Chapter 6

The Old Forest

Luke led the way into the Old Forest. There was a slight wind that enveloped him as he passed the gate causing his cloak to ripple. Gandalf had provided detailed maps of Middle Earth for him, which he had studied thoroughly. The wizard had instructed him to make contact with Bombadil as soon as he had the Elves with him. So, off the company went in search of Tom Bombadil!

"All our hope now lies in secrecy." Luke explained as he led the company through the forest.

The hobbits could sense that Luke Skywalker was a both a great warrior and wise like Gandalf. Luke strode boldly through the forest turning this way and that until they had made it to Tom's house.

"Wow, we didn't even get lost once, Nobb!" Lacnas chuckled.

"The Force is strong with my family." Luke whispered as he approached the door and rapped twice.

The door was flung wide open to reveal a very comical character. The man was short and wore yellow boots, a blue jacket, leather pants, and a brown hat with a blue feather sticking out of it. He let loose a merry laugh as he took in all his visitors.

"What might we have here at Tom's door? A great company of warriors lost and seeking old Bombadil's help?" he laughed as he danced around.

Luke clasped his hands in front of him and waited for the man to finish his silly little dance. Gandalf had warned him of Tom's antics, and Luke was prepared to wait him out if need be.

"Tom, Olorin has sent us. We desperately need your help. There is a war brewing in Middle Earth. We must all unite and form an alliance." Luke explained.

"Who might you be; and where is old Olorin?" Tom demanded as he spotted the Elves.

"I am a Jedi. My name is Skywalker, Luke Skywalker. Olorin is taking care of another issue for me; and he apologizes for his absence. But, I have another wizard with me. You may have heard of him from Olorin; his name is Radagast." Luke finished as he stepped aside for Radagast to face Bombadil.

"Ho now, if it isn't Radagast!" Bombadil chuckled with a gleam of recognition.

"Good, all is going to plan." Luke whispered to Mara.

Mara nodded her head slightly as she continued to watch Tom. Radagast held up his right hand for silence. Tom immediately stopped dancing and singing and looked at Radagast.

"You have to help us, Tom. This war is spreading even to the Shire. The forests of old are dwindling down. You may not have any place to master if you don't aid Middle Earth in this fight. We are begging you, please help us." Radagast said.

Tom scratched his beard in contemplation. "Ho now, never before has Tom interfered in the affairs of the Outside." He whispered.

Goldberry approached him. "Never before has the threat been so great, Tom. Once all the Free Peoples of Middle Earth have been destroyed, you will be next; last as you were first." She said as a tear slid down her cheek.

Tom nodded. "It seems the times are indeed grave. I will join your company and aid you in the coming wars in Middle Earth." He said gravely.

Luke nodded at Tom and gave him a small smile. "The Jedi thank you for your help, Tom; we won't forget it either." He said as he shook Tom's hand.

Thus Tom Bombadil allied himself with the company of Jedi, Elves, and Hobbits and left the borders of his land for the very first time since he landed on Middle Earth in the Early Days.