CHAPTER ONE
Neither Sunrise or Sundown was to be existent in Bree the next day. The thick, gray covering of cloud loomed overhead, and any chance that the sun had to shine was crushed. Nonetheless, on nightfall, the distinct figure of a old man, leaning on a twisted oak branch could be seen, discussing current events with the gate-keeper. Their voices where hushed, and nearby people making their way home for the night where uninterested in what they had to say. The only sound other than the commotion of citizens making for home were soft, mud-ridden footsteps which moved slowly and steadily, each footstep being firmly grounded before the next one took place. Their owner moved closer to the men, stopping a short distance away. The old man paused for a moment before turning to notice the figure watching them, and he quickly nodded his apologies for the quick egress, and moved towards the man.
"Ralthiel, I'm so glad you came, we have much to discuss," Pallando started. Ralthiel just smiled, and shook his head. "No, my dear wizard, we don't. I have discussed the matter with Gandalf most of today and he has explained the intricacies of the scroll." Pallando looked stunned. Chiefly about the mention of Gandalf and his current whereabouts. However, the Wizard remained upright, and his face showed no sign of a flinch. He gave a soft smile before replying.
"What has dear old Gandalf the Grey told you about the scroll," he said. "I would be interested to know what he has told you. And even more interested in regards to why he is in Bree."
The Ranger smiled before motioning for the Wizard to follow him. He moved up the street, much in the same fashion as he arrived, before stopping at the Prancing Pony and turning to the Wizard.
"I'm in Room 2, I'll be there in little while, I must see to some business at the stables first. And then, we can talk." He said. Pallando remained silent as Ralthiel moved down the narrow alley alongside the Tavern, and into it's adjoining stables.
Later in the evening, the two sat next to the window, looking out over the town as a few drunks stumbled home and about the town. Pallando was the first to speak.
"We need to discuss the matter of the Scroll, Ralthiel," he started. "I need to know what Gandalf has told you in order for me to fill in any blanks." Ralthiel smiled. "From what Gandalf told me, the scroll is from the First-Age, shortly before Melkor was defeated. Anyhow, he said that nobody knows exactly what the Delnarion scroll contains, but it did have something to do with an ancient form of Quenya Magic." Pallando nodded silently to himself as Ralthiel continued.
"I was informed that Delnarion was a form of devilry, though. Something that only Melkor himself dared to use. Something that could have devastating effects on the free-peoples, and then I was told to burn the scroll." The loud whistle of air sucking into Pallando's nostrils filled the room before Ralthiel continued.
"But I didn't."
Pallando chuckled loudly, and put one arm around the Ranger's shoulder. "That's a good lad!" He exclaimed, and continued chuckling. "Now, the only question is, will you reveal the scroll for me? Will you take the scroll to the Sea of Rhun and expose it to both day and night so it can be studied?" He asked. Ralthiel rubbed his nose as he thought it over. "Consider it done," he finally said. Not in an excited tone, rather quiet, and submissive. "I have already arranged my Horse to depart tomorrow morning." He concluded. Pallando continued chuckling into the night.
Neither Sunrise or Sundown was to be existent in Bree the next day. The thick, gray covering of cloud loomed overhead, and any chance that the sun had to shine was crushed. Nonetheless, on nightfall, the distinct figure of a old man, leaning on a twisted oak branch could be seen, discussing current events with the gate-keeper. Their voices where hushed, and nearby people making their way home for the night where uninterested in what they had to say. The only sound other than the commotion of citizens making for home were soft, mud-ridden footsteps which moved slowly and steadily, each footstep being firmly grounded before the next one took place. Their owner moved closer to the men, stopping a short distance away. The old man paused for a moment before turning to notice the figure watching them, and he quickly nodded his apologies for the quick egress, and moved towards the man.
"Ralthiel, I'm so glad you came, we have much to discuss," Pallando started. Ralthiel just smiled, and shook his head. "No, my dear wizard, we don't. I have discussed the matter with Gandalf most of today and he has explained the intricacies of the scroll." Pallando looked stunned. Chiefly about the mention of Gandalf and his current whereabouts. However, the Wizard remained upright, and his face showed no sign of a flinch. He gave a soft smile before replying.
"What has dear old Gandalf the Grey told you about the scroll," he said. "I would be interested to know what he has told you. And even more interested in regards to why he is in Bree."
The Ranger smiled before motioning for the Wizard to follow him. He moved up the street, much in the same fashion as he arrived, before stopping at the Prancing Pony and turning to the Wizard.
"I'm in Room 2, I'll be there in little while, I must see to some business at the stables first. And then, we can talk." He said. Pallando remained silent as Ralthiel moved down the narrow alley alongside the Tavern, and into it's adjoining stables.
Later in the evening, the two sat next to the window, looking out over the town as a few drunks stumbled home and about the town. Pallando was the first to speak.
"We need to discuss the matter of the Scroll, Ralthiel," he started. "I need to know what Gandalf has told you in order for me to fill in any blanks." Ralthiel smiled. "From what Gandalf told me, the scroll is from the First-Age, shortly before Melkor was defeated. Anyhow, he said that nobody knows exactly what the Delnarion scroll contains, but it did have something to do with an ancient form of Quenya Magic." Pallando nodded silently to himself as Ralthiel continued.
"I was informed that Delnarion was a form of devilry, though. Something that only Melkor himself dared to use. Something that could have devastating effects on the free-peoples, and then I was told to burn the scroll." The loud whistle of air sucking into Pallando's nostrils filled the room before Ralthiel continued.
"But I didn't."
Pallando chuckled loudly, and put one arm around the Ranger's shoulder. "That's a good lad!" He exclaimed, and continued chuckling. "Now, the only question is, will you reveal the scroll for me? Will you take the scroll to the Sea of Rhun and expose it to both day and night so it can be studied?" He asked. Ralthiel rubbed his nose as he thought it over. "Consider it done," he finally said. Not in an excited tone, rather quiet, and submissive. "I have already arranged my Horse to depart tomorrow morning." He concluded. Pallando continued chuckling into the night.