It was another day away from Gondor... and actually, I was lost. Hiding behind a rock, hungry and sleepy in a place I've never been before, not that I traveled a lot. Suddenly, there's growls and odd sounds, with heavy footsteps. I tried to be as silent as possible, so I wouldn't be seen. My hungriness and thirst were more overwhelming as time passes. I didn't know what to do. Eventually, I fainted. Letting myself fall upon the rock.
When I finally regained consciousness, it was twilight, and I was being carried by a small group of Orcs. I didn't try to go, I knew I didn't have much strength. They had large shields and thick armors. Their faces were in various states of deformation and their blades were rusted with blood. With my state of tiredness, I couldn't care less. I closed my eyes again as they were beginning to go in a strong march. I opened them, some moments later, when I heard a strong *thud* over my ear and finishing its course in the armor of an Orc. After a moment of silence and the complete stop of the Orcs, they dropped me and ran towards the source of the arrow, as I now see it. I cringed in pain as I fell on the floor. I looked towards where the Orcs were going. There was a single man, with both weapons drawn, a hood casted over his head and a dark green cloak was about him. With high boots upon his feet, he marched forward., already fighting the coming Orcs in an artistic way. Even with all those years in one of the poorest places of Minas Tirith and my years of serving nobles, I've never seen a so graceful use of the blade. Be it sword or dagger. He killed them all until the last, that much I could see in my semi-awake state. He sheathed back his weapons at their place, looking around.
The only thing I could see from under his hood, with the help of the moonlight, was a pair of piercing grey eyes. After seeing my lieing form, he came towards me. He was tall and lean, but stout. His garb seemed rugged, but I couldn't see well, with my level of tiredness and the night time. I was looking at him with mefiance, not moving. I could do nothing to escape him anyway. When he saw my look, he halted and raised his ,right, pale-skinned palm towards me,'' Greetings. I am not here to
harm thee... '' I still looked at him with slight mefiance, but his voice, calm and full of wisdom was soothing me. I nodded once, '' I... '' I couldn't say more, though, with my sore throat. He raised both hands, and lowered his hood and mask, his face was pale and there was a scar, going over his right eye. Straight black hair reached down to his shoulders,'' You are in the Gap of Riddermark. Wish I could tell you that it's as peaceful as it used to. '' he sighed wearily and glanced back at the dead Orcs'' As you can see... '' I was rather surprised by this strange man, '' Who... Who are you? '' asked him with a weak voice as I glanced at his chest, where a brooch like star was holding his cloak and shining beneath the moonlight. He answered, '' I am The Ghost, as many call me that way. '' I nodded lightly, still somewhat weary and remembering the assault, '' I ... I can see why. '' he nodded once, '' We shall not tarry no longer. '' He helped me get up, and we walked a long way to get to his steed. But something was wrong. Even if he was carrying me, there was no sound. Not one sound of footstep. It was as gliding over ice. I didn't dare say something about it and was soon asleep in his arms.
When I awoke next, it was in a camp. As I woke, he shared precious food and water with me. I was surprised, but ate enough to get me full, thanking him after. He even cared for the many bruises and cuts I had. After days of silent travel, we reached somewhere in the North. Ghost said in his wise and calm tone, muffled behind his mask,'' This is Bree-land... '' I was a bit startled when he spoke, he then continued, '' Might not be the most safe place on this side of mountains... But there's an Inn, called Prancing Pony. '' I nodded as we kept riding, he let me at the wall of Town, then gave me a small pouch, '' You will need it. Watch out for unsavory characters. '' I opened the pouch and it was full of silvers. I blinked and looked up to him, surprised, he was still looking stout and not exhausted after a long journey. After a moment of silence, while I was looking for the right words or right way to thank him, he was just gone. The Ghost, was gone, just like as he came. As a shadow, as a Ghost.
