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Some have asked how long this story will be...I have no idea. ha ha.

I am currently writing chapter 139, and I don't see it going more than 150...tops. But we shall see. The end is clearly in sight though.

Thanks for each and every review!

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Chapter 123

~X~

In Erebor, Dena remained hidden, off to the far left behind one of the great pillars, just as Gloin had instructed.

"Stay here, he said," she whispered to herself in irritation. "Don't move from this spot, he said. Then that fool husband of mine runs off with our son without another word! And what am I to do if they get themselves captured? Stand here till the fall of Mordor, waiting like a dutiful wife? Well, that is not going to happen!" Yet, despite her words, Dena stayed where she was, waiting anxiously for something to happen.

And then it did.

From somewhere, though she could not pinpoint the exact location, there came the resounding blast of a large horn, deep and low as it was blown. It reverberated off the walls and bounced around the room, filling her with awe and inspiration - while hopefully striking fear into the hearts of their enemy. Yet before the sound had even begun to fade, there came a loud snap from high above, and Dena looked up just in time to see the large golden bell that hung in the center of the entryway break loose. The chain it was now suspended on allowing it to swing in a mighty arc as it flew towards the gates. The dwarves guarding the entrance all cried out in fear, doing their best to scramble out of the way to avoid being crushed by the massive bell.

With an earth shattering crash, it struck its target, ripping the doors from their hinges and sending bits of iron and splintering wood sailing in every direction. They had created an entrance for Bard…now they only hoped they hadn't crushed him in the process.

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Bard and Thranduil had been advancing towards the gates of Erebor, when they heard the deep bellow of the horn. The king of Dale held up his hand, halting the armies behind them, as he stared at the mountain with wide eyes. He had heard that particular horn once before, during the Battle of the Five Armies, just before Thorin had charged into battle. It stirred his blood, urging him onward…and yet, with the mighty doors still closed, they had no way to get in and fight.

But suddenly, much to their amazement, a large golden bell came crashing through the gates, creating a large enough hole for at least five warriors to walk abreast. Erebor had been penetrated…yet from the inside out!

"Thorin's doing?" Thranduil speculated, raising an eyebrow at the rather crude, yet effective, method.

"Whoever's behind this…I intend to take full advantage of it now, and thank them later," Bard nodded, drawing his sword and holding it up as he gave a mighty yell. "TO ARMS!" Before spurring his horse forward, racing towards the entrance to Erebor.

Thranduil followed suit, digging his heels into his elk's side as he matched speed with Bard, his elven warriors boldly following. They made it inside the entryway, avoiding the still swinging bell, and quickly spied the enemy. As they had expected, their adversaries were easily identified by the fact that they drew their weapons and attempted to kill the men and elves. It bothered Bard slightly that he was forced to slay dwarves, having built up such a friendship with those who resided within the mountain…yet he had to remind himself that these were not Thorin's people. They were those who had invaded the home of his allies, and they must be stopped.

The battle was short lived, for a mere dozen enemy dwarves were no match for nearly ten times that amount in elves and men. And before half their forces even made it within Erebor's walls, the fighting was over. As Bard and Thranduil dismounted, stepping over the slain bodies, they looked around, hoping to see Thorin. Yet instead, it was a lovely dam who poked her head out from behind a pillar, her eyes wide with shock as she surveyed the scene before her.

"My lady," Bard said, doing his best to sound reassuring. "Come out…you have nothing to fear."

"King Bard?" she asked, indeed coming out from where she had been hiding. "We are grateful for your assistance…and yours as well, Lord Thranduil." Now this truly surprised Dena…for no one had said anything about the elves coming to their aid.

"You are Master Gloin's wife…are you not?" the king of Dale guessed, recognizing the lass from the many functions he had attended within the mountain.

"Aye, my lord," she nodded, giving him a curtsy. "Dena, daughter of Dúni, at your service."

"And where is your husband, dear lady?" Thranduil asked, finding it strange that any dwarrow would abandon his mate during a battle.

"He is here," came the sound of a gruff voice, appearing to their left, followed closely behind by Gimli. The two looked rather proud of themselves, strutting in as if they had defeated the enemy personally.

"That was some entrance…or perhaps I should say exit, Master Gloin," Bard chuckled, recalling that the very same bell had been used once before to destroy the barricade that Thorin had built. It would appear that this method had lost none of its effect, having done the job admirably. "Might I enquire what is happening within the mountain? Where is Thorin?"

"Our king has gone after the leader of these vile dwarves who have infiltrated Erebor," Gloin informed him. "I don't know his exact location…yet I am certain that we only need to listen for the sound of fighting, and we'll find him easy enough."

"I would normally be in agreement with that…though, I fear the sounds of battle will quickly be upon us," Thranduil stated, raising his sword, as the elves around him did the same. For his ears were sharp and he had heard the sound of many footsteps heading their way, long before it became apparent to the rest.

"Make ready!" Bard called, also preparing to fight.

As Gloin took his stand, Gimli grabbed his mother and pulled her out of the way, placing himself between her and the oncoming enemy.

"Step aside, son!" Dena growled, her own sword firmly in her hand. "I was cutting down villains like these before you were even born!"

The younger dwarrow growled low, yet he did as he was told, obeying his mother as the two stood side by side, ready to take on whomever had the misfortune to strike against them.

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Ori was in a state of full panic, having run this way and that, attempting to circumnavigate the enemy while desperately trying to get to the healing halls. Marigold, Thorin's wife and his queen, was in need of aid, and it was up to him to find her some. Unfortunately, when he arrived at his destination, he found at least seven unknown dwarrow guarding the wing, not allowing any in or out. He cursed a blue streak, something he was certain Dori would have boxed his ears for, but he didn't care.

Quickly changing his direction, he hurried to the only other place he knew to go…the secret tunnels, praying that Bergie would know what to do. When he reached the location of the hidden door, he paused, looking around carefully before pressing the little button that would open them. He had not been sure what to expect, but having two small pairs of hands grab his legs, and a heavy blanket tossed over his head, was not it. Falling to the floor, flat on his face, he moaned in pain, preferring to lie there until the shooting stars behind his eyes faded and the ringing in his ears subsided.

"Ori?" came a shocked voice. "Is that you?" Bergie asked, pulling off the blanket and kneeling down beside him. "We're terribly sorry…but we had no idea who it might be coming in, and we couldn't take the chance."

"Yes, Mister Ori…we're sorry," Talin confessed, lowering her head and placing her hands behind her back.

"Did you hurt your nose?" Torin asked, squatting down and staring at the dwarf's face with a look of worry.

"What are you doing here?" Bergie asked, helping the still dazed dwarf to his feet.

"I…I came for…for help," he muttered, blinking a few times as his mind began to clear. "Marigold…she…she needs a healer, but the enemy is blocking the way to the halls of medicine."

"A healer…why?" Bergie gasped, grabbing Ori by the vest and shaking him just a bit. "Was she injured?"

"No…but she says she's having her baby…now!" he stammered, doing his best to push away the dizziness, yet the hobbit shaking him was not helping.

"WHAT?" Bergie cried, her eyes now large as saucers. "Where is she…it is too soon! She can't have the baby now!"

"That's what I told her…but she won't listen to reason!" Ori insisted. "I left her in one of the weaving rooms with Rose, and came to get help. But you are the only one I could reach."

"ME?" the hobbit shrieked. "You think I know anything about having a baby? I mean…other than having done so myself? I'm no healer!"

"Well, neither am I!" Ori countered.

"Oh, dear, this is not good, not good at all!" Bergie began to pace, her fingers fisting in her hair as she tugged at her curls in panic. "Yet, I suppose there is nothing to be done…babies come when they wish to." She spun around and looked at Torin and Talin, eying them with great seriousness. "You two will have to remain here and look after little Freya…can you do that for me?" Thankfully the littlest princess was sound asleep in a nest of Nori's blankets, having dozed through all the commotion of Ori's arrival.

"Yes, Ama," Tor replied, standing up straight and looking as tall as he could.

"We can protect her," Talin agreed.

"I know you can," she nodded, giving them both a wide smile. "Now, stay here, do not leave these tunnels until someone comes to fetch you…understand?"

"But…but what if no one comes?" Talin asked, a flash of fear springing to her eyes.

"They will!" Bergie stated firmly. "I will! So don't even think that way, my dearling." She reached out, taking them into her arms in a fierce embrace. "Stay here, stay safe, and wait for help to come."

"We will," Torin nodded, followed by his sister. "We love you, Ama."

"And I love you both," she assured them, turning to go before she lost her nerve. Marigold needed her…not that she had any clue what to do in a situation like this, but at the very least she could hold her niece's hand and speak encouraging words…she only hoped it would be enough.

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Thorin had heard the distant booming of the horn, and paused to listen. That call had not been used in over fifteen years, and he remembered the reason it had been needed then. The orcs were attacking and Erebor was in danger of being overrun…well, now it had been, but not by orcs this time. But dwarves! Those scheming, backstabbing Blacklocks had invaded their home and threatened his people…they would pay dearly for this!

"Do you think that's Gloin?" Balin asked, his ears straining to determine the direction the sound was coming from. But before Thorin could answer, there was a crashing sound from somewhere in the mountain, followed by a slight rumbling through the stone walls.

"We can only hope it's his doing," Thorin muttered. "And if so, I pray that last vibration means Bard has entered the mountain." He then began to hurry down the corridor once more, eager to find Hagen and end this once and for all.

Their trek took them through the halls of the kings, with golden statues and elaborate murals lining the walls, all depicting the previous rulers and their mighty deeds. Yet before they could make it across the large room, they were halted by the approach of the very dwarf they sought…Hagen! Unfortunately, he was far from alone.

"So, it would appear that you are not only liars…but sneaks as well," he accused, stepping forward, as at least thirty of his soldiers filed in behind him, fanning out as they brandished their weapons before them. "How ever did you manage to escape the dungeons? I would have asked my guards, but they are still unconscious…your doing I assume?"

"We did only what was required…we did not slaughter them, for it was not necessary," Balin spoke up, retaking on his role as king. "Now you, on the other hand, are in need of a good killing."

"You and what army?" Hagen laughed, extending his arms in a show of his might. "Oh, look…you have none, while I have quite a host at my disposal." He then signaled for those around him to begin to encircle the small group in front of them, grinning as they huddled together, their backs to each other and their weapons at the ready. "You make a poor showing, for the king of Erebor, Thorin Oakenshield. Two dwarrow and two dams…is that all who will fight at your side?"

"That's all I need to defeat you, and I would take them over your whole army any day, Hagen," Thorin spat out, stepping forward and drawing the Blacklock leader's attention to him. "For they fight for me out of loyalty, honor and a willing heart…while yours do so only out of fear or personal gain."

"Fight for you?" Hagen questioned, his eyes going from Balin to Thorin, and back again in confusion. Yet then he looked up, and his eyes fell upon the golden statues depicting the line of kings against the walls. From Thrór, to Thráin, to….Thorin! The likeness was uncanny, and Hagen immediately realized that he had been duped this entire time. "YOU! You are Oakenshield! Admit it!"

"Proudly," Thorin said, with a smirk and a slight incline of his head. "Though I do appreciate my advisor's bravery for furthering the misunderstanding as to who exactly was the king, even if I had not asked it of him. Yet now…now you know the truth, and you will be fully aware of who I am when I slice you open and watch your guts stain the halls of my ancestors."

This apparently enraged Hagen, and whether it was due to them deceiving him, or the threat Thorin made about killing him, only he knew.

"KILL THEM!" he screamed, his face red with anger. "I no longer care if they can tell me where the Arkenstone is hidden! The mountain will be mine when this play-acting king is dead. KILL THEM ALL!"

The dwarves surrounding them advanced, far outnumbering the small group of five, and yet they did not back down. Thorin took a moment to think of those who stood alongside him. Dis, his amazing sister, who was strong as a war-hammer, and yet had a heart of gold. She was his last remaining sibling, and he hated to think they might perish here together. Balin, his faithful friend and cousin, who had stood behind him and supported everything he had ever proposed, for good or ill. Dori, the strong and loyal dwarf who mothered everyone around him…whether they wanted it or not. And Sier…the dam his nephew had found and won through great hardship, yet they had formed the strongest bond there was for dwarves. She was Fili's one, his equal in all ways, and Thorin couldn't have loved his niece any more even if she had been of his own blood.

Here they stood, ready to take on all those who came at them, prepared to give their lives in defense of each other and Erebor.

"Bring it on," Thorin muttered to himself, lifting his blade as he charged the first dwarf to come near.

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~XXXX~

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Fili approached his brother and sons, who were sitting beside Tauriel, talking quietly. He was happy for Kili…truly he was, for he knew well the joys that finding your one brought. If this elf could bring his brother half the happiness that Sier had brought him, then Kili would indeed be a fortunate dwarf. Yet, he still knew that his brother had many obstacles to overcome, Thorin being his main concern. And while Fili understood that their uncle no longer hated the elves of Mirkwood, he was also aware that he was not yet overly fond of them either. Glorfindel had done much to change his opinion about their race…but the wood elves had always been a different story.

"Kili…would you help me get beds set up for Flinn and Frerin?" he asked, stepping up beside the laughing group. "I think a good night's sleep will do everyone a world of good."

"I…" Kili began, glancing over at Tauriel with a look of hesitation. "Do you truly need me to help you put them down for the night?"

"Aye, brother," Fili stated, his tone firm but gentle. "I would appreciate your assistance with the task very much, as I am certain they would as well."

"Yes!" Flinn agreed, jumping up and tugging at Kili's hand. "You can tell us a story, Uncle Kili!"

"Yes, a story!" Frerin agreed, now equally excited. He then looked up at the elf beside them. "Wanna come listen too, Miss Tauriel?"

"I think it would be best if Tuariel stayed here by the fire and rested, Frerin," Fili suggested, before she or Kili had a chance to voice an opinion. "Come on, Kili…let's get these two to bed."

Kili gave Tauriel a confused smile and a shrug of his shoulders, telling her that he had no idea what Fili was up to. Yet, he trusted him implicitly, and rose to his feet, following him and his two nephews. When they were a fair distance away, rummaging through their packs to retrieve their bedrolls, he turned to question his brother.

"So, Fili," he began, picking out a soft looking piece of ground for Frerin to sleep on. "What's with all the secrecy? Last time I checked, you were perfectly capable of putting your own sons to bed. Did you wish to speak to me or something?"

"Or something," Fili replied, looking over his shoulder and seeing that their father had indeed taken advantage of their absence and was approaching Tauriel with a smile on his face.

Kili followed his brother's stare and his eyes widened as he watched his lady-love gesture for Flinn to have a seat beside her.

"What's Adad doing?" he questioned, feeling a little apprehensive about all this. While Tauriel being an elf was no concern to him, and his father had previously told him he would support their bond…that had been back when everyone had believed she had died in the cave-in. Had his adad only said such things to ease his suffering, and now he planned to voice his objections?

"Stop letting your mind run away with you, Kili," Fili chuckled, easily reading his brother's thoughts. "He only wants to speak with her…not scare her away. Show a little faith, will you?"

"Faith…yes," Kili nodded. And yet, when it came to Tauriel…he couldn't help but be overly protective. She was his one…and as far as he was concerned, his only.

Oh, boy, things are really moving along in Erebor now! Win or lose, it will all be over soon.

Hurry Ori and Bergie!

Did you like how Gloin opened the doors?

And look...Flinn and Tauriel are gunna have a heart to heart...about Kili's heart. ha ha.

Guest Reviews:

dojoson41: Nope, I will not do something that horrible to you all. It would be MADNESS I tell you, MADNESS! ha ha. And thanks for ranking my story so high!

abc: I do like to keep my readers happy! Also in suspense and on the edge of their seats. ha ha. Yep, as you can see, Thorin is a bit busy with Hagen right now, but maybe Ori can page him over the Erebor PA system? ..."Thorin Oakenshield, you are needed in the makeshift maternity ward...STAT!" ha ha. Rose is being so brave...and Ori is going to pass out. ha ha. Did you like Gloin's plan? Right now I think Thorin will take whatever help he can get! Yes, the trip back home will be good for everyone, to rest a bit and get to know each other better. Thanks

Emrfangirl: ha ha, the dam sure broke! Baby is coming. Marigold does indeed need more than just little Rose to help her, even if she is a very brave lass. Ori is trying to shine...really he is...but everyone is making it very hard for him to do so. Yep, Jorun the new Raven speaker...and it was just some long ago relative who had some Durin blood is all...no close relation at all. Flinn knows that Fili had a wicked streak in him as a child...and it has apparently grown. ha ha. Thranduil is indeed helping...good for him. Did you like Gloin's idea? Ha ha, no, Captain America movie quotes don't count. But nice try. ha ha.

Feu d'Argent: Sounds like you need a nap. ha ha. Fili was rather sly there, but Flinn is on to him. Bumps and bruises are OK though? I won't really hurt anyone...Promise. Yep, Marigold is one tough hobbit. And painkillers? Did they have such things for births then? Yes, keep chanting that mantra. Ha ha, my story is making people deranged? Ok, I'll take it. Thanks