Chapter 15 - The Gathering Storm

--**Chapter Thirteen: The Gathering Storm**The Company resumed their journey through the Misty Mountains, the air thick with anticipation after their recent victory over the cave troll. Taranis walked with a bounce in his step, the thrill of leveling up still pulsing through him. With the new ability to use his lightning strike three times a month, he felt invincible.As they approached a narrow pass, Taranis turned to Bilbo. "You know, if we keep this up, we might just become legends," he said, a wide grin on his face. "Imagine the tales of Taranis the Storm and his band of brave dwarves!"Bilbo raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "Taranis the Storm? I'm not sure how the legends will go, but I wouldn't mind a good tale to tell at the Shire.""Exactly!" Taranis replied, enthusiasm bubbling over. "We could have songs written about us. 'The Fellowship of the Storm'—it has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"Thorin, walking beside them, glanced over. "As long as it ends with us reclaiming Erebor, I'm all for it," he said, his expression serious but a hint of amusement in his eyes."Right! We can't forget the goal here," Taranis said, sobering slightly. "But a little fun along the way wouldn't hurt."Suddenly, a chilling wind swept through the pass, causing everyone to shiver. Gandalf raised a hand, halting the group. "Listen. The winds carry whispers of danger," he warned, his voice low and cautious.Taranis frowned, scanning the rocky surroundings. "Do you think it's more goblins? Or something worse?" "Let's hope it's nothing," Bilbo said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not sure I can handle another fight so soon."Just then, a rumble echoed through the mountains, shaking the ground beneath their feet. Taranis instinctively tightened his grip on *Anguirel*. "Well, whatever it is, I'm ready!" he declared, adrenaline coursing through him. "And if it comes to blows, I can use my lightning again!"Gandalf frowned, his expression serious. "Use your abilities wisely, Taranis. We may not need to resort to violence if we can avoid it."Before Taranis could respond, a massive shadow loomed overhead. The Company looked up, eyes widening as a colossal creature swooped down—a great **eagle**, its wings stretching wide as it landed gracefully in front of them.Taranis blinked in astonishment. "Is it friendly?" he asked, glancing at Gandalf.Gandalf stepped forward, a smile breaking across his face. "Ah, Gwaihir! It seems our luck has turned. This is a friend indeed."The eagle lowered its head, and Gandalf reached out, stroking its feathers. "We could use your help, noble Gwaihir. We seek safe passage through the mountains."Gwaihir tilted his head, looking at the Company with wise, piercing eyes. "I can take you to the edge of the mountains, but the journey is fraught with danger," he said, his voice deep and resonant.Taranis couldn't contain his excitement. "Danger is what we thrive on!" he proclaimed. "We've faced trolls and goblins; what's a little more danger?" "Spoken like a true warrior," Gwaihir replied, amusement in his tone. "Very well, climb upon my back. We will make haste before the shadows grow longer."As the Company scrambled onto the eagle's back, Taranis found a secure spot beside Thorin. "This is quite the ride!" he shouted over the rushing wind. "I didn't think I'd be soaring through the skies on an eagle today!"Thorin smirked, gripping tightly. "Let's hope it doesn't drop us mid-flight!"As Gwaihir took to the skies, the mountains fell away beneath them, revealing breathtaking vistas. Taranis gazed out in awe. "Look at this view! It's incredible!" he exclaimed. "This is the kind of adventure I was hoping for!"As they flew, Taranis couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching them, lurking in the shadows. His instincts were on high alert, and he remained vigilant. "If anything comes at us, I'll be ready with my lightning!" he promised, feeling the thrill of potential combat electrifying his veins.Gwaihir landed gracefully at the foot of the mountains, and the Company dismounted. "This is where I leave you," the eagle said, his voice echoing in the stillness. "Be safe, and remember, the skies are always watching.""Thank you, Gwaihir!" Taranis called, waving as the majestic eagle took flight once more, disappearing into the horizon.As the Company gathered their bearings, Taranis turned to them, determination shining in his eyes. "Now that we're on solid ground again, let's keep moving. The sooner we reach our destination, the sooner we can rest. And maybe even have a few more epic battles along the way!" "Your enthusiasm is contagious, Taranis," Gandalf chuckled, a twinkle in his eye. "But remember, not every encounter needs to end in a fight.""True," Taranis agreed, nodding. "But I can't help but feel that we're on the brink of something incredible. Let's not waste any time!"With that, the Company set off, ready to face whatever lay ahead, united in purpose and bolstered by the newfound strength Taranis had gained. Adventure awaited, and Taranis was more than ready to embrace it.---