Call of the Dragon
Chapter II
Note: I don't own anything you recognize it belongs to it's respective owners.
Bilbo didn't know how long he was unconscious, but now his senses started to give signs of activity. He felt pain in the back, and surprisingly he woke up on a tree. He was stuck on one of the branches of great oak, and hanged on his coat, helplessly waving his legs. He desperately tried to release himself when he heard moans nearby. He looked around and saw dwarves laying in more or less ridiculous poses on the ground, right under him. Thorin was first to get up and started to help the others.
Bilbo shouted to him: ,,Hey! I'm over here. Help me get out of this!" Thorin in surprise looked up and called:
,,Well, well. Here is our burglar. I started to worry about you! You know it would be funny, if not our current position. We are in completely different place, which I don't recognize. Lonely Mountain disappeared, that strange light somehow brought us here, wherever this place is. We're completely lost!"
After he said that, he started to climb on lower branches, muttering under nose and with worried face. He carefully moved closer to hanging hobbit, grasping the wood brand tightly. Other dwarves were already on their legs, slightly battered, but with no serious injury. Bilbo was contemplating his bad luck, when bough cracked under Thorin's weight, ,,Oh no!" he sighed irritated. In mere seconds they both fell down with heavy thud.
,,That's it. It couldn't be worse." Bilbo thought to himself. Bombur and Bofur hurried to lift him from the ground, and Balin helped Thorin to stand up. Then finally the company looked around closely. The forest glade they found themselves on, was quiet and peaceful, near the oak lied, scattered all their baggages. Dwarves quickly started to search through them, hoping that provisions survived this unexcpected trip. Luckily everything was in it's place, delighted dwarves found even their personal belongings, including musical instruments they used so long ago in Bag End, undamaged as it seemed.
,,Ha, ha. There's my harp. I was always very fond of it, no matter how silly it seems, it's very precious to me." Said Thorin and after a minute of silence he added ,,It belonged to my grandfather Thrór, the only thing that's left from him. Before journey to Moria where he met his end, Thrór passed it to my father and now I bear it as our family heirloom." Others bowed their heads at the mention of tragic fate of old dwarven king.
,,It's a shame that we didn't take our viols, what say you brother?"asked Balin with a smile. Dwalin only shrugged ,,Taking them with us would be too much trouble, besides what's the use of music on dangerous journey? It's pointless."
Balin laughed: ,,Practical as ever." And ended with dreamful smile ,,But remember, sometimes even in darkest hour music can be a cure for aching soul."
,,Oh yes, sometimes even great help" added enthusiastically Ori and to give display of his scholarship, started one of his tales. ,,In the elven chronicles of Elder Days, it is said that great elvish lord Fingon found his dear friend Maedhros with the help of music. He searched for days without rest, but when he almost lost hope, he decided to sing among the rocky wastelands and then, the voice of a friend answered him faintly. And in this moment, great Fingon…" Ori would continue with his lecture, if not the irritated comment from Dwalin: ,,Well music won't help us now. Especially in finding our way!" That saying he walked off, mumbling angrily under his nose.
Balin looked at him protractedly and turned to Ori: ,,Don't mind him, He's always like that, though I know that he has more sensitivity than he shows." Ori nodded and sighed. He felt at times useless, still though he hoped that some day his knowledge will pay off in their travel. He was very educated dwarf, delighted in all writings and old lore, those of both elves and dwarves. Often used letters of elvish alphabet, which seemed to him more beautiful and elegant than runic cirth, main writing system of his people.
Bilbo sat nearby on a rock and was deep in thought. Tale of which Ori spoke, had awaken in him some unknown emotion. He suddenly felt fascinated by Elder Days from which so strange tales and legends came. ,,Maybe when this mess is over I could ask the elves of Rivendell on the matter." Little did he know that many years from now he'll begin the work on translating these stories and that thanks to him they will survive in the memory of Free Peoples, long after the elves depart to the West.
Fili went scouting, sent after short discussion on their situation, step on which all were eager to agree. Thorin engaged in conversation with Dwalin, while the rest, once again checked their baggage. The wild ride through magic vortex made them hungry.
Some rest and hot meal was more to Bilbo's liking: ,,Maybe, it won't be so bad from now on, this place is one of the safer ones we've been in during this journey. No goblins to kill us, no wargs. And especially no angry dragon, ready to cook us for dinner." Again he felt that adventures are a good thing, of course if the meals are regular.
In the meantime Fili went through the forest, looking around, trying to be as quiet as possible (for a loud dwarf of course). He saw very high, rocky hill or mountain before him, and started to walk towards it hoping that no danger will wait on him there. On the top of it he could finally check surroundings from a better point of view. After a few hours he was on the peak, he started to search for any characteristic land features. In the north-western direction, gleamed a water, a lake perhaps or a river, further north he spotted eaves of the forest of large pine trees, it was far and wide, spreading over horizon. Fili frowned, it did resembled Mirkwood, but he knew it wasn't it. With confusion he turned around and gazed west, far away a cluster of buildings caught his eyes, a city or a settlement, but it was too blurry to recognize. East from him started the barren wasteland, and some grassy plains. No trees were seen there, sun was glittering on the covering sand, scarcely growing plants were rippling on the wind, like a sea waves. Though things seemed close at hand, in reality from the hill to this desolate area was quite a distance, leading through more or less wooden hills and some treeless moors. Fili tried to memorize all the terrain features, when suddenly he saw large flying shape hovering over the woods south-east from him. It was bright blue, like a sapphire gem in the sunlight. In the next moment he froze in fear, he recognized uncanny resemblance the flying creature had. It was no mistake, reptile features were all too obvious, a dragon, yet smaller than Smaug and different in coloring.
Young dwarf knew what he had to do: ,,I must warn others! We have to get out of here!" he thought, madly rushing down at the foot of the acclivity. In the same moment, Thorin and rest of the company were eating and joking among themselves, their moods lightened, fear they experienced not so long ago, during encounter with Smaug and mysterious light, vanished. Bombur was baking sausages they had taken from Laketown, while others chewed cram, and drunk remaining tincture, passing the bottle in the circle. Thorin sat in silence thinking on the next course of action. He had no idea where they ended up, after the last mysterious events nothing was certain. He hoped that scouting performed by one of his nephews, would give him some clues.
,,Here you go Thorin! The sausages are ready. Everyone take some!" called Bombur, giving their leader his share. Dwarves quickly took care of the rest, too quickly for the Bilbo, he hoped for more than just those few he got. Bombur returned to the fireplace and used his big spoon to mix in the large pot hanged on wood triangle over the fire. He added some salt, tasting a little sip. Finally decided to add also some herbs found nearby, so he started to cut them and crush them in his hands so to release more flavour. Goulash he was preparing, was full of meat, thanks to Kili and Thorin who ventured an hour before to hunt and returned with three rabbits which Thorin shot.
,,Good that we had these bows from Esgaroth" mused dwarf leader eating sausages ,,Even though as I suspected there wouldn't be of any use on the Desolation of Smaug." And his thoughts returned to Lonely Mountain and it's area, again. ,,Some day I will turn these lands to beautiful garden and woods will grow again, so we can hunt in them, once the dragon is dead! The Renewer, king of dwarves. Soon" he smiled wistfully at this exciting idea.
,,Ha, I hope that your cooking skill, brother didn't get worse after your incident with Enchanted River! Who knows maybe amnesia damaged your mind!" teased Bofur, while sniffing the aromate coming from the pot, his brother Bombur was always great cook. Fat dwarf at that remark only snorted contemptuously.
,,At least I had a pleasant dreams, and the journey wasn't so difficult for me!" All the dwarves laughed heartily.
,,Well easy for you to say that! It was us that had to carry you around, and you're not a feather, cousin!" Said Bifur amused by the light banter. The bushes at the edge of the forest glade where they set up their little camp, started to rustle. Dwarves immediately became serious and with amazing speed brandished their weapons. Gloin took his axe, he always carried it with him all this time and even stole it out from the magazine in Elvenking Halls, as he said refusing to leave it for the use of Elves. Bombur for the lack of better choice, took frying pan and waved with it enthusiastically, Thorin drawn his dwarven, short sword (regrettably Orkrist was taken from him in Thraduil's palace, during their imprisonment and no one could found it while they were preparing to escape). Others prepared sticks, knifes and everything that could serve as a defense. Bifur took his short pike, almost hitting Balin with it. Balin cursed in his mind, gave a nod to Dori, who was famed for his strength and wanted to rush on the unknown enemy when, from the leaves emerged Fili, breathing heavily. Everyone relaxed, but they didn't miss the opportunity to reprimand young dwarf for startling them.
,,For next time, give a sign that you're coming! We almost attacked you!" many voices were heard.
,,And how I'm supposed to do it, when you are not watching on the surroundings!" Fili retorted, with anger.
,,Easy now, no point for arguing now. Next time we set our main looker. What say you Balin!" said Kili mitigating the tension. ,,Yes, yes. We'll do that!" white bearded dwarf responded, hastily.
,,Now brother, tell us what you saw!" asked Kili capturing attention of the company.
For a moment there was silence, Fili watered his throat with the bottle of liquor and started: ,,I've scoured the land as far as that high peak, over there" he said pointing the eastern direction. ,,There is not much in the area, it's certain that men live here, but further west near the lake. And I assure you it doesn't look like Long Lake we know, it's a different place altogether."
Thorin impatiently interrupted, ,,Yes we know that already" and added dryly.
,,If that whole scouting business was necessarily to figure that out, then I thank you for your trouble!" Not in the least abashed, Fili continued his tale.
,,Well, I also spotted a dragon heading south-east if I'm correct!" For a moment dwarves were speechless.
,,And you're telling this to us now! You should work out your priorities, such grievous news you should tell right from the beginning!" shouted Dori in exasperated tone, backed by the angered looks from the rest.
,,Well lads, we know what to do. We mustn't let this dragon get us. Time to move out!" announced Gloin. Others were uneasy staring meaningful at their leader.
,,Aye, I agree with you" Said Balin thoughtfully. ,,Thorin? What's your decision? We're all waiting." Added looking at Thorin expectedly.
Thorin was silent, in this moment unfathomable anger filled his heart, dragon was the cause of suffering of countless dwarves and especially his family. He made up his mind.
,,Now is the time" he thought. And aloud he said: ,,I'm tired of running away from trouble. This must stop, once and for all. We're trailing after him!" he finished shouting these words with dangerous gleam in the eyes.
,,Smaug will finally pay for his crimes against our race!" Dwarves froze with shock. Some looked at Thorin awed by his courageous words, others thought he lost his mind, the same view was secretly shared by Bilbo. In total silence broken only by the bird songs, Fili expressed his doubt.
,,Ehh, not that I want to be the herald of bad news, but.." he started awkwardly, immediately interrupted by Gloin.
,,Get to the point laddie. What's bothering you?" he asked narrowing eyes suspiciously.
,,First of all. Dragon that I saw, definitely isn't Smaug, well just looked differently." Pointed Fili. ,,Second, even then, chasing a dragon of which we know absolutely nothing is a very bad idea. Not to mention that even smallest of these beasts is more dangerous than we can imagine"
,,What!?" exclaimed Thorin supported by consternation visible on the faces of all surrounding him.
Bilbo squealed faintly. ,,Another one?!" He was completely mortified, he berated himself in mind once again, just as he always did after leaving the Shire on this crazy quest: ,,Bilbo you fool. You should have stayed at home, in cosy Bag End!"
,,Ahh, curse this. Smaug or not, we shouldn't even go hundred paces near him" said Dori in his rough voice.
His brother Nori supported his claim; ,,We cannot hope for victory against such powerful foe! There are only fourteen of us, including mr. Bilbo. Though our brave hobbit showed his worth fighting Giant Spiders in Mirkwood and we are more than accomplished warriors, this situation is different. You are pursuing the lost cause of vengeance Thorin." He said strongly, directly to proud dwarf.
Thorin said nothing only stared at the fire, the setting sun was shining through leaves. The shadows were lengthening while they sat motionless, their spirits darkened as well.
,,Is this journey not a similar, lost cause, as you put it, Nori?" he asked finally. ,,Did we get through all these dangers for nothing? Or maybe there was some faint, small chance which we took hold of, hoping to fulfill our dreams and restore honour of our people." He narrowed his eyes and added almost hissing with rage.
,,Dragon Smaug may be even responsible for our present condition. Lost in unknown land, bare to whatever dangers that can lurk within this area. Smaug is not exception. As all of his wretched race, he has supernatural abilities of his own."
,,It's true" added Ori and after brief pause he said. ,,Dragons have not only unsurpassed strength of all living creatures, but also strange powers. We don't know what they're fully capable of." And scratching his head he continued.
,,I read once a chronicle of the great war that our people, the Longbeards fought against dragons in Ered Mithrin. None of us remember these times, we were all born after Thrór came back to Lonely Mountain and not much sources survived, but we can say with surety that cold-drakes of Withered Heat devised devious mind tricks and magical deception to ensnare our ancestors. Luckily, most of the dwarves are very resistant to such sorcery!" He got lost in thought for a moment and finished.
,,I think we may have been transported somewhere near the Withered Heat, by dragon's magic. Presence of another beast, seems to support this theory. Hmm, what do you think?" He asked, looking on the circle of faces.
,,Ridiculous!" groaned Dori. ,,I've never heard about such things. Stop showing off your book knowledge and think of some reasonable explanation. I for one, think that this other filthy lizard, Fili saw, came summoned by the Smaug himself!" He finished distinctly, with a grimace on his face.
,,That too is unlikely. Dragons once they got hold of the hoard of treasures are becoming very jealous of it. Smaug or any other of his kind wouldn't work together. They become loners, yes they are." slowly explained Balin.
An instant thought came to Thorin's mind, and he expressed his impatience.
,,We're wasting time on a futile debates. Time to act." And declared in commanding tone.
,,We're setting off to find these cursed reptile and destroy it. And if it isn't Smaug, in that case we clear the world of one dragon more, later time will come for our true adversary. End of discussion!"
…
Durza was standing at the edge of giant hole looking out on the panoramic view of the city of Uru'baen. Whole section of the outer wall was torn down. Kings palace was full of stone pebbles and fragments of broken columns. Two great halls and few corridors were totally blocked, many unfortunate servants and guards were crushed when two great beasts put forth their primal fury and power. In the last rays of setting sun, a vast cloud of smoke raised. Few districts were still burning.
,,He had flown over, only one time, my lord. Only one. Many buildings were incinerated almost immediately. At first we heard only deafening roar, then mighty wind came above the city, smashing thatched roofs, it was like a hurricane. Then he came, with vast wings that blocked the sun and incredibly strong tale, destroying everything. In the air were flying whole logs of wood. Stone towers were laid in ruin, rubble littered the streets, everywhere. Finally the fire rushed, like a wave. In a blink of an eye countless houses, army barracks, whole streets were filled with raging fire." Durza was turning his back to the man supplying him with detailed report. He turned his head slightly to closely look at him. The soldier had extensive burns all over his body. It was a miracle that he survived, jumping on the last possible moment behind the cover of stone piles from a collapsed watch-tower, before the stream of flame was spat out from mighty jaw. Of course he didn't escape unscratched, he will be permanently scarred for the rest of his live, if the burns won't fester that is.
,,It was blazing hell. As if gods themselves rained this cataclysm on us!" he exclaimed fearfully. Durza with contempt grimaced and said coldly.
,,Gods have better things to do than sent rains of fire on superstitious fools!" And asked.
,,What of the others in the garrison? How many survived the fire?"
,,Only a handful, but most of them are in severe state, they won't be able to fight any time soon." The soldier answered hissing with pain. His injuries were giving him trouble, hecould not speak plainly, pain was unbearable.
,,So the capital of the Empire, the biggest city in region, is practically defenseless?" Asked Durza almost spitting each word out.
,,It would seem so. But there were military camps outside of the city. Forces gathered by king's order. Maybe they avoided our fate." Durza couldn't believe in everything that transpired in the last few hours. Shruikan and this unknown dragon of immense strength were fighting madly, until the walls cracked, creating havoc and turning palace into death trap for all men inside. Luckily new dragon, after seriously wounding Shruikan, lost interest with them and begun tearing it's way out of the building, destroying everything on it's path, finally getting into the open air right in place where he stand now.
,,My lord. There is something else, that I must tell you." Soldier's voice barely hearable reached sorcerer's ears. ,,Before it all begun, sphere of the blinding, bright light appeared in the sky above the city. Then it was gone, as mysterious as it appeared. Some say it hovered in the north-estern direction, but I didn't inquire further. My lord? What you make of it?" He asked breathing heavily from exertion.
,,The portal! How could I forget, we didn't close it. It's still active. Unbelievable!" Durza whispered in fascination. Immediately regaining composure, he straighted himself and in lordly gesture sent away soldier, paying no more attention to him. He had more important thing to do now, the king will want answers.
,,At least there are some that I can provide." He mused silently. King Galbatorix survived this whole madness unhurt, but his mind was in turmoil. Questions were multiplying, from where this dragon came? What happened to the portal? Shruikan was laying on the courtyard, covering it whole. His wounds were now fully visible. His opponent had impressive set of teeth, clearly they left deep mark on the neck of the black scaled reptile.
,,Sire, I have some information. If you wish so, I can present it right now." Sound of Durza's voice, broke the trans. Galabatorix rose from his seat, one of the few furnitures that were saved from devastated royal residence.
,,Speak. Quickly now. I want to know everything you managed to ascertain, all facts. Especially about our…unexpected, guest." He ended with vicious smile. Durza raised an eyebrow at that reaction. Clearly, Galbatorix was amused instead of being by all rights, terrified. He almost paid with his life for foolish attempt to master the magnificent beast, yet still the signs of sick fascination were visible on his face.
,,I must proceed carefully." Thought the Shade. ,,Who knows what reaction my news will bring. He seems in rather strange state of mind, if that's what can be said about lunatics."
,,So my Shade, what did you find out? I'm waiting." Galbatorix repeated a demand with anxiousness.
,,At first we must state openly, sire. Dragon we are dealing with is much older and stronger than Shruikan, so it makes him at least two hundred years old. I suspect that even more than that." Shade read face expression of the king trying to be as diplomatic as possible.
,,A mighty beast indeed." Mused Galbatorix. ,,Durza, I want that dragon! With him I could be invincible!" King laughed walking in circles. ,,Shruikan can be enhanced but that is long and difficult process, naturally it would occur over the years. But I don't want to wait hundreds of years. I need this mighty creature now!" he shouted.
,,Finding won't be difficult. The trail of destruction follows him closely, but to tame such specimen. That is a different matter." Durza started carefully, hoping to persuade the king to change his mind.
,,Hahaha. You really act like a smug snake." Laughed, dangerously narrowing eyes Galbatorix. ,,You will do as I say. Otherwise.." king looked into the empty space, pausing.
,,You will know my wrath!"
c.d.n.
Note: A little shorter than I wanted but, for now will do . So, share your thoughts and opinions.