Since it has been quite some time since I finished posting “A New Reckoning”, and since many might not care to re-read such a lengthy story, I am providing here a brief summary of what has gone before, as well as a list of the characters, to help those who might need their memory refreshed.

I hope that this will prove useful.

Thank you.

RECAP:

In “A New Reckoning”, King Elessar and King Éomer had sent delegations to the Shire, in the spring, one year after the destruction of the One Ring.

The delegation from Rohan brought with it the news that a great store of gold and treasure had been discovered in Isengard, and a portion of it had been set aside to give the Shire as weregild for the damage Saruman had done. The delegation from King Elessar brought with it the King’s edicts for the Shire, which he wished to have ratified by the Shire’s leaders.

One of the King’s requests was to investigate Saruman’s dealings with the Shire. This caused fear among certain hobbits who had collaborated with the enemy during the Occupation, most especially for Eglantine Took’s brother Clodio Banks and his business partner, Dago Bracegirdle. In an effort to stop the ratification, Clodio’s sons vandalized the Men’s campsite, causing injury to one of the Men, and also to another hobbit. The malefactors were caught, and turned over to the Men for King’s justice. Since the Man who was injured was from Rohan, it was decided to take the prisoners first to Edoras.

Another of King Elessar’s wishes was for a group of hobbits to come and spend six months at the court of the King in Gondor. Fredegar Bolger was chosen to lead this embassy, with Berilac Brandybuck as his second in charge. Also part of the group were Jolly Cotton, Mosco Burrows, and young Denham and Rollin Banks--whose father had been chosen to replace Clodio as head of the Banks family.

Choosing to accompany the group on her own was the Took’s family healer, Mistress Poppy Burrows. She brought along her apprentice, Viola Harfoot. Mistress Poppy hoped to learn new methods of healing from the healers in Gondor.

The group left the Shire, and began the journey south immediately after the wedding of Sam and Rose Gamgee.

CAST OF CHARACTERS:

HOBBIT EMBASSY:

Fredegar Bolger

Berilac Brandybuck

Denham “Denny” Banks

Rollin “Rolly” Banks

Wilcom “Jolly” Cotton

Mosco Burrows

In addition:

Mistress Poppy Burrows--healer

Miss Viola Harfoot--apprentice healer

HOBBIT PRISONERS:

Clodio Banks

Clovis Banks

Cado Banks

Dago Bracegirdle

GONDORIANS:

Targon, son of Cirion--Captain

Borondir, son of Berehil--Man-at-arms

Artamir, son of Mardil--Man-at-arms

Adrahil, son of Mardil--Man-at-arms

Bergil, son of Beregond--Page

ROHIRRIM:

Éothain, Éodred’s son--Leader, and cousin to the King of Rohan

Anwynd, Anfrith’s son--Rider

Leodwald, Leodric’s son--Rider

Danulf, Danhelm’s son--Rider

IN ADDITION:

Legolas Greenleaf--Elf, Prince of the Greenwood and one of the Nine Walkers

Gimli Gloin’s son--Dwarf, Lord of Aglarond, and one of the Nine Walkers

Haldad, son of Hathol--A King’s Messenger

Mellor, son of Meneldil--a Ranger

Eradan, son of Erellont--a Ranger

(This list is not comprehensive, and more characters may be added as the story progresses.)