'I have to tell you, I've a real problem! The hands say they've seen one of those black-cloaked Big Folk that have been riding to and fro lurking around my pig sties by night.

'I've been thinking about selling this farm to Lotho Sackville-Baggins, and this Black Rider business makes me want to sell out all the more. I'm just happy Lotho still wants to buy, considering all the queer Outsiders coming through the Shire.

'But I'm still not sure what's going on. It may be the hands are just scared of shadows. I want you to find out for me. Please go to the sties south of here by the stream at night, and see what there is to see, if anything.'

The \qBlack Rider\q is attempting to menace the Bolger sties.

This \qBlack Rider\q looks rather less threatening than expected. You should confront him and find out what's really going on.

Objectives

• Talk to Black Rider

Odovacar Bolger is at his home up the hill in the centre of Budgeford.

Odovacar Bolger sent you to investigate his workhands' claims of a Black Rider lurking in his pig sties. What you found was a hobbit dressed in a black cloak. You should report your discovery to Odovacar.

Objectives

• Talk to Odovacar Bolger