The Warrior Who Waited

Dragons and Contracts

Key -

italics; internal thoughts

Andreths POV

I sat in the dining room next to Bomber and Ori, in the back corner, as I eat a plate of the leftover food from the dwarf's apparent feast. I had zoned out of their conversation, Thorin going on about his meeting and yadda yadda. I have never cared for politics, just a bunch of cowards trying to out-power move and backstab the other. Now the conversation had moved on to the beast in the mountain, the dragon Smaug.

"The task to win the mountain back would be difficult enough with an army behind us. But we number thirteen, and not thirteen of the best." Balin speaks his wise thoughts on the subject. This opinion though causes an uprise in shouts of protests on their might. Smiling to myself since dwarves have always been known for their ego with strength.

"We may be few in numbers but we're fighters. All of us, to the last dwarf." One announces farther down the table, Gloin I think his name was.

Kili, one of the princes, speaks up. "And don't you forget, we have a wizard in our company. Gandalf must have killed hundreds of dragons in his time."

I start laughing under my breath as Gandalf struggles to contradict the statement. "Well, er, no, I wouldn't say that—"

"How many then?" The other prince challenges, Fili.

"What?" Gandalf looks startled, looking at me for help. I burst out laughing, stunning the company into silence. Some look at me in awe, others in confusion.

"Leave poor Gandalf alone, I don't think the stories you are looking for are in the right place." I joked.

"And what do you know about slaying dragons?" Fili questions.

I smirk, "The only thing I have to say on this matter is that I'm much older than I appear, be mindful to acknowledge that next time. I have faced many monsters and been in many battles to know how to handle myself in a fight. I am willing to teach and offer advice if anyone would like to take me up on the offer along the journey." I declare, a little of my pride shining through.

Most grumble at my spiel, although the twins and Bilbo look at me in interest, wanting to know more. Thorin rises to his feet, preparing to make a speech. Oh dear, here we go. I fade their voices again, being lost in my memories of battles. Many are filled with death and gore, leaving behind scars; both mentally and physically. Some I am grateful for since they taught me a lesson, but most leave a heavy and dark cloud in my spirit of light. I get thrown into a memory that I wish not to remember, one where I not only gained a scar on half of my body but also lost the love of my life and the family I once belonged to.

Shaking my head to clear my head as my memories fade, I realize that we have now come to the topic of Bilbo's part in this adventure. I always wondered how the hobbit would play the role of a burglar as it seems he has no ounce of bravery in him a first glance; but if Gandalf believed in him so shall I, although I don't think he knows of his inner courage.

"Me? No, no, no, I'm not a burglar. I've never stolen a thing in my life." Bilbo looks at the company with wide eyes.

Balin nods his head in agreement as he exclaims; " I'm afraid I have to agree with Mr. Baggins. He is hardly burglar material.

"Aye, the wild is no place for gentlefolk who can neither fight nor fend for themselves." Dwalin comes to his brothers' aid.

Gandalf looks put upon; determined to change everyone's mind on the matter. "Enough! If I say Bilbo Baggins is a burglar then a burglar he is!" The room grows silent as Gandalf's voice causes shadows to rise behind him. "Hobbits are remarkably light on their feet? They can go unseen by most if they choose. And while the dragon is accustomed to the smell of dwarf, the scent of the hobbit is all but unknown to him which gives us a distinct advantage." The wizard argues with facts instead of opinions, better suited to changing a stubborn mind this I know.