The hobbits stood under the trees trying to shield themselves from the freezing rain. Valia was staring at Bree almost fearfully. Her mother had died here. Frodo glanced at Valia and gently squeezed her hand.
"Come on," he said then led the way to the gates of Bree with Valia.
The others followed, and Merry knocked on the gates. A shutter opened above their hands then it closed and another opened before them.
"What do you want?" the gatekeeper muttered.
"We're heading for the Prancing Pony," Frodo answered.
The gatekeeper opened the gate. "Hobbits. Five hobbits! What business brings you to Bree?"
"We wish to stay at the inn," Frodo said. "Our business is our own."
"All right, young sir, I meant no offense. It's my job to ask questions after nightfall." Harry opened the gate so the hobbits could enter. "There's talk of strange folk abroad. Can't be too careful."
The hobbits kept close together as they made their way to the Prancing Pony, the largest building in the town. Merry opened the door, and they entered the smoke inn. Frodo walked up to the tall counter with the others close behind.
"Excuse me," Frodo said.
The innkeeper walked up to the counter, glanced around confused for a moment then looked down. "Ah, good evening little masters and miss. If you're seeking accommodations, we've got some nice, cozy, hobbit-sized rooms available, Mr…"
"Underhill," Frodo said. "My name's Underhill."
"Underhill, yeah…"
"We're friends of Gandalf the Grey. Can you tell him we've arrived?"
"Gandalf? Gandalf…"
"He hasn't seen him," Valia whispered to Frodo. "Something's happened."
"Should we stay here then?" Frodo asked.
Valia nodded then shivered slightly at the thought of walking back into the rain. "We can't travel any more tonight."
The innkeeper led them into the common room and got them all half a pint, which Valia refused. Frodo never touched his mug, staring at it as he thought of where Gandalf could have gone. Merry disappeared and Sam and Pippin kept fidgeting. Merry returned moments later with a mug nearly as big as his head.
"What's that?" Pippin asked, practically drooling.
"This, my friend, is a pint," Merry replied.
"It comes in pints?" Pippin asked. Merry nodded. "I'm getting one!" He raced off.
"You've got a whole half already!" Sam called after him. He then turned to Frodo. "That fellow's done nothing but stare since we've arrived."
Frodo glanced at the man in the corner. Who is he? He asked Valia.
They call him Strider. He's a Ranger, the last of a forgotten race. He's a friend of Gandalf's and knows of my abilities. Valia smiled, almost amused. Gandalf taught him to shield his thoughts.
"He was obviously a better pupil than us," Frodo said, also smiling. He took her hand, and she smiled shyly.
"Baggins?" Pippin's voice suddenly sounded across the common room. "Sure, I know a Baggins. He's over there." Pippin pointed toward Frodo with his mug before turning back to the men he was speaking with. "Frodo Baggins. He's my second cousin once removed on his mother's side and my third cousin twice removed…"
The voices of the other people drowned out his voice, and before Valia could stop him Frodo leapt up and anxiously made his way to Pippin.
"Pippin!" Frodo shouted, grabbing his arm and causing him to spill his drink.
"Steady on, Frodo!" Pippin said.
Valia leapt up as Frodo suddenly fell. Strider came up and grabbed her arm. He pulled her along as he went up to grab Frodo as well who had appeared again. He dragged them both up to the room he had rented. He threw them down near the fireplace then moved around the room extinguishing candles.
"What do you want?" Frodo asked as he helped Valia up, keeping her behind him in case of danger.
"A little more caution from you," Strider muttered. "That is no trinket you carry."
Valia put her hand on Frodo's shoulder before he could answer. He knows, she reminded him. He nodded and covered her hand with his.
The door suddenly burst open, and Sam, Merry, and Pippin ran in prepared to defend their friends at any cost.
Valia and Frodo sat nearby the bed where their friends were sleeping. She rested her head on his shoulder. They were the only two aside from Strider that were awake when the riders attacked the other room. The riders suddenly let out a screech and the other hobbits woke.
"What are they?" Frodo asked.
"They were once Men," Strider said. "Great kings of Men. 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." Strider turned away from the window. "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."