"There is time."
In Erebor's hall, Legolas made this assertion.
But Thorin had other views: "But Levi has already departed long ago, and that battlefield also needs support. How could there be time?"
"Do not worry, Legolas son of Thranduil. Erebor's dwarven warriors will guard this land. We will make those who dare come here with invasive intentions know that there is no one here to be trifled with."
"You may possess courage," Eurohir suddenly said. "But that great army composed of dark men and Uruk-hai are not weaklings either."
"From the information I have obtained, their numbers are considerable. At least tens of thousands combined."
"Setting aside where your information comes from, you should know this place has not only Erebor's dwarves, but also garrison soldiers from Dale, Lake-town, and Roadway Town."
"Even if the main force went to the western mountains, these remaining soldiers are still a significant force."
Thorin spread his arms, looking toward the great door, saying loudly, "Do you think that without Levi, the people here are nothing?"
"You vastly underestimate the people here, and also vastly underestimate Levi."
"After all, this is his territory."
"I agree with that," Legolas nodded. "Moreover, Mirkwood is right next to here. The army there will not sit idle."
Thorin glanced at him: "I would reserve judgment on that view."
Who knew whether that old drunkard and reclusive elf-king would be willing to budge?
Though the Lonely Mountain and Mirkwood had reconciled, they had been disconnected too long. Even after making peace, they had not communicated much. No one knew what the other was really thinking.
Prejudices could not be eliminated overnight.
Eurohir was somewhat confused.
"Can you not just send someone to speak with the Woodland Realm?"
"I will not." Thorin's voice was obviously louder than before, creating echoes in the hall.
Just imagining Thranduil sending reinforcements with a condescending, charitable attitude made Thorin's teeth ache.
Even to help Levi, he would definitely say things like, "It seems our dwarven companions are not sufficient for this crisis, so Levi's stronger allies must intervene."
"I will go," Legolas volunteered.
"I will notify them, and Levi too. I have ways to let him know immediately. His allies are not just us."
"Then this matter depends on you." Thorin nodded.
Legolas left first.
Seeing that necessary messages had been conveyed, Eurohir also rose to leave.
But Thorin stopped him.
Obviously, he still had unfinished business.
"Who are you?"
"I think I have introduced myself clearly enough. I am Eurohir, a wine estate owner from Dorwinion, and Levi's friend."
"Are you doubting these words?" Eurohir spoke with quite steady voice.
"No, of course I do not doubt you."
Thorin gestured for him to sit. After he sat down, Thorin continued, "You can certainly be a wine estate owner from Dorwinion named Eurohir. An elf who lived peacefully for two ages just growing grapes and making wine."
"But besides that, you could also be something else you have not mentioned, such as..."
"Such as?" Eurohir seemed curious, apparently not expecting Thorin to speak this way.
"Such as... some lord of Dorwinion, or perhaps a former king?"
Thorin just looked at him.
The hall fell silent for a moment.
"I do not quite understand your meaning."
Eurohir still maintained his consistently calm tone and politeness.
Thorin raised an eyebrow slightly, "Perhaps you can fool inexperienced elves or some lord who only knows adventure, but certain things only show slightly in those who have truly sat on a throne. That bearing cannot be hidden."
Neither Legolas nor Levi were suspicious people. To them, the other's identity did not matter. After all, discussing status with them was most useless.
So they would not actively verify such things.
To them, Eurohir was indeed just an elegant, noble estate owner. Nothing strange about that.
But Thorin was different.
He dealt with various people daily, managing within his kingdom's territory, particularly sensitive to matters of status and bearing.
Especially... people of the same standing as himself.
He might hide deeply, but surely not as deep as the holes dwarves had dug.
"It does not matter." Thorin showed acceptance.
"At least I can confirm you are not an enemy, right?"
"I certainly am not."
One dwarf and one elf stood and shook hands.
"Hope you have pleasant days. Erebor's market is also prosperous. Perhaps there will be things that catch your eye."
"Thank you, I will take a look."
Outside the Lonely Mountain.
Clatter Clatter...
Legolas rode his horse, galloping all the way to the Sky Road entrance. Before long, he reached the entrance specially established for the Woodland Realm, "One-Eighth Town."
Just as he took a deep breath, preparing to descend, forest movement made him turn his head.
The Woodland Realm's army had already mobilized. They had long detected the news.
Seeing this, Legolas also sighed in relief.
So he continued west, all the way to Carl Town, where Beorn's clan lived.
Here was a foothold Levi had specially established for great eagles. A giant tree, incredibly broad, solid, and towering, with a comfortable nest atop.
Fortunately, a great eagle happened to be resting here.
So Legolas called to the great eagle and conveyed the message.
"I see."
Listening to Glorfindel's account, Levi understood everything.
"Thank you for the news."
He waved to the great eagle, which answered with a clear cry.
"What do you plan to do? Return now?"
Glorfindel mentally simulated the map: "I am afraid it is rather far."
"For soldiers, yes, but not far for me."
"I agree with that. This person is always nowhere to be seen. One moment in the west, next moment running to the east, flying faster than great eagles."
A warm, aged voice suddenly sounded nearby as Gandalf rode over.
"Glorfindel."
After dismounting, he briefly greeted the two plus the great eagle, continuing, "Everything here is fine. Do whatever you wish, Levi."
He gazed at the fiery red sun rising in the east, "It is already over."
"It has begun."
Rumble Rumble...
Outside Dale's high walls, countless black and gold armor intertwined. The former shorter but extremely fierce, the latter taller and stronger, seemingly more disciplined but also more troublesome.
Behind them were several siege towers pushed by Olog-hai, plus some catapults.
"They have come."
Atop the walls now, Thorin stood fully armored with dwarves and human guards, gazing down below.
He was now the supreme commander here.
"Ha, those elves indeed did not come."
No longer expecting more reinforcements, Thorin raised his hand, signaling behind him, "Prepare to load the heavy crossbows with ammunition. Let them taste our power."