Bella finger-combed back a few tendrils of hair that had fallen in her face during the excitement as she followed the wizard out of the kitchen to the front door. She was only briefly aware of Fili and Kili whispering with each other, anticipation in their tone. She stood in front of the door as Gandalf opened it.
A black-haired dwarf stood on her doorstep, appearing regal in the moonlight. "Gandalf," he greeted before stepping inside. (Bella quickly glanced at his boots, noting minimal mud.) "I thought you said this place would be easy to find," the final dwarf continued, removing his cloak. "I lost my way, twice. Wouldn't have found it at all if it wasn't for the mark on the door."
"Mark?" Bella asked. "What mark could there be? The door was freshly painted a week ago."
"A mark I put there," Gandalf answered, "to show this as the place of meeting. Bilbo Baggins, allow me to introduce the leader of our company. Thorin Oakenshield."
Bella drew herself to her full height, even if it still left her at least a head shorter than the imposing dwarf. And the way he looked down at her, judging, made her feel even smaller.
"So," Thorin said, as he passed his cloak to Kili, "this is the hobbit." He started circling her, much like a wolf stalks his potential prey. "Tell me, Mr. Baggins, have you done much fighting?"
"Enough to stay safe between here and Bree, sometimes in Bree when some rough dwarves or big folk insist on giving trouble," Bella answered, her hands finding the hilts of her fighting knives for comfort.
"Hm. Axe or sword?" he pressed. "What is your weapon of choice?"
"I personally prefer knives, throwing and fighting," Bella said. "Very effective. You can ask the first four dwarves who barged in uninvited."
"Surprising," Thorin said. "He looks more like a grocer than a burglar." He smiled in amusement. Bad decision.
Bella scowled. "This is one 'grocer' you shouldn't underestimate. You look no different than some of the dwarves I have handled in Bree. I'm sure that I could beat you in a fight."
That got a reaction from the first twelve. A mixture of disbelief and anticipation of a fight. Thorin didn't give much reaction, aside from the flash of surprise in his eyes.
"Well, try it then," he said, reaching for his sword.
Bella darted in as she withdrew one knife, flipped it once as she dove under the dwarf's arm as he drew his sword, and drove the hilt of her knife into the dwarf's chest . . . right above his heart.
Thorin grunted, stumbling back, but Bella stayed with him, determined to prove her point. "If I was holding my knife properly," she said lowly, "you'd be a dead dwarf, Oakenshield. Never underestimate an adventuring Took, even if they bear the name of Baggins."
"He also has a good throwing arm, Uncle," Fili said. "I pulled one of his throwing knives out of a knothole. Over half the blade was embedded into the wood."
"I believe that he was waiting until he could prove himself to you before putting them away," Kili added. "Or else he was making sure that the whole lot of us stayed in line."
Her "kill" gave her a look of mild surprise.
"I don't take kindly to home invasion, dwarf," Bella said, stepping back. "Especially when they haven't the manners to be proper houseguests." She glanced at the floor, spying faint mud prints. "Now, I'm going to ask you to please step out quickly and wipe your boots on the mat. I cleaned this hall this afternoon, and then Kili was kind enough to clean it again after the whole of your company tramped mud in here. I'm sure I speak for both of us when I say it would be appreciated if we didn't have to do it again."
"If you don't do it now, laddie," Balin said, "he'll make ye do it at knife point."
Thorin sheathed his sword and returned to the door, keeping a wary eye on her. He wiped his boots and stepped back inside. He gave a slight nod to her before heading into the midst of his company.
Fili took Thorin's cloak from Kili as the younger stepped over to the hall closet. "I'll quickly sweep it out while you get Uncle's food," he said to Bella. "I'm sure he has a monstrous appetite about now."
"Thank you, Kili," Bella said, tucking her knife away again. "Ori, Bofur, Bifur." The three broke off from the rest and followed her into the kitchen. "Ori, please, start putting the dishes away. Bofur, Bifur, help me bring in Thorin's food and then help Ori with the dishes."
"Yes, sir," two chorused while the third nodded.
The main light in the dining room had already been doused when Bella stepped in. "Why did you put the light out?" she asked.
"Light is not needed for dark business," Thorin said.
Bella lightly scowled. "Well I won't let you and your entire company sit in complete blackness." With that, she set the bowl of stew before him then went to retrieve some candles. Upon returning to the dining room, she lit each little light and sent it down the table by the dwarves. She only used three but they were enough to illuminate everyone's faces.
Bella then helped the three dwarves finish putting the dishes away. She thanked them and released them to what would no doubt become a secret meeting. Fili and Kili approached but she waved them in with a small smile before they could speak. There was nothing else to be done but to hover on her part.
Once all the dwarves were settled, they allowed their leader to eat in silence for a few minutes before Balin asked, "What news from the meeting in Ered Luin? Did they all come?"
"Aye," Thorin answered. "Envoys from all seven kingdoms."
Apparently this was good since all the dwarves seemed pleased by this turn of events.
Dwalin's voice cut into the optimism. "What do the dwarves of the Iron Hills say? Is Dain with us?"
It was as though a burden had resettled itself upon Thorin's shoulders. "They will not come," he said. "They say this quest is ours and ours alone."
"You're going on a quest?" Bella asked. This had to be the adventure that Gandalf had hinted at this morning. But what did it have to do with her and Bilbo?
"Bilbo, my dear fellow," Gandalf said, "let us have a little more light."
"Oh, of course," she answered, retrieving and lighting another candle.
Behind her, Gandalf said, "Far to the East, over ranges and rivers, beyond woodlands and wastelands, lies a single solitary peak."
Bella leaned in between Thorin and Gandalf, reading the map the wizard had laid out. "The Lonely Mountain," she read softly. A red, fire-breathing dragon flew overtop the mountain. She recalled hearing some dwarves in the Prancing Pony talking about a long ago time when dwarves prospered. But then a dreadful dragon swooped down upon them like a hurricane, destroying a nearby city of men before attacking the great dwarven kingdom of Erebor.
She looked up at all of them. Could it be? "You are survivors, or descendants of survivors of the destruction of Erebor."
"How do you know of Erebor?" Balin asked.
"I've heard tales in passing at the Prancing Pony in Bree," Bella answered. "How a great dragon came and laid waste to the mountain and surrounding lands."
"I was there that day," Thorin said, taking her candle and setting it quietly on the table. "One hundred and seventy years ago. My siblings and I were still mere children in many ways."
"I am so sorry," Bella murmured. "So, this is why you have gathered? You mean to reclaim your old home?"
"Aye," Gloin said. "Oin has read the portents, and the portents say it is time."
"Ravens have been seen flying back to the mountain as it was foretold," Oin said. "'When the birds of yore return to Erebor, the reign of the beast will end.'"
"The beast would be a reference to Smaug the Terrible," Bofur said, "chiefest and greatest calamity of our age. Airborne fire-breather, teeth like razors, claws like meathooks, extremely fond of precious metals–"
"Yes, yes, I'm well aware of what a dragon is," Bella said, suppressing a nervous shiver. So the dragon had a name. Wasn't that just fine?
"I'm not afraid," Ori proclaimed, leaping to his feet. "I'm up for it. I'll give him a taste of the dwarvish iron right up his–"
Bella politely coughed, even if only for her benefit. She did not wish to hear crude language or potential crude deeds.
The dwarves briefly shouted, though in agreement or disapproval she couldn't tell. Dori brought the quiet back when he tugged the young dwarf back into his seat with a "Sit down!"
"The task would be difficult enough with an army behind us," Balin said. "But we number just thirteen, and not thirteen of the best," he hesitated, "nor brightest."
This caused a minor uproar until Fili pounded a fist into the table. "We may be few in number," he said, his voice carrying a strength and regalness even from the far dark corner, "but we're fighters, all of us, to the last dwarf!"
"And you forget," Kili added with enthusiasm, "we have a wizard in our company. Gandalf will have killed hundreds of dragons in his time."
"Oh, well, now," Gandalf floundered, "uh, I-I wouldn't say that, I–"
"How many then?" Dori asked.
"What?" Gandalf said.
"How many dragons have you killed?" Dori clarified. "Go on, give us a number."
Bella can already tell that her wizard friend had killed either none or very few as he did all but turn red as he proceeded to cough out wisps of smoke. Not much unlike a dragon she figured. But once again the dwarves were in an uproar, arguing how many dragons they thought the wizard had slain.
"Hey, quiet down!" she called. Maybe she should have kept hold of the throwing knife Fili had returned to her.
"Shazara!"
Thorin's thundering, rage-filled shout as he shot to his feet caused Bella to jump, a hand flying to keep her heart in her chest. She hardly had time to calm herself before Thorin started giving an impassioned speech.
"If we have read these signs, do you not think others will have read them too?" He paused, letting his words sink in. "Rumors have begun to spread. The dragon Smaug has not been seen for sixty years. Eyes look East to the Mountain, assessing, wondering, weighing the risk. Perhaps the vast wealth of our people now lies unprotected."
Bella blinked. Could a dragon truly die of old age? She'd never heard of it happening. But of course she'd never ventured farther than Bree.
"Do we sit back, while others claim what is rightfully ours?" Thorin pressed, his words igniting a spark in Bella's heart, a yearning of adventure. "Or do we seize this chance to take back Erebor?" As the dwarves cheered their assent, he finished with a battle cry, "Du Bekar! Du Bekar!"
"You forget," Balin cut in as Thorin sat down again, "the front gate is sealed." A somber silence settled over all. "There is no way into the mountain."
"That, my dear Balin," Gandalf said, "is not entirely true." Like magic a wrought iron key appeared between his slowly twirling fingers.
Bella felt her breath catch in her throat. All these years she didn't know much about Gandalf besides his being able to make impressive fireworks and the fact that he traveled far and wide. Apparently this night was doomed for surprises.
"How came you by this?" Thorin asked, his voice nearly as hushed as a whisper.
"It was given to me by your father, Thrain, for safekeeping. It is yours now." Gandalf passed the key over to Thorin.
In the respectful hush, Thorin grasped the key like a long lost treasure. In a way, it was. A final gift from his father if Bella was translating the situation correctly.
"If there's a key," Fili said quietly, "there must be a door."
Gandalf gave brief nod before pointing to some runes with his pipe. "These runes tell of a secret passage into the lower halls."
"There's another way in," Kili said, hope infused his voice.
"Well," Gandalf said, "if we can find it. Dwarf doors are invisible when closed. The answer lies hidden somewhere in this map and I do not know how to find it. But there are others in Middle Earth who can."
Bella could hazard a guess or two of who could discover the secrets of maps. Elves most likely. Possibly another wizard, if there were more.
"The task I have in mind will require a great deal of stealth," Gandalf continued, "and no small amount of courage." He gave Bella a meaningful glance that left the hobbit lass somewhat confused. "But if we are careful and clever, I believe it can be done."
"That's why we need a burglar," Ori said.
"I'm sure," Bella said half to herself. "A good one too. Hmph, and expert I'd wager considering the dragon."
"And are you?" Gloin asked.
Bella froze, a sneaking suspicion slipping up. "Am I what?"
"He said he's an expert," Oin declared.
A few dwarves started laughing at the misunderstanding, but Bella tried to fix it. "No, sorry," she said. "You heard wrong, Master Oin. I said no such thing. I am no burglar. I've never stolen anything. Well," she hedged, "aside from a handkerchief or two and Gandalf's hat."
"I'm afraid I have to agree with Mr. Baggins," Balin said, shaking his head. "He's hardly burglar material."
Bella nodded in agreement. Besides, there was even the dragon to consider. How exactly did one defeat a dragon? Bilbo may have an idea since he enjoyed research, but she had no idea.
"Aye," Dwalin said. "The wild is no place for gentlefolk who can neither fight nor fend for themselves."
Bella stopped herself mid-nod. "Excuse me? Do I need to challenge you to a fight to remind you of my knives?"
"Have you ever traveled beyond Bree, or otherwise journeyed?" the great dwarf asked, his eyes piercing through her.
She felt as though she had been slapped. "N-no," she admitted. "I made a promise that I wouldn't journey farther than that until my . . . twin was ready."
That sent the dwarves into an uproar once again, but Bella could only shrink back. She couldn't go on a quest without Bilbo. Even though her wanderlust was back full force and it would drive her crazy until she went to Bree again. Yet, something told her that after this, Bree wouldn't be sufficient.
"Enough!" Gandalf shouted.
Bella gave a small shriek as her entire hole darkened as Gandalf spoke. This was a power that she had never seen, and she feared it.
"If I say Bilbo Baggins and his sister are burglars," Gandalf said, "then burglars they are." At the last phrase, the darkness started to recede as Gandalf sank once more into his seat.
So, Gandalf didn't intend to single one of them out. He intended for both of them to go. Oh, wouldn't Bilbo be pleased? Very doubtful.
Gandalf continued, "Hobbits are remarkably light on their feet. In fact, they can pass unseen by most if they choose. And while the dragon is accustomed to the smell of dwarf, the scent of hobbit is all but unknown to him, which gives us a distinct advantage."
Bella shuffled from foot to foot. If Gandalf was right, that could potentially mean that the dwarves needed at least one hobbit. But, there was still the uncomfortable fact that she couldn't leave Bilbo behind. She couldn't break her promise.
"You asked me to find the fourteenth member of this company," Gandalf said, "and I have chosen Mr. Baggins, and his sister as the fifteenth. There's a lot more to both of them than appearances suggest, and both have a great deal more to offer than any of you know," he looked to Bella, "including themselves. You must trust me on this."
Bella felt as though Gandalf had spoken directly to her. Maybe . . . maybe she could convince her brother to come, at least part way. From what she could vaguely recall of maps, Rivendell and Mirkwood would be on their way. Bilbo was always fascinated by the elves. He was possibly the only hobbit with a greater desire to meet elves than she had.
"Very well," Thorin said. "We'll do it your way. Give him the contract."
Balin stood, bringing out a thick packet of paper. "It's just the usual summary of out-of-pocket expenses," he said. "Time required, remuneration, funeral arrangements, and so forth."
"'Funeral arrangements'?" she repeated as Thorin half-shoved the contract into her chest. "How comforting." She stepped into the hall to read the document. Her heart sank as the paper unfolded to nearly her full height. "Very comforting."
"Always read a contract in full," Bilbo always told her. So read it she did. Alright, she skimmed it, but she caught the most important parts.
"'Terms: Cash on delivery, up to but not exceeding one,'" she squinted, "'four–oh, fifteenth of total profit, if any.' Seems fair. Eh, 'Present company shall not be liable for injuries inflicted by or sustained as a consequence thereof including but not limited to lacerations . . . evisceration . . ." she blinked at the next word. "Incineration?" she asked the dwarves.
"Oh, aye," Bofur answered. "He'll melt the flesh off your bones in the blink of an eye."
Bella could have sworn her heart stopped as an image invaded her mind: Bilbo melting away like a candle burning too hot and too bright. She wavered, feeling the blood drain from her face.
"You alright, laddie?" Balin asked.
No matter what she tried, she couldn't banish the nightmare from her mind. Bilbo leaping between her and dragon fire, melting away like ice on a summer day. She braced herself on her knees, trying to fight the nausea. "A-a bit faint," she murmured. Liar! Her mind screamed.
"Think furnace with wings."
Bofur's words echoed as though coming through a tunnel, adding more to the waking nightmare. A great lizard glowing red hot like an old cast iron stove swooping down over them as Bilbo tackled her to the ground, shielding her with his body, and then gone.
She gasped. "Air," she half-whimpered. "I-I-I need air."
"Flash of light, searing pain, then Poof! you're nothing more than a pile of ash."
She clapped her hands over her ears too late. Her brother screaming in pain, so heart-wrenchingly painful she wished it to stop until it did. A scream lodged in her throat as she found herself shielded by nothing but ashes. "No," she half-sobbed. Then she fainted.
Author's Note: Thanks for nothing, Bofur. You just made the lass faint from fear for her brother. Well, other than that last bit, I think that went pretty well. What do you think?
For those wondering: Shazara is Khuzdul (dwarvish) for "Silence," and Du bekar is translated "to arms."
So, we now officially know what Gandalf is up to and why all these dwarves have gathered, as well as the part Bella and Bilbo are supposed to play. But, will either of the twins go along with it? Bella has that pretty big promise that she made Bilbo after all. And she just might be rethinking this entire adventuring business anyway thanks to Bofur's less than helpful descriptions.
Theories? Thoughts? Until next time.