Lindovor shifted uncomfortably on the tree branch, his frown deepening as he tried to find a position that didn't poke or pinch in an unacceptable manner. Below him three bears circled curiously, occasionally rearing up and placing their paws on the tree trunk to get a better look and smell of the wriggling morsel sitting among the sparse leaves. To make matters worse, the Halfling over at the cross-roads had climbed on top of his wagon to get a better view of the show and was now sitting and eating bread and butter.
Lindovor swore under his breath. This was embarrassing. He reached towards his belt and felt for the long dagger he usually wore. His thoughts darkened as he momentarily wished it were a longsword, instead. He would have had such a sword and the training to go with it if he were not the by-blow of some common soldier. He dismissed the thought with a blink. His grandfather had accepted him as much as he had felt able, and his loving mother had done her best to teach kindness and forgiveness up to the time she passed beyond this world. Lindovor looked at the bears one more time. Alright, this had to end. If strength would not work, guile would have to serve.
He swung one leg over the branch and prepared to jump down to the ground. Gathering the edges of his cloak in each hand he flapped his arms as if he were a great eagle descending on its prey. Yelling at the top of his lungs, Lindovor rushed at the bears, flapping his cloak all the while. The creatures crouched in surprise, then turned and ran. They had been curious rather than hungry, fortunately. The man dropped his arms and caught his breath. Glancing over towards the cross-roads, he saw Lolo Wendingway stretched out on the top of his waggon laughing his head off.
"Bloody Hobbit..," muttered Lindovor, as he quickly ran into the crumbling courtyard.
There it was: the ancient cairn that Newbold Leafcutter had mentioned. Lindovor walked over to it and, removing his glove, ran his hand over the seven stars sculpted into its face. Strange that it would bear no further markings. He stooped to examine it on all sides. There...on the back. Carved deeply into the base of the stone were several lines in the 'old'* script.
T The Sickle cuts through vilest wars
The shining maiden wreathed in stars
Doth wield a shield of living will
to keep from harm, protect from ill. **
Lindovor made a face. The poetry was terrible, yet here was reference to the Silver Sickle once again. He took a thin piece of parchment and a lump of charcoal from the top of his boot. Carefully he made a rubbing of the ancient inscription, reading it once more when he had finished.
"Shining Maiden?" he snorted. It sounded like romantic nonsense, yet this reference to a "Shield of Will" reminded him of the passage he had read about the Battle of Fornost.
Rolling the parchment carefully, He tucked it into his belt and, looking out for bears, began running for the eastern gate of Bree. Perhaps Leafcutter could answer some of the questions that rose in his mind.
_________
* "old" meaning the elvish Tengwar script.
** "The Sickle cuts through vilest wars
For the shining maiden wreathed in stars
Doth wield a shield of living will
to keep from harm, protect from ill."
