In the Shadow of the Star: Part 1

[Mithadan]

It was well after sunset when Mithadan crossed the border into The Shire. Indeed, he did not know that he had entered the South Farthing, though he soon suspected as much when he noticed that the road was in better repair. Not long thereafter, he began to see isolated farmhouses with lights burning inside and he could make out in the dim light rows of carefully tended crops.

Despite the darkness, he continued on for a time. Then, perhaps two hours after sunset, he came across a cart being drawn by a pony. A single lantern illuminated the face of an older Hobbit and what appeared to be his son. "Well met!" said Mithadan to the two in a pleasant voice. "Would you know the way to Hobbiton? I am seeking an Inn by the name of The Green Dragon."

To his surprise, the older Hobbit scowled and seemed fearful of Mithadan. But, after a moment, the Hobbit pointed down the road and then gestured off to the east. After thanking them, Mithadan resumed his journey down the road. But behind him, the younger Hobbit leaped from the cart and headed to a nearby farmhouse. Minutes later, a pony and rider galloped across the fields towards the north.

Mithadan rode on for a bit until he became weary. Then he dismounted, and made camp in a copse of trees. There he slept beneath the circling skies until morning when he was awakened by a sharp kick to the ribs. Mithadan sat up blearily, only to find that he was encicled by a ring of Hobbit archers with arrows nocked and ready. Keeping his hands visible, Mithadan spoke carefully. "Good morning! I am Mithadan, of Gondor and I am a visitor your fair land. I am seeking The Green Dragon. Is it far?"

A burly Hobbit wearing a hat which had two feathers rising from it answered without lowering his bow. "Your visit ends now, Man. I am Halfred Whitfoot, Shirriff of the Shire. By order of the King and the Mayor, no big folk are allowed to cross our borders. You are under arrest for trapessing."

"The King!" cried Mithadan. "Yes, the King. I have a letter of introduction and safe conduct from King Elessar directed to Master Samwise Gamgee. It is here in my pack..." He turned and reached for his pack only to freeze as an arrow zipped by and buried itself quivering in the turf inches from his hand.

"Keep your hands away from the pack!" cried Halfred. "Now unbuckle your belt and let it and your weapons fall to the ground." Mithadan did as he was instructed. And that is how he found himself being drawn in a pony cart, bound and gagged, through The Shire to the Lockholes in Bywater on a fine sunny morning...

[ February 28, 2003: Message edited by: Mithadan ]