I wake up early the next morning and after quickly preparing a travel pack and fastening my weapons all around my body, I go downstairs. Tip-toeing into the living room I find that all the dwarves are still sleeping soundly – some snoring pretty intensely. The room is bathed in darkness as the sun hasn't risen yet, so I let them rest and go to the kitchen. After making sure that the breakfast is cooking and the fire will turn itself down when the food is ready, I check whether my staff and sword are comfortably fastened on my back and exit the house through the back door. The grass is still drenched in dew and the air is fresh and nipping. I take a few deep gulps before striding towards the forest. My squad is positioned around the border but before going to check what has happened during the night, I stride around the woods in search of a forester, whose help I will need throughout the day. Soon I find the cave and, pulling my staff from its belt, I hit the ground three times. For a second nothing happens, but then a low growl erupts from within and the distinguishable clatter of claws echoes. The first rays of the sun are soon to appear and I know that there are no minutes to spear right now.
"Why did you summon me, Ice Witch?" a voice, deep and animalistic, growls from within.
"I came to collect your debt, Fenrir." my voice is clear and strong, filled with power, yet neither rude, nor commanding.
A flash of green slips past the darkness of the cave and a strange sound comes from within. It takes me a moment to realise that it is laughter – it sounds like someone is choking on a bone.
"And for what shall you need me, Witch?"
"To kill some Orcs. You still hold a grudge against them, I presume?" leaning casually on my staff I try not to show that I'm in a hurry.
Fenrir, the last Dire wolf, has been residing in this cave ever since I came and took the land. Our dealings reach the level of acknowledgement of the other and not meddling in their business. Yet once he had no other choice but to ask me for a favour, in exchange for one on his own. Since he's the great beast in front of which everybody trembles, he most probably didn't expect me to come to him any time soon.
"I'm in a hurry, Fenrir. Are you coming or you'd prefer to stay in your cave and let the Orcs burn the forest down to the ground?" I'm betting against my luck with my rather irritated tone, but I know soon the dwarves will be up and I must be ready to clear their path.
"Don't try my patience, Witch!" he growls and finally his head emerges from within the cave.
I'm barely reaching his eye-level and that's mostly due to his halfway kneeled position. Fenrir's massive muzzle with clear snow-white fur, flashing green eyes and a mouth filled with dagger-like teeth ends up barely a hand away from me. If he wishes with a simple snap he can cut me in half.
"What is that you seek of me, Isis?" this time there's no arrogance, yet animalistic need to kill.
"A group of dwarves, a hobbit and a wizard need to run away from here. On our borders there are around thirty or so Orcs, ready to kill them. We must take care of them and offer the dwarves a clear exit until their reach the hidden passage leading to Rivendell. "
"And then I'm free from your hold?" he tilts his head to the side and bares his teeth at me in a terrifying sort of a smile.
"Aye. I'll leave you to prepare. Come at my house in an hour."
With that I bow my head, turn around and leave.
My next stop is near the west border, from where I have the chance to spy on the small army of Orcs that has gathered during the night. Unfortunately they aren't alone – there are quite a few Wargs present and I have a bad feeling more are lurking around.
"They seem ready to move…" I muse and frown.
"Assemble the others. Meet me at the house in an hour." I command the ice soldier next to me and leave.
The trek back home seems rather short as I keep a fast pace and only throw sideway glances at the darkened trees and dried patches of ground here and there. Fortunately I don't run into any spiders as I go along, only some pretty thick webs. By the time I reach the house the sun has almost completely risen, bathing the land in orange and pink hues. I let myself admire the scenery for a second before continuing my walk. The front door opens on its own when I near it and upon entering the living room I notice that the table is piled up with food and the dwarves are expecting me. I take off my hood that kept my auburn hair away from the moisture and nod in salute.
"Where have ya been, lass? We got worried!" Balin, the fair-spoken of the group, says.
I give them a small smile before I nod towards the food.
"Help yourselves. We are leaving soon and you'll need all the strength you can muster. Take as much as you think you can carry for your journey."
With that I run up the stairs and into my room. There are a few things I need to add to my bag – some herbs and bandages, a few small daggers, another set of clothes, clean socks and my whetstone. After that I check if my sword, quite the big fella, is still fastened well enough on my back so that it wouldn't fall down. I do the same with my staff. Then I take a look in the mirror and realise that I cannot go in battle with my long hair out in the open. So with a sigh I quickly braid it in a nice simple braid, with only a few stubborn strands loose.
"Will do." I mutter and grab my bag.
Running down the stairs I throw the bag near my chair and take a sit. I put some eggs, vegetables and three pancakes in my plate.
"Who… who eats steak for breakfast?" I ask before quickly devouring the eggs.
Bombur, the same dwarf whose drink froze in his mouth, takes a nice big bite from his piece of nicely cooked meat and smiles at me while chewing.
"Fair enough." I say and continue eating, all the meanwhile talking with Gandalf, who is sitting across the table.
"We'll clear your way as far south as we can. Yet, in any case, don't stop running. My soldiers may be hard to destroy but those Wargs seemed pretty gruff half an hour ago."
By the hearing on those creatures' name, the whole group grows silent. I look at them and see the fear that creeps in their eyes. Even Thorin seems worried.
"Like I said – just run. Leave the rest to us. We'll take good care of the Orcs and their pups." with that I quickly eat my last pancake and put the cutlery down.
"When did you manage to…" Bilbo seems amazed by the speed with which I ate everything in my plate.
"I have a fast metabolism, Master Baggings. I can eat twice my weight in less than twenty minutes and be good to go. Now, if I'm not mistaken, it is time to go."
With that they all rise simultaneously and start preparing. As I look at them, I can't help but notice how well they work together, despite the chaos of one throwing something to another. In less than five minutes they are ready and we exit the house. Outside, all ten of my ice soldiers are waiting in two lines. Made completely from magical ice, they don't melt or break as easily as the normal one would. I created them big and with a heavy build, with a pair of twin swords each and only three with a bow. Only Gandalf is as tall as them, and that's with his hat on. Me, on the other side, am rather short by birth so I'm only reaching my soldiers' upper arms. Which still makes me taller than a dwarf. Even Thorin, the tallest of his kin, barely reaches my eye-level.
"So what's the plan again?" asks Kili as he eyes the giant ice figures with caution.
"They'll lead you through the forest and protect you when the Orcs come. You just need to watch where you are going, nothing more – they'll tag along until they're ordered otherwise."
"And you?" Thorin narrows his eyes at me.
"I, Thorin, will be right behind you. Worry not, I won't let you be chased by Wargs without doing something about it. I'll just wait for one more… assistant."
"We should probably leave then. Use the advantage while we still have it." the sternness in his voice and the clenched fists give away Thorin's worry and I can't help but admit that maybe my first impression of him was wrong – he seems to care big deal about everyone in this group.
"Just a second." Bilbo chips and as the others walk forward, he comes to me.
"What is it, Master Baggings?" I ask in a mild tone.
"What changed your mind? You said you'd offer us food, nothing more. So, why risk your life now?" His concentrated expression, furrowed brows and the nervous tapping of his foot indicate his inner battle.
"Because, despite my pessimism, I know that Gandalf is right. The prophecy will come true and the dwarves will reclaim their mountain. I was there when Smaug arrived and destroyed everything. Now I want to be there when he dies." I admit and look the hobbit straight in the eyes.
"Well… I guess that works as well."
I smile at him and rummage through my pockets until I find what I seek.
"Here, take this." and I hand him a small icicle in the form of a flute.
"W-what's this?" he shutters as his eyes grow big by the sheer sight of it.
"It works like a battle horn. You can control the ice warriors when I'm not around and with it you can call for my help. Just use it and think of me and I'll come." I smile and push him towards the rest. "Now go, before they become impatient."
Bilbo nods and quickly hides the small flute in his front pocket.
"Assemble!" by my command the warriors straighten up.
"First row – step ahead." they oblige immediately. "You'll lead the group out of the forest, through the safe paths, and protect all of them at any cost. Then you head south and any alleged enemy is to be taken down and killed. I wish no Orc or Warg to lay even a finger on them. That's an order. Now go!"
In an instance they turn around and march ahead, forming a circle around the group. Soon all of them disappear into the forest under the rays of the sun.
No more than five minutes later, which to me seemed like hours, there's a rustling in the bushes and I turn around, only to see Fenrir finally arriving. 'Took him long enough!' I fume.
"Where are those dwarves you spoke of?" he sniffs the air and looks around.
"They went ahead with half my soldiers. We must follow them. The Wargs-"
"Have already sensed them for sure." he interrupts me.
"Then we must go." I near him and tilt my head. "No matter how unpleasant it may be for both of us, I must ride you and you mustn't think twice before killing a Warg."
"I never would, Ice Witch." he bares his sharp teeth at me and I frown.
"And keep in mind that I'll be on you back – try not to throw me off." I warn as I near him even more.
"Ah… will try." his voice rumbles somewhere from within and my frown deepens.
Yet he lies down so that I can straddle his back and quickly rises up, almost making me fall.
"Grab tight." he warns and I can feel all his muscles moving underneath me.
"Get ready. We run after the group. Kill any Orc or Warg that comes in your way and protect the party." I order the soldiers that stayed here.
And just like that Fenrir dashes forward. I barely manage to keep myself on his back, as he runs with great speed, jumping over any obstacle without even slowing down. It takes me the whole trek out of the forest, with the warriors running effortlessly next to us, to finally manage to get used to the constant jolting.
Good for which, 'cus by the time we near the company the Orcs and Wargs are everywhere. I spot Radagast the Brown on his Rhosgobel Rabbits-pulled sled riding off some of the enemy. In the distance Gandalf's pointy hat is moving ahead and a few feet behind him one of my soldiers fights off a Warg.
"Well this will be interesting…" I mutter and the wolf underneath me rumbles something that can be taken as a sign of approval.
"Soldiers, attack!" that is the only command they need before scattering and killing any enemy that comes their way.
"Hold tight, Isis." that's the only warning I get before Fenrir dashes forward with a fierce howl.
With one hand tightly fisted in his fur, I use the other to slay Orcs as we go. My sword, despite its heavy-looking build, is quite light and easy to fight with. So I duck and slash in almost equal intervals all the meanwhile keeping an eye for Gandalf's pointy hat – the only thing I manage to see.
Soon Fenrir and I reach the running dwarves that are now almost cornered by five Orcs and their Wargs.
"Play around to your heart's delight." I bend down and whisper in Fenrir's ear before jumping off his back.
The Great Dire wolf launches itself at an Orc and pushes it to the ground. I waste no time and quickly use my sword to slay its Warg. Yet the other Orc that jumps from behind it, I didn't see in time. Barely managing to throw myself to the ground, I miss its sword by little. The hideous creature turns to me, preparing for a jump, when an arrow pierces its skull. When the bulk of meat tumbles down, I see that Kili came to my rescue. With a nod I jump on my feet, grab my sword and rush into battle.
"Gandalf!" I yell, after slaying quite the pesky Orc, successfully attracting his attention.
"Ahead and right! The pointy rock!" I shout and duck, as a jagged sword flies towards my head.
"Follow me!" Gandalf's voice bellows and he rushes off, the dwarves hot on his heels.
I quickly make a decision to follow them. As we run ahead, I spot Radagast still being chased by a few Wargs and Orcs, who are either too dump to understand what he's doing, or just love rabbit meat. Either way I keep on running at the end of the group, fighting off any Orc that comes close.
"Here! Fast!" finally Gandalf finds the slit in the ground, the tunnel that will lead them to Rivendell.
I stand my ground against one pretty big Orc who seems to have a fetish for strangely looking maces. He tries to blow my head away, yet I keep ducking and slicing his legs with my sword. Finally I spot an opening and slice his head off.
"Quick! Isis!" I hear Gandalf's hushed voice and I run to his side.
Thorin in still next to him, helping Dwalin down. He looks at me and for a second and in his blue eyes I see gratitude and appreciation for what I have done.
"Go. I'll keep them occupied!" I urge them as another Orc comes at us. This time I'm quick to slice at his flesh and kick him away.
In the distance I spot a white furry figure running my way alongside four of my soldiers and another three coming from another direction.
"What do you mean? We are not leaving you here!" Thorin's emotions are quick to change and I can't help but chuckle.
"Don't worry, Thorin, we'll meet again. But for now our paths part here. Good luck!" and with that I run off, followed by two ice warriors on both my sides.
Fenrir intercepts me with a few wide jumps and I hop on his back in the second he stops to turn around. Without a word said, we run off, chasing away some of the Orcs.
"We have company." the wolf growls and I turn around, just in time to see Gandalf disappearing into the crevice and elf-horsemen appearing behind the hill.
Their arrows cut through the air and pierce the enemy. For now we are too far away for them to hit us, but I don't want to risk it, so I bend down and let Fenrir run.
It's more than an hour later when we finally stop near a river. Fenrir lies on his stomach, an indication for me to get off of his back, which proves to be more difficult than expected. After the long journey my legs are stiff and I can feel that my crotch area has gone numb. Nevertheless I move away from the fierce wolf and wobble towards the water with the clear intention to regain some of my mobility.
After walking around for a little bit and splashing some water on my face, I proceed to clean my sword and some on the blood blotches I have on my thigh-high boots. The wind blows warm and welcoming, bringing along the characteristic odour for these parts of the world where it is still summer.
I admire the weather for a few more moments, before finally looking back at Fenrir. He's lying under a nearby tree, hiding in its shade, and his watchful green eyes don't miss even the slightest movement.
"Why haven't you run off by now, Fenrir?" I ask in a mild tone, out of boredom rather than insolence.
He growls lightly and lifts his giant muzzle, sniffing the air, before lying down again and hooding his eyes.
"The forest is no longer a place to stay. There's little point going there now, when you and your ice figures aren't around to chaise the spiders away." his deep, raspy voice rumbles.
"Aye, yet you can go wherever you want." I press some more, all the meanwhile keeping an eye for any unexpected movements.
"You and I both know why, Witch. The wind is blowing battle and death our way – I see fit to not get in its way."
"So you can sense it too? The black magic that reeks from Dol Guldur? " I'm not that amazed by this revelation as the wolf has lived long enough to know when danger looms close-by.
"Indeed. The darkness has once again spawned in that cursed place."
I only nod in agreement, having little to no memory about the battle that was led there against Sauron.
"And you? Where to?" his unexpected chattiness almost makes me drop my staff.
"Since when did you become so friendly?" I raise an eyebrow his way and smile.
The Dire wolf gives a sound that resembles a huff, but comes out more like a choked groan.
"Anyway. I'm following the dwarves. If I'm not mistaken they're headed for the Misty Mountains. I may come across them if I leave soon."
This time Fenrir directly laughs in my face, his huge mouth wide open, showing off a set of sharp, long canines.
"What's so funny?" I ask, trying to sustain the hiss in my voice.
"You, Ice Witch. The dwarves are going to try and reclaim that gold mine, Erebor, and that's their stupidity to deal with. But you? What doings do you have so far south? There are no allies of yours there. " his narrowed eyes manage to unnerve me and I fidget with one of my daggers, spinning it around in my hands.
"I want that drake death. The dwarves and their gold, as you so kindly put it, are their dealings."
This time the horrifying sound that comes from the beast's mouth makes the hairs on my neck stand up and all my muscles tense. It's a mortifying mixture of a howl and a demonic sneer.
"Smaug is not that easy to take down and you know that first hand, Witch."
"Nevertheless, I'm tired of hiding. You said it yourself – there's something evil that is brooding in the north. Action must be taken. One way or another, the war is inevitable. This time I'll just pick my side sooner."
"It seems like the losing one." the mock and laughter in the wolf's eyes ignites that icy heat deep in me.
As a result the temperature around us drops drastically and the once nice and warm breeze is now ice cold blizzard. The wolf's fur immediately stands up and his ears lay low on his head before he barks at me to stop acting like a child.
"It's your choice whether to fight or hide away and wait for the storm to pass, Fenrir. Either way I'm heading south."
With that said I stand up and after stretching my still sore muscles, I grab my bag, throw it over one shoulder and pick up my staff. With my hood on, I probably resemble a miniature version of Gandalf, but the wolf is smart enough not to make any remarks.
For a first time my violet eyes stop on his green ones for more than a second. I hold his gaze, but there's nothing to be read or seen there – as if Fenrir is apathetic towards what's to come. 'It's his choice to make.' I tell myself and bow my head in a farewell.
"We move south. The three of you – go scout ahead. The rest – shrink." before I even manage to finish the order the three soldiers I nodded at are off and the rest have shrunk to the size of small ice dolls. I pick them up and hide them in my pocket, for safe keeping.
Only a few steps ahead I feel a strange gust of wind and turn around, only to nearly jump out of my skin by the sight of Fenrir's snout barely a hand's reach away.
"Goddammit! Do you want to scare me to death?!" I hiss as I place a hand over my rapidly beating heart.
"Nay. Not for now, at least. It's unwise to travel through these lands on foot and alone."
"I have my warriors with me." I try to counter, but the gruff mocking exclamation that comes from the wolf makes me roll my eyes.
"With this pace you'll miss the whole battle, let alone that snake's death." he continues and steals a glance at me.
"What are you implying? I have no time, nor nerve for your riddles, wolf."
"Let's say I'll show you the way to Carrock from where you can be re-joined with your merry friends."
I raise my eyebrow at him and stop walking. The Great Dire wolf never, under any conditions, offers his help voluntary. Crossing my hands over my chest and tilting my head, I look him up and down.
"What's your win in all of this?"
"Why should I have such?" he has now stopped as well, his head turned back at me.
"Because, Fenrir, you are no stupid beast. You aren't helping me out of the goodness of your old and shrived heard either. So spit it out. What's in it for you?"
He just stands there and studies me, and for a second I feel like he's about to jump. Yet, there's not a single movement from his large body, apart from the dilating of his pupils.
"Let's say there's something in that mountain that I want to have."
I cock my head to the side, a bewildered expression on my face.
"I never knew your kind had any value for gold and diamonds?!"
"We don't! Yet, there is a special emerald in that treasury that I want to obtain." his narrowed eyes warn me to stop the interrogation so I simply nod.
"Fine. If a single emerald is the prise for your help, then I'm sure I can convince Thorin to give it to you as a reward for your service."
The only reply I get is a grunt before he turns around and continues walking.
For an hour or so we keep up the normal pace, until my scouts return and report that there's nothing to worry about ahead. Having heard that I command them to shrink, and hide them in my pocket with the rest before jumping on Fenrir's back. The wolf, obviously enjoying my squeals and small shouts dashes forward, paying no attention to my protest to at least slow down.