"Yew" part nine by Pearl Took

[pearltook1]

Part nine of my August Challenge story.


Chapter 9


For a moment there was silence and then the Dwarf threw his head back, laughing so hard that he shook all over.

"Dragon's . . . egg!" he wheezed then laughed some more.

The wizard was not amused. "Yes, Dori. A dragon's egg."

Dori took a few moments to collect himself though he was still smiling broadly 'neath his moustache. "Of course there was a dragon's egg, Gandalf. They are a common toy of Dwarf children under the mountain and of the children of the Men we trade with. There are so many of the stories the young ones love which have a dragon in them that they enjoy having one for their play battles.

We find a rock of a suitable shape, refine that shape, smooth it without polishing it as we know of no creature that lays shiny eggs. Then it is cut in half cross-wise not length-wise, the two halves are hollowed out, and a beautifully carved toy dragon of a size to fit the egg is placed within. The halves are bound together with moderately strong glue and there you have it - a dragon's egg."

Gandalf thought for a moment. "Are the shells of these toy eggs decorated in any fashion?"

"Not in a gaudy fashion, no. Since our intention is to have them be believable as dragon's eggs. We often put faint gold spots or striping upon them, but it is very natural looking. Why do y . . . Oh!" A gleam of understanding shone in Dori's eyes. "The accident! Frόr and Narvi's wagon hit a nasty hole in the road and tipped. They found everything except on of the dragon's eggs. The lads said they were near some Hobbit farms. Did someone find it?"

"You are certain those were the only types of dragon's eggs that wagon carried?

"Of course, Gandalf. But if you would be better satisfied, I will call Frόr and Narvi and you may ask them your questions."
Dori rose, went to the doorway of his tent, spoke to the watchman and then returned. In a few moments two dwarves entered and bowed to their elder and the wizard. After the customary greeting, Gandalf asked them about their missing cargo.

"We looked about most cautiously, Gandalf," Frόr explained, "but we found no trace of that one egg."

"You carried more than one?"

"Yes, sir. An even dozen."

"And it was exactly like the others?"

"Of couse," Frόr answered.

"No," Narvi replied at the same instant.

The two dwarves looked at each other.

"It was."

"It wasn't!" Narvi turned to Dori.

"Sir, that egg was of the most superb craftsmanship." He turned back to his friend. "Remember, Frόr? I pointed that one out to you because I hadn't been able to see the seam on it."

Frόr's eyes widened. Gandalf leaned forward.

"That was the one that went missing!" Frόr gasped. "You ought to have mentioned it to me. I thought it was one of the others."

"No seam?" Gandalf's voice was quiet but intense. Both young dwarves blushed.

"No, Gandalf, sir. Nary a sign of it could I see." Narvi said.

"Nor I," added Frόr. "We were wondering how some wee hobbit lad or his father was going to get it open, since these were all for Bilbo's gift-giving."

"Was that the only difference between that egg and the others?"

"Well," Narvi voice quivered. "There, ah, were a few things that . . . well, ah, seemed somewhat . . ."

"Somewhat what!" the Wizard boomed causing the dwarves to jump.

"It had no gold upon it," Frόr blurted. "No gold and it was somewhat reddish, although there is granite that shade, indeed it was speckled like granite often is, but it well . . ." He pause to lick his lips. "It felt a bit different as well. Softer than the others. Not - not soft, soft, if you understand me, sir, it still felt like the other dragon's eggs, just softer."

"We mentioned it when we stayed at The Great Road Tavern in Waymeet," Narvi put in. "On the chance someone might find it. We tried to explain it was a toy, but by then the Hobbits were all laughing merrily at us and not heeding anything else we said."

"Yes," added Frόr. "They were all nudging and winking at each other whilst saying "Dragon's egg' over and over."

Gandalf closed his eyes as he sat back. "Softer." He murmured. "That is all. Thank you Frόr and Narvi. You have been a great help."

The two looked to Dori who nodded his dismissal and they left the tent.

"Are you satisfied?" he asked the wizard when they were gone.

"Satisfied? Yes, I'm satisfied that none of you knew."

"Knew?"

"Have you ever seen a real dragon's egg, Dori?" Gandalf waved his own question away. "Don't answer, I know you have not. Few people have, but I am one of those few. They are heavy and solid feeling, with a look about them like grey, green or red granite, depending on the color of the dragon who laid it. Yet, there is a softness to the surface, as though you should be able to push upon it and leave a small dent even though you cannot."

Dori's eyes grew ever wider as Gandalf spoke. "You're telling me that we had a real dragon's egg on that wagon?"

"Yes, that is exactly what I'm telling you."

"Impossible! Whatever makes you think such a ridiculous thing?" The laugh in Dori's voice was forced; he was doing his best not to let the truth sink into his mind.

Gandalf sighed. "Because, my dear friend, I learned yesterday, via a letter from Paladin Took of Whitwell Farm in the Tookland, whose property is not too terribly far from the North Road, that his son has a little red dragon for a pet."

Silence filled the tent. The flames on the small hearth crackled merrily as though enjoying the thought of a dragon in The Shire.

"Some wee hobbit lad?"

"Yes, his name is Peregrin, though he is usually called Pippin. He is a cousin to our own Bilbo the Burglar."

Dori sighed. "I see," he said then sighed again. "You said at the start that I had a problem. Am I correct, then, that you are wanting us to rid The Shire of its new dragon since we brought it here? We shall happily disconnect its head from its body."

Gandalf sat in silence, deep in thought. In many ways Dori's proposal was the logical one. Truly, did Middle-earth need another dragon? Especially one of the Fire-drakes? Not, he reminded himself, that there were many left at this point in time, yet, did anyone really need to have one lurking about? They stole livestock, they burned farms - and farmers - and they raided villages to loot them of their riches then burned them as well. Hadn't he helped Thorin and Company return to the Lonely Mountain knowing full well they intended to kill Smaug? And
yet . . .

"No," he said in a low tone. "No, Dori. When I said that I thought you had known the egg was real. You did not. It is not your responsibility. Paladin wrote to me asking my help and my help he shall receive." Gandalf rose to take his leave. "I thank you for the answers to my questions and for your offer to deal with the matter, but I feel it is something I need to see to."

"Well, good luck to you then, my old friend. May we meet again soon."

Gandalf urged his horse homeward. He didn't want to miss supper.