And another chapter. I know this one is shorter than my usual ones but it suited the best for the plot. I'll put up another chapter as well so you'll get to read a little more of my story :)

Under Attack!

Chapter 14:

Bilbo was walking in the middle of the group with Thorin's nephews again. He noticed the quick concerned glances they were exchanging but did not say anything. He knew they were quite worried about their uncle pushing himself to the end of his strength but he also knew that Thorin was right in making them move. Orcs were fast on foot and even faster on Wargs. If they found their scent it might not end as well as it did last time.

When they made camp for this night Bilbo was sore from the long walking and he fell to the ground with a thud. He could not understand how Thorin had made it so far with all the injuries he had been suffering from. He must have been nearly unconscious at the end.

He looked over to the leader of the company still standing in the pale moonlight. Thorin seemed to be far away, his eyes were not directed at anything in front of him. Then Balin came to stand next to him and put a hand on his old friends shoulder and suddenly he jerked back.

"Whoa, careful there!" Dwalin's voice came from the other end of camp where he was helping Bofur to lie out all their bed rolls.

Thorin found his balance again but had now a painful expression on his face.

"Is everything alright?" Balin asked.

"Yes", came the short reply.

Nevertheless Balin took his friend's arm and helped him to sit down near the fire Oin and Gloin had built.

Bilbo concentrated on his task again and went on to help Bombur with their food.

Dwalin had seen in what state Thorin had been walking in the last few hours. His friend was barely

conscious, not aware of his surroundings. He just walked and retreated to the inner strength he had. He knew

how that felt because that was the way he overcame his weakness as well. Apparently Balin had forgotten about the state an injured warrior can be in when asked to do more than he is capable of at the moment. With worry he saw how his brother woke Thorin and expected the sudden reaction of his friend. He spoke to reassure him that there was no harm near.

When he finished lying out their bedrolls he made his way over to Thorin still sitting at the same spot.

"Do you want anything to eat?"

"No", Thorin answered gruffly.

"But you need to eat something, you haven't fully recovered yet. You'll need your strength in the next few days."

"I am not hungry, Dwalin!"

"Okey, what is wrong? Something must have happened."

"It's nothing", Thorin replied.

"Come on, you can tell me."

Thorin was looking around the camp and then noticed his nephews standing together. Dwalin caught his look and

frowned.

"What is wrong with the lads?"

"Oh, nothing. When we reached this clearing I had the feeling that we're being watched. But it is nothing, it can't be.

We made so much progress during the days. The Orcs must have fallen behind if not lost us."

"You think they found our trail and are following us now to avenge their fallen leader?"

"Yes, that is what I fear."

I hope you still like my story. Please do tell me if there is anything amiss. I'd love to hear from you. :)