The Company of Wolves

Chapter 16: War Of The Wolf Pack

As the girls composed themselves, the dwarves gathered around the back door where Gandalf stood. They were all chattering about how they can leave without Beorn noticing. Nori suggested giving him the slip more than once but Gandalf wasn't having it.

"There's no point in arguing! We cannot pass through the wilder land without Beorn's help." He declared, getting them to their senses. "We'll be hunted down, before we even reach the forest."

The girls just then arrived at the scene, looking like they were all cool with each other after the teasing. They listened in as Gandalf continued with the plan, looking over at Bilbo who had just peered over Thorin's shoulder.

"Bilbo, good. Now this will require some delicate handling, we must tread very carefully. The last person to have startled him was torn to shreds." Gandalf looked at them all with a stern warning.

The girls all looked at each other with partially intrigued expressions while Kili exchanged a somewhat concerned glance with his uncle. Bilbo stood in the middle of them and widened his eyes.

"I will go first and Bilbo," He motioned for the hobbit to come. "You will come with me."

Dakota jerked forward from leaning on the wooden post, "Woah woah woah. You just said if he gets startled he'll rip him to shreds. I'm not letting Bilbo go with you if you aren't sure nothing will happen."

"Why don't you just go first and introduce us since you and him got so cozy." Dwalin huffed.

Dakota gave him a dry look, "Maybe I should just eat you myself."

Dwalin made a grunting noise almost like a growl and took a step forward while Fili stopped him before he did something he'd regret.

Thorin nodded for Bilbo to go and he stepped forward to face Gandalf, "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"Rhea, why don't you come out with us. Since he knows you it might be better." Gandalf suggested.

Rhea raised her brows, "Uh, sure I suppose."

"It might help Bilbo feel better, too." Gandalf smiled, while Bilbo nodded vigorously.

Rhea followed them out as Gandalf told them to wait for the signal to move out in pairs. Ash was supposed to come with Bombour while Dakota offered to come out last so Beorn could see the whole party first. She really didn't want to see him and his human face after last night. Quite embarrassing.

Gandalf also figured that Rhea was more likely to have a peaceful outcome if Beorn got upset, rather than her packmates who seem to be more defensive on these things.

As Gandalf went to go introduce himself, Bofur forgot what the signal was, which led him to lead the dwarves out quicker than expected. Beorn seemed stressed over how many there were, even though he saw Rhea and Ash he was annoyed with the number of dwarves.

When Thorin and Dakota were all that's left, she waited for him to step out but he hesitated. Staring out at the door.

Dakota peered over at him, "Thorin?"

He didn't say anything just clenched his fists.

"If this doesn't go well. I want you to fight him until the rest of us can get away." He said quickly.

Dakota widened her eyes and took a step forward, "I can't fight him alone. Even with the girls he-"

"You will do it." Thorin turned to look at her, his blue eyes fierce.

Dakota didn't know what to say. Why must she fight off a bear while they all safely get away? She wasn't one to run from a fight though, but the way he was ordering it made her want to do it less.