Call of the Dragon

Note: None from Tolkien's or Paolini's creations are mine. Many thanks for all reviewers, for taking their time, also I thank all those who follow and favourited my story, I appreciate really! So another chapter for you, sorry for long break again I've been busy. I hope you'll like it, make reviews I'll be glad to hear any opinions.

Chapter IV:

It was a cold and windy night in Esgaroth and the waters of Long Lake were turbulent, signifying oncoming squall. Because of this, the ships of Lake-men were anchored safely at shores or in the shielded hangars of Lake-town and men sought refuge in the warm homes. Several days passed from time when reputed King Under the Mountain set out with his companions to old dwarven realm. No news came from them since. Then nearly three days ago a great red flash was seen above the Mountain, many people then started to shout with fear. Others thought the new king will bring the river of gold as in the old days and cheered viewing the light as a sign of dwarvish furnaces in work. Some wiser brooded in dark thoughts. ,,It's the dragon's fury!" they said and nodded their heads. In the same time another flash of light brought everyones attention. It was like a globe of white radiance, it hovered far in the sky then disappeared. From then the utter silence fell and nothing happened in the following time.

Stories about unusual event spread and it happened that at this stormy night Gandalf came from the South. His mysterious business seemingly completed and not so mysterious anymore. White Council, as it turned out, attacked ancient fastness of Dol Guldur and strove with dark power that lived there. Rumors have begun to spread from the Woodmen to even birds and animals, soon elves followed. And not surprisingly as they are wondrous folk for news which flow for them like river. Knowing languages of birds, quickly they learned of the battle with Necromancer and of the special role their kin from almost mythical, southern forest of Lothlórien played in these events.

The powerful sorcerer, as they said was defeated, when the council put forth it's power, yet something was not right and Wise quickly realized this. The Shadow did not abandon southern Mirkwood and terrible suspicion flickered in their minds. The evil only retreated temporarily faking it's escape for some sinister purpose. By the urging of Gandalf the council's allies doubled their vigilance, and when all seemingly staled in fragile peace new interruption of power drove the attention of magic sensitive individuals. It came from the Mountain. That fact and confabulated stories coming with each day, made the Grey wizard very worried about his friends.

,,What have you gotten yourself into, Thorin!" he thought bewildered. ,,And more importantly, who could have such power to disturb us hundreds of miles south?!"

The other things he learned about the changes in countryside disturbed him even more. Gandalf haven't wandered thus far north for a long time and feared for Thorin's company safety, even if they didn't reach the Mountain itself, there were still lots of dangers lurking in the area. The eastern end of Elf-path was now lost in Long Marshes which spread along the course of Forest River between the lake and Mirkwood. It was getting more and more dangerous in the recent years and rumours about monsters preying on travelers in that marshland were ever increasing in intensity.

Not wasting any more time after whole business was over, Gandalf the Grey headed north and Radagast the Brown, a fellow wizard and his ,,cousin" (as grey pilgrim used to say), went with him. Brown wizard seldom traveled so far from his home in Rhosgobel, but recent events forced him to much bigger involvement in wide world affairs so he ventured south to the Hill of Sorcery to join the council members in need. In fact he wasn't a real cousin of Gandalf nor anyone else from his Order truth be told. It was rather a sense of kinship in mind and spirit that mattered and even though Radagast was rather soft hearted, he could stood his ground against any horror with fury if one of his friends or any good beast was in danger. Living so long in monster infested forest also worked itself on courage and resolve, but did not ruin his cheerful demeanor and a bit of child-like innocence.

Still for such powerful individual even he sometimes felt uneasy because of countless shapes of dread that ever walked freely under trees. A real faithful companion he was, kind and caring, also a worthy wizard in his own right, master of shapes and changes of hue, great knowledge of herbs and of medicine he had, knew languages of birds and myriads of other animals and everywhere among them had friends. Powers of the earth he had at his command and Woodmen greatly respected him.

Settling all their dealings with council and lending help to warriors wounded in armed assault on defenses of the fortress that were performed while Wise and elf-lords used their powers, the two wizards went on their way. From Rhosgobel after a brief stay they turned east to pass the Old Forest Road. Though for centuries this dwarf-made road connected Vales of Anduin with eastern Rhovanion, now it was out of use. A long time ago it fell into decay and only orcs used it, going in their wicked errands through darkness, avoiding the sun that they hated so much. Beorn knew about this all too well and rightly warned the company about it, but Gandalf was in a hurry and decided to take the risk.

Without incident, which was rather suspicious, two travelers reached the valley of river Running, by elves called Celduin. For many it would be a long and difficult northward journey but Gandalf and Radagast were hardened more than most and had peculiar advantage. Wizards when they want can travel very fast, lending their horses speed and strength with their arts or using other useful tricks. They could also appear and disappear seemingly without a trace when needed, clouding their movements from the perception of other beings and gaining greater speed for short amounts of time.

They reached Lake-town the same night during which Thorin scoured the dragon hoard for weapons but not even Gandalf was aware of that. Pair of wizards after silently passing through eastern eaves of Mirkwood then upstream of the river Running to Long Lake were finally closer to Lonely Mountain than ever before. Distance to the mountain from the lake was bigger than it looked though, it required a few more days of hard travel to reach it.

Winds were moaning and waves of tall grass whistled their song. Storm soon followed, and the lake roared like a real sea. Fortunately fleet of boats and large barges of merchants were secured, otherwise they would be just toys on the mercy of elements. Grey wizard contemplated the sight before him. Further north above the lake little vegetation was present though a thin line on the horizon, he could still recognize it. Desolation of Smaug begun there. Gandalf sighed and shook his head. Sad was the fate of this land which over 150 years ago was so full of life and joy.

,,Do you think that something bad happened to your friends Gandalf?" Asked Radagast fondling a swallow in his hand, birds always surrounded the nature-friendly wizard.

,,Hard to tell, I'm beginning to think that they might have got lost much earlier and did not reach Esgaroth at all!" he answered with a troubled face. After saying these words Gandalf fell silent.

Finally they reached the group of buildings scattered all over grassy plains, great pastures for herds of Lake-men. On the western shore guarded by watch posts was the entrance to the bridge which served as a connection of the town with firm land. The rain and wind were now getting stronger with each moment. Before two travelers arrived at the guard posts they were already soaked to the bone.

Gandalf with tired face dismounted from horse and led it by the bridle to give the reins to nearby guard.

…

Thorin woke up with a groan, his head was bustling with dull ache. ,,I must have hit myself on this lying rock!" He thought dismayed. Next moment suddenly he remembered of his heavy burden. With relief Thorin found the baggage scattered all around him. Startled by the unexpected noises that were coming closer and closer with every minute, he looked around bewildered. He saw nothing, but the sounds were reminding him of an armed company of warriors on the move, clanging of weapons, screeching elements of throbbing armor. This was very troubling news. Grimacing from pain he rose and started to put on the gold incrusted armor. When everything was in place and rest of war gear was secured, tied on his back with his golden belt, Thorin finally noticed that the portal brought him to the same place which he left not so long ago. Yet there was no sign of the shining passage. With a frown the confused dwarf muttered quietly:

,,Curse this! Now we must search for the damned orb, if we are ever to go back! For Durin's beard! It will complicate things even more. I found it by pure accident, there's no way knowing when we stumble on it in the future!" Sighing in resignation the dwarf-leader noticed another thing.

His sword was still stuck in the ground after futile attempt of escaping the invisible, pulling force. Drawing sword he took from the hoard of dragon and taking the old one in his left hand he was ready to face every possible enemy. Dual wielding the blades, he made a try, swinging and trying to adjust them in his hands. Both looked evenly well wrought, marking a good quality of dwarvish steel which shone brightly in the rising sun.

,,It's the dawn already?! I must have been unconscious for a long time!" He said to himself with troubled face. ,,Now, let's find my companions. They probably got worried about me. And this sounds doesn't bode well, not at all!"

Then without hesitation he rushed into the forest searching for the camp site, hoping that he won't be too late.

…

Balin and Bilbo were looking out into the open space between the trees. Their small party was hidden safely in the bushes. The creatures that came over there were one of the strangest kind that any of them have ever seen. Tall and muscular with large, ram-like horns, they seemed to be quarreling over something in alien sounding, guttural language. In the same time they appeared to be searching the grove for signs of their presence.

Dwalin face hardened and with vicious snarl he prepared himself to lash on the creatures when stern grip of Balin's brotherly hand on his shoulder stopped him. White bearded dwarf gave him a meaningful look, biding his rash fellow and sibling to stay in place. Others from their small group spied on the creatures too.

,,They don't look like orcs. If I know any. But they sure seem as fierce as them." Muttered Dori through the clenched teeth. His brother pushed him aside:

,,Let me see them! I want to get better view on them!" Whispered Nori causing some of the other dwarves to lost their balance in the uncomfortable tight spot among thorny shrubs.

,,Stop this struggle you too. Dori, Nori be quiet or you'll bring them right to us!" Balin hissed, reprimanding the annoying pair of siblings. Balin's mind worked fast thinking about possible solutions. In the growing light of new day, discovering their hideout would be a matter of time. Even though something was telling him the armed creatures couldn't be after them, he decided that better not to reveal themselves. In the last resort though combat was imminent, yet facing such large and well armed group, could end in a disaster. And more to that, there were only few of them, rest of the company was still at the camp, waiting for their return, so straight fight was out of question. Even in full number their chances were low, only a handful including the now present Bilbo and Gloin, had proper weapons, rest had only knives, sticks or even less than that.

The quest was planned to rely more on secrecy than strength of arms, he mused. Thorin was missing and his sword would be of great use now, Bifur was sitting near warm fireplace now and his skill in using pike would be also unavailable for them, Ori used quite handy, but in serious combat ineffective gun sling, which at the moment he tried to draw from the folds of his cloak. Balin regained his awareness and quickly whispered to him warning from making any wrong moves:

,,If you don't want to cause the death of us all, you'll put this down! It's not the time to play a hero!" muttered the white bearded, shaking his head. The look of disappointment on younger dwarf's face told him to keep close watch of him. Ori besides his high learning in lore was very eager to prove himself in combat, but it would be better to not do this right now, a common sense warned. Muttering curses under nose a sudden thought flashed in his head.

,,Master Baggins! I have a task for you!" whispered fervently with sudden smile. Bilbo looked at the old dwarf with surprise and bit of fear. Hobbit suspected that whatever it was the task required wouldn't be easy or safe, but he shrugged the feeling off. After all he did some crazy things on this quest before, though with mixed effects admittedly.

…

Thorin run as fast as he could, madly trying to search for the familiar features of land. He stopped a bit to look around. With relieve he finally recognized the place where they were gathering firewood. After this short pause he sprinted straight to the campsite. Jumping over large stone he stumbled on Bifur. Startled dwarf jumped in surprise. Thorin sudden arrival triggered defensive reaction, shocking him so much he nearly pierced the pike right through his guts. Bifur's shouts of rage turned into cries of amazement. Rest of the dwarves who were lying around resting with eyes closed rose violently bumping on each other. After the moment of this mess they realized who so suddenly appeared at their camp, not an enemy but their very missing leader Thorin.

,,By my beard! Thorin it's you! You returned! Ha! I could have killed you!" Bifur cried and soon they all followed.

,,We were worried about you! Where have you been!? Balin and half of the company are looking for you just now! We stayed here in case you returned, and it seems it was worth it!" they shouted one after the other.

,,Calm down! Give me a moment! For the great Mahal! You're so noisy!" shouted Thorin in stern tone. When enthusiastic company fell silent he spoke again:

,,I found the orb that moved us to these lands. I came back to the Mountain!" Here again fellow dwarves interrupted him with cries of joy and amazement. Thorin with impatient gesture caused them to quiet down.

,,Smaug has left our ancient halls. As I suspected he is here with us, well I don't have proof for that statement, but it's the only reason of his absense, he would never surrender his hoard! Still we don't know where are we and regrettably the passage disappeared after I passed it again, to find you. Unfortunately we can't go back until we encounter it once more. It seems to be moving on it's own, rapidly changing places which it leads to and forth. But no fear! Now we're properly armed to face any danger! Our plans haven't change!" he shouted the last words with courage and pride.

Saying this dwarf leader tossed the gears before them. Dumbfounded dwarves started to examine the stack and begun to choose weapons and armor for themselves.

Bombur observed them with scrutinizing look.

,,So, are you still insisting on this mad idea of pursuing the dragon no matter the cost? Even if we know that there are two of them, one that Fili saw that is still a mystery to us?" he asked with much trepidation.

,,And what about Balin and rest of company? They are still looking for you! We must wait for them or bring back to the camp!"

These words immediately sobered Thorin from his fervor.

,,You're right Bombur! But even if you do not agree on my, as you say ,,mad idea", we must find out the answers for our questions. And for that purpose we must travel further into these wild unexplored lands. My desire for vengeance on dragon-kind it not the only motivation that drives me!"

There were soft murmurs of approval amongst the dwarves and some meaningful looks of the disapprobation, but those including youngest Kili and Fili, wisely remained silent. They both knew what it means to cross Thorin's plans.

,,Now gather what we need and prepare to move out, we will wait for Balin and others here until they return and then…Who knows?" ended the dwarven king with a bitter smile.

…

Bilbo had sometimes enough of these dwarves, but now he was definitely going to ask for a raise of payment in contract. Balin's bright idea was that poor hobbit using the ring of invisibility would drove off the advancing creatures by leading them into wild chase after making enough weird noises for them to notice. He put the ring on, immediately familiar sensation overwhelmed him. Curiously enough while wearing the ring he didn't feel invisible, on the contrary, a terrible notion that he is in fact very much exposed lingered in the back of his mind.

Running as fast as his short legs allowed, from time to time he made a sound like a bird, but of course master Baggins had no talent in this regard. Confused creatures looked around in search of a strange beast that sounded neither like any known bird nor animal. Though intrigued, still they haven't moved far enough for dwarves to escape. Bilbo cursed under breath and sighed, when a desperate idea came to his mind.

He took a rock and aimed, what he lacked in skill of imitating bird sounds definitely was compensated by use of ranged weapons. As all hobbits he had sharp eye and deadly aim. If an angry hobbit takes a rock then any too eager beast or predator will soon learn to avoid him. Just as Bilbo wanted, tossed stone hit one especially huge creature square between his horns.

At first it roared with anger, thinking the stone was a prank or hostile move of one of his fellow companions, he rushed on the nearest of them and punched, knocking him to the ground. Even though the situation seemed dire, Bilbo couldn't help but snorted with laughter. Unfortunately the angry creature heard him and all of them were now facing his direction. Though he was invisible a thin, shaking shadow was cast in the morning sun.

Bilbo used the occasion and started to shout to fully perform their plan. The leader of horned beings barked an order and whole group roaring with their weapons drawn rushed in his direction. In the same moment dwarves begun to tear through the bushes, escaping as far as they could from their hiding place. Invisible hobbit had easily avoided capture and deliberately making more noise run north to the looming peak on which Fili made his reconnaissance. Then turned back to his normal hobbit light gait and followed the dwarves, while creatures roars faded in the wood.

…

Thorin was getting more and more impatient as the time went by. He trotted here and there around almost extinguished fireplace of which only small amount of smoke rose. Then out of the surrounding trees arrived very exhausted Dori, dragging along his brothers Balin, Dwalin and Gloin followed. But there was no sign of their burglar. Fili rose from his sitting place and was about to ask for whereabouts of the hobbit, when something invisible bumped him and send wailing to the ground. Then in the next moment appeared, hard breathing from exertion the very burglar in person.

Thorin laughed and all the newcomers quickly realized he is among them. Balin embraced their leader in tight strong grip but not hesitate to scold on him:

,,Thorin you act like irresponsible youngster! Why have you disappeared like that?! WE were worried about you! We've searched for you whole night! What were you thinking?!"

Thorin looked in his face with a grin:

,,I can say only that I found the way home and lost it again, but..I brought also this!" and gestured to lying stack of weapons. Balin and rest of search party noticed that all other dwarves were already equipped and ready for war, by the look of it. Old dwarf remained speechless, but his brother Dwalin quickly joined in to select war gear for himself.

,,Arm yourself! You're going to need it!" he said with a hardened face. Balin become grave and quickly gave report of what their party encountered head on. Thorin listened to this thoughtfully, asked few questions and after a moment of silence declared;

,,No matter who those creatures are or whether they are on our trail or someone else we must be wary. It's true I wanted to pursue dragon, and I didn't care if it was Smaug or another one, because I believed that I deserve the chance to get some pay back on those beasts, for all hurts of our people, but now when this new threat emerged I'm thinking only of our company's safety, we will go south-east as before but now we must watch out steps carefully!" Ending this speech with authoritative tone, he turned to master Baggins and called him to come closer. He took items prepared for him and said:

,,Mr. Baggins! Here is the first payment of your reward! Cast off your old coat and put on this!" With that he put on Bilbo a small coat of mail and helmet.

,,It's for me?" asked the hobbit with awe. ,,I must say I feel magnificent, but I expect I look rather absurd How they would laugh on the Hill, at home. Still I wish there was a looking-glass handy!"

Others laughed heartily and when Thorin rised his hand to silence them they looke with expectation I eyes.

,,Now. We're ready. Forward!" with this short sentence, they all tied their packs and followed the proud dwarf to the forest. Carefully listening whether the armed beings approach, they passed few miles and then Balin's attention was drawn by sudden, unexpected view.

There was a smoke in the sky, a smoke coming no doubt from fireplace in wilderness. Someone else also set a camp in the area.

To be continued.

Notes: So the chapter is over what do you think? Is it good or bad? As you see I use a bits of movie material, like Ori's weapon. Hehe, oh and if you wonder what was that about wizards and fast or unseen travelling, it's not only artistic license on my part but development and explanation of several instances when Gandalf is disappearing and appearing without anyone notice in book (and Saruman's vanishing in Fangorn after Gimli, Aragorn and Legolas saw him) like when he was gone before trolls incident and nobody from Thorin's company knew until they thought about using his help, or when he followed stealthily orcs after killing several of them with lightning flash into underground tunnels, or when he out of the blue just appeared between advancing armies of men, dwarves and elves right before the Battle of Five Armies, his sneaky trip to Dol Guldur and offhand Aragorn's comment of how Gandalf travels 'Even if he was a day or two behind us at Bree, he could have arrived here first. He can ride very swiftly when need presses.' :). Anyway if you have remarks I'll gladly hear them.