32 - Gandalf (06)

It seemed at last as this company were ready to embark on their adventure. Gandalf's worries had subsided as he had climbed down the hill. These dwarves might not be the company the wise lords of Númenor or fair elves of old would have chosen had they set out to slay a dragon, but he felt hope in the darkness. He rose from his chair and grabbed Thorins shoulder: "I believe we might see a dragon after all, young master dwarf. I am glad to see you as the leader of this company." Gandalf turned for the door, hunched over with his back bent. "I will go fetch us our burglar, as we wouldn't want him to become too fond of your absence." With that he stepped through the door and caught a deep breath of the rich air of the Shire before setting course for the Hill.