Demons

Prologue

Her shrill whinney rang through the air. My bay mare reared, kicking her front hooves into the air. I clung desperately to her mane. My hands scrabbled for a better grip, but to no avail. A yell escaped my mouth as the ground came rushing towards me. The distant sound of pounding hooves echoed through the heavy silence as my vision faded away...

Something soft tickled my face, a gentle breeze kissed my cheek and I was suddenly aware of another presence. My eyes snapped open and I sat bolt upright! Frantically, I scanned my surroundings. My panic was replaced with confusion when my eyes settled on the runaway pony and a small girl, who crouched over me. She peered at me with hazel eyes that shone with curiousity. Her ash brown hair cascaded over her shoulders and into her face; she wore nothing but a rag drapped over both shoulders, hanging from her slender form. She offered me a small smile, which I returned as I clambered to my feet.

Brushing the dirt from my blue tunic, I cleared my throat, "Hello." there was a pause, in which the girl got to her feet, "May I ask your name?" I inquired, remembering my manners.

"My name is Megura, but you can call me Meg if you want." she said sweetly, rocking gently on the balls of her feet, "What is your name?"

"Thorin." I answered, standing a little taller as my name left my lips.

Meg raised an eyebrow, "Son of Thrain?"

"Correct."

"And why, may I ask, was Thorin, Son of Thrain, lying unconcious in a deserted field?" inquired a very amused Meg.

I felt warmth creeping up my cheeks, "Amazon," I gestured to the mare, who was munching on the grass contendedly, "managed to, um, throw me off..."

Collecting Amazon's reins, Meg began to lead the mare back to the Lonely Mountain, "We had better get the two of you back to Erebor." she called back to me. I hesitated for a moment before jogging to catch up with her. That was the start of a radiant friendhsip.

As years passed Meg and I grew closer. We were inseperable and stood by each other through thick and thin, a Prince and an independant orphan that didn't let anything get to her. Once I began training with the weapons forged by my kin, I taught Meg all that I had learnt. In return, she would provide me with the skills needed to survive in the wild. During the early hours of the morning we would tell tales of elves and wizards and orcs.

On her eighteenth birthday I bought Meg a horse. He was a stunning skewblad stallion who went by the name Finley. She fell in love with him instantly. That night Meg and I galloped through the wilderness in the silver light of the moon.

But all good things must come to an end and soon the dark days were upon us. Meg was employed as King Thror's maid when she reached the age of twenty-three and she stood alongside me as I watched my grandfather spiral into insanity.

Then the dragon came.

His shadow soared over the mountain, throwing the kingdom into a frenzy of panic. His wings were a hurricane, his teeth could rip through flesh and bone!

News of the dragon's presence spread like wildfire and I immediately gathered the army, preparing to fight. We waited behind the closed gates of Erebor with baited breath, I stood my ground... wood splintered, hinges snapped and rock shattered as Smaug the Terrible forced his way through the doors. He left a trail of despair and devastation as he paraded through the streets.

Few soldiers survived this initial attack, and those who did were fatally injured. But I dragged myself to my feet and promptly gathered the living, ushering them through the demolished gates.

But I couldn't leave yet, I had to find Meg. I sprinted after the dragon scanning the halls of my Kingdom for my closest friend. It wasn't until I reached the doors to the throne room that I saw her. My heart shattered.

Meg's limp form lay sprawled out by a collapsed pillar, her snapped bow clutched in her hand and her silver daggers scattered across the stone floor. Her clothes were shredded and her skin was cut in multiple places. The wound that made my stomach churn was the burn that marked her lightly toned abdomen. Her eyes found mine as I sank to my knees by her side.

"Meg." I choked out, cradling her in my arms. "Meg, don't leave me. Please." I felt warm tears leaking from my eyes and streaming down my grimy cheeks.

A small smiled played on her lips, "Thorin, be brave. Be strong. Look after your kin." she croaked, her tears leaving trails down her delicate face.

My arms tightened around her, bringing her towards my chest. I wanted to feel her heart beat with mine before it stopped. It was no use lying to myself, but I still had one last thing to say to her. "Meg?"Her eyes flickered towards mine, I felt her heart slowing. "I need to tell you something."

"Go on." she whispered, her mouth barely moving.

"I love you." I leant down and pressed my lips to hers. The steady thumping that I could feel pressing against my chest ceased. I pulled away from her, my lips wet and swollen. "I always have and I always will." I clung to her lifeless body for as long as I could, letting my tears fall freely, my agonised cries filling the empty halls of Erebor.

Her words raced through my mind,"Be brave. Be strong. Look after your kin.". I collected myself and gently lifted her into my arms as I walked towards the main gates. Before I reached them, however, I took a left and walked down a side corridor. The doors that lined the walls all looked identical but I soon reached the one I wanted. I pushed my back against it and it opened, silently. I stepped into my chambers and approached the bed, pulling the neat covers back and placing Meg on the matress. After pulling the duvet back over her, I squeezed her hand, not wanting to let her go. But I knew I had to; my kin needed me. "Goodbye, Meg." and with that, I turned and left the room.

As I left the mountain I saw figures gathered on the horizon. The elves of Mirkwood had gathered to watch us fall apart.

"HELP US!" I yelled, desperation overwhelming me. It was too late for Erebor, but we needed all the help we could get.

But the elves would not help. They turned their backs, leaving us to fend for ourselves. Rage surged through my veins as I watched the elves depart.

Days passed and finally we were safe. I helped care for the wounded and worked for the men in neighbouring towns and villages. I did all that I could to redeem the hope and happiness of my people.

All the while the image of Meg's limp, lifeless form stayed imprinted in my mind.

My heart was shattered and tears leaked from my once bright eyes. Trauma and grief had changed me.

But the flames of fury and pride were not extinguished! I never forgave and I never forgot...