Popski was just shutting the Brightdown Gate for the night when a young Hobbit lass came running up, and without saying a word, shoved a small envelope into his hands. Popski looked down at the letter but by the time he had looked up to thank the lass she had already disappeared from view.
Popski lit a few candles when he got back to his burrow and opened the letter.
Dear Master Mudbottom
It has come to our attention that you are currently employed as a Gatekeeper in the village of Brightdown. We would like to offer you employment in a similar role.
We are a small collective of Hobbits living in the village of Ewall in Breeland. Our community keeps to itself and we are on good terms with the Bigfolk but there has been a recent rise in the number of incidents involving a group of Brigands called the Blackwolds. Although the main village gates are well guarded we would like to offer you a position as Night Watchman for our little community.
The job will come with accommodation and a good wage. If you are interested please come along to Number 4 Chestnut Street Ewall at your earliest possible convenience.
Yours Sincerely
The Hobbits of Ewall.
Popski returned the letter to the envelope and lit his pipe. Night watchman sounded very exciting and he had always wanted to go to Bree. Popski stood up and paced back and forth as he turned the idea over in his head. He was sure that another Gatekeeper could be found and it was not as if Brightdown needed guarding. But these Hobbits in Breeland certainly sounded like they could do with his help.
Popski worked all night packing his small collection of furniture into a small cart and then as the sun rose he prepared a couple of saddle bags with food for the journey. The cart would go directly to Ewall and Popski would travel at his own pace towards Bree, he may as well see a little of the country before he started his new job.
