Episode 5: A Parting of Friends
The Hobbits had a hasty breakfast, relatively speaking, before again striking the road.
Leaving the ponies safely at the Inn’s stable, the two passed through the town on foot, marveling at its size.
At the end of town the Bounder halted in his tracks. ‘This is the South Gate, Piper. It’s as far as I go.’
‘Okay,’ Piper said glumly. ‘I wish you were coming further.’
‘So do I,’ replied his friend, ‘but this is as far as I’m permitted to go. Did you tell Shirriff Bunce you were taking leave from the Bounders?’
Piper looked aghast. ‘Oh no, now you remind me!’
The Bounder was stricken with horror!
Piper laughed. ‘I’m just teasing. I left a note in his office.’
‘Oh, okay,’ said his friend, much relieved. ‘Do you know whether he can read?’
‘I just assumed,’ Piper replied with a shrug. ‘You had better go read it to him just in case.’
Both hobbits laughed, exchanged hugs, then parted ways. Would it be for the last time?
