Aria the Black (Book 2 of the Daughters of Durin Trilogy)

Chapter 34: Stronger Together

Erebor's durable armies marched forward onto Mordor, just as they had done before the Battle of Helm's Deep. Thorin and Ravonna still led them as their two ponies walked in unison besides each other. King Théoden and his own military was not far behind; according to the war strategizing they had done prior to travel, they would enter the fight after the dwarves. Thorin looked to his wife every so often, ensuring that she was alright. The two had hardly spoken to each other in days, really spoken, besides from their plans for the war. But when he looked for a third time in the past ten minutes, she was far from well.

Ravonna had become rigid, her eyes rolled far back into her head. Her pony whined at her sudden change in demeanor, for horses had a knack for noticing these things. She still rode on without a care in the world, but that was the problem. She was not among her dwarven kin in this moment. Her mind and abilities had taken her farther away than ever before.

"Ravonna." Thorin made no command to his armies, not yet. He was still unsure of what exactly was wrong with her. "Ravonna?" He asked again, and did not get a response.

Although he was worried about her, Thorin knew better than to alert his people at such a time. The weight of the world still laid on their shoulders, quite literally. After all, the Elves had already begun to depart for the Undying Lands. The Dwarves and Men were the last forces of good left to banish the evil a bitter farewell. Looking to Gloin and giving him a short nod, Thorin's loyal companion already knew what he needed. He too had seen Ravonna freeze.

"What is this?" Thorin gestured towards his wife nonchalantly, so as to not disturb the military's march. Oin, who had come upon his brother's call, rode his own steed closer to Ravonna. He had come to help the armies- although not in battle, for he was far too old- with his medical assistance, and Thorin could not be more grateful for his presence. The elder healer waved a hand in front of her face, grabbed her arm, and tried everything known to him to get her attention. Her silence was eerie, and Oin knew it was no regular daydream. After taking her pulse and other vitals, he had reached his conclusion.

"Nothing seems to be the matter with her, my King." He held his ear trumpet close to Thorin so that he could hear a response, though it hardly did him little good. "The Queen is a sorceress, after all. I'd reckon she is having a vision of sorts, or something of the matter. An ol' book I read years ago said it's a way for wizards an' witches to communicate. I am sure she is fine."

"Thank you, Oin." He patted the healer on the shoulder as he rejoined his brother behind them. Thorin hated how powerless and blind he was to her magical capabilities. He felt as but a mere dwarfling once more, trying to understand the world around him. This was often the times Ravonna needed him, and he could do nothing to help her. Of course, she always understood this, and expected nothing more of him. Nevermore, it did little to ease his conscience and his concern for her well-being.

But Ravonna did need him, and more than ever. She indeed was having a vision of another sorcerer, and what she saw was no less than unsettling.

...

"Do you recognize this place?"

Aria and the dark figure stood before her home, right outside the gates. She gasped as she recognized her surroundings.

"Erebor. I never thought I would return."

"Then do you know why I show you this?"

"No..."

"Because here is where you long to be. I have seen in your mind, Aria, for many moons. Ever since you were a child, you have dreamed of ruling over such an abode. With me, Aria, anything is possible. A new dawn is rising. The time for Orcs and for you to unleash your power has come. With you as Queen of the Orcs, we both can accomplish our long-awaited desires. Now you see why I need you, Aria. My people need a Queen beside their King."