Prologue

I knew it was bound to happen. I just didn't expect it to happen so soon.

I cried out as another arrow embedded itself, this time, in my shoulder. But I kept running. I ran and ran as fast as my legs could carry me. I was moving remarkably fast given the state I was in.

After an hour of relentless abuse I was let loose with a group of elves hot on my heels. I had no idea when they would back off so I forced myself to keep moving.

Night fell on the third day before I finally felt safe enough to slow to a stop. The arrows had ceased flying and the thunder of foot steps and hoof beats had faded to nothing save for the sounds of nature.

I stood there panting for a moment before I finally collapsed. I felt like I had been running for weeks rather than days. That's when the adrenaline wore off and the reality of my injuries started to sink in. Suddenly I couldn't breathe. I fought hard against the darkness that washed over me but in the end I was no match.

I awoke to the sound of birds chirping, I blinked as my eyes adjusted to the light. Looking around it seemed as though I was in an odd sort of house. My muscles groaned in protest as I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and pushed myself to my feet. I walked out of the bedroom and down a hallway following the sound of who or whatever was fumbling around in another room.

"Hello?" I said spotting a man with his back to me.

He cried out and jumped, whipping around to face me.

"Oh! It's you! You're up!"

He looked to be a hobbit, that being said it was difficult to tell how old he was, seeing as the ageing process between different species varied. I myself was 37 but looked to be about 13.

"Where am I?"

"My house!"

"I got that. But where are we?"

"Oh right. You're in Bag End."

My eyes widened. I'd made it all the way to Bag End?!

"How long have I been out?"

"About a week." He shrugged. "What happened to you out there anyway?"

"Long story." I replied not wanting to talk about it.

"Well you've been here quite a while, isn't there someone out there worried sick about you?"

I shook my head.

"Nope."

"Well if you've got nowhere to go you're welcome to stay here."

I smiled at him and sat down at what I assumed was the dining room table.

"I just might."