"May these be used to keep you safe from harm and may they swiftly fly to protect your lives when danger is near." Lady Sirithiel's speech shook me. Danger yes, but I had not expected this. Weapons? Did I really need to be so concerned as to carry a weapon? Once again, I lamented the fact that the dearest Hobbit lass was standing next to me. What would I do if my journey led her to death?
I did not have time to think about this, though, for the next few moments were full of good-byes and even some tears on the parts of Priscilla and Sirviriel. When all was calm and the time to leave now unavoidable, both Priscilla and I climbed into the Elvish boat, with Lanthir behind us, skillfully piloting it out into the rushing water of the Brandywine. I did not envy him the task of rowing upstream and was glad the chore fell to him and not me with my inexperienced Hobbit hands.
Thus, we departed from the Dolenwaith, now three companions instead of two and I with my thoughts only on the burden I now had to bear: the safety of Priscilla and Lanthir. I will see neither of them hurt on my account and I must be vigilant from now on to keep my eyes open and ready to sight any risk in our journey. Lanthir has said that our journey will take us into the West of the North Downs and I shudder, remembering what old Hobbit tales tell of what dwells there: shadow and evil.