The dwarves arrive in Bree at last, but while their hosts provide them with ample food and drink, it seems few in the town are willing to believe the dwarves' story.

Frarin and Thane Ovor discuss options of defending Bree as they ride for the town.

Not long after the ambush on the Great East Road, Gimli finds Thari, concussed and nonsensical, wandering the woods as the caravan rests. The weary Frarin joins him as they try to lead Thari back to a tent. Danuf the cook grumbles about his loss of adequate cooking supplies.

As the dwarves thunder along the Great East Road towards Bree, they are confronted by an unexpected, and unpleasant, surprise.

As it nears the High Pass, the dwarven caravan comes across a roadway carved by thousands of feet, covered in blood. They point west towards Bree and the Shire. What does it mean and what will the dwarves do about it?

Ranol drops in to visit his battered cousin who was recently rescued.

The dwarves camp atop the old tower of Amon Sul. As night falls, Thari, Frarin, and Danuf meet, though soon the cook leaves in a huff. Thari and Frarin go on to talk about the nature of cowardice and of the dwarves' future.

The dwarves meet for a council to decide their next course of action. And afterward, Thane Ovor and Frarin are approached by the boy Tamhill, who claims to have information they want.

Ovor, Frarin, Mayor Torebras and Thari meet in Staddle.

Thane Zinbar, Ovor, and Thane Bundazanul, Braldor, meet and discuss matters of war.