"Could you tell me more about Black Gate?"
After lunch, and after Arthur had actively helped Bilbo clean the table, he asked Rogier and Darian.
Bilbo, having just washed his hands, said, "Uh, do I need to go to the study and find some books about Black Gate?"
"That would be very kind of you, Bilbo," Arthur thanked him.
Bilbo returned, carrying a book larger than his head, its pages yellowed at the edges, and placed it on the table in front of Arthur and the others.
With a smile, he introduced it to Arthur and the others: "This is the book. It was left by my great-great-great-grandfather. I haven't looked at it in a long time."
Rogier took the book and began to read.
He read very quickly. By the time Bilbo served the second dessert to Arthur and the others, and reached for a slice of milky cheese, Rogier had already closed the book.
Rogier picked up the still-warm teacup in front of him, took a sip, and smiled at Bilbo, saying, "Thank you for the tea, and for this book. Although some of the information about Black Gate in the book differs slightly from what I heard during my travels, it's not a major issue."
Bilbo shrugged, "This book is probably older than I am, so it's natural for there to be some discrepancies with the present."
Arthur looked at Rogier. Before Bilbo found the book, he had already learned the basic information about Black Gate from Rogier.
Black Gate, also known as Morannon or the Gate of Mordor, is a giant gate built by the Dark Lord Thorin in the Second Age.
In the Third Age, although Black Gate changed hands several times between humans and orcs, it is currently occupied by a unit of Dúnedain Rangers, constantly preventing orcs from Mordor and followers of the Dark Lord from emerging.
Arthur said thoughtfully, "In other words, a large number of orcs are being held back at Black Gate by those Dúnedain Rangers?"
Rogier nodded, "Hmm… you're not wrong to think that. I remember that when you were not in the territory, two Rangers from Black Gate came to find Nepheli Loux."
Arthur replied, "It's because Nepheli mentioned Black Gate to me first that I became interested when you brought up the place. Speaking of which, while we have the chance, could you tell me more about Mount Gundabad in the North?"
Rogier smiled and said, "Mount Gundabad, well, it has some connection to you and Bilbo."
Arthur and Bilbo both looked puzzled, and Bilbo curiously asked, "Why?"
Rogier replied, "From what I understand, the orcs and wargs you faced at the Lonely Mountain all came down from Mount Gundabad. Because of this, the roads near Mount Gundabad have become much safer."
Arthur pondered, "If that's the case, and Azog took most of the orcs with him, the number of orcs on Mount Gundabad must be very small now. It seems I should still go to Black Gate first; there seem to be more orcs there."
Rogier took a biscuit from the plate, eating and nodding, "Indeed. However, Darian and I are planning to return to Golden Tree Territory. If we hadn't encountered the small thief breaking into Bilbo's house, Darian and I would probably have already gone back. Otherwise, Darian and I would definitely accompany you and Miss Melina to Black Gate."
Arthur shrugged, "It's alright, anyway, after Melina and I leave Hobbiton, we still need to go to Rivendell, so you two can go back first."
Darian, however, interrupted Rogier before he could answer, suddenly standing up from his seat and speaking urgently, "Let Rogier, that impious fellow, go back by himself! Lord Arthur, I am willing to stay by your side, to proclaim your laws, and to always protect your safety!"
Rogier pressed his hand to his forehead, pushing Darian back into his seat, and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Darian, didn't you notice Miss Melina's expression? Clearly, she doesn't want a third person to join when she travels far with Arthur."
"Uh, what are you say… hmm…"
Darian instinctively wanted to retort, but his peripheral vision caught Melina, and he saw that she indeed looked slightly displeased after he suggested joining, just as Rogier had said. He immediately swallowed the rest of his words.
Arthur, meanwhile, shook his head, declining Darian, "Thank you for your kindness, Darian. However, there's something I forgot to mention. Royal Capital Leyndell was summoned to this world while you were away. Although General Radahn led the Red Lion Legion back to the territory before I left, the available manpower is still insufficient. After you and Rogier return this time, I'm afraid Nepheli Loux won't let you out as easily as before."
Rogier's eyes widened slightly, a surprised expression flashing across his face, then he nodded, "I understand."
Arthur then looked at Darian and said, "So, when you two return this time, I happen to need to ask you to help Nepheli Loux and the others share some responsibilities, otherwise they'll be too busy."
Darian replied firmly, "Please rest assured, Lord Arthur, I will definitely help you alleviate your worries!"
"It's helping Nepheli Loux and the others. Well, helping them is also helping me, so that's not wrong."
Arthur sighed inwardly, no longer correcting Darian's words.
No other unexpected events occurred during the rest of the day. That evening, Bilbo enthusiastically cooked a hobbit-style dinner for his friends, staying up until the next day to bid farewell to Arthur and the others.
At the door of Bag End, Bilbo watched Arthur and the others preparing to leave, opening his mouth, unsure what to say.
The experiences of this period were the most unforgettable in his life so far.
Bilbo had a premonition that even when he was old, he would clearly recall this journey to the Lonely Mountain in his memory.
"Bilbo, we're leaving! Come visit Golden Tree Territory more often if you have time!" Arthur reached out to pull Melina onto Torrent, then waved goodbye to Bilbo.
Bilbo also waved and shouted, "No, I still prefer to stay at home, but I will never forget everything about the Lonely Mountain and the Erdtree!"
Arthur chuckled, "Then let Thorin and I come find you! Goodbye, Bilbo Baggins!"
Bilbo remained at the door of Bag End, not willing to leave even after Arthur and the others disappeared from his sight, until his feet went numb before he returned inside.
He closed the door of Bag End, looked at his quiet home, and showed a lonely expression.
However, when Bilbo habitually reached into his pocket and touched a forgotten Ring, he immediately took it out, revealing a satisfied expression and a look of obsession.
After the four of them, Arthur and his companions, left Hobbiton, they had to part ways at a certain crossroads.
Before leaving, Rogier said to Arthur, "If you go to Black Gate, you can look for a Ranger named 'Talion'; he and another compatriot came to the territory before, wanting to see you."
Arthur waved goodbye to Rogier and the others, "Talion? I've noted that name."