Summary: Tensions rise as the tournament draws closer and Nori finds a clue
Disclaimer: I own nothing. This is fiction
Pointing Fingers
Nori had spent two days searching through the corridor where Avna's body had been found. She had been found steps away from the stairs that led to Fili's room, leading Nori to believe she was trying to get to the Prince. But why? He had looked at the body, but found nothing. Nori would admit, he was getting anoyed. And discouraged. If he couldn't find anything, then the murderer would escape. Nori decided to turn in for the day. He would return tomorrow and look again with fresh eyes. A glint in the corner of his eye stopped him. What was that?
Nori's eyes widened as he picked it up. This was a very specific brooch. It was silver, shaped into a pickaxe and covered with red and gold gemstones. His sharp eyes easily picked out the droplets of blood on the brooch. Only one family had a brooch like this. Bythe Valar.
The Ironquarry's had murdered Avna!
Bazani fell onto her chair, ignoring her father's disapproving look.
"He got the blessing father. My only chance of remianing Queen now rests with Bulgrim defeating the champion."
"Bulgrim can easily defeat Dwalin. He has been training every day, getting stronger. He is stronger then Dwalin."
"What if they don't choose Dwalin?"
"Well, why wouldn't they?"
"It's so obvious. Of course they'd choose him. Father, if Bulgrim loses, I have to return home, in shame. If he loses, I will have his head."
Balgrim smiled, glad he had raised such a strong child.
"We still have my plan."
"Which was that?"
"Just kill the hobbit. That dwarf you had abduct Borin, sneak him into the castle and have him do it. No one knows him, so who'll suspect him? Or us for that matter."
He watched, pleased, as a grin spread across his daughter's face.
"Father, that's brilliant. But, when?"
"It will have to be before the tournament. If it happens after, all people will suspect you. Contact this Calor fellow. It's time to get rid of this hobbit, once and for all."
A/N Done. R&R please. Next chapter, Calor sneaks into the castle. Is Bilbo safe? And Nori tells Thorin what he found. Are the Ironquarry's safe?