Chapter 273 Fulfilling the King's Promise
·
Jing Shen Tian Si
Irubor, King's Hall.
Aaron looked at Thorin sitting on the throne, and rolled his eyes speechlessly.
"Sometimes I really wonder if your brain is burned out.
Thorin, are you out of your wits?
Why start a war, a war that has almost no chance of winning? "
"It's none of your business, Gaius."
"No." Aaron said bluntly, "This has something to do with me, and it has a lot to do with it."
Thorin smiled playfully, and his eyes lingered on Aaron and Bilbo for a few seconds, "I'm sorry to involve you, but I guarantee that you will not be in danger."
"We are not afraid." Bilbo couldn't help interjecting, "If there is a war, we will definitely stand with you. This is what friends should do, but we don't want to be punished because of your irrationality." Forced to take part in an unjust war.
Thorin, you must recognize the current situation?
There is a well-equipped elf army outside the city, and you just pushed countless angry fishermen over it. "
"The situation will change soon." Thorin said with a meaningful smile, "Master Baggins, never underestimate a dwarf.
If we can take back Irubor, we can also defend it. "
"That's right." Aaron said eccentrically, "We can defend it, as long as we defeat enemies hundreds or even thousands of times larger than our own."
"Not that many." Balin said, "We have notified the army of the Iron Hills, and King Dann will lead his troops here soon."
"When was it notified?"
"Irubor's ravens don't know how to call."
"Oh!" Aaron suddenly realized, "Flying pigeon, no, flying crow to pass on the letter."
"Don't worry now!" Thorin said proudly, "With the city of Iruber and Dan's army, we may not be at a disadvantage."
"Now I'm even more worried." Aaron shook his head and looked at Thorin tentatively. "The scale of the war is constantly increasing, which means that the 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 cannot make enemies, at least we must preserve our strength as much as possible. "
"We only have fifteen people. We have nothing to keep. It's better to fight with all our strength."
"No, you misunderstood. I mean to preserve the strength of humans and elves." Aaron said seriously, "This war must be stopped no matter what."
The smile on Thorin's face faded slowly, and the others looked at Aaron in confusion.
"Gaius, why should we retain the strength of the enemy?" Devalin said angrily.
"Because of the common enemy." Aaron explained patiently. "This is what Smaug said when Bilbo and I were looking for the Arkon gem. The hidden enemy is very strong, and it is eyeing the Lonely Mountain."
"It is true," said Bilbo, nodding. "It says it is darkness enough to drown the world."
The dwarves looked at each other, but Thorin laughed loudly.
"The two of you will be worrying about it, and it's obvious that the dragon is scaring you.
It is afraid that you will find the Arken gem, that I will become king, and that the army of the dwarves will be afraid. "
Aaron held his forehead and shook his head, speechless in his heart.
He knew that Thorin was very swollen now, but he didn't expect him to be so swollen to this extent.
You are the king!Is it really appropriate to take it for granted so hastily?
"Okay! Since you think so, then I have nothing to say." Aaron said with a helpless wry smile, "But rebuilding Changhu Town is your promise to them."
"I have made it very clear at the gate of the city that I have no promises to them." Sorin said flatly, "I will not give a penny to these guys who take advantage of the fire."
"But they have nothing," said Bilbo bitterly. "If we hadn't woken the dragon, they wouldn't be homeless either."
"That's the price of greed, and they should be prepared."
"But a promise is a promise after all." Aaron looked at Thorin seriously, "You are a descendant of Turin, the king of the dwarves. If you don't count, you will not only lose your reputation, but also make your ancestors suffer. shame."
Thorin took a deep breath, and looked at Aaron and Bilbo with complicated expressions.
"If I must not help them, what will you think of me?"
"Bilbo will be sorry and disappointed, but will not continue to persuade you.
As for me..." Aaron paused and took out the signed contract, "I will give my share to the refugees in Changhu Town to help them rebuild their homes.
Thorin, you don't need 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?" Sorin'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 let you recognize yourself first, such as destroying the Aken gem.
The Thorin Oakenshield I knew would not have valued gold so highly, unless his mind was bewitched by the Heart of the Lonely Mountain. "
Hearing this, Sorin slowly walked up to Aaron, "You have already thought about it? Is that why you asked me to confirm whether to accept this contract?"
"It can be regarded as planning for a rainy day!" Aaron spread his hands, "I thought about it when I was in Changhu Town, if you, the king, don't keep your promise, I will take out my share.
In this way, Changhu Town can be rebuilt, and the descendants of Turin will not be counted. "
"But you can't leave anything behind." Thorin casually grabbed a handful of gold coins, and the gold coins fell from his palm one by one, making a crisp sound, "Do you know what one fifteenth means? You could spend the rest of your life regretting giving up this wealth for a group of refugees you don't even know."
"Well... To be honest, money is a good thing. I like money." Aaron said bluntly without any embarrassment on his face, "But there are some things that money can't buy, such as ...the king's promise."
"But you bought it." Thorin sighed, "Bought the king's promise with one fifteenth of the treasure."
"Excuse me, Thorin." Bilbo asked with a chuckle. "Do you agree with us giving part of the wealth to the people of Long Lake Town to rebuild their homes?"
"What? Is Master Baggins going to give your share too?" Thorin asked playfully.
"No, no, no, no." Bilbo waved his hand hastily. "One-fifteenth is enough to rebuild Long Lake Town. Too much would be bad. As for my share, I don't want it."
"No more?" 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 way. "
Hearing this, Thorin raised his mouth slightly, and looked at the two admiringly, "I have to admit, Gandalf's vision is really impeccable, the two snitches he introduced actually didn't want this huge amount of wealth.
Gaius and Master Baggins, you are not greedy for the wealth of the dwarves, you are true friends, worthy of the dwarves' trust, and even more worthy of the dwarves' respect. "
There were also some smiles on the faces of the other dwarves. They wanted to help the people of Changhu Town in their hearts, 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 be able to persuade him.
"I can make you fulfill my promise, but not now."
"Why?" Bilbo asked anxiously.
"Because the army of elves is stationed in River Valley City, I will never open the city gate until I repel them."
Bilbo was speechless for a moment. Thorin could allow them to help the residents of Long Lake Town rebuild their homes, but he would never compromise with the elves.
If they don't open the city gate, how can they send the money for rebuilding Changhu Town?
Go to River Valley City and explain to Bard that they may not believe it. After all, Sorin refused very simply before, and he almost went to war directly.
"I'll solve it." Aaron volunteered to stand up, "I'll go to River Valley 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 for yourself, but before you leave, I have to give you something." Sorin said, turning his head to look at everyone, "All follow me."
armory.
There were all kinds of armor and weapons, but they were all covered in a thick layer of dust.
However, the dwarves' forging technology is rare in the world. Even after many years, the weapons and equipment here are still as new as long as they are wiped.
"Choose the right armor and weapons, you can't defend Irubor without them."
Without the slightest hesitation, the dwarves picked out suitable equipment one after another.
"Master Baggins." Thorin opened a box and took out a light silver vest from it, "You need this."
"I'll be good." Aaron's eyes widened in astonishment, and he touched it with his hands. "It's made of mithril, and it's invulnerable."
"Very discerning." Thorin said with some pride, "This is made of silver alloy by my ancestors.
Put it on!It symbolizes your friendship with dwarves, and dwarves will treat you as their most honored guest. "
Bilbo was so flattered that he took off his coat and put on the vest.
"It's all right," said Bilbo with an awkward laugh, "but it's kind of awkward, after all I'm only a hobbit, not a warrior."
"Just get used to it." Aaron patted him on the shoulder, "There is nothing more suitable for you than life-saving things."
"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 harvest a magic weapon.
But soon his expression became particularly exciting, because Sorin put a jet-black key in his hand.
"This...isn't it appropriate!"
The corners of Aaron's eyes twitched slightly. He didn't expect Thorin to give him the key to the secret door.
This key should be said to be precious!It is indeed priceless, because it is a token passed down from generation to generation in Thorin's family, and it is also the switch of the back door of Iruber.
Let's just say it's not precious!It's also really not worth much.
At least from Aaron's point of view, he will leave this world sooner or later, and a key that will never be used is only a memorial to him.
"How about .
"Forget it, we are likely to face a war next.
The mithril vest isn't of much use to me, but without it your death rate would skyrocket. "
Bilbo: …
This is the truth, but it is harsh.
Aaron looked at Thorin sitting on the throne, and rolled his eyes speechlessly.
"Sometimes I really wonder if your brain is burned out.
Thorin, are you out of your wits?
Why start a war, a war that has almost no chance of winning? "
"It's none of your business, Gaius."
"No." Aaron said bluntly, "This has something to do with me, and it has a lot to do with it."
Thorin smiled playfully, and his eyes lingered on Aaron and Bilbo for a few seconds, "I'm sorry to involve you, but I guarantee that you will not be in danger."
"We are not afraid." Bilbo couldn't help interjecting, "If there is a war, we will definitely stand with you. This is what friends should do, but we don't want to be punished because of your irrationality." Forced to take part in an unjust war.
Thorin, you must recognize the current situation?
There is a well-equipped elf army outside the city, and you just pushed countless angry fishermen over it. "
"The situation will change soon." Thorin said with a meaningful smile, "Master Baggins, never underestimate a dwarf.
If we can take back Irubor, we can also defend it. "
"That's right." Aaron said eccentrically, "We can defend it, as long as we defeat enemies hundreds or even thousands of times larger than our own."
"Not that many." Balin said, "We have notified the army of the Iron Hills, and King Dann will lead his troops here soon."
"When was it notified?"
"Irubor's ravens don't know how to call."
"Oh!" Aaron suddenly realized, "Flying pigeon, no, flying crow to pass on the letter."
"Don't worry now!" Thorin said proudly, "With the city of Iruber and Dan's army, we may not be at a disadvantage."
"Now I'm even more worried." Aaron shook his head and looked at Thorin tentatively. "The scale of the war is constantly increasing, which means that the 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 cannot make enemies, at least we must preserve our strength as much as possible. "
"We only have fifteen people. We have nothing to keep. It's better to fight with all our strength."
"No, you misunderstood. I mean to preserve the strength of humans and elves." Aaron said seriously, "This war must be stopped no matter what."
The smile on Thorin's face faded slowly, and the others looked at Aaron in confusion.
"Gaius, why should we retain the strength of the enemy?" Devalin said angrily.
"Because of the common enemy." Aaron explained patiently. "This is what Smaug said when Bilbo and I were looking for the Arkon gem. The hidden enemy is very strong, and it is eyeing the Lonely Mountain."
"It is true," said Bilbo, nodding. "It says it is darkness enough to drown the world."
The dwarves looked at each other, but Thorin laughed loudly.
"The two of you will be worrying about it, and it's obvious that the dragon is scaring you.
It is afraid that you will find the Arken gem, that I will become king, and that the army of the dwarves will be afraid. "
Aaron held his forehead and shook his head, speechless in his heart.
He knew that Thorin was very swollen now, but he didn't expect him to be so swollen to this extent.
You are the king!Is it really appropriate to take it for granted so hastily?
"Okay! Since you think so, then I have nothing to say." Aaron said with a helpless wry smile, "But rebuilding Changhu Town is your promise to them."
"I have made it very clear at the gate of the city that I have no promises to them." Sorin said flatly, "I will not give a penny to these guys who take advantage of the fire."
"But they have nothing," said Bilbo bitterly. "If we hadn't woken the dragon, they wouldn't be homeless either."
"That's the price of greed, and they should be prepared."
"But a promise is a promise after all." Aaron looked at Thorin seriously, "You are a descendant of Turin, the king of the dwarves. If you don't count, you will not only lose your reputation, but also make your ancestors suffer. shame."
Thorin took a deep breath, and looked at Aaron and Bilbo with complicated expressions.
"If I must not help them, what will you think of me?"
"Bilbo will be sorry and disappointed, but will not continue to persuade you.
As for me..." Aaron paused and took out the signed contract, "I will give my share to the refugees in Changhu Town to help them rebuild their homes.
Thorin, you don't need 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?" Sorin'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 let you recognize yourself first, such as destroying the Aken gem.
The Thorin Oakenshield I knew would not have valued gold so highly, unless his mind was bewitched by the Heart of the Lonely Mountain. "
Hearing this, Sorin slowly walked up to Aaron, "You have already thought about it? Is that why you asked me to confirm whether to accept this contract?"
"It can be regarded as planning for a rainy day!" Aaron spread his hands, "I thought about it when I was in Changhu Town, if you, the king, don't keep your promise, I will take out my share.
In this way, Changhu Town can be rebuilt, and the descendants of Turin will not be counted. "
"But you can't leave anything behind." Thorin casually grabbed a handful of gold coins, and the gold coins fell from his palm one by one, making a crisp sound, "Do you know what one fifteenth means? You could spend the rest of your life regretting giving up this wealth for a group of refugees you don't even know."
"Well... To be honest, money is a good thing. I like money." Aaron said bluntly without any embarrassment on his face, "But there are some things that money can't buy, such as ...the king's promise."
"But you bought it." Thorin sighed, "Bought the king's promise with one fifteenth of the treasure."
"Excuse me, Thorin." Bilbo asked with a chuckle. "Do you agree with us giving part of the wealth to the people of Long Lake Town to rebuild their homes?"
"What? Is Master Baggins going to give your share too?" Thorin asked playfully.
"No, no, no, no." Bilbo waved his hand hastily. "One-fifteenth is enough to rebuild Long Lake Town. Too much would be bad. As for my share, I don't want it."
"No more?" 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 way. "
Hearing this, Thorin raised his mouth slightly, and looked at the two admiringly, "I have to admit, Gandalf's vision is really impeccable, the two snitches he introduced actually didn't want this huge amount of wealth.
Gaius and Master Baggins, you are not greedy for the wealth of the dwarves, you are true friends, worthy of the dwarves' trust, and even more worthy of the dwarves' respect. "
There were also some smiles on the faces of the other dwarves. They wanted to help the people of Changhu Town in their hearts, 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 be able to persuade him.
"I can make you fulfill my promise, but not now."
"Why?" Bilbo asked anxiously.
"Because the army of elves is stationed in River Valley City, I will never open the city gate until I repel them."
Bilbo was speechless for a moment. Thorin could allow them to help the residents of Long Lake Town rebuild their homes, but he would never compromise with the elves.
If they don't open the city gate, how can they send the money for rebuilding Changhu Town?
Go to River Valley City and explain to Bard that they may not believe it. After all, Sorin refused very simply before, and he almost went to war directly.
"I'll solve it." Aaron volunteered to stand up, "I'll go to River Valley 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 for yourself, but before you leave, I have to give you something." Sorin said, turning his head to look at everyone, "All follow me."
armory.
There were all kinds of armor and weapons, but they were all covered in a thick layer of dust.
However, the dwarves' forging technology is rare in the world. Even after many years, the weapons and equipment here are still as new as long as they are wiped.
"Choose the right armor and weapons, you can't defend Irubor without them."
Without the slightest hesitation, the dwarves picked out suitable equipment one after another.
"Master Baggins." Thorin opened a box and took out a light silver vest from it, "You need this."
"I'll be good." Aaron's eyes widened in astonishment, and he touched it with his hands. "It's made of mithril, and it's invulnerable."
"Very discerning." Thorin said with some pride, "This is made of silver alloy by my ancestors.
Put it on!It symbolizes your friendship with dwarves, and dwarves will treat you as their most honored guest. "
Bilbo was so flattered that he took off his coat and put on the vest.
"It's all right," said Bilbo with an awkward laugh, "but it's kind of awkward, after all I'm only a hobbit, not a warrior."
"Just get used to it." Aaron patted him on the shoulder, "There is nothing more suitable for you than life-saving things."
"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 harvest a magic weapon.
But soon his expression became particularly exciting, because Sorin put a jet-black key in his hand.
"This...isn't it appropriate!"
The corners of Aaron's eyes twitched slightly. He didn't expect Thorin to give him the key to the secret door.
This key should be said to be precious!It is indeed priceless, because it is a token passed down from generation to generation in Thorin's family, and it is also the switch of the back door of Iruber.
Let's just say it's not precious!It's also really not worth much.
At least from Aaron's point of view, he will leave this world sooner or later, and a key that will never be used is only a memorial to him.
"How about .
"Forget it, we are likely to face a war next.
The mithril vest isn't of much use to me, but without it your death rate would skyrocket. "
Bilbo: …
This is the truth, but it is harsh.
