Chapter 57

*There are several different points of view in this one. ENJOY!*

ARINA'S POV

I had no idea how long I had been unconscious, but when I woke I was in chains. Part of me had been expecting to be on the back of a warg, or even handled by an Orc. I was not suspecting the iron chains that bound me. Panic hit me, and for a moment I couldn't breathe. My vision went black and my heart began to hammer in my chest, but then I remembered. I was not the same little girl who had been tortured so long ago. I was more than that. Pushing myself to my feet, I focused on a dragon, and began to push for the transformation.

When nothing happened, I tried again, and again until I was sweating. Finally, I gave up and started to yank on the iron, but still nothing happened. A frustrated cry left my lips, and I swung around when a low chuckle sounded. I glanced around me, and for once I had no idea where I was.

"You will find that it is going to be rather difficult, to use any of your abilities."

Lifting my gaze, I watched a white wizard walk into view and my breath caught in my throat. He was tall and while age had taken a toll on him, he was still powerful and as sharp as a fresh sword.

"Saruman," I breathed. "What...what is going on?"

"What a terrible question," he scoffed. "It is a surprise that no one has caught you sooner. You are a very powerful tool, Queen Arina. And I'm afraid you belong to me now."

I glared at him viciously and that was when I felt the first pulse in my mind. It tried to take over, and the darkness of it had me shaking. With a curse, I clamped down on my barriers and thought of keeping them in tact. No one would get in. No one, I couldn't let him in. This just had to happen now, when I was weak in my mind. If I let up at all, he would take over instantly.

"How sweet," he mused. "You truly think that you can stop me? I am the most powerful wizard in the land. If I can stop your powers, I can certainly get to your mind. Let's try starting with something else."

Glancing to my right, I watched an Orc walk in and the look of him reminded me of Bolg. I wouldn't be surprised if that spawn had bred, and this was some relation of his. I felt my chains draw up tighter, and I clenched my jaw. I wasn't stupid, and I knew exactly what was coming next. Whether or not I survived it was another story entirely. I thought of Thorin, and my heart skipped a beat. I wasn't going to be a victim, as long as I could help it.

"You're going to have to kill me before you get me," I snarled.

They spent several hours, with Saruman in the back instructing what to do next. The Orc had been set to torture me, and each time blood was drawn, the wizard attacked my mind. I closed my eyes tightly against the pain of my body, and instead focused on my head. I refused to look at what was being done to me, and I knew if I did I would lose. I wasn't sure how long they tortured me, before I was left alone for the night.

It was repeated for two more days, and on the third day I was screaming. I cried out in frustration that my body was in agony, and in pain. I cried because I knew I was getting weaker. I wasn't going to be able to hold this out much longer. I had listened to as much as I could before they resumed their task, and had learned that I was a little north of Isengard. He didn't want to draw attention to his sanctuary, so they had taken me somewhere else.

I couldn't get over why Saruman was doing this, and the only conclusion I came to was that he was a traitor. If that was the case, why would he risk taking me? What if others found out what he had done and came after him. I knew the wizard was more clever than that, and if it came down to it he wouldn't be so easily found out. If anyone did try and come find us, he'd probably have an escape plan. I assumed he wouldn't be taking me with him if things didn't go to plan. I'd likely be dead before that happened.

When they finally stopped, I was spent and lying in a pool of my own blood. Terror had buried itself deep in my body, but my mind was still protecting itself. I had forced myself into this state, only so that I may survive. The wizard was frustrated with how strong I was, but the only reason I was, was because of the absolute terror I felt. I would not be controlled, or made into a slave. It was my biggest fear, and that apparently had been good enough. Saruman had broken in partly, only to be throw viciously out.

Had I been able to transform into a dragon they'd all be dead. I blinked a little and tried to listen to the noise around me. There wasn't much I could focus on, but I was glad for the break. I was so tired, but having heard that the wizard was done for the evening, I let my guard down and tried to heal the more serious wounds. Everything else could wait. I was so tired! Blinking several times, I closed my eyes and felt myself go a little. Panicking again, I opened them and tried to stay awake. If I fell asleep, maybe he'd be able to get in. I heard quiet laughter, but I refused to let myself sleep after that.

The days began to blur together, and for the life of me I couldn't tell how many days I had been held. Saruman was bent on getting into my mind, but I clamped down as tightly as I dared on the barriers. There had been a few times that I had felt my protection begin to slip, and I caught a glimpse of what he wanted from me. That sent enough terror into my body that often enough, it renewed my strength to continue my fight. All I wanted was to be home, or for someone to find me. This couldn't be what was in store for me for the rest of my life. I had worked to hard to be as happy as I had been.

THORIN'S POV

They had searched for the better part of a week, well into the second, and all Thorin could see was red. How had this happened!? How could anyone have snuck up on them? Even Thane had said he wasn't sure how it had happened, everything had moved so fast. He was grateful his son had come back with only a few cuts, but the rage he felt toward Arina had almost crippled him. How dare she let herself get captured like that. He knew she hadn't done it on purpose, and that she was only protecting Thane, but she should have known better. This was the one thing he knew she would never have wanted. Now, she was out of reach and he had no idea where she had gone.

Lord Elrond had deemed it wise to cross the mountains, because the eagles had said nothing had passed the mountains recently. The great birds would have noticed that. Now, he found himself along with Dwalin, Thane, Kili, Tauriel and a few other dwarves riding with elves. Lord Elrond had sent a ranger and a few elves in his wake, and Legolas had met up with them a few days later. Thane was fairing just about as bad as he was emotion wise. There had been many occasions over the past week that he had almost given into it.

Thorin had firmly stated to his son that if he himself wasn't allowed, then neither was Thane. His son had grudgingly agreed with that statement, and was handling himself better. They had encountered many Orcs on the road, but no one would tell them anything. The group kept a firm path south, but fanned out over the course of a few miles. The ranger had proved to be extremely talented at tracking, as had Legolas. They had picked up faint trails, and that was all they had to go on.

He had spent the better part of the week not sleeping if he could help it, and when they had encountered Orcs, he was unusually violent. Even with all the torture that had gone on, the filth still wouldn't talk. He wanted to destroy everything around him, but instead he took it out on Orcs.

It was on the night of their thirteenth night, that a scream echoed from somewhere around them. They had pressed on in the night, because Thorin wanted to see if they could possibly use stealth to surprise their enemy if they found them. Everyone froze when they heard the scream, and he glanced at Thane and Tauriel when they had stopped. After several minutes, the cry sounded again and Tauriel's hands flew to her daggers.

"Found her. Straight ahead," she murmured.

Thorin was thankful they had all regrouped as the sun had set. The ranger, Aragorn was his name took a group to the right, while Legolas took his left. They moved forward in silence, and Thorin wanted nothing more then to run forward and get to her. As they came through some trees, they saw a soft glow of a fire, and what Thorin laid his eyes on was something from a nightmare.

Arina had spoken of what it had been like in Gundabad, and he knew that this was almost the same, if not worse. He could see the blood on her, and the stains on the ground and he bristled. Beside him, Dwalin had also tensed and Kili gripped his sword so tightly that his knuckles were turning white. He noticed to the left of where they stood, that Legolas had drawn his bow, and seconds later he fired. The arrow lodged itself in the head of the Orc who had been torturing her.

All hell suddenly broke loose after that. He saw something flash, and suddenly they were engaging the Orcs. Thane cut through his enemies alongside Dwalin, while Kili and Tauriel moved together. Thorin's main concern was getting to Arina. She was on the ground now, and finally, he was able to get through the fighting. Swinging around, he cut the head off of and Orc who came at him, taking in how it screamed as it died.

When he finished, he dropped to his knees and took in the sight before him. She looked dead, and for a moment he feared she was. Reaching out he touched her hand, scared that it might be stiff and cold with death. All the wounds on her would have killed a normal man, and he was quickly reminded of the day he had found her.

There was blood in her hair, and all along her face from various wounds that had splattered. Her clothes were covered in blood, and were ripped in spots. He had assumed that they had cut right through the fabric. The iron shackles had dug into the skin on her wrists, and that alone made him flinch.

"Oh, my love," he muttered, and tears came to his eyes.

Her fingers twitched then, and a gasp left his lips. Shifting closer, he quickly began to take the iron chains off her. He was made of stone, and working metal was his specialty. It was no surprise that he was able to break them once he drove the dagger in. It was quiet easy to do, and soon, her wrists and ankles were free. Gathering Arina up in his arms, he listened as she let out a harsh breath. He hushed her in Khuzdul, and he was relieved that it worked for now. He had to keep his calm, and as he listened to the fighting going on, he moved some hair from her face.

"Thane!" Dwalin yelled, catching his attention.

He glanced back to see his son and warmaster working perfectly together, and he noticed the look of rage on Thane's face. His son had worked his way through the Orc ranks and had created a part in the Orcs. He had managed to put himself between his parents and their enemies. Thorin was grateful for the protection, and after one last strike of a sword, the last Orc fell dead. Aragorn fell to his side, and Thorin glared at the sudden intrusion.

"We need to go now," he hissed. "We cannot linger."

"She cannot move," Thorin protested. "She is wounded. Too wounded to move."

"I met her in Rivendell, and she told me she is far stronger than her body shows. We need to move now. Do not let your fear cloud your judgment," Aragorn answered firmly.

His brain cleared for just a brief second, and he nodded. They moved out once the last Orc was dead, and they kept up a quick pace. It wasn't as fast as they had been moving before, but it would do. He carried her for hours as they moved, and was very aware of her blood staining his clothes. It worried him that she wasn't healing. Arina had amazing healing abilities, so for this to still be going on, told him something was wrong. They put a good distance between where they had found her, and finally Thorin was off auto pilot. Aragorn and Legolas had led them to a small stream, in a well protected spot.

Kili and Tauriel hastily laid down something for Thorin to put Arina on, and the others built a fire. Thane had transformed into a large black wolf the size of a warg and had stood guard over them. His son had to be exhausted, but he didn't show it.

"We need to get her wounds treated," Tauriel said quietly, her head bowed.

"Help me," Thorin rumbled, and she nodded.

They set to work, with Thane planted in front of them to block the view. They had to remove what was left of her clothes, and Thorin sucked in a breath as they saw the injuries that had been inflicted. She was breathing at least, even though it was very faint. They worked for the better part of an hour, and soon all of the blood was washed from her and Tauriel was able to get her in some new clothes. During the whole process, Arina had not opened her eyes.

"We will keep watch," Tauriel murmured. "The elves rarely sleep. We'll be safe tonight."

"Thank you, Tauriel," Thorin murmured.

She nodded her head briefly, and got to her feet and relayed the message to the others. In front of him, Thane shifted from his position. Thorin quietly got to his feet and walked over to the wolf, and laid a hand on his back.

"Get some rest, you will need your strength," he sighed.

Thane rumbled deep in his chest, and Thorin gave him one last pat and walked back to Arina. He sat down at her side, and drew a blanket over her in silence. For a third time in his life, he wanted to sit down and sob. This was the second time she had made him feel like this, and it was not her fault. Reaching out, he ran a gentle hand down her pale cheek and his blue eyes watered.

For the first time he understood why she had fled all those years ago. She had gone into hiding for precisely this reason. The only difference was that now, she was extremely powerful. All the times she had argued over this kind of thing with him back in the Blue Mountains, it was because of this. Others wanted her for her power, and her abilities. If they could do to her what they had done to her brother, they'd all be doomed.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, and glanced up when he heard a noise. His shoulders relaxed when he saw Dwalin standing beside a sleeping Thane. His friend who wore the usual hard look, had melted and was standing there with worry etched on his face. He sighed softly.

"The lass says she lives," Dwalin murmured.

"Aye," Thorin rumbled.

They were both caught off guard when Arina shifted and inhaled a large breath. Thorin looked down instantly, and watched as her hazel eyes fluttered open. He was afraid of what he might see, but he was greeted with a clear gaze. Relief flooded him, at seeing that the enemy had no succeeded at breaking her. She was still his.

"Thorin?" she whispered, her voice hoarse from obvious screaming.

"Arina," Thorin choked on her name, his voice filled with emotion. "Oh, Arina."

Her body shook, and it was clear she was in agony. He reached out and laid a hand on her cheek as tears started falling from her eyes. She reached out weakly, and he met her half way. Carefully he drew her to him, aware that her whole body tensed in pain. Her wounds were not healing quick enough. He cradled her, and laid his cheek on top of her head. She couldn't help the sobs that started shaking her, and she gripped him tightly.

ARINA'S POV

I couldn't stop the tears that flowed freely, and I found myself clutching Thorin's shirt with a death grip. He found me, he had come for me just as he had said so many years ago. He had said if I had ever been taken, he'd find me. I choked on my tears, and couldn't stop the sobbing that wracked my body. Thorin shushed me as best he could, his fingers stroking my hair.

"It's all right," he whispered. "We've got you. I've got you, love."

My fingers only tightened in his hold, and it took me awhile before I was able to see straight. Once I was able to get my body under control, I heard a soft whine. Lifting my head from Thorin's chest, I turned and saw a huge black wolf just a foot away. I took in a huge breath, and gave him a look over with my eyes. I had never wanted Thane to see me like this, and that made me angry. I was suddenly caught up in so many emotions that for a moment, I was frozen. Jerking myself from my thoughts, I controlled myself, and reached out.

"Good job," I whispered, touching his muzzle. "Good job."

Thane shifted closer to me, and I ran my hands through his fur and let him press his head into my shoulder. I tried not to choke up in any more tears, and I pressed my cheek back against Thorin's chest.

"Arina?"

Lifting my head a little, I watched Kili come forward, and as always, Dwalin was standing over us. I gave him a slow smile, and let him take my hand that was on Thane's head. Kili gave my fingers a tight squeeze. I had no words to say, and at least Kili understood that. He left once he was satisfied, and I dropped my head back against Thorin. Thane suddenly turned human, and I was able to sit up and hug him tightly. His grip on my back was painful, but I allowed it. He leaned back to look at me, and I noticed the tears in his eyes.

"Don't you shed any of those for me," I murmured. "You did what I said, and you did well. I will be all right, in time."

"It should have been me," he hissed, his voice rough.

"Don't," Thorin rumbled suddenly. "We will speak of it when we return home."

"Adad," Thane whispered.

He moved back instantly, and gave us space. The mother in me wanted to reach out and comfort him, but for once I knew I was not in the right state of mind. I blinked a little, and closed my eyes tightly. I was still so tired, but I feared going to sleep. I didn't know if I could now that I had woken myself. Pressing myself closer to Thorin, I took in the fact that this was truly real, and not a dream caused by….

"Oh..." I sucked in a breath.

"Arina?" Thorin asked.

"What?" I whispered.

"My love, tell me who did this," he commanded.

I felt panic take over my body again, and I pushed myself to sit on my own. My vision left me for a minute, and I clenched my hands into tight fists.

"I don't….I don't remember," I choked. "I don't remember."

Everyone around us fell silent, and it made my ears start ringing. I looked at my hands as I forced them to open, and I felt tears fall from my eyes. I didn't know I had any more left to cry. They fell onto my hands, and it burned the cuts on them. For awhile, I stared blankly at my lap, more shocked that I couldn't remember who had done such awful things to me. I remembered the Orc who had tortured me, but I couldn't remember who had been commanding him.

"Look at me."

Thorin's command had my eyes snapping up to his face and my tears blurred my vision. He grabbed my cheeks, and wiped them so that I could see better. It didn't help, because they were falling so heavily. I pressed my face into his shoulder, unable to bear looking at him again.

"Do not lose yourself now," he rumbled. "You stay with me, do you hear?"

"I hear you," I whispered.

"Try and rest," Thorin sighed.

I shuddered at the thought, but knew that we weren't very far from daybreak. I didn't want to fall asleep when we had to move. I forced myself to take a large breath, and calm down so that I could relax.

"We will move out in the morning," Thorin murmured. "Thane will carry you if he must. He's already said so."

"I am afraid I can't sleep even if I tried," I whispered, my throat hurting.

"Hush then," he sighed.

I found comfort in allowing him to hold me for the remainder of the night. I knew at some point he had fallen asleep, but the moment he did, Thane woke up and took up guarding us. He had resumed his wolf form and was keeping close. I had been able to eat, and keep it down and it gave me a little more strength. I was still cold, and Thane moved closer and allowed his heat to warm me. I stayed in Thorin's hold, but took comfort in what he was trying to give.

When the sun finally rose, it hurt my eyes and I turned away from it. There was movement ahead, and I watched as Legolas tended to the horses. I let Thorin wrap his arm around my waist when I found myself leaning.

"How long?" I whispered.

"Two weeks," Thorin answered.

"It...should have taken you much longer to find me," I replied, looking at him.

"We had a dragon on our side," Thorin hummed. "And eagles."

My heart clenched, and I was filled with gratitude. The eagles did not have to help us, and I knew it was a risk for Thane to use his dragon form. I sighed quietly, and closed my eyes tightly. My knees shook for a moment, and I tried hard to stay on my feet.

"Arina?" Thorin asked, concerned.

"I'm just…."

"We need to get her to Rivendell, my lord," Aragorn said hurriedly. "Lord Elrond can help further heal her."

"The lad has a point," Dwalin said quietly. "Go. You get her there. Thane can take us back to Erebor. He had already sent word to the eagles."

"Here, take my horse," Legolas nodded. "He is quick. He will get you there."

Thane shifted on his feet quietly, and I knew he wanted nothing more than to come along. I jumped a little, when I was suddenly lifted up onto the white horse, and soon Thorin was in the saddle with me. I grabbed onto the mane of the stallion as he shifted slightly.

"Listen to me, Thane," Thorin ordered. "When you get the others safely back, then you may return to Rivendell. Do you hear me?"

"Father," Thane nodded.

THANE'S POV

The length of time it had taken them to find Arina had sent Thane into a spiral of anger that he had never felt before. Had it not been for the steady guidance of Dwalin and his father, Thane had been sure he would have lost it. He had known Thorin was angry, but the skill it took him to reign in his own anger gave Thane courage. It helped him keep his in check. When they had found her, he had feared his mother was dead. She had been lying in a pool of her own blood, and he felt all his control slip. How he had managed to not take the form of a dragon was beyond him. He'd wanted nothing more than to let the beast burn them all to ashes.

No, he had not even transformed into anything to slay the enemy. His sword slicing through armor and flesh had been much more satisfying. Their snarls of rage and agony had been music to his ears. Thane knew he was a born warrior, he had Durin blood in him. The gentle side of his mother was tucked and hidden, reserved only for those he loved. He had taken far more from his father's side of the family, and that made him chuckle.

Arina had woken hours after they had first found her, and thankfully he had not been human when she first woke up. Her sobs of pain and relief had broken his heart. Over the course of his short life, she had always been smiling, or helping him get into mischief. Seeing her bloody and broken had disturbed him. No mother should have to go through that, but that didn't stop him from taking human form and hugging her. She was alive, and they had saved her.

He had slept until Thorin had finally drifted off. Once his father had fallen asleep, he had put himself right against Arina's back for the night. She had curled her hand in his fur, taking in the warmth. He had taken the form of a large wolf that night, guarding them fiercely.

Once they were on their way to Rivendell, Thane had wasted no time in returning Dwalin, Kili, Tauriel and the other dwarves to Erebor. News that their Queen had been found would cheer the whole kingdom. He flew as a dragon, without rest and let everyone down. Dwalin and Kili turned to wait for him as he turned human.

"When I return, it will be with the King and Queen," Thane promised, grasping Dwalin's hand firmly.

"Aye," he agreed. "I am sure she will be all right, lad. She's a tough lass."

Thane shifted uneasily on his feet at that, and Kili looked at him for a moment. "She has gone through something like this before?"

"That will be her story to tell when she is ready," Kili said firmly, laying his hand on Thane's shoulder. "But she will tell it. Arina is strong, Thane. I've never met anyone stronger than her. Now go, fly fast."

Thane looked at his cousin for a moment, and then sighed and nodded. He pushed his transformation into a dragon again and set flight. He set a rapid pace toward Rivendell, and the journey numbed his wing muscles. As he flew, he roared out all his rage that he had held in. Fire spewed from his jaws in a deadly blast. Who ever had done this to his mother would surely pay. If they found out, Thane would kill them himself. Snarling, he pumped his wings harder.

Hours of flying put him close to the elven city, so he transformed into a raven to make an easier entrance. He landed and was human in moments. Aragorn walked out to greet him, but the look on his face made Thane pause.

"She needs further healing," Aragorn sighed. "She's been asleep. Lord Elrond had to help her mind, and further heal some wounds. But she is going to be fine."

"May I see her?" Thane rumbled.

"Of course."

Aragorn led him to the room set in a peaceful part of the main castle. It was close to the healing halls, in case of anything bad happening. That way the elves were close by. Thorin was asleep in the chair beside the bed, and Thane sighed sadly. He felt so bad for his father. The pain he must be going through during all this made his own heart hurt. Walking inside, Thane looked at the bed. Arina laid in the middle, peacefully like nothing had truly happened. She was pale, and her hair was a little messy, but she looked much better.

Thorin's eyes snapped open as Thane drew closer, but he relaxed at the sight of him. Thane smiled a little as his father got to his feet. The King drew him into an affectionate embrace, and Thane gripped his shoulder tightly.

"Lord Elrond expects her to sleep for a day or two," Thorin sighed, moving back. "But he says she is all right. He is incredibly surprised, but relieved."

"You should rest, I can stay with her," Thane offered.

"I am not leaving her side," Thorin rumbled flatly.

So, he ended up staying with his father, keeping him company until hunger drove him to find something to eat. The next several days proved to be the same, but the elf kept reassuring them she needed rest. Her mind was clear, it was when her body was ready to wake up again. Thane had gone back to Erebor once to tell the family, and reassure the others. On the flight back, he had returned with Dwalin who had stubbornly insisted on going with him. Thane didn't have the heart to deny him that.

The reviews were welcomed as always! All the favorites and follows are also great!

Misty, sorry to torture you so, but I told ya I wouldn't leave you hanging!

Silk, GREAT to see you back! Glad you enjoyed the chapters!

So, I made up for it right? Did I?!