An Unexpected Journey

Chapter Sixty-Four: Defending a Friend

Staring at the army that was now gathered outside the mountain, Thalia tried to prepare herself for what was about to happen; she didn't look at anyone else knowing that this could not end well. 

There had been no sign of Bilbo after he had left the night before and Thalia had a feeling that it was better that way, she dreaded to think what would happen with Thorin learnt what he had done. 

Everyone was gathered at the front gate to see what was going to happen this time, now that the people of Laketown had sided with the elves; it was clear that there was only going to be one way that this could end. 

Thalia didn't move out of the shadows, her blue eyes firmly locked of Thorin and she felt a twinge in her stomach made her frown; he looked nothing like the dwarf that she had fallen in love with. 

"We have come to tell you, payment of your debt has been offered and accepted," Thranduil called from the place in front of his army, Bard was at his side and he was pleased with the way that things had worked out. 

He eyed the dwarves that stood high above him and doubted that this would last long, there was no way that they could defend the mountain from what was coming. 

Bard offered the elf beside him a look, he had little doubt that this would work and he could only hope that this didn't end with more needless death. 

"What payment? I gave you nothing, you have nothing," Thorin shouted glaring down at the elf, he would never offer those before him anything as long as they continued to stand against him and his people. 

Thalia's heart pounded in her chest, she feared what Thorin might be driven to do when he realised what had happened; she doubted that anyone would be safe from what came next.

Thranduil only offered up an amused look before turning to look at Bard, who slowly reached in his coat and produced the Arkenstone that had been given to them during the night. 

It had been a brave act for the hobbit and Bard hated that it had come to this, he had never thought that it would reach this situation but his people needed help and only the elves seemed willing to give them that right now. 

"We have this," Bard replied holding up the Arkenstone so that Thorin and the other dwarves could see, he doubted that there would be any doubt what he was holding in his hands. 

Thorin stared down at Bard and his eyes locked on the Arkenstone, it had been the one thing that he was searching for and it somehow lay in the hands of his enemies. 

Whispers from the dwarves around him broke out and Thorin could barely pull his gaze from the one thing that he craved; he couldn't make out what was being said around him. 

"Thieves. That stone belongs to the King," Kíli shouted from Thorin's side, he could not believe what he was seeing and he had no idea how Bard had come to be in procession of the Arkenstone; it was meant to be buried somewhere in the mountain. 

Thalia peeked towards Thorin, the look on his face scared her and it made her think of how he was in some sort of trace; she feared just what he might do to reclaim the Arkenstone. 

"The King may have it... with our good will but first he must honour his word," Bard said turning the stone over in his hands before safely setting the Arkenstone back into his jacket. 

Thorin let out a deep breath the moment that it was out of sight, his mind clearing for a moment when he could no longer see the thing he desired most. 

He glared down at those who had stolen from him what was rightfully his, it was the one thing that would allow him to rule without anyone questioning him.