Dawn (A Hobbit Fanfic)

Chapter 20 - I have fourteen mothers.

I draped my new cloak over myself, as it was getting cold. I wrapped it around my body, covering my exposed skin. It was a tad long, but also nice and warm, though I was still shivering slightly. Beggars can't be choosers, but I think I would have like a new shirt better. This one was done for. Thorin strode up to Bard. "You took our money. Where are the weapons?"
"Wait here," Bard bid us.

Thorin, Balin, Fili and Kili were standing together, they discussed quietly, not wanting Bard to hear it. But I of course, did. My hearing was getting better again as well.
"Tomorrow begin the last days of autumn," Thorin stated.
"Durin's Day falls morn after next. We must reach the mountain before then," Balin explained.
"And if we do not? If we fail to find the hidden door before that time?" Kili asked.
"Then this quest has been for nothing," Fili concluded.

Bard returned with a large package in his hands. He lay it on the table and opened it. I got up to get a better look, but as I did, I started feelling very dizzy again. That was probably why Thorin had insisted I take a seat. Luckily, no one saw me trying to steady myself.
In the package were makeshift weapons. The Dwarves picked them up and looked at them in disgust. "What is this?" Thorin didn't sound impressed. He was holding something that looked like a repurposed fishing tool.
"A Pike-hook. Made from an old harpoon," Bard explained.
So it actually was a repurposed fishing tool.
"And this?" Kili didn't sound impressed either. He was holding a one handed hammer with a pointy end. It didn't look very durable. "A crowbill, we call it, fashioned from a smithy's hammer. It's heavy in hand, I grant, but in defense of your life, these will serve you better than none," Bard explained again. I severely doubted that an old flimsy harpoon would be better defence than a swift kick to the head. Thorin and Dwalin looked at each other. Neither of them looked happy. I wasn't surprised and I quite agreed with them.
"We paid you for weapons. Iron-forged swords and axes!" Gloin complained.
"It's a joke!" Bofur threw his makeshift weapon back on the table, the others followed suit. I saw Fili eyeing on of my daggers.
"Don't you dare," I warned him.

"You won't find better outside the city armoury. All iron-forged weapons are held there under lock and key," Bard defended himself, not with the 'weapons' but verbally. Thorin and Dwalin glanced at each other out of the corners of their eyes. I didn't trust that they were up to any good. He had his bad idea face on.
"Thorin," Balin called for his attention, also recognising the bad idea face. "Why not take what's been offered and go? I've made do with less, so have you. I say we leave now."
"You're not going anywhere," Bard said. He looked like something had clicked in his mind. I didn't think it was in our favour.

I glared at him. Bard swallowed nervously. I might not be the strongest, or the best fighter among us. But damn if I wasn't intimidating. Even Thorin thought so. Or that I was an angry kitten, take your pick. The fact that I was the only obviously armed one among us probably helped. Bilbo had his sword too but I don't think Bard found him very scary.
"What did you say?" growled Dwalin.
"There's spies watching this house and probably every dock and wharf in the town. You must wait till nightfall."

That sounded reasonable. I sat back down. My shoulder still hurt and my mind was still a bit foggy. at least my senses were getting better again. The poison was wearing off. The Dwarves settled down. Biding their time until nightfall. Bard went outside.

I wrapped my new cloak around myself even thighter and curled up in the chair. I tried to get some sleep, but it wouldn't come. So I just focused on appearing fine. It might not fool others, but I might fool myself into feeling better.
I felt Bilbo's hand on my forehead. "You're sweating," he observed as he wiped his hand on his trousers.
"It's getting better, don't worry," I said absentmindedly. "I'll be fine by tomorrow."
"You'd better be."

-~-

When sunset rolled around, the Dwarves went out, ignoring Bain's protests. I wanted to come too, but Oin had forbidden me and told me to rest. Because the bleeding had just about stopped and he didn't want me to do anything that might open the wound again. Thorin agreed with him but I didn't.
I waited a bit, pacing a few steps back and forth. "Are you actually going to listen to them?" Bain asked in surprise.
"Nope," I chirped while making to go after the Company anyway, a few paces behind them. Oin found out when I swore a bit too loudly after having nearly tripped over an uneven plank, and looked dissapointed in me, but he didn't send me back. Not that I would have listened if he did.
We reached the armoury when darkness had fallen. Some of the Dwarves formed a pyramid against the wall, leading to a second-floor window. I told Thorin that I could just jump up and throw weapons down. Oin forbade me to do so. Nori went first over the stair of Dwarves. Taking a running start and throwing himself through the window. Bilbo went next. Soon, everyone but me who was not in the Dwarf stair was in the armoury. I stood guard. More like sat guard on a pole. Very saltily.