Master Elrond allowed me to remain in Rivendell a few more days to recover from my long journey. It was time well spent: as I prepared in spirit and body to undertake the task ahead, the elves were busy with preparations of their own.
The task entrusted to me was simple: to set up a base in Eriador, to gather as many companions as they were willing and to make ourselves useful to the Rangers of the North and the free people of those lands. Gandalf told me he would summon me and my allies, at need.
On the 1st of March I left Rivendell, heading to the city of Bree. The first thing I did was to visit the notary in the town hall, where I purchased a charter for a kinship. The man asked me what races would I be gathering, and I told him that we had space for all the creatures of Iluvatar, even the adopted one, for as long as they were willing to do Eru’s bidding, they would be welcome. And so The Children Of Iluvatar were born. I left the building and walked up towards the Prancing Pony. It was there that I met my first companion, an elf by the name of Cantrylledyr. He had been told by Master Elrond of my arrival, and was on the look out.
‘I understand that you will need a financial aid in your venture,’ he said. ‘I am no fond of dwarves, but Elrond has spoken clearly to me of your needs. I will send one dwarf your way, by the name of Steinogmur. He’s of few words, but he’s willing to part from his coins for a good cause. As strange as it may seem, this dwarf understands Eriador’s need truly, which is why I have no qualms with him. His axe is also of few words, but he makes them count.’
There I was, not even one hour into Bree and I already had 2 companions, willing to help. The blessings of the Valar continued to shine upon us, because a few days later another chance encounter enriched our ranks. A noble champion, by the name of Gellthir. After crossing blades together against a band of orcs in Breeland, it became clear that he would be a great asset to us. Upon hearing of our mission, he accepted the invitation to join our ranks and dispatch as many foes as his blade could reach.
As the three of us stood by the Hunting Lodge of Archet, I had the feeling that they would not leave me, but commit until the end. I was right, for three years have passed since then and they still stand by my side, until all is over or death takes us.
The days passed, and to our surprise many people of all races and walks of life began to join our ranks. For some of them, it was a chance encounter, whilst others had heard of us through the people we were striving to help. I was glad to learn that more than a few were willing to gamble all they had for the freedom of Arda.
Our numbers grew and I soon realised that my little house in Breeland would no longer be sufficient to accommodate everybody. We purchased our first kinship dwelling together, in the Falathlorn homestead of Ered Luin; later, we relocated to Breeland and finally to the Shire, where our current house now stand.
