Victoria in Middle Earth

Chapter Eight

Soon after that they packed up and set off. The weather was not agreeing with them. 

It was raining. And raining hard. "Here, Mr, Gandalf. Can't you do something about this deluge?" Dori asks. 

"It is raining Master Dwarf and it will continue to rain until the rain is done. If you wish to change the weather if this world then you should find yourself another Wizard." said Gandalf. "Are there any?" says Bilbo. "What?" Gandalf asks. "Other wizards?" Bilbo asks. 

"There are five of us. The greatest of our order is Saruman, the White. Then there are the two Blue Wizards; you know, I've quite forgotten their names." says Gandalf. 

"And who is the fifth?" asks Bilbo. "Well, that would be Radagast, the Brown." Gandalf answers.

"Is he a great Wizard or is he...more like you?" asks Bilbo. Gandalf looks slightly offended. "I think he's a very great wizard, in his own way. He's a gentle soul who prefers the company of animals to others. He keeps a watchful eye over the vast forest lands to the East, and a good thing too, for always Evil will look to find a foothold in this world." says Gandalf.

Later on that evening, the Company arrives at an old, abandoned farmhouse that is in ruins. "We'll camp here for the night. Fili, Kili, look after the ponies. Make sure you stay with them." says Thorin. 

"A farmer and his family used to live here." says Gandalf. "Oin, Gloin." says Thorin. "Aye?" says Gloin. "Get a fire going." says Thorin."Right you are." says Gloin. "I think it would be wiser to move on. We could make for the Hidden Valley." says Gandalf. 

"I have told you already, I will not go near that place." says Thorin. "Why not? The elves could help us. We could get food, rest, advice." says Gandalf.

"I do not need their advice." says Thorin. "We have a map that we cannot read. Lord Elrond could help us." says Gandalf. 

"Help? A dragon attacks Erebor, what help came from the Elves? Orcs plunder Moria, desecrate our sacred halls, the Elves looked on and did nothing. You ask me to seek out the very people who betrayed my grandfather and betrayed my father." says Thorin.

"You are neither of them. I did not give you that map and key for you to hold on to the past." says Gandalf. "I did not know that they were yours to keep." says Thorin. 

Gandalf stomps off angrily, leaving the Company. "Everything alright? Gandalf, where are you going?" asks Bilbo.

 "To seek the company of the only one around here who's got any sense." says Gandalf. "Who's that?" asks Bilbo. "Myself, Mr. Baggins! I've had enough of dwarves for one day." says Gandalf. "Come on, Bombur, we're hungry." says Thorin. 

"Is he coming back?" Bilbo asks Balin. Balin doesn't answer but looks unsure.

"He's been a long time." said Bilbo. "Who?" asked Bofor. "Gandalf." Bilbo answered. 

"He's a Wizard! He does as he chooses. Here, do us a favor: take this to the lads." said Bofor handing Bilbo two bowls of soup to take to Fili and Kili. 

And Bilbo leaves. Bombur tries to take more soup but, "Stop it, you've had plenty." said Bofor taking the spoon away.