Chapter 30

Thorin never forgot the ways of Erebor. He knew every hall, room and passage. He showed me all of it. Though the dragon had destroyed much of once was, I could still see the work of the dwarves under the ruin. I ran my hand lightly along the wall and smiled.

"It is all so beautiful."

"Hardly…..the dragon destroyed much."

I looked upon him with love.

"Thorin give me your hand." I said.

He did as I asked and I placed it on the wall near mine. Then I covered it with my free hand.

"Close your eyes…" he did so, "and let yourself remember. Remember the halls of Erebor as they once were and will be again." I whispered.

He smiled and then opened his eyes. I smiled back at him and then he kissed me once more.

"Thorin! Come quickly to the Front Gate!" Balin called.

We separated and then ran to the Front Gate. An old raven was perched upon a rock.

"O Thorin son of Thrain, and Balin son of Fundin," he croaked. "I am Roac son of Carc. Carc is dead, but he was well known to you once. It is a hundred years and three and fifty since I came out of the egg, but I do not forget what my father told me. Now I am the chief of the great ravens of the Mountain. We are few, but we remember still the king that was of old. Most of my people are abroad, for there are great tidings from the South- some are tidings of joy to you, and some you shall not think so good.

"Behold! the birds are gathering back again to the Mountain and to Dale from the South, and East and West, for word has gone out that Smaug is dead!"

My eyes widened.

Dead!? DEAD!?

I smiled and Thorin kissed me and the other cheered gratefully. Then Roac spoke again.

"Yes, dead," said Roac. "The thrush may his feathers never fall, saw him die, and we may trust his words. He saw him fall in battle with the men of Esgaroth the third night back from now at the rising of the moon."

Thorin and I managed to bring the others to silence. We listened to the raven's words.

"So much for joy, Thorin Oakenshield. You may go back to your halls in safety; all the treasure is yours- for the moment. But many are gathering hither beside the birds. The news of the death of the guardian has already gone far and wide, and the legend of the wealth of Thror has not lost telling during many years; many are eager for a share of the spoil. Already a host of elves is on their way, and carrion birds are with them hoping for battle and slaughter. By the lake men murmur that their sorrows are due to the dwarves; for they are homeless and many have died, Smaug has destroyed their town. They too think to find amends from your treasure whether you are alive or dead.

"Your own wisdom must decide your course; but thirteen dwarves, an elf and this small being are few. If you will listen to my counsel, you will not trust the Master of the Lake-men, but rather him that shot the dragon with his bow. Bard is he, of the race of Dale, of the line of Girion; he is a grim man but true. We would see peace once more dwarves and men and elves after the long desolation; but may cost you dear in gold. I have spoken."

When I looked upon Thorin he was enraged. I did not understand why.

"Our thanks, Roac Carc's son. You and your people shall not be forgotten. But none of our gold shall thieves take or the violent carry off while we are alive. If you would earn our thanks still more, bring us news of any that draw near. Also I would beg of you, if any of you are still young and strong of the wing, that you would send messengers to our kin in the mountains of the North, both west from here and east, and tell them of our plight. But go especially to my cousin Dain in the Iron Hills, for he has many people well-armed and dwells nearest to this place. Bid him hasten!" said he.

What?! Thorin what is wrong with you!?

"I will not say if this counsel be good or bad," croaked Roac; "but I will do what can be done." Then off he slowly flew.

I turned and ran back inside the Mountain. What Thorin was doing was wrong. I understood his anger towards the elves, and to be honest I too shared his anger. Yet not for the men of the Lake, who had healed me. They had saved my life and given Thorin and I another chance together. I stopped in an empty room.

"Tawariell?"

Dwalin stood in the doorway. I looked at him.

"Dwalin you know this is wrong!"

"The elves wrongly….."

"I do not speak of the elves. I care not if they should get a single nugget of gold! But the men of Lake-town have died and those who lived have lost their homes. If Thorin shall not help them then I shall." I said.

"How?"

I smiled a little.

"Thorin chose me as his wife, therefore if he is king I am queen. Of course I shall speak with him of this matter first. But I cannot and will not let those people suffer for what we have done. We angered Smaug." I stated.

Dwalin smiled, at least I believe it was a smile. He nodded.

"You will make a fine queen. You do what you believe is best. I stand with you my friend."

I smiled and nodded. He winked and then left the room. I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself. Speaking to Thorin in anger would not help any. When I had calmed I walked off in search of Thorin.