When the light of a new day dawned Percia didn't feel the hope such events usually brought. No, today they would be marching on the mountain. Well, Thranduil and Bard would, with about two thirds of the Elven army and the men. The rest were with her back in Dale, strategically placed to cause the most damage. The majority of the Elves were archers, and considering she didn't plan on letting the orcs get close it would work in their favor.
Along with the men were just as many women. They had been all for it when Bard had given the order to arm everyone who was able. Aside from the very young or very old, nearly everyone from Lake Town were preparing to defend their city and their lives. Those that couldn't fight were placed safely in one of the main buildings with the best structural integrity.
The plan, for what it was worth, was fairly simple. Thranduil, Bard and Gandalf would go 'negotiate' with Thorin. They would make it appear they were still planning to fight the Dwarves. This way when Azog sprung his attack they would already be on the field. If Dain and his army happened to show up, they would try to get them to join in on their side. Hopefully, the threat of orcs would be encouragement enough. But one never knew with Dwarves. Percia had learned very well how stubborn they could be.
They suspected Azog would attack the 'main' force first. Then as the fighting increased they would split and attack the city. It would cut the main force off from any place to retreat, as well as harm moral for those men fighting to know their families were in danger.
Luckily Clarisse had taught Percia a lot about war fare, simply by being a tough opponent.
Percia had ordered the elves and the majority of the men with her to hide out of sight. She wanted Azog to think only the 'non-combatants' occupied the place. When his forces tried to attack she would take out the first wave, with the use of the oh-so-convenient river. Seriously, Bard's ancestors had made some great real-estate choices.
Once she hit the first rush, the others would join her in taking out the rest. Hopefully giving some reprieve to those on the main battle field. Thranduil was not very trusting of her so he left his son, Argalad, the Crown Prince, with her to lead that contingent of Elves. Thankfully this one wasn't nearly as annoying as his younger brother, Legolas. Still, the idea of Thranduil having multiple offspring was a bit disheartening. Apparently he had another son back home holding down the city for him, and a daughter or two. No doubt they all shared some form of the King's arrogance.
"Do you think we'll make it through this?" The question came from Bain, Bard's son. He and many of the other teens were also outfitted for the fight. Looking his way she noted the slightly large chainmail shirt he was wearing along with the very worried facial expression.
"I don't know," she admitted truthfully. There was no point lying to the boy. "But we have a better chance now than before. You simply must fight to the best of your ability."
"But… can't you just drown the enemy army," he asked with a tinge of desperation.
Percia allowed a small smile to curl her lips. "Sadly my power is not that great. I will be able to use the waves to take out some, but not all. However, I will do my best to keep them out of the city. I am confident the Elves will be very helpful in that endeavor."
"Indeed," Argalad added from his position inside one of the arching doorways nearby. "The Elves of Greenwood are some of the best marksmen in all of Arda. Our position will give us a great advantage over the enemy."
"But why not have all of the army positioned here," Bain pushed. "Why try to negotiate with Thorin?"
"Because Azog will not show his hand unless he thinks he has the advantage," Percia replied sadly. "And it is better to deal with him and his hordes now, then let him try another day. A day when none are truly ready."
"Orcs are true evil," Argalad stated seriously. "They care only for destruction of others. Lady Percia is correct. If we give Azog the opportunity of time for better planning then the assault will be much worse. Though we came here for other reasons, this is a far more noble and necessary endeavor. Ridding our world of that filth is a cause any Elf will stand behind."
"How can you not be afraid," Bain questioned suddenly.
Percia chuckled lightly at the incredulity in his voice. "I'm absolutely terrified. If any in a situation like this tells you they're not afraid, they're either lying through their teeth or insane." She ruffled the youth's hair smiling wider at his annoyed look. "But I know there is a lot at stake if I don't fight. So I'm pushing down that fear so I can do what's right. And any true warrior will tell you it's not about not being afraid. It's about having something to fight for, and using that desire to protect what's important to overcome one's fear and fight." Her eyes swept back out to the valley where she could clearly see the multiple rows of soldiers standing before Erebor. Though she could not hear what was being said, she knew Thranduil and Bard had engaged Thorin in talks. "Fear is only a weakness if you let it rule you."
Silence settled over them for a long moment, until finally Bain piped up again.
"Can you see what is happening?"
"Nope, my eyesight is not so blessed," Percia admitted.
"Lord Bard has just shown Thorin the stone," Argalad advised them in a bland tone. "The dwarves are not happy about it at all… Wait, someone has joined them on the wall. I believe it is your Hobbit friend."
"Bilbo? I thought he was staying here," Percia groused in exasperation. "But of course he wouldn't. The noble idiot."
"Whatever he is saying to them Thorin is not happy about it…" He gasped suddenly causing the two listening to turn to him. His face betrayed his surprise and utter contempt.
"What?" Percia didn't like the way he tried not to say anything, but her glare must have convinced him.
"Thorin tried to throw the Hobbit off the parapet," he admitted softly.
Percia didn't know how to take that. Thorin tried to kill Bilbo? After everything Bilbo had done for them? Was a stone really worth more than the life of a friend? A flash of anger swept through her and she could feel the water of the river churning in response as well as storm clouds gathering.
"He. Did. What?"
"He tried to kill the Hobbit," Argalad repeated though with far more caution as he took in her stance and the sudden change in the weather. "Gandalf stopped him, and the Hobbit is now safely with the rest of the army. No doubt Thorin considered what he did as treason…"
"Bilbo is NOT his subject! A stone is NOT worth the life of another," she growled out viciously not noticing the way Bain backed up slightly. "Honestly, is there something in the water on this side of the mountains that makes everyone so stupid when it comes to shiny rocks?"
Argalad knew she was also making a reference to his father's willingness to go to war for the white gems of Lasgalen, however he wisely chose not to respond. Getting into an argument with an enraged female never ended well, no matter how justified one was. Thankfully there was a timely arrival to distract the warrior.
"It looks like we have visitors," he announced, more than a little relieved. When Percia turned to see who the new arrivals were Argalad winked at Bain, who also looked happy that her attention had been turned elsewhere.
"Let me guess," she drawled. "That's Dain."
"Yes," the crown prince replied wryly. "He does enjoy a good fight."
Even from here she could see the single Dwarf ride out, (was he on a pig?), and start making demands. He reminded her greatly of Ares and his brood. Man she missed some of her cousins right now.
Her attention was taken away from the continued posturing by the increased ripples in the water. She had connected with the river earlier to make sure she would have control when the time came. As such, she had kept it in the back of her mind, allowing her to feel the shift. Glancing towards the river her eyes followed it towards the mountain rang just to the south east of the city. Something was burrowing in the ground, something big, to allow the shockwaves to travel up to the river and disturb the natural flow.
"It's coming," she warned them. "Get ready."
Argalad disappeared from his place to get his Elves ready while Bain ran towards the men and women waiting anxiously all through the city. Percia took a deep steadying breath. The battle would begin soon, a battle unlike any she had fought in the past. It would be more reminiscent of the days of old, such as the battle of Troy. This battle would be a game of numbers and sheer determination.
Hand resting on the hilt of Riptide where it sat on her hip, she prayed they would save as many as they could.