|
Conversation had lulled when Athanar quickened their pace into a gallop; it was difficult to talk at such a pace. Léof wondered if they were in a particular hurry or if Athanar simply wanted to arrive in style and make a strong impression upon the first landlord. He was busy thinking this over and so almost did not notice the child riding a pony on the side of the road, but just as the column was passing Léof thought he heard his name. Wait a moment – had there been something familiar about that pony? He did not know why there should be, for he knew very few children, but he glanced over his shoulder to make sure.
It hit him suddenly – no child had that been, but a Hobbit! And a very particular Hobbit, for now Léof recognized the pony – Daisy, who had been in his care many months, was its name. “Hold up!” he cried out, without even the briefest thought for whether it was his place to make such a statement. “Hold up! That’s Master Falco!”
Again without thinking much of it, Léof checked Æthel’s speed and wheeled about, then trotted back towards Falco. “Greetings, Master Falco!” he said. “It’s been some time since we’ve seen you in these parts! What brings you back?”
|