Chapter 38: Lost and Found

Thorin's head snapped up and he surveyed his surroundings cautiously. When he drifted off? It had been a long and exhausting night after their unpleasant encounter with the spider and though neither the arachnid nor the eyes had reappeared the company had spent a restless night huddled together in the dark. He would have preferred to have had the girls light throughout the hours of quiet dark but after she has informed him that her device was at half power he told her to save the remaining life in case they should need it again at a later time. They had huddled together, waiting, but after an hour of silence Thorin had appointed Nori, Fili, and Bofur to keep watch while the others tried to get some sleep. He had intended to remain awake but in truth he had not slept well since entering the forest, only snatching an hour or two here and there. The others save the three on watch were asleep, leaning on each other, their heads dropping onto their chests. Fili sat with his chin propped in one hand, elbow on a knee, his eyes open and alert while his other hand fiddled with one of the dark curls cascading over his thigh where the girl's head rested. Despite all that has happened in the past few days, Thorin could not help the twinge of jealousy for his nephew. This irritated him to no end, but it was undeniable he still harbored soft feelings for the girl but feelings or no, he would not act on them. He conceded the need for her continued presence with the company and even if it were not required, he would have seen her safely back to Beorn's or through the forest to Laketown. He and his nephews still owed her that much for saving our lives, however long they may or may not prove to be.

Throin was unsure how he felt about the information the girl had been keeping from them, whether he believed her or how much stock to put in it. Honestly, he was not sure how he should feel about the girl. If he were fair, she only had semi-reliable information for a few days before she had told them, but it was still a slap in the face to find she had been keeping secrets from them, that she had deceived them from the very start. He could almost understand the need to keep the distant future shrouded in mystery, but he had hoped that she had come to trust him and the company. If she were correct about the future then it was an ill omen for times to come. Many believed, as had he, that Sauron was a dark figure of the past, even his name was not spoken in any decent conversation. Thorin was well aware of the devastation that he had wrought in his previous reign of power during the second age. A few of his ancestors had even fought in the last battle before his defeat, although according to the girl he had not been truly defeated at all, though she failed to explain how this was possible. Yet another secret she failed to divulge.

Sauron was a force to be reckoned with and he could well see how it would be difficult to bring him down. No, he was not overly upset with her for keeping that future a secret, for it had nothing to do with him, his company, or the quest to reclaim Erebor. What angered him most was the fact that she had intended to lead them blindly into the forest and into the hands of the elves. Despite this he couldn't help but think that Dwalin had been too harsh in his assessment of the girl, not only had it been too sharp to call her a cold hearted killer, but the warriors logic have been flawed. The girl had said that regardless of the other choices she would continue through Mirkwood on her own if need be, she had nowhere else to go but forward. His argument with Fili that same night had only cemented this fact. It was unlike Dwalin to be so outspoken, especially towards a female; his displeasure was usually shown through taciturn sullenness or physical violence depending on the recipient. Thorin himself had been on the receiving end of several of his powerful blows over the many years of their friendship. Not only had Dwalin reacted out of character but he had allowed it to flow over into his decision the next morning. Thorin had expected to fight with Dwalin over the choice to continue, but he had not expected to leave his friend behind at the forest's edge. That had been a blow, not only because he would feel his friends absence but because it further proved the girl's point. They had all embarked on this journey knowing the dangers it held and they accepted that possibility, so why had Dwalin not come with them? Admittedly the burly dwarf had always been more superstitious than himself. That was one of the reasons why Thorin had been so shocked that Dwalin was one of the first to reach out and connect with the girl; normally he would have thought it bad luck to bring a woman along. Perhaps it had been the mark on her hand that had persuaded the warrior, then again maybe it had simply been something about the girl herself. Who could say but Dwalin himself.

But whatever the girl's reasons, well-intentioned or otherwise, and no matter how much he could understand them, that did not block out the sting of betrayal Thorin felt over her actions. She had been able to keep such a monumental secret from him for so long. He had been so blind. It had also been a blow to his pride that she had bested him in both of their recent arguments. Not only that, but she had spoken of their more intimate moments in front of the others and while he was not particularly embarrassed over that fact, he still did not like his personal business aired in public. The woman surrly had a tongue of fire when riled and though not goaded to anger often she could rival even Dis in her ability to argue. This coupled with the fact that she had grown more bold as the weeks had passed and perhaps it was best that the two females never meet. All in all, it was all so much to process and filter through that he was unsure how he truly felt about the quest, the girl, the Valar, and the whole sordid mess, so he had followed his original plan to retake Erebor and let the rest work itself out, or not. Only time will tell if he had chosen wisely.

The girl's hair had reacted to the constant humidity with an unprecedented amount of curl that was not unpleasant but that she had found infuriating. She looked quite at peace with her head on Fili's leg, her breath blowing erant stands of dark hair back and forth, her hands tucked under her cheek, squishing her face. Fili snorted and Thorin realized, to his constellation, that he had been watching the girl sleep for several minutes now and his nephew had become aware of his unintentionally amorous attention. Fili was watching him with an undetermined expression, his eyes shifting back and forth between he and the girl before snorting again and returning his focus to the forest. The sun must have only just begun to rise for though there was enough light that he could see, he knew it would likely be a few minutes before the girl and Mr. Baggins could. A few words muttered in dwarvish to his right brought his attention to Kili who had leaned against him in the night. His face was scrunched as if in pain as he continued to mumble unintelligently in his sleep. At least he was sleeping. His youngest nephew's condition had been a source of worry to him over the past few days. At first it had been a state of utter shock and he had moved as if possessed by an unknown will, but as the days had passed that had shifted slightly. He was less listless though he still did not speak more than necessary and only in response to a question. He and Fili had both met with failure when they had tried to engage him in a conversation. What was strange was Kili did not seem angry as Thorin might have expected, nor was it fear or sadness, no what he saw there scared him much more, for in Kili's eyes there was a type of dull resignation. Vaguely he wished Dis were here. She had always been better at interpreting and shifting Kili's moods where Thorin was much more attuned to Fili, no matter how much they might disagree at times. Alas Dis was not here to offer insight to her youngest son and Thorin was hardly in a position to offer advice as he was still struggling with his own beliefs and desires.

The light had grown bright enough for all to see and Thorin gently nudged Kili awake before rousting the others. Soon and with minimal grumbles and complaints all had risen, eaten a quick meal, and were once again on the move. He set a faster pace as they marched off into the gloom of the morning for he was eager to leave Mirkwood behind as soon as possible.

Sara sat close to the fire, her socks held on a stick over the crackling flames, trying to drive the perpetual damp from the clothing. The fire had been built with wood the company had gathered from the edge of the path as they trekked through the forest. They had been careful not to actually leave the path but even still they had gathered enough to hopefully feed the fire throughout the night. They had taken some effort to get the blaze started as the wood had been quite damp, but finally they had gotten it going. The sun had not gone down just yet and Sara was determined to get as dry as possible before the moths and bats were drawn to the flames. They have seen more spiderwebs today and Sara had to agree with Thorin on this count, if it were a choice between moths and bats or giant spiders, she would take the former any day. Her eyes drifted to Bilbo who stood next to her enjoying the heat.

"I don't feel that I have been properly dry for ages," he said, taking off his waistcoat and holding it near the flames.

"Agreed," she said smiling up at him. "Hopefully my feet won't be so cold tonight. Damp feet are the worst when sleeping outdoors. Where's Fili?"

"Talking to Mr. Thorin," said Bilbo, gesturing across the fire. She looked up in time to see Fili nod his head, his gaze locking with hers for a moment before saying something to Thorin and turning to come to them sit by her other side.

"You know if you have run out of food you could always ask for some of mine," he said eyeing the stick in her hands. "No need to eat your own socks." He grinned. Blowing a curly strand of hair from her face she reached over and thumped his shoulder.

"I'm not going to eat them," she said. "And even if I were so desperately hungry, I would be sure to eat yours first." Fili raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "Well maybe not," she amended. "Who knows when you last changed them."

"Disgusting," groaned Bilbo, his round nose wrinkling in revulsion.

"Six days ago," volunteered Fili helpfully.

"Eww gross, nope my are definitely fresher." She pulled her socks from the fire and felt them; satisfied, she pulled them on her feet reveling in their warmth, her toes wiggling happily. "So what did Thorin want?"

"He wants us all to sleep closer to the fire until we leave Mirkwood."

"Makes sense," she said. "It makes it harder for a spider to drag one of us off during the night."

"Oh don't say such things," wailed Bilbo. "It's a horrible thought, and one I would just as soon not think about."

"How's Kili," she asked, sticking an experimental hand into one of her boots. She groaned internally when she saw the holes on the side were growing bigger. At least they were dry now.

"He's about the same," said Fili, his face twisted with worry. "He still won't really speak to me, it's worrying uncle even." Sara looked towards Kili after lacing up her boots. He was sitting with Balin and Thorin. She could stand it no longer. It had been almost five days and Kili had not so much as looked her way. She had to try and talk to him, after all it could hardly make his mood worse.

"I'm going to try talking to him," she said getting to her feet

"Are you sure?" asked Fili.

"Yes. I'm probably the reason he's this way."

"If you're certain," said Fili. "Want me to move your bed and pack while you do?"

"Yes, thank you. That would be nice." She squeezed his shoulder. "Wish me luck."

"Good luck," said Bilbo and Fili in unison.

Sara approached Kili and Balin, Thorin having moved off to talk to Nori when he saw her coming. That was fine, it would be easier to talk to Kili without him listening in and scowling. Kili sat cross-legged examining the bundle of arrows in his lap, some in a stack on the ground next to him. He did not look up as she came to crouch in front of him, although she was sure he knew she was there. She glanced at Balin who smiled gently and nodded towards Kili. She sucked in a breath preparing to speak, but now that she was here she was unsure what to say. She floundered for words but none were forthcoming. To her surprise Kili spoke first.

"What is it? What do you want Sara?"

"I just wanted to check on you," she began.

"I'm fine," he said, quickly setting an arrow to the side before picking up another. "Is that all you wanted?" He held the arrow aloft peering down the shaft before adjusting the tip slightly.

"I was just worried about you," she said. "You haven't been eating very much and you hardly speak to anyone. It's not like you."

"Well it doesn't much matter, does it?" he said, still not looking at her. "In three months time, who cares what I was or wasn't like?" She winced and looked to Balin for help but his face was unreadable as he polished his sword.

"It matters to me," she said quietly. "I hate seeing you so unhappy. Besides I already said things may turn out differently than we are expecting, in fact I very much mean them too if I have any say in the matter. I'm going to do whatever it takes to save all three of you. I promise." He paused in his work staring into his lap.

"How can you be so certain you can change things?" he asked.

"I'm not," she sighed. "But I think we have a pretty good chance."

"A chance," he scoffed. "What good is that when the Valar want you dead?"

"We don't know that for sure, in fact if they did want you dead they would not have sent me." He looked up at her, his skepticism clear. "Well think about it," she defended. "I have been giving it a lot of thought. You and Fili would already be dead if I weren't here, and really what's the point of sending me if I'm not meant to change things? Even if I tried not to, I would still mess stuff up from the book."

"But what if it's not enough," he asked, his eyes falling again.

"We can only do our best to survive like we do any other day," she said, reaching for his arm but he pulled away. She tried not to feel hurt about it. "Look, someone told me recently that it's better to live your life regardless of any fear you might hold for the future. To choose to live in fear is to choose not to live at all. At any rate if these are your last months do you want to spend them moping around or do you want to live them to the fullest." He didn't move or speak. She tried again.

"I know you're probably mad at me and you have every right to be. I'm sorry I had to keep information from you and I understand it's a lot to wrap your head around. If you really don't want to speak to me again… well that's okay. I will understand. I will miss you but, I will understand. But, please, promise me you won't give up hope just yet. If you give up that's a sure way to get yourself killed and none of us here want that." He picked up another arrow, ostensibly to examine it. Sighing, she got to her feet and brushed the dirt from her pants. Well at least he had spoken to her, that had been more than she had expected at any rate.

"Ms. Sara," called Balin when she was a few steps away. She turned to face him. "How exactly do you plan to preserve the line of Durin?" She folded her arms surveying him as she thought for a moment.

"Well truthfully, I'm greedy," she said glancing at Thorin out of the corner of her eye. "I don't just want to save Thorin, Fili, or Kili, I want to save as many lives as possible, be they dwarf, human, or elf."

"And just how do you intend to accomplish such a feat?" asked Balin gesturing for her to sit next to him. She raised her eyebrows in question, tipping her head towards Thorin and Kili who were not looking her way. Balin grinned and nodded once again for her to join him. Taking the hint she came to sit beside him.

"Well I'm not a hundred percent sure about the details, but I figure one of the biggest problems in the book is that the elves, men, and dwarves are all too busy fighting with each other and have no idea the goblin hordes are about to attack. But, imagine if everyone worked together to prepare for battle. What if we evacuated Laketown before Durin's day so that no one had to die because of Smaug?" Balin set his sword aside as he mulled over her words. Her eyes shifted to Thorin who is sitting a little stiffer than normal as he talked to Nori, and then to Kili who had been looking at the same arrow for the past few minutes.

"It seems quite ambitious," said Balin, running a hand over his beard.

"Yeah, I know," she said, her heart sinking a little. "But if dwarves and elves could get along once, it stands to reason it could happen again."

"Ah, I see. This is why you asked me about the elves the other day," he said shrewdly. "You wish to try and broker peace once again."

"Yes," she said. "I know it's a tall order, but it's not like you have to be best buddies, just allies who come to each other's aid when needed. We're going to need them in battle and really it's in the best interest for the dwarves in the long run."

"They are quite skilled in a fight," admitted Balin. There was a soft noise of disbelief from Nori and Sara knew he and many of the others were listening intently to their conversation. Balin winked at her. "But what of the men?" he asked in a carrying voice.

"I hadn't really gotten that far. My main concern was the elves. But if we tell them Smaug is coming to destroy the town I don't see why they wouldn't evacuate. Many of them eventually move to Dale and rebuild it anyway. Bard becomes their king, I was going to start by finding him. It seems as good a place as any to start." Balin nodded.

"What about the Eagles?"

"I am going to send word to Gandalf when Elrond's falcon arrives. He's the one who seems to know them best so I was going to leave them to him."

"Why do you need to send word to him, does he not already know of your plans?"

She shook her head. "No, when he left to go back to the council I was still not sure what was the best course of action."

"Gandalf the Gray Wizard is waiting for your word? I mean to say, he left the decision to you?" asked Balin, a bit surprised.

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"Yes," she admitted. "He said since I know what will happen in the distant future and won't tell anyone else that he would support whatever I chose to do. It's a bit daunting if I'm honest."

"Aye, I'm sure it is. It's quite a bit of responsibility making a decision like that."

"I know," she said quietly, tugging at a curly lock of hair that refused to stay out of her face.

"But surely you will still have to tell some people about the upcoming battle and your knowledge of it, otherwize, how will you bring them together?"

"I guess so," she said. "But it's not like I plan to broadcast the fact that I know the future. I only have to convince a few people, the elf king, Bard, and probably the master of the lake. Although I don't like him much, he seems kind of smarmy in the book. He runs off with a gold Bard gives him to rebuild Lake Town and leaves the people in a lurch."

"Clearly not the type to value honor or decency," said Balin, frowning.

"Definitely not. But Bard seems like a good guy if the book is anything to go by." They sat in silence for a moment, thinking.

"So Beorn is coming to the battle as well?" he asked.

"Yes him and some of his kin. He thinks at least 20."

"That's not very many," said Balin. She looked at him surprised, but then it dawned on her.

"That's right," she said. "I forgot that none of you have seen him in his bear form. If you had, you would think 20 is a very impressive number. I mean even Azog and his warg riders go out of their way to avoid meeting him, and he's only one person. Beorn can be terrifying when he is in his other skin. I'm just glad he is on our side."

"Either way, you have surely set yourself a difficult task," he said. "You are right. Likely the most challenging bit will be brokering the agreement of mutual cooperation with the elves and dwarves."

"I know," she said, her shoulders sagging slightly. There was a beat of silence.

" Lucky for you, you have me." Her head jerked up, eyes wide. "If you are going to try and solve such a convoluted political issue, then I suppose I'll just have to help you," he said resting his hand on top of hers.

Thorin glaired into the treetops that glowed a soft emerald under the noonday sun, at least he guessed it to be about noon. It was disconcerting not to be able to see this sky and it greatly hampered his ability to tell time, though he suspected there was more at work than simply the canopy. At least there were currently few webs strung amongst the forest's upper branches; that was some consolation. But even without the threat of spiders they were having trouble enough. Beorn had said that once inside the forest that water fit to drink would be difficult to find. It was now the seventh day of their track and still they had not come across any source of water whatsoever. Most of the company's water skins had run dry a little under two days ago, and while the situation was not yet dire for the dwarves, who could go another day or two without water, Thorin was aware that the situation was not the same from Mr. Baggins or Ms. Miller. It was imperative they find water soon and so added to collecting wood for that night's fire he had also instructed the company to keep their senses atune for any source of water, whether on the path or off.

He looked over his shoulder past Kili to see the girl walking sedately with Balin a few feet back. Balin had taken to asking the girl to walk and talk with him now and then. Thorin was no fool, he knew very well why the diplomat did it. It had begun the night the girl approached Kili in the attempt to make amends. She had met with partial success, at least to the point that Thorin now had a relatively good idea what drove his nephew sullenness. Kili had come face-to-face with his own mortality, and despite his apparent apathy, he knew his nephew to be truly desperate to cling to life, and to this end Balin had begun to question Ms. Miller about her plans for the future. Of course the sly dwarf had been sure to discuss the matter in a voice that carried easily to the ears of the others. Even he and Nori had only continued a facade of their previous conversation, both acutely attuned to the conversation behind them.

Thorin could agree with a majority of Ms. Millers plans to change the future. He would greatly like to prevent the destruction of Laketown and the deaths of its people. He also agreed that it would be in their favor to be prepared for the Battle of the Five Armies. He would need to send word to Dain once they reached Laketown. Given time he was sure Dain could muster a greater force. He only hoped he could convince his cousin to come to his aid without proof the dragon was dead or the arkenstone. Almost none had been willing to come to take back Erebor, and he could little blame them. Only a very few of the 8,000 dwarves that have gone into that last battle at Azanulbizar had survived, and few were eager to join what seemed like yet another hopeless cause. Dwarves had long memories, and many had lost kin to the last war.

He had been surprised if not a little impressed to hear that Beorn and his kin desired to join them in the fight against the Goblins, although Ms. Miller's explanation of how the skin changer had learned of the upcoming battle had been unexpected. Apparently the old dog Tom was an intelligent creature. That at least explained some of the dogs odd behavior, but he still wondered why the dog had been so partial Ms. Miller while showing a distinct disinclination towards him. At least they would have the skinchangers aid. The eagles to would prove to be quite formidable allies when the time came, but Thorin was determined to keep his feet on the ground at their next meeting. He did not relish the queasiness that accompanied flight. No, the girls' plans were sound save one point, the elves.

How could Ms. Miller expect his people and the elves to ever come to peaceable terms after the elves' betrayal? Many of his people had perished the day Smaug had sacked Erebor. It was easily one of the worst days of his childhood. It was the day he had lost his mother to the dragon's flames. He remembered carrying Dis in his arms while dragging Frerin behind him out through the smoke and flames of the front gate. Both his brother and sister had been crying for their mother, but no one knew what had happened to her except that she never left the mountain. He was far from the only one who had lost a loved one that day and they had all lost their home. Yet this girl expected them to simply put that aside and cooperate. Even if Thorin were inclined to try and make peace, which he wasn't, there was always the grudge the elves held over the white gems of Thranduil. He supposed he could understand how the temporary truce had come about in the book. The threat of the attacking goblins had driven the elves, men, and dwarves together to preserve their existence, but after he were to approach the elf king before that need arose, Thranduil would likely spit in his face, that is if Thorin didn't beat him to it. He couldn't understand how Balin could lead the girl on with even a glimmer of false hope for peace between the elves and dwarves, especially as they were soon to be captured and held against their will. He would help the girl to muster all the allies they could, all save the elves. He wanted nothing to do with Thranduil or his ilk.

Thorin came to a halt as his feet stepped onto a large white pad of stone. This couldn't be right, it could not be the days end. He could not imagine they had come even half a day's march. He looked up into the canopy trying to discern the time but was just frustrated in his attempt by the leaves and the increasing spider webs strung in the topmost branches of the tree.

"Why have we stopped?" asked Nori, coming to the front. Thorin gestured to the campsite in front of them. Nori hefted the load of wood higher under his arm frowning. "This can't be right. We haven't come but maybe four miles yet. Why would this be here?"

"Ms. Miller," called Thorin over his shoulder. "What time is it according to your device?"

"Hold on," she said, her voice lacking it's usual energy. "It's only just passed one," she said after a few moments. He was relieved to know that his mental facilities were not slipping, but it still left the question as to why this pad was here.

"The elves must have built it here for a reason," said Balin, stepping up beside him.

"Do you hear that?" exclaimed Ori, moving to the edge of the path to look into the thick shrubbery. Throin strained his ears and to his surprise found Ori to be correct. He licked his dry lips. The sound was coming from about 15 yards off the path, but there was no mistaking it. He swallowed drily, his previous thirst now much more apparent.

"Water!" cried Bofur.

"Indeed but how are we to get to it," asked Balin, picking up a stick and tapping a nearby fern and stepping back as it released its pollen in a white cloud.

"That is the problem," said Bofur, setting down his arm full of wood.

"We can't go on without trying," said Fili glancing to where the girl sat on the ground rubbing her temples. "Who knows when we'll find water again."

"Sara are you alright?" asked Bilbo, sinking to his knees beside her. She nodded gingerly.

"Yes. I just have a headache," she said. Alarm bells sounded in Thorin's mind, pain in the head was often a sign that one had been too long without water. They could not afford to simply pass up this chance.

"Fili, Nori," called Thorin. They came forward. "Give me your staff Nori and Fili two of your sharpest knives." They did so as he dug a cord from his pack and deftly lashed the two knives to Nori's staff at an angle so they crossed and then approached the nearest fern. He placed the knives near the base of the plant and with a quick movement cut the fern and stepped back as it collapsed sending out its microspors.

"Oh I see," said Bilbo, sounding excited. "We cut them down and create a path to the water."

"Yes," said Thorin nodding and handing the makeshift tool to Fili. "We will go in pairs, pinching or jabbing the other to keep our minds clear. If you start to feel tired, turn around and come back and we will send the next pair. You will talk constantly to your partner so you may each gauge each other's mental state. We use the ropes again. Ms. Miller, we will also require the use of your staff, for a conventional weapon is too short to escape the resulting pollen cloud." She nodded and after retrieving her stalf snapped the two halves together and held it out to him.

"Take these as well," said Bilbo holding out two of his handkerchiefs. Thorin raised an eyebrow in question. "Tie it over your face," explained the hobbit holding the cloth to his face. "I do it whenever I have a heavy dusting job to do so I don't breath in the dust." Thorin nodded and took the offered cloth. Mr. Baggins was often more clever than he gave the hobbit credit for.

"Very good Master Bagans. Fili, you will come with me," he said tying the handkerchief over his nose and mouth and then accepting the rope from Balin which he tied around his waist after slipping out of his coat and pack. "Ready?" he asked, looking to Fili who nodded, tightening the rope around his middle. Reaching over and pinching each other savagely on the back of the arm they stepped off the path and began.

Thorin drank long and deep, the cold liquid coating his dry throat in an extremely satisfying way. It had taken an hour and four partnered pairs to finally reach the spring but the water skins were now filled once again. The addition of Mr. Baggins handkerchiefs had proved to be the key. It seemed that so long as one did not breathe in the pollen they remained unaffected,unfortunately Dori had tripped headlong into a large fern and his makeshift mask could come off. By the time Bifur had returned him to the others he had been asleep, but due to his limited exposure he had woken by the time Ori and Bofur had returned with the water. Rather than move on Thorin called a halt for the day. It would do all concerned good to rest and rehydrate, and who knew when the next chance at a camp or water would be. Not only that, but the further they had traveled during the day the thicker the webs in the trees had become and he was not overly anxious to run into the forests eight-legged denizens.

Capping his waterskin he leaned back against his pack and pulled his pipe from the pouch in his hip. In his search for tobacco his fingers brushed against the nearly complete hairpiece. Frowning he held it up examining it. He really disliked half finished work. Packing and lighting his pipe he began his careful work to finish the delicate piece. The sun had sunk and the campfire lit by the time he held up the finished product. He glanced at the girl who sat beside Fili, pulling a comb through his hair as she told a scary story. He had no idea how pasta could be creepy or what that had to do with the story she was telling, but she had the wrap attention of several around the fire, and some like himself who were pretending to be busy while keeping an ear turned towards her. The had begun to flutter over the fires flickering flames and something clipped his ear as it whished by. The book had been right on at least one account, the bats and moths were larger-than-expected, the winged mammals stretching three to four feet from wingtip to wingtip. The moths, their prey of choice, were quite large as well, their dark grey wings at least the size of his hands put together. While they did not cause any real trouble, they could become quite a nuisance. The moths, unable to stay near the flames would land on anything nearby, their personal choice being members of the company and their belongings, and the bats were not shy about following the fuzzy winged insects for the chance at a tasty meal. Once darkness fell, the air was thick with them for two to three hours and many of the company had taken to sleeping with their heads and faces covered, but none complained knowing the alternative to be infinitely less pleasant.

A little over three hours after nightfall many had retired to their beds, their blankets pulled high over their ears and faces. Thorin remained awake, it being his and Balin's turn to keep watch. Since instigating the watchfires the eyes in the woods had decreased in number, although not altogether disappearing. While the eyes were unpleasant and unnerving they never caused any trouble and remained well outside the fires ring of light. The only eyes that worried him were the large bulbous ones clumped in a distinct configuration. He didn't think he would ever forget those eyes or the image on Ms. Miller's device burned as it was into his memory. He and Balin sat back-to-back watching the wood but all seemed normal and quiet, at least normal and quiet for this accursed forest, only the occasional moth or bat swooping passed in the dark.

"Why do you lead Ms. Miller on with false hope for peace with the elves?" he asked as he threw another log on the fire.

"Why are you so sure that peace with the elves is impossible?" countered Balin, his fingers drumming on the flat of his blade resting across his lap.

"You know why."

"Tell me why you personally feel it impossible," he insisted.

"They betrayed our people, refused to help us drive out the worm. They did not even offer relief or refuge in our time of need. Because of their failure to act we lost our home, our loved ones. I lost my mother and my father and grandfather fell into madness."

"Be fair," said Balin. "You know the seeds of the sickness were already sown in your father and grandfather. The elves do not kill your mother. By the time the elves arrived, Smaug had already taken the mountain and she was lost. Even our own kin would not aid us in purging the dragon from the mountain."

"That does not excuse their inaction. They were honor bound to help, but they turned their back on an ally. Why do you argue against me? You were there. You remember."

"I remember being a very very young dwarfling who was terrified and confused. I was hardly old enough to know any of the politics of the matter, and even now I only know what I have been taught by our elders and what I experienced of dwarf and elf nature myself. I know our races seem to thrive from conflict with each other, but I am also wise enough to know that it will not be enough to…" but Balin's words trailed off.

The eyes in the woods were beginning to wink out and they could both hear the large body, no two large bodies moving through the forest. Unbidden they stood, Balin's sword held at the ready as Thorin drew an arrow back past his cheek, eyes searching the night as the at the fringes of the light. The sounds were perhaps some 20 yards off the path to the right. They tensed, waiting, but the bodies did not stop, only continued past them, paralleling the path. After a few minutes of heavy silence the eyes began to pop back into existence, signaling an odd sort of all clear, but it was still minutes more before they relaxed and let their weapons drop.

"Why did they pass us by?" asked Balin. "The fire?"

"Perhaps," said Thorin, slotting the arrow back into its quiver. "Whatever the reason I am glad they did. They must have passed us by for a better chance at a meal. We are ready and prepared for them."

"But what or who could they be after? All the other animals here know to flee them, and the elves would also know of their existence and be ready." They looked at each other and there was a sinking sensation around Thorin's navel. "You don't think it could be…" asked Balin.

"Yes. I do," cut in Thorin. "It's them or orcs." A distant cry of distress reached them confirming his suspicions. "That is no orc. Up! Wake Up!," he bellowed. Nori and Fili were up in seconds but some of the others were a bit slower, but in under a minute all were awake and on their feet.

"Thorin what is it?" asked Nori.

"Spiders," he shouted, throwing more logs on the fire. The others looked around confused. "Further down the path," he clarified.

"If they are down the path how does that concern us?" asked Dori, but at that moment more screams of rage and pain reached the company. The blood drained from Dori's face.

"Does that answer your question?" shot Thorin. They all nodded and reached for their weapons. "Fili, Bifur, Bofur, stay here with Master Baggins and Ms. Miller." Balin caught his shoulder.

"We don't know for sure it was the fire that repelled the spiders," he insisted. "They could be after the others because of their smaller numbers. I don't think we should divide up, there could be more creatures about."

"Very well," said Thorin, holding a flaming branch high. "We go together. Ready yourselves!" Others took torches and soon they were off at a run up the path in the dark. The shouts were growing closer but his speed was hampered by his need to keep the flames on the branch alive. It would do little good to get stranded on the path at night. There was a faint prick of light in the distance ahead of them, he just hoped they would reach it in time. The path wound back and forth so that at times the distant light was visible and others not, but always it grew ever closer. He could see hulking figures cross the light and could clearly hear the sounds of struggle but without warning the light ahead went out. He raced forward heedless of the winded flames in his hands. Balin was hot on his heels as they rounded the last bend and nearly tripped over a body at their feet, but there was no time to stop and see who it was, for the sight that met their eyes demanded their full attention.

Three enormous spiders stood before them. Two of the hairy creatures were occupied with the familiar figure of Dwalin, his left arm dangling limply from where two gleaming fangs were sunk deep into his shoulder. The spider held him off the ground as he fought against it with his bare hands, his axes on the ground out of reach, but the warriors strength was flagging. The second spider of the pair was missing two of its front legs but was spinning webs around Dwalin's feet and legs. The third spider turned as they came upon the scene, hissing and screeching as it worked to wrap the large bundle it held in its front legs. All this Thorin took in in an instant before he and Balin threw themselves forward, roaring in anger.

He swung the flaming branch into the face of the spider that held Dwalin's shoulder and hastily the creature withdrew and the warrior fell to the ground. Balin brought his sword down in a sweeping arc onto the second spider's head as the others streamed by to liberate whomever was in the clutches of the third spider. The monster lunged for Thorin, a leg sweeping towards his sword arm and he reacted instinctively slicing clean through the reaching appendage. A second leg caught his ankles from behind sending him to the ground, his head bouncing off the white stones of the path. The flames from his tree branch sputtered and went out as lights flashed in and out of his vision and something grabbed his legs, a cold clammy feeling beginning to creep up his calves.

"Unkle!" called Kili, bringing him out of his daze. Two curved fangs the size of his hands were inches from his face. Something dripped down his cheek and an acrid smell assaulted his nose. There was a thwump and the shaft of an arrow buried deep into one of the spider's large eyes. The Creature reared high hissing and spitting, ready to lunge for Kili. He thrust Orcrist up into its body and felt the warmth of viscus ichor coat his hands and splatter on his face. He wrenched the blade free and rolled from beneath the spider only just in time as it crashed to the ground. Spitting the foul taste from his mouth he got to his knees and swung Orcrist down, splitting the spider's head like an overripe melon, the frantic dance if it's legs stilling in death.

Balin had finished his work on the second spider and was joined by Dori, Nori, and Ori who had gathered around Dwalin. Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur had dispatched the last monster and were working to cut Gloin free of the layers of sticky web wrapped around his body. Remembering his own legs, he cut the webs from them and got to his feet brushing the sticky remains from his trousers, grimacing at the mess smeared over his pants. Spotting Fili, Kili, Bilbo, and the girl kneeling around the figure he assumed to be Oin he made his way towards them.

"He's unconscious but otherwise seems unharmed," reported Fili as he came to crouch beside them.

"Good," he said sheathing Orcrist after wiping it clean on his trouser leg. "Are you all well?" Fili, Kili, and Bilbo nodded at him but he caught the girls wide green eyes staring straight ahead, her face pale. "Ms. Miller are you well?" She didn't move. Was she injured? In shock?

"Sara," he tried. Her head turned slowly towards him. She nodded belatedly.

"Yes, I'm fine." she said, a shiver ripping up her back as life came rushing back to her. "That was terrifying. I will never be able to look at a spider the same!"

"Still think you could have made it through Mirkwood on your own?" he asked. Fili frowned up at him, but she didn't seem to notice.

"No! I'm very glad everyone decided to come," she said. "Even Dwalin, Oin and Gloin."

"How are they?" asked Bilbo, getting to his feet. "What brought them after us?"

"Dwalin is the only one in a fit state to answer," said Thorin turning. "Bring Oin and we will ask him." Soon they were all gathered around Dwalin who looked rather green in the face, his right hand pressed tightly to his shoulder. Feeling all eyes on him he raised his head meeting Thorin's gaze.

"I know what you would say and you're right," began Dwalin before he could speak. "I never should have left but that conversation must wait."

"Wait for what?" asked Thorin crouching down and placing the twin axes he'd collected into his friends lap. The warrior locked very serious eyes with him. Dwalin's reply was simple.

"We came to warn you."