Episode 10: Elrond’s Library
Taurdir escorted the young Hobbit to Elrond’s library, the greatest collection of knowledge and lore west of the Misty Mountains. There Piper met…
‘Don’t touch anything, Piper!’ said the Librarian crossly. ‘Periain fingers are always so sticky.’
Piper hid his hands behind his back.
‘A “Lost Mathom” you say?’ asked the Librarian rhetorically. ‘Anything regarding Periannath lore would have been contributed by Bilbo Baggins. Have you asked him?’
‘Yes,’ said Piper disappointedly. ‘He said I should search here.’
‘We have a very great number of volumes pertaining to lost people and things. Lost Elves, lost ships, lost jewels…’
‘Nothing on Lost Mathoms?’
‘I’m afraid not. Don’t you have a library in The Shire?’
‘Yes, a small one in the Great Smials in Tuckborough, but the volumes there seem to consist either of recipes or lists of family trees.’
‘And the Mathom-house, as you call it?’
‘The mathoms there have definitely been found.’
‘I’m sorry, young Piper. I can be of no further assistance.’
‘What about Master Elrond? I hear he is a very great lore-master,’ inquired the hobbit.
‘He is indeed, but he is occupied with matters of very great importance. He should not be disturbed under any circum—Where did he go?’
‘I’m very sorry, Lord Elrond,’ said the apologetic Librarian. ‘I tried to stop the young Perian but he is very, very..’
‘Impetuous?’ asked Elrond.
‘Precisely,’ answered the Librarian.
‘Have no fear, Librarian. I will speak to Master Piper, but it must be brief.’
‘Grand!’ exclaimed Piper.
‘There is nothing I can tell you that Bilbo and the Librarian have not already said.’ Elrond told the hobbit. ‘I urge you to return to The Shire. This Lost Mathom must certainly be within its borders.’
‘Thank you, Lord Elrond. You have been most gracious with your time,’ said Piper with a bow.
Elrond laughed despite himself.
