Bullroarer called for the companions to form a large defensive circle. With the fire as the starting point, Giles, Daisy, Gaddy, Hal, Lotho, Daffodyl, and Dinodas ranged from one side of it to the other. They faced out, standing only an arm’s length away, each holding a flaming, pitchy brand. Spread out, behind them, were the five archers of the band – Autumn, Carl, Olo, Robin, and Bullroarer.
Within the circle, near to the fire was the wagon and pony with Branda and Tomba ready to receive any wounded.
The pack charged toward the companions, slowing a little as they saw the flaming torches that blazed toward them. When they had drawn quite near the Hobbits, Bullroarer bade Autumn and Olo to fire on the advancing beasts, as did he. No sooner had they loosed their arrows than did Carl and Robin let fly with theirs.
They repeated this pattern quickly twice more, bringing down two Wolves and one of the pups, whose hunger had pushed it beyond caution. The sight of their pack members falling prey to the weapons of the Hobbits drove the remaining two Wolves into a frenzy, and they leaped between the torchbearers trying to get at those who were firing on them.
The Wargs and the remaining pup then drew near the group, harrying the defensive outer circle. By this time, Bullroarer had begun firing his black arrows, trying to drive these larger beasts away. The Wargs split apart and began to seek entry points into the middle of the circle, hoping to cut some of the companions away from the protection of their fellows.
The Hobbits were sore pressed to hold the defense, and Bullroarer gasped as a Wolf leaped between him and Dinodas to knock down Robin . . .
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Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.
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