Defenders of Middle Earth: A Middle Earth Story(Book 3)

Chapter 9: A Plan for War

The council's tone had changed now, for what was once a council of desperation had turned into one of war. A map had been placed upon the center pedestal and all but those directly involved in the planning had left the courtyard. Now the only members remaining were gathered around the map in earnest discussion.

"First, we must send aid to the dwarves of the Blue Mountains. If we can defeat this dragon they speak of, perhaps they will send warriors with you to Erebor," Elrond said as his finger landed on the Blue Mountains.

"We do not have enough men to help them," Gerithor replied, shaking his head. "Three warriors will not be able to defeat a dragon, no matter how great of warriors they may be."

"Four warriors," Caledorn said. "One of whom has already defeated a dragon." At this he rose his eyebrow wryly.

"Five warriors," Taliel said, moving to stand beside Caledorn.

"Five warriors... And a bard!" Edhael added, laughing lightly. "After all, someone will need to document your deeds of valor!"

"Well then... Five warriors and a bard will make little difference, even be they all stout of heart," Gerithor replied, smiling slightly at the last words. "We would need at least ten times that to be effective."

"Then I shall send Halbarad and the rest of the Grey Company with you," Aragorn said, motioning to the older ranger that stood a few yards away. Hearing his name spoken he moved to his chieftain's side.

"We would be more than happy to accompany you all on this quest," Halbarad said, dipping his head. "I have fifty good men at my back, they shall prepare to depart at once."

Elrond nodded slowly, approving of the decision. "Very well. Your company will need to move quickly and quietly, for if the Enemy catches wind of your presence they shall make short work of you. As at least the Rangers among us know, Fornost has fallen to the Enemy. But retaking it shall be left to others. Your quest will be to hasten to the Blue Mountains by the fastest, stealthiest route. Draw no attention to yourselves. Once there, defeat the dragon and enlist the aid of the dwarves."

"Easier said than done..." Glorfindel said skeptically. "Once the immediate threat is gone they will have little reason to aid us."

"What're ya tryin' to say lad??" Gloin exclaimed. "They're good lads, those Blue Mountain boys. Reliable as a dwarfling to supper they are. Their table manners are atrocious though."

Edhael raised his eyebrow in amusement. "Well then, their table manners must be terrible if even another dwarf thinks so!"

At the bard's words Gloin turned red, and looked as though he were about to say something foul. Glorfindel spoke up first however, averting disaster.

"Regardless their manners, all dwarves have one thing in common: They're selfish. They're not likely to help us."

Gloin tapped his finger to his nose and winked. "Ah, but ya forget! You've got a dwarf with ya! He'll tell em what's what!"

"Indeed, I only hope that they listen to you..." Elrond said as he circled the pedestal. "Otherwise we will have wasted valuable time."

"Aye, they'll listen. I have friends in high places there," Gloin said as he crossed his arms confidently. Elrond frowned, but nobody attempted to argue with the stubborn dwarf.

"Now that that's settled, what of the sorceress?" Taliel asked after a moment, drawing all eyes in the room to her.

"The sorceress is the least of our concerns at the moment," Elrond replied. "Though perhaps she will reveal herself and her true nature at the Lonely Mountain. I do not doubt that she will lead the attack, or at least help lead if she is truly as powerful as some of you have said. Unless Sauron requires her aid in the south, she will most likely accompany the Easterlings. Either way, her mystery is not yet known. Perhaps you will discover it."