The Devoted Shadow

Chapter Four: The Ruse

The Hobbit had grown accustomed to riding rather than walking, and he had tried to learn more about his compatriots, much to Gandalf's satisfaction. Unfortunately, the majority of the dwarves seemed to be more inclined to converse between themselves. Bilbo was stuck riding between the two dwarves that had helped him mount his pony, and he only strayed from his spot when his pony got a little feisty. She would dart forward to snatch a stray leaf or apple just off the path, with Bilbo crying out for the pony to stop but helpless to do so; those confounded dwarves chuckling at his frustration. He was more than convinced they were somehow catching his steed's attention and urging her to break their formation.

Each time it happened, their esteemed leader would call for one of their party to go and fetch him, and Bilbo would be led, disgraced and humiliated, back to their procession.

The Company had watched as, yet again, Bilbo's pony darted off the path and into the undergrowth after an apple was not so cleverly thrown from one of the dwarrow. They expected to hear Thorin's shout, but not that he would take it upon himself to go and fetch their so-called burglar. He motioned for Dwalin to continue as he pulled his pony away from the line, the few chuckles that had resounded were silenced as the second pony tore into the undergrowth. Many had seen the face that their King wore then, mostly directed at Fili and Kili. Thorin was near his boiling point, he would unleash his fury at the next misstep, which very well might be at their newest member.

Thorin came up to one side of the hobbit's pony, exchanged a few quiet but curt words with Bilbo, snatched the reins from him, and began to lead the pony and hobbit back toward the Company, which had stalled ever so slightly in their wandering. The few conversations that were held stilled as Thorin passed each of the Company with poor Bilbo in tow, his eyes downcast as if he was trying to disappear into his vest.

"Gandalf!"

The Wizard turned and finally pulled his horse to a stop, not having noticed the growing gap between himself and where Thorin had ridden beside Dwalin. His bushy eyebrows rose high into his hair as Thorin approached. Durin's Temper was well known by any who had heard mention of dwarves, and it seemed that Gandalf was on the receiving end of it today.

"It is one thing to set someone to a task they are capable of achieving," Thorin growled, nearly throwing the reins back at Bilbo. "It's another to set them up to fail." With a not-so-gentle flick of his reins, Thorin and steed spurred ahead, far enough so that he couldn't hear Gandalf's huffing and puffing at the hobbit.

"My dear Bilbo, did Belladonna never teach you to ride," He queried, leaning over to take the reins from his friend's fauntling. Bilbo frowned and pulled the reins away from Gandalf, his heart a little more heavy than it had been. His pony seemed to sense the change in atmosphere and walked calmly alongside Gandalf's horse; Bilbo thought it was senseless to be led around like a child when there was no need.

"She never had the chance," He said quietly. Memories washed over the Hobbit, bittersweet in a way. His mother had always been out to help her neighbors and often brought him along on her errands. She had passed not long after his twentieth year, having caught Orc Fever during a particularly hard winter. While she lived to see many of those she had helped overcome the Fever and begin to recover, she did not live long enough to see them return to their full health as spring had returned to Over Hill.

Bilbo looked up at Gandalf then, swallowing thickly as the Wizard's shoulders slumped, his frustration turned to sorrow. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to help, Bilbo," He said softly.

The Hobbit shrugged, straightening in his seat. His mother had taught him a little, such as how to use the stirrups, and not get so sore after each ride, but as to how to control the beast upon which he sat, Belladonna hadn't been able to advise. "After she passed, Father was soon to follow, and then I just didn't want to, simple as that," He said with a snuff and a quick wipe with the back of his sleeve near his nose.