Okay, so I had debated whether or not to include Tom Bombadil in the story. I love the character and I wish he could've been in the movies. However, after a long thought, I decided to follow the movie and have them arrive at Bree. I hope you guys understand. Anyways, thank you for your reviews of the previous chapter. :) I'm glad to hear that you guys enjoyed it. :) The story will be getting better and better, I can promise you that. :) Enjoy chapter 13 guys. :) Please subscribe.
Chapter 13: At the Inn of The Prancing Pony
When the group had gotten off the Buckleberry Ferry, they were relieved to find no black riders giving pursuit. Most of them were still shocked and shaken up that there was more than one rider at large. Sabine Wren had never seen such horrifying creatures
before. She, like many others,had come to the conclusion that these riders weren't human.
No human could survive a blaster bolt right to the face. That was almost...immortal. Ever since they had left the comfort of Bag End, the Mandalorian had been a bit cautious about the outside world. And the fact that there was more than one sico maniac
hunting them confirmed her fears. When they had gotten stranded, this whole ordeal was the last thing Sabine expected to be doing. Yet, here they were.
There was no denying that Middle Earth wasn't controlled by the Empire, but this Sauron seemed far worse. Sabine knew for a fact that the Emperor himself didn't have creatures like these black riders to do his biding. Or did he? She was sure that Darth
Vader didn't exactly count, despite the Sith Lord being so terrifying and menacing.
When Sabine had been in the Imperial Academy on Mandalore, she had researched several events from across the galaxy. And she most definitely had seen a lot of strange stuff. Some were horrible criminals that sought bloodshed. Others were rather...unnatural.
By that, she meant that one wouldn't encounter thingslike these that much across space. The black riders were no exception.
Part of Sabine wondered why she had fled during the fight. She felt ashamed. She was a Mandalorian! Bound by honor! Where was the honor in running away like a coward?! She should've stood by Kanan, Ezra, and Rex's side, fighting along with them! Why did
she run?! Then the answer hit Sabine. She ran because she had always ran. She ran from Mandalore when the Empire put her people into fear, using the weapons she created. She ran from her family when they chose to stand with the Empire instead of her.
She ran from everything. What kind of a Mandalorian was she if she didn't stand and fight like the warrior she was bred to be?!
Sabine was taken out of her thoughts by the sudden rumble of thunder. It was getting deeper into the night, but she could see monstrous clouds overhead. Before long, rain started to pour down, drenching the whole entire group. Sabine groaned in aggravation,
knowing her paint job on her armor would definitely look awful now.
The group quietly crept through the trees. Unfortunatly, the ground had become muddy so it slowed them down. Zeb grumbled in aggravation as his feet continued to sink into the ground whenever they halted. Frodo was at the head of the group, keeping his
eye on the road, and keeping his hand close to his front pocket. They soon came to the edge of the forest and stood before another road, leading East and West. Up ahead, everybody was finally happy to see the gate to the village of Bree right in front
of them.
The hobbits had slipped on cloaks over them, and offered some extra to the other crew members. Well, at least the ones who could wear them. Sabine, Rex, and Zeb were the ones who weren't so lucky. The Mandalorian and the clone really didn't mind though.
They had their armor to keep them dry. Zeb on the other hand was soaking wet, and it was really making him grumpy.
"On top of everything, it's raining!" the Lasat growled.
"Who cares?" Sam replied, shivering, "I'm just glad we finally made it to Bree." He looked over at Frodo and Kanan. "That means those black riders won't be able to get us, right?"
Kanan looked at Frodo, but could instantly tell that the hobbit wasn't sure. He honestly wasn't sure either. It was possible, considering that Bree had to be heavily populated. Would Sauron try to look for the ring here?
Be careful, all of you. The enemy has many spies in his service.
Kanan closed his eyes, rememberingGandalf's warning.
"I don't know," the Jedi finally replied, answering Sam. He then looked at everybody, "But even if the riders don't show up, that doesn't mean we're safe. Gandalf said that Sauron had spies everywhere. That includes people."
Frodo nodded in agreement, "Yes, and the fact that we are no longer in the Shire makes me worry about the people here. Gandalf advised me to not use the name 'Baggins'. The enemy would know it instantly."
Zeb rose a brow, "So what are we going to do then?"
"I'll go by the name 'Underhill'," Frodo replied, "at least until we meet up with Gandalf at the Prancing Pony."
Ezra elbowed Zeb and whispered, "Underhill? Seriously?"
The Lasat just chuckled before nodding, along with everybody else. Without saying another word, they quickly ran across the muddy street and up to the wooden door. Frodo knocked on it, but there was no reply. A couple people, specifically Merry and Pippin,
glanced back at the road, expecting to see the black riders coming towards them, but there were none.
Frodo knocked on the door again, swiftly growing impatient. This time, somebody did answer. An ugly looking old man opened up the top of the door, seeing the crew of the Ghost. He rose a brow at the appearance of Hera and Zeb, but then knelt down
and opened another little part at the bottom of the door. He saw Frodo standing in front of the whole group.
"What do you want?" he asked with a frown.
"We're heading for the Prancing Pony," Frodo replied.
The old man, who was obviously the gatekeeper, stood up and opened the door, shining a lamp on all of them. Sabine eyed him suspiciously. He had a rather odd and untrustworthy look to him.
"Hobbits," the gatekeeper exclaimed, "Four hobbits. Out of the Shire, by your talk." He then looked back up at the Ghost crew, "And traveling with men, and...whatever. Ya don't usually see groups like these together."
Sabine saw Hera clench her fists together. If this man continued to be this nosy andimpolite, she was almost certain that the Twi'lek would punch the living daylight out of him.
Kanan crossed his arms and glared at him. "Is there a problem?"
The gatekeeper shook his head quickly, "Oh no no, good sir. Just curious is all. What business brings you to Bree?"
"We wish to stay at the Inn," Frodo replied.
Before the hobbit could continue, Kanan stepped forward and waved his hand in front of the gatekeeper's face. "And our business is our own."
The gatekeeper blinked, "Your business is your own."
Merry, Pippin, and Sam exchanged glances, confused about what was going on. Ezra just smirked and shook his head.
Kanan waved his hand again, "You will let us into Bree without question." He then tossed him some credits, "And take these as payment for silence."
The gatekeeper held the credits in his hand, "I will let you into Bree without question, and take these as payment for silence."
He then stepped aside, opening the door for them. The three hobbits stared at Kanan with their mouths hanging open in shock. What did he just do?! How did he get the gatekeeper to let them in?! Sabine grinned behind her helmet and tapped them on the shoulder.
They looked at her, and she pointed for the door, indicating that they should get going.
They all began to slowly squeeze through the door.
"I meant no offense, good people," the gatekeeper said apologetically, "It's my job to ask questions after nightfall. There's talk of strange folk abroad. Can't be too careful."
Kanan nodded, "Highly understandable." He slightly moved his fingers, "Which is why you won't let those strange folk in."
The gatekeeper shook his head, "I won't let those strange folk in."
"Good," Kanan smiled and bowed, "Good day to you."
"Good day," the gatekeeper replied, closing the door once everybody was through.
The group began walking down the street towards the village of Bree. The rain began to pourdown hard, making them cover themselves with their cloaks the best they could.
Merry looked at Kanan and stuttered, "Ho-How-How in the world did you do that?! What even was that?!"
Kanan smirked, "The Force has a strong influence on the weak minded."
Merry was still confused, "Meaning?"
Ezra sighed and rolled his eyes, "It means that as a Jedi, he can do a mind trick on anybody that is weak minded." He shook his head, "Seems to be his favorite thing to do, honestly."
Kanan frowned at his apprentice, "Yes, and sometimes I wish it worked on you."
Both Zeb and Sabine stifled a chuckle at that remark. Ezra glared at them and hit them both in the shoulder. As for the hobbits, they seemed even more fascinated with their friends than before.
As the group entered Bree, they found things to be less pleasant than they had was definitely no Hobbiton, and Sabine knew that it'd take some getting used to. For the first time in who knows how long, the crew of the Ghost saw
normal sized people. Unfortunatly, they weren't the most pleasant folk.
Almost every person they came across looked shady and mysterious. It made Sabine feel a bit uneasy, and she kept her hands close to her twin blasters. Everybody soon learned that not only were they shady, but they were rude as well. They came across several
men, who appeared to be drunk, and they had the audacity to shove the crew and the hobbits aside. The Mandalorian restrained herself from teaching them a lesson.
They soon came across a bearded man who was chewing on a carrot andleaning up against a fence. Without warning, he suddenly belched right into Sabine's face, and she could smell the stench from beneath her helmet. The crew shot him a glare before
pressing on, and she just shoved past him. However, Zeb stayed there for a moment and tossed the man some credits. The man took them and looked up at the Lasat, both confused about what he was and what the money was for.
"Do yourself a favor and buy a breath mint!" Zeb said with a scowl before walking off.
The streets seemed to be full of drunken men. Sabine could see why because a majority of them had mugs of ale in their hands. She suspected that this ale must be very popular across all of Middle Earth. The Mandalorian then glanced up at the sky, and
frowned. It didn't look like the storm was going to lighten up anytime soon, and she was getting tired of it.
Just then, Frodo stopped in his tracks and pointed up to a sign hanging from one ofthe buildings. And everybody was very happy to see it, because they were ready to get out of the storm.
'THE PRANCING PONY'
Within a split second, they all immediately entered the Inn and removed their jackets. It was warm inside, and it felt good. Sabine and Rex removed their helmets and breathed in the fresh air. Well, it wasn't exactly fresh, considering that there was
a very strong smell of alcohol in the air. The Inn was packed with people. They were basically just laughing and drinking.
The group stood by the waiting desk for the owner of the Inn. He didn't seem to notice them though because he was busy attending to his other customers. Zeb and Sam were starting to get somewhat impatient.
Kanan tapped the table, "Excuse me?"
Just then, the owner appeared. He was a slightly heavyset man with a bushy mustache and beard.
"Good evening masters and little masters," the man exclaimed with a smile, "I'm Barliman Butterbur, the owner of the Prancing Pony. What can I do for you? If you're looking for accommodations, we've got some nice cozy hobbit-sized rooms available,
as well as a couple normal sized rooms for you men and," he glanced at Hera and Zeb weirdly, "...whatever."
Hera just rolled her eyes and tried her best to keep her mouth shut. She was wet, tired, and hungry. The last thing the Twi'lek wanted was to be thrown out onto the street.
Butterbur continued, "Anyways, I'm always happy to help with big folk and you little folk Mr. uh..."
"Underhill," Frodo replied with a nod, "My name's Underhill."
Butterburraised a brow, looking like he was trying to remember something, but simply nodded. "Underhill."
"We're friends of Gandalf the Grey," Frodo explained, "Can you tell him we arrived?"
Butterbur looked down, "Gandalf? Gandalf?"
Kanan and Ezra exchanged glances.
"Oh yes!" Butterbur replied, "I remember! Elderly chap. Big grey beard, pointy hat."
Frodo smiled and nodded.
Butterbur then tilted his head, "Not seen him for six months."
Those words immediately shattered everyone's spirits. The wizard wasn't here?! Where was he?! The relief in their hearts for reaching Bree was gone, and fear and worry took its place. Frodo looked back at them, both confused and worried as well.
"What do we do now?" Sam whispered.
From the look on Frodo's face, Kanan could tell that the hobbit didn't know what to do. They were supposed to meet Gandalf at the Prancing Pony, and he wasn't here. He walked up to Butterbur.
"Listen, are you sure he hasn't shown up?" the Jedi asked him, "He told us to meet him here."
Butterbur shook his head apologetically, "I'm sorry, my friend, but I haven't seen him here. I usually remember every face, both friendly and strange, that comes into this Inn. And if I don't remember Gandalf coming in, then that means I haven't seen
him."
Kanan nodded, understandingly, "Well then, I think we'll be needing those spare rooms,if they're still available."
"Oh of course!" the Inn Keeper nodded quickly, "I'll have my workers show you to your rooms."
Without another word, Butterbur snapped his fingers, and instantly two hobbits came up. Nob and Bob were their names. The Inn Keeper instructed them to show the guests to their rooms. Nob led the hobbits to their room, while Bob led the crew of the Ghost to
the spare rooms.
Unfortunatly, there were only two. Hera, Sabine, and Chopper took one room while Kanan, Ezra, Zeb, and Rex took the other one. Sabine was more than happy to set down the backpacks she had been carrying. Hera collapsed ona nearby bed for a second
and just enjoyed the peace and relaxation. The Mandalorian couldn't deny that she too was tired. They had been walking nonstop for days, and now there were those black riders to deal with.
She removed her helmet and set it down on a desk. The room was well lit by three lamps, and there was a window nearby where you could see the streets. Sabine didn't really know what there was to see though, because the villagewas, in her mind, a
dump. It almost reminded her of the Underworld on Coruscant. Yes, she had been to the Imperial Capitol before, during her days at the Academy. Her superiors had given them a tour of the Underworld. Basically, the Empire was wanting to give its future
soldiers an example of how to place people in fear. And the 'less rich' seemed to be that example, which disgusted the Mandalorian.
Chopper rolled up to Hera and made several beeps.
Hera rolled her eyes, "No, Chop, you can't come downstairs! You'll confuse a whole lot of people." She then looked down and grumbled, "It's bad enough that I'll probably get most of the attention."
Sabine grinned and placed a hand on her shoulder, "Hey, I'll have your back, Hera. If anybody has an issue with you, they'll have a laser bolt in their face."
"Well thank you," Hera chuckled shaking her head, "It's been one heck of a day already."
Sabine nodded, "Tell me about it."
They walked out of the door, but not before Hera gave Chopper a warning look to do what she said. The droid just made a groan and shut himself down. Both women found the rest of the crew, including the hobbits, downstairs sitting at a table. Everybody
looked exhausted from the journey.
Butterbur brought them some ale, to which they gladly accepted. Frodo explained to everybody that it was possible Gandalf could be a little late. He was sure the wizard would turn up eventually, so they'd just stay at the Prancing Pony and wait
for him. Unfortunatly, they all felt a lot of eyes glancing at them from all corners of the tavern.
Kanan and Ezra pretended to take no notice. Zeb clutched his mug tightly, trying to restrain himself from strangling the nearest person he saw. Hera pretended to be sleeping. And Sabine and Rex took no notice. The clone slowly sipped his ale, looking
down in thought.
Sabine smirked, "You seem tired, captain."
Rex smiled andshrugged, "Well, it's been a crazy couple of days."
"I honestly didn't think something like this could happen in this world," Sabine commented, referring to the black riders.
Rex frowned, "Eh, it's not the first time something like this happened. Believe me, there were smallcases involving the undead during the war."
Sabine's eyes slightly widened, "You dealt with things like those black riders during the Clone Wars?!"
"Sort of," Rex replies with a tilt of his head, "although I in particular never did. One of my best friends, Commander Cody, encountered a horde of undead Geonosians in the bugcatacombs. He accompanied Generals Kenobi and Skywalker in a hunt for
Jedi Master Luminara Unduli and the Seperatist war criminal, Poggle the Lessar. They were greeted by a hostof zombies and a crazy bug Queen.I watched a holographic recording of the incident, and I thought to myself how lucky I was
to have not been down there." He then frowned and shook his head, "But this...this honestly seems much worse than a bunch of zombie bugs."
Sabine shivered at that. She had heard about Geonosis several times during her days at the Academy. But she had never heard of zombies being on the planet. The Mandalorian pitied the poor clones that must've died during that ordeal.
"Fortunately for us Mandalorians, I don't recall us having to deal with undead," Sabine replied, but then paused, "Except for your template, the bounty hunter, Jango Fett."
Rex rose a confused brow, "I was under the impression that Jango was just a common bounty hunter."
"Oh no," Sabine answered with a shake of her head, "He was a Mandalorian of the old order. However, some timeafter his mentor, Jaster Marrel, was killed, he ended up getting captured by the Jedi Order, but escaped. He then became one of the best
Mandalorian bounty hunters in the galaxy. Anyways, from what I read at the Imperial Academy, Fett was hired by Count Dooku to hunt down a Dark Jedi named Komari Vosa. She was the head of a group called the Bando Gora. Her soldiers were a bunch of
mindless undead warriors. Eventually, Fett found her and killed her. That's how he became the template for the clone army."
Rex seemed a bit baffled by this. Apparently, the clones had never really known much about their 'father.'
"Interesting," the clone mused, "You learn something new everyday."
Sabine chuckled as she drank some of her ale. Before she could say anything else, however, a group of men walked up to their table. One of them, a muscular man with a deceitful look on his face, checked Sabine out with interest.
He tapped Rex on the shoulder, "Excuse me, gramps? But do you think you could let me have this little lady? She needs to buy me that drink she promised me."
Before Rex could respond, Sabine looked up at the man with a stern look on her face. "I never offered to get you a drink."
The man nodded, trying to act innocent, "Of course ya did, don't you remember? You walked up to me and said 'Bill Ferny, I'm gonna do ya a favor and buy ya a drink.'" He then placed a hand on the Mandalorian's shoulder, "Just trying to be friendly."
Sabine clenched her fists, "If I were you, I'd take that dirty hand off me."
Bill Ferny chuckled, unthreatened. "Oh? Well what are ya gonna do about it, little lady?"
As soon as he said that, he found quickly that he had made a mistake. Within the next to seconds, Sabine had grabbed Bill Ferny's arm, twisted it, and flipped the man onto the hard floor. She then pulled his arm back hard, making him squeal in pain.
"Still want me to buy you that drink?" Sabine mocked, "Or would you rather lose your arm?"
Bill Ferny squealed in pain, "Okay okay! Let me go, please!"
With a smirk, the Mandalorian finally released him. Without a second glance at her, Bill Ferny furiously marched off to a nearby table, followed by the rest of the men. Kanan and Ezra just grinned at her and continued drinking. Rex just
hobbits looked alarmed at her, and were very thankful to not be on her bad side. Within the next few minutes, the tavern had returned to normal and everybody continued talking as if nothing had happened.
Sam kept on nervously glancing at the entrance. Sabine understood why, because she too was beginning to wonder where Gandalf was. It had been almost a couple hours.
Frodo looked over at him, "Sam, he'll be here. He'll come."
"When will that be, I wonder?"Zeb muttered sarcastically.
Ezra glared the Lasat a elbowed him, "Soon, Zeb! We just got to be patient."
Zeb groaned and rolled his eyes, "We've been patient for two hours!"
Bill Ferny looked over at the group and shot them a dirty look before marching to another table. Unfortunatly, Merry, who hadgone up to get another ale, came into the man's path.
"Get out of my way!" he snapped at the hobbit, shoving him aside.
Merry, who looked unconcerned about the rudeness, sat down with everybody else. A couple of them noticed that his mug was a bit larger than theirs, especially Pippin.
"What's that?!' the hobbit exclaimed.
"This my friend," Merry responded, "is a pint."
Pippin's eyes went wide, "It comes in pints?!" He immediately got up, "I'm getting one."
Sabine just rolled her eyes and leaned her head against the table. If it was gonna be like this for another two hours, she was sure she'd go crazy. What was taking Gandalf so long?! All they could do was just wait until he showed up. However, with the
black riders out and about, the Mandalorian hoped he'd show up soon. The last thing she wanted to end up was dead.
However, the longer they waited, the more a majority of the Ghost crew began to suspect that something had happened. And if that was the case, they weren't sure what to do.