In J.R.R. Tolkein’s “The Hobbit,” a tale is told of a band of dwarves who set out to reclaim their ancestor’s mountain. It was once very much like a castle mined deep into the Lonely Mountain. But many years ago a dragon invaded the mountain, displacing and killing many of the dwarves who called it their home. He claimed all the treasure for his own and dwelt there for many years unchallenged. He struck fear in the heart of all …