The September day was sunny. The weather was splendid – not too hot nor cold. No clouds distorted the azure sky. A soft breeze made a small grove of oaks sway slightly. This gentle wind ruffled the curly honey brown locks of a pony mounted hobbit. He was settled comfortably in the saddle that was atop his chestnut pony, Shasta. The hobbit, Meriadoc Brandybuck, did not have his big, hairy feet hooked into the stirrups, instead, Merry left them dangling at the sides of his mount. As he rode along, the hobbit hummed an old walking song. There was a smile upon his broad, freckled face. Meriadoc was in a good mood as he traveled alone through the wilderness. Many years had passed since the hobbit had gone on an adventure. His spirits were high and he was excited to be going back to Rohan.
Three days ago, the holbytan had received a letter from Éod, leader of the guards of the lands of Rohan.
"To Meriadoc Brandybuck, Master of Buckland, You have been called to Edoras for guard duty as you pledged yourself to serve Rohan years ago. From Éod" Merry quietly recited to himself. The hobbit wondered why he was needed, however Merry knew he would find out as soon as he got to Rohan. To make sure that he still had the letter he reached into the breast pocket of his yellow brocade vest. He heard the crinkle of the parchment, which assured him that the letter was still in place. Merry did not wish to loose that. He was not sure whether or not he could get into Rohan without it.
Slowly the sun sank over the horizon. Merry was getting sore from riding and felt that he needed a rest. He had woken early every day on this journey so that he could get in a good days ride. The hobbit looked around and behind him wearily. There were no trees to rest under in front of him. The grove of oaks was a ways behind the hobbit. Merry sighed – he did not want to backtrack. Luckily though, there were a bunch of large boulders that were close. Deciding that would be a good resting spot, Merry urged his pony Shasta onward. He dug his heels into the mare's side. Shasta whinnied in annoyance, but sped up. Merry's small sword was strapped at the side of Shasta and as they raced towards the stones, it struck the horse's side with a soft thawt.
When Meriadoc was at the boulders, he halted the pony. Merry then dismounted. With quick strides, the hobbit went to his pack. He got his pipe and pipeweed filled pouch. Merry left Shasta to graze and went to one of the boulders and sat down. After removing the elven cloak and placing it on the fresh green grass, Meriadoc stretched his stiff legs out in front of him. The bark brown and mustard plaid wool thigh-length pants and his long-sleeved, button-down-the-front tan linen shirt billowed slightly as the breeze picked up slightly. The wind was neither cool nor bitter; it was refreshing. Letting out a contented sigh, the hobbit opened the pouch and stuck his pipe it. With a thumb, Merry pushed some of it into his pipe. Removing it from the small bag and closing the pouch, Merry lit the pipe. Placing it between his lips, he drew in and blew smoke rings. He smoked his pipe for a while, but then began to feel drowsy. Deciding that it would be best that he should not smoke any longer, Meriadoc extinguished his pipe and fell into a light slumber.
After some light sleep, Merry woke to the sounds of orcs all around him. Hopping up quickly, Merry readied himself for a fight. This fight was one he would not win, but Merry would try. An orc rushed towards Merry. He punched him and the orc went down. Another charged at him and as Merry tried to knock the next orc out, he was hit on the head by the evil creature. The Halfling fell into darkness and was quickly bound by orcish hands. He grabbed Merry and swung him onto his shoulder. Carrying the hobbit over to Shasta, the orc roughly placed him atop the confused creature and the troop moved out.
Three days later Merry awoke. Where was he? Why did his head hurt so much? The hobbit was confused. Slowly, the confusion cleared. Merry realized where he was and what had happened. The hobbit had been captured by orcs, tied up, and placed on his horse. How was he going to get out of this mess?
