Thorin and His Company

by Balin Lord of Moria

A series of drabbles in which Thorin Oakenshield chooses his companions for the Quest for the Lonely Mountain, and they express their feelings about the journey. There's one for each dwarf, plus Gandalf and Bilbo. Told from Thorin's perspective mostly.

14. Gandalf the Grey

Gandalf the Grey

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Thorin and Company stood before Gandalf.

"So," said Thorin, "you say all we need now is a burglar to help us on our journey and quest, am I right?"

"That is correct," said Gandalf. "I already have one in mind, and you will ultimately find him to be invaluable."

"I hope we will," said Dori, "But how can a burglar fight Smaug?"

"He won't," Gandalf said plainly, "Burglars do not kill, they steal, and I have a feeling that an act of theft is what's needed to win this quest."

I wonder what sort of theft he means, thought Thorin.