Predator or Prey | The Hobbit

TWO

Thorin's loud voice ended their cheering, "Give him a pony."

Bilbo's eyes widened, not liking the idea. "No, no! No, that won't be necessary." Bilbo held out his hand to decline Thorin's order. "Thank you. I'm sure I can keep up on foot." He began to panic as the Company continued their journey. "I-I've done my fair share of walking holidays, you know?"

Selene continued riding, Thorin at her side this time. Gandalf waited behind, waiting for the hobbit to ride next to him before he moved along with the Company. The sound of bags of coins being tossed around reached Selene's ears and she realized the winners of the wager on Bilbo were getting their money.

After a few hours, the Company decided to take a break and rest for the night. They had found a small area with a rock ledge to build a fire to keep everyone warm. Everyone ate quietly when dinner was served.

In a short amount of time, most of the dwarves had fallen asleep. Fíli and Kíli were still up, sitting by the fire, keeping watch. Selene and Gandalf sat against a tree, close to the brothers, also keeping watch since they could not sleep. The both of them watching Bilbo standing up from where he laid by the sleeping dwarves.

They kept a close eye on the hobbit stretching his arms over his head. He walked over to where the horses were, unaware of the eyes on him. He petted the pony he rode, stroking her gently and then sneaked her an apple. Selene laughed quietly. Bilbo was too kind.

A loud screech from the distance startled Bilbo. It also made the other four who were wide awake, sit up straight. They haven't encountered any orcs or goblins yet and they hoped that they wouldn't have to anytime soon.

Bilbo turned and looked at the four, pointing to the far distance behind him. "What was that?

"Orcs." Kíli told the hobbit.

Bilbo silently jogged over to the brothers, "Orcs?" He had said it so loud, that he woke Thorin up from his sleep.

"Throatcutters." Fíli spoke up. "There'll be dozens of them out there."

"The lone-land's are crawling with them. They strike in the wee small hours when everyone's asleep. Quick and quiet. No screams. Just lots of blood." Kíli shrugged his shoulders.

Bilbo turned his head back to look from where the screech came from. Both Fíli and Kíli chuckled, oblivious to Thorin hearing them snicker.

"You think that's funny?" Thorin gave his nephews a hard look. "You think a night raid by orcs is a joke?" He was on his feet now, his eyes not moving from his nephews.

"We didn't mean anything by it." Kíli met his uncle's eyes and looked down, not being able to keep eye contact with him.

"No, you didn't." Thorin moved passed Selene and Gandalf. "You know nothing of the world." He muttered lowly.

"Don't mind him, laddie." Balin joined Fíli and Kíli by the fire. "Thorin has more cause than most to hate orcs."

Those who were awake all listened to Balin closely.

"After the dragon took the Lonely Mountain, King Thror tried to reclaim the ancient Dwarf Kingdom of Moria. But our enemy had got there first. Moria had been taken by legions of Orcs, led by the two most vile of all their race: Azog the Defiler and his mate, Nhel."

Selene tensed at the familiar name. Nhel. Was she still alive?

"The giant Gundabad Orc had sworn to wipe out the line of Durin. He began... by beheading the King. Thráin, Thorin's father, was driven by mad and grief. He went missing. Taken prisoner or killed, we did not know. We were leaderless. Defeat... And death were upon us. That is when I saw him."