A Paladin's Journey (4): The Great War of the Five Armies

Arthas stood atop the city near the lonely mountain, he mounted a horse. Gandalf had gone in to meet with Bard and the elven king but he didn't find interest in meeting them. He was more interested in the surrounding environment, he knew a great battle would come soon enough.

The Eagle had left him so he had to ride a horse with the old wizard to reach here. Thankfully, they got there on time. He slowly made his way down and towards the mountain. obviously, seeking to meet Thorin.

"Arthas!" A voice interrupted him as he turned around to see Gandalf, the old man was obviously annoyed and angry. "Gandalf, what happened? Did they listen?"

The old wizard snorted, "What can't greed make one do?! My council has become less worth people's time. At the very least, We now have a bargaining chip; Thanks to Bilbo.".

Arthas laughed and pat the old man on the back as he dismounted his horse, "Well, At least not all is lost. look at the bright side!". "I suppose you are right. We now have to prevent the war." Said Gandalf with exasperation.

"I will meet with Thorin, It will work out. Your old bones might not be able to take more, calm down." Arthas said in a friendly tone. "I am Not that old yet!" He ignored the grey wizard as he saw the army of elves beginning to march towards the mountain. "I told you, you should have come!" Gandalf was still saying.

"It wouldn't have made a difference; I had heard of Thranduil's character when I was in Lorien. He won't easily back down." His tone was serious.

Arthas mounted his horse and decided to follow the army. Gandalf saw him go and sighed, he too moved towards the mountain.

Arthas came down from his horse and walked as the elves made way for him; He tried to not get Bard's attention because he wanted to be low-key(bard had seen him.). Also, he knew from some of his friends in Lorien that he had gained quite a reputation amongst their kind(elves).

The reason for their presence was simple, The Dragon Smaug was dead and the people of lake town wanted a share of their gold, according to the bargain they had struck with Thorin before. Thranduil wanted the Gems of Lasgalen for unknown reasons, he also had a share of the treasures in the mountain. They both brought armies to collect their debt.

He(Arthas) stood on the sidelines as the Army stopped in front of the sealed gate. Thorin fired an arrow in front of Thranduil's mount as a warning. "I'll put the next one between your eyes." Warned Thorin as he took another arrow and put it in his bow, ready to fire. No one paid Arthas any attention.

The elven army's archers aim their arrows at the Dwarfs, ready to rain down death upon them. Thranduil stopped them and the negotiations began. They failed as Thorin chose WAR.

A while later and an Army of Dwarfs appeared. Arthas looked at everything with a frown, 'Is there really such a bizarre illness? It is as if he(Thorin) has been possessed!'.

The Ironfoot army approached, Dáin came down. As the timeline would have gone, The elves took aim. And war erupted.

As the rain of elven arrows and the Ironfoot's strange spinning weapons hit each other mid-air. A blinding light flashed and a figure crashed in the middle of the would-be battlefield. Both ranged attacks were decimated in the figures landing.

"Stop! The Real Enemy is coming! We don't have time to fight each other!" A mighty shout was heard by both sides. Dain and his Dwarven army stopped as did the elves.

Arthas stood in the middle of two armies with his golden wings manifested. He turned to look at Thranduil. "King Thranduil, I had heard of your name in Lorien. I hope you stand down for a few moments. I am Caladcyll, student of Galadriel!"

Thranduil hesitated for a moment and backed down, he had heard of this man. He was the slayer of Smaug and a worthy opponent. He also had a high status in Lorien despite being a human and was highly regarded by Lady Galadriel. He did not want to antagonize him.

Dain and his army had stopped due to shock for they had not seen such a thing in their life; But, soon they regained their bearings. Dain shouted, "And why should we?! Anyone who stands between me and my people is my enemy! Move away lad!".

Arthas merely raised Frostmourne, The Dwarfs tensed. He then pointed at the side with his sword, everyone became confused as suddenly Were-worms erupted from the ground. They all realized that orcs would soon come.

An army of Orcs let out battle cries as they emerged from the holes and marched towards them. Dain immediately led the Ironfoot to battle the orc army. The elves joined them soon after. Arthas smiled, 'Frostmourne, it is time to feed!'. Said Sword shone sinisterly...