CH 7: Echoes of Destiny

307 9 0
                                    

Pov narrator

Pov narrator

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

⚔︎

You stand vigilant by the armory, your senses heightened as you prepare to act as the sentinel for the group. The atmosphere is thick with tension, and you overhear the muffled exchange between Thorin and Kili, their voices laced with urgency. Despite the pressing need for action, a pang of guilt grips you for not having mended the rift in their relationship sooner.

Suddenly, the conversation is shattered by the unmistakable sound of a struggle emanating from within the armory. Kili's leg, a traitor to his valiant spirit, has given way, and panic swells as alarms echo through the halls, punctuated by the thunderous approach of booted feet. Instinct screams at you to flee, but you remain rooted, the element of surprise slipping through your fingers like sand.

"Calm down!" Dori's distinct voice cuts through the chaos, attempting to restore order amid the rising panic. You keep silent, focusing intently on the task ahead. The master of the house bursts from his quarters, hastily fastening his overcoat, only to be met with the news of the intrusion by his captain. A self-satisfied smirk dances on his lips as he assesses the situation, reveling in the apprehension of not mere thieves, but enemies of significant consequence.

The captain presents the dwarves before him, and Alfird's smugness is evident as he denounces them as nothing more than a band of mercenaries. The accusation ignites Dwalin's fury, bound beside you. "Silence your lies!" he roars, his deep voice reverberating through the chamber, causing a ripple of uncertainty among the gathered guards.

Dwalin steps forth, chains clanking defiantly, and points an accusatory finger at Alfird. "You speak in ignorance. This is Thorin Oakenshield, son of Thrain, son of Thror! He is not a common thief; he is the rightful heir to the throne of Erebor!" Gasps ripple through the townsfolk, a wave of awe and apprehension washing over them.

Emboldened by Dwalin's declaration, Thorin steps forward, addressing the crowd with an authority that commands attention. "We are the children of the Lonely Mountain," he proclaims, voice steady and powerful. "We seek to reclaim our heritage and restore the splendor of our ancestral home." The words resonate with those who remember the tales of old, nods of agreement rippling through the onlookers.

"Once the fires of Erebor blaze brightly once more, the wealth of our people will flow into Lake-town," Thorin continues, passion rising in his voice. "Gold will be enough to rebuild Esgaroth a hundredfold!" The townsfolk erupt into cheers, their eyes gleaming with greed and hope, while the Master's smile widens, calculating the potential gains from an alliance with the dwarven king.

Yet, amidst the clamor, Bard's solemn voice cuts through the revelry. "Beware!" he warns, an ominous note lacing his words. "You invite death and destruction upon us all!" His caution reminds you of the grim history that has haunted these lands, a reminder of the peril that lies ahead. "Do not let your desire for riches blind you to the danger of disturbing the dragon Smaug," he adds, locking his gaze with Thorin's.

𝐄𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞 | the hobbitWhere stories live. Discover now