Chapter 13: Not at Home

This section describes the dwarves' experience of waiting in darkness and silence, their failed attempt to open the door, and Bilbo's decision to explore the tunnel.

The Dwarves' Desperation

• The dwarves sit in darkness and silence, unable to count time or move due to the echoing whispers of their voices. They eat little and speak sparingly.

• After days of waiting, they can no longer bear the lack of air and consider welcoming sounds from below, even if it means the dragon's return.

• Thorin suggests trying to open the door for fresh air but discovers that it is shattered and blocked with broken rock. They feel trapped and fear they will die there.

Bilbo's Hopeful Decision

• Bilbo feels a strange lightening of his heart amidst the despairing dwarves. He decides to go down the tunnel again, despite not knowing if there is still a dragon at the other end. He believes that going down is their only way out.

• The dwarves agree to accompany Bilbo this time, understanding that he has been through the tunnel twice before when he knew there was a dragon present. They proceed cautiously in hopes of finding an escape route.

Bilbo's Stealthy Descent

• As they descend, Bilbo slips on his ring but realizes it is unnecessary as complete darkness engulfs them all, making them invisible regardless. They continue quietly while Bilbo leads the way using his sense of touch rather than sight.

• Suddenly, Bilbo stumbles into an unexpected opening in complete darkness and falls onto the floor of a hall where he remains motionless out of fear. He notices a pale white glint above him and the heavy stench of the dragon's presence.

Bilbo's Encounter with the Arkenstone

• Bilbo, unable to bear the darkness any longer, calls out to Smaug for light and challenges him to catch him if he can. There is no response from the dragon.

• Bilbo wonders why Smaug is not at home and suggests using a torch to explore their surroundings before their luck changes. The dwarves are initially alarmed but eventually agree to wait in the tunnel while Bilbo investigates.

• Bilbo takes a torch from Owen and Glowen, two of the dwarves, and proceeds alone into the hall, his small light revealing glimpses of golden treasures as he moves further away from them.

• As Bilbo climbs a mound of treasure, he spots a gleaming gem known as the Arkenstone, which emits its own inner light and reflects various colors. He is captivated by its enchantment and decides to keep it hidden in his pocket.

Chapter 13: Not at Home

This section describes the dwarves' experience of waiting in darkness and silence, their failed attempt to open the door, and Bilbo's decision to explore the tunnel.

The Dwarves' Desperation

• The dwarves sit in darkness and silence, unable to count time or move due to echoing whispers of their voices.

• They eat little and speak sparingly.

• Thorin suggests trying to open the door for fresh air but discovers it is shattered and blocked with broken rock.

Bilbo's Hopeful Decision

• Despite not knowing if there is still a dragon at the other end, Bilbo decides to go down the tunnel again.

• The dwarves agree to accompany Bilbo this time, understanding that he has been through the tunnel twice before when he knew there was a dragon present.

Bilbo's Stealthy Descent

• As they descend, Bilbo slips on his ring but realizes it is unnecessary as complete darkness engulfs them all.

• Suddenly, Bilbo stumbles into an unexpected opening in complete darkness and falls onto the floor of a hall where he remains motionless out of fear.

Bilbo's Encounter with the Arkenstone

• Unable to bear the darkness any longer, Bilbo calls out to Smaug for light and challenges him to catch him if he can.

• Bilbo suggests using a torch to explore their surroundings before their luck changes.

• Taking a torch from Owen and Glowen, two of the dwarves, Bilbo proceeds alone into the hall.

• As Bilbo climbs a mound of treasure, he spots a gleaming gem known as the Arkenstone and decides to keep it hidden in his pocket.

Bilbo's Journey through the Great Mound

Bilbo continues his journey through the great mound, crossing the floor of the hall and reaching the great doors. He experiences a draft of air and encounters a bat that startles him. Bilbo calls out for help as his torch goes out.

Bilbo's Journey Continues

• Bilbo peeks through the great doors and sees passages and stairs leading up into darkness.

• A bat swoops at Bilbo, causing him to stumble and drop his torch.

• In fear, Bilbo calls out for help, but his voice is faint in the wide blackness.

The Dwarves Respond to Bilbo's Call for Help

The dwarves hear Bilbo's cries for help and decide to go and assist him. They light more torches and make their way towards him.

Coming to Bilbo's Aid

• The dwarves hear Bilbo's cries for help, though they can only make out the word "help."

• Thorin orders someone to get more lights while Balin suggests it is their turn to help.

• Glowing lights several more torches as they all prepare to go and find Bilbo.

Reunion with Bilbo

The dwarves meet up with Bilbo who has managed to recover from his initial fright. They inquire about what happened, relieved that it was just a bat. However, if they had known about the Arkenstone, their reaction might have been different.

Reunited with Relief

• The dwarves find Bilbo coming back towards them after recovering from his scare.

• They ask him what happened, relieved that it was nothing serious.

• Bilbo keeps the secret of the Arkenstone to himself, knowing it might change their reaction.

The Dwarves' Greed for Treasure

The dwarves become captivated by the glimpses of treasure they find in the hall. Their hearts are ignited with a desire for gold and jewels, making them eager to explore further.

Captivated by Treasure

• The dwarves become more interested in exploring the hall as they catch fleeting glimpses of treasure.

• They forget their fear and caution as they speak aloud and lift old treasures from the mound and walls.

• Some dwarves find golden harps strung with silver, which they play joyfully.

Thorin's Search for Something

While the other dwarves indulge in their greed for treasure, Thorin searches for something specific. He remains focused on finding the Arkenstone but keeps his search a secret.

Thorin's Secret Search

• Thorin searches from side to side, looking for something he cannot find.

• His main objective is to locate the Arkenstone, but he does not reveal this to anyone yet.

Thorin Rewards Bilbo

Thorin rewards Bilbo with armor and a coat of mail as payment for his services. Bilbo feels both magnificent and absurd in his new attire.

Rewarding Bilbo

• Thorin gives Bilbo a small coat of mail made of mithril, along with a belt of pearls and crystals.

• He also provides Bilbo with a light helm adorned with white gems.

• Bilbo feels both magnificent and absurd in his new attire.

Doubts about Their Armor Against Smaug

The dwarves begin to question the usefulness of their armor against Smaug. They realize that their main goal is not gold, but finding a way to escape.

Doubts and Realizations

• Bilbo expresses doubts about the effectiveness of their armor against Smaug.

• Thorin agrees and acknowledges that they have tempted luck for too long.

• They decide to focus on finding a way of escape rather than pursuing more treasure.

Leaving the Hall

The dwarves prepare to leave the hall, covering their glittering mail with old cloaks. Thorin leads them through the doors as they make their way towards an uncertain future.

Departure from the Hall

• The dwarves cover their glittering mail with old cloaks before leaving the hall.

• Thorin guides them through the doors, leading them towards an uncertain future.

• They walk in a line behind Thorin, little lights in the darkness, listening for any sign of Smaug's approach.

Climbing Stairs and Exploring Passages

The dwarves climb stairs and explore passages within the palace. They encounter no living creatures but only furtive shadows that flee from them.

Journey through Passages

• The dwarves climb stairs and explore echoing passages within the palace.

• They encounter no signs of life but notice furtive shadows that quickly disappear.

• Their journey continues as they navigate through various twists and turns.

Exploring the Great Chamber of Thraw

The group enters the great chamber of Thraw, which is described as the hall of feasting and counsel. They observe the ruined state of the chamber with rotting tables, overturned chairs, and decaying bones.

Observations in the Great Chamber

• The air smells sweeter before them as light dimly comes through twisted doors.

• Thorin identifies it as the great chamber of Thraw, used for feasting and counsel.

• Tables are rotting, chairs and benches are overturned, and charred remains are scattered around.

Discovering the Birth of the Running River

As they continue their journey, they hear the sound of water and follow it to discover a running river. Thorin explains that it hastens to the gate and suggests they follow it.

Following the Running River

• A sound of water catches their attention.

• Thorin identifies it as the birthplace of the running river.

• They decide to follow its path through a dark opening in a rock wall.

• The water flows swiftly in a carved channel beside a stone-paved road.

Reaching Sunlight at the Front Gate

The group follows along a stone-paved road until they reach a tall arch that leads them to daylight. They marvel at seeing sunlight again after being underground for so long.

Reaching Sunlight

• They run swiftly along a stone-paved road.

• Before them stands an arch with fragments of old carvings.

• A misty sun sends its pale light between mountain arms into a valley.

• Gold beams fall on the pavement at their feet as they enter daylight.

Admiring the View and Feeling the Wind

The group stands at the front gate, admiring the view of Dale. Bilbo expresses his surprise at being outside and feeling the wind again, though he finds it cold.

Admiring the View and Feeling the Wind

• Bilbo expresses his surprise at looking out of the door and seeing sunlight.

• He mentions that it feels good to feel the wind on his face, although it is cold.

• They notice a bitter easterly breeze, signaling an oncoming winter.

Hunger Strikes and Thoughts of Breakfast

Bilbo realizes that he is not only tired but also very hungry. He suggests finding a safer place for breakfast away from Smaug's doorstep.

Hunger Strikes

• Bilbo realizes he is hungry and suggests finding a safer place for breakfast.

• He comments on how long they have been without proper meals.

• Thorin's spirits rise as he rattles precious stones in his pockets.

Deciding on a Direction to Go

The group discusses which way to go for their next destination. Balin suggests heading towards the old lookout post at the southwest corner of the mountain.

Choosing a Direction

• Balin suggests making their way to the old lookout post at the southwest corner of the mountain.

• Bilbo asks about how far it is, and Balin estimates it will take around five hours to reach.

• They discuss potential challenges along different routes.

Moving Away from Smaug's Front Doorstep

The group decides to move away from Smaug's front doorstep as they feel uneasy and believe he might be watching them. They follow Balin's path under the rocky wall.

Moving Away from Smaug's Front Doorstep

• The group agrees to move away from Smaug's front doorstep.

• They feel uneasy and believe that Smaug might be watching them.

• Dori suggests following Balin's path under the rocky wall.

Crossing a Fallen Bridge and Resting in a Dell

The group crosses a fallen bridge, fords a shallow stream, and finds an ancient dell among the rocks where they rest and have breakfast.

Crossing the Fallen Bridge and Resting

• They find a fallen bridge with most of its stones now boulders in the stream.

• They ford the water without much difficulty.

• After climbing steps, they reach an old road and eventually come across a sheltered dell among rocks.

• They rest there for a while, having breakfast consisting of cram (a biscuit-like food) and water.

Climbing to the Top of the Ridge

The group climbs steeply up a hill path until they reach the top of the ridge. From there, they observe the sun setting in the west.

Climbing to the Top of the Ridge

• They scramble up a steep hill path one by one.

• Finally, in late afternoon, they reach the top of the ridge.

• They witness the wintry sun going downwards to the west.

Discovering an Old Watchman Post

Atop the ridge, they find a flat place backed by a rocky face with an opening resembling a door. Balin explains that it leads to a rock-hewn chamber used as a guard room in the past.

Discovering an Old Watchman Post

• Balin points out the flat place without a wall on three sides.

• He mentions that it used to be a spot for watchmen and leads to a rock-hewn chamber.

• The guards were made comfortable during prosperous times, but now it seems unnecessary.

Reflecting on Missed Meals and Smaug's Location

The group reflects on their missed meals and wonders about Smaug's whereabouts. They decide to move away from their current location as they feel uneasy.

Reflecting on Missed Meals and Smaug's Location

• Bilbo grumbles about missing meals inside the dragon's lair.

• Thorin laughs and defends his palace, mentioning future cleaning and redecoration.

• Bilbo expresses concern about Smaug's possible presence on the mountain.

• The group agrees to move away from their current location due to uneasiness.

New Section

The group reaches a rock chamber where they decide to rest. Bilbo notices a smaller chamber further in, which appears to be untouched by Smog's presence.

Resting in the Rock Chamber

• Bilbo exclaims that they cannot go any further and throws himself on the ground in the rock chamber.

• The rock chamber is spacious enough to accommodate a hundred people.

• There is a smaller chamber further inside, which seems to have been undisturbed during Smog's reign.

• Even wild animals have not used this small chamber.

New Section

The group discusses their plans while some of them rest. They repeatedly wonder about Smog's whereabouts and search for any signs of him.

Discussing Plans and Searching for Smog

• Some members of the group lay down their burdens and immediately fall asleep.

• The others sit near the outer door and engage in discussions about their plans.

• Their conversations frequently revolve around one question: Where is Smog?

• They look towards the west, east, and south but find no sign of the dragon.

• However, they notice a gathering of many birds, which intrigues them.

New Section

As night falls, the first stars appear in the sky. The group continues to observe the gathering of birds but remains puzzled by its significance.

Observing Birds at Nightfall

• With the arrival of cold stars, the group becomes more aware of their surroundings.

• They are still unable to comprehend why there is such a large gathering of birds nearby.