Bring On The Wonder[Thorin Oakenshield]

Chapter Nineteen: Things Only Get Worse

The days were long and tiring since they had escaped the Pale Orc's clutches only traveling at half speed for Bella to keep up with, until she gained her full strength back in her leg. The woman was being supported by both, Fili and Kili. They each had one of her arms over their shoulders. Oin explained that Bella was to put as little pressure as she could on her one leg so it would heal properly, which slowed them down even more.

It's nearly been a two weeks since the company left Carrock and were being hunted by Azog and his pack. Finding little rest and barely any food to last them throughout the day. Thorin was avoiding Bella at all cost, sticking to the front of the group with the Wizard, scouting ahead, doing everything possible not to look at her because every time he did, he would be reminded of the reason why her face and body was sliced up by the goblins, that his filthy enemy dared to lay a hand on her, and he vowed he would never let Azog come that close to her again; even if it cost him his life. But, no matter how much Thorin tried to avoid her was always find himself having to look behind him just to see how she was doing and would often see her having conversations with his nephews. They were so protective of her, like she was their blood.

Bella was slowly making some progress in gaining her strength back in her right leg, but her stubbornness was beginning to to get the best of her that even Fili and Kili were starting to get frustrated with her. The woman would argue that she was well enough to be walking on her own. Bella was already feeling terrible as it was for how slow they were going, because of her and wished not to be a burden any longer. But no matter how much she argued with Fili and Kili they were specifically told by Oin: that she was not yet ready. Her strength was coming back but he didn't want her to push herself too hard to the point she could undo all her progress and then they would really have a problem. For now the company had managed to stay a head of the Pale Orc for the time being but it was only a matter of time before the pack caught up to them.

It had been another long night have no rest. The company was purely running on adrenaline and the fact that only a day ago. Dwalin and Gloin a spotted a few wargs on the hill side, sniffing for their scent. Bella was growing restless by minute, tired and annoyed of being practically carried by both Fili and Kili because they were following the healers orders. Thorin was grumbling under his breath, the woman's protest were coming to be a regular thing and finally the leader decided his nephews needed a break from her and told Dwalin to take over for awhile.

"Lass, they'res no use fighting me." Dwalin muttered at her. The warrior dwarf had a tighter grip around her then the brothers had but it didn't stop her from struggling against him.

"I can walk Dwalin. My leg is fine. I'm fine. We've slowed down enough. The pack is already on our trail. If we go any slower, we'll surely be killed." Bella retorted.

"Bella you heard what Oin said. You cannot put full pressure on you're leg just yet. So relax."

"Or what?" Bella challenged.

"Keep fighting me and you'll find out." Dwalin growled. Thorin was a head of them and could hear everything said between them and felt a smirk begin to tug from the corner of his mouth. She was more stubborn then he thought.

"I'm tired of Oin saying it's not time. I'm fine. My leg doesn't even hurt."

Dwalin did not give an answer but it was clear when his grip did not loosen and Bella elbowed him in the gut, making him groan. " Alright that's it lassie." Dwalin yanked her to a stop and with one swift move, he was now carrying her over his shoulder.

Bella groaned in protest. "Dwalin put me down!" Her head ever so often smacked into his back.

"I told you to stop fighting me, didn't I?" Bella gave no reply but a simply roll of the eyes and remained quiet for the rest of the day. Thorin had to muffle his chuckle so no one would hear him.

The light had just disappeared behind the mountain and the company decided to stop when they found a place behind some rocks so they couldn't be seen and decided to send the hobbit to see just how close Azog and his pack.

Dwalin finally pulled Bella off his shoulder and got her to sit on the ground for the time being,while they wait for Bilbo to return. The dwarves began to grow weary when the hobbit still hadn't returned in a long time, when they all shifted in their spots at the sound of lose rocks coming down the path and they all let out sighs of relief when they saw Bilbo sprinting down the path.

Thorin approached the hobbit, his face serious. "How close is the pack?"

"Too close. A couple of leagues, no more." Bilbo said, still trying to catch his breath. "But that's not the worst of it." Bilbo furrowed her brows hearing that. What could possibly be worse than what's already hunting them? she wondered to herself.

"Have the wargs picked up our scent?" Dwalin asked.

"Not yet. But they will, I'm sure. But we have far worse problem." Bilbo answered.

"Did they see you? They saw you." Gandalf feared. The hobbit shook his head, wishing they would just let him speak.

"No, that's not it at all."

"What did I tell you? Quiet as a mouse! Excellent burglar material!" The wizard commended. Bella watched as the hobbit quickly became irritated. The dwarves started murmuring to one another around him, not giving Bilbo the chance to say what he had come back so hastily to warn them all about.

"Will you all just listen to me?!" Bilbo shouted, gaining their attention for once. " I am trying to tell you there is something else out there." he informed.

"What form did it take? Like a bear?" Gandalf asked. The woman widen her eyes at this.

"Ye--" Bilbo narrowed his eyes. "Yes, but bigger. Much bigger."

"You knew about this beast?" Bofur growled. " I say we double back!"

"And be run down by a pack of Orcs?" Thorin protested. Gandalf had his back to the company, thinking long and hard.

"There is a house." Gandalf began.

"Are you sure that is wise Gandalf?" Bella challenged, catching everyone's attention, especially Thorin's. "It's suicide taking us there."

What do you know of this? Whose house is it? Are they friend or foe?" Thorin questioned, coming towards the woman, when Gandalf interrupted.

"He's neither. He will help us, or he will kill us." The wizard simply answered.

"Gandalf, I don't think that is a good idea. You know as well as I do how he feels about Dwarves." she reminded.

Thorin looked at her suspiciously. She clearly knew who this creature was and he was not particularly thrilled that Gandalf once again suggested to seek refuge with someone who was not fond of their race, but what other option did they have?

"What choice do we have?" The dwarf prince asked. Before Gandalf could give an answer, the company heard a thunderous roar, causing them all to turn toward the path. Gandalf looked at the leader with uncertainty.

"None."