[Anaraxes]

Not to mention Thranduil being at least somewhat less hostile while also being more able to patrol, and the Necromancer having been evicted and thus concentrating his efforts in his new abode rather than mirking up the Greenwood.

Plus, it may be somewhat less enticing for spiders to attack a wagon full of explosive fire projectors and rockets than some dwarves (and a hobbit) with hand weapons and thrown rocks. (Assuming they weren't actually escorted by a demigod with the Ring of Fire.)