Hummingbird Heartbeat

Chapter 39

Chapter 39

The sun was high in the sky as Maranda stood with Bard and Thranduil in his tent.

"I..." she sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Think, that Raven Hill looks a exposed," she said slowly.

"It will be a huge base for the incoming armies," Kili translated for the two leaders as Tauriel bit back her laughter.

"I also...think...that the right side of Erebor, from our side that is, should be...left open," she gestured at the map.

"Someone on our side will come through that way so we should leave the space clear," Kili inserted and Maranda sighed.

"And what of the mountains here?" Bard pointed and Maranda sucked in a deep breathe.

"Before the Humans and Dwarves settled this land it was home to giant, evil monsters that devoured stone and follow darkness," Maranda said.

"Land wyrms?" Thranduil said nervously.

"So the Orcs will have their help which means they'll be coming in from that direction as well," Kili said with a nod.  There was the sound of galloping horse hooves and a moment later Gandalf burst into the tent.

"GANDALF!" cried half the people in the room and Thranduil rolled his eyes ever so graciously. Maranda ran to Gandalf and he pulled her into a hug and she gasped for air.

"Are you quite alright, dear child?" Gandalf said softly. She pulled away and laughed.

"Fine, fine!" she said even as she rubbed tears from her face. "It's nothing. Um, Kili will explain," she said vaguely as Bard offered a handkerchief.

"Basically, Uncle is sick with the Gold Sickness, Smaug and the Arkenstone are at the bottom of Long Lake, multiple Goblin and Orc armies are on their way here to kill us and Dain is on his way here. Also Uncle built a wall in front of Erebor, so no one can get in just now," Kili rattled of diligently and Maranda nodded. "Also, Uncle has broken Maranda's heart," Kili said and leapt out of her reach, a good thing, since she swung an arm at him a split second later.

"He didn't break anything," Maranda snapped. "I'm sad because I thought I could stop all of this but..." she sighed and closed her eyes. "There really is no stopping the Battle of Five Armies," she sighed and pinched her bridge again. "However, since you finally showed up, I think we should all go try and talk to Thorin one last time. Can't hurt anything and we'll want the Elves in place when Dain-agh!" She gasped and buckled, dropping to the ground. "No, I'm fine!" she said raising her hands as several people in the room stepped towards her to help. "I just need to watch what I say," she said and wobbled to her feet. Thranduil offered her a glass of wine and she huffed. "And this stuff will actually help?" she demanded and he nodded.

"Already it has begun replenishing your strength," he pointed out and she sighed.

"I know, I know," she mumbled and swallowed down the bitter drink. "Okay, so, everyone in armor, and in formation, we need to move, like now. Is everyone in the main hall?" she asked Bard and he nodded.

"The women and children are in the main hall and the men are being fitted by the Elves," Bard said. "I, actually, should go see to them," he excused himself.

"Great, I'll go find a sword," Maranda said.

"Actually," Thranduil said and clapped twice. Two Elves brought a small chest into the room with carvings on the side. They set it before Maranda and backed away bowing. Thranduil gestured as Kili glanced at the clasp. Maranda opened it and pulled out a leather vest. And greaves. And vambraces, and a sword and bow and arrows and all sorts of armor pieces. She stared at Thranduil who nodded.