I reached over 100 reviews! Oh thank you all! Especially to the reader who made it possible. I so enjoy all the reviews each chapter! Even from the old ones! Now, I said I'd double post, but goodness, this one is as good as gold. Enjoy!

Chapter 70

Legolas was the one who woke me up, and I stretched once I was on my feet. Yawning, I shook my fur out and followed him as he walked through the mess hall. He seemed to have purpose, and I trotted along after him, curious as to why he was walking so quickly. I had been sleeping, so I wasn't sure what was going on. He had not said a word after he had woken me, so I was left to ponder what he was doing. Part of me was sort of grouchy for the interruption, but I knew there was a reason he had brought me from my rest.

He had been so quiet since we had lost Aragorn, so this surprised me. He stopped firmly at a spot, and waited for just a moment. When I looked ahead of him, I saw Aragorn coming forward. My heart leaped when Legolas spoke to him as he stopped in surprise. Aragorn looked at him for a moment, and then down at me. I wagged my tail furiously, unable to hide my joy. I wasn't about to turn human just yet, I could do that somewhere less busy. Baring my teeth in a smile, I gave a soft whine of joy.

"You look terrible," Legolas commented, and Aragorn suddenly laughed.

"Thank you," he rumbled, and moved forward with the elf.

He walked forward, and I turned human once we were in a hall and followed them as they went to see the King. I thought I had been hard to kill, or even Thorin but this man was proving just as tough. He pushed the doors of the King's hall open, and I saw his shoulders shake in fatigue. There was a brief reunion, and when Aragorn turned to me, I held up my hand.

"I'll hug you when you don't smell," I commented, and he grinned.

"I've come bearing ill news," Aragorn sighed, turning back to Theoden. "There is a great host being set upon us."

"A great host you say?" Theoden replied, his hands behind his back.

"All Isengard is emptied," Aragorn sighed, and I shuddered.

"How many?" Theoden demanded, turning around.

"Ten thousand strong at least."

"Ten thousand..." he whispered.

I turned my head to him once the number registered in my head. Ten thousand orcs, marching toward Helm's Deep?! We only had a few hundred able bodied men to fight, and even then we'd be crushed. For a moment, I almost swayed on my feet at the thought. There was no way they'd make it out of this. I'd certainly do what I could to help, but with Saruman still out there, my mind was not safe. Steeling myself, I came back to the conversation at hand.

"It is an army bred for a single purpose. To destroy the world of Men," Aragorn murmured. "They will be here by nightfall."

Theoden glared at nothing in particular, and I knew this was not a good situation to be in. Gandalf had been right, we were trapped and they were going to destroy us all. How did Theoden expect to win this? I highly doubted we were going to be able to wait them out. Saruman knew that he'd be able to get into this Keep. I wasn't sure how, but the wizard was resourceful. I tilted my head a little as the King suddenly stormed off.

"Let them come," he growled.

"We are not completely defenseless," I said softly.

"Are you sure?" Aragorn asked, turning to me.

"Yes," I nodded. "Go, so I can prepare for what has to come."

When I found some place quiet, I had to steady my mind. Gandalf had said that it was time I use my powers, to help them. Could I really save enough of them through this battle? What was the point of being here if I was useless? Humming softly to myself, I suddenly closed my eyes in pain. The barriers of my mind shuddered violently, and I sucked in a gasping breath. It had been twenty years since I had felt the familiar ache of someone trying to invade my mind. So, the wizard was trying to break in again. For a moment, my panic had him breaking apart my shields and my eyes glowed with the power of the dragon.

You will kill them all.

Pain, pain beyond measure had me crumpling to the floor and I felt the tears leak from my eyes. He had grown in strength since we had last seen him. I fought against his power, but it was dark and stronger than I had ever seen before. Now that he was a puppet, he had the gift of Sauron's power as well. I saw what he wanted me to do, and the beast that could be the dragon rejoiced at the carnage I could produce from the form.

He wanted me to start by killing Theoden, and then moving to Aragorn next. Their deaths would be creative, and painful. My mind instantly rebelled against it, but another powerful push forward had my vision go dark. Saruman wanted this whole fortress burned to the ground, then opened up so his Orcs could finish the job. When I was done with that, he wanted me to fly to Erebor and continue my rampage. I gasped, and shook my head, violently going against him. I wasn't going to be a puppet. I knew what he wanted, and he wasn't going to get it. He didn't succeed the first time, and this was going to be no different.

My jaw clenched painfully, and I felt my control slip and desperately I grabbed onto it. He couldn't take me now, not when I had the chance to help. If Saruman could control me, then Helms Deep would truly fall. Pushing myself to sit up, I pictured Thorin, and the promise I had made him. To come back to him. His voice echoed in my head for a moment, and suddenly I had courage. It was a feat, to throw the wizard from my mind, but I managed to do so. Magic slammed into my head again, with much more force than before, and I cried out.

No, this couldn't be the way things were going to end. Gandalf had said that I didn't have to worry about using my powers. He had been wrong, or had he assumed I was strong enough to beat Saruman. Choking in agony, I desperately thought of Thorin, and what I had promised him. I had promised him I'd come back to him. On the other hand, I had managed to keep my children locked safely in the deepest part of my head. As long as he didn't know, we had a chance.

Breathing out hard, I felt my whole body convulse as Saruman attempted to rip apart my mind and make his slave. I could feel it slipping, and the mind of the dragon bled forward. Instinct started taking over, even though my body stayed human. I gave him one last attack, before I started to give out.

THORIN'S POV

When he had received word from his ravens that Edoras had been emptied, Thorin gave into the worry that was clawing at his insides. He wanted nothing more then to charge out of here and go after Arina, but he knew he couldn't give into that feeling. He was a King, and he couldn't risk the sake of the mountain because of his foolish love for that woman. The thought had him smiling lightly. He would have gladly charged out of here, and he knew that she knew that. Sighing in irritation, he stood on the ramparts, overlooking the city of Dale. They had been preparing. Mahal had they been preparing.

A rustle of wings caught his attention, and he watched as Chief landed near him, and the great raven ruffled his feathers quietly. Thorin turned and moved over to the bird so that the messenger didn't have to come to him. He reached out and ran an affectionate hand over the bird's back. Chief purred softly in his throat and then clicked his beak together.

"Tell me what you know," Thorin rumbled.

"They have fled to Helm's Deep," the raven answered. "Others tell me that Saruman sends his army toward them right now. I don't know when they will reach the Keep, but a battle is coming."

"Aye...I've felt something was off," Thorin sighed. "It's in my bones. Something is going terribly wrong. Thank you, my friend. You've been so loyal to us."

"It is my pleasure, sire," the bird nodded and flew off.

Thorin crossed his arms and felt the ache in his stomach grow. She was going to be knee deep in blood with the battle that was marching toward them. No doubt that they too would soon be drowning in it. If Sauron won, they'd all die. It didn't matter if they failed. Arina had said that Frodo, the halfling had gone off alone to complete this quest of his. One that should have been done long ago. He grunted again, and then ran a hand through his hair in silence.

"Helm's Deep?"

Turning his head, Thorin watched as Kili walked over, his brother soon following. Even after all these years, those two could not be parted. He wanted to smile at that, and for a moment his lips twitched. Kili came to stand next to him, while Fili took the other side. A moment later, Thane came hurrying up the steps as well and joined them. The look on his son's face said it all. He was feeling just the same as Thorin. Their fierce desire to protect Arina was going to drive them mad.

"Your mother isn't one who would need our protection," Thorin rumbled. "Not anymore. She is strong, and she is confident that she will return to us. Helm's Deep is not far from Edoras itself. It has saved the city before. It's well protected from all sides, just like Erebor. No one can sneak up on them."

"Aye, but that blocks off their only escape," Kili rumbled, and Thane grunted in agreement.

"As irritating as it is, there are things at work here that even I cannot ignore," Thorin answered, sighing.

He dropped his shoulders when he thought about that. There were things going on in Middle Earth. Things further south of them that they could not be part of, but they would soon be playing their part. Arina had even said things were in motion that couldn't be undone. There was magic moving, creatures of old were coming to life again, and the battle for this place was about to begin.

"Aye," Thane nodded. "I've felt it as well. There is something moving, and nothing will be stopping it."

"Do you think she will be all right?" Kili asked. "I heard what the bird said. If Saruman has unleashed his army..."

"She will protect herself," Thorin rumbled, hiding the fear he felt. "She is not stupid, Kili. She won't let him beat her. Not now."

"Adad?"

Turning his head, Thorin watched Akira come up the steps. He eyed his daughter for a moment, taking in her expression. She was such a peaceful girl, untouched by war or struggle. What had been happening over the last several months had deeply upset her. Akira wasn't a warrior by any means, although she was extremely skilled with a blade. Where she lacked in courage for fighting, she made up with her abilities in healing. He shifted his stance slightly, and opened his arm. No matter how old she got, he was never going to tire of her coming into his side and wrapping her arms around him. He sighed, and hugged her close, giving her the comfort she sought.

"Your mother will be fine," he assured her, and also assured the others. "She is Queen, and she knows what she is doing. We can do nothing but wait, and prepare for what we must do."

Thorin sighed to himself, and looked at his family briefly. How far they had come over the last few decades was amazing to him. They had gone from a struggling company, to a royal family, blessed with children and friends they never thought they'd have. No, this was not going to be the end of it. He owed Arina that much, to stay as positive as he could.

ARINA'S POV

"My Lady!"

Gimli came into view, and fell to his knees beside me. I couldn't open my eyes against the pain, and I shook my head. His shout had given me strength to fight off the wave of magic, and I took a huge breath.

"Where is...everyone?" I managed to choke out.

"It's been hours! What is going on!?" he demanded. "We're all in armor, ready for war. My Queen what is wrong?"

I shook my head again as my voice was lost in another assault on my mind. The doors opened again, and more people came in. I wasn't sure how many, but someone reached out and grabbed my hands.

"You cause us too much trouble."

The surprise at hearing his voice, had my eyes opening. Haldir knelt in front of me, and behind him, Legolas and Aragorn stood. I felt something leak from my nose, and Haldir reached up with a cloth and wiped away blood. I clung to him desperately, not wanting to part from him. He was helping keep me grounded, and it kept Saruman at bay for the moment.

"You are doing well," he rumbled. "My Lady told me this would happen. You need to fight harder, little shifter."

"What is going on?" Theoden demanded, walking in.

"Silence," Legolas ushered the man.

"Look at me, Arina," Haldir commanded, and I did. "My Lady said that you can defeat him. Turn the dragon against him. A dragon is never controlled. Smaug was never controlled, and he wouldn't dare allow anyone to control him. Remember that."

More blood was wiped away, and I focused on what he said. He was right, a dragon would never be controlled. Smaug had always boasted about how no one would dare to control him. If they did, they'd all burn. I took that knowledge against what Saruman was doing to me. His power was mighty to reach this far, but Haldir was right. I felt tears leak from my eyes, and I found myself reaching out again. Haldir took my hands tightly in his own, and offered any comfort he could.

I turned my mind to that of the dragon, this time it was my choice and not the wizard's. As the beast rumbled, I focused on defying the wizard. I could feel the control slip slightly as that caused more thrill to the dragon. I got angry that he dared to try and control me, or any form I could take. Rage welled up in me, and I felt the roar of the dragon leave my lips as I burned through the magic that tried to control me. Rage in a dragon was powerful, stronger than anything I had ever experienced. Turning my mind to the beast worked. I felt the hold weaken, and I continued my assault on my enemy. I was not one for fighting with the mind, but the rage and fire from the dragon suddenly threw my attacker from my head.

Suddenly, I was free and myself. Blinking, I looked up at Haldir and he nodded to me. The presence in my mind was gone, I was safe. There was no lingering darkness, and I let out my breath.

"Thank you," I whispered.

He nodded. "We must move now. It is time. Join us in battle when you are ready."

When I looked up again, I was alone. They had too much at stake right now to stop and comfort me. Catching my breath, I listened as the army approached and after the battle started. Saruman thought he could use me against those I stood with. That stupid wizard was going to meet his death by my hands one day soon. I was not about to let him get away with this again.

Getting to my feet, I wiped any last blood away from my nose and turned. These Orcs were going to wish they had never made me their enemy. Thorin had told me long ago that the power I had could be fierce and terrible if I chose it. The fact that I did not rely on it was proof of the control I had, and the trust I put in my own human hands and those around me. However, when the time rose that I was needed, that I should unleash all my wrath on them.

I had a lot of anger in me right now. Over the last three months I had experienced such grief that I had almost lost myself to it. It was all because of Saruman, and the Ring and its master. Running up the stairs, I heard a sudden explosion that shook the whole Keep. I had lingered on my own, and out of trouble for too long. Coming up toward the top of the Keep, I ran to Theoden who was watching his people fight from the safety of the tower in the rain.

He turned when I ran up and I jumped up onto the stone ledge. "Arina, what are you doing?" he demanded.

"Giving us a chance," I snarled. "Saruman will learn what happens when he tries to take over my mind."

"Arina you..."

Jumping down, I transformed into a drake again. I landed on two orcs, and ripped their heads off with a swift snap of my jaws. Those around me stuttered in shock and I bared my teeth. Leaping forward, I started my assault. I ignored the blood, and the screams and just focused on killing as many Orcs as I could. The hole in the wall was my target. The elves were fighting valiantly against the forces of Saruman. Roaring, I joined Aragorn in defending the wall that had been breached. It was easy to kill in this form, and I saved as many as I could from death.

"Fall back! Fall back to the Keep! Aragorn, get your men out of there!"

Hearing defeat in his voice, I roared at him, but Aragorn listened and called everyone to the Keep. We had to defend from the inside. Swinging my head around, I listened as Aragorn shouted for Haldir to fall back. Lifting my head, I watched as he continued fighting as he called away his men. The first stroke that fell, hit the elf in the arm and his gasp of pain had me moving. A roar left my jaws, so loud that I couldn't hear anything else.

Running forward, I jumped up the stairs as the second stroke fell. I got to him just as it happened, and I ripped the head off the Orc who killed him. Snarling in anger, I pushed myself to my human form and caught him as he sank to the ground.

"Never...thought you'd save me..." he managed to choke out.

"No, you can't die," I whispered, as we sank to the ground.

"I've...had a long life, Arina," he smiled weakly.

I cried as he took a breath, and he was gone. Just like that. Aragorn got to me as the elf sagged against my arms, and tears blurred my vision. Anger took Aragorn from me, and he sent a ladder of Orcs down again and he started fighting through the ranks to get back inside. I sat with the elf for a long moment, and quietly closed his eyes that no longer held life. I had known Haldir for a hundred years, and he had lived far longer than that.

"Your death will not be in vain," I whispered.

Taking form again, I ran through the inside of the Keep, taking out the Orcs in my way. There was so much blood, that I soon lost myself in what I was doing. All I had in front of me was Orcs. They all had to die, there was no option. Even with my help, their numbers were far larger than our own. I snarled as a spear found my soft belly, and I turned and snapped my jaws on the Orc who had struck me.

"Fall back! Fall back!"

"Retreat! They've broken through! Into the Keep!"

Turning my head, I ran after the others who had fled and I came sliding into the hall when the doors were shut tight. Theoden panted as they treated the wound in his shoulder.

"It's over..." he whispered. "We've lost."

"You said this fortress would never fall while your men defend it!" Aragorn shouted, and I turned human again. "They still defend it! They've died defending it! Is there no other way for the women and children to get out of the caves? Is there no other way?"

Aragorn took control of the situation as Theoden fell to the overwhelming loss. He blinked a little, and looked back at us.

"What can one do? What can we do against so much reckless hate?" he asked quietly.

I looked at the King as Aragorn thought hard for a moment. I struggled with what I wanted to do, and I stood up drawing their attention. I usually went to Thorin for this kind of thing, because the dragon used in war was not something I did lightly.

"Release the dragon, Theoden," I said loudly. "The form that I can take is at your command."

"What?" Theoden demanded, coming to attention. "You've been able to hold that kind of form and you didn't tell us?"

"Saruman wants me for my power," I said seriously. "He wants to control what I can do, and if I should fall we'd all be doomed. The dragon was easily persuaded into darkness. What you came upon earlier this night was me fighting that wizard for control. Thankfully, I won and he did not. It is not something I transform into these days, nor do I transform willingly."

"You would risk that, for my people?" he asked slowly.

"Yes, because you would do the same if I called upon your aid at Erebor," I answered. "I cannot promise you I can hold it until the battle is over, but I can give us something."

"Then go," Theoden nodded. "Go and burn them all to ash."

Turning, I walked to the stairs and paused when Legolas stopped me. "You need to be careful. Guard your mind, if he should attack you during this you may fall."

"Haldir is dead," I said suddenly. "He had faith that I could beat this, and the faith of Galadriel. I will not fail you and should he attack I will turn human."

"We will be there to help you," he nodded, and I ran off.

I ran back outside, and swung my sword at the enemies who came after me. My eyes glowed with power as I got to a spot that would do for my transformation. I needed to be in the air for this. Running forward, I turned into a hawk and flew high. Turning again, I dove and pushed for what I wanted. Golden wings sprang open, and a roar left my jaws that had the Uruk hai army swinging wildly toward the sky. The men were safe inside the Keep for now, and I released my flame upon the stone archways. Screams echoed through the early morning light, as well as the sound of a deep horn. The horn was sounding, one last time in the Deep.

Roaring, I swung around and headed toward the army that was still attempting to get into the Keep. Just as I did so, the doors of Helms Deep broke apart and Theoden led a charge into the mass. I spread my wings again and aimed my fire at the Orcs who were trying to fill the whole in the wall. They all burned to death, and I swung around wide one more time. As I went to let loose another tongue of flame, I felt my mind pulse again. It was weak, but I clamped down on my barriers and dove toward the army.

I turned human, and landed on the back of Legolas's horse. He quickly handed me my sword, and we expertly cut through the Orcs. As the sun rose, the whinny of a horse could be heard. We all looked toward the sound, and I saw Gandalf on top of the ridge.

"Gandalf!" I smiled, and watched in joy as Eomer joined his side.

The Rohirrim soon followed, and a charge was led down the steep hill. Their numbers dwarfed what was left of the Uruk hai army, and soon we held the advantage. As they reached the bottom of the hill, a blinding light had all the Orcs screaming at the pain. Swords clashed, and soon we were fighting again. It didn't take us long to send the Uruk's running.

"Arina, make sure they don't make it back to their masters!" Gandalf ordered.

Obeying the order, I was flying again and taking the form of the dragon. This time, my mind didn't pulse and I set my fire upon the Uruk's who tried to flee. It was extremely satisfying, killing what was left. When I was finished, I turned back toward Helms Deep and as I landed again, I was human. All the transforming I had done left me exhausted but it wasn't time to fall over and sleep just yet. Breathing out, I walked over to everyone as they turned. I was strong, there was no doubt about that, but this quest was truly taking its toll.

Eomer rode forward, and he offered his arm to me. I took it gratefully and he hoisted me up into the saddle. It felt good to sit down as we rode across the valley and watched as Mordor erupted in a storm.

"Sauron's wrath will be terrible, his retribution swift," Gandalf said quietly. "The battle for Helms Deep is over. The battle for Middle Earth is about to begin. All our hopes now lie in two little hobbits, somewhere in the woods."

"Do you have faith, that he can do this, Gandalf," I asked quietly.

"Yes, I do," Gandalf replied softly. "I believe in him."

Review!