They called him Commander. It was many names he had earned during his stay in the West. The folk of Bree had called him the Fisher and in the North he had been called the Red, but he had grown most fondly of being called Commander by the Company of the East Road.
"Commander Altheric," he smiled as he said it aloud. He was alone and surrounded only by maps of trade routes, piles of trade manifests, and copies of martial treatises. For days he had kept late hours researching and planning the next large endeavor of the Company. He had the highest confidence in the ability of his companions, but the journey would be long and dangerous and they would require any advantage he could bring.
Recently they had managed a successful and profitable venture that connected the Blue Mountains to the Misty Mountains. Several goods from Thorin's Hall, produce and pipe weed from the Shire, and of course the obligatory feathered hat were traded with the elves of Rivendell. The commander found a smith that could mend his armor and his peculiar elven helm within the elven refuge. All and all it was largely a success.
Days ago, Furley suggested that the Company should take on a new project. They would finally connect with the settlements of Rhovanion. When Altheric heard of this plan, he suspected that it was not entirely a business decision. One of the Company's leaders, Deorla, had left the Company to serve some debts she owed to the kingdom of Mirkwood. Furley was a great leader, but he was too sentimental. Deorla could take care of herself, and whatever debts she owed, she owed them alone.
"Curse it," he reprimanded himself. "I jumped to lead this excursion to Dale and Erebor. And how I miss the lands of my youth."
He sat up straight and choked back the tears of nostalgia. Business first. The safety of the Company was his responsibility. He lifted a book from the table and paused as he saw the map that lie beneath.
"Isengard, the Gap of Rohan," he murmured to himself. "That is the safest passage to the East." He packed his pipe and lit it aflame. He put aside his books and maps and sat in deep reflection for the rest of the night.
