And so it was, on a breezy, warm autumn night, a great disturbance occurred outside of Waymeet. It was like seven chickens clucking out in unison, then suddenly darting off for the Shire borders. A group of hungry-looking hen herders followed close, clearing the way ahead so neither fox nor fowl would eat their feathered friends.
On the initiative of master Osterby, several chickens assembled for a daring run from Sandson’s farm to the Trollshaws. Plucky poultry (owned by Isembold, Jerremiah, Ormaldana, Sevelda, Simbo, Tassler and yers truly) were skilfully herded through the Shire and off ter Bree, where a short bath in a public fountain ensued. Drinks were had upon the arrival at the Forsaken Inn a bit later in the day. The fowls were not allowed ter enter the inn, a right shame since them barnyard birds would likely feel right at home with the regular crowd there.
The five herders; Osterby, Lully, Nimelia, Tessey, and Tibba; cleared the path ahead into the Lonelands, ably assisted by passing travellers who joined the herding. They likely hoped the chickens were meant for lunch; at least one dwarf had a hungry look in his eyes and kept chuckling as he stroked his axe. The escort was sadly unable ter prevent a tragic accident midway through the barren hills. Two crows swept down and snatched two of the plucky pedestrians, reducing the flock of fowls to five. Them chicken carcasses were summarily rounded up fer a later meal before the run continued.
As the party neared the Trollshaws, two more herders appeared almost magically ter help herd the remaining roosters. The rest of the journey was a prolonged spectacular fight between livestock and nature, as brutal bears and terrifying trolls threw themselves at the party. Over the High moors, even a few bold badgers tried ter snatch themselves an easy meal, without success. The hen and their herders soon entered the valley of Rivendell and flew down the hills towards the stables. Much celebratory flapping ensued!
The remaining energies were spent on a massive music and dance display, with lots in the way of pie shared. That alone was enough to make the participants promise to join similar runs later. Hooray!
[…] Here’s a similar event we did back in 2011! […]