Unexpected

Chapter 23: The Gathering Of Clouds

There was barely any time for Fili, Kili, Bofur, and Oin to reunite with the others, as Thorin had immediately put them to work. Another seemingly endless period of time wasted away as the dwarves combed through the treasure hoard. Searching with no avail and frustrated to no end, Thorin dismissed the Company, trudging to his throne.

Balin, Dwalin, Eili, and Bilbo followed behind him soundlessly.

Thorin's gaze washed over his seat, eyes fixated on the cracks where the Arkenstone used to inlay. The dwarf king's eyelids fell for a moment and he envisioned the jewel perching above his head on the throne. His lips twitched into a smile at what he saw in his reverie. Thorin's eyes fluttered open and landed on the empty space in back of the throne.

"It is here in these halls," he scowled in response to the reality before him. "I know it."

Dwalin's head hung low. "We have searched and searched..."

"Not well enough!" Thorin exclaimed.

"Thorin," Dwalin spoke, trying to calm his king, "we all would see the stone returned."

"And yet, it is still not found!" the leader snapped, slowly approaching his kin.

"Do you doubt the loyalty of anyone here?" Balin asked, cocking an eyebrow. "The Arkenstone is the birthright of our people."

"It is the King's Jewel. AM I NOT THE KING?!" the angered dwarf's shout echoed throughout the halls.

The Company members flinched at his sudden raised voice. They all looked apprehensive, evidently unsettled by what they were witnessing.

"Know this: If anyone should find it and withhold it from me," Thorin said threateningly, pointing a finger at the group, "I will be avenged."

After meeting the gaze of each body in front of him, the king walked away, leaving the Throne Room.

Seeking refuge in the corner of a nearby room, Balin drew a shaky breath as he tried to muffle his crying.

"Dragon Sickness. I've seen it before," he stated, sensing Bilbo and Eili as they neared him. The pain in his voice was obvious. "That look. That terrible need. It is a fierce and jealous love. It sent his grandfather mad."

The hobbit nudged Eili, silently asking for approval for what he was about to do. With a bit a hesitation, the dwarf princess gave a slight smile. Bilbo twiddled his thumbs as he endeavoured to find the right words to say.

"Balin, if... if Thorin had the Arkenstone..." the hobbit stuttered, cocking his head.

Balin's jaw hung open for a moment, comprehending Bilbo's implication.

"If it was found..." Eili started, lowering her voice. "Would it help him?"

An intensely serious expression dawning on the old dwarf's face as he looked between the two.

"That stone crowns all. It is the summit of this great wealth, bestowing power upon he who bears it. Will it stay his madness?" Balin dolefully shook his head. "No, I fear it would make it worse. Perhaps it is best that it remains lost."

He then turned to Eili and placed a hand on her shoulder. Balin looked her in the eyes as his own faltered.

"You're in a very dangerous position, lass," he spoke in a whisper. "I would advise you to be extra careful."