Things had gone on like this for some time, when the ravens brought
news that Dain and more than five hundred dwarves, hurrying from the Iron
Hills, were now within about two days' march of Dale, coming from the
North-East.
"But they cannot reach the Mountain unmarked," said Roäc, "and I fear less
(sic) there be battle in the valley. I do not call this counsel good. Though
they are a grim folk, they are not likely to overcome the host that besets you;
and even if they did so, what will you gain? Winter and snow is hastening
behind them. How shall you be fed without the friendship and goodwill of the
lands about you? The treasure is likely to be your death, though the dragon is
no more."
But Thorin was not moved. "Winter and snow will bite both men and elves," he
said, "and they may find their dwelling in the waste grievous to bear. With my
friends behind them and winter upon them, they will perhaps be in softer mood
to parley with.
1. What are Dain's plans? Does he have any? Roäc doubts that any good can come
from Dain's arrival--is there any way for Dain's arrival to lead to a good
outcome for the dwarves?
2. If Dain is willing and able to mobilize 500 dwarves on short notice to come
to Thorin's aid, why didn't more dwarves join Thorin's expedition in the first
place?
3. Why does Roäc think the counsel he brings is bad? What does he think Thorin
et al. would have done had they not known Dain was coming? What do you think
they would have
done?
*****
Note to the Chronologically Gifted: Get your kids to show you how to use a chat program and join the crones and geezers at #Bag_End (a channel off Barlman's) Sundays at 2pm Pacific Time. Be there and be square.
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I don't hold with wearing ironmongery, whether it wears well or no.
