'Ranger! Mr. Strider! Ah, there you are, my good man.' Despite the familiar address, the ample landlord's discomfort was obvious. Unconsciously, he wrung out the cloth with which he had wiped the bar, while the object of his remarks turned away from the corner table and came over.

Smoke filled the common room of the Prancing Pony. A mingling of weed, beer and sweat threaded through the wafting smells of fresh bread and seasoned meats, mounting an odorous assault on all who entered. And the room was crowded, bustling with an endless flow of food and ale. There were men and hobbits, Bree-landers in close camaraderie, sharing tables, beer and yarns in harmony that was not to be had elsewhere. In the corner where some Outsiders huddled with the remains of an extravagant spread before them, a commotion was brewing: Bree-folk surrounded them, eager for news and strange tales from far away. Such good custom graced the inn that there was barely room for latecomers and the harried serving-men had had no opportunity to rest for the past three hours.

Full of bodies and awkward elbows as it was, any who had not staked a place at the busy bar faced a tough challenge to procure a tankard through the crush. Yet, the Breelanders who jostled there obliged with a clear place for the approaching figure. The interruption to their merriment did not dampen the drinkers' spirits. Rather, it was the sheer presence of the man, one of the many Rangers who stopped frequently at the inn. He was robed in a heavy dark green cloak, threadbare in places, and his face was hidden in the shadows of the garment's hood. Grips on tankards tightened as the merrymakers perceived the ominous aura emanating from him. It did not help that his reputation as 'One of them wandering folk' had preceded him.

The man did not pull his hood back, but his gaze was no less intense, seeming to blaze forth from far within the depths of the cowled robe. Barliman glanced nervously at the Ranger as he casually placed a hand on the bar, a fine silver ring adorning one of the long fingers, and suddenly the landlord felt very small.

'Mr. Butterbur?' he asked, bending low to meet the short landlord in the eye.

Barliman's throat went dry, and he wondered why it was so difficult to talk to him - it had been easy enough to strike up conversation when serving the stranger. Suddenly he wished he had not agreed to the old man's request.

'Is something amiss?' queried Aragorn.

'Of - of course not, Mr. Strider, take no offence!' replied the landlord. Suddenly gaining courage, he rambled on: 'Why, in fact, I count you among my best customers, though I am much surprised to see you back again so soon.' Barliman stopped as he realized what he had said. Then he quickly rambled on , hoping to cover his embarrassment: 'I may be kept busy with serving but that does not mean I forget about the accounts. Yes, I do appreciate your promptness in paying for the heartfelt services of my humble inn!' He glanced about the crowded room, unable as he was to hold the other's gaze.

The raucous chatter around the bar was suddenly subdued, some of the Bree-folk lowering their voices in guilty mumbling, reminded of their own unpaid bills.

'Then, pray tell, Mr. Butterbur, why was I hailed if not in pursuit of some unknown debt?'
Barliman felt sure he detected a note of amusement, but the Ranger's question reminded him of his task.

'Oh! Yes, someone is looking for you. Been here for, let's see, yes, eleven days now, he has. He has just gone out and asked that you wait for him here.'

'Oh? And what does he look like, this man?' asked the Ranger.

'Well, let's see. I think there is no other word to describe him than grey. Yes, strangely, everything about him is grey. Grey robes, grey beard, and a tall hat. Oh, that was blue though.' He laughed as he scrubbed the bar top, 'I remember how it used to get caught by the threshold, being tall himself and all. And he would curse as he ducked back out to retrieve the fallen hat. Even now, he would forget this old inn has low doorways!'

'I suppose he left a name?' returned the Ranger.