On March 17 3019, a large army of Easterlings attacked Dale in service to Sauron. King Brand and King Daín Ironfoot joined forces together in the defence of the Northern realms. All able men were rallied under the banner of Dale, including men of Lake-town. Barkrist came before the king and he offered his help. Many rejoiced at the willingness of Barkrist the Brawny (as some called him) to arm himself in their hour of need, for he was not known to wield any weapon apart from his large two-handed wood axe.
'Late is the hour in which you arrive, beorning. The other Lords of this city did not have much hope, but I knew you would come in our darkest hour. I never took you for a man of the sword, but your strength is well known; our lumbermen praise it, our warriors crave it and our ladies sing of it. Have you come to lend us your aid in the fight to come? Speak or be silent evermore.'
'King Brand, Lord of Dale, as I walked hither under the low hanging trees of Mirkwood, bird and beast seemed restless. The woodmen east of the woodland realm had left their huts and a warm wind blew from the east under a sky of gathering clouds. Now I see you stand here with a great host, banners raised and swords in hand and I understand. I am no violent man indeed, King of the Bardings. I believe in growing things, the comfort of good food and the kindness of a fellow man. This axe has no thirst for blood.'
Some Dale-men started to mumble in the back and several of Brand's lords started shaking their heads.
'I do not know what strength is in my blood, nor do I divulge the powers you all deem me capable of.'
He paused.
'But today, I pray that you do not think of me more than I am. Today, I am a man of Dale, and I will offer what strength I possess to defend this city and its people.'
The Dale-men looked up and cheered and Brand nodded.
