The Dragon's Curse

Welcome to Sredir, kingdom of the Riders your majesty

The company kept travelling and luckily they left Demon's forest without running into any more unwanted guests. As the edged near the ending of the forest they came to a flat space on the top of the hill of stone and a well worn path with many steps leading down it to the river, across which a ford of huge flat stones led to the grass-land beyond the stream. There was a little cave (a wholesome one with a pebbly floor) at the foot of the steps and near the end of the stony ford.

They sat down exhausted as they refused to camp at night. They all rubbed their eyes tired, their feet ached and were swollen, their stomachs rumbled empty as they ate cold mutton and rabbit for breakfast. Bofur went searching through the bushes and came back with an armful of flaming red berries. He looked rather pleased with himself as Artemis frowned as though she should recognise the berries. Her head burned as she just stared at the berries and watched only half of them eat the berries.

She went down to river her sword beside her hip as she scooped her hands into the water before splashing her face and rubbing the fresh water down her neck. What she didn't know was that Thorin was watching her unintentionally from up at the campsite. The water slowly began to clear as an unfamiliar scent reached her nose, glancing in the waters reflection she grabbed her sword standing, only to dodge a pouncing warg. She drove her sword into the beast silencing its howl.
Glancing up at Thorin he was already ordering the others back to their feet as they started to run. The hunt wasn't over, as they kept running through the bush and jumping over stray fallen branches. She could smell them coming closer as Azog was leading the pack. They were half way through an open field when suddenly half the company collapsed.

Their bodies began to heat up with a dangerous fever; their skins were erupting in red welts and rashes. Their breathing became a struggle as Artemis raced back towards them. The remaining started to form a circle as the howls grew louder.

"What's wrong with them?" Bilbo asked as Artemis plucked a berry from Bofur's pocket. Eyeing the fruit she placed it on her tongue before spitting it back out to the ground.

"It's called a Firebolt berry. Their highly poisonous which Riders use in medicine." Artemis informed shocked by her own knowledge before the growls grew deep. Azog and the rest of the orcs and wargs burst through into the clearing as the raced forward. However just before they reached the group loud squawks in the sky echoed as their heads shot up.

Blue and black dragons flew down burning a circle around them protectively. Artemis was shocked and the rest of the dwarves were frightened. They watched through the flames as they attacked the orcs and watched them retreat into the forest. Artemis gulped as the flames snuffed out to see all the dragons' turns to face them, before they bowed.

"Friends of yous?" Thorin hissed in her ear, but she was too shocked to even know what was happening, as each dragon slowly melted into a man. They rose back up in their armour before one dressed in a deep scarlet military uniform walked forward. Artemis grew to full size as he walked closer, before bowing towards her once more. He didn't say anything but he eyed her sword before he grew back into his dragon form taking Artemis in his claws making her yelp.

The other soldiers followed their lead grabbing a dwarf, Bilbo or even Gandalf as Artemis kept squirming.Each dragon had a firm yet gentle grip on their passenger. They were careful of their claws as Artemis kept trying to break free from the clutches of the dragon holding her waist.

"Stop squirming! Lord Norgara would have my head if I dropped you!" The dragon holding Artemis demanded as she stopped squirming shocked. As well as everyone else who was trying to get out of the grips of the dragons holding them gently in their talons.

"Where are you taking us?" Artemis asked trying to sound brave, though in all honesty she was nervous and scared as they flew higher and higher into the sky, closer towards a magical wall. She could feel its magic, the strength of it, as it parted to the dragons to reveal a once beautiful town, the kingdom of Sredir. The people looked miserable, construction was still in progress of destroyed houses, the castle up ahead was in full forma glory, though what looked like a dragon styled fountain In the castle gardens looked cracked as it remained lifeless.

"Welcome to Sredir, kingdom of the Riders your majesty" the dragon told Artemis softly as she gasped shocked. Thorin watched Artemis's face as she came into view of her kingdom. They were all placed gently on the ground as those carrying the infected members of the company transformed back into their human forms before disappearing into the castle.

"Where are you taking them?" Artemis inquired as she watched them leave behind the red and black dragon carved doors.

"To the castle infirmary, our healers will help your friends who were poisoned by the Firebolt berry" the soldier in his red armour informed before he started walking into the castle with the remaining members of the company following. The doors automatically opened as they walked along a deep red carpet beside black marble, the walls were decorated with tapestries and paintings as it soon lead up to a grand red throne on a small platform. Artemis gasped as she looked up at the crown resting on the black velvet cushioning of the throne. She had been here before except there had been the presence of a ghost. They all watched as the soldier knelt before the empty throne.

"My Lord Norgara, I am need of your presence" He spoke out as a wave of wind blew through the entire throne room, before a red fiery ghost of a dragon curled around the throne appeared. The dwarves all drew their weapons, as Artemis grew wide eyed staring as the beast snorted and lifted his head before he stretched. Artemis jumped back as he uncoiled, his tail passing through her as he stretched standing until he was as tall as the roof.

"Why do you wake me from my slumber?" The voice was deep and ungrateful, as the soldier didn't move or look up.

"I have found the missing Princess of Sredir my Lord" He informed before he rose. As the dragon glanced down at the company eyeing Artemis, he raised his wings snorting, as the others backed off slightly. Artemis refused to move as he suddenly shrank before standing on the first step to the throne was a red glowing ghost dressed in royal attire with a crown on his head. Artemis and the company gasped before she fell to one knee not daring looking up at the ghost as he frowned and walked towards her.

Thorin's hand went to his sword as he stiffened, angry at his affections and love towards her and the need to protect her. It was wrong and he knew it. He just watched stiffly as the ghost gently took her hands and made her stand on her feet. He looked into her eyes and brushed a strand if hair from her face, before he took the gloves on her hands and slipped them off to reveal her dragon mark. A smile came onto his lips.

"My Queen" he bowed as she gasped once more shaking her head. The rest of the company frowned, the words that left the ghosts mouth sounded foreign in their ears however it sounded normal to Artemis.

"You must be mistaken. I can't be your Queen. I'm sorry" she told them before running from the throne room, out the doors where a crowd of the people had come to see if it was truly her. She watched them before darting to the courtyard, where the dragon fountain remained lifeless. She paced back and forth upset and frustrated as she stared back up at the dragon fountain.

"I can't help them! I can't even help myself! I can't be their Queen! I'm going to die, I know that! I can't give them the hope they need!" Artemis let out an angry growl before she fell to her knees, slamming her fists against the marble. Sparks of fire flew from her fingers towards the fountain as she watched it catch light.

Falling back onto her back she watched as the dragon blew out fire from it's mouth, as the fire danced in the basin of the fountain. A small speck of fire danced at her feet as slowly her armour began to fade as a flowing red velvet dress before to form. It was strapless and had red diamonds along the top and flowed from her waist down. A black heavy cloak held on her shoulders trailed down her back and along the floor as her long hair floated in curled waves down her back and around her face.

As she rose to her feet she let her hands trail over the fabric as she noticed like clear gloves her skin sparkled with rein-stones, she glanced over at her reflection to see a beautiful stranger that had taken her place. However the fires soon burst as she began to watch the destruction of her Kingdom. Pulling herself away she had to let out a breath that she didn't know she had been holding as her chest burnt. She sat herself weakly on the gravel leaning against the fountain breathless as the crunch of gravel under feet got louder.

Bilbo had to try not to stare at his companion, she looked amazing, beautiful and stunning. He watched the fire dance from the fountain and glanced in the fire water before sitting beside Artemis.

"It's rude to stare Master Baggins" Artemis spoke not looking at him as Bilbo blushed as he didn't even know that he had kept staring at her.

"Are you ok?" He asked as she shook her head laughing sadly.

"These people need hope, they need guidance and a ruler. Someone to look out for the best for them, not someone who can hardly take care of herself let along her friends" Artemis informed as she sighed fiddling with her hair, as Bilbo frowned.

"Surely when this quest is over....." He began as she shook her head cutting off.

"There is nothing for me after this quest."

"You can't talk like that. We need to stay positive and hope for the best" Bilbo tried to cheer her up as she gave a weak smile and laughed slightly at his efforts.

"My fate is sealed. I know I won't leave that mountain alive Bilbo, you will understand when the time comes" She spoke as he finally understood what it was she was telling him. His mind returned back to the night in Rivendell as he gasped, finally understanding what it was she read on the map.

"I believe we make our own fate, you say you can't take care of yourself or the company. Who was it that has hidden our scent, who was it that fought against the Orc on the cliff, who helped buy time when those trolls attacked us?" Bilbo asked her as she looked at him sadly. "These people have suffered long enough. They need hope and guidance, they need someone to look out for them. And if that someone isn't someone who is willing to give up their life on a quest to kill their own father so that their friends can reclaim their homeland, then I don't know anyone who deserves that crown in those halls."

He told her before he rose to his feet and began to walk towards the castle, as Artemis rose to her feet letting his words sink in.

"They are wrong about you Master Baggins" she called as he turned frowning as she smiled. "You're much wiser than they have me believed"

He laughed, blushing slightly as she walked with her head held high, the cloak and dress following after her as Bilbo had to struggle slightly to keep up as she walked with long strides in her full height. Her feet took her towards the infirmary, as she held her dress jumping up the steps two by two. She walked towards the larger doors, as the two guards opened the doors in unison as she neared. Inside the company sat watching as their friends laid in the beds with pale faces.

They heard the door open to gasp, as Artemis walked in, head held high in a dress. Thorin felt his breath catch in his throat, she was beautiful. Bilbo quickly joined beside Gandalf as he smirked slightly and bowed as the other Riders bowed their heads and went back to their patients. No one said anything at first before the head doctor came forward bowing slightly towards Artemis.

"They should be healed by nightfall, though a good nights rest is required. They won't be fit to travel until tomorrow." He informed as Artemis nodded.

"Thank you"

"Your Majesty" he bowed once more before he went back to the dwarves insuring their comfort. The doors opened once more as the ghost entered, he smiled brightly once he saw what Artemis was wearing.

"We have prepared a feast for you Milady" he announced as she thanked him, she hadn't noticed it was lunch as her stomach rumbled. The group followed her as they entered a great dining room, the solider in his red armour stood beside the throne at the head off the table, as he pulled it out for her. She gulped, as she noticed the others were standing behind their seats waiting. She wished to vanish, before she stiffly took her seat, once she sat down the others followed.

It was wrong in her eyes, as her hand trailed over the dragon mark on her arm. The dwarves happily ate and drank to the food they were gifted with. Artemis drank her wine slowly and ate slowly, Thorin beside her kept glancing at her from the corner of his eye. Not much talk or songs were sung, everyone was nervous for their friends. The first one to break the silence floating over the table was Lord Norgara.

"It's been too long since these halls weren't empty. Just wait for the festival after the coronation" he kept blabbering as the dwarves just glanced nervous at Artemis in her seat, as she ran her finger on the rim of her goblet. She couldn't leave them surely. Thorin gulped nervous she wouldn't stay. He personally wanted her to stay, he knew he would be heart broken if she left the company. Though he doubted she would care of his heart. He had acted stone hearted towards her he deserved to be ignored from her. Even though she only acted kinder in return.

As Lord Norgara kept talking about the Kingdom, Artemis sat numbly, all words soaked through her body as she knew she wouldn't be able to help. Bilbo words before had been inspiring and given her strength though she knew that she couldn't be the hope they wanted.

"Excuse me" she whispered numbly as she pushed back her chair and left down the Main corridor, as they all stood as she left. Thorin could see the pain in her eyes and how she looked numb. He wanted so badly to comfort her, as he stayed glued to his spot.

"Was it something I said?" Lord Norgara asked confused before he waved back to the others. "Eat, eat! General, keep an eye on her majesty would you please" he instructed as the soldier in red nodded and left going after her as Thorin's grip on his cutlery grew dangerous.

"You would have her followed?" He snapped as the ghost scoffed at the dwarf.

"She is my granddaughter, the only heir and hope these people have. I will not lose her like I lost my son! If any of you had a heart you would ensure that she stayed here to look after her people. I can't stay around forever, nor will I leave them abandoned." He snapped as Thorin growled, liking the forma King less and less. He narrowed his eyes at Thorin as he got into his head.

"If you cared for her, let her go and let her do her duty! You as King Under the Mountain should understand that better than anyone!" He demanded in Thorin's head as Thorin felt guilty. Would it best if he let her stay and rule her people? Or is he too selfish for his own heart and demanding she stayed by his side.........