Gollum had no inkling of how narrowly death's cold fingers had brushed his wretched form as he scuttled across the sun-scorched wasteland.
Meanwhile, Gandalf the Grey rode his swift steed toward the Lonely Mountain with considerably more pressing concerns occupying his ancient mind. The commotion emanating from Dale and Erebor demanded investigation.
Levi personally leading military forces into battle represented such an extraordinary occurrence that curiosity alone would have drawn any self-respecting wizard to witness the aftermath.
If such momentous events failed to pique his interest, could he truly claim the title of wizard?
The compulsion proved irresistible. He simply had to discover what manner of adventure had unfolded in his absence.
Dawn painted Dale's highest towers in shades of gold and crimson as Gandalf secured his mount at the inn's water trough. His weathered hands offered the faithful beast a generous portion of oats, followed by affectionate pats to its neck, before the wizard began his ascent toward the palace crowning the city's peak.
"Gandalf's coming!" Sharp-eyed Fili spotted the gray-robed figure navigating the stone steps from a considerable distance, his warrior's vision trained by years of standing watch.
Hearing the excited proclamation, Gandalf raised his staff in greeting, its crystalline head catching the morning light.
Fili responded with enthusiastic waves and leaping gestures that would have seemed undignified in anyone less naturally exuberant.
"How have you fared in recent days, my young friend?" Gandalf inquired as he completed his leisurely climb, genuine warmth coloring his weathered features.
"Beyond magnificent! By Mahal's hammer, Gandalf, you cannot fathom what glories you missed! A campaign executed with flawless precision, followed by celebrations that would make the kings of old weep with envy!"
"Truly a tragedy that I was absent," the wizard replied with theatrical sorrow. "I've been wandering the wild paths, chasing fortune wherever her fickle footsteps might lead."
"Chasing fortune?"
"Indeed, pursuing the threads of fate itself."
Gandalf's eyes twinkled with mysterious delight. "Every heartbeat brings countless coincidences into being throughout this vast world. Who can predict when I might stumble upon one of destiny's great confluences? Does such uncertainty not set your blood racing with anticipation?"
Fili absorbed these philosophical musings with the intense concentration of a dwarf attempting to solve a particularly complex metalworking problem, then shook his head in bewilderment.
"Seems to me you'd miss just as many coincidences by chasing them. But enough of such riddles! Levi and Bard await within, and Thorin will join us shortly. Tonight we hold one final victory feast, with Levi himself commanding the kitchens. Don't let this coincidence slip through your fingers."
Gandalf's eyebrows climbed toward his pointed hat. "Nothing could be more fortuitous. Though I must gently correct your earlier observation, dear Fili. The importance lies not in coincidence versus inevitability, but in choosing to participate actively in life's grand adventure."
"Consider dining itself. You're not simply coming to fill an empty belly, are you?"
Understanding dawned across the young dwarf's bearded features.
"Absolutely not! How often does one encounter Levi wielding cooking utensils instead of weapons?"
"Possessing such remarkable culinary talents yet preferring to subsist on trail rations, it's utterly baffling. Were Bombur blessed with such abilities, he'd never emerge from the kitchens."
"Who indeed can fathom such mysteries?"
Gandalf offered this casual response while accompanying Fili through the main entrance into Dale's seat of power.
Within moments, he observed two figures hunched over a table laden with maps and documents.
Levi and Bard, lord and lieutenant, appeared deep in discussion of weighty matters.
"I concur completely with this proposal," Levi was saying. "Since our road network stands complete and no threats linger in the vicinity, why shouldn't we expand construction outward and accommodate our growing population?"
"Then the matter is settled."
Their brief council session concluded precisely as Gandalf and Fili approached within earshot.
The wizard's lips curved in greeting, but when his gaze met Levi's meaningful stare and memories of past slights surfaced, he promptly sealed his mouth.
Levi likewise maintained strategic silence.
An awkward pause stretched between them like a drawn bowstring.
"Ahem."
"On this glorious morning, bathed in golden sunlight and blessed by fair winds, does no one possess a simple greeting for a travel-weary old man who has journeyed far to grace you with his presence?"
This grudge-bearing ancient fossil.
Levi's smile could have melted winter ice. "Indeed, the weather proves most agreeable today. Have you broken your fast?"
Employing such mundane pleasantries as formal greetings caught Gandalf completely off-guard, forcing him to swallow the elaborate verbal riposte he'd been preparing.
Undoubtedly learned such customs from those food-obsessed hobbits.
"I have indeed partaken of morning sustenance."
"Excellent. Restrain your appetite at midday, then. Tonight's festivities will test the limits of even dwarven stomachs."
"Naturally. I am not among those who lack proper self-control when faced with culinary temptations."
"News reached my ears concerning your recent campaign against Goblin-town."
Having failed to extract revenge for previous conversational defeats, Gandalf abandoned subtlety entirely. "For a lord of your stature, you seem constitutionally incapable of remaining idle for any meaningful duration."
"Merely one year has passed since our last meeting, yet you've eliminated a menace that has plagued these mountains for generations beyond counting. Those dwelling in the region, particularly Beorn and his kin, will offer prayers of gratitude for your intervention."
"They chose poorly when they obstructed my roadway."
Levi's shrug conveyed perfect indifference to the goblins' fate.
The statement held absolute truth. The creatures had literally, physically blocked his construction project.
After exchanging these preliminary courtesies, Levi leaned forward with keen interest. "What developments have stirred in the wider world during your travels?"
Wizards never appear without purpose driving their steps.
Unless this truly represents a social visit, which seems unlikely.
"Nothing of overwhelming significance."
Gandalf paused for contemplation before adding, "Though several matters might warrant your attention, should you desire details."
"During my recent journey toward this destination, I encountered a most peculiar creature that had apparently fled from the Misty Mountains. It moved upon all fours in the manner of some degraded goblin variant."
"Could it represent one of the escaped goblins?" Bard suggested with practical logic.
"Impossible. Though sharing certain physical similarities with goblins, this being belonged to an entirely different species. My eyes do not deceive me in such matters."
Gandalf's head moved in firm negation.
"Most likely Gollum," Levi immediately identified the wretched figure.
"Gollum?"
The wizard's brow furrowed as he searched ancient memories.
Suddenly, recognition sparked in his ageless eyes.
"Ah yes, now the name returns to me! A thoroughly unpleasant creature who once spread mischief throughout various settlements before being driven into exile."
"He harbors dark secrets and appears to have enjoyed an unnaturally extended lifespan..."
With a dismissive gesture, Gandalf continued, "Perhaps some curse or malevolent enchantment sustains his miserable existence. Certainly nothing beneficial to the world."
"Though one must acknowledge a certain pitiable quality in such a fate."
"Perhaps so." Levi declined to pursue this particular thread further.
Gandalf likewise chose to abandon the topic of Gollum, moving to weightier concerns. "My path recently carried me through Gondor's realm."
"Gondor's circumstances have improved dramatically of late. Pressure from Mordor decreased substantially, allowing them to reclaim lost territories and continue advancing. One particularly bold strike force actually reached Minas Morgul's very gates."
"Though wisdom prevented them from attempting entry."
Gandalf's tone grew grave with warning. "The territory surrounding Minas Morgul writhes with deadly miasmas and curses that would destroy mortal flesh. Simply breathing that corrupted air brings agony to living lungs. Even with faces covered and preparations made, merely standing upon that blighted ground would bring severe illness within hours."
"That accursed place radiates pure despair. Ten thousand soldiers in perfect equipment would march to certain death within its borders."
"Fear not, I would never send our citizens to assault such a stronghold."
At most, I might investigate personally.
"Yet you mentioned Gondor's reduced pressure," Levi steered the conversation back to strategic matters.
"Precisely. The southern Haradrim suddenly ceased their offensive operations entirely, while numerous Mordor legions withdrew from active fronts."
"I suspect internal difficulties plague their ranks."
"Your suspicion proves accurate."
"You possess knowledge of these events?"
"Indeed I do."
Levi nodded with certainty before continuing:
"Easterling and Mordor forces combined into a massive joint army to campaign against Khand and rebel forces that had allied themselves with Khand's cause. The Haradrim participated as well, deploying their war elephants in the conflict."
Gandalf absorbed this intelligence with growing comprehension, then fixed Levi with a penetrating stare.
"How do you come by such detailed knowledge of these distant events?"
"I recently returned from those very battlefields."