Chapter 7 - The Shire

South Farthing, 23 Sept, morning

Fanning Out

Khamûl studied the maps and list of names. "There are a number of Baggins listed here. Let's visit as many as possible today." he said.

"Would it be better if we waited until after dark?" asked Ren.

"Normally yes, but we don't have time. I don't know how long we can move around unimpeded. The Witch King drove off the Rangers, but they may come back. Or someone else may raise the alarm.

"If the Bearer flees to an Elvish stronghold, he'll either go east to Imladris or west to Lindon. That means we need to watch the East Road where it leaves the Shire, at Michel Delving and the Brandywine Bridge.

"Dwar and Ren, continue along the Shire Road to the crossroads at Waymeet. You'll split up there. Dwar, you take the East Road to Michel Delving, and catch the Bearer if he goes toward Lindon. While you're in Michel Delving, check the Mathom House." said Khamûl.

"The what?" asked Dwar.

"The Mathom House. It's a museum. A magical object could have ended up there. Ren, from Waymeet, continue north into the Northfarthing and knock on doors of farmhouses. There are several Baggins up that way. Here's the list.

"Hoarmurath, follow the causeway through the Marish to the East Road. Watch the BrandywineBridge. Adûnaphel, stay with me." said Khamûl.

Khamûl watched the others ride away. He turned to Adûnaphel.

"The White Wizard does business with a Sackville-Baggins. Sackville is nearby, so we'll start there. We'll tell him we're allied with Saruman, to make things go more smoothly.

"We won't threaten them, or search the house by force. If it's on the premises, we'll know. We may have to offer them gold for information, though." He felt his pockets.

"Except that Angmar has all our gold."