"I say, monsieur, that you have a mind of metal and wheels, and see only the outward workings of the machine, like the scholar who studies the works of Trolquien to discover the plate tectonics that led to the sinking of Mordor, in ignorance or indifference to the superb artistry and deeper intentions with which he writes. You view an ent as firewood, a balrogue as a renewable energy source, and a literary classic as a means to show yourself cleverer than your adversaries. Thus you are blind to those whom Érou and the Valards have placed above all the ministers and kings of the earth, and veritably an invasion of dragons or trolls would benefit your civilisation enormously."
-- The Count of Monte Fato
On the 2nd of Naréal, 1838, of the calendrier du Shiré, chez Réginard de Pérégrin, a brilliant assemblage of young people await a mysterious stranger who goes under the name of the Count of Monte Fato. His unusual name, and the air of "canards de Brie" that attaches itself to every account of his exploits, exercise the Saroumandian irony of the young people. The hobbites were ever apt to laugh fatuously when the Shadow was in their very midst.
