[Mithadan]

Mithadan and Bird packed their things and took to the road a day after arriving in Bree. After some inquiries, they determined that Ferny's plantation lay outside Bree's fence to the south and east of Bree-Hill. They passed quickly through the town and exited by the east Gate keeping to the road initially. Though there would likely be a cart path to the plantation, they chose to leave the road to do some scouting about.

"You didn't shave," commented Bird as they walked. "I'd think that you'd take advantage of the Pony's amenities before leaving."

Mithadan rubbed at his emerging beard. "A few days growth makes me appear a bit more rascally, don't you think?" he answered. "And remember, Fosco and I met at the dinner party, if only briefly. I'd rather have the slight disguise of a beard if I run into the lad."

They soon approached farmlands where various crops were being grown. They skirted around the fences encircling the farms to avoid any uneeded contact with the locals or their dogs. After passing a number of farms, they encountered a taller, well-built fence behind which were planted broad-leafed and aromatic crops. Mithadan did not recognize the plants but Bird did. "Pipeweed," she said. "Looks to be of fair quality, though not as good as that of the Shire."

This farm was larger than most they had passed and they could see a number of people, all Men, working in the fields. "This may be it," said Mithadan. "The road must be to the east on the north side of the plantation. Shall we take a look about before we present ourselves at the front gate?" Bird nodded.

Finding a spot where the fence posts had become rotten, they pulled the boards out and entered. Keeping to the perimeter of the farm, they headed off towards the south. It appeared that Ferny's plantation covered several acres. Eventually the crops gave way to bare ground and they halted at the fringe. Before them were a series of shacks and sheds, likely for the keeping of tools and supplies. At least one appeared to be occupied. They could not approach these buildings in the daylight without being seen so they turned back.

After an hour's walk, they were nearing the gap they had created in the fence when they heard barking to their right. Two large dogs burst out from the plant-covered fields, followed by three Men carrying cudgels. Mithadan and Bird stopped but made no move to defend themselves. "Trespassers!" snarled one of the Men. "Ferny doesn't care for strangers on his fields."

Mithadan smiled, though one of the dogs was sniffing suspiciously at him. "Ferny you say?" he said. "We're looking for a Mister Ferny. We're looking for work and were told he might take us on."

"People looking for work would normally enter through the front gate rather than climbing a fence, now wouldn't they?" growled another. He pointed at Mithadan's sword. "Now take off that pretty sticker and hand it over. If you want Ferny, you'll see him soon enough, though I'll warrant that he might not give you the reception you're looking for."

Mithadan removed his scabbard from his belt and handed his sword over. But he grinned again. "There you go," he said. "We didn't mean no harm. Just thought Ferny might have some use for us...and maybe that." He pointed to the blade being held by Ferny's Men. "Let's go! Take us to Mister Ferny..."