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14: Moon Runes Are Awesome

14: Moon Runes Are Awesome

"Our business is no concern of Elves," Thorin grunted.

Gandalf was exasperated, "For goodness sake Thorin, show him the map."

"This is the legacy of my people. It is mine to protect, as are its secrets."

"Save me from the stubbornness of dwarves. Your pride will be your downfall," Gandalf snapped, "You stand here before one of the few in Middle Earth who can read that map. Show it to Lord Elrond."

Thorin finally gave in.

"Thorin no!" Balin insisted.

Thorin silenced him with a hand and I watched the too. He handed the map to Elrond and Bilbo looked on confused, just like I was. I realized how Thorin, Dwalin, and I were similar in height. Thorin and were literally almost the same height, and Dwalin as a bit shorter than us.

"Erebor," Elrond said, "What is your interest in this map?"

Thorin was about to say something but Gandalf interjected, "It is mainly academic. As you know this sort of artifact contains hidden text."

Elrond walked away with it and we followed. "You still read ancient Dwarvish do you not?" He asked.

Elrond said something in a different language and Gandalf translated: Moon Runes.

"Of course, beneath a thing to miss," Gandalf looked at Bilbo and I, and we looked at him confused.

"If in that case it is true, moon runes can only be read by the same light of the moon with the same shape and season on the day as which it was written," Elrond said and turned around.

That is so damn sneaky... I love it!

"Can you read them?" Thorin asked.

Don't know, Thorin. You have a billion shapes of moons and four seasons. Do you really think you'd be there on the exact day?

We walked onto this ledge thingy behind waterfalls, and it looked absolutely beautiful. I was still salty Earth didn't have sights like these.

"These runes were written on a midsummer's eve with the light of a crescent moon nearly 200 years ago. It would seem you are meant to come to Rivendell. Fate is with you Thorin Oakenshield; the same moon shines upon us tonight," Elrond said.

He placed the map on a round table. The clouds parted way for the moon and the rays shined on the paper. Sure enough blue runes started to appear on the paper and I gasped. Then I put my hand on my mouth.

"Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the keyhole," Elrond read the runes.

Yo, I thought, someone's gotta teach me these runes.

"Durin's Day?" Bilbo asked.

Gandalf turned to him, "It is the start of the dwarf's new year. When the last moon of autumn and the first sun of winter appear in the sky."

I nodded in understanding. I looked at Thorin who was biting his nail, and he looked highly concentrated.

"Are you okay?" I whispered and he slightly nodded.

"This is old news," he said, "Summer is passing. Durin's Day will soon be upon us."

"We still have time," Balin perked up.

Bilbo asked, "Time for what?"

"Time to find the entrance. We have to be standing in exactly the right spot, at exactly the right time. Then, and only then can the door be opened, Balin replied.