Summary: Calor sneaks into the castle. Is Bilbo safe? And Nori tells Thorin what he found. Are the Ironquarry's safe?
Disclaimer: I own nothing. This is fiction
Dead or Alive?
"Sneak into the castle, get to the King's rooms. Hide and wait for the Hobbit. He moves very quietly and has excellent hearing, look at those ears! You will need to strike fast. Once you have done it, head back to the cabin. A messenger will arrive with your pay. Then you must leave Erebor, never to return. If this ties back to my family in any way Calor, there will be nowhere you can hide. We will find you and we will kill you."
Bazani's words rang through Calor's head as he struggled into the stolen armour. He had found it easy to get into the spare armour. Now, all he needed was a helmet to hide his face and he was ready.
He snuck through the halls, trying to find the Royal rooms. He knew that they would be away from the main area and were the most ornate rooms in the place. He passed by a set of large, carved wooden doors. Those doors were pretty fancy. Maybe these were the royal rooms. He peeked inside and saw flowers. Yep, the Hobbit stayed here. No dwarf would have flowers in their room. Except Bifur, but that was different. Calor entered the room, immediately taking off the armour and hiding it in the closet. Now, where to hide? He had to be close to the door and he had to hear Bilbo entering the room. From the corner of his eye, he saw a gap between a book case and the wall. That was perfect. If he sucked in his stomach, he could fit in there easily. Inhaling, Calor moved into the gap. And now, he waited.
"An Ironquarry? You are certain?"
"Yes Thorin. This is their insignia is it not?"
Thorin stared down at the pickaxe brooch in Nori's palm.
"Yes, yes it is."
"I don't understand though. Why would they kill Fili's secretary? It makes no sense."
"I don't know, but we must find out. And before the tournament."
"The tournament is in two weeks. I will continue my work and find out as much information as I can."
"Meanwhile, I have to decide on a punishment for the family. Thank you Nori, you are dimissed."
The spy left, bowing to his king. Thorin sighed, slumping in his throne. He looked again at the Ironquarry brooch. He could not believe that they were capable of such evil. The Ironquarry's had been good friends to him in the Blue Moutains, especially knew that his friends thought he was a fool, wrapped around Bazani's fingers, but he knew that his Queen was dangerous. Of course she was. He had hoped that she would not stoop as low as to hurt his family, but it seems Bazani's love knew no bounds. However, the Ironquarry's had forgotten something very important.
No matter how dangerous they were, Thorin was a king. A king who had fought long and hard for his throne and his love. His grip on the brooch tightened until he heard a snap. Thorin smiled grimly to himself.
The Ironquarry's would be harder to break than this little brooch, but he'd give it a good go.
Bilbo entered the chambers he shared with Thorin. Ever since he had returned from the Shire, it was one thing after another. Avna's murder, the tournament, preparing for the child. The hobit was exhausted. He was so tired, that he missed the dwarf appearing behind him, blade raised above his head.
A/N Cliffhanger, sorry. So, Thorin's not as oblivious as everyone thought. Next chapter, is Bilbo alright?