The Girl Who Believed (A Hobbit Fanfiction)

The Betrayer

*Thorin's POV*

 "Come on!"I command the dwarves as they band together following me. 

I hear someone approaching the gates. The dwarves lay down their tools, pick up their weapons, and follow me up the stairs all the way to a platform we have built at the top of the gate from which we have a vantage point over the plain in front of the gate. I see the walls of Dale filled with Elves ready for war. Bard rides up the path to the gate on a white horse and stops in front of the gate. 

"Hail Thorin, son of Thrain! We are glad to find you alive beyond hope." 

I glare down at him "Why do come to the gates of the King under the mountain armed for war?" The bowmen laugh slightly "Why does the king under the mountain fence himself in like a robber in his hole?" 

"Perhaps it is because I am expecting to be robbed." 

Looking I see Molly from the corner of my eye. Her eyes turn to me and I can see something is wrong.  Very wrong.

"My lord - We have not come to rob you, but to seek a fair settlement. Will you not speak with me?" 

Looking to Molly for some form of unspoken advice she gives me an affirmed nod. I step away from the platform and down the stairs fairly brushing against her as I walk past. Bard dismounts his horse and crosses the bridge in front of the gate. As he approaches the blockade, a raven flies out of the opening above the gate and wings away rapidly, cawing loudly. There is a hole at the bottom and I walk up to it and see Bard on the other end  "I'm listening." 

Bard rests his arm on the stone "On behalf of the people of Laketown, I ask that you honor your pledge. A share of the treasure so that they might rebuild their lives."

"I will not treat with any man while an armed host lies before my door."

 Bard narrows his eyes "That armed host will attack this mountain if we do not come to terms." 

I shake my head smirking mockingly "Your threats do not sway me." 

Bard looks with anger and sadness and it infuriates me. His face seemed so distraught for the very people who spoke out against him.

 "What of your conscience? Does it not tell you our cause is just?! My people offered you help. And in return, you brought upon them only ruin and death!" 

My anger rises and I growl "When did the men of Laketown come to our aid, but for the promise of rich reward?!" 

He slams his fist on the stone "A bargain was struck!" 

I chuckle "A bargain? What choice did we have but to barter our birthright for blankets and food? To ransom our future in exchange for our freedom? Do you call that a fair trade? Tell me, Bard the Dragon-slayer..." 

Bard looks up, surprised. I shake my head "Why should I honor such terms?" 

"Because you gave us your word. Does that mean nothing?" 

I turn away leaning against the wall and look down. Apart of me feels to give in to Bard and the people's wishes but no, this is some plot. Some chance for the people to take Erebor from me and make it a land of men. Everything is silent and I even believe the bowman is gone until he speaks "Well, at least I know one of you is honest to their word, and she didn't even give or make any promises." 

My eyes dart up and I see the company standing there and I see Molly standing with them in sadness looking at me. Looking back at the wall I feel the anger and guilt rising like a tide. If I do not fight back it shall swallow me.