No Dragon In Erebor

As Thorin and his dwarves wondered what became of Smaug Bard continued to order the refugee's from Lake-town. If help did not come soon most would die in the winter cold with no food and shelter. As it was Bard sent messengers to Thranduil begging for help. But the Elven King was already on the march hearing news of Smaug's death from his own spies and birds who were friendly with the Elves. Indeed, news quickly spread beyond Mirkwood Forest to the house of Beorn and even the caves of the goblins.

Thranduil figured Thorin was dead and he knew well the tales of Thror's treasure. So he had sent a great army toward the Mountain. "But the king, when he received the prayers of Bard, had pity, for he was the lord of a good and kindly people; so turning his march, which had at first been direct towards the Mountain, he hastened now down the river to the Long Lake" (p. 266, The Hobbit). They reached the refugees five days after the death of Smaug and began felling trees, building huts, and bringing supplies.

Plans were made. Women, children, and wounded were left (along with the Master of course) with some Elves who continued to build shelters. Bard led any man able to bear arms to the Mountain along with Thranduil and his army. The Master meanwhile made plans to build an even larger Lake-town but not near the ruins of the old city for all feared the spot where Smaug died. "He would never again return to his golden bed, but was stretched cold as stone, twisted upon the floor of the shallows. There for ages his huge bones could be seen in calm weather amid the ruined piles of the old town. But few dared to cross the cursed spot, and none dared to dive into the shivering water or recover the precious stones that fell from his rotting carcase" (p. 267, The Hobbit).

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 2941 (winter)

Today's reading comes from: The Hobbit, page 265-267