Run It Back Again (Part 1)

Chapter 41

*Skyrena's Pov-

"Thorin, we only number to 15.  There are hundreds of them.  Listen to what he has to say."  Thorin sighed and nodded.

"If it pleases you..."  I nodded.

"It does, Thorin."  He leaned over and called down.

"Come to the wall so we may discuss in private."  Turning to me, he extended his hand.  "Do you wish to participate in the bargain?"  I nodded and followed him down the stairs.  Era started to follow, but Thorin stopped her.

"Stay here, Era..."  She started to protest, but Fili rested a hand on her shoulder.

"I'll look after her, Uncle."  With that, we started down the stairs, towards the bottom of the wall.

I was fairly surprised that Thorin had left the opening in the wall so they could communicate with the world beyond.  However, I didn't say anything as he and Bard faced off.

"I'm listening..."  Bard told us everything that had happened within the last few days.  The elves were upset that we escaped and wanted us to give up the Starlight gems.  He even said that Lord Thraudril was willing to leave Era and I alone if they got the gems.  The men of Lake Town only wanted enough to rebuild their homes.  Bard told us about how the elves and men were willing to go to war in order to get what they wanted.

"Please, Thorin.  We don't have to go to war."  I nodded in agreement with Bard.  Thorin shook his head.

"I will not part with a single piece of the treasure of my people.  Go back and tell them, if it's war they want, it's war they'll get!"  My jaw dropped as I looked between the two.

"Thorin!  You promised!"  He shook his head.

"I had to bargain for our freedom...  I shouldn't have to pay a gold coin!"  He took my hand and glared at Bard.  "Leave now..."  As he pulled me away, he ordered that the bridge be destroyed.

*Era's Pov-

I watched, stunned, as the bridge was destroyed below.  Bard glared up at us and shouted.

"Either we come to peace, or we have war!"  Thorin and Skyrena appeared beside me.  Thorin glared down as he shouted.

"We will have war!"  With that, everyone left, heading back the way they came.  I stared at Thorin as he started back towards the throne room.

"Are you crazy?!?"  He turned and raised an eyebrow at me as I spoke.  "We only number to 16, Thorin, and, yet, you've declared war?"  I turned to face the others.  "Am I the only one who sees the uselessness in this?"  Thorin chuckled slightly as he approached me, making me nervous.

"Don't worry, Era..."  He rested a hand on my shoulder.  "We have to defend our home.  We've come this far..."  I pulled away, glaring at Thorin.

"You'd risk your life over a hopeless fight?"  Fili stepped up beside me.

"Era..."  Ignoring him, I stared Thorin down.

"This fight is what killed you, Thorin!  Just listen to me!"  He heaved a heavy breath and shook his head.

"No, Era, you listen to me."  I flinched slightly at the venom in his voice.  "I am your king and your father.  What I say goes!"  I glared back at him, my heart pounding in my chest.  He turned to Fili and nodded.  "We'll have to continue this ceremony later...  We must prepare for war."  With that, he started towards the armory, followed by everyone else.  Skyrena came up and looked at me.

"Are you alright?"  I turned to face her.

"What doesn't he get?  If he goes to war, he risks everything I came to change!  If they go to war, they'll have to fight Azog!"  She flinched at the name.  "He's coming for us, Skyrena, and, if Thorin goes to war tomorrow, it could mean his as well as Fili and Kili's death..."  She swallowed hard and nodded.

"That's why we have to fight in order to protect them..."  When I frowned in confusion, she rolled her eyes.  "I'm not letting Thorin go to war tomorrow.  If I keep Thorin out of trouble, can I trust that you will take care of our enemy?"  I swallowed hard, remembering how Azog almost killed Thorin before, but I knew she was right.  I had to fight him and protect the others.  Finally, I nodded.

"I will, Skyrena.  I'll kill him and free us all from the horrible vow he's made."  She smiled and nodded.

"We will train until nightfall.  Then, I want you to leave before dawn and prepare for the battle.  I'll handle Thorin tonight."  I nodded and set out towards my chambers to dress in my old travel clothes and my armor Thorin found me when we first arrived.

*Skyrena's Pov-

I found Balin in his office, crying.  I swallowed hard and knocked on the open door.

"Balin?"  He looked up and started.

"Skyrena...  I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were there."  I smiled at him and walked over.

"Why were you crying?"  He wiped his eyes and shook his head.

"It's Thorin..."  I hung my head.  "Instead of getting better, he's actually gotten worse.  Oh, Skyrena, I'm sorry.  I should have known this would happen."  I patted his shoulder, tearing up myself.

"I'm sorry, Balin.  I'm trying...  I really am, but..."  I sighed.  "I'm not making things any better, am I?"  He shook his head.

"No, it's not you!  It's the sickness...  It's gotten stronger."  He smiled at me.  "You have actually been helping him fight it, Skyrena..."  I started to speak, wanting to tell him what Era and I had planned, but I heard someone by the door.  I turned and saw Bilbo.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt."  I shook my head.

"Nonsense, Bilbo.  You weren't interrupting.  Come in."  Balin smiled at Bilbo as he entered.

"What can we do for you, Master Baggins?"  Bilbo huffed and shook his head.

"I'm worried about Thorin.  He's going to war over a promise he made to the humans?"  I hung my head and shook my head.

"I've tried reasoning with him...  He won't listen."  Balin nodded.

"It's too strong.  None of us can do anything to help him."  Bilbo bit his lip.

"If he were to find the Arkenstone...?  Would it help?"  I frowned as Balin shook his head.

"No...  It would only make things worse.  I hope he never finds it."  Bilbo nodded understandingly and walked off.  I followed him into the hall and pulled him aside.

"You found it, didn't you?"