The Wondrous Case of the Westfarthing Wings
(Being a copy of the official report on file in the Westfarthing Shirriff-House, sent as a letter delivered by direct eagle-post and retained in the archives at Torech Besruth in Falalthlorn)
THE IVY BUSH, HOBBITON, Westfarthing in the Shire, 1 Yule:
To the Lady Seregrían does Lancogard North-took send warm greetings on this, the First Day of Yule!
I must confess my utter surprise, and my transported glee, to be able to reply to your last letter with such speed and reliability (putting the entire Shire-post to shame!). I simply must relate the tale regarding your letter and the furor it raised here locally - and I trust that upon reading it, you will think it a source of amusement, and bring a smile to you in this season.
Normally here in the Shire, all is quiet and peaceful on the morning of Yule, with folk rising and beginning the start of their day during the Yule celebrations. But not of course, for the members of the Watch or the Bounders who are charged with keeping the peace. You see, the day before I received your letter I was summoned by my superiors in the Shirriff-office to report back to Brockenborings in the Northfarthing without delay; it seems there are further reports of goblin activity in the Northfarthing, along the Oatbarton Road headed north to the borders. Well, it being a two-day trip to return, I set out at once, figuring I would lay up at the Ivy Bush in Hobbiton at the close of the day.
As I was proceeding along the roads to Hobbiton, folk began hailing me as I rode. I thought this only courteous as my reputation as a Deputy-Shirriff has grown, but these were not just hails-and-well-met, these were reports and complaints! It seems there were shook-up hobbits observing a large bird hovering and circling over houses and farms from Dunfurlong to Hobbiton and points west!
Well, that started the investigation. Thankfully I did not have long to ride or investigate in the frosty airs of Yuletide in the Shire; the clues leading up to the solving of the case all presented themselves in the space of a few hours. As I proceeded along the road to Hobbiton and the Water, voices were raised in alarm and all eyes turned to the sky as a ruddy great bird was circling and hovering over the central market near the stables! Now, a bird of that size can only mean one thing, under normal circumstance: a predator was on the hunt for game, but something this big might threaten the livestock, and that was a job for the Shirriffs to manage. Spying the bird on its latest pass over the town, I bent and strung my bow, thinking to bring it down and end the hue and cry. The bird must have seen me, for it suddenly changed its course and alighted on the roof of the inn, and simply spread its wings and stared me down. Cheeky bird, I thought, as I nocked an arrow and took aim.
As I was drawing a bead on the bird, I noticed the curious parcel attached to its leg - and I immediately thought of the messenger birds that the Dwarves are wont to use. What if this was one of them - I might be interrupting some post-bird in the course of its duties? I had to do something. I laid my bow upon the ground at my feet, and spread my hands wide; I think I was hoping the bird would not see me as a threat? And then, to my amazement and the shock of the small crowd of hobbits who had gathered to watch the event unfold, the bird swooped from the roof and alighted on a fence post not a wingspan from me - and more, it extended its leg towards me! I cautiously approached, and carefully opened the leather pouch on its talon, and found inside was a letter - addressed to me! From you!
At that moment, I had solved the Wondrous Case of the Westfarthing Wings. I stood there in the chill air, not feeling it for the surprise, then the joy of reading your letter to me. I looked up at the bird - the eagle you named Windwalker - and it was watching me as if waiting for orders! I repaired to the warmth and comfort of the Shirriff-house, where I began writing my report for records - but also took the time to compose this letter to you. I sit here now in the warmth and comfort of the Ivy Bush, with a crowd of hobbits all clamoring for an explanation as to these unnatural events. I explained that other folk use trained birds for their post, and the longer the distances, the larger the bird. Stands to reason, some thought, and left me alone to write.
I have followed your instructions as to the care to be afforded your splendid messenger. Mungo Tunnely, a hobbit who has an interest in bird-watching, was so excited at the idea and the prospect that he procured some fish from the market to feed Windwalker properly. I shall close this letter so as to send word back to you promptly. I confess, Your Ladyship, that my reputation has gone up once again in the estimation of the folk hereabouts, for who might be so important as to have their mail delivered by direct eagle-post!
I wish you all the best and brightest the Yuletide has to offer you. And I must thank you, Bainiel, for the wonderful Yule present of your last letter, and the hope of more letters to come.
I remain with the deepest esteem,
Your Obedient Servant
Lancogard North-took
