THE HOBBIT OR THERE AND BACK AGAIN BY J.R.R. TOLKIEN
THE HOBBIT OR THERE AND BACK AGAIN BY J.R.R. TOLKIEN
The Hobbit is a tale of hih a!"e#t$%e& $#!e%ta'e# b( a )o*+a#( of !,a%"es& i# i# sea%)h of !%ao#-$a%!e! ol!. ol!. A %el$)ta#t +a%t#e% i# this +e%ilo$s $est $est is Bilbo Bai#s& a )o*fo%t-lo"i#& $#a*bitio$s hobbit& ,ho s$%+%ises e"e# hi*self b( his %eso$%)ef$l#ess a#! his s'ill s'ill as a b$%la%. E#)o$#te%s ,ith t%olls& obli#s& !,a%"es& el"es a#! ia#t s+i!e%s& )o#"e%satio#s ,ith the !%ao#& /*a$ the 0a#ifi)e#t& a#! a %athe% $#,illi# +%ese#)e at the Battle of the 1i"e A%*ies a%e so*e of the a!"e#t$%es that befall Bilbo. B$t the%e a%e lihte% *o*e#ts as ,ell2 oo! fello,shi+& ,el)o*e *eals& la$hte% a#! so#. Bilbo Bai#s has ta'e# his +la)e a*o# the %a#'s of the i**o%tals of )hil!%e#3s fi)tio#. 4%itte# fo% 5%ofesso% Tol'ie#3s o,# )hil!%e#& The Hobbit *et ,ith i#sta#t a))lai* ,he# +$blishe!. It is a )o*+lete a#! *a%"ello$s tale i# itself& b$t it also fo%*s a +%el$!e to The Lo%! of the the Ri#s. 6O#e of the *ost i#fl$e#tial boo's of o$% e#e%atio#3 The Ti*es
CONTENT/ CO7ER 5AGE TITLE 5AGE LI/T O1 ILL8/TRATION/ NOTE ON THE TE9T A8THOR3/ NOTE CHA5TER I2 AN 8NE95ECTED 5ARTY CHA5TER II2 ROA/T 08TTON CHA5TER III2 A /HORT RE/T CHA5TER I72 O7ER HILL AND 8NDER HILL CHA5TER 72 RIDDLE/ IN THE DARK CHA5TER 7I2 O8T O1 THE 1RYING-5AN INTO THE 1IRE CHA5TER 7II2 :8EER LODGING/ CHA5TER 7III2 1LIE/ AND /5IDER/ CHA5TER I92 BARREL/ O8T O1 BOND CHA5TER 92 A 4AR0 4ELCO0E CHA5TER 9I2 ON THE DOOR/TE5 CHA5TER 9II2 IN/IDE IN1OR0ATION CHA5TER 9III2 NOT AT HO0E CHA5TER 9I72 1IRE AND 4ATER CHA5TER 972 THE GATHERING O1 THE CLO8D/ CHA5TER 97I2 A THIE1 IN THE NIGHT CHA5TER 97II2 THE CLO8D/ B8R/T CHA5TER 97III2 THE RET8RN JO8RNEY CHA5TER 9I92 THE LA/T /TAGE 4ORK/ BY J.R.R. TOLKIEN CO5YRIGHT ABO8T THE 58BLI/HER
ILL8/TRATION/
Th%o%3s 0a+ The T%olls The 0o$#tai#-+ath The 0ist( 0o$#tai#s loo'i# 4est Beo%#3s Hall The El"e#'i#3s Gate La'e To,# The 1%o#t Gate The Hall at Ba-E#! 0a+ of 4il!e%la#!
NOTE ON THE TE9T
The Hobbit ,as fi%st +$blishe! i# /e+te*be% ;<=>. Its ;
1o% the ;<
A$tho%s Note
This is a sto%( of lo# ao. At that ti*e the la#$aes a#! lette%s ,e%e $ite !iffe%e#t f%o* o$%s of to!a(. E#lish is $se! to %e+%ese#t the la#$aes. B$t t,o +oi#ts *a( be #ote!. @; I# E#lish the o#l( )o%%e)t +l$%al of !,a%f is !,a%fs& a#! the a!Pe)ti"e is !,a%fish. I# this sto%( !,a%"es a#! !,a%"ish a%e $se! Q
& b$t o#l( ,he# s+ea'i# of the a#)ie#t +eo+le to ,ho* Tho%i# Oa'e#shiel! a#! his )o*+a#io#s belo#e!. @ O%) is #ot a# E#lish ,o%!. It o))$%s i# o#e o% t,o +la)es b$t is $s$all( t%a#slate! obli# @o% hobobli# fo% the la%e% 'i#!s. O%) is the hobbits3 fo%* of the #a*e i"e# at that ti*e to these )%eat$%es& a#! it is #ot )o##e)te! at all ,ith o$% o%)& o%' & a++lie! to sea-a#i*als of !ol+hi#-'i#!.
R$#es ,e%e ol! lette%s o%ii#all( $se! fo% )$tti# o% s)%at)hi# o# ,oo!& sto#e& o% *etal& a#! so ,e%e thi# a#! a#$la%. At the ti*e of this tale o#l( the D,a%"es *a!e %e$la% $se of the*& es+e)iall( fo% +%i"ate o% se)%et %e)o%!s. Thei% %$#es a%e i# this boo' %e+%ese#te! b( E#lish %$#es& ,hi)h a%e '#o,# #o, to fe, +eo+le. If t he %$#es o# Th%o%3s 0a+ a%e )o*+a%e! ,ith the t%a#s)%i+tio#s i#to *o!e%# lette%s & the al+habet& a!a+te! to *o!e%# E#lish& )a# be !is)o"e%e! a#! the abo"e %$#i) title also %ea!. O# the 0a+ all the #o%*al %$#es a%e fo$#!& eF)e+t fo% 9. I a#! 8 a%e $se! fo% J a#! 7. The%e ,as #o %$#e fo% : @$se C4S #o% fo% @the !,a%f-%$#e *a( be $se! if %e$i%e!. It ,ill be fo$#!& ho,e"e%& that so*e si#le %$#es sta#! fo% t,o *o!e%# lette%s2 th& #& eeS othe% %$#es of the sa*e 'i#! @ ea a#! st ,e%e also so*eti*es $se!. The se)%et !oo% ,as *a%'e! D . 1%o* the si!e a ha#! +oi#te! to this& a#! $#!e% it ,as ,%itte#2 The last T,o %$#es a%e the i#itials of Th%o% a#! Th%ai#. The *oo#-%$#es %ea! b( El%o#! ,e%e2
O# the 0a+ the )o*+ass +oi#ts a%e *a%'e! i# %$#es& ,ith East at the to+& as $s$al i# !,a%f-*a+s& a#! so %ea! )lo)',ise2 E@ast& /@o$th& 4@est& N@o%th.
Cha+te% I
AN 8NE95ECTED 5ARTY
I# a hole i# the %o$#! the%e li"e! a hobbit. Not a #ast(& !i%t(& ,et hole& fille! ,ith the e#!s of ,o%*s a#! a# oo( s*ell& #o% (et a !%(& ba%e& sa#!( hole ,ith #othi# i# it to sit !o,# o# o% to eat2 it ,as a hobbit-hole& a#! that *ea#s )o*fo%t.
It ha! a +e%fe)tl( %o$#! !oo% li'e a +o%thole& +ai#te! %ee#& ,ith a shi#( (ello, b%ass '#ob i# the eFa)t *i!!le. The !oo% o+e#e! o# to a t$be-sha+e! hall li'e a t$##el2 a "e%( )o*fo%table t$##el ,itho$t s*o'e& ,ith +a#elle! ,alls& a#! floo%s tile! a#! )a%+ete!& +%o"i!e! ,ith +olishe! )hai%s& a#! lots a#! lots of +es fo% hats a#! )oatsUthe hobbit ,as fo#! of "isito%s. The t$##el ,o$#! o# a#! o#& oi# fai%l( b$t #ot $ite st%aiht i#to the si!e of the hillUThe Hill& as all the +eo+le fo% *a#( *iles %o$#! )alle! itUa#! *a#( little %o$#! !oo%s o+e#e! o$t of it& fi%st o# o#e si!e a#! the# o# a#othe%. No oi# $+stai%s fo% the hobbit2 be!%oo*s& bath%oo*s& )ella%s& +a#t%ies @lots of these& ,a%!%obes @he ha! ,hole %oo*s !e"ote! to )lothes& 'it)he#s& !i#i#-%oo*s& all ,e%e o# the sa*e floo%& a#! i#!ee! o# the sa*e +assae. The best %oo*s ,e%e all o# the left-ha#! si!e @oi# i#& fo% these ,e%e the o#l( o#es to ha"e ,i#!o,s& !ee+-set %o$#! ,i#!o,s loo'i# o"e% his a%!e#& a#! *ea!o,s be(o#!& slo+i# !o,# to the %i"e%. This hobbit ,as a "e%( ,ell-to-!o hobbit& a#! his #a*e ,as Bai#s. The Bai#ses ha! li"e! i# the #eihbo$%hoo! of The Hill fo% ti*e o$t of *i#!& a#! +eo+le )o#si!e%e! the* "e%( %es+e)table& #ot o#l( be)a$se *ost of the* ,e%e %i)h& b$t also be)a$se the( #e"e% ha! a#( a!"e#t$%es o% !i! a#(thi# $#eF+e)te!2 (o$ )o$l! tell ,hat a Bai#s ,o$l! sa( o# a#( $estio# ,itho$t the bothe% of as'i# hi*. This is a sto%( of ho, a Bai#s ha! a# a!"e#t$%e& a#! fo$#! hi*self !oi# a#! sa(i# thi#s altoethe% $#eF+e)te!. He *a( ha"e lost the #eihbo$%s3 %es+e)t& b$t he ai#e!U,ell& (o$ ,ill see ,hethe% he ai#e! a#(thi# i# the e#!. The *othe% of o$% +a%ti)$la% hobbitU,hat is a hobbitV I s$++ose hobbits #ee! so*e !es)%i+tio# #o,a!a(s& si#)e the( ha"e be)o*e %a%e a#! sh( of the Bi 5eo+le& as the( )all $s. The( a%e @o% ,e%e a little +eo+le& abo$t half o$% heiht& a#! s*alle% tha# the bea%!e! D,a%"es. Hobbits ha"e #o bea%!s. The%e is little o% #o *ai) abo$t the*& eF)e+t the o%!i#a%( e"e%(!a( so%t ,hi)h hel+s the* to !isa++ea% $ietl( a#! $i)'l( ,he# la%e st$+i! fol' li'e (o$ a#! *e )o*e bl$#!e%i# alo#& *a'i# a #oise li'e ele+ha#ts ,hi)h the( )a# hea% a *ile off. The( a%e i#)li#e! to be fat i# the sto*a)hS the( !%ess i# b%iht )olo$%s @)hiefl( %ee# a#! (ello,S ,ea% #o shoes& be)a$se thei% feet %o, #at$%al leathe%( soles a#! thi)' ,a%* b%o,# hai% li'e the st$ff o# thei% hea!s @,hi)h is )$%l(S ha"e lo# )le"e% b%o,# fi#e%s& oo!-#at$%e! fa)es& a#! la$h !ee+ f%$it( la$hs @es+e)iall( afte% !i##e%& ,hi)h the( ha"e t,i)e a !a( ,he# the( )a# et it. No, (o$ '#o, e#o$h to o o# ,ith. As I ,as sa(i#& the *othe% of this hobbitUof Bilbo Bai#s& that isU,as the fa*o$s Bella!o##a Too'& o#e of the th%ee %e*a%'able !a$hte%s of the Ol! Too'& hea! of the hobbits ,ho li"e! a)%oss The 4ate%& the s*all %i"e% that %a# at the foot of The Hill. It ,as ofte# sai! @i# othe% fa*ilies that lo# ao o#e of the Too' a#)esto%s *$st ha"e ta'e# a fai%( ,ife. That ,as& of )o$%se& abs$%!& b$t )e%tai#l( the%e ,as still so*ethi# #ot e#ti%el( hobbitli'e abo$t the*& a#! o#)e i# a ,hile *e*be%s of the Too'-)la# ,o$l! o a#! ha"e a!"e#t$%es. The( !is)%eetl( !isa++ea%e!& a#! the fa*il( h$she! it $+S
b$t the fa)t %e*ai#e! that the Too's ,e%e #ot as %es+e)table as the Bai#ses& tho$h the( ,e%e $#!o$bte!l( %i)he%. Not that Bella!o##a Too' e"e% ha! a#( a!"e#t$%es afte% she be)a*e 0%s. B$#o Bai#s. B$#o& that ,as Bilbo3s fathe%& b$ilt the *ost l$F$%io$s hobbit-hole fo% he% @a#! +a%tl( ,ith he% *o#e( that ,as to be fo$#! eithe% $#!e% The Hill o% o"e% The Hill o% a)%oss The 4ate%& a#! the%e the( %e*ai#e! to the e#! of thei% !a(s. /till it is +%obable that Bilbo& he% o#l( so#& altho$h he loo'e! a#! beha"e! eFa)tl( li'e a se)o#! e!itio# of his soli! a#! )o*fo%table fathe%& ot so*ethi# a bit $ee% i# his *a'e-$+ f%o* the Too' si!e& so*ethi# that o#l( ,aite! fo% a )ha#)e to )o*e o$t. The )ha#)e #e"e% a%%i"e!& $#til Bilbo Bai#s ,as %o,# $+& bei# abo$t fift( (ea%s ol! o% so& a#! li"i# i# the bea$tif$l hobbit-hole b$ilt b( his fathe%& ,hi)h I ha"e P$st !es)%ibe! fo% (o$& $#til he ha! i# fa)t a++a%e#tl( settle! !o,# i**o"abl(. B( so*e )$%io$s )ha#)e o#e *o%#i# lo# ao i# the $iet of the ,o%l!& ,he# the%e ,as less #oise a#! *o%e %ee#& a#! the hobbits ,e%e still #$*e%o$s a#! +%os+e%o$s& a#! Bilbo Bai#s ,as sta#!i# at his !oo% afte% b%ea'fast s*o'i# a# e#o%*o$s lo# ,oo!e# +i+e that %ea)he! #ea%l( !o,# to his ,ooll( toes @#eatl( b%$she!UGa#!alf )a*e b(. Ga#!alfW If (o$ ha! hea%! o#l( a $a%te% of ,hat I ha"e hea%! abo$t hi*& a#! I ha"e o#l( hea%! "e%( little of all the%e is to hea%& (o$ ,o$l! be +%e+a%e! fo% a#( so%t of %e*a%'able tale. Tales a#! a!"e#t$%es s+%o$te! $+ all o"e% the +la)e ,he%e"e% he ,e#t& i# the *ost eFt%ao%!i#a%( fashio#. He ha! #ot bee# !o,# that ,a( $#!e% The Hill fo% aes a#! aes& #ot si#)e his f%ie#! the Ol! Too' !ie!& i# fa)t& a#! the hobbits ha! al*ost fo%otte# ,hat he loo'e! li'e. He ha! bee# a,a( o"e% The Hill a#! a)%oss The 4ate% o# b$si#esses of his o,# si#)e the( ,e%e all s*all hobbit-bo(s a#! hobbit-i%ls. All that the $#s$s+e)ti# Bilbo sa, that *o%#i# ,as a# ol! *a# ,ith a staff. He ha! a tall +oi#te! bl$e hat& a lo# %e( )loa'& a sil"e% s)a%f o"e% ,hi)h his lo# ,hite bea%! h$# !o,# belo, his ,aist& a#! i**e#se bla)' boots. Goo! 0o%#i#W sai! Bilbo& a#! he *ea#t it. The s$# ,as shi#i#& a#! the %ass ,as "e%( %ee#. B$t Ga#!alf loo'e! at hi* f%o* $#!e% lo# b$sh( e(eb%o,s that st$)' o$t f$%the% tha# the b%i* of his sha!( hat. 4hat !o (o$ *ea#V he sai!. Do (o$ ,ish *e a oo! *o%#i#& o% *ea# that it is a oo! *o%#i# ,hethe% I ,a#t it o% #otS o% that (o$ feel oo! this *o%#i#S o% that it is a *o%#i# to be oo! o#V All of the* at o#)e& sai! Bilbo. A#! a "e%( fi#e *o%#i# fo% a +i+e of toba))o o$t of !oo%s& i#to the ba%ai#. If (o$ ha"e a +i+e abo$t (o$& sit !o,# a#! ha"e a fill of *i#eW The%e3s #o h$%%(& ,e ha"e all the !a( befo%e $sW The# Bilbo sat !o,# o# a seat b( his !oo%& )%osse! his les& a#! ble, o$t a bea$tif$l %e( %i# of s*o'e that saile! $+ i#to the ai% ,itho$t b%ea'i# a#! floate! a,a( o"e% The Hill. 7e%( +%ett(W sai! Ga#!alf. B$t I ha"e #o ti*e to blo, s*o'e-%i#s this *o%#i#. I a* loo'i# fo% so*eo#e to sha%e i# a# a!"e#t$%e that I a* a%%a#i#& a#! it3s "e%( !iffi)$lt to fi#! a#(o#e. I sho$l! thi#' soUi# these +a%tsW 4e a%e +lai# $iet fol' a#! ha"e #o $se fo% a!"e#t$%es. Nast( !ist$%bi# $#)o*fo%table thi#sW 0a'e (o$ late fo% !i##e%W I )a#3t thi#' ,hat a#(bo!( sees i# the*& sai! o$% 0%. Bai#s& a#! st$)' o#e th$*b
behi#! his b%a)es& a#! ble, o$t a#othe% e"e# bie% s*o'e%i#. The# he too' o$t his *o%#i# lette%s& a#! bea# to %ea!& +%ete#!i# to ta'e #o *o%e #oti)e of the ol! *a#. He ha! !e)i!e! that he ,as #ot $ite his so%t& a#! ,a#te! hi* to o a,a(. B$t the ol! *a# !i! #ot *o"e. He stoo! lea#i# o# his sti)' a#! ai# at the hobbit ,itho$t sa(i# a#(thi#& till Bilbo ot $ite $#)o*fo%table a#! e"e# a little )%oss. Goo! *o%#i#W he sai! at last. 4e !o#3t ,a#t a#( a!"e#t$%es he%e& tha#' (o$W Yo$ *iht t%( o"e% The Hill o% a)%oss The 4ate%. B( this he *ea#t that the )o#"e%satio# ,as at a# e#!. 4hat a lot of thi#s (o$ !o $se Goo! *o%#i# fo%W sai! Ga#!alf. No, (o$ *ea# that (o$ ,a#t to et %i! of *e& a#! that it ,o#3t be oo! till I *o"e off. Not at all& #ot at all& *( !ea% si%W Let *e see& I !o#3t thi#' I '#o, (o$% #a*eV Yes& (es& *( !ea% si%Ua#! I !o '#o, (o$% #a*e& 0%. Bilbo Bai#s. A#! (o$ !o '#o, *( #a*e& tho$h (o$ !o#3t %e*e*be% that I belo# to it. I a* Ga#!alf& a#! Ga#!alf *ea#s *eW To thi#' that I sho$l! ha"e li"e! to be oo!-*o%#i#e! b( Bella!o##a Too'3s so#& as if I ,as selli# b$tto#s at the !oo%W Ga#!alf& Ga#!alfW Goo! %a)io$s *eW Not the ,a#!e%i# ,ia%! that a"e Ol! Too' a +ai% of *ai) !ia*o#! st$!s that faste#e! the*sel"es a#! #e"e% )a*e $#!o#e till o%!e%e!V Not the fello, ,ho $se! to tell s$)h ,o#!e%f$l tales at +a%ties& abo$t !%ao#s a#! obli#s a#! ia#ts a#! the %es)$e of +%i#)esses a#! the $#eF+e)te! l$)' of ,i!o,s3 so#sV Not the *a# that $se! to *a'e s$)h +a%ti)$la%l( eF)elle#t fi%e,o%'sW I %e*e*be% thoseW Ol! Too' $se! to ha"e the* o# 0i!s$**e%3s E"e. /+le#!i!W The( $se! to o $+ li'e %eat lilies a#! s#a+!%ao#s a#! lab$%#$*s of fi%e a#! ha# i# the t,iliht all e"e#i#W Yo$ ,ill #oti)e al%ea!( that 0%. Bai#s ,as #ot $ite so +%os( as he li'e! to belie"e& also that he ,as "e%( fo#! of flo,e%s. Dea% *eW he ,e#t o#. Not the Ga#!alf ,ho ,as %es+o#sible fo% so *a#( $iet la!s a#! lasses oi# off i#to the Bl$e fo% *a! a!"e#t$%esV A#(thi# f%o* )li*bi# t%ees to "isiti# el"esUo% saili# i# shi+s& saili# to othe% sho%esW Bless *e& life $se! to be $ite i#te%UI *ea#& (o$ $se! to $+set thi#s ba!l( i# these +a%ts o#)e $+o# a ti*e. I be (o$% +a%!o#& b$t I ha! #o i!ea (o$ ,e%e still i# b$si#ess. 4he%e else sho$l! I beV sai! the ,ia%!. All the sa*e I a* +lease! to fi#! (o$ %e*e*be% so*ethi# abo$t *e. Yo$ see* to %e*e*be% *( fi%e,o%'s 'i#!l(& at a#( %ate& a#! that is #ot ,itho$t ho+e. I#!ee! fo% (o$% ol! %a#!fathe% Too'3s sa'e& a#! fo% the sa'e of +oo% Bella!o##a& I ,ill i"e (o$ ,hat (o$ as'e! fo%. I be (o$% +a%!o#& I ha"e#3t as'e! fo% a#(thi#W Yes& (o$ ha"eW T,i)e #o,. 0( +a%!o#. I i"e it (o$. I# fa)t I ,ill o so fa% as to se#! (o$ o# this a!"e#t$%e. 7e%( a*$si# fo% *e& "e%( oo! fo% (o$Ua#! +%ofitable too& "e%( li'el(& if (o$ e"e% et o"e% it. /o%%(W I !o#3t ,a#t a#( a!"e#t$%es& tha#' (o$. Not to!a(. Goo! *o%#i#W B$t +lease )o*e to teaUa#( ti*e (o$ li'eW 4h( #ot to*o%%o,V Co*e to*o%%o,W Goo! b(eW 4ith that the hobbit t$%#e! a#! s)$ttle! i#si!e his %o$#! %ee# !oo%& a#! sh$t it as $i)'l( as he !a%e!& #ot to see* %$!e. 4ia%!s afte% all a%e ,ia%!s. 4hat o# ea%th !i! I as' hi* to tea fo%W he sai! to hi*self& as he ,e#t to the +a#t%(. He ha! o#l( P$st ha! b%ea'fast& b$t he tho$ht a )a'e o% t,o a#! a !%i#' of so*ethi# ,o$l! !o hi* oo! afte% his f%iht.
Ga#!alf i# the *ea#ti*e ,as still sta#!i# o$tsi!e the !oo%& a#! la$hi# lo# b$t $ietl(. Afte% a ,hile he ste++e! $+& a#! ,ith the s+i'e o# his staff s)%at)he! a $ee% si# o# the hobbit3s bea$tif$l %ee# f%o#t-!oo%. The# he st%o!e a,a(& P$st abo$t the ti*e ,he# Bilbo ,as fi#ishi# his se)o#! )a'e a#! bei##i# to thi#' that he ha! es)a+e! a!"e#t$%es "e%( ,ell. The #eFt !a( he ha! al*ost fo%otte# abo$t Ga#!alf. He !i! #ot %e*e*be% thi#s "e%( ,ell& $#less he +$t the* !o,# o# his E#ae*e#t Tablet2 li'e this2 Ga#!alf Tea 4e!#es!a( . Yeste%!a( he ha! bee# too fl$ste%e! to !o a#(thi# of the 'i#!. J$st befo%e tea-ti*e the%e )a*e a t%e*e#!o$s %i# o# the f%o#t-!oo% bell& a#! the# he %e*e*be%e!W He %$she! a#! +$t o# the 'ettle& a#! +$t o$t a#othe% )$+ a#! sa$)e%& a#! a# eFt%a )a'e o% t,o& a#! %a# to the !oo%. I a* so so%%( to 'ee+ (o$ ,aiti#W he ,as oi# to sa(& ,he# he sa, that it ,as #ot Ga#!alf at all. It ,as a !,a%f ,ith a bl$e bea%! t$)'e! i#to a ol!e# belt& a#! "e%( b%iht e(es $#!e% his !a%'-%ee# hoo!. As soo# as the !oo% ,as o+e#e!& he +$she! i#si!e& P$st as if he ha! bee# eF+e)te!. He h$# his hoo!e! )loa' o# the #ea%est +e& a#! D,ali# at (o$% se%"i)eW he sai! ,ith a lo, bo,. Bilbo Bai#s at (o$%sW sai! the hobbit& too s$%+%ise! to as' a#( $estio#s fo% the *o*e#t. 4he# the sile#)e that follo,e! ha! be)o*e $#)o*fo%table& he a!!e!2 I a* P$st abo$t to ta'e teaS +%a( )o*e a#! ha"e so*e ,ith *e. A little stiff +e%ha+s& b$t he *ea#t it 'i#!l(. A#! ,hat ,o$l! (o$ !o& if a# $#i#"ite! !,a%f )a*e a#! h$# his thi#s $+ i# (o$% hall ,itho$t a ,o%! of eF+la#atio#V The( ha! #ot bee# at table lo#& i# fa)t the( ha! ha%!l( %ea)he! the thi%! )a'e& ,he# the%e )a*e a#othe% e"e# lo$!e% %i# at the bell. EF)$se *eW sai! the hobbit& a#! off he ,e#t to the !oo%. /o (o$ ha"e ot he%e at lastW That ,as ,hat he ,as oi# to sa( to Ga#!alf this ti*e. B$t it ,as #ot Ga#!alf. I#stea! the%e ,as a "e%( ol!-loo'i# !,a%f o# the ste+ ,ith a ,hite bea%! a#! a s)a%let hoo!S a#! he too ho++e! i#si!e as soo# as the !oo% ,as o+e#& P$st as if he ha! bee# i#"ite!. I see the( ha"e be$# to a%%i"e al%ea!(& he sai! ,he# he )a$ht siht of D,ali#3s %ee# hoo! ha#i# $+. He h$# his %e! o#e #eFt to it& a#! Bali# at (o$% se%"i)eW he sai! ,ith his ha#! o# his b%east. Tha#' (o$W sai! Bilbo ,ith a as+. It ,as #ot the )o%%e)t thi# to sa(& b$t the( ha"e be$# to a%%i"e ha! fl$ste%e! hi* ba!l(. He li'e! "isito%s& b$t he li'e! to '#o, the* befo%e the( a%%i"e!& a#! he +%efe%%e! to as' the* hi*self. He ha! a ho%%ible tho$ht that the )a'es *iht %$# sho%t& a#! the# heUas the host2 he '#e, his !$t( a#! st$)' to it ho,e"e% +ai#f$lUhe *iht ha"e to o ,itho$t. Co*e alo# i#& a#! ha"e so*e teaW he *a#ae! to sa( afte% ta'i# a !ee+ b%eath. A little bee% ,o$l! s$it *e bette%& if it is all the sa*e to (o$& *( oo! si%& sai! Bali# ,ith the ,hite bea%!. B$t I !o#3t *i#! so*e )a'eUsee!-)a'e& if (o$ ha"e a#(. LotsW Bilbo fo$#! hi*self a#s,e%i#& to his o,# s$%+%iseS a#! he fo$#! hi*self s)$ttli# off& too& to the )ella% to fill a +i#t bee%-*$& a#! the# to a +a#t%( to fet)h t,o bea$tif$l %o$#! see!-)a'es ,hi)h he ha! ba'e! that afte%#oo# fo% his afte%s$++e% *o%sel.
4he# he ot ba)' Bali# a#! D,ali# ,e%e tal'i# at the table li'e ol! f%ie#!s @as a *atte% of fa)t the( ,e%e b%othe%s. Bilbo +l$*+e! !o,# the bee% a#! the )a'e i# f%o#t of the*& ,he# lo$! )a*e a %i# at the bell aai#& a#! the# a#othe% %i#. Ga#!alf fo% )e%tai# this ti*e& he tho$ht as he +$ffe! alo# the +assae. B$t it ,as #ot. It ,as t,o *o%e !,a%"es& both ,ith bl$e hoo!s& sil"e% belts& a#! (ello, bea%!sS a#! ea)h of the* )a%%ie! a ba of tools a#! a s+a!e. I# the( ho++e!& as soo# as the !oo% bea# to o+e#UBilbo ,as ha%!l( s$%+%ise! at all. 4hat )a# I !o fo% (o$& *( !,a%"esV he sai!. Kili at (o$% se%"i)eW sai! the o#e. A#! 1iliW a!!e! the othe%S a#! the( both s,e+t off thei% bl$e hoo!s a#! bo,e!. At (o$%s a#! (o$% fa*il(3sW %e+lie! Bilbo& %e*e*be%i# his *a##e%s this t i*e. D,ali# a#! Bali# he%e al%ea!(& I see& sai! Kili. Let $s Poi# the th%o#W Th%o#W tho$ht 0%. Bai#s. I !o#3t li'e the so$#! of that. I %eall( *$st sit !o,# fo% a *i#$te a#! )olle)t *( ,its& a#! ha"e a !%i#'. He ha! o#l( P$st ha! a si+Ui# the )o%#e%& ,hile the fo$% !,a%"es sat %o$#! the table& a#! tal'e! abo$t *i#es a#! ol! a#! t%o$bles ,ith the obli#s& a#! the !e+%e!atio#s of !%ao#s& a#! lots of othe% thi#s ,hi)h he !i! #ot $#!e%sta#!& a#! !i! #ot ,a#t to& fo% the( so$#!e! *$)h too a!"e#t$%o$sU,he#& !i#-!o#-a-li#-!a# & his bell %a# aai#& as if so*e #a$ht( little hobbit-bo( ,as t%(i# to +$ll the ha#!le off. /o*eo#e at the !oo%W he sai!& bli#'i#. /o*e fo$%& I sho$l! sa( b( the so$#!& sai! 1ili. Besi!es& ,e sa, the* )o*i# alo# behi#! $s i# the !ista#)e. The +oo% little hobbit sat !o,# i# the hall a#! +$t his hea! i# his ha#!s& a#! ,o#!e%e! ,hat ha! ha++e#e!& a#! ,hat ,as oi# to ha++e#& a#! ,hethe% the( ,o$l! all sta( to s$++e%. The# the bell %a# aai# lo$!e% tha# e"e%& a#! he ha! to %$# to the !oo%. It ,as #ot fo$% afte% all& it ,as fi"e. A#othe% !,a%f ha! )o*e alo# ,hile he ,as ,o#!e%i# i# the hall. He ha! ha%!l( t$%#e! the '#ob& befo%e the( ,e%e all i#si!e& bo,i# a#! sa(i# at (o$% se%"i)e o#e afte% a#othe%. Do%i& No%i& O%i& Oi#& a#! Gloi# ,e%e thei% #a*esS a#! "e%( soo# t,o +$%+le hoo!s& a %e( hoo!& a b%o,# hoo!& a#! a ,hite hoo! ,e%e ha#i# o# the +es& a#! off the( *a%)he! ,ith thei% b%oa! ha#!s st$)' i# thei% ol! a#! sil"e% belts to Poi# the othe%s. Al%ea!( it ha! al*ost be)o*e a th%o#. /o*e )alle! fo% ale& a#! so*e fo% +o%te%& a#! o#e fo% )offee& a#! all of the* fo% )a'esS so the hobbit ,as 'e+t "e%( b$s( fo% a ,hile. A bi P$ of )offee ha! P$st bee# set i# the hea%th& the see!-)a'es ,e%e o#e& a#! the !,a%"es ,e%e sta%ti# o# a %o$#! of b$tte%e! s)o#es& ,he# the%e )a*eUa lo$! '#o)'. Not a %i#& b$t a ha%! %at-tat o# the hobbit3s bea$tif$l %ee# !oo%. /o*ebo!( ,as ba#i# ,ith a sti)'W Bilbo %$she! alo# the +assae& "e%( a#%(& a#! altoethe% be,il!e%e! a#! be,$the%e!Uthis ,as the *ost a,',a%! 4e!#es!a( he e"e% %e*e*be%e!. He +$lle! o+e# the !oo% ,ith a Pe%'& a#! the( all fell i#& o#e o# to+ of the othe%. 0o%e !,a%"es& fo$% *o%eW A#! the%e ,as Ga#!alf behi#!& lea#i# o# his staff a#! la$hi#. He ha! *a!e $ite a !e#t o# the bea$tif$l !oo%S he ha! also& b( the ,a(& '#o)'e! o$t the se)%et *a%' that he ha! +$t the%e the *o%#i# befo%e. Ca%ef$ll(W Ca%ef$ll(W he sai!. It is #ot li'e (o$& Bilbo& to 'ee+ f%ie#!s ,aiti# o# the
*at& a#! the# o+e# the !oo% li'e a +o+-$#W Let *e i#t%o!$)e Bif$%& Bof$%& Bo*b$%& a#! es+e)iall( Tho%i#W At (o$% se%"i)eW sai! Bif$%& Bof$%& a#! Bo*b$% sta#!i# i# a %o,. The# the( h$# $+ t,o (ello, hoo!s a#! a +ale %ee# o#eS a#! also a s'(-bl$e o#e ,ith a lo# sil"e% tassel. This last belo#e! to Tho%i#& a# e#o%*o$sl( i*+o%ta#t !,a%f& i# fa)t #o othe% tha# the %eat Tho%i# Oa'e#shiel! hi*self& ,ho ,as #ot at all +lease! at falli# flat o# Bilbo3s *at ,ith Bif$%& Bof$%& a#! Bo*b$% o# to+ of hi*. 1o% o#e thi# Bo*b$% ,as i**e#sel( fat a#! hea"(. Tho%i# i#!ee! ,as "e%( ha$ht(& a#! sai! #othi# abo$t se%"i)eS b$t +oo% 0%. Bai#s sai! he ,as so%%( so *a#( ti*es& that at last he %$#te! +%a( !o#3t *e#tio# it& a#! sto++e! f%o,#i#. No, ,e a%e all he%eW sai! Ga#!alf& loo'i# at the %o, of thi%tee# hoo!sUthe best !eta)hable +a%t( hoo!sUa#! his o,# hat ha#i# o# the +es. :$ite a *e%%( athe%i#W I ho+e the%e is so*ethi# left fo% the late-)o*e%s to eat a#! !%i#'W 4hat3s thatV TeaW No tha#' (o$W A little %e! ,i#e& I thi#' fo% *e. A#! fo% *e& sai! Tho%i#. A#! %as+be%%( Pa* a#! a++le-ta%t& sai! Bif$%. A#! *i#)e-+ies a#! )heese& sai! Bof$%. A#! +o%'-+ie a#! sala!& sai! Bo*b$%. A#! *o%e )a'esUa#! aleUa#! )offee& if (o$ !o#3t *i#!& )alle! the othe% !,a%"es th%o$h the !oo%. 5$t o# a fe, es& the%e3s a oo! fello,W Ga#!alf )alle! afte% hi*& as the hobbit st$*+e! off to the +a#t%ies. A#! P$st b%i# o$t the )ol! )hi)'e# a#! +i)'lesW /ee*s to '#o, as *$)h abo$t the i#si!e of *( la%!e%s as I !o *(selfW tho$ht 0%. Bai#s& ,ho ,as feeli# +ositi"el( fl$**oFe!& a#! ,as bei##i# to ,o#!e% ,hethe% a *ost ,%et)he! a!"e#t$%e ha! #ot )o*e %iht i#to his ho$se. B( the ti*e he ha! ot all the bottles a#! !ishes a#! '#i"es a#! fo%'s a#! lasses a#! +lates a#! s+oo#s a#! thi#s +ile! $+ o# bi t%a(s& he ,as etti# "e%( hot& a#! %e! i# the fa)e& a#! a##o(e!. Co#f$sti)ate a#! bebothe% these !,a%"esW he sai! alo$!. 4h( !o#3t the( )o*e a#! le#! a ha#!V Lo a#! behol!W the%e stoo! Bali# a#! D,ali# at the !oo% of the 'it)he#& a#! 1ili a#! Kili behi#! the*& a#! befo%e he )o$l! sa( '#ife the( ha! ,his'e! the t%a(s a#! a )o$+le of s*all tables i#to the +a%lo$% a#! set o$t e"e%(thi# af%esh. Ga#!alf sat at the hea! of the +a%t( ,ith the thi%tee# !,a%"es all %o$#!2 a#! Bilbo sat o# a stool at the fi%esi!e& #ibbli# at a bis)$it @his a++etite ,as $ite ta'e# a,a(& a#! t%(i# to loo' as if this ,as all +e%fe)tl( o%!i#a%( a#! #ot i# the least a# a!"e#t$%e. The !,a%"es ate a#! ate& a#! tal'e! a#! tal'e!& a#! ti*e ot o#. At last the( +$she! thei% )hai%s ba)'& a#! Bilbo *a!e a *o"e to )olle)t the +lates a#! lasses. I s$++ose (o$ ,ill all sta( to s$++e%V he sai! i# his +olitest $#+%essi# to#es. Of )o$%seW sai! Tho%i#. A#! afte%. 4e sha#3t et th%o$h the b$si#ess till late& a#! ,e *$st ha"e so*e *$si) fi%st. No, to )lea% $+W The%e$+o# the t,el"e !,a%"esU#ot Tho%i#& he ,as too i*+o%ta#t& a#! sta(e! tal'i# to Ga#!alfUP$*+e! to thei% feet& a#! *a!e tall +iles of all the thi#s. Off
the( ,e#t& #ot ,aiti# fo% t%a(s& bala#)i# )ol$*#s of +lates& ea)h ,ith a bottle o# the to+& ,ith o#e ha#!& ,hile the hobbit %a# afte% the* al*ost s$ea'i# ,ith f%iht2 +lease be )a%ef$lW a#! +lease& !o#3t t%o$bleW I )a# *a#ae. B$t the !,a%"es o#l( sta%te! to si#2 Chi+ the lasses a#! )%a)' the +latesW Bl$#t the '#i"es a#! be#! the fo%'sW That3s ,hat Bilbo Bai#s hatesX /*ash the bottles a#! b$%# the )o%'sW C$t the )loth a#! t%ea! o# the fatW 5o$% the *il' o# the +a#t%( floo%W Lea"e the bo#es o# the be!%oo* *atW /+lash the ,i#e o# e"e%( !oo%W D$*+ the )%o)'s i# a boili# bo,lS 5o$#! the* $+ ,ith a th$*+i# +oleS A#! ,he# (o$3"e fi#ishe!& if a#( a%e ,hole& /e#! the* !o,# the hall to %ollW That3s ,hat Bilbo Bai#s hatesW /o& )a%ef$ll(W )a%ef$ll( ,ith the +latesW
A#! of )o$%se the( !i! #o#e of these !%ea!f$l thi#s& a#! e"e%(thi# ,as )lea#e! a#! +$t a,a( safe as $i)' as liht#i#& ,hile the hobbit ,as t$%#i# %o$#! a#! %o$#! i# the *i!!le of the 'it)he# t%(i# to see ,hat the( ,e%e !oi#. The# the( ,e#t ba)'& a#! fo$#! Tho%i# ,ith his feet o# the fe#!e% s*o'i# a +i+e. He ,as blo,i# the *ost e#o%*o$s s*o'e-%i#s& a#! ,he%e"e% he tol! o#e to o& it ,e#tU$+ the )hi*#e(& o% behi#! the )lo)' o# the *a#tel+ie)e& o% $#!e% the table& o% %o$#! a#! %o$#! the )eili#S b$t ,he%e"e% it ,e#t it ,as #ot $i)' e#o$h to es)a+e Ga#!alf. 5o+W he se#t a s*alle% s*o'e-%i# f%o* his sho%t )la(-+i+e st%aiht th%o$h ea)h o#e of Tho%i#3s. The# Ga#!alf3s s*o'e-%i# ,o$l! o %ee# a#! )o*e ba)' to ho"e% o"e% the ,ia%!3s hea!. He ha! a )lo$! of the* abo$t hi* al%ea!(& a#! i# the !i* liht it *a!e hi* loo' st%a#e a#! so%)e%o$s. Bilbo stoo! still a#! ,at)he!Uhe lo"e! s*o'e-%i#sUa#! the# he bl$she! to thi#' ho, +%o$! he ha! bee# (este%!a( *o%#i# of the s*o'e-%i#s he ha! se#t $+ t he ,i#! o"e% The Hill. No, fo% so*e *$si)W sai! Tho%i#. B%i# o$t the i#st%$*e#tsW Kili a#! 1ili %$she! fo% thei% bas a#! b%o$ht ba)' little fi!!lesS Do%i& No%i& a#! O%i b%o$ht o$t fl$tes f%o* so*e,he%e i#si!e thei% )oatsS Bo*b$% +%o!$)e! a !%$* f%o* the hallS Bif$% a#! Bof$% ,e#t o$t too& a#! )a*e ba)' ,ith )la%i#ets that the( ha! left a*o# the ,al'i#-sti)'s. D,ali# a#! Bali# sai!2 EF)$se *e& I left *i#e i# the +o%)hW J$st b%i# *i#e i# ,ith (o$W sai! Tho%i#. The( )a*e ba)' ,ith "iols as bi as the*sel"es& a#! ,ith Tho%i#3s ha%+ ,%a++e! i# a %ee# )loth. It ,as a bea$tif$l ol!e# ha%+& a#! ,he# Tho%i# st%$)' it the *$si) bea# all at o#)e& so s$!!e# a#! s,eet that Bilbo fo%ot e"e%(thi# else& a#! ,as s,e+t a,a( i#to !a%' la#!s $#!e% st%a#e *oo#s& fa% o"e% The 4ate% a#! "e%( fa% f%o* his hobbit-hole $#!e% The Hill. The !a%' )a*e i#to the %oo* f%o* the little ,i#!o, that o+e#e! i# the si!e of The HillS the fi%eliht fli)'e%e!Uit ,as A+%ilUa#! still the( +la(e! o#& ,hile the sha!o, of Ga#!alf3s bea%! ,ae! aai#st the ,all.
The !a%' fille! all the %oo*& a#! the fi%e !ie! !o,#& a#! the sha!o,s ,e%e lost& a#! still the( +la(e! o#. A#! s$!!e#l( fi%st o#e a#! the# a#othe% bea# to si# as the( +la(e!& !ee+-th%oate! si#i# of the !,a%"es i# the !ee+ +la)es of thei% a#)ie#t ho*esS a#! this is li'e a f%a*e#t of thei% so#& if it )a# be li'e thei% so# ,itho$t thei% *$si). 1a% o"e% the *ist( *o$#tai#s )ol! To !$#eo#s !ee+ a#! )a"e%#s ol! 4e *$st a,a( e%e b%ea' of !a( To see' the +ale e#)ha#te! ol!. The !,a%"es of (o%e *a!e *iht( s+ells& 4hile ha**e%s fell li'e %i#i# bells I# +la)es !ee+& ,he%e !a%' thi#s slee+& I# hollo, halls be#eath the fells. 1o% a#)ie#t 'i# a#! el"ish lo%! The%e *a#( a lea*i# ol!e# hoa%! The( sha+e! a#! ,%o$ht& a#! liht the( )a$ht To hi!e i# e*s o# hilt of s,o%!. O# sil"e% #e)'la)es the( st%$# The flo,e%i# sta%s& o# )%o,#s the( h$# The !%ao#-fi%e& i# t,iste! ,i%e The( *eshe! the liht of *oo# a#! s$#. 1a% o"e% the *ist( *o$#tai#s )ol! To !$#eo#s !ee+ a#! )a"e%#s ol! 4e *$st a,a(& e%e b%ea' of !a(& To )lai* o$% lo#-fo%otte# ol!. Goblets the( )a%"e! the%e fo% the*sel"es A#! ha%+s of ol!S ,he%e #o *a# !el"es The%e la( the( lo#& a#! *a#( a so# 4as s$# $#hea%! b( *e# o% el"es. The +i#es ,e%e %oa%i# o# the heiht& The ,i#!s ,e%e *oa#i# i# the #iht. The fi%e ,as %e!& it fla*i# s+%ea!S The t%ees li'e to%)hes blae! ,ith liht. The bells ,e%e %i#i# i# the !ale A#! *e# loo'e! $+ ,ith fa)es +aleS The !%ao#3s i%e *o%e fie%)e tha# fi%e Lai! lo, thei% to,e%s a#! ho$ses f%ail. The *o$#tai# s*o'e! be#eath the *oo#S The !,a%"es& the( hea%! the t%a*+ of !oo*. The( fle! thei% hall to !(i# fall Be#eath his feet& be#eath the *oo#. 1a% o"e% the *ist( *o$#tai#s %i* To !$#eo#s !ee+ a#! )a"e%#s !i* 4e *$st a,a(& e%e b%ea' of !a(& To ,i# o$% ha%+s a#! ol! f%o* hi*W
As the( sa# the hobbit felt the lo"e of bea$tif$l thi#s *a!e b( ha#!s a#! b( )$##i# a#! b( *ai) *o"i# th%o$h hi*& a fie%)e a#! a Pealo$s lo"e& the !esi%e of the hea%ts of !,a%"es. The# so*ethi# Too'ish ,o'e $+ i#si!e hi*& a#! he ,ishe!
to o a#! see the %eat *o$#tai#s& a#! hea% the +i#e-t%ees a#! the ,ate%falls& a#! eF+lo%e the )a"es& a#! ,ea% a s,o%! i#stea! of a ,al'i#-sti)'. He loo'e! o$t of the ,i#!o,. The sta%s ,e%e o$t i# a !a%' s'( abo"e the t%ees. He tho$ht of the Pe,els of the !,a%"es shi#i# i# !a%' )a"e%#s. /$!!e#l( i# the ,oo! be(o#! The 4ate% a fla*e lea+t $+U+%obabl( so*ebo!( lihti# a ,oo!-fi%eUa#! he tho$ht of +l$#!e%i# !%ao#s settli# o# his $iet Hill a#! 'i#!li# it all to fla*es. He sh$!!e%e!S a#! "e%( $i)'l( he ,as +lai# 0%. Bai#s of Ba-E#!& 8#!e%-Hill& aai#. He ot $+ t%e*bli#. He ha! less tha# half a *i#! to fet)h the la*+& a#! *o%e tha# half a *i#! to +%ete#! to& a#! o a#! hi!e behi#! the bee%-ba%%els i# the )ella%& a#! #ot )o*e o$t aai# $#til all the !,a%"es ha! o#e a,a(. /$!!e#l( he fo$#! that the *$si) a#! the si#i# ha! sto++e!& a#! the( ,e%e all loo'i# at hi* ,ith e(es shi#i# i# the !a%'. 4he%e a%e (o$ oi#V sai! Tho%i#& i# a to#e that see*e! to sho, that he $esse! both hal"es of the hobbit3s *i#!. 4hat abo$t a little lihtV sai! Bilbo a+oloeti)all(. 4e li'e the !a%'& sai! all the !,a%"es. Da%' fo% !a%' b$si#essW The%e a%e *a#( ho$%s befo%e !a,#. Of )o$%seW sai! Bilbo& a#! sat !o,# i# a h$%%(. He *isse! the stool a#! sat i# the fe#!e%& '#o)'i# o"e% the +o'e% a#! sho"el ,ith a )%ash. H$shW sai! Ga#!alf. Let Tho%i# s+ea'W A#! this is ho, Tho%i# bea#. Ga#!alf& !,a%"es a#! 0%. Bai#sW 4e a%e *et toethe% i# the ho$se of o$% f%ie#! a#! fello, )o#s+i%ato%& this *ost eF)elle#t a#! a$!a)io$s hobbitU*a( the hai% o# his toes #e"e% fall o$tW all +%aise to his ,i#e a#! aleWU He +a$se! fo% b%eath a#! fo% a +olite %e*a%' f%o* the hobbit& b$t the )o*+li*e#ts ,e%e $ite lost o# +oo% Bilbo Bai#s& ,ho ,as ,ai# his *o$th i# +%otest at bei# )alle! a$!a)io$s a#! ,o%st of all fello, )o#s+i%ato% & tho$h #o #oise )a*e o$t& he ,as so fl$**oFe!. /o Tho%i# ,e#t o#2 4e a%e *et to !is)$ss o$% +la#s& o$% ,a(s& *ea#s& +oli)( a#! !e"i)es. 4e shall soo# befo%e the b%ea' of !a( sta%t o# o$% lo# Po$%#e(& a Po$%#e( f%o* ,hi)h so*e of $s& o% +e%ha+s all of $s @eF)e+t o$% f%ie#! a#! )o$#sello%& the i#e#io$s ,ia%! Ga#!alf *a( #e"e% %et$%#. It is a sole*# *o*e#t. O$% obPe)t is& I ta'e it& ,ell '#o,# to $s all. To the esti*able 0%. Bai#s& a#! +e%ha+s to o#e o% t,o of the (o$#e% !,a%"es @I thi#' I sho$l! be %iht i# #a*i# Kili a#! 1ili& fo% i#sta#)e& the eFa)t sit$atio# at the *o*e#t *a( %e$i%e a little b%ief eF+la#atio#U This ,as Tho%i#3s st(le. He ,as a# i*+o%ta#t !,a%f. If he ha! bee# allo,e!& he ,o$l! +%obabl( ha"e o#e o# li'e this $#til he ,as o$t of b%eath& ,itho$t telli# a#( o#e the%e a#(thi# that ,as #ot '#o,# al%ea!(. B$t he ,as %$!el( i#te%%$+te!. 5oo% Bilbo )o$l!#3t bea% it a#( lo#e%. At *a( #e"e% %et$%# he bea# to feel a sh%ie' )o*i# $+ i#si!e& a#! "e%( soo# it b$%st o$t li'e the ,histle of a# e#i#e )o*i# o$t of a t$##el. All the !,a%"es s+%a# $+& '#o)'i# o"e% the table. Ga#!alf st%$)' a bl$e liht o# the e#! of his *ai) staff& a#! i# its fi%e,o%' la%e the +oo% little hobbit )o$l! be see# '#eeli# o# the hea%th-%$& sha'i# li'e a Pell( that ,as *elti#. The# he fell flat o# the floo%& a#! 'e+t o# )alli# o$t st%$)' b( liht#i#& st%$)' b( liht#i#W o"e% a#! o"e% aai#S a#! that ,as all the( )o$l! et o$t of hi* fo% a lo#
ti*e. /o the( too' hi* a#! lai! hi* o$t of the ,a( o# the !%a,i#-%oo* sofa ,ith a !%i#' at his elbo,& a#! the( ,e#t ba)' to thei% !a%' b$si#ess. EF)itable little fello,& sai! Ga#!alf& as the( sat !o,# aai#. Gets f$##( $ee% fits& b$t he is o#e of the best& o#e of the bestUas fie%)e as a !%ao# i# a +i#)h. If (o$ ha"e e"e% see# a !%ao# i# a +i#)h& (o$ ,ill %ealie that this ,as o#l( +oeti)al eFae%atio# a++lie! to a#( hobbit& e"e# to Ol! Too'3s %eat-%a#!-$#)le B$ll%oa%e%& ,ho ,as so h$e @fo% a hobbit that he )o$l! %i!e a ho%se. He )ha%e! the %a#'s of the obli#s of 0o$#t G%a* i# the Battle of the G%ee# 1iel!s& a#! '#o)'e! thei% 'i# Golfi*b$l3s hea! )lea# off ,ith a ,oo!e# )l$b. It saile! a h$#!%e! (a%!s th%o$h the ai% a#! ,e#t !o,# a %abbit-hole& a#! i# this ,a( the battle ,as ,o# a#! the a*e of Golf i#"e#te! at the sa*e *o*e#t. I# the *ea#,hile& ho,e"e%& B$ll%oa%e%3s e#tle% !es)e#!a#t ,as %e"i"i# i# the !%a,i#-%oo*. Afte% a ,hile a#! a !%i#' he )%e+t #e%"o$sl( to the !oo% of the +a%lo$%. This is ,hat he hea%!& Gloi# s+ea'i#2 H$*+hW @o% so*e s#o%t *o%e o% less li'e that. 4ill he !o& !o (o$ thi#'V It is all "e%( ,ell fo% Ga#!alf to tal' abo$t this hobbit bei# fie%)e& b$t o#e sh%ie' li'e that i# a *o*e#t of eF)ite*e#t ,o$l! be e#o$h to ,a'e the !%ao# a#! all his %elati"es& a#! 'ill the lot of $s. I thi#' it so$#!e! *o%e li'e f%iht tha# eF)ite*e#tW I# fa)t& if it ha! #ot bee# fo% the si# o# the !oo%& I sho$l! ha"e bee# s$%e ,e ha! )o*e to the ,%o# ho$se. As soo# as I )la++e! e(es o# the little fello, bobbi# a#! +$ffi# o# the *at& I ha! *( !o$bts. He loo's *o%e li'e a %o)e% tha# a b$%la%W The# 0%. Bai#s t$%#e! the ha#!le a#! ,e#t i#. The Too' si!e ha! ,o#. He s$!!e#l( felt he ,o$l! o ,itho$t be! a#! b%ea'fast to be tho$ht fie%)e. As fo% little fello, bobbi# o# the *at it al*ost *a!e hi* %eall( fie%)e. 0a#( a ti*e afte%,a%!s the Bai#s +a%t %e%ette! ,hat he !i! #o,& a#! he sai! to hi*self2 Bilbo& (o$ ,e%e a foolS (o$ ,al'e! %iht i# a#! +$t (o$% foot i# it. 5a%!o# *e& he sai!& if I ha"e o"e%hea%! ,o%!s that (o$ ,e%e sa(i#. I !o#3t +%ete#! to $#!e%sta#! ,hat (o$ a%e tal'i# abo$t& o% (o$% %efe%e#)e to b$%la%s& b$t I thi#' I a* %iht i# belie"i# @this is ,hat he )alle! bei# o# his !i#it( that (o$ thi#' I a* #o oo!. I ,ill sho, (o$. I ha"e #o si#s o# *( !oo%Uit ,as +ai#te! a ,ee' aoU& a#! I a* $ite s$%e (o$ ha"e )o*e to the ,%o# ho$se. As soo# as I sa, (o$% f$##( fa)es o# the !oo%-ste+& I ha! *( !o$bts. B$t t%eat it as the %iht o#e. Tell *e ,hat (o$ ,a#t !o#e& a#! I ,ill t%( it& if I ha"e to ,al' f%o* he%e to the East of East a#! fiht the ,il! 4e%e-,o%*s i# the Last Dese%t. I ha! a %eat-%eat-%eat%a#!-$#)le o#)e& B$ll%oa%e% Too'& a#!U Yes& (es& b$t that ,as lo# ao& sai! Gloi#. I ,as tal'i# abo$t (o$. A#! I ass$%e (o$ the%e is a *a%' o# this !oo%Uthe $s$al o#e i# the t%a!e& o% $se! to be. B$%la% ,a#ts a oo! Pob& +le#t( of EF)ite*e#t a#! %easo#able Re,a%! & that3s ho, it is $s$all( %ea!. Yo$ )a# sa( EF+e%t T%eas$%e-h$#te% i#stea! of B$%la% if (o$ li'e. /o*e of the* !o. It3s all the sa*e to $s. Ga#!alf tol! $s that the%e ,as a *a# of the so%t i# these +a%ts loo'i# fo% a Job at o#)e& a#! that he ha! a%%a#e! fo% a *eeti# he%e this 4e!#es!a( tea-ti*e. Of )o$%se the%e is a *a%'& sai! Ga#!alf. I +$t it the%e *(self. 1o% "e%( oo! %easo#s. Yo$ as'e! *e to fi#! the fo$%tee#th *a# fo% (o$% eF+e!itio#& a#! I )hose
0%. Bai#s. J$st let a#( o#e sa( I )hose the ,%o# *a# o% the ,%o# ho$se& a#! (o$ )a# sto+ at thi%tee# a#! ha"e all the ba! l$)' (o$ li'e& o% o ba)' to !ii# )oal. He s)o,le! so a#%il( at Gloi# that the !,a%f h$!!le! ba)' i# his )hai%S a#! ,he# Bilbo t%ie! to o+e# his *o$th to as' a $estio#& he t$%#e! a#! f%o,#e! at hi* a#! st$)' o$t his b$sh( e(eb%o,s& till Bilbo sh$t his *o$th tiht ,ith a s#a+. That3s %iht& sai! Ga#!alf. Let3s ha"e #o *o%e a%$*e#t. I ha"e )hose# 0%. Bai#s a#! that o$ht to be e#o$h fo% all of (o$. If I sa( he is a B$%la%& a B$%la% he is& o% ,ill be ,he# the ti*e )o*es. The%e is a lot *o%e i# hi* tha# (o$ $ess& a#! a !eal *o%e tha# he has a#( i!ea of hi*self. Yo$ *a( @+ossibl( all li"e to tha#' *e (et. No, Bilbo& *( bo(& fet)h the la*+& a#! let3s ha"e a little liht o# thisW O# the table i# the liht of a bi la*+ ,ith a %e! sha!e he s+%ea! a +ie)e of +a%)h*e#t %athe% li'e a *a+. This ,as *a!e b( Th%o%& (o$% %a#!fathe%& Tho%i#& he sai! i# a#s,e% to the !,a%"es3 eF)ite! $estio#s. It is a +la# of the 0o$#tai#. I !o#3t see that this ,ill hel+ $s *$)h& sai! Tho%i# !isa++oi#te!l( afte% a la#)e. I %e*e*be% the 0o$#tai# ,ell e#o$h a#! the la#!s abo$t it. A#! I '#o, ,he%e 0i%',oo! is& a#! the 4ithe%e! Heath ,he%e the %eat !%ao#s b%e!. The%e is a !%ao# *a%'e! i# %e! o# the 0o$#tai#& sai! Bali#& b$t it ,ill be eas( e#o$h to fi#! hi* ,itho$t that& if e"e% ,e a%%i"e the%e. The%e is o#e +oi#t that (o$ ha"e#3t #oti)e!& sai! the ,ia%!& a#! that is the se)%et e#t%a#)e. Yo$ see that %$#e o# the 4est si!e& a#! the ha#! +oi#ti# to it f%o* the othe% %$#esV That *a%'s a hi!!e# +assae to the Lo,e% Halls. @Loo' at the *a+ at the bei##i# of this boo'& a#! (o$ ,ill see the%e the %$#es. It *a( ha"e bee# se)%et o#)e& sai! Tho%i#& b$t ho, !o ,e '#o, that it is se)%et a#( lo#e%V Ol! /*a$ has li"e! the%e lo# e#o$h #o, to fi#! o$t a#(thi# the%e is to '#o, abo$t those )a"es. He *a(Ub$t he )a#3t ha"e $se! it fo% (ea%s a#! (ea%s. 4h(V Be)a$se it is too s*all. 6 1i"e feet hih the !oo% a#! th%ee *a( ,al' ab%east 3 sa( the %$#es& b$t /*a$ )o$l! #ot )%ee+ i#to a hole that sie& #ot e"e# ,he# he ,as a (o$# !%ao#& )e%tai#l( #ot afte% !e"o$%i# so *a#( of the !,a%"es a#! *e# of Dale. It see*s a %eat bi hole to *e& s$ea'e! Bilbo @,ho ha! #o eF+e%ie#)e of !%ao#s a#! o#l( of hobbit-holes. He ,as etti# eF)ite! a#! i#te%este! aai#& so that he fo%ot to 'ee+ his *o$th sh$t. He lo"e! *a+s& a#! i# his hall the%e h$# a la%e o#e of the Co$#t%( Ro$#! ,ith all his fa"o$%ite ,al's *a%'e! o# it i# %e! i#'. Ho, )o$l! s$)h a la%e !oo% be 'e+t se)%et f%o* e"e%(bo!( o$tsi!e& a+a%t f%o* the !%ao#V he as'e!. He ,as o#l( a little hobbit (o$ *$st %e*e*be%. I# lots of ,a(s& sai! Ga#!alf. B$t i# ,hat ,a( this o#e has bee# hi!!e# ,e !o#3t '#o, ,itho$t oi# to see. 1%o* ,hat it sa(s o# the *a+ I sho$l! $ess the%e is a )lose! !oo% ,hi)h has bee# *a!e to loo' eFa)tl( li'e the si!e of the 0o$#tai#. That is the $s$al !,a%"es3 *etho!UI thi#' that is %iht& is#3t itV
:$ite %iht& sai! Tho%i#. Also& ,e#t o# Ga#!alf& I fo%ot to *e#tio# that ,ith the *a+ ,e#t a 'e(& a s*all a#! )$%io$s 'e(. He%e it isW he sai!& a#! ha#!e! to Tho%i# a 'e( ,ith a lo# ba%%el a#! i#t%i)ate ,a%!s& *a!e of sil"e%. Kee+ it safeW I#!ee! I ,ill& sai! Tho%i#& a#! he faste#e! it $+o# a fi#e )hai# that h$# abo$t his #e)' a#! $#!e% his Pa)'et. No, thi#s bei# to loo' *o%e ho+ef$l. This #e,s alte%s the* *$)h fo% the bette%. /o fa% ,e ha"e ha! #o )lea% i!ea ,hat to !o. 4e tho$ht of oi# East& as $iet a#! )a%ef$l as ,e )o$l!& as fa% as the Lo# La'e. Afte% that the t%o$ble ,o$l! bei#U. A lo# ti*e befo%e that& if I '#o, a#(thi# abo$t the %oa!s East& i#te%%$+te! Ga#!alf. 4e *iht o f%o* the%e $+ alo# the Ri"e% R$##i#& ,e#t o# Tho%i# ta'i# #o #oti)e& a#! so to the %$i#s of DaleUthe ol! to,# i# the "alle( the%e& $#!e% the sha!o, of the 0o$#tai#. B$t ,e #o#e of $s li'e! the i!ea of the 1%o#t Gate. The %i"e% %$#s %iht o$t of it th%o$h the %eat )liff at the /o$th of the 0o$#tai#& a#! o$t of it )o*es the !%ao# tooUfa% too ofte#& $#less he has )ha#e! his habits. That ,o$l! be #o oo!& sai! the ,ia%!& #ot ,itho$t a *iht( 4a%%io%& e"e# a He%o. I t%ie! to fi#! o#eS b$t ,a%%io%s a%e b$s( fihti# o#e a#othe% i# !ista#t la#!s& a#! i# this #eihbo$%hoo! he%oes a%e s)a%)e& o% si*+l( #ot to be fo$#!. /,o%!s i# these +a%ts a%e *ostl( bl$#t& a#! aFes a%e $se! fo% t%ees& a#! shiel!s as )%a!les o% !ish-)o"e%sS a#! !%ao#s a%e )o*fo%tabl( fa%-off @a#! the%efo%e lee#!a%(. That is ,h( I settle! o# b$%la%( Ues+e)iall( ,he# I %e*e*be%e! the eFiste#)e of a /i!e!oo%. A#! he%e is o$% little Bilbo Bai#s& the b$%la%& the )hose# a#! sele)te! b$%la%. /o #o, let3s et o# a#! *a'e so*e +la#s. 7e%( ,ell the#& sai! Tho%i#& s$++osi# the b$%la%-eF+e%t i"es $s so*e i!eas o% s$estio#s. He t$%#e! ,ith *o)'-+olite#ess to Bilbo. 1i%st I sho$l! li'e to '#o, a bit *o%e abo$t thi#s& sai! he& feeli# all )o#f$se! a#! a bit sha'( i#si!e& b$t so fa% still Too'ishl( !ete%*i#e! to o o# ,ith thi#s. I *ea# abo$t the ol! a#! the !%ao#& a#! all that& a#! ho, it ot the%e& a#! ,ho it belo#s to& a#! so o# a#! f$%the%. Bless *eW sai! Tho%i#& ha"e#3t (o$ ot a *a+V a#! !i!#3t (o$ hea% o$% so#V a#! ha"e#3t ,e bee# tal'i# abo$t all this fo% ho$%sV All the sa*e& I sho$l! li'e it all +lai# a#! )lea%& sai! he obsti#atel(& +$tti# o# his b$si#ess *a##e% @$s$all( %ese%"e! fo% +eo+le ,ho t%ie! to bo%%o, *o#e( off hi*& a#! !oi# his best to a++ea% ,ise a#! +%$!e#t a#! +%ofessio#al a#! li"e $+ to Ga#!alf3s %e)o**e#!atio#. Also I sho$l! li'e to '#o, abo$t %is's& o$t-of-+o)'et eF+e#ses& ti*e %e$i%e! a#! %e*$#e%atio#& a#! so fo%thUb( ,hi)h he *ea#t2 4hat a* I oi# to et o$t of itV a#! a* I oi# to )o*e ba)' ali"eV O "e%( ,ell& sai! Tho%i#. Lo# ao i# *( %a#!fathe% Th%o%3s ti*e o$% fa*il( ,as !%i"e# o$t of the fa% No%th& a#! )a*e ba)' ,ith all thei% ,ealth a#! thei% tools to this 0o$#tai# o# the *a+. It ha! bee# !is)o"e%e! b( *( fa% a#)esto%& Th%ai# the Ol!& b$t #o, the( *i#e! a#! the( t$##elle! a#! the( *a!e h$e% halls a#! %eate% ,o%'sho+sUa#! i# a!!itio# I belie"e the( fo$#! a oo! !eal of ol! a#! a %eat *a#( Pe,els too. A#(,a( the( %e, i**e#sel( %i)h a#! fa*o$s& a#! *( %a#!fathe%
,as Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai# aai#& a#! t%eate! ,ith %eat %e"e%e#)e b( the *o%tal *e#& ,ho li"e! to the /o$th& a#! ,e%e %a!$all( s+%ea!i# $+ the R$##i# Ri"e% as fa% as the "alle( o"e%sha!o,e! b( the 0o$#tai#. The( b$ilt the *e%%( to,# of Dale the%e i# those !a(s. Ki#s $se! to se#! fo% o$% s*iths& a#! %e,a%! e"e# the least s'illf$l *ost %i)hl(. 1athe%s ,o$l! be $s to ta'e thei% so#s as a++%e#ti)es& a#! +a( $s ha#!so*el(& es+e)iall( i# foo!-s$++lies& ,hi)h ,e #e"e% bothe%e! to %o, o% fi#! fo% o$%sel"es. Altoethe% those ,e%e oo! !a(s fo% $s& a#! the +oo%est of $s ha! *o#e( to s+e#! a#! to le#!& a#! leis$%e to *a'e bea$tif$l thi#s P$st fo% the f$# of it& #ot to s+ea' of the *ost *a%"ello$s a#! *ai)al to(s& the li'e of ,hi)h is #ot to be fo$#! i# the ,o%l! #o,-a-!a(s. /o *( %a#!fathe%3s halls be)a*e f$ll of a%*o$% a#! Pe,els a#! )a%"i#s a#! )$+s& a#! the to( *a%'et of Dale ,as the ,o#!e% of the No%th. 8#!o$bte!l( that ,as ,hat b%o$ht the !%ao#. D%ao#s steal ol! a#! Pe,els& (o$ '#o,& f%o* *e# a#! el"es a#! !,a%"es& ,he%e"e% the( )a# fi#! the*S a#! the( $a%! thei% +l$#!e% as lo# as the( li"e @,hi)h is +%a)ti)all( fo% e"e%& $#less the( a%e 'ille!& a#! #e"e% e#Po( a b%ass %i# of it. I#!ee! the( ha%!l( '#o, a oo! bit of ,o%' f%o* a ba!& tho$h the( $s$all( ha"e a oo! #otio# of the )$%%e#t *a%'et "al$eS a#! the( )a#3t *a'e a thi# fo% the*sel"es& #ot e"e# *e#! a little loose s)ale of thei% a%*o$%. The%e ,e%e lots of !%ao#s i# the No%th i# those !a(s& a#! ol! ,as +%obabl( etti# s)a%)e $+ the%e& ,ith the !,a%"es fl(i# so$th o% etti# 'ille!& a#! all the e#e%al ,aste a#! !est%$)tio# that !%ao#s *a'e oi# f%o* ba! to ,o%se. The%e ,as a *ost s+e)iall( %ee!(& st%o# a#! ,i)'e! ,o%* )alle! /*a$. O#e !a( he fle, $+ i#to the ai% a#! )a*e so$th. The fi%st ,e hea%! of it ,as a #oise li'e a h$%%i)a#e )o*i# f%o* the No%th& a#! the +i#e-t%ees o# the 0o$#tai# )%ea'i# a#! )%a)'i# i# the ,i#!. /o*e of the !,a%"es ,ho ha++e#e! to be o$tsi!e @I ,as o#e l$)'il(Ua fi#e a!"e#t$%o$s la! i# those !a(s& al,a(s ,a#!e%i# abo$t& a#! it sa"e! *( life that !a(U,ell& f%o* a oo! ,a( off ,e sa, the !%ao# settle o# o$% *o$#tai# i# a s+o$t of fla*e. The# he )a*e !o,# the slo+es a#! ,he# he %ea)he! the ,oo!s the( all ,e#t $+ i# fi%e. B( that ti*e all the bells ,e%e %i#i# i# Dale a#! the ,a%%io%s ,e%e a%*i#. The !,a%"es %$she! o$t of thei% %eat at eS b$t the%e ,as the !%ao# ,aiti# fo% the*. No#e es)a+e! that ,a(. The %i"e% %$she! $+ i# stea* a#! a fo fell o# Dale& a#! i# the fo the !%ao# )a*e o# the* a#! !est%o(e! *ost of the ,a%%io%sUthe $s$al $#ha++( sto%(& it ,as o#l( too )o**o# i# those !a(s. The# he ,e#t ba)' a#! )%e+t i# th%o$h the 1%o#t Gate a#! %o$te! o$t all the halls& a#! la#es& a#! t$##els& alle(s& )ella%s& *a#sio#s a#! +assaes. Afte% that the%e ,e%e #o !,a%"es left ali"e i#si!e& a#! he too' all thei% ,ealth fo% hi*self. 5%obabl(& fo% that is the !%ao#s3 ,a(& he has +ile! it all $+ i# a %eat hea+ fa% i#si!e& a#! slee+s o# it fo% a be!. Late% he $se! to )%a,l o$t of the %eat ate a#! )o*e b( #iht to Dale& a#! )a%%( a,a( +eo+le& es+e)iall( *ai!e#s& to eat& $#til Dale ,as %$i#e!& a#! all the +eo+le !ea! o% o#e. 4hat oes o# the%e #o, I !o#3t '#o, fo% )e%tai#& b$t I !o#3t s$++ose a#( o#e li"es #ea%e% to the 0o$#tai# tha# the fa% e!e of the Lo# La'e #o,-a-!a(s. The fe, of $s that ,e%e ,ell o$tsi!e sat a#! ,e+t i# hi!i#& a#! )$%se! /*a$S a#! the%e ,e ,e%e $#eF+e)te!l( Poi#e! b( *( fathe% a#! *( %a#!fathe% ,ith si#e!
bea%!s. The( loo'e! "e%( %i* b$t the( sai! "e%( little. 4he# I as'e! ho, the( ha! ot a,a(& the( tol! *e to hol! *( to#$e& a#! sai! that o#e !a( i# the +%o+e% ti*e I sho$l! '#o,. Afte% that ,e ,e#t a,a(& a#! ,e ha"e ha! to ea%# o$% li"i#s as best ,e )o$l! $+ a#! !o,# the la#!s& ofte# e#o$h si#'i# as lo, as bla)'s*ith-,o%' o% e"e# )oal*i#i#. B$t ,e ha"e #e"e% fo%otte# o$% stole# t%eas$%e. A#! e"e# #o,& ,he# I ,ill allo, ,e ha"e a oo! bit lai! b( a#! a%e #ot so ba!l( offUhe%e Tho%i# st%o'e! the ol! )hai# %o$#! his #e)'U,e still *ea# to et it ba)'& a#! to b%i# o$% )$%ses ho*e to /*a$Uif ,e )a#. I ha"e ofte# ,o#!e%e! abo$t *( fathe%3s a#! *( %a#!fathe%3s es)a+e. I see #o, the( *$st ha"e ha! a +%i"ate /i!e-!oo% ,hi)h o#l( the( '#e, abo$t. B$t a++a%e#tl( the( *a!e a *a+& a#! I sho$l! li'e to '#o, ho, Ga#!alf ot hol! of it& a#! ,h( it !i! #ot )o*e !o,# to *e& the %ihtf$l hei%. I !i! #ot 6et hol! of it&3 I ,as i"e# it& sai! the ,ia%!. Yo$% %a#!fathe% Th%o% ,as 'ille!& (o$ %e*e*be%& i# the *i#es of 0o%ia b( Ao the Gobli# . C$%se his #a*e& (es& sai! Tho%i#. A#! Th%ai# (o$% fathe% ,e#t a,a( o# the t,e#t(-fi%st of A+%il& a h$#!%e! (ea%s ao last Th$%s!a(& a#! has #e"e% bee# see# b( (o$ si#)eX T%$e& t%$e& sai! Tho%i#. 4ell& (o$% fathe% a"e *e this to i"e to (o$S a#! if I ha"e )hose# *( o,# ti*e a#! ,a( fo% ha#!i# it o"e%& (o$ )a# ha%!l( bla*e *e& )o#si!e%i# the t%o$ble I ha! to fi#! (o$. Yo$% fathe% )o$l! #ot %e*e*be% his o,# #a*e ,he# he a"e *e the +a+e%& a#! he #e"e% tol! *e (o$%sS so o# the ,hole I thi#' I o$ht to be +%aise! a#! tha#'e!W He%e it is& sai! he ha#!i# the *a+ to Tho%i#. I !o#3t $#!e%sta#!& sai! Tho%i#& a#! Bilbo felt he ,o$l! ha"e li'e! to sa( the sa*e. The eF+la#atio# !i! #ot see* to eF+lai#. Yo$% %a#!fathe%& sai! the ,ia%! slo,l( a#! %i*l(& a"e the *a+ to his so# fo% safet( befo%e he ,e#t to the *i#es of 0o%ia. Yo$% fathe% ,e#t a,a( to t%( his l$)' ,ith the *a+ afte% (o$% %a#!fathe% ,as 'ille!S a#! lots of a!"e#t$%es of a *ost $#+leasa#t so%t he ha!& b$t he #e"e% ot #ea% the 0o$#tai#. Ho, he ot the%e I !o#3t '#o,& b$t I fo$#! hi* a +%iso#e% i# the !$#eo#s of the Ne)%o*a#)e%. 4hate"e% ,e%e (o$ !oi# the%eV as'e! Tho%i# ,ith a sh$!!e%& a#! all the !,a%"es shi"e%e!. Ne"e% (o$ *i#!. I ,as fi#!i# thi#s o$t& as $s$alS a#! a #ast( !a#e%o$s b$si#ess it ,as. E"e# I& Ga#!alf& o#l( P$st es)a+e!. I t%ie! to sa"e (o$% fathe%& b$t it ,as too late. He ,as ,itless a#! ,a#!e%i#& a#! ha! fo%otte# al*ost e"e%(thi# eF)e+t the *a+ a#! the 'e(. 4e ha"e lo# ao +ai! the obli#s of 0o%ia& sai! Tho%i#S ,e *$st i"e a tho$ht to the Ne)%o*a#)e%. Do#3t be abs$%!W He is a# e#e*( fa% be(o#! the +o,e%s of all the !,a%"es +$t toethe%& if the( )o$l! all be )olle)te! aai# f%o* the fo$% )o%#e%s of the ,o%l!. The o#e thi# (o$% fathe% ,ishe! ,as fo% his so# to %ea! the *a+ a#! $se the 'e(. The !%ao# a#! the 0o$#tai# a%e *o%e tha# bi e#o$h tas's fo% (o$W
Hea%& hea%W sai! Bilbo& a#! a))i!e#tall( sai! it alo$!. Hea% ,hatV the( all sai! t$%#i# s$!!e#l( to,a%!s hi*& a#! he ,as so fl$ste%e! that he a#s,e%e! Hea% ,hat I ha"e ot to sa(W 4hat3s thatV the( as'e!. 4ell& I sho$l! sa( that (o$ o$ht to o East a#! ha"e a loo' %o$#!. Afte% all the%e is the /i!e-!oo%& a#! !%ao#s *$st slee+ so*eti*es& I s$++ose. If (o$ sit o# the !oo%ste+ lo# e#o$h& I !a%esa( (o$ ,ill thi#' of so*ethi#. A#! ,ell& !o#3t (o$ '#o,& I thi#' ,e ha"e tal'e! lo# e#o$h fo% o#e #iht& if (o$ see ,hat I *ea#. 4hat abo$t be!& a#! a# ea%l( sta%t& a#! all thatV I ,ill i"e (o$ a oo! b%ea'fast befo%e (o$ o. Befo%e ,e o& I s$++ose (o$ *ea#& sai! Tho%i#. A%e#3t (o$ the b$%la%V A#! is#3t sitti# o# the !oo%-ste+ (o$% Pob& #ot to s+ea' of etti# i#si!e the !oo%V B$t I a%ee abo$t be! a#! b%ea'fast. I li'e siF es ,ith *( ha*& ,he# sta%ti# o# a Po$%#e(2 f%ie! #ot +oa)he!& a#! *i#! (o$ !o#3t b%ea' 3e*. Afte% all the othe%s ha! o%!e%e! thei% b%ea'fasts ,itho$t so *$)h as a +lease @,hi)h a##o(e! Bilbo "e%( *$)h& the( all ot $+. The hobbit ha! to fi#! %oo* fo% the* all& a#! fille! all his s+a%e-%oo*s a#! *a!e be!s o# )hai%s a#! sofas& befo%e he ot the* all sto,e! a#! ,e#t to his o,# little be! "e%( ti%e! a#! #ot altoethe% ha++(. O#e thi# he !i! *a'e his *i#! $+ abo$t ,as #ot to bothe% to et $+ "e%( ea%l( a#! )oo' e"e%(bo!( else3s ,%et)he! b%ea'fast. The Too'ish#ess ,as ,ea%i# off& a#! he ,as #ot #o, $ite so s$%e that he ,as oi# o# a#( Po$%#e( i# the *o%#i#. As he la( i# be! he )o$l! hea% Tho%i# still h$**i# to hi*self i# the best be!%oo* #eFt to hi*2 1a% o"e% the *ist( *o$#tai#s )ol! To !$#eo#s !ee+ a#! )a"e%#s ol! 4e *$st a,a(& e%e b%ea' of !a(& To fi#! o$% lo#-fo%otte# ol!.
Bilbo ,e#t to slee+ ,ith that i# his ea%s& a#! it a"e hi* "e%( $#)o*fo%table !%ea*s. It ,as lo# afte% the b%ea' of !a(& ,he# he ,o'e $+.
Cha+te% II
ROA/T 08TTON
8+ P$*+e! Bilbo& a#! +$tti# o# his !%essi#-o,# ,e#t i#to the !i#i#-%oo*. The%e he sa, #obo!(& b$t all the si#s of a la%e a#! h$%%ie! b%ea'fast. The%e ,as a fea%f$l *ess i# the %oo*& a#! +iles of $#,ashe! )%o)'s i# the 'it)he#. Nea%l( e"e%( +ot a#! +a# he +ossesse! see*e! to ha"e bee# $se!. The ,ashi#-$+ ,as so !is*all( %eal that Bilbo ,as fo%)e! to belie"e the +a%t( of the #iht befo%e ha! #ot bee# +a%t of his ba! !%ea*s& as he ha! %athe% ho+e!. I#!ee! he ,as %eall( %elie"e! afte% all to thi#' that the( ha! all o#e ,itho$t hi*& a#! ,itho$t bothe%i# to ,a'e hi* $+ @b$t ,ith #e"e% a tha#'-(o$ he tho$htS a#! (et i# a ,a( he )o$l! #ot hel+ feeli# P$st a t%ifle !isa++oi#te!. The feeli# s$%+%ise! hi*.
Do#3t be a fool& Bilbo Bai#sW he sai! to hi*self& thi#'i# of !%ao#s a#! all that o$tla#!ish #o#se#se at (o$% aeW /o he +$t o# a# a+%o#& lit fi%es& boile! ,ate%& a#! ,ashe! $+. The# he ha! a #i)e little b%ea'fast i# the 'it)he# befo%e t$%#i# o$t the !i#i#-%oo*. B( that ti*e the s$# ,as shi#i#S a#! the f%o#t !oo% ,as o+e#& letti# i# a ,a%* s+%i# b%eee. Bilbo bea# to ,histle lo$!l( a#! to fo%et abo$t the #iht befo%e. I# fa)t he ,as P$st sitti# !o,# to a #i)e little se)o#! b%ea'fast i# the !i#i#%oo* b( the o+e# ,i#!o,& ,he# i# ,al'e! Ga#!alf. 0( !ea% fello,& sai! he& ,he#e"e% a%e (o$ oi# to )o*eV 4hat abo$t a# ea%l( sta%t VUa#! he%e (o$ a%e ha"i# b%ea'fast& o% ,hate"e% (o$ )all it& at half +ast te#W The( left (o$ the *essae& be)a$se the( )o$l! #ot ,ait. 4hat *essaeV sai! +oo% 0%. Bai#s all i# a fl$ste%. G%eat Ele+ha#tsW sai! Ga#!alf& (o$ a%e #ot at all (o$%self this *o%#i#U(o$ ha"e #e"e% !$ste! the *a#tel+ie)eW 4hat3s that ot to !o ,ith itV I ha"e ha! e#o$h to !o ,ith ,ashi# $+ fo% fo$%tee#W If (o$ ha! !$ste! the *a#tel+ie)e& (o$ ,o$l! ha"e fo$#! t his P$st $#!e% the )lo)'& sai! Ga#!alf& ha#!i# Bilbo a #ote @,%itte#& of )o$%se& o# his o,# #ote-+a+e%. This is ,hat he %ea!2 Tho%i# a#! Co*+a#( to B$%la% Bilbo %eeti#W 1o% (o$% hos+italit( o$% si#)e%est tha#'s& a#! fo% (o$% offe% of +%ofessio#al assista#)e o$% %atef$l a))e+ta#)e. Te%*s2 )ash o# !eli"e%(& $+ to a#! #ot eF)ee!i# o#e fo$%tee#th of total +%ofits @if a#(S all t%a"elli# eF+e#ses $a%a#tee! i# a#( e"e#tS f$#e%al eF+e#ses to be !ef%a(e! b( $s o% o$% %e+%ese#tati"es& if o))asio# a%ises a#! the *atte% is #ot othe%,ise a%%a#e! fo%.
Thi#'i# it $##e)essa%( to !ist$%b (o$% estee*e! %e+ose& ,e ha"e +%o)ee!e! i# a!"a#)e to *a'e %e$isite +%e+a%atio#s& a#! shall a,ait (o$% %es+e)te! +e%so# at the G%ee# D%ao# I##& B(,ate%& at ;; a.*. sha%+. T%$sti# that (o$ ,ill be +$#)t$al & 4e ha"e the ho#o$% to %e*ai# Yo$%s !ee+l( Tho%i# Co.
That lea"es (o$ P$st te# *i#$tes. Yo$ ,ill ha"e to %$#& sai! Ga#!alf. B$tU& sai! Bilbo. No ti*e fo% it& sai! the ,ia%!. B$tU& sai! Bilbo aai#. No ti*e fo% that eithe%W Off (o$ oW To the e#! of his !a(s Bilbo )o$l! #e"e% %e*e*be% ho, he fo$#! hi*self o$tsi!e& ,itho$t a hat& a ,al'i#-sti)' o% a#( *o#e(& o% a#(thi# that he $s$all( too' ,he#
he ,e#t o$tS lea"i# his se)o#! b%ea'fast half-fi#ishe! a#! $ite $#,ashe!-$+& +$shi# his 'e(s i#to Ga#!alf3s ha#!s& a#! %$##i# as fast as his f$%%( feet )o$l! )a%%( hi* !o,# the la#e& +ast the %eat 0ill& a)%oss The 4ate%& a#! the# o# fo% a *ile o% *o%e. 7e%( +$ffe! he ,as& ,he# he ot to B(,ate% P$st o# the st%o'e of ele"e#& a#! fo$#! he ha! )o*e ,itho$t a +o)'et-ha#!'e%)hiefW B%a"oW sai! Bali# ,ho ,as sta#!i# at the i## !oo% loo'i# o$t fo% hi*. J$st the# all the othe%s )a*e %o$#! the )o%#e% of the %oa! f%o* the "illae. The( ,e%e o# +o#ies& a#! ea)h +o#( ,as sl$# abo$t ,ith all 'i#!s of baaes& +a)'aes& +a%)els& a#! +a%a+he%#alia. The%e ,as a "e%( s*all +o#(& a++a%e#tl( fo% Bilbo. 8+ (o$ t,o et& a#! off ,e oW sai! Tho%i#. I3* a,f$ll( so%%(& sai! Bilbo& b$t I ha"e )o*e ,itho$t *( hat& a#! I ha"e left *( +o)'et-ha#!'e%)hief behi#!& a#! I ha"e#3t ot a#( *o#e(. I !i!#3t et (o$% #ote $#til afte% ;M.? to be +%e)ise. Do#3t be +%e)ise& sai! D,ali#& a#! !o#3t ,o%%(W Yo$ ,ill ha"e to *a#ae ,itho$t +o)'et-ha#!'e%)hiefs& a#! a oo! *a#( othe% thi#s& befo%e (o$ et to the Po$%#e(3s e#!. As fo% a hat& I ha"e ot a s+a%e hoo! a#! )loa' i# *( l$ae. That3s ho, the( all )a*e to sta%t& Poi# off f%o* the i## o#e fi#e *o%#i# P$st befo%e 0a(& o# la!e# +o#iesS a#! Bilbo ,as ,ea%i# a !a%'-%ee# hoo! @a little ,eathe%-stai#e! a#! a !a%'-%ee# )loa' bo%%o,e! f%o* D,ali#. The( ,e%e too la%e fo% hi*& a#! he loo'e! %athe% )o*i). 4hat his fathe% B$#o ,o$l! ha"e tho$ht of hi*& I !a%e#3t thi#'. His o#l( )o*fo%t ,as he )o$l!#3t be *ista'e# fo% a !,a%f& as he ha! #o bea%!. The( ha! #ot bee# %i!i# "e%( lo#& ,he# $+ )a*e Ga#!alf "e%( s+le#!i! o# a ,hite ho%se. He ha! b%o$ht a lot of +o)'et-ha#!'e%)hiefs& a#! Bilbo3s +i+e a#! toba))o. /o afte% that the +a%t( ,e#t alo# "e%( *e%%il(& a#! the( tol! sto%ies o% sa# so#s as the( %o!e fo%,a%! all !a(& eF)e+t of )o$%se ,he# the( sto++e! fo% *eals. These !i!#3t )o*e $ite as ofte# as Bilbo ,o$l! ha"e li'e! the*& b$t still he bea# to feel that a!"e#t$%es ,e%e #ot so ba! afte% all. At fi%st the( ha! +asse! th%o$h hobbit-la#!s& a ,i!e %es+e)table )o$#t%( i#habite! b( !e)e#t fol'& ,ith oo! %oa!s& a# i## o% t,o& a#! #o, a#! the# a !,a%f o% a fa%*e% a*bli# b( o# b$si#ess. The# the( )a*e to la#!s ,he%e +eo+le s+o'e st%a#el(& a#! sa# so#s Bilbo ha! #e"e% hea%! befo%e. No, the( ha! o#e o# fa% i#to the Lo#e-la#!s& ,he%e the%e ,e%e #o +eo+le left& #o i##s& a#! the %oa!s %e, stea!il( ,o%se. Not fa% ahea! ,e%e !%ea%( hills& %isi# hihe% a#! hihe%& !a%' ,ith t%ees. O# so*e of the* ,e%e ol! )astles ,ith a# e"il loo'& as if the( ha! bee# b$ilt b( ,i)'e! +eo+le. E"e%(thi# see*e! loo*(& fo% the ,eathe% that !a( ha! ta'e# a #ast( t$%#. 0ostl( it ha! bee# as oo! as 0a( )a# be& )a# be& e"e# i# *e%%( tales& b$t #o, it ,as )ol! a#! ,et. I# the Lo#e-la#!s the( ha! bee# oblie! to )a*+ ,he# the( )o$l!& b$t at least it ha! bee# !%(. To thi#' it ,ill soo# be J$#eW %$*ble! Bilbo& as he s+lashe! alo# behi#! the othe%s i# a "e%( *$!!( t%a)'. It ,as afte% tea-ti*eS it ,as +o$%i# ,ith %ai#& a#! ha! bee# all !a(S his hoo! ,as !%i++i# i#to his e(es& his )loa' ,as f$ll of ,ate%S the
+o#( ,as ti%e! a#! st$*ble! o# sto#esS the othe%s ,e%e too %$*+( to tal'. A#! I3* s$%e the %ai# has ot i#to the !%( )lothes a#! i#to the foo!-bas& tho$ht Bilbo. Bothe% b$%li# a#! e"e%(thi# to !o ,ith itW I ,ish I ,as at ho*e i# *( #i)e hole b( the fi%e& ,ith the 'ettle P$st bei##i# to si#W It ,as #ot the last ti*e that he ,ishe! thatW /till the !,a%"es Poe! o#& #e"e% t$%#i# %o$#! o% ta'i# a#( #oti)e of the hobbit. /o*e,he%e behi#! the %e( )lo$!s the s$# *$st ha"e o#e !o,#& fo% it bea# to et !a%' as the( ,e#t !o,# i#to a !ee+ "alle( ,ith a %i"e% at the botto*. 4i#! ot $+& a#! ,illo,s alo# its ba#'s be#t a#! sihe!. 1o%t$#atel( the %oa! ,e#t o"e% a# a#)ie#t sto#e b%i!e& fo% the %i"e%& s,olle# ,ith the %ai#s& )a*e %$shi# !o,# f%o* the hills a#! *o$#tai#s i# the #o%th. It ,as #ea%l( #iht ,he# the( ha! )%osse! o"e%. The ,i#! b%o'e $+ the %e( )lo$!s& a#! a ,a#!e%i# *oo# a++ea%e! abo"e the hills bet,ee# the fl(i# %as. The# the( sto++e!& a#! Tho%i# *$tte%e! so*ethi# abo$t s$++e%& a#! ,he%e shall ,e et a !%( +at)h to slee+ o#V Not $#til the# !i! the( #oti)e that Ga#!alf ,as *issi#. /o fa% he ha! )o*e all the ,a( ,ith the*& #e"e% sa(i# if he ,as i# the a!"e#t$%e o% *e%el( 'ee+i# the* )o*+a#( fo% a ,hile. He ha! eate# *ost& tal'e! *ost& a#! la$he! *ost. B$t #o, he si*+l( ,as #ot the%e at allW J$st ,he# a ,ia%! ,o$l! ha"e bee# *ost $sef$l& too& %oa#e! Do%i a#! No%i @,ho sha%e! the hobbit3s "ie,s abo$t %e$la% *eals& +le#t( a#! ofte#.
The( !e)i!e! i# the e#! that the( ,o$l! ha"e to )a*+ ,he%e the( ,e%e. The( *o"e! to a )l$*+ of t%ees& a#! tho$h it ,as !%ie% $#!e% the*& the ,i#! shoo' the %ai# off the lea"es& a#! the !%i+& !%i+& ,as *ost a##o(i#. Also t he *is)hief see*e! to ha"e ot i#to the fi%e. D,a%"es )a# *a'e a fi%e al*ost a#(,he%e o$t of al*ost a#(thi#& ,i#! o% #o ,i#!S b$t the( )o$l! #ot !o it that #iht& #ot e"e# Oi# a#! Gloi#& ,ho ,e%e s+e)iall( oo! at it. The# o#e of the +o#ies too' f%iht at #othi# a#! bolte!. He ot i#to the %i"e% befo%e the( )o$l! )at)h hi*S a#! befo%e the( )o$l! et hi* o$t aai#& 1ili a#! Kili ,e%e #ea%l( !%o,#e!& a#! all the baae that he )a%%ie! ,as ,ashe! a,a( off hi*. Of )o$%se it ,as *ostl( foo!& a#! the%e ,as *iht( little left fo% s$++e%& a#! less fo% b%ea'fast. The%e the( all sat l$* a#! ,et a#! *$tte%i#& ,hile Oi# a#! Gloi# ,e#t o# t%(i# to liht the fi%e& a#! $a%%elli# abo$t it. Bilbo ,as sa!l( %efle)ti# that a!"e#t$%es a%e #ot all +o#(-%i!es i# 0a(-s$#shi#e& ,he# Bali#& ,ho ,as al,a(s thei% loo'-o$t *a#& sai!2 The%e3s a liht o"e% the%eW The%e ,as a hill so*e ,a( off ,ith t%ees o# it& +%ett( thi)' i# +a%ts. O$t of the !a%' *ass of the t%ees the( )o$l! #o, see a liht shi#i#& a %e!!ish )o*fo%table-loo'i# liht& as it *iht be a fi%e o% to%)hes t,i#'li#. 4he# the( ha! loo'e! at it fo% so*e ,hile& the( fell to a%$i#. /o*e sai! #o a#! so*e sai! (es. /o*e sai! the( )o$l! b$t o a#! see& a#! a#(thi# ,as bette% tha# little s$++e%& less b%ea'fast& a#! ,et )lothes all the #iht. Othe%s sai!2 These +a%ts a%e #o#e too ,ell '#o,#& a#! a%e too #ea% the *o$#tai#s. T%a"elle%s sel!o* )o*e this ,a( #o,. The ol! *a+s a%e #o $se2 thi#s ha"e )ha#e! fo% the ,o%se a#! the %oa! is $#$a%!e!. The( ha"e sel!o* e"e# hea%! of the 'i# %o$#! he%e& a#! the less i#$isiti"e (o$ a%e as (o$ o alo#& the less t%o$ble (o$ a%e
li'el( to fi#!. /o*e sai!2 Afte% all the%e a%e fo$%tee# of $s. Othe%s sai!2 4he%e has Ga#!alf ot toV This %e*a%' ,as %e+eate! b( e"e%(bo!(. The# the %ai# bea# to +o$% !o,# ,o%se tha# e"e%& a#! Oi# a#! Gloi# bea# to fiht. That settle! it. Afte% all ,e ha"e ot a b$%la% ,ith $s& the( sai!S a#! so the( *a!e off& lea!i# thei% +o#ies @,ith all !$e a#! +%o+e% )a$tio# i# the !i%e)tio# of the liht. The( )a*e to the hill a#! ,e%e soo# i# the ,oo!. 8+ the hill the( ,e#tS b$t the%e ,as #o +%o+e% +ath to be see#& s$)h as *iht lea! to a ho$se o% a fa%*S a#! !o ,hat the( )o$l! the( *a!e a !eal of %$stli# a#! )%a)'li# a#! )%ea'i# @a#! a oo! !eal of %$*bli# a#! !%atti#& as the( ,e#t th%o$h the t%ees i# the +it)h !a%'. /$!!e#l( the %e! liht sho#e o$t "e%( b%iht th%o$h the t%ee-t%$#'s #ot fa% ahea!. No, it is the b$%la%3s t$%#& the( sai!& *ea#i# Bilbo. Yo$ *$st o o# a#! fi#! o$t all abo$t that liht& a#! ,hat it is fo%& a#! if all is +e%fe)tl( safe a#! )a##(& sai! Tho%i# to the hobbit. No, s)$ttle off& a#! )o*e ba)' $i)'& if all is ,ell. If #ot& )o*e ba)' if (o$ )a#W If (o$ )a#3t& hoot t,i)e li'e a ba%#-o,l a#! o#)e li'e a s)%ee)ho,l& a#! ,e ,ill !o ,hat ,e )a#. Off Bilbo ha! to o& befo%e he )o$l! eF+lai# that he )o$l! #ot hoot e"e# o#)e li'e a#( 'i#! of o,l a#( *o%e tha# fl( li'e a bat. B$t at a#( %ate hobbits )a# *o"e $ietl( i# ,oo!s& absol$tel( $ietl(. The( ta'e a +%i!e i# it& a#! Bilbo ha! s#iffe! *o%e tha# o#)e at ,hat he )alle! all this !,a%"ish %a)'et& as the( ,e#t alo#& tho$h I !o#3t s$++ose (o$ o% I ,o$l! ha"e #oti)e! a#(thi# at all o# a ,i#!( #iht& #ot if the ,hole )a"al)a!e ha! +asse! t,o feet off. As fo% Bilbo ,al'i# +%i*l( to,a%!s the %e! liht& I !o#3t s$++ose e"e# a ,easel ,o$l! ha"e sti%%e! a ,his'e% at it. /o& #at$%all(& he ot %iht $+ to the fi%eUfo% fi%e it ,asU,itho$t !ist$%bi# a#(o#e. A#! this is ,hat he sa,. Th%ee "e%( la%e +e%so#s sitti# %o$#! a "e%( la%e fi%e of bee)h-los. The( ,e%e toasti# *$tto# o# lo# s+its of ,oo!& a#! li)'i# the %a"( off thei% fi#e%s. The%e ,as a fi#e toothso*e s*ell. Also the%e ,as a ba%%el of oo! !%i#' at ha#!& a#! the( ,e%e !%i#'i# o$t of P$s. B$t the( ,e%e t%olls. Ob"io$sl( t%olls. E"e# Bilbo& i# s+ite of his shelte%e! life& )o$l! see that2 f%o* the %eat hea"( fa)es of the*& a#! thei% sie& a#! the sha+e of thei% les& #ot to *e#tio# thei% la#$ae& ,hi)h ,as #ot !%a,i#%oo* fashio# at all& at all. 0$tto# (este%!a(& *$tto# to!a(& a#! bli*e(& if it !o#3t loo' li'e *$tto# aai# to*o%%e%& sai! o#e of the t%olls. Ne"e% a bli#'i# bit of *a#flesh ha"e ,e ha! fo% lo# e#o$h& sai! a se)o#!. 4hat the 3ell 4illia* ,as a-thi#'i#3 of to b%i# $s i#to these +a%ts at all& beats *eUa#! the !%i#' %$##i#3 sho%t& ,hat3s *o%e& he sai! Poi# the elbo, of 4illia*& ,ho ,as ta'i# a +$ll at his P$. 4illia* )ho'e!. /h$t (e% *o$thW he sai! as soo# as he ) o$l!. Ye% )a#3t eF+e)t fol' to sto+ he%e fo% e"e% P$st to be et b( (o$ a#! Be%t. Yo$3"e et a "illae a#! a half bet,ee# (e%& si#)e ,e )o*e !o,# f%o* the *o$#tai#s. Ho, *$)h *o%e !3(e% ,a#tV A#! ti*e3s bee# $+ o$% ,a(& ,he# (e%3! ha"e sai! 6tha#' (e% Bill3 fo% a #i)e bit o3 fat "alle( *$tto# li'e ,hat this is. He too' a bi bite off a shee+3s le he ,as %oasti#& a#! ,i+e! his li+s o# his slee"e. Yes& I a* af%ai! t%olls !o beha"e li'e that& e"e# those ,ith o#l( o#e hea! ea)h. Afte%
hea%i# all this Bilbo o$ht to ha"e !o#e so*ethi# at o#)e. Eithe% he sho$l! ha"e o#e ba)' $ietl( a#! ,a%#e! his f%ie#!s that the%e ,e%e th%ee fai%-sie! t%olls at ha#! i# a #ast( *oo!& $ite li'el( to t%( %oaste! !,a%f& o% e"e# +o#(& fo% a )ha#eS o% else he sho$l! ha"e !o#e a bit of oo! $i)' b$%li#. A %eall( fi%st-)lass a#! lee#!a%( b$%la% ,o$l! at this +oi#t ha"e +i)'e! the t%olls3 +o)'etsUit is #ea%l( al,a(s ,o%th ,hile& if (o$ )a# *a#ae itU& +i#)he! the "e%( *$tto# off the s+its& +$%loi#e! the bee%& a#! ,al'e! off ,itho$t thei% #oti)i# hi*. Othe%s *o%e +%a)ti)al b$t ,ith less +%ofessio#al +%i!e ,o$l! +e%ha+s ha"e st$)' a !ae% i#to ea)h of the* befo%e the( obse%"e! it. The# the #iht )o$l! ha"e bee# s+e#t )hee%il(. Bilbo '#e, it. He ha! %ea! of a oo! *a#( thi#s he ha! #e"e% see# o% !o#e. He ,as "e%( *$)h ala%*e!& as ,ell as !is$ste!S he ,ishe! hi*self a h$#!%e! *iles a,a(& a#! (etUa#! (et so*eho, he )o$l! #ot o st%aiht ba)' to Tho%i# a#! Co*+a#( e*+t(ha#!e!. /o he stoo! a#! hesitate! i# the sha!o,s. Of the "a%io$s b$%la%io$s +%o)ee!i#s he ha! hea%! of +i)'i# the t%olls3 +o)'ets see*e! the least !iffi)$lt& so at last he )%e+t behi#! a t%ee P$st behi#! 4illia*. Be%t a#! To* ,e#t off to the ba%%el. 4illia* ,as ha"i# a#othe% !%i#'. The# Bilbo +l$)'e! $+ )o$%ae a#! +$t his little ha#! i# 4illia*3s e#o%*o$s +o)'et. The%e ,as a +$%se i# it& as bi as a ba to Bilbo. HaW tho$ht he& ,a%*i# to his #e, ,o%' as he lifte! it )a%ef$ll( o$t& this is a bei##i#W It ,asW T%olls3 +$%ses a%e the *is)hief& a#! this ,as #o eF)e+tio#. 3E%e& 3oo a%e (o$V it s$ea'e!& as it left the +o)'etS a#! 4illia* t$%#e! %o$#! at o#)e a#! %abbe! Bilbo b( the #e)'& befo%e he )o$l! !$)' behi#! the t%ee. Bli*e(& Be%t& loo' ,hat I3"e )o++e!W sai! 4illia*. 4hat is itV sai! the othe%s )o*i# $+. L$**e& if I '#o,sW 4hat a%e (e%V Bilbo Bai#s& a b$%Ua hobbit& sai! +oo% Bilbo& sha'i# all o"e%& a#! ,o#!e%i# ho, to *a'e o,l-#oises befo%e the( th%ottle! hi*. A b$%%ahobbitV sai! the( a bit sta%tle!. T%olls a%e slo, i# the $+ta'e& a#! *iht( s$s+i)io$s abo$t a#(thi# #e, to the*. 4hat3s a b$%%ahobbit ot to !o ,ith *( +o)'et& a#(,a(sV sai! 4illia*. A#! )a# (e% )oo' 3e*V sai! To*. Ye% )a# t%(& sai! Be%t& +i)'i# $+ a s'e,e%. He ,o$l!#3t *a'e abo"e a *o$thf$l& sai! 4illia*& ,ho ha! al%ea!( ha! a fi#e s$++e%& #ot ,he# he ,as s'i##e! a#! bo#e!. 53%a+s the%e a%e *o%e li'e hi* %o$#! abo$t& a#! ,e *iht *a'e a +ie& sai! Be%t. He%e (o$& a%e the%e a#( *o%e of (o$% so%t a-s#ea'i#3 i# these he%e ,oo!s& (e% #asst( little %abbit& sai! he loo'i# at the hobbit3s f$%%( feetS a#! he +i)'e! hi* $+ b( the toes a#! shoo' hi*. Yes& lots& sai! Bilbo& befo%e he %e*e*be%e! #ot to i"e his f%ie#!s a,a(. No #o#e at all& #ot o#e& he sai! i**e!iatel( afte%,a%!s. 4hat !3(e% *ea#V sai! Be%t& hol!i# hi* %iht ,a( $+& b( the hai% this ti*e. 4hat I sa(& sai! Bilbo as+i#. A#! +lease !o#3t )oo' *e& 'i#! si%sW I a* a oo! )oo' *(self& a#! )oo' bette% tha# I )oo'& if (o$ see ,hat I *ea#. I3ll )oo' bea$tif$ll( fo% (o$& a +e%fe)tl( bea$tif$l b%ea'fast fo% (o$& if o#l( (o$ ,o#3t ha"e *e fo% s$++e%.
5oo% little blihte%& sai! 4illia*. He ha! al%ea!( ha! as *$)h s$++e% as he )o$l! hol!S also he ha! ha! lots of bee%. 5oo% little blihte%W Let hi* oW Not till he sa(s ,hat he *ea#s b( lots a#! #o#e at all & sai! Be%t. I !o#3t ,a#t to ha"e *e th%oat )$t i# *e slee+W Hol! his toes i# the fi%e& till he tal'sW I ,o#3t ha"e it& sai! 4illia*. I )a$ht hi* a#(,a(. Yo$3%e a fat fool& 4illia*& sai! Be%t& as I3"e sai! afo%e this e"e#i#. A#! (o$3%e a lo$tW A#! I ,o#3t ta'e that f%o* (o$& Bill H$i#s& sa(s Be%t& a#! +$ts his fist i# 4illia*3s e(e. The# the%e ,as a o%eo$s %o,. Bilbo ha! P$st e#o$h ,its left& ,he# Be%t !%o++e! hi* o# the %o$#!& to s)%a*ble o$t of the ,a( of thei% feet& befo%e the( ,e%e fihti# li'e !os& a#! )alli# o#e a#othe% all so%ts of +e%fe)tl( t%$e a#! a++li)able #a*es i# "e%( lo$! "oi)es. /oo# the( ,e%e lo)'e! i# o#e a#othe%3s a%*s& a#! %olli# #ea%l( i#to the fi%e 'i)'i# a#! th$*+i#& ,hile To* ,ha)'e! at the* both ,ith a b%a#)h to b%i# the* to thei% se#sesUa#! that of )o$%se o#l( *a!e the* *a!!e% tha# e"e%. That ,o$l! ha"e bee# the ti*e fo% Bilbo to ha"e left. B$t his +oo% little feet ha! bee# "e%( s$ashe! i# Be%t3s bi +a,& a#! he ha! #o b%eath i# his bo!(& a#! his hea! ,as oi# %o$#!S so the%e he la( fo% a ,hile +a#ti#& P$st o$tsi!e the )i%)le of fi%eliht. Riht i# the *i!!le of the fiht $+ )a*e Bali#. The !,a%"es ha! hea%! #oises f%o* a !ista#)e& a#! afte% ,aiti# fo% so*e ti*e fo% Bilbo to )o*e ba)'& o% to hoot li'e a# o,l& the( sta%te! off o#e b( o#e to )%ee+ to,a%!s the liht as $ietl( as the( )o$l!. No soo#e% !i! To* see Bali# )o*e i#to the liht tha# he a"e a# a,f$l ho,l. T%olls si*+l( !etest the "e%( siht of !,a%"es @$#)oo'e!. Be%t a#! Bill sto++e! fihti# i**e!iatel(& a#! a sa)'& To*& $i)'W the( sai!. Befo%e Bali#& ,ho ,as ,o#!e%i# ,he%e i# all this )o**otio# Bilbo ,as& '#e, ,hat ,as ha++e#i#& a sa)' ,as o"e% his hea!& a#! he ,as !o,#. The%e3s *o%e to )o*e (et& sai! To*& o% I3* *iht( *istoo'. Lots a#! #o#e at all& it is& sai! he. No b$%%ahobbits& b$t lots of these he%e !,a%"es. That3s abo$t the sha+e of itW I %e)'o# (o$3%e %iht& sai! Be%t& a#! ,e3! best et o$t of the liht. A#! so the( !i!. 4ith sa)'s i# thei% ha#!s& that the( $se! fo% )a%%(i# off *$tto# a#! othe% +l$#!e%& the( ,aite! i# the sha!o,s. As ea)h !,a%f )a*e $+ a#! loo'e! at the fi%e& a#! the s+ille! P$s& a#! the #a,e! *$tto#& i# s$%+%ise& +o+W ,e#t a #ast( s*ell( sa)' o"e% his hea!& a#! he ,as !o,#. /oo# D,ali# la( b( Bali#& a#! 1ili a#! Kili toethe%& a#! Do%i a#! No%i a#! O%i all i# a hea+& a#! Oi# a#! Gloi# a#! Bif$% a#! Bof$% a#! Bo*b$% +ile! $#)o*fo%tabl( #ea% the fi%e. That3ll tea)h 3e*& sai! To*S fo% Bif$% a#! Bo*b$% ha! i"e# a lot of t%o$ble& a#! fo$ht li'e *a!& as !,a%"es ,ill ,he# )o%#e%e!. Tho%i# )a*e lastUa#! he ,as #ot )a$ht $#a,a%es. He )a*e eF+e)ti# *is)hief& a#! !i!#3t #ee! to see his f%ie#!s3 les sti)'i# o$t of sa)'s to tell hi* that thi#s ,e%e #ot all ,ell. He stoo! o$tsi!e i# the sha!o,s so*e ,a( off& a#! sai!2 4hat3s all this t%o$bleV 4ho has bee# '#o)'i# *( +eo+le abo$tV It3s t%ollsW sai! Bilbo f%o* behi#! a t%ee. The( ha! fo%otte# all abo$t hi*. The(3%e
hi!i# i# the b$shes ,ith sa)'s& sai! he. OW a%e the(V sai! Tho%i#& a#! he P$*+e! fo%,a%! to the fi%e& befo%e the( )o$l! lea+ o# hi*. He )a$ht $+ a bi b%a#)h all o# fi%e at o#e e#!S a#! Be%t ot that e#! i# his e(e befo%e he )o$l! ste+ asi!e. That +$t hi* o$t of the battle fo% a bit. Bilbo !i! his best. He )a$ht hol! of To*3s leUas ,ell as he )o$l!& it ,as thi)' as a (o$# t%eet%$#'Ub$t he ,as se#t s+i##i# $+ i#to the to+ of so*e b$shes& ,he# To* 'i)'e! the s+a%'s $+ i# Tho%i#3s fa)e.
The T%olls To* ot the b%a#)h i# his teeth fo% that& a#! lost o#e of the f%o#t o#es. It *a!e hi* ho,l& I )a# tell (o$. B$t P$st at that *o*e#t 4illia* )a*e $+ behi#! a#! +o++e! a sa)' %iht o"e% Tho%i#3s hea! a#! !o,# to his toes. A#! so the fiht e#!e!. A #i)e +i)'le the( ,e%e all i# #o,2 all #eatl( tie! $+ i# sa)'s& , ith th%ee a#%( t%olls @a#! t,o ,ith b$%#s a#! bashes to %e*e*be% sitti# b( the*& a%$i# ,hethe% the( sho$l! %oast the* slo,l(& o% *i#)e the* fi#e a#! boil the*& o% P$st sit o# the* o#e b( o#e a#! s$ash the* i#to Pell(S a#! Bilbo $+ i# a b$sh& ,ith his )lothes a#! his s'i# to%#& #ot !a%i# to *o"e fo% fea% the( sho$l! hea% hi*. It ,as P$st the# that Ga#!alf )a*e ba)'. B$t #o o#e sa, hi*. The t%olls ha! P$st !e)i!e! to
%oast the !,a%"es #o, a#! eat the* late%Uthat ,as Be%t3s i!ea& a#! afte% a lot of a%$*e#t the( ha! all a%ee! to it.
No oo! %oasti# 3e* #o,& it3! ta'e all #iht& sai! a "oi)e. Be%t tho$ht it ,as 4illia*3s. Do#3t sta%t the a%$*e#t all o"e% aai#& Bill& he sai!& o% it ,ill ta'e all #iht. 4ho3s a-a%$i#V sai! 4illia*& ,ho tho$ht it ,as Be%t that ha! s+o'e#. Yo$ a%e& sai! Be%t. Yo$3%e a lia%& sai! 4illia*S a#! so the a%$*e#t bea# all o"e% aai#. I# the e#! the( !e)i!e! to *i#)e the* fi#e a#! boil the*. /o the( ot a %eat bla)' +ot& a#! the( too' o$t thei% '#i"es. No oo! boili# 3e*W 4e ai#3t ot #o ,ate%& a#! it3s a lo# ,a( to the ,ell a#! all& sai! a "oi)e. Be%t a#! 4illia* tho$ht it ,as To*3s. /h$t $+W sai! the(& o% ,e3ll #e"e% ha"e !o#e. A#! (e% )a# fet)h the ,ate% (e%self& if (e% sa( a#( *o%e. /h$t $+ (e%selfW sai! To*& ,ho tho$ht it ,as 4illia*3s "oi)e. 4ho3s a%$i# b$t (o$& I3! li'e to '#o,. Yo$3%e a boob(& sai! 4illia*. Boob( (e%selfW sai! To*. A#! so the a%$*e#t bea# all o"e% aai#& a#! ,e#t o# hotte% tha# e"e%& $#til at last the( !e)i!e! to sit o# the sa)'s o#e b( o#e a#! s$ash the*& a#! boil the* #eFt ti*e. 4ho shall ,e sit o# fi%stV sai! the "oi)e. Bette% sit o# the last fello, fi%st& sai! Be%t& ,hose e(e ha! bee# !a*ae! b( Tho%i#. He tho$ht To* ,as tal'i#. Do#3t tal' to (e%selfW sai! To*. B$t if (o$ ,a#ts to sit o# the last o#e& sit o# hi*. 4hi)h is heV The o#e ,ith the (ello, sto)'i#s& sai! Be%t. No#se#se& the o#e ,ith the %e( sto)'i#s& sai! a "oi)e li'e 4illia*3s. I *a!e s$%e it ,as (ello,& sai! Be%t. Yello, it ,as& sai! 4illia*. The# ,hat !i! (e% sa( it ,as %e( fo%V sai! Be%t. I #e"e% !i!. To* sai! it. That I #e"e% !i!W sai! To*. It ,as (o$. T,o to o#e& so sh$t (e% *o$thW sai! Be%t. 4ho a%e (o$ a-tal'i#3 toV sai! 4illia*. No, sto+ itW sai! To* a#! Be%t toethe%. The #iht3s etti#3 o#& a#! !a,# )o*es ea%l(. Let3s et o# ,ith itW Da,# ta'e (o$ all& a#! be sto#e to (o$W sai! a "oi)e that so$#!e! li'e 4illia*3s. B$t it ,as#3t. 1o% P$st at that *o*e#t the liht )a*e o"e% the hill& a#! the%e ,as a *iht( t,itte% i# the b%a#)hes. 4illia* #e"e% s+o'e fo% he stoo! t$%#e! to sto#e as he stoo+e!S a#! Be%t a#! To* ,e%e st$)' li'e %o)'s as the( loo'e! at hi*. A#! the%e the( sta#! to this !a(& all alo#e& $#less the bi%!s +e%)h o# the*S fo% t%olls& as (o$ +%obabl( '#o,& *$st be $#!e%%o$#! befo%e !a,#& o% the( o ba)' to the st$ff of the *o$#tai#s the( a%e *a!e of& a#! #e"e% *o"e aai#. That is ,hat ha! ha++e#e!
to Be%t a#! To* a#! 4illia*. EF)elle#tW sai! Ga#!alf& as he ste++e! f%o* behi#! a t%ee& a#! hel+e! Bilbo to )li*b !o,# o$t of a tho%#-b$sh. The# Bilbo $#!e%stoo!. It ,as the ,ia%!3s "oi)e that ha! 'e+t the t%olls bi)'e%i# a#! $a%%elli#& $#til the liht )a*e a#! *a!e a# e#! of the*. The #eFt thi# ,as to $#tie the sa)'s a#! let o$t the !,a%"es. The( ,e%e #ea%l( s$ffo)ate!& a#! "e%( a##o(e!2 the( ha! #ot at all e#Po(e! l(i# the%e liste#i# to the t%olls *a'i# +la#s fo% %oasti# the* a#! s$ashi# the* a#! *i#)i# the*. The( ha! to hea% Bilbo3s a))o$#t of ,hat ha! ha++e#e! to hi* t,i)e o"e%& befo%e the( ,e%e satisfie!. /ill( ti*e to o +%a)tisi# +i#)hi# a#! +o)'et-+i)'i#& sai! Bo*b$%& ,he# ,hat ,e ,a#te! ,as fi%e a#! foo!W A#! that3s P$st ,hat (o$ ,o$l!#3t ha"e ot of those fello,s ,itho$t a st%$le& i# a#( )ase& sai! Ga#!alf. A#(ho, (o$ a%e ,asti# ti*e #o,. Do#3t (o$ %ealie that the t%olls *$st ha"e a )a"e o% a hole !$ so*e,he%e #ea% to hi!e f%o* the s$# i#V 4e *$st loo' i#to itW The( sea%)he! abo$t& a#! soo# fo$#! the *a%'s of t%olls3 sto#( boots oi# a,a( th%o$h the t%ees. The( follo,e! the t%a)'s $+ the hill& $#til hi!!e# b( b$shes the( )a*e o# a bi !oo% of sto#e lea!i# to a )a"e. B$t the( )o$l! #ot o+e# it& #ot tho$h the( all +$she! ,hile Ga#!alf t%ie! "a%io$s i#)a#tatio#s. 4o$l! this be a#( oo!V as'e! Bilbo& ,he# the( ,e%e etti# ti%e! a#! a#%(. I fo$#! it o# the %o$#! ,he%e the t%olls ha! thei% fiht. He hel! o$t a la%ish 'e(& tho$h #o !o$bt 4illia* ha! tho$ht it "e%( s*all a#! se)%et. It *$st ha"e falle# o$t of his +o)'et& "e%( l$)'il(& befo%e he ,as t$%#e! to sto#e. 4h( o# ea%th !i!#3t (o$ *e#tio# it befo%eV the( )%ie!. Ga#!alf %abbe! it a#! fitte! it i#to the 'e(hole. The# the sto#e !oo% s,$# ba)' ,ith o#e bi +$sh& a#! the( all ,e#t i#si!e. The%e ,e%e bo#es o# the floo% a#! a #ast( s*ell ,as i# the ai%S b$t the%e ,as a oo! !eal of foo! P$*ble! )a%elessl( o# shel"es a#! o# the %o$#!& a*o# a# $#ti!( litte% of +l$#!e%& of all so%ts f%o* b%ass b$tto#s to +ots f$ll of ol! )oi#s sta#!i# i# a )o%#e%. The%e ,e%e lots of )lothes& too& ha#i# o# the ,allsUtoo s*all fo% t%olls& I a* af%ai! the( belo#e! to "i)ti*sUa#! a*o# the* ,e%e se"e%al s,o%!s of "a%io$s *a'es& sha+es& a#! sies. T,o )a$ht thei% e(es +a%ti)$la%l(& be)a$se of thei% bea$tif$l s)abba%!s a#! Pe,elle! hilts. Ga#!alf a#! Tho%i# ea)h too' o#e of theseS a#! Bilbo too' a '#ife i# a leathe% sheath. It ,o$l! ha"e *a!e o#l( a ti#( +o)'et-'#ife fo% a t%oll& b$t it ,as as oo! as a sho%t s,o%! fo% the hobbit. These loo' li'e oo! bla!es& sai! the ,ia%!& half !%a,i# the* a#! loo'i# at the* )$%io$sl(. The( ,e%e #ot *a!e b( a#( t%oll& #o% b( a#( s*ith a*o# *e# i# these +a%ts a#! !a(sS b$t ,he# ,e )a# %ea! the %$#es o# the*& ,e shall '#o, *o%e abo$t the*. Let3s et o$t of this ho%%ible s*ellW sai! 1ili. /o the( )a%%ie! o$t the +ots of )oi#s& a#! s$)h foo! as ,as $#to$)he! a#! loo'e! fit to eat& also o#e ba%%el of ale ,hi)h ,as still f$ll. B( that ti*e the( felt li'e b%ea'fast& a#! bei# "e%( h$#%( the( !i! #ot t$%# thei% #oses $+ at ,hat the( ha! ot f%o* the t%olls3 la%!e%. Thei% o,# +%o"isio#s
,e%e "e%( s)a#t(. No, the( ha! b%ea! a#! )heese& a#! +le#t( of ale& a#! ba)o# to toast i# the e*be%s of the fi%e. Afte% that the( sle+t& fo% thei% #iht ha! bee# !ist$%be!S a#! the( !i! #othi# *o%e till the afte%#oo#. The# the( b%o$ht $+ thei% +o#ies& a#! )a%%ie! a,a( the +ots of ol!& a#! b$%ie! the* "e%( se)%etl( #ot fa% f%o* the t%a)' b( the %i"e%& +$tti# a %eat *a#( s+ells o"e% the*& P$st i# )ase the( e"e% ha! the )ha#)e to )o*e ba)' a#! %e)o"e% the*. 4he# that ,as !o#e& the( all *o$#te! o#)e *o%e& a#! Poe! alo# aai# o# the +ath to,a%!s the East. 4he%e !i! (o$ o to& if I *a( as'V sai! Tho%i# to Ga#!alf as the( %o!e alo#. To loo' ahea!& sai! he. A#! ,hat b%o$ht (o$ ba)' i# the #i)' of ti*eV Loo'i# behi#!& sai! he. EFa)tl(W sai! Tho%i#S b$t )o$l! (o$ be *o%e +lai#V I ,e#t o# to s+( o$t o$% %oa!. It ,ill soo# be)o*e !a#e%o$s a#! !iffi)$lt. Also I ,as a#Fio$s abo$t %e+le#ishi# o$% s*all sto)' of +%o"isio#s. I ha! #ot o#e "e%( fa%& ho,e"e%& ,he# I *et a )o$+le of f%ie#!s of *i#e f%o* Ri"e#!ell. 4he%e3s thatV as'e! Bilbo. Do#3t i#te%%$+tW sai! Ga#!alf. Yo$ ,ill et the%e i# a fe, !a(s #o,& if ,e3%e l$)'(& a#! fi#! o$t all abo$t it. As I ,as sa(i# I *et t,o of El%o#!3s +eo+le. The( ,e%e h$%%(i# alo# fo% fea% of the t%olls. It ,as the( ,ho tol! *e that th%ee of the* ha! )o*e !o,# f%o* the *o$#tai#s a#! settle! i# the ,oo!s #ot fa% f%o* the %oa!2 the( ha! f%ihte#e! e"e%(o#e a,a( f%o* the !ist%i)t& a#! the( ,a(lai! st%a#e%s. I i**e!iatel( ha! a feeli# that I ,as ,a#te! ba)'. Loo'i# behi#! I sa, a fi%e i# the !ista#)e a#! *a!e fo% it. /o #o, (o$ '#o,. 5lease be *o%e )a%ef$l& #eFt ti*e& o% ,e shall #e"e% et a#(,he%eW Tha#' (o$W sai! Tho%i#.
Cha+te% III
A /HORT RE/T
The( !i! #ot si# o% tell sto%ies that !a(& e"e# tho$h the ,eathe% i*+%o"e!S #o% the #eFt !a(& #o% the !a( afte%. The( ha! be$# to feel that !a#e% ,as #ot fa% a,a( o# eithe% si!e. The( )a*+e! $#!e% the sta%s& a#! thei% ho%ses ha! *o%e to eat tha# the( ha!S fo% the%e ,as +le#t( of %ass& b$t the%e ,as #ot *$)h i# thei% bas& e"e# ,ith ,hat the( ha! ot f%o* the t%olls. O#e *o%#i# the( fo%!e! a %i"e% at a ,i!e shallo, +la)e f$ll of the #oise of sto#es a#! foa*. The fa% ba#' ,as stee+ a#! sli++e%(. 4he# the( ot to the to+ of it& lea!i# thei% +o#ies& the( sa, that the %eat *o$#tai#s ha! *a%)he! !o,# "e%( #ea% to the*. Al%ea!( the( see*e! o#l( a !a(3s eas( Po$%#e( f%o* the feet of the #ea%est. Da%' a#! !%ea% it loo'e!& tho$h the%e ,e %e +at)hes of s$#liht o# its b%o,# si!es& a#! behi#! its sho$l!e%s the ti+s of s#o,-+ea's lea*e!.
Is that The 0o$#tai#V as'e! Bilbo i# a sole*# "oi)e& loo'i# at it ,ith %o$#! e(es. He ha! #e"e% see# a thi# that loo'e! so bi befo%e. Of )o$%se #otW sai! Bali#. That is o#l( the bei##i# of the 0ist( 0o$#tai#s& a#! ,e ha"e ot to et th%o$h& o% o"e%& o% $#!e% those so*eho,& befo%e ,e )a# )o*e i#to 4il!e%la#! be(o#!. A#! it is a !eal of a ,a( e"e# f%o* the othe% si!e of the* to the Lo#el( 0o$#tai# i# the East ,he%e /*a$ lies o# o$% t%eas$%e. OW sai! Bilbo& a#! P$st at that *o*e#t he felt *o%e ti%e! tha# he e"e% %e*e*be%e! feeli# befo%e. He ,as thi#'i# o#)e aai# of his )o*fo%table )hai% befo%e the fi%e i# his fa"o$%ite sitti#-%oo* i# his hobbit-hole& a#! of the 'ettle si#i#. Not fo% the last ti*eW No, Ga#!alf le! the ,a(. 4e *$st #ot *iss the %oa!& o% ,e shall be !o#e fo%& he sai!. 4e #ee! foo!& fo% o#e thi#& a#! %est i# %easo#able safet(Ualso it is "e%( #e)essa%( to ta)'le the 0ist( 0o$#tai#s b( the +%o+e% +ath& o% else (o$ ,ill et lost i# the*& a#! ha"e to )o*e ba)' a#! sta%t at the bei##i# aai# @if (o$ e"e% et ba)' at all.
The( as'e! hi* ,he%e he ,as *a'i# fo%& a#! he a#s,e%e!2 Yo$ a%e )o*e to the "e%( e!e of the 4il!& as so*e of (o$ *a( '#o,. Hi!!e# so*e,he%e ahea! of $s is the fai% "alle( of Ri"e#!ell ,he%e El%o#! li"es i# the Last Ho*el( Ho$se. I se#t a *essae b( *( f%ie#!s& a#! ,e a%e eF+e)te!. That so$#!e! #i)e a#! )o*fo%ti#& b$t the( ha! #ot ot the%e (et& a#! it ,as #ot so eas( as it so$#!s to fi#! the Last Ho*el( Ho$se ,est of the 0o$#tai#s. The%e see*e! to be #o t%ees a#! #o "alle(s a#! #o hills to b%ea' the %o$#! i# f%o#t of the*& o#l( o#e "ast slo+e oi# slo,l( $+ a#! $+ to *eet the feet of the #ea%est *o$#tai#& a ,i!e la#! the )olo$% of heathe% a#! )%$*bli# %o)'& ,ith +at)hes a#! slashes of %ass-%ee# a#! *oss-%ee# sho,i# ,he%e ,ate% *iht be. 0o%#i# +asse!& afte%#oo# )a*eS b$t i# all the sile#t ,aste the%e ,as #o si# of a#( !,elli#. The( ,e%e %o,i# a#Fio$s& fo% the( sa, #o, that the ho$se *iht be hi!!e# al*ost a#(,he%e bet,ee# the* a#! the *o$#tai#s. The( )a*e o# $#eF+e)te! "alle(s& #a%%o, ,ith stee+ si!es& that o+e#e! s$!!e#l( at thei% feet& a#! the( loo'e! !o,# s$%+%ise! to see t%ees belo, the* a#! %$##i# ,ate% at the botto*. The%e ,e%e $llies that the( )o$l! al*ost lea+ o"e%& b$t "e%( !ee+ ,ith ,ate%falls i# the*. The%e ,e%e !a%' %a"i#es that o#e )o$l! #eithe% P$*+ o"e% #o% )li*b i#to. The%e ,e%e bos& so*e of the* %ee# +leasa#t +la)es to loo' at& ,ith flo,e%s %o,i# b%iht a#! tallS b$t a +o#( that ,al'e! the%e ,ith a +a)' o# its ba)' ,o$l! #e"e% ha"e )o*e o$t aai#.
It ,as i#!ee! a *$)h ,i!e% la#! f%o* the fo%! to the *o$#tai#s tha# e"e% (o$ ,o$l! ha"e $esse!. Bilbo ,as asto#ishe!. The o#l( +ath ,as *a%'e! ,ith ,hite sto#es& so*e of ,hi)h ,e%e s*all& a#! othe%s ,e%e half )o"e%e! ,ith *oss o% heathe%. Altoethe% it ,as a "e%( slo, b$si#ess follo,i# the t%a)'& e"e# $i!e! b( Ga#!alf& ,ho see*e! to '#o, his ,a( abo$t +%ett( ,ell. His hea! a#! bea%! ,ae! this ,a( a#! that as he loo'e! fo% the sto#es& a#! the( follo,e! his lea!& b$t the( see*e! #o #ea%e% to the e#! of the sea%)h ,he# the !a( bea# to fail. Tea-ti*e ha! lo# o#e b(& a#! it see*e! s$++e%-ti*e ,o$l! soo# !o the sa*e. The%e ,e%e *oths fl$tte%i# abo$t& a#! the liht be)a*e "e%( !i*& fo% the *oo# ha! #ot %ise#. Bilbo3s +o#( bea# to st$*ble o"e% %oots a#! sto#es. The( )a*e to the e!e of a stee+ fall i# the %o$#! so s$!!e#l( that Ga#!alf3s ho%se #ea%l( sli++e! !o,# the slo+e. He%e it is at lastW he )alle!& a#! the othe%s athe%e! %o$#! hi* a#! loo'e! o"e% the e!e. The( sa, a "alle( fa% belo,. The( )o$l! hea% the "oi)e of h$%%(i# ,ate% i# a %o)'( be! at the botto*S the s)e#t of t%ees ,as i# the ai%S a#! the%e ,as a liht o# the "alle(-si!e a)%oss the ,ate%. Bilbo #e"e% fo%ot the ,a( the( slithe%e! a#! sli++e! i# the !$s' !o,# the stee+ ia +ath i#to the se)%et "alle( of Ri"e#!ell. The ai% %e, ,a%*e% as the( ot lo,e%& a#! the s*ell of the +i#e-t%ees *a!e hi* !%o,s(& so that e"e%( #o, a#! aai# he #o!!e! a#! #ea%l( fell off& o% b$*+e! his #ose o# the +o#(3s #e)'. Thei% s+i%its %ose as the( ,e#t !o,# a#! !o,#. The t%ees )ha#e! to bee)h a#! oa'& a#! the%e ,as a )o*fo%table feeli# i# the t,iliht. The last %ee# ha! al*ost fa!e! o$t of the %ass& ,he# the( )a*e at le#th to a# o+e# la!e #ot fa% abo"e the ba#'s of the st%ea*. H***W it s*ells li'e el"esW tho$ht Bilbo& a#! he loo'e! $+ at the sta%s. The( ,e%e b$%#i# b%iht a#! bl$e. J$st the# the%e )a*e a b$%st of so# li'e la$hte% i# the t%ees2 OW 4hat a%e (o$ !oi#& A#! ,he%e a%e (o$ oi#V Yo$% +o#ies #ee! shoei#W The %i"e% is flo,i#W OW t%a-la-la-lall( he%e !o,# i# the "alle(W OW 4hat a%e (o$ see'i#& A#! ,he%e a%e (o$ *a'i#V The faots a%e %ee'i#& The ba##o)'s a%e ba'i#W OW t%il-lil-lil-loll( the "alle( is Poll(& haW haW OW 4he%e a%e (o$ oi# 4ith bea%!s all a-,ai#V No '#o,i#& #o '#o,i# 4hat b%i#s 0iste% Bai#s A#! Bali# a#! D,ali# !o,# i#to the "alle( i# J$#e
haW haW OW 4ill (o$ be sta(i#& O% ,ill (o$ be fl(i#V Yo$% +o#ies a%e st%a(i#W The !a(liht is !(i#W To fl( ,o$l! be foll(& To sta( ,o$l! be Poll( A#! liste# a#! ha%' Till the e#! of the !a%' to o$% t$#e haW haW
/o the( la$he! a#! sa# i# the t%eesS a#! +%ett( fai% #o#se#se I !a%esa( (o$ thi#' it. Not that the( ,o$l! )a%eS the( ,o$l! o#l( la$h all the *o%e if (o$ tol! the* so. The( ,e%e el"es of )o$%se. /oo# Bilbo )a$ht li*+ses of the* as the !a%'#ess !ee+e#e!. He lo"e! el"es& tho$h he sel!o* *et the*S b$t he ,as a little f%ihte#e! of the* too. D,a%"es !o#3t et o# ,ell ,ith the*. E"e# !e)e#t e#o$h !,a%"es li'e Tho%i# a#! his f%ie#!s thi#' the* foolish @,hi)h is a "e%( foolish thi# to thi#'& o% et a##o(e! ,ith the*. 1o% so*e el"es tease the* a#! la$h at the*& a#! *ost of all at thei% bea%!s. 4ell& ,ellW sai! a "oi)e. J$st loo'W Bilbo the hobbit o# a +o#(& *( !ea%W Is#3t it !eli)io$sW 0ost asto#ishi# ,o#!e%f$lW The# off the( ,e#t i#to a#othe% so# as %i!i)$lo$s as the o#e I ha"e ,%itte# !o,# i# f$ll. At last o#e& a tall (o$# fello,& )a*e o$t f%o* the t%ees a#! bo,e! to Ga#!alf a#! to Tho%i#. 4el)o*e to the "alle(W he sai!. Tha#' (o$W sai! Tho%i# a bit %$ffl(S b$t Ga#!alf ,as al%ea!( of f his ho%se a#! a*o# the el"es& tal'i# *e%%il( ,ith the*. Yo$ a%e a little o$t of (o$% ,a(& sai! the elf2 that is& if (o$ a%e *a'i# fo% the o#l( +ath a)%oss the ,ate% a#! to the ho$se be(o#!. 4e ,ill set (o$ %iht& b$t (o$ ha! best et o# foot& $#til (o$ a%e o"e% the b%i!e. A%e (o$ oi# to sta( a bit a#! si# ,ith $s& o% ,ill (o$ o st%aiht o#V /$++e% is +%e+a%i# o"e% the%e& he sai!. I )a# s*ell the ,oo!-fi%es fo% the )oo'i#. Ti%e! as he ,as& Bilbo ,o$l! ha"e li'e! to sta( a ,hile. El"ish si#i# is #ot a thi# to *iss& i# J$#e $#!e% the sta%s& #ot if (o$ )a%e fo% s$)h thi#s. Also he ,o$l! ha"e li'e! to ha"e a fe, +%i"ate ,o%!s ,ith these +eo+le that see*e! to '#o, his #a*es a#! all abo$t hi*& altho$h he ha! #e"e% see# the* befo%e. He tho$ht thei% o+i#io# of his a!"e#t$%e *iht be i#te%esti#. El"es '#o, a lot a#! a%e ,o#!%o$s fol' fo% #e,s& a#! '#o, ,hat is oi# o# a*o# the +eo+les of the la#!& as $i)' as ,ate% flo,s& o% $i)'e%. B$t the !,a%"es ,e%e all fo% s$++e% as soo# as +ossible P$st the#& a#! ,o$l! #ot sta(. O# the( all ,e#t& lea!i# thei% +o#ies& till the( ,e%e b%o$ht to a oo! +ath a#! so at last to the "e%( b%i#' of the %i"e%. It ,as flo,i# fast a#! #oisil(& as *o$#tai#-st%ea*s !o of a s$**e% e"e#i#& ,he# s$# has bee# all !a( o# the s#o, fa% $+ abo"e. The%e ,as o#l( a #a%%o, b%i!e of
sto#e ,itho$t a +a%a+et& as #a%%o, as a +o#( )o$l! ,ell ,al' o#S a#! o"e% that the( ha! to o& slo, a#! )a%ef$l& o#e b( o#e& ea)h lea!i# his +o#( b( the b%i!le. The el"es ha! b%o$ht b%iht la#te%#s to the sho%e& a#! the( sa# a *e%%( so# as the +a%t( ,e#t a)%oss. Do#3t !i+ (o$% bea%! i# the foa*& fathe%W the( )%ie! to Tho%i#& ,ho ,as be#t al*ost o# to his ha#!s a#! '#ees. It is lo# e#o$h ,itho$t ,ate%i# it. 0i#! Bilbo !oes#3t eat all the )a'esW the( )alle!. He is too fat to et th%o$h 'e(holes (etW H$sh& h$shW Goo! 5eo+leW a#! oo! #ihtW sai! Ga#!alf& ,ho )a*e last. 7alle(s ha"e ea%s& a#! so*e el"es ha"e o"e% *e%%( to#$es. Goo! #ihtW A#! so at last the( all )a*e to the Last Ho*el( Ho$se& a#! fo$#! its !oo%s fl$# ,i!e. No, it is a st%a#e thi#& b$t thi#s that a%e oo! to ha"e a#! !a(s that a%e oo! to s+e#! a%e soo# tol! abo$t& a#! #ot *$)h to liste# toS ,hile thi#s that a%e $#)o*fo%table& +al+itati#& a#! e"e# %$eso*e& *a( *a'e a oo! tale& a#! ta'e a !eal of telli# a#(,a(. The( sta(e! lo# i# that oo! ho$se& fo$%tee# !a(s at least& a#! the( fo$#! it ha%! to lea"e. Bilbo ,o$l! la!l( ha"e sto++e! the%e fo% e"e% a#! e"e%Ue"e# s$++osi# a ,ish ,o$l! ha"e ta'e# hi* %iht ba)' to his hobbit-hole ,itho$t t%o$ble. Yet the%e is little to tell abo$t thei% sta(.
The *aste% of the ho$se ,as a# elf-f%ie#!Uo#e of those +eo+le ,hose fathe%s )a*e i#to the st%a#e sto%ies befo%e the bei##i# of Histo%(& the ,a%s of the e"il obli#s a#! the el"es a#! the fi%st *e# i# the No%th. I# those !a(s of o$% tale the%e ,e%e still so*e +eo+le ,ho ha! both el"es a#! he%oes of the No%th fo% a#)esto%s& a#! El%o#! the *aste% of the ho$se ,as thei% )hief. He ,as as #oble a#! as fai% i# fa)e as a# elf-lo%!& as st%o# as a ,a%%io%& as ,ise as a ,ia%!& as "e#e%able as a 'i# of !,a%"es& a#! as 'i#! as s$**e%. He )o*es i#to *a#( tales& b$t his +a%t i# the sto%( of Bilbo3s %eat a!"e#t$%e is o#l( a s*all o#e& tho$h i*+o%ta#t& as (o$ ,ill see& if ,e e"e% et to the e#! of it. His ho$se ,as +e%fe)t& ,hethe% (o$ li'e! foo!& o% slee+& o% ,o%'& o% sto%(-telli#& o% si#i#& o% P$st sitti# a#! thi#'i# best& o% a +leasa#t *iFt$%e of the* all. E"il thi#s !i! #ot )o*e i#to that "alle(. I ,ish I ha! ti*e to tell (o$ e"e# a fe, of the tales o% o#e o% t,o of the so#s that the( hea%! i# that ho$se. All of the*& the +o#ies as ,ell& %e, %ef%eshe! a#! st%o# i# a fe, !a(s the%e. Thei% )lothes ,e%e *e#!e! as ,ell as thei% b%$ises& thei% te*+e%s a#! thei% ho+es. Thei% bas ,e%e fille! ,ith foo! a#! +%o"isio#s liht to )a%%( b$t st%o# to b%i# the* o"e% the *o$#tai# +asses. Thei% +la#s ,e%e i*+%o"e! ,ith the best a!"i)e. /o the ti*e )a*e to *i!s$**e% e"e& a#! the( ,e%e to o o# aai# ,ith the ea%l( s$# o# *i!s$**e% *o%#i#. El%o#! '#e, all abo$t %$#es of e"e%( 'i#!. That !a( he loo'e! at the s,o%!s the( ha! b%o$ht f%o* the t%olls3 lai%& a#! he sai!2 These a%e #ot t%oll-*a'e. The( a%e ol! s,o%!s& "e%( ol! s,o%!s of the Hih El"es of the 4est& *( 'i#. The( ,e%e *a!e i# Go#!oli# fo% the Gobli#-,a%s. The( *$st ha"e )o*e f%o* a !%ao#3s hoa%! o% obli# +l$#!e%& fo% !%ao#s a#! obli#s !est%o(e! that )it( *a#( aes ao. This& Tho%i#& the %$#es #a*e O%)%ist& the Gobli#-)lea"e% i# the a#)ie#t to#$e of Go#!oli#S it ,as a fa*o$s bla!e. This& Ga#!alf& ,as Gla*!%i#& 1oe-ha**e% that the 'i# of Go#!oli#
o#)e ,o%e. Kee+ the* ,ellW 4he#)e !i! the t%olls et the*& I ,o#!e%V sai! Tho%i# loo'i# at his s,o%! ,ith #e, i#te%est. I )o$l! #ot sa(& sai! El%o#!& b$t o#e *a( $ess that (o$% t%olls ha! +l$#!e%e! othe% +l$#!e%e%s& o% )o*e o# the %e*#a#ts of ol! %obbe%ies i# so*e hol! i# the *o$#tai#s. I ha"e hea%! that the%e a%e still fo%otte# t%eas$%es of ol! to be fo$#! i# the !ese%te! )a"e%#s of the *i#es of 0o%ia& si#)e the !,a%f a#! obli# ,a%. Tho%i# +o#!e%e! these ,o%!s. I ,ill 'ee+ this s,o%! i# ho#o$%& he sai!. 0a( it soo# )lea"e obli#s o#)e aai#W A ,ish that is li'el( to be %a#te! soo# e#o$h i# the *o$#tai#sW sai! El%o#!. B$t sho, *e #o, (o$% *a+W He too' it a#! ae! lo# at it& a#! he shoo' his hea!S fo% if he !i! #ot altoethe% a++%o"e of !,a%"es a#! thei% lo"e of ol!& he hate! !%ao#s a#! thei% )%$el ,i)'e!#ess& a#! he %ie"e! to %e*e*be% the %$i# of the to,# of Dale a#! its *e%%( bells& a#! the b$%#e! ba#'s of the b%iht Ri"e% R$##i#. The *oo# ,as shi#i# i# a b%oa! sil"e% )%es)e#t. He hel! $+ the *a+ a#! the ,hite liht sho#e th%o$h it. 4hat is thisV he sai!. The%e a%e *oo#-lette%s he%e& besi!e the +lai# %$#es ,hi)h sa( 6fi"e feet hih the !oo% a#! th%ee *a( ,al' ab%east.3 4hat a%e *oo#-lette%sV as'e! the hobbit f$ll of eF)ite*e#t. He lo"e! *a+s& as I ha"e tol! (o$ befo%eS a#! he also li'e! %$#es a#! lette%s a#! )$##i# ha#!,%iti#& tho$h ,he# he ,%ote hi*self it ,as a bit thi# a#! s+i!e%(. 0oo#-lette%s a%e %$#e-lette%s& b$t (o$ )a##ot see the*& sai! El%o#!& #ot ,he# (o$ loo' st%aiht at the*. The( )a# o#l( be see# ,he# the *oo# shi#es behi#! the*& a#! ,hat is *o%e& ,ith the *o%e )$##i# so%t it *$st be a *oo# of the sa*e sha+e a#! seaso# as the !a( ,he# the( ,e%e ,%itte#. The !,a%"es i#"e#te! the* a#! ,%ote the* ,ith sil"e% +e#s& as (o$% f%ie#!s )o$l! tell (o$. These *$st ha"e bee# ,%itte# o# a *i!s$**e%3s e"e i# a )%es)e#t *oo#& a lo# ,hile ao. 4hat !o the( sa(V as'e! Ga#!alf a#! Tho%i# toethe%& a bit "eFe! +e%ha+s that e"e# El%o#! sho$l! ha"e fo$#! this o$t fi%st& tho$h %eall( the%e ha! #ot bee# a )ha#)e befo%e& a#! the%e ,o$l! #ot ha"e bee# a#othe% $#til oo!#ess '#o,s ,he#. /ta#! b( the %e( sto#e ,he# the th%$sh '#o)'s & %ea! El%o#!& a#! the setti# s$# ,ith the last liht of D$%i#3s Da( ,ill shi#e $+o# the 'e(-hole. D$%i#& D$%i#W sai! Tho%i#. He ,as the fathe% of the fathe%s of the el!est %a)e of D,a%"es& the Lo#bea%!s& a#! *( fi%st a#)esto%2 I a* his hei%. The# ,hat is D$%i#3s Da(V as'e! El%o#!. The fi%st !a( of the !,a%"es3 Ne, Yea%& sai! Tho%i#& is as all sho$l! '#o, the fi%st !a( of the last *oo# of A$t$*# o# the th%eshol! of 4i#te%. 4e still )all it D$%i#3s Da( ,he# the last *oo# of A$t$*# a#! the s$# a%e i# the s'( toethe%. B$t this ,ill #ot hel+ $s *$)h& I fea%& fo% it +asses o$% s'ill i# these !a(s to $ess ,he# s$)h a ti*e ,ill )o*e aai#. That %e*ai#s to be see#& sai! Ga#!alf. Is the%e a#( *o%e ,%iti#V No#e to be see# b( this *oo#& sai! El%o#!& a#! he a"e the *a+ ba)' to Tho%i#S
a#! the# the( ,e#t !o,# to the ,ate% to see the el"es !a#)e a#! si# $+o# the *i!s$**e%3s e"e. The #eFt *o%#i# ,as a *i!s$**e%3s *o%#i# as fai% a#! f%esh as )o$l! be !%ea*e!2 bl$e s'( a#! #e"e% a )lo$!& a#! the s$# !a#)i# o# the ,ate%. No, the( %o!e a,a( a*i! so#s of fa%e,ell a#! oo! s+ee!& ,ith thei% hea%ts %ea!( fo% *o%e a!"e#t$%e& a#! ,ith a '#o,le!e of the %oa! the( *$st follo, o"e% the 0ist( 0o$#tai#s to the la#! be(o#!.
Cha+te% I7
O7ER HILL AND 8NDER HILL
The%e ,e%e *a#( +aths that le! $+ i#to those *o$#tai#s& a#! *a#( +asses o"e% the*. B$t *ost of the +aths ,e%e )heats a#! !e)e+tio#s a#! le! #o,he%e o% to ba! e#!sS a#! *ost of the +asses ,e%e i#feste! b( e"il thi#s a#! !%ea!f$l !a#e%s. The !,a%"es a#! the hobbit& hel+e! b( the ,ise a!"i)e of El%o#! a#! the '#o,le!e a#! *e*o%( of Ga#!alf& too' the %iht %oa! to the %iht +ass.
Lo# !a(s afte% the( ha! )li*be! o$t of the "alle( a#! left the Last Ho*el( Ho$se *iles behi#!& the( ,e%e still oi# $+ a#! $+ a#! $+. It ,as a ha%! +ath a#! a !a#e%o$s +ath& a )%oo'e! ,a( a#! a lo#el( a#! a lo#. No, the( )o$l! loo' ba)' o"e% the la#!s the( ha! left& lai! o$t behi#! the* fa% belo,. 1a%& fa% a,a( i# the 4est& ,he%e thi#s ,e%e bl$e a#! fai#t& Bilbo '#e, the%e la( his o,# )o$#t%( of safe a#! )o*fo%table thi#s& a#! his little hobbit-hole. He shi"e%e!. It ,as etti# bitte% )ol! $+ he%e& a#! the ,i#! )a*e sh%ill a*o# the %o)'s. Bo$l!e%s& too& at ti*es )a*e allo+i# !o,# the *o$#tai#-si!es& let loose b( *i!-!a( s$# $+o# the s#o,& a#! +asse! a*o# the* @,hi)h ,as l$)'(& o% o"e% thei% hea!s @,hi)h ,as ala%*i#. The #ihts ,e%e )o*fo%tless a#! )hill& a#! the( !i! #ot !a%e to si# o% tal' too lo$!& fo% the e)hoes ,e%e $#)a##(& a#! the sile#)e see*e! to !isli'e bei# b%o'e#UeF)e+t b( the #oise of ,ate% a#! the ,ail of ,i#! a#! the )%a)' of sto#e. The s$**e% is etti# o# !o,# belo,& tho$ht Bilbo& a#! ha(*a'i# is oi# o# a#! +i)#i)s. The( ,ill be ha%"esti# a#! bla)'be%%(i#& befo%e ,e e"e# bei# to o !o,# the othe% si!e at this %ate. A#! the othe%s ,e%e thi#'i# e$all( loo*( tho$hts& altho$h ,he# the( ha! sai! oo!-b(e to El%o#! i# the hih ho+e of a *i!s$**e% *o%#i#& the( ha! s+o'e# ail( of the +assae of the *o$#tai#s& a#! of %i!i# s,ift a)%oss the la#!s be(o#!. The( ha! tho$ht of )o*i# to the se)%et !oo% i# the Lo#el( 0o$#tai#& +e%ha+s that "e%( #eFt last *oo# of A$t$*#Ua#! +e%ha+s it ,ill be D$%i#3s Da( the( ha! sai!. O#l( Ga#!alf ha! sha'e# his hea! a#! sai! #othi#. D,a%"es ha! #ot +asse! that ,a( fo% *a#( (ea%s& b$t Ga#!alf ha!& a#! he '#e, ho, e"il a#! !a#e% ha! %o,# a#! th%i"e# i# the 4il!& si#)e the !%ao#s ha! !%i"e# *e# f%o* the la#!s& a#! the obli#s ha! s+%ea! i# se)%et afte% the battle of the 0i#es of 0o%ia. E"e# the oo! +la#s of ,ise ,ia%!s li'e Ga#!alf a#! of oo! f%ie#!s li'e El%o#! o ast%a( so*eti*es ,he# (o$ a%e off o# !a#e%o$s a!"e#t$%es o"e% the E!e of the 4il!S a#! Ga#!alf ,as a ,ise e#o$h ,ia%! to '#o, it. He '#e, that so*ethi# $#eF+e)te! *iht ha++e#& a#! he ha%!l( !a%e! to ho+e that the( ,o$l! +ass ,itho$t fea%f$l a!"e#t$%e o"e% those %eat tall *o$#tai#s ,ith lo#el( +ea's a#! "alle(s ,he%e #o 'i# %$le!. The( !i! #ot. All ,as ,ell& $#til o#e !a( the( *et a th$#!e%sto%*U*o%e tha# a th$#!e%sto%*& a th$#!e%-battle. Yo$ '#o, ho, te%%ifi) a %eall( bi th$#!e%sto%* )a# be !o,# i# the la#! a#! i# a %i"e%-"alle(S es+e)iall( at ti*es ,he# t,o %eat th$#!e%sto%*s *eet a#! )lash. 0o%e te%%ible still a%e th$#!e% a#! liht#i# i# the *o$#tai#s at #iht& ,he# sto%*s )o*e $+ f%o* East a#! 4est a#! *a'e ,a%. The liht#i# s+li#te%s o# the +ea's& a#! %o)'s shi"e%& a#! %eat )%ashes s+lit the ai% a#! o %olli# a#! t$*bli# i#to e"e%( )a"e a#! hollo,S a#! the !a%'#ess is fille! ,ith o"e%,hel*i# #oise a#! s$!!e# liht.
Bilbo ha! #e"e% see# o% i*ai#e! a#(thi# of the 'i#!. The( ,e%e hih $+ i# a #a%%o, +la)e& ,ith a !%ea!f$l fall i#to a !i* "alle( at o#e si!e of the*. The%e the( ,e%e shelte%i# $#!e% a ha#i# %o)' fo% the #iht& a#! he la( be#eath a bla#'et a#! shoo' f%o* hea! to toe. 4he# he +ee+e! o$t i# the liht#i#-flashes& he sa, that
a)%oss the "alle( the sto#e-ia#ts ,e%e o$t& a#! ,e%e h$%li# %o)'s at o#e a#othe% fo% a a*e& a#! )at)hi# the*& a#! tossi# the* !o,# i#to the !a%'#ess ,he%e the( s*ashe! a*o# the t%ees fa% belo,& o% s+li#te%e! i#to little bits ,ith a ba#. The# )a*e a ,i#! a#! a %ai#& a#! the ,i#! ,hi++e! the %ai# a#! the hail abo$t i# e"e%( !i%e)tio#& so that a# o"e%ha#i# %o)' ,as #o +%ote)tio# at all. /oo# the( ,e%e etti# !%e#)he! a#! thei% +o#ies ,e%e sta#!i# ,ith thei% hea!s !o,# a#! thei% tails bet,ee# thei% les& a#! so*e of the* ,e%e ,hi##(i# ,ith f%iht. The( )o$l! hea% the ia#ts $ffa,i# a#! sho$ti# all o"e% the *o$#tai#si!es. This ,o#3t !o at allW sai! Tho%i#. If ,e !o#3t et blo,# off& o% !%o,#e!& o% st%$)' b( liht#i#& ,e shall be +i)'e! $+ b( so*e ia#t a#! 'i)'e! s'(-hih fo% a football.
The 0o$#tai#-+ath 4ell& if (o$ '#o, of a#(,he%e bette%& ta'e $s the%eW sai! Ga#!alf& ,ho ,as feeli# "e%( %$*+(& a#! ,as fa% f%o* ha++( abo$t the ia#ts hi*self. The e#! of thei% a%$*e#t ,as that the( se#t 1ili a#! Kili to loo' fo% a bette% shelte%. The( ha! "e%( sha%+ e(es& a#! bei# the (o$#est of the !,a%"es b( so*e fift( (ea%s the( $s$all( ot these so%t of Pobs @,he# e"e%(bo!( )o$l! see that it ,as
absol$tel( #o $se se#!i# Bilbo. The%e is #othi# li'e loo'i#& if (o$ ,a#t to fi#! so*ethi# @o% so Tho%i# sai! to the (o$# !,a%"es. Yo$ )e%tai#l( $s$all( fi#! so*ethi#& if (o$ loo'& b$t it is #ot al,a(s $ite the so*ethi# (o$ ,e%e afte%. /o it +%o"e! o# this o))asio#. /oo# 1ili a#! Kili )a*e )%a,li# ba)'& hol!i# o# to the %o)'s i# the ,i#!. 4e ha"e fo$#! a !%( )a"e& the( sai!& #ot fa% %o$#! the #eFt )o%#e%S a#! +o#ies a#! all )o$l! et i#si!e. Ha"e (o$ tho%o$hl( eF+lo%e! itV sai! the ,ia%!& ,ho '#e, that )a"es $+ i# the *o$#tai#s ,e%e sel!o* $#o))$+ie!. Yes& (esW the( sai!& tho$h e"e%(bo!( '#e, the( )o$l! #ot ha"e bee# lo# abo$t itS the( ha! )o*e ba)' too $i)'. It is#3t all that bi& a#! it !oes #ot o fa% ba)'. That& of )o$%se& is the !a#e%o$s +a%t abo$t )a"es2 (o$ !o#3t '#o, ho, fa% the( o ba)'& so*eti*es& o% ,he%e a +assae behi#! *a( lea! to& o% ,hat is ,aiti# fo% (o$ i#si!e. B$t #o, 1ili a#! Kili3s #e,s see*e! oo! e#o$h. /o the( all ot $+ a#! +%e+a%e! to *o"e. The ,i#! ,as ho,li# a#! the th$#!e% still %o,li#& a#! the( ha! a b$si#ess etti# the*sel"es a#! thei% +o#ies alo#. /till it ,as #ot "e%( fa% to o& a#! befo%e lo# the( )a*e to a bi %o)' sta#!i# o$t i#to the +ath. If (o$ ste++e! behi#!& (o$ fo$#! a lo, a%)h i# the si!e of the *o$#tai#. The%e ,as P$st %oo* to et the +o#ies th%o$h ,ith a s$eee& ,he# the( ha! bee# $#+a)'e! a#! $#sa!!le!. As the( +asse! $#!e% the a%)h& it ,as oo! to hea% the ,i#! a#! the %ai# o$tsi!e i#stea! of all abo$t the*& a#! to feel safe f%o* the ia#ts a#! thei% %o)'s. B$t the ,ia%! ,as ta'i# #o %is's. He lit $+ his ,a#!Uas he !i! that !a( i# Bilbo3s !i#i#-%oo* that see*e! so lo# ao& if (o$ %e*e*be%U& a#! b( its liht the( eF+lo%e! the )a"e f%o* e#! to e#!. It see*e! $ite a fai% sie& b$t #ot too la%e a#! *(ste%io$s. It ha! a !%( floo% a#! so*e )o*fo%table #oo's. At o#e e#! the%e ,as %oo* fo% the +o#iesS a#! the%e the( stoo! @*iht( la! of the )ha#e stea*i#& a#! )ha*+i# i# thei% #osebas. Oi# a#! Gloi# ,a#te! to liht a fi%e at the !oo% to !%( thei% )lothes& b$t Ga#!alf ,o$l! #ot hea% of it. /o the( s+%ea! o$t thei% ,et thi#s o# the floo%& a#! ot !%( o#es o$t of thei% b$#!lesS the# the( *a!e thei% bla#'ets )o*fo%table& ot o$t thei% +i+es a#! ble, s*o'e %i#s& ,hi)h Ga#!alf t$%#e! i#to !iffe%e#t )olo$%s a#! set !a#)i# $+ b( the %oof to a*$se the*. The( tal'e! a#! tal'e!& a#! fo%ot abo$t the sto%*& a#! !is)$sse! ,hat ea)h ,o$l! !o ,ith his sha%e of the t%eas$%e @,he# the( ot it& ,hi)h at the *o*e#t !i! #ot see* so i*+ossibleS a#! so the( !%o++e! off to slee+ o#e b( o#e. A#! that ,as the last ti*e that the( $se! the +o#ies& +a)'aes& baaes& tools a#! +a%a+he%#alia that the( ha! b%o$ht ,ith the*. It t$%#e! o$t a oo! thi# that #iht that the( ha! b%o$ht little Bilbo ,ith the*& afte% all. 1o%& so*eho,& he )o$l! #ot o to slee+ fo% a lo# ,hileS a#! ,he# he !i! slee+& he ha! "e%( #ast( !%ea*s. He !%ea*e! that a )%a)' i# the ,all at the ba)' of the )a"e ot bie% a#! bie%& a#! o+e#e! ,i!e% a#! ,i!e%& a#! he ,as "e%( af%ai! b$t )o$l! #ot )all o$t o% !o a#(thi# b$t lie a#! loo'. The# he !%ea*e! that the floo% of the )a"e ,as i"i# ,a(& a#! he ,as sli++i#Ubei##i# to fall !o,#& !o,#& oo!#ess '#o,s ,he%e to. At that he ,o'e $+ ,ith a ho%%ible sta%t& a#! fo$#! that +a%t of his !%ea* ,as t%$e. A
)%a)' ha! o+e#e! at the ba)' of the )a"e& a#! ,as al%ea!( a ,i!e +assae. He ,as P$st i# ti*e to see the last of the +o#ies3 tails !isa++ea%i# i#to it. Of )o$%se he a"e a "e%( lo$! (ell& as lo$! a (ell as a hobbit )a# i"e& ,hi)h is s$%+%isi# fo% thei% sie. O$t P$*+e! the obli#s& bi obli#s& %eat $l(-loo'i# obli#s& lots of obli#s& befo%e (o$ )o$l! sa( %o)'s a#! blo)'s. The%e ,e%e siF to ea)h !,a%f& at least& a#! t,o e"e# fo% BilboS a#! the( ,e%e all %abbe! a#! )a%%ie! th%o$h the )%a)'& befo%e (o$ )o$l! sa( ti#!e% a#! fli#t . B$t #ot Ga#!alf. Bilbo3s (ell ha! !o#e that *$)h oo!. It ha! ,a'e#e! hi* $+ ,i!e i# a s+li#te%e! se)o#!& a#! ,he# obli#s )a*e to %ab hi*& the%e ,as a te%%ifi) flash li'e liht#i# i# the )a"e& a s*ell li'e $#+o,!e%& a#! se"e%al of the* fell !ea!. The )%a)' )lose! ,ith a s#a+& a#! Bilbo a#! the !,a%"es ,e%e o# the ,%o# si!e of itW 4he%e ,as Ga#!alfV Of that #eithe% the( #o% the obli#s ha! a#( i!ea& a#! the obli#s !i! #ot ,ait to fi#! o$t. The( seie! Bilbo a#! the !,a%"es a#! h$%%ie! the* alo#. It ,as !ee+& !ee+& !a%'& s$)h as o#l( obli#s that ha"e ta'e# to li"i# i# the hea%t of the *o$#tai#s )a# see th%o$h. The +assaes the%e ,e%e )%osse! a#! ta#le! i# all !i%e)tio#s& b$t the obli#s '#e, thei% ,a(& as ,ell as (o$ !o to the #ea%est +ost-offi)eS a#! the ,a( ,e#t !o,# a#! !o,#& a#! it ,as *ost ho%%ibl( st$ff(. The obli#s ,e%e "e%( %o$h& a#! +i#)he! $#*e%)if$ll(& a#! )h$)'le! a#! la$he! i# thei% ho%%ible sto#( "oi)esS a#! Bilbo ,as *o%e $#ha++( e"e# tha# ,he# the t%oll ha! +i)'e! hi* $+ b( his toes. He ,ishe! aai# a#! aai# fo% his #i)e b%iht hobbit-hole. Not fo% the last ti*e. No, the%e )a*e a li**e% of a %e! liht befo%e the*. The obli#s bea# to si#& o% )%oa'& 'ee+i# ti*e ,ith the fla+ of thei% flat feet o# the sto#e& a#! sha'i# thei% +%iso#e%s as ,ell. Cla+W /#a+W the bla)' )%a)'W G%i+& %abW 5i#)h& #abW A#! !o,# !o,# to Gobli#-to,# Yo$ o& *( la!W Clash& )%ashW C%$sh& s*ashW Ha**e% a#! to#sW K#o)'e% a#! o#sW 5o$#!& +o$#!& fa% $#!e%%o$#!W Ho& hoW *( la!W /,ish& s*a)'W 4hi+ )%a)'W Batte% a#! beatW Ya**e% a#! bleatW 4o%'& ,o%'W No% !a%e to shi%'& 4hile Gobli#s $aff& a#! Gobli#s la$h& Ro$#! a#! %o$#! fa% $#!e%%o$#! Belo,& *( la!W
It so$#!e! t%$l( te%%if(i#. The ,alls e)hoe! to the )la+& s#a+W a#! the )%$sh& s*ashW a#! to the $l( la$hte% of thei% ho& hoW *( la!W The e#e%al *ea#i# of the so# ,as o#l( too +lai#S fo% #o, the obli#s too' o$t ,hi+s a#! ,hi++e! the* ,ith a s,ish& s*a)'W& a#! set the* %$##i# as fast as the( )o$l! i# f%o#t of the*S a#! *o%e tha# o#e of the !,a%"es ,e%e al%ea!( (a**e%i# a#! bleati# li'e a#(thi#& ,he# the( st$*ble! i#to a bi )a"e%#. It ,as lit b( a %eat %e! fi%e i# the *i!!le& a#! b( to%)hes alo# the ,alls& a#! it ,as f$ll of obli#s. The( all la$he! a#! sta*+e! a#! )la++e! thei% ha#!s& ,he# the !,a%"es @,ith +oo% little Bilbo at the ba)' a#! #ea%est to the ,hi+s )a*e %$##i# i#& ,hile the obli#-!%i"e%s ,hoo+e! a#! )%a)'e! thei% ,hi+s behi#!. The +o#ies
,e%e al%ea!( the%e h$!!le! i# a )o%#e%S a#! the%e ,e%e all the baaes a#! +a)'aes l(i# b%o'e# o+e#& a#! bei# %$**ae! b( obli#s& a#! s*elt b( obli#s& a#! fi#e%e! b( obli#s& a#! $a%%elle! o"e% b( obli#s. I a* af%ai! that ,as the last the( e"e% sa, of those eF)elle#t little +o#ies& i#)l$!i# a Poll( st$%!( little ,hite fello, that El%o#! ha! le#t to Ga#!alf& si#)e his ho%se ,as #ot s$itable fo% the *o$#tai#-+aths. 1o% obli#s eat ho%ses a#! +o#ies a#! !o#'e(s @a#! othe% *$)h *o%e !%ea!f$l thi#s& a#! the( a%e al,a(s h$#%(. J$st #o, ho,e"e% the +%iso#e%s ,e%e thi#'i# o#l( of the*sel"es. The obli#s )hai#e! thei% ha#!s behi#! thei% ba)'s a#! li#'e! the* all toethe% i# a li#e& a#! !%ae! the* to the fa% e#! of the )a"e%# ,ith little Bilbo t$i# at the e#! of the %o,. The%e i# the sha!o,s o# a la%e flat sto#e sat a t%e*e#!o$s obli# ,ith a h$e hea!& a#! a%*e! obli#s ,e%e sta#!i# %o$#! hi* )a%%(i# the aFes a#! the be#t s,o%!s that the( $se. No, obli#s a%e )%$el& ,i)'e!& a#! ba!-hea%te!. The( *a'e #o bea$tif$l thi#s& b$t the( *a'e *a#( )le"e% o#es. The( )a# t$##el a#! *i#e as ,ell as a#( b$t the *ost s'ille! !,a%"es& ,he# the( ta'e the t%o$ble& tho$h the( a%e $s$all( $#ti!( a#! !i%t(. Ha**e%s& aFes& s,o%!s& !ae%s& +i)'aFes& to#s& a#! also i#st%$*e#ts of to%t$%e& the( *a'e "e%( ,ell& o% et othe% +eo+le to *a'e to thei% !esi#& +%iso#e%s a#! sla"es that ha"e to ,o%' till the( !ie fo% ,a#t of ai% a#! liht. It is #ot $#li'el( that the( i#"e#te! so*e of the *a)hi#es that ha"e si#)e t%o$ble! the ,o%l!& es+e)iall( the i#e#io$s !e"i)es fo% 'illi# la%e #$*be%s of +eo+le at o#)e& fo% ,heels a#! e#i#es a#! eF+losio#s al,a(s !elihte! the*& a#! also #ot ,o%'i# ,ith thei% o,# ha#!s *o%e tha# the( )o$l! hel+S b$t i# those !a(s a#! those ,il! +a%ts the( ha! #ot a!"a#)e! @as it is )alle! so fa%. The( !i! #ot hate !,a%"es es+e)iall(& #o *o%e tha# the( hate! e"e%(bo!( a#! e"e%(thi#& a#! +a%ti)$la%l( the o%!e%l( a#! +%os+e%o$sS i# so*e +a%ts ,i)'e! !,a%"es ha! e"e# *a!e allia#)es ,ith the*. B$t the( ha! a s+e)ial %$!e aai#st Tho%i#3s +eo+le& be)a$se of the ,a% ,hi)h (o$ ha"e hea%! *e#tio#e!& b$t ,hi)h !oes #ot )o*e i#to this taleS a#! a#(,a( obli#s !o#3t )a%e ,ho the( )at)h& as lo# as it is !o#e s*a%t a#! se)%et& a#! the +%iso#e%s a%e #ot able to !efe#! the*sel"es. 4ho a%e these *ise%able +e%so#sV sai! the G%eat Gobli#. D,a%"es& a#! thisW sai! o#e of the !%i"e%s& +$lli# at Bilbo3s )hai# so that he fell fo%,a%! o#to his '#ees. 4e fo$#! the* shelte%i# i# o$% 1%o#t 5o%)h. 4hat !o (o$ *ea# b( itV sai! the G%eat Gobli# t$%#i# to Tho%i#. 8+ to #o oo!& I3ll ,a%%a#tW /+(i# o# the +%i"ate b$si#ess of *( +eo+le& I $essW Thie"es& I sho$l!#3t be s$%+%ise! to lea%#W 0$%!e%e%s a#! f%ie#!s of El"es& #ot $#li'el(W Co*eW 4hat ha"e (o$ ot to sa(V Tho%i# the !,a%f at (o$% se%"i)eW he %e+lie!Uit ,as *e%el( a +olite #othi#. Of the thi#s ,hi)h (o$ s$s+e)t a#! i*ai#e ,e ha! #o i!ea at all. 4e shelte%e! f%o* a sto%* i# ,hat see*e! a )o#"e#ie#t )a"e a#! $#$se!S #othi# ,as f$%the% f%o* o$% tho$hts tha# i#)o#"e#ie#)i# obli#s i# a#( ,a( ,hate"e%. That ,as t%$e e#o$hW 8*W sai! the G%eat Gobli#. /o (o$ sa(W 0iht I as' ,hat (o$ ,e%e !oi# $+ i# the *o$#tai#s at all& a#! ,he%e (o$ ,e%e )o*i# f%o*& a#! ,he%e (o$ ,e%e oi# toV I# fa)t I sho$l! li'e to '#o, all abo$t (o$. Not that it ,ill !o (o$ *$)h oo!& Tho%i#
Oa'e#shiel!& I '#o, too *$)h abo$t (o$% fol' al%ea!(S b$t let3s ha"e the t%$th& o% I ,ill +%e+a%e so*ethi# +a%ti)$la%l( $#)o*fo%table fo% (o$W 4e ,e%e o# a Po$%#e( to "isit o$% %elati"es& o$% #e+he,s a#! #ie)es& a#! fi%st& se)o#!& a#! thi%! )o$si#s& a#! the othe% !es)e#!a#ts of o$% %a#!fathe%s& ,ho li"e o# the East si!e of these t%$l( hos+itable *o$#tai#s& sai! Tho%i#& #ot $ite '#o,i# ,hat to sa( all at o#)e i# a *o*e#t& ,he# ob"io$sl( the eFa)t t%$th ,o$l! #ot !o at all. He is a lia%& O t%$l( t%e*e#!o$s o#eW sai! o#e of t he !%i"e%s. /e"e%al of o$% +eo+le ,e%e st%$)' b( liht#i# i# the )a"e& ,he# ,e i#"ite! these )%eat$%es to )o*e belo,S a#! the( a%e as !ea! as sto#es. Also he has #ot eF+lai#e! thisW He hel! o$t the s,o%! ,hi)h Tho%i# ha! ,o%#& the s,o%! ,hi)h )a*e f%o* the T%olls3 lai%. The G%eat Gobli# a"e a t%$l( a,f$l ho,l of %ae ,he# he loo'e! at it& a#! all his sol!ie%s #ashe! thei% teeth& )lashe! thei% shiel!s& a#! sta*+e!. The( '#e, the s,o%! at o#)e. It ha! 'ille! h$#!%e!s of obli#s i# its ti*e& ,he# the fai% el"es of Go#!oli# h$#te! the* i# the hills o% !i! battle befo%e thei% ,alls. The( ha! )alle! it O%)%ist& Gobli#-)lea"e%& b$t the obli#s )alle! it si*+l( Bite%. The( hate! it a#! hate! ,o%se a#( o#e that )a%%ie! it. 0$%!e%e%s a#! elf-f%ie#!sW the G%eat Gobli# sho$te!. /lash the*W Beat the*W Bite the*W G#ash the*W Ta'e the* a,a( to !a%' holes f$ll of s#a'es& a#! #e"e% let the* see the liht aai#W He ,as i# s$)h a %ae that he P$*+e! off his seat a#! hi*self %$she! at Tho%i# ,ith his *o$th o+e#. J$st at that *o*e#t all the lihts i# the )a"e%# ,e#t o$t& a#! the %eat fi%e ,e#t off +oofW i#to a to,e% of bl$e lo,i# s*o'e& %iht $+ to the %oof& that s)atte%e! +ie%)i# ,hite s+a%'s all a*o# the obli#s. The (ells a#! (a**e%i#& )%oa'i#& Pibbe%i# a#! Pabbe%i#S ho,ls& %o,ls a#! )$%sesS sh%ie'i# a#! s'%i'i#& that follo,e! ,e%e be(o#! !es)%i+tio#. /e"e%al h$#!%e! ,il! )ats a#! ,ol"es bei# %oaste! slo,l( ali"e toethe% ,o$l! #ot ha"e )o*+a%e! ,ith it. The s+a%'s ,e%e b$%#i# holes i# the obli#s& a#! the s*o'e that #o, fell f%o* the %oof *a!e the ai% too thi)' fo% e"e# thei% e(es to see th%o$h. /oo# the( ,e%e falli# o"e% o#e a#othe% a#! %olli# i# hea+s o# the floo%& biti# a#! 'i)'i# a#! fihti# as if the( ha! all o#e *a!. /$!!e#l( a s,o%! flashe! i# its o,# liht. Bilbo sa, it o %iht th%o$h the G%eat Gobli# as he stoo! !$*bfo$#!e! i# the *i!!le of his %ae. He fell !ea!& a#! the obli# sol!ie%s fle! befo%e the s,o%! sh%ie'i# i#to the !a%'#ess. The s,o%! ,e#t ba)' i#to its sheath. 1ollo, *e $i)'W sai! a "oi)e fie%)e a#! $ietS a#! befo%e Bilbo $#!e%stoo! ,hat ha! ha++e#e! he ,as t%otti# alo# aai#& as fast as he )o$l! t%ot& at the e#! of the li#e& !o,# *o%e !a%' +assaes ,ith the (ells of the obli#-hall %o,i# fai#te% behi#! hi*. A +ale liht ,as lea!i# the* o#. :$i)'e%& $i)'e%W sai! the "oi)e. The to%)hes ,ill soo# be %elit. Half a *i#$teW sai! Do%i& ,ho ,as at the ba)' #eFt to Bilbo& a#! a !e)e#t fello,. He *a!e the hobbit s)%a*ble o# his sho$l!e%s as best he )o$l! ,ith his tie! ha#!s& a#! the# off the( all ,e#t at a %$#& ,ith a )li#'-)li#' of )hai#s& a#! *a#( a st$*ble& si#)e the( ha! #o ha#!s to stea!( the*sel"es ,ith. Not fo% a lo# ,hile !i! the( sto+& a#! b( that ti*e the( *$st ha"e bee# %iht !o,# i# the "e%( *o$#tai#3s hea%t.
The# Ga#!alf lit $+ his ,a#!. Of )o$%se it ,as Ga#!alfS b$t P$st the# the( ,e%e too b$s( to as' ho, he ot the%e. He too' o$t his s,o%! aai#& a#! aai# it flashe! i# the !a%' b( itself. It b$%#e! ,ith a %ae that *a!e it lea* if obli#s ,e%e abo$tS #o, it ,as b%iht as bl$e fla*e fo% !eliht i# the 'illi# of the %eat lo%! of the )a"e. It *a!e #o t%o$ble ,hate"e% of )$tti# th%o$h the obli#-)hai#s a#! setti# all the +%iso#e%s f%ee as $i)'l( as +ossible. This s,o%!3s #a*e ,as Gla*!%i# the 1oeha**e%& if (o$ %e*e*be%. The obli#s P$st )alle! it Beate%& a#! hate! it ,o%se tha# Bite% if +ossible. O%)%ist& too& ha! bee# sa"e!S fo% Ga#!alf ha! b%o$ht it alo# as ,ell& s#at)hi# it f%o* o#e of the te%%ifie! $a%!s. Ga#!alf tho$ht of *ost thi#sS a#! tho$h he )o$l! #ot !o e"e%(thi#& he )o$l! !o a %eat !eal fo% f%ie#!s i# a tiht )o%#e%. A%e ,e all he%eV sai! he& ha#!i# his s,o%! ba)' to Tho%i# ,ith a bo,. Let *e see2 o#eUthat3s Tho%i#S t,o& th%ee& fo$%& fi"e& siF& se"e#& eiht& #i#e& te#& ele"e#S ,he%e a%e 1ili a#! KiliV He%e the( a%eW t,el"e& thi%tee#Ua#! he%e3s 0%. Bai#s2 fo$%tee#W 4ell& ,ellW it *iht be ,o%se& a#! the# aai# it *iht be a oo! !eal bette%. No +o#ies& a#! #o foo!& a#! #o '#o,i# $ite ,he%e ,e a%e& a#! ho%!es of a#%( obli#s P$st behi#!W O# ,e oW O# the( ,e#t. Ga#!alf ,as $ite %iht2 the( bea# to hea% obli# #oises a#! ho%%ible )%ies fa% behi#! i# the +assaes the( ha! )o*e th%o$h. That se#t the* o# faste% tha# e"e%& a#! as +oo% Bilbo )o$l! #ot +ossibl( o half as fastUfo% !,a%"es )a# %oll alo# at a t%e*e#!o$s +a)e& I )a# tell (o$& ,he# the( ha"e toUthe( too' it i# t$%# to )a%%( hi* o# thei% ba)'s. /till obli#s o faste% tha# !,a%"es& a#! these obli#s '#e, the ,a( bette% @the( ha! *a!e the +aths the*sel"es& a#! ,e%e *a!l( a#%(S so that !o ,hat the( )o$l! the !,a%"es hea%! the )%ies a#! ho,ls etti# )lose% a#! )lose%. /oo# the( )o$l! hea% e"e# the fla+ of the obli# feet& *a#( *a#( feet ,hi)h see*e! o#l( P$st %o$#! the last )o%#e%. The bli#' of %e! to%)hes )o$l! be see# behi#! the* i# the t$##el the( ,e%e follo,i#S a#! the( ,e%e etti# !ea!l( ti%e!. 4h(& O ,h( !i! I e"e% lea"e *( hobbit-holeW sai! +oo% 0%. Bai#s b$*+i# $+ a#! !o,# o# Bo*b$%3s ba)'. 4h(& O ,h( !i! I e"e% b%i# a ,%et)he! little hobbit o# a t%eas$%e h$#tW sai! +oo% Bo*b$%& ,ho ,as fat& a#! stae%e! alo# ,ith the s,eat !%i++i# !o,# his #ose i# his heat a#! te%%o%. At this +oi#t Ga#!alf fell behi#!& a#! Tho%i# ,ith hi*. The( t$%#e! a sha%+ )o%#e%. Abo$t t$%#W he sho$te!. D%a, (o$% s,o%! Tho%i#W The%e ,as #othi# else to be !o#eS a#! the obli#s !i! #ot li'e it. The( )a*e s)$%%(i# %o$#! the )o%#e% i# f$ll )%(& a#! fo$#! Gobli#-)lea"e%& a#! 1oe-ha**e% shi#i# )ol! a#! b%iht %iht i# thei% asto#ishe! e(es. The o#es i# f%o#t !%o++e! thei% to%)hes a#! a"e o#e (ell befo%e the( ,e%e 'ille!. The o#es behi#! (elle! still *o%e& a#! lea+e! ba)' '#o)'i# o"e% those that ,e%e %$##i# afte% the*. Bite% a#! Beate%W the( sh%ie'e!S a#! soo# the( ,e%e all i# )o#f$sio#& a#! *ost of the* ,e%e h$stli# ba)' the ,a( the( ha! )o*e. It ,as $ite a lo# ,hile befo%e a#( of the* !a%e! to t$%# that )o%#e%. B( that ti*e the !,a%"es ha! o#e o# aai#& a lo#& lo#& ,a( o# i#to the !a%' t$##els of the
obli#s3 %eal*. 4he# the obli#s !is)o"e%e! that& the( +$t o$t thei% to%)hes a#! the( sli++e! o# soft shoes& a#! the( )hose o$t thei% "e%( $i)'est %$##e%s ,ith the sha%+est ea%s a#! e(es. These %a# fo%,a%!& as s,ift as ,easels i# the !a%'& a#! ,ith ha%!l( a#( *o%e #oise tha# bats. That is ,h( #eithe% Bilbo& #o% the !,a%"es& #o% e"e# Ga#!alf hea%! the* )o*i#. No% !i! the( see the*. B$t the( ,e%e see# b( the obli#s that %a# sile#tl( $+ behi#!& fo% Ga#!alf ,as letti# his ,a#! i"e o$t a fai#t liht to hel+ the !,a%"es as the( ,e#t alo#. :$ite s$!!e#l( Do%i& #o, at the ba)' aai# )a%%(i# Bilbo& ,as %abbe! f%o* behi#! i# the !a%'. He sho$te! a#! fellS a#! the hobbit %olle! off his sho$l!e%s i#to the bla)'#ess& b$*+e! his hea! o# ha%! %o)'& a#! %e*e*be%e! #othi# *o%e.
Cha+te% 7
RIDDLE/ IN THE DARK
4he# Bilbo o+e#e! his e(es& he ,o#!e%e! if he ha!S fo% it ,as P$st as !a%' as ,ith the* sh$t. No o#e ,as a#(,he%e #ea% hi*. J$st i*ai#e his f%ihtW He )o$l! hea% #othi#& see #othi#& a#! he )o$l! feel #othi# eF)e+t the sto#e of the floo%.
7e%( slo,l( he ot $+ a#! %o+e! abo$t o# all fo$%s& till he to$)he! the ,all of the t$##elS b$t #eithe% $+ #o% !o,# it )o$l! he fi#! a#(thi#2 #othi# at all& #o si# of obli#s& #o si# of !,a%"es. His hea! ,as s,i**i#& a#! he ,as fa% f%o* )e%tai# e"e# of the !i%e)tio# the( ha! bee# oi# i# ,he# he ha! his fall. He $esse! as ,ell as he )o$l!& a#! )%a,le! alo# fo% a oo! ,a(& till s$!!e#l( his ha#! *et ,hat felt li'e a ti#( %i# of )ol! *etal l(i# o# the floo% of the t$##el. It ,as a t$%#i# +oi#t i# his )a%ee%& b$t he !i! #ot '#o, it. He +$t the %i# i# his +o)'et al*ost ,itho$t thi#'i#S )e%tai#l( it !i! #ot see* of a#( +a%ti)$la% $se at the *o*e#t. He !i! #ot o *$)h f$%the%& b$t sat !o,# o# the )ol! floo% a#! a"e hi*self $+ to )o*+lete *ise%able#ess& fo% a lo# ,hile. He tho$ht of hi*self f%(i# ba)o# a#! es i# his o,# 'it)he# at ho*eUfo% he )o$l! feel i#si!e that it ,as hih ti*e fo% so*e *eal o% othe%S b$t that o#l( *a!e hi* *ise%able%. He )o$l! #ot thi#' ,hat to !oS #o% )o$l! he thi#' ,hat ha! ha++e#e!S o% ,h( he ha! bee# left behi#!S o% ,h(& if he ha! bee# left behi#!& the obli#s ha! #ot )a$ht hi*S o% e"e# ,h( his hea! ,as so so%e. The t%$th ,as he ha! bee# l(i# $iet& o$t of siht a#! o$t of *i#!& i# a "e%( !a%' )o%#e% fo% a lo# ,hile. Afte% so*e ti*e he felt fo% his +i+e. It ,as #ot b%o'e#& a#! that ,as so*ethi#. The# he felt fo% his +o$)h& a#! the%e ,as so*e toba))o i# it& a#! that ,as so*ethi# *o%e. The# he felt fo% *at)hes a#! he )o$l! #ot fi#! a#( at all& a#! that shatte%e! his ho+es )o*+letel(. J$st as ,ell fo% hi*& as he a%ee! ,he# he )a*e to his se#ses. Goo!#ess '#o,s ,hat the st%i'i# of *at)hes a#! the s*ell of toba))o ,o$l! ha"e b%o$ht o# hi* o$t of !a%' holes i# that ho%%ible +la)e. /till at the *o*e#t he felt "e%( )%$she!. B$t i# sla++i# all his +o)'ets a#! feeli# all %o$#! hi*self fo% *at)hes his ha#! )a*e o# the hilt of his little s,o%!Uthe little !ae% that he ot f%o* the t%olls& a#! that he ha! $ite fo%otte#S #o% fo%t$#atel( ha! the obli#s #oti)e! it& as he ,o%e it i#si!e his b%ee)hes. No, he !%e, it o$t. It sho#e +ale a#! !i* befo%e his e(es. /o it is a# el"ish bla!e& too& he tho$htS a#! obli#s a%e #ot "e%( #ea%& a#! (et #ot fa% e#o$h. B$t so*eho, he ,as )o*fo%te!. It ,as %athe% s+le#!i! to be ,ea%i# a bla!e *a!e i# Go#!oli# fo% the obli#-,a%s of ,hi)h so *a#( so#s ha! s$#S a#! also he ha! #oti)e! that s$)h ,ea+o#s *a!e a %eat i*+%essio# o# obli#s that )a*e $+o# the* s$!!e#l(. Go ba)'V he tho$ht. No oo! at allW Go si!e,a(sV I*+ossibleW Go fo%,a%!V O#l( thi# to !oW O# ,e oW /o $+ he ot& a#! t%otte! alo# ,ith his little s,o%! hel! i# f%o#t of hi* a#! o#e ha#! feeli# the ,all& a#! his hea%t all of a +atte% a#! a +itte%. No, )e%tai#l( Bilbo ,as i# ,hat is )alle! a tiht +la)e. B$t (o$ *$st %e*e*be% it ,as #ot $ite so tiht fo% hi* as it ,o$l! ha"e bee# fo% *e o% fo% (o$. Hobbits a%e #ot $ite li'e o%!i#a%( +eo+leS a#! afte% all if thei% holes a%e #i)e )hee%( +la)es a#! +%o+e%l( ai%e!& $ite !iffe%e#t f%o* the t$##els of the obli#s& still the( a%e *o%e $se! to t$##elli# tha# ,e a%e& a#! the( !o #ot easil( lose thei% se#se of !i%e)tio# $#!e%%o$#!U#ot ,he# thei% hea!s ha"e %e)o"e%e!
f%o* bei# b$*+e!. Also the( )a# *o"e "e%( $ietl(& a#! hi!e easil(& a#! %e)o"e% ,o#!e%f$ll( f%o* falls a#! b%$ises& a#! the( ha"e a f$#! of ,is!o* a#! ,ise sa(i#s that *e# ha"e *ostl( #e"e% hea%! o% ha"e fo%otte# lo# ao.
I sho$l! #ot ha"e li'e! to ha"e bee# i# 0%. Bai#s3 +la)e& all the sa*e. The t$##el see*e! to ha"e #o e#!. All he '#e, ,as that it ,as still oi# !o,# +%ett( stea!il( a#! 'ee+i# i# the sa*e !i%e)tio# i# s+ite of a t,ist a#! a t$%# o% t,o. The%e ,e%e +assaes lea!i# off to the si!e e"e%( #o, a#! the#& as he '#e, b( the li**e% of his s,o%!& o% )o$l! feel ,ith his ha#! o# the ,all. Of these he too' #o #oti)e& eF)e+t to h$%%( +ast fo% fea% of obli#s o% half-i*ai#e! !a%' thi#s )o*i# o$t of the*. O# a#! o# he ,e#t& a#! !o,# a#! !o,#S a#! still he hea%! #o so$#! of a#(thi# eF)e+t the o))asio#al ,hi%% of a bat b( his ea%s& ,hi)h sta%tle! hi* at fi%st& till it be)a*e too f%e$e#t to bothe% abo$t. I !o #ot '#o, ho, lo# he 'e+t o# li'e this& hati# to o o#& #ot !a%i# to sto+& o#& o#& $#til he ,as ti%e!e% tha# ti%e!. It see*e! li'e all the ,a( to to*o%%o, a#! o"e% it to the !a(s be(o#!. /$!!e#l( ,itho$t a#( ,a%#i# he t%otte! s+lash i#to ,ate%W 8hW it ,as i)( )ol!. That +$lle! hi* $+ sha%+ a#! sho%t. He !i! #ot '#o, ,hethe% it ,as P$st a +ool i# the +ath& o% the e!e of a# $#!e%%o$#! st%ea* that )%osse! the +assae& o% the b%i#' of a !ee+ !a%' s$bte%%a#ea# la'e. The s,o%! ,as ha%!l( shi#i# at all. He sto++e!& a#! he )o$l! hea%& ,he# he liste#e! ha%!& !%o+s !%i+-!%i+-!%i++i# f%o* a# $#see# %oof i#to the ,ate% belo,S b$t the%e see*e! #o othe% so%t of so$#!. /o it is a +ool o% a la'e& a#! #ot a# $#!e%%o$#! %i"e%& he tho$ht. /till he !i! #ot !a%e to ,a!e o$t i#to the !a%'#ess. He )o$l! #ot s,i*S a#! he tho$ht& too& of #ast( sli*( thi#s& ,ith bi b$li# bli#! e(es& ,%ili# i# the ,ate%. The%e a%e st%a#e thi#s li"i# i# the +ools a#! la'es i# the hea%ts of *o$#tai#s2 fish ,hose fathe%s s,a* i#& oo!#ess o#l( '#o,s ho, *a#( (ea%s ao& a#! #e"e% s,a* o$t aai#& ,hile thei% e(es %e, bie% a#! bie% a#! bie% f%o* t%(i# to see i# the bla)'#essS also the%e a%e othe% thi#s *o%e sli*( tha# fish. E"e# i# t he t$##els a#! )a"es the obli#s ha"e *a!e fo% the*sel"es the%e a%e othe% thi#s li"i# $#be'#o,# to the* that ha"e s#ea'e! i# f%o* o$tsi!e to lie $+ i# the !a%'. /o*e of these )a"es& too& o ba)' i# thei% bei##i#s to aes befo%e the obli#s& ,ho o#l( ,i!e#e! the* a#! Poi#e! the* $+ ,ith +assaes& a#! the o%ii#al o,#e%s a%e still the%e i# o!! )o%#e%s& sli#'i# a#! #osi# abo$t. Dee+ !o,# he%e b( the !a%' ,ate% li"e! ol! Goll$*& a s*all sli*( )%eat$%e. I !o#3t '#o, ,he%e he )a*e f%o*& #o% ,ho o% ,hat he ,as. He ,as Goll$*Uas !a%' as !a%'#ess& eF)e+t fo% t,o bi %o$#! +ale e(es i# his thi# fa)e. He ha! a little boat& a#! he %o,e! abo$t $ite $ietl( o# the la'eS fo% la'e it ,as& ,i!e a#! !ee+ a#! !ea!l( )ol!. He +a!!le! it ,ith la%e feet !a#li# o"e% the si!e& b$t #e"e% a %i++le !i! he *a'e. Not he. He ,as loo'i# o$t of his +ale la*+-li'e e(es fo% bli#! fish& ,hi)h he %abbe! ,ith his lo# fi#e%s as $i)' as thi#'i#. He li'e! *eat too. Gobli# he tho$ht oo!& ,he# he )o$l! et itS b$t he too' )a%e the( #e"e% fo$#! hi* o$t. He P$st th%ottle! the* f%o* behi#!& if the( e"e% )a*e !o,# alo#e a#(,he%e #ea% the e!e of the ,ate%& ,hile he ,as +%o,li# abo$t. The( "e%( sel!o* !i!& fo% the( ha! a feeli# that so*ethi# $#+leasa#t ,as l$%'i# !o,# the%e& !o,# at the "e%( %oots of the *o$#tai#. The( ha! )o*e o# the la'e& ,he# the( ,e%e t$##elli# !o,#
lo# ao& a#! the( fo$#! the( )o$l! o #o f$%the%S so the%e thei% %oa! e#!e! i# that !i%e)tio#& a#! the%e ,as #o %easo# to o that ,a(U$#less the G%eat Gobli# se#t the*. /o*eti*es he too' a fa#)( fo% fish f%o* the la'e& a#! so*eti*es #eithe% obli# #o% fish )a*e ba)'. A)t$all( Goll$* li"e! o# a sli*( isla#! of %o)' i# the *i!!le of the la'e. He ,as ,at)hi# Bilbo #o, f%o* the !ista#)e ,ith his +ale e(es li'e teles)o+es. Bilbo )o$l! #ot see hi*& b$t he ,as ,o#!e%i# a lot abo$t Bilbo& fo% he )o$l! see that he ,as #o obli# at all. Goll$* ot i#to his boat a#! shot off f%o* the isla#!& ,hile Bilbo ,as sitti# o# the b%i#' altoethe% fl$**oFe! a#! at the e#! of his ,a( a#! his ,its. /$!!e#l( $+ )a*e Goll$* a#! ,his+e%e! a#! hisse!2 Bless $s a#! s+lash $s& *( +%e)io$ssssW I $ess it3s a )hoi)e feastS at least a tast( *o%sel it3! *a'e $s& oll$*W A#! ,he# he sai! oll$* he *a!e a ho%%ible s,allo,i# #oise i# his th%oat. That is ho, he ot his #a*e& tho$h he al,a(s )alle! hi*self 6*( +%e)io$s3. The hobbit P$*+e! #ea%l( o$t of his s'i# ,he# the hiss )a*e i# his ea%s& a#! he s$!!e#l( sa, the +ale e(es sti)'i# o$t at hi*. 4ho a%e (o$V he sai!& th%$sti# his !ae% i# f%o#t of hi*. 4hat iss he& *( +%e)io$ssV ,his+e%e! Goll$* @,ho al,a(s s+o'e to hi*self th%o$h #e"e% ha"i# a#(o#e else to s+ea' to. This is ,hat he ha! )o*e to fi#! o$t& fo% he ,as #ot %eall( "e%( h$#%( at the *o*e#t& o#l( )$%io$sS othe%,ise he ,o$l! ha"e %abbe! fi%st a#! ,his+e%e! afte%,a%!s. I a* 0%. Bilbo Bai#s. I ha"e lost the !,a%"es a#! I ha"e lost the ,ia%!& a#! I !o#3t '#o, ,he%e I a*S a#! I !o#3t ,a#t to '#o,& if o#l( I )a# et a,a(. 4hat3s he ot i# his ha#!sesV sai! Goll$*& loo'i# at the s,o%!& ,hi)h he !i! #ot $ite li'e. A s,o%!& a bla!e ,hi)h )a*e o$t of Go#!oli#W /ssss sai! Goll$*& a#! be)a*e $ite +olite. 5%a+s (e sits he%e a#! )hats ,ith it a bits(& *( +%e)io$sss. It li'es %i!!les& +%a+s it !oes& !oes itV He ,as a#Fio$s to a++ea% f%ie#!l(& at a#( %ate fo% the *o*e#t& a#! $#til he fo$#! o$t *o%e abo$t the s,o%! a#! the hobbit& ,hethe% he ,as $ite alo#e %eall(& ,hethe% he ,as oo! to eat& a#! ,hethe% Goll$* ,as %eall( h$#%(. Ri!!les ,e%e all he )o$l! thi#' of. As'i# the*& a#! so*eti*es $essi# the*& ha! bee# the o#l( a*e he ha! e"e% +la(e! ,ith othe% f$##( )%eat$%es sitti# i# thei% holes i# the lo#& lo# ao& befo%e he lost all his f%ie#!s a#! ,as !%i"e# a,a(& alo#e& a#! )%e+t !o,#& !o,#& i#to the !a%' $#!e% the *o$#tai#s. 7e%( ,ell& sai! Bilbo& ,ho ,as a#Fio$s to a%ee& $#til he fo$#! o$t *o%e abo$t the )%eat$%e& ,hethe% he ,as $ite alo#e& ,hethe% he ,as fie%)e o% h$#%(& a#! ,hethe% he ,as a f%ie#! of the obli#s. Yo$ as' fi%st& he sai!& be)a$se he ha! #ot ha! ti*e to thi#' of a %i!!le. /o Goll$* hisse!2 4hat has %oots as #obo!( sees& Is talle% tha# t%ees& 8+& $+ it oes& A#! (et #e"e% %o,sV
Eas(W sai! Bilbo. 0o$#tai#& I s$++ose. Does it $ess eas(V It *$st ha"e a )o*+etitio# ,ith $s& *( +%e)io$ssW If +%e)io$s as's& a#! it !oes#3t a#s,e%& ,e eats it& *( +%e)io$sss. If it as's $s& a#! ,e !oes#3t a#s,e%& the# ,e !oes ,hat it ,a#ts& ehV 4e sho,s it the ,a( o$t& (esW All %ihtW sai! Bilbo& #ot !a%i# to !isa%ee& a#! #ea%l( b$%sti# his b%ai# to thi#' of %i!!les that )o$l! sa"e hi* f%o* bei# eate#. Thi%t( ,hite ho%ses o# a %e! hill& 1i%st the( )ha*+& The# the( sta*+& The# the( sta#! still.
That ,as all he )o$l! thi#' of to as'Uthe i!ea of eati# ,as %athe% o# his *i#!. It ,as %athe% a# ol! o#e& too& a#! Goll$* '#e, the a#s,e% as ,ell as (o$ !o. Chest#$ts& )hest#$ts& he hisse!. TeethW teethW *( +%e)io$sssS b$t ,e has o#l( siFW The# he as'e! his se)o#!2 7oi)eless it )%ies& 4i#less fl$tte%s& Toothless bites& 0o$thless *$tte%s.
Half a *o*e#tW )%ie! Bilbo& ,ho ,as still thi#'i# $#)o*fo%tabl( abo$t eati#. 1o%t$#atel( he ha! o#)e hea%! so*ethi# %athe% li'e this befo%e& a#! etti# his ,its ba)' he tho$ht of the a#s,e%. 4i#!& ,i#! of )o$%se& he sai!& a#! he ,as so +lease! that he *a!e $+ o#e o# the s+ot. This3ll +$le the #ast( little $#!e%%o$#! )%eat$%e& he tho$ht2 A# e(e i# a bl$e fa)e /a, a# e(e i# a %ee# fa)e. That e(e is li'e to this e(e /ai! the fi%st e(e& B$t i# lo, +la)e Not i# hih +la)e.
/s& ss& ss& sai! Goll$*. He ha! bee# $#!e%%o$#! a lo# lo# ti*e& a#! ,as fo%etti# this so%t of thi#. B$t P$st as Bilbo ,as bei##i# to ho+e that the ,%et)h ,o$l! #ot be able to a#s,e%& Goll$* b%o$ht $+ *e*o%ies of aes a#! aes a#! aes befo%e& ,he# he li"e! ,ith his %a#!*othe% i# a hole i# a ba#' b( a %i"e%& /ss& sss& *( +%e)io$ss& he sai!. /$# o# the !aisies it *ea#s& it !oes. B$t these o%!i#a%( abo"e %o$#! e"e%(!a( so%t of %i!!les ,e%e ti%i# fo% hi*. Also the( %e*i#!e! hi* of !a(s ,he# he ha! bee# less lo#el( a#! s#ea'( a#! #ast(& a#! that +$t hi* o$t of te*+e%. 4hat is *o%e the( *a!e hi* h$#%(S so this ti*e he t%ie! so*ethi# a bit *o%e !iffi)$lt a#! *o%e $#+leasa#t2 It )a##ot be see#& )a##ot be felt& Ca##ot be hea%!& )a##ot be s*elt. It lies behi#! sta%s a#! $#!e% hills& A#! e*+t( holes it fills. It )o*es fi%st a#! follo,s afte%& E#!s life& 'ills la$hte%.
8#fo%t$#atel( fo% Goll$* Bilbo ha! hea%! that so%t of thi# befo%eS a#! the a#s,e% ,as all %o$#! hi* a#( ,a(. Da%'W he sai! ,itho$t e"e# s)%at)hi# his hea! o%
+$tti# o# his thi#'i# )a+. A boF ,itho$t hi#es& 'e(& o% li!& Yet ol!e# t%eas$%e i#si!e is hi!& he as'e! to ai# ti*e& $#til he )o$l! thi#' of a %eall( ha%! o#e. This he tho$ht a !%ea!f$ll( eas( )hest#$t& tho$h he ha! #ot as'e! it i# the $s$al ,o%!s. B$t it +%o"e! a #ast( +ose% fo% Goll$*. He hisse! to hi*self& a#! still he !i! #ot a#s,e%S he ,his+e%e! a#! s+l$tte%e!.
Afte% so*e ,hile Bilbo be)a*e i*+atie#t. 4ell& ,hat is itV he sai!. The a#s,e%3s #ot a 'ettle boili# o"e%& as (o$ see* to thi#' f%o* the #oise (o$ a%e *a'i#. Gi"e $s a )ha#)eS let it i"e $s a )ha#)e& *( +%e)io$ssUssUss. 4ell& sai! Bilbo afte% i"i# hi* a lo# )ha#)e& ,hat abo$t (o$% $essV B$t s$!!e#l( Goll$* %e*e*be%e! thie"i# f%o* #ests lo# ao& a#! sitti# $#!e% the %i"e% ba#' tea)hi# his %a#!*othe%& tea)hi# his %a#!*othe% to s$)'UEsesW he hisse!. Eses it isW The# he as'e!2 Ali"e ,itho$t b%eath& As )ol! as !eathS Ne"e% thi%st(& e"e% !%i#'i#& All i# *ail #e"e% )li#'i#.
He also i# his t$%# tho$ht this ,as a !%ea!f$ll( eas( o#e& be)a$se he ,as al,a(s thi#'i# of the a#s,e%. B$t he )o$l! #ot %e*e*be% a#(thi# bette% at the *o*e#t& he ,as so fl$ste%e! b( the e-$estio#. All the sa*e it ,as a +ose% fo% +oo% Bilbo& ,ho #e"e% ha! a#(thi# to !o ,ith the ,ate% if he )o$l! hel+ it. I i*ai#e (o$ '#o, the a#s,e%& of )o$%se& o% )a# $ess it as eas( as ,i#'i#& si#)e (o$ a%e sitti# )o*fo%tabl( at ho*e a#! ha"e #ot the !a#e% of bei# eate# to !ist$%b (o$% thi#'i#. Bilbo sat a#! )lea%e! his th%oat o#)e o% t,i)e& b$t #o a#s,e% )a*e. Afte% a ,hile Goll$* bea# to hiss ,ith +leas$%e to hi*self2 Is it #i)e& *( +%e)io$sssV Is it P$i)(V Is it s)%$*+tio$sl( )%$#)hableV He bea# to +ee% at Bilbo o$t of the !a%'#ess. Half a *o*e#t& sai! the hobbit shi"e%i#. I a"e (o$ a oo! lo# )ha#)e P$st #o,. It *$st *a'e haste& hasteW sai! Goll$*& bei##i# to )li*b o$t of his boat o# to the sho%e to et at Bilbo. B$t ,he# he +$t his lo# ,ebb( foot i# the ,ate%& a fish P$*+e! o$t i# a f%iht a#! fell o# Bilbo3s toes. 8hW he sai!& it is )ol! a#! )la**(WUa#! so he $esse!. 1ishW fishW he )%ie!. It is fishW Goll$* ,as !%ea!f$ll( !isa++oi#te!S b$t Bilbo as'e! a#othe% %i!!le as $i)' as e"e% he )o$l!& so that Goll$* ha! to et ba)' i#to his boat a#! thi#'. No-les la( o# o#e-le& t,o-les sat #ea% o# th%ee-les& fo$%-les ot so*e. It ,as #ot %eall( the %iht ti*e fo% this %i!!le& b$t Bilbo ,as i# a h$%%(. Goll$* *iht ha"e ha! so*e t%o$ble $essi# it& if he ha! as'e! it at a#othe% ti*e. As it ,as& tal'i# of fish& #o-les ,as #ot so "e%( !iffi)$lt& a#! afte% that the %est ,as eas(. 1ish o# a little table& *a# at table sitti# o# a stool& the )at has the bo#es that of )o$%se is the a#s,e%& a#! Goll$* soo# a"e it. The# he tho$ht the ti*e ha! )o*e to as' so*ethi# ha%! a#! ho%%ible. This is ,hat he sai!2 This thi# all thi#s !e"o$%s2 Bi%!s& beasts& t%ees& flo,e%sS
G#a,s i%o#& bites steelS G%i#!s ha%! sto#es to *ealS /la(s 'i#& %$i#s to,#& A#! beats hih *o$#tai# !o,#.
5oo% Bilbo sat i# the !a%' thi#'i# of all the ho%%ible #a*es of all the ia#ts a#! o%es he ha! e"e% hea%! tol! of i# tales& b$t #ot o#e of the* ha! !o#e all these thi#s. He ha! a feeli# that the a#s,e% ,as $ite !iffe%e#t a#! that he o$ht to '#o, it& b$t he )o$l! #ot thi#' of it. He bea# to et f%ihte#e!& a#! that is ba! fo% thi#'i#. Goll$* bea# to et o$t of his boat. He fla++e! i#to the ,ate% a#! +a!!le! to the ba#'S Bilbo )o$l! see his e(es )o*i# to,a%!s hi*. His to#$e see*e! to sti)' i# his *o$thS he ,a#te! to sho$t o$t2 Gi"e *e *o%e ti*eW Gi"e *e ti*eW B$t all that )a*e o$t ,ith a s$!!e# s$eal ,as2 Ti*eW Ti*eW Bilbo ,as sa"e! b( +$%e l$)'. 1o% that of )o$%se ,as the a#s,e%. Goll$* ,as !isa++oi#te! o#)e *o%eS a#! #o, he ,as etti# a#%(& a#! also ti%e! of the a*e. It ha! *a!e hi* "e%( h$#%( i#!ee!. This ti*e he !i! #ot o ba)' to the boat. He sat !o,# i# the !a%' b( Bilbo. That *a!e the hobbit *ost !%ea!f$ll( $#)o*fo%table a#! s)atte%e! his ,its. It3s ot to as' $ss a $esstio#& *( +%e)io$ss& (es& (ess& (esss. J$sst o#e *o%e $estio# to $ess& (es& (ess& sai! Goll$*. B$t Bilbo si*+l( )o$l! #ot thi#' of a#( $estio# ,ith that #ast( ,et )ol! thi# sitti# #eFt to hi*& a#! +a,i# a#! +o'i# hi*. He s)%at)he! hi*self& he +i#)he! hi*selfS still he )o$l! #ot thi#' of a#(thi#. As' $sW as' $sW sai! Goll$*. Bilbo +i#)he! hi*self a#! sla++e! hi*selfS he %i++e! o# his little s,o%!S he e"e# felt i# his +o)'et ,ith his othe% ha#!. The%e he fo$#! the %i# he ha! +i)'e! $+ i# the +assae a#! fo%otte# abo$t. 4hat ha"e I ot i# *( +o)'etV he sai! alo$!. He ,as tal'i# to hi*self& b$t Goll$* tho$ht it ,as a %i!!le& a#! he ,as f%ihtf$ll( $+set. Not fai%W #ot fai%W he hisse!. It is#3t fai%& *( +%e)io$s& is it& to as' $s ,hat it3s ot i# its #asst( little +o)'etsesV Bilbo seei# ,hat ha! ha++e#e! a#! ha"i# #othi# bette% to as' st$)' to his $estio#& 4hat ha"e I ot i# *( +o)'etV he sai! lo$!e%. /-s-s-s-s& hisse! Goll$*. It *$st i"e $s th%ee $esseses& *( +%e)io$ss& th%ee $esseses. 7e%( ,ellW G$ess a,a(W sai! Bilbo. Ha#!sesW sai! Goll$*. 4%o#& sai! Bilbo& ,ho ha! l$)'il( P$st ta'e# his ha#! o$t aai#. G$ess aai#W /-s-s-s-s& sai! Goll$* *o%e $+set tha# e"e%. He tho$ht of all the thi#s he 'e+t i# his o,# +o)'ets2 fish-bo#es& obli#s3 teeth& ,et shells& a bit of bat-,i#& a sha%+ sto#e to sha%+e# his fa#s o#& a#! othe% #ast( thi#s. He t%ie! to thi#' ,hat othe% +eo+le 'e+t i# thei% +o)'ets. K#ifeW he sai! at last. 4%o#W sai! Bilbo& ,ho ha! lost his so*e ti*e ao. Last $essW
No, Goll$* ,as i# a *$)h ,o%se state tha# ,he# Bilbo ha! as'e! hi* the e-$estio#. He hisse! a#! s+l$tte%e! a#! %o)'e! hi*self ba)',a%!s a#! fo%,a%!s& a#! sla++e! his feet o# the floo%& a#! ,%ile! a#! s$i%*e!S b$t still he !i! #ot !a%e to ,aste his last $ess. Co*e o#W sai! Bilbo. I a* ,aiti#W He t%ie! to so$#! bol! a#! )hee%f$l& b$t he !i! #ot feel at all s$%e ho, the a*e ,as oi# to e#!& ,hethe% Goll$* $esse! %iht o% #ot. Ti*e3s $+W he sai!. /t%i#& o% #othi#W sh%ie'e! Goll$*& ,hi)h ,as #ot $ite fai%U,o%'i# i# t,o $esses at o#)e. Both ,%o#& )%ie! Bilbo "e%( *$)h %elie"e!S a#! he P$*+e! at o#)e to his feet& +$t his ba)' to the #ea%est ,all& a#! hel! o$t his little s,o%!. He '#e,& of )o$%se& that the %i!!le-a*e ,as sa)%e! a#! of i**e#se a#ti$it(& a#! e"e# ,i)'e! )%eat$%es ,e%e af%ai! to )heat ,he# the( +la(e! at it. B$t he felt he )o$l! #ot t%$st this sli*( thi# to 'ee+ a#( +%o*ise at a +i#)h. A#( eF)$se ,o$l! !o fo% hi* to sli!e o$t of it. A#! afte% all that last $estio# ha! #ot bee# a e#$i#e %i!!le a))o%!i# to the a#)ie#t la,s. B$t at a#( %ate Goll$* !i! #ot at o#)e atta)' hi*. He )o$l! see the s,o%! i# Bilbo3s ha#!. He sat still& shi"e%i# a#! ,his+e%i#. At last Bilbo )o$l! ,ait #o lo#e%. 4ellV he sai!. 4hat abo$t (o$% +%o*iseV I ,a#t to o. Yo$ *$st sho, *e the ,a(. Di! ,e sa( so& +%e)io$sV /ho, the #asst( little Bai#s the ,a( o$t& (es& (es. B$t ,hat has it ot i# its +o)'etses& ehV Not st%i#& +%e)io$s& b$t #ot #othi#. Oh #oW oll$*W Ne"e% (o$ *i#!& sai! Bilbo. A +%o*ise is a +%o*ise. C%oss it is& i*+atie#t& +%e)io$s& hisse! Goll$*. B$t it *$st ,ait& (es it *$st. 4e )a#3t o $+ the t$##els so hast(. 4e *$st o a#! et so*e thi#s fi%st& (es& thi#s to hel+ $s. 4ell& h$%%( $+W sai! Bilbo& %elie"e! to thi#' of Goll$* oi# a,a(. He tho$ht he ,as P$st *a'i# a# eF)$se a#! !i! #ot *ea# to )o*e ba)'. 4hat ,as Goll$* tal'i# abo$tV 4hat $sef$l thi# )o$l! he 'ee+ o$t o# the !a%' la'eV B$t he ,as ,%o#. Goll$* !i! *ea# to )o*e ba)'. He ,as a#%( #o, a#! h$#%(. A#! he ,as a *ise%able ,i)'e! )%eat$%e& a#! al%ea!( he ha! a +la#. Not fa% a,a( ,as his isla#!& of ,hi)h Bilbo '#e, #othi#& a#! the%e i# his hi!i#+la)e he 'e+t a fe, ,%et)he! o!!*e#ts& a#! o#e "e%( bea$tif$l thi#& "e%( bea$tif$l& "e%( ,o#!e%f$l. He ha! a %i#& a ol!e# %i#& a +%e)io$s %i#. 0( bi%th!a(-+%ese#tW he ,his+e%e! to hi*self& as he ha! ofte# !o#e i# the e#!less !a%' !a(s. That3s ,hat ,e ,a#ts #o,& (esS ,e ,a#ts itW He ,a#te! it be)a$se it ,as a %i# of +o,e%& a#! if (o$ sli++e! that %i# o# (o$% fi#e%& (o$ ,e%e i#"isibleS o#l( i# the f$ll s$#liht )o$l! (o$ be see#& a#! the# o#l( b( (o$% sha!o,& a#! that ,o$l! be sha'( a#! fai#t. 0( bi%th!a(-+%ese#tW It )a*e to *e o# *( bi%th!a(& *( +%e)io$s. /o he ha! al,a(s sai! to hi*self. B$t ,ho '#o,s ho, Goll$* )a*e b( that +%ese#t& aes ao i# the ol! !a(s ,he# s$)h %i#s ,e%e still at la%e i# the ,o%l!V 5e%ha+s e"e# the
0aste% ,ho %$le! the* )o$l! #ot ha"e sai!. Goll$* $se! to ,ea% it at fi%st& till it ti%e! hi*S a#! the# he 'e+t it i# a +o$)h #eFt his s'i#& till it alle! hi*S a#! #o, $s$all( he hi! it i# a hole i# the %o)' o# his isla#!& a#! ,as al,a(s oi# ba)' to loo' at it. A#! still so*eti*es he +$t it o#& ,he# he )o$l! #ot bea% to be +a%te! f%o* it a#( lo#e%& o% ,he# he ,as "e%(& "e%(& h$#%(& a#! ti%e! of fish. The# he ,o$l! )%ee+ alo# !a%' +assaes loo'i# fo% st%a( obli#s. He *iht e"e# "e#t$%e i#to +la)es ,he%e the to%)hes ,e%e lit a#! *a!e his e(es bli#' a#! s*a%tS fo% he ,o$l! be safe. Oh (es& $ite safe. No o#e ,o$l! see hi*& #o o#e ,o$l! #oti)e hi*& till he ha! his fi#e%s o# thei% th%oat. O#l( a fe, ho$%s ao he ha! ,o%# it& a#! )a$ht a s*all obli#-i*+. Ho, it s$ea'e!W He still ha! a bo#e o% t,o left to #a,& b$t he ,a#te! so*ethi# softe%. :$ite safe& (es& he ,his+e%e! to hi*self. It ,o#3t see $s& ,ill it& *( +%e)io$sV No. It ,o#3t see $s& a#! its #asst( little s,o%! ,ill be $seless& (es $ite. That is ,hat ,as i# his ,i)'e! little *i#!& as he sli++e! s$!!e#l( f%o* Bilbo3s si!e& a#! fla++e! ba)' to his boat& a#! ,e#t off i#to the !a%'. Bilbo tho$ht he ha! hea%! the last of hi*. /till he ,aite! a ,hileS fo% he ha! #o i!ea ho, to fi#! his ,a( o$t alo#e. /$!!e#l( he hea%! a s)%ee)h. It se#t a shi"e% !o,# his ba)'. Goll$* ,as )$%si# a#! ,aili# a,a( i# the loo*& #ot "e%( fa% off b( the so$#! of it. He ,as o# his isla#!& s)%abbli# he%e a#! the%e& sea%)hi# a#! see'i# i# "ai#. 4he%e iss itV 4he%e iss itV Bilbo hea%! hi* )%(i#. Losst it is& *( +%e)io$s& lost& lostW C$%se $s a#! )%$sh $s& *( +%e)io$s is lostW 4hat3s the *atte%V Bilbo )alle!. 4hat ha"e (o$ lostV It *$st#3t as' $s& sh%ie'e! Goll$*. Not its b$si#ess& #o& oll$*W It3s losst& oll$*& oll$*& oll$*. 4ell& so a* I& )%ie! Bilbo& a#! I ,a#t to et $#lost. A #! I ,o# the a*e& a#! (o$ +%o*ise!. /o )o*e alo#W Co*e a#! let *e o$t& a#! the# o o# ,ith (o$% loo'i#W 8tte%l( *ise%able as Goll$* so$#!e!& Bilbo )o$l! #ot fi#! *$)h +it( i# his hea%t& a#! he ha! a feeli# that a#(thi# Goll$* ,a#te! so *$)h )o$l! ha%!l( be so*ethi# oo!. Co*e alo#W he sho$te!. No& #ot (et& +%e)io$sW Goll$* a#s,e%e!. 4e *$st sea%)h fo% it& it3s lost& oll$*. B$t (o$ #e"e% $esse! *( last $estio#& a#! (o$ +%o*ise!& sai! Bilbo. Ne"e% $esse!W sai! Goll$*. The# s$!!e#l( o$t of the loo* )a*e a sha%+ hiss. 4hat has it ot i# its +o)'etsesV Tell $s that. It *$st tell fi%st. As fa% as Bilbo '#e,& the%e ,as #o +a%ti)$la% %easo# ,h( he sho$l! #ot tell. Goll$*3s *i#! ha! P$*+e! to a $ess $i)'e% tha# hisS #at$%all(& fo% Goll$* ha! b%oo!e! fo% aes o# this o#e thi#& a#! he ,as al,a(s af%ai! of its bei# stole#. B$t Bilbo ,as a##o(e! at the !ela(. Afte% all& he ha! ,o# the a*e& +%ett( fai%l(& at a ho%%ible %is'. A#s,e%s ,e%e to be $esse! #ot i"e#& he sai!. B$t it ,as#3t a fai% $estio#& sai! Goll$*. Not a %i!!le& +%e)io$s& #o. Oh ,ell& if it3s a *atte% of o%!i#a%( $estio#s& Bilbo %e+lie!& the# I as'e! o#e fi%st. 4hat ha"e (o$ lostV Tell *e thatW 4hat has it ot i# its +o)'etsesV The so$#! )a*e hissi# lo$!e% a#! sha%+e%& a#! as he loo'e! to,a%!s it& to his ala%* Bilbo #o, sa, t,o s*all +oi#ts of liht +ee%i#
at hi*. As s$s+i)io# %e, i# Goll$*3s *i#!& the liht of his e(es b$%#e! ,ith a +ale fla*e. 4hat ha"e (o$ lostV Bilbo +e%siste!. B$t #o, the liht i# Goll$*3s e(es ha! be)o*e a %ee# f i%e& a#! it ,as )o*i# s,iftl( #ea%e%. Goll$* ,as i# his boat aai#& +a!!li# ,il!l( ba)' to the !a%' sho%eS a#! s$)h a %ae of loss a#! s$s+i)io# ,as i# his hea%t that #o s,o%! ha! a#( *o%e te%%o% fo% hi*. Bilbo )o$l! #ot $ess ,hat ha! *a!!e#e! the ,%et)he! )%eat$%e& b$t he sa, that all ,as $+& a#! that Goll$* *ea#t to *$%!e% hi* at a#( %ate. J$st i# ti*e he t$%#e! a#! %a# bli#!l( ba)' $+ the !a%' +assae !o,# ,hi)h he ha! ) o*e& 'ee+i# )lose to the ,all a#! feeli# it ,ith his left ha#!. 4hat has it ot i# its +o)'etsesV he hea%! the hiss lo$! behi#! hi*& a#! the s+lash as Goll$* lea+t f%o* his boat. 4hat ha"e I& I ,o#!e%V he sai! to hi*self& as he +a#te! a#! st$*ble! alo#. He +$t his left ha#! i# his +o)'et. The %i# felt "e%( )ol! as it $ietl( sli++e! o# to his %o+i# fo%efi#e%. The hiss ,as )lose behi#! hi*. He t$%#e! #o, a#! sa, Goll$*3s e(es li'e s*all %ee# la*+s )o*i# $+ the slo+e. Te%%ifie! he t%ie! to %$# faste%& b$t s$!!e#l( he st%$)' his toes o# a s#a i# the floo%& a#! fell flat ,ith his little s,o%! $#!e% hi*. I# a *o*e#t Goll$* ,as o# hi*. B$t befo%e Bilbo )o$l! !o a#(thi#& %e)o"e% his b%eath& +i)' hi*self $+& o% ,a"e his s,o%!& Goll$* +asse! b(& ta'i# #o #oti)e of hi*& )$%si# a#! ,his+e%i# as he %a#. 4hat )o$l! it *ea#V Goll$* )o$l! see i# the !a%'. Bilbo )o$l! see the liht of his e(es +alel( shi#i# e"e# f%o* behi#!. 5ai#f$ll( he ot $+& a#! sheathe! his s,o%!& ,hi)h ,as #o, lo,i# fai#tl( aai#& the# "e%( )a$tio$sl( he follo,e!. The%e see*e! #othi# else to !o. It ,as #o oo! )%a,li# ba)' !o,# to Goll$*3s ,ate%. 5e%ha+s if he follo,e! hi*& Goll$* *iht lea! hi* to so*e ,a( of es)a+e ,itho$t *ea#i# to. C$%se itW )$%se itW )$%se itW hisse! Goll$*. C$%se the Bai#sW It3s o#eW 4hat has it ot i# its +o)'etsesV Oh ,e $ess& ,e $ess& *( +%e)io$s. He3s fo$#! it& (es he *$st ha"e. 0( bi%th!a(-+%ese#t. Bilbo +%i)'e! $+ his ea%s. He ,as at last bei##i# to $ess hi*self. He h$%%ie! a little& etti# as )lose as he !a%e! behi#! Goll$*& ,ho ,as still oi# $i)'l(& #ot loo'i# ba)'& b$t t$%#i# his hea! f%o* si!e to si!e& as Bilbo )o$l! see f%o* the fai#t li**e% o# the ,alls. 0( bi%th!a(-+%ese#tW C$%se itW Ho, !i! ,e lose it& *( +%e)io$sV Yes& that3s it. 4he# ,e )a*e this ,a( last& ,he# ,e t,iste! that #asst( (o$# s$ea'e%. That3s it. C$%se itW It sli++e! f%o* $s& afte% all these aes a#! aesW It3s o#e& oll$*. /$!!e#l( Goll$* sat !o,# a#! bea# to ,ee+& a ,histli# a#! $%li# so$#! ho%%ible to liste# to. Bilbo halte! a#! flatte#e! hi*self aai#st the t$##el-,all. Afte% a ,hile Goll$* sto++e! ,ee+i# a#! bea# to tal'. He see*e! to be ha"i# a# a%$*e#t ,ith hi*self. It3s #o oo! oi# ba)' the%e to sea%)h& #o. 4e !oes#3t %e*e*be% all the +la)es ,e3"e "isite!. A#! it3s #o $se. The Bai#s has ot it i# its +o)'etsesS the #asst( #ose% has fo$#! it& ,e sa(s.
4e $esses& +%e)io$s& o#l( $esses. 4e )a#3t '#o, till ,e fi#! the #asst( )%eat$%e a#! s$eees it. B$t it !oes#3t '#o, ,hat the +%ese#t )a# !o& !oes itV It3ll P$st 'ee+ it i# its +o)'etses. It !oes#3t '#o,& a#! it )a#3t o fa%. It3s lost itself& the #asst( #ose( thi#. It !oes#3t '#o, the ,a( o$t. It sai! so. It sai! so& (esS b$t it3s t%i)'s(. It !oes#3t sa( ,hat it *ea#s. It ,o#3t sa( ,hat it3s ot i# its +o)'etses. It '#o,s. It '#o,s a ,a( i#& it *$st '#o, a ,a( o$t& (es. It3s off to the ba)'-!oo%. To the ba)'-!oo%& that3s it. The obli#ses ,ill )at)h it the#. It )a#3t et o$t that ,a(& +%e)io$s. /sss& sss& oll$*W Gobli#sesW Yes& b$t if it3s ot the +%ese#t& o$% +%e)io$s +%ese#t& the# obli#ses ,ill et it& oll$*W The(3ll fi#! it& the(3ll fi#! o$t ,hat it !oes. 4e sha#3t e"e% be safe aai#& #e"e%& oll$*W O#e of the obli#ses ,ill +$t it o#& a#! the# #o o#e ,ill see hi*. He3ll be the%e b$t #ot see#. Not e"e# o$% )le"e% e(eses ,ill #oti)e hi*S a#! he3ll )o*e )%ee+s( a#! t%i)'s( a#! )at)h $s& oll$*& oll$*W The# let3s sto+ tal'i#& +%e)io$s& a#! *a'e haste. If the Bai#s has o#e t hat ,a(& ,e *$st o $i)' a#! see. GoW Not fa% #o,. 0a'e hasteW 4ith a s+%i# Goll$* ot $+ a#! sta%te! sha*bli# off at a %eat +a)e. Bilbo h$%%ie! afte% hi*& still )a$tio$sl(& tho$h his )hief fea% #o, ,as of t%i++i# o# a#othe% s#a a#! falli# ,ith a #oise. His hea! ,as i# a ,hi%l of ho+e a#! ,o#!e%. It see*e! that the %i# he ha! ,as a *ai) %i#2 it *a!e (o$ i#"isibleW He ha! hea%! of s$)h thi#s& of )o$%se& i# ol! ol! talesS b$t it ,as ha%! to belie"e that he %eall( ha! fo$#! o#e& b( a))i!e#t. /till the%e it ,as2 Goll$* ,ith his b%iht e(es ha! +asse! hi* b(& o#l( a (a%! to o#e si!e. O# the( ,e#t& Goll$* fli+-fla++i# ahea!& hissi# a#! )$%si#S Bilbo behi#! oi# as softl( as a hobbit )a#. /oo# the( )a*e to +la)es ,he%e& as Bilbo ha! #oti)e! o# the ,a( !o,#& si!e-+assaes o+e#e!& this ,a( a#! that. Goll$* bea# at o#)e to )o$#t the*. O#e left& (es. O#e %iht& (es. T,o %iht& (es& (es. T,o left& (es& (es. A#! so o# a#! o#. As the )o$#t %e, he slo,e! !o,#& a#! he bea# to et sha'( a#! ,ee+(S fo% he ,as lea"i# the ,ate% f$%the% a#! f$%the% behi#!& a#! he ,as etti# af%ai!. Gobli#s *iht be abo$t& a#! he ha! lost his %i#. At last he sto++e! b( a lo, o+e#i#& o# thei% left as the( ,e#t $+. /e"e# %iht& (es. /iF left& (esW he ,his+e%e!. This is it. This is the ,a( to the ba)'!oo%& (es. He%e3s the +assaeW He +ee%e! i#& a#! sh%a#' ba)'. B$t ,e !$%s#3t o i#& +%e)io$s& #o ,e !$%s#3t. Gobli#ses !o,# the%e. Lots of obli#ses. 4e s*ells the*. /sssW 4hat shall ,e !oV C$%se the* a#! )%$sh the*W 4e *$st ,ait he%e& +%e)io$s& ,ait a bit a#! see. /o the( )a*e to a !ea! sto+. Goll$* ha! b%o$ht Bilbo to the ,a( o$t afte% all& b$t Bilbo )o$l! #ot et i#W The%e ,as Goll$* sitti# h$*+e! $+ %iht i# the o+e#i#& a#! his e(es lea*e! )ol! i# his hea!& as he s,a(e! it f%o* si!e to si!e bet,ee# his '#ees. Bilbo )%e+t a,a( f%o* the ,all *o%e $ietl( tha# a *o$seS b$t Goll$* stiffe#e! at o#)e& a#! s#iffe!& a#! his e(es ,e#t %ee#. He hisse! softl( b$t *e#a)i#l(. He
)o$l! #ot see the hobbit& b$t #o, he ,as o# the ale%t& a#! he ha! othe% se#ses that the !a%'#ess ha! sha%+e#e!2 hea%i# a#! s*ell. He see*e! to be )%o$)he! %iht !o,# ,ith his flat ha#!s s+la(e! o# the floo%& a#! his hea! th%$st o$t& #ose al*ost to the sto#e. Tho$h he ,as o#l( a bla)' sha!o, i# the lea* of his o,# e(es& Bilbo )o$l! see o% feel that he ,as te#se as a bo,st%i#& athe%e! fo% a s+%i#. Bilbo al*ost sto++e! b%eathi#& a#! ,e#t stiff hi*self. He ,as !es+e%ate. He *$st et a,a(& o$t of this ho%%ible !a%'#ess& ,hile he ha! a#( st%e#th left. He *$st fiht. He *$st stab the fo$l thi#& +$t its e(es o$t& 'ill it. It *ea#t to 'ill hi*. No& #ot a fai% fiht. He ,as i#"isible #o,. Goll$* ha! #o s,o%!. Goll$* ha! #ot a)t$all( th%eate#e! to 'ill hi*& o% t%ie! to (et. A#! he ,as *ise%able& alo#e& lost. A s$!!e# $#!e%sta#!i#& a +it( *iFe! ,ith ho%%o%& ,elle! $+ i# Bilbo3s hea%t2 a li*+se of e#!less $#*a%'e! !a(s ,itho$t liht o% ho+e of bette%*e#t& ha%! sto#e& )ol! fish& s#ea'i# a#! ,his+e%i#. All these tho$hts +asse! i# a flash of a se)o#!. He t%e*ble!. A#! the# $ite s$!!e#l( i# a#othe% flash& as if lifte! b( a #e, st%e#th a#! %esol"e& he lea+e!. No %eat lea+ fo% a *a#& b$t a lea+ i# the !a%'. /t%aiht o"e% Goll$*3s hea! he P$*+e!& se"e# feet fo%,a%! a#! th%ee i# the ai%S i#!ee!& ha! he '#o,# it& he o#l( P$st *isse! )%a)'i# his s'$ll o# the lo, a%)h of the +assae. Goll$* th%e, hi*self ba)',a%!s& a#! %abbe! as the hobbit fle, o"e% hi*& b$t too late2 his ha#!s s#a++e! o# thi# ai%& a#! Bilbo& falli# fai% o# his st$%!( feet& s+e! off !o,# the #e, t$##el. He !i! #ot t$%# to see ,hat Goll$* ,as !oi#. The%e ,as a hissi# a#! )$%si# al*ost at his heels at fi%st& the# it sto++e!. All at o#)e the%e )a*e a bloo!-)$%!li# sh%ie'& fille! ,ith hat%e! a#! !es+ai%. Goll$* ,as !efeate!. He !a%e! o #o f$%the%. He ha! lost2 lost his +%e(& a#! lost& too& the o#l( thi# he ha! e"e% )a%e! fo%& his +%e)io$s. The )%( b%o$ht Bilbo3s hea%t to his *o$th& b$t still he hel! o#. No, fai#t as a# e)ho& b$t *e#a)i#& the "oi)e )a*e behi#!2 Thief& thief& thiefW Bai#sW 4e hates it& ,e hates it& ,e hates it fo% e"e%W The# the%e ,as a sile#)e. B$t that too see*e! *e#a)i# to Bilbo. If obli#s a%e so #ea% that he s*elt the*& he tho$ht& the# the(3ll ha"e hea%! his sh%ie'i# a#! )$%si#. Ca%ef$l #o,& o% this ,a( ,ill lea! (o$ to ,o%se thi#s. The +assae ,as lo, a#! %o$hl( *a!e. It ,as #ot too !iffi)$lt fo% the hobbit& eF)e+t ,he#& i# s+ite of all )a%e& he st$bbe! his +oo% toes aai#& se"e%al ti*es& o# #ast( Pae! sto#es i# the floo%. A bit lo, fo% obli#s& at least fo% the bi o#es& tho$ht Bilbo& #ot '#o,i# that e"e# the bi o#es& the o%)s of the *o$#tai#s& o alo# at a %eat s+ee! stoo+i# lo, ,ith thei% ha#!s al*ost o# the %o$#!. /oo# the +assae that ha! bee# slo+i# !o,# bea# to o $+ aai#& a#! afte% a ,hile it )li*be! stee+l(. That slo,e! Bilbo !o,#. B$t at last the slo+e sto++e!& the +assae t$%#e! a )o%#e% a#! !i++e! !o,# aai#& a#! the%e& at the botto* of a sho%t i#)li#e& he sa,& filte%i# %o$#! a#othe% )o%#e%Ua li*+se of liht. Not %e! liht& as of fi%e o% la#te%#& b$t a +ale o$t-of-!oo%s so%t of liht. The# Bilbo bea# to %$#. /)$ttli# as fast as his les ,o$l! )a%%( hi* he t$%#e! the last )o%#e% a#! )a*e s$!!e#l( %iht i#to a# o+e# s+a)e& ,he%e the liht& afte% all that ti*e i# the !a%'& see*e! !ali#l( b%iht. Reall( it ,as o#l( a lea' of s$#shi#e i# th%o$h a !oo%,a(& ,he%e a %eat !oo%& a sto#e !oo%& ,as left sta#!i# o+e#.
Bilbo bli#'e!& a#! the# s$!!e#l( he sa, the obli#s2 obli#s i# f$ll a%*o$% ,ith !%a,# s,o%!s sitti# P$st i#si!e the !oo%& a#! ,at)hi# it ,ith ,i!e e(es& a#! ,at)hi# the +assae that le! to it. The( ,e%e a%o$se!& ale%t& %ea!( fo% a#(thi#. The( sa, hi* soo#e% tha# he sa, the*. Yes& the( sa, hi*. 4hethe% it ,as a# a))i!e#t& o% a last t%i)' of the %i# befo%e it too' a #e, *aste%& it ,as #ot o# his fi#e%. 4ith (ells of !eliht the obli#s %$she! $+o# hi*. A +a# of fea% a#! loss& li'e a# e)ho of Goll$*3s *ise%(& s*ote Bilbo& a#! fo%etti# e"e# to !%a, his s,o%! he st%$)' his ha#!s i#to his +o)'ets. A#! the%e ,as the %i# still& i# his left +o)'et& a#! it sli++e! o# his fi#e%. The obli#s sto++e! sho%t. The( )o$l! #ot see a si# of hi*. He ha! "a#ishe!. The( (elle! t,i)e as lo$! as befo%e& b$t #ot so !elihte!l(. 4he%e is itV the( )%ie!. Go ba)' $+ the +assaeW so*e sho$te!. This ,a(W so*e (elle!. That ,a(W othe%s (elle!. Loo' o$t fo% the !oo%& bello,e! the )a+tai#. 4histles ble,& a%*o$% )lashe!& s,o%!s %attle!& obli#s )$%se! a#! s,o%e a#! %a# hithe% a#! thithe%& falli# o"e% o#e a#othe% a#! etti# "e%( a#%(. The%e ,as a te%%ible o$t)%(& to-!o& a#! !ist$%ba#)e. Bilbo ,as !%ea!f$ll( f%ihte#e!& b$t he ha! the se#se to $#!e%sta#! ,hat ha! ha++e#e! a#! to s#ea' behi#! a bi ba%%el ,hi)h hel! !%i#' fo% the obli#-$a%!s& a#! so et o$t of the ,a( a#! a"oi! bei# b$*+e! i#to& t%a*+le! to !eath& o% )a$ht b( feel. I *$st et to the !oo%& I *$st et to the !oo%W he 'e+t o# sa(i# to hi*self& b$t it ,as a lo# ti*e befo%e he "e#t$%e! to t%(. The# it ,as li'e a ho%%ible a*e of bli#!*a#3s-b$ff. The +la)e ,as f$ll of obli#s %$##i# abo$t& a#! the +oo% little hobbit !o!e! this ,a( a#! that& ,as '#o)'e! o"e% b( a obli# ,ho )o$l! #ot *a'e o$t ,hat he ha! b$*+e! i#to& s)%a*ble! a,a( o# all fo$%s& sli++e! bet,ee# the les of the )a+tai# P$st i# ti*e& ot $+& a#! %a# fo% the !oo%. It ,as still aPa%& b$t a obli# ha! +$she! it #ea%l( to. Bilbo st%$le! b$t he )o$l! #ot *o"e it. He t%ie! to s$eee th%o$h the )%a)'. He s$eee! a#! s$eee!& a#! he st$)'W It ,as a,f$l. His b$tto#s ha! ot ,e!e! o# the e!e of the !oo% a#! the !oo%-+ost. He )o$l! see o$tsi!e i#to the o+e# ai%2 the%e ,e%e a fe, ste+s %$##i# !o,# i#to a #a%%o, "alle( bet,ee# tall *o$#tai#sS the s$# )a*e o$t f%o* behi#! a )lo$! a#! sho#e b%iht o# the o$tsi!e of the !oo%Ub$t he )o$l! #ot et th%o$h. /$!!e#l( o#e of the obli#s i#si!e sho$te!2 The%e is a sha!o, b( the !oo%. /o*ethi# is o$tsi!eW Bilbo3s hea%t P$*+e! i#to his *o$th. He a"e a te%%ifi) s$i%*. B$tto#s b$%st off i# all !i%e)tio#s. He ,as th%o$h& ,ith a to%# )oat a#! ,aist)oat& lea+i# !o,# the ste+s li'e a oat& ,hile be,il!e%e! obli#s ,e%e still +i)'i# $+ his #i)e b%ass b$tto#s o# the !oo%ste+. Of )o$%se the( soo# )a*e !o,# afte% hi*& hooti# a#! hallooi#& a#! h$#ti# a*o# the t%ees. B$t the( !o#3t li'e the s$#2 it *a'es thei% les ,obble a#! thei% hea!s i!!(. The( )o$l! #ot fi#! Bilbo ,ith the %i# o#& sli++i# i# a#! o$t of the sha!o, of the t%ees& %$##i# $i)' a#! $iet& a#! 'ee+i# o$t of the s$#S so soo# the( ,e#t ba)' %$*bli# a#! )$%si# to $a%! the !oo%. Bilbo ha! es)a+e!.
Cha+te% 7I
O8T O1 THE 1RYING-5AN INTO THE 1IRE
Bilbo ha! es)a+e! the obli#s& b$t he !i! #ot '#o, ,he%e he ,as. He ha! lost hoo!& )loa'& foo!& +o#(& his b$tto#s a#! his f%ie#!s. He ,a#!e%e! o# a#! o#& till the s$# bea# to si#' ,est,a%!sUbehi#! the *o$#tai#s. Thei% sha!o,s fell a)%oss Bilbo3s +ath& a#! he loo'e! ba)'. The# he loo'e! fo%,a%! a#! )o$l! see befo%e hi* o#l( %i!es a#! slo+es falli# to,a%!s lo,la#!s a#! +lai#s li*+se! o))asio#all( bet,ee# the t%ees.
Goo! hea"e#sW he eF)lai*e!. I see* to ha"e ot %iht to the othe% si!e of the 0ist( 0o$#tai#s& %iht to the e!e of the La#! Be(o#!W 4he%e a#! O ,he%e )a# Ga#!alf a#! the !,a%"es ha"e ot toV I o#l( ho+e to oo!#ess the( a%e #ot still ba)' the%e i# the +o,e% of the obli#sW He still ,a#!e%e! o#& o$t of the little hih "alle(& o"e% its e!e& a#! !o,# the slo+es be(o#!S b$t all the ,hile a "e%( $#)o*fo%table tho$ht ,as %o,i# i#si!e hi*. He ,o#!e%e! ,hethe% he o$ht #ot& #o, he ha! the *ai) %i#& to o ba)' i#to the ho%%ible& ho%%ible& t$##els a#! loo' fo% his f%ie#!s. He ha! P$st *a!e $+ his *i#! that it ,as his !$t(& that he *$st t$%# ba)'Ua#! "e%( *ise%able he felt abo$t itU,he# he hea%! "oi)es. He sto++e! a#! liste#e!. It !i! #ot so$#! li'e obli#sS so he )%e+t fo%,a%! )a%ef$ll(. He ,as o# a sto#( +ath ,i#!i# !o,#,a%!s ,ith a %o)'( ,all o# the left ha#!S o# the othe% si!e the %o$#! slo+e! a,a( a#! the%e ,e%e !ells belo, the le"el of the +ath o"e%h$# ,ith b$shes a#! lo, t%ees. I# o#e of these !ells $#!e% the b$shes +eo+le ,e%e tal'i#. He )%e+t still #ea%e%& a#! s$!!e#l( he sa, +ee%i# bet,ee# t,o bi bo$l!e%s a hea! ,ith a %e! hoo! o#2 it ,as Bali# !oi# loo'-o$t. He )o$l! ha"e )la++e! a#! sho$te! fo% Po(& b$t he !i! #ot. He ha! still ot the %i# o#& fo% fea% of *eeti# so*ethi# $#eF+e)te! a#! $#+leasa#t& a#! he sa, that Bali# ,as loo'i# st%aiht at hi* ,itho$t #oti)i# hi*. I ,ill i"e the* all a s$%+%ise& he tho$ht& as he )%a,le! i#to the b$shes at the e!e of the !ell. Ga#!alf ,as a%$i# ,ith the !,a%"es. The( ,e%e !is)$ssi# all that ha! ha++e#e! to the* i# the t$##els& a#! ,o#!e%i# a#! !ebati# ,hat the( ,e%e to !o #o,. The !,a%"es ,e%e %$*bli#& a#! Ga#!alf ,as sa( i# that the( )o$l! #ot +ossibl( o o# ,ith thei% Po$%#e( lea"i# 0%. Bai#s i# the ha#!s of the obli#s& ,itho$t t%(i# to fi#! o$t if he ,as ali"e o% !ea!& a#! ,itho$t t%(i# to %es)$e hi*. Afte% all he is *( f%ie#!& sai! the ,ia%!& a#! #ot a ba! little )ha+. I feel %es+o#sible fo% hi*. I ,ish to oo!#ess (o$ ha! #ot lost hi*. The !,a%"es ,a#te! to '#o, ,h( he ha! e"e% bee# b%o$ht at all& ,h( he )o$l! #ot sti)' to his f%ie#!s a#! )o*e alo# ,ith the*& a#! ,h( the ,ia%! ha! #ot )hose# so*eo#e ,ith *o%e se#se. He has bee# *o%e t%o$ble tha# $se so fa%& sai! o#e. If ,e ha"e ot to o ba)' #o, i#to those abo*i#able t$##els to loo' fo% hi*& the# !%at hi*& I sa(. Ga#!alf a#s,e%e! a#%il(2 I b%o$ht hi*& a#! I !o#3t b%i# thi#s that a%e of #o $se. Eithe% (o$ hel+ *e to loo' fo% hi*& o% I o a#! lea"e (o$ he%e to et o$t of the *ess as best (o$ )a# (o$%sel"es. If ,e )a# o#l( fi#! hi* aai#& (o$ ,ill tha#' *e befo%e
all is o"e%. 4hate"e% !i! (o$ ,a#t to o a#! !%o+ hi* fo%& Do%iV Yo$ ,o$l! ha"e !%o++e! hi*& sai! Do%i& if a obli# ha! s$!!e#l( %abbe! (o$% les f%o* behi#! i# the !a%'& t%i++e! $+ (o$% feet& a#! 'i)'e! (o$ i# the ba)'W The# ,h( !i!#3t (o$ +i)' hi* $+ aai#V Goo! hea"e#sW Ca# (o$ as'W Gobli#s fihti# a#! biti# i# the !a%'& e"e%(bo!( falli# o"e% bo!ies a#! hitti# o#e a#othe%W Yo$ #ea%l( )ho++e! off *( hea! ,ith Gla*!%i#& a#! Tho%i# ,as stabbi# he%e the%e a#! e"e%(,he%e ,ith O%)%ist. All of a s$!!e# (o$ a"e o#e of (o$% bli#!i# flashes& a#! ,e sa, the obli#s %$##i# ba)' (el+i#. Yo$ sho$te! 6follo, *e e"e%(bo!(W3 a#! e"e%(bo!( o$ht to ha"e follo,e!. 4e tho$ht e"e%(bo!( ha!. The%e ,as #o ti*e to )o$#t& as (o$ '#o, $ite ,ell& till ,e ha! !ashe! th%o$h the ate-$a%!s& o$t of the lo,e% !oo%& a#! helte%-s'elte% !o,# he%e. A#! he%e ,e a%eU,itho$t the b$%la%& )o#f$sti)ate hi*W A#! he%e3s the b$%la%W sai! Bilbo ste++i# !o,# i#to the *i!!le of the*& a#! sli++i# off the %i#. Bless *e& ho, the( P$*+e!W The# the( sho$te! ,ith s$%+%ise a#! !eliht. Ga#!alf ,as as asto#ishe! as a#( of the*& b$t +%obabl( *o%e +lease! tha# all the othe%s. He )alle! to Bali# a#! tol! hi* ,hat he tho$ht of a loo'-o$t *a# ,ho let +eo+le ,al' %iht i#to the* li'e that ,itho$t ,a%#i#. It is a fa)t that Bilbo3s %e+$tatio# ,e#t $+ a "e%( %eat !eal ,ith the !,a%"es afte% this. If the( ha! still !o$bte! that he ,as %eall( a fi%st-)lass b$%la%& i# s+ite of Ga#!alf3s ,o%!s& the( !o$bte! #o lo#e%. Bali# ,as the *ost +$le! of allS b$t e"e%(o#e sai! it ,as a "e%( )le"e% bit of ,o%'. I#!ee! Bilbo ,as so +lease! ,ith thei% +%aise that he P$st )h$)'le! i#si!e a#! sai! #othi# ,hate"e% abo$t the %i#S a#! ,he# the( as'e! hi* ho, he !i! it& he sai!2 Oh& P$st )%e+t alo#& (o$ '#o,U"e%( )a%ef$ll( a#! $ietl(. 4ell& it is the fi%st ti*e that e"e# a *o$se has )%e+t alo# )a%ef$ll( a#! $ietl( $#!e% *( "e%( #ose a#! #ot bee# s+otte!& sai! Bali#& a#! I ta'e off *( hoo! to (o$. 4hi)h he !i!. Bali# at (o$% se%"i)e& sai! he. Yo$% se%"a#t& 0%. Bai#s& sai! Bilbo. The# the( ,a#te! to '#o, all abo$t his a!"e#t$%es af te% the( ha! lost hi*& a#! he sat !o,# a#! tol! the* e"e%(thi#UeF)e+t abo$t the fi#!i# of the %i# @#ot P$st #o, he tho$ht. The( ,e%e +a%ti)$la%l( i#te%este! i# the %i!!le-)o*+etitio#& a#! sh$!!e%e! *ost a++%e)iati"el( at his !es)%i+tio# of Goll$*. A#! the# I )o$l!#3t thi#' of a#( othe% $estio# ,ith hi* sitti# besi!e *e& e#!e! BilboS so I sai! 6,hat3s i# *( +o)'etV3 A#! he )o$l!#3t $ess i# th%ee oes. /o I sai!2 6,hat abo$t (o$% +%o*iseV /ho, *e the ,a( o$tW3 B$t he )a*e at *e to 'ill *e& a#! I %a#& a#! fell o"e%& a#! he *isse! *e i# the !a%'. The# I follo,e! hi*& be)a$se I hea%! hi* tal'i# to hi*self. He tho$ht I %eall( '#e, the ,a( o$t& a#! so he ,as *a'i# fo% it. A#! the# he sat !o,# i# the e#t%a#)e& a#! I )o$l! #ot et b(. /o I P$*+e! o"e% hi* a#! es)a+e!& a#! %a# !o,# to the ate. 4hat abo$t the $a%!sV the( as'e!. 4e%e#3t the%e a#(V O (esW lots of the*S b$t I !o!e! 3e*. I ot st$)' i# the !oo%& ,hi)h ,as o#l( o+e# a )%a)'& a#! I lost lots of b$tto#s& he sai! sa!l( loo'i# at his to%# )lothes. B$t I s$eee! th%o$h all %ihtUa#! he%e I a*.
The !,a%"es loo'e! at hi* ,ith $ite a #e, %es+e)t& ,he# he tal'e! abo$t !o!i# $a%!s& P$*+i# o"e% Goll$*& a#! s$eei# th%o$h& as if it ,as #ot "e%( !iffi)$lt o% "e%( ala%*i#. 4hat !i! I tell (o$V sai! Ga#!alf la$hi#. 0%. Bai#s has *o%e abo$t hi* tha# (o$ $ess. He a"e Bilbo a $ee% loo' f%o* $#!e% his b$sh( e(eb%o,s& as he sai! this& a#! the hobbit ,o#!e%e! if he $esse! at the +a%t of his tale that he ha! left o$t. The# he ha! $estio#s of his o,# to as'& fo% if Ga#!alf ha! eF+lai#e! it all b( #o, to the !,a%"es& Bilbo ha! #ot hea%! it. He ,a#te! to '#o, ho, the ,ia%! ha! t$%#e! $+ aai#& a#! ,he%e the( ha! all ot to #o,. The ,ia%!& to tell the t%$th& #e"e% *i#!e! eF+lai#i# his )le"e%#ess *o%e tha# o#)e& so #o, he tol! Bilbo that both he a#! El%o#! ha! bee# ,ell a,a%e of the +%ese#)e of e"il obli#s i# that +a%t of the *o$#tai#s. B$t thei% *ai# ate $se! to )o*e o$t o# a !iffe%e#t +ass& o#e *o%e eas( to t%a"el b(& so that the( ofte# )a$ht +eo+le be#ihte! #ea% thei% ates. E"i!e#tl( +eo+le ha! i"e# $+ oi# that ,a(& a#! the obli#s *$st ha"e o+e#e! thei% #e, e#t%a#)e at the to+ of the +ass the !,a%"es ha! ta'e#& $ite %e)e#tl(& be)a$se it ha! bee# fo$#! $ite safe $+ to #o,. I *$st see if I )a#3t fi#! a *o%e o% less !e)e#t ia#t to blo)' it $+ aai#& sai! Ga#!alf& o% soo# the%e ,ill be #o etti# o"e% the *o$#tai#s at all. As soo# as Ga#!alf ha! hea%! Bilbo3s (ell he %ealie! ,hat ha! ha++e#e!. I# the flash ,hi)h 'ille! the obli#s that ,e%e %abbi# hi* he ha! #i++e! i#si!e the )%a)'& P$st as it s#a++e! to. He follo,e! afte% the !%i"e%s a#! +%iso#e%s %iht to the e!e of the %eat hall& a#! the%e he sat !o,# a#! ,o%'e! $+ the best *ai) he )o$l! i# the sha!o,s. A "e%( ti)'lish b$si#ess& it ,as& he sai!. To$)h a#! oW B$t& of )o$%se& Ga#!alf ha! *a!e a s+e)ial st$!( of be,it)h*e#ts ,ith fi%e a#! lihts @e"e# the hobbit ha! #e"e% fo%otte# the *ai) fi%e,o%'s at Ol! Too'3s *i!s$**e%e"e +a%ties& as (o$ %e*e*be%. The %est ,e all '#o,UeF)e+t that Ga#!alf '#e, all abo$t the ba)'-!oo%& as the obli#s )alle! the lo,e% ate& ,he%e Bilbo lost his b$tto#s. As a *atte% of fa)t it ,as ,ell '#o,# to a#(bo!( ,ho ,as a)$ai#te! ,ith this +a%t of the *o$#tai#sS b$t it too' a ,ia%! to 'ee+ his hea! i# the t$##els a#! $i!e the* i# the %iht !i%e)tio#. The( *a!e that ate aes ao& he sai!& +a%tl( fo% a ,a( of es)a+e& if the( #ee!e! o#eS +a%tl( as a ,a( o$t i#to the la#!s be(o#!& ,he%e the( still )o*e i# the !a%' a#! !o %eat !a*ae. The( $a%! it al,a(s a#! #o o#e has e"e% *a#ae! to blo)' it $+. The( ,ill $a%! it !o$bl( afte% this& he la$he!. All the othe%s la$he! too. Afte% all the( ha! lost a oo! !eal& b$t the( ha! 'ille! the G%eat Gobli# a#! a %eat *a#( othe%s besi!es& a#! the( ha! all es)a+e!& so the( *iht be sai! to ha"e ha! the best of it so fa%. B$t the ,ia%! )alle! the* to thei% se#ses. 4e *$st be etti# o# at o#)e& #o, ,e a%e a little %este!& he sai!. The( ,ill be o$t afte% $s i# h$#!%e!s ,he# #iht )o*es o#S a#! al%ea!( sha!o,s a%e le#the#i#. The( )a# s*ell o$% footste+s fo% ho$%s a#! ho$%s afte% ,e ha"e +asse!. 4e *$st be *iles o# befo%e !$s'. The%e ,ill be a bit of *oo#& if it 'ee+s fi#e& a#! that is l$)'(. Not that the( *i#! the *oo# *$)h&
b$t it ,ill i"e $s a little liht to stee% b(. O (esW he sai! i# a#s,e% to *o%e $estio#s f%o* the hobbit. Yo$ lose t%a)' of ti*e i#si!e obli#-t$##els. To!a(3s Th$%s!a(& a#! it ,as 0o#!a( #iht o% T$es!a( *o%#i# that ,e ,e%e )a+t$%e!. 4e ha"e o#e *iles a#! *iles& a#! )o*e %iht !o,# th%o$h the hea%t of the *o$#tai#s& a#! a%e #o, o# the othe% si!eU$ite a sho%t )$t. B$t ,e a%e #ot at the +oi#t to ,hi)h o$% +ass ,o$l! ha"e b%o$ht $sS ,e a%e too fa% to the No%th& a#! ha"e so*e a,',a%! )o$#t%( ahea!. A#! ,e a%e still +%ett( hih $+. Let3s et o#W I a* !%ea!f$ll( h$#%(& %oa#e! Bilbo& ,ho ,as s$!!e#l( a,a%e that he ha! #ot ha! a *eal si#)e the #iht befo%e the #iht befo%e last. J$st thi#' of that fo% a hobbitW His sto*a)h felt all e*+t( a#! loose a#! his les all ,obbl(& #o, that the eF)ite*e#t ,as o"e%. Ca#3t hel+ it& sai! Ga#!alf& $#less (o$ li'e to o ba)' a#! as' the obli#s #i)el( to let (o$ ha"e (o$% +o#( ba)' a#! (o$% l$ae. No tha#' (o$W sai! Bilbo. 7e%( ,ell the#& ,e *$st P$st tihte# o$% belts a#! t%$!e o#Uo% ,e shall be *a!e i#to s$++e%& a#! that ,ill be *$)h ,o%se tha# ha"i# #o#e o$%sel"es. As the( ,e#t o# Bilbo loo'e! f%o* si!e to si!e fo% so*ethi# to eatS b$t the bla)'be%%ies ,e%e still o#l( i# flo,e%& a#! of )o$%se the%e ,e%e #o #$ts& #ot e"e# ha,tho%#-be%%ies. He #ibble! a bit of so%%el& a#! he !%a#' f%o* a s*all *o$#tai#st%ea* that )%osse! the +ath& a#! he ate th%ee ,il! st%a,be%%ies that he fo$#! o# its ba#'& b$t it ,as #ot *$)h oo!. The( still ,e#t o# a#! o#. The %o$h +ath !isa++ea%e!. The b$shes& a#! the lo# %asses bet,ee# the bo$l!e%s& the +at)hes of %abbit-)%o++e! t$%f& the th(*e a#! the sae a#! the *a%Po%a*& a#! the (ello, %o)'%oses all "a#ishe!& a#! the( f o$#! the*sel"es at the to+ of a ,i!e stee+ slo+e of falle# sto#es& the %e*ai#s of a la#!sli!e. 4he# the( bea# to o !o,# this& %$bbish a#! s*all +ebbles %olle! a,a( f%o* thei% feetS soo# la%e% bits of s+lit sto#e ,e#t )latte%i# !o,# a#! sta%te! othe% +ie)es belo, the* slithe%i# a#! %olli#S the# l$*+s of %o)' ,e%e !ist$%be! a#! bo$#!e! off& )%ashi# !o,# ,ith a !$st a#! a #oise. Befo%e lo# the ,hole slo+e abo"e the* a#! belo, the* see*e! o# the *o"e& a#! the( ,e%e sli!i# a,a(& h$!!le! all toethe%& i# a fea%f$l )o#f$sio# of sli++i#& %attli#& )%a)'i# slabs a#! sto#es. It ,as the t%ees at the botto* that sa"e! the*. The( sli! i#to the e!e of a )li*bi# ,oo! of +i#es that he%e stoo! %iht $+ the *o$#tai# slo+e f%o* the !ee+e% !a%'e% fo%ests of the "alle(s belo,. /o*e )a$ht hol! of the t%$#'s a#! s,$# the*sel"es i#to lo,e% b%a#)hes& so*e @li'e the little hobbit ot behi#! a t%ee to shelte% f %o* the o#sla$ht of the %o)'s. /oo# the !a#e% ,as o"e%& the sli!e ha! sto++e!& a#! the last fai#t )%ashes )o$l! be hea%! as the la%est of the !ist$%be! sto#es ,e#t bo$#!i# a#! s+i##i# a*o# the b%a)'e# a#! the +i#e-%oots fa% belo,. 4ellW that has ot $s o# a bit& sai! Ga#!alfS a#! e"e# obli#s t%a)'i# $s ,ill ha"e a Pob to )o*e !o,# he%e $ietl(. I !a%esa(& %$*ble! Bo*b$%S b$t the( ,o#3t fi#! it !iffi)$lt to se#! sto#es bo$#)i# !o,# o# o$% hea!s. The !,a%"es @a#! Bilbo ,e%e feeli# fa% f%o* ha++(&
a#! ,e%e %$bbi# thei% b%$ise! a#! !a*ae! les a#! feet. No#se#seW 4e a%e oi# to t$%# asi!e he%e o$t of the +ath of the sli!e. 4e *$st be $i)'W Loo' at the lihtW The s$# ha! lo# o#e behi#! the *o$#tai#s. Al%ea!( the sha!o,s ,e%e !ee+e#i# abo$t the*& tho$h fa% a,a( th%o$h the t%ees a#! o"e% the bla)' to+s of those %o,i# lo,e% !o,# the( )o$l! still see the e"e#i# lihts o# t he +lai#s be(o#!. The( li*+e! alo# #o, as fast as the( ,e%e able !o,# the e#tle slo+es of a +i#e fo%est i# a sla#ti# +ath lea!i# stea!il( so$th,a%!s. At ti*es the( ,e%e +$shi# th%o$h a sea of b%a)'e# ,ith tall f%o#!s %isi# %iht abo"e the hobbit3s hea!S at ti*es the( ,e%e *a%)hi# alo# $iet as $iet o"e% a floo% of +i#e-#ee!lesS a#! all the ,hile the fo%est-loo* ot hea"ie% a#! the fo%est-sile#)e !ee+e%. The%e ,as #o ,i#! that e"e#i# to b%i# e"e# a sea-sihi# i#to the b%a#)hes of the t%ees. 0$st ,e o a#( f$%the%V as'e! Bilbo& ,he# it ,as so !a%' that he )o$l! o#l( P$st see Tho%i#3s bea%! ,ai# besi!e hi*& a#! so $iet that he )o$l! hea% the !,a%"es3 b%eathi# li'e a lo$! #oise. 0( toes a%e all b%$ise! a#! be#t& a#! *( les a)he& a#! *( sto*a)h is ,ai# li'e a# e*+t( sa)'.
A bit f$%the%& sai! Ga#!alf. Afte% ,hat see*e! aes f$%the% the( )a*e s$!!e#l( to a# o+e#i# ,he%e #o t%ees %e,. The *oo# ,as $+ a#! ,as shi#i# i#to the )lea%i#. /o*eho, it st%$)' all of the* as #ot at all a #i)e +la)e& altho$h the%e ,as #othi# ,%o# to see. All of a s$!!e# the( hea%! a ho,l a,a( !o,# hill& a lo# sh$!!e%i# ho,l. It ,as a#s,e%e! b( a#othe% a,a( to the %iht a#! a oo! !eal #ea%e% to the*S the# b( a#othe% #ot fa% a,a( to the left. It ,as ,ol"es ho,li# at the *oo#& ,ol"es athe%i# toethe%W The%e ,e%e #o ,ol"es li"i# #ea% 0%. Bai#s3 hole at ho*e& b$t he '#e, that #oise. He ha! ha! it !es)%ibe! to hi* ofte# e#o$h i# tales. O#e of his el!e% )o$si#s @o# the Too' si!e& ,ho ha! bee# a %eat t%a"elle%& $se! to i*itate it to f%ihte# hi*. To hea% it o$t i# the fo%est $#!e% the *oo# ,as too *$)h fo% Bilbo. E"e# *ai) %i#s a%e #ot *$)h $se aai#st ,ol"esUes+e)iall( aai#st the e"il +a)'s that li"e! $#!e% the sha!o, of the obli#-i#feste! *o$#tai#s& o"e% the E!e of the 4il! o# the bo%!e%s of the $#'#o,#. 4ol"es of that so%t s*ell 'ee#e% tha# obli#s& a#! !o #ot #ee! to see (o$ to )at)h (o$W 4hat shall ,e !o& ,hat shall ,e !oW he )%ie!. Es)a+i# obli#s to be )a$ht b( ,ol"esW he sai!& a#! it be)a*e a +%o"e%b& tho$h ,e #o, sa( o$t of the f%(i#+a# i#to the fi%e i# the sa*e so%t of $#)o*fo%table sit$atio#s. 8+ the t%ees $i)'W )%ie! Ga#!alfS a#! the( %a# to the t%ees at the e!e of the la!e& h$#ti# fo% those that ha! b%a#)hes fai%l( lo,& o% ,e%e sle#!e% e#o$h to s,a%* $+. The( fo$#! the* as $i)' as e"e% the( )o$l!& (o$ )a# $essS a#! $+ the( ,e#t as hih as e"e% the( )o$l! t%$st the b%a#)hes. Yo$ ,o$l! ha"e la$he! @f%o* a safe !ista#)e& if (o$ ha! see# the !,a%"es sitti# $+ i# the t%ees ,ith thei% bea%!s !a#li# !o,#& li'e ol! e#tle*e# o#e )%a)'e! a#! +la(i# at bei# bo(s. 1ili a#! Kili ,e%e at the to+ of a tall la%)h li'e a# e#o%*o$s Ch%ist*as t%ee. Do%i& No%i& O%i& Oi#& a#! Gloi# ,e%e *o%e )o*fo%table i# a h$e +i#e ,ith %e$la% b%a#)hes sti)'i# o$t at i#te%"als li'e the s+o'es of a ,heel. Bif$%& Bof$%& Bo*b$%& a#! Tho%i# ,e%e i#
a#othe%. D,ali# a#! Bali# ha! s,a%*e! $+ a tall sle#!e% fi% ,ith fe, b%a#)hes a#! ,e%e t%(i# to fi#! a +la)e to sit i# the %ee#e%( of the to+*ost bo$hs. Ga#!alf& ,ho ,as a oo! !eal talle% tha# the othe%s& ha! fo$#! a t%ee i#to ,hi)h the( )o$l! #ot )li*b& a la%e +i#e sta#!i# at the "e%( e!e of the la!e. He ,as $ite hi!!e# i# its bo$hs& b$t (o$ )o$l! see his e(es lea*i# i# the *oo# as he +ee+e! o$t. A#! BilboV He )o$l! #ot et i#to a#( t%ee& a#! ,as s)$ttli# abo$t f%o* t%$#' to t%$#'& li'e a %abbit that has lost its hole a#! has a !o afte% it. Yo$3"e left the b$%la% behi#! aai#W sai! No%i to Do%i loo'i# !o,#. I )a#3t be al,a(s )a%%(i# b$%la%s o# *( ba)'& sai! Do%i& !o,# t$##els a#! $+ t%eesW 4hat !o (o$ thi#' I a*V A +o%te%V He3ll be eate# if ,e !o#3t !o so*ethi#& sai! Tho%i#& fo% the%e ,e%e ho,ls all %o$#! the* #o,& etti# #ea%e% a#! #ea%e%. Do%iW he )alle!& fo% Do%i ,as lo,est !o,# i# the easiest t%ee& be $i)'& a#! i"e 0%. Bai#s a ha#! $+W Do%i ,as %eall( a !e)e#t fello, i# s+ite of his %$*bli#. 5oo% Bilbo )o$l! #ot %ea)h his ha#! e"e# ,he# he )li*be! !o,# to the botto* b%a#)h a#! h$# his a%* !o,# as fa% as e"e% he )o$l!. /o Do%i a)t$all( )li*be! o$t of the t%ee a#! let Bilbo s)%a*ble $+ a#! sta#! o# his ba)'. J$st at that *o*e#t the ,ol"es t%otte! ho,li# i#to the )lea%i#. All of a s$!!e# the%e ,e%e h$#!%e!s of e(es loo'i# at the*. /till Do%i !i! #ot let Bilbo !o,#. He ,aite! till he ha! )la*be%e! off his sho$l!e%s i#to the b%a#)hes& a#! the# he P$*+e! fo% the b%a#)hes hi*self. O#l( P$st i# ti*eW A ,olf s#a++e! at his )loa' as he s,$# $+& a#! #ea%l( ot hi*. I# a *i#$te the%e ,as a ,hole +a)' of the* (el+i# all %o$#! the t%ee a#! lea+i# $+ at the t%$#'& ,ith e(es blai# a#! to#$es ha#i# o$t. B$t e"e# the ,il! 4a%s @fo% so the e"il ,ol"es o"e% the E!e of the 4il! ,e%e #a*e! )a##ot )li*b t%ees. 1o% a ti*e the( ,e%e safe. L$)'il( it ,as ,a%* a#! #ot ,i#!(. T%ees a%e #ot "e%( )o*fo%table to sit i# fo% lo# at a#( ti*eS b$t i# the )ol! a#! the ,i#!& ,ith ,ol"es all %o$#! belo, ,aiti# fo% (o$& the( )a# be +e%fe)tl( *ise%able +la)es. This la!e i# the %i# of t%ees ,as e"i!e#tl( a *eeti#-+la)e of the ,ol"es. 0o%e a#! *o%e 'e+t )o*i# i#. The( left $a%!s at the foot of the t%ee i# ,hi)h Do%i a#! Bilbo ,e%e& a#! the# ,e#t s#$ffli# abo$t till the( ha! s*elt o$t e"e%( t%ee that ha! a#(o#e i# it. These the( $a%!e! too& ,hile all the %est @h$#!%e!s a#! h$#!%e!s it see*e! ,e#t a#! sat i# a %eat )i%)le i# the la!eS a#! i# the *i!!le of the )i%)le ,as a %eat %e( ,olf. He s+o'e to the* i# the !%ea!f$l la#$ae of the 4a%s. Ga#!alf $#!e%stoo! it. Bilbo !i! #ot& b$t it so$#!e! te%%ible to hi*& a#! as if all thei% tal' ,as abo$t )%$el a#! ,i)'e! thi#s& as it ,as. E"e%( #o, a#! the# all the 4a%s i# the )i%)le ,o$l! a#s,e% thei% %e( )hief all toethe%& a#! thei% !%ea!f$l )la*o$% al*ost *a!e the hobbit fall o$t of his +i#e-t%ee. I ,ill tell (o$ ,hat Ga#!alf hea%!& tho$h Bilbo !i! #ot $#!e%sta#! it. The 4a%s a#! the obli#s ofte# hel+e! o#e a#othe% i# ,i)'e! !ee!s. Gobli#s !o #ot $s$all( "e#t$%e "e%( fa% f%o* thei% *o$#tai#s& $#less the( a%e !%i"e# o$t a#! a%e loo'i# fo% #e, ho*es& o% a%e *a%)hi# to ,a% @,hi)h I a* la! to sa( has #ot ha++e#e! fo% a lo# ,hile. B$t i# those !a(s the( so*eti*es $se! to o o# %ai!s& es+e)iall( to et
foo! o% sla"es to ,o%' fo% the*. The# the( ofte# ot the 4a%s to t o hel+ a#! sha%e! the +l$#!e% ,ith the*. /o*eti*es the( %o!e o# ,ol"es ,ol"es li'e *e# !o o# ho%ses. No, it see*e! that a %eat obli#-%ai! ha! bee# +la##e! fo% that "e%( #iht. The 4a%s ha! )o*e to *eet the obli#s a#! the obli#s ,e%e late. The %easo#& #o !o$bt& ,as the !eath of the G%eat Gobli#& Gobli#& a#! all the eF)ite*e#t eF)ite*e#t )a$se! b( the !,a%"es a#! Bilbo a#! the ,ia%!& ,ia%!& fo% ,ho* the( ,e%e ,e%e +%obabl( still h$#ti#. I# s+ite of the !a#e%s of this fa% f a% la#! bol! *e# ha! of late bee# *a'i# thei% ,a( ba)' i#to it f%o* the /o$th& )$tti# !o,# t%ees& a#! b$il!i# b$il!i# the*sel"es +la)es to li"e i# a*o# the *o%e +leasa#t ,oo!s i# the "alle(s a#! alo# the %i"e%-sho%es. The%e ,e%e *a#( of the*& a#! the( ,e%e b%a"e a#! ,ell-a%*e!& a#! e"e# the 4a%s !a%e! #ot atta)' the* if the%e ,e%e *a#( toethe%& o% i# the b%iht !a(. B$t #o, the( ha! +la##e! ,ith the obli#s3 hel+ hel+ to )o*e b( #iht $+o# $+o# so*e of the "illaes "illaes #ea%est the *o$#tai#s. If thei% +la# ha! bee# bee# )a%%ie! o$t& the%e ,o$l! ha"e bee# #o#e left the%e #eFt !a(S all ,o$l! ha"e bee# 'ille! eF)e+t the fe, the obli#s 'e+t f%o* the ,ol"es a#! )a%%ie! ba)' as +%iso#e%s to thei% )a"es. This ,as !%ea!f$l tal' to liste# to& #ot o#l( be)a$se of the b%a"e ,oo!*e# a#! thei% ,i"es a#! )hil!%e#& b$t also be)a$se of the !a#e% ,hi)h #o, #o, th%eate#e! Ga#!alf a#! his f%ie#!s. The 4a%s ,e%e a#%( a#! +$le! +$le! at fi#!i# the* he%e i# thei% "e%( *eeti#-+la)e. The( tho$ht the( ,e%e f%ie#!s of the ,oo!*e#& a#! ,e%e )o*e to s+( o# the*& a#! ,o$l! ,o$l! ta'e #e,s of thei% +la#s !o,# i#to the "alle(s& a#! the# the obli#s a#! the ,ol"es ,o$l! ha"e to fiht a te%%ible battle i#stea! of )a+t$%i# +%iso#e%s a#! !e"o$%i# +eo+le ,a'e! s$!!e#l( f%o* thei% slee+. /o the 4a%s ha! #o i#te#tio# of oi# a,a( a#! letti# the +eo+le $+ the t%ees t%ees es)a+e& at a#( %ate #ot $#til *o%#i#. A#! lo# befo%e that& the( sai!& obli# sol!ie%s ,o$l! be )o*i# !o,# f%o* the *o$#tai#sS a#! obli#s )a# )li*b t%ees& o% )$t the* !o,#. No, (o$ )a# $#!e%sta#! ,h( Ga#!alf& liste#i# to thei% %o,li# a#! (el+i#& bea# to be !%ea!f$ll( af%ai!& af%ai!& ,ia%! tho$h he ,as& a#! to feel that the( ,e%e i# a "e%( "e%( ba! +la)e& a#! ha! #ot (et es)a+e! at all. All the sa*e he ,as #ot oi# to let the* ha"e it all thei% o,# ,a(& tho$h he )o$l! #ot !o "e%( *$)h st$)' $+ i# a tall t%ee ,ith ,ol"es all %o$#! o# the %o$#! belo,. He athe%e! the h$e +i#e-)o#es f%o* the b%a#)hes of the t%ee. The# he set o#e aliht aliht ,ith b%iht bl$e fi%e& a#! th%e, it ,hii# !o,# a*o# the )i%)le of the ,ol"es. It st%$)' o#e o# the ba)'& a#! i**e!iatel( his sha( )oat )a$ht fi%e& a#! he ,as lea+i# lea+i# to a#! f%o (el+i# (el+i# ho%%ibl(. The# a#othe% )a*e a#! a#othe%& o#e o#e i# bl$e fla*es& o#e i# %e!& a#othe% i# %ee#. The( b$%st o# the %o$#! i# the *i!!le of the )i%)le a#! ,e#t off i# )olo$%e! s+a%'s a#! s*o'e. A s+e)iall( la%e o#e hit the )hief ,olf o# the #ose& a#! he lea+e! i# the ai% te# feet& a#! the# %$she! %o$#! a#! %o$#! %o$#! the )i%)le biti# a#! s#a++i# e"e# at the othe% ,ol"es i# his a#e% a#! f%iht. The !,a%"es a#! Bilbo sho$te! a#! )hee%e!. The %ae of the ,ol"es ,as te%%ible to see& a#! the )o**otio# the( *a!e fille! all the fo%est. 4ol"es a%e a%e af%ai! of fi%e at all ti*es& b$t this ,as a *ost ho%%ible a#! $#)a##( $#)a##( fi%e. If a s+a%' ot i# thei% )oats it st$)' a#! b$%#e! i#to the*& a#! $#less the( %olle! o"e% $i)' the( ,e%e soo# all i# fla*es. 7e%( soo# all abo$t the la!e ,ol"es ,e%e %olli# %olli# o"e% a#! o"e% to +$t o$t the s+a%'s o# thei% ba)'s& ,hile those that ,e%e b$%#i# ,e%e %$##i# abo$t
ho,li# a#! setti# othe%s aliht& till thei% o,# f%ie#!s )hase! the* a,a( a#! t he( fle! off !o,# the slo+es slo+es )%(i# a#! (a**e%i# a#! loo'i# fo% ,ate%. 4hat is all this $+%oa% i# the fo%est to#ihtV sai! the L o%! of the Eales. He ,as sitti#& bla)' i# the *oo#liht& o# the to+ of a lo#el( +i##a)le of %o)' at the easte%# e!e of the *o$#tai#s. I hea% ,ol"es3 "oi)esW A%e A%e the obli#s at *is)hief *is)hief i# the ,oo!sV
He s,e+t $+ i#to the ai%& a#! i**e!iatel( t,o of his $a%!s f%o* the %o)'s at eithe% ha#! lea+e! $+ to follo, hi*. The( )i%)le! )i%)le! $+ i# the s'( a#! loo'e! !o,# $+o# the %i# of the 4a%s& a ti#( s+ot fa% fa% belo,. B$t eales ha"e 'ee# e(es a#! )a# see s*all thi#s at a %eat !ista#)e. The Lo%! of the Eales of the 0ist( 0o$#tai#s ha! e(es that )o$l! loo' at the s$# $#bli#'i#& $#bli#'i#& a#! )o$l! see a %abbit %abbit *o"i# o# the %o$#! a *ile belo, e"e# i# the *oo#liht. /o tho$h he )o$l! #ot see the +eo+le i# the t%ees& he )o$l! *a'e *a'e o$t the )o**otio# a*o# the ,ol"es a#! see the ti#( flashes of fi%e& a#! hea% the ho,li# a#! (el+i# )o*e $+ fai#t f%o* fa% be#eath hi*. Also he )o$l! see the li#t of the *oo# o# obli# s+ea%s a#! hel*ets& as lo# li#es of the ,i)'e! fol' )%e+t !o,# the hillsi!es f%o* thei% ate a#! ,o$#! ,o$#! i#to the ,oo!. Eales a%e #ot 'i#!l( bi%!s. /o*e a%e )o,a%!l( a#! )%$el. B$t the a#)ie#t %a)e of the #o%the%# *o$#tai#s ,e%e the %eatest of all bi%!sS the( ,e%e ,e%e +%o$! a#! st%o# a#! #oble-hea%te!. The( !i! #ot lo"e obli#s& o% fea% the*. 4he# the( too' a#( #oti)e of the* at all @,hi)h ,as sel!o*& fo% the( !i! #ot eat s$)h )%eat$%es& the( s,oo+e! o# the* a#! !%o"e the* sh%ie'i# ba)' to thei% )a"es& a#! sto++e! sto++e! ,hate"e% ,i)'e!#ess the( ,e%e !oi#. The obli#s hate! the eales a#! fea%e! the*& b$t )o$l! #ot %ea)h thei% loft( seats& o% !%i"e the* f%o* the *o$#tai#s. To#iht the Lo%! of the Eales ,as fille! ,ith )$%iosit( to '#o, ,hat ,as afootS so he s$**o#e! *a#( othe% eales eales to hi*& a#! the( fle, a,a( f%o* the *o$#tai#s& a#! slo,l( )i%)li# e"e% %o$#! a#! %o$#! the( )a*e !o,#& !o,#& !o,# to,a%!s the %i# of the ,ol"es a#! the *eeti#-+la)e of the obli#s. A "e%( oo! thi# tooW D%ea!f$l thi#s ha! bee# oi# o# !o,# the%e. The ,ol"es that ha! )a$ht fi%e a#! fle! i#to the fo%est ha! set it aliht i# i# se"e%al +la)es. It ,as hih s$**e%& a#! o# this easte%# si!e of the *o$#tai#s the%e ha! bee# little %ai# fo% so*e ti*e. Yello,i# b%a)'e#& falle# b%a#)hes& !ee+-+ile! +i#e-#ee!les& a#! he%e a#! the%e !ea! t%ees& ,e%e soo# i# fla*es. All %o$#! the )lea%i# )lea%i# of the 4a%s fi%e ,as lea+i#. B$t the ,olf-$a%!s !i! #ot lea"e the t%ees. 0a!!e#e! a#! a#%( the( ,e%e lea+i# a#! ho,li# ho,li# %o$#! the t%$#'s& t%$#'s& a#! )$%si# the !,a%"es !,a%"es i# thei% ho%%ible la#$ae& ,ith thei% to#$es ha#i# ha#i# o$t& a#! thei% e(es shi#i# shi#i# as %e! a#! fie%)e as the fla*es. The# s$!!e#l( obli#s )a*e %$##i# $+ (elli#. The( tho$ht a battle ,ith the ,oo!*e# ,as oi# o#S b$t b$t the( soo# lea%#e! ,hat ha! %eall( ha++e#e!. ha++e#e!. /o*e of the* a)t$all( sat !o,# a#! la$he!. Othe%s ,a"e! thei% s+ea%s a#! )lashe! the shafts aai#st thei% shiel!s. Gobli#s Gobli#s a%e #ot af%ai! of fi%e& a#! the( soo# ha! a +la# ,hi)h see*e! to the* *ost a*$si#. /o*e ot all the ,ol"es toethe% i# a +a)'. /o*e sta)'e! fe%# a#! b%$sh,oo! %o$#! the t%ee-t%$#'s. Othe%s %$she! %$she! %o$#! a#! sta*+e! a#! beat& a#! beat a#! sta*+e!& $#til #ea%l( all the fla*es ,e%e +$t o$tUb$t o$tUb$t the( !i! #ot +$t o$t the fi%e #ea%est to
the t%ees ,he%e the !,a%"es ,e%e. That fi%e the( fe! ,ith lea"es a#! !ea! b%a#)hes a#! b%a)'e#. /oo# the( ha! a %i# of s*o'e a#! fla*e all %o$#! the !,a%"es& a %i# %i# ,hi)h the( 'e+t f%o* s+%ea!i# s+%ea!i# o$t,a%!sS b$t it )lose! )lose! slo,l( i#& till till the %$##i# fi%e ,as li)'i# the f$el +ile! $#!e% the t%ees. /*o'e ,as i# Bilbo3s e(es& he )o$l! feel the heat of the fla*esS a#! th%o$h t h%o$h the %ee' he )o$l! see the obli#s !a#)i# %o$#! a#! %o$#! i# a )i%)le li'e +eo+le %o$#! a *i!s$**e% bo#fi%e. bo#fi%e. O$tsi!e the %i# of !a#)i# ,a%%io%s ,ith s+ea%s a#! aFes stoo! the ,ol"es ,ol"es at a %es+e)tf$l !ista#)e& ,at)hi# a#! ,aiti#. He )o$l! hea% the obli#s bei##i# a ho%%ible so#2 1iftee# bi%!s i# fi"e fi%-t%ees& thei% feathe%s ,e%e fa##e! i# a fie%( b%eeeW B$t& f$##( little bi%!s& the( ha! #o ,i#sW O ,hat shall ,e !o ,ith the f$##( little thi#sV Roast 3e* ali"e& o% ste, the* i# a +otS f%( the*& boil the* the* a#! eat the* hotV
The# the( sto++e! a#! sho$te! o$t2 1l( a,a( little bi%!sW 1l( a,a( if (o$ )a#W Co*e !o,# little bi%!s& o% (o$ ,ill et %oaste! i# (o$% #estsW /i#& si# little bi%!sW 4h( !o#3t (o$ si#V Go a,a(W little bo(sW sho$te! Ga#!alf i# a#s,e%. It is#3t bi%!-#esti# ti*e. Also #a$ht( little bo(s that +la( +la( ,ith fi%e et +$#ishe!. He sai! sai! it to *a'e the* a#%(& a#! to sho, the* he ,as #ot f%ihte#e! of the*Utho$h of )o$%se he ,as& ,ia%! tho$h he ,as. B$t the( too' #o #oti)e& a#! the( ,e#t o# si#i#. B$%#& b$%# t%ee a#! fe%#W /h%i"el a#! s)o%)hW A fili# to%)h To liht the #iht fo% o$% !eliht& Ya he(W Ba'e a#! toast 3e*& f%( a#! %oast 3e*W till bea%!s blae& a#! e(es laeS till hai% s*ells a#! s'i#s )%a)'& fat *elts& a#! bo#es bla)' i# )i#!e%s lie be#eath the s'(W /o !,a%"es shall !ie& a#! liht the #iht fo% o$% !eliht& Ya he(W Ya-ha%%i-he(W Ya ho(W
A#! ,ith that Ya ho( W the fla*es ,e%e $#!e% Ga#!alf3s t%ee. I# a *o*e#t it s+%ea! to the othe%s. The ba%' )a$ht fi%e& the lo,e% b%a#)hes )%a)'e!. The# Ga#!alf )li*be! to the to+ of his t%ee. The s$!!e# s+le#!o$% flashe! f%o* his ,a#! li'e liht#i#& liht#i#& as he ot %ea!( to s+%i# !o,# f%o* o# hih %iht a*o# the s+ea%s of the obli#s. That ,o$l! ha"e bee# the e#! of hi*& tho$h he ,o$l! +%obabl( ha"e 'ille! *a#( of the* as he )a*e h$%tli# !o,# li'e li'e a th$#!e%bolt. B$t he #e"e% lea+e!. J$st at that *o*e#t the Lo%! of the Eales s,e+t !o,# f%o* abo"e& seie! hi* i# his talo#s& a#! ,as o#e. The%e ,as a ho,l of a#e% a#! s$%+%ise f%o* the obli#s. Lo$! )%ie! the Lo%! of the Eales& to
,ho* Ga#!alf ha! #o, s+o'e#. Ba)' s,e+t the %eat bi%!s that ,e%e ,ith hi*& a#! !o,# !o,# the( )a*e li'e h$e bla)' sha!o,s. The ,ol"es (a**e%e! (a**e%e! a#! #ashe! thei% teethS the obli#s (elle! a#! sta*+e! ,ith %ae& a#! fl$# thei% hea"( s+ea%s i# the ai% i# "ai#. O"e% the* s,oo+e! the ealesS the !a%' %$sh of thei% beati# ,i#s s*ote the* to the floo% o% !%o"e the* fa% a,a(S thei% talo#s to%e at obli# fa)es. Othe% bi%!s fle, to the t%ee-to+s a#! a#! seie! the !,a%"es& ,ho ,e%e s)%a*bli# s)%a*bli# $+ #o, as fa% as the( e"e% !a%e! to o.
5oo% little Bilbo ,as "e%( #ea%l( left behi#! aai#W He P$st *a#ae! to )at)h hol! of Do%i3s les& as Do%i Do%i ,as bo%#e off last of allS a#! $+ the( ,e#t toethe% abo"e the t$*$lt a#! the b$%#i#& Bilbo s,i#i# i# the ai% ,ith his a%*s #ea%l( b%ea'i#. No, fa% belo, the obli#s a#! the ,ol"es ,e%e s)atte%i# fa% a#! ,i!e i# the ,oo!s. A fe, eales ,e%e still )i%)li# a#! s,ee+i# abo"e the battle%o$#!. The fla*es abo$t the t%ees s+%a# s$!!e#l( $+ abo"e the hihest b%a#)hes. The( ,e#t $+ i# )%a)'li# fi%e. The%e ,as a s$!!e# fl$%%( of s+a%'s s+a%'s a#! s*o'e. Bilbo Bilbo ha! es)a+e! o#l( P$st i# ti*eW /oo# the liht of the b$%#i# ,as fai#t belo,& a %e! t,i#'le o# the bla)' floo%S a#! the( ,e%e hih $+ i# the s'(& %isi# all the ti*e i# st%o# s,ee+i# )i%)les. Bilbo Bilbo #e"e% fo%ot that fliht& )li#i# )li#i# o#to Do%i3s a#'les. a#'les. He *oa#e! *( a%*s& *( a%*sWS b$t Do%i %oa#e! *( +oo% les& *( +oo% lesW At the best of ti*es heihts *a!e Bilbo i!!(. He $se! to t$%# $ee% if he loo'e! o"e% the e!e of $ite a little )liffS a#! he ha! #e"e% li'e! la!!e%s& let let alo#e t%ees @#e"e% ha"i# ha! to es)a+e f%o* ,ol"es befo%e. /o (o$ )a# i*ai#e ho, his hea! s,a* #o,& ,he# he loo'e! !o,# bet,ee# his !a#li# toes a#! sa, the !a%' la#!s o+e#i# ,i!e $#!e%#eath $#!e%#eath hi*& to$)he! he%e a#! the%e ,ith the liht liht of the *oo# o# a hill-si!e %o)' o% a st%ea* i# the +lai#s. The +ale +ea's of the *o$#tai#s ,e%e )o*i# #ea%e%& *oo#lit s+i'es of %o)' sti)'i# o$t of bla)' sha!o,s. /$**e% /$**e% o% #ot& it see*e! "e%( )ol!. He sh$t his e(es a#! ,o#!e%e! if he )o$l! hol! o# a#( lo#e%. The# he i*ai#e! ,hat ,o$l! ha++e# if he !i! #ot. He felt si)'. The fliht e#!e! o#l( P$st i# ti*e fo% hi*& P$st befo%e his a%*s a"e ,a(. He loose! Do%i3s a#'les ,ith a as+ a#! fell o#to the %o$h +latfo%* of a# eale3s e(%ie. The%e he la( ,itho$t s+ea'i#& s+ea'i#& a#! his tho$hts ,e%e ,e%e a *iFt$%e of s$%+%ise s$%+%ise at bei# sa"e! f%o* the fi%e& a#! fea% lest he fall off that #a%%o, +la)e i#to the !ee+ sha!o,s o# eithe% si!e. He ,as feeli# "e%( $ee% i#!ee! i# his hea! b( this ti*e ti*e afte% the !%ea!f$l a!"e#t$%es of the last th%ee !a(s ,ith #eFt to #othi# to eat& a#! he fo$#! hi*self sa(i# alo$!2 No, I '#o, ,hat a +ie)e of ba)o# feels li'e ,he# it is s$!!e#l( +i)'e! o$t of the +a# o# a fo%' a#! +$t ba)' o# the shelfW No (o$ !o#3tW he hea%! Do%i a#s,e%i#& be)a$se the ba)o# '#o,s that it ,ill et ba)' i# the +a# soo#e% o% late%S a#! it is to be ho+e! ,e sha#3t. Also eales a%e#3t fo%'sW O #oW Not a bit li'e sto%'sUfo%'s& I *ea#& sai! Bilbo sitti# $+ a#! loo'i# a#Fio$sl( at the eale ,ho ,ho ,as +e%)he! )lose b(. He ,o#!e%e! ,hat othe% #o#se#se he ha! bee# sa(i#& a#! if the eale ,o$l! thi#' it %$!e. Yo$ o$ht #ot to be %$!e to a# eale& ,he# (o$ a%e o#l( the sie of a hobbit& a#! a%e $+ i# i# his e(%ie at #ihtW
The eale o#l( sha%+e#e! his bea' o# a sto#e a#! t%i**e! his feathe%s a#! too' #o #oti)e. /oo# a#othe% eale fle, $+. The Lo%! of the Eales bi!s (o$ to b%i# (o$% +%iso#e%s to the G%eat /helf& he )%ie! a#! ,as off aai#. The othe% seie! Do%i i# his )la,s a#! fle, a,a( ,ith hi* i#to the #iht lea"i# Bilbo all alo#e. He ha! P$st st%e#th to ,o#!e% ,hat the *esse#e% ha! *ea#t b( 6+%iso#e%s&3 a#! to bei# to thi#' of bei# to%# $+ fo% s$++e% li'e a %abbit& ,he# his o,# t$%# )a*e. The eale )a*e ba)'& seie! hi* i# his talo#s b( the ba)' of his )oat& a#! s,oo+e! off. This ti*e he fle, o#l( a sho%t ,a(. 7e%( soo# Bilbo ,as lai! !o,#& t%e*bli# ,ith fea%& o# a ,i!e shelf of %o)' o# the *o$#tai#-si!e. The%e ,as #o +ath !o,# o# to it sa"e b( fl(i#S a#! #o +ath !o,# off it eF)e+t b( P$*+i# o"e% a +%e)i+i)e. The%e he fo$#! all the othe%s sitti# ,ith thei% ba)'s to the *o$#tai# ,all. The Lo%! of the Eales also ,as the%e a#! ,as s+ea'i# to Ga#!alf. It see*e! that Bilbo ,as #ot oi# to be eate# afte% all. The ,ia%! a#! the ealelo%! a++ea%e! to '#o, o#e a#othe% slihtl(& a#! e"e# to be o# f%ie#!l( te%*s. As a *atte% of fa)t Ga#!alf& ,ho ha! ofte# bee# i# the *o$#tai#s& ha! o#)e %e#!e%e! a se%"i)e to the eales a#! heale! thei% lo%! f%o* a# a%%o,-,o$#!. /o (o$ see 6+%iso#e%s3 ha! *ea#t 6+%iso#e%s %es)$e! f%o* the obli#s3 o#l(& a#! #ot )a+ti"es of the eales. As Bilbo liste#e! to the tal' of Ga#!alf he %ealie! that at last the( ,e%e oi# to es)a+e %eall( a#! t%$l( f%o* the !%ea!f$l *o$#tai#s. He ,as !is)$ssi# +la#s ,ith the G%eat Eale fo% )a%%(i# the !,a%"es a#! hi*self a#! Bilbo fa% a,a( a#! setti# the* !o,# ,ell o# thei% Po$%#e( a)%oss the +lai#s belo,.
The 0ist( 0o$#tai#s Loo'i# 4est f%o* the E(%ie to,a%!s Gobli# Gate The Lo%! of the Eales ,o$l! #ot ta'e the* a#(,he%e #ea% ,he%e *e# li"e!. The( ,o$l! shoot at $s ,ith thei% %eat bo,s of (e,& he sai!& fo% the( ,o$l! thi#' ,e ,e%e afte% thei% shee+. A#! at othe% ti*es the( ,o$l! be %iht. NoW ,e a%e la! to )heat the obli#s of thei% s+o%t& a#! la! to %e+a( o$% tha#'s to (o$& b$t ,e ,ill #ot %is' o$%sel"es fo% !,a%"es i# the so$th,a%! +lai#s. 7e%( ,ell& sai! Ga#!alf. Ta'e $s ,he%e a#! as fa% as (o$ ,illW 4e a%e al%ea!( !ee+l( oblie! to (o$. B$t i# the *ea#ti*e ,e a%e fa*ishe! ,ith h$#e%. I a* #ea%l( !ea! of it& sai! Bilbo i# a ,ea' little "oi)e that #obo!( hea%!. That )a# +e%ha+s be *e#!e!& sai! the Lo%! of the Eales. Late% o# (o$ *iht ha"e see# a b%iht fi%e o# the shelf of %o)' a#! the fi$%es of the !,a%"es %o$#! it )oo'i# a#! *a'i# a fi#e %oasti# s*ell. The eales ha! b%o$ht $+ !%( bo$hs fo% f$el& a#! the( ha! b%o$ht %abbits& ha%es& a#! a s*all shee+. The !,a%"es *a#ae! all the +%e+a%atio#s. Bilbo ,as too ,ea' to hel+& a#! a#(,a( he ,as #ot *$)h oo! at s'i##i# %abbits o% )$tti# $+ *eat& bei# $se! to ha"i# it !eli"e%e! b( the b$t)he% all %ea!( to )oo'. Ga#!alf& too& ,as l(i# !o,# afte% !oi# his +a%t i# setti# the fi%e oi#& si#)e Oi# a#! Gloi# ha! lost thei% t i#!e%-boFes.
@D,a%"es ha"e #e"e% ta'e# to *at)hes e"e# (et. /o e#!e! the a!"e#t$%es of the 0ist( 0o$#tai#s. /oo# Bilbo3s sto*a)h ,as feeli# f$ll a#! )o*fo%table aai#& a#! he felt he )o$l! slee+ )o#te#te!l(& tho$h %eall( he ,o$l! ha"e li'e! a loaf a#! b$tte% bette% tha# bits of *eat toaste! o# sti)'s. He sle+t )$%le! $+ o# the ha%! %o)' *o%e so$#!l( tha# e"e% he ha! !o#e o# his feathe%be! i# his o,# little hole at ho*e. B$t all #iht he !%ea*e! of his o,# ho$se a#! ,a#!e%e! i# his slee+ i#to all his !iffe%e#t %oo*s loo'i# fo% so*ethi# that he )o$l! #ot fi#! #o% %e*e*be% ,hat it loo'e! li'e.
Cha+te% 7II
:8EER LODGING/
The #eFt *o%#i# Bilbo ,o'e $+ ,ith the ea%l( s$# i# his e(es. He P$*+e! $+ to loo' at the ti*e a#! to o a#! +$t his 'ettle o#Ua#! fo$#! he ,as #ot ho*e at all. /o he sat !o,# a#! ,ishe! i# "ai# fo% a ,ash a#! a b%$sh. He !i! #ot et eithe%& #o% tea #o% toast #o% ba)o# fo% his b%ea'fast& o#l( )ol! *$tto# a#! %abbit. A#! afte% that he ha! to et %ea!( fo% a f%esh sta%t.
This ti*e he ,as allo,e! to )li*b o# to a# eale3s ba)' a#! )li# bet,ee# his ,i#s. The ai% %$she! o"e% hi* a#! he sh$t his e(es. The !,a%"es ,e%e )%(i# fa%e,ells a#! +%o*isi# to %e+a( the Lo%! of the Eales if e"e% the( )o$l!& as off %ose fiftee# %eat bi%!s f%o* the *o$#tai#3s si!e. The s$# ,as still )lose to the easte%# e!e of thi#s. The *o%#i# ,as )ool& a#! *ists ,e%e i# the "alle(s a#! hollo,s a#! t,i#e! he%e a#! the%e abo$t the +ea's a#! +i##a)les of the hills. Bilbo o+e#e! a# e(e to +ee+ a#! sa, that the bi%!s ,e%e al%ea!( hih $+ a#! the ,o%l! ,as fa% a,a(& a#! the *o$#tai#s ,e%e falli# ba)' behi#! the* i#to the !ista#)e. He sh$t his e(es aai# a#! hel! o# tihte%. Do#3t +i#)hW sai! his eale. Yo$ #ee! #ot be f%ihte#e! li'e a %abbit& e"e# if ( o$ loo' %athe% li'e o#e. It is a fai% *o%#i# ,ith little ,i#!. 4hat is fi#e% tha# fl(i#V Bilbo ,o$l! ha"e li'e! to sa(2 A ,a%* bath a#! late b%ea'fast o# the la,# afte%,a%!sS b$t he tho$ht it bette% to sa( #othi# at all& a#! to let o his )l$t)h P$st a ti#( bit. Afte% a oo! ,hile the eales *$st ha"e see# the +oi#t the( ,e%e *a'i# fo%& e"e# f%o* thei% %eat heiht& fo% the( bea# to o !o,# )i%)li# %o$#! i# %eat s+i%als. The( !i! this fo% a lo# ,hile& a#! at last the hobbit o+e#e! his e(es aai#. The ea%th ,as *$)h #ea%e%& a#! belo, the* ,e%e t%ees that loo'e! li'e oa's a#! el*s& a#! ,i!e %ass la#!s& a#! a %i"e% %$##i# th%o$h it all. B$t )%o++i# o$t of the %o$#!& %iht i# the +ath of the st%ea* ,hi)h loo+e! itself abo$t it& ,as a %eat %o)'& al*ost a hill of sto#e& li'e a last o$t+ost of the !ista#t *o$#tai#s& o% a h$e +ie)e )ast *iles i#to the +lai# b( so*e ia#t a*o# ia#ts. :$i)'l( #o, to the to+ of this %o)' the eales s,oo+e! o#e b( o#e a#! set !o,# thei% +asse#e%s. 1a%e,ellW the( )%ie!& ,he%e"e% (o$ fa%e& till (o$% e(%ies %e)ei"e (o$ at t he Po$%#e(3s e#!W That is the +olite thi# to sa( a*o# eales. 0a( the ,i#! $#!e% (o$% ,i#s bea% (o$ ,he%e the s$# sails a#! the *oo# ,al's& a#s,e%e! Ga#!alf& ,ho '#e, the )o%%e)t %e+l(. A#! so the( +a%te!. A#! tho$h the Lo%! of the Eales be)a*e i# afte% !a(s the Ki# of All Bi%!s a#! ,o%e a ol!e# )%o,#& a#! his fiftee# )hieftai#s ol!e# )olla%s @*a!e of the ol! that the !,a%"es a"e the*& Bilbo #e"e% sa, the* aai#UeF)e+t hih a#! fa% off i# the battle of 1i"e A%*ies. B$t as that )o*es i# at the e#! of this tale ,e ,ill sa( #o *o%e abo$t it P$st #o,. The%e ,as a flat s+a)e o# the to+ of the hill of sto#e a#! a ,ell ,o%# +ath ,ith *a#( ste+s lea!i# !o,# it to the %i"e%& a)%oss ,hi)h a fo%! of h$e flat sto#es le! to the %ass-la#! be(o#! the st%ea*. The%e ,as a little )a"e @a ,holeso*e o#e ,ith a +ebbl( floo% at the foot of the ste+s a#! #ea% the e#! of the sto#( fo%!. He%e the +a%t( athe%e! a#! !is)$sse! ,hat ,as to be !o#e. I al,a(s *ea#t to see (o$ all safe @if +ossible o"e% the *o$#tai#s& sai! the ,ia%!&
a#! #o, b( oo! *a#ae*e#t a#! oo! l$)' I ha"e !o#e it. I#!ee! ,e a%e #o, a oo! !eal f$%the% east tha# I e"e% *ea#t to )o*e ,ith (o$& fo% afte% all this is #ot *( a!"e#t$%e. I *a( loo' i# o# it aai# befo%e it is all o"e%& b$t i# the *ea#,hile I ha"e so*e othe% +%essi# b$si#ess to atte#! to. The !,a%"es %oa#e! a#! loo'e! *ost !ist%esse!& a#! Bilbo ,e+t. The( ha! be$# to thi#' Ga#!alf ,as oi# to )o*e all the ,a( a#! ,o$l! al,a(s be the%e to hel+ the* o$t of !iffi)$lties. I a* #ot oi# to !isa++ea% this "e%( i#sta#t& sai! he. I )a# i"e (o$ a !a( o% t,o *o%e. 5%obabl( I )a# hel+ (o$ o$t of (o$% +%ese#t +liht& a#! I #ee! a little hel+ *(self. 4e ha"e #o foo!& a#! #o baae& a#! #o +o#ies to %i!eS a#! (o$ !o#3t '#o, ,he%e (o$ a%e. No, I )a# tell (o$ that. Yo$ a%e still so*e *iles #o%th of the +ath ,hi)h ,e sho$l! ha"e bee# follo,i#& if ,e ha! #ot left the *o$#tai# +ass i# a h$%%(. 7e%( fe, +eo+le li"e i# these +a%ts& $#less the( ha"e )o*e he%e si#)e I ,as last !o,# this ,a(& ,hi)h is so*e (ea%s ao. B$t the%e is so*ebo!( that I '#o, of& ,ho li"es #ot fa% a,a(. That /o*ebo!( *a!e the ste+s o# the %eat %o)'Uthe Ca%%o)' I belie"e he )alls it. He !oes #ot )o*e he%e oft e#& )e%tai#l( #ot i# the !a(ti*e& a#! it is #o oo! ,aiti# fo% hi*. I# fa)t it ,o$l! be "e%( !a#e%o$s. 4e *$st o a#! fi#! hi*S a#! if all oes ,ell at o$% *eeti#& I thi#' I shall be off a#! ,ish (o$ li'e the eales 6fa%e,ell ,he%e"e% (o$ fa%eW3 The( bee! hi* #ot to lea"e the*. The( offe%e! hi* !%ao#-ol! a#! sil"e% a#! Pe,els& b$t he ,o$l! #ot )ha#e his *i#!. 4e shall see& ,e shall seeW he sai!& a#! I thi#' I ha"e ea%#e! al%ea!( so*e of (o$% !%ao#-ol!U,he# (o$ ha"e ot it. Afte% that the( sto++e! +lea!i#. The# the( too' off thei% )lothes a#! bathe! i# the %i"e%& ,hi)h ,as shallo, a#! )lea% a#! sto#( at the fo%!. 4he# the( ha! !%ie! i# the s$#& ,hi)h ,as #o, st%o# a#! ,a%*& the( ,e%e %ef%eshe!& if still so%e a#! a little h$#%(. /oo# the( )%osse! the fo%! @)a%%(i# the hobbit& a#! the# bea# to *a%)h th%o$h the lo# %ee# %ass a#! !o,# the li#es of the ,i!e-a%*e! oa's a#! the tall el*s.
A#! ,h( is it )alle! the Ca%%o)'V as'e! Bilbo as he ,e#t alo# at the ,ia%!3s si!e. He )alle! it the Ca%%o)'& be)a$se )a%%o)' is his ,o%! fo% it. He )alls thi#s li'e that )a%%o)'s& a#! this o#e is the Ca%%o)' be)a$se it is the o#l( o#e #ea% his ho*e a#! he '#o,s it ,ell. 4ho )alls itV 4ho '#o,s itV The /o*ebo!( I s+o'e ofUa "e%( %eat +e%so#. Yo$ *$st all be "e%( +olite ,he# I i#t%o!$)e (o$. I shall i#t%o!$)e (o$ slo,l(& t,o b( t,o& I thi#'S a#! (o$ *$st be )a%ef$l #ot to a##o( hi*& o% hea"e# '#o,s ,hat ,ill ha++e#. He )a# be a++alli# ,he# he is a#%(& tho$h he is 'i#! e#o$h if h$*o$%e!. /till I ,a%# (o$ he ets a#%( easil(. The !,a%"es all athe%e! %o$#! ,he# the( hea%! the ,ia%! tal'i# li'e this to Bilbo. Is that the +e%so# (o$ a%e ta'i# $s to #o,V the( as'e!. Co$l!#3t (o$ fi#! so*eo#e *o%e eas(-te*+e%e!V Ha!#3t (o$ bette% eF+lai# it all a bit )lea%e%VUa#! so o#. Yes it )e%tai#l( isW No I )o$l! #otW A#! I ,as eF+lai#i# "e%( )a%ef$ll(& a#s,e%e! the ,ia%! )%ossl(. If (o$ *$st '#o, *o%e& his #a*e is Beo%#. He is "e%( st%o#& a#! he is a s'i#-)ha#e%. 4hatW a f$%%ie%& a *a# that )alls %abbits )o#ies& ,he# he !oes#3t t$%# thei% s'i#s
i#to s$i%%elsV as'e! Bilbo. Goo! %a)io$s hea"e#s& #o& #o& NO& NOW sai! Ga#!alf. Do#3t be a fool 0%. Bai#s if (o$ )a# hel+ itS a#! i# the #a*e of all ,o#!e% !o#3t *e#tio# the ,o%! f$%%ie% aai# as lo# as (o$ a%e ,ithi# a h$#!%e! *iles of his ho$se& #o% %$& )a+e& ti++et& *$ff& #o% a#( othe% s$)h $#fo%t$#ate ,o%!W He is a s'i#-)ha#e%. He )ha#es his s'i#2 so*eti*es he is a h$e bla)' bea%& so*eti*es he is a %eat st%o# bla)'-hai%e! *a# ,ith h$e a%*s a#! a %eat bea%!. I )a##ot tell (o$ *$)h *o%e& tho$h that o$ht to be e#o$h. /o*e sa( that he is a bea% !es)e#!e! f%o* the %eat a#! a#)ie#t bea%s of the *o$#tai#s that li"e! the%e befo%e the ia#ts )a*e. Othe%s sa( that he is a *a# !es)e#!e! f%o* the fi%st *e# ,ho li"e! befo%e /*a$ o% the othe% !%ao#s )a*e i#to this +a%t of the ,o%l!& a#! befo%e the obli#s )a*e i#to the hills o$t of the No%th. I )a##ot sa(& tho$h I fa#)( the last is the t%$e tale. He is #ot the so%t of +e%so# to as' $estio#s of. At a#( %ate he is $#!e% #o e#)ha#t*e#t b$t his o,#. He li"es i# a# oa'-,oo! a#! has a %eat ,oo!e# ho$seS a#! as a *a# he 'ee+s )attle a#! ho%ses ,hi)h a%e #ea%l( as *a%"ello$s as hi*self. The( ,o%' fo% hi* a#! tal' to hi*. He !oes #ot eat the*S #eithe% !oes he h$#t o% eat ,il! a#i*als. He 'ee+s hi"es a#! hi"es of %eat fie%)e bees& a#! li"es *ost o# )%ea* a#! ho#e(. As a bea% he %a#es fa% a#! ,i!e. I o#)e sa, hi* sitti# all alo#e o# the to+ of the Ca%%o)' at #iht ,at)hi# the *oo# si#'i# to,a%!s the 0ist( 0o$#tai#s& a#! I hea%! hi* %o,l i# the to#$e of bea%s2 6The !a( ,ill )o*e ,he# the( ,ill +e%ish a#! I shall o ba)'W3 That is ,h( I belie"e he o#)e )a*e f%o* the *o$#tai#s hi*self. Bilbo a#! the !,a%"es ha! #o, +le#t( to thi#' abo$t& a#! the( as'e! #o *o%e $estio#s. The( still ha! a lo# ,a( to ,al' befo%e the*. 8+ slo+e a#! !o,# !ale the( +lo!!e!. It %e, "e%( hot. /o*eti*es the( %este! $#!e% the t%ees& a#! the# Bilbo felt so h$#%( that he ,o$l! ha"e eate# a)o%#s& if a#( ha! bee# %i+e e#o$h (et to ha"e falle# to the %o$#!.
It ,as the *i!!le of the afte%#oo# befo%e the( #oti)e! that %eat +at)hes of flo,e%s ha! be$# to s+%i# $+& all the sa*e 'i#!s %o,i# toethe% as if the( ha! bee# +la#te!. Es+e)iall( the%e ,as )lo"e%& ,a"i# +at)hes of )o)'s)o*b )lo"e%& a#! +$%+le )lo"e%& a#! ,i!e st%et)hes of sho%t ,hite s,eet ho#e(-s*elli# )lo"e%. The%e ,as a b$i# a#! a ,hi%%i# a#! a !%o#i# i# the ai%. Bees ,e%e b$s( e"e%(,he%e. A#! s$)h beesW Bilbo ha! #e"e% see# a#(thi# li'e the*. If o#e ,as to sti# *e& he tho$ht& I sho$l! s,ell $+ as bi aai# as I a*W The( ,e%e bie% tha# ho%#ets. The !%o#es ,e%e bie% tha# (o$% th$*b& a oo! !eal& a#! the ba#!s of (ello, o# thei% !ee+ bla)' bo!ies sho#e li'e fie%( ol!. 4e a%e etti# #ea%& sai! Ga#!alf. 4e a%e o# the e!e of his bee-+ast$%es. Afte% a ,hile the( )a*e to a belt of tall a#! "e%( a#)ie#t oa's& a#! be(o#! these to a hih tho%#-he!e th%o$h ,hi)h (o$ )o$l! #eithe% see #o% s)%a*ble.
Yo$ ha! bette% ,ait he%e& sai! the ,ia%! to the !,a%"esS a#! ,he# I )all o% ,histle bei# to )o*e afte% *eU(o$ ,ill see the ,a( I oUb$t o#l( i# +ai%s& *i#!& abo$t fi"e *i#$tes bet,ee# ea)h +ai% of (o$. Bo*b$% is fat test a#! ,ill !o fo% t,o& he ha! bette% )o*e alo#e a#! last. Co*e o# 0%. Bai#sW The%e is a ate so*e,he%e %o$#! this ,a(. A#! ,ith that he ,e#t off alo# the he!e ta'i# the f%ihte#e! hobbit ,ith hi*.
The( soo# )a*e to a ,oo!e# ate& hih a#! b%oa!& be(o#! ,hi)h the( )o$l! see a%!e#s a#! a )l$ste% of lo, ,oo!e# b$il!i#s& so*e that)he! a#! *a!e of $#sha+e! los2 ba%#s& stables& she!s& a#! a lo# lo, ,oo!e# ho$se. I#si!e o# the so$th,a%! si!e of the %eat he!e ,e%e %o,s a#! %o,s of hi"es ,ith bell-sha+e! to+s *a!e of st%a,. The #oise of the ia#t bees fl(i# to a#! f%o a#! )%a,li# i# a#! o$t fille! all the ai%. The ,ia%! a#! the hobbit +$she! o+e# the hea"( )%ea'i# ate a#! ,e#t !o,# a ,i!e t%a)' to,a%!s the ho$se. /o*e ho%ses& "e%( slee' a#! ,ell-%oo*e!& t%otte! $+ a)%oss the %ass a#! loo'e! at the* i#te#tl( ,ith "e%( i#tellie#t fa)esS the# off the( allo+e! to the b$il!i#s. The( ha"e o#e to tell hi* of the a%%i"al of st%a#e%s& sai! Ga#!alf. /oo# the( %ea)he! a )o$%t(a%!& th%ee ,alls of ,hi)h ,e%e fo%*e! b( the ,oo!e# ho$se a#! its t,o lo# ,i#s. I# the *i!!le the%e ,as l(i# a %eat oa'-t%$#' ,ith *a#( lo++e! b%a#)hes besi!e it. /ta#!i# #ea% ,as a h$e *a# ,ith a thi)' bla)' bea%! a#! hai%& a#! %eat ba%e a%*s a#! les ,ith '#otte! *$s)les. He ,as )lothe! i# a t$#i) of ,ool !o,# to his '#ees& a#! ,as lea#i# o# a la%e aFe. The ho%ses ,e%e sta#!i# b( hi* ,ith thei% #oses at his sho$l!e%. 8hW he%e the( a%eW he sai! to the ho%ses. The( !o#3t loo' !a#e%o$s. Yo$ )a# be offW He la$he! a %eat %olli# la$h& +$t !o,# his aFe a#! )a*e fo%,a%!. 4ho a%e (o$ a#! ,hat !o (o$ ,a#tV he as'e! %$ffl(& sta#!i# i# f%o#t of the* a#! to,e%i# tall abo"e Ga#!alf. As fo% Bilbo he )o$l! easil( ha"e t%otte! th%o$h his les ,itho$t !$)'i# his hea! to *iss the f%i#e of the *a#3s b%o,# t$#i). I a* Ga#!alf& sai! the ,ia%!. Ne"e% hea%! of hi*& %o,le! the *a#. A#! ,hat3s this little fello,V he sai!& stoo+i# !o,# to f%o,# at the hobbit ,ith his b$sh( bla)' e(eb%o,s. That is 0%. Bai#s& a hobbit of oo! fa*il( a#! $#i*+ea)hable %e+$tatio#& sai! Ga#!alf. Bilbo bo,e!. He ha! #o hat to ta'e off& a#! ,as +ai#f$ll( )o#s)io$s of his *a#( *issi# b$tto#s. I a* a ,ia%!& )o#ti#$e! Ga#!alf. I ha"e hea%! of (o$& if (o$ ha"e #ot hea%! of *eS b$t +e%ha+s (o$ ha"e hea%! of *( oo! )o$si# Ra!aast ,ho li"es #ea% the /o$the%# bo%!e%s of 0i%',oo!V YesS #ot a ba! fello, as ,ia%!s o& I belie"e. I $se! to see hi* #o, a#! aai#& sai! Beo%#. 4ell& #o, I '#o, ,ho (o$ a%e& o% ,ho (o$ sa( (o$ a%e. 4hat !o (o$ ,a#tV To tell (o$ the t%$th& ,e ha"e lost o$% l$ae a#! #ea%l( lost o$% ,a(& a#! a%e %athe% i# #ee! of hel+& o% at least of a!"i)e. I *a( sa( ,e ha"e ha! %athe% a ba! ti*e ,ith obli#s i# the *o$#tai#s. Gobli#sV sai! the bi *a# less %$ffl(. O ho& so (o$3"e bee# ha"i# t%o$ble ,ith the* ha"e (o$V 4hat !i! (o$ o #ea% the* fo%V 4e !i! #ot *ea# to. The( s$%+%ise! $s at #iht i# a +ass ,hi)h ,e ha! to )%ossS ,e ,e%e )o*i# o$t of the La#!s o"e% 4est i#to these )o$#t%iesUit is a lo# tale. The# (o$ ha! bette% )o*e i#si!e a#! tell *e so*e of it& if it ,o#3t ta'e all !a(& sai! the *a# lea!i# the ,a( th%o$h a !a%' !oo% that o+e#e! o$t of the )o$%t(a%! i#to the ho$se. 1ollo,i# hi* the( fo$#! the*sel"es i# a ,i!e hall ,ith a fi%e-+la)e i# the *i!!le. Tho$h it ,as s$**e% the%e ,as a ,oo!-fi%e b$%#i# a#! the s*o'e ,as %isi# to
the bla)'e#e! %afte%s i# sea%)h of the ,a( o$t th%o$h a# o+e#i# i# the %oof. The( +asse! th%o$h this !i* hall& lit o#l( b( the fi%e a#! the hole abo"e it& a#! )a*e th%o$h a#othe% s*alle% !oo% i#to a so%t of "e%a#!a +%o++e! o# ,oo!e# +osts *a!e of si#le t%ee-t%$#'s. It fa)e! so$th a#! ,as still ,a%* a#! fille! ,ith the liht of the ,este%i# s$# ,hi)h sla#te! i#to it& a#! fell ol!e# o# the a%!e# f$ll of flo,e%s that )a*e %iht $+ to the ste+s.
He%e the( sat o# ,oo!e# be#)hes ,hile Ga#!alf bea# his tale& a#! Bilbo s,$# his !a#li# les a#! loo'e! at the flo,e%s i# the a%!e#& ,o#!e%i# ,hat thei% #a*es )o$l! be& as he ha! #e"e% see# half of the* befo%e. I ,as )o*i# o"e% the *o$#tai#s ,ith a f%ie#! o% t,o... sai! the ,ia%!. O% t,oV I )a# o#l( see o#e& a#! a little o#e at that& sai! Beo%#. 4ell to tell (o$ the t%$th& I !i! #ot li'e to bothe% (o$ ,ith a lot of $s& $#til I fo$#! o$t if (o$ ,e%e b$s(. I ,ill i"e a )all& if I *a(. Go o#& )all a,a(W /o Ga#!alf a"e a lo# sh%ill ,histle& a#! +%ese#tl( Tho%i# a#! Do%i )a*e %o$#! the ho$se b( the a%!e# +ath a#! stoo! bo,i# lo, befo%e the*.
O#e o% th%ee (o$ *ea#t& I seeW sai! Beo%#. B$t these a%e#3t hobbits& the( a%e !,a%"esW Tho%i# Oa'e#shiel!& at (o$% se%"i)eW Do%i at (o$% se%"i)eW sai! the t,o !,a%"es bo,i# aai#. I !o#3t #ee! (o$% se%"i)e& tha#' (o$& sai! Beo%#& b$t I eF+e)t ( o$ #ee! *i#e. I a* #ot o"e% fo#! of !,a%"esS b$t if it is t%$e (o$ a%e Tho%i# @so# of Th%ai#& so# of Th%o%& I belie"e& a#! that (o$% )o*+a#io# is %es+e)table& a#! that (o$ a%e e#e*ies of obli#s a#! a%e #ot $+ to a#( *is)hief i# *( la#!sU,hat a%e (o$ $+ to& b( the ,a(V The( a%e o# thei% ,a( to "isit the la#! of thei% fathe%s& a,a( east be(o#! 0i%',oo!& +$t i# Ga#!alf& a#! it is e#ti%el( a# a))i!e#t that ,e a%e i# (o$% la#!s at all. 4e ,e%e )%ossi# b( the Hih 5ass that sho$l! ha"e b%o$ht $s to the %oa! that lies to the so$th of (o$% )o$#t%(& ,he# ,e ,e%e atta)'e! b( the e"il obli#sUas I ,as abo$t to tell (o$. Go o# telli#& the#W sai! Beo%#& ,ho ,as #e"e% "e%( +olite. The%e ,as a te%%ible sto%*S the sto#e-ia#ts ,e%e o$t h$%li# %o)'s& a#! at the hea! of the +ass ,e too' %ef$e i# a )a"e& the hobbit a#! I a#! se"e%al of o$% )o*+a#io#s... Do (o$ )all t,o se"e%alV 4ell& #o. As a *atte% of fa)t the%e ,e%e *o%e tha# t,o. 4he%e a%e the(V Kille!& eate#& o#e ho*eV 4ell& #o. The( !o#3t see* all to ha"e )o*e ,he# I ,histle!. /h(& I eF+e)t. Yo$ see& ,e a%e "e%( *$)h af%ai! that ,e a%e %athe% a lot fo% (o$ to e#te%tai#. Go o#& ,histle aai#W I a* i# fo% a +a%t(& it see*s& a#! o#e o% t,o *o%e ,o#3t *a'e *$)h !iffe%e#)e& %o,le! Beo%#. Ga#!alf ,histle! aai#S b$t No%i a#! O%i ,e%e the%e al*ost befo%e he ha! sto++e!& fo%& if (o$ %e*e*be%& Ga#!alf ha! tol! the* to )o*e i# +ai%s e"e%( fi"e *i#$tes. H$lloW sai! Beo%#. Yo$ )a*e +%ett( $i)'U,he%e ,e%e (o$ hi!i#V Co*e o# *( Pa)'-i#-the-boFesW No%i at (o$% se%"i)e& O%i at... the( bea#S b$t Beo%# i#te%%$+te! the*. Tha#' (o$W 4he# I ,a#t (o$% hel+ I ,ill as' fo% it. /it !o,#& a#! let3s et o# ,ith this tale& o% it ,ill be s$++e%-ti*e befo%e it is e#!e!. As soo# as ,e ,e%e aslee+& ,e#t o# Ga#!alf& a )%a)' at the ba)' of the )a"e o+e#e!S obli#s )a*e o$t a#! %abbe! the hobbit a#! the !,a%"es a#! o$% t%oo+ of +o#iesU T%oo+ of +o#iesV 4hat ,e%e (o$Ua t%a"elli# )i%)$sV O% ,e%e (o$ )a%%(i# lots of oo!sV O% !o (o$ al,a(s )all siF a t%oo+V O #oW As a *atte% of fa)t the%e ,e%e *o%e tha# siF +o#ies& fo% the%e ,e%e *o%e tha# siF of $sUa#! ,ell& he%e a%e t,o *o%eW J$st at that *o*e#t Bali# a#! D,ali# a++ea%e! a#! bo,e! so lo, that thei% bea%!s s,e+t the sto#e floo%. The bi *a# ,as f%o,#i# at fi%st& b$t the( !i! thei% best to be f%ihtf$ll( +olite& a#! 'e+t o# #o!!i# a#! be#!i# a#! bo,i# a#! ,a"i# thei% hoo!s befo%e thei% '#ees @i# +%o+e% !,a%f-fashio#& till he sto++e! f%o,#i# a#! b$%st i#to a )h$)'li# la$h2 the( loo'e! so )o*i)al.
T%oo+& ,as %iht& he sai!. A fi#e )o*i) o#e. Co*e i# *( *e%%( *e#& a#! ,hat a%e (o$% #a*esV I !o#3t ,a#t (o$% se%"i)e P$st #o,& o#l( (o$% #a*esS a#! the# sit !o,# a#! sto+ ,ai#W Bali# a#! D,ali#& the( sai! #ot !a%i# to be offe#!e!& a#! sat f lo+ o# the floo% loo'i# %athe% s$%+%ise!. No, o o# aai#W sai! Beo%# to the ,ia%!. 4he%e ,as IV O (esUI ,as #ot %abbe!. I 'ille! a obli# o% t,o ,ith a flashU Goo!W %o,le! Beo%#. It is so*e oo! bei# a ,ia%!& the#. Ua#! sli++e! i#si!e the )%a)' befo%e it )lose!. I follo,e! !o,# i#to the *ai# hall& ,hi)h ,as )%o,!e! ,ith obli#s. The G%eat Gobli# ,as the%e ,ith thi%t( o% fo%t( a%*e! $a%!s. I tho$ht to *(self 6e"e# if the( ,e%e #ot all )hai#e! toethe%& ,hat )a# a !oe# !o aai#st so *a#(V3 A !oe#W That3s the fi%st ti*e I3"e hea%! eiht )alle! a !oe#. O% ha"e (o$ still ot so*e *o%e Pa)'s that ha"e#3t (et )o*e o$t of thei% boFesV 4ell& (es& the%e see* to be a )o$+le *o%e he%e #o,U1ili a#! Kili& I belie"e& sai! Ga#!alf& as these t,o #o, a++ea%e! a#! stoo! s*ili# a#! bo,i#. That3s e#o$hW sai! Beo%#. /it !o,# a#! be $ietW No, o o#& Ga#!alfW /o Ga#!alf ,e#t o# ,ith the tale& $#til he )a*e to the fiht i# the !a%'& the !is)o"e%( of the lo,e% ate& a#! thei% ho%%o% ,he# the( fo$#! that 0%. Bai#s ha! bee# *islai!. 4e )o$#te! o$%sel"es a#! fo$#! that the%e ,as #o hobbit. The%e ,e%e o#l( fo$%tee# of $s leftW 1o$%tee#W That3s the fi%st ti*e I3"e hea%! o#e f%o* te# lea"e fo$%tee#. Yo$ *ea# #i#e& o% else (o$ ha"e#3t tol! *e (et all the #a*es of (o$% +a%t(. 4ell& of )o$%se (o$ ha"e#3t see# Oi# a#! Gloi# (et. A#!& bless *eW he%e the( a%e. I ho+e (o$ ,ill fo%i"e the* fo% bothe%i# (o$. O let 3e* all )o*eW H$%%( $+W Co*e alo#& (o$ t,o& a#! sit !o,#W B$t loo' he%e& Ga#!alf& e"e# #o, ,e ha"e o#l( ot (o$%self a#! te# !,a%"es a#! the hobbit that ,as lost. That o#l( *a'es ele"e# @+l$s o#e *islai! a#! #ot fo$%tee#& $#less ,ia%!s )o$#t !iffe%e#tl( to othe% +eo+le. B$t #o, +lease et o# ,ith the tale. Beo%# !i! #ot sho, it *o%e tha# he )o$l! hel+& b$t %eall( he ha! be$# to et "e%( i#te%este!. Yo$ see& i# the ol! !a(s he ha! '#o,# the "e%( +a%t of the *o$#tai#s that Ga#!alf ,as !es)%ibi#. He #o!!e! a#! he %o,le!& ,he# he hea%! of the hobbit3s %ea++ea%a#)e a#! of thei% s)%a*ble !o,# the sto#e-sli!e a#! of the ,olf-%i# i# the ,oo!s. 4he# Ga#!alf )a*e to thei% )li*bi# i#to t%ees ,ith the ,ol"es all $#!e%#eath& he ot $+ a#! st%o!e abo$t a#! *$tte%e!2 I ,ish I ha! bee# the%eW I ,o$l! ha"e i"e# the* *o%e tha# fi%e,o%'sW 4ell& sai! Ga#!alf "e%( la! to see that his tale ,as *a'i# a oo! i*+%essio#& I !i! the best I )o$l!. The%e ,e ,e%e ,ith the ,ol"es oi# *a! $#!e%#eath $s a#! the fo%est bei##i# to blae i# +la)es& ,he# the obli#s )a*e !o,# f%o* the hills a#! !is)o"e%e! $s. The( (elle! ,ith !eliht a#! sa# so#s *a'i# f$# of $s. 1iftee# bi%!s i# fi"e fi%-t%ees ... Goo! hea"e#sW %o,le! Beo%#. Do#3t +%ete#! that obli#s )a#3t )o$#t. The( )a#. T,el"e is#3t fiftee# a#! the( '#o, it.
A#! so !o I. The%e ,e%e Bif$% a#! Bof$% as ,ell. I ha"e#3t "e#t$%e! to i#t%o!$)e the* befo%e& b$t he%e the( a%e. I# )a*e Bif$% a#! Bof$%. A#! *eW as+e! Bo*b$% +$ffi# $+ behi#!. He ,as fat& a#! also a#%( at bei# left till last. He %ef$se! to ,ait fi"e *i#$tes& a#! follo,e! i**e!iatel( afte% the othe% t,o. 4ell& #o, the%e a%e fiftee# of (o$S a#! si#)e obli#s )a# )o$#t& I s$++ose that is all that the%e ,e%e $+ the t%ees. No, +e%ha+s ,e )a# fi#ish this sto%( ,itho$t a#( *o%e i#te%%$+tio#s. 0%. Bai#s sa, the# ho, )le"e% Ga#!alf ha! bee#. The i#te%%$+tio#s ha! %eall( *a!e Beo%# *o%e i#te%este! i# the sto%(& a#! the sto%( ha! 'e+t hi* f%o* se#!i# the !,a%"es off at o#)e li'e s$s+i)io$s bea%s. He #e"e% i#"ite! +eo+le i#to his ho$se& if he )o$l! hel+ it. He ha! "e%( fe, f%ie#!s a#! the( li"e! a oo! ,a( a,a(S a#! he #e"e% i#"ite! *o%e tha# a )o$+le of these to his ho$se at a ti*e. No, he ha! ot fiftee# st%a#e%s sitti# i# his +o%)hW B( the ti*e the ,ia%! ha! fi#ishe! his tale a#! ha! tol! of the eales3 %es)$e a#! of ho, the( ha! all bee# b%o$ht to the Ca%%o)'& the s$# ha! falle# behi#! the +ea's of the 0ist( 0o$#tai#s a#! the sha!o,s ,e%e lo# i# Beo%#3s a%!e#. A "e%( oo! taleW sai! he. The best I ha"e hea%! fo% a lo# ,hile. If all bea%s )o$l! tell s$)h a oo! o#e& the( *iht fi#! *e 'i#!e%. Yo$ *a( be *a'i# it all $+& of )o$%se& b$t (o$ !ese%"e a s$++e% fo% the sto%( all the sa*e. Let3s ha"e so*ethi# to eatW Yes +leaseW the( all sai! toethe%. Tha#' (o$ "e%( *$)hW I#si!e the hall it ,as #o, $ite !a%'. Beo%# )la++e! his ha#!s& a#! i# t%otte! fo$% bea$tif$l ,hite +o#ies a#! se"e%al la%e lo#-bo!ie! %e( !os. Beo%# sai! so*ethi# to the* i# a $ee% la#$ae li'e a#i*al #oises t$%#e! i#to tal'. The( ,e#t o$t aai# a#! soo# )a*e ba)' )a%%(i# to%)hes i# thei% *o$ths& ,hi)h the( lit at the fi%e a#! st$)' i# lo, b%a)'ets o# the +illa%s of the hall abo$t the )e#t%al hea%th. The !os )o$l! sta#! o# thei% hi#!-les ,he# the( ,ishe!& a#! )a%%( thi#s ,ith thei% fo%e-feet. :$i)'l( the( ot o$t boa%!s a#! t%estles f%o* the si!e ,alls a#! set the* $+ #ea% the fi%e.
The# baaUbaaUbaaW ,as hea%!& a#! i# )a*e so*e s#o,-,hite shee+ le! b( a la%e )oal-bla)' %a*. O#e bo%e a ,hite )loth e*b%oi!e%e! at the e!es ,ith fi$%es of a#i*alsS othe%s bo%e o# thei% b%oa! ba)'s t%a(s ,ith bo,ls a#! +latte%s a#! '#i"es a#! ,oo!e# s+oo#s& ,hi)h the !os too' a#! $i)'l( lai! o# the t%estle-tables. These ,e%e "e%( lo,& lo, e#o$h e"e# fo% Bilbo to sit at )o*fo%tabl(. Besi!e the* a +o#( +$she! t,o lo,-seate! be#)hes ,ith ,i!e %$sh-botto*s a#! little sho%t thi)' les fo% Ga#!alf a#! Tho%i#& ,hile at the fa% e#! he +$t Beo%#3s bi bla)' )hai% of the sa*e so%t @i# ,hi)h he sat ,ith his %eat les st$)' fa% o$t $#!e% the table. These ,e%e all the )hai%s he ha! i# his hall& a#! he +%obabl( ha! the* lo, li'e the tables fo% the )o#"e#ie#)e of the ,o#!e%f$l a#i*als that ,aite! o# hi*. 4hat !i! the %est sit o#V The( ,e%e #ot fo%otte#. The othe% +o#ies )a*e i# %olli# %o$#! !%$*sha+e! se)tio#s of los& s*oothe! a#! +olishe!& a#! lo, e#o$h e"e# fo% BilboS so soo# the( ,e%e all seate! at Beo%#3s table& a#! the hall ha! #ot see# s$)h a athe%i# fo% *a#( a (ea%. The%e the( ha! a s$++e%& o% a !i##e%& s$)h as the( ha! #ot ha! si#)e the( left the Last Ho*el( Ho$se i# the 4est a#! sai! oo!-b(e to El%o#!. The liht of the to%)hes
a#! the fi%e fli)'e%e! abo$t the*& a#! o# the table ,e%e t ,o tall %e! bees,aF )a#!les. All the ti*e the( ate& Beo%# i# his !ee+ %olli# "oi)e tol! tales of the ,il! la#!s o# this si!e of the *o$#tai#s& a#! es+e)iall( of the !a%' a#! !a#e%o$s ,oo!& that la( o$tst%et)he! fa% to No%th a#! /o$th a !a(3s %i!e befo%e the*& ba%%i# thei% ,a( to the East& the te%%ible fo%est of 0i%',oo!. The !,a%"es liste#e! a#! shoo' thei% bea%!s& fo% the( '#e, that the( *$st soo# "e#t$%e i#to that fo%est a#! that afte% the *o$#tai#s it ,as the ,o%st of the +e%ils the( ha! to +ass befo%e the( )a*e to the !%ao#3s st%o#hol!. 4he# !i##e% ,as o"e% the( bea# to tell tales of thei% o,#& b$t Beo%# see*e! to be %o,i# !%o,s( a#! +ai! little hee! to the*. The( s+o'e *ost of ol! a#! sil"e% a#! Pe,els a#! the *a'i# of thi#s b( s*ith-)%aft& a#! Beo%# !i! #ot a++ea% to )a%e fo% s$)h thi#s2 the%e ,e%e #o thi#s of ol! o% sil"e% i# his hall& a#! fe, sa"e the '#i"es ,e%e *a!e of *etal at all. The( sat lo# at the table ,ith thei% ,oo!e# !%i#'i#-bo,ls fille! ,ith *ea!. The !a%' #iht )a*e o# o$tsi!e. The fi%es i# the *i!!le of the hall ,e%e b$ilt ,ith f%esh los a#! the to%)hes ,e%e +$t o$t& a#! still the( sat i# the liht of the !a#)i# fla*es ,ith the +illa%s of the ho$se sta#!i# tall behi#! the*& a#! !a%' at the to+ li'e t%ees of the fo%est. 4hethe% it ,as *ai) o% #ot& it see*e! to Bilbo that he hea%! a so$#! li'e ,i#! i# the b%a#)hes sti%%i# i# the %afte%s& a#! the hoot of o,ls. /oo# he bea# to #o! ,ith slee+ a#! the "oi)es see*e! to %o, fa% a,a(& $#til he ,o'e ,ith a sta%t. The %eat !oo% ha! )%ea'e! a#! sla**e!. Beo%# ,as o#e. The !,a%"es ,e%e sitti# )%oss-lee! o# the floo% %o$#! the fi%e& a#! +%ese#tl( the( bea# to si#. /o*e of the "e%ses ,e%e li'e this& b$t the%e ,e%e *a#( *o%e& a#! thei% si#i# ,e#t o# fo% a lo# ,hile2 The ,i#! ,as o# the ,ithe%e! heath& b$t i# the fo%est sti%%e! #o leaf2 the%e sha!o,s la( b( #iht a#! !a(& a#! !a%' thi#s sile#t )%e+t be#eath. The ,i#! )a*e !o,# f%o* *o$#tai#s )ol!& a#! li'e a ti!e it %oa%e! a#! %olle!S the b%a#)hes %oa#e!& the fo%est *oa#e!& a#! lea"es ,e%e lai! $+o# the *o$l!. The ,i#! ,e#t o# f%o* 4est to EastS all *o"e*e#t i# the fo%est )ease!& b$t sh%ill a#! ha%sh a)%oss the *a%sh its ,histli# "oi)es ,e%e %elease!. The %asses hisse!& thei% tassels be#t& the %ee!s ,e%e %attli#Uo# it ,e#t o3e% sha'e# +ool $#!e% hea"e#s )ool ,he%e %a)i# )lo$!s ,e%e to%# a#! %e#t. It +asse! the lo#el( 0o$#tai# ba%e a#! s,e+t abo"e the !%ao#3s lai%2 the%e bla)' a#! !a%' la( bo$l!e%s sta%' a#! fl(i# s*o'e ,as i# the ai%. It left the ,o%l! a#! too' its fliht
o"e% the ,i!e seas of the #iht. The *oo# set sail $+o# the ale& a#! sta%s ,e%e fa##e! to lea+i# liht.
Bilbo bea# to #o! aai#. /$!!e#l( $+ stoo! Ga#!alf. It is ti*e fo% $s to slee+& he sai!& Ufo% $s& b$t #ot I thi#' fo% Beo%#. I# this hall ,e )a# %est so$#! a#! safe& b$t I ,a%# (o$ all #ot to fo%et ,hat Beo%# sai! befo%e he left $s2 (o$ *$st #ot st%a( o$tsi!e $#til the s$# is $+& o# (o$% +e%il. Bilbo fo$#! that be!s ha! al%ea!( bee# lai! at the si!e of the hall& o# a so%t of %aise! +latfo%* bet,ee# the +illa%s a#! the o$te% ,all. 1o% hi* the%e ,as a little *att%ess of st%a, a#! ,oolle# bla#'ets. He s#$le! i#to the* "e%( la!l(& s$**e%ti*e tho$h it ,as. The fi%e b$%#e! lo, a#! he fell aslee+. Yet i# the #iht he ,o'e2 the fi%e ha! #o, s$#' to a fe, e*be%sS the !,a%"es a#! Ga#!alf ,e%e all aslee+& to P$!e b( thei% b%eathi#S a s+lash of ,hite o# the floo% )a*e f%o* the hih *oo#& ,hi)h ,as +ee%i# !o,# th%o$h the s*o'e-hole i# the %oof. The%e ,as a %o,li# so$#! o$tsi!e& a#! a #oise as of so*e %eat a#i*al s)$ffli# at the !oo%. Bilbo ,o#!e%e! ,hat it ,as& a#! ,hethe% it )o$l! be Beo%# i# e#)ha#te! sha+e& a#! if he ,o$l! )o*e i# as a bea% a#! 'ill the*. He !i"e! $#!e% the bla#'ets a#! hi! his hea!& a#! fell aslee+ aai# at last i# s+ite of his fea%s. It ,as f$ll *o%#i# ,he# he a,o'e. O#e of the !,a%"es ha! falle# o"e% hi* i# the sha!o,s ,he%e he la(& a#! ha! %olle! !o,# ,ith a b$*+ f%o* the +latfo%* o# to the floo%. It ,as Bof$%& a#! he ,as %$*bli# abo$t it& ,he# Bilbo o+e#e! his e(es.
Get $+ la(bo#es& he sai!& o% the%e ,ill be #o b%ea'fast left fo% (o$. 8+ P$*+e! Bilbo. B%ea'fastW he )%ie!. 4he%e is b%ea'fastV 0ostl( i#si!e $s& a#s,e%e! the othe% !,a%"es ,ho ,e%e *o"i# abo$t the hallS b$t ,hat is left is o$t o# the "e%a#!a. 4e ha"e bee# abo$t loo'i# fo% Beo%# e"e% si#)e the s$# ot $+S b$t the%e is #o si# of hi* a#(,he%e& tho$h ,e fo$#! b%ea'fast lai! as soo# as ,e ,e#t o$t. 4he%e is Ga#!alfV as'e! Bilbo& *o"i# off to fi#! so*ethi# to eat as $i)' as he )o$l!. OW o$t a#! abo$t so*e,he%e& the( tol! hi*. B$t he sa, #o si# of the ,ia%! all that !a( $#til the e"e#i#. J$st befo%e s$#set he ,al'e! i#to the hall& ,he%e the hobbit a#! the !,a%"es ,e%e ha"i# s$++e%& ,aite! o# b( Beo%#3s ,o#!e%f$l a#i*als& as the( ha! bee# all !a(. Of Beo%# the( ha! see# a#! hea%! #othi# si#)e the #iht befo%e& a#! the( ,e%e etti# +$le!. 4he%e is o$% host& a#! ,he%e ha"e (o$ bee# all !a( (o$%selfV the( all )%ie!. O#e $estio# at a ti*eUa#! #o#e till afte% s$++e%W I ha"e#3t ha! a bite si#)e b%ea'fast. At last Ga#!alf +$she! a,a( his +late a#! P$Uhe ha! eate# t,o ,hole loa"es @,ith *asses of b$tte% a#! ho#e( a#! )lotte! )%ea* a#! !%$#' at least a $a%t of *ea!Ua#! he too' o$t his +i+e. I ,ill a#s,e% the se)o#! $estio# fi%st& he sai!& Ub$t bless *eW this is a s+le#!i! +la)e fo% s*o'e %i#sW I#!ee! fo% a lo# ti*e the( )o$l! et #othi# *o%e o$t of hi*& he ,as so b$s( se#!i# s*o'e %i#s !o!i# %o$#! the +illa%s of the hall& )ha#i# the* i#to all so%ts of !iffe%e#t sha+es a#! )olo$%s& a#! setti# the* at last )hasi# o#e a#othe% o$t of the hole i# the %oof.
The( *$st ha"e loo'e! "e%( $ee% f%o* o$tsi!e& +o++i# o$t i#to the ai% o#e afte% a#othe%& %ee#& bl$e& %e!& sil"e%-%e(& (ello,& ,hiteS bi o#es& little o#esS little o#es !o!i# th%o$h bi o#es a#! Poi#i# i#to fi$%e-eihts& a#! oi# off li'e a flo)' of bi%!s i#to the !ista#)e. I ha"e bee# +i)'i# o$t bea%-t%a)'s& he sai! at last. The%e *$st ha"e bee# a %e$la% bea%s3 *eeti# o$tsi!e he%e last #iht. I soo# sa, that Beo%# )o$l! #ot ha"e *a!e the* all2 the%e ,e%e fa% too *a#( of the*& a#! the( ,e%e of "a%io$s sies too. I sho$l! sa( the%e ,e%e little bea%s& la%e bea%s& o%!i#a%( bea%s& a#! ia#ti) bi bea%s& all !a#)i# o$tsi!e f%o* !a%' to #ea%l( !a,#. The( )a*e f%o* al*ost e"e%( !i%e)tio#& eF)e+t f%o* the ,est o"e% the %i"e%& f%o* the 0o$#tai#s. I# that !i%e)tio# o#l( o#e set of foot+%i#ts le!U#o#e )o*i#& o#l( o#es oi# a,a( f%o* he%e. I follo,e! these as fa% as the Ca%%o)'. The%e the( !isa++ea%e! i#to the %i"e%& b$t the ,ate% ,as too !ee+ a#! st%o# be(o#! the %o)' fo% *e to )%oss. It is eas( e#o$h& as (o$ %e*e*be%& to et f%o* this ba#' to the Ca%%o)' b( the fo%!& b$t o# the othe% si!e is a )liff sta#!i# $+ f%o* a s,i%li# )ha##el. I ha! t o ,al' *iles befo%e I fo$#! a +la)e ,he%e the %i"e% ,as ,i!e a#! shallo, e#o$h fo% *e to ,a!e a#! s,i*& a#! the# *iles ba)' aai# to +i)' $+ the t%a)'s aai#. B( that ti*e it ,as too late fo% *e to follo, the* fa%. The( ,e#t st%aiht off i# the !i%e)tio# of the +i#e-,oo!s o# the east si!e of the 0ist( 0o$#tai#s& ,he%e ,e ha! o$% +leasa#t little +a%t( ,ith the 4a%s the #iht befo%e last. A#! #o, I thi#' I ha"e a#s,e%e! (o$% fi%st $estio#& too& e#!e! Ga#!alf& a#! he sat a lo# ,hile sile#t. Bilbo tho$ht he '#e, ,hat the ,ia%! *ea#t. 4hat shall ,e !o& he )%ie!& if he lea!s all the 4a%s a#! the obli#s !o,# he%eV 4e shall all be )a$ht a#! 'ille!W I tho$ht (o$ sai! he ,as #ot a f%ie#! of thei%s. /o I !i!. A#! !o#3t be sill(W Yo$ ha! bette% o to be!& (o$% ,its a%e slee+(. The hobbit felt $ite )%$she!& a#! as the%e see*e! #othi# else to !o he !i! o to be!S a#! ,hile the !,a%"es ,e%e still si#i# so#s he !%o++e! aslee+& still +$li# his little hea! abo$t Beo%#& till he !%ea*e! a !%ea* of h$#!%e!s of bla)' bea%s !a#)i# slo, hea"( !a#)es %o$#! a#! %o$#! i# the *oo#liht i# the )o$%t(a%!. The# he ,o'e $+ ,he# e"e%(o#e else ,as aslee+& a#! he hea%! the sa*e s)%a+i#& s)$ffli#& s#$ffli#& a#! %o,li# as befo%e. NeFt *o%#i# the( ,e%e all ,a'e#e! b( Beo%# hi*self. /o he%e (o$ all a%e stillW he sai!. He +i)'e! $+ the hobbit a#! la$he!2 Not eate# $+ b( 4a%s o% obli#s o% ,i)'e! bea%s (et I seeS a#! he +o'e! 0%. Bai#s3 ,aist)oat *ost !is%es+e)tf$ll(. Little b$##( is etti# #i)e a#! fat aai# o# b%ea! a#! ho#e(& he )h$)'le!. Co*e a#! ha"e so*e *o%eW /o the( all ,e#t to b%ea'fast ,ith hi*. Beo%# ,as *ost Poll( fo% a )ha#eS i#!ee! he see*e! to be i# a s+le#!i!l( oo! h$*o$% a#! set the* all la$hi# ,ith his f$##( sto%iesS #o% !i! the( ha"e to ,o#!e% lo# ,he%e he ha! bee# o% ,h( he ,as so #i)e to the*& fo% he tol! the* hi*self. He ha! bee# o"e% the %i"e% a#! %iht ba)' $+ i#to the *o$#tai#sUf%o* ,hi)h (o$ )a# $ess that he )o$l! t%a"el $i)'l(& i# bea%3s sha+e at a#( %ate. 1%o* the b$%#t ,olf-la!e he ha! soo# fo$#! o$t that +a%t of thei% sto%( ,as t%$eS b$t he ha! fo$#! *o%e tha# that2 he ha! )a$ht a 4a% a#! a obli# ,a#!e%i# i# the ,oo!s. 1%o* these he ha! ot #e,s2 the obli# +at%ols
,e%e still h$#ti# ,ith 4a%s fo% the !,a%"es& a#! the( ,e%e fie%)el( a#%( be)a$se of the !eath of the G%eat Gobli#& a#! also be)a$se of the b$%#i# of the )hief ,olf3s #ose a#! the !eath f%o* the ,ia%!3s fi%e of *a#( of his )hief se%"a#ts. /o *$)h the( tol! hi* ,he# he fo%)e! the*& b$t he $esse! the%e ,as *o%e ,i)'e!#ess tha# this afoot& a#! that a %eat %ai! of the ,hole obli# a%*( ,ith thei% ,olf-allies i#to the la#!s sha!o,e! b( the *o$#tai#s *iht soo# be *a!e to fi#! the !,a%"es& o% to ta'e "e#ea#)e o# the *e# a#! )%eat$%es that li"e! the%e& a#! ,ho the( tho$ht *$st be shelte%i# the*. It ,as a oo! sto%(& that of (o$%s& sai! Beo%#& b$t I li'e it still bette% #o, I a* s$%e it is t%$e. Yo$ *$st fo%i"e *( #ot ta'i# (o$% ,o%!. If (o$ li"e! #ea% the e!e of 0i%',oo!& (o$ ,o$l! ta'e the ,o%! of #o o#e that (o$ !i! #ot '#o, as ,ell as (o$% b%othe% o% bette%. As it is& I )a# o#l( sa( that I ha"e h$%%ie! ho*e as fast as I )o$l! to see that (o$ ,e%e safe& a#! to offe% (o$ a#( hel+ that I )a#. I shall thi#' *o%e 'i#!l( of !,a%"es afte% this. Kille! the G%eat Gobli#& 'ille! the G%eat Gobli#W he )h$)'le! fie%)el( to hi*self. 4hat !i! (o$ !o ,ith the obli# a#! the 4a%V as'e! Bilbo s$!!e#l(. Co*e a#! seeW sai! Beo%#& a#! the( follo,e! %o$#! the ho$se. A obli#3s hea! ,as st$)' o$tsi!e the ate a#! a ,a%-s'i# ,as #aile! to a t%ee P$st be(o#!. Beo%# ,as a fie%)e e#e*(. B$t #o, he ,as thei% f%ie#!& a#! Ga#!alf tho$ht it ,ise to tell hi* thei% ,hole sto%( a#! the %easo# of thei% Po$%#e(& so that the( )o$l! et the *ost hel+ he )o$l! offe%. This is ,hat he +%o*ise! to !o fo% the*. He ,o$l! +%o"i!e +o#ies fo% ea)h of the*& a#! a ho%se fo% Ga#!alf& fo% thei% Po$%#e( to the fo%est& a#! he ,o$l! la!e the* ,ith foo! to last the* fo% ,ee's ,ith )a%e& a#! +a)'e! so as to be as eas( as +ossible to )a%%(U#$ts& flo$%& seale! Pa%s of !%ie! f%$its& a#! %e! ea%the#,a%e +ots of ho#e(& a#! t,i)e-ba'e! )a'es that ,o$l! 'ee+ oo! a lo# ti*e& a#! o# a little of ,hi)h the( )o$l! *a%)h fa%. The *a'i# of these ,as o#e of his se)%etsS b$t ho#e( ,as i# the*& as i# *ost of his foo!s& a#! the( ,e%e oo! to eat& tho$h the( *a!e o#e thi%st(. 4ate%& he sai!& the( ,o$l! #ot #ee! to )a%%( this si!e of the fo%est& fo% the%e ,e%e st%ea*s a#! s+%i#s alo# the %oa!. B$t (o$% ,a( th%o$h 0i%',oo! is !a%'& !a#e%o$s a#! !iffi)$lt& he sai!. 4ate% is #ot eas( to fi#! the%e& #o% foo!. The ti*e is #ot (et )o*e fo% #$ts @tho$h it *a( be +ast a#! o#e i#!ee! befo%e (o$ et to the othe% si!e& a#! #$ts a%e abo$t all that %o,s the%e fit fo% foo!S i# the%e the ,il! thi#s a%e !a%'& $ee%& a#! sa"ae. I ,ill +%o"i!e (o$ ,ith s'i#s fo% )a%%(i# ,ate%& a#! I ,ill i"e (o$ so*e bo,s a#! a%%o,s. B$t I !o$bt "e%( *$)h ,hethe% a#(thi# (o$ fi#! i# 0i%',oo! ,ill be ,holeso*e to eat o% to !%i#'. The%e is o#e st%ea* the%e& I '#o,& bla)' a#! st%o# ,hi)h )%osses the +ath. That (o$ sho$l! #eithe% !%i#' of& #o% bathe i#S fo% I ha"e hea%! that it )a%%ies e#)ha#t*e#t a#! a %eat !%o,si#ess a#! fo%etf$l#ess. A#! i# the !i* sha!o,s of that +la)e I !o#3t thi#' (o$ ,ill shoot a#(thi#& ,holeso*e o% $#,holeso*e& ,itho$t st%a(i# f%o* the +ath. That (o$ 08/T NOT !o& fo% a#( %easo#. That is all the a!"i)e I )a# i"e (o$. Be(o#! the e!e of the fo%est I )a##ot hel+ (o$ *$)hS (o$ *$st !e+e#! o# (o$% l$)' a#! (o$% )o$%ae a#! the foo! I se#! ,ith (o$. At the ate of the fo%est I *$st as' (o$ to se#! ba)' *( ho%se a#! *( +o#ies.
B$t I ,ish (o$ all s+ee!& a#! *( ho$se is o+e# to (o$& if e"e% (o$ )o*e ba)' this ,a( aai#. The( tha#'e! hi*& of )o$%se& ,ith *a#( bo,s a#! s,ee+i#s of thei% hoo!s a#! ,ith *a#( a# at (o$% se%"i)e& O *aste% of the ,i!e ,oo!e# hallsW B$t thei% s+i%its sa#' at his %a"e ,o%!s& a#! the( all felt that the a!"e#t$%e ,as fa% *o%e !a#e%o$s tha# the( ha! tho$ht& ,hile all the ti*e& e"e# if the( +asse! all the +e%ils of the %oa!& the !%ao# ,as ,aiti# at the e#!.
All that *o%#i# the( ,e%e b$s( ,ith +%e+a%atio#s. /oo# afte% *i!!a( t he( ate ,ith Beo%# fo% the last ti*e& a#! afte% the *eal the( *o$#te! the stee!s he ,as le#!i# the*& a#! bi!!i# hi* *a#( fa%e,ells the( %o!e off th%o$h his ate at a oo! +a)e. As soo# as the( left his hih he!es at the east of his fe#)e! la#!s the( t$%#e! #o%th a#! the# bo%e to the #o%th-,est. B( his a!"i)e the( ,e%e #o lo#e% *a'i# fo% the *ai# fo%est-%oa! to the so$th of his la#!. Ha! the( follo,e! the +ass& thei% +ath ,o$l! ha"e le! the* !o,# a st%ea* f%o* the *o$#tai#s that Poi#e! the %eat %i"e% *iles so$th of the Ca%%o)'. At that +oi#t the%e ,as a !ee+ fo%! ,hi)h the( *iht ha"e +asse!& if the( ha! still ha! thei% +o#ies& a#! be(o#! that a t%a)' le! to the s'i%ts of the ,oo! a#! to the e#t%a#)e of the ol! fo%est %oa!. B$t Beo%# ha! ,a%#e! the* that that ,a( ,as #o, ofte# $se! b( the obli#s& ,hile the fo%est-%oa! itself& he ha! hea%!& ,as o"e%%o,# a#! !is$se! at the easte%# e#! a#! le! to i*+assable *a%shes ,he%e the +aths ha! lo# bee# lost. Its easte%# o+e#i# ha! also al,a(s bee# fa% to the so$th of the Lo#el( 0o$#tai#& a#! ,o$l! ha"e left the* still ,ith a lo# a#! !iffi)$lt #o%th,a%! *a%)h ,he# the( ot to the othe% si!e. No%th of the Ca%%o)' the e!e of 0i%',oo! !%e, )lose% to the bo%!e%s of the G%eat Ri"e%& a#! tho$h he%e the 0o$#tai#s too !%e, !o,# #ea%e%& Beo%# a!"ise! the* to ta'e this ,a(S fo% at a +la)e a fe, !a(s3 %i!e !$e #o%th of the Ca%%o)' ,as the ate of a little'#o,# +ath,a( th%o$h 0i%',oo! that le! al*ost st%aiht to,a%!s the Lo#el( 0o$#tai#. The obli#s& Beo%# ha! sai!& ,ill #ot !a%e to )%oss the G%eat Ri"e% fo% a h$#!%e! *iles #o%th of the Ca%%o)' #o% to )o*e #ea% *( ho$seUit is ,ell +%ote)te! at #ihtWUb$t I sho$l! %i!e fastS fo% if the( *a'e thei% %ai! soo# the( ,ill )%oss the %i"e% to the so$th a#! s)o$% all the e!e of the fo%est so as to )$t (o$ off& a#! 4a%s %$# s,ifte% tha# +o#ies. /till (o$ a%e safe% oi# #o%th& e"e# tho$h (o$ see* to be oi# ba)' #ea%e% to thei% st%o#hol!sS fo% that is ,hat the( ,ill least eF+e)t& a#! the( ,ill ha"e the lo#e% %i!e to )at)h (o$. Be off #o, as $i)' as (o$ *a(W That is ,h( the( ,e%e #o, %i!i# i# sile#)e& allo+i# ,he%e"e% the %o$#! ,as %ass( a#! s*ooth& ,ith the *o$#tai#s !a%' o# thei% left& a#! i# the !ista#)e the li#e of the %i"e% ,ith its t%ees !%a,i# e"e% )lose%. The s$# ha! o#l( P$st t$%#e! ,est ,he# the( sta%te!& a#! till e"e#i# it la( ol!e# o# the la#! abo$t the*. It ,as !iffi)$lt to thi#' of +$%s$i# obli#s behi#!& a#! ,he# the( ha! +$t *a#( *iles bet,ee# the* a#! Beo%#3s ho$se the( bea# to tal' a#! to si# aai# a#! to fo%et the !a%' fo%est-+ath that la( i# f%o#t. B$t i# the e"e#i# ,he# the !$s' )a*e o# a#! the +ea's of the *o$#tai#s lo,e%e! aai#st the s$#set the( *a!e a )a*+ a#! set a $a%!& a#! *ost of the* sle+t $#easil( ,ith !%ea*s i# ,hi)h the%e )a*e the ho,l of h$#ti# ,ol"es a#! the )%ies of obli#s. /till the #eFt *o%#i# !a,#e! b%iht a#! fai% aai#. The%e ,as a# a$t$*#-li'e *ist
,hite $+o# the %o$#! a#! the ai% ,as )hill& b$t soo# t he s$# %ose %e! i# the East a#! the *ists "a#ishe!& a#! ,hile the sha!o,s ,e%e still lo# the( ,e%e off aai#. /o the( %o!e #o, fo% t,o *o%e !a(s& a#! all the ,hile the( sa, #othi# sa"e %ass a#! flo,e%s a#! bi%!s a#! s)atte%e! t%ees& a#! o))asio#all( s*all he%!s of %e! !ee% b%o,si# o% sitti# at #oo# i# the sha!e. /o*eti*es Bilbo sa, the ho%#s of the ha%ts sti)'i# $+ o$t of the lo# %ass& a#! at fi%st he tho$ht the( ,e%e the !ea! b%a#)hes of t%ees. That thi%! e"e#i# the( ,e%e so eae% to +%ess o#& fo% Beo%# ha! sai! that the( sho$l! %ea)h the fo%est-ate ea%l( o# the fo$%th-!a(& that the( %o!e still fo%,a%! afte% !$s' a#! i#to the #iht be#eath the *oo#. As the liht fa!e! Bilbo tho$ht he sa, a,a( to the %iht& o% to the left& the sha!o,( fo%* of a %eat bea% +%o,li# alo# i# the sa*e !i%e)tio#. B$t if he !a%e! to *e#tio# it to Ga#!alf& the ,ia%! o#l( sai!2 H$shW Ta'e #o #oti)eW NeFt !a( the( sta%te! befo%e !a,#& tho$h thei% #iht ha! bee# sho%t. As soo# as it ,as liht the( )o$l! see the fo%est )o*i# as it ,e%e to *eet the*& o% ,aiti# fo% the* li'e a bla)' a#! f%o,#i# ,all befo%e the*. The la#! bea# to slo+e $+ a#! $+& a#! it see*e! to the hobbit that a sile#)e bea# to !%a, i# $+o# the*. Bi%!s bea# to si# less. The%e ,e%e #o *o%e !ee%S #ot e"e# %abbits ,e%e to be see#. B( the afte%#oo# the( ha! %ea)he! the ea"es of 0i%',oo!& a#! ,e%e %esti# al*ost be#eath the %eat o"e%ha#i# bo$hs of its o$te% t%ees. Thei% t%$#'s ,e%e h$e a#! #a%le!& thei% b%a#)hes t,iste!& thei% lea"es ,e%e !a%' a#! lo#. I"( %e, o# the* a#! t%aile! alo# the %o$#!. 4ell& he%e is 0i%',oo!W sai! Ga#!alf. The %eatest of the fo%ests of the No%the%# ,o%l!. I ho+e (o$ li'e the loo' of it. No, (o$ *$st se#! ba)' these eF)elle#t +o#ies (o$ ha"e bo%%o,e!. The !,a%"es ,e%e i#)li#e! to %$*ble at this& b$t the ,ia%! tol! the* t he( ,e%e fools. Beo%# is #ot as fa% off as (o$ see* to thi#'& a#! (o$ ha! bette% 'ee+ (o$% +%o*ises a#(,a(& fo% he is a ba! e#e*(. 0%. Bai#s3 e(es a%e sha%+e% tha# (o$%s& if (o$ ha"e #ot see# ea)h #iht afte% !a%' a %eat bea% oi# alo# ,ith $s o% sitti# fa% off i# the *oo# ,at)hi# o$% )a*+s. Not o#l( to $a%! (o$ a#! $i!e (o$& b$t to 'ee+ a# e(e o# the +o#ies too. Beo%# *a( be (o$% f%ie#!& b$t he lo"es his a#i*als as his )hil!%e#. Yo$ !o #ot $ess ,hat 'i#!#ess he has sho,# (o$ i# letti# !,a%"es %i!e the* so fa% a#! so fast& #o% ,hat ,o$l! ha++e# to (o$& if (o$ t%ie! to ta'e the* i#to the fo%est. 4hat abo$t the ho%se& the#V sai! Tho%i#. Yo$ !o#3t *e#tio# se#!i# that ba)'. I !o#3t& be)a$se I a* #ot se#!i# it. 4hat abo$t (o$% +%o*ise the#V I ,ill loo' afte% that. I a* #ot se#!i# the ho%se ba)'& I a* %i!i# itW The# the( '#e, that Ga#!alf ,as oi# to lea"e the* at the "e%( e!e of 0i%',oo!& a#! the( ,e%e i# !es+ai%. B$t #othi# the( )o$l! sa( ,o$l! )ha#e his *i#!. No, ,e ha! this all o$t befo%e& ,he# ,e la#!e! o# the Ca%%o)'& he sai!. It is #o $se a%$i#. I ha"e& as I tol! (o$& so*e +%essi# b$si#ess a,a( so$thS a#! I a* al%ea!( late th%o$h bothe%i# ,ith (o$ +eo+le. 4e *a( *eet aai# befo%e all is o"e%& a#! the# aai# of )o$%se ,e *a( #ot. That !e+e#!s o# (o$% l$)' a#! o# (o$% )o$%ae a#! se#seS a#! I a* se#!i# 0%. Bai#s ,ith (o$. I ha"e tol! (o$ befo%e
that he has *o%e abo$t hi* tha# (o$ $ess& a#! (o$ ,ill fi#! that o$t befo%e lo#. /o )hee% $+ Bilbo a#! !o#3t loo' so l$*. Chee% $+ Tho%i# a#! Co*+a#(W This is (o$% eF+e!itio# afte% all. Thi#' of the t%eas$%e at the e#!& a#! fo%et the fo%est a#! the !%ao#& at a#( %ate $#til to*o%%o, *o%#i#W 4he# to*o%%o, *o%#i# )a*e he still sai! the sa*e. /o #o, t he%e ,as #othi# left to !o b$t to fill thei% ,ate%-s'i#s at a )lea% s+%i# the( fo$#! )lose to the fo%est-ate& a#! $#+a)' the +o#ies. The( !ist%ib$te! the +a)'aes as fai%l( as the( )o$l!& tho$h Bilbo tho$ht his lot ,as ,ea%iso*el( hea"(& a#! !i! #ot at all li'e the i!ea of t%$!i# fo% *iles a#! *iles ,ith all that o# his ba)'. Do#3t (o$ ,o%%(W sai! Tho%i#. It ,ill et lihte% all too soo#. Befo%e lo# I eF+e)t ,e shall all ,ish o$% +a)'s hea"ie%& ,he# the foo! bei#s to %$# sho%t. The# at last the( sai! oo!-b(e to thei% +o#ies a#! t$%#e! thei% hea!s fo% ho*e. Off the( t%otte! ail(& see*i# "e%( la! to +$t thei% tails to,a%!s the sha!o, of 0i%',oo!. As the( ,e#t a,a( Bilbo )o$l! ha"e s,o%# that a thi# li'e a bea% left the sha!o, of the t%ees a#! sha*ble! off $i)'l( afte% the*. No, Ga#!alf too sai! fa%e,ell. Bilbo sat o# the %o$#! feeli# "e%( $#ha++( a#! ,ishi# he ,as besi!e the ,ia%! o# his tall ho%se. He ha! o#e P$st i#si!e the fo%est afte% b%ea'fast @a "e%( +oo% o#e& a#! it ha! see*e! as !a%' i# the%e i# the *o%#i# as at #iht& a#! "e%( se)%et2 a so%t of ,at)hi# a#! ,aiti# feeli#& he sai! to hi*self. Goo!-b(eW sai! Ga#!alf to Tho%i#. A#! oo!b(e to (o$ all& oo!-b(eW /t%aiht th%o$h the fo%est is (o$% ,a( #o,. Do#3t st%a( off the t%a)'WUif (o$ !o& it is a tho$sa#! to o#e (o$ ,ill #e"e% fi#! it aai# a#! #e"e% et o$t of 0i%',oo!S a#! the# I !o#3t s$++ose I& o% a#( o#e else& ,ill e"e% see (o$ aai#. Do ,e %eall( ha"e to o th%o$hV %oa#e! the hobbit. Yes& (o$ !oW sai! the ,ia%!& if (o$ ,a#t to et to the othe% si!e. Yo$ *$st eithe% o th%o$h o% i"e $+ (o$% $est. A#! I a* #ot oi# to allo, (o$ to ba)' o$t #o,& 0%. Bai#s. I a* asha*e! of (o$ fo% thi#'i# of it. Yo$ ha"e ot to loo' afte% all these !,a%"es fo% *e& he la$he!. NoW #oW sai! Bilbo. I !i!#3t *ea# that. I *ea#t& is the%e #o ,a( %o$#!V The%e is& if (o$ )a%e to o t,o h$#!%e! *iles o% so o$t of (o$% ,a( #o%th& a#! t,i)e that so$th. B$t (o$ ,o$l!#3t et a safe +ath e"e# the#. The%e a%e #o safe +aths i# this +a%t of the ,o%l!. Re*e*be% (o$ a%e o"e% the E!e of the 4il! #o,& a#! i# fo% all so%ts of f$# ,he%e"e% (o$ o. Befo%e (o$ )o$l! et %o$#! 0i%',oo! i# the No%th (o$ ,o$l! be %iht a*o# the slo+es of the G%e( 0o$#tai#s& a#! the( a%e si*+l( stiff ,ith obli#s& hobobli#s& a#! o%)s of the ,o%st !es)%i+tio#. Befo%e (o$ )o$l! et %o$#! it i# the /o$th& (o$ ,o$l! et i#to the la#! of the Ne)%o*a#)e%S a#! e"e# (o$& Bilbo& ,o#3t #ee! *e to tell (o$ tales of that bla)' so%)e%e%. I !o#3t a!"ise (o$ to o a#(,he%e #ea% the +la)es o"e%loo'e! b( his !a%' to,e%W /ti)' to the fo%estt%a)'& 'ee+ (o$% s+i%its $+& ho+e fo% the best& a#! ,ith a t%e*e#!o$s sli)e of l$)' (o$ *a( )o*e o$t o#e !a( a#! see the Lo# 0a%shes l(i# belo, (o$& a#! be(o#! the*& hih i# the East& the Lo#el( 0o$#tai# ,he%e !ea% ol! /*a$ li"es& tho$h I ho+e he is #ot eF+e)ti# (o$. 7e%( )o*fo%ti# (o$ a%e to be s$%e& %o,le! Tho%i#. Goo!-b(eW If (o$ ,o#3t )o*e
,ith $s& (o$ ha! bette% et off ,itho$t a#( *o%e tal'W Goo!-b(e the#& a#! %eall( oo!-b(eW sai! Ga#!alf& a#! he t$%#e! his ho%se a#! %o!e !o,# i#to the 4est. B$t he )o$l! #ot %esist the te*+tatio# to ha"e the last ,o%!. Befo%e he ha! +asse! $ite o$t of hea%i# he t $%#e! a#! +$t his ha#!s to his *o$th a#! )alle! to the*. The( hea%! his "oi)e )o*e fai#tl(2 Goo!-b(eW Be oo!& ta'e )a%e of (o$%sel"esUa#! DON3T LEA7E THE 5ATHW The# he allo+e! a,a( a#! ,as soo# lost to siht. O oo!-b(e a#! o a,a(W %$#te! the !,a%"es& all the *o%e a#%( be)a$se the( ,e%e %eall( fille! ,ith !is*a( at losi# hi*. No, bea# the *ost !a#e%o$s +a%t of all the Po$%#e(. The( ea)h sho$l!e%e! the hea"( +a)' a#! the ,ate%-s'i# ,hi)h ,as thei% sha%e& a#! t$%#e! f%o* the liht that la( o# the la#!s o$tsi!e a#! +l$#e! i#to the fo%est.
Cha+te% 7III
1LIE/ AND /5IDER/
The( ,al'e! i# si#le file. The e#t%a#)e to the +ath ,as li'e a so%t of a%)h lea!i# i#to a loo*( t$##el *a!e b( t,o %eat t%ees that lea#t toethe%& too ol! a#! st%a#le! ,ith i"( a#! h$# ,ith li)he# to bea% *o%e tha# a fe, bla)'e#e! lea"es. The +ath itself ,as #a%%o, a#! ,o$#! i# a#! o$t a*o# the t%$#'s. /oo# the liht at the ate ,as li'e a little b%iht hole fa% behi#!& a#! the $iet ,as so !ee+ that thei% feet see*e! to th$*+ alo# ,hile all the t%ees lea#e! o"e% the* a#! liste#e!.
As thei% e(es be)a*e $se! to the !i*#ess the( )o$l! see a little ,a( to eithe% si!e i# a so%t of !a%'e#e! %ee# li**e%. O))asio#all( a sle#!e% bea* of s$# that ha! the l$)' to sli+ i# th%o$h so*e o+e#i# i# the lea"es fa% abo"e& a#! still *o%e l$)' i# #ot bei# )a$ht i# the ta#le! bo$hs a#! *atte! t,is be#eath& stabbe! !o,# thi# a#! b%iht befo%e the*. B$t this ,as sel!o*& a#! it soo# )ease! altoethe%. The%e ,e%e bla)' s$i%%els i# the ,oo!. As Bilbo3s sha%+ i#$isiti"e e(es ot $se! to seei# thi#s he )o$l! )at)h li*+ses of the* ,his'i# off the +ath a#! s)$ttli# behi#! t%ee-t%$#'s. The%e ,e%e $ee% #oises too& %$#ts& s)$ffli#s& a#! h$%%(i#s i# the $#!e%%o,th& a#! a*o# the lea"es that la( +ile! e#!lessl( thi)' i# +la)es o# the fo%est-floo%S b$t ,hat *a!e the #oises he )o$l! #ot see. The #astiest thi#s the( sa, ,e%e the )ob,ebs2 !a%' !e#se )ob,ebs ,ith th%ea!s eFt%ao%!i#a%il( thi)'& ofte# st%et)he! f%o* t%ee to t%ee& o% ta#le! i# the lo,e% b%a#)hes o# eithe% si!e of the*. The%e ,e%e #o#e st%et)he! a)%oss the +ath& b$t ,hethe% be)a$se so*e *ai) 'e+t it )lea%& o% fo% ,hat othe% %easo# the( )o$l! #ot $ess. It ,as #ot lo# befo%e the( %e, to hate the fo%est as hea%til( as the( ha! hate! the t$##els of the obli#s& a#! it see*e! to offe% e"e# less ho+e of a#( e#!i#. B$t the( ha! to o o# a#! o#& lo# afte% the( ,e%e si)' fo% a siht of the s$# a#! of the s'(& a#! lo#e! fo% the feel of ,i#! o# thei% fa)es. The%e ,as #o *o"e*e#t of ai% !o,# $#!e% the fo%est-%oof& a#! it ,as e"e%lasti#l( still a#! !a%' a#! st$ff(. E"e# the !,a%"es felt it& ,ho ,e%e $se! to t$##elli#& a#! li"e! at ti*es fo% lo# ,hiles ,itho$t the liht of the s$#S b$t the hobbit& ,ho li'e! holes to *a'e a ho$se i# b$t #ot to s+e#! s$**e% !a(s i#& felt that he ,as bei# slo,l( s$ffo)ate!. The #ihts ,e%e the ,o%st. It the# be)a*e +it)h-!a%'U#ot ,hat (o$ )all +it)h-!a%'& b$t %eall( +it)h2 so bla)' that (o$ %eall( )o$l! see #othi#. Bilbo t%ie! fla++i# his ha#! i# f%o#t of his #ose& b$t he )o$l! #ot see it at all. 4ell& +e%ha+s it is #ot t%$e to sa( that the( )o$l! see #othi#2 the( )o$l! see e(es. The( sle+t all )losel( h$!!le! toethe%& a#! too' it i# t$%#s to ,at)hS a#! ,he# it ,as Bilbo3s t$%# he ,o$l! see lea*s i# the !a%'#ess %o$#! the*& a#! so*eti*es +ai%s of (ello, o% %e! o% %ee# e(es ,o$l! sta%e at hi* f%o* a little !ista#)e& a#! the# slo,l( fa!e a#! !isa++ea% a#! slo,l( shi#e o$t aai# i# a#othe% +la)e. A#! so*eti*es the( ,o$l! lea* !o,# f%o* the b%a#)hes P$st abo"e hi*S a#! that ,as *ost te%%if(i#. B$t the e(es that he li'e! the least ,e%e ho%%ible +ale b$lbo$s so%t of e(es. I#se)t e(es& he tho$ht& #ot a#i*al e(es& o#l( the( a%e *$)h too bi. Altho$h it ,as #ot (et "e%( )ol!& the( t%ie! lihti# ,at)h-fi%es at #iht& b$t the( soo# a"e that $+. It see*e! to b%i# h$#!%e!s a#! h$#!%e!s of e(es all %o$#! the*& tho$h the )%eat$%es& ,hate"e% the( ,e%e& ,e%e )a%ef$l #e"e% t o let thei% bo!ies sho, i# the little fli)'e% of the fla*es. 4o%se still it b%o$ht tho$sa#!s of
!a%'-%e( a#! bla)' *oths& so*e #ea%l( as bi as (o$% ha#!& fla++i# a#! ,hi%%i# %o$#! thei% ea%s. The( )o$l! #ot sta#! that& #o% the h$e bats& bla)' as a to+-hat& eithe%S so the( a"e $+ fi%es a#! sat at #iht a#! !oe! i# the e#o%*o$s $#)a##( !a%'#ess. All this ,e#t o# fo% ,hat see*e! to the hobbit aes $+o# aesS a#! he ,as al,a(s h$#%(& fo% the( ,e%e eFt%e*el( )a%ef$l ,ith thei% +%o"isio#s. E"e# so& as !a(s follo,e! !a(s& a#! still the fo%est see*e! P$st the sa*e& the( bea# to et a#Fio$s. The foo! ,o$l! #ot last fo% e"e%2 it ,as i# fa)t al%ea!( bei##i# to et lo,. The( t%ie! shooti# at the s$i%%els& a#! the( ,aste! *a#( a%%o,s befo%e the( *a#ae! to b%i# o#e !o,# o# the +ath. B$t ,he# the( %oaste! it& it +%o"e! ho%%ible to taste& a#! the( shot #o *o%e s$i%%els. The( ,e%e thi%st( too& fo% the( ha! #o#e too *$)h ,ate%& a#! i# all the ti*e the( ha! see# #eithe% s+%i# #o% st%ea*. This ,as thei% state ,he# o#e !a( the( fo$#! thei% +ath blo)'e! b( a %$##i# ,ate%. It flo,e! fast a#! st%o# b$t #ot "e%( ,i!e %iht a)%oss the ,a(& a#! it ,as bla)'& o% loo'e! it i# the loo*. It ,as ,ell that Beo%# ha! ,a%#e! the* aai#st it& o% the( ,o$l! ha"e !%$#' f%o* it& ,hate"e% its )olo$%& a#! fille! so*e of thei% e*+tie! s'i#s at its ba#'. As it ,as the( o#l( tho$ht of ho, to )%oss it ,itho$t ,etti# the*sel"es i# its ,ate%. The%e ha! bee# a b%i!e of ,oo! a)%oss& b$t it ha! %otte! a#! falle# lea"i# o#l( the b%o'e# +osts #ea% the ba#'. Bilbo '#eeli# o# the b%i#' a#! +ee%i# fo%,a%! )%ie!2 The%e is a boat aai#st the fa% ba#'W No, ,h( )o$l!#3t it ha"e bee# this si!eW Ho, fa% a,a( !o (o$ thi#' it isV as'e! Tho%i#& fo% b( #o, the( '#e, Bilbo ha! the sha%+est e(es a*o# the*. Not at all fa%. I sho$l!#3t thi#' abo"e t,el"e (a%!s. T,el"e (a%!sW I sho$l! ha"e tho$ht it ,as thi%t( at least& b$t *( e(es !o#3t see as ,ell as the( $se! a h$#!%e! (ea%s ao. /till t,el"e (a%!s is as oo! as a *ile. 4e )a#3t P$*+ it& a#! ,e !a%e#3t t%( to ,a!e o% s,i*. Ca# a#( of (o$ th%o, a %o+eV 4hat3s the oo! of thatV The boat is s$%e to be tie! $+& e"e# if ,e )o$l! hoo' it& ,hi)h I !o$bt. I !o#3t belie"e it is tie!& sai! Bilbo& tho$h of )o$%se I )a#3t be s$%e i# this lihtS b$t it loo's to *e as if it ,as P$st !%a,# $+ o# the ba#'& ,hi)h is lo, P$st the%e ,he%e the +ath oes !o,# i#to the ,ate%. Do%i is the st%o#est& b$t 1ili is the (o$#est a#! still has the best siht& sai! Tho%i#. Co*e he%e 1ili& a#! see if (o$ )a# see the boat 0%. Bai#s is tal'i# abo$t. 1ili tho$ht he )o$l!S so ,he# he ha! sta%e! a lo# ,hile to et a# i!ea of the !i%e)tio#& the othe%s b%o$ht hi* a %o+e. The( ha! se"e%al ,ith the*& a#! o# the e#! of the lo#est the( faste#e! o#e of the la%e i%o# hoo's the( ha! $se! fo% )at)hi# thei% +a)'s to the st%a+s abo$t thei% sho$l!e%s. 1ili too' this i# his ha#!& bala#)e! it fo% a *o*e#t& a#! the# fl$# it a)%oss the st%ea*. /+lash it fell i# the ,ate%W Not fa% e#o$hW sai! Bilbo ,ho ,as +ee%i# fo%,a%!. A )o$+le of feet a#! (o$ ,o$l! ha"e !%o++e! it o# to the boat. T%( aai#. I !o#3t s$++ose the *ai) is st%o# e#o$h to h$%t (o$& if (o$ P$st to$)h a bit of ,et %o+e.
1ili +i)'e! $+ the hoo' ,he# he ha! !%a,# it ba)'& %athe% !o$btf$ll( all the sa*e. This ti*e he th%e, it ,ith %eat st%e#th. /tea!(W sai! Bilbo& (o$ ha"e th%o,# it %iht i#to the ,oo! o# the othe% si!e #o,. D%a, it ba)' e#tl(. 1ili ha$le! the %o+e ba)' slo,l(& a#! afte% a ,hile Bilbo sai!2 Ca%ef$ll(W It is l(i# o# the boatS let3s ho+e the hoo' ,ill )at)h. It !i!. The %o+e ,e#t ta$t& a#! 1ili +$lle! i# "ai#. Kili )a*e to his hel+& a#! the# Oi# a#! Gloi#. The( t$e! a#! t$e!& a#! s$!!e#l( the( all fell o"e% o# thei% ba)'s. Bilbo ,as o# the loo' o$t& ho,e"e%& )a$ht the %o+e& a#! , ith a +ie)e of sti)' fe#!e! off the little bla)' boat as it )a*e %$shi# a)%oss the st%ea*. Hel+W he sho$te!& a#! Bali# ,as P$st i# ti*e to seie the boat befo%e it floate! off !o,# the )$%%e#t. It ,as tie! afte% all& sai! he& loo'i# at the s#a++e! +ai#te% that ,as still !a#li# f%o* it. That ,as a oo! +$ll& *( la!sS a#! a oo! Pob that o$% %o+e ,as the st%o#e%. 4ho3ll )%oss fi%stV as'e! Bilbo. I shall& sai! Tho%i#& a#! (o$ ,ill )o*e ,ith *e& a#! 1ili a#! Bali#. That3s as *a#( as the boat ,ill hol! at a ti*e. Afte% that Kili a#! Oi# a#! Gloi# a#! Do%iS #eFt O%i a#! No%i& Bif$% a#! Bof$%S a#! last D,ali# a#! Bo*b$%. I3* al,a(s last a#! I !o#3t li'e it& sai! Bo*b$%. It3s so*ebo!( else3s t$%# to!a(. Yo$ sho$l! #ot be so fat. As (o$ a%e& (o$ *$st be ,ith the last a#! lihtest boatloa!. Do#3t sta%t %$*bli# aai#st o%!e%s& o% so*ethi# ba! ,ill ha++e# to (o$. The%e a%e#3t a#( oa%s. Ho, a%e (o$ oi# to +$sh the boat ba)' to the fa% ba#'V as'e! the hobbit. Gi"e *e a#othe% le#th of %o+e a#! a#othe% hoo'& sai! 1ili& a#! ,he# the( ha! ot it %ea!(& he )ast it i#to the !a%'#ess ahea! a#! as hih as he )o$l! th%o, it. /i#)e it !i! #ot fall !o,# aai#& the( sa, that it *$st ha"e st$)' i# the b%a#)hes. Get i# #o,& sai! 1ili& a#! o#e of (o$ ha$l o# the %o+e that is st$)' i# a t%ee o# the othe% si!e. O#e of the othe%s *$st 'ee+ hol! of the hoo' ,e $se! at fi%st& a#! ,he# ,e a%e safe o# the othe% si!e he )a# hoo' it o#& a#! (o$ )a# !%a, the boat ba)'. I# this ,a( the( ,e%e all soo# o# the fa% ba#' safe a)%oss the e#)ha#te! st%ea*. D,ali# ha! P$st s)%a*ble! o$t ,ith the )oile! %o+e o# his a%*& a#! Bo*b$% @still %$*bli# ,as etti# %ea!( to follo,& ,he# so*ethi# ba! !i! ha++e#. The%e ,as a fl(i# so$#! of hoo"es o# the +ath ahea!. O$t of the loo* )a*e s$!!e#l( the sha+e of a fl(i# !ee%. It )ha%e! i#to the !,a%"es a#! bo,le! the* o"e%& the# athe%e! itself fo% a lea+. Hih it s+%a# a#! )lea%e! the ,ate% ,ith a *iht( P$*+. B$t it !i! #ot %ea)h the othe% si!e i# safet(. Tho%i# ,as the o#l( o#e ,ho ha! 'e+t his feet a#! his ,its. As soo# as the( ha! la#!e! he ha! be#t his bo, a#! fitte! a# a%%o, i# )ase a#( hi!!e# $a%!ia# of the boat a++ea%e!. No, he se#t a s,ift a#! s$%e shot i#to the lea+i# beast. As it %ea)he! the f$%the% ba#' it st$*ble!. The sha!o,s s,allo,e! it $+& b$t the( hea%! the so$#! of hoo"es $i)'l( falte% a#! the# o still. Befo%e the( )o$l! sho$t i# +%aise of the shot& ho,e"e%& a !%ea!f$l ,ail f%o* Bilbo +$t all tho$hts of "e#iso# o$t of thei% *i#!s. Bo*b$% has falle# i#W Bo*b$% is
!%o,#i#W he )%ie!. It ,as o#l( too t%$e. Bo*b$% ha! o#l( o#e foot o# the la#! ,he# the ha%t bo%e !o,# o# hi*& a#! s+%a# o"e% hi*. He ha! st$*ble!& th%$sti# the boat a,a( f%o* the ba#'& a#! the# to++le! ba)' i#to the !a%' ,ate%& his ha#!s sli++i# off the sli*( %oots at the e!e& ,hile the boat s+a# slo,l( off a#! !isa++ea%e!. The( )o$l! still see his hoo! abo"e the ,ate% ,he# the( %a# to the ba#'. :$i)'l(& the( fl$# a %o+e ,ith a hoo' to,a%!s hi*. His ha#! )a$ht it& a#! the( +$lle! hi* to the sho%e. He ,as !%e#)he! f%o* hai% to boots& of )o$%se& b$t that ,as #ot the ,o%st. 4he# the( lai! hi* o# the ba#' he ,as al%ea!( fast aslee+& ,ith o#e ha#! )l$t)hi# the %o+e so tiht that the( )o$l! #ot et it f%o* his %as+S a#! fast aslee+ he %e*ai#e! i# s+ite of all the( )o$l! !o. The( ,e%e still sta#!i# o"e% hi*& )$%si# thei% ill l$)'& a#! Bo*b$%3s )l$*si#ess& a#! la*e#ti# the loss of the boat ,hi)h *a!e it i*+ossible fo% the* to o ba)' a#! loo' fo% the ha%t& ,he# the( be)a*e a,a%e of the !i* blo,i# of ho%#s i# the ,oo! a#! the so$#! as of !os ba(i# fa% off. The# the( all fell sile#tS a#! as the( sat it see*e! the( )o$l! hea% the #oise of a %eat h$#t oi# b( to the #o%th of the +ath& tho$h the( sa, #o si# of it. The%e the( sat fo% a lo# ,hile a#! !i! #ot !a%e to *a'e a *o"e. Bo*b$% sle+t o# ,ith a s*ile o# his fat fa)e& as if he #o lo#e% )a%e! fo% all the t%o$bles that "eFe! the*. /$!!e#l( o# the +ath ahea! a++ea%e! so*e ,hite !ee%& a hi#! a#! f a,#s as s#o,( ,hite as the ha%t ha! bee# !a%'. The( li**e%e! i# the sha!o,s. Befo%e Tho%i# )o$l! )%( o$t th%ee of the !,a%"es ha! lea+e! to thei% feet a#! loose! off a%%o,s f%o* thei% bo,s. No#e see*e! to fi#! thei% *a%'. The !ee% t$%#e! a#! "a#ishe! i# the t%ees as sile#tl( as the( ha! )o*e& a#! i# "ai# the !,a%"es shot thei% a%%o,s afte% the*. /to+W sto+W sho$te! Tho%i#S b$t it ,as too late& the eF)ite! !,a%"es ha! ,aste! thei% last a%%o,s& a#! #o, the bo,s that Beo%# ha! i"e# the* ,e%e $seless. The( ,e%e a loo*( +a%t( that #iht& a#! the loo* athe%e! still !ee+e% o# the* i# the follo,i# !a(s. The( ha! )%osse! the e#)ha#te! st%ea*S b$t be(o#! it the +ath see*e! to st%ale o# P$st as befo%e& a#! i# the fo%est the( )o$l! see #o )ha#e. Yet if the( ha! '#o,# *o%e abo$t it a#! )o#si!e%e! the *ea#i# of the h$#t a#! the ,hite !ee% that ha! a++ea%e! $+o# thei% +ath& the( ,o$l! ha"e '#o,# that the( ,e%e at last !%a,i# to,a%!s the easte%# e!e& a#! ,o$l! soo# ha"e )o*e& if the( )o$l! ha"e 'e+t $+ thei% )o$%ae a#! thei% ho+e& to thi##e% t%ees a#! +la)es ,he%e the s$#liht )a*e aai#. B$t the( !i! #ot '#o, this& a#! the( ,e%e b$%!e#e! ,ith the hea"( bo!( of Bo*b$%& ,hi)h the( ha! to )a%%( alo# ,ith the* as best the( )o$l!& ta'i# the ,ea%iso*e tas' i# t$%#s of fo$% ea)h ,hile the othe%s sha%e! thei% +a)'s. If these ha! #ot be)o*e all too liht i# the last fe, !a(s& the( ,o$l! #e"e% ha"e *a#ae! itS b$t a sl$*be%i# a#! s*ili# Bo*b$% ,as a +oo% eF)ha#e fo% +a)'s fille! ,ith foo! ho,e"e% hea"(. I# a fe, !a(s a ti*e )a*e ,he# the%e ,as +%a)ti)all( #othi# left to eat o% to !%i#'. Nothi# ,holeso*e )o$l! the( see %o,i# i# the ,oo!& o#l( f$#$ses a#! he%bs ,ith +ale lea"es a#! $#+leasa#t s*ell. Abo$t fo$% !a(s f%o* the e#)ha#te! st%ea* the( )a*e to a +a%t ,he%e *ost of the
t%ees ,e%e bee)hes. The( ,e%e at fi%st i#)li#e! to be )hee%e! b( the )ha#e& fo% he%e the%e ,as #o $#!e%%o,th a#! the sha!o, ,as #ot so !ee+. The%e ,as a %ee#ish liht abo$t the*& a#! i# +la)es the( )o$l! see so*e !ista#)e to eithe% si!e of the +ath. Yet the liht o#l( sho,e! the* e#!less li#es of st%aiht %e( t%$#'s li'e the +illa%s of so*e h$e t,iliht hall. The%e ,as a b%eath of ai% a#! a #oise of ,i#!& b$t it ha! a sa! so$#!. A fe, lea"es )a*e %$stli# !o,# to %e*i#! the* that o$tsi!e a$t$*# ,as )o*i# o#. Thei% feet %$ffle! a*o# the !ea! lea"es of )o$#tless othe% a$t$*#s that !%ifte! o"e% the ba#'s of the +ath f%o* the !ee+ %e! )a%+ets of the fo%est. /till Bo*b$% sle+t a#! the( %e, "e%( ,ea%(. At ti*es the( hea%! !is$ieti# la$hte%. /o*eti*es the%e ,as si#i# i# the !ista#)e too. The la$hte% ,as the la$hte% of fai% "oi)es #ot of obli#s& a#! the si#i# ,as bea$tif$l& b$t it so$#!e! ee%ie a#! st%a#e& a#! the( ,e%e #ot )o*fo%te!& %athe% the( h$%%ie! o# f%o* those +a%ts ,ith ,hat st%e#th the( ha! left. T,o !a(s late% the( fo$#! thei% +ath oi# !o,#,a%!s& a#! befo%e lo# the( ,e%e i# a "alle( fille! al*ost e#ti%el( ,ith a *iht( %o,th of oa's. Is the%e #o e#! to this a))$%se! fo%estV sai! Tho%i#. /o*ebo!( *$st )li*b a t%ee a#! see if he )a# et his hea! abo"e the %oof a#! ha"e a loo' %o$#!. The o#l( ,a( is to )hoose the tallest t%ee that o"e%ha#s the +ath. Of )o$%se so*ebo!( *ea#t Bilbo. The( )hose hi*& be)a$se to be of a#( $se the )li*be% *$st et his hea! abo"e the to+*ost lea"es& a#! so he *$st be liht e#o$h fo% the hihest a#! sle#!e%est b%a#)hes to bea% hi*. 5oo% 0%. Bai#s ha! #e"e% ha! *$)h +%a)ti)e i# )li*bi# t%ees& b$t the( hoiste! hi* $+ i#to the lo,est b%a#)hes of a# e#o%*o$s oa' that %e, %iht o$t i#to the +ath& a#! $+ he ha! to o as best he )o$l!. He +$she! his ,a( th%o$h the ta#le! t,is ,ith *a#( a sla+ i# the e(eS he ,as %ee#e! a#! %i*e! f%o* the ol! ba%' of the %eate% bo$hsS *o%e tha# o#)e he sli++e! a#! )a$ht hi*self P$st i# ti*eS a#! at last& afte% a !%ea!f$l st%$le i# a !iffi)$lt +la)e ,he%e the%e see*e! to be #o )o#"e#ie#t b%a#)hes at all& he ot #ea% the to+. All the ti*e he ,as ,o#!e%i# ,hethe% the%e ,e%e s+i!e%s i# the t%ee& a#! ho, he ,as oi# to et !o,# aai# @eF)e+t b( falli#. I# the e#! he +o'e! his hea! abo"e the %oof of lea"es& a#! the# he fo$#! s+i!e%s all %iht. B$t the( ,e%e o#l( s*all o#es of o%!i#a%( sie& a#! the( ,e%e afte% the b$tte%flies. Bilbo3s e(es ,e%e #ea%l( bli#!e! b( the liht. He )o$l! hea% the !,a%"es sho$ti# $+ at hi* f%o* fa% belo,& b$t he )o$l! #ot a#s,e%& o#l( hol! o# a#! bli#'. The s$# ,as shi#i# b%illia#tl(& a#! it ,as a lo# ,hile befo%e he )o$l! bea% it. 4he# he )o$l!& he sa, all %o$#! hi* a sea of !a%' %ee#& %$ffle! he%e a#! the%e b( the b%eeeS a#! the%e ,e%e e"e%(,he%e h$#!%e!s of b$tte%flies. I eF+e)t the( ,e%e a 'i#! of +$%+le e*+e%o%& a b$tte%fl( that lo"es the to+s of oa'-,oo!s& b$t these ,e%e #ot +$%+le at all& the( ,e%e a !a%' !a%' "el"et( bla)' ,itho$t a#( *a%'i#s to be see#. He loo'e! at the bla)' e*+e%o%s fo% a lo# ti*e& a#! e#Po(e! the feel of the b%eee i# his hai% a#! o# his fa)eS b$t at le#th the )%ies of the !,a%"es& ,ho ,e%e #o, si*+l( sta*+i# ,ith i*+atie#)e !o,# belo,& %e*i#!e! hi* of his %eal b$si#ess. It ,as #o oo!. Gae as *$)h as he *iht& he )o$l! see #o e#! to the
t%ees a#! the lea"es i# a#( !i%e)tio#. His hea%t& that ha! bee# lihte#e! b( the siht of the s$# a#! the feel of the ,i#!& sa#' ba)' i#to his toes2 the%e ,as #o foo! to o ba)' to !o,# belo,. A)t$all(& as I ha"e tol! (o$& the( ,e%e #ot fa% off the e!e of the fo%estS a#! if Bilbo ha! ha! the se#se to see it& the t%ee that he ha! )li*be!& tho$h it ,as tall i# itself& ,as sta#!i# #ea% the botto* of a ,i!e "alle(& so that f%o* its to+ the t%ees see*e! to s,ell $+ all %o$#! li'e the e!es of a %eat bo,l& a#! he )o$l! #ot eF+e)t to see ho, fa% the fo%est laste!. /till he !i! #ot see this& a#! he )li*be! !o,# f$ll of !es+ai%. He ot to the botto* aai# at last& s)%at)he!& hot& a#! *ise%able& a#! he )o$l! #ot see a#(thi# i# the loo* belo, ,he# he ot the%e. His %e+o%t soo# *a!e the othe%s as *ise%able as he ,as. The fo%est oes o# fo% e"e% a#! e"e% a#! e"e% i# all !i%e)tio#sW 4hate"e% shall ,e !oV A#! ,hat is the $se of se#!i# a hobbitW the( )%ie!& as if it ,as his fa$lt. The( !i! #ot )a%e t$++e#)e abo$t the b$tte%flies& a#! ,e%e o#l( *a!e *o%e a#%( ,he# he tol! the* of the bea$tif$l b%eee& ,hi)h the( ,e%e too hea"( to )li*b $+ a#! feel. That #iht the( ate thei% "e%( last s)%a+s a#! )%$*bs of foo!S a#! #eFt *o%#i# ,he# the( ,o'e the fi%st thi# the( #oti)e! ,as that the( ,e%e still #a,i#l( h$#%(& a#! the #eFt thi# ,as that it ,as %ai#i# a#! that he%e a#! the%e the !%i+ of it ,as !%o++i# hea"il( o# the fo%est floo%. That o#l( %e*i#!e! the* that the( ,e%e also +a%)hi#l( thi%st(& ,itho$t !oi# a#(thi# to %elie"e the*2 (o$ )a##ot $e#)h a te%%ible thi%st b( sta#!i# $#!e% ia#t oa's a#! ,aiti# fo% a )ha#)e !%i+ to fall o# (o$% to#$e. The o#l( s)%a+ of )o*fo%t the%e ,as )a*e $#eF+e)te!l( f%o* Bo*b$%.
He ,o'e $+ s$!!e#l( a#! sat $+ s)%at)hi# his hea!. He )o$l! #ot *a'e o$t ,he%e he ,as at all& #o% ,h( he felt so h$#%(S fo% he ha! fo%otte# e"e%(thi# that ha! ha++e#e! si#)e the( sta%te! thei% Po$%#e( that 0a( *o%#i# lo# ao. The last thi# that he %e*e*be%e! ,as the +a%t( at the hobbit3s ho$se& a#! the( ha! %eat !iffi)$lt( i# *a'i# hi* belie"e thei% tale of all the *a#( a!"e#t$%es the( ha! ha! si#)e. 4he# he hea%! that the%e ,as #othi# to eat& he sat !o,# a#! ,e+t& fo% he felt "e%( ,ea' a#! ,obbl( i# the les. 4h( e"e% !i! I ,a'e $+W he )%ie!. I ,as ha"i# s$)h bea$tif$l !%ea*s. I !%ea*e! I ,as ,al'i# i# a fo%est %athe% li'e this o#e& o#l( lit ,ith to%)hes o# the t%ees a#! la*+s s,i#i# f%o* the b%a#)hes a#! fi%es b$%#i# o# the %o$#!S a#! the%e ,as a %eat feast oi# o#& oi# o# fo% e"e%. A ,oo!la#! 'i# ,as the%e ,ith a )%o,# of lea"es& a#! the%e ,as a *e%%( si#i#& a#! I )o$l! #ot )o$#t o% !es)%ibe the thi#s the%e ,e%e to eat a#! !%i#'. Yo$ #ee! #ot t%(& sai! Tho%i#. I# fa)t if (o$ )a#3t tal' abo$t so*ethi# else& (o$ ha! bette% be sile#t. 4e a%e $ite a##o(e! e#o$h ,ith (o$ as it is. If (o$ ha!#3t ,a'e! $+& ,e sho$l! ha"e left (o$ to (o$% i!ioti) !%ea*s i# the fo%estS (o$ a%e #o Po'e to )a%%( e"e# afte% ,ee's of sho%t )o**o#s. The%e ,as #othi# #o, to be !o#e b$t to tihte# the belts %o$#! thei% e*+t( sto*a)hs& a#! hoist thei% e*+t( sa)'s a#! +a)'s& a#! t%$!e alo# the t%a)' ,itho$t a#( %eat ho+e of e"e% etti# to the e#! befo%e the( la( !o,# a#! !ie! of sta%"atio#. This the( !i! all that !a(& oi# "e%( slo,l( a#! ,ea%il(S ,hile Bo*b
%$ 'e+t o# ,aili# that his les ,o$l! #ot )a%%( hi* a#! that he ,a#te! to lie !o,# a#! slee+. No (o$ !o#3tW the( sai!. Let (o$% les ta'e thei% sha%e& ,e ha"e )a%%ie! (o$ fa% e#o$h. All the sa*e he s$!!e#l( %ef$se! to o a ste+ f$%the% a#! fl$# hi*self o# the %o$#!. Go o#& if (o$ *$st& he sai!. I3* P$st oi# to lie he%e a#! slee+ a#! !%ea* of foo!& if I )a#3t et it a#( othe% ,a(. I ho+e I #e"e% ,a'e $+ aai#. At that "e%( *o*e#t Bali#& ,ho ,as a little ,a( ahea!& )alle! o$t2 4hat ,as thatV I tho$ht I sa, a t,i#'le of liht i# the fo%est. The( all loo'e!& a#! a lo#ish ,a( off& it see*e!& the( sa, a %e! t,i#'le i# the !a%'S the# a#othe% a#! a#othe% s+%a# o$t besi!e it. E"e# Bo*b$% ot $+& a#! the( h$%%ie! alo# the#& #ot )a%i# if it ,as t%olls o% obli#s. The liht ,as i# f%o#t of the* a#! to the left of the +ath& a#! ,he# at last the( ha! !%a,# le"el ,ith it& it see*e! +lai# that to%)hes a#! fi%es ,e%e b$%#i# $#!e% the t%ees& b$t a oo! ,a( off thei% t%a)'. It loo's as if *( !%ea*s ,e%e )o*i# t%$e& as+e! Bo*b$% +$ffi# $+ behi#!. He ,a#te! to %$sh st%aiht off i#to the ,oo! afte% the lihts. B$t the othe%s %e*e*be%e! o#l( too ,ell the ,a%#i#s of the ,ia%! a#! of Beo%#. A feast ,o$l! be #o oo!& if ,e #e"e% ot ba)' ali"e f%o* it& sai! Tho%i#. B$t ,itho$t a feast ,e sha#3t %e*ai# ali"e *$)h lo#e% a#(,a(& sai! Bo*b$%& a#! Bilbo hea%til( a%ee! ,ith hi*. The( a%$e! abo$t it ba)',a%!s a#! fo%,a%!s fo% a lo# ,hile& $#til the( a%ee! at le#th to se#! o$t a )o$+le of s+ies& to )%ee+ #ea% the lihts a#! fi#! o$t *o%e abo$t the*. B$t the# the( )o$l! #ot a%ee o# ,ho ,as to be se#t2 #o o#e see*e! a#Fio$s to %$# the )ha#)e of bei# lost a#! #e"e% fi#!i# his f%ie#!s aai#. I# the e#!& i# s+ite of ,a%#i#s& h$#e% !e)i!e! the*& be)a$se Bo*b$% 'e+t o# !es)%ibi# all the oo! thi#s that ,e%e bei# eate#& a))o%!i# to his !%ea*& i# the ,oo!la#! feastS so the( all left the +ath a#! +l$#e! i#to the fo%est toethe%. Afte% a oo! !eal of )%ee+i# a#! )%a,li# the( +ee%e! %o$#! the t%$#'s a#! loo'e! i#to a )lea%i# ,he%e so*e t%ees ha! bee# felle! a#! the %o$#! le"elle!. The%e ,e%e *a#( +eo+le the%e& el"ish-loo'i# fol'& all !%esse! i# %ee# a#! b%o,# a#! sitti# o# sa,# %i#s of the felle! t%ees i# a %eat )i%)le. The%e ,as a fi%e i# thei% *i!st a#! the%e ,e%e to%)hes faste#e! to so*e of the t%ees %o$#! abo$tS b$t *ost s+le#!i! siht of all2 the( ,e%e eati# a#! !%i#'i# a#! la$hi# *e%%il(. The s*ell of the %oast *eats ,as so e#)ha#ti# that& ,itho$t ,aiti# to )o#s$lt o#e a#othe%& e"e%( o#e of the* ot $+ a#! s)%a*ble! fo%,a%!s i#to the %i# ,ith the o#e i!ea of bei# fo% so*e foo!. No soo#e% ha! the fi%st ste++e! i#to the )lea%i# tha# all the lihts ,e#t o$t as if b( *ai). /o*ebo!( 'i)'e! the fi%e a#! it ,e#t $+ i# %o)'ets of litte%i# s+a%'s a#! "a#ishe!. The( ,e%e lost i# a )o*+letel( lihtless !a%' a#! the( )o$l! #ot e"e# fi#! o#e a#othe%& #ot fo% a lo# ti*e at a#( %ate. Afte% bl$#!e%i# f%a#ti)all( i# the loo*& falli# o"e% los& b$*+i# )%ash i#to t%ees& a#! sho$ti# a#! )alli# till the( *$st ha"e ,a'e! e"e%(thi# i# the fo%est fo% *iles& at last the( *a#ae! to athe% the*sel"es i# a b$#!le a#! )o$#t the*sel"es b( to$)h. B( that ti*e the( ha!& of )o$%se& $ite fo%otte# i# ,hat !i%e)tio# the +ath la(& a#!
the( ,e%e all ho+elessl( lost& at least till *o%#i#. The%e ,as #othi# fo% it b$t to settle !o,# fo% the #iht ,he%e the( ,e%eS the( !i! #ot e"e# !a%e to sea%)h o# the %o$#! fo% s)%a+s of foo! fo% fea% of be)o*i# se+a%ate! aai#. B$t the( ha! #ot bee# l(i# lo#& a#! Bilbo ,as o#l( P$st etti# !%o,s(& ,he# Do%i& ,hose t$%# it ,as to ,at)h fi%st& sai! i# a lo$! ,his+e%2 The lihts a%e )o*i# o$t aai# o"e% the%e& a#! the%e a%e *o%e tha# e"e% of the*. 8+ the( all P$*+e!. The%e& s$%e e#o$h& #ot fa% a,a( ,e%e s)o%es of t,i#'li# lihts& a#! the( hea%! the "oi)es a#! the la$hte% $ite +lai#l(. The( )%e+t slo,l( to,a%!s the*& i# a si#le li#e& ea)h to$)hi# the ba)' of the o#e i# f%o#t. 4he# the( ot #ea% Tho%i# sai!2 No %$shi# fo%,a%! this ti*eW No o#e is to sti% f%o* hi!i# till I sa(. I shall se#! 0%. Bai#s alo#e fi%st to tal' to the*. The( ,o#3t be f%ihte#e! of hi*U@64hat abo$t *e of the*V3 tho$ht BilboUa#! a#( ,a( I ho+e the( ,o#3t !o a#(thi# #ast( to hi*. 4he# the( ot to the e!e of the )i%)le of lihts the( +$she! Bilbo s$!!e#l( f%o* behi#!. Befo%e he ha! ti*e to sli+ o# his %i#& he st$*ble! fo%,a%! i#to the f$ll blae of the fi%e a#! to%)hes. It ,as #o oo!. O$t ,e#t all the lihts aai# a#! )o*+lete !a%'#ess fell. If it ha! bee# !iffi)$lt )olle)ti# the*sel"es befo%e& it ,as fa% ,o%se this ti*e. A#! the( si*+l( )o$l! #ot fi#! the hobbit. E"e%( ti*e the( )o$#te! the*sel"es it o#l( *a!e thi%tee#. The( sho$te! a#! )alle!2 Bilbo Bai#sW HobbitW Yo$ !%atte! hobbitW HiW hobbit& )o#f$sti)ate (o$& ,he%e a%e (o$V a#! othe% thi#s of that so%t& b$t the%e ,as #o a#s,e%. The( ,e%e P$st i"i# $+ ho+e& ,he# Do%i st$*ble! a)%oss hi* b( shee% l$)'. I# the !a%' he fell o"e% ,hat he tho$ht ,as a lo& a#! he fo$#! it ,as the hobbit )$%le! $+ fast aslee+. It too' a !eal of sha'i# to ,a'e hi*& a#! ,he# he ,as a,a'e he ,as #ot +lease! at all. I ,as ha"i# s$)h a lo"el( !%ea*& he %$*ble!& all abo$t ha"i# a *ost o%eo$s !i##e%. Goo! hea"e#sW he has o#e li'e Bo*b$%& the( sai!. Do#3t tell $s abo$t !%ea*s. D%ea*-!i##e%s a%e#3t a#( oo!& a#! ,e )a#3t sha%e the*. The( a%e the best I a* li'el( to et i# this beastl( +la)e& he *$tte%e!& as he la( !o,# besi!e the !,a%"es a#! t%ie! to o ba)' to slee+ a#! fi#! his !%ea* aai#. B$t that ,as #ot the last of the lihts i# the fo%est. Late% ,he# the #iht *$st ha"e bee# etti# ol!& Kili ,ho ,as ,at)hi# the#& )a*e a#! %o$se! the* all aai#& sa(i#2 The%e3s a %e$la% blae of liht be$# #ot fa% a,a(Uh$#!%e!s of to%)hes a#! *a#( fi%es *$st ha"e bee# lit s$!!e#l( a#! b( *ai). A#! ha%' to the si#i# a#! the ha%+sW Afte% l(i# a#! liste#i# fo% a ,hile& the( fo$#! the( )o$l! #ot %esist the !esi%e to o #ea%e% a#! t%( o#)e *o%e to et hel+. 8+ the( ot aai#S a#! this ti*e the %es$lt ,as !isast%o$s. The feast that the( #o, sa, ,as %eate% a#! *o%e *a#ifi)e#t tha# befo%eS a#! at the hea! of a lo# li#e of feaste%s sat a ,oo!la#! 'i# ,ith a )%o,# of lea"es $+o# his ol!e# hai%& "e%( *$)h as Bo*b$% ha! !es)%ibe! the fi$%e i# his !%ea*. The el"ish fol' ,e%e +assi# bo,ls f%o* ha#! to ha#! a#! a)%oss the fi%es& a#! so*e ,e%e ha%+i# a#! *a#( ,e%e si#i#. Thei% lea*i# hai% ,as t,i#e! ,ith
flo,e%sS %ee# a#! ,hite e*s li#te! o# thei% )olla%s a#! thei% beltsS a#! thei% fa)es a#! thei% so#s ,e%e fille! ,ith *i%th. Lo$! a#! )lea% a#! fai% ,e%e those so#s& a#! o$t ste++e! Tho%i# i# to thei% *i!st. Dea! sile#)e fell i# the *i!!le of a ,o%!. O$t ,e#t all liht. The fi%es lea+e! $+ i# bla)' s*o'es. Ashes a#! )i#!e%s ,e%e i# the e(es of the !,a%"es& a#! the ,oo! ,as fille! aai# ,ith thei% )la*o$% a#! thei% )%ies. Bilbo fo$#! hi*self %$##i# %o$#! a#! %o$#! @as he tho$ht a#! )alli# a#! )alli#2 Do%i& No%i& O%i& Oi#& Gloi#& 1ili& Kili& Bo*b$%& Bif$%& Bof$%& D,ali#& Bali#& Tho%i# Oa'e#shiel!& ,hile +eo+le he )o$l! #ot see o% feel ,e%e !oi# the sa*e all %o$#! hi* @,ith a# o))asio#al BilboW th%o,# i#. B$t the )%ies of the othe%s ot stea!il( f$%the% a#! fai#te%& a#! tho$h afte% a ,hile it see*e! to hi* the( )ha#e! to (ells a#! )%ies fo% hel+ i# the fa% !ista#)e& all #oise at last !ie! %iht a,a(& a#! he ,as left alo#e i# )o*+lete sile#)e a#! !a%'#ess. That ,as o#e of his *ost *ise%able *o*e#ts. B$t he soo# *a!e $+ his *i#! that it ,as #o oo! t%(i# to !o a#(thi# till !a( )a*e ,ith so*e little liht& a#! $ite $seless to o bl$#!e%i# abo$t ti%i# hi*self o$t ,ith #o ho+e of a#( b%ea'fast to %e"i"e hi*. /o he sat hi*self !o,# ,ith his ba)' to a t%ee& a#! #ot fo% the last ti*e fell to thi#'i# of his fa%-!ista#t hobbit-hole ,ith its bea$tif$l +a#t%ies. He ,as !ee+ i# tho$hts of ba)o# a#! es a#! toast a#! b$tte% ,he# he felt so*ethi# to$)h hi*. /o*ethi# li'e a st%o# sti)'( st%i# ,as aai#st his left ha#!& a#! ,he# he t%ie! to *o"e he fo$#! that his les ,e%e al%ea!( ,%a++e! i# the sa*e st$ff& so that ,he# he ot $+ he fell o"e%.
The# the %eat s+i!e%& ,ho ha! bee# b$s( t(i# hi* $+ ,hile he !oe!& )a*e f%o* behi#! hi* a#! )a*e at hi*. He )o$l! o#l( see the thi#3s e(es& b$t he )o$l! feel its hai%( les as it st%$le! to ,i#! its abo*i#able th%ea!s %o$#! a#! %o$#! hi*. It ,as l$)'( that he ha! )o*e to his se#ses i# ti*e. /oo# he ,o$l! #ot ha"e bee# able to *o"e at all. As it ,as& he ha! a !es+e%ate fiht befo%e he ot f%ee. He beat the )%eat$%e off ,ith his ha#!sUit ,as t%(i# to +oiso# hi* to 'ee+ hi* $iet& as s*all s+i!e%s !o to fliesU$#til he %e*e*be%e! his s,o%! a#! !%e, it o$t. The# the s+i!e% P$*+e! ba)'& a#! he ha! ti*e to )$t his les loose. Afte% that it ,as his t$%# to atta)'. The s+i!e% e"i!e#tl( ,as #ot $se! to thi#s that )a%%ie! s$)h sti#s at thei% si!es& o% it ,o$l! ha"e h$%%ie! a,a( $i)'e%. Bilbo )a*e at it befo%e it )o$l! !isa++ea% a#! st$)' it ,ith his s,o%! %iht i# the e(es. The# it ,e#t *a! a#! lea+e! a#! !a#)e! a#! fl$# o$t its les i# ho%%ible Pe%'s& $#til he 'ille! it ,ith a#othe% st%o'eS a#! the# he fell !o,# a#! %e*e*be%e! #othi# *o%e fo% a lo# ,hile. The%e ,as the $s$al !i* %e( liht of the fo%est-!a( abo$t hi* ,he# he )a*e to his se#ses. The s+i!e% la( !ea! besi!e hi*& a#! his s,o%!-bla!e ,as stai#e! bla)'. /o*eho, the 'illi# of the ia#t s+i!e%& all alo#e b( hi*self i# the !a%' ,itho$t the hel+ of the ,ia%! o% the !,a%"es o% of a#(o#e else& *a!e a %eat !iffe%e#)e to 0%. Bai#s. He felt a !iffe%e#t +e%so#& a#! *$)h fie%)e% a#! bol!e% i# s+ite of a# e*+t( sto*a)h& as he ,i+e! his s,o%! o# the %ass a#! +$t it ba)' i#to its sheath. I ,ill i"e (o$ a #a*e& he sai! to it& a#! I shall )all (o$ /ti#. Afte% that he set o$t to eF+lo%e. The fo%est ,as %i* a#! sile#t& b$t ob"io$sl( he ha! fi%st of all to loo' fo% his f%ie#!s& ,ho ,e%e #ot li'el( to be "e%( fa% off& $#less the( ha! bee# *a!e +%iso#e%s b( the el"es @o% ,o%se thi#s. Bilbo felt that it ,as $#safe to sho$t& a#! he stoo! a lo# ,hile ,o#!e%i# i# ,hat !i%e)tio# the +ath la(& a#! i#
,hat !i%e)tio# he sho$l! o fi%st to loo' fo% the !,a%"es. OW ,h( !i! ,e #ot %e*e*be% Beo%#3s a!"i)e& a#! Ga#!alf3sW he la*e#te!. 4hat a *ess ,e a%e i# #o,W 4eW I o#l( ,ish it ,as ,e2 it is ho%%ible bei# all alo#e. I# the e#! he *a!e as oo! a $ess as he )o$l! at the !i%e)tio# f%o* ,hi)h the )%ies fo% hel+ ha! )o*e i# the #ihtUa#! b( l$)' @he ,as bo%# ,ith a oo! sha%e of it he $esse! *o%e o% less %iht& as (o$ ,ill see. Ha"i# *a!e $+ his *i#! he )%e+t alo# as )le"e%l( as he )o$l!. Hobbits a%e )le"e% at $iet#ess& es+e)iall( i# ,oo!s& as I ha"e al%ea!( tol! (o$S also Bilbo ha! sli++e! o# his %i# befo%e he sta%te!. That is ,h( the s+i!e%s #eithe% sa, #o% hea%! hi* )o*i#. He ha! +i)'e! his ,a( stealthil( fo% so*e !ista#)e& ,he# he #oti)e! a +la)e of !e#se bla)' sha!o, ahea! of hi*& bla)' e"e# fo% that fo%est& li'e a +at)h of *i!#iht that ha! #e"e% bee# )lea%e! a,a(. As he !%e, #ea%e%& he sa, that it ,as *a!e b( s+i!e%-,ebs o#e behi#! a#! o"e% a#! ta#le! ,ith a#othe%. /$!!e#l( he sa,& too& that the%e ,e%e s+i!e%s h$e a#! ho%%ible sitti# i# the b%a#)hes abo"e hi*& a#! %i# o% #o %i# he t%e*ble! ,ith fea% lest the( sho$l! !is)o"e% hi*. /ta#!i# behi#! a t%ee he ,at)he! a %o$+ of the* fo% so*e ti*e& a#! the# i# the sile#)e a#! still#ess of the ,oo! he %ealise! that these loathso*e )%eat$%es ,e%e s+ea'i# o#e to a#othe%. Thei% "oi)es ,e%e a so%t of thi# )%ea'i# a#! hissi#& b$t he )o$l! *a'e o$t *a#( of the ,o%!s that the( sai!. The( ,e%e tal'i# abo$t the !,a%"esW It ,as a sha%+ st%$le& b$t ,o%th it& sai! o#e. 4hat #ast( thi)' s'i#s the( ha"e to be s$%e& b$t I3ll ,ae% the%e is oo! P$i)e i#si!e. A(e& the(3ll *a'e fi#e eati#& ,he# the(3"e h$# a bit& sai! a#othe%. Do#3t ha# 3e* too lo#& sai! a thi%!. The(3%e #ot as fat as the( *iht be. Bee# fee!i# #o#e too ,ell of late& I sho$l! $ess. Kill 3e*& I sa(& hisse! a fo$%thS 'ill 3e* #o, a#! ha# 3e* !ea! fo% a ,hile. The(3%e !ea! #o,& I3ll ,a%%a#t& sai! the fi%st. That the( a%e #ot. I sa, o#e ast%$li# P$st #o,. J$st )o*i# %o$#! aai#& I sho$l! sa(& afte% a bee-a$tif$l slee+. I3ll sho, (o$. 4ith that o#e of the fat s+i!e%s %a# alo# a %o+e till it )a*e to a !oe# b$#!les ha#i# i# a %o, f%o* a hih b%a#)h. Bilbo ,as ho%%ifie!& #o, that he #oti)e! the* fo% the fi%st ti*e !a#li# i# the sha!o,s& to see a !,a%"ish foot sti)'i# o$t of the botto*s of so*e of the b$#!les& o% he%e a#! the%e the ti+ of a #ose& o% a bit of bea%! o% of a hoo!. To the fattest of these b$#!les the s+i!e% ,e#tUIt is +oo% ol! Bo*b$%& I3ll bet& tho$ht BilboUa#! #i++e! ha%! at the #ose that st$)' o$t. The%e ,as a *$ffle! (el+ i#si!e& a#! a toe shot $+ a#! 'i)'e! the s+i!e% st%aiht a#! ha%!. The%e ,as life i# Bo*b$% still. The%e ,as a #oise li'e the 'i)'i# of a flabb( football& a#! the e#%ae! s+i!e% fell off the b%a#)h& o#l( )at)hi# itself ,ith its o,# th%ea! P$st i# ti*e. The othe%s la$he!. Yo$ ,e%e $ite %iht& the( sai!& the *eat3s ali"e a#! 'i)'i#W I3ll soo# +$t a# e#! to that& hisse! the a#%( s+i!e% )li*bi# ba)' o#to the b%a#)h. Bilbo sa, that the *o*e#t ha! )o*e ,he# he *$st !o so*ethi#. He )o$l! #ot et $+ at the b%$tes a#! he ha! #othi# to shoot ,ithS b$t loo'i# abo$t he sa, that i# this +la)e the%e ,e%e *a#( sto#es l(i# i# ,hat a++ea%e! to be a #o, !%( little ,ate%)o$%se. Bilbo ,as a +%ett(
fai% shot ,ith a sto#e& a#! it !i! #ot ta'e hi* lo# to fi#! a #i)e s*ooth e-sha+e! o#e that fitte! his ha#! )osil(. As a bo( he $se! to +%a)tise th%o,i# sto#es at thi#s& $#til %abbits a#! s$i%%els& a#! e"e# bi%!s& ot o$t of his ,a( as $i)' as liht#i# if the( sa, hi* stoo+S a#! e"e# %o,#$+ he ha! still s+e#t a !eal of his ti*e at $oits& !a%t-th%o,i#& shooti# at the ,a#!& bo,ls& #i#e+i#s a#! othe% $iet a*es of the ai*i# a#! th%o,i# so%tUi#!ee! he )o$l! !o lots of thi#s& besi!es blo,i# s*o'e-%i#s& as'i# %i!!les a#! )oo'i#& that I ha"e#3t ha! ti*e to tell (o$ abo$t. The%e is #o ti*e #o,. 4hile he ,as +i)'i# $+ sto#es& the s+i!e% ha! %ea)he! Bo*b$%& a#! soo# he ,o$l! ha"e bee# !ea!. At that *o*e#t Bilbo th%e,. The sto#e st%$)' the s+i!e% +l$#' o# the hea!& a#! it !%o++e! se#seless off the t%ee& flo+ to the %o$#!& ,ith all its les )$%le! $+.
The #eFt sto#e ,e#t ,hii# th%o$h a bi ,eb& s#a++i# its )o%!s& a#! ta'i# off the s+i!e% sitti# i# the *i!!le of it& ,ha)'& !ea!. Afte% that the%e ,as a !eal of )o**otio# i# the s+i!e%-)olo#(& a#! the( fo%ot the !,a%"es fo% a bit& I )a# tell (o$. The( )o$l! #ot see Bilbo& b$t the( )o$l! *a'e a oo! $ess at the !i%e)tio# f%o* ,hi)h the sto#es ,e%e )o*i#. As $i)' as liht#i# the( )a*e %$##i# a#! s,i#i# to,a%!s the hobbit& fli#i# o$t thei% lo# th%ea!s i# all !i%e)tio#s& till the ai% see*e! f$ll of ,a"i# s#a%es. Bilbo& ho,e"e%& soo# sli++e! a,a( to a !iffe%e#t +la)e. The i!ea )a*e to hi* to lea! the f$%io$s s+i!e%s f$%the% a#! f$%the% a,a( f%o* the !,a%"es& if he )o$l!S to *a'e the* )$%io$s& eF)ite! a#! a#%( all at o#)e. 4he# abo$t fift( ha! o#e off to the +la)e ,he%e he ha! stoo! befo%e& he th%e, so*e *o%e st o#es at these& a#! at othe%s that ha! sto++e! behi#!S the# !a#)i# a*o# the t%ees he bea# to si# a so# to i#f$%iate the* a#! b%i# the* all afte% hi*& a#! also to let the !,a%"es hea% his "oi)e. This is ,hat he sa#2 Ol! fat s+i!e% s+i##i# i# a t%eeW Ol! fat s+i!e% )a#3t see *eW Atte%)o+W Atte%)o+W 4o#3t (o$ sto+& /to+ (o$% s+i##i# a#! loo' fo% *eV Ol! To*#o!!(& all bi bo!(& Ol! To*#o!!( )a#3t s+( *eW Atte%)o+W Atte%)o+W Do,# (o$ !%o+W Yo$3ll #e"e% )at)h *e $+ (o$% t%eeW
Not "e%( oo! +e%ha+s& b$t the# (o$ *$st %e*e*be% that he ha! to *a'e it $+ hi*self& o# the s+$% of a "e%( a,',a%! *o*e#t. It !i! ,hat he ,a#te! a#( ,a(. As he sa# he th%e, so*e *o%e sto#es a#! sta*+e!. 5%a)ti)all( all the s+i!e%s i# the +la)e )a*e afte% hi*2 so*e !%o++e! to the %o$#!& othe%s %a)e! alo# the b%a#)hes& s,$# f%o* t%ee to t%ee& o% )ast #e, %o+es a)%oss the !a%' s+a)es. The( *a!e fo% his #oise fa% $i)'e% tha# he ha! eF+e)te!. The( ,e%e f%ihtf$ll( a#%(. :$ite a+a%t f%o* the sto#es #o s+i!e% has e"e% li'e! bei# )alle! Atte%)o+& a#! To*#o!!( of )o$%se is i#s$lti# to a#(bo!(. Off Bilbo s)$ttle! to a f%esh +la)e& b$t se"e%al of the s+i!e%s ha! %$# #o, to !iffe%e#t +oi#ts i# the la!e ,he%e the( li"e!& a#! ,e%e b$s( s+i##i# ,ebs a)%oss all the s+a)es bet,ee# the t%ee-ste*s. 7e%( soo# the hobbit ,o$l! be )a$ht i# a thi)'
fe#)e of the* all %o$#! hi*Uthat at least ,as the s+i!e%s3 i!ea. /ta#!i# #o, i# the *i!!le of the h$#ti# a#! s+i##i# i#se)ts Bilbo +l$)'e! $+ his )o$%ae a#! bea# a #e, so#2 La( Lob a#! )%a( Cob a%e ,ea"i# ,ebs to ,i#! *e. I a* fa% *o%e s,eet tha# othe% *eat& b$t still the( )a##ot fi#! *eW He%e a* I& #a$ht( little fl(S (o$ a%e fat a#! la(. Yo$ )a##ot t%a+ *e& tho$h (o$ t%(& i# (o$% )ob,ebs )%a(.
4ith that he t$%#e! a#! fo$#! that the last s+a)e bet,ee# t,o tall t%ees ha! bee# )lose! ,ith a ,ebUb$t l$)'il( #ot a +%o+e% ,eb& o#l( %eat st%a#!s of !o$ble-thi)' s+i!e%-%o+e %$# hastil( ba)',a%!s a#! fo%,a%!s f%o* t%$#' to t%$#'. O$t )a*e his little s,o%!. He slashe! the th%ea!s to +ie)es a#! ,e#t off si#i#. The s+i!e%s sa, the s,o%!& tho$h I !o#3t s$++ose the( '#e, ,hat it ,as& a#! at o#)e the ,hole lot of the* )a*e h$%%(i# afte% the hobbit alo# the %o$#! a#! the b%a#)hes& hai%( les ,a"i#& #i++e%s a#! s+i##e%s s#a++i#& e(es +o++i#& f$ll of f%oth a#! %ae. The( follo,e! hi* i#to the fo%est $#til Bilbo ha! o#e as fa% as he !a%e!. The# $iete% tha# a *o$se he stole ba)'. He ha! +%e)io$s little ti*e& he '#e,& befo%e the s+i!e%s ,e%e !is$ste! a#! )a*e ba)' to thei% t%ees ,he%e the !,a%"es ,e%e h$#. I# the *ea#,hile he ha! to %es)$e the*. The ,o%st +a%t of the Pob ,as etti# $+ o# to the lo# b%a#)h ,he%e the b$#!les ,e%e !a#li#. I !o#3t s$++ose he ,o$l! ha"e *a#ae! it& if a s+i!e% ha! #ot l$)'il( left a %o+e ha#i# !o,#S ,ith its hel+& tho$h it st$)' to his ha#! a#! h$%t hi*& he s)%a*ble! $+Uo#l( to *eet a# ol! slo, ,i)'e! fat-bo!ie! s+i!e% ,ho ha! %e*ai#e! behi#! to $a%! the +%iso#e%s& a#! ha! bee# b$s( +i#)hi# the* to see ,hi)h ,as the P$i)iest to eat. It ha! tho$ht of sta%ti# the feast ,hile the othe%s ,e%e a,a(& b$t 0%. Bai#s ,as i# a h$%%(& a#! befo%e the s+i!e% '#e, ,hat ,as ha++e#i# it felt his sti# a#! %olle! off the b%a#)h !ea!. Bilbo3s #eFt Pob ,as to loose a !,a%f. 4hat ,as he to !oV If he )$t the st%i# ,hi)h h$# hi* $+& the ,%et)he! !,a%f ,o$l! t$*ble th$*+ to the %o$#! a oo! ,a( belo,. 4%ili# alo# the b%a#)h @,hi)h *a!e all the +oo% !,a%"es !a#)e a#! !a#le li'e %i+e f%$it he %ea)he! the fi%st b$#!le. 1ili o% Kili& he tho$ht b( the ti+ of a bl$e hoo! sti)'i# o$t at the to+. 0ost li'el( 1ili& he tho$ht b( the ti+ of a lo# #ose +o'i# o$t of the ,i#!i# th%ea!s. He *a#ae! b( lea#i# o"e% to )$t *ost of the st%o# sti)'( th%ea!s that bo$#! hi* %o$#!& a#! the#& s$%e e#o$h& ,ith a 'i)' a#! a st%$le *ost of 1ili e*e%e!. I a* af%ai! Bilbo a)t$all( la$he! at the siht of hi* Pe%'i# his stiff a%*s a#! les as he !a#)e! o# the s+i!e%-st%i# $#!e% his a%*+its& P$st li'e o#e of those f$##( to(s bobbi# o# a ,i%e. /o*eho, o% othe% 1ili ,as ot o# to the b%a#)h& a#! the# he !i! his best to hel+ the hobbit& altho$h he ,as feeli# "e%( si)' a#! ill f%o* s+i!e%-+oiso#& a#! f%o* ha#i# *ost of the #iht a#! the #eFt !a( ,o$#! %o$#! a#! %o$#! ,ith o#l( his #ose to b%eathe th%o$h. It too' hi* aes to et the beastl( st$ff o$t of his e(es a#!
e(eb%o,s& a#! as fo% his bea%!& he ha! to )$t *ost of it off. 4ell& bet,ee# the* the( sta%te! to ha$l $+ fi%st o#e !,a%f a#! the# a#othe% a#! slash the* f%ee. No#e of the* ,e%e bette% off tha# 1ili& a#! so*e of the* ,e%e ,o%se. /o*e ha! ha%!l( bee# able to b%eathe at all @lo# #oses a%e so*eti*es $sef$l (o$ see a#! so*e ha! bee# *o%e +oiso#e!. I# this ,a( the( %es)$e! Kili& Bif$%& Bof$%& Do%i a#! No%i. 5oo% ol! Bo*b$% ,as so eFha$ste!Uhe ,as the fattest a#! ha! bee# )o#sta#tl( +i#)he! a#! +o'e!Uthat he P$st %olle! off the b%a#)h a#! fell +lo+ o# to the %o$#!& fo%t$#atel( o# to lea"es& a#! la( the%e. B$t the%e ,e%e still fi"e !,a%"es ha#i# at the e#! of the b%a#)h ,he# the s+i!e%s bea# to )o*e ba)'& *o%e f$ll of %ae tha# e"e%. Bilbo i**e!iatel( ,e#t to the e#! of the b%a#)h #ea%est the t%ee-t%$#' a#! 'e+t ba)' those that )%a,le! $+. He ha! ta'e# off his %i# ,he# he %es)$e! 1ili a#! fo%otte# to +$t it o# aai#& so #o, the( all bea# to s+l$tte% a#! hiss2 No, ,e see (o$& (o$ #ast( little )%eat$%eW 4e ,ill eat (o$ a#! lea"e (o$% bo#es a#! s'i# ha#i# o# a t%ee. 8hW he3s ot a sti# has heV 4ell& ,e3ll et hi* all the sa*e& a#! the# ,e3ll ha# hi* hea! !o,#,a%!s fo% a !a( o% t,o. 4hile this ,as oi# o#& the othe% !,a%"es ,e%e ,o%'i# at the %est of the )a+ti"es& a#! )$tti# at the th%ea!s ,ith thei% '#i"es. /oo# all ,o$l! be f%ee& tho$h it ,as #ot )lea% ,hat ,o$l! ha++e# afte% that. The s+i!e%s ha! )a$ht the* +%ett( easil( the #iht befo%e& b$t that ha! bee# $#a,a%es a#! i# the !a%'. This ti*e the%e loo'e! li'e bei# a ho%%ible battle. /$!!e#l( Bilbo #oti)e! that so*e of the s+i!e%s ha! athe%e! %o$#! ol! Bo*b$% o# the floo%& a#! ha! tie! hi* $+ aai# a#! ,e%e !%ai# hi* a,a(. He a"e a sho$t a#! slashe! at the s+i!e%s i# f%o#t of hi*. The( $i)'l( a"e ,a(& a#! he s)%a*ble! a#! fell !o,# the t%ee %iht i#to the *i!!le of those o# the %o$#!. His little s,o%! ,as so*ethi# #e, i# the ,a( of sti#s fo% the*. Ho, it !a%te! to a#! f%oW It sho#e ,ith !eliht as he stabbe! at the*. Half a !oe# ,e%e 'ille! befo%e the %est !%e, off a#! left Bo*b$% to Bilbo. Co*e !o,#W Co*e !o,#W he sho$te! to the !,a%"es o# the b%a#)h. Do#3t sta( $+ the%e a#! be #ette!W 1o% he sa, s+i!e%s s,a%*i# $+ all the #eihbo$%i# t%ees& a#! )%a,li# alo# the bo$hs abo"e the hea!s of the !,a%"es. Do,# the !,a%"es s)%a*ble! o% P$*+e! o% !%o++e!& ele"e# all i# a hea+& *ost of the* "e%( sha'( a#! little $se o# thei% les. The%e the( ,e%e at last& t,el"e of the* )o$#ti# +oo% ol! Bo*b$%& ,ho ,as bei# +%o++e! $+ o# eithe% si!e b( his )o$si# Bif$%& a#! his b%othe% Bof$%S a#! Bilbo ,as !a#)i# abo$t a#! ,a"i# his /ti#S a#! h$#!%e!s of a#%( s+i!e%s ,e%e oli# at the* all %o$#! a#! abo$t a#! abo"e. It loo'e! +%ett( ho+eless. The# the battle bea#. /o*e of the !,a%"es ha! '#i"es& a#! so*e ha! sti)'s& a#! all of the* )o$l! et at sto#esS a#! Bilbo ha! his el"ish !ae%. Aai# a#! aai# the s+i!e%s ,e%e beate# off& a#! *a#( of the* ,e%e 'ille!. B$t it )o$l! #ot o o# fo% lo#. Bilbo ,as #ea%l( ti%e! o$tS o#l( fo$% of the !,a%"es ,e%e able to sta#! fi%*l(& a#! soo# the( ,o$l! all be o"e%+o,e%e! li'e ,ea%( flies. Al%ea!( the s+i!e%s ,e%e bei##i# to ,ea"e thei% ,ebs all %o$#! the* aai# f%o* t%ee to t%ee. I# the e#! Bilbo )o$l! thi#' of #o +la# eF)e+t to let the !,a%"es i#to the se)%et of his
%i#. He ,as %athe% so%%( abo$t it& b$t it )o$l! #ot be hel+e!. I a* oi# to !isa++ea%& he sai!. I shall !%a, the s+i!e%s off& if I )a#S a#! (o$ *$st 'ee+ toethe% a#! *a'e i# the o++osite !i%e)tio#. To the left the%e& that is *o%e o% less the ,a( to,a%!s the +la)e ,he%e ,e last sa, the elf-fi%es. It ,as !iffi)$lt to et the* to $#!e%sta#!& ,hat ,ith thei% !i( hea!s& a#! the sho$ts& a#! the ,ha)'i# of sti)'s a#! the th%o,i# of sto#esS b$t at last Bilbo felt he )o$l! !ela( #o lo#e%Uthe s+i!e%s ,e%e !%a,i# thei% )i%)le e"e% )lose%. He s$!!e#l( sli++e! o# his %i#& a#! to the %eat asto#ish*e#t of the !,a%"es he "a#ishe!. /oo# the%e )a*e the so$#! of La( Lob a#! Atte%)o+ f%o* a*o# the t%ees a,a( o# the %iht. That $+set the s+i!e%s %eatl(. The( sto++e! a!"a#)i#& a#! so*e ,e#t off i# the !i%e)tio# of the "oi)e. Atte%)o+ *a!e the* so a#%( that the( lost thei% ,its. The# Bali#& ,ho ha! %as+e! Bilbo3s +la# bette% tha# the %est& le! a# atta)'. The !,a%"es h$!!le! toethe% i# a '#ot& a#! se#!i# a sho,e% of sto#es the( !%o"e at the s+i!e%s o# the left& a#! b$%st th%o$h the %i#. A,a( behi#! the* #o, the sho$ti# a#! si#i# s$!!e#l( sto++e!. Ho+i# !es+e%atel( that Bilbo ha! #ot bee# )a$ht the !,a%"es ,e#t o#. Not fast e#o$h& tho$h. The( ,e%e si)' a#! ,ea%(& a#! the( )o$l! #ot o *$)h bette% tha# a hobble a#! a ,obble& tho$h *a#( of the s+i!e%s ,e%e )lose behi#!. E"e%( #o, a#! the# the( ha! to t$%# a#! fiht the )%eat$%es that ,e%e o"e%ta'i# the*S a#! al%ea!( so*e s+i!e%s ,e%e i# the t%ees abo"e the* a#! th%o,i# !o,# thei% lo# )li#i# th%ea!s. Thi#s ,e%e loo'i# +%ett( ba! aai#& ,he# s$!!e#l( Bilbo %ea++ea%e!& a#! )ha%e! i#to the asto#ishe! s+i!e%s $#eF+e)te!l( f%o* the si!e. Go o#W Go o#W he sho$te!. I ,ill !o the sti#i#W A#! he !i!. He !a%te! ba)',a%!s a#! fo%,a%!s& slashi# at s+i!e%-th%ea!s& ha)'i# at thei% les& a#! stabbi# at thei% fat bo!ies if the( )a*e too #ea%. The s+i!e%s s,elle! ,ith %ae& a#! s+l$tte%e! a#! f%othe!& a#! hisse! o$t ho%%ible )$%sesS b$t the( ha! be)o*e *o%tall( af%ai! of /ti#& a#! !a%e! #ot )o*e "e%( #ea%& #o, that it ha! )o*e ba)'. /o )$%se as the( ,o$l!& thei% +%e( *o"e! slo,l( b$t stea!il( a,a(. It ,as a *ost te%%ible b$si#ess& a#! see*e! to ta'e ho$%s. B$t at last& P$st ,he# Bilbo felt that he )o$l! #ot lift his ha#! fo% a si#le st%o'e *o%e& the s+i!e%s s$!!e#l( a"e it $+& a#! follo,e! the* #o *o%e& b$t ,e#t ba)' !isa++oi#te! to thei% !a%' )olo#(. The !,a%"es the# #oti)e! that the( ha! )o*e to the e!e of a %i# ,he%e elf-fi%es ha! bee#. 4hethe% it ,as o#e of those the( ha! see# the #iht befo%e& the( )o$l! #ot tell. B$t it see*e! that so*e oo! *ai) li#e%e! i# s$)h s+ots& ,hi)h the s+i!e%s !i! #ot li'e. At a#( %ate he%e the liht ,as %ee#e%& a#! the bo$hs less thi)' a#! th%eate#i#& a#! the( ha! a )ha#)e to %est a#! !%a, b%eath. The%e the( la( fo% so*e ti*e& +$ffi# a#! +a#ti#. B$t " e%( soo# the( bea# to as' $estio#s. The( ha! to ha"e the ,hole "a#ishi# b$si#ess )a%ef$ll( eF+lai#e!& a#! the fi#!i# of the %i# i#te%este! the* so *$)h that fo% a ,hile the( fo%ot thei% o,# t%o$bles. Bali# i# +a%ti)$la% i#siste! o# ha"i# the Goll$* sto%(& %i!!les a#! all& tol! all o"e% aai#& ,ith the %i# i# its +%o+e% +la)e. B$t afte% a ti*e the liht bea# to fail& a#! the# othe% $estio#s ,e%e as'e!. 4he%e ,e%e the(& a#! ,he%e ,as thei%
+ath& a#! ,he%e ,as the%e a#( foo!& a#! ,hat ,e%e the( oi# to !o #eFtV These $estio#s the( as'e! o"e% a#! o"e% aai#& a#! it ,as f%o* little Bilbo that the( see*e! to eF+e)t to et the a#s,e%s. 1%o* ,hi)h (o$ )a# see that the( ha! )ha#e! thei% o+i#io# of 0%. Bai#s "e%( *$)h& a#! ha! be$# to ha"e a %eat %es+e)t fo% hi* @as Ga#!alf ha! sai! the( ,o$l!. I#!ee! the( %eall( eF+e)te! hi* to thi#' of so*e ,o#!e%f$l +la# fo% hel+i# the*& a#! ,e%e #ot *e%el( %$*bli#. The( '#e, o#l( too ,ell that the( ,o$l! soo# all ha"e bee# !ea!& if it ha! #ot bee# fo% the hobbitS a#! the( tha#'e! hi* *a#( ti*es. /o*e of the* e"e# ot $+ a#! bo,e! %iht to the %o$#! befo%e hi*& tho$h the( fell o"e% ,ith the effo%t& a#! )o$l! #ot et o# thei% les aai# fo% so*e ti*e. K#o,i# the t%$th abo$t the "a#ishi# !i! #ot lesse# thei% o+i#io# of Bilbo at allS fo% the( sa, that he ha! so*e ,its& as ,ell as l$)' a#! a *ai) %i#Ua#! all th%ee a%e "e%( $sef$l +ossessio#s. I# fa)t the( +%aise! hi* so *$)h that Bilbo bea# to feel the%e %eall( ,as so*ethi# of a bol! a!"e#t$%e% abo$t hi*self afte% all& tho$h he ,o$l! ha"e felt a lot bol!e% still& if the%e ha! bee# a#(thi# to eat. B$t the%e ,as #othi#& #othi# at allS a#! #o#e of the* ,e%e fit to o a#! loo' fo% a#(thi#& o% to sea%)h fo% the lost +ath. The lost +athW No othe% i!ea ,o$l! )o*e i#to Bilbo3s ti%e! hea!. He P$st sat sta%i# i# f%o#t of hi* at the e#!less t%eesS a#! afte% a ,hile the( all fell sile#t aai#. All eF)e+t Bali#. Lo# af te% the othe%s ha! sto++e! tal'i# a#! sh$t thei% e(es& he 'e+t o# *$tte%i# a#! )h$)'li# to hi*self. Goll$*W 4ell I3* blestW /o that3s ho, he s#ea'e! +ast *e& is itV No, I '#o,W J$st )%e+t $ietl( alo# !i! (o$& 0%. Bai#sV B$tto#s all o"e% the !oo%ste+W Goo! ol! BilboUBilboUBilboUboUboUboU A#! the# he fell aslee+& a#! the%e ,as )o*+lete sile#)e fo% a lo# ,hile. All of a s$!!e# D,ali# o+e#e! a# e(e& a#! loo'e! %o$#! at the*. 4he%e is Tho%i#V he as'e!. It ,as a te%%ible sho)'. Of )o$%se the%e ,e%e o#l( thi%tee# of the*& t,el"e !,a%"es a#! the hobbit. 4he%e i#!ee! ,as Tho%i#V The( ,o#!e%e! ,hat e"il fate ha! befalle# hi*& *ai) o% !a%' *o#ste%sS a#! sh$!!e%e! as the( la( lost i# the fo%est. The%e the( !%o++e! off o#e b( o#e i#to $#)o*fo%table slee+ f$ll of ho%%ible !%ea*s& as e"e#i# ,o%e to bla)' #ihtS a#! the%e ,e *$st lea"e the* fo% the +%ese#t& too si)' a#! ,ea%( to set $a%!s o% to ta'e t$%#s at ,at)hi#. Tho%i# ha! bee# )a$ht *$)h faste% tha# the( ha!. Yo$ %e*e*be% Bilbo falli# li'e a lo i#to slee+& as he ste++e! i#to a )i%)le of lihtV The #eFt ti*e it ha! bee# Tho%i# ,ho ste++e! fo%,a%!& a#! as the lihts ,e#t o$t he fell li'e a sto#e e#)ha#te!. All the #oise of the !,a%"es lost i# the #iht& thei% )%ies as the s+i!e%s )a$ht the* a#! bo$#! the*& a#! all the so$#!s of the battle #eFt !a(& ha! +asse! o"e% hi* $#hea%!. The# the 4oo!-el"es ha! )o*e to hi*& a#! bo$#! hi*& a#! )a%%ie! hi* a,a(. The feasti# +eo+le ,e%e 4oo!-el"es& of )o$%se. These a%e #ot ,i)'e! fol'. If the( ha"e a fa$lt it is !ist%$st of st%a#e%s. Tho$h thei% *ai) ,as st%o#& e"e# i# those !a(s the( ,e%e ,a%(. The( !iffe%e! f%o* the Hih El"es of the 4est& a#! ,e%e *o%e !a#e%o$s a#! less ,ise. 1o% *ost of the* @toethe% ,ith thei% s)atte%e! %elatio#s i# the hills a#! *o$#tai#s ,e%e !es)e#!e! f%o* the a#)ie#t t%ibes that #e"e% ,e#t to 1ae%ie i# the 4est. The%e the Liht-el"es a#! the Dee+-el"es a#! the /ea-el"es ,e#t
a#! li"e! fo% aes& a#! %e, fai%e% a#! ,ise% a#! *o%e lea%#e!& a#! i#"e#te! thei% *ai) a#! thei% )$##i# )%aft i# the *a'i# of bea$tif$l a#! *a%"ello$s thi#s& befo%e so*e )a*e ba)' i#to the 4i!e 4o%l!. I# the 4i!e 4o%l! the 4oo!-el"es li#e%e! i# the t,iliht of o$% /$# a#! 0oo#& b$t lo"e! best the sta%sS a#! the( ,a#!e%e! i# the %eat fo%ests that %e, tall i# la#!s that a%e #o, lost. The( !,elt *ost ofte# b( the e!es of the ,oo!s& f%o* ,hi)h the( )o$l! es)a+e at ti*es to h$#t& o% to %i!e a#! %$# o"e% the o+e# la#!s b( *oo#liht o% sta%lihtS a#! afte% the )o*i# of 0e# the( too' e"e% *o%e a#! *o%e to the loa*i# a#! the !$s'. /till el"es the( ,e%e a#! %e*ai#& a#! that is Goo! 5eo+le. I# a %eat )a"e so*e *iles ,ithi# the e!e of 0i%',oo! o# its easte%# si!e the%e li"e! at this ti*e thei% %eatest 'i#. Befo%e his h$e !oo%s of sto#e a %i"e% %a# o$t of the heihts of the fo%est a#! flo,e! o# a#! o$t i#to the *a%shes at the feet of the hih ,oo!e! la#!s. This %eat )a"e& f%o* ,hi)h )o$#tless s*alle% o#es o+e#e! o$t o# e"e%( si!e& ,o$#! fa% $#!e%%o$#! a#! ha! *a#( +assaes a#! ,i!e hallsS b$t it ,as lihte% a#! *o%e ,holeso*e tha# a#( obli#-!,elli#& a#! #eithe% so !ee+ #o% so !a#e%o$s. I# fa)t the s$bPe)ts of the 'i# *ostl( li"e! a#! h$#te! i# the o+e# ,oo!s& a#! ha! ho$ses o% h$ts o# the %o$#! a#! i# the b%a#)hes. The bee)hes ,e%e thei% fa"o$%ite t%ees. The 'i#3s )a"e ,as his +ala)e& a#! t he st%o# +la)e of his t%eas$%e& a#! the fo%t%ess of his +eo+le aai#st thei% e#e*ies. It ,as also the !$#eo# of his +%iso#e%s. /o to the )a"e the( !%ae! Tho%i#U#ot too e#tl(& fo% the( !i! #ot lo"e !,a%"es& a#! tho$ht he ,as a# e#e*(. I# a#)ie#t !a(s the( ha! ha! ,a%s ,ith so*e of the !,a%"es& ,ho* the( a))$se! of steali# thei% t%eas$%e. It is o#l( fai% to sa( that the !,a%"es a"e a !iffe%e#t a))o$#t& a#! sai! that the( o#l( too' ,hat ,as thei% !$e& fo% the elf-'i# ha! ba%ai#e! ,ith the* to sha+e his %a, ol! a#! sil"e%& a#! ha! afte%,a%!s %ef$se! to i"e the* thei% +a(. If the elf-'i# ha! a ,ea'#ess it ,as fo% t%eas$%e& es+e)iall( fo% sil"e% a#! ,hite e*sS a#! tho$h his hoa%! ,as %i)h& he ,as e"e% eae% fo% *o%e& si#)e he ha! #ot (et as %eat a t%eas$%e as othe% elf-lo%!s of ol!. His +eo+le #eithe% *i#e! #o% ,o%'e! *etals o% Pe,els& #o% !i! the( bothe% *$)h ,ith t%a!e o% ,ith tilli# the ea%th. All this ,as ,ell '#o,# to e"e%( !,a%f& tho$h Tho%i#3s fa*il( ha! ha! #othi# to !o ,ith the ol! $a%%el I ha"e s+o'e# of. Co#se$e#tl( Tho%i# ,as a#%( at thei% t%eat*e#t of hi*& ,he# the( too' thei% s+ell off hi* a#! he )a*e to his se#sesS a#! also he ,as !ete%*i#e! that #o ,o%! of ol! o% Pe,els sho$l! be !%ae! o$t of hi*. The 'i# loo'e! ste%#l( o# Tho%i#& ,he# he ,as b%o$ht befo%e hi*& a#! as'e! hi* *a#( $estio#s. B$t Tho%i# ,o$l! o#l( sa( that he ,as sta%"i#. 4h( !i! (o$ a#! (o$% fol' th%ee ti*es t%( to atta)' *( +eo+le at thei% *e%%(*a'i#V as'e! the 'i#. 4e !i! #ot atta)' the*& a#s,e%e! Tho%i#S ,e )a*e to be& be)a$se ,e ,e%e sta%"i#. 4he%e a%e (o$% f%ie#!s #o,& a#! ,hat a%e the( !oi#V I !o#3t '#o,& b$t I eF+e)t sta%"i# i# the fo%est. 4hat ,e%e (o$ !oi# i# the fo%estV Loo'i# fo% foo! a#! !%i#'& be)a$se ,e ,e%e sta%"i#.
B$t ,hat b%o$ht (o$ i#to the fo%est at allV as'e! the 'i# a#%il(. At that Tho%i# sh$t his *o$th a#! ,o$l! #ot sa( a#othe% ,o%!. 7e%( ,ellW sai! the 'i#. Ta'e hi* a,a( a#! 'ee+ hi* safe& $#til he feels i#)li#e! to tell the t%$th& e"e# if he ,aits a h$#!%e! (ea%s. The# the el"es +$t tho#s o# hi*& a#! sh$t hi* i# o#e of the i#*ost )a"es ,ith st%o# ,oo!e# !oo%s& a#! left hi*. The( a"e hi* foo! a#! !%i#'& +le#t( of both& if #ot "e%( fi#eS fo% 4oo!-el"es ,e%e #ot obli#s& a#! ,e%e %easo#abl( ,ell-beha"e! e"e# to thei% ,o%st e#e*ies& ,he# the( )a+t$%e! the*. The ia#t s+i!e%s ,e%e the o#l( li"i# thi#s that the( ha! #o *e%)( $+o#. The%e i# the 'i#3s !$#eo# +oo% Tho%i# la(S a#! afte% he ha! ot o"e% his tha#'f$l#ess fo% b%ea! a#! *eat a#! ,ate%& he bea# to ,o#!e% ,hat ha! be)o*e of his $#fo%t$#ate f%ie#!s. It ,as #ot "e%( lo# befo%e he !is)o"e%e!S b$t that belo#s to the #eFt )ha+te% a#! the bei##i# of a#othe% a!"e#t$%e i# ,hi)h the hobbit aai# sho,e! his $sef$l#ess.
Cha+te% I9
BARREL/ O8T O1 BOND
The !a( afte% the battle ,ith the s+i!e%s Bilbo a#! the !,a%"es *a!e o#e last !es+ai%i# effo%t to fi#! a ,a( o$t befo%e the( !ie! of h$#e% a#! thi%st. The( ot $+ a#! stae%e! o# i# the !i%e)tio# ,hi)h eiht o$t of the thi%tee# of the* $esse! to be the o#e i# ,hi)h the +ath la(S b$t the( #e"e% fo$#! o$t if the( ,e%e %iht. /$)h !a( as the%e e"e% ,as i# the fo%est ,as fa!i# o#)e *o%e i#to the bla)'#ess of #iht& ,he# s$!!e#l( o$t s+%a# the liht of *a#( to%)hes all %o$#! the*& li'e h$#!%e!s of %e! sta%s. O$t lea+e! 4oo!-el"es ,ith thei% bo,s a#! s+ea%s a#! )alle! the !,a%"es to halt.
The%e ,as #o tho$ht of a fiht. E"e# if the !,a%"es ha! #ot bee# i# s$)h a state that the( ,e%e a)t$all( la! to be )a+t$%e!& thei% s*all '#i"es& the o#l( ,ea+o#s the( ha!& ,o$l! ha"e bee# of #o $se aai#st the a%%o,s of the el"es that )o$l! hit a bi%!3s e(e i# the !a%'. /o the( si*+l( sto++e! !ea! a#! sat !o,# a#! ,aite!Uall eF)e+t Bilbo& ,ho +o++e! o# his %i# a#! sli++e! $i)'l( to o#e si!e. That is ,h(& ,he# the el"es bo$#! the !,a%"es i# a lo# li#e& o#e behi#! the othe%& a#! )o$#te! the*& the( #e"e% fo$#! o% )o$#te! the hobbit. No% !i! the( hea% o% feel hi* t%otti# alo# ,ell behi#! thei% to%)h-liht as the( le! off thei% +%iso#e%s i#to the fo%est. Ea)h !,a%f ,as bli#!fol!& b$t that !i! #ot *a'e *$)h !iffe%e#)e& fo% e"e# Bilbo ,ith the $se of his e(es )o$l! #ot see ,he%e the( ,e%e oi#& a#! #eithe% he #o% the othe%s '#e, ,he%e the( ha! sta%te! f%o* a#(,a(. Bilbo ha! all he )o$l! !o to 'ee+ $+ ,ith the to%)hes& fo% the el"es ,e%e *a'i# the !,a%"es o as fast as e"e% the( )o$l!& si)' a#! ,ea%( as the( ,e%e. The 'i# ha! o%!e%e! the* to *a'e haste. /$!!e#l( the to%)hes sto++e!& a#! the hobbit ha! P$st ti*e to )at)h the* $+ befo%e the( bea# to )%oss the b%i!e. This ,as the b%i!e that le! a)%oss the %i"e% to the 'i#3s !oo%s. The ,ate% flo,e! !a%' a#! s,ift a#! st%o# be#eathS a#! at the fa% e#! ,e%e ates befo%e the *o$th of a h$e )a"e that %a# i#to the si!e of a stee+ slo+e )o"e%e! ,ith t%ees. The%e the %eat bee)hes )a*e %iht !o,# to the ba#'& till thei% feet ,e%e i# the st%ea*. A)%oss the b%i!e the el"es th%$st thei% +%iso#e%s& b$t Bilbo hesitate! i# the %ea%. He !i! #ot at all li'e the loo' of the )a"e%#-*o$th& a#! he o#l( *a!e $+ his *i#! #ot to !ese%t his f%ie#!s P$st i# ti*e to s)$ttle o"e% at the heels of the last el"es& befo%e the %eat ates of the 'i# )lose! behi#! the* ,ith a )la#. I#si!e the +assaes ,e%e lit ,ith %e! to%)h-liht& a#! the elf-$a%!s sa# as the( *a%)he! alo# the t,isti#& )%ossi#& a#! e)hoi# +aths. These ,e%e #ot li'e those of the obli#-)itiesS the( ,e%e s*alle%& less !ee+ $#!e%%o$#!& a#! fille! ,ith a )lea#e% ai%. I# a %eat hall ,ith +illa%s he,# o$t of the li"i# sto#e sat the El"e#'i# o# a )hai% of )a%"e# ,oo!. O# his hea! ,as a )%o,# of be%%ies a#! %e! lea"es& fo% the a$t$*# ,as )o*e aai#. I# the s+%i# he ,o%e a )%o,# of ,oo!la#! flo,e%s. I# his ha#! he hel! a )a%"e# staff of oa'.
The El"e#'i#s Gate. The +%iso#e%s ,e%e b%o$ht befo%e hi*S a#! tho$h he loo'e! %i*l( at the*& he tol! his *e# to $#bi#! the*& fo% the( ,e%e %ae! a#! ,ea%(. Besi!es the( #ee! #o %o+es i# he%e& sai! he. The%e is #o es)a+e f%o* *( *ai) !oo%s fo% those ,ho a%e o#)e b%o$ht i#si!e. Lo# a#! sea%)hi#l( he $estio#e! the !,a%"es abo$t thei% !oi#s& a#! ,he%e the( ,e%e oi# to& a#! ,he%e the( ,e%e )o*i# f%o*S b$t he ot little *o%e #e,s o$t of the* tha# o$t of Tho%i#. The( ,e%e s$%l( a#! a#%( a#! !i! #ot e"e# +%ete#! to be +olite. 4hat ha"e ,e !o#e& O 'i#V sai! Bali#& ,ho ,as the el!est left. Is it a )%i*e to be lost i# the fo%est& to be h$#%( a#! thi%st(& to be t%a++e! b( s+i!e%sV A%e the s+i!e%s (o$% ta*e beasts o% (o$% +ets& if 'illi# the* *a'es (o$ a#%(V /$)h a $estio# of )o$%se *a!e the 'i# a#%ie% tha# e"e%& a#! he a#s,e%e!2 It is a )%i*e to ,a#!e% i# *( %eal* ,itho$t lea"e. Do (o$ fo%et that (o$ ,e%e i# *( 'i#!o*& $si# the %oa! that *( +eo+le *a!eV Di! (o$ #ot th%ee t i*es +$%s$e a#! t%o$ble *( +eo+le i# the fo%est a#! %o$se the s+i!e%s ,ith (o$% %iot a#! )la*o$%V
Afte% all the !ist$%ba#)e (o$ ha"e *a!e I ha"e a %iht to '#o, ,hat b%i#s (o$ he%e& a#! if (o$ ,ill #ot tell *e #o,& I ,ill 'ee+ (o$ all i# +%iso# $#til (o$ ha"e lea%#e! se#se a#! *a##e%sW The# he o%!e%e! the !,a%"es ea)h to be +$t i# a se+a%ate )ell a#! to be i"e# foo! a#! !%i#'& b$t #ot to be allo,e! to +ass the !oo%s of thei% little +%iso#s& $#til o#e at least of the* ,as ,illi# to tell hi* all he ,a#te! to '#o,. B$t he !i! #ot tell the* that Tho%i# ,as also a +%iso#e% ,ith hi*. It ,as Bilbo ,ho fo$#! that o$t. 5oo% 0%. Bai#sUit ,as a ,ea%( lo# ti*e that he li"e! i# that +la)e all alo#e& a#! al,a(s i# hi!i#& #e"e% !a%i# to ta'e off his %i#& ha%!l( !a%i# to slee+& e"e# t$)'e! a,a( i# the !a%'est a#! %e*otest )o%#e%s he )o$l! fi#!. 1o% so*ethi# to !o he too' to ,a#!e%i# abo$t the El"e#'i#3s +ala)e. 0ai) sh$t the ates& b$t he )o$l! so*eti*es et o$t& if he ,as $i)'. Co*+a#ies of the 4oo!-el"es& so*eti*es ,ith the 'i# at thei% hea!& ,o$l! f%o* ti*e to ti*e %i!e o$t to h$#t& o% to othe% b$si#ess i# the ,oo!s a#! i# the la#!s to the East. The# if Bilbo ,as "e%( #i*ble& he )o$l! sli+ o$t P$st behi#! the*S tho$h it ,as a !a#e%o$s thi# to !o. 0o%e tha# o#)e he ,as #ea%l( )a$ht i# the !oo%s& as the( )lashe! toethe% ,he# the last elf +asse!S (et he !i! #ot !a%e to *a%)h a*o# the* be)a$se of his sha!o, @altoethe% thi# a#! ,obbl( as it ,as i# to%)hliht& o% fo% fea% of bei# b$*+e! i#to a#! !is)o"e%e!. A#! ,he# he !i! o o$t& ,hi)h ,as #ot "e%( ofte#& he !i! #o oo!. He !i! #ot ,ish to !ese%t the !,a%"es& a#! i#!ee! he !i! #ot '#o, ,he%e i# the ,o%l! to o ,itho$t the*. He )o$l! #ot 'ee+ $+ ,ith the h$#ti# el"es all the ti*e the( ,e%e o$t& so he #e"e% !is)o"e%e! the ,a(s o$t of the ,oo!& a#! ,as left to ,a#!e% *ise%abl( i# the fo%est& te%%ifie! of losi# hi*self& $#til a )ha#)e )a*e of %et$%#i#. He ,as h$#%( too o$tsi!e& fo% he ,as #o h$#te%S b$t i#si!e the )a"es he )o$l! +i)' $+ a li"i# of so*e so%t b( steali# foo! f%o* sto%e o% table ,he# #o o#e ,as at ha#!.
I a* li'e a b$%la% that )a#3t et a,a(& b$t *$st o o# *ise%abl( b$%li# the sa*e ho$se !a( afte% !a(& he tho$ht. This is the !%ea%iest a#! !$llest +a%t of all this ,%et)he!& ti%eso*e& $#)o*fo%table a!"e#t$%eW I ,ish I ,as ba)' i# *( hobbit-hole b( *( o,# ,a%* fi%esi!e ,ith the la*+ shi#i#W He ofte# ,ishe!& too& that he )o$l! et a *essae fo% hel+ se#t to the ,ia%!& b$t that of )o$%se ,as $ite i*+ossibleS a#! he soo# %ealie! that if a#(thi# ,as to be !o#e& it ,o$l! ha"e to be !o#e b( 0%. Bai#s& alo#e a#! $#ai!e!. E"e#t$all(& afte% a ,ee' o% t,o of this s#ea'i# so%t of life& b( ,at)hi# a#! follo,i# the $a%!s a#! ta'i# ,hat )ha#)es he )o$l!& he *a#ae! to fi#! o$t ,he%e ea)h !,a%f ,as 'e+t. He fo$#! all thei% t,el"e )ells i# !iffe%e#t +a%ts of the +ala)e& a#! afte% a ti*e he ot to '#o, his ,a( abo$t "e%( ,ell. 4hat ,as his s$%+%ise o#e !a( to o"e%hea% so*e of the $a%!s tal'i# a#! to lea%# that the%e ,as a#othe% !,a%f i# +%iso# too& i# a s+e)iall( !ee+ !a%' +la)e. He $esse! at o#)e& of )o$%se& that that ,as Tho%i#S a#! afte% a ,hile he fo$#! that his $ess ,as %iht. At last afte% *a#( !iffi)$lties he *a#ae! to fi#! the +la)e ,he# #o o#e ,as abo$t& a#! to ha"e a ,o%! ,ith the )hief of the !,a%"es. Tho%i# ,as too ,%et)he! to be a#%( a#( lo#e% at his *isfo%t$#es& a#! ,as e"e# bei##i# to thi#' of telli# the 'i# all abo$t his t%eas$%e a#! his $est @,hi)h sho,s ho, lo,-s+i%ite! he ha! be)o*e& ,he# he hea%! Bilbo3s little "oi)e at his 'e(hole. He )o$l! ha%!l( belie"e his ea%s. /oo# ho,e"e% he *a!e $+ his *i#! that he )o$l! #ot be *ista'e#& a#! he )a*e to the !oo% a#! ha! a lo# ,his+e%e! tal' ,ith the hobbit o# the othe% si!e.
/o it ,as that Bilbo ,as able to ta'e se)%etl( Tho%i#3s *essae to ea)h of the othe% i*+%iso#e! !,a%"es& telli# the* that Tho%i# thei% )hief ,as also i# +%iso# )lose at ha#!& a#! that #o o#e ,as to %e"eal thei% e%%a#! to the 'i#& #ot (et& #o% befo%e Tho%i# a"e the ,o%!. 1o% Tho%i# ha! ta'e# hea%t aai# hea%i# ho, the hobbit ha! %es)$e! his )o*+a#io#s f%o* the s+i!e%s& a#! ,as !ete%*i#e! o#)e *o%e #ot to %a#so* hi*self ,ith +%o*ises to the 'i# of a sha%e i# the t%eas$%e& $#til all ho+e of es)a+i# i# a#( othe% ,a( ha! !isa++ea%e!S $#til i# fa)t the %e*a%'able 0%. I#"isible Bai#s @of ,ho* he bea# to ha"e a "e%( hih o+i#io# i#!ee! ha! altoethe% faile! to thi#' of so*ethi# )le"e%. The othe% !,a%"es $ite a%ee! ,he# the( ot the *essae. The( all tho$ht thei% o,# sha%es i# the t%eas$%e @,hi)h the( $ite %ea%!e! as thei%s& i# s+ite of thei% +liht a#! the still $#)o#$e%e! !%ao# ,o$l! s$ffe% se%io$sl( if the 4oo!-el"es )lai*e! +a%t of it& a#! the( all t%$ste! Bilbo. J$st ,hat Ga#!alf ha! sai! ,o$l! ha++e#& (o$ see. 5e%ha+s that ,as +a%t of his %easo# fo% oi# off a#! lea"i# the*. Bilbo& ho,e"e%& !i! #ot feel #ea%l( so ho+ef$l as the( !i!. He !i! #ot li'e bei# !e+e#!e! o# b( e"e%(o#e& a#! he ,ishe! he ha! the ,ia%! at ha#!. B$t that ,as #o $se2 +%obabl( all the !a%' !ista#)e of 0i%',oo! la( bet,ee# the*. He sat a#! tho$ht a#! tho$ht& $#til his hea! #ea%l( b$%st& b$t #o b%iht i!ea ,o$l! )o*e. O#e i#"isible %i# ,as a "e%( fi#e thi#& b$t it ,as #ot *$)h oo! a*o# fo$%tee#. B$t of )o$%se& as (o$ ha"e $esse!& he !i! %es)$e his f%ie#!s i# the e#!& a#! this is ho, it ha++e#e!. O#e !a(& #osi# a#! ,a#!e%i# abo$t& Bilbo !is)o"e%e! a "e%( i#te%esti# thi#2 the %eat ates ,e%e #ot the o#l( e#t%a#)e to the )a"es. A st%ea* flo,e! $#!e% +a%t of the lo,est %eio#s of the +ala)e& a#! Poi#e! the 1o%est Ri"e% so*e ,a( f$%the% to the east& be(o#! the stee+ slo+e o$t of ,hi)h the *ai# *o$th o+e#e!. 4he%e this $#!e%%o$#! ,ate%)o$%se )a*e fo%th f%o* the hillsi!e the%e ,as a ,ate%-ate. The%e the %o)'( %oof )a*e !o,# )lose to the s$%fa)e of the st%ea*& a#! f%o* it a +o%t)$llis )o$l! be !%o++e! %iht to the be! of the %i"e% to +%e"e#t a#(o#e )o*i# i# o% o$t that ,a(. B$t the +o%t)$llis ,as ofte# o+e#& fo% a oo! !eal of t%affi) ,e#t o$t a#! i# b( the ,ate%-ate. If a#(o#e ha! )o*e i# that ,a(& he ,o$l! ha"e fo$#! hi*self i# a !a%' %o$h t$##el lea!i# !ee+ i#to the hea%t of the hillS b$t at o#e +oi#t ,he%e it +asse! $#!e% the )a"es the %oof ha! bee# )$t a,a( a#! )o"e%e! ,ith %eat oa'e# t%a+!oo%s. These o+e#e! $+,a%!s i#to the 'i#3s )ella%s. The%e stoo! ba%%els& a#! ba%%els& a#! ba%%elsS fo% the 4oo!-el"es& a#! es+e)iall( thei% 'i#& ,e%e "e%( fo#! of ,i#e& tho$h #o "i#es %e, i# those +a%ts. The ,i#e& a#! othe% oo!s& ,e%e b%o$ht f%o* fa% a,a(& f%o* thei% 'i#sfol' i# the /o$th& o% f%o* the "i#e(a%!s of 0e# i# !ista#t la#!s. Hi!i# behi#! o#e of the la%est ba%%els Bilbo !is)o"e%e! the t%a+!oo%s a#! thei% $se& a#! l$%'i# the%e& liste#i# to the tal' of the 'i#3s se%"a#ts& he lea%#e! ho, the ,i#e a#! othe% oo!s )a*e $+ the %i"e%s& o% o"e% la#!& to the Lo# La'e. It see*e! a to,# of 0e# still th%o"e the%e& b$ilt o$t o# b%i!es fa% i#to the ,ate% as a +%ote)tio# aai#st e#e*ies of all so%ts& a#! es+e)iall( aai#st the !%ao# of the 0o$#tai#. 1%o* La'e-to,# the ba%%els ,e%e b%o$ht $+ the 1o%est Ri"e%. Ofte# the( ,e%e P$st tie! toethe% li'e bi %afts a#! +ole! o% %o,e! $+ the st%ea*S so*eti*es the( ,e%e
loa!e! o# to flat boats. 4he# the ba%%els ,e%e e*+t( the el"es )ast the* th%o$h the t%a+!oo%s& o+e#e! the ,ate%-ate& a#! o$t the ba%%els floate! o# the st%ea*& bobbi# alo#& $#til the( ,e%e )a%%ie! b( the )$%%e#t to a +la)e fa% !o,# the %i"e% ,he%e the ba#' P$tte! o$t& #ea% to the "e%( easte%# e!e of 0i%',oo!. The%e the( ,e%e )olle)te! a#! tie! toethe% a#! floate! ba)' to La'e-to,#& ,hi)h stoo! )lose to the +oi#t ,he%e the 1o%est Ri"e% flo,e! i#to the Lo# La'e. 1o% so*e ti*e Bilbo sat a#! tho$ht abo$t this ,ate%-ate& a#! ,o#!e%e! if it )o$l! be $se! fo% the es)a+e of his f%ie#!s& a#! at last he ha! the !es+e%ate bei##i#s of a +la#.
The e"e#i# *eal ha! bee# ta'e# to the +%iso#e%s. The $a%!s ,e%e t%a*+i# a,a( !o,# the +assaes ta'i# the to%)hliht ,ith the* a#! lea"i# e"e%(thi# i# !a%'#ess. The# Bilbo hea%! the 'i#3s b$tle% bi!!i# the )hief of the $a%!s oo!#iht. No, )o*e ,ith *e& he sai!& a#! taste the #e, ,i#e that has P$st )o*e i#. I shall be ha%! at ,o%' to#iht )lea%i# the )ella%s of the e*+t( ,oo!& so let $s ha"e a !%i#' fi%st to hel+ the labo$%. 7e%( oo!& la$he! the )hief of the $a%!s. I3ll taste ,ith (o$& a#! see if it is fit fo% the 'i#3s table. The%e is a feast to#iht a#! it ,o$l! #ot !o to se#! $+ +oo% st$ffW 4he# he hea%! this Bilbo ,as all i# a fl$tte%& fo% he sa, that l$)' ,as ,ith hi* a#! he ha! a )ha#)e at o#)e to t%( his !es+e%ate +la#. He follo,e! the t,o el"es& $#til the( e#te%e! a s*all )ella% a#! sat !o,# at a table o# ,hi)h t,o la%e flao#s ,e%e set. /oo# the( bea# to !%i#' a#! la$h *e%%il(. L$)' of a# $#$s$al 'i#! ,as ,ith Bilbo the#. It *$st be +ote#t ,i#e to *a'e a ,oo!-elf !%o,s(S b$t this ,i#e& it ,o$l! see*& ,as the hea!( "i#tae of the %eat a%!e#s of Do%,i#io#& #ot *ea#t fo% his sol!ie%s o% his se%"a#ts& b$t fo% the 'i#3s feasts o#l(& a#! fo% s*alle% bo,ls #ot fo% the b$tle%3s %eat flao#s.
7e%( soo# the )hief $a%! #o!!e! his hea!& the# he lai! it o# the table a#! fell fast aslee+. The b$tle% ,e#t o# tal'i# a#! la$hi# to hi*self fo% a ,hile ,itho$t see*i# to #oti)e& b$t soo# his hea! too #o!!e! to the table& a#! he fell aslee+ a#! s#o%e! besi!e his f%ie#!. The# i# )%e+t the hobbit. 7e%( soo# the )hief $a%! ha! #o 'e(s& b$t Bilbo ,as t%otti# as fast as he )o$l! alo# the +assaes to,a%!s the )ells. The %eat b$#)h see*e! "e%( hea"( to his a%*s& a#! his hea%t ,as ofte# i# his *o$th& i# s+ite of his %i#& fo% he )o$l! #ot +%e"e#t t he 'e(s f%o* *a'i# e"e%( #o, a#! the# a lo$! )li#' a#! )la#'& ,hi)h +$t hi* all i# a t%e*ble. 1i%st he $#lo)'e! Bali#3s !oo%& a#! lo)'e! it aai# )a%ef$ll( as soo# as the !,a%f ,as o$tsi!e. Bali# ,as *ost s$%+%ise!& as (o$ )a# i*ai#eS b$t la! as he ,as to et o$t of his ,ea%iso*e little sto#e %oo*& he ,a#te! to sto+ a#! as' $estio#s& a#! '#o, ,hat Bilbo ,as oi# to !o& a#! all abo$t it. No ti*e #o,W sai! the hobbit. Yo$ P$st follo, *eW 4e *$st all 'ee+ toethe% a#! #ot %is' etti# se+a%ate!. All of $s *$st es)a+e o% #o#e& a#! this is o$% last )ha#)e. If this is fo$#! o$t& oo!#ess '#o,s ,he%e the 'i# ,ill +$t (o$ #eFt& ,ith )hai#s o# (o$% ha#!s a#! feet too& I eF+e)t. Do#3t a%$e& the%e3s a oo! fello,W The# off he ,e#t f%o* !oo% to !oo%& $#til his follo,i# ha! %o,# to t,el"eU#o#e of the* a#( too #i*ble& ,hat ,ith the !a%'& a#! ,hat ,ith thei% lo# i*+%iso#*e#t. Bilbo3s hea%t th$*+e! e"e%( ti*e o#e of the* b$*+e! i#to a#othe%& o% %$#te! o% ,his+e%e! i# the !a%'. D%at this !,a%"ish %a)'etW he sai! to hi*self. B$t all ,e#t
,ell& a#! the( *et #o $a%!s. As a *atte% of fa)t the%e ,as a %eat a$t$*# feast i# the ,oo!s that #iht& a#! i# the halls abo"e. Nea%l( all the 'i#3s fol' ,e%e *e%%(*a'i#. At last afte% *$)h bl$#!e%i# the( )a*e to Tho%i#3s !$#eo#& fa% !o,# i# a !ee+ +la)e a#! fo%t$#atel( #ot fa% f%o* the )ella%s. 8+o# *( ,o%!W sai! Tho%i#& ,he# Bilbo ,his+e%e! to hi* to )o*e o$t a#! Poi# his f%ie#!s& Ga#!alf s+o'e t%$e& as $s$alW A +%ett( fi#e b$%la% (o$ *a'e& it see*s& ,he# the ti*e )o*es. I a* s$%e ,e a%e all fo% e"e% at (o$% se%"i)e& ,hate"e% ha++e#s afte% this. B$t ,hat )o*es #eFtV Bilbo sa, that the ti*e ha! )o*e to eF+lai# his i!ea& as fa% as he )o$l!S b$t he !i! #ot feel at all s$%e ho, the !,a%"es ,o$l! ta'e it. His fea%s ,e%e $ite P$stifie!& fo% the( !i! #ot li'e it a bit& a#! sta%te! %$*bli# lo$!l( i# s+ite of thei% !a#e%. 4e shall be b%$ise! a#! batte%e! to +ie)es& a#! !%o,#e! too& fo% )e%tai#W t he( *$tte%e!. 4e tho$ht (o$ ha! ot so*e se#sible #otio#& ,he# (o$ *a#ae! to et hol! of the 'e(s. This is a *a! i!eaW 7e%( ,ellW sai! Bilbo "e%( !o,#)ast& a#! also %athe% a##o(e!. Co*e alo# ba)' to (o$% #i)e )ells& a#! I ,ill lo)' (o$ all i# aai#& a#! (o$ )a# sit the%e )o*fo%tabl( a#! thi#' of a bette% +la#Ub$t I !o#3t s$++ose I shall e"e% et hol! of the 'e(s aai#& e"e# if I feel i#)li#e! to t%(. That ,as too *$)h fo% the*& a#! the( )al*e! !o,#. I# the e#!& of )o$%se& the( ha! to !o P$st ,hat Bilbo s$este!& be)a$se it ,as ob"io$sl( i*+ossible fo% the* to t%( a#! fi#! thei% ,a( i#to the $++e% halls& o% to fiht thei% ,a( o$t of ates that )lose! b( *ai)S a#! it ,as #o oo! %$*bli# i# the +assaes $#til the( ,e%e )a$ht aai#. /o follo,i# the hobbit& !o,# i#to the lo,est )ella%s the( )%e+t. The( +asse! a !oo% th%o$h ,hi)h the )hief $a%! a#! the b$tle% )o$l! be see# still ha++il( s#o%i# ,ith s*iles $+o# thei% fa)es. The ,i#e of Do%,i#io# b%i#s !ee+ a#! +leasa#t !%ea*s. The%e ,o$l! be a !iffe%e#t eF+%essio# o# the fa)e of the )hief $a%! #eFt !a(& e"e# tho$h Bilbo& befo%e the( ,e#t o#& stole i# a#! 'i#!-hea%te!l( +$t the 'e(s ba)' o# his belt. That ,ill sa"e hi* so*e of the t%o$ble he is i# fo%& sai! 0%. Bai#s to hi*self. He ,as#3t a ba! fello,& a#! $ite !e)e#t to the +%iso#e%s. It ,ill +$le the* all too. The( ,ill thi#' ,e ha! a "e%( st%o# *ai) to +ass th%o$h all those lo)'e! !oo%s a#! !isa++ea%. Disa++ea%W 4e ha"e ot to et b$s( "e%( $i)'& if that is to ha++e#W Bali# ,as tol! off to ,at)h the $a%! a#! the b$tle% a#! i"e ,a%#i# if the( sti%%e!. The %est ,e#t i#to the a!Poi#i# )ella% ,ith the t%a+!oo%s. The%e ,as little ti*e to lose. Befo%e lo#& as Bilbo '#e,& so*e el"es ,e%e $#!e% o%!e%s to )o*e !o,# a#! hel+ the b$tle% et the e*+t( ba%%els th%o$h the !oo%s i#to the st%ea*. These ,e%e i# fa)t al%ea!( sta#!i# i# %o,s i# the *i!!le of the floo% ,aiti# to be +$she! off. /o*e of the* ,e%e ,i#e-ba%%els& a#! these ,e%e #ot *$)h $se& as the( )o$l! #ot easil( be o+e#e! at the e#! ,itho$t a !eal of #oise& #o% )o$l! the( easil( be se)$%e! aai#. B$t a*o# the* ,e%e se"e%al othe%s& ,hi)h ha! bee# $se! fo% b%i#i# othe% st$ffs& b$tte%& a++les& a#! all so%ts of thi#s& to the 'i#3s +ala)e.
The( soo# fo$#! thi%tee# ,ith %oo* e#o$h fo% a !,a%f i# ea)h. I# fa)t so*e ,e%e too %oo*(& a#! as the( )li*be! i# the !,a%"es tho$ht a#Fio$sl( of the sha'i# a#! the b$*+i# the( ,o$l! et i#si!e& tho$h Bilbo !i! his best to fi#! st%a, a#! othe% st$ff to +a)' the* i# as )osil( as )o$l! be *a#ae! i# a sho%t ti*e. At last t,el"e
!,a%"es ,e%e sto,e!. Tho%i# ha! i"e# a lot of t%o$ble& a#! t$%#e! a#! t,iste! i# his t$b a#! %$*ble! li'e a la%e !o i# a s*all 'e##elS ,hile Bali#& ,ho )a*e last& *a!e a %eat f$ss abo$t his ai%-holes a#! sai! he ,as stifli#& e"e# befo%e his li! ,as o#. Bilbo ha! !o#e ,hat he )o$l! to )lose holes i# the si!es of the ba%%els& a#! to fiF o# all the li!s as safel( as )o$l! be *a#ae!& a#! #o, he ,as left alo#e aai#& %$##i# %o$#! +$tti# the fi#ishi# to$)hes to the +a)'i#& a#! ho+i# aai#st ho+e that his +la# ,o$l! )o*e off. It ha! #ot bee# !o#e a bit too soo#. O#l( a *i#$te o% t,o afte% Bali#3s li! ha! bee# fitte! o# the%e )a*e the so$#! of "oi)es a#! the fli)'e% of lihts. A #$*be% of el"es )a*e la$hi# a#! tal'i# i#to the )ella%s a#! si#i# s#at)hes of so#. The( ha! left a *e%%( feast i# o#e of the halls a#! ,e%e be#t o# %et$%#i# as soo# as the( )o$l!. 4he%e3s ol! Galio#& the b$tle%V sai! o#e. I ha"e#3t see# hi* at the tables to#iht. He o$ht to be he%e #o, to sho, $s ,hat is to be !o#e. I shall be a#%( if the ol! slo,)oa)h is late& sai! a#othe%. I ha"e #o ,ish to ,aste ti*e !o,# he%e ,hile the so# is $+W Ha& haW )a*e a )%(. He%e3s the ol! "illai# ,ith his hea! o# a P$W He3s bee# ha"i# a little feast all to hi*self a#! his f%ie#! the )a+tai#. /ha'e hi*W 4a'e hi*W sho$te! the othe%s i*+atie#tl(. Galio# ,as #ot at all +lease! at bei# sha'e# o% ,a'e#e!& a#! still less at bei# la$he! at. Yo$3%e all late& he %$*ble!. He%e a* I ,aiti# a#! ,aiti# !o,# he%e& ,hile (o$ fello,s !%i#' a#! *a'e *e%%( a#! fo%et (o$% tas's. /*all ,o#!e% if I fall aslee+ f%o* ,ea%i#essW /*all ,o#!e%& sai! the(& ,he# the eF+la#atio# sta#!s )lose at ha#! i# a P$W Co*e i"e $s a taste of (o$% slee+i#-!%a$ht befo%e ,e fall toW No #ee! to ,a'e the t$%#'e( (o#!e%. He has ha! his sha%e b( the loo's of it. The# the( !%a#' o#)e %o$#! a#! be)a*e *iht( *e%%( all of a s$!!e#. B$t the( !i! #ot $ite lose thei% ,its. /a"e $s& Galio#W )%ie! so*e& (o$ bea# (o$% feasti# ea%l( a#! *$!!le! (o$% ,itsW Yo$ ha"e sta)'e! so*e f$ll )as's he%e i#stea! of the e*+t( o#es& if the%e is a#(thi# i# ,eiht. Get o# ,ith the ,o%'W %o,le! the b$tle%. The%e is #othi# i# the feeli# of ,eiht i# a# i!le toss-+ot3s a%*s. These a%e the o#es to o a#! #o othe%s. Do as I sa(W 7e%( ,ell& "e%( ,ell& the( a#s,e%e! %olli# the ba%%els to the o+e#i#. O# (o$% hea! be it& if the 'i#3s f$ll b$tte%t$bs a#! his best ,i#e is +$she! i#to the %i"e% fo% the La'e-*e# to feast o# fo% #othi#W RollU%ollU%ollU%oll& %oll-%oll-%olli# !o,# the holeW Hea"e hoW /+lash +l$*+W Do,# the( o& !o,# the( b$*+W
/o the( sa# as fi%st o#e ba%%el a#! the# a#othe% %$*ble! to the !a%' o+e#i# a#! ,as +$she! o"e% i#to the )ol! ,ate% so*e feet belo,. /o*e ,e%e ba%%els %eall( e*+t(& so*e ,e%e t$bs #eatl( +a)'e! ,ith a !,a%f ea)hS b$t !o,# the( all ,e#t& o#e afte% a#othe%& ,ith *a#( a )lash a#! a b$*+& th$!!i# o# to+ of o#es belo,&
s*a)'i# i#to the ,ate%& Postli# aai#st the ,alls of the t$##el& '#o)'i# i#to o#e a#othe%& a#! bobbi# a,a( !o,# the )$%%e#t. It ,as P$st at this *o*e#t that Bilbo s$!!e#l( !is)o"e%e! the ,ea' +oi#t i# his +la#. 0ost li'el( (o$ sa, it so*e ti*e ao a#! ha"e bee# la$hi# at hi*S b$t I !o#3t s$++ose (o$ ,o$l! ha"e !o#e half as ,ell (o$%sel"es i# his +la)e. Of )o$%se he ,as #ot i# a ba%%el hi*self& #o% ,as the%e a#(o#e to +a)' hi* i#& e"e# if the%e ha! bee# a )ha#)eW It loo'e! as if he ,o$l! )e%tai#l( lose his f%ie#!s this ti*e @#ea%l( all of the* ha! al%ea!( !isa++ea%e! th%o$h the !a%' t%a+-!oo%& a#! et $tte%l( left behi#! a#! ha"e to sta( l$%'i# as a +e%*a#e#t b$%la% i# the elf-)a"es fo% e"e%. 1o% e"e# if he )o$l! ha"e es)a+e! th%o$h the $++e% ates at o#)e& he ha! +%e)io$s s*all )ha#)e of e"e% fi#!i# the !,a%"es aai#. He !i! #ot '#o, the ,a( b( la#! to the +la)e ,he%e the ba%%els ,e%e )olle)te!. He ,o#!e%e! ,hat o# ea%th ,o$l! ha++e# to the* ,itho$t hi*S fo% he ha! #ot ha! ti*e to tell the !,a%"es all that he ha! lea%#e!& o% ,hat he ha! *ea#t to !o& o#)e the( ,e%e o$t of the ,oo!. 4hile all these tho$hts ,e%e +assi# th%o$h his *i#!& the el"es bei# "e%( *e%%( bea# to si# a so# %o$#! the %i"e%-!oo%. /o*e ha! al%ea!( o#e to ha$l o# the %o+es ,hi)h +$lle! $+ the +o%t)$llis at the ,ate%-ate so as to let o$t the ba%%els as soo# as the( ,e%e all afloat belo,. Do,# the s,ift !a%' st%ea* (o$ o Ba)' to la#!s (o$ o#)e !i! '#o,W Lea"e the halls a#! )a"e%#s !ee+& Lea"e the #o%the%# *o$#tai#s stee+& 4he%e the fo%est ,i!e a#! !i* /too+s i# sha!o, %e( a#! %i*W 1loat be(o#! the ,o%l! of t%ees O$t i#to the ,his+e%i# b%eee& 5ast the %$shes& +ast the %ee!s& 5ast the *a%sh3s ,a"i# ,ee!s& Th%o$h the *ist that %iseth ,hite 8+ f%o* *e%e a#! +ool at #ihtW 1ollo,& follo, sta%s that lea+ 8+ the hea"e#s )ol! a#! stee+S T$%# ,he# !a,# )o*es o"e% la#!& O"e% %a+i!& o"e% sa#!& /o$th a,a(W a#! /o$th a,a(W /ee' the s$#liht a#! the !a(& Ba)' to +ast$%e& ba)' to *ea!& 4he%e the 'i#e a#! oFe# fee!W Ba)' to a%!e#s o# the hills 4he%e the be%%( s,ells a#! fills 8#!e% s$#liht& $#!e% !a(W /o$th a,a(W a#! /o$th a,a(W Do,# the s,ift !a%' st%ea* (o$ o Ba)' to la#!s (o$ o#)e !i! '#o,W
No, the "e%( last ba%%el ,as bei# %olle! to the !oo%sW I# !es+ai% a#! #ot '#o,i# ,hat else to !o& +oo% little Bilbo )a$ht hol! of it a#! ,as +$she! o"e% the e!e ,ith it. Do,# i#to the ,ate% he fell& s+lashW i#to the )ol! !a%' ,ate% ,ith the ba%%el
o# to+ of hi*. He )a*e $+ aai# s+l$tte%i# a#! )li#i# to the ,oo! li'e a %at& b$t fo% all his effo%ts he )o$l! #ot s)%a*ble o# to+. E"e%( ti*e he t%ie!& the ba%%el %olle! %o$#! a#! !$)'e! hi* $#!e% aai#. It ,as %eall( e*+t(& a#! floate! liht as a )o%'. Tho$h his ea%s ,e%e f$ll of ,ate%& he )o$l! hea% the el"es still si#i# i# the )ella% abo"e. The# s$!!e#l( the t%a+-!oo%s fell to ,ith a boo* a#! thei% "oi)es fa!e! a,a(. He ,as i# the !a%' t$##el floati# i# i)( ,ate%& all alo#eUfo% (o$ )a##ot )o$#t f%ie#!s that a%e all +a)'e! $+ i# ba%%els. 7e%( soo# a %e( +at)h )a*e i# the !a%'#ess ahea!. He hea%! the )%ea' of the ,ate%ate bei# ha$le! $+& a#! he fo$#! that he ,as i# the *i!st of a bobbi# a#! b$*+i# *ass of )as's a#! t$bs all +%essi# toethe% to +ass $#!e% the a%)h a#! et o$t i#to the o+e# st%ea*. He ha! as *$)h as he )o$l! !o to +%e"e#t hi*self f%o* bei# h$stle! a#! batte%e! to bitsS b$t at last the Postli# )%o,! bea# to b%ea' $+ a#! s,i# off& o#e b( o#e& $#!e% the sto#( a%)h a#! a,a(. The# he sa, that it ,o$l! ha"e bee# #o oo! e"e# if he ha! *a#ae! to et ast%i!e his ba%%el& fo% the%e ,as #o %oo* to s+a%e& #ot e"e# fo% a hobbit& bet,ee# its to+ a#! the s$!!e#l( stoo+i# %oof ,he%e the ate ,as. O$t the( ,e#t $#!e% the o"e%ha#i# b%a#)hes of the t%ees o# eithe% ba#'. Bilbo ,o#!e%e! ,hat the !,a%"es ,e%e feeli# a#! ,hethe% a lot of ,ate% ,as etti# i#to thei% t$bs. /o*e of those that bobbe! alo# b( hi* i# the loo* see*e! +%ett( lo, i# the ,ate%& a#! he $esse! that these ha! !,a%"es i#si!e.
I !o ho+e I +$t the li!s o# tiht e#o$hW he tho$ht& b$t befo%e lo# he ,as ,o%%(i# too *$)h abo$t hi*self to %e*e*be% the !,a%"es. He *a#ae! to 'ee+ his hea! abo"e the ,ate%& b$t he ,as shi"e%i# ,ith the )ol!& a#! he ,o#!e%e! if he ,o$l! !ie of it befo%e the l$)' t$%#e!& a#! ho, *$)h lo#e% he ,o$l! be able to ha# o#& a#! ,hethe% he sho$l! %is' the )ha#)e of letti# o a#! t%(i# to s,i* to the ba#'. The l$)' t$%#e! all %iht befo%e lo#2 the e!!(i# )$%%e#t )a%%ie! se"e%al ba%%els )lose asho%e at o#e +oi#t a#! the%e fo% a ,hile the( st$)' aai#st so*e hi!!e# %oot. The# Bilbo too' the o++o%t$#it( of s)%a*bli# $+ the si!e of his ba%%el ,hile it ,as hel! stea!( aai#st a#othe%. 8+ he )%a,le! li'e a !%o,#e! %at& a#! la( o# the to+ s+%ea! o$t to 'ee+ the bala#)e as best he )o$l!. The b%eee ,as )ol! b$t bette% tha# the ,ate%& a#! he ho+e! he ,o$l! #ot s$!!e#l( %oll off aai# ,he# the( sta%te! off o#)e *o%e. Befo%e lo# the ba%%els b%o'e f%ee aai# a#! t$%#e! a#! t,iste! off !o,# the st%ea*& a#! o$t i#to the *ai# )$%%e#t. The# he fo$#! it $ite as !iffi)$lt to sti)' o# as he ha! fea%e!S b$t he *a#ae! it so*eho,& tho$h it ,as *ise%abl( $#)o*fo%table. L$)'il( he ,as "e%( liht& a#! the ba%%el ,as a oo! bi o#e a#! bei# %athe% lea'( ha! #o, shi++e! a s*all a*o$#t of ,ate%. All the sa*e it ,as li'e t%(i# to %i!e& ,itho$t b%i!le o% sti%%$+s& a %o$#!-bellie! +o#( that ,as al,a(s thi#'i# of %olli# o# the %ass. I# this ,a( at last 0%. Bai#s )a*e to a +la)e ,he%e the t%ees o# eithe% ha#! %e, thi##e%. He )o$l! see the +ale% s'( bet,ee# the*. The !a%' %i"e% o+e#e! s$!!e#l( ,i!e& a#! the%e it ,as Poi#e! to the *ai# ,ate% of the 1o%est Ri"e% flo,i# !o,# i#
haste f%o* the 'i#3s %eat !oo%s. The%e ,as a !i* sheet of ,ate% #o lo#e% o"e%sha!o,e!& a#! o# its sli!i# s$%fa)e the%e ,e%e !a#)i# a#! b%o'e# %efle)tio#s of )lo$!s a#! of sta%s. The# the h$%%(i# ,ate% of the 1o%est Ri"e% s,e+t all the )o*+a#( of )as's a#! t$bs a,a( to the #o%th ba#'& i# ,hi)h it ha! eate# o$t a ,i!e ba(. This ha! a shi#l( sho%e $#!e% ha#i# ba#'s a#! ,as ,alle! at the easte%# e#! b( a little P$tti# )a+e of ha%! %o)'. O# the shallo, sho%e *ost of the ba%%els %a# a%o$#!& tho$h a fe, ,e#t o# to b$*+ aai#st the sto#( +ie%. The%e ,e%e +eo+le o# the loo'-o$t o# the ba#'s. The( $i)'l( +ole! a#! +$she! all the ba%%els toethe% i#to the shallo,s& a#! ,he# the( ha! )o$#te! the* the( %o+e! the* toethe% a#! left the* till the *o%#i#. 5oo% !,a%"esW Bilbo ,as #ot ba!l( off #o,. He sli++e! f%o* his ba%%el a#! ,a!e! asho%e& a#! the# s#ea'e! alo# to so*e h$ts that he )o$l! see #ea% the ,ate%3s e!e. He #o lo#e% tho$ht t,i)e abo$t +i)'i# $+ a s$++e% $#i#"ite! if he ot the )ha#)e& he ha! bee# oblie! to !o it fo% so lo#& a#! he '#e, #o, o#l( too ,ell ,hat it ,as to be %eall( h$#%(& #ot *e%el( +olitel( i#te%este! i# the !ai#ties of a ,ell-fille! la%!e%. Also he ha! )a$ht a li*+se of a fi%e th%o$h the t%ees& a#! that a++eale! to hi* ,ith his !%i++i# a#! %ae! )lothes )li#i# to hi* )ol! a#! )la**(. The%e is #o #ee! to tell (o$ *$)h of his a!"e#t$%es that #iht& fo% #o, ,e a%e !%a,i# #ea% the e#! of the east,a%! Po$%#e( a#! )o*i# to the last a#! %eatest a!"e#t$%e& so ,e *$st h$%%( o#. Of )o$%se hel+e! b( his *ai) %i# he ot o# "e%( ,ell at fi%st& b$t he ,as i"e# a,a( i# the e#! b( his ,et footste+s a#! the t%ail of !%i++i#s that he left ,he%e"e% he ,e#t o% satS a#! also he bea# to s#i"el& a#! ,he%e"e% he t%ie! to hi!e he ,as fo$#! o$t b( the te%%ifi) eF+losio#s of his s$++%esse! s#eees. 7e%( soo# the%e ,as a fi#e )o**otio# i# the "illae b( the %i"e%si!eS b$t Bilbo es)a+e! i#to the ,oo!s )a%%(i# a loaf a#! a leathe% bottle of ,i#e a#! a +ie that !i! #ot belo# to hi*. The %est of the #iht he ha! to +ass ,et as he ,as a#! fa% f%o* a fi%e& b$t the bottle hel+e! hi* to !o that& a#! he a)t$all( !oe! a little o# so*e !%( lea"es& e"e# tho$h the (ea% ,as etti# late a#! the ai% ,as )hill(.
He ,o'e aai# ,ith a s+e)iall( lo$! s#eee. It ,as al%ea!( %e( *o%#i#& a#! the%e ,as a *e%%( %a)'et !o,# b( the %i"e%. The( ,e%e *a'i# $+ a %aft of ba%%els& a#! the %aft-el"es ,o$l! soo# be stee%i# it off !o,# the st%ea* to La'e-to,#. Bilbo s#eee! aai#. He ,as #o lo#e% !%i++i# b$t he felt )ol! all o"e%. He s)%a*ble! !o,# as fast as his stiff les ,o$l! ta'e hi* a#! *a#ae! P$st i# ti*e to et o# to the *ass of )as's ,itho$t bei# #oti)e! i# the e#e%al b$stle. L$)'il( the%e ,as #o s$# at the ti*e to )ast a# a,',a%! sha!o,& a#! fo% a *e%)( he !i! #ot s#eee aai# fo% a oo! ,hile. The%e ,as a *iht( +$shi# of +oles. The el"es that ,e%e sta#!i# i# the shallo, ,ate% hea"e! a#! sho"e!. The ba%%els #o, all lashe! toethe% )%ea'e! a#! f%ette!. This is a hea"( loa!W so*e %$*ble!. The( float too !ee+Uso*e of these a%e #e"e% e*+t(. If the( ha! )o*e asho%e i# the !a(liht& ,e *iht ha"e ha! a loo' i#si!e& the( sai!. No ti*e #o,W )%ie! the %aft*a#. /ho"e offW A#! off the( ,e#t at last& slo,l( at fi%st& $#til the( ha! +asse! the +oi#t of %o)' ,he%e othe% el"es stoo! to fe#! the* off ,ith +oles& a#! the# $i)'e% a#! $i)'e% as the( )a$ht the *ai# st%ea* a#! ,e#t saili# a,a( !o,#& !o,# to,a%!s the La'e. The( ha! es)a+e! the !$#eo#s of the 'i# a#! ,e%e th%o$h the ,oo!& b$t
,hethe% ali"e o% !ea! still %e*ai#s to be see#.
Cha+te% 9
A 4AR0 4ELCO0E
The !a( %e, lihte% a#! ,a%*e% as the( floate! alo#. Afte% a ,hile the %i"e% %o$#!e! a stee+ sho$l!e% of la#! that )a*e !o,# $+o# thei% left. 8#!e% its %o)'( feet li'e a# i#la#! )liff the !ee+est st%ea* ha! flo,e! la++i# a#! b$bbli#. /$!!e#l( the )liff fell a,a(. The sho%es sa#'. The t%ees e#!e!. The# Bilbo sa, a siht2
The la#!s o+e#e! ,i!e abo$t hi*& fille! ,ith the ,ate%s of the %i"e% ,hi)h b%o'e $+ a#! ,a#!e%e! i# a h$#!%e! ,i#!i# )o$%ses& o% halte! i# *a%shes a#! +ools !otte! ,ith isles o# e"e%( si!eS b$t still a st%o# ,ate% flo,e! o# stea!il( th%o$h the *i!st. A#! fa% a,a(& its !a%' hea! i# a to%# )lo$!& the%e loo*e! the 0o$#tai#W Its #ea%est #eihbo$%s to the No%th-East a#! the t$*ble! la#! that Poi#e! it to the* )o$l! #ot be see#. All alo#e it %ose a#! loo'e! a)%oss the *a%shes to the fo%est. The Lo#el( 0o$#tai#W Bilbo ha! )o*e fa% a#! th%o$h *a#( a!"e#t$%es to see it& a#! #o, he !i! #ot li'e the loo' of it i# the least. As he liste#e! to the tal' of the %aft*e# a#! +ie)e! toethe% the s)%a+s of i#fo%*atio# the( let fall& he soo# %ealie! that he ,as "e%( fo%t$#ate e"e% to ha"e see# it at all& e"e# f%o* this !ista#)e. D%ea%( as ha! bee# his i*+%iso#*e#t a#! $#+leasa#t as ,as his +ositio# @to sa( #othi# of the +oo% !,a%"es $#!e%#eath hi* still& he ha! bee# *o%e l$)'( tha# he ha! $esse!. The tal' ,as all of the t%a!e that )a*e a#! ,e#t o# the ,ate%,a(s a#! the %o,th of the t%affi) o# the %i"e%& as the %oa!s o$t of the East to,a%!s 0i%',oo! "a#ishe! o% fell i#to !is$seS a#! of the bi)'e%i#s of the La'e-*e# a#! the 4oo!-el"es abo$t the $+'ee+ of the 1o%est Ri"e% a#! the )a%e of the ba#'s. Those la#!s ha! )ha#e! *$)h si#)e the !a(s ,he# !,a%"es !,elt i# the 0o$#tai#& !a(s ,hi)h *ost +eo+le #o, %e*e*be%e! o#l( as a "e%( sha!o,( t%a!itio#. The( ha! )ha#e! e"e# i# %e)e#t ( ea%s& a#! si#)e the last #e,s that Ga#!alf ha! ha! of the*. G%eat floo!s a#! %ai#s ha! s,olle# the ,ate%s that flo,e! eastS a#! the%e ha! bee# a# ea%th$a'e o% t,o @,hi)h so*e ,e%e i#)li#e! to att%ib$te to the !%ao#Uall$!i# to hi* )hiefl( ,ith a )$%se a#! a# o*i#o$s #o! i# the !i%e)tio# of the 0o$#tai#. The *a%shes a#! bos ha! s+%ea! ,i!e% a#! ,i!e% o# eithe% si!e. 5aths ha! "a#ishe!& a#! *a#( a %i!e% a#! ,a#!e%e% too& if the( ha! t%ie! to fi#! the lost ,a(s a)%oss. The elf-%oa! th%o$h the ,oo! ,hi)h the !,a%"es ha! follo,e! o# the a!"i)e of Beo%# #o, )a*e to a !o$btf$l a#! little $se! e#! at the easte%# e!e of the fo%estS o#l( the %i"e% offe%e! a#( lo#e% a safe ,a( f%o* the s'i%ts of 0i%',oo! i# the No%th to the *o$#tai#-sha!o,e! +lai#s be(o#!& a#! the %i"e% ,as $a%!e! b( the 4oo!-el"es3 'i#. /o (o$ see Bilbo ha! )o*e i# the e#! b( the o#l( %oa! that ,as a#( oo!. It *iht ha"e bee# so*e )o*fo%t to 0%. Bai#s shi"e%i# o# the ba%%els& if he ha! '#o,# that #e,s of this ha! %ea)he! Ga#!alf fa% a,a( a#! i"e# hi* %eat a#Fiet(& a#! that he ,as i# fa)t fi#ishi# his othe% b$si#ess @,hi)h !oes #ot )o*e i#to this tale a#! etti# %ea!( to )o*e i# sea%)h of Tho%i#3s )o*+a#(. B$t Bilbo !i! #ot '#o, it. All he '#e, ,as that the %i"e% see*e! to o o# a#! o# a#! o# fo% e"e%& a#! he ,as h$#%(& a#! ha! a #ast( )ol! i# the #ose& a#! !i! #ot li'e the ,a( the 0o$#tai# see*e! to f%o,# at hi* a#! th%eate# hi* as it !%e, e"e% #ea%e%. Afte% a ,hile& ho,e"e%& the %i"e% too' a *o%e so$the%l( )o$%se a#! the 0o$#tai# %e)e!e! aai#& a#! at last& late i# the !a( the sho%es %e, %o)'(& the %i"e% athe%e! all its ,a#!e%i#
,ate%s toethe% i#to a !ee+ a#! %a+i! floo!& a#! the( s,e+t alo# at %eat s+ee!. The s$# ha! set ,he# t$%#i# ,ith a#othe% s,ee+ to,a%!s the East the fo%est-%i"e% %$she! i#to the Lo# La'e. The%e it ha! a ,i!e *o$th ,ith sto#( )liffli'e ates at eithe% si!e ,hose feet ,e%e +ile! ,ith shi#les. The Lo# La'eW Bilbo ha! #e"e% i*ai#e! that a#( ,ate% that ,as #ot the sea )o$l! loo' so bi. It ,as so ,i!e that the o++osite sho%es loo'e! s*all a#! fa%& b$t it ,as so lo# that its #o%the%l( e#!& ,hi)h +oi#te! to,a%!s the 0o$#tai#& )o$l! #ot be see# at all. O#l( f%o* the *a+ !i! Bilbo '#o, that a,a( $+ the%e& ,he%e the sta%s of the 4ai# ,e%e al%ea!( t,i#'li#& the R$##i# Ri"e% )a*e !o,# i#to the la'e f%o* Dale a#! ,ith the 1o%est Ri"e% fille! ,ith !ee+ ,ate%s ,hat *$st o#)e ha"e bee# a %eat !ee+ %o)'( "alle(. At the so$the%# e#! the !o$ble! ,ate%s +o$%e! o$t aai# o"e% hih ,ate%falls a#! %a# a,a( h$%%ie!l( to $#'#o,# la#!s. I# the still e"e#i# ai% the #oise of the falls )o$l! be hea%! li'e a !ista#t %oa%. Not fa% f%o* the *o$th of the 1o%est Ri"e% ,as the st%a#e to,# he hea%! the el"es s+ea' of i# the 'i#3s )ella%s. It ,as #ot b$ilt o# the sho%e& tho$h the%e ,e%e a fe, h$ts a#! b$il!i#s the%e& b$t %iht o$t o# the s$%fa)e of the la'e& +%ote)te! f%o* the s,i%l of the e#te%i# %i"e% b( a +%o*o#to%( of %o)' ,hi)h fo%*e! a )al* ba(. A %eat b%i!e *a!e of ,oo! %a# o$t to ,he%e o# h$e +iles *a!e of fo%est t%ees ,as b$ilt a b$s( ,oo!e# to,#& #ot a to,# of el"es b$t of 0e#& ,ho still !a%e! to !,ell he%e $#!e% the sha!o, of the !ista#t !%ao#-*o$#tai#. The( still th%o"e o# t he t%a!e that )a*e $+ the %eat %i"e% f%o* the /o$th a#! ,as )a%te! +ast the falls to thei% to,#S b$t i# the %eat !a(s of ol!& ,he# Dale i# the No%th ,as %i)h a#! +%os+e%o$s& the( ha! bee# ,ealth( a#! +o,e%f$l& a#! the%e ha! bee# fleets of boats o# the ,ate%s& a#! so*e ,e%e fille! ,ith ol! a#! so*e ,ith ,a%%io%s i# a%*o$%& a#! the%e ha! bee# ,a%s a#! !ee!s ,hi)h ,e%e #o, o#l( a lee#!. The %otti# +iles of a %eate% to,# )o$l! still be see# alo# the sho%es ,he# the ,ate%s sa#' i# a !%o$ht. B$t *e# %e*e*be%e! little of all that& tho$h so*e still sa# ol! so#s of the !,a%f'i#s of the 0o$#tai#& Th%o% a#! Th%ai# of the %a)e of D$%i#& a#! of the )o*i# of the D%ao#& a#! the fall of the lo%!s of Dale. /o*e sa# too that Th%o% a#! Th%ai# ,o$l! )o*e ba)' o#e !a( a#! ol! ,o$l! flo, i# %i"e%s& th%o$h the *o$#tai#ates& a#! all that la#! ,o$l! be fille! ,ith #e, so# a#! #e, la$hte%. B$t this +leasa#t lee#! !i! #ot *$)h affe)t thei% !ail( b$si#ess.
As soo# as the %aft of ba%%els )a*e i# siht boats %o,e! o$t f%o* the +iles of the to,#& a#! "oi)es haile! the %aft-stee%e%s. The# %o+es ,e%e )ast a#! oa%s ,e%e +$lle!& a#! soo# the %aft ,as !%a,# o$t of the )$%%e#t of the 1o%est Ri"e% a#! to,e! a,a( %o$#! the hih sho$l!e% of %o)' i#to the little ba( of La'e-to,#. The%e it ,as *oo%e! #ot fa% f%o* the sho%e,a%! hea! of the %eat b%i!e. /oo# *e# ,o$l! )o*e $+ f%o* the /o$th a#! ta'e so*e of the )as's a,a(& a#! othe%s the( ,o$l! fill ,ith oo!s the( ha! b%o$ht to be ta'e# ba)' $+ the st%ea* to the 4oo!-el"es3 ho*e. I# the *ea#,hile the ba%%els ,e%e left afloat ,hile the el"es of the %aft a#! the boat*e# ,e#t to feast i# La'e-to,#.
The( ,o$l! ha"e bee# s$%+%ise!& if the( )o$l! ha"e see# ,hat ha++e#e! !o,# b( the sho%e& afte% the( ha! o#e a#! the sha!es of #iht ha! falle#. 1i%st of all a ba%%el ,as )$t loose b( Bilbo a#! +$she! to the sho%e a#! o+e#e!. G%oa#s )a*e f%o* i#si!e& a#! o$t )%e+t a *ost $#ha++( !,a%f. 4et st%a, ,as i# his !%ale! bea%!S he ,as so so%e a#! stiff& so b%$ise! a#! b$ffete! he )o$l! ha%!l( sta#! o% st$*ble th%o$h the shallo, ,ate% to lie %oa#i# o# the sho%e. He ha! a fa*ishe! a#! a sa"ae loo' li'e a !o that has bee# )hai#e! a#! fo%otte# i# a 'e##el fo% a ,ee'. It ,as Tho%i#& b$t (o$ )o$l! o#l( ha"e tol! it b( his ol!e# )hai#& a#! b( the )olo$% of his #o, !i%t( a#! tatte%e! s'(-bl$e hoo! ,ith its ta%#ishe! sil"e% tassel. It ,as so*e
ti*e befo%e he ,o$l! be e"e# +olite to the hobbit. 4ell& a%e (o$ ali"e o% a%e (o$ !ea!V as'e! Bilbo $ite )%ossl(. 5e%ha+s he ha! fo%otte# that he ha! ha! at least o#e oo! *eal *o%e tha# the !,a%"es& a#! also the $se of his a%*s a#! les& #ot to s+ea' of a %eate% allo,a#)e of ai%. A%e (o$ still i# +%iso#& o% a%e (o$ f%eeV If (o$ ,a#t foo!& a#! if (o$ ,a#t to o o# ,ith this sill( a!"e#t$%eUit3s (o$%s afte% all a#! #ot *i#eU(o$ ha! bette% sla+ (o$% a%*s a#! %$b (o$% les a#! t%( a#! hel+ *e et the othe%s o$t ,hile the%e is a )ha#)eW Tho%i# of )o$%se sa, the se#se of this& so afte% a fe, *o%e %oa#s he ot $+ a#! hel+e! the hobbit as ,ell as he )o$l!. I# the !a%'#ess flo$#!e%i# i# the )ol! ,ate% the( ha! a !iffi)$lt a#! "e%( #ast( Pob fi#!i# ,hi)h ,e%e the %iht ba%%els. K#o)'i# o$tsi!e a#! )alli# o#l( !is)o"e%e! abo$t siF !,a%"es that )o$l! a#s,e%. These ,e%e $#+a)'e! a#! hel+e! asho%e ,he%e the( sat o% la( *$tte%i# a#! *oa#i#S the( ,e%e so soa'e! a#! b%$ise! a#! )%a*+e! that the( )o$l! ha%!l( (et %ealie thei% %elease o% be +%o+e%l( tha#'f$l fo% it. D,ali# a#! Bali# ,e%e t,o of the *ost $#ha++(& a#! it ,as #o oo! as'i# the* to hel+. Bif$% a#! Bof$% ,e%e less '#o)'e! abo$t a#! !%ie%& b$t the( la( !o,# a#! ,o$l! !o #othi#. 1ili a#! Kili& ho,e"e%& ,ho ,e%e (o$# @fo% !,a%"es a#! ha! also bee# +a)'e! *o%e #eatl( ,ith +le#t( of st%a, i#to s*alle% )as's& )a*e o$t *o%e o% less s*ili#& ,ith o#l( a b%$ise o% t,o a#! a stiff#ess that soo# ,o%e off. I ho+e I #e"e% s*ell the s*ell of a++les aai#W sai! 1ili. 0( t$b ,as f$ll of it. To s*ell a++les e"e%lasti#l( ,he# (o$ )a# s)a%)el( *o"e a#! a%e )ol! a#! si)' ,ith h$#e% is *a!!e#i#. I )o$l! eat a#(thi# i# the ,i!e ,o%l! #o,& fo% ho$%s o# e#!Ub$t #ot a# a++leW 4ith the ,illi# hel+ of 1ili a#! Kili& Tho%i# a#! Bilbo at last !is)o"e%e! the %e*ai#!e% of the )o*+a#( a#! ot the* o$t. 5oo% fat Bo*b$% ,as aslee+ o% se#selessS Do%i& No%i& O%i& Oi# a#! Gloi# ,e%e ,ate%loe! a#! see*e! o#l( half ali"eS the( all ha! to be )a%%ie! o#e b( o#e a#! lai! hel+less o# the sho%e. 4ellW He%e ,e a%eW sai! Tho%i#. A#! I s$++ose ,e o$ht t o tha#' o$% sta%s a#! 0%. Bai#s. I a* s$%e he has a %iht to eF+e)t it& tho$h I ,ish he )o$l! ha"e a%%a#e! a *o%e )o*fo%table Po$%#e(. /tillUall "e%( *$)h at (o$% se%"i)e o#)e *o%e& 0%. Bai#s. No !o$bt ,e shall feel +%o+e%l( %atef$l& ,he# ,e a%e fe! a#! %e)o"e%e!. I# the *ea#,hile ,hat #eFtV I s$est La'e-to,#& sai! Bilbo. 4hat else is the%eV Nothi# else )o$l!& of )o$%se& be s$este!S so lea"i# the othe%s Tho%i# a#! 1ili a#! Kili a#! the hobbit ,e#t alo# the sho%e to the %eat b%i!e. The%e ,e%e $a%!s at the hea! of it& b$t the( ,e%e #ot 'ee+i# "e%( )a%ef$l ,at)h& fo% it ,as so lo# si#)e the%e ha! bee# a#( %eal #ee!. EF)e+t fo% o))asio#al s$abbles abo$t %i"e%-tolls the( ,e%e f%ie#!s ,ith the 4oo!-el"es. Othe% fol' ,e%e fa% a,a(S a#! so*e of the (o$#e% +eo+le i# the to,# o+e#l( !o$bte! the eFiste#)e of a#( !%ao# i# the *o$#tai#& a#! la$he! at the %e(bea%!s a#! a**e%s ,ho sai! that the( ha! see# hi* fl(i# i# the s'( i# thei% (o$# !a(s. That bei# so it is #ot s$%+%isi# that the $a%!s ,e%e !%i#'i# a#! la$hi# b( a fi%e i# thei% h$t& a#! !i! #ot hea% the #oise of the $#+a)'i# of the !,a%"es o% the footste+s of the fo$% s)o$ts. Thei% asto#ish*e#t ,as e#o%*o$s ,he# Tho%i# Oa'e#shiel! ste++e! i# th%o$h the !oo%.
4ho a%e (o$ a#! ,hat !o (o$ ,a#tV the( sho$te! lea+i# to thei% feet a#! %o+i# fo% ,ea+o#s. Tho%i# so# of Th%ai# so# of Th%o% Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#W sai! the !,a%f i# a lo$! "oi)e& a#! he loo'e! it& i# s+ite of his to%# )lothes a#! !%ale! hoo!. The ol! lea*e! o# his #e)' a#! ,aistS his e(es ,e%e !a%' a#! !ee+. I ha"e )o*e ba)'. I ,ish to see the 0aste% of (o$% to,#W The# the%e ,as t%e*e#!o$s eF)ite*e#t. /o*e of the *o%e f oolish %a# o$t of the h$t as if the( eF+e)te! the 0o$#tai# to o ol!e# i# the #iht a#! all the ,ate%s of the la'e t$%# (ello, %iht a,a(. The )a+tai# of the $a%! )a*e fo%,a%!. A#! ,ho a%e theseV he as'e!& +oi#ti# to 1ili a#! Kili a#! Bilbo. The so#s of *( fathe%3s !a$hte%& a#s,e%e! Tho%i#& 1ili a#! Kili of the %a)e of D$%i#& a#! 0%. Bai#s ,ho has t%a"elle! ,ith $s o$t of the 4est. If (o$ )o*e i# +ea)e la( !o,# (o$% a%*sW sai! the )a+tai#. 4e ha"e #o#e& sai! Tho%i#& a#! it ,as t%$e e#o$h2 thei% '#i"es ha! bee# ta'e# f%o* the* b( the ,oo!-el"es& a#! the %eat s,o%! O%)%ist too. Bilbo ha! his sho%t s,o%!& hi!!e# as $s$al& b$t he sai! #othi# abo$t that. 4e ha"e #o #ee! of ,ea+o#s& ,ho %et$%# at last to o$% o,# as s+o'e# of ol!. No% )o$l! ,e fiht aai#st so *a#(. Ta'e $s to (o$% *aste%W He is at feast& sai! the )a+tai#. The# all the *o%e %easo# fo% ta'i# $s to hi*& b$%st i# 1ili& ,ho ,as etti# i*+atie#t at these sole*#ities. 4e a%e ,o%# a#! fa*ishe! afte% o$% lo# %oa! a#! ,e ha"e si)' )o*%a!es. No, *a'e haste a#! let $s ha"e #o *o%e ,o%!s& o% (o$% *aste% *a( ha"e so*ethi# to sa( to (o$. 1ollo, *e the#& sai! the )a+tai#& a#! ,ith siF *e# abo$t the* he le! the* o"e% the b%i!e th%o$h the ates a#! i#to the *a%'et-+la)e of the to,#. This ,as a ,i!e )i%)le of $iet ,ate% s$%%o$#!e! b( the tall +iles o# ,hi)h ,e%e b$ilt the %eate% ho$ses& a#! b( lo# ,oo!e# $a(s ,ith *a#( ste+s a#! la!!e%s oi# !o,# to the s$%fa)e of the la'e. 1%o* o#e %eat hall sho#e *a#( lihts a#! the%e )a*e the so$#! of *a#( "oi)es. The( +asse! its !oo%s a#! stoo! bli#'i# i# the liht loo'i# at lo# tables fille! ,ith fol'. I a* Tho%i# so# of Th%ai# so# of Th%o% Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#W I %et$%#W )%ie! Tho%i# i# a lo$! "oi)e f%o* the !oo%& befo%e the )a+tai# )o$l! sa( a#(thi#. All lea+e! to thei% feet. The 0aste% of the to,# s+%a# f%o* his %eat )hai%. B$t #o#e %ose i# %eate% s$%+%ise tha# the %aft-*e# of the el"es ,ho ,e%e sitti# at the lo,e% e#! of the hall. 5%essi# fo%,a%! befo%e the 0aste%3s table the( )%ie!2 These a%e +%iso#e%s of o$% 'i# that ha"e es)a+e!& ,a#!e%i# "aabo#! !,a%"es that )o$l! #ot i"e a#( oo! a))o$#t of the*sel"es& s#ea'i# th%o$h the ,oo!s a#! *olesti# o$% +eo+leW Is this t%$eV as'e! the 0aste%. As a *atte% of fa)t he tho$ht it fa% *o%e li'el( tha# the %et$%# of the Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#& if a#( s$)h +e%so# ha! e"e% eFiste!. It is t%$e that ,e ,e%e ,%o#f$ll( ,a(lai! b( the El"e#'i# a#! i*+%iso#e! ,itho$t )a$se as ,e Po$%#e(e! ba)' to o$% o,# la#!& a#s,e%e! Tho%i#. B$t lo)' #o% ba% *a( hi#!e% the ho*e)o*i# s+o'e# of ol!. No% is this to,# i# the 4oo!-el"es3 %eal*. I s+ea' to the 0aste% of the to,# of the 0e# of the La'e& #ot to the %aft-*e#
of the 'i#. The# the 0aste% hesitate! a#! loo'e! f%o* o#e to the othe%. The El"e#'i# ,as "e%( +o,e%f$l i# those +a%ts a#! the 0aste% ,ishe! fo% #o e#*it( ,ith hi*& #o% !i! he thi#' *$)h of ol! so#s& i"i# his *i#! to t%a!e a#! tolls& to )a%oes a#! ol!& to ,hi)h habit he o,e! his +ositio#. Othe%s ,e%e of !iffe%e#t *i#!& ho,e"e%& a#! $i)'l( the *atte% ,as settle! ,itho$t hi*. The #e,s ha! s+%ea! f%o* the !oo%s of the hall li'e fi%e th%o$h all the to,#. 5eo+le ,e%e sho$ti# i#si!e the hall a#! o$tsi!e it. The $a(s ,e%e th%o#e! ,ith h$%%(i# feet. /o*e bea# to si# s#at)hes of ol! so#s )o#)e%#i# the %et$%# of the Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#S that it ,as Th%o%3s %a#!so# #ot Th%o% hi*self that ha! )o*e ba)' !i! #ot bothe% the* at all. Othe%s too' $+ the so# a#! it %olle! lo$! a#! hih o"e% the la'e. The Ki# be#eath the *o$#tai#s& The Ki# of )a%"e# sto#e& The lo%! of sil"e% fo$#tai#s /hall )o*e i#to his o,#W His )%o,# shall be $+hol!e#& His ha%+ shall be %est%$#& His halls shall e)ho ol!e# To so#s of (o%e %e-s$#. The ,oo!s shall ,a"e o# *o$#tai#s A#! %ass be#eath the s$#S His ,ealth shall flo, i# fo$#tai#s A#! the %i"e%s ol!e# %$#. The st%ea*s shall %$# i# la!#ess& The la'es shall shi#e a#! b$%#& All so%%o, fail a#! sa!#ess At the 0o$#tai#-'i#3s %et$%#W
/o the( sa#& o% "e%( li'e that& o#l( the%e ,as a %eat !eal *o%e of it& a#! the%e ,as *$)h sho$ti# as ,ell as the *$si) of ha%+s a#! of fi!!les *iFe! $+ ,ith it. I#!ee! s$)h eF)ite*e#t ha! #ot bee# '#o,# i# the to,# i# the *e*o%( of the ol!est %a#!fathe%. The 4oo!-el"es the*sel"es bea# to ,o#!e% %eatl( a#! e"e# to be af%ai!. The( !i! #ot '#o, of )o$%se ho, Tho%i# ha! es)a+e!& a#! the( bea# to thi#' thei% 'i# *iht ha"e *a!e a se%io$s *ista'e. As fo% the 0aste% he sa, the%e ,as #othi# else fo% it b$t to obe( the e#e%al )la*o$%& fo% the *o*e#t at a#( %ate& a#! to +%ete#! to belie"e that Tho%i# ,as ,hat he sai!. /o he a"e $+ to hi* his o,# %eat )hai% a#! set 1ili a#! Kili besi!e hi* i# +la)es of ho#o$%. E"e# Bilbo ,as i"e# a seat at the hih table& a#! #o eF+la#atio# of ,he%e he )a*e i#U#o so#s ha! all$!e! to hi* e"e# i# the obs)$%est ,a(U,as as'e! fo% i# the e#e%al b$stle. /oo# afte%,a%!s the othe% !,a%"es ,e%e b%o$ht i#to the to,# a*i! s)e#es of asto#ishi# e#th$sias*. The( ,e%e all !o)to%e! a#! fe! a#! ho$se! a#! +a*+e%e! i# the *ost !elihtf$l a#! satisfa)to%( fashio#. A la%e ho$se ,as i"e# $+ to Tho%i# a#! his )o*+a#(S boats a#! %o,e%s ,e%e +$t at thei% se%"i)eS a#! )%o,!s sat o$tsi!e a#! sa# so#s all !a(& o% )hee%e! if a#( !,a%f sho,e! so *$)h as his #ose. /o*e of the so#s ,e%e ol! o#esS b$t so*e of the* ,e%e $ite #e, a#! s+o'e )o#fi!e#tl( of the s$!!e# !eath of the !%ao# a#! of )a%oes of %i)h +%ese#ts
)o*i# !o,# the %i"e% to La'e-to,#. These ,e%e i#s+i%e! la%el( b( the 0aste% a#! the( !i! #ot +a%ti)$la%l( +lease the !,a%"es& b$t i# the *ea#ti*e the( ,e%e ,ell )o#te#te! a#! the( $i)'l( %e, fat a#! st%o# aai#. I#!ee! ,ithi# a ,ee' the( ,e%e $ite %e)o"e%e!& fitte! o$t i# fi#e )loth of thei% +%o+e% )olo$%s& ,ith bea%!s )o*be! a#! t%i**e!& a#! +%o$! ste+s. Tho%i# loo'e! a#! ,al'e! as if his 'i#!o* ,as al%ea!( %eai#e! a#! /*a$ )ho++e! $+ i#to little +ie)es. The#& as he ha! sai!& the !,a%"es3 oo! feeli# to,a%!s the little hobbit %e, st%o#e% e"e%( !a(. The%e ,e%e #o *o%e %oa#s o% %$*bles. The( !%a#' his health& a#! the( +atte! hi* o# the ba)'& a#! the( *a!e a %eat f$ss of hi*S ,hi)h ,as P$st as ,ell& fo% he ,as #ot feeli# +a%ti)$la%l( )hee%f$l. He ha! #ot fo%otte# the loo' of the 0o$#tai#& #o% the tho$ht of the !%ao#& a#! he ha! besi!es a sho)'i# )ol!. 1o% th%ee !a(s he s#eee! a#! )o$he!& a#! he )o$l! #ot o o$t& a#! e"e# afte% that his s+ee)hes at ba#$ets ,e%e li*ite! to Tha ( o$ "e%( b$)h. I# the *ea#,hile the 4oo!-el"es ha! o#e ba)' $+ the 1o%est Ri"e% ,ith thei% )a%oes& a#! the%e ,as %eat eF)ite*e#t i# the 'i#3s +ala)e. I ha"e #e"e% hea%! ,hat ha++e#e! to the )hief of the $a%!s a#! the b$tle%. Nothi# of )o$%se ,as e"e% sai! abo$t 'e(s o% ba%%els ,hile the !,a%"es sta(e! i# La'e-to,#& a#! Bilbo ,as )a%ef$l #e"e% to be)o*e i#"isible. /till& I !a%esa(& *o%e ,as $esse! tha# ,as '#o,#& tho$h !o$btless 0%. Bai#s %e*ai#e! a bit of a *(ste%(. I# a#( )ase the 'i# '#e, #o, the !,a%"es3 e%%a#!& o% tho$ht he !i!& a#! he sai! to hi*self2
7e%( ,ellW 4e3ll seeW No t%eas$%e ,ill )o*e ba)' th%o$h 0i%',oo! ,itho$t *( ha"i# so*ethi# to sa( i# the *atte%. B$t I eF+e)t the( ,ill all )o*e to a ba! e#!& a#! se%"e the* %ihtW He at a#( %ate !i! #ot belie"e i# !,a%"es fihti# a#! 'illi# !%ao#s li'e /*a$& a#! he st%o#l( s$s+e)te! atte*+te! b$%la%( o% so*ethi# li'e itU,hi)h sho,s he ,as a ,ise elf a#! ,ise% tha# the *e# of the to,#& tho$h #ot $ite %iht& as ,e shall see i# the e#!. He se#t o$t his s+ies abo$t the sho%es of the la'e a#! as fa% #o%th,a%! to,a%!s the 0o$#tai# as the( ,o$l! o& a#! ,aite!. At the e#! of a fo%t#iht Tho%i# bea# to thi#' of !e+a%t$%e. 4hile the e#th$sias* still laste! i# the to,# ,as the ti*e to et hel+. It ,o$l! #ot !o to let e"e%(thi# )ool !o,# ,ith !ela(. /o he s+o'e to the 0aste% a#! his )o$#)illo%s a#! sai! that soo# he a#! his )o*+a#( *$st o o# to,a%!s the 0o$#tai#. The# fo% the fi%st ti*e the 0aste% ,as s$%+%ise! a#! a little f%ihte#e!S a#! he ,o#!e%e! if Tho%i# ,as afte% all %eall( a !es)e#!a#t of the ol! 'i#s. He ha! #e"e% tho$ht that the !,a%"es ,o$l! a)t$all( !a%e to a++%oa)h /*a$& b$t belie"e! the( ,e%e f%a$!s ,ho ,o$l! soo#e% o% late% be !is)o"e%e! a#! be t$%#e! o$t. He ,as ,%o#. Tho%i#& of )o$%se& ,as %eall( the %a#!so# of the Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#& a#! the%e is #o '#o,i# ,hat a !,a%f ,ill #ot !a%e a#! !o fo% %e"e#e o% the %e)o"e%( of his o,#. B$t the 0aste% ,as #ot so%%( at all to let the* o. The( ,e%e eF+e#si"e to 'ee+& a#! thei% a%%i"al ha! t$%#e! thi#s i#to a lo# holi!a( i# ,hi)h b$si#ess ,as at a sta#!still. Let the* o a#! bothe% /*a$& a#! see ho, he ,el)o*es the*W he tho$ht. Ce%tai#l(& O Tho%i# Th%ai#3s so# Th%o%3s so#W ,as ,hat he sai!. Yo$ *$st )lai* (o$% o,#. The ho$% is at ha#!& s+o'e# of ol!. 4hat hel+ ,e )a# offe% shall be (o$%s& a#! ,e t%$st to (o$% %atit$!e ,he# (o$% 'i#!o* is %eai#e!. /o o#e !a(& altho$h a$t$*# ,as #o, etti# fa% o#& a#! ,i#!s ,e%e )ol!& a#!
lea"es ,e%e falli# fast& th%ee la%e boats left La'e-to,#& la!e# ,ith %o,e%s& !,a%"es& 0%. Bai#s& a#! *a#( +%o"isio#s. Ho%ses a#! +o#ies ha! bee# se#t %o$#! b( )i%)$ito$s +aths to *eet the* at thei% a++oi#te! la#!i#-+la)e. The 0aste% a#! his )o$#)illo%s ba!e the* fa%e,ell f%o* the %eat ste+s of the to,#-hall that ,e#t !o,# to the la'e. 5eo+le sa# o# the $a(s a#! o$t of ,i#!o,s. The ,hite oa%s !i++e! a#! s+lashe!& a#! off the( ,e#t #o%th $+ the la'e o# the last stae of thei% lo# Po$%#e(. The o#l( +e%so# tho%o$hl( $#ha++( ,as Bilbo.
Cha+te% 9I
ON THE DOOR/TE5
I# t,o !a(s oi# the( %o,e! %iht $+ the Lo# La'e a#! +asse! o$t i#to the Ri"e% R$##i#& a#! #o, the( )o$l! all see the Lo#el( 0o$#tai# to,e%i# %i* a#! tall befo%e the*. The st%ea* ,as st%o# a#! thei% oi# slo,. At the e#! of the thi%! !a(& so*e *iles $+ the %i"e%& the( !%e, i# to the left o% ,este%# ba#' a#! !ise*ba%'e!. He%e the( ,e%e Poi#e! b( the ho%ses ,ith othe% +%o"isio#s a#! #e)essa%ies a#! the +o#ies fo% thei% o,# $se that ha! bee# se#t to *eet the*. The( +a)'e! ,hat the( )o$l! o# the +o#ies a#! the %est ,as *a!e i#to a sto%e $#!e% a te#t& b$t #o#e of the *e# of the to,# ,o$l! sta( ,ith the* e"e# fo% the #iht so #ea% the sha!o, of the 0o$#tai#.
Not at a#( %ate $#til the so#s ha"e )o*e t%$eW sai! the(. It ,as easie% to belie"e i# the D%ao# a#! less eas( to belie"e i# Tho%i# i# these ,il! +a%ts. I#!ee! thei% sto%es ha! #o #ee! of a#( $a%!& fo% all the la#! ,as !esolate a#! e*+t(. /o thei% es)o%t left the*& *a'i# off s,iftl( !o,# the %i"e% a#! the sho%e,a%! +aths& altho$h the #iht ,as al%ea!( !%a,i# o#. The( s+e#t a )ol! a#! lo#el( #iht a#! thei% s+i%its fell. The #eFt !a( the( set o$t aai#. Bali# a#! Bilbo %o!e behi#!& ea)h lea!i# a#othe% +o#( hea"il( la!e# besi!e hi*S the othe%s ,e%e so*e ,a( ahea! +i)'i# o$t a slo, %oa!& fo% the%e ,e%e #o +aths. The( *a!e #o%th-,est& sla#ti# a,a( f%o* the Ri"e% R$##i#& a#! !%a,i# e"e% #ea%e% a#! #ea%e% to a %eat s+$% of the 0o$#tai# that ,as fl$# o$t so$th,a%!s to,a%!s the*. It ,as a ,ea%( Po$%#e(& a#! a $iet a#! stealth( o#e. The%e ,as #o la$hte% o% so# o% so$#! of ha%+s& a#! the +%i!e a#! ho+es ,hi)h ha! sti%%e! i# thei% hea%ts at the si#i# of ol! so#s b( the la'e !ie! a,a( to a +lo!!i# loo*. The( '#e, that the( ,e%e !%a,i# #ea% to the e#! of thei% Po$%#e(& a#! that it *iht be a "e%( ho%%ible e#!. The la#! abo$t the* %e, blea' a#! ba%%e#& tho$h o#)e& as Tho%i# tol! the*& it ha! bee# %ee# a#! fai%. The%e ,as little %ass& a#! befo%e lo# the%e ,as #eithe% b$sh #o% t%ee& a#! o#l( b%o'e# a#! bla)'e#e! st$*+s to s+ea' of o#es lo# "a#ishe!. The( ,e%e )o*e to the Desolatio# of the D%ao#& a#! the( ,e%e )o*e at the ,a#i# of the (ea%. The( %ea)he! the s'i%ts of the 0o$#tai# all the sa*e ,itho$t *eeti# a#( !a#e% o% a#( si# of the D%ao# othe% tha# the ,il!e%#ess he ha! *a!e abo$t his lai%. The 0o$#tai# la( !a%' a#! sile#t befo%e the* a#! e"e% hihe% abo"e the*. The( *a!e thei% fi%st )a*+ o# the ,este%# si!e of the %eat so$the%# s+$%& ,hi)h e#!e! i# a heiht )alle! Ra"e#hill. O# this the%e ha! bee# a# ol! ,at)h-+ostS b$t the( !a%e! #ot )li*b it (et& it ,as too eF+ose!.
Befo%e setti# o$t to sea%)h the ,este%# s+$%s of the 0o$#tai# fo% the hi!!e# !oo%& o# ,hi)h all thei% ho+es %este!& Tho%i# se#t o$t a s)o$ti# eF+e!itio# to s+( o$t the la#! to the /o$th ,he%e the 1%o#t Gate stoo!. 1o% this +$%+ose he )hose Bali# a#! 1ili a#! Kili& a#! ,ith the* ,e#t Bilbo. The( *a%)he! $#!e% the %e( a#! sile#t )liffs to the feet of Ra"e#hill. The%e the %i"e%& afte% ,i#!i# a ,i!e loo+ o"e% the "alle( of Dale& t$%#e! f%o* the 0o$#tai# o# its %oa! to the La'e& flo,i# s,ift a#! #oisil(. Its ba#' ,as ba%e a#! %o)'(& tall a#! stee+ abo"e the st%ea*S a#! ai# o$t f%o* it o"e% the #a%%o, ,ate%& foa*i# a#! s+lashi# a*o# *a#( bo$l!e%s& the( )o$l! see i# the ,i!e "alle( sha!o,e! b( the 0o$#tai#3s a%*s the %e( %$i#s of a#)ie#t ho$ses& to,e%s& a#! ,alls.
The%e lies all that is left of Dale& sai! Bali#. The *o$#tai#3s si!es ,e%e %ee# ,ith ,oo!s a#! all the shelte%e! "alle( %i)h a#! +leasa#t i# the !a(s ,he# the bells %a# i# that to,#. He loo'e! both sa! a#! %i* as he sai! this2 he ha! bee# o#e of Tho%i#3s )o*+a#io#s o# the !a( the D%ao# )a*e. The( !i! #ot !a%e to follo, the %i"e% *$)h f$%the% to,a%!s the GateS b$t the( ,e#t o# be(o#! the e#! of the so$the%# s+$%& $#til l(i# hi!!e# behi#! a %o)' the( )o$l! loo' o$t a#! see the !a%' )a"e%#o$s o+e#i# i# a %eat )liff-,all bet,ee# the a%*s of the 0o$#tai#. O$t of it the ,ate%s of the R$##i# Ri"e% s+%a#S a#! o$t of it too the%e )a*e a stea* a#! a !a%' s*o'e. Nothi# *o"e! i# the ,aste& sa"e the "a+o$% a#! the ,ate%& a#! e"e%( #o, a#! aai# a bla)' a#! o*i#o$s )%o,. The o#l( so$#! ,as the so$#! of the sto#( ,ate%& a#! e"e%( #o, a#! aai# the ha%sh )%oa' of a bi%!. Bali# sh$!!e%e!. Let $s %et$%#W he sai!. 4e )a# !o #o oo! he%eW A#! I !o#3t li'e these !a%' bi%!s& the( loo' li'e s+ies of e"il.
The 1%o#t Gate. The !%ao# is still ali"e a#! i# the halls $#!e% the 0o$#tai# the#Uo% I i*ai#e so
f%o* the s*o'e& sai! the hobbit. That !oes #ot +%o"e it& sai! Bali#& tho$h I !o#3t !o$bt (o$ a%e %iht. B$t he *iht be o#e a,a( so*e ti*e& o% he *iht be l(i# o$t o# the *o$#tai#-si!e 'ee+i# ,at)h& a#! still I eF+e)t s*o'es a#! stea*s ,o$l! )o*e o$t of the ates2 all the halls ,ithi# *$st be fille! ,ith his fo$l %ee'. 4ith s$)h loo*( tho$hts& follo,e! e"e% b( )%oa'i# )%o,s abo"e the*& the( *a!e thei% ,ea%( ,a( ba)' to the )a*+. O#l( i# J$#e the( ha! bee# $ests i# the fai% ho$se of El%o#!& a#! tho$h a$t$*# ,as #o, )%a,li# to,a%!s ,i#te% that +leasa#t ti*e #o, see*e! (ea%s ao. The( ,e%e alo#e i# the +e%ilo$s ,aste ,itho$t ho+e of f$%the% hel+. The( ,e%e at the e#! of thei% Po$%#e(& b$t as fa% as e"e%& it see*e!& f%o* the e#! of thei% $est. No#e of the* ha! *$)h s+i%it left.
No, st%a#e to sa( 0%. Bai#s ha! *o%e tha# the othe%s. He ,o$l! ofte# bo%%o, Tho%i#3s *a+ a#! ae at it& +o#!e%i# o"e% the %$#es a#! the *essae of the *oo#lette%s El%o#! ha! %ea!. It ,as he that *a!e the !,a%"es bei# the !a#e%o$s sea%)h o# the ,este%# slo+es fo% the se)%et !oo%. The( *o"e! thei% )a*+ the# to a lo# "alle(& #a%%o,e% tha# the %eat !ale i# the /o$th ,he%e the Gates of the %i"e% stoo!& a#! ,alle! ,ith lo,e% s+$%s of the 0o$#tai#. T,o of these he%e th%$st fo%,a%! ,est f%o* the *ai# *ass i# lo# stee+-si!e! %i!es that fell e"e% !o,#,a%!s to,a%!s the +lai#. O# this ,este%# si!e the%e ,e%e fe,e% si#s of the !%ao#3s *a%a$!i# feet& a#! the%e ,as so*e %ass fo% thei% +o#ies. 1%o* this ,este%# )a*+& sha!o,e! all !a( b( )liff a#! ,all $#til the s$# bea# to si#' to,a%!s the fo%est& !a( b( !a( the( toile! i# +a%ties sea%)hi# fo% +aths $+ the *o$#tai#-si!e. If the *a+ ,as t%$e& so*e,he%e hih abo"e the )liff at the "alle(3s hea! *$st sta#! the se)%et !oo%. Da( b( !a( the( )a*e ba)' to thei% )a*+ ,itho$t s$))ess. B$t at last $#eF+e)te!l( the( fo$#! ,hat the( ,e%e see'i#. 1ili a#! Kili a#! the hobbit ,e#t ba)' o#e !a( !o,# the "alle( a#! s)%a*ble! a*o# the t$*ble! %o)'s at its so$the%# )o%#e%. Abo$t *i!!a(& )%ee+i# behi#! a %eat sto#e that stoo! alo#e li'e a +illa%& Bilbo )a*e o# ,hat loo'e! li'e %o$h ste+s oi# $+,a%!s. 1ollo,i# these eF)ite!l( he a#! the !,a%"es fo$#! t%a)es of a #a%%o, t%a)'& ofte# lost& ofte# %e!is)o"e%e!& that ,a#!e%e! o# to the to+ of the so$the%# %i!e a#! b%o$ht the* at last to a still #a%%o,e% le!e& ,hi)h t$%#e! #o%th a)%oss the fa)e of the 0o$#tai#. Loo'i# !o,# the( sa, that the( ,e%e at the to+ of the )liff at the "alle(3s hea! a#! ,e%e ai# !o,# o# to thei% o,# )a*+ belo,. /ile#tl(& )li#i# to the %o)'( ,all o# thei% %iht& the( ,e#t i# si#le file alo# the le!e& till the ,all o+e#e! a#! t he( t$%#e! i#to a little stee+-,alle! ba(& %ass(-floo%e!& still a#! $iet. Its e#t%a#)e ,hi)h the( ha! fo$#! )o$l! #ot be see# f%o* belo, be)a$se of the o"e%ha# of the )liff& #o% f%o* f$%the% off be)a$se it ,as so s*all that it loo'e! li'e a !a%' )%a)' a#! #o *o%e. It ,as #ot a )a"e a#! ,as o+e# to the s'( abo"eS b$t at its i##e% e#! a flat ,all %ose $+ that i# the lo,e% +a%t& )lose to the %o$#!& ,as as s*ooth a#! $+%iht as *aso#s3 ,o%'& b$t ,itho$t a Poi#t o% )%e"i)e to be see#. No si# ,as the%e of +ost o% li#tel o% th%eshol!& #o% a#( si# of ba% o% bolt o% 'e(-holeS (et the( !i! #ot !o$bt that the( ha! fo$#! the !oo% at last. The( beat o# it& the( th%$st a#! +$she! at it& the( i*+lo%e! it to *o"e& the( s+o'e f%a*e#ts of b%o'e# s+ells of o+e#i#& a#! #othi# sti%%e!. At last ti%e! o$t the(
%este! o# the %ass at its feet& a#! the# at e"e#i# bea# thei% lo# )li*b !o,#. The%e ,as eF)ite*e#t i# the )a*+ that #iht. I# the *o%#i# the( +%e+a%e! to *o"e o#)e *o%e. O#l( Bof$% a#! Bo*b$% ,e%e left behi#! to $a%! the +o#ies a#! s$)h sto%es as the( ha! b%o$ht ,ith the* f%o* the %i"e%. The othe%s ,e#t !o,# the "alle( a#! $+ the #e,l( fo$#! +ath& a#! so to the #a%%o, le!e. Alo# this the( )o$l! )a%%( #o b$#!les o% +a)'s& so #a%%o, a#! b%eathless ,as it& ,ith a fall of a h$#!%e! a#! fift( feet besi!e the* o# to sha%+ %o)'s belo,S b$t ea)h of the* too' a oo! )oil of %o+e ,o$#! tiht abo$t his ,aist& a#! so at last ,itho$t *isha+ the( %ea)he! the little %ass( ba(.
The%e the( *a!e thei% thi%! )a*+& ha$li# $+ ,hat the( #ee!e! f%o* belo, ,ith thei% %o+es. Do,# the sa*e ,a( the( ,e%e able o))asio#all( to lo,e% o#e of the *o%e a)ti"e !,a%"es& s$)h as Kili& to eF)ha#e s$)h #e,s as the%e ,as& o% to ta'e a sha%e i# the $a%! belo,& ,hile Bof$% ,as ha$le! $+ to the hihe% )a*+. Bo*b$% ,o$l! #ot )o*e $+ eithe% the %o+e o% the +ath. I a* too fat fo% s$)h fl(-,al's& he sai!. I sho$l! t$%# !i( a#! t%ea! o# *( bea%!& a#! the# (o$ ,o$l! be thi%tee# aai#. A#! the '#otte! %o+es a%e too sle#!e% fo% *( ,eiht. L$)'il( fo% hi* that ,as #ot t%$e& as (o$ ,ill see. I# the *ea#,hile so*e of the* eF+lo%e! the le!e be(o#! the o+e#i# a#! fo$#! a +ath that le! hihe% a#! hihe% o# to the *o$#tai#S b$t the( !i! #ot !a%e to "e#t$%e "e%( fa% that ,a(& #o% ,as the%e *$)h $se i# it. O$t $+ the%e a sile#)e %ei#e!& b%o'e# b( #o bi%! o% so$#! eF)e+t that of the ,i#! i# the )%a##ies of sto#e. The( s+o'e lo, a#! #e"e% )alle! o% sa#& fo% !a#e% b%oo!e! i# e"e%( %o)'. The othe%s ,ho ,e%e b$s( ,ith the se)%et of the !oo% ha! #o *o%e s$))ess. The( ,e%e too eae% to t%o$ble abo$t the %$#es o% the *oo#-lette%s& b$t t%ie! ,itho$t %esti# to !is)o"e% ,he%e eFa)tl( i# the s*ooth fa)e of the %o)' the !oo% ,as hi!!e#. The( ha! b%o$ht +i)'s a#! tools of *a#( so%ts f%o* La'e-to,#& a#! at fi%st the( t%ie! to $se these. B$t ,he# the( st%$)' the sto#e the ha#!les s+li#te%e! a#! Pa%%e! thei% a%*s )%$ell(& a#! the steel hea!s b%o'e o% be#t li'e lea!. 0i#i# ,o%'& the( sa, )lea%l(& ,as #o oo! aai#st the *ai) that ha! sh$t this !oo%S a#! the( %e, te%%ifie!& too& of the e)hoi# #oise.
Bilbo fo$#! sitti# o# the !oo%ste+ lo#eso*e a#! ,ea%iso*eUthe%e ,as #ot a !oo%ste+& of )o$%se& %eall(& b$t the( $se! to )all the little %ass( s+a)e bet,ee# the ,all a#! the o+e#i# the !oo%ste+ i# f$#& %e*e*be%i# Bilbo3s ,o%!s lo# ao at the $#eF+e)te! +a%t( i# his hobbit-hole& ,he# he sai! the( )o$l! sit o# the !oo%ste+ till the( tho$ht of so*ethi#. A#! sit a#! thi#' the( !i!& o% ,a#!e%e! ai*lessl( abo$t& a#! l$**e% a#! l$**e% the( be)a*e. Thei% s+i%its ha! %ise# a little at the !is)o"e%( of the +ath& b$t #o, the( sa#' i#to thei% bootsS a#! (et the( ,o$l! #ot i"e it $+ a#! o a,a(. The hobbit ,as #o lo#e% *$)h b%ihte% tha# the !,a%"es. He ,o$l! !o #othi# b$t sit ,ith his ba)' to the %o)'-fa)e a#! sta%e a,a( ,est th%o$h the o+e#i#& o"e% the )liff& o"e% the ,i!e la#!s to the bla)' ,all of 0i%',oo!& a#! to the !ista#)es be(o#!& i# ,hi)h he so*eti*es tho$ht he )o$l! )at)h li*+ses of the 0ist( 0o$#tai#s s*all a#! fa%. If the !,a%"es as'e! hi* ,hat he ,as !oi# he a#s,e%e!2 Yo$ sai! sitti# o# the !oo%ste+ a#! thi#'i# ,o$l! be *( Pob& #ot to *e#tio# etti# i#si!e& so I a* sitti# a#! thi#'i#. B$t I a* af%ai! he ,as #ot thi#'i# *$)h of the Pob& b$t of ,hat la( be(o#! the bl$e !ista#)e& the $iet 4este%# La#! a#! the Hill a#! his hobbit-hole $#!e% it. A la%e %e( sto#e la( i# the )e#t%e of the %ass a#! he sta%e! *oo!il( at it o% ,at)he! the %eat s#ails. The( see*e! to lo"e the little sh$t-i# ba( ,ith its ,alls of
)ool %o)'& a#! the%e ,e%e *a#( of the* of h$e sie )%a,li# slo,l( a#! sti)'il( alo# its si!es. To*o%%o, bei#s the last ,ee' of a$t$*#& sai! Tho%i# o#e !a(.
A#! ,i#te% )o*es afte% a$t$*#& sai! Bif$%. A#! #eFt (ea% afte% that& sai! D,ali#& a#! o$% bea%!s ,ill %o, till the( ha# !o,# the )liff to the "alle( befo%e a#(thi# ha++e#s he%e. 4hat is o$% b$%la% !oi# fo% $sV /i#)e he has ot a# i#"isible %i#& a#! o$ht to be a s+e)iall( eF)elle#t +e%fo%*e% #o,& I a* bei##i# to thi#' he *iht o th%o$h the 1%o#t Gate a#! s+( thi#s o$t a bitW Bilbo hea%! thisUthe !,a%"es ,e%e o# the %o)'s P$st abo"e the e#)los$%e ,he%e he ,as sitti#Ua#! Goo! G%a)io$sW he tho$ht& so that is ,hat the( a%e bei##i# to thi#'& is itV It is al,a(s +oo% *e that has to et the* o$t of thei% !iffi)$lties& at least si#)e the ,ia%! left. 4hate"e% a* I oi# to !oV I *iht ha"e '#o,# that so*ethi# !%ea!f$l ,o$l! ha++e# to *e i# the e#!. I !o#3t thi#' I )o$l! bea% to see the $#ha++( "alle( of Dale aai#& a#! as fo% that stea*i# ateW W W That #iht he ,as "e%( *ise%able a#! ha%!l( sle+t. NeFt !a( the !,a%"es all ,e#t ,a#!e%i# off i# "a%io$s !i%e)tio#sS so*e ,e%e eFe%)isi# the +o#ies !o,# belo,& so*e ,e%e %o"i# abo$t the *o$#tai#-si!e. All !a( Bilbo sat loo*il( i# the %ass( ba( ai# at the sto#e& o% o$t ,est th%o$h the #a%%o, o+e#i#. He ha! a $ee% feeli# that he ,as ,aiti# fo% so*ethi#. 5e%ha+s the ,ia%! ,ill s$!!e#l( )o*e ba)' to!a(& he tho$ht. If he lifte! his hea! he )o$l! see a li*+se of the !ista#t fo%est. As the s$# t$%#e! ,est the%e ,as a lea* of (ello, $+o# its fa% %oof& as if the liht )a$ht the last +ale lea"es. /oo# he sa, the o%a#e ball of the s$# si#'i# to,a%!s the le"el of his e(es. He ,e#t to the o+e#i# a#! the%e +ale a#! fai#t ,as a thi# #e, *oo# abo"e the %i* of Ea%th. At that "e%( *o*e#t he hea%! a sha%+ )%a)' behi#! hi*. The%e o# the %e( sto#e i# the %ass ,as a# e#o%*o$s th%$sh& #ea%l( )oal bla)'& its +ale (ello, b%east f%e)'le! ,ith !a%' s+ots. C%a)'W It ha! )a$ht a s#ail a#! ,as '#o)'i# it o# the sto#e. C%a)'W C%a)'W /$!!e#l( Bilbo $#!e%stoo!. 1o%etti# all !a#e% he stoo! o# the le!e a#! haile! the !,a%"es& sho$ti# a#! ,a"i#. Those that ,e%e #ea%est )a*e t$*bli# o"e% the %o)'s a#! as fast as the( )o$l! alo# the le!e to hi*& ,o#!e%i# ,hat o# ea%th ,as the *atte%S the othe%s sho$te! to be ha$le! $+ the %o+es @eF)e+t Bo*b$%& of )o$%se2 he ,as aslee+. :$i)'l( Bilbo eF+lai#e!. The( all fell sile#t2 the hobbit sta#!i# b( the %e( sto#e& a#! the !,a%"es ,ith ,ai# bea%!s ,at)hi# i*+atie#tl(. The s$# sa#' lo,e% a#! lo,e%& a#! thei% ho+es fell. It sa#' i#to a belt of %e!!e#e! )lo$! a#! !isa++ea%e!. The !,a%"es %oa#e!& b$t still Bilbo stoo! al*ost ,itho$t *o"i#. The little *oo# ,as !i++i# to the ho%io#. E"e#i# ,as )o*i# o#. The# s$!!e#l( ,he# thei% ho+e ,as lo,est a %e! %a( of the s$# es)a+e! li'e a fi#e% th%o$h a %e#t i# the )lo$!. A lea* of liht )a*e st%aiht th%o$h the o+e#i# i#to the ba( a#! fell o# the s*ooth %o)'-fa)e. The ol! th%$sh& ,ho ha! bee# ,at)hi# f%o* a hih +e%)h ,ith bea!( e(es a#! hea! )o)'e! o# o#e si!e& a"e a s$!!e# t%ill. The%e ,as a lo$! )%a)'. A fla'e of %o)' s+lit f%o* the ,all a#! fell. A hole a++ea%e! s$!!e#l( abo$t th%ee feet
f%o* the %o$#!. :$i)'l(& t%e*bli# lest the )ha#)e sho$l! fa!e& the !,a%"es %$she! to the %o)' a#! +$she!Ui# "ai#. The 'e(W The 'e(W )%ie! Bilbo. 4he%e is Tho%i#V Tho%i# h$%%ie! $+. The 'e(W sho$te! Bilbo. The 'e( that ,e#t ,ith the *a+W T%( it #o, ,hile the%e is still ti*eW The# Tho%i# ste++e! $+ a#! !%e, the 'e( o# its )hai# f %o* %o$#! his #e)'. He +$t it to the hole. It fitte! a#! it t$%#e!W /#a+W The lea* ,e#t o$t& the s$# sa#'& the *oo# ,as o#e& a#! e"e#i# s+%a# i#to the s'(. No, the( all +$she! toethe%& a#! slo,l( a +a%t of the %o)'-,all a"e ,a(. Lo# st%aiht )%a)'s a++ea%e! a#! ,i!e#e!. A !oo% fi"e feet hih a#! th%ee b%oa! ,as o$tli#e!& a#! slo,l( ,itho$t a so$#! s,$# i#,a%!s. It see*e! as if !a%'#ess flo,e! o$t li'e a "a+o$% f%o* the hole i# the *o$#tai#-si!e& a#! !ee+ !a%'#ess i# ,hi)h #othi# )o$l! be see# la( befo%e thei% e(es& a (a,#i# *o$th lea!i# i# a#! !o,#.
Cha+te% 9II
IN/IDE IN1OR0ATION
1o% a lo# ti*e the !,a%"es stoo! i# the !a%' befo%e the !oo% a#! !ebate!& $#til at last Tho%i# s+o'e2
No, is the ti*e fo% o$% estee*e! 0%. Bai#s& ,ho has +%o"e! hi*self a oo! )o*+a#io# o# o$% lo# %oa!& a#! a hobbit f$ll of )o$%ae a#! %eso$%)e fa% eF)ee!i# his sie& a#! if I *a( sa( so +ossesse! of oo! l$)' fa% eF)ee!i# the $s$al allo,a#)eU#o, is the ti*e fo% hi* to +e%fo%* the se%"i)e fo% ,hi)h he ,as i#)l$!e! i# o$% Co*+a#(S #o, is the ti*e fo% hi* to ea%# his Re,a%!. Yo$ a%e fa*ilia% ,ith Tho%i#3s st(le o# i*+o%ta#t o))asio#s& so I ,ill #ot i"e ( o$ a#( *o%e of it& tho$h he ,e#t o# a oo! !eal lo#e% tha# this. It )e%tai#l( ,as a# i*+o%ta#t o))asio#& b$t Bilbo felt i*+atie#t. B( #o, he ,as $ite fa*ilia% ,ith Tho%i# too& a#! he '#e, ,hat he ,as !%i"i# at. If (o$ *ea# (o$ thi#' it is *( Pob to o i#to the se)%et +assae fi%st& O Tho%i# Th%ai#3s so# Oa'e#shiel!& *a( (o$% bea%! %o, e"e% lo#e%& he sai! )%ossl(& sa( so at o#)e a#! ha"e !o#eW I *iht %ef$se. I ha"e ot (o$ o$t of t,o *esses al%ea!(& ,hi)h ,e%e ha%!l( i# the o%ii#al ba%ai#& so that I a*& I thi#'& al%ea!( o,e! so*e %e,a%!. B$t 6thi%! ti*e +a(s fo% all3 as *( fathe% $se! to sa(& a#! so*eho, I !o#3t thi#' I shall %ef$se. 5e%ha+s I ha"e be$# to t%$st *( l$)' *o%e tha# I $se! to i# the ol! !a(sUhe *ea#t last s+%i# befo%e he left his o,# ho$se& b$t it see*e! )e#t$%ies aoUb$t a#(,a( I thi#' I ,ill o a#! ha"e a +ee+ at o#)e a#! et it o"e%. No, ,ho is )o*i# ,ith *eV He !i! #ot eF+e)t a )ho%$s of "ol$#tee%s& so he ,as #ot !isa++oi#te!. 1ili a#! Kili loo'e! $#)o*fo%table a#! stoo! o# o#e le& b$t the othe%s *a!e #o +%ete#)e of offe%i#UeF)e+t ol! Bali#& the loo'o$t *a#& ,ho ,as %athe% fo#! of the hobbit. He sai! he ,o$l! )o*e i#si!e at least a#! +e%ha+s a bit of the ,a( too& %ea!( to )all fo% hel+ if #e)essa%(. The *ost that )a# be sai! fo% the !,a%"es is this2 the( i#te#!e! to +a( Bilbo %eall( ha#!so*el( fo% his se%"i)esS the( ha! b%o$ht hi* to !o a #ast( Pob fo% the*& a#! the( !i! #ot *i#! the +oo% little fello, !oi# it if he ,o$l!S b$t the( ,o$l! all ha"e !o#e thei% best to et hi* o$t of t%o$ble& if he ot i#to it& as the( !i! i# the )ase of the t%olls at the bei##i# of thei% a!"e#t$%es befo%e the( ha! a#( +a%ti)$la% %easo#s fo% bei# %atef$l to hi*. The%e it is2 !,a%"es a%e #ot he%oes& b$t )al)$lati# fol' ,ith a %eat i!ea of the "al$e of *o#e(S so*e a%e t%i)'( a#! t%ea)he%o$s a#! +%ett( ba! lotsS so*e a%e #ot& b$t a%e !e)e#t e#o$h +eo+le li'e Tho%i# a#! Co*+a#(& if (o$ !o#3t eF+e)t too *$)h. The sta%s ,e%e )o*i# o$t behi#! hi* i# a +ale s'( ba%%e! ,ith bla)' ,he# the hobbit )%e+t th%o$h the e#)ha#te! !oo% a#! stole i#to the 0o$#tai#. It ,as fa% easie% oi# tha# he eF+e)te!. This ,as #o obli# e#t%a#)e& o% %o$h ,oo!-el"es3 )a"e. It ,as a +assae *a!e b( !,a%"es& at the heiht of thei% ,ealth a#! s'ill2 st%aiht as a %$le%& s*ooth-floo%e! a#! s*oothsi!e!& oi# ,ith a e#tle #e"e%-"a%(i# slo+e !i%e)tUto so*e !ista#t e#! i# the bla)'#ess belo,.
Afte% a ,hile Bali# ba!e Bilbo Goo! l$)'W a#! sto++e! ,he%e he )o$l! still see the fai#t o$tli#e of the !oo%& a#! b( a t%i)' of the e)hoes of the t$##el hea% the %$stle of the ,his+e%i# "oi)es of the othe%s P$st o$tsi!e. The# the hobbit sli++e! o# his %i#&
a#! ,a%#e! b( the e)hoes to ta'e *o%e tha# hobbit3s )a%e to *a'e #o so$#!& he )%e+t #oiselessl( !o,#& !o,#& !o,# i#to the !a%'. He ,as t%e*bli# ,ith fea%& b$t his little fa)e ,as set a#! %i*. Al%ea!( he ,as a "e%( !iffe%e#t hobbit f%o* the o#e that ha! %$# o$t ,itho$t a +o)'et-ha#!'e%)hief f%o* Ba-E#! lo# ao. He ha! #ot ha! a +o)'et-ha#!'e%)hief fo% aes. He loose#e! his !ae% i# its sheath& tihte#e! his belt& a#! ,e#t o#. No, (o$ a%e i# fo% it at last& Bilbo Bai#s& he sai! to hi*self. Yo$ ,e#t a#! +$t (o$% foot %iht i# it that #iht of the +a%t(& a#! #o, (o$ ha"e ot to +$ll it o$t a#! +a( fo% itW Dea% *e& ,hat a fool I ,as a#! a*W sai! the least Too'ish +a%t of hi*. I ha"e absol$tel( #o $se fo% !%ao#-$a%!e! t%eas$%es& a#! the ,hole lot )o$l! sta( he%e fo% e"e%& if o#l( I )o$l! ,a'e $+ a#! fi#! this beastl( t$##el ,as *( o,# f%o#t-hall at ho*eW
He !i! #ot ,a'e $+ of )o$%se& b$t ,e#t still o# a#! o#& till all si# of the !oo% behi#! ha! fa!e! a,a(. He ,as altoethe% alo#e. /oo# he tho$ht it ,as bei##i# to feel ,a%*. Is that a 'i#! of a lo, I see* to see )o*i# %iht ahea! !o,# the%eV he tho$ht. It ,as. As he ,e#t fo%,a%! it %e, a#! %e,& till the%e ,as #o !o$bt abo$t it. It ,as a %e! liht stea!il( etti# %e!!e% a#! %e!!e%. Also it ,as #o, $#!o$bte!l( hot i# the t$##el. 4is+s of "a+o$% floate! $+ a#! +ast hi* a#! he bea# to s,eat. A so$#!& too& bea# to th%ob i# his ea%s& a so%t of b$bbli# li'e the #oise of a la%e +ot allo+i# o# the fi%e& *iFe! ,ith a %$*ble as of a ia#ti) to*-)at +$%%i#. This %e, to the $#*ista'able $%li# #oise of so*e "ast a#i*al s#o%i# i# its slee+ !o,# the%e i# the %e! lo, i# f%o#t of hi*. It ,as at this +oi#t that Bilbo sto++e!. Goi# o# f%o* the%e ,as the b%a"est thi# he e"e% !i!. The t%e*e#!o$s thi#s that ha++e#e! afte%,a%!s ,e%e as #othi# )o*+a%e! to it. He fo$ht the %eal battle i# the t$##el alo#e& befo%e he e"e% sa, the "ast !a#e% that la( i# ,ait. At a#( %ate afte% a sho%t halt o o# he !i!S a#! (o$ )a# +i)t$%e hi* )o*i# to the e#! of the t$##el& a# o+e#i# of *$)h the sa*e sie a#! sha+e as the !oo% abo"e. Th%o$h it +ee+s the hobbit3s little hea!. Befo%e hi* lies the %eat botto*-*ost )ella% o% !$#eo#-hall of the a#)ie#t !,a%"es %iht at the 0o$#tai#3s %oot. It is al*ost !a%' so that its "ast#ess )a# o#l( be !i*l( $esse!& b$t %isi# f%o* the #ea% si!e of the %o)'( floo% the%e is a %eat lo,. The lo, of /*a$W The%e he la(& a "ast %e!-ol!e# !%ao#& fast aslee+S a th%$**i# )a*e f%o* his Pa,s a#! #ost%ils& a#! ,is+s of s*o'e& b$t his fi%es ,e%e lo, i# sl$*be%. Be#eath hi*& $#!e% all his li*bs a#! his h$e )oile! tail& a#! abo$t hi* o# all si!es st%et)hi# a,a( a)%oss the $#see# floo%s& la( )o$#tless +iles of +%e)io$s thi#s& ol! ,%o$ht a#! $#,%o$ht& e*s a#! Pe,els& a#! sil"e% %e!-stai#e! i# the %$!!( liht.
/*a$ la(& ,ith ,i#s fol!e! li'e a# i**eas$%able bat& t$%#e! +a%tl( o# o#e si!e& so that the hobbit )o$l! see his $#!e%+a%ts a#! his lo# +ale bell( )%$ste! ,ith e*s a#! f%a*e#ts of ol! f%o* his lo# l(i# o# his )ostl( be!. Behi#! hi* ,he%e the ,alls ,e%e #ea%est )o$l! !i*l( be see# )oats of *ail& hel*s a#! aF es& s,o%!s a#! s+ea%s ha#i#S a#! the%e i# %o,s stoo! %eat Pa%s a#! "essels fille! ,ith a ,ealth that )o$l! #ot be $esse!. To sa( that Bilbo3s b%eath ,as ta'e# a,a( is #o !es)%i+tio# at all. The%e a%e #o ,o%!s left to eF+%ess his stae%*e#t& si#)e 0e# )ha#e! the la#$ae that the( lea%#e! of el"es i# the !a(s ,he# all the ,o%l! ,as ,o#!e%f$l. Bilbo ha! hea%! tell a#! si#
of !%ao#-hoa%!s befo%e& b$t the s+le#!o$%& the l$st& the lo%( of s$)h t%eas$%e ha! #e"e% (et )o*e ho*e to hi*. His hea%t ,as fille! a#! +ie%)e! ,ith e#)ha#t*e#t a#! ,ith the !esi%e of !,a%"esS a#! he ae! *otio#less& al*ost fo%etti# the f%ihtf$l $a%!ia#& at the ol! be(o#! +%i)e a#! )o$#t. He ae! fo% ,hat see*e! a# ae& befo%e !%a,# al*ost aai#st his ,ill& he stole f%o* the sha!o, of the !oo%,a(& a)%oss the floo% to the #ea%est e!e of the *o$#!s of t%eas$%e. Abo"e hi* the slee+i# !%ao# la(& a !i%e *e#a)e e"e# i# his slee+. He %as+e! a %eat t,o-ha#!le! )$+& as hea"( as he )o$l! )a%%(& a#! )ast o#e fea%f$l e(e $+,a%!s. /*a$ sti%%e! a ,i#& o+e#e! a )la,& the %$*ble of his s#o%i# )ha#e! its #ote.
The# Bilbo fle!. B$t the !%ao# !i! #ot ,a'eU#ot (etUb$t shifte! i#to othe% !%ea*s of %ee! a#! "iole#)e& l(i# the%e i# his stole# hall ,hile the little hobbit toile! ba)' $+ the lo# t$##el. His hea%t ,as beati# a#! a *o%e fe"e%e! sha'i# ,as i# his les tha# ,he# he ,as oi# !o,#& b$t still he )l$t)he! the )$+& a#! his )hief tho$ht ,as2 I3"e !o#e itW This ,ill sho, the*. 60o%e li'e a %o)e% tha# a b$%la%3 i#!ee!W 4ell& ,e3ll hea% #o *o%e of that. No% !i! he. Bali# ,as o"e%Po(e! to see the hobbit aai#& a#! as !elihte! as he ,as s$%+%ise!. He +i)'e! Bilbo $+ a#! )a%%ie! hi* o$t i#to the o+e# ai%. It ,as *i!#iht a#! )lo$!s ha! )o"e%e! the sta%s& b$t Bilbo la( ,ith his e(es sh$t& as+i# a#! ta'i# +leas$%e i# the feel of the f%esh ai% aai#& a#! ha%!l( #oti)i# the eF)ite*e#t of the !,a%"es& o% ho, the( +%aise! hi* a#! +atte! hi* o# the ba)' a#! +$t the*sel"es a#! all thei% fa*ilies fo% e#e%atio#s to )o*e at his se%"i)e. The !,a%"es ,e%e still +assi# the )$+ f%o* ha#! to ha#! a#! tal'i# !elihte!l( of the %e)o"e%( of thei% t%eas$%e& ,he# s$!!e#l( a "ast %$*bli# ,o'e i# the *o$#tai# $#!e%#eath as if it ,as a# ol! "ol)a#o that ha! *a!e $+ its *i#! to sta%t e%$+tio#s o#)e aai#. The !oo% behi#! the* ,as +$lle! #ea%l( to& a#! blo)'e! f%o* )losi# ,ith a sto#e& b$t $+ the lo# t$##el )a*e the !%ea!f$l e)hoes& f%o* fa% !o,# i# the !e+ths& of a bello,i# a#! a t%a*+li# that *a!e the %o$#! be#eath the* t%e*ble.
The# the !,a%"es fo%ot thei% Po( a#! thei% )o#fi!e#t boasts of a *o*e#t befo%e a#! )o,e%e! !o,# i# f%iht. /*a$ ,as still to be %e)'o#e! ,ith. It !oes #ot !o to lea"e a li"e !%ao# o$t of (o$% )al)$latio#s& if (o$ li"e #ea% hi*. D%ao#s *a( #ot ha"e *$)h %eal $se fo% all thei% ,ealth& b$t the( '#o, it to a# o$#)e as a %$le& es+e)iall( afte% lo# +ossessio#S a#! /*a$ ,as #o eF)e+tio#. He ha! +asse! f%o* a# $#eas( !%ea* @i# ,hi)h a ,a%%io%& altoethe% i#si#ifi)a#t i# sie b$t +%o"i!e! ,ith a bitte% s,o%! a#! %eat )o$%ae& fi$%e! *ost $#+leasa#tl( to a !oe& a#! f%o* a !oe to ,i!e ,a'i#. The%e ,as a b%eath of st%a#e ai% i# his )a"e. Co$l! the%e be a !%a$ht f%o* that little holeV He ha! #e"e% felt $ite ha++( abo$t it& tho$h it ,as so s*all& a#! #o, he la%e! at it i# s$s+i)io# a#! ,o#!e%e! ,h( he ha! #e"e% blo)'e! it $+. Of late he ha! half fa#)ie! he ha! )a$ht the !i* e)hoes of a '#o)'i# so$#! f%o* fa% abo"e that )a*e !o,# th%o$h it to his lai%. He sti%%e! a#! st%et)he! fo%th his #e)' to s#iff. The# he *isse! the )$+W Thie"esW 1i%eW 0$%!e%W /$)h a thi# ha! #ot ha++e#e! si#)e fi%st he )a*e to the 0o$#tai#W His %ae +asses !es)%i+tio#Uthe so%t of %ae that is o#l( see# ,he# %i)h fol' that ha"e *o%e tha# the( )a# e#Po( s$!!e#l( lose so*ethi# that the( ha"e lo# ha! b$t ha"e #e"e% befo%e $se! o% ,a#te!. His fi%e bel)he! fo%th& the hall s*o'e!& he shoo' the *o$#tai#-%oots. He th%$st his hea! i# "ai# at the little hole& a#! the#
)oili# his le#th toethe%& %oa%i# li'e th$#!e% $#!e%%o$#!& he s+e! f%o* his !ee+ lai% th%o$h its %eat !oo%& o$t i#to the h$e +assaes of the *o$#tai#-+ala)e a#! $+ to,a%!s the 1%o#t Gate. To h$#t the ,hole *o$#tai# till he ha! )a$ht the thief a#! ha! to%# a#! t%a*+le! hi* ,as his o#e tho$ht. He iss$e! f%o* the Gate& the ,ate%s %ose i# fie%)e ,histli# stea*& a#! $+ he soa%e! blai# i#to the ai% a#! settle! o# the *o$#tai#to+ i# a s+o$t of %ee# a#! s)a%let fla*e. The !,a%"es hea%! the a,f$l %$*o$% of his fliht& a#! the( )%o$)he! aai#st the ,alls of t he %ass( te%%a)e )%i#i# $#!e% bo$l!e%s& ho+i# so*eho, to es)a+e the f%ihtf$l e(es of the h$#ti# !%ao#. The%e the( ,o$l! ha"e all bee# 'ille!& if it ha! #ot bee# fo% Bilbo o#)e aai#. :$i)'W :$i)'W he as+e!. The !oo%W The t$##elW It3s #o oo! he%e. Ro$se! b( these ,o%!s the( ,e%e P$st abo$t to )%ee+ i#si!e the t$##el ,he# Bif$% a"e a )%(2 0( )o$si#sW Bo*b$% a#! Bof$%U,e ha"e fo%otte# the*& the( a%e !o,# i# the "alle(W The( ,ill be slai#& a#! all o$% +o#ies too& a#! all o$% sto%es lost& *oa#e! the othe%s. 4e )a# !o #othi#. No#se#seW sai! Tho%i#& %e)o"e%i# his !i#it(. 4e )a##ot lea"e the*. Get i#si!e 0%. Bai#s a#! Bali#& a#! (o$ t,o 1ili a#! KiliUthe !%ao# sha#3t ha"e all of $s. No, (o$ othe%s& ,he%e a%e the %o+esV Be $i)'W Those ,e%e +e%ha+s the ,o%st *o*e#ts the( ha! bee# th%o$h (et. The ho%%ible so$#!s of /*a$3s a#e% ,e%e e)hoi# i# the sto#( hollo,s fa% abo"eS at a#( *o*e#t he *iht )o*e blai# !o,# o% fl( ,hi%li# %o$#! a#! fi#! the* the%e& #ea% the +e%ilo$s )liff3s e!e ha$li# *a!l( o# the %o+es. 8+ )a*e Bof$%& a#! still all ,as safe. 8+ )a*e Bo*b$%& +$ffi# a#! blo,i# ,hile the %o+es )%ea'e!& a#! still all ,as safe. 8+ )a*e so*e tools a#! b$#!les of sto%es& a#! the# !a#e% ,as $+o# the*. A ,hi%%i# #oise ,as hea%!. A %e! liht to$)he! the +oi#ts of sta#!i# %o)'s. The !%ao# )a*e. The( ha! ba%el( ti*e to fl( ba)' to the t$##el& +$lli# a#! !%ai# i# thei% b$#!les& ,he# /*a$ )a*e h$%tli# f%o* the No%th& li)'i# the *o$#tai#-si!es ,ith fla*e& beati# his %eat ,i#s ,ith a #oise li'e a %oa%i# ,i#!. His hot b%eath sh%i"elle! the %ass befo%e the !oo%& a#! !%o"e i# th%o$h the )%a)' the( ha! left a#! s)o%)he! the* as the( la( hi!. 1li)'e%i# fi%es lea+e! $+ a#! bla)' %o)'-sha!o,s !a#)e!. The# !a%'#ess fell as he +asse! aai#. The +o#ies s)%ea*e! ,ith te%%o%& b$%st thei% %o+es a#! allo+e! ,il!l( off. The !%ao# s,oo+e! a#! t$%#e! to +$%s$e the*& a#! ,as o#e. That3ll be the e#! of o$% +oo% beastsW sai! Tho%i#. Nothi# )a# es)a+e /*a$ o#)e he sees it. He%e ,e a%e a#! he%e ,e shall ha"e to sta(& $#less a#( o#e fa#)ies t%a*+i# the lo# o+e# *iles ba)' to the %i"e% ,ith /*a$ o# the ,at)hW It ,as #ot a +leasa#t tho$htW The( )%e+t f$%the% !o,# the t$##el& a#! the%e the( la( a#! shi"e%e! tho$h it ,as ,a%* a#! st$ff(& $#til !a,# )a*e +ale th%o$h the )%a)' of the !oo%. E"e%( #o, a#! aai# th%o$h the #iht the( )o$l! hea% the %oa% of the fl(i# !%ao# %o, a#! the# +ass a#! fa!e& as he h$#te! %o$#! a#! %o$#! the *o$#tai#-si!es. He $esse! f%o* the +o#ies& a#! f%o* the t%a)es of the )a*+s he ha! !is)o"e%e!&
that *e# ha! )o*e $+ f%o* the %i"e% a#! the la'e a#! ha! s)ale! the *o$#tai#-si!e f%o* the "alle( ,he%e the +o#ies ha! bee# sta#!i#S b$t the !oo% ,ithstoo! his sea%)hi# e(e& a#! the little hih-,alle! ba( ha! 'e+t o$t his fie%)est fla*es. Lo# he ha! h$#te! i# "ai# till the !a,# )hille! his ,%ath a#! he ,e#t ba)' to his ol!e# )o$)h to slee+Ua#! to athe% #e, st%e#th. He ,o$l! #ot fo%et o% fo%i"e the theft& #ot if a tho$sa#! (ea%s t$%#e! hi* to s*o$l!e%i# sto#e& b$t he )o$l! affo%! to ,ait. /lo, a#! sile#t he )%e+t ba)' to his lai% a#! half )lose! his e(es. 4he# *o%#i# )a*e the te%%o% of the !,a%"es %e, less. The( %ealie! that !a#e%s of this 'i#! ,e%e i#e"itable i# !eali# ,ith s$)h a $a%!ia#& a#! that it ,as #o oo! i"i# $+ thei% $est (et. No% )o$l! the( et a,a( P$st #o,& as Tho%i# ha! +oi#te! o$t. Thei% +o#ies ,e%e lost o% 'ille!& a#! the( ,o$l! ha"e to ,ait so*e ti*e befo%e /*a$ %elaFe! his ,at)h s$ffi)ie#tl( fo% the* to !a%e the lo# ,a( o# foot. L$)'il( the( ha! sa"e! e#o$h of thei% sto%es to last the* still fo% so*e ti*e. The( !ebate! lo# o# ,hat ,as to be !o#e& b$t the( )o$l! thi#' of #o ,a( of etti# %i! of /*a$U,hi)h ha! al,a(s bee# a ,ea' +oi#t i# thei% +la#s& as Bilbo felt i#)li#e! to +oi#t o$t. The# as is the #at$%e of fol' that a%e tho%o$hl( +e%+leFe!& the( bea# to %$*ble at the hobbit& bla*i# hi* fo% ,hat ha! at fi%st so +lease! the*2 fo% b%i#i# a,a( a )$+ a#! sti%%i# $+ /*a$3s ,%ath so soo#. 4hat else !o (o$ s$++ose a b$%la% is to !oV as'e! Bilbo a#%il(. I ,as #ot e#ae! to 'ill !%ao#s& that is ,a%%io%3s ,o%'& b$t to steal t%eas$%e. I *a!e the best bei##i# I )o$l!. Di! (o$ eF+e)t *e to t%ot ba)' ,ith the ,hole hoa%! of Th%o% o# *( ba)'V If the%e is a#( %$*bli# to be !o#e& I thi#' I *iht ha"e a sa(. Yo$ o$ht to ha"e b%o$ht fi"e h$#!%e! b$%la%s #ot o#e. I a* s$%e it %efle)ts %eat )%e!it o# (o$% %a#!fathe%& b$t (o$ )a##ot +%ete#! that (o$ e"e% *a!e the "ast eFte#t of his ,ealth )lea% to *e. I sho$l! ,a#t h$#!%e!s of (ea%s to b%i# it all $+& if I ,as fift( ti*es as bi& a#! /*a$ as ta*e as a %abbit. Afte% that of )o$%se the !,a%"es bee! his +a%!o#. 4hat the# !o (o$ +%o+ose ,e sho$l! !o& 0%. Bai#sV as'e! Tho%i# +olitel(. I ha"e #o i!ea at the *o*e#tUif (o$ *ea# abo$t %e*o"i# the t%eas$%e. That ob"io$sl( !e+e#!s e#ti%el( o# so*e #e, t$%# of l$)' a#! the etti# %i! of /*a$. Getti# %i! of !%ao#s is #ot at all i# *( li#e& b$t I ,ill !o *( best to thi#' abo$t it. 5e%so#all( I ha"e #o ho+es at all& a#! ,ish I ,as safe ba)' at ho*e. Ne"e% *i#! that fo% the *o*e#tW 4hat a%e ,e to !o #o,& to-!a(V 4ell& if (o$ %eall( ,a#t *( a!"i)e& I sho$l! sa( ,e )a# !o #othi# b$t sta( ,he%e ,e a%e. B( !a( ,e )a# #o !o$bt )%ee+ o$t safel( e#o$h to ta'e the ai%. 5e%ha+s befo%e lo# o#e o% t,o )o$l! be )hose# to o ba)' to the sto%e b( the %i"e% a#! %e+le#ish o$% s$++lies. B$t i# the *ea#,hile e"e%(o#e o$ht to be ,ell i#si!e the t$##el b( #iht. No, I ,ill *a'e (o$ a# offe%. I ha"e ot *( %i# a#! ,ill )%ee+ !o,# this "e%( #oo#Uthe# if e"e% /*a$ o$ht to be #a++i#Ua#! see ,hat he is $+ to. 5e%ha+s so*ethi# ,ill t$%# $+. 6E"e%( ,o%* has his ,ea' s+ot&3 as *( fathe% $se! to sa(& tho$h I a* s$%e it ,as #ot f%o* +e%so#al eF+e%ie#)e. Nat$%all( the !,a%"es a))e+te! the offe% eae%l(. Al%ea!( the( ha! )o*e to %es+e)t little Bilbo. No, he ha! be)o*e the %eal lea!e% i# thei% a!"e#t$%e. He ha! be$# to
ha"e i!eas a#! +la#s of his o,#. 4he# *i!!a( )a*e he ot %ea!( fo% a#othe% Po$%#e( !o,# i#to the 0o$#tai#. He !i! #ot li'e it of )o$%se& b$t it ,as #ot so ba! #o, he '#e,& *o%e o% less& ,hat ,as i# f%o#t of hi*. Ha! he '#o,# *o%e abo$t !%ao#s a#! thei% ,il( ,a(s& he *iht ha"e bee# *o%e f%ihte#e! a#! less ho+ef$l of )at)hi# this o#e #a++i#. The s$# ,as shi#i# ,he# he sta%te!& b$t it ,as as !a%' as #iht i# the t$##el. The liht f%o* the !oo%& al*ost )lose!& soo# fa!e! as he ,e#t !o,#. /o sile#t ,as his oi# that s*o'e o# a e#tle ,i#! )o$l! ha%!l( ha"e s$%+asse! it& a#! he ,as i#)li#e! to feel a bit +%o$! of hi*self as he !%e, #ea% the lo,e% !oo%. The%e ,as o#l( the "e%( fai#test lo, to be see#. Ol! /*a$ is ,ea%( a#! aslee+& he tho$ht. He )a#3t see *e a#! he ,o#3t hea% *e. Chee% $+ BilboW He ha! fo%otte# o% ha! #e"e% hea%! abo$t !%ao#s3 se#se of s*ell. It is also a# a,',a%! fa)t that the( )a# 'ee+ half a# e(e o+e# ,at)hi# ,hile the( slee+& if the( a%e s$s+i)io$s. /*a$ )e%tai#l( loo'e! fast aslee+& al*ost !ea! a#! !a%'& ,ith s)a%)el( a s#o%e *o%e tha# a ,hiff of $#see# stea*& ,he# Bilbo +ee+e! o#)e *o%e f%o* the e#t%a#)e. He ,as P$st abo$t to ste+ o$t o# to the floo% ,he# he )a$ht a s$!!e# thi# a#! +ie%)i# %a( of %e! f%o* $#!e% the !%oo+i# li! of /*a$3s left e(e. He ,as o#l( +%ete#!i# to slee+W He ,as ,at)hi# the t$##el e#t%a#)eW H$%%ie!l( Bilbo ste++e! ba)' a#! blesse! the l$)' of his %i#. The# /*a$ s+o'e. 4ell& thiefW I s*ell (o$ a#! I feel (o$% ai%. I hea% (o$% b%eath. Co*e alo#W Hel+ (o$%self aai#& the%e is +le#t( a#! to s+a%eW
B$t Bilbo ,as #ot $ite so $#lea%#e! i# !%ao#-lo%e as all that& a#! if /*a$ ho+e! to et hi* to )o*e #ea%e% so easil( he ,as !isa++oi#te!. No tha#' (o$& O /*a$ the T%e*e#!o$sW he %e+lie!. I !i! #ot )o*e fo% +%ese#ts. I o#l( ,ishe! to ha"e a loo' at (o$ a#! see if (o$ ,e%e t%$l( as %eat as tales sa(. I !i! #ot belie"e the*. Do (o$ #o,V sai! the !%ao# so*e,hat flatte%e!& e"e# tho$h he !i! #ot belie"e a ,o%! of it. T%$l( so#s a#! tales fall $tte%l( sho%t of the %ealit(& O /*a$ the Chiefest a#! G%eatest of Cala*ities& %e+lie! Bilbo. Yo$ ha"e #i)e *a##e%s fo% a thief a#! a lia%& sai! the !%ao#. Yo$ see* fa*ilia% ,ith *( #a*e& b$t I !o#3t see* to %e*e*be% s*elli# (o$ befo%e. 4ho a%e (o$ a#! ,he%e !o (o$ )o*e f%o*& *a( I as'V Yo$ *a( i#!ee!W I )o*e f%o* $#!e% the hill& a#! $#!e% the hills a#! o"e% t he hills *( +aths le!. A#! th%o$h the ai%. I a* he that ,al's $#see#. /o I )a# ,ell belie"e& sai! /*a$& b$t that is ha%!l( (o$% $s$al #a*e. I a* the )l$e-fi#!e%& the ,eb-)$tte%& the sti#i# fl(. I ,as )hose# fo% the l$)'( #$*be%. Lo"el( titlesW s#ee%e! the !%ao#. B$t l$)'( #$*be%s !o#3t al,a(s )o*e off. I a* he that b$%ies his f%ie#!s ali"e a#! !%o,#s the* a#! !%a,s the* ali"e aai# f%o* the ,ate%. I )a*e f%o* the e#! of a ba& b$t #o ba ,e#t o"e% *e. These !o#3t so$#! so )%e!itable& s)offe! /*a$. I a* the f%ie#! of bea%s a#! the $est of eales. I a* Ri#,i##e% a#! L$)',ea%e%S a#! I a* Ba%%el-%i!e%& ,e#t o#
Bilbo bei##i# to be +lease! ,ith his %i!!li#. That3s bette%W sai! /*a$. B$t !o#3t let (o$% i*ai#atio# %$# a,a( ,ith (o$W This of )o$%se is the ,a( to tal' to !%ao#s& if (o$ !o#3t ,a#t to %e"eal (o$% +%o+e% #a*e @,hi)h is ,ise& a#! !o#3t ,a#t to i#f$%iate the* b( a flat %ef$sal @,hi)h is also "e%( ,ise. No !%ao# )a# %esist the fas)i#atio# of %i!!li# tal' a#! of ,asti# ti*e t%(i# to $#!e%sta#! it. The%e ,as a lot he%e ,hi)h /*a$ !i! #ot $#!e%sta#! at all @tho$h I eF+e)t (o$ !o& si#)e (o$ '#o, all abo$t Bilbo3s a!"e#t$%es to ,hi)h he ,as %efe%%i#& b$t he tho$ht he $#!e%stoo! e#o$h& a#! he )h$)'le! i# his ,i)'e! i#si!e.
I tho$ht so last #iht& he s*ile! to hi*self. La'e-*e#& so*e #ast( s)he*e of those *ise%able t$b-t%a!i# La'e-*e#& o% I3* a lia%!. I ha"e#3t bee# !o,# that ,a( fo% a# ae a#! a# aeS b$t I ,ill soo# alte% thatW 7e%( ,ell& O Ba%%el-%i!e%W he sai! alo$!. 0a(be Ba%%el ,as (o$% +o#(3s #a*eS a#! *a(be #ot& tho$h it ,as fat e#o$h. Yo$ *a( ,al' $#see#& b$t (o$ !i! #ot ,al' all the ,a(. Let *e tell (o$ I ate siF +o#ies last #iht a#! I shall )at)h a#! eat all the othe%s befo%e lo#. I# %et$%# fo% the eF)elle#t *eal I ,ill i"e (o$ o#e +ie)e of a!"i)e fo% (o$% oo!2 !o#3t ha"e *o%e to !o ,ith !,a%"es tha# (o$ )a# hel+W D,a%"esW sai! Bilbo i# +%ete#!e! s$%+%ise. Do#3t tal' to *eW sai! /*a$. I '#o, the s*ell @a#! taste of !,a%fU#o o#e bette%. Do#3t tell *e that I )a# eat a !,a%f%i!!e# +o#( a#! #ot '#o, itW Yo$3ll )o*e to a ba! e#!& if (o$ o ,ith s$)h f%ie#!s& Thief Ba%%el-%i!e%. I !o#3t *i#! if (o$ o ba)' a#! tell the* so f%o* *e. B$t he !i! #ot tell Bilbo that the%e ,as o#e s*ell he )o$l! #ot *a'e o$t at all& hobbit-s*ellS it ,as $ite o$tsi!e his eF+e%ie#)e a#! +$le! hi* *ihtil(. I s$++ose (o$ ot a fai% +%i)e fo% that )$+ last #ihtV he ,e#t o#. Co*e #o,& !i! (o$V Nothi# at allW 4ell& that3s P$st li'e the*. A#! I s$++ose the( a%e s'$l'i# o$tsi!e& a#! (o$% Pob is to !o all the !a#e%o$s ,o%' a#! et ,hat (o$ )a# ,he# I3* #ot loo'i#Ufo% the*V A#! (o$ ,ill et a fai% sha%eV Do#3t (o$ belie"e itW If (o$ et off ali"e& (o$ ,ill be l$)'(. Bilbo ,as #o, bei##i# to feel %eall( $#)o*fo%table. 4he#e"e% /*a$3s %o"i# e(e& see'i# fo% hi* i# the sha!o,s& flashe! a)%oss hi*& he t%e*ble!& a#! a# $#a))o$#table !esi%e seie! hol! of hi* to %$sh o$t a#! %e"eal hi*self a#! tell all the t%$th to /*a$. I# fa)t he ,as i# %ie"o$s !a#e% of )o*i# $#!e% the !%ao#-s+ell. B$t +l$)'i# $+ )o$%ae he s+o'e aai#.
Yo$ !o#3t '#o, e"e%(thi#& O /*a$ the 0iht(& sai! he. Not ol! alo#e b%o$ht $s hithe%. HaW HaW Yo$ a!*it the 6$s3 la$he! /*a$. 4h( #ot sa( 6$s fo$%tee#3 a#! be !o#e ,ith it& 0%. L$)'( N$*be%V I a* +lease! to hea% that (o$ ha! othe% b$si#ess i# these +a%ts besi!es *( ol!. I# that )ase (o$ *a(& +e%ha+s& #ot altoethe% ,aste (o$% ti*e. I !o#3t '#o, if it has o))$%%e! to (o$ that& e"e# if (o$ )o$l! steal the ol! bit b( bitUa *atte% of a h$#!%e! (ea%s o% soU(o$ )o$l! #ot et it "e%( fa%V Not *$)h $se o# the *o$#tai#-si!eV Not *$)h $se i# the fo%estV Bless *eW Ha! (o$ #e"e% tho$ht of the )at)hV A fo$%tee#th sha%e& I s$++ose& o% so*ethi# li'e it& those ,e%e the te%*s& ehV B$t ,hat abo$t !eli"e%(V 4hat abo$t )a%taeV 4hat abo$t a%*e! $a%!s a#! tollsV A#! /*a$ la$he! alo$!. He ha! a ,i)'e! a#! a ,il( hea%t& a#! he '#e, his $esses ,e%e #ot fa% o$t& tho$h he s$s+e)te! that the La'e-*e# ,e%e at the ba)' of the +la#s& a#! that *ost of the +l$#!e% ,as *ea#t to sto+ the%e i# the
to,# b( the sho%e that i# his (o$# !a(s ha! bee# )alle! Esa%oth. Yo$ ,ill ha%!l( belie"e it& b$t +oo% Bilbo ,as %eall( "e%( ta'e# aba)'. /o fa% all his tho$hts a#! e#e%ies ha! bee# )o#)e#t%ate! o# etti# to the 0o$#tai# a#! fi#!i# the e#t%a#)e. He ha! #e"e% bothe%e! to ,o#!e% ho, the t%eas$%e ,as to be %e*o"e!& )e%tai#l( #e"e% ho, a#( +a%t of it that *iht fall to his sha%e ,as to be b%o$ht ba)' all the ,a( to Ba-E#! 8#!e%-Hill. No, a #ast( s$s+i)io# bea# to %o, i# his *i#!Uha! the !,a%"es fo%otte# this i*+o%ta#t +oi#t too& o% ,e%e the( la$hi# i# thei% slee"es at hi* all the ti*eV That is the effe)t that !%ao#-tal' has o# the i#eF+e%ie#)e!. Bilbo of )o$%se o$ht to ha"e bee# o# his $a%!S b$t /*a$ ha! %athe% a# o"e%,hel*i# +e%so#alit(. I tell (o$& he sai!& i# a# effo%t to %e*ai# lo(al to his f%ie#!s a#! to 'ee+ his e#! $+& that ol! ,as o#l( a# afte%tho$ht ,ith $s. 4e )a*e o"e% hill a#! $#!e% hill& b( ,a"e a#! ,i#!& fo% Re"e#e. /$%el(& O /*a$ the $#assessabl( ,ealth(& (o$ *$st %ealie that (o$% s$))ess has *a!e (o$ so*e bitte% e#e*iesV The# /*a$ %eall( !i! la$hUa !e"astati# so$#! ,hi)h shoo' Bilbo to the floo%& ,hile fa% $+ i# the t$##el the !,a%"es h$!!le! toethe% a#! i*ai#e! that the hobbit ha! )o*e to a s$!!e# a#! a #ast( e#!. Re"e#eW he s#o%te!& a#! the liht of his e(es lit the hall f%o* floo% to )eili# li'e s)a%let liht#i#. Re"e#eW The Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai# is !ea! a#! ,he%e a%e his 'i# that !a%e see' %e"e#eV Gi%io# Lo%! of Dale is !ea!& a#! I ha"e eate# his +eo+le li'e a ,olf a*o# shee+& a#! ,he%e a%e his so#s3 so#s that !a%e a++%oa)h *eV I 'ill ,he%e I ,ish a#! #o#e !a%e %esist. I lai! lo, the ,a%%io%s of ol! a#! thei% li'e is #ot i# the ,o%l! to!a(. The# I ,as b$t (o$# a#! te#!e%. No, I a* ol! a#! st%o#& st%o#& st%o#& Thief i# the /ha!o,sW he loate!. 0( a%*o$% is li'e te#fol! shiel!s& *( teeth a%e s,o%!s& *( )la,s s+ea%s& the sho)' of *( tail a th$#!e%bolt& *( ,i#s a h$%%i)a#e& a#! *( b%eath !eathW I ha"e al,a(s $#!e%stoo!& sai! Bilbo i# a f%ihte#e! s$ea'& that !%ao#s ,e%e softe% $#!e%#eath& es+e)iall( i# the %eio# of theUe%U)hestS b$t !o$btless o#e so fo%tifie! has tho$ht of that. The !%ao# sto++e! sho%t i# his boasti#. Yo$% i#fo%*atio# is a#ti$ate!& he s#a++e!. I a* a%*o$%e! abo"e a#! belo, ,ith i%o# s)ales a#! ha%! e*s. No bla!e )a# +ie%)e *e. I *iht ha"e $esse! it& sai! Bilbo. T%$l( the%e )a# #o,he%e be fo$#! the e$al of Lo%! /*a$ the I*+e#et%able. 4hat *a#ifi)e#)e to +ossess a ,aist)oat of fi#e !ia*o#!sW Yes& it is %a%e a#! ,o#!e%f$l& i#!ee!& sai! /*a$ abs$%!l( +lease!. He !i! #ot '#o, that the hobbit ha! al%ea!( )a$ht a li*+se of his +e)$lia% $#!e%-)o"e%i# o# his +%e"io$s "isit& a#! ,as it)hi# fo% a )lose% "ie, fo% %easo#s of his o,#. The !%ao# %olle! o"e%. Loo'W he sai!. 4hat !o (o$ sa( to thatV Dali#l( *a%"ello$sW 5e%fe)tW 1la,lessW /tae%i#W eF)lai*e! Bilbo alo$!& b$t ,hat he tho$ht i#si!e ,as2 Ol! foolW 4h(& the%e is a la%e +at)h i# the hollo, of his left b%east as ba%e as a s#ail o$t of its shellW Afte% he ha! see# that 0%. Bai#s3 o#e i!ea ,as to et a,a(. 4ell& I %eall( *$st #ot !etai# Yo$% 0a#ifi)e#)e a#( lo#e%& he sai!& o% 'ee+ (o$ f%o* *$)h #ee!e!
%est. 5o#ies ta'e so*e )at)hi#& I belie"e& afte% a lo# sta%t. A#! so !o b$%la%s& he a!!e! as a +a%ti# shot& as he !a%te! ba)' a#! fle! $+ the t$##el. It ,as a# $#fo%t$#ate %e*a%'& fo% the !%ao# s+o$te! te%%ifi) fla*es af te% hi*& a#! fast tho$h he s+e! $+ the slo+e& he ha! #ot o#e #ea%l( fa% e#o$h to be )o*fo%table befo%e the hastl( hea! of /*a$ ,as th%$st aai#st the o+e#i# behi#!. L$)'il( the ,hole hea! a#! Pa,s )o$l! #ot s$eee i#& b$t the #ost%ils se#t fo%th fi%e a#! "a+o$% to +$%s$e hi*& a#! he ,as #ea%l( o"e%)o*e& a#! st$*ble! bli#!l( o# i# %eat +ai# a#! fea%. He ha! bee# feeli# %athe% +lease! ,ith the )le"e%#ess of his )o#"e%satio# ,ith /*a$& b$t his *ista'e at the e#! shoo' hi* i#to bette% se#se. Ne"e% la$h at li"e !%ao#s& Bilbo (o$ foolW he sai! to hi*self& a#! it be)a*e a fa"o$%ite sa(i# of his late%& a#! +asse! i#to a +%o"e%b. Yo$ a%e#3t #ea%l( th%o$h this a!"e#t$%e (et& he a!!e!& a#! that ,as +%ett( t%$e as ,ell. The afte%#oo# ,as t$%#i# i#to e"e#i# ,he# he )a*e o$t aai# a#! st$*ble! a#! fell i# a fai#t o# the 6!oo%ste+3. The !,a%"es %e"i"e! hi*& a#! !o)to%e! his s)o%)hes as ,ell as the( )o$l!S b$t it ,as a lo# ti*e befo%e the hai% o# the ba)' of his hea! a#! his heels %e, +%o+e%l( aai#2 it ha! all bee# si#e! a#! f%ile! %iht !o,# to the s'i#. I# the *ea#,hile his f%ie#!s !i! thei% best to )hee% hi* $+S a#! the( ,e%e eae% fo% his sto%(& es+e)iall( ,a#ti# to '#o, ,h( the !%ao# ha! *a!e s$)h a# a,f$l #oise& a#! ho, Bilbo ha! es)a+e!.
B$t the hobbit ,as ,o%%ie! a#! $#)o*fo%table& a#! the( ha! !iffi)$lt( i# etti# a#(thi# o$t of hi*. O# thi#'i# thi#s o"e% he ,as #o, %e%etti# so*e of the thi#s he ha! sai! to the !%ao#& a#! ,as #ot eae% to %e+eat the*. The ol! th%$sh ,as sitti# o# a %o)' #ea% b( ,ith his hea! )o)'e! o# o#e si!e& liste#i# to all that ,as sai!. It sho,s ,hat a# ill te*+e% Bilbo ,as i#2 he +i)'e! $+ a sto#e a#! th%e, it at the th%$sh& ,hi)h *e%el( fl$tte%e! asi!e a#! )a*e ba)'. D%at the bi%!W sai! Bilbo )%ossl(. I belie"e he is liste#i#& a#! I !o#3t li'e the loo' of hi*. Lea"e hi* alo#eW sai! Tho%i#. The th%$shes a%e oo! a#! f%ie#!l(Uthis is a "e%( ol! bi%! i#!ee!& a#! is *a(be the last left of the a#)ie#t b%ee! that $se! to li"e abo$t he%e& ta*e to the ha#!s of *( fathe% a#! %a#!fathe%. The( ,e%e a lo#-li"e! a#! *ai)al %a)e& a#! this *iht e"e# be o#e of those that ,e%e ali"e the#& a )o$+le of h$#!%e!s of (ea%s o% *o%e ao. The 0e# of Dale $se! to ha"e the t%i)' of $#!e%sta#!i# thei% la#$ae& a#! $se! the* fo% *esse#e%s to fl( to the 0e# of the La'e a#! else,he%e. 4ell& he3ll ha"e #e,s to ta'e to La'e-to,# all %iht& if that is ,hat he is afte%& sai! BilboS tho$h I !o#3t s$++ose the%e a%e a#( +eo+le left the%e that t%o$ble ,ith th%$sh-la#$ae. 4h( ,hat has ha++e#e!V )%ie! the !,a%"es. Do et o# ,ith (o$% taleW /o Bilbo tol! the* all he )o$l! %e*e*be%& a#! he )o#fesse! that he ha! a #ast( feeli# that the !%ao# $esse! too *$)h f%o* his %i!!les a!!e! to the )a*+s a#! the +o#ies. I a* s$%e he '#o,s ,e )a*e f%o* La'e-to,# a#! ha! hel+ f%o* the%eS a#! I ha"e a ho%%ible feeli# that his #eFt *o"e *a( be i# that !i%e)tio#. I ,ish to oo!#ess I ha! #e"e% sai! that abo$t Ba%%el-%i!e%S it ,o$l! *a'e e"e# a bli#! %abbit i# these +a%ts thi#' of the La'e-*e#.
4ell& ,ellW It )a##ot be hel+e!& a#! it is !iffi)$lt #ot to sli+ i# tal'i# to a !%ao#& o% so I ha"e al,a(s hea%!& sai! Bali# a#Fio$s to )o*fo%t hi*. I thi#' (o$ !i! "e%( ,ell& if (o$ as' *eU(o$ fo$#! o$t o#e "e%( $sef$l thi# at a#( %ate& a#! ot ho*e ali"e& a#! that is *o%e tha# *ost )a# sa( ,ho ha"e ha! ,o%!s ,ith the li'es of /*a$. It *a( be a *e%)( a#! a blessi# (et to '#o, of the ba%e +at)h i# the ol! 4o%*3s !ia*o#! ,aist)oat. That t$%#e! the )o#"e%satio#& a#! the( all bea# !is)$ssi# !%ao#-sla(i#s histo%i)al& !$bio$s& a#! *(thi)al& a#! the "a%io$s so%ts of stabs a#! Pabs a#! $#!e%)$ts& a#! the !iffe%e#t a%ts !e"i)es a#! st%atae*s b( ,hi)h the( ha! bee# a))o*+lishe!. The e#e%al o+i#io# ,as that )at)hi# a !%ao# #a++i# ,as #ot as eas( as it so$#!e!& a#! the atte*+t to sti)' o#e o% +%o! o#e aslee+ ,as *o%e li'el( to e#! i# !isaste% tha# a bol! f%o#tal atta)'. All the ,hile the( tal'e! the th%$sh liste#e!& till at last ,he# the sta%s bea# to +ee+ fo%th& it sile#tl( s+%ea! its ,i#s a#! fle, a,a(. A#! all the ,hile the( tal'e! a#! the sha!o,s le#the#e! Bilbo be)a*e *o%e a#! *o%e $#ha++( a#! his fo%ebo!i# %e,. At last he i#te%%$+te! the*. I a* s$%e ,e a%e "e%( $#safe he%e& he sai!& a#! I !o#3t see the +oi#t of sitti# he%e. The !%ao# has ,ithe%e! all the +leasa#t %ee#& a#! a#(,a( the #iht has )o*e a#! it is )ol!. B$t I feel it i# *( bo#es that this +la)e ,ill be atta)'e! aai#. /*a$ '#o,s #o, ho, I )a*e !o,# to his hall& a#! (o$ )a# t%$st hi* to $ess ,he%e the othe% e#! of the t$##el is. He ,ill b%ea' all this si!e of the 0o$#tai# to bits& if #e)essa%(& to sto+ $+ o$% e#t%a#)e& a#! if ,e a%e s*ashe! ,ith it the bette% he ,ill li'e it. Yo$ a%e "e%( loo*(& 0%. Bai#sW sai! Tho%i#. 4h( has #ot /*a$ blo)'e! the lo,e% e#!& the#& if he is so eae% to 'ee+ $s o$tV He has #ot& o% ,e sho$l! ha"e hea%! hi*. I !o#3t '#o,& I !o#3t '#o,Ube)a$se at fi%st he ,a#te! to t%( a#! l$%e *e i# aai#& I s$++ose& a#! #o, +e%ha+s be)a$se he is ,aiti# till afte% to#iht3s h$#t& o% be)a$se he !oes #ot ,a#t to !a*ae his be!%oo* if he )a# hel+ itUb$t I ,ish (o$ ,o$l! #ot a%$e. /*a$ ,ill be )o*i# o$t at a#( *i#$te #o,& a#! o$% o#l( ho+e is to et ,ell i# the t$##el a#! sh$t the !oo%. He see*e! so *$)h i# ea%#est that the !,a%"es at last !i! as he sai!& tho$h the( !ela(e! sh$tti# the !oo%Uit see*e! a !es+e%ate +la#& fo% #o o#e '#e, ,hethe% o% ho, the( )o$l! et it o+e# aai# f%o* the i#si!e& a#! the tho$ht of bei# sh$t i# a +la)e f%o* ,hi)h the o#l( ,a( o$t le! th%o$h the !%ao#3s lai% ,as #ot o#e the( li'e!. Also e"e%(thi# see*e! $ite $iet& both o$tsi!e a#! !o,# the t$##el. /o fo% a lo#ish ,hile the( sat i#si!e #ot fa% !o,# f%o* the half-o+e# !oo% a#! ,e#t o# tal'i#. The tal' t$%#e! to the !%ao#3s ,i)'e! ,o%!s abo$t the !,a%"es. Bilbo ,ishe! he ha! #e"e% hea%! the*& o% at least that he )o$l! feel $ite )e%tai# that the !,a%"es #o, ,e%e absol$tel( ho#est ,he# the( !e)la%e! that the( ha! #e"e% tho$ht at all abo$t ,hat ,o$l! ha++e# afte% the t%eas$%e ha! bee# ,o#. 4e '#e, it ,o$l! be a !es+e%ate "e#t$%e& sai! Tho%i#& a#! ,e '#o, that stillS a#! I still thi#' that ,he# ,e ha"e ,o# it ,ill be ti*e e#o$h to thi#' ,hat to !o abo$t it. As fo% (o$% sha%e& 0%. Bai#s& I ass$%e (o$ ,e a%e *o%e tha# %atef$l a#! (o$ shall )hoose (o$% o,#
fo$%tee#th& as soo# as ,e ha"e a#(thi# to !i"i!e. I a* so%%( if (o$ a%e ,o%%ie! abo$t t%a#s+o%t& a#! I a!*it the !iffi)$lties a%e %eatUthe la#!s ha"e #ot be)o*e less ,il! ,ith the +assi# of ti*e& %athe% the %e"e%seUb$t ,e ,ill !o ,hate"e% ,e )a# fo% (o$& a#! ta'e o$% sha%e of the )ost ,he# the ti*e )o*es. Belie"e *e o% #ot as (o$ li'eW 1%o* that the tal' t$%#e! to the %eat hoa%! itself a#! to the thi#s that Tho%i# a#! Bali# %e*e*be%e!. The( ,o#!e%e! if the( ,e%e still l(i# the%e $#ha%*e! i# the hall belo,2 the s+ea%s that ,e%e *a!e fo% the a%*ies of the %eat Ki# Bla!o%thi# @lo# si#)e !ea!& ea)h ha! a th%i)e-fo%e! hea! a#! thei% shafts ,e%e i#lai! ,ith )$##i# ol!& b$t the( ,e%e #e"e% !eli"e%e! o% +ai! fo%S shiel!s *a!e fo% ,a%%io%s lo# !ea!S the %eat ol!e# )$+ of Th%o%& t,o-ha#!e!& ha**e%e! a#! )a%"e# ,ith bi%!s a#! flo,e%s ,hose e(es a#! +etals ,e%e of Pe,elsS )oats of *ail il!e! a#! sil"e%e! a#! i*+e#et%ableS the #e)'la)e of Gi%io#& Lo%! of Dale& *a!e of fi"e h$#!%e! e*e%al!s %ee# as %ass& ,hi)h he a"e fo% the a%*i# of his el!est so# i# a )oat of !,a%fli#'e! %i#s the li'e of ,hi)h ha! #e"e% bee# *a!e befo%e& fo% it ,as ,%o$ht of +$%e sil"e% to the +o,e% a#! st%e#th of t%i+le steel. B$t fai%est of all ,as the %eat ,hite e*& ,hi)h the !,a%"es ha! fo$#! be#eath the %oots of the 0o$#tai#& the Hea%t of the 0o$#tai#& the A%'e#sto#e of Th%ai#. The A%'e#sto#eW The A%'e#sto#eW *$%*$%e! Tho%i# i# the !a%'& half !%ea*i# ,ith his )hi# $+o# his '#ees. It ,as li'e a lobe ,ith a tho$sa#! fa)etsS it sho#e li'e sil"e% i# the fi%eliht& li'e ,ate% i# the s$#& li'e s#o, $#!e% the sta%s& li'e %ai# $+o# the 0oo#W B$t the e#)ha#te! !esi%e of the hoa%! ha! falle# f%o* Bilbo. All th%o$h thei% tal' he ,as o#l( half liste#i# to the*. He sat #ea%est to the !oo% ,ith o#e ea% )o)'e! fo% a#( bei##i#s of a so$#! ,itho$t& his othe% ,as ale%t f o% e)hoes be(o#! the *$%*$%s of the !,a%"es& fo% a#( ,his+e% of a *o"e*e#t f%o* fa% belo,. Da%'#ess %e, !ee+e% a#! he %e, e"e% *o%e $#eas(. /h$t the !oo%W he bee! the*& I fea% that !%ao# i# *( *a%%o,. I li'e this sile#)e fa% less tha# the $+%oa% of last #iht. /h$t the !oo% befo%e it is too lateW /o*ethi# i# his "oi)e a"e the !,a%"es a# $#)o*fo%table feeli#. /lo,l( Tho%i# shoo' off his !%ea*s a#! etti# $+ he 'i)'e! a,a( the sto#e that ,e!e! the !oo%. The# the( th%$st $+o# it& a#! it )lose! ,ith a s#a+ a#! a )la#. No t%a)e of a 'e(hole ,as the%e left o# the i#si!e. The( ,e%e sh$t i# the 0o$#tai#W A#! #ot a *o*e#t too soo#. The( ha! ha%!l( o#e a#( !ista#)e !o,# the t$##el ,he# a blo, s*ote the si!e of the 0o$#tai# li'e the )%ash of batte%i#-%a*s *a!e of fo%est oa's a#! s,$# b( ia#ts. The %o)' boo*e!& the ,alls )%a)'e! a#! sto#es fell f%o* the %oof o# thei% hea!s. 4hat ,o$l! ha"e ha++e#e! if the !oo% ha! still bee# o+e# I !o#3t li'e to thi#'. The( fle! f$%the% !o,# the t$##el la! to be still ali"e& ,hile behi#! the* o$tsi!e the( hea%! the %oa% a#! %$*ble of /*a$3s f$%(. He ,as b%ea'i# %o)'s to +ie)es& s*ashi# ,all a#! )liff ,ith the lashi#s of his h$e tail& till thei% little loft( )a*+i# %o$#!& the s)o%)he! %ass& the th%$sh3s sto#e& the s#ail-)o"e%e! ,alls& the #a%%o, le!e& a#! all !isa++ea%e! i# a P$*ble of s*ithe%ee#s& a#! a# a"ala#)he of s+li#te%e! sto#es fell o"e% the )liff i#to the "alle( belo,.
/*a$ ha! left his lai% i# sile#t stealth& $ietl( soa%e! i#to the ai%& a#! the# floate! hea"( a#! slo, i# the !a%' li'e a *o#st%o$s )%o,& !o,# the ,i#! to,a%!s the ,est of the 0o$#tai#& i# the ho+es of )at)hi# $#a,a%es so*ethi# o% so*ebo!( the%e& a#! of s+(i# the o$tlet to the +assae ,hi)h the thief ha! $se!. This ,as the o$tb$%st of his ,%ath ,he# he )o$l! fi#! #obo!( a#! see #othi#& e"e# ,he%e he $esse! the o$tlet *$st a)t$all( be. Afte% he ha! let off his %ae i# this ,a( he felt bette% a#! he tho$ht i# his hea%t that he ,o$l! #ot be t%o$ble! aai# f%o* that !i%e)tio#. I# the *ea#,hile he ha! f$%the% "e#ea#)e to ta'e. Ba%%el-%i!e%W he s#o%te!. Yo$% feet )a*e f%o* the ,ate%si!e a#! $+ the ,ate% (o$ )a*e ,itho$t a !o$bt. I !o#3t '#o, (o$% s*ell& b$t if (o$ a%e #ot o#e of those *e# of the La'e& (o$ ha! thei% hel+. The( shall see *e a#! %e*e*be% ,ho is the %eal Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#W He %ose i# fi%e a#! ,e#t a,a( so$th to,a%!s the R$##i# Ri"e%.
Cha+te% 9III
NOT AT HO0E
I# the *ea#,hile& the !,a%"es sat i# !a%'#ess& a#! $tte% sile#)e fell abo$t the*. Little the( ate a#! little the( s+o'e. The( )o$l! #ot )o$#t the +assi# of ti*eS a#! the( s)a%)el( !a%e! to *o"e& fo% the ,his+e% of thei% "oi)es e)hoe! a#! %$stle! i# the t$##el. If the( !oe!& the( ,o'e still to !a%'#ess a#! to sile#)e oi# o# $#b%o'e#. At last afte% !a(s a#! !a(s of ,aiti#& as it see*e!& ,he# the( ,e%e be)o*i# )ho'e! a#! !ae! fo% ,a#t of ai%& the( )o$l! bea% it #o lo#e%. The( ,o$l! al*ost ha"e ,el)o*e! so$#!s f%o* belo, of the !%ao#3s %et$%#. I# the sile#)e the( fea%e! so*e )$##i# !e"il%( of his& b$t the( )o$l! #ot sit the%e fo% e"e%.
Tho%i# s+o'e2 Let $s t%( the !oo%W he sai!. I *$st feel the ,i#! o# *( fa)e soo# o% !ie. I thi#' I ,o$l! %athe% be s*ashe! b( /*a$ i# the o+e# tha# s$ffo)ate i# he%eW /o se"e%al of the !,a%"es ot $+ a#! %o+e! ba)' to ,he%e the !oo% ha! bee#. B$t the( fo$#! that the $++e% e#! of the t$##el ha! bee# shatte%e! a#! blo)'e! ,ith b%o'e# %o)'. Neithe% 'e( #o% the *ai) it ha! o#)e obe(e! ,o$l! e"e% o+e# that !oo% aai#. 4e a%e t%a++e!W the( %oa#e!. This is the e#!. 4e shall !ie he%e. B$t so*eho,& P$st ,he# the !,a%"es ,e%e *ost !es+ai%i#& Bilbo felt a st%a#e lihte#i# of the hea%t& as if a hea"( ,eiht ha! o#e f%o* $#!e% his ,aist)oat. Co*e& )o*eW he sai!. 64hile the%e3s life the%e3s ho+eW3 as *( fathe% $se! to sa(& a#! 6Thi%! ti*e +a(s fo% all.3 I a* oi# !o,# the t$##el o#)e aai#. I ha"e bee# that ,a( t,i)e& ,he# I '#e, the%e ,as a !%ao# at the othe% e#!& so I ,ill %is' a thi%! "isit ,he# I a* #o lo#e% s$%e. A#(,a( the o#l( ,a( o$t is !o,#. A#! I thi#' this ti*e (o$ ha! bette% all )o*e ,ith *e. I# !es+e%atio# the( a%ee!& a#! Tho%i# ,as the fi%st to o fo%,a%! b( Bilbo3s si!e. No, !o be )a%ef$lW ,his+e%e! the hobbit& a#! as $iet as ( o$ )a# beW The%e *a( be #o /*a$ at the botto*& b$t the# aai# the%e *a( be. Do#3t let $s ta'e a#( $##e)essa%( %is'sW Do,#& !o,# the( ,e#t. The !,a%"es )o$l! #ot& of )o$%se& )o*+a%e ,ith the hobbit i# %eal stealth& a#! the( *a!e a !eal of +$ffi# a#! sh$ffli# ,hi)h e)hoes *a#ifie! ala%*i#l(S b$t tho$h e"e%( #o, a#! aai# Bilbo i# fea% sto++e! a#! liste#e!& #ot a so$#! sti%%e! belo,. Nea% the botto*& as ,ell as he )o$l! P$!e& Bilbo sli++e! o# his %i# a#! ,e#t ahea!. B$t he !i! #ot #ee! it2 the !a%'#ess ,as )o*+lete& a#! the( ,e%e all i#"isible& %i# o% #o %i#. I# fa)t so bla)' ,as it that the hobbit )a*e to the o+e#i# $#eF+e)te!l(& +$t his ha#! o# ai%& st$*ble! fo%,a%!& a#! %olle! hea!lo# i#to the hallW The%e he la( fa)e !o,#,a%!s o# the floo% a#! !i! #ot !a%e to et $+& o% ha%!l( e"e# to b%eathe. B$t #othi# *o"e!. The%e ,as #ot a lea* of lihtU$#less& as it see*e! to hi*& ,he# at last he slo,l( %aise! his hea!& the%e ,as a +ale ,hite li#t& abo"e hi* a#! fa% off i# the loo*. B$t )e%tai#l( it ,as #ot a s+a%' of !%ao#-fi%e& tho$h the ,o%*-ste#)h ,as hea"( i# the +la)e& a#! the taste of "a+o$% ,as o# his to#$e. At le#th 0%. Bai#s )o$l! bea% it #o lo#e%. Co#fo$#! (o$& /*a$& (o$ ,o%*W he s$ea'e! alo$!. /to+ +la(i# hi!e-a#!-see'W Gi"e *e a liht& a#! the# eat *e& if (o$ )a# )at)h *eW 1ai#t e)hoes %a# %o$#! the $#see# hall& b$t the%e ,as #o a#s,e%. Bilbo ot $+& a#! fo$#! that he !i! #ot '#o, i# ,hat !i%e)tio# to t$%#.
No, I ,o#!e% ,hat o# ea%th /*a$ is +la(i# at& he sai!. He is #ot at ho*e to!a( @o% to#iht& o% ,hate"e% it is& I !o belie"e. If Oi# a#! Gloi# ha"e #ot lost thei% ti#!e%boFes& +e%ha+s ,e )a# *a'e a little liht& a#! ha"e a loo' %o$#! befo%e the l$)' t$%#s. LihtW he )%ie!. Ca# a#(bo!( *a'e a lihtV The !,a%"es& of )o$%se& ,e%e "e%( ala%*e! ,he# Bilbo fell fo%,a%! !o,# the ste+ ,ith a b$*+ i#to the hall& a#! the( sat h$!!le! P$st ,he%e he ha! left the* at the e#! of the t$##el.
/hW shW the( hisse!& ,he# the( hea%! his "oi)eS a#! tho$h that hel+e! the hobbit to fi#! o$t ,he%e the( ,e%e& it ,as so*e ti*e befo%e he )o$l! et a#(thi# else o$t of the*. B$t i# the e#!& ,he# Bilbo a)t$all( bea# to sta*+ o# the floo%& a#! s)%ea*e! o$t lihtW at the to+ of his sh%ill "oi)e& Tho%i# a"e ,a(& a#! Oi# a#! Gloi# ,e%e se#t ba)' to thei% b$#!les at the to+ of the t$##el. Afte% a ,hile a t,i#'li# lea* sho,e! the* %et$%#i#& Oi# ,ith a s*all +i#e-to%)h aliht i# his ha#!& a#! Gloi# ,ith a b$#!le of othe%s $#!e% his a%*. :$i)'l( Bilbo t%otte! to the !oo% a#! too' the to%)hS b$t he )o$l! #ot +e%s$a!e the !,a%"es to liht the othe%s o% to )o*e a#! Poi# hi* (et. As Tho%i# )a%ef$ll( eF+lai#e!& 0%. Bai#s ,as still offi)iall( thei% eF+e%t b$%la% a#! i#"estiato%. If he li'e! to %is' a liht& that ,as his affai%. The( ,o$l! ,ait i# the t$##el fo% his %e+o%t. /o the( sat #ea% the !oo% a#! ,at)he!. The( sa, the little !a%' sha+e of the hobbit sta%t a)%oss the floo% hol!i# his ti#( liht aloft. E"e%( #o, a#! aai#& ,hile he ,as still #ea% e#o$h& the( )a$ht a li#t a#! a ti#'le as he st$*ble! o# so*e ol!e# thi#. The liht %e, s*alle% as he ,a#!e%e! a,a( i#to the "ast hallS the# it bea# to %ise !a#)i# i#to the ai%. Bilbo ,as )li*bi# the %eat *o$#! of t%eas$%e. /oo# he stoo! $+o# the to+& a#! still ,e#t o#. The# the( sa, hi* halt a#! stoo+ fo% a *o*e#tS b$t the( !i! #ot '#o, the %easo#. It ,as the A%'e#sto#e& the Hea%t of the 0o$#tai#. /o Bilbo $esse! f%o* Tho%i#3s !es)%i+tio#S b$t i#!ee! the%e )o$l! #ot be t,o s$)h e*s& e"e# i# so *a%"ello$s a hoa%!& e"e# i# all the ,o%l!. E"e% as he )li*be!& the sa*e ,hite lea* ha! sho#e befo%e hi* a#! !%a,# his feet to,a%!s it. /lo,l( it %e, to a little lobe of +alli! liht. No, as he )a*e #ea%& it ,as ti#e! ,ith a fli)'e%i# s+a%'le of *a#( )olo$%s at the s$%fa)e& %efle)te! a#! s+li#te%e! f%o* the ,a"e%i# liht of his to%)h. At last he loo'e! !o,# $+o# it& a#! he )a$ht his b%eath. The %eat Pe,el sho#e befo%e his feet of its o,# i##e% liht& a#! (et& )$t a#! fashio#e! b( the !,a%"es& ,ho ha! !$ it f%o* the hea%t of the *o$#tai# lo# ao& it too' all liht that fell $+o# it a#! )ha#e! it i#to te# tho$sa#! s+a%'s of ,hite %a!ia#)e shot ,ith li#ts of the %ai#bo,. /$!!e#l( Bilbo3s a%* ,e#t to,a%!s it !%a,# b( its e#)ha#t*e#t. His s*all ha#! ,o$l! #ot )lose abo$t it& fo% it ,as a la%e a#! hea"( e*S b$t he lifte! it& sh$t his e(es& a#! +$t it i# his !ee+est +o)'et. No, I a* a b$%la% i#!ee!W tho$ht he. B$t I s$++ose I *$st tell the !,a%"es abo$t itUso*e ti*e. The( !i! sa( I )o$l! +i)' a#! )hoose *( o,# sha%eS a#! I thi#' I ,o$l! )hoose this& if the( too' all the %estW All the sa*e he ha! a# $#)o*fo%table feeli# that the +i)'i# a#! )hoosi# ha! #ot %eall( bee# *ea#t to i#)l$!e this
*a%"ello$s e*& a#! that t%o$ble ,o$l! (et )o*e of it. No, he ,e#t o# aai#. Do,# the othe% si!e of the %eat *o$#! he )li*be!& a#! the s+a%' of his to%)h "a#ishe! f%o* the siht of the ,at)hi# !,a%"es. B$t soo# the( sa, it fa% a,a( i# the !ista#)e aai#. Bilbo ,as )%ossi# the floo% of the hall. He ,e#t o#& $#til he )a*e to the %eat !oo%s at the f$%the% si!e& a#! the%e a !%a$ht of ai% %ef%eshe! hi*& b$t it al*ost +$ffe! o$t his liht. He +ee+e! ti*i!l( th%o$h& a#! )a$ht a li*+se of %eat +assaes a#! of the !i* bei##i#s of ,i!e stai%s oi# $+ i#to the loo*. A#! still the%e ,as #o siht #o% so$#! of /*a$. He ,as P$st oi# to t$%# a#! o ba)'& ,he# a bla)' sha+e s,oo+e! at hi*& a#! b%$she! his fa)e. He s$ea'e! a#! sta%te!& st$*ble! ba)',a%!s a#! fell. His to%)h !%o++e! hea! !o,#,a%!s a#! ,e#t o$tW O#l( a bat& I s$++ose a#! ho+eW he sai! *ise%abl(. B$t #o, ,hat a* I to !oV 4hi)h is East& /o$th& No%th& o% 4estV Tho%i#W Bali#W Oi#W Gloi#W 1iliW KiliW he )%ie! as lo$! as he )o$l!Uit see*e! a thi# little #oise i# the ,i!e bla)'#ess. The liht3s o#e o$tW /o*eo#e )o*e a#! fi#! *e a#! hel+ *eW 1o% the *o*e#t his )o$%ae ha! faile! altoethe%. 1ai#tl( the !,a%"es hea%! his s*all )%ies& tho$h the o#l( ,o%! the( )o$l! )at)h ,as hel+W No, ,hat o# ea%th o% $#!e% it has ha++e#e!V sai! Tho%i#. Ce%tai#l( #ot the !%ao#& o% he ,o$l! #ot o o# s$ea'i#. The( ,aite! a *o*e#t o% t,o& a#! still the%e ,e%e #o !%ao#-#oises& #o so$#! at all i# fa)t b$t Bilbo3s !ista#t "oi)e. Co*e& o#e of (o$& et a#othe% liht o% t,oW Tho%i# o%!e%e!. It see*s ,e ha"e ot to o a#! hel+ o$% b$%la%. It is abo$t o$% t$%# to hel+& sai! Bali#& a#! I a* $ite ,illi# to o. A#(,a( I eF+e)t it is safe fo% the *o*e#t. Gloi# lit se"e%al *o%e to%)hes& a#! the# the( all )%e+t o$t& o#e b( o#e& a#! ,e#t alo# the ,all as h$%%ie!l( as the( )o$l!. It ,as #ot lo# befo%e the( *et Bilbo hi*self )o*i# ba)' to,a%!s the*. His ,its ha! $i)'l( %et$%#e! as soo# as he sa, the t,i#'le of thei% lihts. O#l( a bat a#! a !%o++e! to%)h& #othi# ,o%seW he sai! i# a#s,e% to thei% $estio#s. Tho$h the( ,e%e *$)h %elie"e!& the( ,e%e i#)li#e! to be %$*+( at bei# f%ihte#e! fo% #othi#S b$t ,hat the( ,o$l! ha"e sai!& if he ha! tol! the* at that *o*e#t abo$t the A%'e#sto#e& I !o#3t '#o,. The *e%e fleeti# li*+ses of t%eas$%e ,hi)h the( ha! )a$ht as the( ,e#t alo# ha! %e'i#!le! all the fi%e of thei% !,a%"ish hea%tsS a#! ,he# the hea%t of a !,a%f& e"e# the *ost %es+e)table& is ,a'e#e! b( ol! a#! b( Pe,els& he %o,s s$!!e#l( bol!& a#! he *a( be)o*e fie%)e. The !,a%"es i#!ee! #o lo#e% #ee!e! a#( $%i#. All ,e%e #o, eae% to eF+lo%e the hall ,hile the( ha! the )ha#)e& a#! ,illi# to belie"e that& fo% the +%ese#t& /*a$ ,as a,a( f%o* ho*e. Ea)h #o, %i++e! a lihte! to%)hS a#! as the( ae!& fi%st o# o#e si!e a#! the# o# a#othe%& the( fo%ot fea% a#! e"e# )a$tio#. The( s+o'e alo$!& a#! )%ie! o$t to o#e a#othe%& as the( lifte! ol! t%eas$%es f%o* the *o$#! o% f%o* the ,all a#! hel! the* i# the liht& )a%essi# a#! fi#e%i# the*. 1ili a#! Kili ,e%e al*ost i# *e%%( *oo!& a#! fi#!i# still ha#i# the%e *a#( ol!e# ha%+s st%$# ,ith sil"e% the( too' the* a#! st%$)' the*S a#! bei# *ai)al @a#!
also $#to$)he! b( the !%ao#& ,ho ha! s*all i#te%est i# *$si) the( ,e%e still i# t$#e. The !a%' hall ,as fille! ,ith a *elo!( that ha! lo# bee# sile#t. B$t *ost of the !,a%"es ,e%e *o%e +%a)ti)al2 the( athe%e! e*s a#! st$ffe! thei% +o)'ets& a#! let ,hat the( )o$l! #ot )a%%( fall ba)' th%o$h thei% fi#e%s ,ith a sih. Tho%i# ,as #ot least a*o# theseS b$t al,a(s he sea%)he! f%o* si!e to si!e fo% so*ethi# ,hi)h he )o$l! #ot fi#!. It ,as the A%'e#sto#eS b$t he s+o'e of it (et to #o o#e. No, the !,a%"es too' !o,# *ail a#! ,ea+o#s f%o* the ,alls& a#! a%*e! the*sel"es. Ro(al i#!ee! !i! Tho%i# loo'& )la! i# a )oat of ol!-+late! %i#s& ,ith a sil"e%-hafte! aFe i# a belt )%$ste! ,ith s)a%let sto#es. 0%. Bai#sW he )%ie!. He%e is the fi%st +a(*e#t of (o$% %e,a%!W Cast off (o$% ol! )oat a#! +$t o# thisW 4ith that he +$t o# Bilbo a s*all )oat of *ail& ,%o$ht fo% so*e (o$# elf-+%i#)e lo# ao. It ,as of sil"e%-steel& ,hi)h the el"es )all *ith%il & a#! ,ith it ,e#t a belt of +ea%ls a#! )%(stals. A liht hel* of fi$%e! leathe%& st%e#the#e! be#eath ,ith hoo+s of steel& a#! st$!!e! abo$t the b%i* ,ith ,hite e*s& ,as set $+o# the hobbit3s hea!. I feel *a#ifi)e#t& he tho$htS b$t I eF+e)t I loo' %athe% abs$%!. Ho, the( ,o$l! la$h o# the Hill at ho*eW /till I ,ish the%e ,as a loo'i#-lass ha#!(W All the sa*e 0%. Bai#s 'e+t his hea! *o%e )lea% of the be,it)h*e#t of the hoa%! tha# the !,a%"es !i!. Lo# befo%e the !,a%"es ,e%e ti%e! of eFa*i#i# the t%eas$%es& he be)a*e ,ea%( of it a#! sat !o,# o# the floo%S a#! he bea# to ,o#!e% #e%"o$sl( ,hat the e#! of it all ,o$l! be. I ,o$l! i"e a oo! *a#( of these +%e)io$s oblets& he tho$ht& fo% a !%i#' of so*ethi# )hee%i# o$t of o#e of Beo%#3s ,oo!e# bo,lsW Tho%i#W he )%ie! alo$!. 4hat #eFtV 4e a%e a%*e!& b$t ,hat oo! has a#( a%*o$% e"e% bee# befo%e aai#st /*a$ the D%ea!f$lV This t%eas$%e is #ot (et ,o# ba)'. 4e a%e #ot loo'i# fo% ol! (et& b$t fo% a ,a( of es)a+eS a#! ,e ha"e te*+te! l$)' too lo#W Yo$ s+ea' the t%$thW a#s,e%e! Tho%i#& %e)o"e%i# his ,its. Let $s oW I ,ill $i!e (o$. Not i# a tho$sa#! (ea%s sho$l! I fo%et the ,a(s of this +ala)e. The# he haile! the othe%s& a#! the( athe%e! toethe%& a#! hol!i# thei% to%)hes abo"e thei% hea!s the( +asse! th%o$h the a+i# !oo%s& #ot ,itho$t *a#( a ba)',a%! la#)e of lo#i#. Thei% litte%i# *ail the( ha! )o"e%e! aai# ,ith thei% ol! )loa's a#! thei% b%iht hel*s ,ith thei% tatte%e! hoo!s& a#! o#e b( o#e the( ,al'e! behi#! Tho%i#& a li#e of little lihts i# the !a%'#ess that halte! ofte#& liste#i# i# fea% o#)e *o%e fo% a#( %$*o$% of the !%ao#3s )o*i#. Tho$h all the ol! a!o%#*e#ts ,e%e lo# *o$l!e%e! o% !est%o(e!& a#! tho$h all ,as befo$le! a#! blaste! ,ith the )o*i#s a#! oi#s of the *o#ste%& Tho%i# '#e, e"e%( +assae a#! e"e%( t$%#. The( )li*be! lo# stai%s& a#! t$%#e! a#! ,e#t !o,# ,i!e e)hoi# ,a(s& a#! t$%#e! aai# a#! )li*be! (et *o%e stai%s& a#! (et *o%e stai%s aai#. These ,e%e s*ooth& )$t o$t of the li"i# %o)' b%oa! a#! fai%S a#! $+& $+& the !,a%"es ,e#t& a#! the( *et #o si# of a#( li"i# thi#& o#l( f$%ti"e sha!o,s that fle! f%o* the a++%oa)h of thei% to%)hes fl$tte%i# i# the !%a$hts.
The ste+s ,e%e #ot *a!e& all the sa*e& fo% hobbit-les& a#! Bilbo ,as P$st feeli# that he )o$l! o o# #o lo#e%& ,he# s$!!e#l( the %oof s+%a# hih a#! fa% be(o#! the %ea)h of thei% to%)h-liht. A ,hite li**e% )o$l! be see# )o*i# th%o$h so*e o+e#i# fa% abo"e& a#! the ai% s*elt s,eete%. Befo%e the* liht )a*e !i*l( th%o$h %eat !oo%s& that h$# t,iste! o# thei% hi#es a#! half b$%#t. This is the %eat )ha*be% of Th%o%& sai! Tho%i#S the hall of feasti# a#! of )o$#)il. Not fa% off #o, is the 1%o#t Gate. The( +asse! th%o$h the %$i#e! )ha*be%. Tables ,e%e %otti# the%eS )hai%s a#! be#)hes ,e%e l(i# the%e o"e%t$%#e!& )ha%%e! a#! !e)a(i#. /'$lls a#! bo#es ,e%e $+o# the floo% a*o# flao#s a#! bo,ls a#! b%o'e# !%i#'i#-ho%#s a#! !$st. As the( )a*e th%o$h (et *o%e !oo%s at the f$%the% e#!& a so$#! of ,ate% fell $+o# thei% ea%s& a#! the %e( liht %e, s$!!e#l( *o%e f$ll. The%e is the bi%th of the R$##i# Ri"e%& sai! Tho%i#. 1%o* he%e it haste#s to the Gate. Let $s follo, itW O$t of a !a%' o+e#i# i# a ,all of %o)' the%e iss$e! a boili# ,ate%& a#! it flo,e! s,i%li# i# a #a%%o, )ha##el& )a%"e! a#! *a!e st%aiht a#! !ee+ b( the )$##i# of a#)ie#t ha#!s. Besi!e it %a# a sto#e-+a"e! %oa!& ,i!e e#o$h fo% *a#( *e# ab%east. /,iftl( alo# this the( %a#& a#! %o$#! a ,i!e-s,ee+i# t$%#Ua#! behol!W befo%e the* stoo! the b%oa! liht of !a(. I# f%o#t the%e %ose a tall a%)h& still sho,i# the f%a*e#ts of ol! )a%"e# ,o%' ,ithi#& ,o%# a#! s+li#te%e! a#! bla)'e#e! tho$h it ,as. A *ist( s$# se#t its +ale liht bet,ee# the a%*s of the 0o$#tai#& a#! bea*s of ol! fell o# the +a"e*e#t at the th%eshol!. A ,hi%l of bats f%ihte#e! f%o* sl$*be% b( thei% s*o'i# to%)hes fl$%%ie! o"e% the*S as the( s+%a# fo%,a%! thei% feet slithe%e! o# sto#es %$bbe! s*ooth a#! sli*e! b( the +assi# of the !%ao#. No, befo%e the* the ,ate% fell #oisil( o$t,a%! a#! foa*e! !o,# to,a%!s the "alle(. The( fl$# thei% +ale to%)hes to the %o$#!& a#! stoo! ai# o$t ,ith !ale! e(es. The( ,e%e )o*e to the 1%o#t Gate& a#! ,e%e loo'i# o$t $+o# Dale. 4ellW sai! Bilbo& I #e"e% eF+e)te! to be loo'i# o$t of this !oo%. A#! I #e"e% eF+e)te! to be so +lease! to see the s$# aai#& a#! to feel the ,i#! o# *( fa)e. B$t& o,W this ,i#! is )ol!W It ,as. A bitte% easte%l( b%eee ble, ,ith a th%eat of o#)o*i# ,i#te%. It s,i%le! o"e% a#! %o$#! the a%*s of the 0o$#tai# i#to the "alle(& a#! sihe! a*o# the %o)'s. Afte% thei% lo# ti*e i# the ste,i# !e+ths of the !%ao#-ha$#te! )a"e%#s& the( shi"e%e! i# the s$#. /$!!e#l( Bilbo %ealie! that he ,as #ot o#l( ti%e! b$t also "e%( h$#%( i#!ee!. It see*s to be late *o%#i#& he sai!& a#! so I s$++ose it is *o%e o% less b%ea'fastti*eUif the%e is a#( b%ea'fast to ha"e. B$t I !o#3t feel that /*a$3s f%o#t !oo%ste+ is the safest +la)e fo% a *eal. Do let3s o so*e,he%e ,he%e ,e )a# sit $iet fo% a bitW :$ite %ihtW sai! Bali#. A#! I thi#' I '#o, ,hi)h ,a( ,e sho$l! o2 ,e o$ht to *a'e fo% the ol! loo'-o$t +ost at the /o$th-4est )o%#e% of the 0o$#tai#. Ho, fa% is thatV as'e! the hobbit. 1i"e ho$%s *a%)h& I sho$l! thi#'. It ,ill be %o$h oi#. The %oa! f%o* the Gate
alo# the left e!e of the st%ea* see*s all b%o'e# $+. B$t loo' !o,# the%eW The %i"e% loo+s s$!!e#l( east a)%oss Dale i# f%o#t of the %$i#e! to,#. At that +oi#t the%e ,as o#)e a b%i!e& lea!i# to stee+ stai%s that )li*be! $+ the %iht ba#'& a#! so to a %oa! %$##i# to,a%!s Ra"e#hill. The%e is @o% ,as a +ath that left the %oa! a#! )li*be! $+ to the +ost. A ha%! )li*b& too& e"e# if the ol! ste+s a%e still the%e. Dea% *eW %$*ble! the hobbit. 0o%e ,al'i# a#! *o%e )li*bi# ,itho$t b%ea'fastW I ,o#!e% ho, *a#( b%ea'fasts& a#! othe% *eals& ,e ha"e *isse! i#si!e that #ast( )lo)'less& ti*eless holeV As a *atte% of fa)t t,o #ihts a#! the !a( bet,ee# ha! o#e b( @a#! #ot altoethe% ,itho$t foo! si#)e the !%ao# s*ashe! the *ai) !oo%& b$t Bilbo ha! $ite lost )o$#t& a#! it *iht ha"e bee# o#e #iht o% a ,ee' of #ihts fo% all he )o$l! tell. Co*e& )o*eW sai! Tho%i# la$hi#Uhis s+i%its ha! be$# to %ise aai#& a#! he %attle! the +%e)io$s sto#es i# his +o)'ets. Do#3t )all *( +ala)e a #ast( holeW Yo$ ,ait till it has bee# )lea#e! a#! %e!e)o%ate!W That ,o#3t be till /*a$3s !ea!& sai! Bilbo l$*l(. I# the *ea#,hile ,he%e is heV I ,o$l! i"e a oo! b%ea'fast to '#o,. I ho+e he is #ot $+ o# the 0o$#tai# loo'i# !o,# at $sW That i!ea !ist$%be! the !,a%"es *ihtil(& a#! the( $i)'l( !e)i!e! that Bilbo a#! Bali# ,e%e %iht. 4e *$st *o"e a,a( f%o* he%e& sai! Do%i. I feel as if his e(es ,e%e o# the ba)' of *( hea!. It3s a )ol! lo#eso*e +la)e& sai! Bo*b$%. The%e *a( be !%i#'& b$t I see #o si# of foo!. A !%ao# ,o$l! al,a(s be h$#%( i# s$)h +a%ts. Co*e o#W Co*e o#W )%ie! the othe%s. Let $s follo, Bali#3s +athW 8#!e% the %o)'( ,all to the %iht the%e ,as #o +ath& so o# the( t%$!e! a*o# the sto#es o# the left si!e of the %i"e%& a#! the e*+ti#ess a#! !esolatio# soo# sobe%e! e"e# Tho%i# aai#. The b%i!e that Bali# ha! s+o'e# of the( fo$#! lo# falle#& a#! *ost of its sto#es ,e%e #o, o#l( bo$l!e%s i# the shallo, #ois( st%ea*S b$t the( fo%!e! the ,ate% ,itho$t *$)h !iffi)$lt(& a#! fo$#! the a#)ie#t ste+s& a#! )li*be! the hih ba#'. Afte% oi# a sho%t ,a( the( st%$)' the ol! %oa!& a#! befo%e lo# )a*e to a !ee+ !ell shelte%e! a*o# the %o)'sS the%e the( %este! fo% a ,hile a#! ha! s$)h a b%ea'fast as the( )o$l!& )hiefl( )%a* a#! ,ate%. @If (o$ ,a#t to '#o, ,hat )%a* is& I )a# o#l( sa( that I !o#3t '#o, the %e)i+eS b$t it is bis)$itish& 'ee+s oo! i#!efi#itel(& is s$++ose! to be s$stai#i#& a#! is )e%tai#l( #ot e#te%tai#i#& bei# i# fa)t "e%( $#i#te%esti# eF)e+t as a )he,i# eFe%)ise. It ,as *a!e b( the La'e-*e# fo% lo# Po$%#e(s.
Afte% that the( ,e#t o# aai#S a#! #o, the %oa! st%$)' ,est,a%!s a#! left the %i"e%& a#! the %eat sho$l!e% of the so$th-+oi#ti# *o$#tai#-s+$% !%e, e"e% #ea%e%. At le#th the( %ea)he! the hill +ath. It s)%a*ble! stee+l( $+& a#! the( +lo!!e! slo,l( o#e behi#! the othe%& till at last i# the late afte%#oo# the( )a*e to the to+ of the %i!e a#! sa, the ,i#t%( s$# oi# !o,#,a%!s to the 4est. He%e the( fo$#! a flat +la)e ,itho$t a ,all o# th%ee si!es& b$t ba)'e! to the No%th b( a %o)'( fa)e i# ,hi)h the%e ,as a# o+e#i# li'e a !oo%. 1%o* that !oo% the%e ,as a ,i!e "ie, East a#! /o$th a#! 4est. He%e& sai! Bali#& i# the ol! !a(s ,e $se! al,a(s to 'ee+ ,at)h*e#& a#! that !oo% behi#! lea!s i#to a %o)'he,# )ha*be% that ,as *a!e he%e as a $a%!%oo*. The%e ,e%e se"e%al +la)es li'e it %o$#! the 0o$#tai#. B$t the%e see*e! s*all #ee! fo%
,at)hi# i# the !a(s of o$% +%os+e%it(& a#! the $a%!s ,e%e *a!e o"e% )o*fo%table& +e%ha+sUothe%,ise ,e *iht ha"e ha! lo#e% ,a%#i# of the )o*i# of the !%ao#& a#! thi#s *iht ha"e bee# !iffe%e#t. /till& he%e ,e )a# #o, lie hi! a#! shelte%e! fo% a ,hile& a#! )a# see *$)h ,itho$t bei# see#. Not *$)h $se& if ,e ha"e bee# see# )o*i# he%e& sai! Do%i& ,ho ,as al,a(s loo'i# $+ to,a%!s the 0o$#tai#3s +ea'& as if he eF+e)te! to see /*a$ +e%)he! the%e li'e a bi%! o# a stee+le. 4e *$st ta'e o$% )ha#)e of that& sai! Tho%i#. 4e )a# o #o f$%the% to-!a(. Hea%& hea%W )%ie! Bilbo& a#! fl$# hi*self o# the %o$#!. I# the %o)'-)ha*be% the%e ,o$l! ha"e bee# %oo* fo% a h$#!%e!& a#! the%e ,as a s*all )ha*be% f$%the% i#& *o%e %e*o"e! f%o* the )ol! o$tsi!e. It ,as $ite !ese%te!S #ot e"e# ,il! a#i*als see*e! to ha"e $se! it i# all the !a(s of /*a$3s !o*i#io#. The%e the( lai! thei% b$%!e#sS a#! so*e th%e, the*sel"es !o,# at o#)e a#! sle+t& b$t the othe%s sat #ea% the o$te% !oo% a#! !is)$sse! thei% +la#s. I# all thei% tal' the( )a*e +e%+et$all( ba)' to o#e thi#2 ,he%e ,as /*a$V The( loo'e! 4est a#! the%e ,as #othi#& a#! East the%e ,as #othi#& a#! i# the /o$th the%e ,as #o si# of the !%ao#& b$t the%e ,as a athe%i# of "e%( *a#( bi%!s. At that the( ae! a#! ,o#!e%e!S b$t the( ,e%e #o #ea%e% $#!e%sta#!i# it& ,he# the f i%st )ol! sta%s )a*e o$t.
Cha+te% 9I7
1IRE AND 4ATER
No, if (o$ ,ish& li'e the !,a%"es& to hea% #e,s of /*a$& (o$ *$st o ba)' aai# to the e"e#i# ,he# he s*ashe! the !oo% a#! fle, off i# %ae& t,o !a(s befo%e.
The *e# of the la'e-to,# Esa%oth ,e%e *ostl( i#!oo%s& fo% the b%eee ,as f%o* the bla)' East a#! )hill& b$t a fe, ,e%e ,al'i# o# the $a(s& a#! ,at)hi#& as the( ,e%e fo#! of !oi#& the sta%s shi#e o$t f%o* the s*ooth +at)hes of the la'e as the( o+e#e! i# the s'(. 1%o* thei% to,# the Lo#el( 0o$#tai# ,as *ostl( s)%ee#e! b( the lo, hills at the fa% e#! of the la'e& th%o$h a a+ i# ,hi)h the R$##i# Ri"e% )a*e !o,# f%o* the No%th. O#l( its hih +ea' )o$l! t he( see i# )lea% ,eathe%& a#! the( loo'e! sel!o* at it& fo% it ,as o*i#o$s a#! !%ea% e"e# i# the liht of *o%#i#. No, it ,as lost a#! o#e& blotte! i# the !a%'. /$!!e#l( it fli)'e%e! ba)' to "ie,S a b%ief lo, to$)he! it a#! fa!e!. Loo'W sai! o#e. The lihts aai#W Last #iht the ,at) h*e# sa, the* sta%t a#! fa!e f%o* *i!#iht $#til !a,#. /o*ethi# is ha++e#i# $+ the%e. 5e%ha+s the Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai# is fo%i# ol!& sai! a#othe%. It is lo# si#)e he ,e#t No%th. It is ti*e the so#s bea# to +%o"e the*sel"es aai#. 4hi)h 'i#V sai! a#othe% ,ith a %i* "oi)e. As li'e as #ot it is the *a%a$!i# fi%e of the D%ao#& the o#l( 'i# $#!e% the 0o$#tai# ,e ha"e e"e% '#o,#. Yo$ a%e al,a(s fo%ebo!i# loo*( thi#sW sai! the othe%s. A#(thi# f%o* f loo!s to +oiso#e! fish. Thi#' of so*ethi# )hee%f$lW The# s$!!e#l( a %eat liht a++ea%e! i# the lo, +la)e i# the hills a#! the #o%the%# e#! of the la'e t$%#e! ol!e#. The Ki# be#eath the 0o$#tai#W the( sho$te!. His ,ealth is li'e the /$#& his sil"e% li'e a fo$#tai#& his %i"e%s ol!e# %$#W The %i"e% is %$##i# ol! f%o* the 0o$#tai#W the( )%ie!& a#! e"e%(,he%e ,i#!o,s ,e%e o+e#i# a#! feet ,e%e h$%%(i#. The%e ,as o#)e *o%e a t%e*e#!o$s eF)ite*e#t a#! e#th$sias*. B$t the %i*-"oi)e! fello, %a# hotfoot to the 0aste%. The !%ao# is )o*i# o% I a* a foolW he )%ie!. C$t the b%i!esW To a%*sW To a%*sW The# ,a%#i# t%$*+ets ,e%e s$!!e#l( so$#!e!& a#! e)hoe! alo# the %o)'( sho%es. The )hee%i# sto++e! a#! the Po( ,as t$%#e! to !%ea!. /o it ,as that the !%ao# !i! #ot fi#! the* $ite $#+%e+a%e!. Befo%e lo#& so %eat ,as his s+ee!& the( )o$l! see hi* as a s+a%' of fi%e %$shi# to,a%!s the* a#! %o,i# e"e% h$e% a#! *o%e b%iht& a#! #ot the *ost foolish !o$bte! that the +%o+he)ies ha! o#e %athe% ,%o#. /till the( ha! a little ti*e. E"e%( "essel i# the to,# ,as fille! ,ith ,ate%& e"e%( ,a%%io% ,as a%*e!& e"e%( a%%o, a#! !a%t ,as %ea!(& a#! the b%i!e to the la#! ,as th%o,# !o,# a#! !est%o(e!& befo%e the %oa% of /*a$3s te%%ible a++%oa)h %e, lo$!& a#! the la'e %i++le! %e! as fi%e be#eath the a,f$l beati# of his ,i#s. A*i! sh%ie's a#! ,aili# a#! the sho$ts of *e# he )a*e o"e% the*& s,e+t to,a%!s the b%i!es a#! ,as foile!W The b%i!e ,as o#e& a#! his e#e*ies ,e%e o# a# isla#! i# !ee+ ,ate%Utoo !ee+ a#! !a%' a#! )ool fo% his li'i#. If he +l$#e! i#to it& a "a+o$% a#! a stea* ,o$l! a%ise e#o$h to )o"e% all the la#! ,ith a *ist fo% !a(sS b$t the la'e ,as *ihtie% tha# he& it ,o$l! $e#)h hi* befo%e he )o$l! +ass th%o$h.
Roa%i# he s,e+t ba)' o"e% the to,#. A hail of !a%' a%%o,s lea+e! $+ a#! s#a++e! a#! %attle! o# his s)ales a#! Pe,els& a#! thei% shafts fell ba)' 'i#!le! b( his b%eath b$%#i# a#! hissi# i#to the la'e. No fi%e,o%'s (o$ e"e% i*ai#e! e$alle! the sihts that #iht. At the t,a#i# of the bo,s a#! the sh%illi# of the t%$*+ets the !%ao#3s ,%ath blae! to its heiht& till he ,as bli#! a#! *a! ,ith it. No o#e ha! !a%e! to i"e battle to hi* fo% *a#( a# aeS #o% ,o$l! the( ha"e !a%e! !a%e! #o,& if it ha! #ot bee# fo% the %i*-"oi)e! *a# @Ba%! ,as his #a*e& ,ho %a# to a#! f%o )hee%i# o# the a%)he%s a%)he%s a#! $%i# the 0aste% to o%!e% the* to fiht to the last a%%o,. 1i%e lea+e! f%o* the !%ao#3s Pa,s. He )i%)le! fo% a ,hile hih i# the ai% abo"e the* lihti# all the la'eS the t%ees b( the sho%es sho#e li'e )o++e% a#! li'e li'e bloo! ,ith lea+i# sha!o,s of !e#se bla)' at thei% feet. The# !o,# he s,oo+e! st%aiht th%o$h the a%%o,-sto%*& %e)'less i# his %ae& ta'i# #o hee! to t$%# his s)al( si!es to,a%!s his foes& see'i# o#l( to set thei% to,# ablae. ablae. 1i%e lea+e! f%o* that)he! %oofs a#! ,oo!e# bea*-e#!s as he h$%tle! !o,# a#! +ast a#! %o$#! aai#& tho$h all ha! bee# !%e#)he! ,ith ,ate% befo%e he )a*e. )a*e. O#)e *o%e ,ate% ,as fl$# b( a h$#!%e! ha#!s ,he%e"e% a s+a%' a++ea%e!. Ba)' s,i%le! the !%ao#. A s,ee+ of his tail a#! the %oof of the G%eat Ho$se )%$*ble! a#! s*ashe! !o,#. 1la*es $#$e#)hable s+%a# hih i#to the #iht. A#othe% s,oo+ a#! a#othe%& a#! a#othe% ho$se a#! the# a#othe% s+%a# afi%e a#! f ellS a#! still #o a%%o, hi#!e%e! hi#!e%e! /*a$ o% h$%t h$%t hi* *o%e tha# a fl( f%o* the *a%shes. Al%ea!( *e# ,e%e P$*+i# i#to the ,ate% o# e"e%( si!e. 4o*e# a#! )hil!%e# ,e%e bei# h$!!le! i#to la!e# boats boats i# the *a%'et-+ool. *a%'et-+ool. 4ea+o#s ,e%e fl$# !o,#. The%e The%e ,as *o$%#i# a#! ,ee+i#& ,he%e b$t a little ti*e ao the ol! so#s of *i%th to )o*e ha! bee# s$# abo$t the !,a%"es. No, *e# )$%se! thei% #a*es. The 0aste% hi*self ,as t$%#i# to his %eat il!e! boat& ho+i# to %o, a,a( i# the )o#f$sio# a#! sa"e hi*self. /oo# all the to,# ,o$l! be !ese%te! a#! b$%#e! !o,# to the s$%fa)e of the la'e.
That ,as the !%ao#3s ho+e. The( )o$l! all et i#to boats fo% all he )a%e!. The%e he )o$l! ha"e fi#e s+o%t h$#ti# the*& o% the( )o$l! sto+ till the( the( sta%"e!. Let the* t%( to et to la#! a#! he he ,o$l! be %ea!(. /oo# /oo# he ,o$l! set all the sho%ela#! ,oo!s ablae a#! ,ithe% e"e%( fiel! a#! +ast$%e. J$st #o, he ,as e#Po(i# the s+o%t of to,#-baiti# *o%e tha# he ha! e#Po(e! a#(thi# fo% (ea%s. B$t the%e ,as still a )o*+a#( of a%)he%s that hel! thei% %o$#! a*o# the b$%#i# ho$ses. Thei% )a+tai# ,as Ba%!& %i*-"oi)e! a#! %i*-fa)e!& ,hose f%ie#!s f%ie#!s ha! a))$se! hi* of +%o+hes(i# floo!s a#! +oiso#e! fish& tho$h the( '#e, his ,o%th a#! )o$%ae. He ,as a !es)e#!a#t i# lo# li#e of Gi%io#& Lo%! of Dale& ,hose ,ife a#! )hil! ha! es)a+e! es)a+e! !o,# the R$##i# Ri"e% f%o* the %$i# lo# ao. No, he shot ,ith a %eat (e, bo,& till all his a%%o,s b$t o#e ,e%e s+e#t. The fla*es ,e%e #ea% hi*. His )o*+a#io#s ,e%e lea"i# hi*. He be#t be#t his bo, fo% the last last ti*e. /$!!e#l( o$t of the !a%' so*ethi# fl$tte%e! to his sho$l!e%. He sta%te!Ub$t it ,as o#l( a# ol! th%$sh. th%$sh. 8#af%ai! it +e%)he! b( his ea% a#! it it b%o$ht hi* #e,s. 0a%"elli# he fo$#! he )o$l! $#!e%sta#! its to#$e& fo% he ,as of the %a)e of Dale. 4aitW 4aitW it sai! to hi*. The *oo# is %isi#. Loo' f o% the hollo, of the left b%east as he flies a#! t$%#s abo"e (o$W A#! ,hile Ba%! +a$se! i# ,o#!e% it tol! hi* hi*
of ti!i#s $+ i# the 0o$#tai# a#! of all that it ha! hea%!. The# Ba%! !%e, his bo,-st%i# to his ea%. The !%ao# ,as )i%)li# ba)'& fl(i# lo,& a#! as he )a*e the *oo# %ose abo"e the easte%# sho%e a#! sil"e%e! sil"e%e! his %eat ,i#s. A%%o,W sai! the bo,*a#. Bla)' a%%o,W I ha"e sa"e! (o$ to the last. Yo$ ha"e #e"e% faile! *e a#! al,a(s I ha"e %e)o"e%e! (o$. I ha! (o$ f%o* *( fathe% a#! he f%o* of ol!. If e"e% (o$ )a*e f%o* the fo%es of the t%$e 'i# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#& o #o, a#! s+ee! ,ellW ,ellW The !%ao# s,oo+e! o#)e *o%e lo,e% tha# e"e%& a#! as he t$%#e! a#! !i"e! !o,# his bell( litte%e! ,hite ,ith s+a%'li# fi%es of e*s i# the *oo#Ub$t *oo#Ub$t #ot i# o#e +la)e. The %eat bo, t,a#e!. The bla)' a%%o, s+e! st%aiht f%o* the st%i#& st%aiht fo% the hollo, b( the left b%east ,he%e the fo%ele fo%ele ,as fl$# ,i!e. I# it s*ote a#! "a#ishe!& ba%b& shaft a#! feathe%& so fie%)e ,as its fliht. 4ith a sh%ie' that !eafe#e! *e#& felle! felle! t%ees a#! s+lit sto#e& /*a$ shot s+o$ti# i#to the the ai%& t$%#e! o"e% a#! )%ashe! !o,# f%o* o# hih i# %$i#. 1$ll o# the to,# he fell. His last th%oes s+li#te%e! it to s+a%'s a#! le!es. The la'e %oa%e! i#. A "ast stea* lea+e! $+& ,hite i# the s$!!e# !a%' $#!e% the *oo#. The%e The%e ,as a hiss& a $shi# $shi# ,hi%l& a#! the# sile#)e. A#! that ,as the the e#! of /*a$ a#! Esa%oth& b$t #ot of Ba%!. The ,aFi# *oo# %ose hihe% a#! hihe% a#! the ,i#! %e, lo$! a#! )ol!. It t,iste! the ,hite fo i#to be#!i# +illa%s a#! h$%%(i# )lo$!s a#! !%o"e it off to the 4est to s)atte% s)atte% i# tatte%e! sh%e!s o"e% the *a%shes befo%e 0i%',oo!. The# the *a#( boats )o$l! be see# !otte! !a%' o# the s$%fa)e of the la'e& a#! !o,# the ,i#! )a*e the "oi)es of the +eo+le of Esa%oth la*e#ti# thei% lost to,# a#! oo!s a#! %$i#e! ho$ses. B$t the( ha! %eall( %eall( *$)h to be tha#'f$l fo%& ha! the( tho$ht of it& tho$h tho$h it )o$l! ha%!l( be eF+e)te! that the( sho$l! P$st the#2 th%ee $a%te%s of the +eo+le of the to,# ha! at least es)a+e! ali"eS ali"eS thei% ,oo!s a#! fiel!s a#! +ast$%es a#! )attle a#! *ost of thei% boats %e*ai#e! $#!a*ae!S a#! the !%ao# ,as !ea!. 4hat that that *ea#t the( ha! #ot (et %ealie!.
The( athe%e! i# *o$%#f$l )%o,!s $+o# the ,este%# sho%es& shi"e%i# i# the )ol! ,i#!& a#! thei% fi%st )o*+lai#ts a#! a#e% ,e%e aai#st the 0aste%& ,ho ha! left the to,# so soo#& ,hile so*e ,e%e still ,illi# to !efe#! it. He *a( ha"e a oo! hea! fo% b$si#essUes+e)iall( his o,# b$si#ess& so*e *$%*$%e!& b$t he is #o oo! ,he# a#(thi# a#(thi# se%io$s ha++e#sW A#! the( +%aise! the )o$%ae of Ba%! a#! his last *iht( shot. If o#l( he ha! #ot bee# 'ille!& the( all sai!& ,e ,o$l! *a'e hi* a 'i#. Ba%! the D%ao#-shoote% D%ao#-shoote% of the li#e of Gi%io#W Alas that he is lostW A#! i# the "e%( *i!st of thei% tal' a tall fi$%e ste++e! f%o* the sha!o,s. He ,as !%e#)he! ,ith ,ate%& his his bla)' hai% h$# h$# ,et o"e% his fa)e a#! sho$l!e%s& a#! a fie%)e liht ,as i# his e(es. Ba%! is #ot lostW he )%ie!. He !i"e! f%o* Esa%oth& ,he# the e#e*( ,as slai#. I a* Ba%!& of the li#e li#e of Gi%io#S I a* the sla(e% of the !%ao#W Ki# Ba%!W Ki# Ba%!W the( sho$te!S b$t the 0aste% %o$#! his )hatte%i# teeth. Gi%io# ,as lo%! of Dale& #ot 'i# of Esa%oth& he sai!. I# the La'e-to,# ,e ha"e al,a(s ele)te! *aste%s f%o* a*o# a*o# the ol! a#! ,ise& a#! ha"e #ot e#!$%e! the %$le of *e%e fihti# *e#. Let 6Ki# Ba%!3 o ba)' to his o,# 'i#!o*UDale is #o, f%ee! b( his "alo$%& a#! #othi# hi#!e%s his %et$%#. A#! a#( that ,ish )a# o ,ith
hi*& if the( +%efe% the )ol! sto#es $#!e% the sha!o, of the 0o$#tai# to the %ee# sho%es of the la'e. The ,ise ,ill sta( he%e a#! ho+e to %eb$il! o$% to,#& a#! e#Po( aai# i# ti*e its +ea)e a#! %i)hes. 4e ,ill ha"e Ki# Ba%!W the +eo+le #ea% at ha#! sho$te! i# %e+l(. 4e ha"e ha! e#o$h of the ol! *e# *e# a#! the *o#e(-)o$#te%sW A#! +eo+le f$%the% off too' $+ the )%(2 8+ the Bo,*a#& a#! !o,# ,ith 0o#e(bas& till the )la*o$% e)hoe! alo# the sho%e. I a* the last *a# to $#!e%"al$e Ba%! the Bo,*a#& sai! the 0aste% ,a%il( @fo% Ba%! #o, stoo! )lose besi!e hi*. He has to#iht ea%#e! a# e*i#e#t +la)e i# the %oll of the be#efa)to%s of o$% to,#S a#! he is ,o%th( of *a#( i*+e%ishable so#s. B$t& ,h( O 5eo+leVUa#! he%e the 0aste% %ose to his feet a#! s+o'e "e%( lo$! a#! )lea%U4h( !o I et all all (o$% bla*eV 1o% ,hat fa$lt a* I to be !e+ose!V !e+ose!V 4ho a%o$se! the !%ao# f%o* his sl$*be%& I *iht as'V 4ho obtai#e! of $s %i)h ifts a#! a*+le hel+& a#! le! $s to belie"e that ol! so#s )o$l! )o*e )o*e t%$eV 4ho +la(e! o# o$% soft hea%ts a#! o$% +leasa#t fa#)iesV 4hat so%t so%t of ol! ha"e the( se#t !o,# the %i"e% to %e,a%! $sV D%ao#-fi%e a#! %$i#W 1%o* ,ho* sho$l! ,e )lai* the %e)o*+e#se of o$% !a*ae& a#! ai! fo% o$% ,i!o,s a#! o%+ha#sV As (o$ see& the 0aste% ha! #ot ot his +ositio# fo% #othi#. The %es$lt of his ,o%!s ,as that fo% the *o*e#t the +eo+le $ite fo%ot thei% i!ea of a #e, 'i#& a#! t$%#e! thei% a#%( tho$hts to,a%!s Tho%i# a#! his )o*+a#(. 4il! a#! bitte% ,o%!s ,e%e sho$te! f%o* *a#( si!esS si!esS a#! so*e of those ,ho ha! befo%e s$# the ol! so#s lo$!est& ,e%e #o, hea%! as lo$!l( )%(i# )%(i# that the !,a%"es ha! sti%%e! the !%ao# $+ aai#st the* !elibe%atel(W 1oolsW sai! Ba%!. 4h( ,aste ,o%!s a#! ,%ath o# those $#ha++( )%eat$%esV Do$btless the( +e%ishe! fi%st i# fi%e& befo%e /*a$ )a*e to $s. The# e"e# e"e# as he ,as s+ea'i#& the tho$ht )a*e i#to his hea%t of the fable! t%eas$%e of the 0o$#tai# l(i# ,itho$t $a%! o% o,#e%& a#! he fell s$!!e#l( sile#t. sile#t. He tho$ht of the 0aste%3s 0aste%3s ,o%!s& a#! of Dale %eb$ilt& a#! fille! fille! ,ith ol!e# bells& if he )o$l! b$t fi#! the *e#. At le#th he s+o'e aai#2 This is #o ti*e fo% a#%( ,o%!s& 0aste%& o% fo% )o#si!e%i# ,eiht( +la#s of )ha#e. The%e The%e is ,o%' to !o. I se%"e (o$ stillUtho$h stillUtho$h afte% a ,hile ,hile I *a( thi#' aai# of (o$% ,o%!s a#! o No%th ,ith a#( that ,ill follo, *e. The# he st%o!e off to hel+ i# the o%!e%i# of the )a*+s a#! i# the )a%e of the si)' a#! the ,o$#!e!. B$t B$t the 0aste% s)o,le! at his ba)' as he ,e#t& a#! %e*ai#e! sitti# o# the %o$#!. He tho$ht *$)h b$t sai! little& $#less $#less it ,as to )all lo$!l( fo% *e# to b%i# hi* fi%e a#! foo!. No, e"e%(,he%e Ba%! ,e#t he fo$#! tal' %$##i# li'e fi%e a*o# the +eo+le )o#)e%#i# the "ast t%eas$%e that that ,as #o, $#$a%!e!. 0e# s+o'e of the %e)o*+e#se fo% all thei% ha%* that the( ,o$l! soo# et f%o* it& a#! ,ealth o"e% a#! to s+a%e ,ith ,hi)h to b$( %i)h thi#s f%o* the /o$thS a#! it )hee%e! the* %eatl( i# thei% +liht. That ,as as ,ell& fo% the #iht ,as bitte% a#! *ise%able. /helte%s )o$l! be )o#t%i"e! fo% fe, @the 0aste% ha! o#e a#! the%e ,as little foo! @e"e# the 0aste% ,e#t sho%t. 0a#( too' ill of ,et a#! )ol! a#! so%%o, so%%o, that #iht& a#! afte%,a%!s !ie!& ,ho ha! es)a+e! $#i#P$%e! f%o* the %$i# of the to,#S a#! i# the !a(s that follo,e! the%e ,as *$)h si)'#ess a#! %eat h$#e%.
0ea#,hile Ba%! too' the lea!& a#! o%!e%e! thi#s as he ,ishe!& tho$h al,a(s i# the 0aste%3s #a*e& a#! he ha! a ha%! tas' to o"e%# the +eo+le a#! !i%e)t the +%e+a%atio#s fo% thei% +%ote)tio# a#! ho$si#. 5%obabl( *ost of the* ,o$l! ha"e +e%ishe! i# the ,i#te% that #o, h$%%ie! afte% a$t$*#& if hel+ ha! #ot bee# to ha#!. B$t hel+ )a*e s,iftl(S fo% Ba%! at o#)e ha! s+ee!( *esse#e%s se#t $+ the %i"e% to the 1o%est to as' the ai! of the Ki# of the El"es of the 4oo!& a#! these *esse#e%s ha! fo$#! a host al%ea!( o# the *o"e& altho$h it ,as the# o#l( the thi%! !a( afte% the fall of /*a$. The El"e#'i# ha! %e)ei"e! #e,s f%o* his o,# *esse#e%s a#! f%o* the bi%!s that lo"e! his fol'& a#! al%ea!( '#e, *$)h of ,hat ha! ha++e#e!. 7e%( %eat i#!ee! ,as the )o**otio# a*o# all thi#s ,ith ,i#s that !,elt o# the bo%!e%s of the Desolatio# of the D%ao#. The ai% ,as fille! ,ith )i%)li# flo)'s& a#! thei% s,ift-fl(i# *esse#e%s fle, he%e a#! the%e a)%oss the s'(. Abo"e the bo%!e%s of the 1o%est the%e ,as ,histli#& )%(i# a#! +i+i#. 1a% o"e% 0i%',oo! ti!i#s s+%ea!2 /*a$ is !ea!W Lea"es %$stle! a#! sta%tle! ea%s ,e%e lifte!. E"e# befo%e the El"e#'i# %o!e fo%th the #e,s ha! +asse! ,est %iht to the +i#e,oo!s of the 0ist( 0o$#tai#sS Beo%# ha! hea%! it i# his ,oo!e# ho$se& a#! the obli#s ,e%e at )o$#)il i# thei% )a"es. That ,ill be the last ,e shall hea% of Tho%i# Oa'e#shiel!& I fea%& sai! the 'i#. He ,o$l! ha"e !o#e bette% to ha"e %e*ai#e! *( $est. It is a# ill ,i#!& all the sa*e& he a!!e!& that blo,s #o o#e a#( oo!. 1o% he too ha! #ot fo%otte# the lee#! of the ,ealth of Th%o%. /o it ,as that Ba%!3s *esse#e%s fo$#! hi* #o, *a%)hi# ,ith *a#( s+ea%*e# a#! bo,*e#S a#! )%o,s ,e%e athe%e! thi)' abo"e hi*& fo% the( tho$ht that ,a% ,as a,a'e#i# aai#& s$)h as ha! #ot bee# i# those +a%ts fo% a lo# ae. B$t the 'i#& ,he# he %e)ei"e! the +%a(e%s of Ba%!& ha! +it(& fo% he ,as the lo%! of a oo! a#! 'i#!l( +eo+leS so t$%#i# his *a%)h& ,hi)h ha! at fi%st bee# !i%e)t to,a%!s the 0o$#tai#& he haste#e! #o, !o,# the %i"e% to the Lo# La'e. He ha! #ot boats o% %afts e#o$h fo% his host& a#! the( ,e%e fo%)e! to o the slo,e% ,a( b( footS b$t %eat sto%e of oo!s he se#t ahea! b( ,ate%. /till el"es a%e liht-foote!& a#! tho$h the( ,e%e #ot i# these !a(s *$)h $se! to the *a%)hes a#! the t%ea)he%o$s la#!s bet,ee# the 1o%est a#! the La'e& thei% oi# ,as s,ift. O#l( fi"e !a(s afte% the !eath of the !%ao# the( )a*e $+o# the sho%es a#! loo'e! o# the %$i#s of the to,#. Thei% ,el)o*e ,as oo!& as *a( be eF+e)te!& a#! the *e# a#! thei% 0aste% ,e%e %ea!( to *a'e a#( ba%ai# fo% the f$t$%e i# %et$%# fo% the El"e#'i#3s ai!. Thei% +la#s ,e%e soo# *a!e. 4ith the ,o*e# a#! the )hil!%e#& the ol! a#! t he $#fit& the 0aste% %e*ai#e! behi#!S a#! ,ith hi* ,e%e so*e *e# of )%afts a#! *a#( s'ille! el"esS a#! the( b$sie! the*sel"es felli# t%ees& a#! )olle)ti# the ti*be% se#t !o,# f%o* the 1o%est. The# the( set abo$t %aisi# *a#( h$ts b( the sho%e aai#st the o#)o*i# ,i#te%S a#! also $#!e% the 0aste%3s !i%e)tio# the( bea# the +la##i# of a #e, to,#& !esi#e! *o%e fai% a#! la%e e"e# tha# befo%e& b$t #ot i# the sa*e +la)e. The( %e*o"e! #o%th,a%! hihe% $+ the sho%eS fo% e"e% afte% the( ha! a !%ea! of the ,ate% ,he%e the !%ao# la(. He ,o$l! #e"e% aai# %et$%# to his ol!e# be!& b$t ,as st%et)he! )ol! as sto#e& t,iste! $+o# the floo% of
the shallo,s. The%e fo% aes his h$e bo#es )o$l! be see# i# )al* ,eathe% a*i! the %$i#e! +iles of the ol! to,#. B$t fe, !a%e! to )%oss the )$%se! s+ot& a#! #o#e !a%e! to !i"e i#to the shi"e%i# ,ate% o% %e)o"e% the +%e)io$s sto#es that fell f%o* his %otti# )a%)ase. B$t all the *e# of a%*s ,ho ,e%e still able& a#! the *ost of the El"e#'i#3s a%%a(& ot %ea!( to *a%)h #o%th to the 0o$#tai#. It ,as th$s that i# ele"e# !a(s f%o* the %$i# of the to,# the hea! of thei% host +asse! the %o)'-ates at the e#! of the la'e a#! )a*e i#to the !esolate la#!s.
Cha+te% 97
THE GATHERING O1 THE CLO8D/
No, ,e ,ill %et$%# to Bilbo a#! the !,a%"es. All #iht o#e of the* ha! ,at)he!& b$t ,he# *o%#i# )a*e the( ha! #ot hea%! o% see# a#( si# of !a#e%. B$t e"e% *o%e thi)'l( the bi%!s ,e%e athe%i#. Thei% )o*+a#ies )a*e fl(i# f%o* the /o$thS a#! the )%o,s that still li"e! abo$t the 0o$#tai# ,e%e ,heeli# a#! )%(i# $#)easi#l( abo"e.
/o*ethi# st%a#e is ha++e#i#& sai! Tho%i#. The ti*e has o#e fo% the a$t$*# ,a#!e%i#sS a#! these a%e bi%!s that !,ell al,a(s i# the la#!S the%e a%e sta%li#s a#! flo)'s of fi#)hesS a#! fa% off the%e a%e *a#( )a%%io# bi%!s as if a battle ,e%e afootW /$!!e#l( Bilbo +oi#te!2 The%e is that ol! th%$sh aai#W he )%ie!. He see*s to ha"e es)a+e!& ,he# /*a$ s*ashe! the *o$#tai#-si!e& b$t I !o#3t s$++ose the s#ails ha"eW /$%e e#o$h the ol! th%$sh ,as the%e& a#! as Bilbo +oi#te!& he fle, t o,a%!s the* a#! +e%)he! o# a sto#e #ea% b(. The# he fl$tte%e! his ,i#s a#! sa#S the# he )o)'e! his hea! o# o#e si!e& as if to liste#S a#! aai# he sa#& a#! aai# he liste#e!. I belie"e he is t%(i# to tell $s so*ethi#& sai! Bali#S b$t I )a##ot follo, the s+ee)h of s$)h bi%!s& it is "e%( $i)' a#! !iffi)$lt. Ca# (o$ *a'e it o$t Bai#sV Not "e%( ,ell& sai! Bilbo @as a *atte% of fa)t& he )o$l! *a'e #othi# of it at allS b$t the ol! fello, see*s "e%( eF)ite!. I o#l( ,ish he ,as a %a"e#W sai! Bali#. I tho$ht (o$ !i! #ot li'e the*W Yo$ see*e! "e%( sh( of the*& ,he# ,e )a*e this ,a( befo%e. Those ,e%e )%o,sW A#! #ast( s$s+i)io$s-loo'i# )%eat$%es at that& a#! %$!e as ,ell. Yo$ *$st ha"e hea%! the $l( #a*es the( ,e%e )alli# afte% $s. B$t the %a"e#s a%e !iffe%e#t. The%e $se! to be %eat f%ie#!shi+ bet,ee# the* a#! the +eo+le of Th%o%S a#! the( ofte# b%o$ht $s se)%et #e,s& a#! ,e%e %e,a%!e! ,ith s$)h b%iht thi#s as the( )o"ete! to hi!e i# thei% !,elli#s. The( li"e *a#( a (ea%& a#! thei% *e*o%ies a%e lo#& a#! the( ha#! o# thei% ,is!o* to thei% )hil!%e#. I '#e, *a#( a*o# the %a"e#s of the %o)'s ,he# I ,as a !,a%fla!. This "e%( heiht ,as o#)e #a*e! Ra"e#hill& be)a$se the%e ,as a ,ise a#! fa*o$s +ai%& ol! Ca%) a#! his ,ife& that li"e! he%e abo"e the $a%!-)ha*be%. B$t I !o#3t s$++ose that a#( of that a#)ie#t b%ee! li#e% he%e #o,. No soo#e% ha! he fi#ishe! s+ea'i# tha# the ol! th%$sh a"e a lo$! )all& a#! i**e!iatel( fle, a,a(. 4e *a( #ot $#!e%sta#! hi*& b$t that ol! bi%! $#!e%sta#!s $s& I a* s$%e& sai! Bali#. Kee+ ,at)h #o,& a#! see ,hat ha++e#sW Befo%e lo# the%e ,as a fl$tte%i# of ,i#s& a#! ba)' )a*e the th%$shS a#! ,ith hi* )a*e a *ost !e)%e+it ol! bi%!. He ,as etti# bli#!& he )o$l! ha%!l( fl(& a#! the to+ of his hea! ,as bal!. He ,as a# ae! %a"e# of %eat sie. He alihte! stiffl( o# the %o$#! befo%e the*& slo,l( fla++e! his ,i#s& a#! bobbe! to,a%!s Tho%i#. O Tho%i# so# of Th%ai#& a#! Bali# so# of 1$#!i#& he )%oa'e! @a#! Bilbo )o$l! $#!e%sta#! ,hat he sai!& fo% he $se! o%!i#a%( la#$ae a#! #ot bi%!-s+ee)h. I a* RoZ) so# of Ca%). Ca%) is !ea!& b$t he ,as ,ell '#o,# to (o$ o#)e. It is a h$#!%e! (ea%s a#! th%ee a#! fift( si#)e I )a*e o$t of the e& b$t I !o #ot fo%et ,hat *(
fathe% tol! *e. No, I a* the )hief of the %eat %a"e#s of the 0o$#tai#. 4e a%e fe,& b$t ,e %e*e*be% still the 'i# that ,as of ol!. 0ost of *( +eo+le a%e ab%oa!& fo% the%e a%e %eat ti!i#s i# the /o$thUso*e a%e ti!i#s of Po( to (o$& a#! so*e (o$ ,ill #ot thi#' so oo!. Behol!W the bi%!s a%e athe%i# ba)' aai# to the 0o$#tai# a#! to Dale f%o* /o$th a#! East a#! 4est& fo% ,o%! has o#e o$t that /*a$ is !ea!W Dea!W Dea!V sho$te! the !,a%"es. Dea!W The# ,e ha"e bee# i# #ee!less fea%Ua#! the t%eas$%e is o$%sW The( all s+%a# $+ a#! bea# to )a+e% abo$t fo% Po(. Yes& !ea!& sai! RoZ). The th%$sh& *a( his feathe%s #e"e% fall& sa, hi* !ie& a#! ,e *a( t%$st his ,o%!s. He sa, hi* fall i# battle ,ith the *e# of Esa%oth the thi%! #iht ba)' f%o* #o, at the %isi# of the *oo#. It ,as so*e ti*e befo%e Tho%i# )o$l! b%i# the !,a%"es to be sile#t a#! liste# to the %a"e#3s #e,s. At le#th ,he# he ha! tol! all the tale of the battle he ,e#t o#2 /o *$)h fo% Po(& Tho%i# Oa'e#shiel!. Yo$ *a( o ba)' to (o$% halls i# safet(S all the t%eas$%e is (o$%sUfo% the *o*e#t. B$t *a#( a%e athe%i# hithe% besi!e the bi%!s. The #e,s of the !eath of the $a%!ia# has al%ea!( o#e fa% a#! ,i!e& a#! the lee#! of the ,ealth of Th%o% has #ot lost i# the telli# !$%i# *a#( (ea%sS *a#( a%e eae% fo% a sha%e of the s+oil. Al%ea!( a host of the el"es is o# the ,a(& a#! )a%%io# bi%!s a%e ,ith the* ho+i# fo% battle a#! sla$hte%. B( the la'e *e# *$%*$% that thei% so%%o,s a%e !$e to the !,a%"esS fo% the( a%e ho*eless a#! *a#( ha"e !ie!& a#! /*a$ has !est%o(e! thei% to,#. The( too thi#' to fi#! a*e#!s f%o* (o$% t%eas$%e& ,hethe% (o$ a%e ali"e o% !ea!. Yo$% o,# ,is!o* *$st !e)i!e (o$% )o$%seS b$t thi%tee# is s*all %e*#a#t of the %eat fol' of D$%i# that o#)e !,elt he%e& a#! #o, a%e s)atte%e! fa%. If (o$ ,ill liste# to *( )o$#sel& (o$ ,ill #ot t%$st the 0aste% of the La'e-*e#& b$t %athe% hi* that shot the !%ao# ,ith his bo,. Ba%! is he& of the %a)e of Dale& of the li#e of Gi%io#S he is a %i* *a# b$t t%$e. 4e ,o$l! see +ea)e o#)e *o%e a*o# !,a%"es a#! *e# a#! el"es afte% the lo# !esolatio#S b$t it *a( )ost (o$ !ea% i# ol!. I ha"e s+o'e#. The# Tho%i# b$%st fo%th i# a#e%2 O$% tha#'s& RoZ) Ca%)3s so#. Yo$ a#! (o$% +eo+le shall #ot be fo%otte#. B$t #o#e of o$% ol! shall thie"es ta'e o% the "iole#t )a%%( off ,hile ,e a%e ali"e. If (o$ ,o$l! ea%# o$% tha#'s still *o%e& b%i# $s #e,s of a#( that !%a, #ea%. Also I ,o$l! be of (o$& if a#( of (o$ a%e still (o$# a#! st%o# of ,i#& that (o$ ,o$l! se#! *esse#e%s to o$% 'i# i# the *o$#tai#s of the No%th& both ,est f%o* he%e a#! east& a#! tell the* of o$% +liht. B$t o s+e)iall( to *( )o$si# Dai# i# the I%o# Hills& fo% he has *a#( +eo+le ,ell-a%*e!& a#! !,ells #ea%est to this +la)e. Bi! hi* haste#W I ,ill #ot sa( if this )o$#sel be oo! o% ba!& )%oa'e! RoZ)& b$t I ,ill !o ,hat )a# be !o#e. The# off he slo,l( fle,. Ba)' #o, to the 0o$#tai#W )%ie! Tho%i#. 4e ha"e little ti*e to lose. A#! little foo! to $seW )%ie! Bilbo& al,a(s +%a)ti)al o# s$)h +oi#ts. I# a#( )ase he felt that the a!"e#t$%e ,as& +%o+e%l( s+ea'i#& o"e% ,ith the !eath of the !%ao#Ui# ,hi)h he ,as *$)h *ista'e#Ua#! he ,o$l! ha"e i"e# *ost of his sha%e of the +%ofits fo% the +ea)ef$l ,i#!i# $+ of these affai%s. Ba)' to the 0o$#tai#W )%ie! the !,a%"es as if the( ha! #ot hea%! hi*S so ba)' he
ha! to o ,ith the*. As (o$ ha"e hea%! so*e of the e"e#ts al%ea!(& (o$ ,ill see that the !,a%"es still ha! so*e !a(s befo%e the*. The( eF+lo%e! the )a"e%#s o#)e *o%e& a#! fo$#!& as the( eF+e)te!& that o#l( the 1%o#t Gate %e*ai#e! o+e#S all the othe% ates @eF)e+t& of )o$%se& the s*all se)%et !oo% ha! lo# ao bee# b%o'e# a#! blo)'e! b( /*a$& a#! #o si# of the* %e*ai#e!. /o #o, the( bea# to labo$% ha%! i# fo%tif(i# the *ai# e#t%a#)e& a#! i# *a'i# a #e, +ath that le! f%o* it. Tools ,e%e to be fo$#! i# +le#t( that the *i#e%s a#! $a%%ie%s a#! b$il!e%s of ol! ha! $se!S a#! at s$)h ,o%' the !,a%"es ,e%e still "e%( s'ille!.
As the( ,o%'e! the %a"e#s b%o$ht the* )o#sta#t ti!i#s. I# this ,a( the( lea%#e! that the El"e#'i# ha! t$%#e! asi!e to the La'e& a#! the( still ha! a b%eathi# s+a)e. Bette% still& the( hea%! that th%ee of thei% +o#ies ha! es)a+e! a#! ,e%e ,a#!e%i# ,il! fa% !o,# the ba#'s of the R$##i# Ri"e%& #ot fa% f %o* ,he%e the %est of thei% sto%es ha! bee# left. /o ,hile the othe%s ,e#t o# ,ith thei% ,o%'& 1ili a#! Kili ,e%e se#t& $i!e! b( a %a"e#& to fi#! the +o#ies a#! b%i# ba)' all the( )o$l!. The( ,e%e fo$% !a(s o#e& a#! b( that ti*e the( '#e, that the Poi#e! a%*ies of the La'e-*e# a#! the El"es ,e%e h$%%(i# to,a%! the 0o$#tai#. B$t #o, thei% ho+es ,e%e hihe%S fo% the( ha! foo! fo% so*e ,ee's ,ith )a%eU)hiefl( )%a*& of )o$%se& a#! the( ,e%e "e%( ti%e! of itS b$t )%a* is *$)h bette% tha# #othi#Ua#! al%ea!( the ate ,as blo)'e! ,ith a ,all of s$a%e! sto#es lai! !%(& b$t "e%( thi)' a#! hih& a)%oss the o+e#i#. The%e ,e%e holes i# the ,all th%o$h ,hi)h the( )o$l! see @o% shoot& b$t #o e#t%a#)e. The( )li*be! i# o% o$t ,ith la!!e%s& a#! ha$le! st$ff $+ ,ith %o+es. 1o% the iss$i# of the st%ea* the( ha! )o#t%i"e! a s*all lo, a%)h $#!e% the #e, ,allS b$t #ea% the e#t%a#)e the( ha! so alte%e! the #a%%o, be! that a ,i!e +ool st%et)he! f%o* the *o$#tai#-,all to the hea! of the fall o"e% ,hi)h the st%ea* ,e#t to,a%!s Dale. A++%oa)h to the Gate ,as #o, o#l( +ossible& ,itho$t s,i**i#& alo# a #a%%o, le!e of the )liff& to the %iht as o#e loo'e! o$t,a%!s f%o* the ,all. The +o#ies the( ha! b%o$ht o#l( to the hea! of the ste+s abo"e the ol! b%i!e& a#! $#loa!i# the* the%e ha! bi!!e# the* %et$%# to thei% *aste%s a#! se#t the* ba)' %i!e%less to the /o$th. The%e )a*e a #iht ,he# s$!!e#l( the%e ,e%e *a#( lihts as of fi%es a#! to%)hes a,a( so$th i# Dale befo%e the*.
The( ha"e )o*eW )alle! Bali#. A#! thei% )a*+ is "e%( %eat. The( *$st ha"e )o*e i#to the "alle( $#!e% the )o"e% of !$s' alo# both ba#'s of the %i"e%. That #iht the !,a%"es sle+t little. The *o%#i# ,as still +ale ,he# the( sa, a )o*+a#( a++%oa)hi#. 1%o* behi#! thei% ,all the( ,at)he! the* )o*e $+ to the "alle(3s hea! a#! )li*b slo,l( $+. Befo%e lo# the( )o$l! see that both *e# of the la'e a%*e! as if fo% ,a% a#! el"ish bo,*e# ,e%e a*o# the*. At le#th the fo%e*ost of these )li*be! the t$*ble! %o)'s a#! a++ea%e! at the to+ of the fallsS a#! "e%( %eat ,as thei% s$%+%ise to see the +ool befo%e the* a#! the Gate blo)'e! ,ith a ,all of #e,-he,# sto#e. As the( stoo! +oi#ti# a#! s+ea'i# to o#e a#othe% Tho%i# haile! the*2 4ho a%e (o$& he )alle! i# a "e%( lo$! "oi)e& that )o*e as if i# ,a% to the ates of Tho%i# so# of Th%ai#& Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#& a#! ,hat !o (o$ !esi%eV B$t the( a#s,e%e! #othi#. /o*e t$%#e! s,iftl( ba)'& a#! the othe%s afte% ai# fo% a ,hile at the Gate a#! its !efe#)es soo# follo,e! the*. That !a( the )a*+ ,as
*o"e! to the east of the %i"e%& %iht bet,ee# the a%*s of the 0o$#tai#. The %o)'s e)hoe! the# ,ith "oi)es a#! ,ith so#& as the( ha! #ot !o#e fo% *a#( a !a(. The%e ,as the so$#!& too& of el"e#-ha%+s a#! of s,eet *$si)S a#! as it e)hoe! $+ to,a%!s the* it see*e! that the )hill of the ai% ,as ,a%*e!& a#! the( )a$ht fai#tl( the f%a%a#)e of ,oo!la#! flo,e%s blosso*i# i# s+%i#. The# Bilbo lo#e! to es)a+e f%o* the !a%' fo%t%ess a#! to o !o,# a#! Poi# i# the *i%th a#! feasti# b( the fi%es. /o*e of the (o$#e% !,a%"es ,e%e *o"e! i# thei% hea%ts& too& a#! the( *$tte%e! that the( ,ishe! thi#s ha! falle# o$t othe%,ise a#! that the( *iht ,el)o*e s$)h fol' as f%ie#!sS b$t Tho%i# s)o,le!. The# the !,a%"es the*sel"es b%o$ht fo%th ha%+s a#! i#st%$*e#ts %eai#e! f%o* the hoa%!& a#! *a!e *$si) to softe# his *oo!S b$t thei% so# ,as #ot as el"ish so#& a#! ,as *$)h li'e the so# the( ha! s$# lo# befo%e i# Bilbo3s little hobbithole. 8#!e% the 0o$#tai# !a%' a#! tall The Ki# has )o*e $#to his hallW His foe is !ea!& the 4o%* of D%ea!& A#! e"e% so his foes shall fall. The s,o%! is sha%+& the s+ea% is lo#& The a%%o, s,ift& the Gate is st%o#S The hea%t is bol! that loo's o# ol!S The !,a%"es #o *o%e shall s$ffe% ,%o#. The !,a%"es of (o%e *a!e *iht( s+ells& 4hile ha**e%s fell li'e %i#i# bells I# +la)es !ee+& ,he%e !a%' thi#s slee+& I# hollo, halls be#eath the fells. O# sil"e% #e)'la)es the( st%$# The liht of sta%s& o# )%o,#s the( h$# The !%ao#-fi%e& f%o* t,iste! ,i%e The *elo!( of ha%+s the( ,%$#. The *o$#tai# th%o#e o#)e *o%e is f%ee!W OW ,a#!e%i# fol'& the s$**o#s hee!W Co*e hasteW Co*e hasteW a)%oss the ,asteW The 'i# of f%ie#! a#! 'i# has #ee!. No, )all ,e o"e% *o$#tai#s )ol!& 6Co*e ba)' $#to the )a"e%#s ol!3W He%e at the Gates the 'i# a,aits& His ha#!s a%e %i)h ,ith e*s a#! ol!. The 'i# is )o*e $#to his hall 8#!e% the 0o$#tai# !a%' a#! tall. The 4o%* of D%ea! is slai# a#! !ea!& A#! e"e% so o$% foes shall fallW
This so# a++ea%e! to +lease Tho%i#& a#! he s*ile! aai# a#! %e, *e%%(S a#! he bea# %e)'o#i# the !ista#)e to the I%o# Hills a#! ho, lo# it ,o$l! be befo%e Dai# )o$l! %ea)h the Lo#el( 0o$#tai#& if he ha! set o$t as soo# as the *essae %ea)he! hi*. B$t Bilbo3s hea%t fell& both at the so# a#! the tal'2 the( so$#!e! *$)h too ,a%li'e. The #eFt *o%#i# ea%l( a )o*+a#( of s+ea%*e# ,as see# )%ossi# the %i"e%& a#!
*a%)hi# $+ the "alle(. The( bo%e ,ith the* the %ee# ba##e% of the El"e#'i# a#! the bl$e ba##e% of the La'e& a#! the( a!"a#)e! $#til the( stoo! %iht befo%e the ,all at the Gate. Aai# Tho%i# haile! the* i# a lo$! "oi)e2 4ho a%e (o$ that )o*e a%*e! fo% ,a% to the ates of Tho%i# so# of Th%ai#& Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#V This ti*e he ,as a#s,e%e!. A tall *a# stoo! fo%,a%!& !a%' of hai% a#! %i* of fa)e& a#! he )%ie!2 Hail Tho%i#W 4h( !o (o$ fe#)e (o$%self li'e a %obbe% i# his hol!V 4e a%e #ot (et foes& a#! ,e %ePoi)e that (o$ a%e ali"e be(o#! o$% ho+e. 4e )a*e eF+e)ti# to fi#! #o#e li"i# he%eS (et #o, that ,e a%e *et the%e is *atte% fo% a +a%le( a#! a )o$#)il. 4ho a%e (o$& a#! of ,hat ,o$l! (o$ +a%le(V I a* Ba%!& a#! b( *( ha#! ,as the !%ao# slai# a#! (o$% t%eas$%e !eli"e%e!. Is that #ot a *atte% that )o#)e%#s (o$V 0o%eo"e% I a* b( %iht !es)e#t the hei% of Gi%io# of Dale& a#! i# (o$% hoa%! is *i#le! *$)h of the ,ealth of his halls a#! to,#s& ,hi)h of ol! /*a$ stole. Is #ot that a *atte% of ,hi)h ,e *a( s+ea'V 1$%the% i# his last battle /*a$ !est%o(e! the !,elli#s of the *e# of Esa%oth& a#! I a* (et the se%"a#t of thei% 0aste%. I ,o$l! s+ea' fo% hi* a#! as' ,hethe% (o$ ha"e #o tho$ht fo% the so%%o, a#! *ise%( of his +eo+le. The( ai!e! (o$ i# (o$% !ist%ess& a#! i# %e)o*+e#se (o$ ha"e th$s fa% b%o$ht %$i# o#l(& tho$h !o$btless $#!esi#e!. No, these ,e%e fai% ,o%!s a#! t%$e& if +%o$!l( a#! %i*l( s+o'e#S a#! Bilbo tho$ht that Tho%i# ,o$l! at o#)e a!*it ,hat P$sti)e ,as i# the*. He !i! #ot& of )o$%se& eF+e)t that a#( o#e ,o$l! %e*e*be% that it ,as he ,ho !is)o"e%e! all b( hi*self the !%ao#3s ,ea' s+otS a#! that ,as P$st as ,ell& fo% #o o#e e"e% !i!. B$t also he !i! #ot %e)'o# ,ith the +o,e% that ol! has $+o# ,hi)h a !%ao# has lo# b%oo!e!& #o% ,ith !,a%"ish hea%ts. Lo# ho$%s i# the +ast !a(s Tho%i# ha! s+e#t i# the t%eas$%(& a#! the l$st of it ,as hea"( o# hi*. Tho$h he ha! h$#te! )hiefl( fo% the A%'e#sto#e& (et he ha! a# e(e fo% *a#( a#othe% ,o#!e%f$l thi# that ,as l(i# the%e& abo$t ,hi)h ,e%e ,o$#! ol! *e*o%ies of the labo$%s a#! the so%%o,s of his %a)e. Yo$ +$t (o$% ,o%st )a$se last a#! i# the )hief +la)e& Tho%i# a#s,e%e!. To the t%eas$%e of *( +eo+le #o *a# has a )lai*& be)a$se /*a$ ,ho stole it f%o* $s also %obbe! hi* of life o% ho*e. The t%eas$%e ,as #ot his that his e"il !ee!s sho$l! be a*e#!e! ,ith a sha%e of it. The +%i)e of the oo!s a#! the assista#)e that ,e %e)ei"e! of the La'e-*e# ,e ,ill fai%l( +a(Ui# !$e ti*e. B$t #othi# ,ill ,e i"e& #ot e"e# a loaf3s ,o%th& $#!e% th%eat of fo%)e. 4hile a# a%*e! host lies befo%e o$% !oo%s& ,e loo' o# (o$ as foes a#! thie"es. It is i# *( *i#! to as' ,hat sha%e of thei% i#he%ita#)e (o$ ,o$l! ha"e +ai! to o$% 'i#!%e!& ha! (o$ fo$#! the hoa%! $#$a%!e! a#! $s slai#. A P$st $estio#& %e+lie! Ba%!. B$t (o$ a%e #ot !ea!& a#! ,e a%e #ot %obbe%s. 0o%eo"e% the ,ealth( *a( ha"e +it( be(o#! %iht o# the #ee!( that bef%ie#!e! the* ,he# the( ,e%e i# ,a#t. A#! still *( othe% )lai*s %e*ai# $#a#s,e%e!. I ,ill #ot +a%le(& as I ha"e sai!& ,ith a%*e! *e# at *( ate. No% at all ,ith the +eo+le of the El"e#'i#& ,ho* I %e*e*be% ,ith s*all 'i#!#ess. I# this !ebate the( ha"e #o +la)e. Beo#e #o, e%e o$% a%%o,s fl(W A#! if (o$ ,o$l! s+ea' ,ith *e
aai#& fi%st !is*iss the el"ish host to the ,oo!s ,he%e it belo#s& a#! the# %et$%#& la(i# !o,# (o$% a%*s befo%e (o$ a++%oa)h the th%eshol!. The El"e#'i# is *( f%ie#!& a#! he has s$))o$%e! the +eo+le of the La'e i# thei% #ee!& tho$h the( ha! #o )lai* b$t f%ie#!shi+ o# hi*& a#s,e%e! Ba%!. 4e ,ill i"e (o$ ti*e to %e+e#t (o$% ,o%!s. Gathe% (o$% ,is!o* e%e ,e %et$%#W The# he !e+a%te! a#! ,e#t ba)' to the )a*+. E%e *a#( ho$%s ,e%e +ast& the ba##e%-bea%e%s %et$%#e!& a#! t%$*+ete%s stoo! fo%th a#! ble, a blast2 I# the #a*e of Esa%oth a#! the 1o%est& o#e )%ie!& ,e s+ea' $#to Tho%i# Th%ai#3s so# Oa'e#shiel!& )alli# hi*self the Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#& a#! ,e bi! hi* )o#si!e% ,ell the )lai*s that ha"e bee# $%e!& o% be !e)la%e! o$% foe. At the least he shall !eli"e% o#e t,elfth +o%tio# of the t%eas$%e $#to Ba%!& as the !%ao#-sla(e%& a#! as the hei% of Gi%io#. 1%o* that +o%tio# Ba%! ,ill hi*self )o#t%ib$te to the ai! of Esa%othS b$t if Tho%i# ,o$l! ha"e the f%ie#!shi+ a#! ho#o$% of the la#!s abo$t& as his si%es ha! of ol!& the# he ,ill i"e also so*e,hat of his o,# fo% the )o*fo%t of the *e# of the La'e. The# Tho%i# seie! a bo, of ho%# a#! shot a# a%%o, at the s+ea'e%. It s*ote i#to his shiel! a#! st$)' the%e $i"e%i#. /i#)e s$)h is (o$% a#s,e%& he )alle! i# %et$%#& I !e)la%e the 0o$#tai# besiee!. Yo$ shall #ot !e+a%t f%o* it& $#til (o$ )all o# (o$% si!e fo% a t%$)e a#! a +a%le(. 4e ,ill bea% #o ,ea+o#s aai#st (o$& b$t ,e lea"e (o$ to (o$% ol!. Yo$ *a( eat that& if (o$ ,illW 4ith that the *esse#e%s !e+a%te! s,iftl(& a#! the !,a%"es ,e%e left to )o#si!e% thei% )ase. /o %i* ha! Tho%i# be)o*e& that e"e# if the( ha! ,ishe!& the othe%s ,o$l! #ot ha"e !a%e! to fi#! fa$lt ,ith hi*S b$t i#!ee! *ost of the* see*e! to sha%e his *i#!UeF)e+t +e%ha+s ol! fat Bo*b$% a#! 1ili a#! Kili. Bilbo& of )o$%se& !isa++%o"e! of the ,hole t$%# of affai%s. He ha! b( #o, ha! *o%e tha# e#o$h of the 0o$#tai#& a#! bei# besiee! i#si!e it ,as #ot at all to his taste. The ,hole +la)e still sti#'s of !%ao#& he %$*ble! to hi*self& a#! it *a'es *e si)'. A#! )%a* is bei##i# si*+l( to sti)' i# *( th%oat.
Cha+te% 97I
A THIE1 IN THE NIGHT
No, the !a(s +asse! slo,l( a#! ,ea%il(. 0a#( of the !,a%"es s+e#t thei% ti*e +ili# a#! o%!e%i# the t%eas$%eS a#! #o, Tho%i# s+o'e of the A%'e#sto#e of Th%ai#& a#! ba!e the* eae%l( to loo' fo% it i# e"e%( )o%#e%.
1o% the A%'e#sto#e of *( fathe%& he sai!& is ,o%th *o%e tha# a %i"e% of ol! i# itself& a#! to *e it is be(o#! +%i)e. That sto#e of all the t%eas$%e I #a*e $#to *(self& a#! I ,ill be a"e#e! o# a#(o#e ,ho fi#!s it a#! ,ithhol!s it. Bilbo hea%! these ,o%!s a#! he %e, af%ai!& ,o#!e%i# ,hat ,o$l! ha++e#& if the sto#e ,as fo$#!U,%a++e! i# a# ol! b$#!le of tatte%e! o!!*e#ts that he $se! as a +illo,. All the sa*e he !i! #ot s+ea' of it& fo% as the ,ea%i#ess of the !a(s %e, hea"ie%& the bei##i#s of a +la# ha! )o*e i#to his little hea!. Thi#s ha! o#e o# li'e this fo% so*e ti*e& ,he# the %a"e#s b%o$ht #e,s that Dai# a#! *o%e tha# fi"e h$#!%e! !,a%"es& h$%%(i# f%o* the I%o# Hills& ,e%e #o, ,ithi# abo$t t,o !a(s3 *a%)h of Dale& )o*i# f%o* the No%th-East. B$t the( )a##ot %ea)h the 0o$#tai# $#*a%'e!& sai! RoZ)& a#! I fea% lest the%e be battle i# the "alle(. I !o #ot )all this )o$#sel oo!. Tho$h the( a%e a %i* fol'& the( a%e #ot li'el( to o"e%)o*e the host that besets (o$S a#! e"e# if the( !i! so& ,hat ,ill (o$ ai#V 4i#te% a#! s#o, is haste#i# behi#! the*. Ho, shall (o$ be fe! ,itho$t the f%ie#!shi+ a#! oo!,ill of the la#!s abo$t (o$V The t%eas$%e is li'el( to be (o$% !eath& tho$h the !%ao# is #o *o%eW B$t Tho%i# ,as #ot *o"e!. 4i#te% a#! s#o, ,ill bite both *e# a#! el"es& he sai!& a#! the( *a( fi#! thei% !,elli# i# the ,aste %ie"o$s to bea%. 4ith *( f%ie#!s behi#! the* a#! ,i#te% $+o# the*& the( ,ill +e%ha+s be i# softe% *oo! to +a%le( ,ith. That #iht Bilbo *a!e $+ his *i#!. The s'( ,as bla)' a#! *oo#less. As soo# as it ,as f$ll !a%'& he ,e#t to a )o%#e% of a# i##e% )ha*be% P$st ,ithi# the ate a#! !%e, f%o* his b$#!le a %o+e& a#! also the A%'e#sto#e ,%a++e! i# a %a. The# he )li*be! to the to+ of the ,all. O#l( Bo*b$% ,as the%e& fo% it ,as his t$%# to ,at)h& a#! the !,a%"es 'e+t o#l( o#e ,at)h*a# at a ti*e. It is *iht( )ol!W sai! Bo*b$%. I ,ish ,e )o$l! ha"e a fi%e $+ he%e as the( ha"e i# the )a*+W It is ,a%* e#o$h i#si!e& sai! Bilbo. I !a%esa(S b$t I a* bo$#! he%e till *i!#iht& %$*ble! the fat !,a%f. A so%%( b$si#ess altoethe%. Not that I "e#t$%e to !isa%ee ,ith Tho%i#& *a( his bea%! %o, e"e% lo#e%S (et he ,as e"e% a !,a%f ,ith a stiff #e)'. Not as stiff as *( les& sai! Bilbo. I a* ti%e! of stai%s a#! sto#e +assaes. I ,o$l! i"e a oo! !eal fo% the feel of %ass at *( toes. I ,o$l! i"e a oo! !eal fo% the feel of a st%o# !%i#' i# *( th%oat& a#! fo% a soft be! afte% a oo! s$++e%W I )a#3t i"e (o$ those& ,hile the siee is oi# o#. B$t it is lo# si#)e I ,at)he!& a#! I ,ill ta'e (o$% t$%# fo% (o$& if (o$ li'e. The%e is #o slee+ i# *e to#iht. Yo$ a%e a oo! fello,& 0%. Bai#s& a#! I ,ill ta'e (o$% offe% 'i#!l(. If the%e sho$l!
be a#(thi# to #ote& %o$se *e fi%st& *i#! (o$W I ,ill lie i# the i##e% )ha*be% to the left& #ot fa% a,a(. Off (o$ oW sai! Bilbo. I ,ill ,a'e (o$ at *i!#iht& a#! (o$ )a# ,a'e the #eFt ,at)h*a#. As soo# as Bo*b$% ha! o#e& Bilbo +$t o# his %i#& faste#e! his %o+e& sli++e! !o,# o"e% the ,all& a#! ,as o#e. He ha! abo$t fi"e ho$%s befo%e hi*. Bo*b$% ,o$l! slee+ @he )o$l! slee+ at a#( ti*e& a#! e"e% si#)e the a!"e#t$%e i# the fo%est he ,as al,a(s t%(i# to %e)a+t$%e the bea$tif$l !%ea*s he ha! the#S a#! all the othe%s ,e%e b$s( ,ith Tho%i#. It ,as $#li'el( that a#(& e"e# 1ili o% Kili& ,o$l! )o*e o$t o# the ,all $#til it ,as thei% t$%#. It ,as "e%( !a%'& a#! the %oa! afte% a ,hile& ,he# he left the #e,l( *a!e +ath a#! )li*be! !o,# to,a%!s the lo,e% )o$%se of the st%ea*& ,as st%a#e to hi*. At last he )a*e to the be#! ,he%e he ha! to )%oss the ,ate%& if he ,as to *a'e fo% the )a*+& as he ,ishe!. The be! of the st%ea* ,as the%e shallo, b$t al%ea!( b%oa!& a#! fo%!i# it i# the !a%' ,as #ot eas( fo% the little hobbit. He ,as #ea%l( a)%oss ,he# he *isse! his footi# o# a %o$#! sto#e a#! fell i#to the )ol! ,ate% ,ith a s+lash. He ha! ba%el( s)%a*ble! o$t o# the fa% ba#'& shi"e%i# a#! s+l$tte%i#& ,he# $+ )a*e el"es i# the loo* ,ith b%iht la#te%#s a#! sea%)he! fo% the )a$se of the #oise. That ,as #o fishW o#e sai!. The%e is a s+( abo$t. Hi!e (o$% lihtsW The( ,ill hel+ hi* *o%e tha# $s& if it is that $ee% little )%eat$%e t hat is sai! to be thei% se%"a#t. /e%"a#t& i#!ee!W s#o%te! BilboS a#! i# the *i!!le of his s#o%t he s#eee! lo$!l(& a#! the el"es i**e!iatel( athe%e! to,a%!s the so$#!. Let3s ha"e a lihtW he sai!. I a* he%e& if (o$ ,a#t *eW a#! he sli++e! off his %i#& a#! +o++e! f%o* behi#! a %o)'. The( seie! hi* $i)'l(& i# s+ite of thei% s$%+%ise. 4ho a%e (o$V A%e (o$ the !,a%"es3 hobbitV 4hat a%e (o$ !oi#V Ho, !i! (o$ et so fa% +ast o$% se#ti#elsV the( as'e! o#e afte% a#othe%. I a* 0%. Bilbo Bai#s& he a#s,e%e!& )o*+a#io# of Tho%i#& if (o$ ,a#t to '#o,. I '#o, (o$% 'i# ,ell b( siht& tho$h +e%ha+s he !oes#3t '#o, *e to loo' at. B$t Ba%! ,ill %e*e*be% *e& a#! it is Ba%! I +a%ti)$la%l( ,a#t to see. I#!ee!W sai! the(& a#! ,hat *a( be (o$% b$si#essV 4hate"e% it is& it3s *( o,#& *( oo! el"es. B$t if (o$ ,ish e"e% to et ba)' to (o$% o,# ,oo!s f%o* this )ol! )hee%less +la)e& he a#s,e%e! shi"e%i#& (o$ ,ill ta'e *e alo# $i)' to a fi%e& ,he%e I )a# !%(Ua#! the# (o$ ,ill let *e s+ea' to (o$% )hiefs as $i)' as *a( be. I ha"e o#l( a# ho$% o% t,o to s+a%e. That is ho, it )a*e abo$t that so*e t,o ho$%s afte% his es)a+e f%o* the Gate& Bilbo ,as sitti# besi!e a ,a%* fi%e i# f%o#t of a la%e te#t& a#! the%e sat too& ai# )$%io$sl( at hi*& both the El"e#'i# a#! Ba%!. A hobbit i# el"ish a%*o$%& +a%tl( ,%a++e! i# a# ol! bla#'et& ,as so*ethi# #e, to the*.
Reall( (o$ '#o,& Bilbo ,as sa(i# i# his best b$si#ess *a##e%& thi#s a%e i*+ossible. 5e%so#all( I a* ti%e! of the ,hole affai%. I ,ish I ,as ba)' i# the 4est i# *( o,# ho*e& ,he%e fol' a%e *o%e %easo#able. B$t I ha"e a# i#te%est i# this *atte%Uo#e fo$%tee#th sha%e& to be +%e)ise& a))o%!i# to a lette%& ,hi)h
fo%t$#atel( I belie"e I ha"e 'e+t. He !%e, f%o* a +o)'et i# his ol! Pa)'et @,hi)h he still ,o%e o"e% his *ail& )%$*+le! a#! *$)h fol!e!& Tho%i#3s lette% that ha! bee# +$t $#!e% the )lo)' o# his *a#tel+ie)e i# 0a(W A sha%e i# the +%ofits& *i#! (o$& he ,e#t o#. I a* a,a%e of that. 5e%so#all( I a* o#l( too %ea!( to )o#si!e% all (o$% )lai*s )a%ef$ll(& a#! !e!$)t ,hat is %iht f%o* the total befo%e +$tti# i# *( o,# )lai*. Ho,e"e% (o$ !o#3t '#o, Tho%i# Oa'e#shiel! as ,ell as I !o #o,. I ass$%e (o$& he is $ite %ea!( to sit o# a hea+ of ol! a#! sta%"e& as lo# as (o$ sit he%e. 4ell& let hi*W sai! Ba%!. /$)h a fool !ese%"es to sta%"e. :$ite so& sai! Bilbo. I see (o$% +oi#t of "ie,. At the sa*e ti*e ,i#te% is )o*i# o# fast. Befo%e lo# (o$ ,ill be ha"i# s#o, a#! ,hat #ot& a#! s$++lies ,ill be !iffi)$ltUe"e# fo% el"es I i*ai#e. Also the%e ,ill be othe% !iffi)$lties. Yo$ ha"e #ot hea%! of Dai# a#! the !,a%"es of the I%o# HillsV 4e ha"e& a lo# ti*e aoS b$t ,hat has he ot to !o ,ith $sV as'e! the 'i#. I tho$ht as *$)h. I see I ha"e so*e i#fo%*atio# (o$ ha"e #ot ot. Dai#& I *a( tell (o$& is #o, less tha# t,o !a(s3 *a%)h off& a#! has at least fi"e h$#!%e! %i* !,a%"es ,ith hi*Ua oo! *a#( of the* ha"e ha! eF+e%ie#)e i# the !%ea!f$l !,a%f a#! obli# ,a%s& of ,hi)h (o$ ha"e #o !o$bt hea%!. 4he# the( a%%i"e the%e *a( be se%io$s t%o$ble. 4h( !o (o$ tell $s thisV A%e (o$ bet%a(i# (o$% f%ie#!s& o% a%e (o$ th%eate#i# $sV as'e! Ba%! %i*l(. 0( !ea% Ba%!W s$ea'e! Bilbo. Do#3t be so hast(W I #e"e% *et s$)h s$s+i)io$s fol'W I a* *e%el( t%(i# to a"oi! t%o$ble fo% all )o#)e%#e!. No, I ,ill *a'e (o$ a# offe%W W Let $s hea% itW the( sai!. Yo$ *a( see itW sai! he. It is thisW a#! he !%e, fo%th the A%'e#sto#e& a#! th%e, a,a( the ,%a++i#. The El"e#'i# hi*self& ,hose e(es ,e%e $se! to thi#s of ,o#!e% a#! bea$t(& stoo! $+ i# a*ae*e#t. E"e# Ba%! ae! *a%"elli# at it i# sile#)e. It ,as as if a lobe ha! bee# fille! ,ith *oo#liht a#! h$# befo%e the* i# a #et ,o"e# of the li#t of f%ost( sta%s. This is the A%'e#sto#e of Th%ai#& sai! Bilbo& the Hea%t of the 0o$#tai#S a#! it is also the hea%t of Tho%i#. He "al$es it abo"e a %i"e% of ol!. I i"e it to (o$. It ,ill ai! (o$ i# (o$% ba%ai#i#. The# Bilbo& #ot ,itho$t a sh$!!e%& #ot ,itho$t a la#)e of lo#i#& ha#!e! the *a%"ello$s sto#e to Ba%!& a#! he hel! it i# his ha#!& as tho$h !ae!. B$t ho, is it (o$%s to i"eV he as'e! at last ,ith a# effo%t. O ,ellW sai! the hobbit $#)o*fo%tabl(. It is#3t eFa)tl(S b$t& ,ell& I a* ,illi# to let it sta#! aai#st all *( )lai*& !o#3t (o$ '#o,. I *a( be a b$%la%Uo% so the( sa(2 +e%so#all( I #e"e% %eall( felt li'e o#eUb$t I a* a# ho#est o#e& I ho+e& *o%e o% less. A#(,a( I a* oi# ba)' #o,& a#! the !,a%"es )a# !o ,hat the( li'e to *e. I ho+e (o$ ,ill fi#! it $sef$l. The El"e#'i# loo'e! at Bilbo ,ith a #e, ,o#!e%. Bilbo Bai#sW he sai!. Yo$ a%e *o%e ,o%th( to ,ea% the a%*o$% of elf-+%i#)es tha# *a#( that ha"e loo'e! *o%e
)o*el( i# it. B$t I ,o#!e% if Tho%i# Oa'e#shiel! ,ill see it so. I ha"e *o%e '#o,le!e of !,a%"es i# e#e%al tha# (o$ ha"e +e%ha+s. I a!"ise (o$ to %e*ai# ,ith $s& a#! he%e (o$ shall be ho#o$%e! a#! th%i)e ,el)o*e. Tha#' (o$ "e%( *$)h I a* s$%e& sai! Bilbo ,ith a bo,. B$t I !o#3t thi#' I o$ht to lea"e *( f%ie#!s li'e this& afte% all ,e ha"e o#e th%o$h toethe%. A#! I +%o*ise! to ,a'e ol! Bo*b$% at *i!#iht& tooW Reall( I *$st be oi#& a#! $i)'l(. Nothi# the( )o$l! sa( ,o$l! sto+ hi*S so a# es)o%t ,as +%o"i!e! fo% hi*& a#! as he ,e#t both the 'i# a#! Ba%! sal$te! hi* ,ith ho#o$%. As the( +asse! th%o$h the )a*+ a# ol! *a#& ,%a++e! i# a !a%' )loa'& %ose f%o* a t e#t !oo% ,he%e he ,as sitti# a#! )a*e to,a%!s the*. 4ell !o#eW 0%. Bai#sW he sai!& )la++i# Bilbo o# the ba)'. The%e is al,a(s *o%e abo$t (o$ tha# a#(o#e eF+e)tsW It ,as Ga#!alf. 1o% the fi%st ti*e fo% *a#( a !a( Bilbo ,as %eall( !elihte!. B$t the%e ,as #o ti*e fo% all the $estio#s that he i**e!iatel( ,ishe! to as'. All i# oo! ti*eW sai! Ga#!alf. Thi#s a%e !%a,i# to,a%!s the e#! #o,& $#less I a* *ista'e#. The%e is a# $#+leasa#t ti*e P$st i# f%o#t of (o$S b$t 'ee+ (o$% hea%t $+W Yo$ *a( )o*e th%o$h all %iht. The%e is #e,s b%e,i# that e"e# the %a"e#s ha"e #ot hea%!. Goo! #ihtW 5$le! b$t )hee%e!& Bilbo h$%%ie! o#. He ,as $i!e! to a safe fo%! a#! set a)%oss !%(& a#! the# he sai! fa%e,ell to the el"es a#! )li*be! )a%ef$ll( ba)' to,a%!s the Gate. G%eat ,ea%i#ess bea# to )o*e o"e% hi*S b$t it ,as ,ell befo%e *i!#iht ,he# he )la*be%e! $+ the %o+e aai#Uit ,as still ,he%e he ha! left it. He $#tie! it a#! hi! it& a#! the# he sat !o,# o# the ,all a#! ,o#!e%e! a#Fio$sl( ,hat ,o$l! ha++e# #eFt. At *i!#iht he ,o'e $+ Bo*b$%S a#! the# i# t$%# %olle! hi*self $+ i# his )o%#e%& ,itho$t liste#i# to the ol! !,a%f3s tha#'s @,hi)h he felt he ha! ha%!l( ea%#e!. He ,as soo# fast aslee+ fo%etti# all his ,o%%ies till the *o%#i#. As a *atte% of fa)t he ,as !%ea*i# of es a#! ba)o#.
Cha+te% 97II
THE CLO8D/ B8R/T
NeFt !a( the t%$*+ets %a# ea%l( i# the )a*+. /oo# a si#le %$##e% ,as see# h$%%(i# alo# the #a%%o, +ath. At a !ista#)e he stoo! a#! haile! the*& as'i# ,hethe% Tho%i# ,o$l! #o, liste# to a#othe% e*bass(& si#)e #e, ti!i#s ha! )o*e to ha#!& a#! *atte%s ,e%e )ha#e!.
That ,ill be Dai#W sai! Tho%i# ,he# he hea%!. The( ,ill ha"e ot ,i#! of his )o*i#. I tho$ht that ,o$l! alte% thei% *oo!W Bi! the* )o*e fe, i# #$*be% a#! ,ea+o#less& a#! I ,ill hea%& he )alle! to the *esse#e%. Abo$t *i!!a( the ba##e%s of the 1o%est a#! the La'e ,e%e see# to be bo%#e fo%th aai#. A )o*+a#( of t,e#t( ,as a++%oa)hi#. At the bei##i# of the #a%%o, ,a( the( lai! asi!e s,o%! a#! s+ea%& a#! )a*e o# to,a%!s the Gate. 4o#!e%i#& the !,a%"es sa, that a*o# the* ,e%e both Ba%! a#! the El"e#'i#& befo%e ,ho* a# ol! *a# ,%a++e! i# )loa' a#! hoo! bo%e a st%o# )as'et of i%o#-bo$#! ,oo!. Hail Tho%i#W sai! Ba%!. A%e (o$ still of the sa*e *i#!V 0( *i#! !oes #ot )ha#e ,ith the %isi# a#! setti# of a fe, s$#s& a#s,e%e! Tho%i#. Di! (o$ )o*e to as' *e i!le $estio#sV /till the elf-host has #ot !e+a%te! as I ba!eW Till the# (o$ )o*e i# "ai# to ba%ai# ,ith *e. Is the%e the# #othi# fo% ,hi)h (o$ ,o$l! (iel! a#( of (o$% ol!V Nothi# that (o$ o% (o$% f%ie#!s ha"e to offe%. 4hat of the A%'e#sto#e of Th%ai#V sai! he& a#! at t he sa*e *o*e#t the ol! *a# o+e#e! the )as'et a#! hel! aloft the Pe,el. The liht lea+t f%o* his ha#!& b%iht a#! ,hite i# the *o%#i#. The# Tho%i# ,as st%i)'e# !$*b ,ith a*ae*e#t a#! )o#f$sio#. No o#e s+o'e fo% a lo# ,hile. Tho%i# at le#th b%o'e the sile#)e& a#! his "oi)e ,as thi)' ,ith ,%ath. That sto#e ,as *( fathe%3s& a#! is *i#e& he sai!. 4h( sho$l! I +$%)hase *( o,#V B$t ,o#!e% o"e%)a*e hi* a#! he a!!e!2 B$t ho, )a*e (o$ b( the hei%loo* of *( ho$seUif the%e is #ee! to as' s$)h a $estio# of thie"esV 4e a%e #ot thie"es& Ba%! a#s,e%e!. Yo$% o,# ,e ,ill i"e ba)' i# %et$%# fo% o$% o,#. Ho, )a*e (o$ b( itV sho$te! Tho%i# i# athe%i# %ae. I a"e it to the*W s$ea'e! Bilbo& ,ho ,as +ee%i# o"e% the ,all& b( #o, i# a !%ea!f$l f%iht. Yo$W Yo$W )%ie! Tho%i#& t$%#i# $+o# hi* a#! %as+i# hi* ,ith both ha#!s. Yo$ *ise%able hobbitW Yo$ $#!e%sie!Ub$%la%W he sho$te! at a loss fo% ,o%!s& a#! he shoo' +oo% Bilbo li'e a %abbit. B( the bea%! of D$%i#W I ,ish I ha! Ga#!alf he%eW C$%se hi* fo% his )hoi)e of (o$W 0a( his bea%! ,ithe%W As fo% (o$ I ,ill th%o, (o$ to the %o)'sW he )%ie! a#! lifte! Bilbo i# his a%*s. /ta(W Yo$% ,ish is %a#te!W sai! a "oi)e. The ol! *a# ,ith the )as'et th%e, asi!e his hoo! a#! )loa'. He%e is Ga#!alfW A#! #o#e too soo# it see*s. If (o$ !o#3t li'e *( B$%la%& +lease !o#3t !a*ae hi*. 5$t hi* !o,#& a#! liste# fi%st to ,hat he has to sa(W Yo$ all see* i# lea$eW sai! Tho%i# !%o++i# Bilbo o# the to+ of the ,all. Ne"e%
aai# ,ill I ha"e !eali#s ,ith a#( ,ia%! o% his f%ie#!s. 4hat ha"e (o$ to sa(& (o$ !es)e#!a#t of %atsV Dea% *eW Dea% *eW sai! Bilbo. I a* s$%e this is all "e%( $#)o*fo%table. Yo$ *a( %e*e*be% sa(i# that I *iht )hoose *( o,# fo$%tee#th sha%eV 5e%ha+s I too' it too lite%all(UI ha"e bee# tol! that !,a%"es a%e so*eti*es +olite% i# ,o%! tha# i# !ee!. The ti*e ,as& all the sa*e& ,he# (o$ see*e! to thi#' that I ha! bee# of so*e se%"i)e. Des)e#!a#t of %ats& i#!ee!W Is this all the se%"i)e of (o$ a#! (o$% fa*il( that I ,as +%o*ise!& Tho%i#V Ta'e it that I ha"e !is+ose! of *( sha%e as I ,ishe!& a#! let it o at thatW I ,ill& sai! Tho%i# %i*l(. A#! I ,ill let (o$ o at thatUa#! *a( ,e #e"e% *eet aai#W The# he t$%#e! a#! s+o'e o"e% the ,all. I a* bet%a(e!& he sai!. It ,as %ihtl( $esse! that I )o$l! #ot fo%bea% to %e!ee* the A%'e#sto#e& the t%eas$%e of *( ho$se. 1o% it I ,ill i"e o#e fo$%tee#th sha%e of the hoa%! i# sil"e% a#! ol!& setti# asi!e the e*sS b$t that shall be a))o$#te! the +%o*ise! sha%e of this t%aito%& a#! ,ith that %e,a%! he shall !e+a%t& a#! (o$ )a# !i"i!e it as (o$ ,ill. He ,ill et little e#o$h& I !o$bt #ot. Ta'e hi*& if (o$ ,ish hi* to li"eS a#! #o f%ie#!shi+ of *i#e oes ,ith hi*. Get !o,# #o, to (o$% f%ie#!sW he sai! to Bilbo& o% I ,ill th%o, (o$ !o,#. 4hat abo$t the ol! a#! sil"e%V as'e! Bilbo. That shall follo, afte%& as )a# be a%%a#e!& sai! he. Get !o,#W 8#til the# ,e 'ee+ the sto#e& )%ie! Ba%!. Yo$ a%e #ot *a'i# a "e%( s+le#!i! fi$%e as Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#& sai! Ga#!alf. B$t thi#s *a( )ha#e (et. The( *a( i#!ee!& sai! Tho%i#. A#! al%ea!(& so st%o# ,as the be,il!e%*e#t of the t%eas$%e $+o# hi*& he ,as +o#!e%i# ,hethe% b( the hel+ of Dai# he *iht #ot %e)a+t$%e the A%'e#sto#e a#! ,ithhol! the sha%e of the %e,a%!. A#! so Bilbo ,as s,$# !o,# f%o* the ,all& a#! !e+a%te! ,ith #othi# fo% all his t%o$ble& eF)e+t the a%*o$% ,hi)h Tho%i# ha! i"e# hi* al%ea!(. 0o%e tha# o#e of the !,a%"es i# thei% hea%ts felt sha*e a#! +it( at his oi#. 1a%e,ellW he )%ie! to the*. 4e *a( *eet aai# as f%ie#!s. Be offW )alle! Tho%i#. Yo$ ha"e *ail $+o# (o$& ,hi)h ,as *a!e b( *( fol'& a#! is too oo! fo% (o$. It )a##ot be +ie%)e! b( a%%o,sS b$t if (o$ !o #ot haste#& I ,ill sti# (o$% *ise%able feet. /o be s,iftW Not so hast(W sai! Ba%!. 4e ,ill i"e (o$ $#til to*o%%o,. At #oo# ,e ,ill %et$%#& a#! see if (o$ ha"e b%o$ht f%o* the hoa%! the +o%tio# that is to be set aai#st the sto#e. If that is !o#e ,itho$t !e)eit& the# ,e ,ill !e+a%t& a#! the elf-host ,ill o ba)' to the 1o%est. I# the *ea#,hile fa%e,ellW 4ith that the( ,e#t ba)' to the )a*+S b$t Tho%i# se#t *esse#e%s b( RoZ) telli# Dai# of ,hat ha! +asse!& a#! bi!!i# hi* )o*e ,ith ,a%( s+ee!. That !a( +asse! a#! the #iht. The #eFt !a( the ,i#! shifte! ,est& a#! the ai% ,as !a%' a#! loo*(. The *o%#i# ,as still ea%l( ,he# a )%( ,as hea%! i# the )a*+. R$##e%s )a*e i# to %e+o%t that a host of !,a%"es ha! a++ea%e! %o$#! the easte%# s+$% of the 0o$#tai# a#! ,as #o, haste#i# to Dale. Dai# ha! )o*e. He ha! h$%%ie! o# th%o$h the #iht& a#! so ha! )o*e $+o# the* soo#e% tha# the( ha! eF+e)te!. Ea)h o#e of his fol' ,as )la! i# a ha$be%' of steel
*ail that h$# to his '#ees& a#! his les ,e%e )o"e%e! ,ith hose of a fi#e a#! fleFible *etal *esh& the se)%et of ,hose *a'i# ,as +ossesse! b( Dai#3s +eo+le. The !,a%"es a%e eF)ee!i#l( st%o# fo% thei% heiht& b$t *ost of these ,e%e st%o# e"e# fo% !,a%"es. I# battle the( ,iel!e! hea"( t,o-ha#!e! *atto)'sS b$t ea)h of the* ha! also a sho%t b%oa! s,o%! at his si!e a#! a %o$#!shiel! sl$# at his ba)'. Thei% bea%!s ,e%e fo%'e! a#! +laite! a#! th%$st i#to thei% belts. Thei% )a+s ,e%e of i%o# a#! the( ,e%e sho! ,ith i%o#& a#! thei% fa)es ,e%e %i*.
T%$*+ets )alle! *e# a#! el"es to a%*s. Befo%e lo# the !,a%"es ) o$l! be see# )o*i# $+ the "alle( at a %eat +a)e. The( halte! bet,ee# the %i"e% a#! the easte%# s+$%S b$t a fe, hel! o# thei% ,a(& a#! )%ossi# the %i"e% !%e, #ea% the )a*+S a#! the%e the( lai! !o,# thei% ,ea+o#s a#! hel! $+ thei% ha#!s i# si# of +ea)e. Ba%! ,e#t o$t to *eet the*& a#! ,ith hi* ,e#t Bilbo. 4e a%e se#t f%o* Dai# so# of Nai#& the( sai! ,he# $estio#e!. 4e a%e haste#i# to o$% 'i#s*e# i# the 0o$#tai#& si#)e ,e lea%# that the 'i#!o* of ol! is %e#e,e!. B$t ,ho a%e (o$ that sit i# the +lai# as foes befo%e !efe#!e! ,allsV This& of )o$%se& i# the +olite a#! %athe% ol!-fashio#e! la#$ae of s$)h o))asio#s& *ea#t si*+l(2 Yo$ ha"e #o b$si#ess he%e. 4e a%e oi# o#& so *a'e ,a( o% ,e shall fiht (o$W The( *ea#t to +$sh o# bet,ee# the 0o$#tai# a#! the loo+ of the %i"e%S fo% the #a%%o, la#! the%e !i! #ot see* to be st%o#l( $a%!e!. Ba%!& of )o$%se& %ef$se! to allo, the !,a%"es to o st%aiht o# to the 0o$#tai#. He ,as !ete%*i#e! to ,ait $#til the ol! a#! sil"e% ha! bee# b%o$ht o$t i# eF)ha#e fo% the A%'e#sto#eS fo% he !i! #ot belie"e that this ,o$l! be !o#e& if o#)e the fo%t%ess ,as *a##e! ,ith so la%e a#! ,a%li'e a )o*+a#(. The( ha! b%o$ht ,ith the* a %eat sto%e of s$++liesS fo% the !,a%"es )a# )a%%( "e%( hea"( b$%!e#s& a#! #ea%l( all of Dai#3s fol'& i# s+ite of thei% %a+i! *a%)h& bo%e h$e +a)'s o# thei% ba)'s i# a!!itio# to thei% ,ea+o#s. The( ,o$l! sta#! a siee fo% ,ee's& a#! b( that ti*e (et *o%e !,a%"es *iht )o*e& a#! (et *o%e& fo% Tho%i# ha! *a#( %elati"es. Also the( ,o$l! be able to %eo+e# a#! $a%! so*e othe% ate& so that the besiee%s ,o$l! ha"e to e#)i%)le the ,hole *o$#tai#S a#! fo% that the( ha! #ot s$ffi)ie#t #$*be%s. These ,e%e& i# fa)t& +%e)isel( thei% +la#s @fo% the %a"e#-*esse#e%s ha! bee# b$s( bet,ee# Tho%i# a#! Dai#S b$t fo% the *o*e#t the ,a( ,as ba%%e!& so afte% a#%( ,o%!s the !,a%f-*esse#e%s %eti%e! *$tte%i# i# thei% bea%!s. Ba%! the# se#t *esse#e%s at o#)e to the GateS b$t the( fo$#! #o ol! o% +a(*e#t. A%%o,s )a*e fo%th as soo# as the( ,e%e ,ithi# shot& a#! the( haste#e! ba)' i# !is*a(. I# the )a*+ all ,as #o, asti%& as if fo% battleS fo% the !,a%"es of Dai# ,e%e a!"a#)i# alo# the easte%# ba#'. 1oolsW la$he! Ba%!& to )o*e th$s be#eath the 0o$#tai#3s a%*W The( !o #ot $#!e%sta#! ,a% abo"e %o$#!& ,hate"e% the( *a( '#o, of battle i# the *i#es. The%e a%e *a#( of o$% a%)he%s a#! s+ea%*e# #o, hi!!e# i# the %o)'s $+o# thei% %iht fla#'. D,a%f-*ail *a( be oo!& b$t the( ,ill soo# be ha%! +$t to it. Let $s set o# the* #o, f%o* both si!es& befo%e the( a%e f$ll( %este!W B$t the El"e#'i# sai!2 Lo# ,ill I ta%%(& e%e I bei# this ,a% fo% ol!. The !,a%"es )a##ot +ass $s& $#less ,e ,ill& o% !o a#(thi# that ,e )a##ot *a%'. Let $s ho+e still
fo% so*ethi# that ,ill b%i# %e)o#)iliatio#. O$% a!"a#tae i# #$*be%s ,ill be e#o$h& if i# the e#! it *$st )o*e to $#ha++( blo,s. B$t he %e)'o#e! ,itho$t the !,a%"es. The '#o,le!e that the A%'e#sto#e ,as i# the ha#!s of the besiee%s b$%#e! i# thei% tho$htsS also the( $esse! the hesitatio# of Ba%! a#! his f%ie#!s& a#! %esol"e! to st%i'e ,hile the( !ebate!. /$!!e#l( ,itho$t a si#al the( s+%a# sile#tl( fo%,a%! to atta)'. Bo,s t,a#e! a#! a%%o,s ,histle!S battle ,as abo$t to be Poi#e!. /till *o%e s$!!e#l( a !a%'#ess )a*e o# ,ith !%ea!f$l s,ift#essW A bla)' )lo$! h$%%ie! o"e% the s'(. 4i#te% th$#!e% o# a ,il! ,i#! %olle! %oa%i# $+ a#! %$*ble! i# the 0o$#tai#& a#! liht#i# lit its +ea'. A#! be#eath the th$#!e% a#othe% bla)'#ess )o$l! be see# ,hi%li# fo%,a%!S b$t it !i! #ot )o*e ,ith the ,i#!& it )a*e f%o* the No%th& li'e a "ast )lo$! of bi%!s& so !e#se that #o liht )o$l! be see# bet,ee# thei% ,i#s. HaltW )%ie! Ga#!alf& ,ho a++ea%e! s$!!e#l(& a#! stoo! alo#e& ,ith a%*s $+lifte!& bet,ee# the a!"a#)i# !,a%"es a#! the %a#'s a,aiti# the*. HaltW he )alle! i# a "oi)e li'e th$#!e%& a#! his staff blae! fo%th ,ith a flash li'e the liht#i#. D%ea! has )o*e $+o# (o$ allW AlasW it has )o*e *o%e s,iftl( tha# I $esse!. The Gobli#s a%e $+o# (o$W Bol Q
of the No%th is )o*i#& O Dai#W ,hose fathe% (o$ sle, i# 0o%ia. Behol!W the bats a%e abo"e his a%*( li'e a sea of lo)$sts. The( %i!e $+o# ,ol"es a#! 4a%s a%e i# thei% t%ai#W A*ae*e#t a#! )o#f$sio# fell $+o# the* all. E"e# as Ga#!alf ha! bee# s+ea'i# the !a%'#ess %e,. The !,a%"es halte! a#! ae! at the s'(. The el"es )%ie! o$t ,ith *a#( "oi)es. Co*eW )alle! Ga#!alf. The%e is (et ti*e fo% )o$#)il. Let Dai# so# of Nai# )o*e s,iftl( to $sW /o bea# a battle that #o#e ha! eF+e)te!S a#! it ,as )alle! the Battle of 1i"e A%*ies& a#! it ,as "e%( te%%ible. 8+o# o#e si!e ,e%e the Gobli#s a#! the 4il! 4ol"es& a#! $+o# the othe% ,e%e El"es a#! 0e# a#! D,a%"es. This is ho, it fell o$t. E"e% si#)e the fall of the G%eat Gobli# of the 0ist( 0o$#tai#s the hat%e! of thei% %a)e fo% the !,a%"es ha! bee# %e'i#!le! to f$%(. 0esse#e%s ha! +asse! to a#! f%o bet,ee# all thei% )ities& )olo#ies a#! st%o#hol!sS fo% the( %esol"e! #o, to ,i# the !o*i#io# of the No%th. Ti!i#s the( ha! athe%e! i# se)%et ,a(sS a#! i# all the *o$#tai#s the%e ,as a fo%i# a#! a# a%*i#. The# the( *a%)he! a#! athe%e! b( hill a#! "alle(& oi# e"e% b( t$##el o% $#!e% !a%'& $#til a%o$#! a#! be#eath the %eat *o$#tai# G$#!aba! of the No%th& ,he%e ,as thei% )a+ital& a "ast host ,as asse*ble! %ea!( to s,ee+ !o,# i# ti*e of sto%* $#a,a%es
$+o# the /o$th. The# the( lea%#e! of the !eath of /*a$& a#! Po( ,as i# thei% hea%tsS a#! the( haste#e! #iht afte% #iht th%o$h the *o$#tai#s& a#! )a*e th$s at last o# a s$!!e# f%o* the No%th ha%! o# the heels of Dai#. Not e"e# the %a"e#s '#e, of thei% )o*i# $#til the( )a*e o$t i# the b%o'e# la#!s ,hi)h !i"i!e! the Lo#el( 0o$#tai# f%o* the hills behi#!. Ho, *$)h Ga#!alf '#e, )a##ot be sai!& b$t it is +lai# that he ha! #ot eF+e)te! this s$!!e# assa$lt. This is the +la# that he *a!e i# )o$#)il ,ith the El"e#-'i# a#! ,ith Ba%!S a#! ,ith Dai#& fo% the !,a%f-lo%! #o, Poi#e! the*2 the Gobli#s ,e%e the foes of all& a#! at
thei% )o*i# all othe% $a%%els ,e%e fo%otte#. Thei% o#l( ho+e ,as to l$%e the obli#s i#to the "alle( bet,ee# the a%*s of the 0o$#tai#S a#! the*sel"es to *a# the %eat s+$%s that st%$)' so$th a#! east. Yet this ,o$l! be +e%ilo$s& if the obli#s ,e%e i# s$ffi)ie#t #$*be%s to o"e%%$# the 0o$#tai# itself& a#! so atta)' t he* also f%o* behi#! a#! abo"eS b$t the%e ,as #o ti*e to *a'e a#( othe% +la#& o% to s$**o# a#( hel+. /oo# the th$#!e% +asse!& %olli# a,a( to the /o$th-EastS b$t the bat-)lo$! )a*e& fl(i# lo,e%& o"e% the sho$l!e% of the 0o$#tai#& a#! ,hi%le! abo"e the* sh$tti# o$t the liht a#! filli# the* ,ith !%ea!. To the 0o$#tai#W )alle! Ba%!. To the 0o$#tai#W Let $s ta'e o$% +la)es ,hile the%e is (et ti*eW O# the /o$the%# s+$%& i# its lo,e% slo+es a#! i# the %o)'s at its feet& the El"es ,e%e setS o# the Easte%# s+$% ,e%e *e# a#! !,a%"es. B$t Ba%! a#! so*e of the #i*blest of *e# a#! el"es )li*be! to the heiht of the Easte%# sho$l!e% to ai# a "ie, to the No%th. /oo# the( )o$l! see the la#!s befo%e the 0o$#tai#3s feet bla)' ,ith a h$%%(i# *$ltit$!e. E%e lo# the "a#$a%! s,i%le! %o$#! the s+$%3s e#! a#! )a*e %$shi# i#to Dale. These ,e%e the s,iftest ,olf-%i!e%s& a#! al%ea!( thei% )%ies a#! ho,ls %e#t the ai% afa%. A fe, b%a"e *e# ,e%e st%$# befo%e the* to *a'e a fei#t of %esista#)e& a#! *a#( the%e fell befo%e the %est !%e, ba)' a#! fle! to eithe% si!e. As Ga#!alf ha! ho+e!& the obli# a%*( ha! athe%e! behi#! the %esiste! "a#$a%!& a#! +o$%e! #o, i# %ae i#to the "alle(& !%i"i# ,il!l( $+ bet,ee# the a%*s of the 0o$#tai#& see'i# fo% the foe. Thei% ba##e%s ,e%e )o$#tless& bla)' a#! %e!& a#! the( )a*e o# li'e a ti!e i# f$%( a#! !iso%!e%. It ,as a te%%ible battle. The *ost !%ea!f$l of all Bilbo3s eF+e%ie#)es& a#! the o#e ,hi)h at the ti*e he hate! *ostU,hi)h is to sa( it ,as the o#e he ,as *ost +%o$! of& a#! *ost fo#! of %e)alli# lo# afte%,a%!s& altho$h he ,as $ite $#i*+o%ta#t i# it. A)t$all( I *a( sa( he +$t o# his %i# ea%l( i# the b$si#ess& a#! "a#ishe! f%o* siht& if #ot f%o* all !a#e%. A *ai) %i# of that so%t is #ot a )o*+lete +%ote)tio# i# a obli# )ha%e& #o% !oes it sto+ fl(i# a%%o,s a#! ,il! s+ea%sS b$t it !oes hel+ i# etti# o$t of the ,a(& a#! it +%e"e#ts (o$% hea! f%o* bei# s+e)iall( )hose# fo% a s,ee+i# st%o'e b( a obli# s,o%!s*a#. The el"es ,e%e the fi%st to )ha%e. Thei% hat%e! fo% the obli#s is )ol! a#! bitte%. Thei% s+ea%s a#! s,o%!s sho#e i# the loo* ,ith a lea* of )hill fla*e& so !ea!l( ,as the ,%ath of the ha#!s that hel! the*. As soo# as the host of thei% e#e*ies ,as !e#se i# the "alle(& the( se#t aai#st it a sho,e% of a%%o,s& a#! ea)h fli)'e%e! as it fle! as if ,ith sti#i# fi%e. Behi#! the a%%o,s a tho$sa#! of thei% s+ea%*e# lea+t !o,# a#! )ha%e!. The (ells ,e%e !eafe#i#. The %o)'s ,e%e stai#e! bla)' ,ith obli# bloo!. J$st as the obli#s ,e%e %e)o"e%i# f%o* the o#sla$ht a#! the elf-)ha%e ,as halte!& the%e %ose f%o* a)%oss the "alle( a !ee+-th%oate! %oa%. 4ith )%ies of 0o%iaW a#! Dai#& Dai#W the !,a%"es of the I%o# Hills +l$#e! i#& ,iel!i# thei% *atto)'s& $+o# the othe% si!eS a#! besi!e the* )a*e the *e# of the La'e ,ith lo# s,o%!s. 5a#i) )a*e $+o# the Gobli#sS a#! e"e# as the( t$%#e! to *eet this #e, atta)'& the
el"es )ha%e! aai# ,ith %e#e,e! #$*be%s. Al%ea!( *a#( of the obli#s ,e%e fl(i# ba)' !o,# the %i"e% to es)a+e f%o* the t%a+S a#! *a#( of thei% o,# ,ol"es ,e%e t$%#i# $+o# the* a#! %e#!i# the !ea! a#! the ,o$#!e!. 7i)to%( see*e! at ha#!& ,he# a )%( %a# o$t o# the heihts abo"e. Gobli#s ha! s)ale! the 0o$#tai# f%o* the othe% si!e a#! al%ea!( *a#( ,e%e o# the slo+es abo"e the Gate& a#! othe%s ,e%e st%ea*i# !o,# %e)'lessl(& hee!less of those that fell s)%ea*i# f%o* )liff a#! +%e)i+i)e& to atta)' the s+$%s f%o* abo"e. Ea)h of these )o$l! be %ea)he! b( +aths that %a# !o,# f%o* the *ai# *ass of the 0o$#tai# i# the )e#t%eS a#! the !efe#!e%s ha! too fe, to ba% the ,a( fo% lo#. 7i)to%( #o, "a#ishe! f%o* ho+e. The( ha! o#l( ste**e! the fi%st o#sla$ht of the bla)' ti!e. Da( !%e, o#. The obli#s athe%e! aai# i# the "alle(. The%e a host of 4a%s )a*e %a"e#i# a#! ,ith the* )a*e the bo!($a%! of Bol& obli#s of h$e sie ,ith s)i*ita%s of steel. /oo# a)t$al !a%'#ess ,as )o*i# i#to a sto%*( s'(S ,hile still the %eat bats s,i%le! abo$t the hea!s a#! ea%s of el"es a#! *e#& o% faste#e! "a*+i%eli'e o# the st%i)'e#. No, Ba%! ,as fihti# to !efe#! the Easte%# s+$%& a#! (et i"i# slo,l( ba)'S a#! the elf-lo%!s ,e%e at ba( abo$t thei% 'i# $+o# the so$the%# a%*& #ea% to the ,at)h-+ost o# Ra"e#hill. /$!!e#l( the%e ,as a %eat sho$t& a#! f%o* the Gate )a*e a t%$*+et )all. The( ha! fo%otte# Tho%i#W 5a%t of the ,all& *o"e! b( le"e%s& fell o$t,a%! ,ith a )%ash i#to the +ool. O$t lea+t the Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#& a#! his )o*+a#io#s follo,e! hi*. Hoo! a#! )loa' ,e%e o#eS the( ,e%e i# shi#i# a%*o$%& a#! %e! liht lea+t f%o* thei% e(es. I# the loo* the %eat !,a%f lea*e! li'e ol! i# a !(i# fi%e. Ro)'s ,e%e h$%le! !o,# f%o* o# hih b( the obli#s abo"eS b$t the( hel! o#& lea+t !o,# to the falls3 foot& a#! %$she! fo%,a%! to battle. 4olf a#! %i!e% fell o% fle! befo%e the*. Tho%i# ,iel!e! his aFe ,ith *iht( st%o'es& a#! #othi# see*e! to ha%* hi*. To *eW To *eW El"es a#! 0e#W To *eW O *( 'i#sfol'W he )%ie!& a#! his "oi)e shoo' li'e a ho%# i# the "alle(. Do,#& hee!less of o%!e%& %$she! all the !,a%"es of Dai# to his hel+. Do,# too )a*e *a#( of the La'e-*e#& fo% Ba%! )o$l! #ot %est%ai# the*S a#! o$t $+o# the othe% si!e )a*e *a#( of the s+ea%*e# of the el"es. O#)e aai# the obli#s ,e%e st%i)'e# i# the "alle(S a#! the( ,e%e +ile! i# hea+s till Dale ,as !a%' a#! hi!eo$s ,ith thei% )o%+ses. The 4a%s ,e%e s)atte%e! a#! Tho%i# !%o"e %iht aai#st the bo!($a%! of Bol. B$t he )o$l! #ot +ie%)e thei% %a#'s. Al%ea!( behi#! hi* a*o# the obli# !ea! la( *a#( *e# a#! *a#( !,a%"es& a#! *a#( a fai% elf that sho$l! ha"e li"e! (et lo# aes *e%%il( i# the ,oo!. A#! as the "alle( ,i!e#e! his o#set %e, e"e% slo,e%. His #$*be%s ,e%e too fe,. His fla#'s ,e%e $#$a%!e!. /oo# the atta)'e%s ,e%e atta)'e!& a#! the( ,e%e fo%)e! i#to a %eat %i#& fa)i# e"e%( ,a(& he**e! all abo$t ,ith obli#s a#! ,ol"es %et$%#i# to the assa$lt. The bo!($a%! of Bol )a*e ho,li# aai#st the*& a#! !%o"e i# $+o# thei% %a#'s li'e ,a"es $+o# )liffs of sa#!. Thei% f%ie#!s )o$l! #ot hel+ the*& fo% the assa$lt f%o* the 0o$#tai# ,as %e#e,e! ,ith %e!o$ble! fo%)e& a#! $+o# eithe% si!e *e# a#! el"es ,e%e bei# slo,l( beate# !o,#.
O# all this Bilbo loo'e! ,ith *ise%(. He ha! ta'e# his sta#! o# Ra"e#hill a*o# the El"esU+a%tl( be)a$se the%e ,as *o%e )ha#)e of es)a+e f%o* that +oi#t& a#! +a%tl( @,ith the *o%e Too'ish +a%t of his *i#! be)a$se if he ,as oi# to be i# a last !es+e%ate sta#!& he +%efe%%e! o# the ,hole to !efe#! the El"e#'i#. Ga#!alf& too& I *a( sa(& ,as the%e& sitti# o# the %o$#! as if i# !ee+ tho$ht& +%e+a%i#& I s$++ose& so*e last blast of *ai) befo%e the e#!. That !i! #ot see* fa% off. It ,ill #ot be lo# #o,& tho$ht Bilbo& befo%e the obli#s ,i# the Gate& a#! ,e a%e all sla$hte%e! o% !%i"e# !o,# a#! )a+t$%e!. Reall( it is e#o$h to *a'e o#e ,ee+& afte% all o#e has o#e th%o$h. I ,o$l! %athe% ol! /*a$ ha! bee# left ,ith all the ,%et)he! t%eas$%e& tha# that these "ile )%eat$%es sho$l! et it& a#! +oo% ol! Bo*b$%& a#! Bali# a#! 1ili a#! Kili a#! all the %est )o*e to a ba! e#!S a#! Ba%! too& a#! the La'e-*e# a#! the *e%%( el"es. 0ise%( *eW I ha"e hea%! so#s of *a#( battles& a#! I ha"e al,a(s $#!e%stoo! that !efeat *a( be lo%io$s. It see*s "e%( $#)o*fo%table& #ot to sa( !ist%essi#. I ,ish I ,as ,ell o$t of it. The )lo$!s ,e%e to%# b( the ,i#!& a#! a %e! s$#set slashe! the 4est. /eei# the s$!!e# lea* i# the loo* Bilbo loo'e! %o$#!. He a"e a %eat )%(2 he ha! see# a siht that *a!e his hea%t lea+& !a%' sha+es s*all (et *aPesti) aai#st the !ista#t lo,. The EalesW The EalesW he sho$te!. The Eales a%e )o*i#W Bilbo3s e(es ,e%e sel!o* ,%o#. The eales ,e%e )o*i# !o,# the ,i#!& li#e afte% li#e& i# s$)h a host as *$st ha"e athe%e! f%o* all the e(%ies of the No%th. The EalesW the EalesW Bilbo )%ie!& !a#)i# a#! ,a"i# his a%*s. If the el"es )o$l! #ot see hi* the( )o$l! hea% hi*. /oo# the( too too' $+ the )%(& a#! it e)hoe! a)%oss the "alle(. 0a#( ,o#!e%i# e(es loo'e! $+& tho$h as (et #othi# )o$l! be see# eF)e+t f%o* the so$the%# sho$l!e%s of the 0o$#tai#. The EalesW )%ie! Bilbo o#)e *o%e& b$t at that *o*e#t a sto#e h$%tli# f%o* abo"e s*ote hea"il( o# his hel*& a#! he fell ,ith a )%ash a#! '#e, #o *o%e.
Cha+te% 97III
THE RET8RN JO8RNEY
4he# Bilbo )a*e to hi*self& he ,as lite%all( b( hi*self. He ,as l(i# o# the flat sto#es of Ra"e#hill& a#! #o o#e ,as #ea%. A )lo$!less !a(& b$t )ol!& ,as b%oa! abo"e hi*. He ,as sha'i#& a#! as )hille! as sto#e& b$t his hea! b$%#e! ,ith fi%e.
No, I ,o#!e% ,hat has ha++e#e!V he sai! to hi*self. At a#( %ate I a* #ot (et o#e of the falle# he%oesS b$t I s$++ose the%e is still ti*e e#o$h fo% thatW He sat $+ +ai#f$ll(. Loo'i# i#to the "alle( he )o$l! see #o li"i# obli#s. Afte% a ,hile as his hea! )lea%e! a little& he tho$ht he )o$l! see el"es *o"i# i# the %o)'s belo,. He %$bbe! his e(es. /$%el( the%e ,as a )a*+ still i# the +lai# so*e !ista#)e offS a#! the%e ,as a )o*i# a#! oi# abo$t the GateV D,a%"es see*e! to be b$s( %e*o"i# the ,all. B$t all ,as !ea!l( still. The%e ,as #o )all a#! #o e)ho of a so#. /o%%o, see*e! to be i# the ai%. 7i)to%( afte% all& I s$++oseW he sai!& feeli# his a)hi# hea!. 4ell& it see*s a "e%( loo*( b$si#ess. /$!!e#l( he ,as a,a%e of a *a# )li*bi# $+ a#! )o*i# to,a%!s hi*. H$llo the%eW he )alle! ,ith a sha'( "oi)e. H$llo the%eW 4hat #e,sV 4hat "oi)e is it that s+ea's a*o# the sto#esV sai! the *a# halti# a#! +ee%i# abo$t hi* #ot fa% f%o* ,he%e Bilbo sat. The# Bilbo %e*e*be%e! his %i#W 4ell I3* blesse!W sai! he. This i#"isibilit( has its !%a,ba)'s afte% all. Othe%,ise I s$++ose I *iht ha"e s+e#t a ,a%* a#! )o*fo%table #iht i# be!W It3s *e& Bilbo Bai#s& )o*+a#io# of Tho%i#W he )%ie!& h$%%ie!l( ta'i# off the %i#. It is ,ell that I ha"e fo$#! (o$W sai! the *a# st%i!i# fo%,a%!. Yo$ a%e #ee!e! a#! ,e ha"e loo'e! fo% (o$ lo#. Yo$ ,o$l! ha"e bee# #$*be%e! a*o# the !ea!& ,ho a%e *a#(& if Ga#!alf the ,ia%! ha! #ot sai! that (o$% "oi)e ,as last hea%! i# this +la)e. I ha"e bee# se#t to loo' he%e fo% the last ti*e. A%e (o$ *$)h h$%tV A #ast( '#o)' o# the hea!& I thi#'& sai! Bilbo. B$t I ha"e a hel* a#! a ha%! s'$ll. All the sa*e I feel si)' a#! *( les a%e li'e st%a,s. I ,ill )a%%( (o$ !o,# to the )a*+ i# the "alle(& sai! the *a#& a#! +i)'e! hi* lihtl( $+. The *a# ,as s,ift a#! s$%e-foote!. It ,as #ot lo# befo%e Bilbo ,as set !o,# befo%e a te#t i# DaleS a#! the%e stoo! Ga#!alf& ,ith his a%* i# a sli#. E"e# the ,ia%! ha! #ot es)a+e! ,itho$t a ,o$#!S a#! the%e ,e%e fe, $#ha%*e! i# all the host. 4he# Ga#!alf sa, Bilbo& he ,as !elihte!. Bai#sW he eF)lai*e!. 4ell I #e"e%W Ali"e afte% allUI a* la!W I bea# to ,o#!e% if e"e# (o$% l$)' ,o$l! see (o$ th%o$hW A te%%ible b$si#ess& a#! it #ea%l( ,as !isast%o$s. B$t othe% #e,s )a# ,ait. Co*eW he sai! *o%e %a"el(. Yo$ a%e )alle! fo%S a#! lea!i# the hobbit he too' hi* ,ithi# the te#t. HailW Tho%i#& he sai! as he e#te%e!. I ha"e b%o$ht hi*. The%e i#!ee! la( Tho%i# Oa'e#shiel!& ,o$#!e! ,ith *a#( ,o$#!s& a#! his %e#t a%*o$% a#! #ot)he! aFe ,e%e )ast $+o# the floo%. He loo'e! $+ as Bilbo )a*e besi!e hi*.
1a%e,ell& oo! thief& he sai!. I o #o, to the halls of ,aiti# to sit besi!e *( fathe%s& $#til the ,o%l! is %e#e,e!. /i#)e I lea"e #o, all ol! a#! sil"e%& a#! o ,he%e it is of little ,o%th& I ,ish to +a%t i# f%ie#!shi+ f%o* (o$& a#! I ,o$l! ta'e ba)' *( ,o%!s a#! !ee!s at the Gate. Bilbo '#elt o# o#e '#ee fille! ,ith so%%o,. 1a%e,ell& Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#W he sai!. This is a bitte% a!"e#t$%e& if it *$st e#! soS a#! #ot a *o$#tai# of ol! )a# a*e#! it. Yet I a* la! that I ha"e sha%e! i# (o$% +e%ilsUthat has bee# *o%e tha# a#( Bai#s !ese%"es. NoW sai! Tho%i#. The%e is *o%e i# (o$ of oo! tha# (o$ '#o,& )hil! of the 'i#!l( 4est. /o*e )o$%ae a#! so*e ,is!o*& ble#!e! i# *eas$%e. If *o%e of $s "al$e! foo! a#! )hee% a#! so# abo"e hoa%!e! ol!& it ,o$l! be a *e%%ie% ,o%l!. B$t sa! o% *e%%(& I *$st lea"e it #o,. 1a%e,ellW The# Bilbo t$%#e! a,a(& a#! he ,e#t b( hi*self& a#! sat alo#e , %a++e! i# a bla#'et& a#!& ,hethe% (o$ belie"e it o% #ot& he ,e+t $#til his e(es ,e%e %e! a#! his "oi)e ,as hoa%se. He ,as a 'i#!l( little so$l. I#!ee! it ,as lo# befo%e he ha! the hea%t to *a'e a Po'e aai#. A *e%)( it is& he sai! at last to hi*self& that I ,o'e $+ ,he# I !i!. I ,ish Tho%i# ,e%e li"i#& b$t I a* la! that ,e +a%te! i# 'i#!#ess. Yo$ a%e a fool& Bilbo Bai#s& a#! (o$ *a!e a %eat *ess of that b$si#ess ,ith the sto#eS a#! the%e ,as a battle& i# s+ite of all (o$% effo%ts to b$( +ea)e a#! $iet& b$t I s$++ose (o$ )a# ha%!l( be bla*e! fo% that. All that ha! ha++e#e! afte% he ,as st$##e!& Bilbo lea%#e! late%S b$t it a"e hi* *o%e so%%o, tha# Po(& a#! he ,as #o, ,ea%( of his a!"e#t$%e. He ,as a)hi# i# his bo#es fo% the ho*e,a%! Po$%#e(. That& ho,e"e%& ,as a little !ela(e!& so i# the *ea#ti*e I ,ill tell so*ethi# of e"e#ts. The Eales ha! lo# ha! s$s+i)io# of the obli#s3 *$ste%i#S f%o* thei% ,at)hf$l#ess the *o"e*e#ts i# the *o$#tai#s )o$l! #ot be altoethe% hi!. /o the( too ha! athe%e! i# %eat #$*be%s& $#!e% the %eat Eale of the 0ist( 0o$#tai#sS a#! at le#th s*elli# battle f%o* afa% the( ha! )o*e s+ee!i# !o,# the ale i# the #i)' of ti*e. The( it ,as ,ho !islo!e! the obli#s f%o* the *o$#tai#-slo+es& )asti# the* o"e% +%e)i+i)es& o% !%i"i# the* !o,# sh%ie'i# a#! be,il!e%e! a*o# thei% foes. It ,as #ot lo# befo%e the( ha! f%ee! the Lo#el( 0o$#tai#& a#! el"es a#! *e# o# eithe% si!e of the "alle( )o$l! )o*e at last to the hel+ of the battle belo,.
B$t e"e# ,ith the Eales the( ,e%e still o$t#$*be%e!. I# that last ho$% Beo%# hi*self ha! a++ea%e!U#o o#e '#e, ho, o% f%o* ,he%e. He )a*e alo#e& a#! i# bea%3s sha+eS a#! he see*e! to ha"e %o,# al*ost to ia#t-sie i# his ,%ath. The %oa% of his "oi)e ,as li'e !%$*s a#! $#sS a#! he tosse! ,ol"es a#! obli#s f%o* his +ath li'e st%a,s a#! feathe%s. He fell $+o# thei% %ea%& a#! b%o'e li'e a )la+ of th$#!e% th%o$h the %i#. The !,a%"es ,e%e *a'i# a sta#! still abo$t thei% lo%!s $+o# a lo, %o$#!e! hill. The# Beo%# stoo+e! a#! lifte! Tho%i#& ,ho ha! falle# +ie%)e! ,ith s+ea%s& a#! bo%e hi* o$t of the f%a(. /,iftl( he %et$%#e! a#! his ,%ath ,as %e!o$ble!& so that #othi# )o$l! ,ithsta#! hi*& a#! #o ,ea+o# see*e! to bite $+o# hi*. He s)atte%e! the bo!($a%!& a#! +$lle! !o,# Bol hi*self a#! )%$she! hi*. The# !is*a( fell o# the Gobli#s a#! the( fle! i# all !i%e)tio#s. B$t ,ea%i#ess left thei% e#e*ies ,ith the )o*i# of #e, ho+e& a#! the( +$%s$e! the* )losel(& a#! +%e"e#te! *ost of the* f%o* es)a+i# ,he%e the( )o$l!. The( !%o"e *a#( of the* i#to the R$##i# Ri"e%& a#! s$)h as fle! so$th
o% ,est the( h$#te! i#to the *a%shes abo$t the 1o%est Ri"e%S a#! the%e the %eate% +a%t of the last f$iti"es +e%ishe!& ,hile those that )a*e ha%!l( to the 4oo!-el"es3 %eal* ,e%e the%e slai#& o% !%a,# i# to !ie !ee+ i# the t%a)'less !a%' of 0i%',oo!. /o#s ha"e sai! that th%ee +a%ts of the obli# ,a%%io%s of the No%th +e%ishe! o# that !a(& a#! the *o$#tai#s ha! +ea)e fo% *a#( a (ea%. 7i)to%( ha! bee# ass$%e! befo%e the fall of #ihtS b$t the +$%s$it ,as still o# foot& ,he# Bilbo %et$%#e! to the )a*+S a#! #ot *a#( ,e%e i# the "alle( sa"e the *o%e %ie"o$sl( ,o$#!e!. 4he%e a%e the EalesV he as'e! Ga#!alf that e"e#i#& as he la( ,%a++e! i# *a#( ,a%* bla#'ets. /o*e a%e i# the h$#t& sai! the ,ia%!& b$t *ost ha"e o#e ba)' to thei% e(%ies. The( ,o$l! #ot sta( he%e& a#! !e+a%te! ,ith the fi%st liht of *o%#i#. Dai# has )%o,#e! thei% )hief ,ith ol!& a#! s,o%# f%ie#!shi+ ,ith the* fo%e"e%. I a* so%%(. I *ea#& I sho$l! ha"e li'e! to see the* aai#& sai! Bilbo slee+il(S +e%ha+s I shall see the* o# the ,a( ho*e. I s$++ose I shall be oi# ho*e soo#V As soo# as (o$ li'e& sai! the ,ia%!. A)t$all( it ,as so*e !a(s befo%e Bilbo %eall( set o$t. The( b$%ie! Tho%i# !ee+ be#eath the 0o$#tai#& a#! Ba%! lai! the A%'e#sto#e $+o# his b%east. The%e let it lie till the 0o$#tai# fallsW he sai!. 0a( it b%i# oo! fo%t$#e to all his fol' that !,ell he%e afte%W 8+o# his to*b the El"e#'i# the# lai! O%)%ist& the el"ish s,o%! that ha! bee# ta'e# f%o* Tho%i# i# )a+ti"it(. It is sai! i# so#s that it lea*e! e"e% i# the !a%' if foes a++%oa)he!& a#! the fo%t%ess of the !,a%"es )o$l! #ot be ta'e# b( s$%+%ise. The%e #o, Dai# so# of Nai# too' $+ his abo!e& a#! he be)a*e Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#& a#! i# ti*e *a#( othe% !,a%"es athe%e! to his th%o#e i# the a#)ie#t halls. Of the t,el"e )o*+a#io#s of Tho%i#& te# %e*ai#e!. 1ili a#! Kili ha! falle# !efe#!i# hi* ,ith shiel! a#! bo!(& fo% he ,as thei% *othe%3s el!e% b%othe%. The othe%s %e*ai#e! ,ith Dai#S fo% Dai# !ealt his t%eas$%e ,ell. The%e ,as& of )o$%se& #o lo#e% a#( $estio# of !i"i!i# the hoa%! i# s$)h sha%es as ha! bee# +la##e!& to Bali# a#! D,ali#& a#! Do%i a#! No%i a#! O%i& a#! Oi# a#! Gloi#& a#! Bif$% a#! Bof$% a#! Bo*b$%Uo% to Bilbo. Yet a fo$%tee#th sha%e of all the sil"e% a#! ol!& ,%o$ht a#! $#,%o$ht& ,as i"e# $+ to Ba%!S fo% Dai# sai!2 4e ,ill ho#o$% the a%ee*e#t of the !ea!& a#! he has #o, the A%'e#sto#e i# his 'ee+i#. E"e# a fo$%tee#th sha%e ,as ,ealth eF)ee!i#l( %eat& %eate% tha# that of *a#( *o%tal 'i#s. 1%o* that t%eas$%e Ba%! se#t *$)h ol! to the 0aste% of La'e-to,#S a#! he %e,a%!e! his follo,e%s a#! f%ie#!s f%eel(. To the El"e#'i# he a"e the e*e%al!s of Gi%io#& s$)h Pe,els as he *ost lo"e!& ,hi)h Dai# ha! %esto%e! to hi*. To Bilbo he sai!2 This t%eas$%e is as *$)h (o$%s as it is *i#eS tho$h ol! a%ee*e#ts )a##ot sta#!& si#)e so *a#( ha"e a )lai* i# its ,i##i# a#! !efe#)e. Yet e"e# tho$h (o$ ,e%e ,illi# to la( asi!e all (o$% )lai*& I sho$l! ,ish that the ,o%!s of Tho%i#& of ,hi)h he %e+e#te!& sho$l! #ot +%o"e t%$e2 that ,e sho$l! i"e (o$ little. I ,o$l! %e,a%! (o$ *ost %i)hl( of all. 7e%( 'i#! of (o$& sai! Bilbo. B$t %eall( it is a %elief to *e. Ho, o# ea%th sho$l! I
ha"e ot all that t%eas$%e ho*e ,itho$t ,a% a#! *$%!e% all alo# the ,a(& I !o#3t '#o,. A#! I !o#3t '#o, ,hat I sho$l! ha"e !o#e ,ith it ,he# I ot ho*e. I a* s$%e it is bette% i# (o$% ha#!s. I# the e#! he ,o$l! o#l( ta'e t,o s*all )hests& o#e fille! ,ith sil"e%& a#! the othe% ,ith ol!& s$)h as o#e st%o# +o#( )o$l! )a%%(. That ,ill be $ite as *$)h as I )a# *a#ae& sai! he. At last the ti*e )a*e fo% hi* to sa( oo!-b(e to his f%ie#!s. 1a%e,ell& Bali#W he sai!S a#! fa%e,ell& D,ali#S a#! fa%e,ell Do%i& No%i& O%i& Oi#& Gloi#& Bif$%& Bof$%& a#! Bo*b$%W 0a( (o$% bea%!s #e"e% %o, thi#W A#! t$%#i# to,a%!s the 0o$#tai# he a!!e!2 1a%e,ell Tho%i# Oa'e#shiel!W A#! 1ili a#! KiliW 0a( (o$% *e*o%( #e"e% fa!eW The# the !,a%"es bo,e! lo, befo%e thei% Gate& b$t ,o%!s st$)' i# thei% th%oats. Goo!-b(e a#! oo! l$)'& ,he%e"e% (o$ fa%eW sai! Bali# at last. If e"e% (o$ "isit $s aai#& ,he# o$% halls a%e *a!e fai% o#)e *o%e& the# the feast shall i#!ee! be s+le#!i!W If e"e% (o$ a%e +assi# *( ,a(& sai! Bilbo& !o#3t ,ait to '#o)'W Tea is at fo$%S b$t a#( of (o$ a%e ,el)o*e at a#( ti*eW The# he t$%#e! a,a(. The elf-host ,as o# the *a%)hS a#! if it ,as sa!l( lesse#e!& (et *a#( ,e%e la!& fo% #o, the #o%the%# ,o%l! ,o$l! be *e%%ie% fo% *a#( a lo# !a(. The !%ao# ,as !ea!& a#! the obli#s o"e%th%o,#& a#! thei% hea%ts loo'e! fo%,a%! afte% ,i#te% to a s+%i# of Po(.
Ga#!alf a#! Bilbo %o!e behi#! the El"e#'i#& a#! besi!e the* st%o!e Beo%#& o#)e aai# i# *a#3s sha+e& a#! he la$he! a#! sa# i# a lo$! "oi)e $+o# the %oa!. /o the( ,e#t o# $#til the( !%e, #ea% to the bo%!e%s of 0i%',oo!& to the #o%th of the +la)e ,he%e the 1o%est Ri"e% %a# o$t. The# the( halte!& fo% the ,ia%! a#! Bilbo ,o$l! #ot e#te% the ,oo!& e"e# tho$h the 'i# ba!e the* sta( a ,hile i# his halls. The( i#te#!e! to o alo# the e!e of the fo%est& a#! %o$#! its #o%the%# e#! i# the ,aste that la( bet,ee# it a#! the bei##i# of the G%e( 0o$#tai#s. It ,as a lo# a#! )hee%less %oa!& b$t #o, that the obli#s ,e%e )%$she!& it see*e! safe% to the* tha# the !%ea!f$l +ath,a(s $#!e% the t%ees. 0o%eo"e% Beo%# ,as oi# t hat ,a( too. 1a%e,ellW O El"e#'i#W sai! Ga#!alf. 0e%%( be the %ee#,oo!& ,hile the ,o%l! is (et (o$#W A#! *e%%( be all (o$% fol'W 1a%e,ellW O Ga#!alfW sai! the 'i#. 0a( (o$ e"e% a++ea% ,he%e (o$ a%e *ost #ee!e! a#! least eF+e)te!W The ofte#e% (o$ a++ea% i# *( halls the bette% shall I be +lease!W I be of (o$& sai! Bilbo sta**e%i# a#! sta#!i# o# o#e foot& to a))e+t this iftW a#! he b%o$ht o$t a #e)'la)e of sil"e% a#! +ea%ls that Dai# ha! i"e# hi* at thei% +a%ti#. I# ,hat ,a( ha"e I ea%#e! s$)h a ift& O hobbitV sai! the 'i#. 4ell& e%& I tho$ht& !o#3t (o$ '#o,& sai! Bilbo %athe% )o#f$se!& that& e%& so*e little %et$%# sho$l! be *a!e fo% (o$%& e%& hos+italit(. I *ea# e"e# a b$%la% has his feeli#s. I ha"e !%$#' *$)h of (o$% ,i#e a#! eate# *$)h of (o$% b%ea!. I ,ill ta'e (o$% ift& O Bilbo the 0a#ifi)e#tW sai! the 'i# %a"el(. A#! I #a*e (o$
elf-f%ie#! a#! blesse!. 0a( (o$% sha!o, #e"e% %o, less @o% steali# ,o$l! be too eas(W 1a%e,ellW The# the el"es t$%#e! to,a%!s the 1o%est& a#! Bilbo sta%te! o# his lo# %oa! ho*e. He ha! *a#( ha%!shi+s a#! a!"e#t$%es befo%e he ot ba)'. The 4il! ,as still the 4il!& a#! the%e ,e%e *a#( othe% thi#s i# it i# those !a(s besi!e obli#sS b$t he ,as ,ell $i!e! a#! ,ell $a%!e!Uthe ,ia%! ,as ,ith hi*& a#! Beo%# fo% *$)h of the ,a(Ua#! he ,as #e"e% i# %eat !a#e% aai#. A#(,a( b( *i!,i#te% Ga#!alf a#! Bilbo ha! )o*e all the ,a( ba)'& alo# both e!es of the 1o%est& to the !oo%s of Beo%#3s ho$seS a#! the%e fo% a ,hile the( both sta(e!. Y$le-ti!e ,as ,a%* a#! *e%%( the%eS a#! *e# )a*e f%o* fa% a#! ,i!e to feast at Beo%#3s bi!!i#. The obli#s of the 0ist( 0o$#tai#s ,e%e #o, fe, a#! te%%ifie!& a#! hi!!e# i# the !ee+est holes the( )o$l! fi#!S a#! the 4a%s ha! "a#ishe! f%o* the ,oo!s& so that *e# ,e#t ab%oa! ,itho$t fea%. Beo%# i#!ee! be)a*e a %eat )hief afte%,a%!s i# those %eio#s a#! %$le! a ,i!e la#! bet,ee# the *o$#tai#s a#! the ,oo!S a#! it is sai! that fo% *a#( e#e%atio#s the *e# of his li#e ha! the +o,e% of ta'i# bea%3s sha+e& a#! so*e ,e%e %i* *e# a#! ba!& b$t *ost ,e%e i# hea%t li'e Beo%#& if less i# sie a#! st%e#th. I# thei% !a( the last obli#s ,e%e h$#te! f%o* the 0ist( 0o$#tai#s a#! a #e, +ea)e )a*e o"e% the e!e of the 4il!.
It ,as s+%i#& a#! a fai% o#e ,ith *il! ,eathe%s a#! a b%iht s$#& befo%e Bilbo a#! Ga#!alf too' thei% lea"e at last of Beo%#& a#! tho$h he lo#e! fo% ho*e& Bilbo left ,ith %e%et& fo% the flo,e%s of the a%!e#s of Beo%# ,e%e i# s+%i#ti*e #o less *a%"ello$s tha# i# hih s$**e%. At last the( )a*e $+ the lo# %oa!& a#! %ea)he! the "e%( +ass ,he%e the obli#s ha! )a+t$%e! the* befo%e. B$t the( )a*e to that hih +oi#t at *o%#i#& a#! loo'i# ba)',a%! the( sa, a ,hite s$# shi#i# o"e% the o$tst%et)he! la#!s. The%e behi#! la( 0i%',oo!& bl$e i# the !ista#)e& a#! !a%'l( %ee# at the #ea%e% e!e e"e# i# the s+%i#. The%e fa% a,a( ,as the Lo#el( 0o$#tai# o# the e!e of e(esiht. O# its hihest +ea' s#o, (et $#*elte! ,as lea*i# +ale. /o )o*es s#o, afte% fi%e& a#! e"e# !%ao#s ha"e thei% e#!i#W sai! Bilbo& a#! he t$%#e! his ba)' o# his a!"e#t$%e. The Too'ish +a%t ,as etti# "e%( ti%e!& a#! the Bai#s ,as !ail( etti# st%o#e%. I ,ish #o, o#l( to be i# *( o,# a%*)hai%W he sai!.
Cha+te% 9I9
THE LA/T /TAGE
It ,as o# 0a( the 1i%st that the t,o )a*e ba)' at last to the b%i#' of the "alle( of Ri"e#!ell& ,he%e stoo! the Last @o% the 1i%st Ho*el( Ho$se. Aai# it ,as e"e#i#& thei% +o#ies ,e%e ti%e!& es+e)iall( the o#e that )a%%ie! the baaeS a#! the( all felt i# #ee! of %est. As the( %o!e !o,# the stee+ +ath& Bilbo hea%! the el"es still si#i# i# the t%ees& as if the( ha! #ot sto++e! si#)e he leftS a#! as soo# as the %i!e%s )a*e !o,# i#to the lo,e% la!es of the ,oo! the( b$%st i#to a so# of *$)h the sa*e 'i#! as befo%e. This is so*ethi# li'e it2 The !%ao# is ,ithe%e!& His bo#es a%e #o, )%$*ble!S His a%*o$% is shi"e%e!& His s+le#!o$% is h$*ble!W Tho$h s,o%! shall be %$ste!& A#! th%o#e a#! )%o,# +e%ish 4ith st%e#th that *e# t%$ste! A#! ,ealth that the( )he%ish& He%e %ass is still %o,i#& A#! lea"es a%e (et s,i#i#& The ,hite ,ate% flo,i#& A#! el"es a%e (et si#i# Co*eW T%a-la-la-lall(W Co*e ba)' to the "alle(W The sta%s a%e fa% b%ihte% Tha# e*s ,itho$t *eas$%e& The *oo# is fa% ,hite% Tha# sil"e% i# t%eas$%eS The fi%e is *o%e shi#i# O# hea%th i# the loa*i# Tha# ol! ,o# b( *i#i#& /o ,h( o a-%oa*i#V OW T%a-la-la-lall( Co*e ba)' to the 7alle(. OW 4he%e a%e (o$ oi#& /o late i# %et$%#i#V The %i"e% is flo,i#& The sta%s a%e all b$%#i#W OW 4hithe% so la!e#& /o sa! a#! so !%ea%(V He%e elf a#! elf-*ai!e# No, ,el)o*e the ,ea%( 4ith T%a-la-la-lall( Co*e ba)' to the 7alle(& T%a-la-la-lall( 1a-la-la-lall( 1a-laW
The# the el"es of the "alle( )a*e o$t a#! %eete! the* a#! le! the* a)%oss the ,ate% to the ho$se of El%o#!. The%e a ,a%* ,el)o*e ,as *a!e the*& a#! the%e ,e%e *a#( eae% ea%s that e"e#i# to hea% the tale of thei% a!"e#t$%es. Ga#!alf it ,as ,ho s+o'e& fo% Bilbo ,as falle# $iet a#! !%o,s(. 0ost of the tale he '#e,& fo%
he ha! bee# i# it& a#! ha! hi*self tol! *$)h of it to the ,ia%! o# thei% ho*e,a%! ,a( o% i# the ho$se of Beo%#S b$t e"e%( #o, a#! aai# he ,o$l! o+e# o#e e(e& a#! liste#& ,he# a +a%t of the sto%( ,hi)h he !i! #ot (et '#o, )a*e i#. It ,as i# this ,a( that he lea%#e! ,he%e Ga#!alf ha! bee# toS fo% he o"e%hea%! the ,o%!s of the ,ia%! to El%o#!. It a++ea%e! that Ga#!alf ha! bee# to a %eat )o$#)il of the ,hite ,ia%!s& *aste%s of lo%e a#! oo! *ai)S a#! that the( ha! at last !%i"e# the Ne)%o*a#)e% f%o* his !a%' hol! i# the so$th of 0i%',oo!. E%e lo# #o,& Ga#!alf ,as sa(i#& the 1o%est ,ill %o, so*e,hat *o%e ,holeso*e. The No%th ,ill be f%ee! f%o* that ho%%o% fo% *a#( lo# (ea%s& I ho+e. Yet I ,ish he ,e%e ba#ishe! f%o* the ,o%l!W It ,o$l! be ,ell i#!ee!& sai! El%o#!S b$t I fea% that ,ill #ot ) o*e abo$t i# this ae of the ,o%l!& o% fo% *a#( afte%. 4he# the tale of thei% Po$%#e(i#s ,as tol!& the%e ,e%e othe% tales& a#! (et *o%e tales& tales of lo# ao& a#! tales of #e, thi#s& a#! tales of #o ti*e at all& till Bilbo3s hea! fell fo%,a%! o# his )hest& a#! he s#o%e! )o*fo%tabl( i# a )o%#e%. He ,o'e to fi#! hi*self i# a ,hite be!& a#! the *oo# shi#i# th%o$h a# o+e# ,i#!o,. Belo, it *a#( el"es ,e%e si#i# lo$! a#! )lea% o# the ba#'s of the st%ea*. /i# all (e Po(f$l& #o, si# all toethe%W The ,i#!3s i# the t%ee-to+& the ,i#!3s i# the heathe%S The sta%s a%e i# blosso*& the *oo# is i# flo,e%& A#! b%iht a%e the ,i#!o,s of Niht i# he% to,e%. Da#)e all (e Po(f$l& #o, !a#)e all toethe%W /oft is the %ass& a#! let foot be li'e feathe%W The %i"e% is sil"e%& the sha!o,s a%e fleeti#S 0e%%( is 0a(-ti*e& a#! *e%%( o$% *eeti#. /i# ,e #o, softl(& a#! !%ea*s let $s ,ea"e hi*W 4i#! hi* i# sl$*be% a#! the%e let $s lea"e hi*W The ,a#!e%e% slee+eth. No, soft be his +illo,W L$llab(W L$llab(W Al!e% a#! 4illo,W /ih #o *o%e 5i#e& till the ,i#! of the *o%#W 1all 0oo#W Da%' be the la#!W H$shW H$shW Oa'& Ash& a#! Tho%#W H$she! be all ,ate%& till !a,# is at ha#!W
4ell& 0e%%( 5eo+leW sai! Bilbo loo'i# o$t. 4hat ti*e b( the *oo# is thisV Yo$% l$llab( ,o$l! ,a'e# a !%$#'e# obli#W Yet I tha#' (o$. A#! (o$% s#o%es ,o$l! ,a'e# a sto#e !%ao#U(et ,e t ha#' (o$& the( a#s,e%e! ,ith la$hte%. It is !%a,i# to,a%!s !a,#& a#! (o$ ha"e sle+t #o, si#)e the #iht3s bei##i#. To*o%%o,& +e%ha+s& (o$ ,ill be )$%e! of ,ea%i#ess. A little slee+ !oes a %eat )$%e i# the ho$se of El%o#!& sai! heS b$t I ,ill ta'e all the )$%e I )a# et. A se)o#! oo! #iht& fai% f%ie#!sW A#! ,ith that he ,e#t ba)' to be! a#! sle+t till late *o%#i#. 4ea%i#ess fell f%o* hi* soo# i# that ho$se& a#! he ha! *a#( a *e%%( Pest a#! !a#)e& ea%l( a#! late& ,ith the el"es of the "alle(. Yet e"e# that +la)e )o$l! #ot lo# !ela( hi* #o,& a#! he tho$ht al,a(s of his o,# ho*e. Afte% a ,ee'& the%efo%e& he
sai! fa%e,ell to El%o#!& a#! i"i# hi* s$)h s*all ifts as he ,o$l! a))e+t& he %o!e a,a( ,ith Ga#!alf. E"e# as the( left the "alle( the s'( !a%'e#e! i# the 4est befo%e the*& a#! ,i#! a#! %ai# )a*e $+ to *eet the*. 0e%%( is 0a(-ti*eW sai! Bilbo& as the %ai# beat i#to his fa)e. B$t o$% ba)' is to lee#!s a#! ,e a%e )o*i# ho*e. I s$++ose this is the fi%st taste of it. The%e is a lo# %oa! (et& sai! Ga#!alf. B$t it is the last %oa!& sai! Bilbo. The( )a*e to the %i"e% that *a%'e! the "e%( e!e of the bo%!e%la#! of the 4il!& a#! to the fo%! be#eath the stee+ ba#'& ,hi)h (o$ *a( %e*e*be%. The ,ate% ,as s,olle# both ,ith the *elti# of the s#o,s at the a++%oa)h of s$**e%& a#! ,ith the !a(lo# %ai#S b$t the( )%osse! ,ith so*e !iffi)$lt(& a#! +%esse! fo%,a%!& as e"e#i# fell& o# the last stae of thei% Po$%#e(. This ,as *$)h as it ha! bee# befo%e& eF)e+t that the )o*+a#( ,as s*alle%& a#! *o%e sile#tS also this ti*e the%e ,e%e #o t%olls. At ea)h +oi#t o# the %oa! Bilbo %e)alle! the ha++e#i#s a#! the ,o%!s of a (ea% aoUit see*e! to hi* *o%e li'e te#Uso that& of )o$%se& he $i)'l( #ote! the +la)e ,he%e the +o#( ha! falle# i# the %i"e%& a#! the( ha! t$%#e! asi!e fo% thei% #ast( a!"e#t$%e ,ith To* a#! Be%t a#! Bill. Not fa% f%o* the %oa! the( fo$#! the ol! of the t%olls& ,hi)h the( ha! b$%ie!& still hi!!e# a#! $#to$)he!. I ha"e e#o$h to last *e *( ti*e& sai! Bilbo& ,he# the( ha! !$ it $+. Yo$ ha! bette% ta'e this& Ga#!alf. I !a%esa( (o$ )a# fi#! a $se fo% it. I#!ee! I )a#W sai! the ,ia%!. B$t sha%e a#! sha%e ali'eW Yo$ *a( fi#! (o$ ha"e *o%e #ee!s tha# (o$ eF+e)t. /o the( +$t the ol! i# bas a#! sl$# the* o# the +o#ies& ,ho ,e%e #ot at all +lease! abo$t it. Afte% that thei% oi# ,as slo,e%& fo% *ost of the ti*e the( ,al'e!. B$t the la#! ,as %ee# a#! the%e ,as *$)h %ass th%o$h ,hi)h the hobbit st%olle! alo# )o#te#te!l(. He *o++e! his fa)e ,ith a %e! sil' ha#!'e%)hiefU#oW #ot a si#le o#e of his o,# ha! s$%"i"e!& he ha! bo%%o,e! this o#e f%o* El%o#!Ufo% #o, J$#e ha! b%o$ht s$**e%& a#! the ,eathe% ,as b%iht a#! hot aai#. As all thi#s )o*e to a# e#!& e"e# this sto%(& a !a( )a*e at last ,he# the( ,e%e i# siht of the )o$#t%( ,he%e Bilbo ha! bee# bo%# a#! b%e!& ,he%e the sha+es of the la#! a#! of the t%ees ,e%e as ,ell '#o,# to hi* as his ha#!s a#! toes. Co*i# to a %ise he )o$l! see his o,# Hill i# the !ista#)e& a#! he sto++e! s$!!e#l( a#! sai!2 Roa!s o e"e% e"e% o#& O"e% %o)' a#! $#!e% t%ee& B( )a"es ,he%e #e"e% s$# has sho#e& B( st%ea*s that #e"e% fi#! the seaS O"e% s#o, b( ,i#te% so,#& A#! th%o$h the *e%%( flo,e%s of J$#e& O"e% %ass a#! o"e% sto#e& A#! $#!e% *o$#tai#s i# the *oo#. Roa!s o e"e% e"e% o# 8#!e% )lo$! a#! $#!e% sta%& Yet feet that ,a#!e%i# ha"e o#e
T$%# at last to ho*e afa%. E(es that fi%e a#! s,o%! ha"e see# A#! ho%%o% i# the halls of sto#e Loo' at last o# *ea!o,s %ee# A#! t%ees a#! hills the( lo# ha"e '#o,#.
Ga#!alf loo'e! at hi*. 0( !ea% BilboW he sai!. /o*ethi# is the *atte% ,ith (o$W Yo$ a%e #ot the hobbit that (o$ ,e%e. A#! so the( )%osse! the b%i!e a#! +asse! the *ill b( the %i"e% a#! )a*e %iht ba)' to Bilbo3s o,# !oo%. Bless *eW 4hat3s oi# o#V he )%ie!. The%e ,as a %eat )o**otio#& a#! +eo+le of all so%ts& %es+e)table a#! $#%es+e)table& ,e%e thi)' %o$#! the !oo%& a#! *a#( ,e%e oi# i# a#! o$tU#ot e"e# ,i+i# thei% feet o# the *at& as Bilbo #oti)e! ,ith a##o(a#)e. If he ,as s$%+%ise!& the( ,e%e *o%e s$%+%ise! still. He ha! a%%i"e! ba)' i# the *i!!le of a# a$)tio#W The%e ,as a la%e #oti)e i# bla)' a#! %e! h$# o# the ate& stati# that o# J$#e the T,e#t(-se)o#! 0ess%s G%$bb& G%$bb& a#! B$%%o,es ,o$l! sell b( a$)tio# the effe)ts of the late Bilbo Bai#s Es$i%e& of Ba-E#!& 8#!e%hill& Hobbito#. /ale to )o**e#)e at te# o3)lo)' sha%+. It ,as #o, #ea%l( l$#)hti*e& a#! *ost of the thi#s ha! al%ea!( bee# sol!& fo% "a%io$s +%i)es f%o* #eFt to #othi# to ol! so#s @as is #ot $#$s$al at a$)tio#s. Bilbo3s )o$si#s the /a)'"ille-Bai#ses ,e%e& i# fa)t& b$s( *eas$%i# his %oo*s to see if thei% o,# f$%#it$%e ,o$l! fit. I# sho%t Bilbo ,as 5%es$*e! Dea!& a#! #ot e"e%(bo!( that sai! so ,as so%%( to fi#! the +%es$*+tio# ,%o#. The %et$%# of 0%. Bilbo Bai#s )%eate! $ite a !ist$%ba#)e& both $#!e% the Hill a#! o"e% the Hill& a#! a)%oss the 4ate%S it ,as a %eat !eal *o%e tha# a #i#e !a(s3 ,o#!e%. The leal bothe%& i#!ee!& laste! fo% (ea%s. It ,as $ite a lo# ti*e befo%e 0%. Bai#s ,as i# fa)t a!*itte! to be ali"e aai#. The +eo+le ,ho ha! ot s+e)iall( oo! ba%ai#s at the /ale too' a !eal of )o#"i#)i#S a#! i# the e#! to sa"e ti*e Bilbo ha! to b$( ba)' $ite a lot of his o,# f$%#it$%e. 0a#( of his sil"e% s+oo#s *(ste%io$sl( !isa++ea%e! a#! ,e%e #e"e% a))o$#te! fo%. 5e%so#all( he s$s+e)te! the /a)'"ille-Bai#ses. O# thei% si!e the( #e"e% a!*itte! that the %et$%#e! Bai#s ,as e#$i#e& a#! the( ,e%e #ot o# f%ie#!l( te%*s ,ith Bilbo e"e% afte%. The( %eall( ha! ,a#te! to li"e i# his #i)e hobbit-hole so "e%( *$)h. I#!ee! Bilbo fo$#! he ha! lost *o%e tha# s+oo#sUhe ha! lost his %e+$tatio#. It is t%$e that fo% e"e% afte% he %e*ai#e! a# elf-f%ie#!& a#! ha! the ho#o$% of !,a%"es& ,ia%!s& a#! all s$)h fol' as e"e% +asse! that ,a(S b$t he ,as #o lo#e% $ite %es+e)table. He ,as i# fa)t hel! b( all the hobbits of the #eihbo$%hoo! to be 6$ee%3UeF)e+t b( his #e+he,s a#! #ie)es o# the Too' si!e& b$t e"e# the( ,e%e #ot e#)o$%ae! i# thei% f%ie#!shi+ b( thei% el!e%s. I a* so%%( to sa( he !i! #ot *i#!. He ,as $ite )o#te#tS a#! the so$#! of the 'ettle o# his hea%th ,as e"e% afte% *o%e *$si)al tha# it ha! bee# e"e# i# the $iet !a(s befo%e the 8#eF+e)te! 5a%t(. His s,o%! he h$# o"e% the *a#tel+ie)e. His )oat of *ail ,as a%%a#e! o# a sta#! i# the hall @$#til he le#t it to a 0$se$*. His ol! a#! sil"e% ,as la%el( s+e#t i# +%ese#ts& both $sef$l a#! eFt%a"aa#tU,hi)h to a )e%tai#
eFte#t a))o$#ts fo% the affe)tio# of his #e+he,s a#! his #ie)es. His *ai) %i# he 'e+t a %eat se)%et& fo% he )hiefl( $se! it ,he# $#+leasa#t )alle%s )a*e. He too' to ,%iti# +oet%( a#! "isiti# the el"esS a#! tho$h *a#( shoo' thei% hea!s a#! to$)he! thei% fo%ehea!s a#! sai! 5oo% ol! Bai#sW a#! tho$h fe, belie"e! a#( of his tales& he %e*ai#e! "e%( ha++( to the e#! of his !a(s& a#! those ,e%e eFt%ao%!i#a%il( lo#. O#e a$t$*# e"e#i# so*e (ea%s afte%,a%!s Bilbo ,as sitti# i# his st$!( ,%iti# his *e*oi%sUhe tho$ht of )alli# the* The%e a#! Ba)' Aai#& a Hobbit3s Holi!a(U,he# the%e ,as a %i# at the !oo%. It ,as Ga#!alf a#! a !,a%fS a#! the !,a%f ,as a)t$all( Bali#.
Co*e i#W Co*e i#W sai! Bilbo& a#! soo# the( ,e%e settle! i# )hai%s b( the fi%e. If Bali# #oti)e! that 0%. Bai#s3 ,aist)oat ,as *o%e eFte#si"e @a#! ha! %eal ol! b$tto#s& Bilbo also #oti)e! that Bali#3s bea%! ,as se"e%al i#)hes lo#e%& a#! his Pe,elle! belt ,as of %eat *a#ifi)e#)e. The( fell to tal'i# of thei% ti*es toethe%& of )o$%se& a#! Bilbo as'e! ho, thi#s ,e%e oi# i# the la#!s of the 0o$#tai#. It see*e! the( ,e%e oi# "e%( ,ell. Ba%! ha! %eb$ilt the to,# i# Dale a#! *e# ha! athe%e! to hi* f%o* the La'e a#! f%o* /o$th a#! 4est& a#! all the "alle( ha! be)o*e tille! aai# a#! %i)h& a#! the !esolatio# ,as #o, fille! ,ith bi%!s a#! blosso*s i# s+%i# a#! f%$it a#! feasti# i# a$t$*#. A#! La'e-to,# ,as %efo$#!e! a#! ,as *o%e +%os+e%o$s tha# e"e%& a#! *$)h ,ealth ,e#t $+ a#! !o,# the R$##i# Ri"e%S a#! the%e ,as f%ie#!shi+ i# those +a%ts bet,ee# el"es a#! !,a%"es a#! *e#.
The Hall at Ba-E#! Resi!e#)e of B.Bai#s Es$i%e The ol! 0aste% ha! )o*e to a ba! e#!. Ba%! ha! i"e# hi* *$)h ol! fo% the hel+ of the La'e-+eo+le& b$t bei# of the 'i#! that easil( )at)hes s$)h !isease he fell $#!e% the !%ao#-si)'#ess& a#! too' *ost of the ol! a#! f le! ,ith it& a#! !ie! of sta%"atio# i# the 4aste& !ese%te! b( his )o*+a#io#s. The #e, 0aste% is of ,ise% 'i#!& sai! Bali#& a#! "e%( +o+$la%& fo%& of )o$%se& he ets *ost of the )%e!it fo% the +%ese#t +%os+e%it(. The( a%e *a'i# so#s ,hi)h sa( that i# his !a( the %i"e%s %$# ,ith ol!. The# the +%o+he)ies of the ol! so#s ha"e t$%#e! o$t to be t%$e& afte% a fashio#W sai! Bilbo. Of )o$%seW sai! Ga#!alf. A#! ,h( sho$l! #ot the( +%o"e t%$eV /$%el( (o$ !o#3t !isbelie"e the +%o+he)ies& be)a$se (o$ ha! a ha#! i# b%i#i# the* abo$t (o$%selfV Yo$ !o#3t %eall( s$++ose& !o (o$& that all (o$% a!"e#t$%es a#! es)a+es ,e%e *a#ae! b( *e%e l$)'& P$st fo% (o$% sole be#e-fitV Yo$ a%e a "e%( fi#e +e%so#& 0%. Bai#s& a#! I a* "e%( fo#! of (o$S b$t (o$ a%e o#l( $ite a little fello, i# a ,i!e ,o%l! afte% allW
Tha#' oo!#essW sai! Bilbo la$hi#& a#! ha#!e! hi* the toba))o-Pa%.
4ORK/ BY J.R.R. TOLKIEN
The Hobbit Leaf b( Nile O# 1ai%(-/to%ies 1a%*e% Giles of Ha* The Ho*e)o*i# of Beo%ht#oth The Lo%! of the Ri#s The A!"e#t$%es of To* Bo*ba!il The Roa! Goes E"e% O# @,ith Do#al! /,a## /*ith of 4ootto# 0aPo% 4ORK/ 58BLI/HED 5O/TH80O8/LY
/i% Ga,ai# a#! the G%ee# K#iht& 5ea%l a#! /i% O%feo The 1athe% Ch%ist*as Lette%s The /il*a%illio# 5i)t$%es b( J.R.R. Tol'ie# 8#fi#ishe! Tales The Lette%s of J.R.R. Tol'ie# 1i## a#! He#est 0% Bliss The 0o#ste%s a#! the C%iti)s Othe% Essa(s Ro"e%a#!o* The Chil!%e# of H[%i# The Lee#! of /i$%! a#! G$!%[# THE HI/TORY O1 0IDDLE-EARTH X BY CHRI/TO5HER TOLKIEN
I The Boo' of Lost Tales& 5a%t O#e II The Boo' of Lost Tales& 5a%t T,o III The La(s of Bele%ia#! I7 The /ha+i# of 0i!!le-ea%th 7 The Lost Roa! a#! Othe% 4%iti#s 7I The Ret$%# of the /ha!o, 7II The T%easo# of Ise#a%! 7III The 4a% of the Ri# I9 /a$%o# Defeate! 9 0o%oth3s Ri# 9I The 4a% of the Je,els 9II The 5eo+les of 0i!!le-ea%th
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