[alaklondewen]

Ferd finally had his fill of fish, but his mood had not improved since Ben’s telling of the stories about the old Wight. Ferd’s Uncle Gorby Brandybuck, who lived in Brandy Hall, had told him many strange tales about the Old Forest that would raise the hair on a young hobbit’s neck, but never had Ferd heard of this Burrie…Burrow…Barrow Downs, and he certainly did not like the sound of the place.

Ama’s voice interrupted his unpleasant thoughts. “We should be getting on our way,” she called to Old Bill. Ferd nodded in agreement. Their adventure had been adventurous enough and he was ready to be home.

Popping up from his sitting position, Ferd helped Falco stamp the fire out, and while the others were repacking their bags, Ferd searched the area for anything that might prove useful in the days ahead. Making his way to the edge of the trees, he stooped and picked up a long stick that had a large knot on one end where it had once branched out. Ferd rubbed his hand along its rough skin and pulled off a couple patches of loose bark. The branch felt heavy in his hand and he hit the ground with it twice to check its sturdiness. This would make a hardy blow if needed, he thought. And a fine walking stick in the mean time. With that he put the knot in his hand and continued his search.

Wandering down around the river’s bank, Ferd gathered a handful of nice round stones and put them in the pocket of his knickers. His aim was sharp if he put his mind to it, and these rocks might provide game if they came to an area with trees.

Penny called to Ferd. “Come on…we’re all ready!” With a wave of his hand, Ferd hurried back to the camp site. After snatching the fishing line that lay in a heap next to the smoldering ashes, he fell in line with the others who were following Old Bill down stream.

Ama leaned over, nudged Ferd, and whispered, “Aren’t we heading in the wrong direction?” Ferd agreed that he thought it strange they would be going down stream, but Old Bill insisted he knew a shortcut. Ferd was unsure of how he really felt about this shortcut. His confidence was faltering. The group was traveling in a place he’d never been, going in a direction his heart felt was wrong, and following a man who made Ferd very nervous. However, he didn’t have the courage to speak up like Ama did. He does know where we are…and he said he’d show us the way home, Ferd was trying to convince himself everything was okay.

They were walking in an area that was grasslands as far as Ferd could see. The tall grass was almost to his waist, and it swayed by a gentle breeze that blew over the land. Old Bill plunged through the grass and the hobbits marched in the path the large man made.