[piosenniel]

Halfred, the Shiriff of Bywater is roused to action

Halfred had been roused from his warm, comfortable bed by the urgent pounding on his door. He peeked his head out from his quilt and felt his wife nudge him in his well padded ribs with her sharp elbow. ‘Get up, Halfred, and see to who it is. I can hear them yelling for the Shiriff.’ She glared at him from beneath her bed cap until he roused his aching bones from his little nest and placed his feet on the cold floor. He stood up slowly, hearing his protesting joints creak as he assumed the upright position.

‘I’m coming! I’m coming!’ he yelled to the insistent caller, as he plodded toward the door.

It was Ruby, from the Inn. She fell forward as he opened the door, and would have hit the floor had he not caught her. ‘The Inn!’ she gasped, as he sat her in a nearby chair. Aman had sent her to fetch the Shiriff, she told him. There had been a big fire; the Inn was nearly destroyed. It was under control now, only the smoky remains of the now put out flames, as everyone had pitched in with a bucket brigade. But people were injured, and things needed sorting out. Miz Aman was busy seeing to the needs of the people and saving what she could from the Inn. Could Halfred please come and help out.

‘Wait here,’ said Halfred, running to the bedroom and throwing on his clothes. He gave a quick explanation to the missus who said she would come soon to help out. Halfred put on his green cap with the white feather and drew his cloak about him as he hurried back down the hall to collect Ruby. He stopped at Tolman’s room, his oldest son, and woke the lad from his sleep.

‘Get Dumpling saddled, son,’ he told Tolman, explaining hurriedly what had happened. Go up on the hill above Bag End and rouse the Hobbiton Shiriff. Tell Fredgar what I’ve told you, and tell him we’ll be needing him and any of his men who can come.’

Ruby and Halfred sped off toward the Green Dragon in his small buggy. Tolman threw the saddle on the disgruntled Dumpling and made for the house of Fredgar Hornblower, the Shiriff of Hobbiton . . .

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Please Note:

Fool of a Took is now going to handle the part of the Shiriff of Hobbiton. And will occasionally use the character of Halfred as needed.

He will introduce this new character soon.

~*~ Pio, Shire Moderator