- - CALINA - -
'I suppose I should head back now.' She mused, hopping out of yet another tree. Her nightly patrol along the eastern border of the West Farthing was, per usual, uneventful. Which–in the grand scheme of things–was for the best. As she slipped undetected past the Green Dragon on her way back to Bag End, she couldn't help but overhear a pair of wobbly-legged Half-lings as they walked out of the tavern, stumbling over their words as they went.
"I hear there has been," 'hic', "talk of strange folk about." One said.
"Bah! I'm not worried 'bout the going-on's beyond the Shire." The other slurred.
"Indeed! If it doesn't concern us Hobbits," he let out an outrageous belch, "then it doesn't concern us."
'They are fortunate to live such worry free lives. I wonder how things are back home…' She mused. These and similar thoughts tinkered across her mind as she concluded her journey back to the house under the hill.
The lights were still on when she arrived back at Bag End. She was about to shadow jump inside but stopped short. There had been a rustle among the rose bushes by the kitchen's window box. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion. Silently, she filtered through the darkness and over the fence. In an instant she was standing in front of the thorny flowers.
Her head cocked to the side at the sight before her. There was a Hobbit hiding in the shrubbery. Frodo's gardener, if she recalled correctly. "What on earth are you doing?" She asked, bewildered.
The Half-ling yelped and flopped about, getting himself covered in dirt in the process. His outburst resulted in the heads of Gandalf and Frodo popping out from the other side of the window.
The ginger haired Hobbit was still flat on his back, "I wasn't doing anythin'! I was only–AHH!" Before he could finish, Gandalf unceremoniously hauled him inside through the window.
"Samwise Gamgee! Have you been eavesdropping?" Gandalf's voice thundered. Calina couldn't help but cringe at the scathing the poor Half-ling was receiving. She deftly let herself in through the front door and rounded immediately into the bright kitchen.
She could hear the stout Half-ling stammer, "I haven't been dropping no eaves sir, honest. I was just cutting the grass under the window there, if you follow me."
Calina leaned against the door frame and folded her arms, "Don't you think it's a bit late for that?"
"I heard raised voices." Samwise tried to defend.
"What did you hear? Speak!" Gandalf bellowed.
"N-n-n-nothing important. That is, I heard a good deal about a Ring and a Dark Lord and something about the end of the world but… Please, Mister Gandalf sir, don't hurt me. Don't turn me into anythin'—unnatural."
Gandalf shot a conspiratorial look at Frodo and Calina, "Noooo. I have a better use for you."
The gardener's face twisted into a mash of confusion and fear.
"Gandalf, wait," Calina interrupted, "What's all this about a Ring and Dark Lord?"
The fire crackled tersely. "Calina, Samwise, sit down." Gandalf asked. Calina sat while Samwise picked himself up off the floor, half stumbling to his chair.
Samwise had hardly taken his seat before Gandalf began, "Frodo, show them."
The blue-eyed Hobbit then reached into his pocket and emerged with a ring in hand. Calina recognized it as Bilbo's ring from her first night at Bag End. It was a simple, thick gold band and was overall unsuspecting.
Gandalf carried on, "This is the One Ring. Forged by the Dark Lord Sauron in the fires of Mount Doom. Taken by Isildur from the hand of Sauron himself. Bilbo found it decades ago in Gollum's cave. It lay quiet while in his possession, up until now."
"Gollum?" Calina interjected, turning to look at Frodo, "As in Gollum from the story? The one with your Uncle and the dragon?"
Frodo answered with a nod.
"So that's why Bilbo aged so well." Samwise added.
"Yes. But the Ring has broken its silence. It aims to return to its master."
"But I thought Sauron was defeated." Calina inquired, recalling her history lessons with her brothers.
"No. The spirit of Sauron endured. His life force is bound to the Ring, and the Ring survived. Sauron has returned. His Orcs have multiplied. His fortress at Barad-Dûr is rebuilt in the land of Mordor. Sauron needs only this Ring to cover all the lands of a second darkness. He is seeking it—all his thoughts are bent on it. The Ring yearns above all else to return to the hand of its master. They are one, the Ring and the Dark Lord. He must never find it."
"So then is it safe to assume Bilbo's vanishing act was because of the Ring?" Sam asked, recalling the spectacle at the birthday party.
"Yes." Gandalf answered.
"What do you mean, 'vanishing act'?" Calina interjected, brow knotted in confusion. "I saw him the whole time."
They all turned to her, brows raised, "How? The Ring turned him invisible." Frodo asked.
An owl hooted from outside. "I would venture to say you saw into the wraith-world. The unseen realm where cursed spirits have physical form. It is in this realm that Sauron's spirit dwells." Gandalf supplied.
The color drained from Eina's face, "Oh."
Frodo was quick to catch her concern, "What's the matter?" He asked.
"A voice spoke to me while Bilbo was wearing the Ring. And if this is the Ring, then that voice must have been Saruon." She bristled at the thought, "And he wanted me to take the Ring from Bilbo."
The fire popped loudly. "So that's why you were outside that night." Frodo added quietly.
She could only nod, appalled at this new revelation.
"Then it would seem you too are bound to the Ring." Gandalf began, "How, I cannot rightly say, but I will seek counsel with those among my order to learn more. Now, we must get all of you ready for your journey."
"Journey?" Samwise inquired.
"The creature Gollum was the Ring's keeper before Bilbo. Until recently, he was imprisoned at Barad-Dûr. During his torture he gave two words: Shire, and Baggins."
"But that would lead them here!" Frodo concluded, aghast.
"It will." Gandalf affirmed. "Which is why you three must leave immediately."
The Hobbits began to scuttle about, hastily running between rooms and packing things into traveling bags. Calina, however, remained where she was, "I don't understand." She murmured.
"Don't understand what, my dear?" Gandalf inquired.
"How can you trust me to travel with them? I almost took the Ring from Bilbo! What if I try to take it from Frodo? What if–"
She ceased her sputtering as the wizard lay a hand on her shoulder, "So long as he does not wear the Ring, you will not be tempted. And I trust Frodo to keep it safe. I only ask you to continue to keep watch over them during your travels. Get out of the Shire. Make for the village of Bree."
"But what about you?" She asked as Sam and Frodo returned. They were adorned in traveling cloaks with large traveling bags on their backs.
"I'll be waiting for you at the Inn of the Prancing Pony." Gandalf answered, making a move to grab his own things.
"Will the Ring be safe there?" Frodo asked, adjusting his pack.
"I don't know Frodo. I don't have any answers. I must see the head of my order. He is both wise and powerful. Trust me, he'll know what to do. You'll have to leave the name Baggins behind you, for that name is not safe outside the Shire."
Frodo nodded and looked to Calina, her pack and cloak in hand, "I've gathered your things. I put some food in your bag as well."
"Thank you." She said, taking her cloak and pack from him.
"Frodo, under no circumstances are you to put on the Ring. Do you understand?" The wizard ordered. The Half-ling nodded resolutely, the Ring now tucked in the folded up envelope in his breast pocket. "Travel only by day. And stay off the road. And don't lose each other."
"We can cut across country easy enough." Frodo said.
Gandalf took an instant to pause and cast a small smile, "Hobbits really are amazing creatures. You can learn all that there is to know about their ways in a month, and yet after a hundred years, they can still surprise you. Now, let us be off."
With that, the group walked through the round door of Bag End one last time before making their way into the night.
.
The soundscape of the evening eventually gave way to the soft beginnings of dawn's light. A small breeze had picked up and there was a hint of a chill to their air, as autumn was beginning to make its presence known. It was still early and they were making their way along the road. Gandalf took the lead, his horse's reins in hand. Frodo and Calina were behind him, with Sam bringing up the rear.
Calina paused and waited for the ginger Hobbit to catch up. She could hear him huffing and puffing, his trek not being made any easier by his choice to burden himself with pots and pans for their journey. "Are you sure you're doing alright Sam?" She asked as he came up to her.
The Hobbit graciously took the opportunity to stop and rest. His face was about half as flush as his hair and sweat was dripping down his brow. He took the back of his palm and wiped the sweat away. "I'll admit, I've been better." He conceded.
"Come along Samwise, Calina, keep up!" Gandalf ordered from ahead.
Sam took a deep breath and began to walk again. The pair continued side by side, the dry dirt of the road poofing at their feet. "I could carry some of your things if you'd like." She offered.
"It's alright. I'll manage." He assured her. From there, the two of them kept close behind Gandalf and Frodo. In efforts to try and distract him from the heaviness of his pack, Calina chatted with Sam. Eventually, the harmony of violets and magenta that had graced the sky eventually transitioned to a pale morning blue. A trail of clouds began to appear against the horizon as they entered a more densely forested area.
Gandalf stopped amongst the low undergrowth and turned to the trio as they all came to a stop. "You must all be careful. The enemy has many spies in his service: birds, beasts." Gandalf warned before looking pointedly to Frodo, "Is it safe?"
The Half-ling patted the pocket on his vest. Gandalf gave a short nod, kneeling down to Frodo's height, "You must never put it on. The agents of the Dark Lord will be drawn to its power. Always remember Frodo, the Ring is trying to get back to its Master. It wants to be found." They glanced at one another as Gandalf mounted his horse and rode off without another word. The three of them watched him go. All was quiet for a short moment. Frodo sighed and adjusted his pack. Sam and Calina did the same before continuing to venture through the forest.
.
The trio continued to trek through the countryside, making their way across various streams, over hills and through meadows. Eventually, they found themselves before a cornfield. Frodo walked ahead, but Sam stopped short beside a large scarecrow.
"What's wrong Sam?" Calina asked as she came up from behind.
"If I take one more step, it'll be the farthest from home I have ever been." He admitted.
Calina smiled tenderly, "It'll be alright Sam."
"She's right," Frodo agreed, walking back and placing his arm over Sam's shoulder. They crossed the threshold into the cornfield, "Just remember what Bilbo used to say: 'It's a dangerous business, going out your door," the three of them all stepped forward, "You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.'"
.
The remainder of the day passed by pleasantly and without incident. Once they set up camp for the night, Sam cooked sausages, bacon, and tomates for their dinner. While they waited, Frodo and Calina rested against the base of a large maple. They had been mid conversation when Calina's gaze suddenly broke and turned to stare into the forest.
"What's wrong?" Frodo asked. He followed her gaze, though he saw nothing.
"Elves." She got up and ran a short distance before crouching down beside a massive fallen oak. The Half-lings scrambled after her, back at her side in a matter of seconds.
"Shh." She whispered, holding a finger to her lips. For a moment, the silence around them maintained itself. Frodo and Sam looked at each other with quiet skepticism, but then they heard it. Singing.
"Wood-Elves!" Frodo exclaimed excitedly.
The trio covertly watched the group of Elves pass slowly through the forest. Some were on horseback, others were walking with banners. The group seemed to shine with its own light, their white garments softly glowing against the purples and midnight blues of the woods. Though the voices were melodic, their meaning was lost on the trio.
"a Galad ren i veniar
hi' aladhremmin ennorath
A Elbereth Gilthoniel
ithil nâ thûl, ithil lîn hen"
"They're going to the harbor beyond the White Towers. To the Grey Havens." Frodo said quietly as they watched them pass.
"They're leaving Middle-Earth." Sam said, his words have a statement, half a question.
"Never to return." Frodo finished.
There was a pause. "I don't know why - but it makes me sad." Sam concluded, his expression dropping slightly as the Elves departed from view.
They watched the vacant space among the darkening trees for a moment before returning to the fire. For a time they were silent, lost in thought over the fleeting presence of the Elves.
"Calina?" Sam began as they started to eat their still very hot dinner.
"Yes?" She replied, carefully prodding a roasted tomato.
"Are you sure you're not an Elf?" Sam said with a half eaten piece of bacon in hand.
She laughed, amused at the trendiness of this particular question, "No, I'm not. But I could see why you'd think so." As they ate, she enlightened Sam of the differences between herself and Elves, much like she had with Frodo all those few weeks ago.
"So have you ever met an Elf in person?" Sam asked, glowing with fascination.
Shadows from the little fire danced around them. Calina rubbed her upper arm, looking away dolefully, "Yes. But they've been less than pleasant experiences. They are creatures born of light and I am cursed with darkness so…" She finished with a shrug.
"I'm sorry." Sam said sincerely, the sensitivity of the topic palpable.
"It's okay." Though she tried to assure them, the trio finished their dinner in silence. Before long, night was upon them. Crickets returned to sing and the wind rustled through the trees. Calina nestled into the lowest crook of the tree and Sam and Frodo were laying on the ground beneath her.
Sam tossed and turned, unable to get comfortable. "Everywhere I lie there's a root sticking into my back." He complained, flopping over again.
"Just shut your eyes, and imagine your back in your own bed, with a soft mattress and a feather pillow." Frodo suggested from beside him.
Calina could see the frustratedly skeptical look on Sam's face as he tried to get settled once again. He huffed, "It's not working, Mister Frodo. I'm never going to be able to sleep out here."
"Me neither, Sam."
"It'll get easier, I promise." Calina encouraged from her perch.
"Fluffy mattress and soft pillows." Sam murmured, flipping onto his side. However, after a while the tiredness brought on by the day's journey was enough to pull the Hobbits to sleep. However, the same could not be said for the Shadow Walker. Her mind was turning over the memories Sam had unknowingly stirred up by asking about the Elves. Sleep only claimed her when the waxing moon hung high in the sky, its light casting white daggers of light out across the land.
.
The next morning they rose, packed up, and went on their way. The day had turned into a bright and sunny afternoon. Birds chirped while the sun planted a pleasant kiss to their skin as they ventured through another cornfield. Calina had been a little ways behind Frodo and Sam when her ears caught the sound of running footsteps. And they were rapidly approaching. 'They're headed straight from Frodo and Sam!' Calina bolted towards the pair, hauling them back by the top of their packs just in time.
Another pair of Hobbits skidded to a halt on the path before them. They both had ginger curls, one looking to be Frodo and Sam's age, while the other somewhat younger. What was odd was that each of them was carrying an armload of vegetables.
"Frodo?" One of them asked, "Merry! It's Frodo Baggins."
"Hello Frodo!" The other called, looking back the way they came.
Sam stepped forward and gestured towards the produce in his arms, "What's the meaning of all this?" Merry unceremoniously plopped his vegetables into Sam's arms. The sound of a barking dog and an angry voice were closing in fast.
"Oh dear." Calina murmured.
Sam scowled, "You've been into Farmer Maggot's crop!"
"Run!" Calina yelled, ending any further argument. Frodo and the newcomers immediately began to speed off in the opposite direction. "Sam, come on!" The gardener stood, momentarily thunderstruck. Sam then looked at the bounty in his arms, and back towards the sound of the furious farmer before dropping the vegetables and bolted with Calina hot on his heels.
It didn't take long before the group burst through the end of the cornfield. They'd been going so fast that they nearly tumbled down the small cliff that had sprung out before them. Fortunately, they managed to stop just in time from falling so they didn't end up falling down the hill. However, the sound of their pursuers grew lounder.
Calina looked over the slope. It wasn't too sheer of a drop, so she carefully hopped down. Her boots slid, but only slightly. She held her hand out to Frodo, "Come on!" He reached for her, and followed. The others did the same, and they all did their best to scurry down the slope without falling. After a tense moment, they all made it down to the road below.
She looked up. Upon not seeing an angry farmer and his dog following down after them, she sighed in relief.
Sam stomped over to Merry and his companion, shaking his fist, "Trust a Brandybuck and a Took!"
"Easy now! Everything's alright. It was just a detour, a shortcut if you will." Merry said smoothly.
"A shortcut to what?" Sam countered, his anger apparent.
"Mushrooms!" The other Hobbit said excitedly, bounding towards an impressive cluster of mushrooms on the side of the road.
"I take it you know these two?" Calina asked, watching the trio begin to squabble over who should take what mushroom.
"They're relatives. Merry, and Pippin." Frodo said with a smile, gesturing to the pair.
"Why am I not surprised?" She laughed, but it was cut short, a familiar cool prickle had returned beneath her skin. She tensed, looking down the road.
"What's wrong?" Frodo asked as he turned to follow her gaze.
Her hair was beginning to stand on end, "Something is coming. We need to get off the road." She said urgently. Frodo hurried and crossed the road, ducking beneath a large overhanging tree root to hide himself.
"Half-lings! Off the road, now!" Calina yelled. Her words were so sharp that the other three scuttled over obediently to where Frodo had hidden himself. Once the Hobbits were all beneath the large root, she flung herself down as well. "Hush!" She commanded quietly.
For an instant, nothing happened. Merry and Pippin were silently glowing over their spoils when they heard it: the heavy 'thud' of horse hooves. A cold fog snaked in around them and their mirth was sucked away. A mushroom slipped out of Pippin's hand and bounced soundlessly onto the ground. Calina and Frodo turned and peeked through a small gap in the roots to see a colossal black horse, and its Rider clothed head to foot in a tattered black cloak. They watched silently, horror struck as he moved to dismount his horse.
Calina's spine rattled with chills, 'No, no no, go away, go away, go away!'
To their immense surprise, the Rider paused and cocked its head. It seemed to almost grumble. But then, to their further astonishment, the Rider sat back down in the saddle and continued on its way.
They sat for a few minutes, too shaken to carry on right away. Calina eventually creeped back out into the open first, for the presence of the Rider had finally died away.
"What was that?" Merry asked, his previously jovial voice laden with seriousness.
"It is an agent of darkness and something we must avoid at all costs." She answered, adjusting her pack. "Let's go. We need to get to Bree."
.
While the rest of the day passed without event, the tension from their morning encounter had yet to fully dissipate. They had quick introductions and stopped only for a short meal before carrying on. But with the arrival of nightfall, the heaviness of their situation began to return.
"Why exactly do you need to get to Bree?" Pippin asked as they continued to walk hastily through a dark forest.
"We already told you." Sam answered, "We're meetin' Gandalf there."
"But why?"
"Because he'll have answers." Frodo said.
"Answers to what?"
"You're infuriating, you know that?" Sam said coarsely.
Pippin huffed, but said nothing else. Calina placed a hand on his shoulder, "Gandalf will have answers, Pippin, but much of this is still a mystery to us too. Now, Merry, how much further to this Ferry you mentioned earlier?"
"Shouldn't be too far now." He said, having taken the lead.
"Excellent," She said. For a few brief moments, all was quiet save for the leaves at their feet and the melody of night around them. A fog had rolled in, signaling that they were drawing ever closer to the river and the Ferry.
The hair on the back of Calina's neck began to bristle again, 'Oh no.' She halted, eyes darting around trying to pinpoint what direction was stemming from. "Stop!" She shouted trying to find the exact direction the feeling was coming from. The Half-lings obeyed. Upon witnessing her unease, they were immediately overcome with dread.
'I don't understand! It's coming from there? There? No, there! Uh! What's going on?!' She was whirling about, confused at the conflicting sources of approaching darkness. At last, she heard it: galloping horses. A split second later, two Riders appeared on their massive black mounts, rushing up from behind them.
"RUN!" She yelled, sprinting towards the Half-lings.
Down the hill they ran, dodging shrubbery and trees as they cut through the fog. For what seemed like an eternity, they were chased through the night, the Riders always seeming just at their cloak tails as they weaved their way through the forest. Hope then appeared in the form of a fence with the Buckleberry Ferry tied neatly to a dock just beyond.
This hope did not last long. Once at the bottom of the hill, the forest gave way to flat open grass. Calina, still at the rear, soon had each of the Riders at her side. They passed her quickly, and would be on top of the Hobbits in an instant.
It was as if a rock had dropped in her stomach, 'They're going to take the Ring from Frodo.'
Something in her snapped and she spoke in a foul language she had not even known she could utter, "Stop! Leave us alone!"
The Riders stalled aggressively, their horses whining at the sudden drawback in their reigns. Adrenaline continued to push her along. Though her chest ached, she urged her body past the Riders and after the Hobbits.
Whatever magic she had worked did not last long. "Shire. Baggins. Precious!" One of the Riders protested. They loosened the reins and commanded their horses forward again.
The Hobbits had crossed the threshold of the fence and were heading down the short dock. Merry was already making quick work of the Ferry's rope as the others followed. To her terror, Pippin stumbled and fell halfway to the dock. He scrambled to get up, but kept slipping on the wet grass. Sam ran back to him, helping him up when Calina skidded to a halt in front of them.
"Go now!" She yelled, whipping around to face the Riders. 'I don't know if this will work, but I have to try.' Energy suddenly began to glow around her fists. It crackled and cast off deep violet sparks.
Her thoughts then came out as an angry holler, "I said, LEAVE US ALONE!"
She then shot out her arms, palms wide as she cast a wave of dark purple magic at the Riders. It flew like a shockwave straight towards her enemy, who—at such close range—had absolutely no time to dodge the attack. Upon contact, both Riders let out a feral squeal, their horses rearing before instantly turning tail and fleeing.
Then all was quiet, save for the gurgling of the river.
Calina dropped to the ground, clutching the damp grass. Sweat was dripping down her brow and dark spots had appeared in her eyes. Though her skull was pounding, she tried to think of pleasant things: her brothers, father, fond memories… anything to clear out the lingering darkness.
She was yanked from her stupor by someone shaking her shoulder. "Calina!" She glanced up to see Pippin crouched beside her with Sam standing just over his shoulder. Both looked at her with deep concern. The Hobbits suddenly drew back, each with parted lips as they let out a quiet gasp.
"What's wrong?" She asked, the spots finally beginning to recede from her vision.
"Your eyes. They're flickering black." Pippin said uneasily.
She blinked hard a few times, rubbing the heels of her palms against her eyes before looking back at them. "It's stopped now." Sam said as she next opened her eyes. He then looked back over his shoulder before quickly turning back to Pippin and Calina. "Let's get goin'."
She made a motion to stand, but slipped and fell. "Sorry," one hand clutched her head, "my head's spinning."
Pippin and Sam each grabbed one of her arms and helped her to her feet before they all began to move towards the dock. Swiftly enough, they all boarded the little Ferry. Frodo let loose the rope from the dock and Merry was at the back steering.
"How far is the nearest crossing?" Frodo asked, looking back in the direction the Riders had fled.
"Brindywine Bridge: twenty miles." Merry answered, swinging the rudder around. They hauled off their packs, Frodo flopping down onto his back while Sam dragged the back of his palm against his brow, wiping sweat away. The rest of them dropped down to their haunches and let out great bellowing sighs.
"So…" Merry began, his voice cutting through the silence, "What just happened?" Merry and Pippin both looked back to Sam, Calina, and Frodo. The trio glanced between one another before Frodo finally sat up. He then crossed his legs and placed his hands on his knees before catching Merry and Pippin up on the situation regarding the Ring, Sauron, and why they needed to get to Bree.
"Alright then," Pippin said. He then stood and arched to pop his back, "So these Riders are chasing us because they're trying to take the Ring." The others nodded.
"I still have another question: how were you able to call off the Riders?" Merry inquired, looking at Calina while adjusting the rudder ever so slightly.
"I could somehow sense them coming." She admitted, rubbing the back of her head. "This morning on the road, I had wished for the Rider to go away. When it did, I figured it was just a stroke of luck. But just now I realized that it was them I was sensing this whole time."
"And apparently they'll listen to you." Merry chimed in.
"A little bit, I guess."
"Well that's a good thing then." Pippin added optimistically. "Now we'll always know when there's about to be trouble. Better yet, we'll be able to avoid it." They all nodded in undeniable agreement.
For a moment, none of them spoke. The river rippled quietly and frogs croaked. There was a slight rustle to the cattails around them but it was a pleasant sound. The full moon shone brightly from above them. It cast a veil of light across the landscape that set them all a bit more at ease.
"Calina, I know you said you're not an Elf, but you used magic to send the Riders away. How did you do that?" Sam asked as he tossed the apple core into the river.
"To be honest, I'm not really sure how it works. That was one of the few times I've ever used my magic and it did what I wanted."
"What you wanted?" Sam repeated, confused.
"I wanted the magic to send the Riders away, and it did." They looked at her in question. She sighed, beginning to pick at the wood of the Ferry. "But to be honest, I can't really control it. Most of the time when I use it, things quite literally blow up. What's worse, is whenever I'm in danger the magic lashes out all by itself. It's like it has a mind of its own."
"Not to be rude, but have you ever tried to learn how to control it?" Merry asked.
"Yeah, but it never goes well. Like I said, I usually end up destroying things. I've even hurt people by accident." She shrunk and continued to pick away at the wood. "It's dark magic after all. There's no one able, let alone willing to teach me how to wield it properly."
"Maybe Gandalf can." Frodo suggested. "He is a wizard after all."
"I'm not so sure." Calina murmured.
"Have you asked him?" Pippin inquired.
"No, but–"
"Then next time we see him, be sure to ask. I'm sure he'd be more than willing." Frodo said with a smile.
"Alright, alright. I'll ask him. But we should take this time to rest. Hopefully we can make it to the bridge without any more close calls." The Half-lings all made sounds of agreement before settling into more relaxed positions. Though none of them slept, the brief peace was welcome as they drifted along with the current.
.
Luck was in their favor, for the remainder of their voyage down the river went smoothly. Merry was tying the Ferry back onto the dock below the Brandywine Bridge while the rest of the company disembarked. After a moment, Merry hopped off the Ferry swiftly and followed his comrades up the slope to the roadside.
Calina reflexively pulled up the hood of her cloak. "Merry, refresh my memory: how far are we from Bree?"
"It's a bit of a walk that way." He pointed to the right down the road and began walking, the others right behind him.
As they carried on, the moon became shrouded in clouds and the soft pitter-patter of rain had begun to dot the dirt road. They all pulled up their hoods. To their misfortune, the sky opened up into a total downpour. 'At least we won't be likely to meet up with anyone on the road.' Calina thought as a drop of rain blipped onto her nose.
The remaining walk to the village gate was swift. They were allowed passage into the village without much trouble, and while the presence of four Hobbits and a woman earned a few stares, they were only momentary, for the unsavory weather kept people from pausing too long to get a good look at them.
At long last, they passed through the door of the Prancing Pony. Once inside, the Halflings removed their soaked hoods, relieved to finally be indoors. Calina, however, left her hood up to shroud her eyes. The Inn was dimly lit, noisy, and exceptionally crowded. Frodo went straight up to the bar looking for assistance. The others followed close behind. "Excuse me?" He asked.
A burly gentleman appeared. He had a balding scalp, but an impressive mustache curling. His eyes were gentle. "Good evening, little masters! If you're looking for accommodation we've got some nice, cozy, Hobbit-sized rooms available. Mister uh—"
"Underhill." Frodo fibbed, "My name's Underhill."
"Underhill, yes…" The barkeep murmured.
Frodo carried on, "We're friends of Gandalf the Grey. Can you tell him we've arrived?"
At first the man seemed confused, but his eyes soon lit up. "Gandalf? Gandalf? Oh yes! I remember: elderly chap, big grey beard, pointy hat… not seen him for six months." To this comment, Frodo's eyes widened and the group retreated back to the door, huddling close together.
"What do we do now?" Sam asked.
"The only thing I suppose we can: wait." Calina answered softly.
With the decision made, the group made their way through the Inn, managing to find an empty table in the corner of the tap room. After removing their cloaks Sam, Frodo, and Merry went up to the bar to order food and drinks. Despite being fairly soaked, Calina decided to keep her cloak on and hood up, 'I can't risk my appearance giving me away.' Fortunately, Pippin remained behind to keep her company.
"Thank you for staying with me Pippin. I'm not going to lie, this is a bit nerve wracking." She whispered, carefully making sure that her hood was still covering her eyes.
"Of course. Got to make sure we stay incognito, right?" He then shifted in his seat as the others returned from the bar, food and drink in hand.
"Look Pip! It comes in pints." Merry said excitedly, setting the large tankard in front of his friend.
"Oh-ho!" Pippin exclaimed joyfully, before taking a large gulp of beer.
They all made quick work of the meal. For a while, they chatted idly before a sudden comment from Pippin caught them all by surprise.
"Hello, sir. Is there something you need?"
Frodo, Merry and Sam, whose backs were to the door, turned around to see a man standing behind them. He towered above them and though his face was shrouded by the hood of his cloak, they could see the scruff on his face, which matched the coarseness of his voice.
"Your attempt to hide is pathetic." The stranger spat.
Calina went ridgid, now regretting having left her hood up, 'I know that voice.' Her jaw clenched, "Strider." She said in breathy horror.
"I would drag you out of here right now if I wasn't under other orders."
"You'd have to get through us first if you even tried." Sam declared, placing himself between the ranger and Calina. To the gardener's proclamation, Frodo and Merry joined him in shielding their friend from Strider's hostility.
"You know nothing of the wickedness she is capable of."
"We've seen her magic, thank you very much. And you know what, Strider? She's done nothing but protect us with it. So there." Merry said with defiance, crossing his arms.
Strider paused for an instant before turning to Frodo, "I know what it is you bare, Mister 'Underhill.' And she is the last person you should have among your company whilst it is in your care."
"We want her with us." Frodo declared.
"All of you, please." Calina cut in, her tone desperate, "Let's continue this conversation where there are less ears to overhear it." The others let their eyes skirt across the room, noticing that much of the bar was now watching them.
"The Inn across the street." Strider suggested coarsely, "There are less people. Come."
"Only if you swear you won't run her through with your sword." Pippin expressed firmly.
Strider said nothing before turning and beginning to walk through the tap room to the door. The Hobbits grabbed their things and began to follow after him.
Pippin resolutely kept to Calina's side. "Don't you worry. We'll find a way to shake him." He whispered.
As they filed out after the others, Calina spoke disdainfully, "Unfortunately, no, we won't. Now that he knows I'm with you, getting rid of him will be impossible."
"Wait!" Sam piped in just as they were about to leave. The others stalled, looking at him, "What about Gandalf?"
"I don't think he's coming, Sam." Frodo answered sadly. They all then meandered their way out of the Prancing Pony and back into the darkened streets of Bree.
