prison.

"Lord Hagen!" When the dwarrow saw that he had interrupted something he skidded to a halt, bowing quickly. "Forgive the intrusion, but there is an army of men at the gate! The man in charge claims to be the king of Dale and demands to speak to King Thorin."

"What?" Hagen roared, hating to see his fun spoiled by such news. "Tell him to leave! Inform him that the king is unable to receive him and that the mountain is under quarantine!"

"I did, My Lord, but he refuses to go," the dwarf insisted. "He says if the king will not come out to see him personally, he will storm the gates! He does not seem like the type to make idle threats."

"Caragu!" Hagen spat, now more furious than ever. "Rotten sons of men! Why do they even care what goes on within Erebor?"

"They are our allies and friends," Balin explained, a wide grin coming to his face. "Something you would know nothing about."

"What are we to do, My Lord?" the dwarrow guard persisted, wringing his hands nervously. Apparently the sight of a garrison of men alarmed him greatly.

"We will give him what he desires in order to make him go away!" Hagen growled, signaling for those holding Balin to bring him out. He pulled a dagger from his waist and held it up to the white bearded dwarf's neck. "You will go and speak to him, and you will make him leave or I swear, this prison floor will be stained with the blood of your comrades, do you hear? No tricks and no secret messages…you tell him that the mountain is under quarantine and nothing more, or it will be death to you all!"

Balin nodded in understanding, though doing so with a blade at his throat was a bit difficult. He managed to catch Thorin's eye, and a silent message was exchanged between them, conveying all he needed to know.

"I will need my crown and coat," Balin stated, gesturing to Hagen's attire. "I can't exactly go out looking like a beggar in my own mountain, can I?"

This clearly irritated Hagen, yet after a bit of fuss, he did indeed shed his new magnificent coat and crown, handing them over with a grumble. Once Balin was properly attired, he was led out of the prisons and towards the main gates.

All the way, Hagen continued to threaten him with descriptions of horrible things he would do should any attempt to alert the king of Dale to their plight be made. Balin took it all in stride, knowing that he would have to say very little, in fact, to get the point across to Bard that something was not right in Erebor. Just seeing him, instead of Thorin, wearing the crown would do that quite effectively. He knew he would have to speak first and fast, in order to stop Bard from giving him away…should his name but slip from the king's lips, all their work could be undone.

When they reached the gates, Hagen made one final threatening gesture towards Balin with his dagger, and then signaled for the small single person door to be opened. Balin was flanked by several of Hagen's guards, each one with orders to kill him, should he attempt to alert the king of Dale. But the wise advisor had no intention of doing so…at least not in a way his captors would notice.

"Ahhh, Bard, what a surprise," Balin stated, the moment he spotted the tall bowman standing beside his horse, an entire host of soldiers at his command. "Please forgive me for not coming sooner, laddie, but as you know, a king's work is never done, and as the ruler of this mountain, my attention is needed everywhere. But I am here now, just as you requested," he gave a low bow, as the customary gesture of his people. "King Thorin, at your service."

Bard was both speechless and confused, and yet, when Balin lifted his head, the man could see the intense look in his eyes, all but screaming for him to play along. The king of Dale was no fool, he could recognize a ruse when he saw it, and he could think of only a few reasons why Balin might pretend to be the king…and none of them filled him with confidence.

"King…Thorin," Bard said, his words slow and deliberate. "I…I have come to offer you aid," he lied smoothly. "We were confused when we saw your gates had been shut, but now that we hear there is sickness in the mountain, we wish to help in any way possible."

"Aye, we indeed do have a plague inside Erebor," Balin nodded, hoping that Bard picked up on his double meaning. From the slight raise of the man's eyebrows, he guessed he had. "Yet there is nothing you can do, laddie. Best thing for it is to keep ourselves sequestered and ride it out."

"Have many of your people been afflicted, King Thorin?" Bard asked pointedly.

"I would say no more than a hundred or so," Balin claimed, giving out the supposed number of the invaders. "Yet this scourge has confined most of the mountain to their quarters, leaving Erebor practically a tomb."

"That is troubling to hear," Bard nodded in understanding. "Might I inquire after the queen and Princess Rose? I do hope they have not taken ill."

"Nay, my wife and daughter have been safely hidden away, thankfully untouched by this scourge, and will remain so if I have any say in the matter," Balin assured him. "I'm in constant counsel with my head advisors over the matter, including my captain of the guard, Lord Dwalin." Again, the advisor could see Bard's mind working, trying to decipher what he was hearing.

Bard knew that Dwalin was off on the mission with Fili, Kili, and Bain, thus he could only suspect that Thorin was currently masquerading as Erebor's war chief. It relieved him greatly to hear that the true king still lived, and that Queen Marigold and Princess Rose were safe.

"Is there anything that the people of Dale might to do assist you during this troubling time, King Thorin?" Bard asked, ready to signal his men to attack if that be Balin's wish.

"Nay…not at this time," the white haired dwarf said with a shake of his head. "I fear that the sickness is still rather contagious, and should your men enter, they may fall victim to its effects as well. Best you remain at a distance laddie, at least for the time being." He then gave him another bow. "Yet we thank you greatly for your offer of aid, and it is heartening to know that we have such good and strong allies to fall back on in our times of need. Your kindness will not soon be forgotten, and I wish good health to you and your men this evening, King Bard." And with one final pointed look, Balin turned and headed back inside the mountain, the guards shutting the door behind him.

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Bard stood there, his mind spinning from all he had just heard. Erebor had been invaded! And if he wre forced to guess by whom, he would have to say it was by dwarves! For the two guards that flanked Balin did not look at all familiar to him, nor did they dress like the dwarves of Erebor. How strange.

He ran over Balin's words once more, doing his best to understand each word and its true meaning. Marigold and Rose were safe, Thorin was alive but they thought him to be Dwalin…Bard wondered how this had come about and why. Balin also indicated that attacking at this time would be unwise, yet he had specifically wished him and his men good health that evening…did that mean he wished for Bard to attack then…at nightfall?

Just then, the first ray of light crested the hills and shone on the mountainside, causing Bard to turn his gaze towards Dale. He could just make out the image of a large black raven as it took to the skies, flying quick and steady in the direction of Mirkwood.

"Go swiftly, Telk," Bard whispered, reaching up and swinging himself into the saddle. "For the message you bear must be answered quickly if we are to be of aid to Erebor." He gave one last look at the large iron gates before him and shook his head in concern. "And it would appear they are in desperate need at the moment." With that he reined his horse around and led his men back to Dale…for there was much planning to do!

All right...at least the Arkenstone is out of the mountain. One thing down...like a zillion more to go.

Dis and the dams are stumped...how can they get Thorin the key if it won't fit through the holes in the grate?

Bard is clued in now, thanks to Balin's quick thinking. And it is a good thing he showed up when he did, saved Balin from getting a beating!

What will happen next?

Guest Reviews:

abc: Little Frerin was so brave, but he could only do it with his brother's encouragement and faith in him. Yep, getting out and helping Bain is a must here. And something special for Gorbash? How about a nice bouquet of flowers...FOR HIS GRAVE!? ha ha. Thanks

Emrfangirl: I am glad my story could help you pass the time while you were waiting. Nothing worse than waiting rooms. Nori was a bad dwarf...and Dis will let him know just what she thinks of him taking her crown. ha ha. Glad you caught the movie lines. A LOT Of your questions were hopefully just answered by this chapter. ha ha. And you asked good ones too. Oh yes, Frerin has a crush on a certain red head. ha ha. And next chapter...can you wait that long to find out about Tauriel? You will have to wait and see what Dis does, or does not do, when Flinn shows up. I do hope you like it though. Thanks

Aranel Mereneth: Yes, it was a bit stressful with Frerin working so hard to open the door. And I too love family time with Fili and Kili and their dad. they will have a lot of catching up to do. Thanks

Feu d'Argent: Yes, it was a consoling thing to Tauriel too, for even if it did hurt...it was real and no one could ever take that away from her. Fili did step up and took care of Kili and his mother, as best as he could, with Thorin's help of course. My writing is going well, thought I had a few rather busy days last week and got hardly any new stuff done. I am on chapter 135 now and hope to have it done before I hit 150. But it is hard to say. I hope to give out more bonus chapters as often as I can. Thanks.