Rider (The Hobbit)

Chapter Four: Orcs, Bears, and Spiders! Oh My!

Chapter Four: Orcs, Bears, and Spiders! Oh My!

I frowned as I waited for Bilbo to return with news about the Orcs. "I still don't like it." I muttered, chewing on a long blade of grass.

"The Hobbit can handle himself Lass, just let it go." Nori sighed in exasperation. My head snapped in his direction, a harsh glare beaming down at him. Something hit my head; I turned to see Yarí trying to act innocent. I heard the rushing of leaves and scrambled to my feet.

"How close is the Orc pack?" Thorin asked Bilbo as he hurried.

"Too close, a couple of leagues, no more." He replied quickly. "But that's not the worst of it."

"Did the Wargs pick up our sent?" Dwalin asked.

"Not yet but they will soon." Bilbo replied. "We have another problem."

"Did they see you?" Gandalf asked. Everyone was now surrounding the Hobbit. "They saw you?"

"No that's not it." Bilbo sighed.

"What did I tell you, quiet as a mouse" Gandalf said as everyone began to agree.

"Oh for the love of...Shut it!" I snapped. They all became quiet. "Continue Bilbo." I ordered.

"Thanks, there is something else out there." Bilbo said, pointing off in the distance.

"What form did it take?" Gandalf asked. "Like a bear?" He asked.

"Y-yes, yes but bigger much bigger." Bilbo said.

"You knew about this beast?" Bofur asked, sounding horrified. "I say we double back." He said quickly.

"We'll be overrun by orcs." Kili said just as quick.

"There is a house." Gandalf paused. "It's not far from here where we might take refuge."

"Whose house? Are they friend or foe?" Thorin asked.

"Neither." Gandalf said flatly. "He will help us or...he will kill us." He said finally.

"That sounds promising." I muttered sarcastically.

"What choice do we have?" Thorin asked. I heard a roar in the distance.

"None." Gandalf replied. We began to run towards this house, and away from the giant bear. I was in the rear, making sure everyone would keep running. I have to say I was rather surprised Bombur ran so fast as soon as the house was in view. I quickly helped a stumbling Bilbo forward when the bushes behind us were shoved aside to reveal a large black bear. I quickly turned my back to everyone as they banged on the door for help. Following them inside when it was open and helping shut it when the bear rammed into the door. Once the door was shut I flopped to the floor, Yarí looking at me amused.

"Shut up you overgrown canary." I huffed. Yarí snatched the collar of my shirt in his beak before dragging me to some hay to lie on. I fell asleep quickly that night on top of Yarí's saddle.

The next morning I woke with water dripping on my face, I opened my eyes to see it was drool from Kili. With no remorse I shoved him away, causing him to fall of the small landing with a small 'oof!' I whipped my face in disgust before turning on Yarí who appeared to be grinning in triumph. "Fine, you sleep on you own till I forgive you." I snapped. I walked over to a table to see a large man smirking, "Not a word from you." I huffed before sitting down.

"Griffins are loyal creatures you know, they wouldn't do anything without cause." The large man said with a smile. "I am Beorn, a skin changer." He greeted.

"Silaxi, an Icánu." I greeted, bowing slightly. I was greeted by the sight of fruits and vegetables on the table and began to dig in. I finished before the Dwarves stirred and decided to wake them all if we were to keep moving. Once they all sat down to eat I sat down between Bofur and Dwalin, laying my head down on the table.