Story Summary: Twelve-year-old Pippin Took is led into mischief by his distantly related cousin of the same age, Sancho Proudfoot. When some of their mischief culminates in a huge disaster, the Took's learn the dark secret the Proudfoot family has been keeping for generations.

Chapter Three Summary:

Pippin and Sancho have fun in Whitwell, but get a wee bit of a surprise when someone unexpectedly shows up there...

"Who Needs Enemies…"

Chapter Three

"Look at that! Och, for the love of…" Paladin got to his feet and stood shaking his head, one hand clutching the shattered spoke of the errant wagon wheel, the other swiping at the sweat on his brow with his gloved hand. He glowered at the result of hours of painstaking work and muttered a curse under his breath. Glancing around a bit guiltily but seeing no one close at hand, he uttered the curse again and then kicked the wheel for good measure. His regret was immediate and led to a new round of cussing as he hopped up and down clutching his foot.

Hobbits wore foot protectors for certain types of work for good reason but he rarely had use for the clumsy things. Paladin rubbed at his injured toe ruefully while considering he might rethink his position on that. Disgusted, he flung the spoke on the ground and limped away to sink onto the bench beside the barn door. He was about to call out to one of the farmhands when Milo Chubb poked his head around the corner and grinned.

"Problem, Pad?"

Paladin glanced over his shoulder and chuckled in embarrassment. "Nothing that a good dose of ale and a big hammer wouldn'a be curing."

"You been at that for some hours it looks like. When are you going to give it up and just go buy a new wheel, eh? You feeling stingy or something today?"

Paladin laughed. "No, that new wheel's sounding better all the time, that's for sure!"

"Aye, I'm not at all surprised." He tilted his head towards his own wagon. "What do you say I give you a lift into Whitwell so you can get one then? Be a good excuse for us to have a stop over to the Inn whilst we're there. Don't know if they sell hammers but they do have some fine ale!"

"That's mighty tempting but-"

"Oh, come now Pad, you know you're going to have to do it sooner or later. So what's wrong with sooner?"

"Well… but I've a good deal of work to do today."

"Isn't that what you've got hired folks for? And a son? Set the lad to work while we're gone, why don't you?"

Paladin snorted. "Aye, you'd think." He stood and scratched his head. "I can count on my help well enough but my boy is taking a good deal more supervision these days. I canna leave him on his own and expect all his chores are going to get done. Well, you know what I'm talking about."

His cousin shook his head. "No, I can't say I do, Pad. I tell my lads once and that's the end of it. They all know it's safer for their backsides if they listen the first time."

"Well, Peregrin seems to be at that age where he's just not hearing what anyone is saying unless he wants to," Paladin chuckled. "My wife calls it 'selective hearing'. Ah, give me a moment to let the missus know what I'm about then, and I'll be taking you up on that offer of a lift." He darted a look around and then peered into the barn. "I dinna see the lad anywhere right now. Hmm, he best be at his chores like I told him." Paladin placed two fingers in his mouth and gave a sharp whistle. "Hoy there, who's about?"

Young Tomias Hornblower poked his head out of the nearest stall. "Yes sir? I'm here, Mr. Took."

"You seen Pippin, lad?"

"No sir. Not for a couple hours or so at least, when he brung me them tools. Do you want me to look for him?"

"No, that's all right. I'm going to be gone for a bit, could you pass that along?"

"Yes sir, I will."

"I'll wait here for you." Milo nodded at his waggon.

Paladin pulled open the door to the smial and his daughter nearly ran into him, gardening basket perched on her hip. "Da! Mum was just sending me to fetch you. She needs something," Pimpernel called over her shoulder as she hurried past.

"All right, but I'm headed into the village." Paladin turned. "Will you check on Pippin for me, Nell? Make sure his work is getting done and he's not up to anything."

Pimpernel waved and nodded as she trotted towards the garden.

"Tina!" Paladin entered the kitchen and paused to allow his eyes to adjust to the dimness.

"I'm right here, Pad!" The muffled voice drifted from the pantry just before Eglantine peeked around the door.

"There you are. I'm heading into Whitwell for a wheel. I canna fix the one I was working on. Milo just showed up so I'm going with him."

"All right." Eglantine wiped her hands on her apron and stood on her tiptoes to give him a peck on the cheek.

"Nell said you were needing something?"

"Oh! Yes well, it'll keep 'til you get back. But have you seen our youngest?"

"No, but he should be in the hay barn about now, that is if he's keeping up with what I gave him to do."

Eglantine waved her husband on his way. "I'll find him then. Go on with you then, my love, so you can be back before dark."

"Aye, I shan't be gone for too awfully long." Paladin waved and shut the door, then bounded across the yard to the waiting waggon.

III

"Wait!" Pippin stumbled and stopped, leaning over with both hands on his knees as he gasped for breath, clutching at his side.

"What now?" Sancho slowed to a trot.

"I have a stitch in my side. I canna run anymore for a few minutes." The smaller hobbit leaned against the nearest tree and lowered his head, panting for air.

"Sheesh Pip. You're as slow as molasses, what's wrong with you?"

Pippin shook his head, annoyed, and continued puffing. "We're far enough away, we dinna have to run so fast now. Ease off, will you?"

"Well, all right if you're so sure. We're still not off your farm though."

"I'm well aware of that. We can always climb a tree if we see anyone." Pippin sank gratefully to the ground and willed his pounding heart to slow. He wasn't certain if it was caused by running or his fear of discovery, but either way he was having serious second thoughts about his impulsive decision.

"Where are we exactly?" Sancho glanced around curiously. "I don't recall having been this way before." He squinted over the fence at the dark shape in the far end of the pasture. "What's that?"

"That, Sancho, is a bull. Have you never seen one before, lad?" Pippin snorted, pleased he could get in a jab at his friend.

"Hmph. Overgrown cow."

Pippin snorted as he got to his feet. "Hardly. Given a choice I'd much rather be keeping company with a cow than with this fellow."

Sancho climbed onto the fence for a closer look. Placing his fingers in his mouth he whistled shrilly. The large animal began to amble in their direction.

"Sancho," Pippin warned, "dinna be enticing him to come closer. He can be dangerous."

"What? He doesn't look particularly dangerous Pip. What's the problem?" Sancho already had one leg over the fence preparing to jump into the pasture. Pippin sprang on his cousin and grabbed his leg, yanking him roughly to the ground. "Get down you silly fool!"

"Oww, watch it!" Sancho clambered to his feet and scowled. "Sheesh, you're overreacting just a tad, aren't you? He looks tame enough. What are you so frightened of?"

"Are you truly that daft?"

"Who are you calling daft?"

"YOU! I'm calling you daft and I'll say it again if you let yourself down into that pen."

Sancho stared at him for a moment, a slow smile creeping over his face. "Hmm. That bad huh?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Pippin eyed him in suspicion.

"I get it Pip. A bull is not to be trifled with." He continued to grin.

Pippin tilted his head. "No, Sancho. Whatever it is you're thinking, the answer is no. N. O."

"Oh, pish! I'm not thinking anything in particular. You're always so mistrustful."

Pippin grunted. "And rightly so. Just look at me now. You get to thinking and then poof, here I am!" He flopped down under the crabapple tree and tossed a piece of the fruit in Sancho's direction. "I'm going to be in so much trouble again and it's all your fault."

"My fault? How do you figure that?" Sancho dodged the projectile, laughing. "Really Pip, you do have quite the imagination."

Pippin glared and threw another apple.

"If you want to go back, then do it. I guess you're losing your nerve. Perhaps I should go find some other lads to pass the time with. Some who will appreciate my sense of humor." Sancho shrugged and climbed up to sit on the lowest hanging branch of the tree. He idly plucked at the fruit and tossed a few apples to the ground.

"You think a great deal of yourself, dinna you?" Pippin asked without looking up.

Sancho didn't answer. Instead he tossed a crabapple into the pen and watched the bull thoughtfully. The animal ignored him so Sancho tossed another apple, more forcefully this time. It landed at the bull's feet and he raised his head to eye the youngster.

"Sancho. Dinna be doing that."

"Doing what?" Sancho grinned and threw another one. He glanced up, startled when the beast made a loud snorting noise and pawed at the ground.

Pippin swore an oath under his breath and scrambled to his feet. "Let's go." He started off across the field.

"Isn't that the wrong way?" Sancho slid off the branch, hitting the ground on his hands and knees, then springing up. "I thought you were going home?"

"Only way into the village I'm aware of," Pippin muttered.

"Can't figure this lad," Sancho's grin widened and sprinted after him.

III

Pippin began to feel a little better when they arrived in Whitwell and the activity of the shoppers drew his attention temporarily away from his worries. He was already wishing he'd put some coins in his pocket that morning and wondered why he hadn't thought of it. He'd been so sure he could talk his da into letting him go for the day. That thought brought a frown to his face. It was not going to be a pretty sight when he returned home, not if Mum and Da had noticed he was nowhere to be found. Of course there was always a chance they hadn't, but then one of his nosey sisters were certain to realise he hadn't been around for some time. Especially Vinca. That lass always did her best to see to it he got caught out at anything he was trying hard to get away with. May as well make the most of his situation then, because he probably wouldn't see the light of day again for a month if he got caught.

He hurried to catch up with Sancho who had already sprinted out of sight. He spied his cousin coming back down the road, dodging the busy crowd as he ran, a sweet roll in each hand and a huge grin on his face. He caught up to Pippin and handed him one, then ran around the corner of the shop. Pippin accepted the sweet and followed. "I'm glad one of us remembered to bring some money." He clambered up onto the split rail fence and began munching.

Sancho climbed up next to him. "Who brought money?"

Pippin coughed, nearly choking on his mouthful. "What? You did."

Sancho shook his head back and forth cheerfully, crumbs spilling down his shirt. "Not me. Did you?"

"But…but how…oh, you didn'a! You stole these?"

"Pip! Stealing is such a harsh word, don't you think?"

"Tell me you didn'a steal these."

"I didn't steal them."

"All right. Whew." Relieved, Pippin resumed eating. "Well, how did you get them? If you didn'a bring any coins. Did someone offer them to you?"

"No."

"Well, what then?"

"See that old hobbitess?" Sancho pointed without looking up from his treat.

Pippin squinted down the road. "Yes, I think so. Did she-?"

"I pinched them when she wasn't looking."

"WHAT? You said you didn'a!"

Sancho looked puzzled. "No, you told me to say I didn't."

Pippin sighed. "Sancho, how could you? Och, we're going to be in so much trouble."

"No we're not. We didn't get caught. Sheesh! Worry wart." Sancho stuffed the remainder of the roll in his mouth and hopped down. Come on! There's a great deal more to do, so let's go!" He turned and ran down the street, laughing and waving for him to follow.

Pippin hesitated, staring guiltily at the half eaten sweet roll in his fingers. His conscience gave him a mighty tug and he pushed it away with some effort, tossing the rest of the food on the ground. He wiped sticky fingers on the seat of his britches before hurrying away.

III

"Pippin? Where are you?" Pimpernel searched the hay barn, the loft, and several other favorite hiding places of her brother's before she heard her mother calling. She slid down off the ladder and hurried outside.

Eglantine's voice was filled with excitement. "Come quickly m'lass! Oh my!"

Nell sped towards the big barn unsure what to expect. Slipping inside she was greeted by a small gathering of the farm labourers as well as her mum and sisters. She peeked into the stall they surrounded and squealed with delight. "Oh! Oh, Orangeblossom!" Pimpernel fell to her knees beside her favorite cow and gently petted her head. The soft brown eyes of a newborn calf gazed up at her. "Mum, I thought she had another week at least?"

"Well now, I suppose Orangeblossom had other ideas, eh?"

Pearl chuckled. "She certainly did!" Looking around she asked, "Where's Pippin? He wouldn'a want to miss this."

"Um, I didn'a find him yet. I was almost up to the loft when I heard Mum call. I thought something was wrong so I came straight away." Nell continued patting the cow.

"You want me to look for him Mum?" Pervinca asked. "I can find him quick enough, I know all his favorite hiding places."

Eglantine was distracted and waved her daughter off. "Aye, if you want to have a look around for him that's fine. He needs to get his chores done before your father gets home or he'll likely get his backside warmed."

Pervinca skipped off, pleased to have her mother's blessing to seek out and boss around her brother. She almost hoped he was loafing somewhere, perhaps even not doing his chores so she could chew him out and threaten to tell on him.

III

"It's getting late." Pippin eyed the sun that was sinking low in the afternoon sky. "I think we should start back home."

Sancho looked his companion over with cool consideration before replying. "Still hoping they don't know you're gone?"

Pippin cheeks flushed. "Well, it wouldn'a be breaking my heart any if they didn'a miss me yet." His stare was frosty. "It almost sounds like you want me to get in trouble."

"Of course not." Sancho slapped him hard on the back and Pippin stumbled, grimacing. "Whenever you get in trouble you're miserable to be around for days. And besides, you're almost always put on restriction so it's twice as hard getting you to sneak off."

"Right. Still thinking of yourself, I see."

"You've got to look out for yourself lad, no one else will." Sancho saw the look on Pippin's face and relented. "Oh, come then, we can go. It's almost supper time anyway."

"I just dinna understand how come your parents let you go off all you want to," Pippin grumbled as they strolled down the much quieter street. "Mine seem to be after me every minute to do something - 'Pippin do this lad, oh, Pippin please do that, hurry up now Pip, we've lots for you to get done today, no Peregrin, you canna go anywhere today, you have chores'…"

"Just lucky, I suppose." Sancho chuckled at his cousin's mimicking. He was about to join in when they both startled upon hearing Paladin's unmistakable Tookish brogue close at hand. Pippin spent a mercifully brief moment watching his short life pass before his eyes before realising his father was not addressing him.

"Get down," he cried, yanking Sancho to the ground beside him. They peered around the waggon that sat next to the main street's inn and Pippin's eyes grew wide when he spied his father leaving the tavern with their neighbor. The two were talking and paid no mind to the youngsters crouching behind the horses standing next to Mr. Chubb's carriage.

"Oh, sweet Eru's ghost!" Pippin hissed. "Where did they come from?"

"Uh, from in the pub, Pip." Sancho nudged him, enjoying his discomfort.

"But what is my da doing here?"

"Looks to me like he's enjoying an ale with his friend. Hmph, wasn't he saying he had all that work to do today? Wonder how come he's here then, and drinking ale no less." Sancho frowned in thought. "Hmm, maybe your da wasn't being all that truthful with you?"

Pippin shook his head. "No. There has to be a good reason why he's here." His eyebrows shot up in alarm. "Oh, sweet. . . what if he's looking for me?"

They continued watching as Paladin and Milo rolled away. Pippin leaped to his feet, frantic. "I have to get home! If Da really is looking for me there'll be no end to the trouble I'm in!"

"He didn't look upset." Sancho watched thoughtfully as the waggon rolled down the road. "Pip, listen. If he is, then your goose is already cooked."

"Aye, but staying missing for even longer isn'a going to help me!"

"Get hold of yourself, Peregrin! We'll have time on the way back to think up a good excuse for you. And you need to calm down. Otherwise, when you try to lie your way out of this it'll be a good deal harder."

"What? Lie? I canna lie!" Pippin protested as he sank to the ground and lowered his head into his hands with a groan. "I'm not good at lying. You know that."

"Hmph, don't I!" Sancho plunked down beside him and draped an arm over his shoulders. "It's like I told you. You have to learn how to be better at this. Else you'll get caught every time."

"You mean be sneakier. Like you." Pippin shook his head back and forth, still cradling it in his hands.

"Exactly!"

"I dinna know if I can do that."

"Come, certainly you can." Sancho clambered to his feet and gestured at the road. "I'll help you."

Pippin couldn't help thinking that was exactly what he was afraid of.