Erebor's Guardian

Chapter: 28

Bard and the lake people began collecting and distributing the various weapons and armour. I turned to see the lights in Erebor were lit. I look to see Bilbo on the rampart speaking to Bofur. I watched as they spoke, Bofur left and Bilbo pulled out a rope. I gasped to see him leaving safely. I expanded my wings and flew to the broken gate. Bilbo looked up at the rampart making sure no one saw him. He turned around and was about to scream before I covered his mouth. He looked up at me.

"Paephan. For goodness sakes, I thought you were an elf."

"Bilbo what are you doing. Did...Did Bofur let you leave."

"Yes. b...but I think I know a way to not go to war."

After I brought Bilbo to Bard and Thranduil we meet with Gandalf as they meet.

"If I'm not mistaken, this is the halfling who stole the keys to my dungeon from under the nose of my guards."

I smirked as Bilbo looked uncomfortable.

"Yes. Sorry about that."

There was silence for a moment, Bilbo stepped forward and put a wrapped package on the table in front of Thranduil.

"I came...to give you this."

Bilbo unwrapped the package to reveal the Arkenstone. Thranduil stood up, surprised.

"That heart of the mountain! The King's Jewel."

Gandalf and Bard approached it. Bard spoke.

"And worth a king's ransom. How is this yours to give?"

"I took it as my fourteenth share of the treasure."

Gandalf smiled slightly at Bilbo's statement

"Why would you do this? You owe us no loyalty."

I turned to Bard.

"He isn't doing it for you."

Bard turned to me and then Bilbo.

"It's true. I know that dwarves can be obstinate and pigheaded and difficult, suspicious and secretive... with the worst manners you can possibly imagine, but they are also brave and kind... and loyal to a fault. I've grown very fond of them, and I would save them if I can."

Everyone looked at him.

"Thorin values this stone above all else. In exchange for its return, I believe he will give you what you are owed. There will be no need for war."

They all looked at each other

In the end, Thranduil had his archers keep an eye on the gate and to kill anything that moves. I disagreed with his action but there was nothing I could do, now that Gandalf was here. Gandalf ordered me to keep Bilbo safe but after Bilbo "slipped" past me. He headed back to Erebor.

The morning had come quite swiftly. The Elves and men armed for battle. The dwarves were at the rampart watching as they approached. I watched from the sky as Thranduil and Bard rode to the gate. Thorin drew his bow and shoot an arrow directly in front of them. Thorin yelled out.

"I will put the next one between your eyes!"

Thorin drew his bow again and dwarves cheered. Thranduil stared at Thorin in anger as he lifted his hand up and the elves behind him drew their bows. The dwarves stopped cheering as they hid behind the stone, except for Thorin. Thranduil raised his hand once more as they put their bows away. Thranduil looked up and spoke.

"We've come to tell you: payment of your debt has been offered...and accepted."

"What payment? I gave you nothing! You have nothing!"

Bard reached into his robe and pulled out the Arkenstone, he held it above his head. Thorin looked shocked as he lowered his bow.

"We have this."

I could hear the dwarves speak amongst themselves as I heard Kili.

"They have the Arkenstone? Thieves! How come you by the heirloom of our house? That stone belongs to the king!"

"And the king may have it in our goodwill."

Bard put the stone back into his robe.

"But first he must honour his word."

Thorin started to speak to himself, I could not hear until he yelled out.

"THE ARKENSTONE IS IN THIS MOUNTAIN! IT IS A TRICK!"

I watched as Bilbo stepped from behind the dwarves.

"It-it's no trick. The stone is real. I gave it to them."

Thorin's expression changed to a mixture of sorrow and anger. Thranduil and Bard looked worried. Thorin and the others turned to Bilbo.

"You..."

"I took it as my fourteenth share."

"You would steal from me."

"Steal from you? No. No. I may be a burglar, but I like to think I'm an honest one. I'm willing to let it stand, against my claim."

"Against your claim?!" Your claim! You have no claim to me you miserable rat!"

Thorin threw his bow to the ground and started to walk toward Bilbo.

"I was going to give it to you. Many times I wanted to, but..."

"But what, thief?!"

"You have changed, Thorin! The dwarf I met in Bag End would never have gone back on his word! Would never have doubted the loyalty of his kin!"

"Do not speak to me...of loyalty!"

Thorin yelled to the others to throw Bilbo of the rampart. Bilbo looked shocked. The others didn't obey. Thorin looked surprised that no one obeyed him. Thorin lunged forward and grabbed Bilbo, pulling him to the rampart.

"Cursed be the Wizard that forced you on this Company!"

I looked to see Gandalf suddenly appear striding through the armies. I landed next to him.

"IF YOU DON'T LIKE MY BURGLAR..."

Thorin stopped as he glared at both of us.

"Then please don't damage him. Return him to me! You're not making a very splendid figure as king under the mountain, are you? Thorin son of Thrain!"

Thorin slowly allowed Bilbo up as the others rushed to help him.

"Never again will I have dealings with wizards..."

I watched as Bilbo threw the rope he had used the night before over the wall.

"Or Shire-rats!"

Bard looked at Thorin and yelled out.

"Are we resolved? The return of the Arkenstone for what was promised."

Thorin didn't answer as he looked at Bard.

"Give us your answer! Will you have peace or war?"

As Thorin bowed his head; a large raven flew up to the ramparts and perched beside him. I looked at him as he stared at the raven.

"I will have war!"