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They flew toward the edge of the vast lake.
Shannol told Lazarus to skim low along the shore. She was clearly looking for some type of landmark that only she knew. The noxious stench of the Wilden woods was behind them, and the only scent Lazarus picked up was the reedy smells of water and mud.
Birds that looked like mallard ducks swam on the water's surface, even though night had swept in. The scene was serene and beautiful, but for some reason Lazarus felt homesick. He recalled a park his parent had taken him to, where the ducks flocked along the shore waiting for people to feed them bread.
The sounds of crickets and frogs resonated among the plants and waterways. The dark of the night rode was punctuated by the stars and the moon, that shone to cast a reflection on the water's surface. The ducks moved away from them.
The Alpha Grog spoke up. "Shannol, I think I see something. It's a small shack with a boat docked on a pier."
Lazarus couldn't see what Royce was talking about.
"Very observant," Shannol said. "I see it too. He’s the person who will help us."
Lazarus said, "We don't need him. We can fly toward the Caves."
"Aye," Shannol said, "that may be true. But you need to conserve your powers." She peered at the shack. "Ah, he is home. I see a light." A lantern appeared out the front of the shack.
Lazarus knew Shannol was correct. They needed to conserve their powers. He’d almost expended all his magic when he attacked the Dark Knight. He was not sure what would happen when his powers got low or when he could no longer cast any spells.
Lazarus flew toward the light and saw a dark figure holding the lantern. The man was gangly, with long arms and legs. The closer he got the more he thought he could recognize him. He lowered the party onto the shore.
"You have to stay here for now,” Shannol said. “I have to speak to Smaagol alone."
"Okay, go ahead. We’ll wait here."
They watched as Shannol approached the person holding the lantern. Lazarus noticed he had big eyes, and thought the name sounded familiar.
"That looks like the character in the Hobbit, though I cannot remember the name," said Royce.
Lazarus turned. "How do you know?"
"I watched the movies," Royce said.
Shannol spoke to Smaagol at length. The wind coming off the lake was cold and Lazarus shivered. Cindy came and stood close to him and he hugged her from behind.
"I'm hungry," Cindy said.
"I am too," said Grace.
Royce said, "There are a lot of deer and rabbits in the forest back there."
Lazarus nodded, and then smelled something tasty emanating from the shack, as Shannol walked back over to them.
"He will take us, leaving tomorrow. He has food for us in his home, and I will introduce you, but Smaagol is somewhat shy, so don't try and talk to him."
They followed Shannol over to Smaagol, who still held the lantern in his hands, so Lazarus could only see his face.
Shannol introduced them, and Smaagol answered in a high-pitched voice. "Nice to meet you, Alpha Mages. I will take you, because Shannol and I are good friends and you need help. I have food."
***
SMAAGOL'S HUT WAS BIGGER than it looked.
They ate at a small table, but the small man excused himself and left them alone to eat, sleeping in another part of the hut. They ate a tasty fish stew prepared with vegetable and boiled potatoes.
After they finished, they slept outside as there wasn’t much room in the hut.
Lazarus awoke the next day to the sound of birds and water gently lapping on the nearby shore. Cindy lay on the soft ground next to him.
He spotted the mysterious Smaagol on a large boat. He was spindly, and moved around on his arms and legs across the deck.
Shannol was awake, and placing several trees limbs on the fire. "Smaagol has dried beef sticks and fruit for breakfast."
Lazarus stood and stretched. Royce and Grace were both missing.
"Where are the others?" Lazarus asked.
"They decided to walk a little and get some fresh water for our canteens," Shannol said.
"They went together?"
The elf stared at him as if he was crazy, but she didn't know their personal history. "Yes, they went together."
The fire crackled beside them.
"Did Tolkien visit Smaagol when he was here?" Lazarus asked.
"Yes. Smaagol is a nice person. Don't let his shyness deter you," Shannol said.
Lazarus heard Grace and Royce approach. They were chatting, and Grace was laughing. Lazarus shook his head. They were getting along well.
Cindy roused herself from her sleep. "What’s that noise?"
"It's only Grace and Royce. They're talking."
Cindy stood and placed her hair in a ponytail, then looked at Lazarus. They were both surprised.
