Chapter 12: Goblin Gibberish

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Soon a storm was brewing. The rocky path the dwarves followed soon became wet and sloppy and one had to concentrate and tread carefully. Bilbo was probably the one who was having the hardest time, as he was the smallest and most unexperienced in these rough conditions. He grabbed for support as he slipped and caught the sleeve of their newest member. Anwyn helped him find his feet again. She had joined them shortly after their departure and was at first greeted with suspicion but then accepted. She would however only join them until they reached the Mirkwood forest. She wished to travel further south instead of towards their destination. Thorin did not mind this at all. He had his mind set on the goal ahead and did not wish to waste time or resources on any further members, especially elves. He had received many worried looks from his fellow dwarves at their departure. They were worried for leaving Gandalf behind but also to his astonishment, they were not fond of leaving Frey behind either. The rain got worse and it was clear they had to find shelter and soon. Suddenly a large lightning teared the sky followed by an incredulously loud thunder crack. The mountains seemed to stir. Suddenly a giant rock came flying through the clouds and smashed into to mountainside just above the company. The sound was deafening and they covered under a protrusion, "This no thunderstorm. It's a THUNDERBATTLE!" Balin yelled. He had not said the last words before a Stone Giant rose from another mountain. Soon three of the enormous creatures, one larger than the other, were fighting in a battle of life and death. So did the company. In order not to be squashed or fall into the abyss below the y had duck and keep their balance on the path which kept getting more narrow as falling stones broke parts of it away. And one point they were divided in two groups and Bilbo and Anwyn could both see the pained and worried looks the brother Fili and Kili had in their eyes as then were torn apart. They were caught on what was now the two legs of a Stone Giant and as the Giant was defeated by one of the others and fell to its grave in the deep below one half of the company could only watch as the others were thrown into the hillside and disappeared from eyesight. Thorin hurried to were he had last seen his kin. Bilbo was anxious of what he might but a squeeze on his shoulder and a reassuring smile from Anwyn kept him from stalling and he followed the others only to see rest of company bruised but alive and alright.

Smaug watched how the mountain tops disappeared into a thick blanket of dark clouds. She could feel the dampness in the and sensed how the wind, heavy with thunder, almost sent shivers down her spine and triggered her longing to stretch her wings and race the storm. Gandalf noticed this and from the corner of his eyes he could see her eyes shining in their famous auburn glow. He looked into the distance and wondered how the company fared. He also worried how the little hobbit was doing.Smaug brought him out of his trance, "I am certain the hobbit is out of harm's way although quite wet" He looked at her and gave a small smile. "Am I right in perception when I say you seem eager to race the wind through the sky" He crooked an eyebrow Which she with a suspicious stare of her own. Then she smiled "Yes I am yet I believe restrain is in order. Although we are not able to see the company and they, at the moment, are not able to see us, I do believe they would notice dragon sweeping through the clouds" Gandalf nodded. "Besides, I do think we should hasten if we are to aid them in forthcoming events" Gandalf looked at her. "What exactly do you mean?" She looked at him, "I know for a fact that these mountains withheld the very home of the Goblin King himself and even though he and his people scatter like ants in my presence I do not believe they would miss the opportunity to hold our company captive or even kill them" "Aahh, I see! Well then we must hurry and come to their aid once again" They urged their horses into a gallop and headed for the mountainslopes.

In the meantime Bilbo was facing certain death as he just after being relieved by the other's wellbeing had lost his footing and was now hanging from a ledge. Anwyn was out of reach and his fingers were slipping. Just then, Thorin's hand grabbed his and, along with the other dwarves, pulled him to safety only to almost fall down the slope himself. "I thought we'd lost our burglar!" Dwalin said. To this Thorin replied "He's been lost ever since he left home. He should never have com. He has no place amongst us". Bilbo felt ashamed and with heavy footsteps, he followed the others until they reached a dry cave. "We'll spend the night here. Do not light a fire or pack out your things we shall rise with sun and have to move quickly in the morning," Thorin ordered. In a matter of minutes all was quiet. All except two small feet scattering through the sleeping and snoring dwarves. Bilbo was brought to a halt by Bofur. Although they had not talked much on the journey Bilbo still told him the truth. He wanted to leave. To go back to Rivendell. He believed what Thorin said was right. Bofur understood but also told him that he was part of company. Bilbo however was convinced otherwise, "You don't understand you're dwarves you're used to living on the road. You don't belong anywhere" he blurted out realizing his mistake. Bofur however said he was right "I wish you good luck" he managed to smile. Bilbo found himself deep in his thoughts. As he turned around Bofur broke the silence between them "What's that?" gesturing to Bilbo's sword. It was shining blue. Bilbo found his breath caught in his throat as he pulled the sword halfway out from its scabbard. The dwarves were already awake and rising to their but it was to late. The ground under them suddenly disappeared and dwarves, elf and hobbit fell down a rocky slide. The tour was brought to a halt as they landed one by one n a basket-like trap. They did not have time to recover before they were grabbed by a flock of goblins. Anawyn tried to fend them of but while one goblin stribbed her from her bow another bound her hands only to receive a solid kick in the ribs, sending the creature screaming over the edge of the cliff they were standing on. The squealing, drooling goblins tried to get hand of the company ad did not notice the smaller member ducking away. The goblins brought the company to their king. Anawyn looked for Bilbo but could not find him amongst them although she believed she heard the sound of small swords clashing. The Goblin King was even more foul than his subjects but the company stood tall. To make matters worse, the massive creature send word to the pale orc, Azog, that he held Thorin Oakenshield captive. Anwyn believed he would keep them alive until the arrival of Azog but when he saw Thorin's sword, Orcrist The Goblin Cleaver, he ordered their execution. Thorin was beaten but fought on. While several held him down a goblin approached him with a long knife. For the first time on that day Thorin found himself doubting he would make it out. But as the goblin was about cut his throat a shining white light erupted out of nowhere. Many goblins were blown away and their king was knocked to the ground. Thorin closed his eyes. When he opened them again another goblin was descending with a knife. Thorin reached for his sword but grabbed the air. He looked at the goblin running towards him and bringing its blade down. But then a sword intervened, bringing the knife to a halt just above his eyes. He recognised it but did believe it before he heard a familiar voice; "May I suggest you find your sword Oakenshield?" He rose to his feet and saw Frey beheading the scum in one swift move. Thorin was for short moment in loss of words. It was Gandalf who brought him out by telling them to fight. They grabbed their weapons and fought of the goblins. Thorin managed to knock the Goblin King over but it was the red haired woman who send him over the edge. Soon the company had to realise they were not winning this fight as more and more goblins were coming towards them. They ran, fighting their way through hordes of ill smelling bodies. Anwyn's arrows flew fast as she ran as one of the last. Smaug was in the front along with Gandalf and Thorin. Her sword taking one goblin after the other. She missed using her fire and teeth but had to admit, she enjoyed the feeling of swinging her sword. They were almost out when they were stopped on a wooden bridge by the King. "You thought you could escape me?" he bellowed. He whacked Gandalf backwards and Smaug tightened her grip on the sword. "What are you gonna do now wizard?" Instead of replying Gandalf rose to feet, poked the scum in the eye with his staff and sliced his belly. The Goblin fell on his knees, clutching his stomach "That'll do it". Smaug decided she should have the honor of finishing him of. With little effort she beheaded the beast. The bridge could not withstand the weight of the beast and soon they were all plummeting towards the cave floor. Their fall was stopped by a piece of bridge but they did not have time to celebrate as the whole goblin pack was now set on avenging their king. They did as Gandalf said and ran. However, Thorin thought he could glimpse a disappointment in Frey's eyes as they headed for the exit.

Upon coming out in the open air they realised the sun was setting. They had spend the day in the goblin tunnels. Luckily they were not followed and stopped for breath in a small clearing. Gandalf began counting. Dread was evident on his face as he realised Bilbo was not amongst them. Thorin still ondering over what he had seen in Frey's eyes spoke up "We will not be seeing our hobbit again. He took off as soon as he got the chance. He's long gone!" Smaug narrowed her eyes. She was about to speak up when she was interrupted by a small voice behind her "No he's not. In fact I'm right here" All eyes widened. Except for Smaug. She did however raised her eyebrow when the little fellow declared he wished to help the dwarves on their quest. The fight had almost taken her focus from the very purpose of this journey. They wished to get rid of her. To end her. The treasure never meant much to her it was the mountain itself that she wanted and nothing should be in her way of keeping what was now hers. Even if it meant this peculiar little fellow. Her thoughts were interrupted when dwarves started running again. She did not need to hear why. She could smell it. Orcs


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