Dearest Bilbo

Chapter Ten

His oldest friends arrive with dour expressions as if they are walking toward their own executions. Good, Thorin thinks smugly. His plans are going as they should, for once.

He puts on his most impressive and stern expression and glares at the brothers as they take their two seats as close to the exit as possible. As King, his own chair was elevated above everyone, allowing him to gaze down at the other members of the company. Normally, Balin would be seated as a judge next to him during such an event, but it had been a long time since an occurrence such as this one. Not since Thorin was much younger.

There may be those seated in the jury room who disagreed with his decision to gather like this, but he had no choice. He needed to make his point. He had to figure out some way to put enough pressure on these Sons of Fundin to force their hand and make them tell him the truth.

Nori had confessed to him immediately, although he couldn't provide the exact details of the crime. He had pointed the finger at both Balin and Dwalin, however, which confirmed Thorin's growing suspicions. Until the brothers told him where his private letters were and their reasons for taking them in the first place, he would withhold his regard for these two connivers and treat them the same as he would any other dwarf who dare steal from him. At least, that's what he wanted them to believe. From the look on Balin's face, so far, he was succeeding.

"Now that everyone is finally present, we may begin the proceedings," Thorin announced gravely.

At that point, Nori was brought in from an opening to his left. The dwarve's hands were bound before him and he looked believably pitiful and upset, though he dared not lift his face toward the audience to give anything away.

The suspect was placed upon the Seat of the Accused directly below and before the King, and Thorin returned to speak from memory. Before calling for this trial, he'd had to consult a historical reference outlining the procedures and his responsibilities. He couldn't remember the words he should speak, but he did recall his grandfather had been far stricter than he intended to be. This was mostly for show and witness motivation, after all.

"Behold, the accused!" Thorin boldly stated, his voice laced with a touch of vengeance. "We are gathered here today to listen to the testimony of one of us; Nori, who has been caught in the act of thievery within the very walls of Erebor, his home! Not only that but he is accused of stealing from the King!"

Gasps and murmurs erupted before he silenced them with a loud command in their native tongue. "If there be witnesses among you who can testify in Nori's defense, please come forward."

Again, murmurings began, although these were quieter. Thorin allowed it for the time being although his gaze was fixed upon the Sons of Fundin at the far end of the room.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, Balin stood and stepped up to the podium.

"I, Balin Son of Fundin wish to speak on behalf of the accused."

Thorin hid his smile and released a heavy sigh. Now, he was finally getting somewhere.

"I, Thorin Son of Thror, Son of Thrain, King Under the Mountain will heed your words."

"My King,.."

Balin began speaking and Thorin could not remember a day in his life when he had seen this dwarf so nervous. Not even when Smaug had appeared. Did Balin truly believe he had it within him to do his kin any harm? He was a forgiving dwarf, but first things first! Usually, he required an apology before offering the gift of forgiveness.

"It is I who should confess, for it is I who put Nori up to the task of breaking into your rooms and taking your private papers. I offer no excuse and will take any punishment you deem suitable all on my own, for I am solely to blame."