The Clouds Burst

           Nextdaythetrumpetsrangearlyinthecamp.Soonasinglerunnerwasseenhurryingalongthenarrowpath.Atadistancehestoodandhailedthem,askingwhetherThorinwouldnowlistentoanotherembassy,sincenewtidingshadcometohand,andmatterswerechanged.

           "ThatwillbeDain!"saidThorinwhenheheard."Theywillhavegotwindofhiscoming.Ithoughtthatwouldaltertheirmood!Bidthemcomefewinnumberandweaponless,andIwillhear,"hecalledtothemessenger.AboutmiddaythebannersoftheForestandtheLakewereseentobeborneforthagain.Acompanyoftwentywasapproaching.Atthebeginningofthenarrowwaytheylaidasideswordandspear,andcameontowardstheGate.Wondering,thedwarvessawthatamongthemwerebothBardandtheElvenking,beforewhomanoldmanwrappedincloakandhoodboreastrongcasketofiron-boundwood.

           "HailThorin!"saidBard."Areyoustillofthesamemind?""Myminddoesnotchangewiththerisingandsettingofafewsuns,"answeredThorin."Didyoucometoaskmeidlequestions?Stilltheelf-hosthasnotdepartedasIbade!Tillthenyoucomeinvaintobargainwithme.""Istherethennothingforwhichyouwouldyieldanyofyourgold?"

           "Nothingthatyouoryourfriendshavetooffer."

           "WhatoftheArkenstoneofThrain?"saidhe,andatthesamemomenttheoldmanopenedthecasketandheldaloftthejewel.Thelightleaptfromhishand,brightandwhiteinthemorning.

           ThenThorinwasstrickendumbwithamazementandconfusion.Noonespokeforalongwhile.