In the Shadow of the Star: Part 2

[piosenniel]

Falmar moved in a swift rhythm down the Great East Road. The few Hobbits abroad that late night stepped back in fear as the dark cloaked figure rode past them, bent low over the horse’s neck, eyes fixed on the road ahead.

An Elf, they cried as she rode past. Her visage was grim, they recalled, as they recounted the sight to their wives, and moonlight glinted on the blades she carried. In the wind of her passing, her long cloak flew behind her, and she swept her gaze along the road as if seeking something. They were certain, though, that her eyes swept over them as if they were nothing. That the great horse she rode would have run over them as if they were merely part of the road, so intent were the two of them on their prey.

‘She was hunting something, that’s for sure,’ said one of the Hobbits to his wife. And from the look on her face, it will be a very unpleasant meeting for the one she seeks.’ His wife, remembering the recent stories of the ruffians in the Shire and the children taken, pushed her reluctant husband out the door and sent him running to the office of the Watch, just west of Frogmorton.

‘The Bounders should be warned,’ she told him, shoving his cap back into his hand as she bustled him out of the burrow. ‘Hurry along now! Let the First Eastfarthing Troop know that there’s trouble afoot tonight with the Big Folks.’

Not wanting to encounter another fearful figure on the road, he twisted his cap in his hands and looked imploringly at his wife. ‘You get on down to the Shiriff’s place now, Benton Marshburrow. Let him know what you’ve seen. Tell him his sister does not fancy being murdered in her bed, while her lazy git of a brother snores in his!’

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Merimas Bolger was up early making his first round of the stables at the Floating Log in the chilly dark before the day dawned. Everything seemed in order. The horses were still quiet, and the Inn just across the yard had only a few patrons out on early business. He could see one of kitchen help come out the back door to empty the last of the dishwater onto the pebbled area to the side of the step. Seeing him, she waved and went back in. Only the small welcome light to the side of the main door, and a single light in the common room shown into the darkness of early morn.

He stepped back into the stables and closed the doors securely. A soft rustling caused him to turn quickly, and he gasped as a tall, cloaked and hooded figure stepped toward him in the pale light afforded by the small open window to his right and the setting moon.

‘Merimas, I seek some information from you. A silver penny for you for your time, and two if you have what I need.’

The voice was familiar, and as the gloved hands reached up to throw back the hood, he grinned, as her face was revealed.

‘Mistress Piosenniel! I thought never to see you again. What brings you here, and at so late an hour.’ He frowned as his eyes took in how she was dressed and armed. Merimas peered round her, his eyes looking into the darkness behind her. ‘And where is Falmar, mistress? Shall I see to her?’

‘No time for that now, Merimas, perhaps when I return.’ She drew him near and told him what had happened. His eyes narrowed at the kidnapping of her wee ones, and he listened closely to what Rose had told her of the ruffian’s whereabouts.

The Bounders had been busy in the northern section of the Eastfarthing he told her – ever since the first kidnapping. There had been reports of Big Folk crossing over into the Shire in that area, and hints that they had some hidey-hole around the quarries near Scary. Patrols had been increased, and there had been no recent sightings or reports of any activity. It was believed by the Watch that the ruffians had withdrawn back somewhere around Bree.

‘And how do you know this,’ she asked. The direction she took from the Inn would depend on his answer. Merimas walked over to the door of his little room. Reaching just inside it, he pulled out a green cap that hung there on a peg, with a feather stuck in it. He put it on his head, and straightened up into an official looking posture.

‘When the business started with the kidnappings and the sightings of the Big Folk, many of us were asked to volunteer for the Watch. We meet weekly to keep everyone informed of what we’ve seen and heard. That’s how I know what I’ve just told you.’

Pio breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that many hours of searching had now been eliminated. ‘Have you heard where in Bree they have gone?’

‘I’m sorry, m’lady, but we have not. No news has recently come from Bree, and we’ve been reluctant to go poking our noses there.’ He thought for a moment, then nodded his head as if something had come to him. ‘You know, I have friend in Buckland, in Stock. He’s the hostler at the inn there – The Golden Perch. He would have more recent news as the Bucklanders have more to do with the folk in Bree-land than we do.’ He motioned her over to the desk that stood to the side of his room. ‘Here, let me write a note to him for you. His name is Tomlin, ‘Tommy’, Goold, and he’ll be staying there like I do here.’

He saw her out to the darkened yard, and held the horse’s reins as she mounted. She fished in the pouch at her belt for a penny, but he held up his hand and shook his head. ‘My pleasure,’ he said, ‘and my duty, too’ He jammed the cap on his head and waved her off. Once gone from sight, he turned and waking one of the sleeping ponies, galloped west, making for the Shiriff’s house.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Mithadan! I am bound for Bree. Where are they taking them?

No urging needed, Falmar flew down the road toward Buckland . . .

Mithadan's Post:

In the midst of all this, Piosenniel's voice appeared in Mithadan's head. He responded curtly. No time. Ferny's place south and east of the east gate of Bree. Then he returned his attention to the matters at hand.

[ July 02, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[ July 08, 2003: Message edited by: Mithadan ]