Run It Back Again (Part 2)

Chapter 37

*Thorin's Pov-

I hoped Era would be alright... I made Fili and Kili promise to look after her, should I die.

*Era's Pov-

I placed my hands to Father's wound and pressed down as I closed my eyes. Immediately, I felt the energy drain itself from me and exhaled sharply. If I can only hold out long enough to heal him...

My eyes snapped open as I let out a soft strangled cry.

*Boromir's Pov-

I started towards Era, but the white haired dwarf stopped me and shook his head.

"Don't, laddie." I withdrew and watched as Era's eyes glowed gold while she stared up into the sky, the blood streaming down her arm from a wound. Before long, her father's eyes flew open in the same fashion as he cried out as well. Beside me, the two brothers both tensed as their king turned and looked at us.

"MAKE IT STOP!"

*Thorin's Pov-

As the energy surged through my veins, I saw the eye of Sauron stretch across the sky, making it seem as though the whole world was on fire. I knew Era could see it, too, which worried me. I had to protect her... I looked over towards where the others had been standing.

"MAKE IT STOP!"

*Era's Pov-

"MAKE IT STOP!" Those words snapped me from the vision of the eye of Sauron as I felt two sets of hands pull on me, snapping me back to Father's side. I collapsed to the ground as I heaved, gasping for air. Father did the same as he reached out weakly.

"Are you alright?" I swallowed hard and nodded as I fought the tears.

"Yes..." I looked down and frowned. "Your wound... It isn't healing." Father glanced down in dismay as I scooted closer to him. "Here..." He shook his head wearily at me.

"No, Era... You'll drain yourself of your energy." He swallowed hard, his eyes glistening with tears. "You have to let me go." I swallowed hard and shook my head.

"No! I can do this..." I blinked hard, fighting my tears. "Please..." Father raised a shaky hand and rested it on my cheek.

"You have to stay strong, Era. You have to find your mother and save Middle Earth from Sauron." He smiled a little. "Every fighter must be willing to sacrifice something..." I shook my head.

"No... I can't do it, Father. I'm not strong enough... I can't do it alone... I..." I took his hand and leaned into it. "I need you." He smiled up at me and shook his head.

"No, Era... You need to be strong." He closed his eyes and breathed his last. I sat there, holding his limp hand in mine, fighting the wave of emotions that washed over me.

Beside me, Fili and Kili knelt and, placing their hands to their mouths, kissed their knuckles and placed them to Father's forehead and chest. Tears streamed freely down my face as I took deep, even breathes, trying to control the anger, fear, and sadness that began to overwhelm me. Without a word, Fili rose and turned to the others.

"He was our king... He died a hero, fighting the fight we all should have been fighting." He turned to face me. "Come on, Princess Era. We should find a place to rest so you can grieve." I wiped my eyes and shook my head as I stood and faced them.

"No..." Everyone stared at me as I spoke. "We can't just let this go. My father, should he have lost one of you, would have fought to the last breath to avenge you. And you can bet..." I swallowed hard as I looked down at his body. "You can bet that I won't rest until I know we are at peace." I looked from face to face. "I ride for Isenguard today, in hopes of freeing Queen Skyrena." Saying her title and name felt weird, but it wasn't as weird as realizing Father was really dead. "Those who will ride with me are free to." Balin shook his head at me.

"Era, it's been a long night, and you've just lost your father. You should really rest before making any hasty decisions." I glanced from him to Fili.

"How am I the one who's being hasty?" I raised an eyebrow at them, surprised at how calm I sounded. "I'm the one who knows what must be done..." When no one answered me, I nodded. "I ride today... If anyone would like to come for whatever reason, they are welcome to, as long as they don't interfere with what I choose to do." Fili sighed and approached me carefully.

"Are you sure you'll be alright?" I watched him from the corner of my eye as I stared down at Father's body. "I don't want you running off and doing something you'll regret." I neither nodded nor moved as I spoke.

"It has to be done, cousin. As well as a number of other things..." He stood beside me and nodded.

"Very well..." With that, I turned and started for Helm's Deep, hoping to find Aragorn, Gandalf, and King Theoden. When I did, I found Legolas and Boromir with them, all mounting horses. I frowned as Eomer approached me, leading a horse.

"Boromir informed us what happened..." Based on the downcast stares on each person's face, I knew he meant Father's death as well as my plans. "They all wish to accompany you." I tilted my head at him.

"I take it you won't be coming?" He nodded.

"My uncle needs me here to help protect the people of Rohan. But, should you ever need an ally, be sure to know you can count on the Riders of Rohan and myself." I nodded at him as I took the reins he offered me.

"I thank you, Eomer of Rohan. And, should Rohan need assistance, be sure to call on me, Era of Middle Earth." He smiled and nodded as I mounted the horse and started towards Isenguard, followed by the others.

Why I called myself Era of Middle Earth, I have no idea. With Father gone, I felt empty, like an empty mountain. However, I felt more like Mount Doom than Erebor when it was abandoned to the dragon, Smaug, so long ago.