"But I also didn't expect Thorin to invite you to the Dwarven Council, Arthur. This indeed saved me the trouble of persuading Thorin to reclaim the Lonely Mountain," Gandalf said with a chuckle.
Arthur said, "I'm actually quite curious why you're so keen on persuading Thorin to reclaim the Lonely Mountain."
Gandalf said worriedly, "Because all signs indicate that darkness is awakening, Arthur. Although the Dragon of the Lonely Mountain serves no one, if it joins the ranks of the dark army, the damage it will cause to Middle-earth will be several times greater than before. Imagine, the Kingdom of Gondor army, which has been resisting the main force of the orc in the southeast of Middle-earth, suddenly one day sees a giant Dragon appear above their heads, spewing flames at them. The battle line, which they had so painstakingly maintained, would collapse."
"Furthermore, the strategic location of the Lonely Mountain is extremely important. If the Lonely Mountain falls into the hands of the dark army, they can brazenly use it as a base to march south from the north. The dwarves of the Iron Hills alone cannot resist those enemies who attempt to reclaim Angmar and the northern mountain passes, which would ultimately plunge the entire North into war."
Arthur stroked his chin and said thoughtfully, "I understand what you mean. You want the dwarves to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and make it the first line of defense against enemies in the North."
Gandalf smiled and nodded, "It's good that you understand my meaning, and to hear from you that Thorin also intends to do so is one of the few good news I've heard recently."
Arthur, however, reminded him, "Don't be too happy yet, Gandalf. Although Thorin wants to reclaim the Lonely Mountain, he still needs the consent of the Seven Dwarven Kingdoms to mobilize an army. Otherwise, he can only go to the Lonely Mountain alone, though I will provide him with assistance."
Gandalf indicated that he knew, but confidently took out an old map and an ancient key from his gray wizard's robe.
Arthur asked curiously, "Gandalf, what are these two things?"
Gandalf smiled slightly, "Did Thorin tell you that the Lonely Mountain has been sealed off, and no one can enter it?"
Arthur nodded.
Gandalf pinched the key and held it up in front of him, "And these two things are the treasures that can allow one to enter the Lonely Mountain. I once met Thorin's father—Thráin—who entrusted me with the key and map to the secret door of the Lonely Mountain, asking me to give them to Thorin at the right time."
Arthur was not surprised that the Lonely Mountain had a secret door; after all, large buildings and castles throughout The Lands Between also had secret passages or side doors.
But Arthur still said, "However, these two things are not enough to persuade the representatives of the Seven Dwarven Kingdoms to agree to support Thorin's plan. Where does your confidence come from, Gandalf?"
Gandalf still maintained his smiling expression, "You are right, Arthur, the Seven Dwarven Kingdoms may indeed refuse Thorin, but they absolutely cannot refuse the King's treasure in the Lonely Mountain—the arkenstone, also known as the Heart of the Mountain. The seven Dwarven families have sworn an oath that they will absolutely be loyal to the arkenstone, so as long as Thorin can sneak into the Lonely Mountain while the Dragon is asleep and bring it out, he will be able to gather the Dwarven army, kill the Dragon, and successfully reclaim the Lonely Mountain."
Arthur blinked, "So, the first time he goes to the Lonely Mountain, Thorin doesn't actually need to consider killing the Dragon? He just needs to enter through the secret door, find the gem, bring it out, and return to the Blue Mountains?"
Gandalf, however, reacted, "Wait, did you just say that you would help Thorin, meaning you are preparing to fight that dragon?"
Arthur asked back in confusion, "Yes, what else? And the first time I met you, I said that since there's a dragon there, it should be slain."
It was Gandalf's turn to open his mouth wide, unsure how to respond.
He could only shake his sleeve, putting away the key and map, and said, "I thought that was some kind of polite remark, because I don't think anyone would truly want to face a massive, invulnerable, fire-breathing Dragon alone."
Arthur shrugged, "Well, anyway, that's how it is. I've already agreed with Thorin to attend the Dwarven Council, and there's a time conflict, so I can't attend the White Council you mentioned."
Gandalf also showed a regretful expression, "I was hoping to use this opportunity to introduce you to Lady Galadriel and Saruman the White. Lady Galadriel is a beautiful wise woman, and although Saruman is somewhat arrogant, he is also a wise man."
Arthur, however, suggested, "Then why not try a different approach, Gandalf. Thorin also told me to invite you to the Dwarven Council if I saw you. So, how about you and I go to the Blue Mountains first, and then after the meeting in the Blue Mountains concludes, I'll go with you to Rivendell? How does that proposal sound?"
Gandalf, however, shook his head, "Before the White Council begins, I still have some places to go and some things to do, so I cannot attend the Council of the Seven Dwarven Kingdoms with you. If you hadn't told me Thorin's plan, I would probably have rushed to the Blue Mountains to find Thorin tonight."
Upon hearing Gandalf's reply, Arthur could only sigh softly and give up, "That's the only way."
"Now that the important matters are discussed, let's talk about something more relaxed. If you're not busy, would you mind leading me on a tour of your territory?" Gandalf's stern expression from earlier softened, and a smile appeared on his aged, wise face as he asked Arthur.
Arthur nodded happily, also smiling, "Of course, just try not to be too surprised then."
Then he looked at Rogier and D, and said, "You two should rest well in the territory these next few days. You don't need to go on long journeys to gather intelligence for now."
Rogier chuckled easily, "Then I'm really not quite used to it, Arthur. If there's nothing else you need me for later, I'd like to go see the Blue Mountains."
Arthur asked curiously, "Why the sudden urge to go to the Blue Mountains?"
Before Rogier could answer, D, who was sitting beside him, spoke first, still using his usual indifferent tone towards Rogier, "Because he complained to me the whole way that the scenery he saw on the road these past few days was nothing but swamps and barren lands, not pretty at all. He wants to see some truly beautiful places; I've heard that phrase so many times my ears are practically calloused."
Rogier awkwardly coughed, "Ahem, uh, Darian is actually right. I'm curious about this world, so I thought I'd travel around when I'm not busy."
Arthur paused slightly, and then sincerely said to Rogier, "It was thoughtless of me; I overlooked your feelings, Rogier."
Rogier waved his hands repeatedly, "That's not your problem, Arthur. Look, D never complains. It's purely my curiosity that's too strong; I want to see farther places."
Gandalf glanced at Arthur, whose face was full of apology, then said with a smile, "But that's only natural, Sir Rogier. Given Arthur's character, he certainly wouldn't want to see his friend do something he doesn't want to do because of him."
Then Gandalf changed the subject: "However, although this world has magnificent scenery, dangers also lurk beneath that beauty. If you want to go out and see beautiful scenery, why not take a trip to Rivendell? Lord Elrond also knows you, and he is very much looking forward to the people of the Erdtree visiting him. The wonderful scenery of Rivendell will definitely not disappoint you."
Arthur's eyes lit up, and he nodded, "Mm, that's good. Rogier, what do you think?"
Rogier pondered for a moment, "...Rivendell? It sounds very good."
Arthur said, "Then it's decided. What about D? Do you also want to go on vacation with Rogier and change your mood?"
D stood up, bowed slightly, and then looked at Arthur with shining eyes, saying, "Thank you for your kindness and generosity, Lord Arthur. But I am not like a certain weak-minded magician who needs a vacation. You can command me anytime you have something, and I will do my best to achieve your goal."
Actually, there's no need to be so exaggerated, though I don't object if you're willing to work so hard.
Arthur thought for a moment and said, "How about this, Rogier, D, after you rest in the territory for a while, go north and help me bring some books written by dwarves and Elves, as well as daily necessities related to The Lands Between, to Hobbiton in the Shire. Find a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins and give him all the items. Then, on my behalf, ask him how he is and say, 'Thank you, Bilbo, for the food that saved Arthur from hunger during his journey.'"
Gandalf also chuckled in agreement, "Ah, Hobbiton, that truly is a peaceful and secluded place. There are chimneys with cooking smoke and lively farms, as well as tranquil small lakes and verdant terraced fields. If you asked me where to settle down, Hobbiton would undoubtedly be one of my choices."
Arthur nodded, "Yes, even though I only stayed there for a few days, I still can't forget those hobbits who love life."
D immediately nodded in agreement, "Since he is a friend who has helped Lord Arthur, I will make sure he is satisfied with the items delivered."
Rogier smiled and said, "It sounds like a very suitable place to enjoy afternoon tea in the afternoon, sitting in a wicker chair and slowly reading books. If that Bilbo Baggins is willing to host me, I think I will stay for a few days."
Arthur recalled the hobbit, who, though only about his height, was very warm-hearted, and his mood relaxed. A faint smile involuntarily appeared at the corner of his mouth: "He will, Rogier."
However, just one week later, after Rogier and D set off, Thorin suddenly arrived at the Erdtree's territory again.
Gandalf had not yet left at this time, and after hearing the news of Thorin's arrival, he decided to talk to him about the Lonely Mountain.
However, when Arthur saw Thorin's somewhat downcast face entering the City Lord Hall, he realized that something might have happened in the Blue Mountains.
Gandalf had lived for so long that he had long mastered the art of reading faces, so he would not speak rashly before he understood what Thorin had encountered.
Therefore, he used his eyes to signal Arthur, who had a better relationship with Thorin, to ask him what was wrong with Thorin.
In fact, even without Gandalf's questioning glance, Arthur would still care about his friend.
"Thorin, have you encountered any difficulties? Why do you look so bad? How are the dwarf meetings coming along?" Arthur asked.
Thorin drank the ale served by the maid in one gulp, placing the mug heavily on the table. His restrained dwarf temper finally erupted: "dwarf meetings? Those cowards, they wouldn't even come, they just replied refusing! Even though that dragon hasn't appeared for almost 60 years, the dwarves of the Seven Kingdoms would rather sit by and watch the treasures in the Lonely Mountain be coveted by everyone than agree to my plan to reclaim the Lonely Mountain!"
Arthur tilted his head, signaling the maid to refill Thorin's ale, then said gently, "Have another mug of ale, calm down, Thorin."
After Thorin vented the anger he had been holding in throughout his journey, he slumped down, drank another mug of ale, and closed his eyes, saying, "It's gone. The ore and manpower for forging a large number of black arrows are gone, and Smaug's army outside the main gate is also gone. They told me that I am not the King of Durin, and I have no right to inherit the throne. Only if I obtain the arkenstone will they recognize the King's rights."
Arthur and Gandalf exchanged glances. Arthur said, "You still have me, Thorin. I promised you, and I haven't forgotten, that no matter whether you get the support of the dwarf army or not, I will personally help you."
Thorin's previously lost and angry eyes softened. He looked at Arthur and said, "You are the most trustworthy human I have ever met, Arthur."
Arthur smiled, then suddenly said to Thorin mysteriously, "Moreover, you are not without a way to obtain the arkenstone."
Thorin's expression instantly became confused: "What do you mean? The arkenstone is far away in the Lonely Mountain. Putting aside the fact that the main gate of the Lonely Mountain is blocked, it's buried deep under the feet of a fire-breathing Dragon, somewhere in a small mountain made of gold coins. How can I obtain the arkenstone in such a vast sea of gold?"
Gandalf then spoke with a smile, "Therefore, we need to quietly sneak in through the side door of the Lonely Mountain and have a nimble thief steal the arkenstone."
"Side door!?" That was Thorin.
"Thief??" That was Arthur.
The points of their surprise were different. After his surprise, Thorin frowned and looked at the old grey-robed human male, using his eyes to inquire about the other's identity.
Gandalf politely replied, "I think I should indeed introduce myself. My name is Gandalf, Gandalf the Grey."