Tolbold

It had been an increasingly dark journey, as the Ranger at the High King's crossing had warned. Harsh land, and a constant sense of dread..of being watched from afar, and sometimes from less afar. Lithea and Tolbold had sung a few songs like they would in any Shire Inn, and told each other a few tales. Anything to bring to mind the fair lanes and fields of home. They had rarely lit any fires, their cloaks sufficing in keeping them warm as they headed East. 

They crossed the huge bridge, saying 'Farewell' to all the lands either of them had known. The far side was a mystery. They had both heard a few tales of the lands of the grave robbers, Evendim was not a very wholesome place. Yet the strange Ranger folk kept watch. Neither of them needed telling that though sometimes harsh, those Rangers wanted the best for folk.

So there they were, after quite a long ride, taking a small rest in the village of Oatbarton. 

"At least we can stock up a bit on food and water." Lithea said, not as much thinking of her lack of lunch as what they would eat in the coming days. Evendim lay before them, and it was better known fer its tomb robbers than for its hospitality. 

They pulled up their ponies at Bob Proudfoots place. He was known to Tolbold as being a trustworthy fellow. 

"So we must use our heads," Tolbold said, as they headed back through Yondershire. "North, them Elves said. Now I can track a wolf or a boar, or even a lost sheep, but this is bigger stuff right enough."

Lithea nodded, still enthralled by meeting the Elves in Numenstaya, but also very saddened by discovering what had happened to them, and to two of their number. 

Ceuro walked with us ter the gate. He wished us 'Namarie', and we wished him the same.

"I have told you all I can," he said. "Where the group of Men were last with our friends, and where we think they are heading. If your friends are with them, they are heading North. There is little choice of destination in that direction other than the white wilderness of Forochel, or the stricken sky of Angmar. It is my hope they are not taken that far. May Elbereth watch over you both, whatever you chose to do."

So the Lady Filignil came out ter speak with me and Tolbold. She asked me ter come into the house with her, and Barahirn came with us too. Tolbold remained with Ceuro, discussing weapons and tactics an things like that, I supposed. I would find out from Tolbold later. 

But the Lady Filignil wanted ter talk food, which is a good enough topic most days, save less so when we was worried about our friends. 

We were greeted by two tall, stern faced Elves. They weren't that welcoming ter be honest, no tea or cake, but neither did they ignore us, or tell us ter go away. It was a serious matter right enough, fer them as well as us.

I ask them if we can speak ter High Lord Parnard, Lord Estarfin or Lady Danel, but they say them are not there at the moment. Then, rightly or wrongly Lithea tells them about Henepa and Gaisarix being taken by brigands, and the Elves look meaningfully at each other. 

So they met up outside the Inn, a little after breakfast. Both had packed as well as they could for the undertaking. Neither had slept well. 

Sarno and Hazil had been told what was going on, with suggestions not to tell others unless needful. If either Lithea or Tolbold had any important news while still in the Shire, they would write. Hopefully their letters would pass through honest hands. 

Folk were looking at them as they passed by. Most in the area knew what had happened. How Henepa the Tavern Keep, and Gaiserix, had seemingly disappeared overnight some weeks past. All were hoping for a swift and happy conclusion to the matter, but nothing had happened. The Bounders had searched, Tolbold and Sarno had ridden to nearby villages and asked for their Bounders to keep an eye open, but there had been nothing.