Evening fell over Dale, bathing the city in the light of the setting sun.
Men, a Wizard, and Elves gathered in Thranduil's tent.
Gandalf was giving those in the tent a lengthy account of the battle at Dol Guldur and the army of Half-orcs he had seen with his own eyes.
Allen had no doubts about the truth of his account. As he listened, he breathed a sigh of relief. This outcome was far better than the original course of events.
The news that Thráin II was still alive, in particular, immediately set Allen's mind working.
He had known for a long time that the current King under the Mountain was still alive.
Last year, when Allen attended the White Council meeting in Lothlórien, he had wanted to bring it up.
But various concerns had kept him from saying anything. Instead, he had focused on describing the strength of the darkness in Dol Guldur.
He had hoped the White Council would take the place seriously. If those mighty figures descended with overwhelming force and drove Sauron away, the chances of rescuing Thráin II safely would rise considerably.
Now that he had heard Gandalf confirm in person that Thráin II was alive, Allen was delighted.
He needed that news for a little plan of his.
What puzzled Allen, however, was that Gandalf had said nothing about the great eagles coming to help.
After thinking it over carefully, Allen understood. His guess was that Gandalf himself was probably unsure whether the great eagles would come.
After all, these messengers of Manwë took orders from no one. They decided for themselves what they ought to do.
Of course, Allen knew they would come. But in this altered timeline, he could no longer be certain when they would arrive.
Meanwhile, with both Allen and