A4E4: Proud Return to the Shire

June 10^th, The Greenway South: The Greenway from Fornost to Bree once was a well-maintained road… a thousand years ago. Since that time, it became a long-forgotten passage as no-one traveled the road. [Embarkation 8: Fine Weather- ignore 1^st level of Exhaustion] At least clear skies led their way and kept their spirits high on their 6-day trek to Bree. Not that Margo needed a boost as she was brimming with joy with news of the fabled Green Archer Company of Hobbits and their part supporting King Arvedui. She hummed their marching song which became a burr in Kyan’s butt, “You’re scaring off game! Besides, you’re only warning any danger out there of our approach.” But the dwarf was out voted when Thran and Theo joined in the song.

June 16^th, Bree: It was dusk when they arrived at the northern gate of Bree. The gate-guard peeked thru the small window and extended his hand to collect fees before he let them in. Margo led them down the road to the Prancing Pony Inn where they first stabled their horses before entering. Margo melted into the crowd as the others looked for their contact, finding Thorn Halbarad at the bar. Greetings before Kyan suggested their find a quiet corner to talk: [Intimidate 23] Theo stood towering over the lone patron occupying a corner table, “We need the space; go find someplace else for yourself.” Not even an offer of compensation as they settled at the table.

[The Prancing Pony Inn: the barkeep and owner is 47yo Rymen Butterburr (a serious man with graying hair and a salt-and-pepper mustache and a growing paunch from taste-testing too many batches of beer). 9 years ago, his beloved wife died in childbirth, leaving him to raise their only son, Oatden. A mischievous lad when he isn’t doing small jobs around the inn (busboy and sweeper). 29yo Aine Sandheaver is a sharp-tongued beauty with green eyes and coal-black hair. Her slight build belies a powerful personality that fills any room she happens to be in. She puts her nose into everyone’s business, is an unabashed gossiper, and is beloved by almost all who meet her. She too is a widow, left to raise her 3 young children when her husband was killed when thrown from a horse. She can be heard bickering with Rymen, usually heard calling him a “wool-headed lummox.” And Rymen returns the favor, calling her “that infernal woman.” But ask the patrons and they’d tell you the two were meant for each other.]

Thorn spoke first, “We stopped in the Shire as the King said goodbyes to the Gamgee family and spent time with the new Thain (Faramir Took I, son of Peregrin Took). While the king departed southeast toward Sam’s Ford onward to Rohan, I stayed behind to inquire about Belemir while discretely searching for a hobbit he might have enlisted. No luck there, I pressed on to Bree.” As the young Gondorian spoke, Kyan kept an eye out for any eavesdropper. Theo scanned the room for any shady-looking people.

Which was hard to do considering the Inn filled up for dinner with a standing room only crowd. And that’s when Thran noticed a hobbit hand reach for his ale and down it. He grabbed the hand when it returned the empty mug. Weldon Underhill apologized, “Sorry mate, I seem to have misplaced mine. I’d buy you another but I’m short on coins. Now if you’re interested, I could sale you some Southlinch: one of the Shire’s finest tobaccos.” Thran begrudgingly handed over 5 copper coins. It wasn’t till he’d filled his pipe and smoked some before he realized he’d been had. Only then did Thorn bust out laughing, “He hooked me my first night. Weldon is known as the local drunk. Careful he doesn’t try to swindle you deeper with an offer to part of his treasure he swears to find.”

At least Weldon called over Margo (now a hired server) who brought back 2 mugs of ale. And that’s when other patrons knew Weldon had weaseled someone else. Margo apologized to the elf, “I should have warned you, but why spoil the fun.” And that’s when a young lad (Dusty) came to the table with a scowl upon his face, “You shouldn’t embarrass my uncle like that. Come on home Uncle Weldon; mom has a good meal waiting for us.”

June 18^th: They spent an extra day relaxing; it had been almost a month since they last had a good hot bath. They even paid Aine to wash their clothes. They coordinated with Thorn to meet up once they got back from the Shire. It was a 5-day ride along the Great East Road into the Shire. They passed a few travelers on foot and a few carts and even wagon traffic going east.

First covering his sword RingRist, Kyan stopped one dwarven wagon for light conversation. They carried ware for sale along the way as they traveled toward the Lonely Mountains across the Misty Mountains. But the conversation turned sour when Narvig gave Kyan a queer look before whipping their horse along without even a goodbye. If only Kyan had elf ears to hear Narvig's whispers to his father Vig, “That was the mine foreman last year when there was a cave-in, killing the entire crew except himself. Ruthless, cold-hearted bastard. We don’t need the likes of him.”

[Old Vig (once a blacksmith, now a tinkerer of pots & pans) was the eldest of the 4 dwarfs but was most protective of his simple-minded brother Vogar. Vogar was once a renowned champion of the Blue Mountains who once fought alongside Thorin Oakenshield. But tragedy befell him when an Orc cleaved his helmet and split his skull which addled his brain. He now mumbles and suffers severe headaches and fits of rage. Narvig & the youngest Narvi are the sons of Vig.]

Hobbiton

Elvira

June 25^th, Hobbiton: Margo proudly led the procession through her village. Hobbits began to line the street recognizing the young gal. Some waved, others ran. It wasn’t long before a snarly old hobbit woman led an armed squad to arrest Margo, “There’s the horse thief!” Kyan tried to come to her aid with tales of her heroics, “Save it for the Thain.” The others followed as Margo was bound and walked to the center of town where a court was hastily setup in the square. Margo quietly took her seat with her mother seated behind her. Elvira Took stood before Thain Faramir I, “I accuse Margo Thistleburr of stealing my brooch and horse last year.”

And that’s when Kyan stepped forward with RingRist visible on his waist belt. [Traditions 19] “I know not what this hobbit did last year, but I can tell you of her bravery since we met her. If you check her purse, you will find King Elessar’s medallion putting her into his service.” Elviria butted in, “She probably stole that too.”  Thran added, “I would have been killed had she not turned that 10ft long worm into a shish-kabob! Also, show them the bow of Rufus Took!” The Thain perked up as the fellowship summarized their exploits these last 3 months but especially the discoveries in Fornost. The crowd of hobbits perked up when Thran and Theo began to first hum then sing the Green Company marching song. Thain Faramir I was most pleased!!

Finally, Margo was allowed to speak, “I didn’t mean to take the horse. I had entered Elvira’s house to deliver the dress mom sewed for her. I was admiring the brooch she had laid out on the table when Elvira surprised me and accused me of stealing it. I was so surprised, I ran. Next thing I knew I was on her horse. I only meant to go home but the horse continued down the street and out of town. I was too embarrassed to return till now.” Kyan looked at Elvira and asked Margo, “Is the brooch she has on her blouse the one you admired?” It was now Elvira’s turn to act caught.

Margo was quickly released as the Thain announced his decree:

• The non-hobbit members of the fellowship were given the title Bounder which allowed them free entry into the Shire. Each was given a large bag of Longbottom Leaf tobacco (the finest of the Shire) along with a long-stem clay Pipe of the Prancing Pony [PG page 160].
• Margo was bestowed the title Worthy which meant she and her family no longer paid taxes. Elvira was up in arms in protest, “You reward a horse thief?!” Kyan came forward to make amends by giving the crotchety old woman their pack horse as replacement for her lost horse. [Animal Handling 19] Theo even showed off the horse’s strength and how it followed commands. Elvira left somewhat satisfied.

They spend another day in Hobbiton taking in the joyous festivities that included fireworks, eating and drinking. Kyan took the opportunity to speak to the Thain, “You know, Margo is quite the bowman. She could train some of your folk to start up a new squad of Green Company archers.” Thain Faramir took him up on the idea as he called Margo forward, “Captain Margo, I now put you in charge of forming a new company.” While the fellowship was pleased at her appointment, Thran was concerned, “Honestly, who will have our backs now?!” Kyan teased, “She kept eating all the food.” Theo laughed, “At least we’ll have apples for the horses now.”

[Fellowship and Level Up to 5: Kyan and Thran sought healers to remove corruption while Theo sought skill training.]

On the Road Again: It was the 3^rd noon on their return… a bright sunny day as they arrived at the Brandywine Bridge, when the huge shadow befell them! The hair on Theo’s neck stood as a cold shiver engulfed them. [WISsave DC20 else Corruption] All instinctively ducked as the Fell-Beast swooped down on them and grabbed Thran from his saddle. Frightened, Kyan and Theo whipped their horses off the bridge to seek cover. [nat 20] Thran was able to pull his broadsword from its sheath and swung at the claws that held him: not for long as they released, and he fell. Luck: “Splash!”

Theo drew his bow and fired at the departing beast aiming at the rider on its back. Out of spear range, Kyan could only watch but noticed the rider’s long flowing hair. “The Dark Queen!” They both rode to where Thran fell and pulled him unconscious from the river. The rest of the ride was somber with a cautious lookout.

July 2^nd, Bree (The Prancing Pony Inn): Thorn was nowhere in sight as they settled at a table for lunch. When Aine came over to take their order, they asked her about Belemir. “He appeared twice. The first time, half-year ago, he appeared with a companion, another ranger by the looks of him. Both seemed haggard.” She paused to serve other tables before continuing, “The last I saw him though, a month ago, he acted strange. I teased him about his pretty necklace, if it was a present for me. He got all hot and puffy. When I asked about his companion, he denied ever having one. I thought he was just teasing me. Not his normal jovial self the first time he was here. Left abruptly as if all else was non-existent.”

Nearing suppertime, Kyan became worried and asked Rymen about Thorn. “Haven’t seen him for days.” Kyan discretely flashed his king’s medallion to get Rymen to allow them to check Thorn’s room. Empty and the bed a mess. Most of his gear and clothing was still in the room. They also found his horse still in the stable.

We’ll be Wight Back: They settled back at the inn as they contemplated, “Where could he be?” They gathered before a table full of other patrons to ask about Thorn. As Thran talked to one, another suddenly complained, “Hey, why’d you dump my beer in my lap?! You clumsy fool!” Thran looked up in time to see the hat of the man seated next to the wet patron suddenly push down over his face. Kyan immediately thought some invisible person must be the cause… until they heard the boys’ snicker. Standing at the doorway, Dusty waved a stick to the delight of Oatden who watched a broomstick suddenly rise and trip another patron. Spotted, they fled the Inn. No one gave chase.

Within minutes they heard the boys screaming from outside. Kyan rushed to a window to look out while Theo sprang for the door. 30ft away, in the middle of the street, the boys were frozen in fear. Anyone looking at their front side would see that they peed their pants. 30ft beyond them was a wight, closing! Frightened but not sensing evil, Theo rushed to grab the boys from the street. (Once outside, RingRist glowed) Kyan ran to defend their retreat as he too was frightened: his spear bounced off the wight’s armor. Thran stood in the doorway and raised his staff to call lightning. It was a sunny day… where were the dark clouds of a storm to bring forth such effect?

The wight closed within 10 feet of the Beorning as Kyan begged, “Leave the boys be. What do you want?” The wight muttered through a deformed mouth, “Leave me be as I leave thee but leave me mine else ye be joining me under the dirt.” Confused and unable to fully understand the undead, Kyan was ready to strike when it bent down as if to charge. Only then did he see the wight pick up the stick the boys had dropped. It turned and left the street, back west from where it came. The scream of the west-gate guard could be heard echoing from afar.

Dark clouds were forming when they returned to the Inn; it was mostly empty as patrons had run home after seeing the wight. Rymen ran to his son and gathered him in his arms to smother him. Even Aine clung to the boy to give comfort. Kyan asked the boys where they got the wand/stick. “Honest, it was just lying in the street.” In a quiet corner, the fellowship tried to reason, “Someone must have dropped it. Travelers passing through? Orcs were digging in Fornost. Could there be Orc nearby digging in the Barrow Downs? Does anyone remember seeing people in the streets with their hook pulled down to hide their face?”

(Thanks to Thran?) Outside it was getting dark as a storm began to roll in. Thunder crackled from cloud-to-cloud lightning. An occasional lightning bolt struck somewhere in the night. Rain began to fall in huge drops. Patrons soon returned to find comfort around the summer fireplace to dry off their clothes. For everyone else, the night returned to its normal beat of drinking and laughter.

NEXT SESSION: https://lotrwjr.blogspot.com/2025/03/a5s1-weldons-kidnapping.html