Just when we were able to relax, things went crazy again. I should probably stop being surprised by that.
Frodo, Sam, Merry, and I never did go to our nice, hobbit-sized room that night.
OK, technically, we did, but just to make it look like we were staying there in case the inn was invaded by those freaky riders. Then we went back to Strider's room and stayed there.
Strider watched out the window while the four of us hobbits somehow managed to go to sleep, at least, for a little while. Actually, it was more like Merry and I passed out, be it from exhaustion or the alcohol.
Apparently, while we were asleep, the Black Riders got into town and into our hobbit room. They stabbed at what they thought were us. Luckily, they were actually pillows.
I hope we don't have to pay for those pillows…
The four of us woke up and realized that the Riders were there when they started screaming in realization that they'd been tricked. Strider continued watching out the window as the Riders rode away.
"What are they?" Frodo asked Strider.
"They were once Men, great kings of Men," Strider said. "Then, Sauron the Deceiver gave to them nine Rings of Power. Blinded by their greed, they took them without question, one by one falling into darkness. Now they are slaves to his will. They are the Nazgûl, Ringwraiths, neither living nor dead. At all times, they feel the presence of the Ring, drawn to the power of the One. They will never stop hunting you."