Erebor's Guardian

Chapter: 2

Night fell on Erebor. The feast was splendid, food that I had not tasted in years and the company was quite different to my brothers and sisters. I had left the celebration for a moment to get some fresh air. I walked up to the rampart and examining the scenery. The city of Dale was quiet as the land was dark and the river and lake gleamed in the moonlight. I smirked to myself as unfolded my wings. Nights like this were pleasant for a quick flight.

"Your leaving?" I looked over my shoulder to see Thror and Thorin behind me.

"Now Thror, It would be rude to leave. I'm simply going for a small flight. Care to watch?"

Thror smiled as he saw me turn back to the sky, Thorin looked confused. I launched myself into the air causing the two of them to cover their eyes from the air. High in the air, I saw them watch as I flew through the clouds with an occasional trick every now and then. Thror chuckled as he watched. I remember when he was a child and asked me to show him a trick. With a smirk, I flew close to the ground and toward the wall. As the two of them looked down from the rampart I flew up past their faces and saw them stumble back while laughing. I flew in a quick circle and landed back on the rampart. The wings were open but behind my back.

"I haven't seen that since I was a wee lad. By Durin that still gives me a rush. Well, I shall leave you to enjoy the air." Thror started to walk away but turned to look at Thorin who was still in awe.

"Don't worry Thror I'll make sure he gets some rest."

Thror walked down the stairs to the feast. I smiled as I watched him leave. I turned to look at Thorin but he wasn't in front of me now, he was behind me. I stretched out my wings and raised them up to see the young prince marvel at them.

"They are magnificent, I have never seen anything like them."

"If you wish, you may touch them."

Thorin looked up at my questioning what I had said, with a fluent motion I moved my wing in front of him. He still looked concerned.

"If it eases your mind, you would be the first."

Thorin's eyes widened as he looked at the golden feathers. He hovered his hand over the wing and carefully placed it down. He smiled at the softness of the feathers and gently moved his hand.

"Incredible."

I looked down at the prince with a smirk as I lifted the wing and then brought it down on his head. The young prince smiled as I removed my wing. For now, I knew that if the kingdom was ever ruled by this man, He could. But sadly all good things must come to an end.

The day before I was to leave, I had found Thorin standing at the entrance of the treasure. I saw him watch as his grandfather lost his mind to sickness. I had seen his greed grow in the past days, he had hoarded all the gold and began to speak to himself during the night. He even denied King Thranduil the jewels of his departed wife. Both Thorin and I disagreed with this action but we could do nothing. As part of my oath, I could not harm anyone in Durin's line. I never expected what was to happen the next day.