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Hello there! So I am going to be posting more often now - so be sure to not skip a chapter by mistake! Keep track of where you left off.

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I had to share this funny review, I thought it was SO TRUE!

"So Thorin had a key but no visible keyhole, now Dis has both a key and keyhole but can't get them together.

Perhaps Durin's bane is not a balrog, but rather, keys!" ~ Celebrisilweth

Yes, indeed. Apparently the only Durin who can master the use of keys is little Frerin! ha ha.

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Chapter 117

~X~

The sun had just come up over the horizon when Bain, along with the men and dwarves who followed him, went to exit the cover of the small forest they had been riding through. They had pushed on all night, only stopping briefly to rest and water their mounts, before pressing onward. The young prince of Dale knew that Fili, Kili, and the others were in grave danger, and getting to the entrance had been his only thought since that blasted stone door had shut in his face. He only prayed that the dwarf princes were still alive.

However, before his horse could take one step out into the clearing, he was suddenly under attack by a black screeching bird, swooping and diving directly in front of him. Bain pulled back on the reins and held up his hand to signal a halt, watching the raven as it did all it could to impede his progress.

"What on Middle Earth is that crazy bird doing?" he questioned, leaning back in his saddle as it came dangerously close to him once again. He was keenly aware of the significance the ravens played in delivering messages, yet this one was acting very oddly…and unfortunately, Fili and Kili were not here to speak to it. When it eventually landed on a limb close to his head and continued to squawk, Bain got the idea that it was trying to say something…but what? Turning around in his saddle, he called to those behind him. "Is there a dwarf among you who can speak with this raven?"

There were a few moments of quiet murmurings before a lone dwarf rode forward, looking somewhat hesitant.

"I…I am called Jorun, and I'm willing to try, Prince Bain," the brown bearded dwarrow said with a bow of his head. "While I am of the Longbeard clan, my great-grandmother also came from the line of Durin. Yet, I aint never tried to speak to a raven before."

"Do the best you can, Jorun," Bain encouraged. "For anything you can ascertain could be of grave importance…and is much more than I'm able to decipher."

The dwarf pulled his pony closer to where the raven sat, bobbing his head up and down in anticipation of being understood. When the dwarf signaled for the bird to speak, he did so with great enthusiasm, screeching his message loud and clear.

"Ambush! Ambush! Orcs in hiding!" the raven stated. "Orcs in hiding. No leave the trees. All die."

"There are orcs waiting for us, ready to attack the moment we leave the cover of the forest," Jorun relayed, quite flabbergasted that he had understood the raven quite easily.

Bain released a few choice words that would have earned him a strong reprimand from his father, yet no one blamed him. This was not how things were supposed to happen! Fili, Kili and the others were depending on them, and instead, he had almost led them into an ambush. Well, thanks to the ravens, he now had a chance to amend that.

"Where are they? The enemy?" Bain questioned, looking from Jorun to the raven and back. "And how many do we face?"

The bird answered and Jorun translated.

"They are just over that slight ridge, waiting for first sight of us," the dwarf told him, pointing to a grassy hill about a quarter of a mile away. "From what he can tell, there appears to be twice the number we have with us."

Once more, Bain cursed at their luck, yet was glad of the information. He looked around, searching for a way out of this, for he would not be of any use to his trapped friends, or the prisoners in the mine, if they were to get themselves killed in a battle they could not win. There had to be a way.

It was then that Dunner edged his horse up until he was parallel with Bain's.

"My lord, do you recall that large gully about a mile back?" he asked thoughtfully. "It appeared to branch off and head east through the trees. Might it be of some use in getting around the awaiting orcs…to somehow slip behind them and take them by surprise?"

Bain's brows knit together in consideration. He had not thought much about it at the time, but now he was very interested to find out exactly where the gorge went. Turning to the bird once more he posed his question.

"That gully a ways back…can you tell me where it leads?" he asked, hoping the raven could understand his question. It apparently could, and took to flight without another word. They waited for a bit, and soon the black corvid returned, alighting on the same branch and ruffling its feathers excitedly. It quarked and squawked for a while, then stopped, waiting for the dwarf to relay his words.

"He says he followed it around the bend, and it skirts the mountain range for a mile, maybe two, but comes out some distance behind where the orcs are waiting," Jorun informed him.

"It appeared too shallow for horses though, and too narrow for more than one or two to travel abreast," Bain stated. "Yet, if we were to send half our troops on foot that way, we could catch the orcs in a crossfire, and possibly even the odds."

The raven seemed to like this idea and bobbed its head up and down amid loud screeches. And so the plan was made and set into motion. Bain sent Dunner with half the men and dwarves back to the gully, choosing those who had the most skill with a bow. While he and the rest of the troops remained at the edge of the tree line, waiting for the raven to give the signal that they were in position to attack. It felt like forever before Bain saw the glossy raven circling overhead, surveying the area one last time before diving from the sky with a loud call. Bain recognized the signal.

"ATTACK!" he called, drawing his sword and spurring his horse on, breaking forth from the trees and racing across the open field. At the sound of his call, not only did those behind him respond with a loud battle cry, but the orcs ahead of them chose that moment to leap from their hiding place and surge forth. However, much to their shock and dismay, a volley of arrows came out of nowhere behind them, striking many of the unsuspecting orc warriors in the back, sending them to the ground. Without any shields to protect them from a rear attack, a good many of the enemy was taken out within minutes, sending the filthy creatures scattering in confusion. Bain and his troops reached them just as the third and final shower of arrows struck, leaving even less for their swords to slice into.

Once their own soldiers were mixed with the enemy, the archers stowed their bows and took up sword and ax, racing into the fray with a war cry of their own. Soon it was a free for all, with swords slashing, axes hewing, and knives flashing. The sound of battle was deafening, as steel against steel rang through the field, and soon, the new spring grass was stained with the black blood of many orcs…as well as the red blood of men and dwarves.

Bain was battling a particularly fierce opponent when he heard a warning shout off to the side. Turning, he saw the raised ax of another orc, prepared to cleave him in two. And while Bain could not react quickly enough, Dunner apparently could, his own blade appearing out of nowhere and halting the enemy's weapon in midair. Spinning around, Bain brought his sword across the midsection of the orc he was currently fighting, and then turned to face the one Dunner had stopped from killing him. Yet, much to his relief, his second in command had already disposed of his would-be killer. Raising his arm, he briefly placed his hand on Dunner's shoulder, giving it a grateful squeeze.

"My thanks, dear friend," Bain said between gasps for air. "You saved my life."

"It is my pleasure, My Prince," Dunner grinned, turning away as he threw himself back into the fray.

Bain quickly joined him and soon they were lost once more in the battle.

In the end, Bain and his company stood victorious, yet the young prince feared the price. When a count had been taken, and the battlefield searched, they had lost a total of six. Four men and two dwarves had fallen, with still another ten seriously injured and in need of medical attention. Yet, as if the old dwarf had magically heard Bain's mental cry for aid, Oin and his medical wagon suddenly appeared out of the trees.

"Oin!" Bain called, never happier to see the dwarrow healer. "Come quick, we have wounded!"

"I should say so," Oin mumbled, his eyes scanning the mass of dead orcs. "The ravens came and told us there was a battle going on, so we hurried as fast as we could." He climbed down from his wagon and quickly set to work, assessing which lad was in the most need.

Bain noticed that behind him came the few guards they had left to protect the supplies, as well as Fili's sons. Yet to his confusion, he did not see Flinn or Frerin among them…certainly they would not have left the dwarf lads alone and unprotected!

"Where are Prince Fili's sons?" Bain asked one of his men as they approached. "Why are you all here without them…are they hiding in the wagons?"

"Nay, my prince," the man answered, appearing reluctant to offer his explanation. "They…they have been taken by orcs, along with the dwarrow known as Bofur."

"What? How?" Bain was shocked. Here he had been worried about telling the lads he had lost their father…now he was going to have to tell Fili that his sons were gone as well? Oh, this mission was turning worse by the moment.

"They entered through some secret door in the cave is the best we can figure," the man continued. "They struck quickly, allowing us no time to get inside to protect the lads. There was nothing we could do."

"Damn those wretched beasts!" Bain spat out, balling his hands into fists at the idea of those adorable little lads in the hands of such filth. "We need to rally our troops and make for the mine entrance as quickly as possible. Hopefully, this was the bulk of their forces and we will be able to enter relatively unhindered. Yet with the way our luck has been holding thus far…I doubt it will be that easy." He looked around at his tired, hungry, and wounded troops – wishing he could offer them a respite before they pressed on. Yet there was no time, and the lives of so many now depended on their speed. Leaping onto a large boulder, he addressed those before him.

"Hear me now, my fellow soldiers, both men and dwarf," he shouted, causing all to turn towards him. "You fought well today, bringing pride to your king and kin…yet I fear the battle is not over yet. As you know, Prince Fili and Prince Kili, along with Dwalin, Nori, and Tauriel, were trapped inside the mountain when the stone door closed. I have just learned that another band of filthy orcs have taken Bofur and the two dwarf lads." At this there was a collective gasp throughout the troops, with murmurs of shock and anger over the news. "So, while I wish I could allow you all to rest and tend your wounds, we must not delay, for the lives of those taken captive are now in peril. Are you willing to give your last for your friends, your allies and your kin? Who will ride with me?"

At his final words, there arose a cheer so loud from those around him, that Bain was sure it shook the ground. Both dwarf and men alike raised their weapons in the air and shook them in hearty agreement, each one striding towards their mounts. Bain too swung into the saddle and turned towards Oin and those assisting him.

"Care for the wounded and dispose of our enemy," he ordered. "We will return victorious…or we will not return at all." And with a final battle cry, he led his remaining soldiers forward, his sword thirsty for more orc blood.

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Not far away, in the bowels of the mine, Fili, Kili and the others followed Flinn through the tunnels, taking one twist and turn after another. If they didn't know any better, they might have thought their father was lost, for they certainly were by now. Yet the determined look in his eye and the snap decisions he made at each crossroad told them different. He had been a prisoner here for over twenty years, and in that time, he had learned the layout of the mines well.

Fili had scooped up Frerin, while little Flinn rode on Kili's back, the two lads far too tired and weak to have made it this far on their own power. It had been hours now since any of them had been given food or drink, and it was beginning to take its toll on the dwarflings. Yet to their credit, neither one complained, making Fili one proud father to be sure. The rest were tiring as well, from lack of sleep more than anything, for they had not shut their eyes since the previous night. Still, each one was alert and ready to fight, should the need arise. Thankfully, they encountered very few orc guards in the tunnels, yet that brought on the fear that the majority of them had gone out to battle with Bain and their troops – a thought that did not sit well with Fili.

"Are we getting close?" Kili asked, hefting his nephew a little higher on his back as he hurried along behind.

"Soon," Flinn nodded, signaling for everyone to slow down. "We have to pass through that open cavern there," he instructed, pointing out of the tunnel and into the wide open space. There was a stone path that twisted across with deep crevices on the left and right, and many ledges and holes dug into the walls on either side. Cables and wires were strung overhead, with buckets attached to lines and pulleys intertwining through the cavern. The moment they stepped out of the tunnels, there would be no cover and no place to hide, yet it was apparent that they had little choice in the matter. "On the other side is the tracks that lead to the mine's entrance. They load the carts with the iron and ore here and send it straight to the waiting wagons outside. I have only been there once…but oh, I remember the feel of the fresh air and the sight of green and growing things." Flinn shut his eyes for a moment, recalling the blessed sight.

"Then we better get going," Fili nodded, praying with all his might that he would be able to show his father freedom once again. He still could not imagine the horror his sire had lived through these past nine decades. The thought that he too might die, or be taken captive on this journey, had crossed his mind more than once, leaving Sier and little Freya to mourn him, the same way he, Kili and their mother had their father. It was an eventuality that Fili was determined to avoid, and he knew there was no way in Middle Earth he would allow his own lads to suffer such a fate. "Lead the way, Adad," Fili encouraged wanting nothing more than to get out of this death trap.

So, after looking left and then right, Flinn ushered them all out onto the narrow walkway, Fili and Kili still carrying the lads, now for safety reasons. They had just made it across, with Flinn urging them onto the massive ledge where the bins on rails disappeared into the tunnel beyond, when a chilling voice stopped them cold.

"I would have thought by now you understood what the penalty is for attempting to escape, maggot," Gorbash snarled, as he and at least a dozen orcs stepped out of the tunnel directly in front of them, their weapons at the ready. "You have been nothing but trouble to me from the moment I bought you, dwarf."

"Well…I'm glad I made an impression," Flinn snarled back, never one to cower or kowtow.

"Just as I made several on you, over the years," Gorbash chuckled, holding up a wicked looking flail, the leather straps tipped with little metal spikes. "Care to see how a few more would look on your back, slave? Or perhaps it is time I took an eye for my troubles?" Yet as he took a step closer, he got a good look at Flinn and Fili, standing side by side, the same blond hair, the same firm look of determination on their face…and he began to laugh. "I thought you looked familiar to me, dwarf," he stated, glancing at Fili this time. He then pointed at little Flinn, his head poking out from behind Kili's as he still sat on his back. "And that little one there as well...you're all related!" The more the half man, half orc thought about it, the more it appeared to give him some sick sort of delight. "So your family has come to rescue you, have they, scum? Too bad their plans have gone awry, and they'll now share your fate in the mines…under my rule. What a sorry end for you all…and a fine laugh for me."

"You will never touch my kin!" Flinn yelled, hefting the sword before him with a menacing glare. "I will see you in Mordor before you do to them what you have done to me!" The blond dwarf then signaled for everyone to back up, to possibly run back over the path and escape through the tunnels, yet the sound of grunts and snarls behind them put an end to that idea. They were now trapped, blocked from escaping forward or back, with nowhere to go except down.

Kili let Flinn slip from his back, as Fili set Frerin beside him, the two brothers stepping in front of the lads, ready to defend them to the death. Older Flinn joined them, while Nori, Dwalin and Bofur turned around and faced the enemy behind them. They were hopelessly outnumbered, with little chance of survival…and yet their dwarrow spirit would not let them yield. To a dwarf, death was preferable to a life of torment under the lash of someone like Gorbash, and yet as Fili looked back at the faces of his two frightened sons…he knew he had to find a way to save them. He had to get them home to his lovely Sier…home to Erebor. Unfortunately, he had no idea how he was going to do that.

"Surrender, dwarf filth, and I will only demand an eye from each of you…this time," Gorbash offered. "Resist me, and we will feast on your arms and legs…while you're still alive and screaming." When none of the dwarves made a move to surrender, he gave a shrug of indifference and signaled for his orcs to attack.

Fili, Kili, and Flinn deflected the first few blows of their enemies, the sound of clashing blades echoing through the cavern. Dwalin, Nori, and Bofur also engaged those advancing across the walkway. And while the first two dwarves were rather handy with a weapon, the miner was a bit lax in the ways of a sword. Thankfully, he knew how to swing a pick ax, and he was deadly accurate at that. The battle was fierce, yet each dwarf knew that nestled between them were Flinn and Frerin, the two dwarflings their main concern at all times.

Kili watched as his father did his best to wield the sword in his hands, but it was not hard to tell that years of labor in the mines had weakened his grip, and more than once he almost had the blade knocked aside, managing to keep hold of it only by a hair's breadth. Both princes were fighting valiantly, watching the other's back, like they always did, and trying to aid their father and the others as best they could. They were still outnumbered, yet thankfully they had skill on their side.

Nearly a dozen orcs had either fallen to their deaths off the edge of the walkway or lay bleeding on the stone floor, thanks to Dwalin, Bofur and Nori. While the number of dead were piling up on Fili and Kili's side as well. Yet all that came to an abrupt halt when Fili heard his older son scream. Spinning around, the panicked father saw that one of the fallen orcs had not been completely dead, having managed to crawl forward into their protective circle unnoticed. With his last ounce of strength, the wretched creature had reached out, grabbed Flinn by the leg and yanked him backwards, flinging him towards Gorbash. Fili dove for Flinn, hitting the stone floor hard as he reached desperately to get to his son - yet a pair of clawed hands got to him first, pulling the squirming dwarfling up by the back of his tunic.

"Halt or the whelp dies!" he roared, causing everyone to turn in his direction. The orcs grinned wickedly, while the dwarves cried out in rage and anguish.

"FLINN!" Frerin cried, rushing forward in an effort to get to his brother. Thankfully, Kili was able to grab him before he too was snagged by their enemy. "Let my brother go!"

"Let him go?" Gorbash questioned, stepping towards the side of the ledge, dangling his tiny prisoner over the great chasm below. "Like this?" he asked wickedly.

"NO!" Fili screamed, scrambling to his feet and lurching forward in an effort to reach Flinn, yet two powerful orcs held him back.

"No, Gorbash," older Flinn begged. "Don't do this…not to the little one. Take me…do whatever you want, I no longer care. Just don't hurt the lad…please." It was obvious that it took a great deal out of the blond dwarf to speak that last word. Yet no one could deny that it was heartfelt.

"While I can't tell you how delicious it is to finally hear you speaking like a proper slave should, dwarf, it would indeed be foolish to let such a prize as this go to waste," Gorbash mused, bringing the kicking dwarfling back over solid ground, yet he did not let him go. "It would seem that by holding your spawn, I have leverage over the lot of you. Your race is weak to show such concern for its young. As soon as an orc is born, it is expected to defend itself…and if it can't, then it dies like the runt in a large litter. I never knew the one who whelped me, nor the unfortunate man she chose to mate with - though I was told that she slit his throat the moment the deed was done. Yet, look at me now…I survived and became the strongest of our pack. But this little thing," Gorbash gave Flinn a rough shake, "This little piglet will be your undoing." He glared at the six dwarves and Frerin, pulling a blade out of his belt and holding it against the blond dwarfling's stomach. "Now, drop your weapons and get on your knees, unless you wish to see what his insides look like splattered on the floor."

With very little hesitation, but a great amount of anger and rage, they all complied, knowing that they would willingly walk across fire if it meant saving the lad. When they were all in a position of submission, Gorbash let out a sinister laugh.

"You truly are fools!" he hissed. "Do you honestly think I need this little brat to keep you in line? I will take great pleasure in breaking the lot of you…but first, you will watch as this one dies!"

"NO!" Fili screamed, leaping to his feet once more, yet the orc behind him grabbed him by the hair and kicked him in the back of the legs, forcing him to his knees once more. "NO! FLINN!" Fili could not breathe, he could not think, all he could see was the frightened look in his son's eyes as the blade in Gorbash's hand was pulled back, seconds away from thrusting into his precious little dwarfling's belly.

Yet before the kill stroke came, the sound of something whizzing through the air was heard, and a wooden shaft embedded itself into Gorbash's arm with a sickening thud. The half man/half orc screamed out in pain, dropping both the blade and Flinn as he grabbed hold of his injured arm.

Little Flinn was up on his feet in a flash, racing forward towards his father's outstretched arms. Everyone, both orc and dwarf, looked around, searching for where the arrow had originated. When they spotted the source, Kili nearly choked on his strangled cry, uttering the only word his frantic mind could form.

"TAURIEL!"

OH my! Look who's back! Just in time to save the day...or at least little Flinn.

Good for Bain, he is really stepping up here! His daddy will be so proud.

Now...what is Kili going to do and say? Will he have time? Will they all survive?

Tune in next time and see!

Guest Reviews:

Aranel Mereneth: OH yes, he was not made Thorin's councilor for nothing! ha ha. He is a smart cookie.

Hey...where did all my guest reviewers go?