Using our Heads

"So we must use our heads," Tolbold said, as they headed back through Yondershire. "North, them Elves said. Now I can track a wolf or a boar, or even a lost sheep, but this is bigger stuff right enough."

Lithea nodded, still enthralled by meeting the Elves in Numenstaya, but also very saddened by discovering what had happened to them, and to two of their number. 

"If we just charge North, we will find it be a big place. So where in the North would rough men take two Hobbits and two Elves, I ask meself?" Tolbold continued. He kept up a good pace, he was in a hurry, but no so much as to outpace Lithea's pony, Honey.

"More places ter the South an the East," Lithea replied. "But North? Oatbarton, Dwalling...oh...over ter the great lake? There be a Dwarf stronghold ter the north, I heard a Dwarf tell. Otricka, or something like?"

Tolbold nodded thoughtfully. He had hoped she would turn back to Tighfield after leaving Lindon, but he had ter admit, having company for such a stressful hunt was welcome. He still couldn't stop thinking about 'em. 'Was Henepa safe? Had Gaisarix got himself killed?'

"We ride where we know, Miss Lithea, at least ter start with. And we ask the other Hobbits we meet what they seen an heard. We head ter Oatbarton."

"You be thinking the great lake then? I heard tales there be many ruins in that place, and many brigands an treasure seekers. Them have some 'treasures' with em, right enough."

"We also ask if them see an Elven hunting group. Them Elves be wanting their friends back too. " Tolbold said with a sigh.