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 something 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 than ourselves. "There are not that many enemies on the other side." Balin said, "We have already notified the army of the Iron Hills, and King Dain will soon lead his troops here." "When did you notify them?" "The ravens of Erebor do not only 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 The casualties will also be greatly improved. The strength of human and elves. "Aaron said seriously," This war must be stopped anyway. "Solin's smile slowly faded, and others looked at Aaron puzzled." Gaus, why should we keep the enemy's strength? " When Erbo was looking for Aken Gem, Shi Ge said in person. The secret enemy was very strong, and he was jealous of the lone mountain. " "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. There is no promise 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 regret and disappointment, 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 don't have 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 let you recognize yourself first, such as destroying the Arken Gem.

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

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

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

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

"But you won't be left with anything." Thorin 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 may spend the rest of your life in regret if you give up these wealth, and this is just for a group of refugees you are not familiar with at all."

"Well... To be honest, money is a good thing, I like money very much. "Aaron said frankly without any embarrassment on his face, "But some things cannot be bought with money, for example... the king's promise."

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

"Thorin, excuse me." Bilbo asked with a chuckle, "Do you agree that we give part of the wealth to the people of Long Lake Town to rebuild their homes?"

"Why? Master Baggins, do you want to give your share too?" Thorin asked playfully.

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

"Don't want it?" 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 all aspects. "

Hearing this, Thorin raised his lips slightly and looked at the two with admiration, "I have to admit that Gandalf's vision is really impeccable. The two thieves he introduced did not want this huge 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 respect. "

The other dwarves also smiled more. They wanted to help the people of Long Lake Town, but the king's order could not be violated.

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

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

"Why?" Bilbo asked anxiously.

"Because the elf army is stationed in Dale 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.

How could they send the money to rebuild Lake Town if they didn't open the city gates?

They might not believe him if he went to Dale City to explain to Bard. After all, Thorin had refused very straightforwardly before, and he almost started a war.

"I'll take care of it." Aaron volunteered to stand up, "I'll go to Dale City to explain 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 I have to give you something before you leave." Thorin said, turning his head to look at everyone, "Follow me." "

Armory.

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

However, the dwarves' forging technology is rare in the world. Even after many years, the weapons and equipment here can still be as good as new after wiping.

"Pick the right armor and weapons. You can't defend Erebor without them."

The dwarves did not hesitate at all and picked up the equipment that suited them.

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

"My goodness." Aaron was stunned and widened his eyes. He touched it with his hand. "This is made of mithril, invulnerable to swords and guns."

"Very discerning." Thorin said proudly, "This was made by my ancestors with silver alloy.

Put it on! It symbolizes your friendship with the dwarves. The dwarves will treat you as the most distinguished guest. "

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

"It fits well." Bilbo laughed awkwardly, "but it's a bit awkward, after all, I'm just a hobbit, not a warrior."

"Get used to it." Aaron patted his shoulder, "Nothing is more suitable for you than something that can save your life."

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

Hearing this, Aaron was a little happy, thinking that he was about to get a magic weapon.

But soon his face became very wonderful, because Thorin put a black key in his hand.

"This... This is not suitable!"

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

This key is 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 Erebor.

But it is not precious! It is indeed worthless.

At least that's what Aaron thinks. He will leave this world sooner or later, and a key that will never be used is only a commemorative meaning to him.

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

"Forget it, we may face a war next.

The mithril vest is not of much use to me, but if you lose it, your mortality rate will probably soar."

Bilbo:......

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