Judging from the map, the Shire is the closest to Annuminas among all the forces in Middle-earth.
Bilbo and Gandalf took a carriage and walked along the waterside road for a while, then turned north and drove directly to Lake Nenvio. It takes almost a day and a half to reach Annuminas, the capital of the Kingdom of Elpera.
Three years have passed since the last turmoil of the Night of the Long Sword, and the north has become increasingly prosperous under the governance of the Silver King.
The open countryside is full of honest and decent people, including tall humans and local farmers in the Shire.
They either established new farms and fields on both sides of the Baranduin River, or they traveled more slowly.
The roads built by the ancient Númenóreans were smooth and clean. The Baranduin River, which runs through Western Eriador, winds southward from Lake Nengvio, flows through the Shire and Minsirias, and then flows into Beleghel. ocean.
If you are lucky, you may even see one or two Linton elves or half-elves from Rivendell.
These reclusive races were out of love for the silver-white king Turka Aracano and did not want to be separated from him, so they chose to settle on the shores of Lake Nenvio. They may live in the forests of the Dusk Hills or in the towers surrounding the Ring of Kings, and do not interact with ordinary people.
But even so, the subjects of the newly born Kingdom of Elpera are still very happy to have such a beautiful and noble race among them. People call these elves "Mithrim", which means persistent elves. Because many of them have fulfilled their oaths and have been guarding the kingdom established by Turka Aracano and the Dragonborn family until they were finally summoned by the Valar before crossing the sea to the west to be with their relatives who had been separated for many years. Reunion.
The weather was very bright until the evening.
Bilbo even thought that maybe they could travel through the night. Because he really couldn't wait to see his former friends.
Moreover, the roads in the north are extremely safe now, and there is no need to worry about encountering wolves or other ferocious beasts.
Orcs and the like have almost become a topic of conversation in legends.
But Gandalf said: "Bilbo Baggins, don't you feel hungry in your little belly? Let us stop first and enjoy the food and wine. I predict that tonight we will meet an old man. Friends. And, don’t worry, the King of the North will send someone to greet us.”
So they chose a small dirt bag, backed by the mountain wind, and lit a bonfire.
Soon, the sun went down and the sky became dark.
After eating some food, Bilbo was wrapped in a big cloak, huddled in front of the campfire and continued to talk to Gandalf enthusiastically about his interesting stories over the years. And said that he has already begun to write about the magnificent adventure before.
He said: "Ah, there are really too many things to write. I am thinking that maybe I should go to Rivendell to read some elven literature. You know, Elrond's house contains the largest collection of information in Middle-earth. information, which played a huge role in helping me write my story.”
"If you think so, so be it," said Gandalf, smoking his pipe. "Lord Elrond is a hospitable host, and he will not refuse a hobbit's request. . But be careful about the wind and frost on the road. Although the north is much calmer, the night is not so reassuring if you are too far away from the kingdom of the Silver King."
"I will go with the dwarves." Bilbo said: "They are now traveling back and forth between the Blue Mountain and the Lonely Mountain. The relocation of Thorin's people has been going on. During this time, there are many dwarves on the road."
"Then I am relieved," said Gandalf.
They chatted and chatted, and the night grew darker and darker, and the wind became faster and faster. But luckily it didn't rain.
At midnight, Bilbo began to feel sleepy. He talked casually to the wizard about some confusing things while dozing off.
Suddenly Gandalf laughed.
"Get up, Bilbo, our friends have arrived," the wizard shouted, making Bilbo jump.
"Who?" Bilbo nervously touched his waist, only to find that he had put the small sword he had picked up in the Troll's Cave under the box in Bag End and had not taken it out.
Fortunately, Gandalf said in time: "If you haven't forgotten, then you should still remember the prince of the Woodland Kingdom, Legolas Greenleaf. He is the old friend we have been waiting for." Then he gave up. relieved his doubts and uneasiness.
Then they saw a group of elves riding horses coming down the road and walking towards them. These elves did not carry lights, but when they walked, their feet seemed to be surrounded by a faint light like the outline of the mountains before the moon rises.
Although the elves were all wearing cloaks, Bilbo could still recognize the leading elf prince at a glance. The stars were twinkling in his hair and eyes, and his handsome cheeks were looming.
With him was Tauriel.
Bilbo's sleepiness suddenly disappeared. He couldn't help but think of those days in the Woodland Kingdom, and Legolas had also participated in the Battle of the Lonely Mountain, after which the alliance between the elves and the dwarves was reaffirmed.
Bilbo witnessed it all. So he was very happy to see his former friends here again: "Legolas, you are here too."
The elves of the woodland kingdom stopped before Gandalf and Bilbo. The leader, Legolas, lifted the cloak on his head, revealing his handsome face.
"Hello, Bilbo Baggins." He said with a smile: "It's so late and you are still out. Has the Hobbit adventure begun again?"
"Prince of the forest." Bilbo said happily: "Perhaps the elves can travel under the stars, but the hobbits' feet and stomachs cannot withstand the cold wind and hungry stomachs, so a bonfire is the best for us. Commendation.”
The elves all laughed, feeling the same kindness towards the legendary hobbit, and both parties stopped here, for their destination was the same.
Some of them took out the elves' food and took care of the horses, and some bowed to the wizard. Finally, they sat together and talked about it in front of the warm campfire.
"Young Legolas, it seems that you have also found the other half of the elf. There has not been an elf union in Middle-earth for many years. Your love will be blessed by the mighty one in the west." Gandalf may also have heard this. Telling the story of the Elf Prince of the Woodland Kingdom and Tauriel, he said: "The blood of Oropher will multiply in you, and your descendants will enjoy the blessings of the Western Holy Land."
At that time, Tauriel was keenly aware of the prophecy from the wizard's mouth. She said: "But the Silvan elves have never heard the call of the saints. Our love for the ocean is far less than the forest, and I hope they will live with their parents." They multiplied for a while in the places they passed, until their hearts filled with longing for their relatives in the west, and then they decided whether to cross the sea to the west and listen to the holy music."
Gandalf said: "As it should be!"
Then they stopped talking about it. But Bilbo and the other elves have understood that the combination of the two will bring a new power.
Legolas held Tauriel's hand, his eyes full of love.
Bilbo was very happy to see his friends happy, but at that time all his mind was occupied by his books, and he didn't think love or life were important. He thought: This is indeed a very wonderful day. news, but I’m more curious about the holy land in the West they talk about.
Maybe I can go and have a look one day?
Thinking this way, Bilbo's fingers couldn't help but touch a pocket on his left side.
That night, the elves, wizards and hobbits sat around the campfire, eating, drinking, and talking eagerly, and spent a wonderful night.
the next day.
Bilbo and the others set off again.
After walking for most of the morning, Bilbo and the others were very close to the royal capital of Elpera. The stretching dusk hills ahead stood far away at the end of the sky. The lush vegetation painted the mountains green, making this mountain range look more relaxing than the several mountains Bilbo had ever seen.
On a branch on the east side of the mountain, a stone tower stands high on the top of the mountain.
There are guards guarding it.
At the foot of the mountain, the Balanduin River turned a big bend here, forming a huge river valley plain. The land here is fertile and the water source is abundant. The slaves who had been rescued by the Silver King turned into new farmers, cultivating and planting here. After years of hard work, this place has finally become extremely rich.
Here, cultivated land and orchards can be seen everywhere, as well as farms with their own barns, mills, stables, and cowsheds. Like the fishermen living in Lake Nenvio, they built the new kingdom of Elpera. Stone foundation.
In addition, the kingdom established a sentry post on the mountain to protect the surrounding residents of Elpera and also to collect taxes here.
In fact, as soon as Bilbo and his friends appeared on the horizon, the guards on the sentry noticed them. A group of elves rode down from the mountain on tall white horses.
They held a king's banner, on which was a dragon with outstretched wings. That is the sign of the Silver King.
The leader is none other than Galdo.
"Welcome. Lord Mithrandir! And Legolas of the Woodland Kingdom. And of course, you, Bilbo Baggins of the Shire." His hair was silver, and he wore a silver turban on his head. The forehead crown is handsome and elegant. He and Legolas are of the same race, both Sindar elves.
"Master Turka asked me to wait for you on the ground. Now, you are finally here." He said.
"Good day, Elf." Gandalf, like a coachman, raised his whip and stopped the carriage, and then said: "I hope we are not too late."
Legolas also smiled and nodded to his kin in the north to show respect.
Galdo smiled and said: "No. The dwarves are later than you. Their journey is far away and they set off later, but I believe they will arrive at the right time just like you."
"At the right time," said Gandalf, "that's a good word. It's better than on time, because it allows us to have more associations. But now, I hope to reach Lord Turka's kingdom in time, Because I still have a lot to say to him before the wedding."
Galdo nodded: "That's it."
So both sides, led by Galdo and others, marched towards Annuminas.
Along the way, Bilbo looked around excitedly and curiously, almost refusing to let go of any small tree, creek, or farmland.
They passed through vast orchards and farmsteads, and followed the foothills of the Dusk Downs, with the Baranduin River on their right. The shadow of the dusk hills always shrouded them, and the cool breeze was blowing, which was perfect for their journey.
After two hours of galloping, Bilbo finally saw a magnificent city built on a hillside.
Just at this time, the sun climbed to the middle, and the light of Yareen pierced the Beigan Mountains in the east, sending out a beam of light that illuminated the front of this huge city built by the ancient Númenóreans.
Annuminas!
Bilbo almost screamed.
I saw a tall stone tower shining brightly against the Sunshine Tower, glittering and translucent, like a long needle made of pearls and silver. It was tall, beautiful and well-proportioned, and the dazzling spire seemed to be made of crystal.
Snow-white flags fluttered in the morning breeze on the battlements of the multi-layered city wall, and a huge city gate stood between the lower walls. Nengweiao Lake is on one side of the giant city. The sparkling waves make the stone city here even more beautiful.
"This is the City of Kings!" Bilbo murmured: "Although I have never seen the legendary Holy White City, I think that compared with it, this royal capital of the Silver King is not far behind, even if it is not as good. Stay away!”
As if to echo his praise, as they approached, a clear silver horn sound came from a high place, echoing in the mountain stream, on the lake, and in his ears.
A group of cavalry galloped out of the city.
The humans led by Hal Barad also came out to greet them.
"Welcome!" the new King's Deputy Prime Minister said loudly: "Dear guests from afar, my King has been waiting for you for a long time."
Gandalf and Legolas saluted the young but heroic human deputy at the same time. They walked along the wide and clean avenue through the wide open city gate.
Bilbo discovered that compared to the comfort and tranquility of the elves, the capitals built by humans in the north were more magnificent; and compared with the dim and spectacular old homes of the dwarves, the human capitals were brighter and neater.
It is like a light that shines on everyone's heart, giving people hope and courage.
Let Bilbo never forget it.
People are very enthusiastic about the arrival of guests. Many people walked out of their homes, laughing and extending their hands of blessing to them. "Welcome!" the people in the city shouted: "Welcome to Annuminas!"
Bilbo almost blushed with excitement.
The hobbits in the carriage were the most blessed, for they had all heard the story of the legendary snitch, and the name Baggins was more respected than it was east of the Shire and Bree.
There's no other way, why would the guardian of the newly born Elpera Kingdom be a giant dragon?
When the Silver King Turka Aracano returned to the north riding a dragon, stories about dragons, magic, swords and treasures were spread throughout the northern land.
The Lonely Mountain, the dwarves, and the hobbits have also become new legends that the residents of Annuminas talk about more after dinner.
The Shire, which is quiet and peaceful but relatively isolated, has never connected the hobbits in this story with Bilbo Baggins in Bag End.
