CHAPTER 4: BACK TO BUCKLAND

After Saradoc and the two messengers from the South had exchanged courtesies and greetings, they invited him to come to their camp and meet the rest of their party. He was more than willing to do so; these soft-spoken Men intrigued him, and he was curious to see what the others were like.

He mounted his own pony, and trotted alongside the two large horses of the Men for the short distance to their campsite, which was located a little distance north of the Road and east of the Bridge.

He saw the figures of several more Men taking their ease about a campfire, some of them seeming to be attending to such chores as mending clothing or sharpening weapons; all were clad in either the black and silver or the green and white he was becoming used to. There was one figure, much smaller than the rest, also clad in the black and silver, attending to the scrubbing of pots. As he grew closer, he realized that this was only a child, and was amazed to see him among all these grown Men.

When they had approached within hailing distance, all of them stopped what they were doing, and stood respectfully in a line.

His escorts dismounted, and waited for him to do the same.

It was Éothain who spoke first, this time, introducing the Men of Rohan.

“Master Brandybuck, these are the men of our éored, who earned the honor of coming here. All of them speak the Common Speech of the West, and all of them know the Holdwine Meriadoc, having ridden with him. They are Anwynd Anfrith’s son, Danulf Danhelm’s son and Leodwald Leofric’s son.” The men all bowed politely. To Saradoc’s eyes they all looked much alike, large and fair and yellow-haired, with beards. “This is Saradoc Rorimac’s son, Master of Buckland and father of our dear Meriadoc.”

Now Targon took over the introductions of the Men of Gondor, who were dark of hair and somewhat taller than their companions. “These are Artamir and Adrahil, sons of Mardil, and Borondir, son of Berehil. All are members of the Third Company, and known to Sir Peregrin. And this is Bergil, son of Beregond,” he said, indicating the child, “who has joined us for this mission. He was good friends with Sir Peregrin during the siege of the White City.” Targon looked around. “Where are our other two companions?”

“Sir,” said the one called Artamir “some time ago they said they were taking a stroll among the trees yonder.” He indicated a wooded area to the east of the campsite.

Just then they came walking out of the trees. Saradoc was expecting two more Men. He was quite surprised then, to see an Elf. And a Dwarf.

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When Merry told Frodo the news of the delegation from the South waiting at the Bridge, his older cousin was thoughtful for a few moments.

“Merry, you and Pippin need to return as soon as possible, and it seems likely that Sam and I should come along. But I also think that someone needs to notify the Thain. Berilac, do you think that you could do us a favor, and ride on over to Tuckborough to give Paladin this news? I think that his presence will be needed as well.”

Berilac was flattered that Frodo thought enough of him to give him the errand, and readily agreed. After tea, the five of them quickly unloaded the last of Frodo’s possessions from the cart. Then they had an early supper and prepared to leave at once.

They left the cart behind. Merry and Pippin rode the cart-ponies, and Frodo and Sam rode their own ponies, Strider and Bill. Merry wished he had Stybba, but his sturdy little Rohan pony was back in Buckland, as was Pippin's mare, Butter.

Frodo knew the main reason for Éomer and Aragorn sending the Men--he had been well aware of the plans to reward his cousins, and was all in favor of it as long as there were no surprises for him in store. He did not think there would be. He had made it very clear to Aragorn that he would be not only offended and angry, but hurt, if the King tried to send him any kind of material rewards. The only reward he had wanted was good governance for the Shire, and he knew that Aragorn would do his best to provide that no matter what.

But Frodo also suspected that there would be a response to the letter that had been sent to the King with the recommendations of the Thain and the Master, as well as from the Deputy Mayor. He still was uncomfortable with that job, and hoped that by the end of summer, Will Whitfoot would be recovered enough from his illness to take up his old duties.

Berilac said goodbye at the Three Farthing Stone and headed south. The Travellers turned their ponies’ noses to the east and hoped to make the best time they could.

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