"The Shire. This hidden land is home to a very little people, and their safety depends on the secrecy of their realm. Rumour of new movements in the south have unsettled me. I came hence to listen, and to watch, and to receive new messages.
"The world is changing, and those who are active may have a hand in the changing, for better or for worse. I like to think my duties may one day make some betterment for the people of this world, when the clouds of war have been spent and disappear. Now, much is obscured.
"Lady, your unease is also quite palpable. What is the matter?"
__________________
Where is the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing? They have passed like rain on the mountains. Like wind in the meadow. The days have gone down in the west. Behind the hills, into shadow.
How did it come to this?
|