Thorin, Bilbo and Balin returned later that evening with news of the hidden passage into Erebor. For the door to be revealed they would need to be standing in the right spot when the last light of Durin's day shines upon the keyhole. With Durin's day fast approaching, this new time constraint would make the journey more tyrannous than Laire had first hoped.
Laire, Thorin, Balin and the youngest Durins' crowded around a small table where the map now rested. Laire sighed and ran a hand over her chin.
"I had hoped to go further south before crossing the mountains, the paths are far safer down there. But now that we are short on time, we'll have to take the high pass which is much less friendly."
"How so?" Fili asked.
"Rumour has it that Goblins have take over much of the Misty Mountains, especially 'round the high pass. Now I havena seen any myself but you hear things from other Rangers, some barely made it out of there, others... Well let's say no one's heard from them since."
"Rumours or not, time is our enemy now, so we will go through the high pass. We leave before dawn. Can you sneak us out?" Thorin turned to Laire with a hushed tone.
"Aye. I can."
"Good, get some rest all of you." Thorin left to no doubt get some rest as he'd instructed the rest of the Company.
Laire raised her arms above her head and stretched and rolled her muscles. "Well, gentlemen, I'm going to take our lovely leader's advice and enjoy my last night on an actual bed for a long time. Pleasant dreams, lads."
"Only because they will be about you, love," Fili flirted. The other's were thankfully out of earshot.
Laire pursed her lips into a smirk and raised her eyebrows. "Well, darlin', if ye find yerself a little bit lonely-" She leaned in close so her lips brushed against his ear when she spoke, "- yer welcome to join me."
Fili could not help the furious blush that betrayed his cheeks as Laire sauntered away. She would certainly be the end of him.
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Dawn crept over the mountain as the Company began their trek through the mountain pass.
"Be on your guard; we're about to step over the edge of the Wild. Laire, you know these paths; lead on." Thorin ordered gruffly.
"Aye." Laire moved to the front of the Company, giving Rivendell one last glance before it disappeared from her sight.
Laire was not the only one who longingly gazed after the beautiful Elven city.
"Master Baggins, I suggest you keep up."
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The journey through the mountain pass was rough, and not long it was before thunder clouds rolled in and storms began to brew overhead. The Company clung to the cliff side as they pushed through the onslaught of howling winds and pelting rains.
"Hold on!" Thorin's voice was almost lost over the roaring storms. "We must find shelter!"
"Watch out!" Dwalin yelled as a huge boulder hurtled through the air and collided with the mountain side above their heads. The shattered boulder fell around the Company as they pressed themselves flush against the mountain. There were shadows in the storm, huge forms that silhouetted against the weather.
"This is no thunderstorm; it's a thunder battle! Look!" Balin cried as he pointed to the shadow that ripped the peak off a nearby mountain.
The Company could scarce believe their eyes. Bofur stepped forward in awe and fear.
YOU ARE READING
Honour For Bastards
FanfictionThere's a shame that can't be spoken, for children born out of wedlock. A shame that leaves a stain on their face for all their lives which leaves one to wonder why there are names left out of the great stories? Why the heroes are always noble and p...
