The White Warg

by CatBut

She was ik-kund ukhrab, the Wolf Rider, daughter of the Grey Mountains, a true warrior, determined to join on the quest to retake Erebor she would restore honor to her family where others had failed.

18. Chapter 18

Chapter Eighteen: Storm-Ablâkbagd

Another week of travel had passed, another log day of walking and climbing, they were near journeys end at the rate she was forcing them to march. Narâ pulled her cloak over her head as the rain continued, for three days it had been raining, the cold air and the fierce wind was making even her shiver. She was used to this on the mountain, thanking Mahal above that it was only rain, it happened often that it would be mixed with snow and the mountain slopes would begin to slicken like oil. Khimâ whimpered beside her, his ears laid flat to his head as his red eyes scanned the path. She grunted in annoyance, the Warg had been on edge the entire afternoon and her temper was at its limit "Khimâ" she ground out her teeth clenched tightly as she pulled herself up a small slope, the muscles in her legs quivering. The Warg let his tail wag once at the sound of her voice, his dark black claws clacking against the stone as he moved, fluid long strides kept up easily with the stout dam. Narâ felt her footing slip for a moment as a harsh gust of wind nearly knocked her over, the sky continued to blacken, and the rain was coming down in torrential sheets. She swallowed down the panic when a strong hand clamped at her shoulder keeping her steady, she looked over her shoulder at Thorin and nodded once in thanks, a frown on his face answered. She let out a shaky breath when Khimâ barked up ahead, she narrowed her eyes and chewed her lip at the sight before them. A tall expanse of slick mountain side greeted them, at least fifteen feet high, it was nearly vertical, but her eyes found what others could not, carved into the rock small holes wide enough to place a hand or foot, gouged from the earth by her own hands. "Miss Narâ what do you plan to do now" Dori grunted crossing his arms over his chest, hood pulled down low enough that she could only make out the bottom half of his face. She smirked rolling her shoulders and turned to face the group "Lads loosen up yer muscles we are about to climb" she chuckled patting her gloved hands together, the slapping of wet leather echoing off the mountain. "You except me to climb that" Bilbo muttered unenthusiastically, looking up the rock, it looked to be never ending and his poor arms and legs could barely handle another step let alone a slope of rock climbing, he shook his head curls flinging droplets of water all over his soaked coat "No, no thank you very much" he sighed. Narâ let out a breath and approached the wall letting her fingers slip into the smooth grooves and hoisted herself up, the muscles in her arms strained and twisted as she pulled up her weight. She was attuned to these mountains, she understood them as if she herself was from mountain stone, understood the precarious balance of life and death here. Knew the paths to walk, the stones to touch and leave alone, which would bare her across her burdens, and which would lead her to death. She found her footing easily and pulled herself up, muscles coiling as she moved, climbing was second nature to her, but she let out a silent prayer to Mahal for the blessed flat rock at the top of the slope. Narâ waited for the others to make it, letting her legs rest she sat back against the rock her head tilted back she let the rain wash away the sweat that clung to her skin. A heaving breath beside her she cracked open and eye and smirked at Kili who looked ready to vomit "How…how" he heaved crawling to sit beside her, his head lolling back just the same as the others moved to stand at the top of the incline. She chuckled forcing herself upright lending the young Dwarrow a hand she hauled him to his feet "Years of practice lad" she said giving him a hearty pat on the back. Narâ looked down the slope at the red eyes of Khimâ, he was sitting on his haunches looking up at her, white fur matted down with the rain, he looked a terrible sight, and she laughed patting her hip and clicking her tongue. "What about Khimâ?" Bilbo panted beside her, hands rested on his knees he took deep swallows of air, his lungs felt as though they had been dipped in fire, his hands sore from the sharp rocks, his feet bloodied just the same. Narâ snickered looking at the drowned little hobbit beside her "Just watch laddie" she shrugged taking a step back as the white Warg barked from below digging his claws into the footholds, he propelled himself up, nearly knocking over Bilbo who just blinked at the beast in confusion. "Khimâ was a pup when I taught him that" she laughed her eyes crinkled with Mirth. "How much longer Miss Narâ" Ori asked politely holding his pack firmly against his side, the water dripping down over his face into his eyes obscuring his vision as the dam smiled at him then looked to the sky. She clicked her tongue and scratched at her face, her cheeks were numb from the freezing temperatures, her fingertips as well, looking out over the expanse of the Misty mountains she tried to gather her bearings. It was getting on in the day, even with the dark sky above she knew it was about time to settle in for the night, based on their location she was certain there was another cave close by. She gave him a bright smile and turned toward the others leaping in alarm as lightning crackled above their heads. So loud and bright it was that the sky was illuminated with a brilliant flash of golden light. She felt her heart hammering in her chest as the stone high above them split and cracked, a great heave from the mountain itself as it torn asunder. It began as a cascade of smaller pebbles and debris dislodging from the mountain face. The dwarves all jumped backward as more debris fell down, a distant rumble giving warning for the impending chaos to come. "Ori watch out" she yelped throwing herself toward him pinning him to the side of the mountain as huge boulders of rock smashed into the path where he once stood. The ground beneath them trembled and shook as shockwaves rippled through the rock. She held on tightly to the young Dwarrow as the ground vibrated and split apart. "Look" Bofur screamed over the sound of lightning cracking in the sky, she followed his line of sight and growled in annoyance. "Giants, stone giants" Bofur cheered, a smile on wonder on his face as he watched a being of legend pull away from the mountain, showering them with small projectiles of rock and rubble. Narâ hissed as it embedded in her flesh, shielding her eyes as the giant stood pulling away from the colossal peaks. The air seemed to crackle with life, as another great roar split the sky like an echo of thunder. The rock beneath her feet shifted again, a colossal stone giant emerging from the very path they tread, its body shifting as it pulled from its ancient slumber. "HOLD ON" she screamed bracing herself as the giant stood, causing her to fall forward on her hands and knees, the rain making it so slippery it was impossible to stay rooted to one spot. With primal roars that made her hair stand on end the two titans clashed, fists connected with stone bodies showering the mountain side with rock spray and shockwaves that toppled her over, she nearly tumbled over the edge as her companion's panicked screams filled her ears. "We have to move" Thorin screamed grabbing the dam under the arm he hauled her to her feet, her green eyes locked on him, fearful for the first time, she could say nothing as the giants continued to battle the clash of granite against granite. He shook her gently and she blinked eyes hardening she nodded once "C'mon this way" she called grabbing onto his wrist she led them around the mountain pass, at a break neck speed, she was panicked and eager to get away. Screaming in terror as the ground split beneath her feet and the path broke apart, the darkness came up to greet her. Thorin pulled her back just as the ground cracked and gave way, the giant was their path as it split apart "What now" he called over the sound of crashing rock and thunder. Narâ felt her stomach clench as the ground spun, the giant that housed them was on the loosing end of the battle, its face smashed in by its opponent it began to topple, with them still standing on its body, she looked around in panic, eyes settling on the small slope ahead of them "Jump" she shouted shoving Thorin forward over the ledge holding her breath as he leapt across and landed on the other side. She reached behind her and began pulling the other Dwarrow forcefully shoving them with all her strength to make the jump. Hand on Kili's shoulder they both screamed out as the ground swayed with great heave and they were moving past the others Fili's heartbroken scream echoing out around them. Her green eyes locked onto the dwarves with her and her hobbit companion, Khimâ easily outpaced the dwarves and was safe on the other side of the canyon. "Hold tight lads" she called as the giant came crashing toward the mountain side, the ground was coming up to meet them so quickly she nearly lost her stomach, the acid burning her throat as the black dark rock seemed taunt her as they sailed toward it. A small opening just enough space to leap and avoid being crushed to death caught her eye and she grabbed Kili by the arm and flung him forward watching as he screamed landing in a heap safely under the crumbling rock. She as well as the others leapt at the same time, the rock smashing over their heads as the giant fell, the shockwave sending ripples over the mountain. She lay with her head against the rough, rocky terrain, deep shuddering breaths, her eyes pinched shut with unshed tears as terror finally let go its firm grip on her heart. "Narâ" she could hear someone shouting but the pounding of blood in her ears made it muffled and far away "Narâ" they shouted again this time grabbing her and forcefully turning her over, she blinked and looked up into the soaking wet face of Bofur who despite all that had happened had the audacity to look amused "You a'right lass?" he chuckled giving her cheek a gentle pat. She swallowed thickly and sat up "Mahal's balls Bofur are you smiling" she grunted as he hauled her to her feet. He nodded "That was amazing didn't you think so lass" he said, nodding up and down so quickly that his hat seemed to dance along with him. She frowned scratching the back of her head, frowning at the sticky red substance that seemed to coat her hair. "Is everyone alright" Thorin called looking at the party he counted everyone present, eyes scanning quickly to his sister-sons letting out a breath as they seemed unscathed. "Where's Bilbo" Narâ grunted rubbing her bloody palm on her skirts, the red leaving a lovely smear against the white and brown. Bofur spun on his heel looking for their burglar "Bilbo" he shouted pushing past Dori and Ori to look down the canyon below. "Bilbo" he shouted dropping to a knee as the hobbit held on for dear life his feet slipping as he tried to keep purchase against the slick rock. Narâ shouted, sprinting forward to help Bofur when Thorin moved past her getting to the hobbit first he practically threw himself over the ledge grabbing the smaller hobbit and throwing his weight high enough that Bofur and Dori could pull him to safety. Thorin grunted as he tried pulling himself up, but his iron boots could get a good enough grip to boost himself up and he was far heavier that Bilbo. He scowled as his fingers dug into the ground letting out a whoosh of air as he slipped the dams shrill scream echoing out into the darkness. Narâ watched in horror as Thorin fell, the top of his head disappearing, her scream of panic alerted Khimâ who leapt past the Dwarves and snatched his Masters pack mate before he fell to his death. His teeth digging into the soft material of Thorin's coat, the Warg pulled up the male dwarf and gave him a happy woof, licking his face as he pulled him up. Thorin grunted glad for the Warg and gave him a quick pat of appreciation as Dwalin grabbed him and hauled him to his feet. "Thorin" Dwalin growled with as much emotion as he could, his eyes displaying his hidden fear that his leader was going to die. Thorin rounded on the group, his anger getting the better of him as he saw the others crowded around Bilbo coddling him like a babe. "I thought we had lost our burglar" Bofur said giving the hobbit a friendly pat on the head. Thorin sneered "He's been lost ever since he left home, he should never have come, he has no place amongst us" he seethed turning his icy glare to the dam "Narâ find us shelter now" he growled. Narâ blinked taken aback for a moment her eyes scanning the group to land on Bilbo, he was red with embarrassment and looked down and away from her, she let out an exhausted breath and nodded, flicking her wrist Khimâ trotted to her side, she let her fingers tangle in his long fur as exhaustion sapped her strength and her knees wobbled. Each step was torture as her muscles scream for rest and her mind whirled with their location, everything seemed wrong, the path of destruction left in the wake of the giants battle scattered her carefully cataloged brain. She couldn't place them no matter how she looked and where she walked, everything was chaos, and she could feel the heavy glare of Thorin on her back. Khimâ gave her soft yip and pulled away from her, almost toppling her over when he bound into a small, secluded cave, his massive head poking out from the darkness she felt a breath let go as the others rushed to get out of the rain. It assaulted her still while she struggled with small steps to the cave mouth happy to let the others pass, she was bone tired letting out a grunt she practically flung herself onto the ground. "Narâ where are we" Thorin grunted settling in against the far wall away from the onslaught of rain that seemed to pelt the inside of the cave. Balin frowned at the frosty tone that Thorin was using on the dam, his old eyes settling on her she seemed to sag at his words, she was laying flat on her back chest heaving as she let out a tired breath "Let her rest Lad, she can tell us in the morning" he suggested gently giving the dam a warm smile as her jade eyes found his. Thorin frowned impatience and uncertainty crawling along his skin as he looked out the dark cave mouth, he needed her to guide them, needed her to know exactly where they were so they could make it to the lonely mountain on time anything that would slow them down now would be detrimental to their quest. He looked at the dam and tried to wipe the frown from his face, they had just faced certain death and made it out unscathed, well mostly unscathed as several of his companions were sporting some kind of injury, bloodied and bruised they looked exhausted. "A'right time fer a fire lads" Gloin said rubbing his palms together, he was completely soaked and his clothing was starting to stiffen at the freezing temperatures, surely the dam wouldn't object to a small fire. "No fires" Thorin growled curling his arms around his middle to keep warm, hopefully in a few hours they would all be dry enough to avoid catching cold. Gloin grumbled under his breath in anger, eyes flickering to the dam for encouragement she watched with hooded eyes and grunted sitting up "I'm afraid Master Gloin that Thorin is right" she sighed rolling her shoulders "I have no clue where we are, can't say for certain that its safe" she said with a yawn. "How do you suppose we stay warm and not freeze to death" he growled waving off his brother who tried to pull him into a sitting position. Narâ shrugged one shoulder "However you please Master Gloin, maybe huddle close to the others". Gloin grunted allowing himself to be pulled down by his elder brother and huffed twisting out his soaked hair. Narâ let herself sink back onto the cave floor, her muscles refusing to hold her upright any longer, she shivered as cold rain pelted against her face, rolling to her side she let the cave mouth have her backside. "You alright Miss Narâ?" Bilbo whispered quietly as he sat down beside her, the Warg coming up behind him to curl itself around its master, its massive body effectively blocking off the air and the wind. She grunted "Course, now go to sleep lad" she said with a shiver her long plaits plastered against her face. He let out a sigh and nodded watching the others fall asleep, he kept and eye open listening to the howling winds and the sheets of rain pound against the mountain rock. It was eerily quiet except for the snoring the storm had passed on in the small hours of the night, so dark outside that he couldn't see a single thing except a small glow from the moon. The Warg kept him company his glowing red eyes like embers in the night he sat vigilant over his pack, head rested on his forelegs he watched keeping the hobbit company. Bilbo smiled at the sight of the dam curled into the pelt of her pet, she had stopped shivering at least, her light snores mixed in with the others, he was glad she had finally found her rest. He couldn't seem to bring himself to sleep Thorin's words passed through his mind over and over and made him feel restless and uneasy. He was right, this journey had only solidified what he already knew, he wasn't an adventurer, he was born in the shire and belonged there, with his books and his armchair, the wilds were no place for him, he would die before they ever reached the mountain or slow his companions down before they ever got the chance to take it back. He sniffed twitching his nose as he watched the dam, Khimâ blinking lazily at him a thump of his tail as he reached out and tentatively pet his soft fur. He would miss her most of all, such a kind and caring dwarf he had grown quite found of her, even her wolf had grown on him. He lifted himself up and gathered his things ignoring the small whine of unease that came from the Warg as he shouldered his pack. "Where you going Bilbo?" Bofur asked sleepily sitting up with a yawn. Bilbo startled and nearly fell onto Narâ before turning guiltily toward Bofur with a sad smile on his face "I'm going home, Thorin was right I don't belong here" he said hesitantly. Bofur rubbed the sleep from his eyes and cocked his head "What'da mean yer one of the company" he said. Bilbo sighed pulling the straps of his pack higher on his shoulder a long thin stick in his other hand "No, but I'm not really am I" he said a hint of venom in his voice "I'm going back to Rivendell" he said turning his shoulder stopping as Bofur tried to reach out to stop him "Yer homesick, I understand". Bilbo chewed his tongue and turned to look over his shoulder at him "No" he turned to face him fully whispering as loud as he could his face scrunched up in anger "No you don't, none of you do, your dwarves, you're used to this life, to living on the road, never settling anywhere, never belonging anywhere" he huffed finishing his rant his face slightly red. He looked up into Bofur's shocked face guilt clawing at this throat as hurt flashed in the Dwarrow's eyes. Bofur stood up straight and nodded, licking his lip he gave Bilbo a sad smile, shaking his head as Bilbo tried to back peddle on his words "No you're right we don't belong anywhere" he said looking behind him at his companions currently asleep. Narâ sat up having heard the conversation and frowned "Bilbo" she said confused getting to her feet. He let out a strangled breath and turned toward the dam whose eyes were alight with pain, she gave him a weak smile pulling him into a brief hug "I wish you luck Master Baggins, wherever your path leads" she said weakly letting him go. He sniffed taking a step back as the dam released him, a small yelp sounding out as Bofur grabbed his shoulder "What's that" Bofur said pointing down to his belt his small sword that was sheathed at his hip seemed to glow in the darkness of the cave. "Bilbo" Narâ whispered reaching out to him as he slowly unsheathed it terror on his face, the sword glowing a vibrant blue as the floor started to rumble and shake. Thorin shot to his feet "Wake up all of you" he said just as the floor let go from beneath them.