Chapter 32

"You're Going Where?"

"Where are you going?" a voice whispered as the versifier stepped out of the Master's house, causing her to stop mid step. The voice belonged to that of the Halfling Bilbo, who sat outside smoking. Torshar was stunned to say the least, she was not expecting her good friend to be awake at this hour.

Deciding not to lie to him, the maiden turned to face him, "I'm going to the Mountain. To find the door… Alone."

This made the Hobbit stand in a worried huff, "You're going where?!"

"You heard me, Mr. Baggins… I'm going to the Mountain to slay the dragon before Thorin has a chance. I will not allow that curse to take over him…." She explained as her head fell.

"What curse?" he asked, trying to understand.

"Dragon Sickness, Bilbo. A dragon hoards his treasures and becomes obsessed with it… Even after the creature is vanquished or driven from its hoard, the sickness remains infused within the treasure. Anyone who possesses it will begin to suffer its affects. I will not allow that to happen to Thorin, or anyone else."

"What you speak of doing is suicide, Lady Torshar." He stated with concern.

Her gaze rose to meet her friend's, "I know… But I have to try."

"You really shouldn't do anything, lass." Echoed another voice, this one belonging to Dwalin who stepped out of the shadows behind her.

Sighing in annoyance, she looked at him over her shoulder, "Dwalin, you know what fate awaits him…"

The bald, tattoo-headed Dwarf approached her and wrapped his arms around her in a comforting hug, "That is why he needs you… To help him through what is to come. If you face that dragon alone, he will have nothing." He earned a nod from, the petite woman in his arms.

"Alright Dwalin… I will stay…" she stated, causing the bulky man to release her.

The Hobbit smiled as he returned to his spot to finish his pipe and Dwalin took the quivers and bow from her then headed back inside. Deciding to join her burglar friend, Torshar sat beside him and pulled out her pipe and tobacco pouch, "I can't believe I let you both talk me out of it…" she giggled then lit up, making Bilbo chuckle as he blew out smoke rings.

After an hour of silent smoke between them, the versifier spoke again, "Bilbo… There's something I would like you to do for me." she stated as she cleaned out her pipe, catching her Hobbit companion off guard.

"Of course, Torshar, anything."

She looked at him with a smile as she held her pipe and pouch out for him to take, "Hold onto these for me?" she asked.

To say the Halfling was surprised would be quite an understatement because his face mirrored pure shock, "What?! Why are you giving me this?!"

"It's a habit I need to quit…" she stated with a smile and laid a hand on her stomach.

Gasping in joy, Bilbo stood, "Are you sure?!"

"Not yet… But I'm fairly certain…"

This earned her a swift smack to the back of her head by the burglar, "And you wanted to go fight a dragon! In your condition?!"

"Ow! I'm sorry, it was stupid!" she exclaimed and rubbed the back of her head with a hiss of pain.

"You're exactly right, it was stupid and idiotic and I am so thrilled you came to your senses!" he stated as he took the pipe and pouch from her hand, "Now, get back before Thorin wakes to find you missing." He smiled.

"Yes, Mr. Baggins, sir!" she saluted with a giggle then stood up and stretched, "See you tomorrow." She waved then disappeared into the night.

The sun began to rise over the lake, making the water glisten like diamonds on a bed of sapphires. The Dwarves and Hobbit woke up, ate a hearty breakfast, and then proceeded to the town square where a small boat was waiting. Thorin stood nearby gazing around in concern and confusion as Dwalin approached.

"What is it, Thorin? Are you not ready to face the Mountain?" he asked jokingly then looked closer and saw the worry in his king's eyes, "Thorin, what is it? What's wrong?"

"Torshar was gone when I awoke and I have not seen her around the square. The children also seem to be looking for her as well. I'm just worried… Also, the key is missing." The prince mentioned.

Dwalin smirked as he pulled out the key from his pocket, "Torshar tried to handle the dragon on her own but I convinced her to return to the inn but not before pick pocketing her." He smiled triumphantly and handed his friend the key. Thorin was stunned, for one because Dwalin successfully pick pocketed his fiancé and two because Torshar believed she could take on a dragon single handedly. Placing the key around his neck, the warrior prince began helping load the weapons into the boat, praying that Torshar was at the Mountain.

Groaning, the versifier opened her eyes but found her vision to be blurry and her head a bit dizzy. The last thing she remembered was heading back to the inn after having her conversation with Bilbo, a sharp pain in the back of her neck, then darkness. Looking around, despite her terrible visual field, the maiden of music discovered that she was tied to a wooden beam with her hands bound behind it. Trying to free herself was a mistake as sharp pain pierced through her entire body as if she had been struck by lightning from deep in her very soul, causing her to gasp in pain loudly.

"Well, well, the sleeping maiden of the moon has finally awakened." A familiar voice spoke and stepped in front of the captured woman.

Silver toed boots, black trousers, and a red tunic gave her all the clues she needed to figure out who it was that stood before her, "Harar, you arrogant, self-centered bastard…" she stated and looked up, "What have you done…?"

"I have captured you and brought you to Dol Gul Dur. The Orcs will take care of you while I see to it that Smaug destroys everything you hold dear. Thorin, the company, Erebor, Valtek… Everything." He stated as he knelt down and took hold of her chin in a vice-like grip, "You stole everything from me by returning to Valtek. And now… I'm taking everything from you." He smirked evilly.

"Gandalf will stop you… He won't let anything happen to that company…" she stated as she tried to fight her restraints only to scream in pain as the bolt of energy shot through her but like a barrage of flaming arrows.

"Well, about that whole Gandalf thing… I don't think he's the savior you're hoping for because…" Harar shifted slightly and pointed to a large, rusted, metal cage that held a beaten and bloody Gandalf the Grey, "Oh and I wouldn't pull on your restraints, young one. The ropes that bind you are enchanted with a dark curse that tightens and sends a penetrating pain into your nervous system." He explained as he stood up, "Now, be a good girl while I deal with some business."

"You won't get away with this Harar!" she screamed as the ropes tightened and energy shot through her spine and he uncle walked away.