Claiming the Treasure

Thorin noticed the gathering of birds, many birds, and thought something strange was happening. These were (some at least) the same birds that informed Thranduil of Smaug's death. The old thrush which had watched the company and relayed news to Bard came back to them. It clearly was trying to tell them something but no one knew how to understand. Balin commented if it were a raven they would understand for Dwarves of old had relationship with the ravens and communicated with them. He recalled one in particular, Old Carc, and how the ravens never forgot anything and passed on their knowledge from generation to generation. The thrush eventually left.

"Before long there was a fluttering of wings, and back came the thrush; and with him came a most decrepit old bird" (p. 269, The Hobbit). It turned out to be Roac son of Carc. He spoke plainly so all could understand. He recounted the thrush's tale, chiefly, that Smaug was dead. This of course made the dwarves very excited. But Roac warned them not to be too happy. "The news of the death of the guardian has already gone far and wide, and legend of the wealth of Thror has not lost in the telling during many years; many are eager for a share of the spoil" (p. 270, The Hobbit). They learned that a host of Elves were marching toward them along with the Men of Lake-town who were bitter at the destruction of their home. Roac warned Thorin to trust Bard but not the Master of Lake-town.

Thorin grew hot with anger. He bade Roac to gather ravens and spy more news and call on Durin's Folk for help; specifically his cousin Dain in the Iron Hills who was the closest. Thorin then ordered Bilbo and the dwarves back into the Mountain. They took stock of their situation: the Front Gate was now the only access point to the Mountain. They began to labor and build a wall to fortify the Gate as ravens brought more news. Fili and Kili went to the their store of supplies and brought back food that could last for weeks if need be. They dammed up the river around the entrance making only one possible entrance which could be guarded with arrow from the wall.

Finally one night they saw the light of many torches approach. The next day they saw armed Men and Elvish bowmen. The newcomers were quite surprised to see the changed, nearly inaccessible, Front 

Gate. Thorin called out and asked who was assailing the King under the Mountain but no reply was made. By this time Bilbo was miserable not liking the turn of events and the dwarves unwillingness to negotiate. Thorin was in a fey mood and the dwarves sang some songs that pleased him until a group led by Bard and Thranduil approached the Gate.

Bard spoke saying fair but grim words to Thorin. He declared himself dragon-slayer, Lord of Dale, and servant to Master of Lake-town and pleaded his case, or all three cases I suppose, for his claim on the treasure. Thorin was unwilling to give a single coin under the threat of force and demanded the fighting hosts be removed. He also made it clear Thranduil (who imprisoned him) had no right whatsoever to the treasure. Bard and Thranduil gave Thorin a few hours to think about their requests and at their return Bard offered to pay back Esgorath with his share to secure a peaceful solution. Thorin, however, shot an arrow that landed with a thud against the shield of one of the messengers clearly sending the message they had no desire to negotiate. With that the Men and Elves returned to their camps content to starve out the dwarves.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 2942 (about), winter

Today's reading comes from: The Hobbit, pages 268-278