Unexpected

Chapter 11: Beorn's House

Bilbo peeked over rocks on a high ledge, scoping out the Pale Orc. As he watched over Azog and his warg scouts, a large creature could be seen out of the corner of his eye. Bilbo made his way down the rocks, reuniting with the group.

"How close is the pack?" Dwalin asked.

"Too close," replied Bilbo, catching his breath. "A couple of leagues, no more, but that is not the worst of it."

"Have the wargs picked up our scent?"

"Not yet, but they will; we have another problem," the concerned hobbit stated.

"Did they see you?" Gandalf assumed. "They saw you!"

"No, that's not it."

"What did I tell you?" the wizard smiled, turning to the Company. "Quiet as a mouse. Excellent burglar material."

The dwarves murmured amongst themselves, praising Bilbo.

"Will you listen- Will you just listen?" Bilbo exclaimed, exasperated. "I'm trying to tell you there is something else out there."

"What form did it take" the wizard questioned. "Like a bear?"

"Ye..." Bilbo paused and looked confusedly at Gandalf. "Y- yes. But bigger, much bigger."

"Did you know about the beast?" Eili asked, not receiving a response.

"I say we double back," said Bofur.

Thorin grunted, "And be run down by a pack of Orcs."

"There is a house, it's not far from here, where we might take refuge," the wizard suggested.

"Whose house?" asked the dwarf king. "Are they friend or foe?"

"Neither. He will help us," Gandalf answered crucially, "or he will kill us."

"Very reassuring," Eili piped up.

The Company looked at each other in dismay, unsure of what actions to take.

"What choice do we have?" the dwarf king asked seriously.

A roar behind them split the night. The group followed its sound, only to be met with the silhouette of a massive bear.

"None," the wizard answered.

The Company moved down from the ledge. When they reached the ground, they ran through the forest below. Hearing another roar, they quickly exited the forest. The group frantically looked around, spotting a house in the middle of the plain. The group sprinted across the tall grass as fast as their legs would carry them. They pushed through the gate in the hedge that surrounded the house.

"Come on," Gandalf shouted, "get inside!"

Arriving at the front door of the house, the Company rushed to open the door. The dwarves began to throw themselves against the door, trying to break it open. Eili looked over her shoulder, spotting the massive bear making its way out of the forest.

"Open the door!" Gandalf demanded.

Thorin yelled desperately. "Quickly!"