Hey guys and dolls! Welcome to the 4th chapter of OSAS. Hope you enjoy the story and, as always, please tell me your thoughts and ideas in the comments (or PM me) and don't forget to follow and favourite if you haven't already.

Disclaimer is in the 1st chapter so on with the story!

-iamnemesis

Chapter 4.

Nico found the dwarves, soaked through, trudging up the misty mountains. They were seeking shelter from the harsh weather that was battling against them. Nico stood at the top of the path which winded round the mountain. Thorin looked up, shielding his face with his hands, and noticed the wizard standing there, waiting for them to reach him.

Then suddenly, there was a cry of shock from Dwalin, He pointed to the sky as a rock flew through the air, and collided with the mountain face. The rock started to rain down on them but they were quickly suspended in mid air, the dwarves, and hobbit, looked up in awe before slowly turning to face Nico. He had his arms thrown up in the air, controlling the shadows to create a net of sorts, to stop the debris from falling. He slowly moved the rocks away, and let them drop at a safe distance. They were safe, or so they thought. The ground started moving forwards and then up. They were on the knee of a stone giant!

The company was separated in the confusion, Fili and Kili were parted form the others side; both fearing the death of the other. The gap between the brothers grew larger, their hands no longer touching. Bilbo was hanging off a ledge... it seemed that the company would meet their fate here.

Thorin shouted at Nico: "DO SOMETHING! Do not let my sister-sons and company perish this night..."

Nico raised an eyebrow but complied with the request, he stepped into the shadows before transporting onto the other side, he grabbed their hands and shadow-travelled back. Kili and Fili embraced , overwhelmed with the relief that the other was safe. Thorin shakily walked over to the two brothers and quickly gathered them in his arms, thankful he had not lost anymore family.

A crash broke them out of their reverie, they were quickly reminded of the imminent danger the stone giants were still causing. They once again looked to Nico for guidance, he nodded and led them to a small cave, out of sight.

They settled, but no fires were to be started; much to Gloin's dismay. Once everyone sat down Nico addressed them.

"Thorin Oakenshield and company, I have returned to you at this late hour because you still have questions that need to be answered... and I know exactly who we can ask"

" Very well master wizard, and who is this being?" Balin said, before Thorin could form any type of protest.

"Thror, previous king under the mountain, and your grandfather Oakenshield." Nico answered.

At that Thorin shot up, angered twisting his face and words.

"That is impossible! I saw his head fall off his shoulders, I saw him die!"

Nico understood his reaction, he had much felt the same when he found out he could talk to Bianca. But that was part of another life that is best forgotten.

Nico gently reassured him; "I promise you that it is possible for me, not only am I a wizard but I am also the lord of the dead, for middle earth, and the ghost king." He paused before adding "I can bring him back for a little while, to get the information from the map and for you to receive closure master Oakenshield!"

Thorin contemplated this before nodding; it would be nice to see his grandfather, preferably sane, for one last time. With that Nico started to prepare what he would need for the ritual. He took Bofur's mining pickaxe and chipped away the ground to make a small ditch.

However, this digging revealed cracks in the floor, that were quickly deepening, letting the dust fall through.

"GET UP!" Thorin shouted, trying to rally his men so they could quickly leave the cave. Yet, they were not able to achieve this in time and the floor gave way, the fell through darkness before landing on the cold, unforgiving ground. A cage of sorts was soon resurrected around them by small shrivelled creatures, whose shrill cries were enough to make ears bleed. Nico looked around frantically and saw a small hobbit who was trembling in fear. Nico shuffled close to him and drew the hobbit into his arms, surprised at the lack of resistance.

The hobbit hid his face in Nico robes and cried, as the Goblins surrounding them got louder and louder. They were eventually grabbed and dragged forward, this forcing Nico to let go of Bilbo, who stumbled over the edge and fell, drawing an anguished cry from Nico. They were pushed forward to face the goblin king, a disgusting creature how tried to be elegant.

As the company were forced forward Nico muttered one thing under his breath;

"Deep down in goblin town..."