'My people have long protected the borders of the Shire from the dangers of the wild world, but I have never seen such evil as that which scattered my people a few days gone. Dreadful riders in black left many among the Rangers injured or dead, and some of their number passed into the Shire... I know not how many.

'Will you cross the river and see how fare the folk of the Shire? The terrible creatures rode us down, and I fear to think what they might do to the peaceful folk across the river. Look for Andy Brockhouse and see if he still lives; he keeps watch outside some of the neighbourhoods that lie near Michel Delving.'

Thornegil is at the crossing of Sarn Ford, south-east of the Shire.

Objectives

• Talk to Thornegil