[Groin Redbeard]

Gorin had been traveling all day at a rapid pace. He was anxious to get to Bree before the Sun had set, but know it appeared as if it was to late, the Sun had long since set in the west and the darkness covered all of the land.

Gorin quickened his pace up the slanted hill, still hoping to reach the town before the gates were closed. He was so tired that he didn't see the small bramble hedge that he was heading into. In an instant his feet were tangled in the thorny strands; he tried to yank his foot out, but all it did was cause him to lose his balance. Gorin stumbled about trying to gain his balance, instead he fell rolling down the small hill which he was climbing.

He came to a stop at the bottom, his pack rolling down beside him. He stood up cursing himself for not seeing the hedge; even now the brambles clung to his legs, almost as if some invisible hand had tied them to him.

He stopped for a moment listening to the silence that surrounded him. Finally, he rose to his feet, knowing that it was hopeless; the town's gates were probably already closed. He placed his pack up against a tree, removed his battle axe from his belt, and began to settle down.

One more night in the darkness, one more night sleeping in the cold air, but by tomorrow he would be in Bree. It was the only comforting thought he had all day. He closed his eyes, blocking out the sounds of the night, and was asleep.