Khuzd Belkul ended our second leg of our own Expedition to Khazad-Dum. Unfortunately, not all was merriment (although one dwarf and his pony did run into a tree, having not been as well-versed in the art of horseback as others — I laughed) as we passed through Ered Luin and into the Shire. The last dwarf who was meant to be standing watch at their camp outside Thorin’s Hall was nowhere to be found when we awoke. We know not where Augir went, but he is perhaps the sturdiest of us all and are confident he is well. Mostly confident.
Goblins and Dourhands prowled in the shadows, watching at the fringes as we grew nearer the Shire. There was an overwhelming feeling of something watching us the whole way. It was a close-call as we rode into Needlehole, when one dwarf, Augir, spoke privately with Uzbad Kandral, the leader of the kinship, and left. We do not know where he went, but we trust Kandral.
Although our numbers were down two since we started, we arrived just outside the Shire Homesteads, ready to find refuge in a hobbit friend of Kandral’s.
Kandral took us close and told us that the hobbit who would be housing us only expected two dwarves. He’ll certainly be in for a surprise.
One dwarf made the suggestion that if we all go in as a line, he won’t notice the rest of us. Mind you, I couldn’t see a damn thing from the back, so if that plan does happen, I hope the dwarf in front can see well.
Personally, I only hope the hobbit has enough ale to go around.
