Chapter 16
Bilbo scrambled over the rocks and slid through the bushes as silently as a mouse. The next argument had come sooner than anyone, except Gandalf and Nori, had anticipated.
Gandalf claimed that Bilbo would be the best option for scout. Thorin had become increasingly protective of Bilbo ever since he discovered who Bilbo was.
Obviously, Thorin had put up a fight.
Bilbo had finally just scurried off while Gandalf and Thorin were arguing. Now, he was sneaking up to a boulder. Peaking over it, he saw a huge, white warg with the Pale Orc sitting on it. He was surrounded by at least thirty other Orcs and their mounts.
Bilbo groaned to himself only to freeze when he saw something else. An enormous, black bear. It was watching the Orc pack and snarling. Bilbo's heart leaped in his throat. He scampered back to the Dwarves.
Thorin immediately grabbed him and scanned him for cuts, bruises, anything that might cause his son physical unease. Bilbo huffed and pulled away from his increasingly clingy father.
"The pack is not far from us. Their numbers have grown since we last saw them. Roughly thirty of them." Dwalin growled.
Thorin sighed. "Did they notice you?"
Bilbo shook his head. "No, but-"
Gandalf grinned. "There! What did I tell you? Hobbits are exceptionally light on their feet, far more silent than even an Elf!"
All the Dwarves agreed. Thorin gave Bilbo a proud smile. Bilbo sighed in exasperation. "I am trying to tell you that there is something else out there!"
Thorin frowned sharply. "What is it?"
"It was an enormous, black bear!" Bilbo didn't notice Gandalf's face change to one of thoughtfulness. "Its focus was entirely on the Orcs."
Gandalf cleared his throat. "We must find cover. I know of someone who might give that cover to us. His house is not far from where we are."
Thorin stepped closer to his son. "Who's house?! Is he friend or foe?" Exhaustion was clear in his voice. Bilbo frowned. Thorin was usually so careful about his countenance.
Gandalf smiled hesitantly. "Neither. He hates the Shadows, but he also doesn't care much for other inhabitants of this land. In fact, we need to approach him with extreme caution. So, I have decided on a little plan."
Gandalf stilled when he heard a warg howl. "Not right now though. Let's hurry! It's this way!" He quickly started running. The Dwarves groaned but followed. Thorin noticed that Bilbo was limping, so he motioned for Dwalin to carry him. He would have Oin look over Bilbo's feet at the next opportunity.
"Dwalin! Put me down!" Kíli snickered with Fíli at their cousin's situation. Bilbo roared in Khuzdul in an almost uncanny imitation of his father, "Dwalin, you beardless son of an Orc! Put me down this instant, or I'll dull your axes on your head!" The Dwarves started laughing, slapping Thorin on the back as they ran.
"Perfect insults!"
"He'll make a Dwarf yet!"
"Screams just like you!"
"You should be proud!"
Bilbo continued to pummel poor Dwalin on the back, but Dwalin just chuckled and kept up with the rest of the Company. Thorin was hiding a proud smile in his beard.
Speaking of beards, Bilbo's was coming along quite nicely. Thorin looked over his should and nodded. His son would have a very thick, dark blond beard very soon. It was already as long as Dori's. Thorin smiled. He would have to make sure that Bilbo wouldn't shave that beauty off. It would catch many Dams. Thorin almost froze. How could he have forgotten?!
SUITORS!
While Thorin was having his mental meltdown, Bilbo growled and huffed until Dwalin finally set him down when Gandalf finally called the company to halt. "We are now on his lands. The Orcs won't follow us here. Our possible host is called Beorn. He lives alone with his animals." He gave the Dwarves a sharp look. "Touch nothing unless he or I allow it. Harm no creature unless it is obviously attacking you."
They all nodded gravely. Bilbo glared at Dwalin and moved closer to Gandalf, deeming all the Dwarves as 'traitors' and 'not to be trusted'.
Thorin smirked. He frowned as a thought came to him. "Gandalf, what was your plan?"
"Beorn doesn't like company much, but he does like a good story. And let me tell you, we have a good story. I will speak to him and tell him our tale, and I want each of you to count to two hundred then walk into the clearing by twos." Gandalf nodded. "First will be Thorin and Dori. Then Nori and Ori. Balin and Dwalin will come next. Fíli and Kíli will follow. Oin and Gloin will be next. Finally Bifur and Bofur. Bombur is fat enough to be counted for two." Gandalf spoke over the insulted Dwarf's cries.
Thorin frowned. "And where will Bilbo be?"
Gandalf sighed. "With me. We shall go first and-"
"No."
"Father!"
"Thorin be reasonable! Bilbo will be in very good hands. I will make sure that Beorn will not hurt him. Besides, look at the state of Bilbo's feet. He needs to sit down as soon as possible, not be standing around waiting for his moment to walk into Beorn's halls!"
Thorin grumbled. "Then you and I and Bilbo will walk in together."
Gandalf was already shaking his head. "No. Beorn will recognize you too easily for that. No. He will be more willing to listen if he first meets those he does not know."
Thorin couldn't argue with that and so, all the Dwarves found themselves hiding in the bushes waiting for their turn while Gandalf wove a ridiculous tale, slowly increasing the number of their party.
