Animated Skeleton
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Swan and Cygnet Saloon
Posts: 34
|
Chathol-linn’s post – Harald, the Mayor
Harald touched the red scarf about his neck. But no one could see it in the dark and in any event no one was noticing him. I must bring some order, Harald thought and realized he would have to shout.
“Breelanders!” he yelled, suddenly unsure. How different was this wild night council from the decorous day meetings his mother had held. Meanwhile the voices finally died down to a murmur. Harald took a deep breath, for he was determined to sound strong.
“You have heard the Ranger Minastan! No one has disputed his word. I myself believe him that the outlaws are indeed on their way to us.”
They gazed at him. “So what’s to be done?” cried a faceless voice. It quavered, as if tired – or afraid. The wind blew cold.
The Mayor asked for Minastan to address this question . . .
_______________________________________
Beren’s post - Minastan
"Noble people of Bree, we rangers cannot hold back this tide alone." Minastan's eyes looked out over the quiet crowd sternly as he spoke. "We have worked diligently to protect your borders, and your farms from brigands of the wilderness. The defenses of Bree have been beaten down by age and neglect to the point that they will do nothing to turn back these bandits."
The gatekeeper, an old, weathered frame of a man, called out from the crowd, "I've been telling these folks that that gate has needed repairing for years!"
Minastan nodded down to him, approval upon his face. There was no way any of this would get done without agreement like the gatekeeper had shown. "And this is the time for it! We must begin to repair these ancient defenses. This will take cooperation from the entire town! You can all help us in this task."
"The big folk, both young and old, men and women, can aid in rebuilding the walls and gate. Your smithies can arm the men of this village and it's surrounding areas. We must start now! There is no time to lose. The little folk of this town can aid us all as well, we must work together! My friend, Berilac will aid you in rebuilding the hedge and dike in ill-need of repair. Your talents are needed!"
Minastan's voice came down from it's deep bellow as his speech ended. The hobbit ranger nodded in agreement as he stepped back from the crowd, their voices raising in whispers.
_______________________________________
Pio’s post - Berilac
From the stone bench on which he stood, Berilac watched the faces of the Big Folk as they listened to Minastan speak. They nodded their heads at his words, their faces beginning to think how they might work together. ‘This is good,’ he thought, ‘he’s got them really listening.’ The positive feeling did not last long however, the mention of the Hobbits brought a few rude remarks and scattered snickers. And to be honest Minastan had glossed over the fact that the Hobbits were perfectly capable of deciding what was needed and seeing it done quite skillfully. They needn’t be thought of as assistants to the Big Folk at all – given a project, they had the resources to bring it to a successful end themselves.
Berilac shook himself mentally. It would be best if the two groups would work cooperatively. It was difficult given a challenging situation such as this not to start thinking competitively.
He heard Minastan’s last words, and saw the Ranger nod toward him. There were whispers from the front of the crowd as he stood tall to speak, wanting the Hobbits at the rear of the crowd to see and hear him.
‘My companion has covered the needs well,’ he said in a clear voice, a nod of his head acknowledging Minastan. He turned his gaze then to the Mayor. ‘What we need to do tomorrow is start forming into groups - each taking a particular task to accomplish. If we break this large project, of shoring up the defenses of Bree, into more manageable sections, the whole will be easier for us to get done in a timely manner.
‘I think the Mayor may know best what the town folk can do, the Big Folk. And maybe he would be willing to organize them in some way.’ Berilac nodded at Harald, and continued on.
‘I would like to have the Hobbits meet with me and my brother Rosco Woodfarer early tomorrow morning, to plan what our part in this will be. I don’t know what Rosco might have in mind for you as yet,’ he said, directing his attention to the Hobbits who had begun to creep up closer around the edges of the crowd to hear him. ‘But I will be willing to work with you on the repair of the Hedge.’ There was an audible gasp from the Men at this bold statement. Little Folk! Repair the hedge!
Berilac spoke over the murmur. ‘I’ve already assembled a group to help me inspect it. We’ll be meeting tomorrow.’ He winked at Kali who had squeezed beween two tall Men and stood grinning at him. ‘Before you Hobbits leave tonight, I’d like to get a few more volunteers for this part of the project. Once we’ve done that, we’ll figure out the next steps.’ Berilac could see the Hobbits standing in groups of twos and threes, their heads already bent toward their neighbors in discussion.
Kali went running up to where Berilac stood, and the Ranger bent down and picked up the boy in his arms. ‘It’s late,’ he said laughing, as Kali waved back to where his mother stood, 'The little ones should be in bed by now. Perhaps the Mayor can say a few more words and then we’ll all go home and meet again tomorrow.’ There was a rustle of movement and the murmuring voices of Big And Little Folk raised in agreement on this point. Berilac stepped down from the bench and walked back to where Mausi and her other children stood. His brother Rosco stood just a little apart talking in earnest with several Hobbit men.
Mayor Harald, raised his hand and drew the attention of the group toward himself, waiting for them to quiet just a little . . .
________________________________________
Chathol-linn’s post
“You must all help! Big and Little, women and men, and yes- even children may have tasks in this defense! Let’s do as the Rangers have suggested!
First – inspect the outer defenses, hedge and dike! Second – assemble all our guards. See if we have enough people and weapons to arm them. Third – take thought for those of us who live outside the town . . .”
The townsfolk began to protest again.
“- because our foodstuff comes from the outlying farms! Next, we would do well to gather more information about these outlaws. Can we find someone to make a plan and go? Finally – we must not quarrel!”
They took this in silence. Harald felt better. It had been a good idea to let them get their feelings shouted out. Of course they could have turned into a mob, his other thought said.
He said,“Telien, you will began at once to assemble all guards and check all weapons. Tonight.” In a lower tone he said, “Increase the patrol, and keep yourselves sober! If anyone fights, put them in the lockup. But use no unnecessary force.”
The Captain of Guards warned, “Our numbers are few.”
“Telien, you may talk to me when you have some hard information. Now – anyone interested in helping to check the hedges - gather on the eastern side, under the torches. We need several folk and a leader to keep track. And we need the same for the dike. I ask you, and all those who have ideas for gathering information and protecting the farms to see me tomorrow. If the Innkeeper agrees, I will be in her largest private meeting room.”
To Harald’s relief some people began to drift, talking, toward the torches. They were still lit, thanks to the Hobbit helpers.
“What about us Hobbits?” cried a voice with a thick country accent.
Harald replied, “I will open the town hall tonight. Any Hobbit who has no lodging at inn or friend can stay there.”
_______________________________________
Pio’s post – Berilac
Berilac hurried to the back of the square, wanting to walk along with those who were heading back to the Town Hall. He knew some of these folk, having met them on those times he had come back to visit his brother and sisters and mother.
He could see the new families he had just met leaving the square. There was Hedgar, with his wife and son. An a little further on was Poppy with little Lily, both holding onto the hands of Mr. Goldworthy.
His steps quickened as he caught sight of Griffo, Britnie’s husband. They clapped each other heartily on the back and exchanged quick bits of news. Berilac’s sister’s had stayed home with the children, as had Goldie’s husband, Tomlin. Griffo had been in town getting the wheel to his wagon fixed. And now he was stuck here for the night. Berilac sympathized with the other man – he knew his sister well. She would fret and fume until he returned home. Then she would settle down and listen well to him, he knew also. A lot like his mother, his sisters were. Homebodies at heart with iron resolve once they’d made their minds up on a matter. And like his mother, they would lend a ready hand if things needed doing.
The catching-up done, Berilac turned to talking to Griffo about how they could bring in the outlying Hobbits and their families when it was needed. Rosco, he was sure, would help organize this – but he urged Griffo to lend a hand with the folk he knew.
He was surprised when Griffo said he could also speak to some of the Big Folk who lived near his own holding. Griffo laughed seeing the incredulous look on his brother-in-law’s face. ‘We live far from town, Beril! Out there we have to depend on each other a little more.’ He crossed his hands over his chest and nodded his head. ‘Though I’ll admit that there are still times when the air between us is strained. Still we lend a hand when it’s needed.’
They walked toward the Hall, joined here and there by various other Hobbits who had been locked in. Beril bid good night to Griffo when they reached the door of the Hall. ‘Let’s talk more tomorrow,’ he said, seeing the number of farmers getting ready to bed down. ‘Perhaps you can get some ideas from the Hobbits here. I’d like to know what they’d be willing to do – how they see they can help. Then I can talk it over with the Mayor.’
‘Will do,’ said Griffo, waving him off as one of his neighbors called out for him to come over and hear about the price he was getting for his cabbages. ‘Tomorrow then, it is.’
_______________________________________
Chathol-linn’s post
“Mayor! How do you like your new job?” Many people laughed loudly at this. Harald was grateful the darkness hid his red face. He did not need to get angry now, not when the people were showing some sense.
He jumped down and walked through the crowd, heading up town to open the hall. If anyone would come tomorrow with solid ideas or help, he could not guess.
[ October 14, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]
|