[the phantom]

As Meri emerged from the stable, a small coin purse thudded into the dust between his feet.

"Be sure and keep my horse well, Stablemaster."

Meri looked up at the speaker. He was wrapped completely in a black cloak. All that showed were his fine black riding boots and his face. His eyes were grey, and a lock of black hair trailed down just to the left of his eyes and then curved back to disappear into his hood. He was fair of face, and tall, and the hilt of a sword showed above his right shoulder.

He dismounted with ease, and began walking with firm steps towards the door to the inn. Meri opened the coin purse and his eyes grew wide. "I promise I'll take excellent care of your horse!" he called after the stranger. The stranger turned, nodded, opened the door and disappeared into the inn.

----------

Ruby Brown ran straight into the stranger as he entered, spilling the two drinks she was carrying onto the bottom of his cloak.

"Oh, goodness, I'm sorry! Oh sir, just-"

"If you wish to atone for your mistake just toddle off and get me a mug of whatever you spilled on me. It smells quite good."

Ruby nodded in agreement. "Aye- it does. It's fine ale, the best in the Shire if I may say so," she said as she produced a towel from the back of her belt and began mopping up the spill. "What's your name, sir?"

"Belegund," he answered as he removed his hood. "I come from Minas Tirith."

As he surveyed the room, he saw a man of Rohan seated by himself at a table nearby. "I'll be sitting at this table here near the door," said Belegund. "When you're done cleaning that up, bring me my mug of ale." As he spoke, he noticed that the man from Rohan seemed to be searching for currency. "On second thought, bring two mugs."