Emerge the Dragonborn | The Hobbit

Chapter 11 - Barrel Riders

At the edge of the river, bathed in the soft hues of the setting sun, Ahriman knelt upon the smooth stones that lined the water's edge. The gentle rush of the river whispered secrets to him as his fingers trailed through the cool, crystalline waters, a fleeting caress against his skin.

As he delved deeper into the currents of magic that flowed through his fingers, a faint mist began to rise from the water's surface, swirling and twirling around him in an otherworldly dance. The air grew heavy with the scent of earth and water, mingling with the subtle tang of power that hung in the air.

With a soft exhale, Ahriman closed his eyes, allowing himself to become one with the river's song. In the depths of his mind, he reached out with tendrils of psychic energy, probing the unseen currents of a young Ranger's consciousness for any signs of weakness.

Golden light flickered behind closed eyelids as his power surged forth, illuminating the darkness that lay hidden within the depths of his soul. With each passing moment, the pressure of his presence grew stronger, his will exerting itself upon the fragile strands of Anaynah's mind.

And then, like a predator stalking its prey, Ahriman found what he was searching for—a crack in the armour of her psyche, a vulnerability waiting to be exploited. With a predatory smirk, he seized upon it, his psychic tendrils wrapping around her thoughts like a vice.

As he tugged at the delicate threads of her consciousness, a sinister gleam danced in his eyes, the golden glow casting eerie shadows upon his angular features. At that moment, bathed in the dying light of the setting sun, the river flowed on, carrying with it the echoes of his malevolent laughter, the world shuddered at the looming spectre of his dark reign over Anaynahs mind.

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      "I'll wager the sun is on the rise," Bofur spoke from his cell, "Must be nearly dawn."

A hushed sense of anticipation hung in the air. Anaynah, weakened by the effects of the ashroot, lay nearby, her breaths shallow and laboured. She had been in and out of sleep, haunted by dark dreams.

"We're never going to reach the Mountain, are we?" Ori whispered, his words heavy with resignation.

"Not stuck in here, you're not."

A familiar voice pipped up, causing Anaynah to nearly jump from her cell. At that moment, Bilbo appeared with a bunch of keys in hand, jingling them proudly. With practised ease, he began unlocking the cell doors.

"Bilbo!" Balin exclaimed. The rest of the Company cheered to see their burglar was safe and came to their rescue.

"Shhh - there are guards nearby!" Bilbo cautioned, his movements swift and purposeful as he continued to free his companions. Anaynah managed a weak smile, grateful to see him unharmed.

Thorin looked up, his eyes meeting Bilbo's with a silent acknowledgment. Anaynah's gaze followed their exchange, a glimmer of hope flickering in her eyes.

As Thorin's gate creaked open, releasing him from the confines of his cell, he wasted no time in urging Bilbo to unlock Anaynah's cell. Bilbo's heart clenched with worry as he approached her cell. He had been unaware of Anaynah's condition, and the sight of her weakened state filled him with a profound sense of concern. Thorin, his expression grave, knelt beside her, his hands deftly working to undo the twine that bound her wrists. Anaynah winced as the twine loosened, the burning sensation leaving her skin raw. With a gentle touch, Thorin called upon Fili and Kili to assist her, their strong arms offering support as they helped her to her feet. Anaynah met their gaze with a brave nod, silently assuring them that she would persevere despite the pain.