Chapter 34 - The Gathering Storm

Following Bolg through the treacherous mountain paths, Legolas and Tauriel arrive at the ominous fortress of Gundabad. The stronghold looms ahead, filled with war-bred Orcs and a sky darkened by bats.Tauriel: (whispering) "Gundabad... this place is ancient, a stronghold of the enemy. Bolg is gathering an army."Legolas watches grimly as Orcs march in endless rows, joined by massive war-bred bats that shriek and fill the air.Legolas: "We must warn our people. If these armies march upon Erebor, they will destroy anyone in their path."They exchange a solemn look before retreating, bound for Lake-town.Thranduil's elegant but imposing elven army marches into Dale, their banners high. The refugees watch in awe as the Elvenking approaches Bard, his eyes set on the Lonely Mountain.Thranduil: "The people of Lake-town have suffered. I offer them my protection... and in return, I will claim what is mine from the mountain. A necklace of white gems that was promised to me."Bard frowns, wary but understanding the need for an alliance.Bard: "If we must face Thorin and his dwarves, we cannot do it alone. The people need shelter, and I need soldiers."Thranduil: (nodding) "Then our allegiance is forged."Within Erebor, Thorin gazes at his treasure, his eyes glittering with a strange madness. He's dressed in fine armor, his every movement reflecting his obsession with the hoard.Bilbo approaches Thorin nervously, noting the unnatural gleam in his leader's eyes.Thorin: "This treasure belongs to the dwarves... all of it. I will not share it with those who seek to rob us."Bilbo: "But they only want what they were promised, Thorin. If we just—"Thorin: (interrupting, in a voice echoing Smaug's tone) "You think I should hand over our gold to Bard and Thranduil? They are thieves! I will not part with a single coin."Taranis watches, a worried expression on his face. He can see the madness gripping Thorin.Taranis: "Thorin, remember why we came here. This treasure was meant to restore your people, not destroy them. The gold... it's clouding your mind."Thorin turns, his expression hard, but after a pause, his face softens. He strides over to a chest and retrieves a fine mithril chainmail and set of armor crafted by Erebor's master blacksmiths.Thorin: (handing the mithril chainmail and armor to Taranis) "You have fought loyally by my side. Wear these – crafted from the best mithril in Erebor. But heed this, Taranis... do not betray me, as others have."Taranis's eyes widen in surprise. He looks down at the shimmering mithril armor and shield, unsure of what to say.Taranis: (astonished) "Thorin... this is... too much. Mithril chainmail? And the shield, too?"Thorin looks at him, his expression grave but resolute.Thorin: "You have earned it. The best of Erebor, forged for those who stand by me. Take it, and wear it with pride."Taranis is speechless for a moment, his hands shaking as he takes the chainmail, the heavy weight of the shield surprising him. The armor is dazzling, and he feels a surge of gratitude and awe. He looks at Thorin, who has already turned back to his treasure.Taranis: "I... I don't know what to say. Thank you."Bard stands outside the Lonely Mountain with Gandalf, Thranduil, and a contingent of men and elves.Bard: "Thorin, open the gate. You were once a friend to my people. Do not force us to become your enemies."From the ramparts, Thorin looks down, his face hard and unyielding.Thorin: "You think I fear you, Bard? I have the mountain! I have the power of Erebor! You are nothing."Bard: (pleading) "There are women and children in need. Honor the promises of your forefathers. Give us the aid you once offered."Thranduil: (coldly) "He cares nothing for honor, only for gold. Do not waste your breath, Bard."Taranis, standing beside Thorin, clenches his jaw, feeling a pang of frustration.Taranis: (whispering to Thorin) "This stubbornness will cost us everything, Thorin. Let them in – meet them halfway, or this will end badly."Thorin turns on Taranis, his eyes fierce and angry.Thorin: "War? Let them come! They will taste the wrath of the King under the Mountain!"Thorin hands Bilbo a mithril vest, his face a twisted smile that is both proud and unsettling.Thorin: "For you, Master Baggins. A gift – the finest armor of mithril, as tough as dragon scales. Wear it well."Bilbo: "Thorin... I don't think you realize how dangerous this is. Refusing them will only—"Thorin: (cutting him off) "Do not speak to me of danger! I see now that all of them are after our gold, the power of Erebor. But they will have nothing. Not a single coin."Taranis watches this exchange, his worry growing. He steps forward.Taranis: "Thorin, listen to Bilbo. This treasure doesn't matter if it brings ruin to us all. We're on the brink of war."Thorin turns on Taranis, his eyes fierce and angry.Thorin: "War? Let them come! They will taste the wrath of the King under the Mountain!"Late at night, Bilbo sneaks out of the mountain, clutching the Arkenstone. He makes his way to Bard and Thranduil's camp, slipping past guards. Thranduil and Bard watch him approach, intrigued.Bilbo: (handing over the Arkenstone) "This... this is the Arkenstone. Thorin values it above all else. Use it to bargain with him."Thranduil inspects the gem, nodding in approval.Thranduil: "The Hobbit brings us what Thorin would not. You have done well."Gandalf appears, his face a mix of sorrow and determination.Gandalf: "Bilbo, you are braver than I gave you credit for."Thranduil: (to Gandalf) "You began this, Mithrandir. You brought this halfling to Erebor. Now, you shall finish it."Bilbo looks between them, uncertain but resolute.Bilbo: "I did what I thought was right. Thorin... he's not himself."Taranis, hidden nearby and watching the exchange, mutters to himself.Taranis: (softly) "This was never just about treasure. This is about doing what's right."As he watches, he steels himself for what's to come, knowing Thorin will see this as a betrayal but determined to prevent a greater tragedy.As Taranis gazed at his new equipment, he couldn't help but marvel at the incredible gifts Thorin had bestowed upon him. The mithril chainmail shimmered in the light, as if it were forged by the stars themselves. His Dwarven Steel pauldrons, bracers, and greaves gleamed with an aura of power, their rare craftsmanship evident even in the heat of battle.Thorin's voice echoed in his mind. "Wear these well, Tar. You're one of us now, and your strength and bravery are needed in the days to come."The weight of the new armor was different, comforting and sturdy. He ran his hands over the mithril, astonished. He could feel its strength—the kind of protection that made him feel invincible. He looked at the Dwarven Steel pieces next. His mind was still reeling from how much effort had gone into crafting this set of armor for him.Then, a thought struck him. He quickly looked down at the system interface that had remained dormant since Mirkwood. His eyes widened as he saw the new stats. Level 23:Health: 120 (increased from 100 due to Anguirel)Mana: 5Lightning Stab: Can be used 5 times a month (costs 1 mana per use)Storm Wall: Can be used 2 times a month (costs 2.5 mana per use)Strength: 120 (doubled from 60 due to Anguirel)Endurance: 120 (doubled from 60 due to Anguirel)Luck: -10 (reduced due to Anguirel)Agility: 30Intelligence: 25Wisdom: 20Equipment:Weapon: Anguirel (Legendary Artifact)Effect: +1 to Strength and Agility, doubles Strength and Endurance while wielded, but reduces Luck by 10.Armor: Mithril Chainmail (Legendary Artifact)Effect: +100 Defense, 2x damage resistance from slashes and stabs.Dwarven Steel Gear:Pauldrons (Rare Artifact): +10 DefenseBracers (Rare Artifact): +10 DefenseGreaves (Rare Artifact): +10 DefenseShield: Mithril Shield (Legendary Artifact)Effect: +50 Defense, 3x damage resistance from slashes and stabs, can block fire.Taranis blinked in surprise. "What the...?" He scrolled through his stats, not fully understanding why his Luck had dropped into the negatives. It was unsettling, but at the same time, he could feel the increase in his strength and endurance.With a deep breath, he shook off the confusion and gripped the new Dwarven steel shield that Thorin had given him. It had a certain weight to it, but it also felt... unbreakable.Taranis' mind raced as the weight of the upcoming battle loomed over him. He had no idea what the future held, but with this new armor, and his newfound power, he was ready to face whatever challenges came next."This is going to be one hell of a fight," he muttered to himself. "I just hope I can make it out in one piece."