Another day of riding with few breaks ensued but this time it was raining heavily. The entire company looked down right miserable.

"Mr. Gandalf, can't you do something about this deluge?" Dori asked.

"It is raining, Master Dwarf, and it will continue to rain until the rain is done. If you wish to change the weather of the world, you should find yourself another wizard." Gandalf told Dori sternly.

"Are there any?" Bilbo asked.

"What?" Gandalf said not quite understanding what he was asking.

"Other wizards?"

"There are five of us. The greatest of our order is Saruman, the White. Then there are the two Blue wizards; you know I've quite forgotten their names."

"And who is the fifth?"

"Well, that would be Radagast, the Brown." Gandalf replied.

"Is he a great Wizard or is he... more like you?" Bilbo asked.

Gandalf looked slightly offended but answered anyway. "I think he's a very great wizard, in his own way. He's a gentle soul who prefers the company of animals to others. He keeps a watchful eye over the vast forest lands to the East, and a good thing too, for always Evil will look to find a foothold in this world."

Amara had met Radagast on several occasions when her father had met with him. He had a love for the animals that occupied Middle Earth that could be found in very few others. Her father had always respected him and valued his council. Saruman, however, was a more frequent visitor to Rivendell. Her father and Saruman often held council to discuss Elrond's foresight.

The company continued to ride until eventually the rain died off.

"We'll camp here for the night. Fili, Kili, look after the ponies. Make sure you stay with them." Thorin called

"A farmer and his family used to live here." Gandalf murmured as he walked through the ruins of a house.

"Oin, Gloin. Get a fire going." Thorin ordered before walking towards Gandalf.

"I think it would be wiser to move on. We could make for the Hidden Valley." Gandalf seemed worried.

"I have told you already... ...I will not go near that place." Thorin warned.

"Why not?" Gandalf challenged. "The Elves could help us. We could get food, rest, advice."

Thorin turned to face him. "I do not need their advice."

"We have a map that we cannot read. Amara's father, Lord Elrond, could help us."

"Help?" Thorin spat. "A dragon attacks Erebor. What help came from the Elves? Orcs plunder Moria... ...desecrate our sacred halls. The Elves looked on and did nothing. And you ask me to seek out the very people who betrayed my grandfather. Who betrayed my father."

"You are neither of them. I did not give you that map and key for you to hold onto the past." Gandalf said sternly.

"I did not know that they were yours to keep." Thorin said as Gandalf stomped away angrily, leaving the company.

"Everything alright? Gandalf, where are you going?" Bilbo asked as the wizard stormed past him.

"To seek the company of the only one around here who's got any sense." Gandalf muttered angrily.

"Who's that?" Bilbo inquired.

"Myself, Mr. Baggins! I've had enough of dwarves for one day."

"Come on, Bombur, we're hungry." Thorin said.

"Is he coming back?" Bilbo asked Balin. Balin didn't reply but he looked unsure.