"Could you tell me more details about this place called the Black Gate?"
After lunch ended and Tarnes actively helped Bilbo clean the table, he asked Rogier and D.
Bilbo had also washed his hands clean by this time and said, "Uh, do you need me to go to the study and look for some books about the Black Gate?"
"That would be most appreciated, Bilbo," Tarnes thanked him.
When Bilbo returned carrying a book larger than his own head, with somewhat yellowed pages at the corners, and placed it on the table in front of Tarnes and the others.
He introduced it to Tarnes with a smile. "This is the one. It was left by my great-great-great-grandfather. I haven't looked at it for a long time."
Rogier proactively took the book and began reading through it.
He read very quickly. By the time Bilbo had served a second round of post-meal sweets to Tarnes and the others and reached for a fragrant cheese slice, Rogier had already closed the book.
Rogier picked up his still-warm teacup, took a sip, then smiled at Bilbo. "Thank you for the tea and this book. Though the information about the Black Gate written in the book differs slightly from what I heard during my travels, it doesn't significantly matter."
Bilbo shrugged. "This book might be older than me. It's natural for it to differ from current times."
Tarnes looked at Rogier. Even before Bilbo had brought the book, he had already learned basic intelligence about the Black Gate from Rogier.
The Black Gate, also called Morannon or the Gate of Mordor, was a massive gate built by the Dark Lord Sauron in the Second Age.
In the Third Age, though the Black Gate had changed hands several times between humans and Orcs, it was currently occupied by a group of Dúnedain Rangers who constantly prevented Orcs and the Dark Lord's followers from emerging from Mordor.
Tarnes said thoughtfully, "In other words, large numbers of Orcs are being blocked inside the Black Gate by those Dúnedain Rangers?"
Rogier nodded. "Yes... you could think of it that way. I remember that during your absence from the territory, two rangers from the Black Gate came to see Nepheli Loux."
Tarnes replied, "It's precisely because Nepheli mentioned the Black Gate to me first that I became interested when you brought up this place. Speaking of which, while we have this opportunity, tell me more about Mount Gundabad in the north."
Rogier smiled. "Mount Gundabad. It has some connection to you and Bilbo."
Both Tarnes and Bilbo showed confused expressions. Bilbo asked curiously, "Why?"
Rogier answered, "According to what I understand, the Orcs and Wargs you faced at the Mountain all came down from Mount Gundabad. Because of this, the roads near Mount Gundabad have become much safer."
Tarnes mused, "If that's the case, then Azog took most of the Orcs away, so Mount Gundabad must have very few Orcs now. Indeed, I should visit the Black Gate first. It sounds like there are more Orcs there."
Rogier picked up a biscuit from the plate, eating while nodding. "Indeed so. However, D and I are planning to return to Golden Tree territory. If we hadn't encountered thieves breaking into Bilbo's house, D and I would probably have already gone back. Otherwise, D and I would definitely accompany you and Miss Melina to the Black Gate."
Tarnes shrugged. "It's fine. Melina and I still need to visit Rivendell after leaving Hobbiton anyway, so you should go back first."
But D suddenly stood up from his seat and spoke urgently, cutting off Rogier's response. "Let that faithless Rogier go back by himself! Lord Tarnes, I'm willing to follow by your side, spread your laws, and protect your safety at all times!"
Rogier held his forehead and pressed D back into his seat, reminding him in a voice only they could hear. "D, didn't you notice Miss Melina's expression? Clearly, she doesn't want a third person joining when she travels far with Tarnes."
"Uh, what are you saying... mm..."
D reflexively wanted to argue, but his peripheral vision caught sight of Melina, and he discovered she was indeed slightly displeased after he proposed joining, just as Rogier had said. He immediately swallowed his remaining words.
Tarnes shook his head and declined D's offer. "Thank you for your kindness, D. But there's something I forgot to mention. The Royal Capital Leyndell was summoned to this world during your absence. Though General Radahn led the Redmane Legion back to the territory before I left, available personnel are still insufficient. After you and Rogier return this time, I'm afraid Nepheli Loux won't let you leave as easily as before."
Rogier's eyes widened slightly in surprise, the expression flashing by quickly before he nodded. "I understand."
Tarnes looked at D again. "So when you return this time, I'm asking you to help Nepheli Loux and the others share some responsibilities. They're too busy otherwise."
D replied resolutely, "Please rest assured, Lord Tarnes, I will definitely help you solve problems and relieve worries!"
It's helping Nepheli Loux and the others, though helping them is also helping me, so that's not entirely wrong.
Tarnes sighed inwardly and didn't correct D's phrasing again.
Nothing else unexpected happened during the rest of that day. That evening, Bilbo enthusiastically prepared a hobbit-style dinner for his friends personally, seeing them off the next day.
At Bag End's door, Bilbo looked at Tarnes and the others preparing to leave, opening his mouth but not knowing what to say.
This experience was the most unforgettable period in his life so far.
Bilbo had a premonition that even when he reached old age, he would still clearly remember this journey to the Mountain in his memories.
"Bilbo, we're leaving! Make time to visit Golden Tree territory more often!" After helping Melina onto Torrent, Tarnes waved goodbye to Bilbo.
Bilbo also waved and called out, "No thanks, I still prefer staying home, but I'll never forget everything about the Mountain and the Golden Tree!"
Tarnes laughed. "Then I'll come visit you with Thorin and the others! Farewell, Bilbo Baggins!"
Bilbo remained at Bag End's doorway, reluctant to leave even after Tarnes and the others had disappeared from his view, until his feet went numb from standing before returning inside.
He closed Bag End's door and looked at his quiet home, showing a lonely expression.
However, when Bilbo habitually reached into his pocket and touched a forgotten magic ring, he immediately took it out, showing a satisfied expression with infatuated eyes.
After the four left Hobbiton, they also had to part ways at a certain crossroads.
Before leaving, Rogier said to Tarnes, "If you're going to the Black Gate, you can look for a ranger called 'Talion.' He and another compatriot came to the territory wanting to see you."
Tarnes waved goodbye to Rogier and the others. "Talion? I've noted that name."