Erebor's Guardian

Chapter: 8

Elrond led the dwarfs to their rooms. The very quickly got comfortable and scattered the supplies and weapons on the floor. Much to Elrond displeasure. The elven maidens brought the dwarves to the elven court where tables of food were set. However, they were not very appreciative of the Elven food.

As the dwarfs complained, the Elves started to play music in the background. Elrond, Gandalf, Thorin and I walked through the halls.

"Kind of you to invite us. I'm not really dressed for dinner." Gandalf laughed to himself.

"Well, you never are."

They both laughed, we arrived in the courtyard. As we ate Elrond examined the swords we had found in the troll hoard.

"This is Orcrist, the Goblin Cleaver. A famous blade, forged by the High Elves of the West, my kin. May it serve you well."

Elrond handed Orcrist back to Thorin who respectively nodded his hand as he accepted it. He continued to examine Gandalf's sword.

"And this is Glamdring, The Foe-hammer, the sword of the King of Gondolin."

Gandalf accepted it and started to examine it. I handed mine to him.

"This is Ringil, the sword of Fingolfin, the High King of the Noldor. These swords were made for the goblin-wars of the First Age..."

I turned to Bilbo to see him look at his sword wondering if it had a name. Balin though told Bilbo It had probably not seen much war in its time. My mind was brought back by Elrond.

"How did you come by these?"

"We found them in a troll hoard on the Great East Road, shortly before we were ambushed by orcs."

"And what were you doing on the Great East Road."

No one answered; Thorin looked perturbed.

Night had fallen on Rivendell, Lord Elrond had called for me and Balin to join him, Gandalf and Thorin. I brought Bilbo with me seeing as he would probably be fascinated by the power of Lord Elrond. Thorin as always was being quite stubborn.

"Our business is no concern of elves.'

"For goodness sake, Thorin, show him the map."

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

"Save me from the stubbornness of Dwarves. You pride will be your downfall. You stand in the presence of one of the few in Middle-earth who can read that map. Show it to Lord Elrond."

Thorin started to think quietly for a few seconds, everyone was staring, he started to hand the map to Elrond, and Balin tried to stop him.

"Thorin, no!"

Thorin brushed Balin aside and handed the map to Elrond. Elrond looked at the map questionably.

"Erebor, what is your interest in this map."

Thorin was about to speak but I interrupted him.

"It's mainly academic. As you know, this sort of artefact sometimes contains hidden text. You still read Ancient Dwarvish, do you not."

Elrond walked a little bit away, looking at the map. As the moonlight hit the map, Elrond seemed to have realized something.

"Cirth Ithil."

"Moon runes."

"Of course. An easy thing to miss."

"Well, in this case, that is true; moon runes can only be read by the light of a moon of the same shape and season as the day of which they were written."