The Shire Unprotected  

'I do not know what fate has befallen my kindred, but I fear for them. I fear too for the continued safety of the Shire, for I am but one man and cannot stand alone against the dangers that even now crouch on the borders.

'I last received word that the Captain of my people is at The Prancing Pony, an inn of Bree. I would ask you to speak to him at once, and tell him what has happened here. He must know that Eogan is somwhere in the wild, and that the rest of our people may be in danger.

'Go, Player. Travel east across the Brandywine River into Bree-land and find my chieftain. The man you wish to speak with is named Butterbur, the owner of the Prancing Pony. He will know my captain by the name of Strider. Hurry, for the Shire may well be unprotected.'

The Ranger Halros is greatly concerned that he was unable to find any of his kindred to stand with you against the threat of Lubach and Eogan, and worries that something has happend to them.

Objective 1

'Who was that you were looking for? Oh Strider, yes. Well, not that it's my business, but I wouldn't go near that Ranger out in the wild. He's a strange one, not that he can't tell a rousing tale when he's of a mind!

'Well, it's clear you've no mind to listen to me. Strider keeps to himself mostly. From the common room turn left down the hall -- pay no mind to the hobbit in the kitchen -- and keep on until you can only go right. Follow straight down that hall until you're at the foot of the stairs. Strider is in the room to the right of the stairs.

'Now, I've got paying guests to attend to, and no time to be chatting, if you know what I mean. It's just that busy!'

At this point, the quest chain changes from Vol. 1, Prologue - Shire Epic Prologue to Vol 1, Book 1: Stirrings in the Darkness
Leads To: Foreword: An Unwanted Guest