September 23rd
Four Riders enter the Shire before dawn. The others pursue the Rangers eastward, and then return to watch the Greenway.
A Black Rider comes to Hobbiton at nightfall.
Frodo leaves Bag End.
Gandalf having tamed Shadowfax rides from Rohan.
There’s no jumping the timeline of The Lord of the Rings today, we’re focused solely on the events in The Fellowship of the Ring. As we discussed, yesterday, the Black Riders broke through the Rangers of the North’s defenses at Sarn Ford. It only took that night for four Riders to reach the Shire and begin their search for “Baggins.”
One Rider actually makes it all the way to Hobbiton, just down the road from Bag End actually. Frodo overheard Gaffer Gamgee, speaking to a stranger about a “Baggins'” whereabouts. Frodo was going to step in and relieve Gaffer from his conversation, but something in Gaffer’s tone stopped him. Frodo thought it would be best to get on the road before more trouble could be caused, so he, Pippin, and Sam set on foot towards Crickhollow that evening. There, Merry and Fatty would be waiting for them at the house, they had ridden ahead and began moving Frodo’s possessions earlier that day. If it seems a little late for Frodo to begin his journey leaving the Shire, you’re not wrong, but he was delaying as much as he could to wait for Gandalf.
If only Gandalf hadn’t been delayed by Sauron, the story might’ve turned out much different. Today he tamed Shadowfax and left Rohan, but with the Black Riders already in Hobbiton, he’s way behind.
Thank you for your time and remember, the old that is strong does not wither.
– The Wandering One
Of Blades and Kings 