Chapter Four

Thorin let his mind wander as he rode. A woman, no a girl was now who they must put their trust in to take back Erebor. Every dwarf who accopanied him was prepared to lay down their life to return home. "She will flee" he mutter. Dwalin, who was riding up with Thorin groaned in agreement.

"Why has she come? What is in this for her? Oh sure Fili and Kili have some amusement for the road but what reason could that halfling possibly have for joining our quest?"

Thorin shrugged. "I don't know but Gandalf chose her, he must have a reason but as I said first sign of trouble and she will flee".

Bofur rode behind the duo. He liked Kate, he felt he had clicked with her in those short minutes they had talked the previous night. And he knew one possible reason why Kate might have been so keen to tag along.

Bofur stopped his horse making out he was just going to relief himself so that he could rejoin the group at the back of the train of dwarfs.

"How're feeling lass?" Bofur gently enquired to Kate.

Kate thought carefully how to answer. She like Bofur but there was no way she would pass on her true feelings to any dwarf here present. "Well I must say I feel honoured if not a little excited". Kate gave a quick smile which faded all too soon for Bofur's liking.

"Look Kate, it's a long journey we must start as we mean to go on you and I. I'm glad you've come you'll make a fine burglar I'm sure and in the mean time I feel we'll be great friends. Don't worry about Thorin and his band of misrable men they'll come round". Bofur glanced over at Gandalf "And I have a feeling this lot will be thanking you for coming before long".

Bofur winked and strechted out to Kate's hand and gave it a friendly squeeze. "Any time you want to talk".

As the day light began to fade Thorin's party made camp for the night. Kili had insisted that Kate pull up the bit of grass beside him so that he could 'protect' her through the night. Though his tone was playful he did not miss the scowl on Thorin's face.

'Stupid boy' thought Thorin as if any dwarf here would even try.

"Alright listen up" called Thorin.

This was the first time Kate had heard his voice since the previous night and she found herself catching her breath. As Thorin continued to talk she mirly admired him, his body his armour, his deep voice but he would not look at her. Kate felt if only she could look into his eyes like she had on the doorstep of Bag End he would warm to her. If only he would talk to her express his true feelings and let her put them at rest. She wanted more than anything now to be accepted by Erebor's future king. Right now she wanted nothing more than his acceptance.

Over supper the mood was lighter, this was mainly due to the playful jokes the dwarfs were giving Bombur on his cooking. With the majority of the company now adapting to Kate's presence she felt confident enough to join the teasing and jepes. However the lack of Oin, Gloin and Dwalin round the fire had not escaped her attention. They sat alone together eating and talking in hushed tones.

Thorin had walked a little way with Gandalf to discuss the situation.

"I will not have it Gandalf! It's creating a divide within the group!" Thorin boomed. How could Gandalf not see his dwarfs had to stand together otherwise they were vulnorable, otherwise they were weak.

"You underestimate her Thorin! She is brave, she is strong, she is a valuable member of your team!

"Says you!"

"Do you no longer trust the word of this wizard?"

Thorin said nothing he couldn't afford to loose Gandalf they would need him in their long journey. Thorin knew Gandalf had a large part to play in the re-taking of Erebor. Gandalf sighed. "Please Thorin, she has not yet been tested, until then trust her, she is a Took there is no hardier hobbit".

"She's a woman" said Thorin quietly through gritted teeth, and he turned his head and walked away.