Chapter One
Athena sat inside the 'Prancing Pony' pushing back into the shadows, and keeping one eye on the door. Once or twice her eyes had blurred, for they had travelled far over the past few days, and it was now finally taking its toll on her. Aragorn, or Strider as he was known here, sat in the far corner, his face shadowed, so that no one noticed his frequent glances towards her. It was his idea that they appeared as if not together. Both he and Athena felt a cold chill as they approached the Inn. An evil presence was nearby. Athena had said that she had a gut feeling that there were others in the Inn, searching for the same thing as they were. They both felt that if they drew attention to themselves that night, then they may be putting themselves in danger later on. They looked suspicious enough separately, let alone together.
Athena sat with her hood up. She thought it best to remain as out of sight as possible. Her black breeches and dark green tunic aided her as she concealed herself in the shadows. She chewed anxiously on her bottom lip. She had nothing to do but wait. Finally, she saw the door open slowly out of the corner of her eye. Four hobbits walked in. Could this be him? She sensed he was an outsider. Could he be the traveller that they sought? She listened hard to the information they gave to the Inn keeper, Barliman Butterbur. 'My name is Underhill', said the hobbit. Athena listened for a moment more. She was now certain. She rose and made her way to the quieter end of the bar.
From across the room, Strider rose and made his way over to her, reading her movement as a signal. His hopes were raised. Athena rarely acted without certainty, and her judgment was excellent. Still not as sharp as his own, but he had quite a few years over her. He moved up beside her. She kept her eyes fixed in front. He ordered a drink and waited for her report.
'He's here', Athena said at last, giving him a sideways glance.
'Are you certain', asked Strider, looking of assurance.
'Yes. I heard his real name echo in the back of his mind, trying to escape his lips'.
'And was it – '
'Yes, as we suspected. Butterbur has taken them to the parlour for food'.
Strider shifted, as if to get up. 'Butterbur will not let you see him', Athena said quickly reading his thoughts. 'He is very suspicious of us both'. Strider gave her a glare. He hated the thought of anyone getting in his head, even her, his almost-sister.
'It must play heavy on your ears, eavesdropping on the thoughts of others', he said in a sarcastic tone.
'I would not be able to if you were not so highly strung', she commented with a quiet laugh. 'Your cool exterior does not fool me. Relax. The opportunity shall present itself before the night is out, I assure you'.
Strider was unable to relax. But he didn't want to arouse suspicion, even if it was only from old Butterbur. There was nothing more that he could do. He gave Athena a small nod, and made his way back to the shadows. Athena stayed where she was.
