Courage ✔

Chapter 4

They had gathered around a small campfire, on top of a large cliff on which the eagles had lowered them down carefully. A small road led downwards but the orcs could never climb it without being noticed. Gandalf took care of their wounds so that Thorin and Alyssae were both able to sit, despite their pain. The atmosphere was depressing. Nobody said anything and only the roaring fire and Bombur's heavy breathing avoided a total silence.

Although Alyssae sat a few steps away from Thorin, there was a constant tension. It was partly because of her that he was still alive and the situation was the same the other way around. She knew he was the one who pushed the bleeding warg out of her face. Both however were too proud to thank the other and stared stubbornly into another direction. Alyssae told herself they hadn't really saved each other. Their attempts would have been in vain if it wasn't for the eagles who had shown up.

In the end, it was Thorin who broke the silence. Who else could it be?

"So we lost our burglar?"

Despite his weakness and weariness, his voice sounded just as strong as before. Something fluttered in her stomach at the sound of his deep voice; he did sound sexy.

Alyssae was shocked by her own thoughts. She couldn't remember she had ever called a voice sexy before — and this time it was about a dwarf. Or, even worse, Thorin.

"He didn't flee?"

Alyssae shook her head. "No. Azog crushed his arm. He bled to death."

Thorin looked into her eyes and Alyssae did her best not to look away. She was an elf princess. She was not inferior to a dwarf.

"Can anyone confirm her words?" He looked around as if her opinion didn't matter.

"Accusing an elf of lying would be unwise," Gandalf said.

Thorin looked surly at her and snorted. Alyssae felt like she was withering under his gaze and she was tempted to put the ring on her finger to hide. However, she abandoned the idea since it was her only triumph. She didn't want to share her discovery with anyone else.

"Why do you need a burglar?" Alyssae asked carefully. She could barely control her curiosity. She wanted to know what the dwarves were doing here, so far away from their homes.

"A dwarf never gives away his secrets. Certainly not to elves."

Of course, she had expected an answer like that, although she had hoped that he would be a little milder. "I would like to help you."

After her words, it became silent. The opinions of the dwarves were reflected in their eyes; suspicion competed with a fragile spark of hope. Nevertheless, Thorin's decision was indisputable. "There is no way you are coming with us."

Alyssae believed she wouldn't have come far if I wasn't for Gandalf. "Are you sure?" the wizard asked. "You know elves are light-footed. Moreover, Smaug isn't familiar with their scent."

Alyssae frowned. "Smaug?" She delved through her memories. She remembered a story about a dwarf kingdom with a greedy king, who was overpowered by an even greedier creature. A dragon. "Are you going back to the lost kingdom?"

Thorin's eyebrows formed a deep frown. His face turned red in anger and Alyssae feared he could explode any moment. The other dwarfs held their breaths nervously, but Gandalf didn't seem to notice anything.

"She's an elf."

"Oh, is she? I didn't notice."

His voice was full of sarcasm and Alyssae was close to hugging him. He seemed to be the only one who did not abominate her.