The story draws to a close with the Battle of the Five Armies.
A deafening roar echoed in the cavern as the serpent writhed.
The sharp tail whipped towards me, quick as lightning.
I cursed as I was forced to change the angle of my swing. A long, deep cut now extended from the back of the Dragon's neck down the left side. As I slid down the side of his neck, my sword the only object preventing me from going into free fall, I noticed something.
I quickly jumped away from the Dragon once I reached the ground. I had managed to hurt him badly, but he was still very much alive.
I may be fast, but this Dragon's survival instincts were strong.
"Master Kyojuro!" I heard multiple voices yell.
I ran to where some of my comrades were, my clothes splattered with blood.
"I managed to harm him, but he will probably heal before he bleeds out. This fight isn't over yet."
Then, I told Thorin what I had seen. His expression turned thoughtful.
"We must not let this discovery go to waste. Go ahead with the plan. Lead him to to Gallery of the Kings. I will handle the rest."
By the time I reached the Gallery, only Bilbo was still with me.
There was no sign of the Dragon, but that didn't fool either of us. We hadn't run more than a few meters into the room when the wall behind us came tumbling down.
Bilbo and I quickly took cover under the giant tapestries.
"You think you could deceive me, "Barrel-Rider?"" Smaug growled, seemingly talking to Bilbo. "You have come from Lake-Town."
The Dragon huffed in realization.
"This is some sordid scheme hatched between these filthy Dwarves, and those miserable, tub-trading Lake-Men. Those sniveling cowards, with their longbows, and Black arrows. Perhaps it is time I pay them a visit."
The Dragon turned to leave, seemingly content to deal with us after he had destroyed the town.
As he turned away, I looked at Bilbo.
"Ready?" I whispered.
Bilbo nodded.
"Good."
We both stood up.
"Wait!" Bilbo cried out. "You cannot go to Lake-Town!"
I nodded in agreement.
"I cannot allow you to harm the innocents of that Town! Should you continue down that path, I will burn you with my blade of fire!"
Smaug hummed thoughtfully, unfazed by our threats and pleas.
"You care about them, do you? Good, then you can watch them die."
He turned to leave again, and Thorin took his chance.
I saw his determined form appear just underneath the Dragon's left wing as he prepared to strike.
He would only have one shot at this.
It happened in an instant. Thorin jammed his sword in between the gap in his armor, just under the left wing. He was quickly thrown to the side as Smaug thrashed and screamed.
I barely manage to roll to safety as the Serpent began to rampage through the Dwarvish City, causing much destruction.
He finally burst through the main gate, gasping for breath as he beat his great wings, trying to fly. I was not far behind, watching as he slowly climbed higher.
His throes of death finally ceased as his heart was destroyed. His fire burned out, and he fell, his body landing just inside the Lake.
Just like that, it was over.
It wasn't long before I was joined by an awed party of Dwarves plus Bilbo.
"It's dead..." Bilbo whispered in shock.
He turned to the rest of us.
"Smaug is dead!"
"By my beard, I think he's right!" Gloin exclaimed.
"It won't be long before every soul in Middle-Earth will know. The Dragon is dead!"
The Dwarves celebrated.
I turned to Bilbo, clasping his shoulder.
"You did well, my friend,"
I rose from my kneeling position by a large boulder, bowing to the Company.
"If anyone doesn't mind, I will go examine the body."
It was at this moment that I noticed that Thorin wasn't among the group. I looked around, and saw him standing still at the entrance to the Mountain, not acknowledging that the enemy he had hated for over a hundred years was now dead. It was odd.
Not only that, his expression was strange. It made shivers go down my spine. Gandalf's words came back to me again, and I suspected that this is what he meant.
It would not be long before Thorin's greed would consume him.
I would honor my word and try my best to help him. Hopefully, he would thank me later.
I turned back to the task of making sure he was dead, carefully checking the carcass.
Thankfully, it seemed as though Smaug was, in fact, dead.
I carefully pulled the sword out of his chest, and double-checked the corpse before heading back. There was much to be done.
*****flashback to the previous night*****
Obanai's POV
Stars lit the night sky as Mitsuri and I patrolled the town. We were even more watchful than normal, as Rengoku had warned us about the Orc-Pack on his tail.
(I mentally huffed as I remembered his teasing the previous night. I would have to pay him back for that later.)
Tremors had been coming from the Mountain for the past hour and a half, alerting the Town to the fact that the Dragon was both awake and angry.
Worried murmurs could be heard as people tossed concerned glances at the Mountain.
I wasn't concerned. Rengoku wasn't a Hashira for nothing. Plus he even had backup.
I was snapped out of my thoughts by a thump.
I crouched behind a chimney, for once grateful for my small stature.
I peered out, and saw a group of disgusting creatures that could only be Orcs on the roof.
Their steps were nearly silent as they slunk across the rooftops.
My own steps were completely silent as I glided towards them, my sword ready.
I didn't even break a sweat as I swiftly sliced their heads off.
From what I could tell, they were merely a scouting party. More were on their way, if they weren't already here.
I quickly went to find Mitsuri, alerting her to the situation.
"What do you suggest we do?" she asked, brow furrowed in concern.
I pointed to the south side of the Town.
"We'll have to split up, and make sure none of them slip through our patrols. If the opportunity arises, I will follow them. You can stay behind to alert Rengoku."
Mitsuri nodded cheerfully.
"It sounds like a good plan to me, Obanai! I'll get right to it."
She quickly vanished, renewing her patrols.
I sighed to myself, continuing on my way.
It didn't take long to spot the main group, if only because Mitsuri was already fighting them.
I dropped down near her, severing the head of another Orc.
Mitsuri was currently dealing with the largest Orc, who was missing an eye, and had several pieces of armor buried in his body. It looked painful. Unfortunately, that one Orc managed to escape with a handful of others. They raced out of the Town, riding their large Wargs.
I exchanged a glance with Mitsuri, who nodded.
I quickly sheathed my sword and began to run after them.
"Total concentration breathing..." I murmured.
My gait was snake-like as I chased after them, keeping a safe distance.
There was no need to unduly alert them to my presence, after all.
*****time skip to the present*****
Kyojuro's POV
When I returned to the others, they had gathered by the now destroyed front gate, waiting for me.
Thorin gave me a slight scowl.
"Now that the unimportant matters are taken care of, I have a task that must be carried out immediately."
The Dwarf-King gestured to the pile of gold inside.
"Find the Arkenstone, and bring it to me."
Everyone began to move, following the command.
Everyone, that is, except for me.
"Remind me what we need this "Arkenstone" for?" I inquired with a raised eyebrow.
Thorin turned back to me, his expression menacing.
"The Arkenstone is symbol of the Kingship," Balin interrupted before Thorin could lash out.
"If Thorin gains possession of the Stone, it will officially legitimize his place on the throne in the eyes of the other six Dwarvish Kingdoms, as well as the rest of Middle-Earth. Whoever wields it also has the power to command the Seven Armies of the Dwarves."
I blinked.
"That does sound like an important Stone to have. I will gladly assist the others in searching for it. It would be terrible if all of our efforts proved to be for nothing."
I turned away to do as I had said, but something was gnawing at me.
Would the possession of this Stone make Thorin's already apparent greed worse?
After hours of searching, the Stone still had not been recovered.
Thorin had been going back and forth between acting like a reasonable person and an obsessed tyrant. It took some delicate sweet-talking from Balin before he would even let us rest, no matter that we had recently defeated a Dragon. Even I was exhausted.
Thorin himself took no part in the search, preferring to parade around in fine robes and a golden crown.
It made me feel ill.
I wondered what I should do. I knew that Gandalf wanted me to keep an eye on him, but this level of greed exceeded even my expectations. I didn't know how to knock any sort of sense into him without him killing or exiling me.
After an incident with Thorin, wherein he severely expressed his displeasure at the fact that the Arkenstone had not been recovered, I decided to talk to Balin, who Thorin used to trust so much.
I found him sitting in a room with Bilbo, who seemed to have just walked in. He was, to my great surprise, trying to hold back tears.
"Dragon-Sickness," he explained suddenly, turning to us. "I've seen it before. That look. A terrible need. It is a fierce and jealous love, you see. It sent his grandfather mad."
He turned away in despair.
I walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I can't say I know what you're going through, because I don't. However, you said you had seen this before. Do you know if there a way to cure it? Turn Thorin back to normal?"
Balin slumped even more in his seat.
"There is no cure that I know of. Thorin's father and grandfather both died before they overcame it."
So, basically, we were stuck on square one.
Bilbo shifted in his seat.
"If-if the Arkenstone was found, would that help?"
A suspicion suddenly arose in my mind.
Balin seemed to feel it too.
He studied Bilbo for a moment, before shaking his head honestly.
"No laddie, I fear it would make it worse." He gave Bilbo a meaningful look. "Perhaps it is best it remains lost."
Bilbo left not long after that.
I looked at Balin.
"At least we can trust him to have Thorin's best interests at heart. Let's just hope he doesn't do anything stupid."
Balin sighed in agreement.
A couple of days later, right after breakfast, we received a message from Dwalin who was keeping watch.
"The Men of Lake-Town have sent a delegation! They will reach Dale before sundown."
Thorin turned to us.
"Call everyone to the Gate. Do it now!"
Once everyone was gathered, Thorin began to issue commands.
"Make sure this Gate is repaired before sundown. This Mountain was hard-won. I will not see these fisherman steal it from us."
I could tell this command sat wrong with the majority of the Company, but no one spoke up.
Thorin's reasonable moments had become more and more rare. His obsession with the Arkenstone had all but consumed him.
By the time the delegation reached Dale, the Gate was about a third of the way completed. It would be difficult for anyone to try and scale it without being shot down.
I looked over the rampart, and smiled when I saw Mitsuri.
I looked at Thorin.
"I humbly request permission to visit with my fellow Swordswoman. She likely wishes to talk to me about the Orc-Pack that tracked us to Lake-Town."
Thorin shook his head, his eyes glued to Dale.
"The Orc-Pack is inconsequential now. We need only worry about the threat before us."
I turned to the party below. They didn't look like much of a threat to me. They consisted of the Master of Lake-Town, a Man who I believed to be Alfrid, the one who made Obanai angry the night of the celebration, a group of guards, and Mitsuri. They all rode mangy horses. As I scanned them, a glimmer caught my eye. I looked towards Dale. There was an army of Elves camped out in the ruins. I blinked.
What were they doing here?
I was jerked out of my thoughts as the Master began to speak.
"Your Majesty, we are all exceedingly pleased to find that you survive," he said in a simpering tone.
Thorin's eyes narrowed.
"What do you want?"
"Well...you see...you had promised m-us a...share of the treasure. I simply wished to collect it."
The Master's explanation was delivered with a rotten-toothed smile, a patronizing tone, and shallow bows.
This was not going to end well.
"Leave now, and do not return!" Thorin snapped.
"I will give nothing to those who consort with our enemy!" He gestured towards the army of Elves who had set up camp in Dale's ruins.
"I-I have nothing to do with them!" the Master exclaimed, indignant.
This did nothing to sway Thorin.
"I suggest you leave before our arrows fly!"
Fearful, the Master and Alfrid turned to obey, followed by their guard.
Mitsuri was the only one who stayed.
"Pardon me, my lord. I have a message to deliver that might be of interest to you," she said, holding up a piece of parchment.
Thorin studied her with a shrewd eye.
I glanced at the Dwarf-King, wondering what he would do.
"It could be related to why the Elves are here. There is no harm in hearing her out," I suggested. Remarkably, my advice was taken into consideration.
"I suppose any information could help us," he mused.
He raised his voice.
"Approach the Gate!"
Mitsuri did so, carefully dismounting her horse.
The rest of us followed Thorin as he walked down the rampart to meet her.
Thorin reached the small opening in the Gate we had placed for this purpose.
"I am listening," he said to Mitsuri.
"I have several things to report, my lord. First, Obanai and I encountered the Orc-Pack that has been trailing you. They were led by a larger Orc, pale, with armor wedged in his skin, and was missing an eye. We killed most of them, and Obanai is tracking down those that remain as we speak. We will have a better idea as to their intentions once he returns.
"Secondly, I'm sure you suspected this already, but the Master of Lake-Town does not wish to treat fairly with you, and wishes to take more treasure than is due. Also, any treasure he does receive will not go towards helping the town.
"On another matter, I wished to report on the Elvish army. They did not pass by Lake-Town, but came through the Forest. I can only confirm that their intentions are the recovery of some sort of necklace. The Elvish King is obsessed with retrieving it. He will attack this Mountain if they are not handed over, and I believe he is growing impatient. I have also written all of this information down for you to review at your leisure."
As Mitsuri finished her report, she slipped the parchment she had been carrying into the opening.
Thorin took the parchment and briefly turned away, his back against the stone. He looked over at us.
"Tell those treacherous Elves that they will receive nothing from me. Now, begone!"
"Very well, my lord," I heard Mitsuri reply.
Her footsteps were nearly silent as she returned to her mount.
The rest of us went up to the rampart again.
At the last minute, I saw Thorin go a different way. Moments later, a strange crow flew out of the Mountain. The sight of it gave me a bad feeling.
I couldn't believe that Thorin was so willing to go to war, especially when he was vastly outnumbered.
Bilbo seemed to share my disbelief.
"What are you doing?" he looked at Thorin in askance. "You cannot go to war."
"This does not concern you," he replied dismissively.
Bilbo, as well as myself, stared at him indignantly.
"Bilbo is right," I interjected. "There is an entire army of Elves out there. Not to mention that the Orcs could have something terrible planned for us. I don't think the people of Lake-Town will be inclined to help us either. And it goes against the Code that I hold, as well as Mitsuri and Obanai, to harm the Elves or the Men of Lake-Town. We can only help you deal with the Orcs. You are all vastly outnumbered."
Thorin didn't seem at all bothered by my assessment.
"Not for much longer," he said smugly.
Bilbo sighed.
"And what does that mean?"
Thorin loomed over him.
"It means, Master Baggins, that neither you nor Master Rengoku should ever underestimate Dwarves."
I suddenly remembered the crow that had been sent out, and wondered.
I looked across to the ruins of Dale, and saw Mitsuri, who was briefly speaking with one of the Elves, no doubt delivering Thorin's message. She rode away towards Lake-Town after that.
The Dwarves spent most of the night arming themselves. Their new armor was made of gold and silver. Once they were done, they strode past Thorin for inspection.
The Dwarf-King was similarly dressed, his armor glinting in the torchlight.
Most of the other Dwarves had somber expressions on their faces. It was clear that they didn't want to go to war. But, I knew that they would follow their King wherever he led them. For once, I was grateful that my contract had technically ended. I could not be forced to fight.
I looked over at Thorin as he approached Bilbo, a chainmail shirt in his hands. Bilbo himself had mostly stayed out the way, for the heavy pieces of armor the others were donning would have only weighed him down.
"Master Baggins, come here!" Thorin commanded.
I watched as Bilbo hesitantly approached, my arms crossed.
Thorin held up the shirt for him.
"You're going to need this. Put it on."
Bilbo began to pull off his jacket.
"This vest is made of silver steel," the Dwarf continued. ""Mithril," it was called by my forbears. No blade can pierce it."
That seemed like a material that would have greatly benefited the Demon Slayer Corps.
I continued to observe as Thorin helped Bilbo don the chai mail shirt. The shirt looked a bit awkward on the Hobbit, but it would protect him.
Bilbo didn't seem to know what to make of the gift.
"I look absurd. I'm not a warrior, I'm a Hobbit," he protested.
"It is a gift," Thorin returned softly. "A token of our friendship."
Thorin abruptly grabbed Bilbo's shoulder and began to guide him away, continuing their conversation in private. I watched them go, but didn't attempt to follow.
I looked up at young Fili and Kili as they approached me.
"What are you going to do, Master Kyojuro? I know that you cannot join us in our fight against the Elves, but I know that you are not one to sit still while other people fight. So, what is your plan?" Fili inquired.
I gently smiled at them.
"With any luck, my comrade will soon return from his scouting. I will know more about what I need to do once he does."
Kili frowned.
"Do you think we are in any real danger from the Orcs?"
I nodded firmly.
"Most likely. It is probable that we were never meant to reach the Mountain. Azog was supposed to kill us. When he failed, they would not simply stop there. They sent the other one, the one with only one eye, to finish the job. These Orcs are not acting at random. They are being commanded by someone. With any luck, Gandalf will also return soon with news for us."
Fili and Kili considered this.
"I suppose that does make sense. This Mountain has been coveted by many. And, now that the Dragon is gone, they might hope to use the general chaos as an opportunity, especially since we will be distracted with the Elves, and not see them coming..."
Fili put his hand on his chin in thought.
"If you should ever need to slip away, we can distract Uncle for you, if needed." Kili piped up.
I smiled in gratitude.
"I am grateful for your assistance."
As it happened, the opportunity to slip away came that evening, during my watch. A crow landed next to me, a letter in his beak.
"Thank you, my friend," I whispered, giving it a piece of dried meat.
I looked at the letter. It was addressed to me, and sighed in Mitsuri's flowery handwriting.
I quickly opened it.
Kyojuro,
Obanai has returned, and he brings news. There are two armies approaching the Mountain. One is coming from the North. We do not know what direction the other is coming from. They seem to have some secret way of getting here. Obanai and I are investigating as we speak. We only know of the hidden army because of a friend of yours, Gandalf the Grey. He is currently trying to convince the Elves not to attack the Mountain, but focus on the real threat. It hasn't been working, even with Obanai backing him up. We could use your assistance, if you are available.
-Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji
I sat back as I considered the information. Two armies... the Orcs were so determined to win, that they came up with two whole armies to ensure it. Even if all the Dwarves and Men and Elves fought together, there was no way we could win this. The only way would be to have the element of surprise.
I moved to the wall, ready to help my comrades, when I slight figure caught my eye.
"Bilbo!" I hissed. "What are you doing here?"
He jumped in surprise, clearly not expecting me. His hand clutched a package buried in his jacket.
"I-I-I was just going to-"
I put up a hand to stop him, sighing heavily.
"I think I understand what you're trying to do. Come with me. I'm going there anyways."
Bilbo sighed, but accepted my company.
I wrapped my cloak around my body, and noiselessly slipped over the wall, Bilbo right behind me. It only took me a few minutes to make it to Dale. We snuck around, before I spotted Mitsuri. She was standing guard outside of a large tent.
"Mitsuri!" I whispered loudly.
She quickly turned to me and gasped in delight.
"Kyojuro! It's so good to see you!" she replied in the same tone. I approached her, and she embraced me.
"Who's your friend?" she inquired, pulling back.
I patted Bilbo's shoulder.
"This is my friend, Master Bilbo Baggins."
"You have no idea how stone-headed the Elf-King is. He is completely blind and deaf to any counsel but his own. It's so infuriating." Mitsuri informed us as we prepared to enter the main tent.
I frowned in agreement. That did sound frustrating.
"Hopefully a fresh pair of eyes will help. I think I have an idea, if reasoning with him doesn't work. Has there been any progress on finding the hidden army?"
Mitsuri nodded.
"Obanai can tell you the details. He's inside with Gandalf and the Elf-King."
She carefully lifted the flap of the tent.
"My lords and Obanai! We have guests."
Three pairs of eyes turned to us.
"Master Rengoku," Gandalf greeted, looking a little worse for wear. "It is good to see you in good health. And you as well, Bilbo Baggins."
I gave a polite bow.
"It is good to see you as well, my friend!"
Bilbo didn't say anything, eyeing the Elvenking with a healthy amount of trepidation.
I greeted King Thranduil and Obanai in turn.
I could tell King Thranduil didn't take kindly to our presence, but he didn't outwardly object.
I turned to Obanai.
"What information do you know for certain?"
The shorter Hashira pointed to the map on the table.
"The Orcs I tracked came from the Northern stronghold of Gundabad. Hours after they entered the stronghold, a large army departed. They were not led by the same one-eyes Orc who tracked you to Lake-Town, but by one I have never seen before. They will be here sometime tomorrow within three hours of dawn."
I studied the map. The Gundabad army should first arrive at Ravenhill, a watchtower to the North of Dale. If we placed watchmen there, they would be easily spotted. But, the enemy did not know that we knew they were coming. If the one-eyed Orc wasn't leading this army, then maybe...
I turned to Mitsuri.
"Are there any leads on the missing army you said that Gandalf reported on?"
"Possibly. Obanai and I were scouting these small hills here," she gestured to a point on the map "and he sensed small, rhythmic tremors. I think that it is possible that they are digging their way through, and trying to use the element of surprise."
I considered this.
If the hidden army attacked first, we would be too preoccupied with them to notice the Gundabad army. Also, the position of the hills would give them easy access to Ravenhill, so we would not be able to see precisely when the Gundabad army would come, even if we were forewarned.
If the Gundabad army attacked first, then they could lead us away from the Mountain, allowing the second army to come in from both the side and behind, forcing us to fight on at least two fronts.
This certainly was a conundrum.
"Of course, this is assuming that these armies even exist." King Thanduil gave us a condescending look. "I can certainly admire your dedication to saving your friends, but I will not be dissuaded from my course. I will attack the Mountain come the dawn."
King Thranduil turned to leave the tent.
"You think that the enemy will slumber? Will not take advantage of the death of the Dragon? The enemy has long wished to gain control of the Mountain. What better time than now, when we are divided? The one-eyed Orc that has been pursuing the Company of Thorin Oakenshield, he is Bolg, the spawn of Azog the Defiler, and he follows the same Master. You are in mortal danger." Gandalf was angry.
But King Thranduil would not be swayed.
"As I said before, I will not be dissuaded."
Obanai chose that moment to interrupt.
"Even if Gandalf is making up the hidden army, there is still the problem of the army coming from Gundabad. I have no loyalty to Thorin Oakenshield or his Company, and I know that Kyojuro will not fight you, as it would go against our code. I have no reason to dream up another army. If you send out scouts tonight, you will most likely see them."
Obanai's argument made the Elvenking pause for a brief moment.
"I suppose you are right. However, it was your belief that this army would arrive until three hours after dawn. We will attack at dawn as planned, and then deal with the threat, if it exists. It should not take long to deal with the Dwarvish ilk."
"About that, I do have another idea."
We turned to look at Bilbo as he carefully removed a small package from his pocket.
He unwrapped it, revealing a gem that caused both Gandalf and King Thranduil to stare in shock and awe.
"The Heart of the Mountain..."
Bilbo gestured towards the Stone.
"Thorin values this Stone above all else. If you offer, I believe that he will give you what you are owed in exchange for it. There will be no need for war."
This actually gave King Thranduil pause. He nodded, taking the Stone.
"Very well. I suppose we shouldn't waste this opportunity. If he will not trade, we will attack."
The Elf-King proceeded to leave in a swirl of robes.
I turned to Obanai and Mitsuri.
"It would probably be best if you two continued to investigate the whereabouts of the hidden army."
"What do you plan to do?" Mitsuri inquired.
Before I could answer, Gandalf shook his head.
"You and Bilbo should both leave this place. Get as far away from here as possible. If Thorin finds out what you've done, no measure of comradry you once shared will save you."
I blinked.
Bilbo didn't answer.
"I wasn't intending to return. There is nothing that I can accomplish while trapped behind those walls. I was thinking that perhaps it might better to relocate the people of Lake-Town to Dale. Otherwise, they will all be killed."
Mitsuri looked up from where she was studying the map.
"Obanai and I already have that covered. It took a lot of ego-stoking, but we convinced the Master to move everyone to Dale as soon as possible. They should all be here before dawn."
"Good work you two!" I approved. "Then I will spend the rest of the night getting some much-needed rest."
I bowed, and made to leave the tent.
"I'll go with you and find a place for you and Master Bilbo to stay," Mitsuri answered, joining me.
"I will see if I can sense the tremors again. With any luck, we may be able to plan an ambush."
Obanai nodded.
As I turned to leave the tent, I suddenly remembered something.
"Gandalf, can Dwarves use crows as messengers?"
Gandlaf raised an eyebrow.
"There was a certain species of crow that were used as messengers, but I am uncertain if there are any left that still serve that purpose."
"You have my thanks," I bowed.
"What was that about?" Mitsuri inquired as we left the tent.
I shook my head.
"Just a feeling. Hopefully it's nothing."
Everything felt unnaturally still in the darkness.
"It's the calm before the storm," I murmured. "Let's hope we're ready to face her when she comes."
It was in the wee hours of the night when I was shaken awake.
"Rengoku, get up!" I heard Obanai's voice hiss.
I was immediately awake.
"What is it?"
He shook his head.
"I went back to those hills, as I said. The tremors are getting stronger. If the Orcs have found a way to dig through, then they will be here just after dawn."
"So we can assume that their plan is to attack with the hidden army first..." I frowned.
"They will likely attack while the Elves are busy trying to deal with your friends." Obanai nodded.
"Did you inform King Thranduil?"
"I did, but he decided my information is not accurate. He is mustering his army as we speak."
"That could complicate things."
Obanai smirked.
"I think not. We don't follow his orders. We could set an ambush if we wish, and he couldn't do a thing about it."
"That is true," I laughed. "Do you have a plan?"
By this time, we had reached the edge of the ruins. Obanai led me to where the hills ended.
It was a perfect place for an ambush for either side.
"I was thinking that we should set some traps that they themselves would set off. This way, we aren't relying on knowing exactly when they're coming. If you focus here, you might be able to feel the vibrations."
Obanai gestured.
I placed my hands on the stone, and stretched out my senses.
"I don't feel vibrations, but I do feel some faint impressions. There is definitely something alive in there, and they do not have our best interests in mind."
"That's what I gathered." Mitsuri's voice said.
I looked up and saw her perched on a large boulder.
"I've been patrolling this area for the last few hours, and there's definitely something wrong here. I've also been gathering some stones and ropes to use for traps. It's unfortunate that gunpowder hasn't been invented yet."
"That is unfortunate," I agreed. "I do know that the Dwarves were able to make some small explosives during our fight with Smaug, but I am unable to collect the knowledge or materials in time, especially considering Thorin's mental state."
We spent the next few hours reviewing and preparing some traps. Most of them would be set off by the Orcs themselves to prevent casualties. We also set some small traps on Ravenhill, and where the second army would come, hoping to stall for time.
The sun was about to rise when we finished, so we quickly went to join the others.
The people of Lake-Town had arrived a couple hours ago, and had settled in without incident. Some of them had taken the initiative to arm themselves, just in case.
Mitsuri and Obanai had decided that they would monitor the situation, but not interfere unless a life depended on it. They were mostly focused on the coming armies. Obanai was still able to sense the vibrations, which were becoming even stronger.
"Whatever is carving through the stone is certainly not small," he had said.
Thanks to Gandalf, we did have some idea of what we were dealing with, although he wasn't certain.
We were hoping to disable them, and at the very least delay the hidden army.
I had decided that I would not join the processings unless absolutely necessary. I would be watching from close by, making sure to have a clear view of the hidden army's position.
King Thranduil, at present, was riding his enormous deer towards the front of the army. He was accompanied by his son, Legolas, the blond Elf who had captured us back in Mirkwood.
Gandalf also chose to lay low at present, only intending to interfere if necessary.
I could see the Company arrayed at the top of the wall. Thorin looked even less like himself than usual, and not a single member of the Company was smiling.
They had also knocked down two of the enormous statues framing the Gate, destroying the path. This was clearly intended to make it harder for the Elves to reach the Gate.
If a fight did break out, it was bound to get ugly.
I could only pray that the plan would work.
As King Thranduil and his son made their way to the front of the army, they were promptly halted by an arrow, which had been shot at the front hooves of King Thranduil's mount.
"I will put the next one between your eyes!" Thorin threatened.
The Company clamored in agreement.
Thorin didn't seem to be in the mood for negotiating.
A barely visible nod from King Thranduil caused all of the Elves to draw their bows in a synchronized motion. If they had not aimed their arrows at my friends, it would have been an impressive feat.
All the Dwarves, save Thorin, took refuge behind the stone wall. Thorin continued to draw his bow, the arrow aimed directly at King Thranduil.
A raised hand caused the Elves to return their arrows to their quivers.
Thorin didn't move. He and King Thranduil glared at each other for a moment.
"We've come to tell you," the Elf-King began. "Payment for your debt has been offered, and accepted."
"What payment?" Thorin spat. "I gave you nothing. You have nothing."
King Thranduil looked at his son, who proceeded to take a small, round package out of his robes. He unwrapped it, revealing the Arkenstone.
"We have this."
I could see the change in Thorin's expression immediately. He lowered his bow, staring at the Stone in shock.
The other Dwarves murmured amongst themselves.
"They have the Arkenstone..."
"Thieves!"
"How came you by the heirloom of our house! That Stone belongs to the King!"
Legolas placed the Stone back in his pocket.
"The King may have it," the Elvenking gave Thorin a hard look. "If he but return what is mine."
I could practically see the gears turning in the Dwarf-King's mind. I hoped that he would accept, and not spill the blood of his kin for a necklace.
After a moment, he seemed to come to a realization. He began to whisper to those around him, before he yelled.
"The Arkenstone is in this Mountain! It is a trick!"
I had partially expected this. I jumped down off my perch, and stood next to Thranduil, intending to intervene.
"It's not a trick. The Stone is very real. I gave it to them."
I blinked. That was Bilbo's voice. I looked up, and a cold feeling ran through me. Bilbo had returned to the Mountain. This could turn ugly fast.
Thorin slowly turned away from us to look at the Hobbit, and expression of betrayal and shock on his face.
"I took it as my fourteenth share." Bilbo explained.
He met Thorin's eye, not backing down. Thorin himself was still in shock.
"You would steal from me?"
"Steal from you? No, I may be a burglar, but I like to think I'm an honest one." Bilbo shook his head.
I looked at Obanai, and he nodded. He would be ready if Thorin went too far.
They exchanged a few more words, and then Thorin lost his mind.
"Throw him from the rampart!" he commanded. None of the Dwarves dared move. Thorin wasn't happy.
"Did you not hear me?!"
He roughly grabbed Fili, but he was pulled away. No one responded.
"I will do it myself! Curse you!"
He grabbed Bilbo, and began to haul him towards the rampart, cursing him all the while. The others tried to stop him, but it was no use.
I was about to step in, when a booming voice sounded out.
"IF YOU DON'T LIKE MY BURGLAR, then please, don't damage him! Return him to me!" I had never seen Gandalf as angry as he was now. Thorin, at least, had the sense to listen. I saw the others as they quickly helped Bilbo climb down safely before Thorin could change his mind.
"I will have no more dealings with Wizards! Or Shire rats!" Thorin snarled.
I quickly escorted Bilbo to a safer place.
"Are you alright?" I inquired.
"I'll be fine," Bilbo shook his head. "It's sad, isn't it. The lengths people will go to for treasure."
"Yes," I sighed. "It is sad. Now come, the hidden army will be here any minute. Find somewhere safe to hide."
But Bilbo was firm.
"Absolutely not. I'm staying here. This is my fight too. Those are my friends up there. I'm not leaving them."
He put his hands on his hips and stared me down.
I smiled.
"If that is your choice, then I certainly won't stop you."
I returned to the front after leaving Bilbo.
Thorin seemed restless. He kept glancing in a certain direction. Was he stalling?
I suddenly had a bad feeling as I remembered the crow. Could he have called for reinforcements? I hoped not. That would only make this situation even more messy. Although, they would be helpful allies against the Orcs...
"Will you have peace, or war?" King Thranduil gave him the final ultimatum.
Just then, I saw the crow return. It landed on the ledge, and seemed to almost speak to Thorin. He looked to the horizon, eyes hard.
"I will have war."
As if on cue, there was the sound of a horn, and marching feet. I glanced to the right, and a pit formed in my stomach. A small army of Dwarves appeared, led by a burly, redhead Dwarf riding a war hog.
King Thranduil didn't waste a moment. He began issuing commands, moving his army to face the new threat.
I quickly located Gandalf, who was in the middle of the chaos. Bilbo was with him.
"Who is that?" Bilbo inquired. "He doesn't look very happy."
Gandalf didn't seem happy either.
"It is Dain, Lord of the Iron Hills. Thorin's cousin."
I blinked.
"Are they alike?"
Gandalf turned to look at us.
"I've always found Thorin the more reasonable of the two," was his grave response.
"Oh, not good," I murmured.
Before long, the two armies were facing each other.
"Good morning! How are we all?" Lord Dain began in a deceptively pleasant tone. "I have a wee proposition, if you wouldn't mind giving me a few moments of your time. Would you mind, JUST SODDING OFF. ALL OF YOU, RIGHT NOW!"
A wave of unease swept through me. This Dwarf could be trouble.
Gandalf left us to the side, and went to intervene.
"Come now, Lord Dain," he greeted respectfully.
"Gandalf the Grey," Lord Dain responded in kind. "Tell this rabble to leave. Or I'll water the ground with their blood!"
The Dwarves let out a cheer.
"There is no need for war between Dwarves and Elves. Two legions of Orcs march on the Mountain. Stand your army down," Gandalf warned him.
"I will not stand down before any Elf!" Lord Dain snarled, pointing his axe at King Thranduil. "Not least this faithless, Woodland sprite! He wishes nothing but ill upon my people. And if he chooses to stand between me and my kin, I'll split his pretty head open! See if he's still smirking then!"
"He's clearly mad, like his cousin," King Thranduil commented, annoyed.
"You hear that lads?! We're on! Let's give 'em a real good hammering!"
Lord Dain gave a command in Khuzdul, which was repeated by the entire army.
Bilbo and I were quick to get out of the way as the two armies began to fight.
The fight hadn't been going on for more than a few, long minutes, when all Hell broke loose.
The ground shook, and two enormous serpent-like creatures burst through the hillside, right where the traps were placed. The traps immediately went off, and a multitude of boulders piled on top of the worms. Unfortunately, they only managed to incapacitate one of them. The other slunk back in its den, allowing the Orcs to pour out. Orcs rushed out of the other opening as well, but they had a slightly harder time of it.
Both the Dwarvish and Elvish armies seemed content to halt their battle, turning to face the larger threat.
The Dwarves immediately rushed to face the Orcs, shouting battle cries.
The Elves just waited.
I turned to Bilbo.
"I'm going to help them. Stay with Gandalf."
I was gone before he could reply.
I glanced at Ravenhill as I went, and saw some of our traps go off. I hoped that helped even the odds some.
By the time I reached the front, Obanai and Mitsuri were already there, ready to fight.
I could tell the Dwarves were giving us strange looks, but they were too focused on the incoming army to say anything.
The Dwarves were a wall of shields, swords, and spears at the front line.
We stayed on the edge of the line, ready to defend the weaker spots.
The tension was high as we braced for impact.
At the last minute, however, the Elves vaulted over us, and began slaying the Orcs.
The Dwarves roared their battle cries and followed suit.
Obanai, Mitsuri, and myself darted throughout the battle, helping those who needed it, and killing as many Orcs as possible. Not that it was difficult. They were even easier to kill than low-level Demons. We mostly focused on the tougher enemies, like the Trolls, our Nichirin swords slicing through their thick skin like butter.
Even with our help, however, there were just too many of them for us to handle.
The Elves had left to defend Dale, which was also under attack. The Men were defending themselves, but they were only barely holding on.
The Dwarves had all been pushed back towards the Mountain, and were preparing for a final stand.
There had yet to be any sign of those within the Mountain. Thorin had seemingly abandoned the fight.
It was clear from the way the Orcs acted that we were simply being toyed with.
We braced ourselves for a fight once more, this time excepting to be decimated.
When a horn blared, and the Gate of the Mountain came tumbling down, I felt a shock go down my spine. Something told me that this battle, this moment, was the reason why I was here.
When Thorin charged out of the Mountain, his company on his heels, his kingly raiment gone, the tide shifted. The Dwarves followed him, their battle cried renewed.
The Dwarves punched a hole through their ranks, with the three of us resuming the task of trying to keep them alive.
I immediately singled out Thorin, watching his back as he greeted his cousin. I reached his side just in time to hear Lord Dain ask what his plan was.
"We're going to take out their leader," Thorin stated firmly, fixing his stare on Ravenhill.
"I hope you don't mind company," I spoke up, slicing the head of an Orc that had come up behind Lord Dain.
"Your assistance would be most welcome, Master Kyojuro," Thorin nodded appreciatively.
He grabbed a war ram, and climbed on its back.
"I'm gonna kill those pieces of filth," he declared.
Lord Dain huffed.
"And just how do you intend to get all the way to Ravenhill?" he questioned incredulously.
As if on cue, a cart, pulled by six more rams, pulled up. Balin, Dwalin, Fili, and Kili were in for the ride it seems.
Dain seemed to be delighted at the sight.
"Go on," I told them, when Kili offered me a ride.
"I'll keep up on foot, and clear a path."
With a battle cry, we were off.
Thorin didn't seem to have any trouble, and the cart proved most useful for the decapitation of trolls. I was able to easily keep up, using Total Concentration Breathing.
On the way there, we ran into Obanai and Mitsuri.
"Are we ready for the second army to arrive?" I called to them.
"Yes," Mitsuri nodded, simultaneously slicing three Orcs in half. "At the very least, they should be disoriented for long enough that we will have enough time to regroup."
"Excellent," I nodded, killing an Orc that had its bow pointed at the cart. "We're gonna take care of Ravenhill. Let's hope we can clear it out in time."
The ride to Ravenhill was fairly hectic. We lost the cart, and I ended up having to carry Balin on my back, as several of the rams were eaten.
Ahead of us, Thorin was calling out, encouraging us to keep going.
As we entered the watchtower, we were immediately swarmed. We made quick work of them.
There was no sign of Bolg.
"Where is that Orc-filth?"
Dwalin muttered angrily.
I was worried. The whole situation felt wrong to me.
It felt like a trap.
"In any case, as should hurry up. The second army will be here any minute, and they're coming right for this Hill."
Thorin stroked his beard, considering. He seemed to come to a decision.
"Fili, Kili, Balin, return to the fight below, and back up Dain. Master Kyojuro, Dwalin, and I will finish off the rest."
Both Fili and Kili looked reluctant. Thorin placed a hand on their heads.
"I am not willing to risk your lives for a trap. Now go!"
The pair looked at Thorin one more time, before they turned to follow Balin.
I suddenly felt a zing going down my spine.
"Fili, Kili!" I called to them suddenly.
They both turned to me with an inquisitive eyebrow raised.
"Go find Mitsuri and Obanai. They'll keep and eye on you."
Kili frowned, no doubt about to insist that they didn't need protection.
"Trust me," I interrupted before he could speak.
The brothers sighed, but nodded in affirmation.
"Thank you," Thorin stated gratefully.
I shook my head, a signature smile on my face.
"I'm just doing my duty. Now, are you two ready to hunt?"
"Let's get going," Thorin smirked, Dwalin roaring a battle cry behind him.
We traveled through the outpost in an organized manner, slaughtering any Orcs we came across. There was an unspoken agreement that we would not split up. That would spell death for one or all of us.
It seemed like it took ages for us to finally corner Bolg.
The Orc was tough and strong, but he could not win against three highly competent warriors. The battle ended with Thorin plunging his sword in his chest, a battle cry tearing from his throat.
And then it was over.
Almost
As Bolg took his last breath, the sound of an Orc horn rang out.
"We're out of time, I murmured. "Come! We must hurry!"
We rushed out of the outpost, the remains of our enemies trailing behind us. They were promptly dispatched.
We barely managed to reach the front lines in time, and that was only because of the traps that Mitsuri and Obanai had set.
They had dug several trenches, hoping that the Orcs would simply abandon their comrades to death, trampling on top of them. This conjecture turned out to be correct. The army still charged forward, although the front line shifted multiple times as the Orcs fell, thus buying us time.
The remains of the armies were gathering, preparing for one last stand against the oncoming enemy. This stand, however, was not necessary.
Because we were, once again, saved by the Great Eagles.
They swept over us, decimating the army with ease.
The cheers that rang out as the last Orc was destroyed could be heard for miles.
I stood there, Orc blood staining my blade, and smiled.
It was a real smile.
*****time skip*****
The day of the Coronation of the Kings was a lively one.
During the Battle of the Five Armies, as we had taken to calling it, Bard had proved himself as a leader of his people. The Master and Alfrid had both been killed trying to escape, taking as much treasure as they could carry with them. The anger of the people of Lake-Town, now the people of Dale, led to the coronation of King Bard, descendant of the Girion, the last King of Dale.
Kings Thorin and Bard had signed a treaty, like that that had existed in the olden days.
And, for the first time in who knows how long, relations between the Elves and the Dwarves thawed.
King Thorin returned the necklace to King Thranduil, who in turn returned the Arkenstone, as part of their treaty.
With all of the hustle and bustle of coronations and treaties, I received a great surprise. It came from Fili.
"Kyojuro!" I heard him call out to me one day, as I was headed to help with one task or another.
"Young Fili!" I greeted. "How can I help you?"
The young Prince looked surprisingly nervous.
"Well, you see, Uncle asked for me to replace Balin as his advisor. I know you won't be able to stay long, but I was hoping that you would be willing to help me."
I gave him a companionate smile.
Balin had been killed saving Fili and Kili's lives. The dwarf had been wise. Those were quite the shoes to fill.
I placed a grounding hand on his shoulder.
"I will help you however I can, Fili. As it so happens, I have been employed as a bodyguard, along with my friends Mitsuri and Obanai. I'm sure all three of us would be honored to assist you. Although," I winked at him. "I can't say I know much about politics."
Fili smiled, his relief clear.
"I am very thankful for your assistance, Master Kyojuro," he bowed.
"The pleasure is mine," I bowed back.
"Now, let's raid the kitchen, shall we?"
Phew! I finally finished this chapter! I apologize for the long wait. I've got so much going on that I hardly had time to breathe, much less write. I really hope y'all enjoy this chapter! I really did work hard on it.
❤️Soundwave's Wife❤️