Sara was woken by a sharp rapping on the door of Bilbo's second guest bedroom. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she quickly got up and opened the door a crack to peer out.
"Ms. Miller, why are you not up yet?" Gandalf stood outside her door, hat and robe on, staff in hand. "You must leave in ten minutes if you are to make it to the inn by nine."
"Who said I am going to the inn," she countered, just to be contradictive. She had decided last night that she would go on the quest even if Thorin wanted her gone. Gandalf had not heard her.
"Quickly now, gather your things." He turned and left her blinking blearily after him.
Sara had a lot of practice with rushed mornings, even so, there was not that much to get ready. She dressed, visited the now clean bathroom, repacked what little she had, and was out the door in five minutes. The house was strangely quiet as she made her way to the kitchen looking for the wizard. There was no sign that the dwarves had ever been there. All the furniture was restored to its proper place, not a dirty dish, trace of mud, or crumb of food was to be seen. The only thing that was still as it had been the night before was the empty larder. At least there would be no food to rot while Bilbo is away.
With one last-ditch effort, Sara closed herself inside the pantry one last time and then opened it. Nothing. Finding no sign of Gandalf, or indeed anyone in the house she made her way outside and almost tripped over the wizard who was sitting on a bench in Bilbo's little garden, puffing away at his pipe.
"Ah, Ms. Sara, good to see you up and about. It's a glorious morning, quite perfect for the beginning of a quest." She scowled at him.
"Where is everyone? Did they leave?"
"The dwarves, yes the dwarves are gone," said Gandalf. "But don't fret, we may see them yet if I know anything, which I do." He dug in his robes and pulled out a small pouch of money. "Take this to the inn and buy three breakfasts that can be eaten on the road."
"I have no idea where that is."
"Just follow this path for a mile or so and you can't miss it.
"Three breakfasts? Where is Bilbo?"
"You leave Mr. Baggins to me. Now be off. I will meet you there soon. I have some things to take care of here."
Not giving her a chance to argue, he pushed the pouch into her empty hands and went back inside Bilbo's green front door. She was half tempted to walk down the road in the opposite direction just to spite the wizard, but her empty stomach quickly put an end to that daydream. Shifting her pack higher on her shoulders and pocketing the money, Sara set off down the road towards the inn.
After what felt like two miles and still seeing no sign of an inn Sara decided that there was at least one thing that Thorin and she could agree on; wizards gave gammy directions. Maybe she wasn't meant to go on this quest after all, or maybe she was just prone to getting lost. After a few minutes, she spotted some chubby hobbit children who giggled and told her she had missed the turn about a half a mile back.
Finally reaching the inn Sara surreptitiously pulled her phone from her pocket and was pleased to find that she had arrived exactly at nine. Perhaps Gandalf did know what he was doing after all. Seeing no sign of the dwarves, Gandalf, or even Bilbo, she proceeded into the inn where she bought three fried egg sandwiches which the kind but curious matron had wrapped in paper for her, three large blueberry muffins, three glass bottles of milk, and a small basket full of blackberries the size of her thumb. There was still no sign of the dwarves when she came back outside, so she found a quiet spot under a nearby tree where she could see the road and began to eat.
She checked the time on her phone and was a bit anxious to see it was nine twenty. What if Thorin and the company had decided to go on without them after all. That could spell trouble for all involved if only for the fact that Bilbo would never find the ring. Great, here less than a day, and her presence had already messed things up. Who was to say what else she would affect by simply existing.
The sound of hooves on the cobblestone road grabbed her attention, and she looked up to see Fili, Kili, Balin, and the dwarf with the ax in his head all on ponies making their way toward her.
"Mistress Miller," called Kili, getting down from his pony. "Fili and I weren't sure if we would see you again after last night."
"And I thought that you had decided to go on without Bilbo, Gandalf, and I," she said, getting to her feet.
"Where is Gandalf?" asked Balin, tying his pony to a tree. "We had thought to meet him here, though we are late."
"And here is where you have met me, late or not," said Gandalf coming to join their group although no one had seen from where he came. "Where are the others?"
"They had some last-minute supplies to pick up, including an extra pony," replied Balin.
"So Thorin decided to see reason, did he?" asked the wizard.
Balin nodded. "He did. Ms. Miller may accompany us, though," he looked to Sara, "He was not happy about it." She snorted. She knew just how unhappy.
"Aye, he's been in a right foul mood all morning," said Fili.
"He sent us on ahead to get food for everyone," said Balin as he fished in his coat for something. "Also to have Ms. Miller sign a contract." He produced a parchment. "However, we were not sure what title to give her."
"We suggested Personal Pastry Chef since uncle seemed to like your cookies so much," snickered Kili, turning to his brother. "How many did he have last night? Eight?"
"You didn't," said Sara, mortified.
"For some reason, he didn't like that very much," said Fili with a wicked grin.
"No, and I just can't imagine why," said Kili with false despondency.
"And yet you wonder why Thorin is in such a foul mood all the time, with you two for kin," quipped Balin. Gandalf chuckled as Bifur said something to Balin that she didn't understand.
"Good idea Bifur. Boys!" called Balin to the two princes who were trying to steal some of the blackberries that Sara had bought. "Go with Bifur and get the food for the others while Ms. Miller signs a contract."
At the mention of food, the two young brothers practically dragged the older dwarf into the inn leaving Sara with Balin and the wizard. Balin unfolded the parchment and handed it to her.
"It's the usual summary of out-of-pocket expenses, time required, remunerations, funeral arrangements, so forth." Sara began to skim the document not really reading it. "The only thing left is to decide what to title you as."
"I may have a suggestion for that," said Gandalf, taking the contract from the dwarf. "Where is your quill?" But before Balin could dig it out, Sara pulled the pen from her pocket and offered it to Gandalf.
"Here, try this." Gandalf took the small object, examining it for a few moments before setting it to the parchment.
"Quite remarkable this," he said, returning her the pen. "What do you think of this title?" He held out the contract.
"Foreign consultant?" she asked, giving the wizard a questioning look.
"It is an odd title," said Balin. "Still if that is what you suggest."
"I do suggest," said Gandalf. "And I believe it to be most fitting given the circumstances." Sara signed her name at the bottom and Balin tucked the contract away.
"Ms. Sara Miller," said Balin nodding before retreating to his pony. Sara bent and picked up the food she had bought and handed it to Gandalf along with the pouch of coins.
"I hope I got something you will like." Gandalf took the food and stowed it in his cloak though she knew not where. Perhaps it was like Marry Poppins or Hermione's bags. Who knew, he was a wizard after all.
"Yes indeed," he said, taking a bite from the muffin. "Blueberry muffins are among my favorite, and Bilbo will be quite pleased with the blackberries."
"I figured the third meal was for him, but where is he?"
"I'm not so sure we'll be seeing Mr. Baggins," called Balin. "Ere we left this morning he had not returned a signed contract to me, and he did not seem all that willing to go last night. I doubt we will see him again."
"I will tend to the Mr. Baggins," chided Gandalf. "You and Thorin see to the rest of the company."
"I bet he turns up," said Sara, hoping she was right. She wasn't sure about the dragon or mountain but Bilbo just had to come.
"What are we betting on now?" asked Kili, coming to stand next to them holding a wooden crate of food.
"Whether or not Mr. Baggins will show up," said Fili, setting his crate down under the tree. "I say he won't. He's too flighty if you ask me."
"Tell that to the lump on my head," muttered Sara, rubbing the sore spot.
"What do you say Kili?" asked Fili, turning to his brother. "Will we have a burglar?" Kili popped a blackberry in his mouth thinking.
"Gandalf did convince uncle to bring Mr. Sara. I think if he can do that, then Mr. Buggins will be easy to convince in comparison."
"Baggins," corrected Sara. "His name is Baggins. Not Bugging, not Boggins."
"Yes yes," said Kili, waving a hand. "Baggins."
"Two gold pieces say you're wrong," said Fili.
"Your on," said Kili. Bifur just shook his head at them, setting his crate atop of Fili's. A few minutes later the rest of the company arrived on their own mounts. Dwalin held the reins of a black pony the trotted beside him. As the dwarves reunited and began to hand out food the warrior dwarf waved her over.
"Hello, Mr. Dwalin."
"Ms. Miller," he said, nodding his head and handing her the reins of the black pony before getting down from his own. "I told ya I'd be seeing ya again lass."
"I'm not sure how you knew, after last night I was sure Thorin would leave without me."
"I have known Thorin for a long time. He will do just about anything to achieve his ends."
"Apparently even put up with me."
"Aye, even that."
"So is this pony for me?"
"Aye it is," said Dwalin patting the pony's neck. "A bit old but the hobbit I bought him from said he's a gentle creature and I reckon he will do well for ya. Said his name was Starbright." Sara reached out to stroke the animal who leaned into her touch. There was a splash of white on his face between his eyes that he seemed to like rubbed.
"Thank you." He waved her off.
"It's a necessity. Can't walk to Erebor."
"Ms. Miller," called Thorin. He stood on the little hill beside Gandalf and Balin waiting for her. Handing Starbright's reins to Dwalin, she walked over to them, hands deep in her pockets.
"What do you want?" she asked when she reached them. He watched her for a moment, looking her up and down, cool anger simmering in the back of his eyes.
"I want some things understood before you join us." He paused as if waiting for a reply.
"Go ahead, shoot," she said, folding her arms over her chest. He raised an eyebrow.
"I can not, and will not guarantee your safety Ms. Miller; nor will I be responsible for your fate."
"Fine. Seems nobody can anyway."
"I nor the others have the time nor the patience to coddle you. I don't want you to endanger my men through your inexperience. If there is a fight, stay out of the way. Don't expect anyone to save or protect you. Don't take any unnecessary risks. Do you understand Ms. Miller?"
"I understand perfectly," she said, trying but failing to bite back her sarcasm.
"Very well," he said, nodding and turning to leave.
"After all, I'm only a plage to you. I'm young even for a human and I will be nothing but trouble, a hazard to you all." He froze and then turned to look at her, some of the color draining from his face. She smiled a falsely sweet smile. "And who knows, the struggles of the road will be harsh and unpleasant, perhaps they will simply be too much for a little girl like me." Gandalf stood watching the altercation, unsure of what was going on, but Balin looked away, not willing to meet her gaze. Thorin's face flushed red with anger.
"Be it on your own head then," he snapped, stalking off.
"By the stars," said Gandalf, exasperated. "What was all that about?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," said Sara.
"Balin?" asked the wizard. The dwarf still did not look at Sara.
"It would seem that the walls of Bag End are very thin."
"I see," said Gandalf, frowning.
"Indeed," said Balin, bowing slightly before leaving the two of them. The wizard was quiet for several long minutes.
"Gandalf, I'm not sure I can do this," said Sara, biting at her bottom lip.
"Surely you will not let their words affect you before we have even begun."
"It's not that," she said, kicking at the dusty ground. "I know how dangerous this world can be. I'm not a fighter."
"I would not let it worry you over much. I doubt we will have much difficulty before we reach Erebor."
"Even you can't believe that."
"Whyever not?" She could tell he was bluffing.
"I'm not as stupid as everyone seems to think I am. Books are not written about long boring road trips, and you know it." Gandalf frowned, his face sobering. He tapped his staff on the ground and her ears rang for a moment before settling.
"You may speak freely now. The dwarves will not hear."
"If the other books about this world are anything to go by, we will run into quite a bit of trouble."
"Perhaps you are right," he said. "What a shame you are not familiar with our current story. Foreknowledge can be a powerful weapon." She shook her head.
"I'm not so sure I would tell you even if I did know. It could be dangerous, even potentially change the whole course of events in this world."
"I'm not so certain," said Gandalf. "Perhaps Aule and Yavanna sent you here to do just that, change the course of events, perhaps for the better. That or you were always meant to be here and anything you do is already part of our story. Otherwise, why bother moving you from place to place if you would simply get in the way? You forget the Valar are gods, and though we may not know what is to come, they do. Trust in the trust they have placed in you young Sara."
The full weight of his words laid heavily on her and perhaps he sensed this for he looked at her reassuringly, resting a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"At any rate, I would not take Thorin at his word, whatever you may have overhead, at least when it comes to your safety. Dwarves are very protective of their own and females in particular. And though you are not indeed a dwarf, he may have merely meant to set you on your guard to give you the best chance."
"I don't think so. You didn't hear him last night. He wants me gone."
"That may be true, but I doubt it will take you long to find your way into this company despite his wishes. Don't forget that skills of defense can always be learned on the road."
"I suppose so," she said. "But I can't learn if no one will teach me."
"That too I think will work itself out on its own," said the wizard nodding to Dwalin who was watching them from below. "I have never seen Dwalin interact with another the way he interacts with you. Perhaps you will have such an effect on the rest, heaven knows it could only improve Thorin's temperament."
"I don't think anything could change him," snorted Sara as she grabbed her pack from the ground where she had left it. Gandalf tapped his staff again and the ringing was gone. She made her way back to Starbright. But perhaps Gandalf had been right about Dwalin for he was the one to show her how to mount her pack on the pony and how to get into the saddle.
"I feel like I'm too big for him," she said once she was in the saddle.
"Ya may be a bit taller than most dwarves, but ya are hardly half the weight of any of us here. Yer pony will be fine, they are sturdy creatures." Sara supposed he was right. Dwalin showed her how to control her pony.
"Ya shouldn't have to do much though," he said "He will mostly just follow the others. Just keep him from stopping to snack along the way."
"Thank you for everything, Mr. Dwalin," she said, scratching behind Starbright's ear. Dwalin nodded and swung up into his saddle.
"Just try to keep up. Thorin won't thank you for falling behind," he said before riding off to join Balin at the head of the company near Thorin. In short order, the rest of the company were ready to leave and the ponies were all lined up. Gandalf was near the front with Thorin on his horse, which the innkeeper had been stabling for him. Sara was at the back watching the road behind for a certain hobbit who had yet to appear. As they began to make their way through town, she continued to watch over her shoulder, but there was no sign of Bilbo as they passed into the woods. Starbright tried to stop and nibble here and there, and Sara had to keep urging him forward. Finally, he stopped altogether.
"You'll have to kick him harder than that if you want him to give up those flowers," said Fili. The two brothers had spotted her trouble and come back to ride with her. "Go on, give him a good kick; he won't move otherwise. You have to let him know who is in charge." Reluctantly Sara kicked the pony and Starbright brought his head up and began to move after the others.
"Much better," said Kili as they fell in behind the others. "Now where do you suppose Mr. Boggins could be?"
"Baggins Kili," said Sara sighing.
"Well, whatever his name is, the bet stands at four to eight in favor of him not coming. What about you mistress Miller where do you stand?"
Sara chewed her lip. "I still think he's coming." She looked over her shoulder again. "Though I'm beginning to worry."
"How much will you put on him?" asked Fili.
"I don't have any money, at least not any of any value in your world. Mostly paper and a few coins."
"Paper money?" asked Fili, wrinkling his nose.
"Yep," said Sara. She dug out her wallet to show them the bills and coins inside. "I'm afraid that those coins aren't even made of valuable metals. Most everything in my world runs on a credit system."
"How odd," said Fili, fingering the quarter, dimes, and penny. "Still I will trade you two gold coins for this one." He held up the quarter.
"Yeah, and I will trade you for these," said Kili holding the others.
"You can just have them. They are worthless here, and they're not even worth much in my world. You couldn't even buy an apple with all of them together. It would not be a fair trade."
"Maybe not in your world, but here they are one of a kind, and that gives them greater value. They are from another world and that makes them exotic as well. No one else will have anything like them." Sara tried to argue but in the end, she wound up with five gold coins for her trouble.
"So?" asked Kili. "Want to put some on the hobbit turning up."
"Sure why not. I will bet the lot," she said, handing them back to Kili.
"All of it?" asked Kili. She shrugged. It was hard to value the new coins and she was certain Bilbo would turn up. If the Valar had made sure she was here, she felt Bilbo was not far behind.
"What makes you so sure he will show?" asked Fili, pocketing his new quarter.
"Oh, I just have this feeling." The brothers spent the next few minutes peppering her with questions. It seemed that either Thorin had not yet warned them off her or they were ignoring him. Either way, she would make the most of it. Thorin didn't want them close to her, so she would be as friendly and interesting as possible. She told them a bit about how the credit system worked as the two princes went through her wallet. Just as they were examining Sara's credit cards and ID Thorin shouted.
"Fili! Kili! Away from her." He had pulled his pony off to the side and was watching them approach. Grumbling they made to comply when they heard yet another shout.
"Wait!"
They turn to look behind them.
"Wait!"
Bilbo came running up the road trailing his contract behind him. The company came to a stop turning to look as Bilbo ran puffing and panting straight to Balin.
"I signed it!" he said, out of breath as he handed Balin the parchment. The dwarf took the contract and looked it over.
"Everything looks to be in order. Welcome to the company Mr. Baggins." Bilbo was given a pony that had been empty up until now and the company began to move again. Apparently, Sara was not the only one to be confident in the hobbit's appearance. Bilbo rode close to Gandalf.
"Ha! We win!" said Kili, urging his pony forward. "Nori pay up!" Fili cursed under his breath and they rode in silence until Kili returned and handed Sara a sizable pouch of coins, pocketing his own.
"I thought for sure he would not show," said Fili.
"Never underestimate a hobbit," said Sara. "Especially ones from Bag End."
Thorin called after Fili and Kili again and they moved further ahead to join the other dwarves. Sara found herself alone in the back of the company. She had to admit the countryside was beautiful; green everywhere with large mature trees towering above her. With nothing else to do and no one to talk to, Sara pulled her headphones out of her bag. She thumbed on an audiobook before noticing that her phone battery was low. Once again she dug in her pack and pulled out her solar-powered battery charger. She would have to thank Melody if she ever got back as the battery charger had been a Christmas gift. She plugged her phone in and held the charger in her lap. There may not be electricity in Middle Earth, but there was always sunshine. The rest of her first day with the company was spent, listening to an audiobook, enjoying the scenery, and pretending not to notice the strange looks she was getting from most of the dwarves while she urged Starbright away from flowers and on after the others.