The Eyes of Emerald

Chapter 28

Two days had past, and there was still no sign of the jewel Thorin had desired. Rest was no longer an option. The only chance of a break was if you needed a drink, which even then was limited. He had also been pulling Dawn away. The company had been seeing less and less of her. If she wasn't helping with the search, Thorin would call for her, and they wouldn't see her until the next day. But something seemed off. She seemed to be tense with each movement that Thorin made. And each time he requested her, she seemed jumpy.

Thorin had called Bilbo to the throne room. Dawn was already there. It was the first time he had seen her since they had spoken. Also there was Dwalin and Balin. Thorin faced his throne, staring at the spot where the Arkenstone once stood.

"It is here in these halls. I know it."

"We have searched and searched," Dwalin said.

"Not well enough."

"Thorin, we all would see the stone returned," Dwalin reassured.

"And yet, it is still not found!" Thorin shouted, causing an echo. Bilbo noted Dawns cringing towards the echoes.

"Do you doubt the loyalty of...anyone here?" Balin finally asked. Thorin gave a look towards Dawn as she recoiled slightly before facing the elder dwarf. "The Arkenstone...is the birthright of our people."

"It is the Kings jewel," Thorin spat. "AM I NOT HE KING?!?!?!" The louder echoes made Dawn jump. Bilbo looked down, trying to hide his emotions. Thorin looked at the throne once more, before facing the others once more.

"Know this: if anyone should find it, and withhold it from me, I will be avenged." Balin and Dwalin left, with sorrow slowly growing upon their shoulders for what their friend and leader was becoming.

"Dawn, come with me," Thorin said calmly. Bilbo looked at the girl curiously. In return she gave an almost pleading look to the mad King.

"Thorin...," she began.

"Now!" he barked. Dawn stayed silent, and then began to follow him. Bilbo watched her walk. She looked back to him, and this slowed her pace, and this did not go unnoticed. Thorin then forcefully grabbed her by the arm and lead her away, pulling her away as if she were a doll.

It went on for quite some time, and Dawns absence did not go unnoticed. And while Fili wished to see her more, Thorin would make him do a task just before he would go to her quarters. As he passed the hall that lead to her chamber, he saw her looking out one of the openings as the wind blew through her hair, yet she had a look in her eyes. One of fear and sadness. When she caught a glimpse of him, she only stared. She then retreated. Fili was confused, and then heard his uncle behind him. "Get back to work."

Finally, to investigate, Fili sent his brother Kili to figure out what was going on. When he had the chance, Kili raced to Dawns chamber, and knocked on the door. As she slowly opened the door, he heard her faintly say "I haven't seen anything!" before greeting him. She seemed a bit relieved that it was him.

"May I come in?" Dawn nodded and fully opened the door. She then sat down on her bed, and Kili did as well.

"Fili has been worried about you. So have the others. We haven't seen you much for a while." Dawn tensed up as she heard this, and still refused eye contact. "Is...something wrong?"

"No...everything is fine. Really." Dawn began to rub her wrist as if it was in pain, Kili's eyes widened as he thought he saw purple and blue upon it.

"What is that?" Dawn gasped, and tried to hide her wrist. But it was too late. Kili took hold of her arm and rolled up her sleeve. There he found a bruise the size of a hand.