Unexpected

Chapter 18: Smaug

Eili sighed. The dwarf's breath formed clouds and the cold air nipped at her skin. Her heart still pounded from the kiss she left upon Bilbo's cheek. Eili thought of his face. His messy, brown curls. His ever changing eyes. She prayed for his safety.

Suddenly, the mountain shook beneath them.

Eili looked to the entrance. She thought of his face again. "Was that...?"

"That, my dear...was a dragon."

"Smaug has awoken?" She said worriedly. "Bilbo's in there! We must-"

"I will not risk the stone." Thorin interrupted. Eili opened her mouth to speak, but Thorin gave her a sharp look. "Give him more time."

Eili shook her head and perched on a rock near the side of the cliff. The dwarf rubbed her hands together, hoping for some warmth. She wore the fingerless gloves she had gotten from Tilda. Eili gazed at Laketown. It stood in the distance, floating on the water. She thought of Bofur and Oin. Fili and Kili.

A sudden warmth travelled through the entrance. Eili's eyebrows knitted. An orange glow emitted from inside the mountain.

"Bilbo." Her tone was full of worry.

"Give him more time." Thorin ordered.

"Time to do what? To be killed?" Balin shouted.

"You're afraid." Thorin barked.

Balin paused for a moment. "Yes, I'm afraid. I fear for YOU. A sickness lies upon that treasure hoard, a sickness that drove your grandfather mad."

"I am not my grandfather." Thorin's face twisted.

"You're not yourself." Balin retorted. "The Thorin I know would not hesitate to go in there-"

"I will not risk this quest for the life of one burglar." Thorin said gruffly.

I surely will. Eili thought. She bolted into the mountain, ignoring to the yells and cries of her fellow dwarves.

Eili ran as fast as her legs could carry her. She halted. She had reached a large room filled with treasure. There were mountains of gold coins. Jewelry, goblets, and precious stones were scattered and buried amongst the piles of gold. Alas, she had little time to admire it's beauty. She could hear the deep breaths and growls of the dragon.

She turned to her left and ran down a flight of stairs. The steps were carved out of stone. Eili collided with another body. They were both sent to the ground. It was Bilbo. He rubbed his head and sat up. "Eili!" He exclaimed. "We must go!"

He hurriedly got on his feet. The hobbit grabbed Eili's arm and pulled her up. The couple sprinted up the steps and toward the exit. Eili spotted Thorin, who stared in awe at the treasures of the mountain. His head snapped to the side and his gaze met Eili's.

"Did you find the Arkenstone?" Thorin said, desire flooded his eyes.

"The dragon is coming!" They panted, having just reached the top of the stairs.

"The Arkenstone!"

Eili and Bilbo shared a look of fright and confusion, then turned to Thorin.

"Did you find it?" Thorin asked again.

The hobbit shook his head rapidly. "No. We have to get out."