[Mithadan]

Mithadan's cheeks grew hot as he bumped along in the back of the Shiriffs' pony cart. The ropes which bound his wrists were too tight and were cutting into his flesh. Those around his legs were looped over his boots and caused less discomfort. He ground his teeth upon the cloth gag which had been stuffed into his mouth and tried to ignore the circus which had developed around the cart.

The Shiriffs were strutting and boasting as if they had captured Sauron himself and Hobbits were running from their holes and houses as they passed to gawk or issue catcalls to the prisoner. A group of Hobbit lads and lasses had formed behind the cart and followed it down the road. A few bold youngsters had seized willow branches and amused themselves by racing up to the cart to strike Mithadan's boots with their makeshift switches. There were numerous cries of "ruffian" and "rascal" and not a few tossed rotten apples or rocks in his direction. One apple core had struck him square in the face with precise accuracy.

At last, the cart turned onto a narrow lane which led to a squat single story building with bars over its round windows. The Shiriffs none too gently hauled Mithadan from the cart and dragged him inside. There, they removed his gag and Halfred sat on a stool before him as his pack, belt and weapons were carried in. His horse was tied to a post outside and given an apple and water. However, no such courtesy was offered to the Man.

Mithadan sat sullenly before the Shiriff as the Hobbit drank a tall cup of water before turning and asking questions. "So ruffian, what do you want with The Shire? Up to no good I'll warrant."

"As I said," rasped Mithadan, his throat dry from the gag, "I am here on personal business with a letter of introduction and safe conduct from the King Elessar."

"Oh, I'm sure you are," sneered Halfred. "What kind of personal business?"

"I am here to see my wife..." began Mithadan before he was interrupted by laughter. "Your wife?" laughed one of the deputies. "Who is it? Daisy Sandybanks? Pearl Took? Or perhaps both seeing as you're twice their size." The deputy's jibe was greeted with uproarious laughter.

Mithadan's face darkened and his eyes narrowed. "My wife," he shouted, "is Piosenniel and she is working presently at The Green Dragon Inn." The deputy nearly fell to the floor with laughter and Halfred almost choked. "Your wife's an Elf?" cried the Shiriff incredulously. "A regular Beren you are, then. Perhaps I should send for Luthien!"

"The letter of introduction is in my pack," growled Mithadan through gritted teeth. "Perhaps that will clear up this...misunderstanding. I am Mithadan, son of Galasmir, who was Lord of Lond Lefnui..."

"Lefnui?" said the deputy. "Gazundheit!" The Shiriff roared with laughter again. "All right," said Halfred as the laughter died. "Let's see your pack."

The Shiriff began emptying Mithadan's rucksack on a table. The first items to catch his eye were two pouches, one bigger than the other. He opened the smaller pouch and gasped as gold coins spilled out. "What's this?" he cried. "The proceeds of a career of crime no doubt!" Mithadan responded quietly with an edge to his voice. "There are twenty coins in that sack and forty in the other and I shall hold you accountable for each and every one. The King's letter is in that envelope."

Halfred drew the envelope from the pack and turned white when he saw the seal on its flap. The seal was unbroken. He drew his knife and cracked the seal neatly. Then he pulled out the letter. His jaw dropped as he began to read it. "Send for the Mayor," he cried. "And get a messenger over to The Green Dragon!" The Shiriff turned to look at Mithadan who met his gaze calmly with one eye. The second had swollen shut from the apple which had struck it.

[ March 06, 2003: Message edited by: Mithadan ]