I reforged the glory of the magic ring in Middle-earth

Chapter 159 Farewell, Bilbo

"Could you tell me more about the Black Gate?"

After lunch, after Tanes had helped Bilbo clean the table, he asked Roger and Darian.

Bilbo then washed his hands and said, "Uh, should I go to the study and look for some books about the Black Gate?"

“Thank you so much, Bilbo,” Tanes said.

Bilbo placed a book, larger than his own head and with yellowed pages, on the table in front of Tanes and the others.

With a smile, he introduced the book to Tanis and the others: "This is the book. It was left to me by my great-great-great-grandfather. I haven't looked at it in a long time."

Roger took the book and started flipping through it.

He read very quickly, and as Bilbo served the second dessert to Tanes and the others, reaching for a piece of cheese that smelled of milk, Roger closed the book.

Roger picked up the still-warm teacup in front of him, took a sip, and smiled at Bilbo, saying, "Thank you for the tea and the book. The information about the Black Gate in the book differs slightly from what I heard on my journey, but it doesn't have much of an impact."

Bilbo shrugged: "The book is probably older than me, so it's understandable that it's a bit different from what it is now."

Tanes looked at Roger, who had already learned the basic information about the Black Gate from Bilbo before Bilbo brought the books.

The Black Gate, also known as Morandon or the Gate of Mordor, is a massive gate forged by Thorin, the Dark Lord, during the Second Age.

In the Third Age, although the Black Gate changed hands several times between humans and Orcs, it is currently occupied by a group of Dúnedan Rangers who are constantly preventing the Orcs and followers of the Dark Lord from leaving Mordor.

Tanes said thoughtfully, "In other words, a large number of Orks were trapped inside the Black Gate by those Dúnedan Rangers?"

Roger nodded: "Hmm...you're not wrong to think that way. I remember that during the time you were away from the territory, two rangers from the Black Gate came to Neferi Lou."

Tanes replied, "It was because Neferi mentioned the Black Gate to me first that I became interested when you brought up this place. Speaking of which, take this opportunity to tell me about Mount Gondabad in the north?"

Roger smiled and said, "Mount Gondabad, it has something to do with you and Bilbo, actually."

Tanes and Bilbo both looked puzzled, and Bilbo asked curiously, "Why?"

Roger replied, "From what I understand, the Orks and War Wolves you encountered on Lonely Mountain came down from Mount Gondabad, which is why the roads around Mount Gondabad are much safer."

Tanes pondered, "If that's the case, then Azog took most of the Orks, so there must be very few Orks left on Mount Gondabad. We should definitely go to the Black Gate first; there seem to be more Orks there."

Roger picked up a biscuit from his plate, eating it as he nodded. "Indeed. But Darian and I were just about to return to the Golden Tree Territory. If it weren't for the fact that Bilbo's house had been broken into by thieves, Darian and I would probably have already gone back. Otherwise, Darian and I would have accompanied you and Miss Melina to the Black Gate."

Tanes shrugged: "It's alright. Melina and I are going to the Valley of the Dead after we leave Hobbiton, so you can go back first."

Before Roger could answer, Darian abruptly stood up from his seat and said urgently, "Let that impious fellow Roger go back by himself! Lord Tanes, I am willing to stay by your side, to spread your laws, and to protect your safety at all times!"

Roger sighed, patted 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 joining her on her long trip with Tanes." "Uh, what are you talking about... um..."

Darian wanted to retort instinctively, but he caught a glimpse of Melina out of the corner of his eye and realized that she had indeed become slightly dissatisfied after he suggested joining, just as Roger had said. He immediately swallowed the rest of his words.

Tanes shook his head and declined Darian's offer, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Darian. However, there is something I forgot to mention. During the time you were away, I summoned the royal city of Rodel to this world. Although General Ratan led the Red Lion Legion back to the territory before I left, there are still not enough available manpower. After you and Roger return this time, I'm afraid Neferiru will not release you as easily as before."

Roger's eyes widened slightly, a look of surprise flashing across his face, before he nodded: "I understand."

Tanes then looked at Darian and said, "So when you go back this time, I need to ask you to help Neferi and the others share some of the responsibilities, otherwise they are too busy."

Darian replied firmly, "Please rest assured, Lord Tanes, I will certainly help you resolve your difficulties!"

It's about helping Neferi and the others. Well, helping them is also helping me, so that's not wrong.

Tanes sighed inwardly and did not correct Daryan's statement.

Nothing else went wrong for the rest of the day, and that evening, Bilbo warmly cooked a hobbit-style dinner for his friends, which he continued until the next day when he saw Tanes and his companions off.

At the entrance to Bag End, Bilbo watched Tanes and the others preparing to leave, opened his mouth, but didn't know what to say.

This period of experience is the most unforgettable experience of his life so far.

Bilbo had a premonition that even when he was old, he would vividly recall the journey to Lonely Mountain.

"Bilbo, we're leaving! Come visit the Golden Tree Territory more often when you have time!" Tanes reached out and pulled Melina onto Torret before waving goodbye to Bilbo.

Bilbo waved and shouted, "No, I still prefer to stay at home, but I will never forget everything about Lonely Mountain and the Golden Tree!"

Tanes laughed, "Then let Thorin and the others come find you! Goodbye, Bilbo Baggins!"

Bilbo remained at the entrance to Bag End, unwilling to leave even after Tanes and the others disappeared from his sight, until his legs went numb before he returned to the house.

He closed the door to the bag bottom cave, looked at the quiet house, and a lonely expression appeared on his face.

However, when Bilbo habitually reached into his pocket and touched a forgotten magic ring, he immediately took it out, revealing a satisfied expression and a fascinated gaze.

After leaving Hobbiton, Tanes and his three companions had to part ways at a fork in the road.

Before leaving, Roger told Tanes, "If you want to go to the Black Gate, you can find a ranger named 'Talion.' He and another of his kind came to the territory to see you before."

Tanes waved goodbye to Roger and the others: "Talion? I'll remember that name."

(End of this chapter)