Erebor's Guardian

Chapter: 13

The Eagles flew off as the night started to fall over Carrock. We were able to climb down but the Wargs had been able to catch up. Bilbo and I peeked over some rocks on a high ledge and saw Azog and his Wargs Scouts running along a ridgeline not far away. Suddenly a snarl came from the side. I quickly pulled Bilbo down and ducked behind the rocks. I peeked out and saw a large bear watching Azog from another pile of rocks, snarling softly. We had seen enough, we both started to sneak away. Suddenly the bear roared making Bilbo and me move faster.

"Go first Bilbo I'll cover you."

We made our way down the rocks to where the others were waiting.

"How close is the pack?"

"Too close. A couple of leagues, no more, but that is not the worst of it."

Gandalf looked puzzled at what Bilbo said.

"Have the Wargs picked up our scent?" Dwalin asked

"Not yet, but they will; we have another problem."

"Did they see you? They saw you!"

"No, that's not it."

Gandalf smiled and turned to the dwarves

"What did I tell you? Quiet as a mouse. Excellent burglar material."

As the dwarves chuckled, Bilbo and I looked annoyed that no one was paying attention to the bigger problem.

"Gandalf, Praising well have to come late. There is something else out there."

The dwarves looked worried.

"What form did it take? Like a bear?"

"Yes. but bigger, much bigger."

The dwarves starting to talk amongst themselves on whether to head back or continue forward. Gandalf pulled me to the side.

"There is a house, it's not far from here, where we could take refuge."

"Whose house? Are they friend or Foe?"

"Neither, He will help us, or he will kill us."

"What choice do we have."

A roar split through the night.

"None."

Gandalf had everyone run through the woods to the open plains and across the streams.

"Come on!"

As the others ran, Azog and his Orcs started racing through the forest. Everyone stopped when another ear-splitting roar sounded nearby. Gandalf called for the others to hurry. Over the plains, I could see a house surrounded by a hedge. Everyone ran to the front door: it was locked. As the others arrived at the door they started to throw themselves at the door to open it but no luck. Thorin was able to move past them and raised the exterior bolt, opening the door. The others bolted inside the house. I looked at the creature and started to see it charge faster. I opened my wings and the beast stopped momentarily. Gandalf looked at the beast as it started to pace back and forth.

"Stay inside. Don't come out."

"Paephan, what are you doing?"

Thorin yelled out.

I held my hand out to them but I did not turn to look at him.

"Just do it."

The others closed the door. The beast growled slightly. I expanded my wings and carefully grabbed my sword and placed it on the ground.

"Are you the last of your kin?"

The beast made a low growl and nodded its head.

"So am I. If you will allow it, may I help you guard your home."

For a moment the beast did not move or make a sound. He turned around and started to walk back into the woods. I turned around to see the others staring through the cracks in the door. I picked up my sword and walked up to the door.

"Paephan, you should come inside," Gandalf said as he pushed past one of the dwarves.

"Someone will need to be on guard anyway, I'll take the entire watch. All of you need to get some rest."

The dwarves started to agree but Thorin and Bilbo still stood by the door.

"It's alright. I trust him, he is just like me."

"Him?"

"He is a skin-changer. I don't know him by name but for now, I will trust him."

Thorin begrudgingly left the door and Bilbo smiled to me. He then as well to sleep.

Night fell over the house. My eyes could see the beast growling and walk through the forest. I also could see past the woods, Azog. however, he seemed to keep his distance from the house and the creature.

After a few hours, I could see the bear amble toward the house. At the edge of the forest, the bear stood on its hind legs and its form melted into that of a tall man. The man looked toward the house and began walking toward me. I saw a cloth on a fence and threw it to the man to cover himself up.

"So you must be the keeper of this home, I did not know the skin-changers were..." I could finish my words.

"The Defiler is the one who did this to me and my kin."

"I see. If I may ask what is your name? I will tell you mine."

"I know who you are, that man yelled out your title."

I smirked, of course, he heard it.

"However, You have earned my trust, My name is Beorn."

Morning soon came and I noticed Beorn had ponies behind the house. They were quite beautiful with brown and white fur, running through the pasture. I flew to the roof and overlooked the scenery. Beorn came out off the forest and threw an apple to me as he started to chop wood. I had decided for Gandalf to tell Beorn of our quest. I felt better to calm him down should it be needed.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Gandalf and Bilbo walk out of the house. The carefully walked over to Beorn and tried to catch his attention.

"Good Morning!"

With a sudden chop of his axe caused Gandalf to step back. Beorn placed his axe down.

"Who are you."

"I'm Gandalf, Gandalf the Grey." Gandalf bowed his head. Beorn turned around sharply and held onto his axe.

"Never heard of him."

Gandalf gave a light nervous smile.

"I'm a wizard, perhaps you've heard of my colleague Radagast. He resides in the southern borders of Mirkwood-"

"What do you want?"

"Well simply to thank you for your hospitality, you may have noticed we took refugee in your lodging here last night..."

Gandalf turned slightly and Beorn noticed Bilbo.

"Who is this little fellow?"

"Oh... well this would be Mr Baggins from the shire."

"He's not a dwarf is he?"

Oh crap.

"Why no. He's a hobbit, good family and unimpeachable reputation."

"A half-ling and a wizard. How come you here?"

"A well the fact is that we have had a bad time of it from Orcs and Goblins in the mountain."

"What did you go near Goblins for? Stupid thing to do."

"You are absolutely correct."

Gandalf started to wave his hands around and I could hear the dwarves inside begin to walk out. Dwalin and Balin walked out. Beorn raised up his axe. I was about to leap down before Gandalf spoke.

"I must confess, several of our group are in fact...dwarves."

"Do you call two dwarves...several."

Gandalf started to fail with his words as more of the dwarves walked out. Gandalf sighed as all of them walked out. I leapt from the roof and folded my wings. Beorn was about to speak until his eyes turned to Thorin.

Oh, boy