This is a little tale of mine set around 1500 years before the events of the Fellowship. It features much about the people of Arthedain at the time and their Enemy the Witch-King. I should point out now that Aragorn and Legolas are not going to appear. In fact I was tempted to call it not Aragorn and Legolas. Reviews by anyone would be welcome!

Journey to Angmar.

In the village of Bree in the border of the pleasant green country of Arthedain, there lived the son of a craftsman called Dan Shoemaker. Although having said that he was quite a talented craftsman himself revelling in making horseshoes after a slow start.

The time was peaceful although dark rumours of enemies existed in the North of the mountains. Angmar, the near country of Rhudaur was unstable to say the least and other dangerous creatures were at large in the wild. In the recent past here had been wars and indeed his father had been a hero in one of them and Dan had a lot to live up to. He wasn't sure weather or not he was looking forward to this but he was told he could join the Militia if there was a crisis. But for now there was peace and prosperity and plenty of work for Dan.

Now he was making a near visit to his parents for an evening meal. Also visiting them was Gandalf the Grey a wandering wizard and friend of the Shoemakers and of Arthedain. Dan cried in delight, 'Gandalf! I have not seen you for a while, I thought you were in the West!'

'Well, I was dwelling with Cirdan for a while, but I have heard news which needs looking into and must Rivendell.' Dan's father added happily,

'ah, Rivendell all my old haunts. I almost wish I could accompany you see how my allies the Elves are.' His wife, Margaret, interrupted sharply,

'Don't even think about it, Hurin Shoemaker! You're nearly eighty now with responsibilities. You just up sticks and leave there's no telling what chaos will be caused. You just stay here!' Hurin muttered,

'Yes, dear, of course I was only thinking,' but then Dan piped up,

'I could go. I'm only 30 I would like to travel. I've often wanted to see the Mountain.' Gandalf looked up. He was called the Grey because of his garments although a twitch of grey was appearing in his dark, brown, hair. '

Fine, that's a good idea, it may be dangerous, but you could do good and hear things to your advantage.' So, the next day, Dan with Gandalf and a companion of Gandalf's called Mr. N rode on horseback to a nearby Inn called the Happy Horse. Dan was a little nervous. The Happy Horse had justifiably, a rough reputation and Dan only went in with many companions or not at all

'do we really have to go in here? he asked Gandalf. 'Afraid so. Oh, don't look so nervous. We need a guide in the rough land of Rhudaur and this is the best place to get it. Come on in.'

'Plus, they do serve a good pint!' added Mr.N. Despite the fact that it was a fairly clear late afternoon the Inn was gloomy with little light. Mr. N bought some drinks and Gandalf looked around for a guide. Dan was a bit wary at some of the tough-looking men around.

One said to Dan grabbing him, 'I don't like your face farm boy!' Dan tried to ignore him. Someone else growled, 'Don't ignore him. Neither do I. I say we cut the farmboys head off!' Dan gulped in fear. He thought their comments odd seen as their faces a Goblin would be ashamed off. A group of their friends joined them approaching Dan with sharp weapons and deadly intent.

Mr. N noticed this activity. He moved towards the fray saying, 'Now come fellows surely we can be rea...' but one of the thugs swiped a sword at him and only quick reactions prevented Moran from been stabbed. Mr.N tried to protect Dan and with skill he didn't know he had drew off some of the men. But one thug quickly disarmed Dan, who was not the greatest warrior of time, if one is to be frank, in fact he was a little bit soft in a way, and pressed his sword at the skin of Dan's neck drawing blood. At this point Gandalf took a hand. Returning nimbly he grabbed at the thug opposite Dan and set his arm alight with his wand. The thug and his fellows retreated in shock whimpering.

Gandalf suggested, 'Maybe we do wish to be reasonable?' The thug with the lighted arm screamed in agreement. Gandalf said, 'Fine, Now go and don't bother us anymore' and with a gesture put out the fire(which had been mostly illusion anyway!) and the thugs hurriedly scampered. Gandalf asked Mr.N and Dan, 'Everything ok? Fine. I have to say I didn't expect trouble so soon. I have, however, found someone who might suit our needs.'

Gandalf lead Moran and Dan to a table in the corner were a rough but tough and handsome-looking dark-haired man sat in front of a wall with exotic paintings. With a lop-sided smile he said to them 'My name is Falcon. Fred Falcon. I understand that you need a guide. Well you're in luck. I have travelled between here and the mountains for many a year, I know these lands!'

Gandalf questioned him, 'Do you know it recently?' 'Of course I know it recently. There's not much point in guiding you to a path if it has been turned to farmland in the l last 5 years. But I know Rhudaur. Ask anyone behind the bar. Good work back there by the way. People here will respect you more from now on.'

Gandalf agreed 'Good!'

Fred continued, 'Until the evening punters arrive of course then they will think of you as a challenge!' Dan snorted, but Gandalf smiled saying

' We'll be off by then, but I take it you've seen our fee?'

'Yes that's very reasonable. Fine. I will come with you. Erm, is he all right, though? He had told this to Mr. N and Dan indicating Gandalf. They both informed Fred,

'Yes he's fine,' '

Oh, good. Thing is, had he been on his own I wouldn't do this. I don't normally trust wizards and warlocks and heir like, well who knows what plots and double plots and double, double plots they have? But you two look all right and so I will come.'

And so it was agreed. The 4 finished their drinks (save Gandalf who only had fizzy water) and saddled their horses and rode East on the road.

At first the going was good. The land was pleasant, gentle rolling hills with decent folk. Indeed, Dan was wondering why they had hired Fred when Gandalf said to him, 'We have just crossed the border to Rhudaur the lands may change for a while.' Mr. N and Fred explained to Dan that Rhudaur was a wild, unruly country.

'It was for many years under the control of Angmar, but it suffered after Angmar's recent defeat. After that it has more or less descended into groups of wild, unlawful people who recognize no-one.' '

Who is the current ruler Fred?'

'King William I believe. He claims to keep a neutral policy but he has little power really. Barely controls his own household,' '

Of Royal blood?'

'No way N he's just a jumped-up hill chieftain.' After going into Rhudaur the journey became harder. The Sun was replaced by a dusty, gloomy mist which Gandalf said had come from the North and then by hard, windy, driving rain straight into the men's faces. More buildings could be seen looking dirty and run-down. Dan brushed some sand off his brown trousers as he walked. Then he saw something in the trees and cried to Fred. Fred smiled grimly and showed Dan what it was. Bodies of dead men hanging by their necks from tree-branches. 'Charming place, eh,' said he flailing his leather jacket.

Just after this a particularly grim looking group of people passed by. They were a large selection of mostly unkempt Men and Women who rode slowly past. Dan tried to ignore them as they travelled by and it seemed like the 4 would be left alone. Then one of the people, a woman stood up on her horse and said to Gandalf 'Good-day'

'Good-day to you! replied Gandalf politely.

She continued asking 'Do you have your road licence?'

Fred said disbelieving, 'Do we have our what?' in an incredulous voice.

She continued amongst much sniggering, 'Oh dear no road licence. That's going to cost you. I am Mary Underwood of the road revenue service and I will ensure that you pay!'

'how much then!'

'Dunno how much have you got?' and the people surrounded the men on horseback relieving the 4 of their money. 'Well, that concludes this robbery oops I mean taxation.' said Mary to much laughter

but Dan cursed bitterly, 'You thieving scum!'

Mary glared at him, 'Thank you, in that case I will take your provisions and steeds as well as a fine and lack of respect, come on!' As the group did so Gandalf was looking odd. He was wondering weather or not to use an exploding spell which would have killed the robbers but undoubtedly his companions too. He decided to wait. The men were forced to continue on foot.

Dan heard someone say, 'Why don't we just kill them?' and Mary replying,

'No, no, Whitesnake you haven't a clue. Kill them and we can only rob them once. They're from Arthedain you Might have noticed. They'll have to come back this way then we can rob them a second time!'

Once they were on their own Dan apologized to the other 3 thinking he had provoked a wider robbery. Fred, however, clapped him on the shoulder and almost laughed, 'Oh, don't worry about it. They were going to rob us properly anyway, w we would have to walk in any case on the paths I intend to take and 3 my horse knows me and is very bright. Hell abscond and find his way back to me, I will bet.' Fred then looked at an obscure-looking path pointing away from the road, 'and here is where we leave the road and take to the country,'

'why?' Dan asked,

Fred explained, 'We were actually quite lucky then. We could just as easily have passed a gang who would have killed us and robbed us later. And they were at least inventive. Ha! road licence! that's a new one on me! I will now take you by more secretive routes.' Dan looked at MrN and Gandalf who clearly agreed with Fred. Dan sighed and marched into the wild country.

He with his companions passed through wild vegetation, rocky and wet hills and evil-seeming farms incognito. Fred was a good guide and lead them through areas confidently without whom they would have floundered. Dan, Moran and Fred where wearing tough, outdoor clothes, Dan in brown, Fred mostly in black, Moran slightly more colourful preferring green trousers. All had warm coats as the weather was deucedly chilly. Gandalf had his customary grey cloaks.

In the meantime, Fred and Mr.N told Dan something of the history and politics of this land. Some of this Dan knew, but the truth was more detailed and more evil than his worst fears. In the North of the land there dwelt the evil realm of Angmar. This was under the cruel rule of the Witch-king. That was a name Dan and his people knew from dread nightmares. The witch-king had claimed control of all of the habitable lands and wanted to covert them to his will. Seen as in his country Men were enslaved or at the dubious mercy of the witch-king's creatures whose actives where so evil they froze Dan's blood. The people's of Arthedain and Cardolan opposed him with all their strength. Around 100 years ago the witch-king had become strong and assailed as far west as the borders of Arthedain. Indeed Fred said that in his fathers time bands from Angmar had raided his country of Cardolan.