CHAPTER 16

Targon had spread the King’s document upon a low table, so that all might see it.

From  His Grace, the Lord Elessar Telcontar, High King of Gondor and Arnor, to Paladin Took, Thain of the Tooks; Saradoc Brandybuck, Master of Buckland; and Frodo Baggins, acting as Deputy Mayor of the Shire, are sent Greetings and Good Will.

We wish first to convey Our thanks for your timely response to Our request for your recommendations . It is Our sincere desire to provide good governance for the Shire, which We may only do with the aid and guidance of you who are its rightful leaders.

As to the recommendations you sent unto Us, We find them wholly acceptable, though it may take some time to implement them all.

Firstly: As to the request for the watch of the Northern Rangers upon the borders of the Shire to be restored, this has already begun. However, due to the War of the Ring, their numbers are now too few to guard your land so effectively as in the past. Although We are increasing their numbers, and are also sending some of the Southern Rangers of Ithilien to swell their ranks, it may be some few years before they are able to keep their watch as before. Therefore, We request that you should increase the numbers of your own watchwardens, the Bounders, for the next few years. We will establish several Ranger waystations along your borders, and will keep vigilance as well as may be. Your Bounders may come to these waystations to find a Ranger in time of need.

Secondly: As to your suggestion that a King’s Messenger be available to increase the communications between the Shire and the rest of the Two Kingdoms, to this We also agree. A King’s Messenger will be at Bree, at the Inn of the Prancing Pony, for the first week of every month. When the new settlement at Sarn Ford is completed, one likewise will be there, in the same manner. If at any other time a Messenger is needed, the Rangers will know where to find one. Remember, also, that Sir Peregrin son of Paladin is also a King’s Messenger, and may serve so at need.

Thirdly: As to the re-establishment of trade between the Shire and the rest of the Two Kingdoms, this will be of mutual benefit to all. We are creating new settlements throughout all the old kingdoms of the North, the first of which will be south of the Baranduin River, at Sarn Ford. We are also renewing the old roads that served the Kingdom of Arnor in ages past.

However, much of the disruption of trade was caused by the dealings of the former Wizard Saruman, whose wickedness caused so much of sorrow in the Shire, as well as in the South. It will be needful to untangle all his deceits ere goods and trade may flow once more. To this end, We request that any records in the Shire of those who had dealings with him be sent to Minas Tirith for perusal.

Fourthly: As to your request that We ban the presence of Men in the Shire without the approval of the Thain, the Master and the Mayor, We are in complete agreement, and hereby make it so for a period of seven years.

At the end of the seven years, the decision will be made whether to extend the Ban, or rescind it, or to make changes in the conditions of it.

We will hold all Men to be under this Ban, including Ourselves.

In addition: We feel that it would be beneficial to your people to have those who would have an understanding of the world beyond the Shire, and who could represent the interests of the Shire. We would request that you choose an embassy of your people to spend half a year in Gondor, at the court of the King, learning the ways of Men and of the world, that they could bring advisement to you in your dealings with the rest of the Two Kingdoms. We suggest that this embassy consist of no fewer than four, but We most assuredly do not require those who have already sacrificed much to be among them; We do not wish the embassy to consist of the Ringbearers Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee, nor Sir Peregrin son of Paladin, nor Sir Meriadoc son of Saradoc, but they may be able to advise as to those who are sent.

If any of these measures are not acceptable to you, know that our envoy Targon son of Cirion has our full authority to negotiate any changes you may deem necessary.

By Our Hand

Elessar Telcontar, High King

As the three hobbits finished reading the document, they looked at one another. Only Frodo did not look surprised.

“But he’s given us everything we asked for!” Paladin shook his head; he had expected to have to fight for some of it, especially the ban on Men.

“And he has given us free rein to ask for anything else we want!” added Saradoc.

Targon looked at Frodo, who was silently worrying at a thumbnail with his teeth, and was refusing to meet his eyes. So the envoy spoke up. “Yes, this is true. My instructions are to accommodate your wishes in any way possible.”

“But why?” Paladin could not help thinking that there had to be more to it. There must be some other motive.

“Because he trusts the Ringbearer,” Targon said.

“*Because*” said Frodo, trying to override Targon “Aragorn is a true King with love for his people and he thinks that we will know more than he what is best for the Shire.”

“That is true,” said Targon, “but it is also true that we owe your people a great debt of gratitude.”

Frodo turned away for a moment and drew a deep breath. Anger would not serve, and now was not the time to argue with that gratitude. And whether *he* thought he deserved it or not, his people did. He thought of Sam, Merry and Pippin, and all they had endured and sacrificed. They, at least, had not failed. “What we need to do now is discuss the requests he has made of us,” he said. “He has asked us to increase the Bounders; to send him Lotho’s records; and to send an embassy of hobbits to Minas Tirith. Am I right, Targon?”

And now began the discussion of details, as to precisely how they would fulfill the King’s wishes. After an hour and a half, they had settled some of those details. Paladin and Frodo were going to try to sift through Lotho’s records. Saradoc was going to see to the Bounders. They would all three work on choosing the embassy, and it would take a little more time.

Also, they were going to need some red ink, and seven witnesses. For a document this important, not just any seven would do.

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