Episode 3: The Bree-land

They rose early the next day and, after a hearty breakfast, cross the Brandywine Bridge before entering the Buckland Gate. In Newbury Piper changes his clothes while his friend fills their packs before the two strike the road to Bree.

"Ought to get the gate closed, Allie" said Barty. 

"Aye, in a minute, in a minute," replied Allie, whose true name was Aloysius, but it never seemed reasonable to expect folk to tangle their tongues on such a name. He was sorting out a pile of cards on a table in the guard-shack. 

"Stop yer silly card-game, and come help me with the gate!" said Barty. "It's almost twelve o' the clock!"

The warmth of a firepit is of little solace up here in the mountains, where the wicked winter’s fist keeps the land in a firm and cruel grip. Wildermore has always been a “wild” place so to speak, for it is not the kind of land one would pass through easily and without purpose, and the people who do make their living here are hardened folk.