Hummingbird Heartbeat

Chapter 30

Chapter 30

"How did you do that?" Thorin asked a few hours later.

"Do what?" Maranda hummed as she passed out parcels of food to everyone she passed from the giant wagon she and Thorin had between them.

"You just saved this town in three punches and a magic spell," Thorin said handing two parcels away absently. His eyes were on Maranda. Maranda shrugged.

"I was always good at picking fights and making people angry. Only difference is now I can win the fights. Bard is a good man, he'll be kind to these people."

"What is to be done with the Master?" Thorin asked.

"Whatever Bard thinks is best. Everyone knows he's an abysmal, vile, old man. Alfred is just a crooked pathetic lackey who only cares about himself. Here sweetie, run on home." She smiled at a young girl who gaped in awe.

"Sorry," said a young boy running alongside Thorin's side. "But are you Thorin?" The two in the wagon glanced at him. "That boy Fili told me I would find you with the Fairy. You're Thorin, right?" Thorin nodded slowly. The boy lit up. "So the old prophecy is true! Oh gramps will never believe this!" and the boy took off. Maranda laughed.

"Hope finds a way," she chuckled and Thorin shook his head.

"I thought I was in hiding?"

"From the Master. But with him gone, the people knowing you are the King of Carven Stone will only help us," she said handing an old woman a basket of bread. Thorin was struck with how truly kind she was. The wagon was pulled by a large pig and they walked on either side of it, but Maranda kept stopping to talk to people, explaining patiently that she was a Fairy, yes they could touch her wings, she had a plan for the dragon and Bard was going to take very good care of them. Thorin rarely spoke, watching her and passing out food mechanically, but the people didn't care. They thanked him constantly, wishing him luck and long life. Then the children arrived.

"Sorry." It was the lad from before. "Thorin?" The Dwarf grunted. "These are my friends Clifford, Bennet, Jared and Bray. And Bray's sister Ashlin." He gestured at them.

"And this is Cally," Ashlin said extending a little straw doll wrapped in fabric. Thorin was at a loss. How do you child?

"Do you need food?" Thorin asked hesitantly, half reaching for the parcels in the wagon.

"You were right he sounds like thunder," whispered one boy.

"And looks like a king, too," mumbled another.

"I am a King," Thorin grumbled in self defense and Maranda giggled from the other side of the wagon.

"Is she your princess?" Ashlin asked curiously and Thorin turned bright red. He was not going to lie to this child. Maranda had other ideas. She leapt over the pig, hovering down and standing next to the children. They stared in awe.

"I'm no princess, dear. Princesses don't have any fun. I'm an adventurer. But don't worry. Thorin will find a princess one day."

"Will they live happily ever after?" Ashlin asked tugging on Maranda's sleeve.

"Yes yes! We'll all live happily ever after." The boys retched and Maranda laughed. "Oh just because everyone is happily ever after doesn't mean it's the end of the story! You can be happy and on an adventure. Imagine, racing through the woods and battling the Orcs from Mordor. Clang slash twang! The battle is won!" The children cheered and the adults smiled faintly. "And once the Dwarves have returned to Erebor, all the lovely shining jewels will come back, necklaces and bracelets and rings. Esgaroth will be amazing and beautiful and mighty once more!"