I truly hope my awesome readers are enjoying the story so far.
Now they get to face Smaug and we all know what happens next.
So without further ado here we go.
Disclasimer i do not own any of thre Hobbit characters those belong to Tolkein. I only own my OC's.
Chapter 38
Into the Fire
"Thorin"Bilbo called but the Dwarf King just continued to stare at the gold as if in a trance. "Thorin Bilbo hollered louder. This time Thorin turned and caught sight of Bilbo running up the steps . "Your alive"Thorin breathed.
"Not for long,we have to go." Bilbo wheezed as he doubled over. "Did you find it? The Arkenstone" "Thorin ,the dragon is..." But he was silenced by Thorins gruff word's. "The Arkenstone" Thorin hissed the tone of his voice sending a bad felling through The Hobbit. "NO ,we need to get out of... here". Bilbo made to run but Thorin swung his blade blocking the exit."What"? He asked confused at Thorins actions. Thorin backed Bilbo up into the passiage as he pointed the sword at his middle. Bilbo turned to his right as Thorin kept the sword poised at him. He let it drop as a deep growl was heard down the corridor. Smaug had caught up to him. His red scaley snout and front claws peeking from around the corner. Without warning the rest of the company came charging in with a battle cry their weapons at the ready. They all ran down the passiage way with shouts echoing their retreat. "You will all burn." Smaug sneered his firebreath ready. They ran across the treasure hord making for the arch at the end of the hall. Bifur and Gloin slid down the rails and into lifts as they were moved slowly along toword the forges.
Thorin was the last through just as Smaug let loose a breath of fire."AAAAHaaa"He hollered as fire scorched up his back singing his hair and overcoat. "Where are Bifer and Gloin?" He barked shucking off the burning coat and falling to the floor rolling quickly to smother the flames. Philicia had told him their last night in Laketown some of the things that were going to happen . She had definatly been correct in this one,Thorin thought silently. He also remembered something about his back catching fire and when it did to stop, drop, and roll. Her advice had saved him from being burned." Come on." Thorin commmanded as the dwarves and hobbit followed him without hesitation. They transversed their way over narrow bridges down hollow passiages and under several archways. Even tho it had been over a century since Thorin had stepped foot within the mountain his memory was sharp and he could recall where everything was located. They stopped as they came to a bridge that led over the deep chasm below. The bridge would leave them with nowhere to hide should the dragon spot them. "Perhaps we've given him the slip". Dori wispered but Dwalin shook his head ."No, he's to cunning for that" Thorin's rumbled after being silent for a while. "We'll make for the western guard room, there may be a way out there." Thorin suggested. "No Thorin,it's too high up" Balin warned. "It's our only chance." Thorin informed him. Slowly and cautiously the company made their way out and into the open bridge Thorin motioning for them to follow him. Keeping there eye's on alert for the slightest noise or movement. They were almost halfway across when ting, a gold coin dropped on the stone it's impact echoing through the mountain. The company stood still barely breathing as more coins fell from above. Bilbo shook out his jacket to make sure no gld was caught within it seams. Suddenly they all looked up as they heard a quiet scratching noise. The dragon was directly above them. Smaug was making his way over the bridges and hooking his claws into the the walls as he passed over their head's the company remained unseen . At the end of the bridge they came to another set of stairs. "Come on,this way "Thorin led them to the next level he watched as everyone passed safely and waited for Balin and Bilbo who were last to make the climb. They were now in the passiageways that were unaccessible to Smaug due to their small ran past several dors and coming to one he ran past it then stopped. "Come on it's this way", and with a sharp turn to the right he instantly stopped.
Philicia had been listening quietly for most of the night. She had tried to sleep however the noises coming from far below and the fear for the company kept her awake. Now as Thorin and the company ran trying to outwit the dragon once in a while she would hear hollers and crashing sounds that would sound so loud she had to cover her ear's. Balin had reassured her that the halls were too narrow for the dragon to reach and she would be safe but she still shook with fear everytime his dreadful voice filled the hollowness of the mountain. She had stood at the bannisters for several minutes to see if she could spot them. Knowing that some how if all this was following the story they should be somewhere in the guard room or the forges by now. It was nearing sunrise she figured and walking out to the balcony that overlooked Dale she could see the stars twinkeling in the darkness. Thorin',Philicia cried out. "Please be s...safe" She said tears rolling down her face. Philicia ate a light meal of the dried fruit and beef jerky Balin had brought her earlier and tried to distract her ming by playing games on her phone. She put her I-Pod to the light rock section and waited.
Passing under a narrow archway Thorin burst into the room and his heart lurched. His mind not wanting to admit whast his eyes saw. The whole room was filled with bodies preserved in the dry air. He took in each and every one of them noticing most were women and children. One dwarven female and an infant probably no more than six month's old clutched to her chest."Then that's it then. There's no way out." Dwalin muttered. Men ,women and children all mummified from the sacking their bodies having sat for over a century now. There were children still clutched to their mothers dresses frozen in time. "The last of our kin." Balin said sadly."They must have come here hoping against hope." Balin and the dwarves bowed their heads in respect as Bilbo did the same. Thorin said a quick prayer asking for Mahal to admit them all into the Halls of Mandos and the honor they were due. When the Hobbit raised his head he could see how Thorin's eye's were glassed over as he fought the emotions swirling through him. "I am so very grateful that Philicia was not here to see this." He said his thoughts concerned for her safety."We can still make it to the mines, might last a few day's. Dwalin said his voice strained with emotion. NO" he suddenly blurted out." I will not die like this." Thorin said as he stood in the middle of his fallen kin. "Cowering,clawing for breath." He turned around slowly."We'll make for the forges" Thorin commanded. "He'll see us, sure as death."Dwalin said still staring at the bodies that littered the old guard room."Not if we split up." The king said his tone grave. "Thorin we'll never make it. Balin cautioned. "Some of us might. Those that don't will be avenged." Thorin had regained his hard as steel bravery that had earned him the loyalty of the company. "We make for the forges We'll kill the dragon there." All the dwarves stood a little stronger encouraged by the strength of their King. "If this is to end in fire,then we all burn together." Thorin said his tone thick and raspy.
To all burn together. This was the last chance to kill the dragon or die trying. Thorin informed the company of his plan as they set it in motion, Trick the dragon. Nori and Dwalin went out first over the narrow bridge that led to the forges. Their task was to bait the dragon to get him to follow while the others snuck behind him. Bombar, Dori and Ori headed out on the south bridge and Bifer and Gloin were sent out on the east corridor. "Keep the dragons eye's on you and keep him following to the forges". Balin called after them and slipped into the tunnel once again. Thorin ,Balin and Bilbo were last to put the plan in motion. Bilbo had always thought he would meet his death sitting at his armchair as a very old Hobbit. Not batteling a dragon to regain a lost kingdom that wasn't even his. Now as he leaned against the wall the dread was heavy upon him. "Bilbo?"Thorin asked stopping to stand in front of him. "Now is not the time to lose your courage". Thorin gave him a small smile and a pat on the shoulder. "Come on let's go".He said as Bilbo and Balin followed . Into the fire" Bilbo added. "Into hell." Thorin breathed making sure they were both with him. They ran down the long corridor and it didn't take long for the m to be found by the dragon. "Flee, flee for your lives." Smaugs voice filled the mountain. The three skidded to an abrupt stop as Smaug showed himself coming out of the darkness like a demon from the bowls of hell itself. He coiled his long neck around the giant pillars as his claws dug into the bridged gripping them as he hauled his enormous form closer to where they were standing. Suddenly he whirled his head around as the other group came running and shouting from the south passiage. "Run for your lives. there is nowhere to hide." Smaug sneered at the dwarves as they dashed across the bridges confusing the terrible beast. "BEHIND YOU!" Smaug whipped his head around just as Dori's group came tearing across the bridge. The ploy worked as the dragon went after the others Thorins dibolical plan was was working. "Come on, hurry this way"Thorin shouted at Bilbo and Balin. Now it was Nori and Dwalin's shot at distracting the dragon so the others could get across unseen."So we get to the forges, then what?"Bilbo asked. "First we get the forges lit then we drown him in water snuffing out his fire permanatly." Thorin growled. "And how are we supposed to do that?"Bilbo asked . They came to the end of the passiage and Thorin had to think for a minute which one led to the forges. "You need to take another right at the bottom" Balin called from behind. however when they arrived at the bottom of the steps, half were missing."Damn." Thorin swore as he thought at what to do. They were ready to turn around when they heard a loud crash from above. "Balin lead them on to to The Miner's pass I will meet you there." Thorin hollered as he dissapeared from sight. Thorin had jumped onto a heavy chain and was sliding down a long tunnel the dragon in above him . Thorin still holding on to the chain trying to stay out of smaug's snapping jaws was sure he was going to be dragon food when the heavy chain jerked to a stop. "Thorin" Dwalin hollered. Thorin was standing on the dragons lip as a mining chair passed above him he reached for the edge of the passing lift just as the dragon let loose a roar. Dwalin cut the cable with his ax and Thorin came shooting up the tunnel .They both ran as the dragon persued them. In another part of Erebor Balin and Bilbo were making their way to the forges. Bilbo ran as fast as he could trying to keep up with Balin "Hurry Master Baggins ,this way! " Balin called glancing over his shoulder to make sure the Hobbit was behind him. Down into the depths of Erebor they made their way. Smaug was not far behind them his bangs and growls echoing through the mountain. Balin suddenly stopped as they came to the huge Iron gates before them. The room was stretched out in legnth and had several empty racks . "Where are we?"Bilbo asked curiously looking around. Thorin came up behind the them. "You made it I see."Thorin said.
"This is a storage room for the pike axes and hammers that we used for the mines. The workers who were once here used this room for spare tools. The mining traders offices are directly to the right of us." Thorin told Bilbo his memory awash with thoughts of being down here as a dwarfling following his grandfather. "And Miner's Pass."Thorin added ."At the end of the pasiageway it will lead us strait to the forges." They managed to make it to the end of the corridor even staying quiet as Smaug passed overhead. Thorin and Bilbo held their breath a he slithered up above. "Thorin" Balin called quietly as they emerged into a massive room with three gigantic furnaces all lined in a row blackend with use. Bilbo looked up and the ceiling had lines and empty pullys hanging there useless .The forge lines were cut into the stone floor. The forges where the dwarves had once crafted their wares was definatly an impressive sight. The rest of the company minus Gloin and Bofur showed up a few minutes later with their version of outwitting the dragon. They had burst through the enormous metal gates with shouts thst the dragon was right behind them."The dragon chased them into a mine and havn't seen them since." Dwalin quickly answewed his kings question. "It's no use".Dwalin hollered. "These furnaces are stone cold. We've no fire hot enough to set them ablaze." Thoin suddenly had an idea. "Have we not." His eyes shined brightly as a loud growl was heard from behind the metal grating. The dragon was upon them. He was gasping as he slammed into the grating. Suddenly Thorin turned around and began shouting at the dragon. Thorin strode swiftly toward the metal gates."I did not see you so easily outwitted! "Thorin called out to Smaug. "You have grown slow,and fat. in your dotage...SLUG!" Thorin had really made Smaug mad now. The dragon climbed up and took a deep breath his belly aglow orange and red. Thorin glanced at the company."Take cover!" He breathed as everyone ducked in front of the stone pillars . They tucked their arms to their sides as the dragon let loose a firebal of angry breath. Thorin's plan had worked the forges were firing one after another then ignighted. They gave off light and soot as they burned after sitting cold for so long. Smaug slammed the gated bending the grating back as if it were parchment paper. "Bombur, get those bellow's working, go!" Thorin commanded and the heavy dwarf grabbed a thick chain and slid down the shaft. "Bilbo!"Thorin called as he placed his hand on the Hobbit's back and pointed to the steps that led to a platform."On my mark pull that lever!" Bilbo raced to the top and wiped his brow with the back of his hand .The heat from the furnaces making the room near suffocating. Bilbo looked down and he could see the dwarves running everywhere. Bombur had the chain for the bellow's, they turned the flames blue. "Balin, can you still make some flash fire?" Thorin asked as the dragon was almost upon them"Aye it will only take a giffie!" Balin said as he scurried away."You've got to be kidding ." Dwalin wispered as Smaug peeled back the grating with his claws. Balin and Ori were over at the table pouring powders into containers for the flashfire bombs as the dragon broke through sanarling and preparing to fire on them. Bilbo ran the final flight of steps positioning himself directly under the lever. Thorin had purpously kept himself where the dragon could see him.
Philicia having heard the sounds from deep in the mountain was now leaning over the bannister's . She could clearly see the soft glow coming from deep below and knew they were in the forges. "Oh ,here we go ,please don't do anything stupid you stubborn dwarf. I am still so very mad at you but if something were to happen to you I would not be able to bare it." She hung over further to get a better look as the mountain shook again. The tremors had been going on for some time now as the dragon moved within the passiages of Erebor doing who knows how much damage . Philicia held her breath as shouts could be heard from below. She heard Thorins voice holler. "NOW!"
Smaug slithered his long neck around and stopped right in front of Thorin. The dwarf stood in shock as he faced the beast. "NOW" ,Thorin hollered as Bilbo jumped hanging on the lever pulling it down. Water came pouring out of the mouth's of the stone status catching the dragon off guard. The force of the water hit him so hard he slipped and fell into a furnace. Steam filled the forges and a screeching sound could be heard from the dragon. The water had put out the fire within the dragon's chest buying them a little time. The water set in motion the mill as the pully's above began to move. The melting pots atop the furnaces sounded with a pop as the gold slowly liquified. The dradon was still as he gulped deep breaths of air. His fire was quenched for the moment however everyone was still in grave danger . Smaug was very angry. Suddenly Balin and Ori began throwing flash bomb's at his face but that only angered the dragon further. While the Dragon hissed from the flashbomb's the floor shifted again and the small doors opened at the bottom of the furnaces sending melted gold along the grooves on the floor. The lines on the floor aglow with golden light all meeting at the same direction. Where did they lead to. Bilbo wondered as his eye's followed the golden stream. The dragon stood up on his back legs and managed to get himself tangeled in the pully's above. In the carts were Gloin and Bifur moving directly above Smaug's head. Gloin slashed the iron cables with his ax and they came crashing down. The iron cables caught on his spikes and the cart's crashed into Smaug's sides as he whirled aroung only to tangle himself up more. The dragon roared in anger swinging his tail around knocking things down as he tried to free himself. He snapped at the pully's only to cause more tail slammed into a pillar causing it to come crashing down. Bilbo was almost flattend but managed to jump off a ledge and scurry away before he was squashed. Gloin and Bifur rolled from under the dragons feet as he thrashed and roared. "Lead him to the Gallery of The King's! Thorin hollered as he snatched a wheel barrel that had been perched in a corner. He ran underneath the dragons feet dodging his massive legs a they stomped and thrashed about. Thorin sent the wheel barrel floating down a river of gold with him riding on top. Bilbo crashed into the stone and fought the dizziness as he heard Thorin call from somewhere."Keep going Bilbo ,RUN!"He shouted over Smauge's massive roar of anger.. Bilbo slid down a smooth ledge and ran down the steps and came to a magestic room the ceiling almost as tall as the mountain itself .The room was lit up from the moonlight streaming into the massive chamber from the clerestory window's were giant tapestries hanging on the wall above her head and stone statues of Dwarven King's lining one wall. Bilbo knew in an instant where he was.
Thorin balanced himself in the barrel as it floated downward .The duct came to an abrubt end and he had to jump for the thick chain in front so not to be washed down into the mold below. Before the dragon came The crafter's were preparing to set his grandfather's image into solid good to be displayed at the front of The Gallery of the King's but the project was never completed the gold was left in the cauldrons and there it sat,until now.
The wall above Bilbo shatterers throwing stone cabout the room Bilbo could hear the Dragon growling and breaking through as he was forced to the floor by the weight and wind of the fallen tapestries. Bilbo hid underneath as the dragon skulked about the chamber. Bilbo dared to peek his head out from underneath. "YOU" Smaug growled. " Bilbo remained under the fabric as the dragon shook debris from his form sending small pieces of stone flying about the room."You think you can deceive me, barrel rider?" Smaug was perched against a pillar as he breathed heavily."You have come from Laketown." Smaug snarled as he spoke."Yes this is some sort of scheme hatched between these filthy dwarves and those miserable tug trading Lake Men. Those sniveling coward'swith their longbows and Black Arrow's." Smaug hissed. There was only hatred and a burning vengance within the dragon's voice and Bilbo was suddenly really scared for the people of Laketown. After all Fili and Kili were still there along with Oin and Bofur. "Perhap's it's time I paid them a visit." The dragon hissed. He turned to leave but Bilbo hollered at him."WAIT, you cannot go to Laketown." Bilbo shot to his feet and chased after the beast. They have nothing to do with this. Smaug suddenly stopped and his long neck whirled around to bring his snout even with the Hobbit's face."You care about them,good, then you can watch them die." Bilbo felt as if the breath had been taken from him he stood there his mind unable to think of what the dragon was planning. Had they all condemmed hundred's of people to death including the rest of the company. Smaug turned against ready to complete his genoside upon the people of Laketown. The Dragon quickly stopped as a a booming voice rang out reverberating through the massive Hall of King's."HERE, YOU WITLESS WORM!" Thorin was Standing on the the giant platform next to the mold of Thror. The sound of a loud growl filled the room. Smaug coiled around coming face to face with The Dwarven King. "You!" He spoke viciously at Thorin. The serpent crawled to the scaffolding at the front of the Gallery. Thorin was standing next to the massive set of stone heavy chains wrapped aroung the likeness bound within two iron molds. "I am taking back what you stole." Thorin challenged the dragon. The dragon laughed at Thorin's word's. "You will take nothing. I laid low your warriors of old. I instill terror in the heart's of men. I am King Under The Mountain." Smaug came eye to eye with Thorin who stood there with his hand wrapped around the heavy chain to his right side. "This is not your kingdom. These are dwarf lands! This is dwarf gold and we will have our REVENGE!" Thorin shouted a dwarven battle cry and the chains broke around the iron casks. As they fell away a golden statue of Thorins grandfather fifty feet tall illuminated the cavernious hall. For a moment Smaug just froze mesmorized by the gold in front of him. So thats where all the gold went. Bilbo thought to himself. Smaug gave a low hum at the statue before him when the form started to lose it's shape as liquid gold was forced out through the eye'sv and the whole thing collapsed .A wall of molten metal washed over the dragon drowning him in gold. He roared and thrashed as the gold washed over him."It burn's ,It burn's." He cried out in agony as the gold molded around his body. The gold lay still as Smaug lay trapped underneath it. Suddenly he burst through the pool and flew off in a golden splendor. He spun in the air shaking the last of the hot metal from his scales as he roared. They ran after the dragon as he made for the entrance to the mountain. He had left a trail of gold splattered all over the walls and floor as he shook his way out. Bilbo went out to the rampart over the gaping hole where the dragon first entered Erebor . Thorin and the rest of the company were right behind him. "What have we done?" Bilbo breathed as the dragon set off toward Esgaroth.
"I am fire, I am death." Smaug huffed as he moved into attack formation.
