"Our eting wasn't by chance, was it, Gandalf?"
"Of course not. It was no coincidence."
Gandalf spoke slowly, "The matter of Erebor has always troubled , Thorin. That dragon has been entrenched there for far too long. Sooner or later, it will draw the attention of sothing even more evil."
Erebor was a vital defensive position.
If it were breached and occupied by dark forces, they could use it as a pathway to march north, straight to Angmar.
At that point, the Witch-realm of Angmar might even have opportunity for restoration.
Evil's claws would reach through this route, bypass the southern defenses, and extend directly into the peaceful lands west of the Misty Mountains. When that ti ca, even places like Lindon and the Shire, always distant from the heart of conflict, would face grave peril. As for Gondor and Rohan, they would be assailed from all directions.
When the fortress falls, none can remain secure, no one could escape untouched.
"I encountered so foolish brigands on the Greenway. They mistook for a vagabond."
"I imagine their fate wasn't particularly pleasant."
Thorin possessed so understanding of what wizards were capable of.
Gandalf nodded and produced a sheet of sturdy parchnt.
"I found this upon them, a bounty notice."
"A bounty for what?"
"For your head, soone desires you dead. We cannot delay any longer. You are the heir of Durin, rightful King under the Mountain. If you can unite the dwarven hosts, you will possess the strength to reclaim Erebor. Summon a council of the seven dwarven houses, make them honor their ancient oaths."
Thorin fell silent for a mont. In theory, if he could rally the dwarven forces, it was indeed possible to retake the Lonely Mountain, but...
"The Seven Armies of the Dwarves swore fealty to the bearer of the King's Jewel."
That so-called King's Jewel was the Arkenstone, the Heart of the Mountain, a magnificent gem currently guarded by the dragon.
"Only with the Arkenstone can I summon them. But have you forgotten? Smaug claid it long ago."
Gandalf kept his gaze fixed on the two ruffians nearby until he compelled them to depart the inn. Then he said, "What if I assist you in retrieving it?"
"How? It lies beneath the feet of a dragon."
"Indeed. That's why we require a burglar."
Gandalf possessed a strong intuition that this mission required a hobbit. That was crucial.
They were small, light-footed, moved without sound, and could easily blend into their surroundings. Natural-born sneaks, perfect for the role of a "burglar."
Quietly settling on the choice of burglar in his mind, he lit his pipe and, after contemplating for a mont, continued,"And also a valiant warrior, he might be willing to join our cause."
That fellow would definitely find this matter intriguing, his instincts assured him so.
And thus, the outline of a plan took shape.
Thorin, newly returned from the wilds of the Ettenmoors, and Gandalf, fresh from extensive travels of his own, wasted no ti departing together for the Blue Mountains to discuss detailed plans and gather mbers for the expedition.
After all arrangents were settled, Gandalf departed first.
"I must locate a friend. Afterward, we'll et in the Shire. I'll leave a mark upon the door."
He took his leave.
Soon after, Thorin and twelve dwarves who answered the call ard themselves and took the sa road as Gandalf.
---
In April of the year 2941 of the Third Age, near the region of Bree-land, Gandalf leaned upon his staff, standing on a high ridge, gazing at the vast and surprisingly tranquil domain, frowning slightly.
The more he observed, the more compelled he felt to light his pipe.
"Where have I arrived? Is this still Bree-land?"
This "roadside stronghold" didn't feel much like countryside anymore.
Though he hadn't yet entered the territory, the verdant growth spilling over from the walls and glimpses of scenery at the edges had already stirred his senses.
As he watched, suddenly he noticed soone waving at him from atop the wall.
Gandalf raised his staff and waved it twice in response.
On the wall, Garrett walked to the gate, operated the lever to open the iron doors, and waited calmly for the wizard's arrival.
"Haha, how have you fared lately, Garrett?"
From quite a distance, just within earshot, Gandalf began his greeting.
"Not badly. Well, more or less. I haven't felt ti pass this quickly in a long while."
At the mont, Garrett wore only a pair of enchanted netherite boots with feather falling on his feet; the rest of him was dressed in ordinary garnts, no armor.
He appeared just like a relaxed townsman. And truthfully, he was quite at ease... aside from so weariness from all the construction work.
"Oh, by my beard, incredible."
As he neared the gate, Gandalf was imdiately captivated by the scenery within. He couldn't help but lean aside, attempting to look past Garrett.
"Is this still the wilderness of Eriador? I could have sworn I'd arrived in Rivendell!"
"Thanks. I did undertake so renovations around the territory."
"So renovations?"
Gandalf raised an eyebrow. "You certainly have a gift for understatent."
A friend had arrived, naturally, he couldn't be left standing at the gate. Soon, Garrett welcod Gandalf into the stronghold. After a brief rest, he even personally prepared several dishes.
The two of them sat at table, dining and conversing.
"Honestly, if I didn't know you, I would have assud this was so newly established elven holand."
"I did borrow a bit from Rivendell's aesthetic."
"So this is what has occupied you these past months?"
Garrett nodded.
Thanks to his continual construction and planning, the territory now truly resembled a large, well-administered settlent, no longer a disconnected collection of scattered areas with vacant plots between.
Gandalf glanced through the window at the elaborate scenery and remarked, "Everything here is magnificent, the only regret is that it's too quiet. Apart from yourself, there isn't another soul present. And I'd suggest smoothing so of the edges on your structures. They appear splendid now, certainly, but the corners are so sharp that if soone accidentally struck one, it would truly hurt. By the way, what's that large pool over there? I hope you don't mind my directness, but it feels sowhat out of place with the rest of the surroundings."
"Good suggestions, and that's my ice harvesting area. I collect ice blocks there during winter. Spring ca too suddenly this year, and I haven't had opportunity to dismantle it."
"Ice harvesting?"
Is that how ice is gathered?
Gandalf was puzzled montarily, but then, rembering it was Garrett, he dismissed it.
They ate leisurely, chatting intermittently. He spoke of his recent ti north of the Shire, about so short-sighted brigands on the Greenway, as well as the situation with scattered wanderers in that region.
"Wanderers..."
Garrett repeated the word, then inquired, "Do you know a ranger nad Halbarad? I haven't seen him since we parted last ti."
"No, I don't."
Gandalf shook his head. He possessed an extensive network of acquaintances, but not so vast as to know everyone in Middle-earth.
"But I can make inquiries for you. If I discover any relevant information, I'll inform you."
"Oh, no need, I only asked because you ntioned wanderers. With his skills, he should be fine."
"Let us hope so."
With that topic concluded, Gandalf finished the last portion of at on his plate, set down his utensils, and said, "Actually, the reason I'm here this ti is to inquire if you're interested in joining an expedition."
"Expedition?" Garrett's eyes lit up as sothing clicked.
Yes, of course, it was about that ti.
"I knew a wizard wouldn't drop by without a purpose. So tell more, what's this expedition you're talking about?"
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