After the battle of Lake-town, news of the dragon Smaug's death quickly spread throughout the north with the help of the birds.
Before long, the name of Allen the Dragon Slayer would be on the lips of the Northmen.
Rhovanion would soon see changes.
But by the time Allen, newly granted his title, reached the Woodland Realm from Lake-town, King Thranduil had already set out with an army of three thousand Elves.
With the dragon dead, only thirteen Dwarves and one Hobbit remained in the Lonely Mountain.
Clearly, the Elven king did not want to wait a moment longer. He was eager to reclaim his Starlight Gem.
Allen had originally hoped to travel with him, but now he had no choice but to lead his human army after him.
Meanwhile, south of the Lonely Mountain, the Pale Orc Azog had already reached the surrounding area with more than ten thousand elite troops from Dol Guldur. With the help of the Were-worms, he would soon arrive at the foot of the mountain.
At the same time, tens of thousands of Snaga had gathered at Mount Gundabad, northwest of the Lonely Mountain. Once armed, they would join Azog's campaign as the Second Legion, led by his kinsman.
In the Iron Hills, east of the Lonely Mountain, a raven carrying the letter of Durin's king would soon reach Dáin. Thorin Oakenshield's cousin would then lead his elite troops to support his kinsman, who had reclaimed the Lonely Mountain.
Allen's army had also spent a long time trekking through Smaug's Desolation. Only half a day's journey remained before they reached Dale.
And, of course, there was Bard, descendant of Girion, Lord of Dale.
The middle-aged man had a son and two daughters. He was now leading more than a hundred members of the Lake-town