Beside the Undying Fire

Chapter 6

Nightfall hit again. The group stayed on a cliff-like shaped rock. But it wasn't more than 10 feet off the ground. I stayed behind a boulder a good distance away, it was covered by a prickly bush as well. We had finally hit an area with tall trees all around, not that they were good trees, they were pretty much dead, dying, or sick. But they offered the cover I so desperately needed.

It was a warm night, light shone through the tall trees faintly. The sky had a dark blue glow lighting the trees as the moon shone.

One inconvenient beam hit me in the eye. It wasn't bright, but it caused a bit of a burden.

Dwalin insisted on staying on watch and assured Thorin that he wasn't tired. Farin and Barin were fast asleep, snoring as their breath made their beards shake. Thorin laid down with his head rested on his arm, and his other clasping his sword at his waist. His firm chest moved to the rhythm of his breaths, he still never slept, his eyes remained open. Dwalin kept watch, in the hopes that Thorin would rest. Of course, it never happened.

When on a journey such as this one, Thorin wasn't one to ever rest, he had so much going through his mind. No one knew what it was, but he never even blinked an eye. Like his focus had taken over for the greater good of others rather than himself. For his people. Truly, he was an honorable, brave Dwarf, Erebor could ask for no other.

~

For myself, it wasn't difficult to be quiet through this journey.

Having a very small portion of, well of whatever it was, passed on through generations gave me a slight advantage. I'm not particularly proud of it, but it got me out of acquiring a beard so I was in agreement with it. I, being a Dwarf, still did not deem beards quite desirable.

Although, I wouldn't dare tell another being of it, especially Thorin. It's not as if he had anything against any race in Middle Earth, but that risk was just one I was not willing to take.

Hours passed, the starlight began to fade in the lighting sky as the sun slowly rose, glistening behind the abundance of trees. It hit Thorin's face as he sat leaning against the mountain. The brothers, Farin and Barin awoke minutes later.

Thorin immediately stood up at the first sight of the rising sun.

"We'll push on over the mountains, we should hit the Ettenmoors before nightfall." Thorin spoke, grabbing his sword and walking back onto the path, passing me.

I hid amongst the bush, collapsing into it. Farin and Barin trudged behind Dwalin, there was no doubt that they were still more than half asleep. They tripped over each other as Thorin looked back and shook his head in disappointment, then kept on.

~

It was a warm, but sort of grey, day. The sun peered through the forests and clouds at the odd time, giving a surge of extra heat, that wasn't necessarily needed. Yet the blue was still somewhat visible through the translucent clouds.

Thorin's footsteps were solid, even draining out the sounds of Farin and Barin bickering. He stepped along, not looking back. His feet stepped powerfully up the mountain, leaving perfect prints on the hard ground.

I ensured the distance between us was substantial. Some rocks, trees and hills offered a covering as I needed them. I attempted to stick by them as much as possible.

The company did not look back too often, but when they did, these small trees, hills and rock were my only chance.

"Tedious business, this is!" Farin grieved, trudging behind.

"Farin, quit your whining, you blubbering baby!" Barin hissed as he pushed Farin along.

Farin nearly tripped onto his face.

I hurried to the nearest rock, it offered the cover I knew would be necessary.

"Hold your horses!" Dwalin snapped.

Thorin muttered something under his breath, but I was too far to catch it.

Farin, out of sheer boredom, began walking slower only to get behind his orange-bearded brother. He snuck behind him and put his foot in front of Barin, attempting to trip him, but not succeeding.

"Farin! You weak-bearded halfwit swine!" Barin hissed as he regained balance.

"Both of you! Knock it off!" Thorin turned back to look at the brothers as he finally snapped.

"You're being far too loud!"

Dwalin raised his voice as he scolded the two. "You can attract Gobl-" He was interrupted by a loud, ear-piercing screech.

It echoed in the mountains.

I continued to crouch behind the big rock, searching the valley vigorously for an enemy.

I was on my own.

I looked back up ahead. A raid of Goblins descended. Perhaps 10 or 11.

It was Goblins, they were no smarter than the rocks I hid behind!

I clutched my sword at my side, waiting to slash them when needed.

I peered around the rock.

The group drew their swords and axes, waiting for the Goblins to close in. They began running full force towards the Goblins.

The forced reached.

Thorin immediately lifted his sword and slashed it into the throat of an oncoming Goblin. Another came at his side. Dwalin instantaneously blocked the Goblin's attempt to hit Thorin and threw his axe into it's side.

Another came towards Thorin. He swung his sword at the Goblin, decapitating it. It's head flew towards another, knocking it down, giving Barin a chance to drive his axe into the thing's head.

Farin lifted his axe and forced it into the side of an oncoming Goblin.

One exited the group and attempted to get away, running directly my way. Terrified, the Goblin ran.

It got to the rock I was crouching by, I readied my sword.

As it tried to run by, I shot up and drove Arvendel into it's disgusting side. It screeched loudly as I brought my foot up to kick it off of the sword.

I immediately ran back towards the rock after glancing at the group, finishing off the last of the Goblins.

"That's the last of those filthy creatures." Thorin said after the last Goblin was killed.

"Nice work, laddies." Dwalin said, giving Barin and Farin a quick pat on the back while walking by.

So we continued, to conquer the next part of the mountains.

I followed behind once again.

~

By midday we were at the end of the Misty Mountains.

"Are we almost there!?" Barin muttered.

"Zip your lip!" Dwalin demanded. "We're nearly there."

Dwalin knew these mountains, Middle Earth, that was one thing about him that I was almost certain was one of the reasons he had been chosen for this quest. Along with his loyalty. That was another thing about him. He was exceedingly loyal. He dare not trade his loyalty, for where it lies, it stays.

The end of the Misty Mountains was now upon us.