That's Another Story For Later

The Master and the Weasel

"Bard is the one to stand up for you people!" I started. The Master and Alfrid fixed their gaze on me. "While his ancestor didn't kill Smaug, he at least did something instead of being cowardly. You, Master of Laketown, are just afraid of what's going to happen." The crowd hushed, watching events unfold. "You're a greedy man, taking advantage of these people. You suppress their talk of change, just because you know you can't handle if they rebel!" I shouted.

The Master started forward, Alfrid to his right. "And what gives you the right to go spouting insanity like that? What evidence do you have?" He sneered, getting close to my face. I backed off, his breath reeked.

"Maybe I have seen things, and heard things that no one in this town knows." I murmured lowly, dangerously. His eyes widened. "Out with the old, in with the new." I sang softly. A sharp crack met my face. My head snapped with other way, and then I felt the stinging pain. The cold of the weather made it hurt more. I cried out, dropping to my knees.

"See? Bard only creates troublemakers! This is all his fault!" The Master recovered. He hoisted me up by the throat. "We're not done." He growled, shoving me back. I coughed, before glaring daggers at the fat, greedy, man. He muttered something to the captain, who took my weapons inside the building.

"You have no right," He shook his head, staring at Thorin with pleading eyes. "No right to enter that mountain!" Bard said earnestly. I turned to him, and nodded in thanks.

"I have the only right." Thorin growled. "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?" The crowd quietly in anticipation. "What say you?" Thorin said, turning to the Master. He thought for several seconds. He looked to me.

"Is she in your company?" He demanded. Alfrid's eyes lit up in something close to hunger.

"She is." Thorin answered immediately, moving in front of me fractionally protectively. The Master continued to think.

"We don't know your character. Can anyone vouch for you?" Alfrid sneered.

Bilbo and I stepped forward. "I do." We said at the same time. 

"I have travelled far and wide with these dwarves through great danger, and if Thorin Oakenshield gives his word, he keeps it."  The Master continued to think once again. He suddenly smiled, and pointed his finger at Thorin.

"I say unto you... welcome! Welcome and thrice welcome, King under the Mountain!" The Master opened his arms in welcome, and the crowd erupted in cheeers. I turned to see Bard looking in silence and dismay. Thorin climbed a few stairs to face the audience. The crowd started to hug in excitement. Thorin and Bard continued their stare off. A small pained groan sounded behind me.

I turned to see Kili, leaning against Fili. I rushed over helping support him. Thorin looked over, his expression grim. Kili shoved us off, standing tall. I sighed, locking eyes with the king. He turned away, and we started up the stairs. "Not so fast, girly." Alfrid jeered. I motioned for the boys to continue. I sighed, my shoulders tensing. I faced the greasy haired man.

"What is it you want?" I said in annoyance. He leered at me, his eyes glinting the the wrong way. I took a step back, up a stair. I was his height from the stair.

"Well, it's not just me. The Master would like to see you." He grabbed my wrist, dragging me off in the opposite direction as the commotion. He gripped my left wrist, and I felt the new scabs breaking again. Alfrid opened a door, and shoved me inside, following. I pulled down my sleeve, trying to soak up the blood. "I brought her as requested, Master." The fat man came up close. I reeled back from his breath.

"How is it you knew about our conversation?" He asked. I kept my mouth shut, my eyes narrowed. "How is it you knew?" I remained stony. "Answer." He growled.

"I could make her talk." Alfrid said suggestively. I rolled my eyes. A hand connected with my cheek, and I stumbled back. I turned back to the Master.

"You don't look like a dwarf..." The Master said instead.

"Maybe it's because I'm not entirely dwarf." I answered, clenching my fists. "I'm mostly elf. ¾ to be exact. But I'm ⅛ dwarf, as well as ⅛ human." I elaborated.

"That doesn't change the fact you somehow knew about our conversation." My mouth quirked in a dangerous smile, and it never reached my eyes. They backed away half a pace. "Now, as Master of Laketown, I order you to tell me, or there'll be dire consequences." His voice wavered ever to slightly, as I was not afraid. I scoffed, my ominous smile widening. He almost looked intimidated, his eyes nervous.

"You're not who I pledge my loyalty to, though I don't see how anyone could do that with a pig like you. Therefore, those 'dire consequences' are just empty threats. As for how I knew... Now that's another story for later." I said slyly. The Master's hand shot out at my throat. I gasped, and his hand closed further on my throat. Not again. "I'll never tell you. But I can tell the town what you thought about them." He released my throat, and I gulped in air. Now, the Master grabbed my wrist, pulling me closer. I felt my throat start bruising.

"You wouldn't dare. I have your weapons. You can't protect yourself."

"I can have Thorin bargain them back. Besides, I don't need them to take care of myself." I stomped on his foot. He yowled in pain, clutching it. I looked around and saw my weapons in the corner. I darted for them, when Alfrid grabbed my wrists, yanking them back painfully. I yelped. The Master came forward, slapping me again. I flinched.

"I've had enough of you. Get her out of my sight." The Master ordered. I stomped on Alfrid's foot, and grabbed my weapons. I donned them in seconds, and they made their way toward me. I pulled out my dual blades.

"Not so fast." I sang dangerously. The swords glinted, and they stopped, staring at them. "I need bandages and medical supplies. Get them. Now." I ordered. Alfrid complied. "Now, take me to the others." Again, Alfrid moved forward. I didn't want him to escort me, but I had no room to argue. As I walked out, the Master called after me.

"We're not finished still. Mark my words."