**Chapter 20: Flight of the Eagles** As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the forest, the company made their way through the dense underbrush. Taranis felt a sense of tension among the group; they were closer to the Lonely Mountain, but their dangers were far from over.Suddenly, a chilling howl pierced the forest."Orcs!" Taranis hissed, gripping his sword tightly. His Lightning Stab ability was still depleted, leaving him with only his physical skill. He clenched his jaw. "I'm out of my trump card for the month, but I'll cover you as best as I can."Before anyone could react, wargs—massive, snarling wolves ridden by orcs—emerged from the shadows, led by Azog the Defiler. The company scrambled up the nearest trees, seeking safety in the branches as the pack circled below.Taranis positioned himself alongside Thorin, helping Dori up a branch just before an orc swiped at him. As the wargs closed in, Azog fixed his cold gaze on Thorin."Thorin, son of Thrain," he sneered, his voice dripping with malice."Stay back, Azog!" Thorin shouted, but his eyes held a fierce determination. Taranis recognized it as the unyielding resolve to face his greatest enemy.Against Gandalf's shouts of warning, Thorin leaped from the tree and charged at Azog, drawing the orc's attention. Taranis cursed under his breath and tried to follow, but the wargs and orcs blocked his path.In moments, Thorin lay sprawled on the ground, Azog's warg having overpowered him. Azog raised his arm for the final blow. "You cannot escape fate, Thorin Oakenshield," Azog sneered.Seeing Thorin in danger, Bilbo hesitated, then rushed forward, sword in hand. Taranis, still in the tree, called out in desperation, "Bilbo! Don't!"But Bilbo's resolve held firm. He lunged, distracting Azog and cutting down the nearest orc with a clean blow. Azog snarled, momentarily taken aback by Bilbo's courage.Taranis took advantage of the opening, leaping from his perch and landing amid the chaos. "I've got your back!" he shouted, swinging his blade with precision.Just then, a familiar light caught his eye. The eagles had arrived, summoned by Gandalf. Their powerful wings beat the air, scattering orcs and wargs. Taranis looked up as the massive birds swooped down, clutching at orcs and lifting members of the company to safety.One eagle landed just before Thorin, shielding him as Bilbo scrambled to help. Taranis called out, "Hang on, Bilbo!"They were lifted high into the air, soaring over the landscape to the safety of the Carrock. As the eagles set them down, Taranis dropped to his knees beside Thorin."Gandalf," Taranis said, glancing at the wizard, "Can you do anything for him?"Gandalf knelt, tending to Thorin with a look of deep concern. Slowly, Thorin's eyes fluttered open, meeting Bilbo's gaze."You," Thorin murmured, his voice filled with gratitude. "You saved my life."Bilbo, still breathless, replied quietly, "I... I just did what I thought was right."Taranis, watching the scene, smiled faintly. "Looks like you've got a burglar—and a friend for life, Thorin."As dawn broke, the company gathered on the Carrock, gazing out over the landscape. In the distance, the Lonely Mountain loomed, a dark shadow against the morning light.Thorin turned to Bilbo, his eyes filled with respect. "I was wrong to doubt you, Bilbo Baggins."And as Taranis looked over the horizon, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. Their journey had brought them closer to their goal—and to each other. But he knew the greatest challenges lay ahead, and their bond would be tested in the fires of the coming trials.Meanwhile, far away, in the dark depths of the Lonely Mountain, a faint thrumming stirred the shadows. A thrush tapped a snail against a stone, echoing through the vast halls. Within, Smaug, the mighty dragon, opened a single, fiery eye.