The Dukes of Middle Earth

Disclaimer: I do not own anything in the world of Middle Earth. I do not own the Dukes of Hazzard. This is not written for profit, only for fun.

Chapter one

Galadrial's voice, calm and dignified, was singing.

"Just the good ol' boys,

Never meaning no harm...

"Aragorn, Legolas, get in here, will ya?" came a voice from the house. Legolas and Aragorn looked at each other and smiled. "Wonder what Uncle Gandalf wants." Legolas said, with his boyish smile. Aragorn dusted off his hands and patted Brego on the neck. "We'd best go see, before his temper gets hold of him."

In the house, they were met by an attractive girl in a halter top and short shorts. "Looking good, cousin Arwen". Legolas said, smiling at her.

"This is no time for fooling around, Legolas" she said, "Uncle Gandalf just got a tax notice in the mail. Looks like that slimy Boss Sauron is trying to take the farm again."

"Aw, shoot, Arwen, he can't do that. You know Uncle Gandalf always has his taxes paid right on time." Aragorn said, pulling out a chair and straddling it.

Uncle Gandalf came into the kitchen, muttering under his breath. "Now, Uncle Gandalf," Aragorn said, "why don't you just tell us what's going on? Boss Sauron can't touch the farm, we all know that."

"That sneaky little conniver has come up with a new 'ring' tax. Unless we can deliver the 'one ring' he will take the farm instead. What kind of a tax is that?"

"What in tarnation is the 'one ring'?" Legolas asked, looking puzzled.

"Darned if I know." replied Aragorn. "Uncle Gandalf?"

"Shoot, it could be anything. That fat little..." Gandalf went back to his muttering.

"Well, we just can't sit around here doing nothing. Arwen, you ride into town and see if you can find Wormtounge without Sherrif Saruman around. See if he knows anything. Uncle Gandalf, we'll drop you off at the library and you check for anything on this ring. Legolas and I will head over to Gimli's and see what he knows. " Aragorn said, standing up.

"I'll just ride over to the library on my own, thanks." Uncle Gandalf said. "You know I hate trying to squeeze on the back of that horse with you boys." He looked around. "Let's get a move on."

On the way to Gimli's Garage and Smithy, Aragorn and Legolas galloped past Sherrif Saruman. He pulled out behind them on his horse. Legolas tapped Aragorn on the shoulder. "We've got company." he said, smiling boyishly.

"Always when we're in a hurry, too." Aragorn said, glancing back. "Hang on." He urged Brego to new speed as they ran along the path. Sherrif Saruman tried vainly to hang on, and started blowing his horn.

"Dagnabit, he's calling for Wormtounge." Legolas said, "What if he cuts us off?"

"You know Saruman has never caught us yet." Aragorn turned the horse down a small path to the right. As they sped along the tree lined track, Legolas noticed a sign.

"Aragorn, he's still behind us! And the bridge is out!"

"Hang on!" Aragorn shouted, as Brego leapt into the air, a mighty jump, to take them to the other side of the creek.

"I sure hope they make it..." Galadrial's voice said.