Chapter 3
Hi Guys. How's it going? This is Elindithas Darksbane and this is Chapter 3 of Gandalf's Apprentice.
I rode down the cobbled street back into the shire. I passed hobbit hole after hobbit hole until I went past Buckland. As I travelled I heard another screech, which I knew was Frodo and Sam being seen. I carried on towards Bree. As I saw the gate I called out summoning the gate keeper.
Gatekeeper: Who is it and what are you doing in Bree?
Me: I go by the name of Silver and my business is my own.
Gatekeeper: Ok, keep it cool, I always 'ave to ask!
Me: Now let me pass.
They open the door as I ride in. Greythorn takes me round the back of the Prancing Pony. I tie him up on the post and walk in the door. The barkeep stares at me judgingly and approached me?
Barkeep: Hello, who are you?
Me: Good evening Barkeep. I am Silver, I am looking for a ranger named Strider.
Barkeep: Ah, yes he told me that you were coming; in the corner over there.
Me: Thank you.
I turn to look around and Aragorn was waiting for me in the corner smoking a large pipe a hood over his eyes. Sitting down next to him we spoke.
Me: Good evening Aragorn.
Aragorn: It is nice to see you Elindithas.
Me: Has Gandalf explained the plan for the next few weeks.
Aragorn: Yes, take the ring-bearer to Rivendell avoiding all Nazgül.
Me: Yes, speaking of Rivendell how is Arwen and Lord Elrond.
Aragorn: They are well, I haven't seen Arwen for a few months now I heard she was visiting Lady Galadriel in Lothlorien.
Me: Frodo and Sam will arrive soon with the ring. Have you passed any Nazgül?
Aragorn: No, I arrived here a few days ago.
I signal to the barkeep's assistant to come over here. She walks over.
Assistant: What you want honey?
Me: A pint of Brandybuck Ale and a leaf of pipe weed.
Assistant: Sure thing, and anything for you Mister…
Aragorn: Strider.
Assistant: Mister Strider?
Aragorn: I'll have what Silver ordered only a half-pint though.
She sauntered away to the bar.
We continue talking for about an hour until we here the door open again. Four small hooded figures.
Aragorn: Is that them?
Me: I believe so… wait here.
I get up and approach the hobbits.
Frodo: Silver? Is that you?
Me: Good evening young Frodo; hello Sam and Meriadoc Brandybuck and Perrigrin Took. Why are you here?
Pippin: Well Merry and I had just borrowed a few carrots and cabbages from Farmer Maggot.
I raise my eyebrow at this statement.
Merry: Next thing we know we are running from these hooded horseman.
Me: They are known as Nazgül or Ring-Wraiths.
Frodo: Who is that man over there looking at us?
Me: That is Strider.
Sam: Who is he?
Me: He is a ranger.
Frodo: Friend of Gandalf?
Me: Yes and an ally of us. We need to get you to Rivendell,
Aragorn approaches us.
Aragorn: Hello young hobbits.
Me: Pippin, go order your friends drinks and don't mention Frodo's name. There are spies of Mordor everywhere.
Pippin leaves towards the bar.
Me: We must find shelter for tonight.
Pippin: You say you're looking for Baggins… he's just over…
Frodo: No Pippin!
The hobbit disappeared towards the bar grabbing Pippin's arm.
Pippin: Hey, what are you doing?
He sent Frodo sprawling backwards the ring slipping out of his pocket spinning in the air and onto his finger. I heard the deathly scream of the Ring-wraiths.
Frodo had turned invisible!
Aragorn and I jump to our feet in desperation. I charge forward and pick up the dazed hobbit.
Aragorn: We need to leave. Now!
We escort the four hobbits out the inn and into the one on the other side of the street.
Me: Pippin, please try to do as I say or this journey will end very badly for both of us.
The four hobbits get into the comfy beds and rest their heads for the night. Me and Aragorn stay awake by the window as the nazgül barge into Bree trampling the poor gatekeeper. Hopefully they will leave after the trap.
They stormed into the Prancing Pony darkness followed them inside an eerie smoke surrounded the wraiths.
I watched them through the window as they enter the room. Raising their swords, they prepared to kill. 3,2,1 they plunged their blades straight into the bed sheets. After 5 stabs they grabbed the covers snatching them off