In The End-The Hobbit

Chapter 8 : Rivendell

"Farannem 'lamhoth i udul o charad. Dagannem rim na Iant Vedui (Translation: We've been hunting a pack of Orcs that came up from the South. We slew a number near the Hidden Pass)" Elrond says walking up to Gandalf and giving him a hug. Elrond then turns to me, with a warm smile, lightly embracing me in a kind hug "Strange for Orcs to come so close to our borders. Something, or someone, has drawn them near" Elrond holds up an orc sword and hands it to Lindir.

"Ah, that may have been us," Gandalf says with guilt.

Thorin steps forward, catching Elrond's attention immediately "Welcome Thorin, son of Thrain," he says turning to face Thorin.

"I do not believe we have met," Thorin says.

Elrond smiles "You have your grandfather's bearing. I knew Thror when he ruled under the Mountain."

"Indeed. He made no mention of you," Thorin says in a rude manner.

Elrond ignores the insult and begins to speak in elvish coursing to dwarves to stare in confusion "Nartho i noer, toltho i viruvor. Boe i annam vann a nethail vin. (Translation: Light the fires bring forth the wine. We must feed our guests)."

"What is he saying? Does he offer us insult?" Gloin asks. The dwarves all grab their weapons and mutter amongst themselves. I let out another laugh.

"No, master Gloin, he's offering you food," Gandalf says also a little amused.

The dwarves quickly begin to whisper amongst themselves. "Ah well, in that case, lead on," Gloin says a little embarrassed.

***

The dwarves talk and huddle together to sit around a table while Thorin, Gandalf, Bilbo and I follow Elrond to a separate table "Kind of you to invite us. I'm not really dressed for dinner" Gandalf says with thanks.

"Well, you never are," Elrond says amused. Elrond begins to examine the swords that Gandalf found in the Troll cave. Thorin hands his sword over to Elrond "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 says handing the sword back to Thorin. Elrond then takes Gandalf's "And this is Glamdring, the Foe-hammer, the sword of the King of Gondolin. These swords were made for the goblin-wars of the First Age" Gandalf nods as Elrond hands the sword back to Gandalf.

"Oh, I also have another" Gandalf says handing Elrond another sword. I stare at the sword as Elrond examines it.

"This is Atlanta, the Huntress. This sword was forged by an ancient Elven kin, among the first" Elrond explains, sharing a glance with me "It was designed to destroy Orcs. Orcs would flee in the sight of this Sword. How did you come by these?" Elrond asks handing back the sword to Gandalf. I can't help my stare that burns at the sword in awe. By Elrond's description and glance, this sword had to by forged by my kin! This sword would be thousands of years old, if not more...

"We found them in a troll hoard on the Great East Road, shortly before we were ambushed by orcs," Gandalf says taking a bite out of his bread.

"And what were you doing on the Great East Road?" Elrond asks. Gandalf and Thorin share a glare.

***

When it is dark Thorin, Gandalf, Balin, Bilbo, Elrond and I meet on a balcony across from Elrond's chambers. I imagine discussing the quest among other problems that we will be presented by on our long journey.

"Our business is no concern of elves," Thorin says with a hiss.

"For goodness sake, Thorin, show him the map," Gandalf says angrily.

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

"Save me from the stubbornness of Dwarves. Your pride will be your downfall. You stand here in the presence of one of the few in Middle Earth who can read that map. Show it to Lord Elrond!" Gandalf raises his voice. Thorin looks from Gandalf to Balin, considering what was just said before deciding to hand the map to Elrond.

"Thorin, no!" Balin says trying to stop Thorin who just pushes Balin aside.

Thorin hands the map to Elrond "Erebor. What is your interest in this map?" Elrond asks.

Thorin is about to speak, but Gandalf interrupts him "It's mainly academic. As you know, this sort of artefact sometimes contains hidden text. You still read Ancient Dwarvish, do you not?" Gandalf asks, spinning a not very convincing story. Elrond walks a little bit away, looking at the map lost in thought. As the moonlight hits the map, Elrond realises something.

"Cirth Ithil" Elrond mumbles.

I raise an eyebrow as Gandalf says "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 on which they were written," Elrond says.

"Can you read them?" Thorin asks.

Elrond leads us to a ledge with waterfalls falling from every mountainside. The moonlight shines on a crystal table "These runes were written on a Midsummer's Eve by the light of a crescent moon nearly two hundred years ago. It would seem you were meant to come to Rivendell. Fate is with you, Thorin Oakenshield. The same moon shines upon us tonight" Elrond says placing the map on the crystal table. The light shines down on the map and begins to reveal the hidden message.

"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 reads.

"Durin's Day?" Bilbo questions.

"It is the start of the dwarves' new year when the last moon of autumn and the first sun of winter appear in the sky together" Gandalf explains.

"Durin's Day will soon be upon us!" Thorin says rushing over to Balin.

"We still have time," Balin says.

"Time? For what?" Bilbo asks.

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

"So, this is your purpose, to enter the Mountain?" Elrond questions.

"What of it?" Thorin snaps.

"There are some who would not deem it wise," Elrond says handing the map back to Thorin, not pressing the matter with the stubborn swarf. Thorin lets out a huff as he takes it from Elrond.

"Who do you mean?" Gandalf asks.

"You are not the only guardian to stand watch over Middle Earth," Elrond says. Gandalf and I share a glance. Saruman, that's who Elrond means, no doubt. It seems that we may not be going on this quest after all. Not if Saruman has anything to say about it!