Chapter 10

I was placed on the back of another eagle. As soon as I was able I took my cloak and ripped it. I bound my wound and managed to stop the bleeding.

"Thorin!" Fili shouted.

I looked over and searched for the eagle that bore Thorin. I gasped and tears fell as I saw Thorin in the talons of an eagle. He was not moving.

"No! Please no!" I cried.

We were flown to what was called the Carrock. As I landed Thorin was placed on the ground. I rushed forward with Gandalf.

"Thorin!"

Gandalf dropped down beside him and muttered a few words while passing his hand over Thorin's face. His eyes opened slowly and I smiled.

"The Halfling? Tawariell?" He breathed.

"All is well! They are here. They are safe." Gandalf said.

With the help of his nephews, Thorin stood. He looked upon me.

"You saved my life yet again. I heard you plead for my life with Azog, though in vain. I owe you my life." He said.

I smiled small.

"Azog killed my parents. He killed you grandfather and father. I would want to live so as to have my revenge." I said.

I swore I saw disappointment in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by gratitude.

"Thank you Tawariell of the Dúnedain."

He bowed and I bowed back. He then looked to Bilbo.

"What did you think you were doing!? You could have got yourself killed!"

I looked at Thorin in disbelief.

"I have said you should never have come, that you do not belong…." he said.

He walked towards Bilbo.

"I have never been so wrong!"

He hugged the little hobbit, who had a look of complete surprise on his face. I smiled. Thorin pulled back and smiled at the hobbit.

"I am sorry I doubted you."

"I would have doubted me too. I am not a hero. I have certainly never burgled a thing in my life." He said.

I laughed lightly at his words.

"Is that what I think it is?" Bilbo asked.

We all looked over the horizon and smiled.

"Erebor. Our home." Thorin said.

I stood up, painfully, but I still stood and walked over to the others. I could see the Mountain. We still had a long way to go, but seeing it so close compared to before…..it gave us hope.

"Tawariell you are hurt!" Ori said.

They all turned and looked to me. I removed my hand from my side.

"It is nothing." I said.

I looked to Gandalf for hope, but the traitor insisted on having my wound checked.

"What weapon did this to you?" He asked.

"A small knife….ow!"

Gandalf was re-wrapping my wound.

"It was poisoned."

Oh lovely! Just the sort of news I wished to hear!

"We have to get her help!" Thorin said.

I looked at him in surprise. There was a great deal of concern in his voice. The wizard nodded.

"Quite right. We shall have to travel through the night.."

"Enough talk! We must hurry!" Thorin said.

They all agreed and with the help of Gandalf I stood up and we made our way down the great stone steps of the Carrock. The pain spread though my body slowly, but effectively. I was hardly able to walk, but I would not let this slow me down.

"How far Gandalf?" Bilbo asked.

"Not far! We are at the end of his Bee Pastures." answered Gandalf.

Gandalf had said he was taking us to a great man by the name of Beorn. I had not heard the name before now. He was a skin-changer. The wizard said he could be a great black bear at times and at others a man with a great black beard and strong arms.

"We cannot all simply appear at his door at once! I shall go first with Tawariell and Mr. Baggins…"

"I go with you!" came Thorin's voice.

I could tell by the tone of Thorin's voice that he would argue if Gandalf objected.

"Very well. Come in pairs when I whistle then you must wait five minutes and then the next two come. Bombur shall come alone and last!"

We started to walk again.

"We are close now Tawariell! Hold on!" came Gandalf's voice.

I kept going and soon we stopped.

"Ah here they are! They do not look dangerous. Off you go!" came a deep commanding voice.

"Who are you and what do you want?"

I guessed this to be the voice of Beorn.

"Our companion had been poisoned! Please she need aid." Thorin said.

A pair of large, strong arms gently picked me up and carried me away.

"You had better come inside. You may tell me your tale whilst I help her." Beorn said.

I could no longer keep my eyes open. It was becoming difficult to breath and I felt hot and then freezing cold. I could hear Gandalf telling the tale of how we all ended up here in Beorn's lands. I tried to hold onto his voice and keep from falling asleep but it was becoming difficult. Finally I could hold on no longer and my eyes closed and I heard no more.