Bali watched the innumerable Uruks charge toward his home with dismay. He had little hope of them winning this fight, against such impossible odds. Arlome had approached him again, laden with oil-bound rags and arrows. Soon a burning volley was sent into the nearing siege weapons, igniting them into bright balls of flame.
Kili also came to him, asking him about the exact numbers of the horde. "Fifteen-thousand at least, good friend. But have hope! Erebor's walls are strong."
Soon ladders were being leaned against the defenses. The warriors repelled the enemy valiantly, but soon there were signs of Uruks fighting dwarves and elves on the walltop.
Astarielle hurried over to Bali, and explained her plan. Most of his old company gathered together to hear it. "Nay, good elf. I could not allow you to attempt such a feat. Those two are well-guarded, and it would be disasterous if any of you were captured or killed; and the entrance could be discovered."
But as he spoke, the wall was rocked by a tremendous explosion. The gate shattered, large stones flying into the air. The Uruks had blown through the wall.
The company had been thrown off of the gate by the explosion. Now they stood, gingerly, checking to see if any of them were injured. Then they saw the sea of Uruks charging over the broken stone and into the round courtyard.
"Sound a retreat. Get everyone into the mountain!" Bali turned to the company. "We must hold the gate until everyone is inside. If we fail, Erebor is lost."
The company charged forward, breaking the incoming wave of Uruks. But the enemy pressed forward, ever forward...
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