Bring On The Wonder[Thorin Oakenshield]

Chapter Thirty Four: Full Pardon

It was a grand feast the Master put on for his guest, to wish them luck in this dangerous quest and hope that he will see riches very soon. The company was having a merry old time, their mugs were filled with ale, laughter and jests filled the room. Thorin on the other hand was not in a very joyous mood and sat at the far end of the long table, away from his men and still had yet to touch his mug.

He just froze as those soldiers dragged the young woman away. Why didn't she listen to him? She should of stayed indoors where it was safe and she wouldn't be in a cell right now. Thorin had his head resting in the palm of his hand, making a look as if he were in deep thought and he straightened up when he saw he suddenly had company.

"You haven't touched your mug, uncle. You should be celebrating with the rest of us!" Fili exclaimed.

"I'm fine boys. Go, don't let my mood spoil yours." Thorin encouraged, but the two brothers knew there uncle too well that something else was weighing on his mind, besides the quest. Thorin thought his nephews hadn't noticed, but they did. Throughout this journey they had noticed the attitude difference the leader showed towards the young woman that accompanied them. They could tell he liked her a lot and he was trying so hard not to show it.

"This isn't right." Kili muttered. "Bella should be here celebrating with us. She is part of this company as much as the rest of us." The young dwarf declared. Fili couldn't agree more with his brother. Thorin knew they were right. Bella was part of this company and as much as he tried so hard not to let his feelings get in the way of his duty he promised to his people, he just couldn't fight it anymore. He cared about her in ways he never thought he would. Thorin knew what he had to do and he got up from the table and started heading for the doors that would lead him of of the room and into the hallway.

"Uncle where are you going?" Fili questioned, furrowing his brows, wondering what suddenly got into his uncle that would cause him to get up so abruptly and leave.

"I'm getting Bella back." Thorin stated lowly with determination in his voice, forgetting that none of them were aware the half-breed had been taken captive. And Fili and Kili watched as their uncle disappeared out of the room and then turned to look at each other. Wasn't Bella at her brother's house, resting?

Thorin headed down the hall towards the Masters study when out of nowhere, Alfrid's ugly face showed up. " What are you doing down here?" Alfrid hissed.

"I must speak with the Master." Thorin stated, giving a slight glare.

"The Master is a busy man. He does not wish to be disturbed."

"Tell the Master, that I wish to renegotiate our agreement." The dwarf king pressed.

"What for?" Alfrid challenged.

"I want Bella free of all charges against her."

"Bella is a murderer and a thief. She is right where she should have been ten years ago." Alfrid spat. Thorin glared at the greasy haired man and his anger got the best of him and he grabbed Alfrid by the scruff of his clothing, yanking him down to his level, his face only inches from his.

"You and I both know, Bella didn't do either of those things. She gave the bag of coins back to you. She was only trying to help her friend out and you accused them when they did nothing!" Thorin sneered lowly. The dwarf could hear the faint heavy breathing coming from the terrified man. " I suggest you take me to the Master, now." He growled, shoving frightened Alfrid away from him, causing him to stumble. Alfrid gave Thorin a glare, before straightening out his coat and leading the way.

The Master's deputy knocked on the door and walked in. "Sire, the Mountain King would like a word with you." The Master looked up from his table and nodded and the dwarf walked passed Alfrid and sat down.