The Beginning of Darkness [LotR] [COMPLETED]

The Black Rider and Bree

Merry and Pippin looked at the travelers expectantly waiting for an explanation. Mariliel sighed and turned to Frodo,

“Can we trust them?”

He nodded yes

“We are travelling to Bree to meet Gandalf and then to Rivendell” she said giving them a vague explanation trying not to give much away. Frodo may trust them, but they had to earn her trust.

“How are you getting to Bree?” asked Merry

“Well we were going to cut through that farm and then head to the Brandywine Bridge and follow the road from there. But now…” Mariliel looked around her, “I honestly don’t know where we are”

Merry looked at Pippin and seemed to have a silent conversation, then Merry turned back to them, “I can lead you to Bucklebury Ferry and then to Bree”

“Lead the way” said Frodo

It was now dark, the Hobbits walked in twos chatting about Gandalf’s fireworks and recipes for mushrooms. Mariliel walked behind keeping a look out. Suddenly a loud screech pierced the night air the Hobbits froze and turned to Mariliel,

“It found us” she gasped, “Run!”

They all took off in what Mariliel hoped was the right direction, it was pitch black and even her elf eyes found it difficult to find the Hobbits. Suddenly the Black Rider appeared in front of her sending her toppling backwards.

“Over here! Follow me!” Merry called

Mariliel scrambled up, narrowly missing the hooves of the horse and ran in the direction of Merry’s voice. There was the river and the ferry. Sam, Merry and Pippin were already on the boat, and were already pulling away from the dock.

“Quick! Hurry up!” they called

She easily stepped onto the boat and turned around to see Frodo running for his life with the Black Rider close behind.

“Come on Frodo!” Mariliel called, he couldn’t get caught now.

Frodo reached the dock and leapt onto the boat knocking them all over. The rider let out another screech as he stopped the horse at the edge of the river.

“How far away is the Brandywine Bridge?” Mariliel asked as the rider turned around and rode into the mist joining two other Black Riders

“20 miles” replied Merry

                                                         .::.::.::.::.::.

It was raining as the travellers reached the gate into Bree. Mariliel turned to the Hobbits,