Erebor's Guardian

Chapter: 26

I landed in the gates of Erebor. I saw across from me the throne and flew over to it to see Thorin, Balin, Dwalin and Bilbo speaking. I heard Thorin yelled out load as I landed next to Balin.

"AM I NOT THE KING?!"

As Thorin turned away, the others looked uneasy. Thorin turned to me and sighed

"Paephan. What did you go?"

"I sensed trouble with Gandalf. It has been taken care of."

"Good. Then perhaps you may help the others find the Arkenstone."

As Thorin walked past me, I glanced at Bilbo. He still had it.

"Know this- if anyone should find it and withhold it from me, I will be avenged."

Thorin walked away as Dwalin went down to the chambers to where the others were. Balin walked away into a hall. I looked at Bilbo who looked disgruntled.

I went in search of Balin and found him sitting in a corner breathing heavily as if he had been weeping. He turned to me as I sat down next to him. Bilbo came through the doorway as he stood looking at Balin

"Dragon-sickness- We've seen it before. That look. That terrible need. It is a fierce and jealous love, Bilbo. it sent his grandfather mad.

Bilbo fumbled with his hands as he looked at Balin.

"Balin, if-if Thorin...had the Arkenstone..."

Bilbo slightly cocked his head, and Balin looked surprised as he turned to me. I simply nodded my head,

"...if it was found- Would it help?"

"That stone crowns all. It is the summit of this great wealth, bestowing power upon he who bears it. Will it stay his madness? No, lad; I fear it would make it worse. Perhaps it is best that it remains lost."

Balin raised his eyebrows at Bilbo.

After a few moments, we left Balin to be by himself for awhile. As Bilbo and I walked through the halls I told him of its history and the stories I could share with him. Bilbo started to tire and sat down on a bench. I sat next to him as we continued to talk. Bilbo told me of what Smaug spoke of to Bilbo and pulled something out of his pocket. Suddenly the sound of Thorin voice came from a hallway next to us.

"What is that?!"

Thorin strode through the hall toward Bilbo. I was about to step in front of him but Bilbo stopped me.

"In your hand!"

"It-Its nothing."

"Show me."

"It..."

Bilbo held out his hand and it was only an acorn. I smiled at the sight of it. I saw Thorin's eye turn warm as he smiled at it.

"I picked it up in Beorn's garden."

"You've carried it all this way."

"I'm gonna plant it in my garden, in Bag End."

I watched as Thorin's anger faded away.

"That's a poor price to take back the Shire."

"One day it'll grow. And every time I look at it-I'll remember- Remember everything that happened, the good, the bad. And how lucky I am that I made it home."

They both smiled at each other. Bilbo prepared to speak.

"Thorin, I..."

I saw Dwalin come up behind Thorin and spoke.

"Thorin, survivors...from Laketown. They are streaming into Dale. There are hundreds of them."

Thorin's smiled fades as his face turned stern.

Thorin strode off as Bilbo sighed.

"TO THE GATE! NOW!"

I placed a hand on Bilbo's shoulder. He grasped my hand with his. We walked to the gate to see the others collecting stones to the gate to block up the entrance that Smaug broke through.

"I want this fortress made safe by sunup. This mountain was hard won- I will not see it taken again. "

Kili walked up to him.

"The people of Laketown have nothing. They came to us in need. they have lost everything."

"Do not tell me what they have lost. I know well enough of their hardship. Those who have lived through Dragonfire should rejoice. They have much to be grateful for.

Thorin looked out to the city of Dale, he then turned to the others.

"More stone! BRING MORE STONE TO THE GATE!"

Bilbo looked with despair. I extended a wing over him.

As the night passed the dwarves had been able to close up the entrance. I had walked up to the rampart and watched as Dale was lit up as the people lit more fires for warmth. I looked behind me to see Thorin walking up to the rampart next to me. I turned away and back to the sight of the city.

"You are troubled."

"Yes."

"Why would that be? Paephan, we have reclaimed Erebor. I would think you would be glad."

"I am. Believe I am pleased to see you here in your home but..."

"But."

I looked down at Thorin.

"The people of Dale have no need to attack us. They need warmth and food. Thorin... I saw Bard kill that dragon...we should help his people."

"I will not allow it. I need you and everyone here. We still have the Arkenstone to find."

I walked toward the edge of the rampart as he grabbed my arm.

"Thorin. You know you can't stop me. Please don't fight me."

He let go of my arm and his hand fell to his side.

"You would help them and not your king. You have your oath to me."

"My oath is to keep you safe. And you are. You have no need for me."

I expanded my wings and looked up at the sky. I chuckled a little myself.

"To think this was where I fell in love with a dwarf prince."

Thorin's eyes widened as I turned to Thorin with a tear falling down my face. I fell forward from the rampart and expanded my wings over the land and flew to the city of Dale. Trying with all my heart to not look back.