My contribution to HASA's drabbling of 'The Hobbit'

The Gathering of the Clouds

Cark, rark! Stormcrows gathering! Greedy for gore! Greedy for gold!

The thrush might sing of the dragon’s death but the sickness remains.

Old Röac understands the honour of kings, a warrior’s pride, even the lure of a shiny trinket; but now they are damming up the free-running river, drowning heroes’ songs under lawyers’ words and shopkeepers’ petty reckonings.

Yet out of the darkness, beyond the wall, fair music still lightens the hearts that will hear.

And still ravens keep watch, from their age-old crags, passing their tidings and memories on.

Good new, ill news! Ever the way! Heading your way!