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Hobbitus Emeritus
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On to the Downs!
The big man and the little hobbit got along quite well, finding much more in common than either would have guessed. Menel learned that Andy did indeed have a sling and boasted that he was quite proficient with it!
Tom Ferny grumbled to himself, but this signified nothing to the elves and men who went along the Road, following the setting Sun west to the Downs.
The rolling meadows rose up to the south of the Road, and could be seen beyond a long grey line.
"That marks the bounds of the old Kingdom," said Tom.
"I know," said Galenwen, who knew something more, but did not say. She looked at Caramir and Menel, who both also knew somewhat more of the region than Tom Ferny guessed.
"My distant kindred were buried there," said Beregond. "It is better that their gold be removed and no longer serve as the bait for the snares of evil wights."
"I wonder," said Caramir.
"I don't," said Talondin.
"Are we going there tonight?" asked Andy, looking nervously at the falling Sun.
"No!" said Tom crossly. "No love of money would lure me out there after dark! We will camp on this side of the hedge line and explore after the Sun is on her way again!"
Tom piled some rocks one atop another but did not say why. They left the Road at that point, and crossed over the fields until they came to the long hedge, which was much taller and broader than it had looked from afar. They made camp, building a nice fire, and talked and planned what they would do the next day.
After a time, Galenwen brought out her instrument and began to sing.
Kings there were not long ago
Who strode the world with pride.
They fought their kin both high and low
And fighting thus they died.
After came old spirits dark
In answer to dark spell
Calling ghosts with ears that hark
To summons dark and fell.
They wait there now in mounded grave
For those who lust for gold.
And who shall come and from them save
Mortal men grown over bold.
Songs there are that can be sung
By spirits living still
With warm sweet breath and harpstrings strung
That blow away the chill.
They wait for us in mouldy grime
To steal our lives away.
But let me sing to them in time
And live another day!
Talondin grimaced, but said nothing. The song did not bring them much comfort, though it ended well. They bade one another sleep well, though the elves took it upon themselves to keep watch.
Andy found it hard to sleep, imagining every change of wind to be a wicked wight calling out to him. But he dozed off and was snoring softly sooner than he knew and knew nothing more until the morning.
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