The Wanderer

Chapter One

Part One

I have travelled the world of Middle-Earth many times over. I've been to Rohan, to Rivendell, and even to the Shire. I have fought evil by the sides of wizards, men, dwarfs, and elves. I've learned much from Lord Elrond, Gandalf the Grey, and many others. Nothing surprised me when I lived in Mirkwood, not until I met my first Hobbit, Mr. Bilbo Baggins, the burglar.

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"Lady Farren!" My companion called for me, "Please slow down."

I slowed my pace for the stout man from the village. This is why I had wanted to bring horses on our journey to the archives, but they would not have fit on the narrow path through the forest.

My companion, a short, slightly pump man somewhere in his high fifties, ran to catch up with me. I would have left him behind hours ago if I had the choice, but this man from Farbury had the key to the archives I needed.

"Hurry now, Mr. Ravi. It would be best to reach the archives before night falls," I told him as he finally joined me. I suppose you would wonder how an elf such as I would end up in such a situation.

It was aggravating really, to have to depend upon on another person, but I wasn't about just steal the key. The village of Farbury is where I bought my supplies, and I doubt they would appreciate it if I stole something very sacred to them.

You see, the village of Farbury is old and has documented every moment of their history and hid it away in their archives. One of these archived stories had information I wanted. Farbury was close to the elven realm of Lórien, and many elves have been through here before, including some that may have given the villagers information.

"You must forgive me, Lady Farren. I am getting on in my years and I am not as fast as I used to," Mr. Ravi apologized.

"Indeed you are, my friend. I must say, you are old for your kin. That is quite an accomplishment." My compliment made the man puff up his chest pridefully and began to walk even faster.

I smiled with amusement. The race of Man were a prideful bunch, but it did provide some humor once and awhile.

Suddenly, I heard a low growl come from the trees of the forest. I placed my hand on the hilt of my sword and stood still. Mr. Ravi froze where he was, I doubt he heard the sound, but he did notice my stance.

Another growl from the forest confirmed my suspicion. We were being hunted by a pack of wargs.

I roughly grabbed my companions arm and ran down the path. With my elven eyes, I could see the archive building not that far off. Ravi struggled to keep up with me, but I didn't stop or slow down.

It was no use. The wargs were already upon us.

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The great, wolf-like beast jumped in front of me. Blood matted the wargs dark brown fur, its small, beady black eyes looked at us with menace, and it's ugly pig-like snout snorted heavily.

Ravi took one look at its overly large teeth and started to tremble in fear. I drew my sword to confront the beast, but another beast jumped out behind us. I whirled around and glared at the second one. One was enough for me, I didn't need two.

"Ravi, run," I whispered to the terrified man, "Run to the archives and do not look back. I'll come shortly."

I didn't need to tell the man twice. He took off towards the archives, and when the first warg tried to catch him, I swung my sword out and nicked him on the nose. His attention turned back to me, a new cut on his snout.