**Chapter 19: Shadows in the Mountains**As dawn broke over Rivendell, the Company prepared to set off on their journey to the Misty Mountains. Taranis, now armed with the sword Anguirel at his side, joined Bilbo and the dwarves as they made their way into the wilds."Do you think the path will be treacherous?" Bilbo asked, glancing back at Taranis."It's the mountains we're talking about, Bilbo," Taranis replied, trying to mask the nervousness creeping into his voice. "We should be prepared for anything."Thorin, marching at the front, turned slightly to give Taranis a wary look. "Stay alert, Taranis. We'll need every bit of strength to survive what lies ahead."As they trekked deeper into the mountains, the air grew colder and the terrain more rugged. It wasn't long before they sought refuge in a dark cave, eager to escape the biting wind."We'll rest here for a moment," Thorin declared, his voice echoing in the cavern. "Keep your weapons ready."Taranis nodded, drawing Anguirel from its sheath. The sword felt powerful in his grip, but he reminded himself that he had already used his Lightning Stab ability for the month. "I wish I could help more," he said quietly to Bilbo. "But right now, we'll have to rely on each other."The group settled into the cave, but unbeknownst to them, it was connected to a goblin lair. Suddenly, goblins flooded into the cave, snatching up the dwarves and dragging them deeper into the dark."Hey! Let go of me!" Bilbo shouted, struggling against his captors."Foolish little creatures! You've wandered into our home!" one of the goblins sneered, baring its sharp teeth.Thorin fought against his bonds, his voice rising in anger. "You'll regret this! We are not your playthings!"But the goblins paid no heed, and soon the Company found themselves face to face with the Goblin King, a grotesque figure perched on his throne."Welcome, welcome!" the Goblin King cackled, his voice dripping with malice. "Dwarves for dinner, eh? How delightful! And look, we have a little hobbit too!"Bilbo gulped, his heart racing. "You'll find we're not so easy to eat!" he retorted, trying to sound braver than he felt."And what about this one?" the Goblin King sneered, eyeing Taranis with suspicion. "What's a human doing here? A wanderer lost in the dark, perhaps?"Taranis stepped forward, trying to project confidence despite his lack of supernatural power. "I'm no mere wanderer. I'm here to help my friends escape," he said defiantly, gripping Anguirel tightly.The Goblin King scoffed. "You think you can help? You're just a toy for my games! What do you know of darkness?" He laughed, a deep, resonating sound that echoed throughout the lair.But before Taranis could respond, chaos erupted as Gandalf swooped in, using his magic to create a blinding flash of light."Run!" Gandalf shouted, and the Company seized the moment to fight back against their captors. Taranis swung Anguirel, the blade slicing through the goblin horde with renewed vigor, even as he felt the weight of his previous abilities holding him back.As the dwarves fought their way out, the Goblin King yelled, "You think you can escape me? You will pay for this!" But Taranis would not let fear take hold. With a fierce determination, he charged toward the Goblin King, dodging goblin attacks as he advanced. "Enough games!" Taranis shouted, his voice ringing with defiance. "You've terrorized these people for too long!"The Goblin King sneered, but there was a flicker of fear in his eyes as Taranis closed the distance. "What do you know of power, human?" he taunted.With a swift movement, Taranis lunged, Anguirel striking true as he pierced the Goblin King's heart. The creature let out a blood-curdling scream before collapsing to the ground, defeated. Taranis stood over the fallen king, breathing heavily as the surrounding goblins recoiled in shock. "Let this be a lesson to all who dare to threaten my friends!" he declared.With their leader slain, the goblins hesitated, fear creeping into their hearts. "Run!" one of them screeched, and they began to scatter, fleeing from the cave."Now's our chance!" Bilbo shouted, joining Taranis and the dwarves as they fought their way through the remaining goblins.Just as they were about to reach safety, Bilbo stumbled into a chasm, plummeting into the darkness below."Bilbo!" Taranis cried out, but the hobbit was already lost to the shadows.As they continued their escape, Taranis and the dwarves encountered Gollum in the dark. Bilbo had found the creature first, and in a tense game of riddles, the stakes grew higher."What have I got in my pocket?" Bilbo asked, the question slipping from his lips.Gollum hissed, "Not fair! Not fair!" but he had no choice but to play along.Meanwhile, Taranis shouted to the dwarves, "Stay sharp! We need to regroup!" as he glanced around for any sign of Bilbo.Back in the lair, the goblins fumed. "You'll regret crossing me, little hobbit! I'll have my prize!" one of the goblins shouted.Bilbo, now invisible thanks to the ring he had found, stealthily followed Gollum, determined to find a way out. "You'll never get your precious back!" he thought, silently amused at the irony.Just as Taranis and the dwarves reached the back door, they heard a loud crash, and Gollum screeched in rage, realizing he had been outwitted.Outside, just before Bilbo emerged, Taranis turned to the group, his face grim. "We have to keep moving. More goblins will come."Thorin nodded, leading the way, just as Bilbo rejoined them, breathless but relieved."I made it! And I might have... well, I might have something of value," Bilbo said, glancing at the ring on his finger.
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