Chapter Five At the Inn

After walking for many hours in the rain and mud they finally came to the gates of Bree. Frodo stared at the wooden gate. He was

nervous. Going past these gates would mean entering the world of man. Mariell seemed to sense his discomfort.

"Let me do the talking," she said. Frodo nodded. His sister was much more likely to get a response from whoever they would deal with

than he would. Mariell moved to the gate and knocked purposefully. After a moment a small door slid open and an old man with a

hooked nose poked his head out.

"What do you want?" he said. Frodo could feel his heart pounding in his chest.

"We're heading for the Prancing Pony," Mariell stated. The man looked at her shrewdly.

"A lass and four hobbits. What business brings you to Bree"

"We wish to stay at the inn. Our business is our own," Mariell said using a tone of voice that would allow no arguments.

"All right, lass," the old man said opening the door, "I meant no offense. It's my job to ask questions at this hour." Mariell led the hobbits

into the village. Frodo was less than impressed with what he saw. The streets were filthy and men glared at them as they went by. He

looked up and saw a sign.

"There it is," he said tugging on Mariell's sleeve. They hurried in out of the rain and shook off their wet cloaks. Mariell pushed her hood

back and shook out her damp hair. Frodo noticed that the men who sat at the tables in the dining room turn their attention to Mariell.

Frodo felt an odd shiver. He did not like this one bit. He wanted to just find Gandalf and get out of here.

"We're looking for Gandalf the Gray," he heard his sister's voice. Mariell was talking to a fat man with a beard that stood behind a tall desk.

"Gandalf," the man said thoughtfully. "Oh yes, tall fellow, pointy hat, long gray beard. I've not seen him for six months." Frodo felt his

heart sink. How could Gandalf not be here? He hoped nothing had happened to the wizard. After a short discussion they decided to wait

in the tavern. Frodo sat restlessly staring into his ale. Merry and Pippin were amusing themselves by seeing who could drink the most in

one gulp. Sam sat on one side, twiddling his thumbs nervously, while Mariell sat at his other, on her guard watching the room. Frodo was

impressed by the way she held herself and calmly brushed away the unwanted attention many in the room were paying her. Sam was

being very antsy.

"That man in the corner has done nothing but stare at you since we came in." Frodo looked where Sam was pointing. Sitting in the

shadows was a man, his face covered by his cloak, smoking a pipe. His gaze did not leave their table as Frodo stared at him. As the

Innkeeper strode by them Frodo grabbed him.

"Excuse me, that man in the corner who is he?" The innkeeper seemed to shudder.

"He's one of them rangers. Dangerous folk they are. What his right name is I don't know but around here they call him Strider." Frodo

shuddered. Dangerous folk. What did this Strider want from them? Was he after the ring or could it be that his attention was not on him

at all but instead on Mariell. He was worried for his sister. If he could have he would have left her at home. But he knew that she would

not have been safe there. There was no safety anywhere until the ring was out of his possession. He suddenly felt sleepy. The ring felt

very heavy in his pocket. It was calling to him. How he wanted to put it on. No, he must not. Gandalf told him not to. But really what was
the harm if he just slipped it on for a moment?

"Baggins?" Pippin's voice rang through his ears. "Sure I know a Baggins. Two of them. Frodo and Mariell." Frodo leaped from the table

and rushed to where his cousin stood. Blast Pippin! As he moved to the bar he collided against Mariell who had also leaped up to stop

Pippin's blather. He was knocked off balance and hit the floor hard, the wind knocked out of him. His eyes widened in terror as he saw

the ring fly out of his grasp into the air. He reached out his hand for it. He heard gasps as the ring slid over his finger. Suddenly the tavern

was gone and all around him was darkness. Turning he could see a castle and a huge flaming eye.

"FRODO!" it hissed. In terror Frodo crawled away. He grasped for the ring and yanked it off his finger. As if by magic he was back in

the tavern. He saw Mariell looking for him. Their eyes met and he saw her breath a sigh. He was about to rise and go to her when a large
hand grabbed him. He felt himself get yanked to his feet and heard a low hiss.

"You draw far too much attention to yourself." He grunted in protest as he was dragged up a flight of stairs and tossed into a room.

Turning he realized it was the man who had been watching them before. Strider.

"What do you want?" he demanded refusing to show his fear.

"A little more caution from you that is no trinket you carry." So he was after the ring.

"I carry nothing," Frodo said weakly.

"Indeed, I can avoid being seen if I wish, but to disappear completely that is a rare gift." Strider pulled back his hood to reveal dark wet

hair and an unshaven face. The ranger pulled his sword out as the door flew open to reveal a very angry looking Mariell. "Leave my

brother alone, or I will kill you," she said. With her eyes flashing and her sword drawn Frodo had never seen Mariell look so fierce. Even
Strider must have been a little cautious because he sheathed his sword and raised his hands in a gesture of peace. Mariell's ferocity was

somewhat diminished as Merry, Pippin and Sam stumbled into the room armed with what appeared to be a candlestick.

"Let him go, or I'll have you!" Sam shouted with fists raised. Strider seemed to smile at that. "You all have courage, but that will not save

you. You can no longer wait for your wizard friend. They are coming."