Chapter 10 - The Journey Begins
The Dwarves were all gathered around Bilbos Dining table again waiting for their king. Just then Thorin took his seat at the head of the table" How fares the Lady Philicia" Balin asked Thorin? "She is resting. Master Baggins there will be no need to speak with the family you had chosen ." Thorin rested his tired hands on the table as he continued." She will be accompanying us to Erebor". Suddenly all the dwarves got quiet." What changed your mind uncle"? Kili asked all full of curiousity." She did, I will say no more on the matter." "Thorin not to pry but we all heard the lass what did she mean by coming thorough time and space to save your Durin, well you know." Bofar asked and soon as the question was voiced aloud everyone started talking at once. Suddenly Gandalf raised his voice and silenced the dwarves at once. 'Things were said in anger the other night let us not go back there again Thorin and the Lady Philicia have settled it now we leave it there". Gandalf cast a warning look on Thorin he nodded his head in understanding.
Gandalf upon hearing the dwarves talk about no way into the mountain pulled a key from his pocket. "How did come you by this?'' Thorin took the key from the wizard with complete amazement on his face. "If there is a key then there must be a keyhole!" Fili exclaimed. Gandalf told Thorin the key had been given to him by Thrain for safe keeping. After the shock of the key wore off Thorin still was not sure about having Bilbo as their burgler." Thorin " Gandalf started "You asked me to find the fourteenth member of this company and I choose Master Baggins. Besided Hobbits are extremly light on their feet and while the scent of dwarf, is familier to the dragon the smell of hobbit is all but unknown to him. "Gandalf stood as he made his point. "Thorin,you must trust me on this "The wizard said." Very well, we will do it your way" Thorin answered apprehensively. " Balin, give him the contract" Thorin said eying the wizard still. "It's just the usual stuff" Balin began handing the rolled piece of parchment to Bilbo." Expences, time required, funeral arrangements so forth and so forth," Bilbo walked away to review the legnthly contract mumbeling as he read it over." Thorin leaned into Gandalf "I can't gurantee his safety" Thorin wispered. "Understood" Gandalf answered."Nor will I be responsible for his fate" . "Agreed" the Gandalf half choked." Thorin,Should I draw one up for Lady Philica as well" Balin asked. "No that will not be necessary " Thorin answered. "She is not bound by anything more than secrecy"No one questioned their kings decision.
Bilbo was still in the other room reading the contract."Cash on delivery Fourteenth share of the treasure, laserations , incineration. He looked at Thorin " Will melt the flesh off your bones" Nori said .Suddenly Bilbo was fanning himself." I need air" All the dwarves had their eyes on the small hobbit,one if them asked Bilbo if he was alright. "No"then he hit the floor in a faint. Bilbo came too sitting on his armchair with a hot cup of tea . " I cannot sighn it " he said sipping his tea. Meanwhile Thorin and Balin were in the hallway Balin was sitting on a stool ,Thorin standing over him. " You have done right by our people Thorin , you have made a comfortable life for us in the Blue Mountains. We could ask no more than that from you" Balin waited. "Thorin pulled out the key and held it up to him."From my father this has come to me, for me their is no other choice. When we started this I asked for no more than loyalty , honor and a willing heart." Balin said no more knowing that Thorin there was no sweying him in his decision to march upon the mountain. Later on the company was getting things ready for the night beds were set out pillows fluffed bags packed. All was quiet Thorin was in the den his massive arm resting on the fireplace mantle . Memories of Erebor in it's days of glory and prosperity assulted his memory a mighty kingdom gone in but one day. Suddenly he started to hum.
Far over The Misty Mountains cold
to dungons deep and caverns old
we must away er break of day
to find our long forgotten gold.
Philicia hearing Thorin sing took off out of her bedroom her heart full of a new respect for the Dwarves. Suddenly she started singing where Thorin left off.
Some folks they never forget
some kind they never forgive
havn't seen the backs of us yet
we'll fight as long as we live
all eyes on the hidden door.
She finished the song leaving the dwarves astounded . "That is a might pretty song lass" Dwalin said patting Philicias Shoulder." Thank you" I'm glad you like it. She had remembered the song from The Unexpected journey and couldn't help but join in on Thorins song. Philicia went to him and wrapped her arms around his waist lyin her head against him. The smell of pipe smoke filled the room as one by one the dwarves turned in for the night. Pilicia stood behind Thorin her arms locked around him."Are you ok ",she asked " Just a little concerned for tomorrow, for you," he said. " I will be fine I know what happens when and where so don't worry ok" "You had best get some rest we will be leaving early. I will be there shortly." K" she let go and went to the kitchen for some water then returned to the room and waited for Thorin . She was just dozing off when she heard him come over to the bed. He slipped his boots off, pulled the mail shirt off next then only in his underclothes and shirt he pulled her into his arms" I have missed this " he said as his fingers traced little circles up and down her bare arm."Me too ,I havn't slept good for the last two nights" She breathed hugging the Dwarf King tighter."Philicia ,where did you learn the kazadul word for I love you" I heard it from you know." She stopped.' Ah, yes your world." Thorin placed a soft kiss upon her lips." Let us never disagree like that again "He kissed her once gently nipping at her botom lip. " Thorin I know you are afraid but I am too I have to be there to guide you in this and yes I might get hurt but I am willing to take that chance. I a terrified of this but I am more scared of losing you. On Ravenhill when the battle comes. Please I have to do this "She grabbed his face between both her hands " I need to do this for you, for Fili, for KIli".There is no other way. No other choice." Thorin listend as she poured all the pain that was in her heart out upon his sholder heavy sobs wracking her body. Thorin held her tight in his embrace knowing full well she was right if they were going to stand a chance she had to go regardless.
Morning came and Bag End was a hustle and bustle Philicia was in the kitchen helping Bombar with breakfast rolling out roundes flat bread and then placing it on a hot griddle to cook. "You scramble the eggs while I fry the sausage"she directed. After that was done she showed Bonbar how to roll the filling in the flat bread she had called them breakfast burritos and they were mightly delicious. The food was them placed in bags wrapped tightly to keep them warm. "While they were getting breakfast ready Ori and Nori along with Bifer and Dwalin went to get the Ponies. They cleaned up Bilbos house spotless then with all the bed rolls, bags and food packed They all quietly walked out the door . The Ponies were restless sencing the excitement in the company. "I can't ride a horse Thorin" Philicia said eying the pony as she studied how easily all had hoisted themselves up and into the saddles"The only pony I have ever rode was a Shetland when I was a child". Thorin not saying a word scooped Philicia up and placed her in front of him. "You will ride with me" he said. "Let us er away" He said. So what a sight they made Thirteen dwarves a human girl and a wizard all making their way down The Great East Road leaving the little Village of Hobbiton behind them" Philicia" Thorin asked" The rest of the company is taking bets weather The Hobbit will show up or not" And you want me to tell you".She laughed her heart felling light ."Yes I do". Well Thorin Oakenshield i'm not going to, you have to use your own judgement in this one".She laughed as he made a comment about stubborn females.
They traveled along the flat winding dirt road the morning sun hitting them in the face constantly. Thorin raised his hand up and cupped it over his forehead trying to shield his eyes from the blinding light." You alright" Philicia asked turning around to face him." I will be glad for the sun to move higher then maybe I will be able to see two feet in front of me" he barked." I think I might have something that will help". "Hand me my purse will ya" Thorin reached around and gave her the strange bag she carried with her, everywhere." Here try these" She said handing Thorin a pair of sunglasses."What are these" he asked examining them carefully. "Lets just say they are hi tech spectacles. " Philicia laughed at his puzzled look. Thorin slipped the shades over his eyes and when next he looked up everything was a little darker" These are magnificent from where did you get them"? He removed the sunglasses then put them back on again. " I got them at the mall in Woodland Hills."she answered turning around to see how they looked adorned upon the dwarf kings face. "Not bad. not bad at all." Philicia giggled ."What is so funny" he said. "Well you really look the kingly part now. With those dark shades all you need now is a three piece suit and tie" Thorin was not amused at her joke" I am a king you would be best not to forget that." Philicia was quiet for a minute" Yes ,you are a king and on your way to take back your kingdom". All was quiet between them after that. They traveled eastward as the rolling green hills were splayed out before them .Trees lining the road from both sides flowers shrubes and every king of vegetation you could imagine was to the side if the road. Just then There was a voice calling " Wait , wait. From behind Bilbo was running trying to catch up to them. Thorin raised his hand in the air signaling everyone to stop." I signed it" He said out of breath. " Balin checked it over" Everything appears to be in order" He said smiling at the leader." Welcome Master Baggins to the company of Thorin Oakenshield" "Give him a pony"Thorin remarked."Oh no thats not nec-" suddenly he was pulled up on both sides and placed in the saddle of the pack horse. All the dwarves started throwing sacks at each other murmering amoung themselves."Whats going on" Bilbo asked bewildered."They took wagers Master Baggins. Gandalf explained catching his own winnings." See Thorin aint you glad you listend to me. I said he would show up didn't I". Philicia turned and smiled at him." Indeed you did I will have to remember to heed your advise in the future." She took his hand in hers " thats why i'm here for you , Fili and Kili." Thorin intertwined their hands together as they rode onward. They had been riding for a few hours when everyone started getting restless some of the company needed to tend the call of nature and since there was a woman traveling with them that could not be done while in the saddle. "Thorin we need to stop "Philicia said." We do not stop till I say so" "Thorin" she said more forcefully "we have to stop" "Why " the Dwarf King asked clearly annoyed" Thorin"she raised her voice" If you don't stop this horse i 'm going to have an accident all over this horse and you too". Thorin getting her meaning halted the company . As soon as the pony stopped Philicia jumped off and made a mad dash for the bushes. "Do not go too far " He informed her. " I need my bag " she said bobbing her head out form a bush. Thorin walked over to her with a white roll of tissue paper knowing exactly what she asked for. After everyone took care of business they stayed to eat a little lunch. The burritos that Philica and Bombar had made that morning were gone quickly. Fresh fruit was picked for snacks along the road should anyone get hungry. A quick break and they were on their way again. "Mid day turned into afternoon all were tired and sore from the long ride." Where will we make camp at Thorin" Phlicia asked as the green hills turned into thicker forest . "We will stop in Bree for the night .There are a few desent places there." "That sounds like a good plan to me ." Philicia was in reality ready to collapse alll she wanted to do is take a hot bath eat and go to sleep but she kept her thoughts to herself. She didn't want Thorin second guessing his choice to bring her along. As the afternoon turned to evening the company finally reached the gates of Bree.