Chapter 36

With the Dwarves

They had been marched through what felt like miles of tunnels and empty caves until they reached a section of the mountain that led out to an overgrown hollow. It was a strange contrast to go from walking on stone, to moss and then to grass so quickly.

Sun streamed down upon them – a lovely feeling after being so long inside when they had all grown accustomed to being outside constantly during their journey…after all no one had really had the presence of mind to appreciate the outdoors during their escape attempt – it was as though someone had just scooped out a side of the mountain range.

Azog who had stalked ahead of them (leaving them to be guided by the Goblins) was snarling to the large white beast they knew was his Warg. The animal yipped and ducked almost playfully, until its eyes turned on them.

It's whole attitude changed. It ducked low, ears flattening, snarling in a manner that told them they would be its next meal if they got any closer. More than one of them tried to back up only to trip over a Company member crowding in on them from behind to get a better view.

The whole grotto seemed to be swarming with Wargs of all sizes. Some with their heads coming to Azog's shoulders. Others small and lean. Basking in the shadows of trees and bushes.

Orcs too.

They were training with each other, or…was that one sleeping?

It was a shock to all the Dwarves to see these creatures in such a peaceful environment. What other shocks were in stall for them before this journey ended?

The Company stood in the passage like children sent from the school room in disgrace after Azog had gone storming into the Goblin guarded chamber. Other Goblin guards stood about them, no longer as tense or as ready to stab them through the heart with a spear if they sneezed as they had been.

A good thing about an alliance, they supposed, the risk of being killed decreased some.

"Well, I thought the Wargs were almost friendly," Bofur announced, breaking the silence. His usual chipper spirits nearly fully returned thanks to the warm meals they were now receiving more regularly and on a larger scale than during their journey so far.

Scoffing and harsh chuckles erupted from more than one member of the Company at the thought of the giant dogs that they had been forced to meet not many minutes before.

Several of the Company gulped at the thought of having to ride the animals that came a hand – or more - taller than any pony any of them had rode on their journey so far.

"When they're no trying to tear you limb from limb they are like pups, no?" he added, but no one was paying attention now, to busy trying to hear what was happening in the chamber they had been left outside of.

They had been unable to hear anything over the sound of their boots hitting the stone floor and echoing around them but now that they had finally come to a stop the muffled sounds of speaking could be heard from the chamber.

Balin waved at the few who had been paying attention to Bofur and were still speakin to be quiet and strained to hear what was happening. There was some kind of animal in there, he was certain of it.

Just as he thought he was finally able to decipher some words from among the shrieking there came a terrific roar from the chamber. It echoed about them, causing some of the Company to cower away from the noise as it bounced around them.

Multiple snarls and growls now filled the air, the Goblin guards who had been left to watch over them fidgeted uncomfortably, shifting from one bare foot to the other, their knuckles whitening as their grips tightened on spears and torches.

A high scream cut through the animal sounds and seemed to make up the minds of the Goblins.

They ran for the entrance to the room as young Ori whispered in horror.

"That was Bilbo,"

They were unguarded. No one was watching them. There was obviously a mess in the making in the chamber. Now was there time to run and they would not be caught this time. They would make sure of it. No more alliance. No more Goblins or Orcs.

In one moment they looked to one another, silently weighing up their options.

The sounds of struggles and fighting continued in the room.

As one they ran into the fray.

Chaos.

For a moment none of the Company knew just who the enemy was – torches being knocked from their stands and extinguished by treading feet didn't help the matter of identification much either.

During their days of treaty making and planning with Bilbo they had all come to realise – grudgingly – that all of the Goblins were extremely loyal to their queen. The little Hobbit seemed to have them all wrapped around her dainty little finger. The Orcs also displayed a brand of loyalty and obedience none of the Dwarves would ever expect from such a race – but whither that was because of Azog's influence or on her own merit they couldn't tell.

So, they situation they now faced confused the somewhat.

The Goblins were fighting each other, tearing into one another with claws and teeth, drawing blood and ripping flesh in a savage display. Goblins who were not fighting their own kind were ganging up on the hand full of Orcs that had shadowed Azog.

They attacked the much larger creatures in groups. Some hanging from necks and chests – more than one diligent Goblin was gnawing on an Orc leg if there was no room further up the body.

This was not what they had expected to see at all. Had the Orcs turned traitor for the Goblins to be behaving so.

No. There was Azog, his massive ghostly figure towering over even the other Orcs, his teeth bared in a feral snarl, his metal limb shining with blood in the light – the victim lay not three feet away from the Orc leader, clutching at his injury.

Behind Azog was Bilbo, her eyes wide, her face pale, blood running from an injury above her eye, leaving a crimson trail to her chin.

She was injured.

Had that been the cause of the scream that has sent them running blinding into this mess?

All eye turned to Thorin, who with a decisive jerk of his head sent them on their way.

They ducked and weaved through the thrashing bodies, swiping dropped weapons from the ground.

One by one, all armed, they joined Azog in front of Bilbo, lacing themselves between the Queen and the fighting.

It wasn't until they stood facing the commotion that they realised just what was happening. The Orcs – one of them struggling to shake an over eager Goblin from his head – were trying and succeeding slowly in getting closer to Bilbo.

Just what had happened for Azog to be left standing between Bilbo and his Orcs – as well as some of the Goblins?

The Dwarves braced themselves, all anger and animosity put aside for the moment in the in the face of protecting the woman they had travelled with for months from danger.

They were so focused on the struggles in front of them no one noticed the shadow that hugged the wall of the cavern, working its way around the edge of the Company and behind the Hobbit.

Look at that. The Company isn't so bad after all, but there still not too happy with playing nice with the Orcs and Goblins.

I am sorry - again - for the delay with the chapter. I have encountered some...plot problems (again) and have had to rework a few plans and actual chapters that are to come in the future and I haven't wanted to post anything until I was sure I had got my head around some things. Anyway, I think I have. At least for the next few chapters anyway. :)

Please let me know what you think :)

I will try to have the next chapter out by the weekend. Friday or Saturday night, so keep your eyes peeled. ;)

Take care everyone.

:)