Long were there rumors, whispers and supposed sightings of an enemy; no Orc host, but manlings from lands afar. Some laughed, others shook their heads... but it is in our nature to assume the worst, so we sent out scouts and warned our brothers-in-arms in Dale. With time word returned and confirmed the rumors. We prepared for war once more.
Erebor transformed within seconds, from a homely mountain hold to a fortress filled with Dwarves armed to the teeth and eager for war. I heard a Dale-man say he pitied the fools who thought to besiege Erebor and oust the Dwarves, we laughed but were all secretly proud to hear such a compliment from our trusted friends. The Kings met and discussed strategies, we were to send a good force to Dale and help them ward off the attackers but we kept the majority of our forces near the mountain to ensure a safe retreat should Dale be taken. Days we spent enforcing walls, digging ditches, setting traps and readying ourselves mentally for the battle to come.
Then they came, a great host of manlings from far lands., lackeys of Mordor eager to enslave us and force us to forge weapons for their overlord no doubt. Dale fell after days of hard fighting, we were pushed back to the mountain and fought them outside of the gates yet our morale never faltered. King Dain and King Brand were with us, rallying us and leading us every step of the way. I can still hear king Dain's battle-cry as Brand was slain, the kings fought hard and fierce yet they both fell. We pushed the foes back for a short time to bring the fallen kings into the mountain and await the siege to come.
And here we are now, King Thorin the third has been crowned as we are besieged. After Dain had been given a funeral befitting a Dwarf of his stature, the newly crowned Thorin lifted his axe in the air and shouted to us; "They wish to kill us all, silence the forges and claim our gold! They think we are broken, defeated and easy prey! Well I say we show them that the battle is far from over, Erebor stands!" his voice echoed through silent halls before we erupted into cheers and repeated the King's final words.
Erebor stands!
