They crossed the ford and the high raised stones threshold, while the exhausted Hobbit piteously drooped his shoulders on the pony's back. Far downstream on the left bank, sparkled the lights of a fishermen Big Folk village: several huts of reeds around a stone smoking-room. Gandalf led them towards a large extent of cattails, a mile upstream. There, he finally authorized a short pause. Gerry devoured like a famished and shaken Hobbit, whose habits were entirely called into question.
-« Where do you want to take me along? », he asked with his heart at the edge of dispair.
- For the moment, I have simply taken you out of the Shire, where your excesses got you some enmities. Keep high spirits! Your fellow Hobbits show several shortcomings, but everlasting hate is not one of them. As for your female conquests, those who are able to forget you will do so, and the others will marry. Do you realize how uncomfortable a situation you were likely to put these young Hobbit-girls in?
Gerry, who did not at all regard the situations he shared with the Hobbit-girls as uncomfortable, innerly smiled, in spite of his tiredness. Facing such an urchin's frivolous attitude, Gandalf insisted:
- « Is there one of them with whom you would like to take vows? »
The pretty Hobbitboy, dulled and upset, turning and turning over his feathered hat between his hands, answered:
-« I never thought about it… I am not ready to engage.
- However you may have engaged several of these Hobbit-girls! Can you imagine an unexpected and numerous offsprings gathering from the four Farthings on your return?
- It is not true, Gandalf. This rumour is grossly exaggerated. You see, most of the feathers on my hat are still white, only several passed to black… »
The wizard immediately assessed the disrespectful answer of the cynical Hobbit-boy, contrary maybe with our dear reader.1
- « You are but a hanging rogue. I take you along with me for a voyage that should prove advantageous for you in more than one way!
- But I never left the Shire…
- It is precisely the reason why I ride with you for a while. Gerry, you know the Shire extremely well, its inhabitants, male and female… But the son of the Thain must know the outside world by himself. What do you know about your borders, for example?
- We have a rather numerous body of volunteers to beat the bounds of the country. When a brigand causes disturbance, we take him back to the borders. I'm also aware that some of us live amidst Big Folk in Breeland, according to a special arrangement. But I never went there.
- Thus you have no knowledge about people who live around you or a little beyond…
- Gandalf, I have neither desire nor need to know the wider world and its hazards. I live in a time of a peaceful Shire.
- Do you think indeed? Your ancestor Bandobras Took, the "Roaring Bull", has stopped an invasion of orcs at the Green Fields Battle, hardly a hundred years ago. He decapitated Golfimbul, goblin chief of Mount Gram. Please note that Bandobras was one of my most assiduous pupils! The orc-head flew some hundred steps before falling into a rabbit burrow. It was claimed, two generations ago, that this was the origin of the golf play.
- So my people is able to assume our own defense. I am glad about it, because I see no need to go looking for trouble outside.
- Knowledge of your immediate surrounding is vital for the Thain-to be! Soon you will have to anticipate and solve these issues. Be certain of this: if this battle was a victory, it is also thanks to the assistance of your guardians. Your happy Shire benefits from the protection of allies whose existence you are unaware of! That is the lore you should know and bear, after your father! »
What the Hobbit hitherto perceived as a severe but temporary measure of paternal retaliation, ultimately promised to be a ruthless regimentation to adulthood... He changed strategy, ready to concede just enough to keep most of his tranquility.
- « I am not made for Thanery and its responsibilities nor willing to burden myself with duties.
- One does not burden oneself with duty. Duty is the right that others have on us.2 But your euphemism shows some insight. As you seem to be unaware that you could not take a step into the world without finding a duty to perform, 3 I'm taking you for a few steps around for some time! »
The relentless logic of the approach reduced Gerry to his usual expedient, candid and disarming good will:
- « Gandalf, I need your help! »
The fair tone, pathetic and moving, did not trick the wizard at all. But he took the Hobbit at his word:
- I am here for that, my boy, at least at the beginning. Do I have your word that you will endeavour to behave?
- I promise to you I'll make efforts, but I doubt I can meet your expectations.
- I will be satisfied with that for the moment, said Gandalf with a smile and posing his hand on the young Hobbit's shoulder. He resumed:
- Cheer up! You will also discover some wonders. Voyages are not only perturbing and dangerous, they are also enthralling and instructive. Why should you doubt your talent to taste the enchantment of the road that goes ever on? …
- And is there anything to eat in the wilderness? »
Gandalf had a knowing laugh:
- « Hobbits may not abandon their good sense. Lands around the Shire are not as wild as you seem to imagine. Far in the East or North, beyond the mountains, lay truly inhospitable regions. But even in these wilderlands, you will be surprised by the resources they can offer to the learned traveller. For example, marshes cattails that surround us… »
Gerry threw a circular glance. A multitude of long pale green stems were balancing under the weight of their oblong, dark and felted cocoons, which looked like the distaff of a Hobbit spinning wheel.
« You say these reeds are edible?
They are more than edible, and these are not reeds, that by the way are very useful too.
Which part does one eat?
The inhabitants of Dunland have an old saying : "Tell me which dish you want to eat, I will tell you how to cook it with cattails". To begin with, when the young shoot reaches two palms, it is the "asdriags asparaguses", with a savour unlike anything else, boiled and served with salt, pepper and butter. The inhabitants of Breeland name them the "distaff". They fill in whole cart-loads with cattails in the Midgewater marshes.
Shall we taste some ?
Considering the pace you are exhausting our supplies, it will be soon necessary… But it is not the only recipe! You'd rather listen. In the month of cerveth, the crushed rootlets could give you a flour, to prepare breads and biscuits, or even a very tasty paste much like mashed tatters. The base of the root, sliced but crude, has a sweetened savour, that reminds me of large nuts of Far Harad. You may also eat the young heads as a pulp, which tastes like artichoke hearts.
When I hear you, the wilderness seems like a true food plate!
That is not false, although one must deserve it. How do you believe your ancestors managed to survive, before migrating towards the Shire? But this plant will also provide you with its stems, to braid hats or baskets. Once matured, it may be frayed into a first choice insulator, for mattresses and pillows. It becomes like mosses, that store heat just like goose down… »
Gerry raised his face towards the wizard in front of him. Where in Middle-Earth had he learned all that? And for what reason was the wize so eager to transmit this lore to him? For the first time, the Hobbit began to foresee that the peregrinations and the intrigues of the old wizard had no another goal but to serve and educate. Paradoxically, his resentment was reinforced: the heinous kidnapping he was victim of, was justified by a purpose, high and imperious. Gerry could not accept it yet. The wizard continued:
« No, Gerontius Took, you are neither without resources nor without friends, even amidst the wilderness dangers. But you must learn to know them, and should also harden yourself somewhat, so that you too, may become a valuable ally. »
While the Hobbit's tired face was hardening, Gandalf felt the need to express his satisfaction:
« About that, you reacted the right way to the danger yesterday, despite my applications and warnings! I congratulate you. Someone will come out of you! But you will have to be provided with more an efficient weapon than that mill! Though it is of a great effectiveness as long as the game is not launched… But for the moment enjoy this moment: we leave the Shire and the troubles that you sowed there. May this trip teach you wisdom and grant you strength to confront them on your return! »
X-X-X
Gandalf had them take the road again. Gerry protested hopelessly: he had been awake for a score of hours.
« We should still add a few miles between the Hornblowers estate and you by the end of this morning, said the wizard. I take you along to the former coaching inn of Thalion. That will be a pleasant transition for you. »
The ground rose slowly, while a pale and timid purple sun rose in front of them, left of the road. Light clouds promised a beautiful day but the air was still cold. Gandalf let Gerry walk, as much as to prevent the pony from getting tired, as to warm the Hobbit. Large meadows spread out their wild grasses and spring flowers. They crossed some gurgling brooks and several red rock bars, around ten feet height, which had forced the builders of old to dig the rock and embank to smooth the roadway. These works, though more inclined that the remainder of the road, were paved with regular flagstones and honoured the King's masons art of old. It is at least what Gerry imagined, since Hobbits attributed to the King, the main part of the infrastructures they found while settling in the country. They inherited their techniques of timber and stone construction from the Dùnedain but they did little more, most of the time, than to maintain the invaluable inheritance.
The King had authorized the Hobbits to found the Shire, many centuries ago, but Gerry's time Hobbits had completely forgotten the context of this decision: the critical military situation of the kingdom, a lasting lack of demographic vitality, as well as the internal dissensions that this decision had induced. The kingdom had disappeared at the same time as their northern foe which caused its fall, but the Shire, district of well ordered businesses, had survived it. It had managed to thrive while the surrounding cantons of the Big Folk had slowly declined. The expression "until the return of the king", that pointed out the antique vassal and dependent position of the Shire, now meant "forever". No one could foresee his return, but the figure of the King still embodied order, law and civilization. Each bridge, each legal document, any coaching inn set up to accomodate Dwarves, Big Folk and their mounts at the crossing of main roads, each old wash-house or collective furnace, the metal weights and poles bearing the seven stars, all these everyday details pointed out the immanente presence of this guarding figure, at least as much as the ruins of the old war towers.
After several miles, as Gerry was painfully hobbling, Gandalf hoisted him again on the pony's back. The road now curved amidst small red sandstone solid masses, which casted blue shades across the roadway. The small brown sparrows that wandered above the fields fled with furious cheepings when they approached. The temperature slowly rose in spite of a gentle breeze on their back, which pushed thin shoddy clouds towards the east. The dreams of grandeur of the former Kings had deserted the thoughts of the Hobbit, who tried to learn more.
- « Gandalf, I would like to know where you are taking me along. I consider this departure… rushed and unwise. In the wilderness, we may need… equipment, food, pipeweed…
The wizard's eyebrows suddenly curled with irritation:
- Gerry, my young Hobbit, you will learn that the deeds of a wizard are considered from every angle. Their relevance is ever stronger when the average Hobbit is uncapable of seizing the wisdom and reasons behind them. We are fully provided with the necessary food. Actually, if not for the dead load of a lazy and whining Hobbit, we would have already arrived to our next stage. Rush is only due to your ridiculous hope and attempt to escape me and your obligations. Please keep in mind that Chewer, Grumbler, Devourer and Howler would swallow you whole with caraway, if they surprised you grinding around the Hornblower Manor. »
The Hobbit had sheepishly to admit that. He tried to come back in the wizard's good graces:
- «I noted that you would provide for eating and drinking. I simply meant that I had no time to think about the equipment, such as for example a shovel, a rope, a lighter, curtains or a rain-proof cover. »
Gandalf inwardly admitted the reasons of the perceptive Hobbit, who at once noticed that. Gerry maliciously dared to press his advantage:
- « But I suppose that you will also provide for it, when time comes. Please simply tell me where we are heading for, after Thalion. I may not be carried like a package. That would not be… educational! »
Then as a teaching reprisal, Gandalf gave him several chapters of the old history: how the great King had three sons who could not get along and had split up their heritage in three rival kingdoms that competed for control over the large fortress East of Bree. He also told how Rhudaur, the weakest of the three kingdoms, quickly fell under the domination of the Witch-king of Angmar, then how the second kingdom Cardolan - where they stood right now - was devoured too. The wizard somewhat raised Gerry's attention when Hobbits made their entry into this tale, crossing the Misty Mountains to flee a dark terror: they came by small groups, over several decades, and ended up being so numerous that the King of the last kingdom, Arthedain, had the idea to allot to them the Shire as vassals. But in spite of the wisdom and the exploits of the Kings, the last kingdom was also destroyed by its northern deadly foe.
These epic events somehow hustled in the young Hobbit's brain, who, like the majority of his fellow Hobbits, had never considered the study of old times but under the genealogical angle. The three hours lesson ended when a red cliff of thirty feet height showed up alongside the road, after a blown sandstone stacking. The sun, though high in the sky, could not heat them. For fifteen minutes, they followed on their left the base of the cliff, which curve revealed the road gradually. On their right, dull falls followed one another, without any vegetation except close-cropped grass and some large thistles. The cliff top appeared to them as an irregular red gray alignment of teeth which sharply drew on the sky's cobalt blue. As birds had ceased their chipping, a shade fell on the heart of the Hobbit, whose face became pale and attentive to any warning. Gandalf realized that and told him:
- « This defile is one of the places where the troops of Cardolan opposed a hopeless resistance to the hordes of the Witch-king. Here are the tombs of the fallen warriors! »
On the right of the road, the ruins of a house of the Big Folk, built with red material from the cliff, showed signs of a very old abandonment: blackened stones had overlapped with dust and wild grasses had grown there. Gandalf stopped the pony close to the ruins.
- « Here were formerly an inn and a coach station. There in front of us is the only way to the guard tower, that stood above on the cliff and was entirely destroyed. The whole neighborhood appears desert but you should know, young Took, that Men often come here to guard the area. The rangers are the secret Masters of these inhospitable lands. See! »
The wizard showed, apart from the ruined walls, in the middle of what could have been the stables yard, four oblong and polished stones of the same size, aligned on the ground between grasses, and planted in parallel with alternating colors: red, white, red, white.
- « Rangers cross the country to monitor, guard and to drive the dark things out. They left these signs.
- Do you know how to read them?
- Of course. But rangers teach these signs only to their sure friends. Do not expect me to reveal their meaning to you: you have to prove reliable first.
- Who are the rangers?
- Thus you know nothing about the Dùnedain who ensure the safety of your borders? What do you believe would have occurred to the Shire, during all its years of peaceful idleness, if not for the help of guards to take care, uproot the growing evil, to set off the alarm and to assist you in the fight at critical times?
- I believed that peace and wealth were the rule for our neighbors… Why do these rangers care for the country?
- Beyond the years of obliteration and anonymous labour, their sense of honor guides them. They feel indebted towards the populations of the old kingdom. Because dark things such as orcs, trolls or ghosts do not know peace and would spread around the Shire to finally destroy it. »
Gerry disfigured Gandalf as if the darkest verses of old legends had embodied in the meadows by this beautiful spring day.
- « But why do they feel indebted to us?
- They descend from the Dùnedain lords and warriors who defended the kingdom in days of old. When the last King disappeared, the few survivors went into hiding, finding a refuge in hidden villages and perpetuating the tradition of guards, generation after generation. »
The young Hobbit felt small and useless. He explored around with apparent detachment, which could not mislead the wizard. Back near the road, he froze in front of a broad opening dug in the cliff wall, which top had dropped to a dozen feet. The entry, framed by two pillars that were carved in the shape of mailchained guards, was surmounted by grass strewn with small white flowers. The opening evoked bitterness and nostalgia. The Hobbit, attracted in spite of him, advanced on the porch and observed inside for a long moment to accustom his eyes to the shadow. Before Gandalf could restrain him, he engaged in the tunnel. Two tombstones alignments bordered the tunnel, that led to a big room, in the center of which a black catafalque supported three stone coffins. Some wells of light gave to the room the look of a large castle of men. The young Hobbit's imagination flew away - he was galloping besides the knights of old. His head was spinning now. The noble defenders swore protection and courage before battle. Just like their descendants today, they defended for honor and right. The Hobbit's feeling of uselessness was now turned into some guilt without remedy.
He believed he saw, like in a dream, the last recumbent stone image of the corridor straighten up and reach an imploring hand to him, as if claiming for… He had a quick back move, clutching the golden leaves-cutter in the pocket of his waistcoat with his right hand. He fell backwards and his head hit the opposite tomb stone. His mind struggled for a short time with this knight who accused him of aloofness and theft of the leaves-cutter: "I did not steal it! It was a gift! »
The Hobbit awoke suddenly, rubbed his eyes and noted that he had dreamed on the ground. Gandalf was leaning on him, considering him with concern. A warm orange light irradiated from the wizard's staff, repelling the ghostly shades around. The Hobbit raised slowly:
« I had a strange dream…, he said, while making sure the leaves-cutter was at its right place. What happened to me?
You've had a short stunning. Let us go out of here… »
The wizard stood up, turned to the catafalque and sent a short, serious and ceremonious greeting « Nai Eru lye manata4 ». At once the Hobbit felt light-hearted. He nodded towards the room and turned over from there by the corridor, followed by the heavy steps of Gandalf's boots and the rattling of his stick on the flagstones. When they were under sunrays, the wizard conceded a sip of hydromel to him and says sharply:
-« Let us leave this place. The signs invite not to delay! »
They immediately took the road again, both disturbed.
« You spoke while you were stunned… », ventured Gandalf.
The Hobbit seized the side glance of the wizard but avoided it carefully, looking straight in front of him:
« I do not remember! », lied the Hobbit.
« This hall was called "Rond Quensanwë", the arch of awareness, continued Gandalf with a thoughtful look. At the time of King Orodreth, it is the place where young Dùnedain of Cardolan withdrew for a night vigil before receiving their weapons and swearing their oath before their King for the laws of the kingdom.
Do you mean to make a knight out of me?
This place was famous to reveal the vocations, whether they were warlike, artistic or academic. You did speak about knighthood in the first place… The knights of the King represented him in times of war or peace. They had great privileges but their first duties were uprightness and respect of the laws. Do you dream about knighthood? Or maybe about the cardinal virtues of the knighthood? »
The wizard knowingly led the conversation towards the theme of responsibility for the free creatures, just to see where that would lead them.
- « I do not know exactly », slowly said Gerry, seeming to gather his thoughts uneasily.
From the everchanging maze of his guilty thoughts and memories of shamefull acts, emerged the Hornblower gold leaves-cutter, with a sharp and glowing outline. The Hobbit realized now what this gift deeply implied young Priscilla - the golden ring bore the pride of her entire family line. He assumed without any embarrassment the one-way affection so many young Hobbit-girls gave him, but betraying carelessly Priscilla's naive trust had been a first, which he could not stand now. This miserable usurpation he authorized by cowardice and comlacency would weigh on him from now on. Unless he would give the ring back to the Hornblower family…
- « I can see now more clearly… that I should not have accepted a gift, however freely granted! », he stated uneasily.
Gandalf was happy it had been so easy for him to bring the Hobbit about topics like his conquests without feelings. Furthermore, Gerry seemed to face his responsibility and to regret his behavior towards young Hobbit-girls! But the wizard deluded himself. He could not realize that one small gold ring worried the Hobbit much more than any of his easy conquests.
X-X-X
They silently walked on while a sparse cloudy vault scrolled above them. The road continued straightly on a large grassy and windy shelf. It dropped then rose from one hillock to another, limiting their visibility in a rather random way. Some raptors were hunting voles above the meadows. From time to time, they approached a stone hut, often collapsed, but always neighboring some old field enclosed by low gray stone walls. Several pines thickets with pale green cleared up bunches, broke the monotony of the meadows, that had returned to wilderness. They had just reached the top of a hillock when the wind carried to them the noise of a fierce gallop. Gerry, whose senses seemed to be naturally sharpened in the hostile environment that was "outside the Shire borders", specified that it was certainly about a single large horse mounted by a Big Folk. His worn face betrayed an anxiety that he could hardly explain:
- « Who can that be?, he asked to be reassured.
- Rangers rather move by foot. Meeting a solitary rider in these desolated trimmings has become rare. For the time being I prefer caution and stealth. My errand suffers no delay. Follow me! »
Firmly but without precipitating, Gandalf led the Hobbit and the pony under the branches of a pine thicket, leaving no trace on the needles carpet. A few moments later, a black foaming thorough-bred burst on the road at full gallop. To the Hobbit's great displeasure, the rider slowed his pace down about at the place where they had left the road. Leaned on his mount, he seemed to inspect the ground with attention. But he did not stop. The tall Man, dressed with brown leather and a dark green hooded cloack, spured his mount with his black boots and resumed the gallop. Gandalf observed him to the following hill, approximately distant of two furlongs. The Hobbit believed, before the rider disappeared behind the knoll, he saw a couple of crows circling above him. Gerry asked again to be reassured:
- « That was certainly nothing, wasn'it, Gandalf? »
Then he realized with dismay that the wizard had made his sword ready, out of the sheath. The answer of the Wise brought him no comfort either:
- « Do not be childish! This man seems to be looking for somebody or something. I hope that it is not you! »
Gerry's throat tightened: he was probably himself this hunter's target!
The travellers returned cautiously on the road, gazing and listening. They guided the pony so that it walked on the grass, to avoid letting prints in the mud of the road, as well as the noise of horseshoes on the paving stone. The Hobbit, letting his fear guide his assumptions, imagined that father Hornblower had engaged and sent this armiger to find him and recover his treasure. Dùring several miles, he scanned the neighbourhood without any respite. They finally left the relatively wooded area where they had been hiding, to reach a naked and less hilly space. The increased visibility reassured the Hobbit: no rider could have dissimulated his mount as far as the eye could see.
The travellers courageously resumed their trip. As the Hobbit's hunger grew, practical thoughts came back to him. He undertook to complete the wizard's knowledge about the food practices in the Shire. Thus Gandalf was described the seven daily meals Hobbits granted themselves: an early breakfast at dawn when "jumping from bed", a second breakfast at full light, lunch just before sun's zenith, dinner at the beginning of afternoon, tea-time with sun's decline and supper after night fell. Such habits may seem adapted to the long summer days of labour in the fields, but Hobbits of all professions devoted themselves to it in any season. Still they added, when temperatures or workload justified it, or simply when an opportunity arose, an unspecified number of small snacks!
The wizard, who knew the halflings for quite a long time, was all the same surprised by Hobbit wit for varying food and preparations, conferring on each meal, a special flavor and an individual style, thus renewing the interest of all of them. The Hobbit maliciously added:
- « As far as I am concerned, I consider such a refinement in culinary manners as a feature of civilization! Do you think that the debt of my people towards the King is somewhat reduced? »
Gandalf nodded with satisfaction and a smile. This young Hobbit had wits as quick as his tongue.
- « The Shire has no debt! Let us rather say that some goodwill towards the free people would be appreciated as a token of gratitude, even when it is expressed in a culinary way. But do not try to deceive me while pretending to be yourself! You and me know that, although you drowned your speech in a flood of details, you refered to Hobbit cooking, in hope of getting closer to our next meal. »
Gandalf finally relented on a stop when the sun seemed at its zenith: they halted in a small wind-sheltered pleasant combe. A clear rivulet fed a pond, shaded by small elms and some birches. They let the pony freely wander and fed with restraint - from the Hobbit's point of view. While Gerry afforded a restoring nap, Gandalf leaned against a large gray rock and observed the road. When their mount had rested, the wizard awoke the Hobbit who, wishing for a clearer mind, drew from a holster a small clay pipe with a rather long stem. He stuffed it ceremoniously, under the amused gaze of the wizard.
« What a weird instrument, he said, I really have to catch a glimpse! You Hobbits share quite an intriguing habit…
This is just a pipe from South Farthing! Please do not imagine some ancient wizardry…
I noticed that these "pipes" - since it is how your people name this invention- are generaly built on the model of yours. I had already seen a couple of them before. But could you tell me, I beg you, the origin of this tradition? »
The Hobbit answered eagerly :
- « To start with, Master Gandalf, I shall need your professional competence, he emphaticaly announced. Please may you proceed to the ignition? »
The wizard, lowered to the rank of a valet appointed with the candles, reluctantly lit the small hearth, and observed with amazement the Hobbit who drew the first puffs while comfortably sat with his back against the rock. He told the story of pipeweed to a very attentive old man, its descovery by Tobold, Harold's forefather, the years of research and work about the seedlings and the art of drying and smoking, while throwing clouds the limpid breeze immediately carried away. Gandalf questioned:
- « I have observed the leaves on the slopes of Longbottom. I found nothing special about them. What is there so noticeable?
- Now comes a beginner's question! First of all, it is important not to consider pipeweed as hay, or dried and prepared cut grass; it is a matter that has character and is befriended with flexibilities and sciences; by "befriending" I mean "experiencing some very special pleasure". The place where it is held, the packing which contains it, the weather, the moment of the day, let alone the season, your state of mind, everything counts.5
- « I begin to understand that your people raised this occupation to the rank of art. What I still do not get, is the interest you find in the act itself…
- That is the essence of its charm, Gandalf. My pipe sends me tastes full of images Hobbits best like: a well cultivated land, nicely cut hedges and ditches, a graciously arranged garden. It relieves me from small immediate worries. It tells me about eternity according to Hobbits.
- This art seems to help sustain one's pleasants thoughts…
- But that is not all! As soon as you are outside in autumn, well, the tastes seize the pipe: taste of the pastures alleys and the forest paths, taste of the dead leaves humus that heats our woods large roots; the perfume of the naked sparkling branches, that sing alone, without birds nor leaves, the lament of the naked branches in the winter wind. Other splendid tastes come around the pipe, cross pipe-weed, mix with smoke, and melt on the tongue.6
-Thus you smoke while having a walk?
- Often! While traversing the moors, one suckles one's pipe with small blows, without touching it. It is not removed any more fom the mouth's corner, it does not weigh any more between the teeth… But we also smoke after a good meal, at evening fire-side. As far as I'm concerned, the evening pipe tastes like the roast chestnuts from my childhood, smells like the ethereal savour of the tales of old, feels like the excitation of an adventurous fantasy in the comfort of my home!
- As a matter of fact, you indulge in a ritual, which finds its roots in a long intimacy with land work and wellbeing. Especially wellbeing, as far as you are concerned! »
Gerry did not notice the sarcastic remark and continued:
- « My family is proud of having reached the top of that art: smoke rings.
- Here we are! What is that exactly?
- The most common way is, after having filled up one's mouth with smoke, but without inhaling it, to wide open one's jaws. One closes the mouth quickly and slightly, while keeping the round shape on one's lips. But you must realise that I may not reveal all my secrecies to you. The most skillfull smokers are very valuable among clubs that compete against each other.
- How do you assess smoker's skills?
- The effects are with the appreciation of any smoker: to blow chains of quick rounds, or to control their size and speed, to have them overlap…
- Do you think I may try and blow several smoke rings?
- Don't even think of it! A pipe is a very personal instrument. I shall choose an appropriate pipe for you wizard as soon as we have the opportunity: long stem and big hearth. I shall also provide you with a choice of pipeweed. And I shall be your smoke ring mentor! »
The Hobbit added maliciously, watching sideways for the wizard's reaction:
- « You will have to devote steadily, this art is not within everyone's reach!
- Did I give you the impression of a fickle or careless wizard, Master Smoker? »
X-X-X
They went back on the highway before the end of the pipe. Gerry asked Gandalf the reason for this haste. The wizard, whose hat's edges were now floating in the wind, answered in a thoughtful way, as in a dream:
-« I must participate in an expedition that should soon be organised. You will come with me. This will be very good for you, and perhaps for your companions… if you can survive it unscathed! »
Gerry did not insist, guessing that his companion's mood did not lean toward Hobbit insolences. He wondered still if "unscathed" was meant literally or figuratively.
The meadows around them appeared under a less pleasant light: gray clouds had almost entirely covered the sky, and the bees which, a few moments ago, filled up the air with their lively quivering, had sheltered. Striding, Gandalf led Gerry to the end of a large grassy plate.
Near the road, at the very place where it plunged in an immense valley, stood a solitary tree. Hoary and twisted, it seemed folded up on itself, like an old Hobbit, overwhelmed by tests and rheumatisms. Its broad roots sprang far from the trunk, overflowing on the road whose paving stones had burst. Some russet leaves dwelled since last autumn on the two remaining wretched knotty branches. A couple of crows flew past them, then plunged towards the road to the foot of the tree. They landed there, dancing a curious saraband among the worn paving stones. While approaching, the wizard understood the animals had been attracted by a heap of colored stones. With a strong voice, he drove out the crows, which fled eastward with an outraged croak.
Gerry and Gandalf halted under the branches of the oak and leaned to inspect the stones. Man-made, the heap had been dispersed.
- « Was that a hidden message from the rangers? », aked Gerry.
- « That was indeed. I am sure that was a warning but it is all that I can read now. I do not like that. We shall behave more cautiously from now.», Gandalf murmured while scanning the East to see the crows. The road softly inclined and continued straight to the foggy bottom of the valley ahead. Large slate-gray clouds slipped by now above their heads. The stone walls around them howled at the rhythm of the most violent gusts of wind.
- « Here is the Gwathlo basin, the Shadowy River of Hobbits. This land was once covered with a thick forest, dense and wild. But the Men of the sea took more and more from its woods, the building materials of their immense fleets. There remain only some scattered masses on the plain, that today's men especially use for hunting.
- The remaining trees now seem no more than stumps!" Gerry pointed out as he was leaning against the old oak.
The wizard, who was scanning afar, came back abruptly to close reality:
- « Life sometimes hides dormant where it seems to have given up, Gerry. Let us leave this place! »
Then they went precipitately down the road, pursued by threatening clouds. The two travellers could run only a little more than one mile before having to find a shelter in a half-collapsed sheep-fold. A thin but penetrating slanting rain soaked them to the bones until Gandalf raised the roof of broken down boards by supporting it with a wormeaten beam. They did their best with the hut's primitive comfort: they afforded a sip of hydromel each, and Gandalf managed to cook a hot meal, drawing from his concealed reserves.
This evening the odd fumaroles Gandalf got from his matches competed with the Hobbit's smoke rings: cats jumped above full moons, ballerinas danced on horses running through circles, suns blazed on glorious cities…
1 As for him, the wizard instantly understood that the white feathers meant the Hobbit-girls who had not yet opened their keep to the young conqueror, as opposed to the black feathers who already surrendered to his male appetites.
2 F. Nietsche.
3 Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Julie ou La nouvelle Héloïse
4 May the great creator bless you !
5 Borrowed to Jean Giono.
6 Borrowed to Jean Giono.