Chapter 273 Fulfilling the King’s Promise

Erebor, King's Hall.

Aaron looked at Thorin sitting on the throne and rolled his eyes speechlessly.

"Sometimes I really wonder if your brain is burnt out.

Thorin, are you out of your mind?

Why do you want to start a war, a war that has almost no chance of winning?"

"This has nothing to do with you, Gaius."

"No." Aaron said bluntly, "This has to do with me, and it has a lot to do with me."

Thorin smiled playfully, his eyes stayed on Aaron and Bilbo for a few seconds, "I'm sorry to involve you, but I promise you won't be in danger."

"We are not afraid." Bilbo couldn't help but interrupt, "If a war really breaks out, we will definitely fight with You are on the same side, which is what a friend should do, but we don't want to be forced to participate in an unjust war because of your irrationality.

Thorin, you must recognize the current situation?

There is a well-equipped elven army outside the city, and you just pushed countless angry fishermen over. "

"The situation will change soon." Thorin smiled meaningfully, "Master Baggins, never underestimate the dwarves.

We can recapture Erebor, and we can naturally defend it."

"Yes." Aaron said sarcastically, "We can defend it as long as we defeat hundreds or thousands of times more powerful elven forces. Our enemies."

"Not so many." Balin said, "We have already notified the army of the Iron Hills, and King Dain will soon lead his troops."

"When did you notify?"

"The ravens of Erebor do more than just call."

"Oh!" Aaron suddenly realized, "Carrier pigeons, no, ravens deliver letters."

"Now you can rest assured!" Thorin said proudly, "With the city of Erebor and the army of Dain, we may not be at a disadvantage."

"Now I am even more worried." Aaron shook his head and looked at Thorin tentatively, "The scale of the war is constantly expanding, which means It means that casualties will also increase significantly. "

Thorin just smiled contemptuously, "Dwarves are not afraid of any challenge."

Aaron:......

"This time is different, this time is an unprecedented challenge.

We can't make enemies, at least we have to keep our strength as much as possible. "

"We only have fifteen people, there is nothing to keep, it's better to fight with all our strength."

"No, you misunderstood, I mean to keep the strength of humans and elves." Aaron said seriously, "This war must be stopped at all costs."

The smile on Thorin's face slowly faded, and the others looked at Aaron in confusion.

"Gaius, why should we keep the enemy's strength?" Dwalin said unhappily.

"Because of the common enemy." Aaron explained patiently, "This is what Smaug said when Bilbo and I were looking for the Arken gem. The enemy in the dark is very strong and is eyeing the Lonely Mountain. "

"It's true." Bilbo nodded, "It said that this is enough to drown the world. "

The dwarves looked at each other, but Thorin laughed loudly.

"You two are just worrying about nothing. It's obvious that the dragon is exaggerating. It's afraid that you will find the Arken Gem, afraid that I will become king, and afraid of the dwarf army." Aaron held his forehead and shook his head, his heart was full of speechlessness. He knew that Thorin was very arrogant now, but he didn't expect him to be so arrogant. You are the king! Is it really appropriate to take it for granted like this? "Okay! Since you think so, I have nothing to say." Aaron smiled helplessly, "But rebuilding Long Lake Town is your promise to them."

"I have made it very clear at the city gate. I have no promises to them." Thorin said lightly, "I will not give a penny to these guys who take advantage of the fire."

"But they have nothing." Bilbo said reluctantly, "If we hadn't woken up the dragon, they wouldn't be homeless."

"This is the price of greed, they should be prepared."

"But promises are promises after all." Aaron looked at Thorin seriously, "You are the descendant of Durin, the king of the dwarves. If you don't keep your word, not only will your reputation be damaged, but also your ancestors will be ashamed."

Thorin took a deep breath and looked at Aaron and Bilbo with a complicated expression.

"If I don't help them, what will you think of me?"

"Bilbo will feel regretful and disappointed, but he won't continue to persuade you.

As for me..." Aaron paused and took out the signed contract, "I will give my share to the refugees in Long Lake Town to help them rebuild their homes.

Thorin, you can choose not to give Bard a gold coin, but this is what you promised me, and I have the right to decide how to use them."

"What if I don't give it?" Thorin's voice was hoarse, and a strange light flashed in his eyes.

"Then I will take it myself." Aaron said calmly, "But before that, I will make you recognize yourself first, such as destroying the Arkenstone.

The Thorin Oakenshield I know does not value gold so much, unless his mind is confused by the Heart of the Lonely Mountain."

Hearing this, Thorin slowly walked to Aaron, "Have you thought about it a long time ago? So you asked me before whether you recognize this contract?"

"It can be regarded as preparing for a rainy day!" Aaron spread his hands, "I thought about it when I was in Long Lake Town. If you, the king, do not keep your promise, I will take out my share.

In this way, Long Lake Town can be rebuilt, and the descendants of Durin will not go back on their words."

"But you can't leave anything behind." Thorin grabbed a handful of gold coins, and the gold coins slipped from his palm one after another, making a crisp sound, "Do you know what one-fifteenth means? You may spend the rest of your life regretting giving up this wealth, just for a group of refugees you don’t know at all.”

"Well... to be honest, money is a good thing, and I quite like money." Aaron said straightforwardly without any embarrassment on his face, "But there are some things that money can't buy, for example ...The King’s Promise.”

"But you bought it." Thorin sighed, "You bought the king's promise with one-fifteenth of the treasure."

"Thorin, please forgive me." Bilbo asked with a chuckle, "Do you agree with us giving part of the wealth to the people of Lake Town to rebuild their homes?"

"What? Does Master Baggins also want to give your share?" Thorin asked playfully.

"No, no, no, no." Bilbo waved his hand hurriedly, "One-fifteenth is enough to rebuild Lake Town. Too much is not good. As for my share, I don't want it."

"No?" Thorin looked at Bilbo in surprise, "Are you sure?"

Bilbo nodded, "I'm just an ordinary hobbit, why do I need so much money?

But you are different. Rebuilding a kingdom requires money in every aspect. "

Hearing this, Thorin raised his lips slightly and looked at the two of them with admiration, "I have to admit that Gandalf's vision is really impeccable. Neither of the two snitches he introduced wanted this huge wealth.

Gaius and Master Baggins, you do not covet the dwarves' wealth. You are true friends, worthy of the dwarves' trust and even more worthy of their respect. "

There were also more smiles on the faces of the other dwarves. They wanted to give some help to the people of Changhu Town, but the king's order could not be violated.

If Thorin didn't want to give it, they couldn't give it, but he didn't expect anyone to convince him.

"I can make you fulfill my promise, but not now."

"Why?" Bilbo asked anxiously.

"Because the elves' army is stationed in River Valley City, I will never open the city gate before repelling them."

Bilbo was speechless. Thorin could allow them to help the residents of Lake Town rebuild their homes, but he would never compromise with the elves.

But without opening the city gate, how can they send the money to rebuild Changhu Town?

Even if he went to Riverdale City and explained to Bard, they might not believe him. After all, Thorin had refused very simply before, so he almost started a war directly.

"I'll handle it." Aaron volunteered and stood up. "I'll go to Riverdale City and explain it to Bard. As for how to send the gold out of the city, it's not difficult for a wizard like me."

"You can decide this yourself, but before you set off, I have to give you something." Thorin said, turning to look at everyone, "Follow me."

armory.

There were all kinds of armor and weapons, but they were all covered in a thick layer of dust.

However, the forging craftsmanship of the dwarves is rare in the world. Even after many years, the weapons and equipment here can still be as good as new as long as they are wiped down.

"Choose appropriate armor and weapons. It's impossible to defend Irub without these."

The dwarves didn't hesitate at all and picked out the equipment that suited them.

"Master Baggins." Thorin opened a box and took out a light silver vest. "You may need this."

"Good boy." Aaron's eyes widened in astonishment and he touched it with his hand. "This is made of mithril. It is invulnerable."

"Very discerning." Thorin said with some pride, "My ancestors made this from silver alloy.

Wear it! It symbolizes your friendship with the dwarves, and the dwarves will treat you as their most distinguished guest. "

Flattered, Bilbo took off his coat and put on the vest.

"It's quite appropriate." Bilbo smiled awkwardly, "But it's a bit awkward. After all, I'm just a hobbit, not a warrior."

"Just get used to it." Aaron patted him on the shoulder, "There is nothing more suitable for you than a life-saving thing."

"Gaius, there is only one mithril vest, but I thought of something more suitable for you."

Hearing this, Aaron was a little happy, feeling that he was about to receive a magical weapon.

But soon his expression became particularly exciting, because Thorin put a jet black key in his hand.

"This...this is inappropriate!"

Aaron's eyes twitched slightly, he didn't expect Thorin to give him the key to the secret door.

This key must be said to be precious! It is indeed priceless, because it is a token passed down from generation to generation by Thorin's family, and it is also the switch of Erub's back door.

Let’s just say it’s not precious! It's also really not worth much.

At least that's how it seems to Aaron. Sooner or later he will leave this world, and a key that will never be used has only commemorative significance for him.

"How about... let's change it?" Bilbo said, "I quite like this key."

"Forget it, we will probably face a war next.

The Mithril Vest doesn't do much good for me, but without it your mortality rate will skyrocket. "

Bilbo:......

This is the truth, but it's a bit harsh.