Drums in the Deep
Chapter 1

In the north of Middle-earth was a great colony of Dwarves, in the heart of the Lonely Mountain, Erebor. They were short and stocky, with long beards, and hot-headed attitudes. But they were also brave and noble. A Dwarf never ran from battle, if he could help it.

In this particular colony, they were ruled by King Dain Ironfoot. He was a particularly brave Dwarf, who wore silver scale-mail, a red coat, matching red gauntlets, and a green cloak. He was very old, with his share of wrinkles, and very gray hair. He had a silver, helmet-like crown with a red flame on it. His beard was jeweled with silver.

He had ruled the Mountain since the death of his cousin, Thorin Oakenshield, who had died at the hands of Bolg, the Goblin-king, and son of Azog. Though Thorin’s death had greatly aggrieved him, he had proudly taken up the position of King under the Mountain.

Thorin’s companions, Dori, Ori, Nori, Oin, Gloin, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Dwalin, and, most importantly, Balin, now served Dain, as loyal and devoted as they had been to Thorin. Gloin, who was quite soft-spoken (for a dwarf), had a son, Gimli, who at the time of the Quest of Erebor had been too young to accompany his father. He was older now, however, and, though somewhat foolish, was a brave fighter, which was why his father was so proud of him. Gloin valued courage above all else.

One day, Dain was sitting on his throne (which was rather large for a dwarf, and made of stone) in the entrance chamber. He looked up to see Balin walking towards him. He was wearing clothes similar to Dain’s, but with a green coat and gauntlets, bronze scale-mail, and his usual red cloak with intricate golden embroidery. His white hair and beard were jeweled with gold. He carried his large, double-bladed axe at his back, along with some throwing axes.

“Lord Dain,” he said. “I have important news. I would like to request a large company of Dwarves to accompany me into Moria.”

“Moria?!?” said Dain. “By the Valar, Balin, what are you thinking?”

“I will reclaim our ancient kingdom from the goblins. But I cannot do it alone.”

“Well, obviously, but the goblins have infested it for thousands of years! How can you expect to take it back?”

“With enough Dwarves, and enough courage.”

Dain considered for a moment. “Very well Balin, but please be careful, my friend. How many Dwarves will you need?”

“At least two hundred.”

“I shall give you twice as many, including our most skilled archers, led by Balfour. But I warn you again Balin; be careful.”