The Journey Back

They continued their journey talking about Ransome and Luna Helen. Now their pace was slow, they were now in their own territory. The sun was almost gone, and the moon was blinking in the sky, playing hide and seek with the clouds. When the moon would come out, it would cast long shadows and then when the clouds would cross over it, everything would turn dark.

The long trees, the huge branches, the rustling leaves were welcoming them back. Even though in tier territory, the dark seemed treacherous, dangerous, every sound seemed like a threat. The bear was fresh in everyone's mind.

Suddenly a pair of glowing eyes spooked the horses. The carriages stopped and the horses wanted to run in another direction, but the drivers held their reigns tightly in their hands.

"What happened? Are we not in our territory? What threat can possibly be here?" asked Thorin.