The Shapeshifter (A Hobbit Fanfiction)

Chapter 22

*Skyrena's Pov-

As we rode down the rapids, I drained some of the energy from river, leaving enough to carry us for miles.  Soon, the rapids turned into a gentle stream, and Thorin brought us to shore.  I shivered and looked around at each of my companions.  Everyone was alive, but Killi was limping.  I rushed over to see him.

"What happened?"  He shook his head and shrugged.

"I'm fine...  Just an arrow to the knee."  Something didn't smell right, but Thorin was ordering we keep going.  Bofur, who had knelt beside me, looked up at Thorin.

"Killi's wounded."  Turning and seeing, Thorin's gaze softened slightly.

"Bind it quickly.  Skyrena can tend to it properly when we're safe."  I nodded and tore off a piece of my cloak to bind Killi's leg.  He grimaced, but he didn't cry out once.  I patted him on the shoulder.

"You're going to be okay."  He smiled a little.

"Aren't you glad I insisted on opening the gate?"  Truthfully, no, I wasn't.  I was a lot more durable, plus I tend to be immune to a lot of magic and poisons.  However, if it made him and Thorin happy that I wasn't the one hurt, I guess I'd just have to deal with it.  I swallowed hard and nodded.  Before I could say a word, I saw a bowman.

I leaped to my feet and shifted into a wolf, standing between Killi and the bowman.  When the bowman fired at me, Thorin was there, deflecting it before I could take so much as one step.  Ori started to throw something at him, but the bowman's shot sent the rock flying from Ori's hand.  Finally, the bowman spoke.

"Anyone else?"  I growled softly at him, but I didn't move.  Whoever this was, I didn't like him.  His scent gave away that he was human, but that's not what bothered me.  He'd threatened my companions, and I didn't like it.  Thorin's hand rested on my furry shoulder as he whispered softly in my ear.

"Shift back, Skyrena...  I don't think he's a threat."  I shifted back, but I glared at the human.  He nodded at me and spoke.

"Who and what are you?"  I narrowed my eyes and crossed my arms as I answered.

"What's it to you?"  Before he responded, Balin spoke up.

"Sir, is that your boat?"  The bowman turned from me to face Balin.  I frowned as they started to talk.  Not even 5 minutes ago, this guy was on the verge of killing us all, but, now, he was holding a casual conversation with Balin.  Finally, Balin had convinced the bowman, called Bard, to smuggle us into Lake Town.  However, the human was still very cautious about me.

"How do I know she won't hurt anyone?"  I started to protest, but Thorin spoke over me.

"I swear upon my honor that she is not a threat."  Bard frowned as he looked between the two of us.  I gulped and looked up at him.

"I promise that I won't harm anyone...  I give you my word."  He heaved a sigh and shook his head.

"I believe you,... surprisingly."  I smiled up at him as he motioned towards the boat.  "All aboard."  I followed Thorin onto the boat and helped Killi sit down.  The funny scent was stronger than ever, but I decided not to worry him.  I looked over at Bard.

"Do you happen to have anything we can use as bandages?"  Bard tossed me an old, worn out cloak that smelled like fish.  I took it and set to work immediately as we set sail.  Filli hovered nearby, watching me, as Thorin spoke with Dwalin in a soft voice.

"How do we know we can trust him?"  Thorin glanced at Bard.

"We can't."  I gulped and looked down at Killi's leg as I bound it.  Trying not to slash the person behind me, I jumped when I felt a hand on my shoulder.  It was Filli.  He smiled down at me as I tried to catch my breath.

"You okay?"  My jaw dropped as I stared at him in disbelief.

"No thanks to you giving me a heart attack, Filli."  He laughed and knelt down beside me as I finished binding Killi's leg.  The others were argueing about Bard's payment, so no one was looking at us.  Suddenly, they all went dead silent.  I frowned and stood up.  We could see the mountain perfectly, and Lake Town was just ahead.  Bard approached Balin and Thorin.

"Give me the money now."  Thorin started to argue, but Bard shook his head.  "If you value your lives, you'll pay me now."  Balin gave him the money without saying a word.  Doing a head count, Bard shook his head.  "There's 15 of you and only 14 barrels."  Thorin looked over at me.

"Skyrena can shift into something small and ride in my pocket..."  I looked around and saw everyone looking at me expectantly.  I sighed and shook my head.

"How small?"  Thorin shrugged.

"About as small as a mouse."  I swallowed hard and closed my eyes, focusing on the form of a mouse.

Soon, I realized I was on all fours.  Opening my eyes, I saw everyone had grown significantly.  Thorin knelt down and held out his hand.  Trembling, I climbed on, already thinking that this was a bad idea.  Thorin got up, careful not to hurt me, and smiled at me as he held me up for the others to see.

"I'll let you know when it's safe to shift back."  I squeaked in response as he gently tucked me into his chest pocket.  At first, the sound of his heartbeat was deafening, but I soon found it a little comforting.  I could feel his every movement as he seemed to crawl into the barrel.  He patted the pocket gently, as though feeling for me, and whispered.  "You ready?"  I squeaked, hoping I sounded ready.