The Merging of Destinies (Legolas Romance) *New Version, Same Author*

14: Bard, Laketown and selfish decisions

It was night by the time Val arrived at the bridge which connected Laketown to land.

Getting off Celeste, Val affectionately put her head to the wargs and ran a hand through her fur.

'Take care of him. Even if you want to kill him sometimes.' Said Val, slightly laughing at her words.

The white warg nudged Val, returning the affection before running off.

The she elf watched Celeste run through the trees until she was out of sight.

With a determined look, Val set off across the bridge.

Valar this is a dump, thought Val as she walked through Laketown. Shabby wooden houses lined the streets and there was a hanging smell of fish in the air.

Up ahead, there was a large crowd of people, with some carrying torches.

Undoubtedly caused by Thorin..

Val pushed through the people, some very grouchy, until she came to the front where the dwarves and Bilbo were stood. A man was talking, '.. If you awaken that beast, it will destroy us all.'

Val didn't know the man but immediately liked him after hearing that. He had sense.

'He's right, Thorin. We need to think about this.' Said Val, making herself known.

'Val!' Screamed Kili in delight. 'You're alive.'

Every dwarf turned towards her and Bilbo had a smile on his face.

'Yes, I am. It will take more than an orc to bring me down.'

Thorin merely looked at her.

'You can listen to these naysayers , but I promise you this; if we succeed all will share in the wealth of the mountain.'

Val cursed under her breath and looked at the man. He also seemed frustrated.

'You will have enough gold to rebuild Esgaroth ten times over!' Shouted Thorin who was met with cheers in return.

The man stepped forward, ' All of you! Listen to me, you must listen! Have you forgotten what happened to Dale? Have you forgotten those who died in the firestorm? And for what purpose?'

He turned to look at Thorin, 'The blind ambition of a Mountain King, so driven by greed, he could not see beyond his own desire!'

Val was impressed at how wise this man was.

'Now. Now. We must not, any of us, be too quick to lay blame. Let us not forget, that it was Girion, Lord of Dale, your ancestor, who failed to kill the beast. Hm!' Said the Master.

The she elf looked at the man in surprise.

No wonder he doesn't want the dragon to be woken, she thought.

'It's true, Sire. We all know the story. Arrow after arrow, he shot. Each one missing its mark.' Said a slimy looking man. Val felt disgusted.

The man walked right up to Thorin, 'You have no right. No right to enter that mountain.'

'I have the only right.' Said Thorin who had a certain look in his eye. It unnerved Val and made her step closer to the pair of them.

The dwarf turned back to the Master, 'I speak to the Master of the men of the lake. Will you see the prophecy fulfilled? Will you share in the great wealth of our people?'

There was silence as the Master's eyes swept over the crowd.

'I say unto you...welcome! Welcome and rise! Welcome, King Under the Mountain!'