Tearose Underhill is no ordinary hobbit, as you may have gathered. She is a rather brave and cunning hunter who Shire-folk think is cracking, just like Bilbo Baggins.

The truth is, she hasn’t always been completely alone in this part of Middle Earth. Dubdub, a great champion, and Eldarak, a cunning hunter, two dear friends and members of her kin, recently came to her aid when she was nearly killed by goblins and wargs who have been attacking travellers in these parts. Unfortunately Dubdub and Eldarak had to leave suddenly as they were called to help others of their kin who were facing grave dangers in Angmar.

Tearose planned to return to Rivendell for a short stay and then travel back to her cozy home far away in the Southfarthing of the Shire for a much needed rest. No sooner did she arrive home safely, when she received an urgent message from Elrond of Rivendell. She has been called upon to return at once to Rivendell and to give some assistance to a group of hobbits who are embarking on a secret mission. She will go.

At last Pareth meets with the Blue Lady, only to discover that Gwindeth is not inclined to grant her access to the Silithar needed by Aragorn without first testing her. Pareth has been instructed to defeat the corrupted salamanders she finds on Tyl Ruinen. Somehow, Pareth knows that this would be the first of many tests to appease this powerful guardian of Nenuial.

“This is the hour of the Shire-folk, when they arise from their quiet fields to shake the towers and the counsels of the Great.”