Zinta Putenis Siobhan McCulloch Chapter 10: A Warm Welcome

The barrels, with one hobbit on top and thirteen dwarves inside, flow down the river and out of Mirkwood forest. Looking to the north, Bilbo sees the Lonely Mountain, the groups ultimate destination. For the time being, however, the river takes them toward Lake Town Lake Town is a human city, built on Long Lake, south of the Lonely Mountain. At Lake Town, the barrels are brought to shore when boats from the town row out and cast ropes toward the floaters, and while the men are away, Bilbo frees his companions from the barrels. Everyone has survived, but they are cramped, wet, and hungry. Summary

Thorin, filled with a new sense of purpose, strides proudly up to the town hall and declares to the Master of Lake Town that he, a descendant of the King under the Mountain, has returned to claim his inheritance. The people of the town rejoice. They have all heard the stories of how gold flowed down the river when the King under the Mountain reigned before Smaug came. They treat the dwarves and even Bilbo like kings. After a fortnight, the company is strong and eager again. Though they still have no idea how to deal with the dragon, Thorin feels that they cannot wait any longer. He obtains boats, horses, and provisions from the Master of Lake Town, and the company sets off up the River running toward the Lonely Mountain. Summary continued

"Are you still in prison, or are you free? If you want food, and if you want to go on with this silly adventureits yours after all and not mineyou had better slap your arms and rub your legs and try and help me get the others out while there is a chance! " Pg.193 " Well! Here we are!...And I suppose we ought to thank our stars and Mr. Baggins. I am sure he has a right to expect it, though I wish he could have arranged a more comfortable journey. Still- all very much at your service once more, Mr. Baggins. No doubt we shall feel properly grateful when we are fed and recovered. " pg. 194 " He at any rate did not believe in dwarves fighting and killing dragons like Smaug, and he strongly suspected attempted burglary or something like it. " Pg.199 " The white oars dipped and splashed, and off they went north up the lake on the last stage of their long journey. The only person thoroughly unhappy was Bilbo. " Pg. 201 Quotes

The Lake people Nicer than the wood elves Treat the dwarves and Bilbo like royalty All of them have high expectations for the group except for the Master New Species

How does Bilbo continue to develop as a hero/leader? Do you think that the Masters assumption that the dwarves could not kill off Smaug is accurate? How does the enthusiasm of the Lake people and being treated like kings affect the dwarves? Questions