Chapter 19: Durin's Day
Later that night, Thorin, Tharia, Gandalf, Selindra, Balin, Bilbo and Belinda met with Elrond and Arwen in the Rivendell library. "Our business is no concern of Elves." Thorin said, being his stubborn self. "For goodness sake, Thorin, show him the map." Gandalf said. "It is the legacy of our people. It is ours to protect, as are its secrets." Thorin said. "Oh, save me from the stubbornness of Dwarves." Selindra groaned. "Thorin, your pride will be your downfall. You stand in the presence of one of the few people in Middel-Earth who can read that map. Show it to Lord Elrond." Gandalf demanded. Bilbo and Belinda looked between them at how the conversation was going. Knowing that her brother would probably take time to consider, she took the map from inside his vest herself. "Tharia, no." Balin protested. But Tharia shoved his hand away, walked up to Elrond and presented the map to him.
Elrond took the map and opened it. "Erebor. What is your interest in this map?" He asked. Tharia was about to say. "It's mainly academic, Lord Elrond." Selindra interrupted. "Yes. As you know, this sort of artifact sometimes contains hidden text." Gandalf said. Elrond walked a few steps away as Gandalf looked at Tharia, who nodded to him as Thorin glared between them. "You still read ancient Dwarvish, do you not?" Gandalf asked. Elrond looked at the Dwarvish writing at the map and spoke what it said. "Moon runes?" Selindra translated. "Of course." Gandalf said as they realized. Bilbo and Belinda looked at them in confusion. "An easy thing to miss." Gandalf said. "Well, in this case, that is true. Moon runes can only be read in the light of a moon of the same shape and season as the day on which they were written." Elrond said. "Can you read them?" Thorin asked hopefully. "He can. And we know just where to do it." Arwen said.
Elrond and Arwen led the small group to a crystal alter located under the city. "These runes were written on a Midsummer's Eve by the light of a crescent moon nearly 200 years ago. It would seem that you were meant to come to Rivendell." Elrond said as he set the map down on the alter. "Yes. Fate is with you, Thorin Oakenshield. The same moon shines upon us tonight." Arwen said. The clouds in the night sky cleared as the crescent moon shined itself upon the alter. And in a matter of seconds, the runes appeared on the map with a blue glow. "Stand by the gray stone when the thrush knocks and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the keyhole." Elrond read. "Durin's Day?" Bilbo asked. "What is Durin's Day?" Belinda asked. "It is the start of the Dwarves' new year when the last moon of autumn and first sun of winter appear in the sky together." Gandalf explained. "This is ill news. Summer is passing. Durin's Day will soon be upon us." Thorin said as he realized. "We still have time." Balin assured. "Time for what?" Belinda asked. "To find the entrance. We have to be standing in exactly the right spot at exactly the right time. Then, and only then, can the door be opened." Balin explained. "So, this is your purpose, to enter the mountain?" Elrond asked. "Yes." Tharia said. "What of it?" Thorin asked. "There are some who would not deem it wise." Elrond said as he gave the map back to Thorin. "What do you mean?" Gandalf asked. "You are not the only guardian to stand watch over Middle-Earth." Elrond said as he walked away. Gandalf and Selindra put this to thought.