Introduction

Imagine a different outcome in J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved novel, The Hobbit. What if Bilbo Baggins managed to steal the Arkenstone without rousing Smaug? This scenario explores the implications of Bilbo's undetected theft on the narrative and the eventual battle against Smaug. In the original story, Bilbo's decision to steal the stone is a pivotal moment that triggers Smaug's suspicion and subsequent rampaging towards the Lonely Mountain. However, what if Bilbo had pocketed the Arkenstone without alerting Smaug, leaving the dragon unaware of the devised plan by Thorin and Co.?

The Sequel of Unforeseen Silence

The story begins as it always does, with Bilbo Baggins willing to help reclaim the Dwarves’ and Elven-king’s treasure from Smaug. In this alternate scenario, upon discovering the Arkenstone, Bilbo carefully holds the stone, keeping his actions discreet. He swiftly returns it to the chest and hides it away in the secret passage leading beneath the mountain. With a clear conscience and a carefully concealed treasure, Bilbo rejoins the dwarves and their continued search for wealth and power.

Back in the Frere, the dwarves continue their exploration and gather as much gold and jewels as they can carry, eager to put a stop to the dragon's attacks. Thorin is growing ever more driven by his desire to reclaim the Arkenstone, the stone that he deems rightfully his. The scene within the mountain remains a tense microcosm of greed and ambition.

The Missing Alert and the Kindling of Suspicion

It is not until later, when the group is deep in the quest, with Bilbo sent on a covert mission to unrecognized treasure sites, that the absence of the dragon's roar or spike in his activity becomes more apparent. Over time, the silence speaks louder than any noise would, sending hints of something amiss. Thorin and the other dwarves start questioning the reliability of their intelligence. Some private whispers grow into full-blown debates, suggesting that perhaps the ever-watchful Smaug may have unknowingly been deceived.

Yet, the absence of confirmation keeps Smaug oblivious, maintaining the illusion that his perception of the situation remains unscathed. Until Bilbo eventually returns and coincidentally or planned, the dwarves bring the Arkenstone to the surface, the dragon remains in a state of blissful ignorance.

Twisting the Climax

The night Bilbo presents the Arkenstone to Thorin in the dragon’s sight is a pivotal moment. Smaug, upon seeing the stone, is initially distracted, but not entirely caught off guard. The solemn and hostile look on Smaug's face stands out, signaling a change from a previous, more complacent state. The stone has stirred something within the dragon, and he seems slightly off, as if the sight of it has unsettled him in some way, though exactly how remains ambiguous.

As the confrontation begins, the dragon’s paralysis of thought—caused by his inability to fully discern the situation—is palpable. The stage is set for a more complex and intriguing battle, where the resolution hangs in the balance. Questions begin to arise: Has the stolen Arkenstone created a rift within Smaug’s mind? Or is there another event that has caught his attention?

Potential Aftermath and Consequences

The stolen Arkenstone adds a layer of uncertainty to the outcome. Smaug’s sudden awareness of the missing stone might disrupt the narrative, leading to a more unpredictable sequence of events. This alternate path could give us an entirely different conception of the hobbit’s role in the grand scheme of things.

Instead of a straightforward victory, the quest could evolve into a prolonged and more strategic battle. Bilbo and the dwarves might find themselves in a siege situation, meticulously planning their next move. The stolen Arkenstone becomes a source of tension, possibly triggering a series of events that could alter the primary plot lines. Perhaps it could even prevent the decisive battle, as Smaug’s ultimate defeat becomes more complex.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the theft of the Arkenstone by Bilbo without alerting Smaug would have significantly altered the narrative of "The Hobbit." It would have introduced an element of suspense and complexity, pushing the story towards a more intricate and unpredictable climax. While this scenario disrupts the original storyline, it invites us to re-examine Bilbo’s role and the many implications of his actions.