The Promise
Chapter One
"No, Eglantine! You'll not talk me out of it this time. My mind's made up and I most certainly willna be changing it!"
"Now, Pad. You've got yourself all worked up into a snit and that's for sure! No doubt old Shirriff Smallburrow rather enjoyed catching Peregrin in his wee bout of mischief last night and couldna hardly be waitin' to get over here and spill the beans! He's a fine one to be talkin' 'bout hobbits that like the pubs. Why, he spends the better part of his time there, now doesn't he? Just a lyin' in wait for the likes of a lad like ours to find something to get into and then come a runnin' to squeal on him to his folks!"
Eglantine huffed, and without taking so much as a breath of air, started in again. "I've got no use for the likes of that one, Paladin! And how dare he suggest we don't know how to keep track of our young ones and just let them run amuck—RUN AMUCK—and do as they please! Why, I've half a mind to go after him and wallop him hisself! How DARE he, I say, how DARE--"
Paladin took a deep breath and grasped his wife's quivering shoulders gently as he steered her into the nearest chair and squatted down beside her. Eglantine quieted and regarded her husband expectantly, tilting her head to one side as she watched him. Paladin placed his finger across her lips.
"Sshh now, my love. You had best settle down. While you're standing there talkin' about me working myself into a rage, take a look at yourself my dear. Why, you're all red in the face, you are!" He laughed. "Why, right now I'd be swearing you come by the Took blood somewhere else besides just being my wife. Aye, you're sure looking and acting like a natural born one, you are!"
Eglantine began to smile and then to chuckle. Finally she sighed. "Aye, Pad. You're right. Why, I don't know what came over me!"
"Sure you do. You look like that anytime someone's threatening one of your little ones, Tina. It's the motherin' instinct, I guess. Makes you lose all sensibility, where our boy's concerned at least."
"What? Now Pad, you can't be accusing me of losing my sensibilities! That Shirriff had no right to come in here suggesting Pippin is out of control. What does he know about it, anyway? And tellin' us we need to be tanning his wee backside more often. And even recommending you use a switch on him! How dare he? Why, I think--"
Paladin placed his finger on her lips again. "It's all right my dear. You and I know we tend to our children well and there's nothing he or anyone else can say about it that means anything of importance to us. Isn't that right?" His wife nodded.
Paladin stood and stretched out the kink in his back. "All right then. When Peregrin gets home tonight we'll have some talking to do and there's no doubt about it." Paladin began to pace about the room. He sighed heavily. "The fact remains that he's disobeyed us yet again! And got several things to be answering for this time. As far as I'm concerned, old Smallburrow was right about the one thing." Paladin stopped pacing and looked at his wife, his jaw set firmly. "And you know what that is."
"Aye, I know all right, and I don't care for it! Especially since the Shirriff is the one who's suggestin' it!"
"He needs a good hard lesson this time and he's gonna be getting one!"
"But Pad, you know you canna be dealing with this in the state of mind you're in! You need to cool off dear. You know I'm right, now. Go on with you and take a long walk or something. Then we can talk some sense." Eglantine shooed her husband on his way.
Paladin let out a disgruntled "Hmph!" and shook his head in annoyance as he stalked out the door. Best to let her have some time for it to sink in, he thought. I'll not be backing down this time and that's all there is to it! Heading for the barn he continued to mutter under his breath. Opening the big door he strode in and slammed it hard, causing the nearby window to rattle. He paused to collect his thoughts. Taking several deep breaths Paladin placed his hand on one of the stalls and tried forcing himself to calm down. Ripples of anger coursed through his body and he gave up, choosing to pace around the barn instead, alternately kicking hay bales and slamming his fists down on the tool bench. Confound that boy and his mischief! I'll be teaching him to mind me if it's the last thing I ever do!
Several of the hired hands looked up casually, watching Paladin circle the stalls and mutter to himself. They resumed their work unfazed by their boss's outburst. One or two even snickered quietly. No doubt the Took's youngest was up to his pointed ears in trouble once again.
Lying to me! He lied to me! Sneaking out, and in the middle of the blessed night no less! With no thought whatsoever for his own safety, and no concern for his mother or me if we were to wake up and find him gone. Going where he's not allowed without an adult in the daylight hours! And then looking me in the eye the next morning knowing what he's done. And no doubt trailing after his cousin who's bound to be up to the same mischief and encouraging him on! Well, I'm just going to have me a nice chat with Saradoc too then! We'll see what young Meriadoc thinks about that when he finds himself face down over his da's knee getting the strapping of his life! Well, if they thought they got a good lesson the last time they'd best think again.
Paladin plunked down on a bale of hay and crossed his arms. His expression twisted into an even fiercer scowl as he recalled the night not long ago when Pippin and Merry along with their older cousin Frodo, and Samwise Gamgee had sneaked out at night and caused a huge stir in all their families when they had awakened and thought the lads had gone missing from their beds. It hadn't taken long to put the puzzle together though. And there had been some very sore backsides as a result of that escapade.
He just has to push matters to the limit. Why, I never saw the like of it before in my whole life! I promised him – promised! Well, threatened was more like it he had to admit. Paladin sighed again. It was becoming a habit. He barely escaped a switching the last time but thanks to his mum's pleading I backed down. He shook his head. Oh, she hates the switch, that one! He smiled slightly. And no small wonder she did. It had struck terror in both their hearts as youngsters. And just as their parents had, he and Eglantine only resorted to its use for the most serious infractions. And this one certainly qualifies, he thought grimly. He's had his chance – no, several chances actually. A good deal more than I ever got as a lad! He loved his children dearly, there was no doubt about that. But he would not allow any of them to casually flaunt their disobedience in his face and get away with it.
Peregrin thinks he's just having a good time. I know for a fact the boy has a good heart and he's not deliberately trying to infuriate me. He's not daft after all, and he does worry from time to time about the well being of his backside! He's proven that to me before. He chuckled recalling some of the extreme measures his son had gone to in the past to avoid a licking. Ah, but he is on occasion extremely foolish in how far he's willing to test my patience with him. Not to mention how far he dares to push just to see how much he can get away with. Well, if he's needing to be shown once more just where the boundaries are he's about to find out, loud and clear.
Finally Paladin was satisfied with his level of control and exited the hay barn. He headed back to their home much more slowly than he had left and entered, taking a seat next to the fireplace and pulling out his pipe. Perhaps a smoke would help settle his nerves.
Eglantine looked up from her dinner preparations as her husband headed to his chair. Wiping her hands on her apron she nodded to Pearl to leave them alone for a time. She gladly headed off in the opposite direction, glancing at her parents as she left the room.
Paladin studied the fire intently for a time, all the while aware that his wife watched him. Sighing, he looked up and met her eyes.
"Don't say it."
"Say what, Pad? Why, I haven't uttered a blessed word since you came in."
Paladin fidgeted then sat back wearily in his chair. "I'm calm now."
"Yes, I can see that."
"And you're having my word that I'll be calm when he comes through that door."
"Good, dear."
"He's trying my patience again Tina."
"I know dear." She sighed and twisted the tea towel she still held before dropping it into her lap. "He's trying mine too I'm afraid."
"He thinks we don't know what he was up to. Tarnation! I'll not be lied to!"
"Pad, you're getting yerself all worked up again. You canna deal with our son in that state. Now, he'll be home soon and you need to be settlin' down. Then we can have a talk with him."
Paladin looked at his wife, eyes flashing. "Aye, we'll talk all right. And most of what I've got to say is gonna be said with a willow tree switch! A big one!"
Eglantine sighed again and laid her head against the back of the chair, closing her eyes and rocking gently. "I hate it when you use a switch on any of the children, Pad. It does sting so."
"Aye, it does! And that's the whole point. It'll make a lasting impression on the boy, even more so than my belt." Paladin studied his wife's face. "You know I have to do this Tina. I promised it to him last time he misbehaved. I made it very clear that the next time he acted up I'd be whipping his backside with a switch! And here it's only been what…surely no more than a month or so, and he's at it again. And in a big way no less and with him barely done being on restriction for the last time. Why, he didna pay any mind at all to what I told him! I willna have it Tina, not from any of our children and well you know it. And now I canna be going back on my word or it'll mean nothing to him."
Eglantine nodded reluctantly.
Paladin reached over and patted her hand
"Now dearest, you know it never did either of us any harm."
His wife snorted at his words. "Speak for yerself, Pad. "T'was always an experience to be remembered, and that's for sure!"
"Aye, a real eye-opener it was and no mistake! Something to be avoiding, if you're smart that is. I'm beginning to have some serious doubts where young Peregrin is concerned though. That boy seems to like pushing things just as far as he dares, and then some! I don't think they come any more stubborn." Paladin smiled at his wife, a twinkle appearing in his eye. "You're soft hearted, I know! For the most part anyway."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Eglantine eyed her husband.
"Well now I have heard you promise to tan his hide within an inch of his very life, and threaten to cut a switch yourself." Paladin grinned. "And you were looking like someone I wouldna want to be tangling with at the time!"
"Oh, well, when I have my ire up everyone better watch out," she said, returning the smile. "Oh, I know you're right. And of course I'll be standing behind your decision Pad. You know that, my love. I don't have to be liking it though."
"I didna ask you to like it Tina. But we need to show Peregrin we're in agreement on his punishment. There's naught else for it."
"Aye." Eglantine frowned at her lap and then looked at her husband. "What are you going to do then? Will you be going down to the willow and cut it now for when he gets home?"
"No. I'm thinking he needs to be cutting it himself."
Eglantine frowned again.
"Now, don't be givin' me that look, Tina. It's part of the punishment and you know it."
"Hmph. You going to wait until after supper then?"
"No, I want to get this done and over with as soon as he gets home. I'll--"
They looked up just as the door swung open and the subject of their discussion darted in wearing a huge grin.
"What's for supper? I'm flat out starvin'!" Pippin paused long enough to drop his fishing pole and pack inside the door before eagerly making his way to the kitchen where he began lifting the lids on the pots to see what was cooking.
Paladin exchanged a look with his wife and then raised his eyes to the ceiling as if seeking patience there. He drew a deep breath and let it out slowly. Eglantine patted his hand.
"Peregrin. Come in here."
Pippin started and dropped the lid of the pan he had been peering into with a loud clatter, immediately wary. He stared at the doorway to the next room not caring much for the gruff edge in his father's voice. His mother came rushing into the kitchen.
"Land's sake, Pippin! I thought you'd tipped the whole stove over." She shooed him away. "Go on now and talk to your da. I'll be back in a moment."
Pippin walked slowly back to the sitting room with feet of lead, his mind working rapidly. Had Mum or Da seen him slipping that sleeping herb into Great Auntie Pringle's tea a few evenings ago? He had only been trying to make her get sleepy and go to bed. She was so annoying. No, I surely would have been called on that already. What then? The little prank he'd played on Pervinca the other day? No, that was hardly worth mentioning. Hmm. What about those frogs he'd dumped in the girls' room? No, Pearl and Pimpernel still weren't certain it was him. They could've gotten in on their own, after all. Pippin allowed himself a small chuckle, remembering the dismay on Pearl's face and her suspicious looks. The little midnight trips to the pub with Merry? He sobered and slowed his steps even more. But there was no way they'd know about that! I was very quiet slipping out. Still…
Pippin appeared in the doorway and stopped. Paladin turned and frowned, then indicated the spot in front of him with an impatient gesture. He did not look happy. Pippin was fairly sure the outcome of this discussion wouldn't make him happy either. He had an uncanny sense about these things. Probably from having has so much experience getting into trouble, he mused. Pippin reluctantly walked the rest of the way over to his father and halted just barely out of arm's reach. Paladin couldn't help being amused. Oh lad, you don't realize I was your age once and I know all the tricks. If I wanted to reach you and fling you across my lap I'd have your hide in a mere second, regardless of where you stood. Paladin was tempted to laugh aloud for the briefest of moments. Pippin swallowed, mouth already going dry, and waited expectantly. Paladin cleared his throat and looked at his son sternly.
"Peregrin, there's something we would like you to be explaining to us."
Egalntine reseated herself next to her husband and noted the rising flush in his face. Easy my love, she thought.
"Yes, Da?" Pippin tried to appear casual and now wore his best innocent expression, just in case. The look was wasted on his father.
"We'd be liking you to tell us why you sneaked out the window of your room and ended up at the Green Dragon at all hours last night, not to mention consuming ale without permission." He watched with a bit of satisfaction as the lad blanched at his words and looked up guiltily. "Oh, and do explain the smoking also." Paladin folded his arms across his chest and leaned back in his chair to watch his youngest child squirm in the realization he'd been found out in his mischief once more.
"Ummm…" Pippin darted a look at his Mum. He failed to detect much sympathy radiating from her. Ohhh, you are in sooo much trouble lad! How did they find out? Pippin frowned, thinking hard. It didn't help. He dared to try the humorous approach. "Sleepwalking?"
His father was not at all amused. The thundercloud that appeared on his face told Pippin his flip answer hadn't been well received. Oops. Pippin watched his father's face flush a shade he hadn't seen since he'd tried to prove he could fly from off the barn roof when he was just a tiny lad. He'd thought his da was going to pass out that time and he wasn't so sure about this time either. At the very least it was painfully obvious his father was not in the mood to tolerate Pippin's humorous remarks.
Paladin spoke calmly. "You do know you are not allowed there by yourself at your age, much less in the middle of the night when we're believing you to be safely in bed, nor are you allowed to drink ale without our express permission. And the last I recall you have yet to be given our permission to take up smoking any of the longbottom leaf!"
Pippin's expression continued to grow more alarmed as Paladin continued the scolding. His gaze fell away from the angry face. Just how much does he know? He pulled his attention back to his da's words when Merry's name was mentioned.
"Am I correct in assuming that you were with your cousin?"
Pippin studied his feet. No use lying and making it any worse. It was obvious Da already knew a good deal more than he was letting on. Pippin sighed quietly in defeat.
"Aye Da. I was with Merry."
"Well, he's also due a good talking to and then some! And I'll be seeing he gets it!"
"Da…please don't blame Merry. Uncle Saradoc will be furious with him! It was all my idea to go there. Every time, honest!" Pippin stopped abruptly almost choking on his words in his hurry to stop talking. His mouth hung open as he stared at his father in horror. He heard his mother gasp. The words rang in his ears as his parents regarded him in stunned silence. Uh, oh! Now you've cooked your goose! It's all over but the shoutin' lad.
"And just how many times has this happened, boy?" Paladin's voice was dangerously quiet.
Pippin grimaced at the tone and swallowed hard. His mind raced. Should he tell the truth? It wasn't a good idea. Not with the number of times I've done it. Enough to have become so foolishly complacent about not getting found out! Pippin felt like kicking himself. A lie then? Also no good. Pippin struggled with the answer long enough to irritate his father even further.
"Ahem! Say no more then. It's quite obvious to me what you're about! You don't know whether to tell the truth or a lie because neither answer is a good one, isn't that right?"
Pippin continued to stare at his feet. He wiggled his toes in his nervousness and twitched when his father raised his voice a notch.
"Look at me Peregrin."
Pippin desperately wished Da would quit calling him by his full name. It only seemed to emphasize the severity of the trouble he was in. He forced his eyes to meet his father's. Their gazes locked briefly, Pippin's full of apprehension, his father's fairly smoldering with anger and determination.
"What did I tell you I would do, the very next round of mischief you were caught out for?" Paladin asked.
Pippin's heart skipped a beat as the word switch flashed through his mind. "Uhh…" He hesitated.
"Well?"
There was going to be no getting around it. "You…you said you'd cut a switch next time," he croaked, nervously shifting from foot to foot.
"Aye! Glad to see you remembered something for a change!" Paladin reached into his pocket and pulled out the small knife he kept handy and offered it to his son.
Pippin stared at it without moving and gulped audibly, then shot a pleading look at his mother. She shook her head and his heart sank all the way to his feet.
"I'm afraid you've earned this dear. Do as your father says." Eglantine's voice was firm.
"But! But I don't--"
"No Peregrin! I'll not be listening to any arguments nor will I stand for any temper tantrums this time! You will march yourself down to the willow tree and cut me a switch. I want it this long," Paladin indicated a space of about two feet between his hands, "And as big around as this finger," he leaned forward and tapped Pippin's index finger. Pippin lowered his eyes in shame and immediately felt his chin lifted. The action was not harsh but Paladin's expression was firm. "If you do not get a proper one I will send you back until you do. And that won't sit well with me because I'll know you're only trying to delay your punishment. So if you don't want to be earning extra licks young hobbit, you'll do it right the first time." He released his son's chin and reached for his hand. Placing the little pocketknife in it he closed the reluctant fingers around it. "Understood?"
Pippin nodded mutely turning away, the tears already spilling onto his cheeks. It looked like there was going to be no escaping it this time. He shivered, recalling the last time he'd got a switching for his foolishness. His parents always reserved it for the very worst behavior but still Pippin had not felt one on his backside in quite a long time. He was dreading every step as he made his way out the door and headed down to the brook.
Coming up over the small hill he headed downward and halted dead in his tracks. Oh no! There were several of the farm hands as well as two of his sisters hanging about. Pippin groaned aloud. Oh, how humiliating. I canna let them see! What will I do? Pippin glanced around quickly. There was no way he could get to the tree without being seen. He couldn't go back without the switch or Da was sure to drag him back down here by the ear and maybe even whip him in front of everyone. Pippin pondered his fate. Maybe Da will understand? Right. He rolled his eyes skyward and took a deep breath. I just may as well get it over with then. He inched up to the tree trying hard to go unnoticed. Someone immediately called his name.
"Pippin! Pip, come here!"
It was his sister, Pervinca. She and Pimpernel were seated at the edge of the little brook dangling their feet in the cool water. Pippin wondered if he could just ignore her. He took the knife from his pocket, fingering its cool handle. He tried to appear nonchalant as he studied the hardwood branches that grew at the foot of the tree, attempting to locate one that would meet with his father's approval and yet spare him a bit of pain. He soon came to the conclusion that it couldn't be done. Grimacing, he pictured his bare bottom meeting up with the horrid thing and couldn't help flinching in anticipation. Cursing aloud, he decided to just cut one and hope it was all right and then run like the wind to get away from the curious looks of his siblings.
As Pippin bent down to carry out his plan he felt something sharp pelt him hard in the backside and jumped, yelping in surprise. He peered at his sisters and saw Pervinca laughing and preparing to chuck more acorns at him. He managed to duck the next round. Straightening up he scowled in her direction.
"Whatever are you doing over there, Pip? Come here!" Both girls were beckoning to him now.
"Umm, I canna come right now!" Pippin raised his voice only slightly in a vain attempt to avoid the attention of the farm hands enjoying a respite from the day's heat beneath another tree on the opposite side of the water. He turned back to his task. Another acorn flew, popping him hard on the ear this time. Pippin yelped and whirled on his tormentor.
"Oww! Vinca, stop it will ya?"
Annoyed beyond belief, Pippin rubbed at his ear while wondering if he could slip the switch down the leg of his britches to hide it. He selected a limb and sawed at it angrily trying to hurry before the girls figured out what he was up to. Just as he pulled it free Pippin discovered they had wandered over to see what he was doing. He spun around meeting their wide eyes with his own and took a step back nervously, hiding the switch behind him. It was too late.
"Oh, Pip." Pimpernel shook her head sadly and pulled her brother's arm out from behind him. The object of his embarrassment dangled from his hand. "Whatever did you do now? Da's going to whip you?"
"I'd say that much is fairly obvious," Pippin retorted dryly.
"Well, what happened? Tell us!" Pervinca demanded.
Pippin glanced uneasily up the little hill. "I canna talk about it now. I have to get back or Da will be comin' for me. I've already taken too long!"
"Of course. Go! Before you get into even more trouble," Pimpernel urged her little brother as she patted him gently on the back.
"I dinna think that's even possible," Pippin admitted sadly.
"Well, might as well be getting it over with Pip."
"That's easy for you to say, Vinca." Pippin scowled at his sister and then wasted no more time in heading back up the hill.
Continued in Chapter Two