'As you may be aware, a plague of injudicious rumours have come into this court, nearly all concerning affairs in the Iron Hills.

'In truth, we have heard little from my brother Náin in the month since the fighting ended, and I must grudgingly concede that a desire to hear how things go out there is reasonable, even if such wanton gossip is not.

'Now, I have heard a very wise and reasonable suggestion from one of my trusted Lore-masters. And who better to act on such a sensible sooth than to dispatch its author into the Ironfold, where he can determine the truth of each and every rumour, then return here and set the record straight.

'I am speaking of you Spall. You needn't look around as if it were someone else.'

Thorin stands before his throne in the court of Erebor.

You should hear King Thorin's Stonehelm reply.

Objectives

• Talk to King Thorin III

You should meet Spall the Lore-master in the Ironfold, which lies down the road that leads from the south-eastern gates of Dale.

Objectives

• Talk to Spall

Skald's Drop lies along the southern edge of the Ironfold, Utterby right in the middle, and Járnfast at its eastern edge.

You should investigate the rumours about the Iron Hills near the stair at Skald's Drop, in the Dalish town of Utterby, and at the keep of Járnfast where Lord Náin dwells.

If you get separated from Spall, use the horn to call him back.

Objectives

• Investigate the Dwarves of Járnfast
• Use this to call Spall back to you

You should talk to Spall the Lore-master.

Objectives

• Talk to Spall

You should talk to Lord Náin again, at his seat in Járnfast in the Iron Hills.

Objectives

• Talk to Náin the Slakeless