Greenfields

As I sat on a dry stone wall overlooking the Greenfields I took stock of the situation. My quarry had already departed and I was at best a half day behind him. He had been heading north that much was clear. I decided that he must have taken the road, a hobbit not used to these parts would be foolish to strike out across country – there were many hazards, not least the warren of old badger tunnels, but also more recent threats. The threat of goblins.

Chapter III - There is more to minding sheep

I am reluctant to write anything down formally, but for now I must throw that caution to the wind for there are more pressing matters to attend to. With those two letters safely delivered I trust the recipients will be free from immediate harm. This is an ill business and something troubles me greatly.

As she spilled a bit of ink on the almost-filled page, Lina cursed softly. Preparing for this field trip she had agreed to host was hard and time-consuming work.

Now, though, the work was almost over. Her notes on the Battle of Greenfields was finished. She hoped the participants on the trip would like the tales she would tell. Pouring herself a mug of strong tea, she settled back in her chair and read through the notes one final time:

1 Of Brockenborings and the battle

The Battle of Greenfields

I'll tell you a tale from times long ago
It must have been two hundred years or so
Hobbits lived happily, tilling their ground
And Michel Delving was not such a big town!

With birds singing softly in the tall trees
Grass in the fields swaying in a cool breeze
Nothing could disturb the peace of the Shire
Until the day Bounders caught sight of a fire