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

Chapter 10: First Signs

"Nonsense!" Gloin exclaimed. "The mighty caves and halls of Erebor far surpass the trees of Lorien!"

Glorfindel let out a short, clear laugh. "Then tell me, friend dwarf, what makes halls of stone more compelling than living, breathing pillars of root and golden leaves?"

"Many things! Let me first say that stone is far more formidable than fragile saplings! And on top of that, fine cut stone is more comely to look upon. In the hands of a dwarven mason any stone can become a masterpiece!"

"But trees do not need to be crafted, they are already beautiful!" Glorfindel replied.

"Ah, but trees do not hide gold or mithril in their boughs!" Gloin said with a hearty laugh, crossing his arms as if he had already won the debate.

"They do not need to hide it, when their leaves are brighter than the finest gold, or when their silver boughs glow in the moonlight," the elf said as he gazed ahead, as if lost in memory.

Gerithor, who had been listening to the discussion, decided that now was the time to join in. "I think we can all agree that both hold their own merits," he said.

"I see no merit in cold halls of stone," Glorfindel said with a slight frown.

"Nor do I see anything compelling about weak, mortal trees!" Gloin said.

Gerithor rolled his eyes. "If both of you are going to be so stubborn, there's no point in arguing about it. Neither of you will listen to what the other has to say."

"Nay, I was listening! He just didn't say anything that would sway me!" Gloin asserted.

"Dwarves," Gerithor muttered under his breath as he rode ahead, allowing the two to continue their debate. As he moved to the front of the line he passed one of his friends, a ranger named Flicker.

"Thank you for coming with us," Gerithor said as he reigned in beside the other ranger. Flicker had been Gerithor's second in command during his watch over the Shire, and during those years the two had grown close. Flicker was unlike most of the other rangers in that he was outgoing and friendly, despite many years of serving in the Grey Company.

"My pleasure, sir!" He replied with a smile. He ran a hand through his unkempt brown hair as he scanned the road ahead. "I know I'm not in command here, but I would recommend looking for a spot to set up camp soon. Much further and we'll be in the Lone Lands."

"You're right," Gerithor replied. "We don't to risk camping in the open. But it's not up to me alone. I'll have to ask Glorfindel and Gloin first."

"Aye, captain," Flicker said with a salute. "I'll make sure the men are in order."

"I'm sure Halbarad is seeing to that, but you can if you feel the need," Gerithor said with a slight smile. Flicker's enthusiasm gave him hope, in addition to a sense of relief. If not for Flicker, Gerithor's job would be much, much harder.

"Glorfindel, Gloin!" Gerithor called as he halted the company. "If you're done arguing, I need to discuss something with you!"

The two warriors rode to Gerithor's side, both laughing. "Our debate is far from over, but we have agreed to show each other the finest examples of our given choices, Lothlorien being mine and Erebor his. Now, what was it you needed to speak with us about?" Glorfindel asked.

"Camping arrangements," Gerithor replied as he raised an eyebrow. "My lieutenant wisely suggested that we camp somewhere in the forest, rather than waiting until nightfall to camp in the Lone Lands."

"Why?" Gloin asked. "The trees hide many evils."

"They can also hide us," Glorfindel replied, catching on to Gerithor's point. "We do not want the enemy to see us, so it would be folly to encamp on the plains. I agree, we should send scouts to find a good place to set up camp."