IV.
We are losing him.
I know it in a rush of cold dread that quickly turns to panic – one look at his face, twisted in agony, tells me that my brother will not live through this night.
I would lose him to this accursed Orc poison. A million scattered thoughts, a million regrets rush through my head amid my brother's pained screams – if only we were quick enough to stop that arrow; If only the Elves had cut down that Orc; If only Kili wasn't the one to pull the lever to open river-gates; if only, if only –
Bard's children rush about, listening to Oin's instructions while Bofur and I hold Kili down; he struggles so hard. The world is a mad blur of steam and panic and the smell of burnt herbs.
But he's so young, I think. He has travelled all this way but hasn't even stepped into the halls of Erebor.
He hasn't even grown a full beard yet.
He's only just fallen in love.
And it is then that the world seems to come crashing down on us.
The Orcs attack like a freak storm, striking without warning – it couldn't have come at a worse time. My thoughts gather into a single stream of consciousness: Protect Bard's children. Protect Kili. But the Orcs are everywhere, blades flying amidst terrified screams.
And then the Elves – they come like lightning, striking fast and deadly. I barely have enough time to gather my thoughts before all the Orcs are dead.
"You killed them all," Bain says in shock.
The Elf-prince sheaths his daggers. "There are others. Tauriel, come." He beckons, and disappears as suddenly as he had arrived.
But the red-haired one – she lingers, uncertainty in her eyes. What had she come here for? They had been tracking the Orcs; they must have been ordered by their King to eliminate the threat – but one anguished cry from Kili's lips causes her to stop suddenly in her tracks, every muscle tensed.
Bofur arrives then with a handful of kingsfoil – which she gathers in her hands, and her eyes – so clouded and conflicted before – are now glittering with a clear, determined light.
"I am going to save him," she promises.