As Lindovor sat and opened the leather binding, one page struck his eye as being older than the rest, the edges frayed and the ink somewhat faded. He read:
I was riding slowly upon the road men call the 'Greenway'. It had been noised about that a place called Trestlebridge had seen some trouble and sought those who might be willing to help.
I was happy enough to leave the village of 'Bree'. It seemed to be overrun with thugs and ruffians. Only the night before my travels, I was accosted by some drunkard who berated me for my worn clothing and ordered me to get better gear. It was lucky for him the conversation did not continue to the point where I showed him there was nothing shabby about the sharpness of the blade at my side. I grow less and less patient with those who judge hastily and by appearance, but then I am old and have seen too much misery come of it.
The day was cold, and though my horse walked steadily, I wore my hood up and my cloak wrapped around me.. Before long, I made note of another rider keeping abreast with my steed. He was young, or at least much younger than I, and greeted me pleasantly. We spoke of the weather, and the condition of the road, and he asked me whither I was traveling.
I told the young man it was my intent to try and help the people of Trestlebridge if I could, and he praised my good intent. Giving his name as Balisan he asked for my name in return, and requested I might remove my hood so that he might see with whom he spoke. I gave him both my name and a glimpse of my face, though the wind nipped mightily at my ears. He was taken aback, for he did not realize he spoke with an old man and I laughed heartily at his discomfiture. As we spoke, it became clear that we were both native to the southern lands of Gondor, and the bonds of acquaintance were deepened by the bonds of common memory.
As we stopped within the small town's gates, Balisan asked me if I wished to help more than just the people of this poor place to which I answered yea, indeed. And he told me of a gathering of Free Folk under the guidance of a great Lady that sought to lessen the miseries and shadows of this world. He said that if I needed shelter and support there would be help and if I truly wished to heal the hurts of the world there were others with whom I could join my efforts. Balisan bade me think on it, and if I would, to travel to a small place beyond Bree called Arrowhaven where I would be told more.
But there the writing on the page ended, and there were no further pages to continue the tale.
