Episode 12: Piper’s Dream
To ensure the hobbit’s safe passage through the High Moor, the elf scout Taurdir escorted Piper to the Bruinen. From there Piper made his journey to the Last Bridge, over the Hoarwell, and eventually to Bree and the Brandywine without incident. Almost.
One night in the Trollshaws Piper had a very vivid dream. He dreamed of an encounter with a great Oliphaunt, a beast that is “Grey as a mouse, Big as a house” according to Hobbit lore.
‘Awake! Fear! Fire! Foes! Awake!’ cried Piper. He blew his horn to sound the alarm. When no one came to his aid, Piper met the mighty pachyderm alone. Piper boldly struck its tree trunk-like leg with his club. The great beast returned the blow with its long trunk. Suddenly, the dream was over.
Piper awoke in a cold sweat, a bloody tusk in his hand. ‘Is this the Lost Mathom I’ve sought?’ he thought. ‘How could it be anything else?!’
In his excitement and wonder the young hobbit failed to notice the fly-ridden corpse of a boar not more than 25 feet away.
