Unexpected

Chapter 12: Led Astray

Beorn, being kind enough, gave the Company ponies of his own to replace the ones that were lost. Riding across the plains, they slowly came to a stop, approaching their destination. They had reached a large, dark, gloomy forest.

The wizard dismounted, Dwalin following soon after. "Here lies our path through Mirkwood."

"No sign of the Orcs. We have luck on our side." Eili sighed in relief, sliding off of her pony. The dwarf removed her weapons and supplies from the her steed.

"Set the ponies loose. Let them return to their master." Gandalf demanded.

"This forest feels...sick, as if a disease lies upon it. Is there no way around?" The hobbit asked. Eili observed the forest and its dark and gloomy aura, and agreed with Bilbo's statement.

"Not unless we go two hundred miles north, or twice that distance south." The wizard answered. He then entered the forest alone. The Company unloaded their supplies from the ponies and talked amongst themselves.

"I do not like the looks of this forest." Eili murmured to her brothers.

"Neither do I." Kili agreed. "Stay close to us." She nodded.

Most of the ponies had been set free by now. Nori had just about finished unsaddling the wizards horse. Gandalf emerged from the forest, his face painted with distress.

"Not my horse!" He shouted, rushing towards Nori. "I need it."

"You're not leaving us?" Bilbo inquired.

"I would not do this unless I had to." The wizard quickly looked at Thorin before returning his gaze to the hobbit. "You've changed, Bilbo Baggins. You're not the same Hobbit as the one who left the Shire."

Bilbo looked down, as if defeated. "I was going to tell you. I... found something in the Goblin tunnels."

"Found what?"

Eili watched as Bilbo fumbled around with his pocket again. He stood there, thinking of an answer.

"What did you find?" The wizard pushed.

Bilbo stayed silent for a few more moments.

"My courage."

"Good. Well, that's good. You'll need it." Gandalf turned, walking towards his horse.

"I'll be waiting for you at the overlook, before the slopes of Erebor." He said, passing Thorin. "Keep the map and key safe. Do not enter that mountain without me."

"This is not the Greenwood of old. The very air of the forest is heavy with illusion. It will seek to enter your mind and lead you astray." The wizard warned.

"Lead us astray?" Bilbo said to Eili. "What does that mean?"

"Hallucinations?" She answered, unsure.

Gandalf hopped onto his horse, warning to the Company one last time. "You must stay on the path; do not leave it. If you do, you will never find it again. No matter what may come, stay on the path!" The wizard rode away.

"Come on." Said Thorin, turning to the Company. "We must reach the mountain before the sun sets on Durin's Day."

"Durin's Day. Let's go!"