The Hobbit: Odd Love in Strange Times
Chapter 3 of my Hobbit story, enjoy.
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Now onto the story.
Disclaimer: The Hobbit belongs to JRR Tolkein, Peter Jackson and associated companies.
Chapter 3
Bard sighed as he aided a small group of Lake-Town men in shifting rubble from the doorway of one of the buildings. They hoped to find some kind of shelter inside. As they finished he looked around the desolated buildings; he shook his head; everything was in ruin. The only building that could reasonably be considered worthy of shelter was the castle itself.
'The castle is the best, there are a few others but…most of the buildings no longer have roofs.' He noted to himself.
It was then that Bain walked over to his father. "Da, I've had no luck finding any shelter on the eastern side. There just doesn't seem to be enough places for everyone."
Bard nodded. "You're right Bain; winter setting in too. This is going to present a real problem."
Bain bit his lip as he looked around; he could see so many of the people, their eyes filled with hope.
'They trusted Da, they followed him here. He doesn't want to let them down.' He pondered worriedly. 'Yet if we don't get help, they'll all die from exposure.'
He frowned at Alfrid who was acting more important than he actually was, yet not doing any work himself, as usual.
He sighed. "We'll need aid."
Bard nodded.
"Yes, I know, it looks like I'll need to deal with this sooner than I thought." He stated.
Bain looked confused but then Bard explained.
"I'll have to speak with Thorin Oakenshield; we'll need his help sooner than I thought."
Bain nodded and, so, after verifying everything was in as much order as possible, Bard rode out from Dale to Erebor.
Bard rode up the uneven path towards the mountain; he was surprised to note that much of what had once been ruin was partially repaired. Suddenly a voice rang out.
"Hold there, state your business!" He recognized the voice as belonging to the Dwarf Balin.
Bard called out. "You know me Balin; Bard from Lake-Town!"
There was a brief pause before Balin replied. "Ah yes, although, if what's been happening is true, it's King of Dale now."
Bard sighed; that was how people viewed him now, he still wasn't used to it, didn't feel if it was a genuine term yet.
"Maybe so; I must speak with your King; about an, agreement that was made." He called back.
"Of course." Balin replied. "Come up; as you can see, we've yet to repair the gates."
Bard dismounted and led his horse nearer before entering the Dwarven kingdom. He could hear the echoing voices of the other Dwarves, it sounded like they were searching for something. It was then Balin appeared, emerging from one of the corridors.
He smiled at him. "Welcome, come along, I'll take you to Thorin."
Bard nodded and followed him towards Erebor's throne room. When he entered he was surprised by the sight before him. He had heard the rumours of the vast horde of gold, but seeing it was something else. He looked away however; instead turning his gaze to Thorin.
Thorin was seated on the throne on which his grandfather sat. He was surprised at the short length of time in which the crown had been made. He was still wondering about the Arkenstone, but truthfully, that was all. His main concern right now was to deal with the matter that had been brought before him.
"Thorin; I am glad you've agreed to meet me." Bard said immediately. "I recall you promised the people of Lake-Town a share of the gold in the mountain. That gold will help us get aid, aid we sorely need."
He explained the situation the people of Lake-Town faced, as well as their current location and what they had found there.
Thorin sighed sadly. "I understand what you are saying, but I'm afraid that will have to wait."
Bard tensed; glaring. "What, why?"
Thorin shook his head.
"I intend to honour my pledge." He remarked. "But right now, danger approaches. An orc named Azog. He has been hunting us relentlessly. Now that we've reclaimed the mountain; he knows where we are. He's likely to attack."
Bard was shocked by that; the thought of an attack by an orc pack, or worse, orc army, put everything he had worked for to get the people here in jeopardy. He knew he couldn't just leave this.
Finally he made up his mind and spoke purposely to Thorin.
"How can we help you?"
Thorin narrowed his eyes and shook his head. "No, we've already sent for help. You should have taken your people elsewhere. This place isn't safe."
"You think he'll attack Dale, as well as Erebor?" Bard asked, startled.
Thorin nodded and explained. "He'll attack anything he can, simply to cause pain. We've sent to the Iron Hills for help; we can only wait and hope Dain can respond in time."
"I will summon every able bodied man to defend Dale." Bard replied at once.
It was Thorin's turn to be startled. "You are certain of this?"
Bard nodded. "Yes, we may not be warriors by profession; but we are still able and we will not let anyone threaten us."
It was then another voice spoke up, startling Bard as he hadn't noticed the Hobbit approaching.
"We'll need every we can find, I say we accept." He paused nervously. "What of…the elves, you both share a common enemy in Azog."
It was clear from Thorin's expression that Elves were a touchy subject. He had gone rigid and seemed to be desperately trying to control himself.
Finally he spoke, through clenched teeth. "True, but I doubt their King would put our differences aside."
"Thorin..." Bilbo desperately tried to reason.
Thorin shook his head. "If the men of Dale wish to help, I will accept it. But remember, we are speaking of Thranduil, he would never form an alliance with anyone, unless…"
He trailed off and then added. "…It served his interests to do so."
That drew looks from the others in the throne room; as Thorin suddenly smiled, as if he remembered something.
"Yes; I have something he wants…Something he'll do anything to get his hands on."
It was clear he was certain that this would work.
With a roar from the albino Warg he rode, Azog led his armies onwards. As they travelled onwards however they heard the approach of a Warg. Azog signalled for them to stop and waited. Soon the Warg appeared and Azog grinned, recognizing the rider it was Bolg.
"You have returned." He remarked gleefully.
Bolg grimaced. "I have."
Azog looked around, noting that Bolg was alone. "Where are the others?"
"We attacked the Dwarves as they took refuge with Men; but they had help. Elf scum!"
Azog growled in rage. "Elves, and only you survived?"
Bolg nodded and, in his rage, Azog lashed out with his bladed arm and severed the head of the orc next to him.
Finally Azog gave his orders. "Bolg, go to Mount Gundabad and gather the rest of our army; bring them through the hills. The rest of us will go to attack the mountain!"
Bolg rode away quickly. Azog bellowed an order and the army marched on, with even greater purpose.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.