The Hobbit was glad to see the face of the dwarf in the cave, for his bow would be of little use in the confined space.

Bandy nodded to his friend, "I have no desire to go below, but i see no way to block this up that wont in time be unblocked by the goblins. I also can make no sense out of theirr delvings. Perhaps we should report what we have seen and leave the woodman to ponder this problem on their own."

The halfling paused and listened to the hammer taps.
"I dont think we are in a position to conduct a raid of our own. The two listened for a moment longer and then the hobbit started to back his way back to the cavern where the woodmen waited.

 
I'm officially a married man now! The wedding was this Saturday and we had a fantastic time, I'm back home right now until Friday when we fly out for the Honeymoon for a week.
 

Rorin nodded in agreement with the hobbit, once again he was surprised at how quickly Bandy was able to learn things that he had never been taught, and he felt a small moment of pity for Bandy's enemies who made the mistake of underestimating the small creature.

When they reached the mouth of the tunnel again, Rorin spoke up, "My friend Bandy found a hole that we believe the goblins are using to move their soldiers into position to attack your town. It is naught but a small hole with a rope to ease the climb, so they cannot muster any great numbers through it. But as you saw, they do not need more than a score of fighters to cause the destruction they seek.

Until you have a plan to take the fight to these creatures, you should keep this hole well lit and guarded, each of your soldiers is worth two of theirs so even a small garrison there should be able to prevent another larger attack. "

"These reavers have found a way into our homes and we shall see that this hole is stopped up before they can further excavate the access," said Hartfast. "I admire your courage, Master Bandobras. You Hobbits must be made of stronger stuff than I gave credit."

The Master of Mountain Hall gave orders to his men to set guard as the Dwarf suggested, but also to send for the stone-smiths to plan a way to collapse the whole passage. "Let us see to it that if they want in our homes, they will need work for it once more. Too shall we place men of keen sight and show the goblins that blood is the only price they will pay to enter our hall." Once done, he turned back to the three guests, "Come, let us return to my hall and partake in a meal. We can also check on your companions and see how they fare."

The quartet exited the mine into the falling rain and made haste to the warm hearth within Mountain Hall. Hartfast left the three travelers to their friends, as he turned his attention to other matters. Bandy was pleased to see Arbogast was awake and taking food - at least the warm chicken broth and a wedge of bread. Esgalwen, too, was looking her self once more. Rorin still made a complete inspection of his wounded friends. Once satisfied, the Dwarf bid them adieu as he needed to return to his labors. The helmet was almost complete and they should be able to depart anytime within the next ten days. It would come down to Arbogast and how he felt by that time.

When the Dwarf had left them, the remaining companions sat quietly and discussed their course. It was the mid of August [T.A. 2951] and the company needed to be back to Rhosgobel by mid-September at the latest.

---

I edited our story timeline just a tad, making it three weeks that you all have been at Mountain Hall waiting on Rorin to forge the helm. You guys have to journey back to Rhosgobel, which could take up to 10+ days if you leave from Mountain Hall - longer if you go north to the Hobbit Inn. Ceawin wants to be on his road back to Sunstead by October, so let me know if you plan on using the time to explore (or even stay here and work with the mountain-men).

  I'm ready for the straight road back.

  Agreed.  The Hobbit inn sounds cool, but it's an unconfirmed rumour to the Fellowship at this point, and we're on a schedule.

  Grimbeorn is non-committal but would prefer to be on his way back as he is duty- and honor-bound to complete it.