“There are thirteen Dwarves going to Erebor?” asked Estel. “But Elrohir says that the Dwarves think thirteen is not a propitious number.”
“So they do,” agreed his mother. “They tell us that this is why they have included the Hobbit as well, to make fourteen in the party should Gandalf be called elsewhere. And from the little I hear it is possible something is being planned by the Wise, which may require that Master Elrond and possibly the Wizard must go together to meet with the rest of the White Council.”
Estel wondered what kind of action was being considered.