Chapter 38
Turn Tailed
"Frodo!" shouted Elbraad. "You must pay attention! You're not even looking at where your arrow will strike. Now try it again!"
"Elbraad, I don't think I'll be able to kill a wolf!" said Frodo. "My heart is just not in it."
"You better find it in your heart, Frodo! Or it could mean one of us dying or these ponies being killed," pointed out Elbraad.
Frodo looked at the skins of the wolves hanging in the sun to dry. Their beautiful long fur coats were as soft as a rabbit's fur. The gray and white color was magnificent to look upon. But Frodo also saw the ponies that he loved also lying dead in the snow covered corral. Frodo thought this was just too sad.
Frodo looked at his target just as Elbraad instructed him. Pulling back his bow, he let the arrow fly and it hit his target.
"You see, just like that!" said Elbraad. "You keep practicing, you'll have it down in no time."
Moss leaned on his bow as he watched Frodo. When Elbraad entered the barn, Moss followed him. "You know it as well as I do, Elbraad! Frodo will not be able to fight! He is a gentle hobbit."
"Sometimes, Moss when danger is upon you, your courage is found in a single moment. Frodo will do what he must!" said Elbraad.
"Are you willing to trust your life upon it, cousin!" said Moss.
"We have no other choice, Moss. We need that third bow-man!" said Elbraad. "Night is almost upon us. We must prepare ourselves!"
Elbraad called Frodo in the barn and locked themselves in. "Frodo you take the front window, while Moss, you take the right side window. I'll take the back of the barn. As soon as you see the wolves begin to fire. Remember if those wolves get in, there is no chance for us making it out again!"
Elbraad handed Frodo a belt with a knife and sheath attached to it. "Put this on Frodo, just incase."
Frodo's eyes widen as he buckled the belt around his waist. His heart pounded with fear thinking about what Elbraad had told him. He tried to calm his shaking hands as he took his place next to the window and prepared his bow.
The barn even though it was a sturdy pole structure with long boards running across the poles that held it up. There were spaces between each plank to give the animals fresh air to breathe. At the bottom, thicker planks of boards where nailed to prevent rotting of the wood. Each pony had its own stall and lined each side of the barn's wall. There was a larger area in the front with pens for other animals and an area to saddle the ponies. Big mound of a hay stack sat in one corner of the barn and a loft just above it. This is where most of the animal feed was placed in stacks or in piles such as fresh straw and dried grass. They also kept tools that they needed for repairing and building. There were three narrow windows to look out upon and one big wooden door to get the animals in and out of the barn. It was latched with a hook and a wooden piece of board nailed closer to one side. They would turn the wooden piece of board to lock the door tighter.
Elbraar nailed an extra board to prevent the wolves from climbing into the windows, running in the center, to the top and bottom of the window seal. This still gave them a space to shoot an arrow through.
The hours ticked by and the three did not speak a single word and stood at their window watching, as the blackness of the night envelop around them. Only the full moon shown brightly over head and gave some light to the yard they watched. Elbraad had only a couple lanterns burning, but the light was hardly enough to see each other as they waited in the darkness.
Frodo's eyes began to get heavy and he wanted to sleep. It was hard staying awake all night and he knew it would be dawn in a couple of hours. Frodo did not believe the wolves would come back.
Elbraad heard rustling of feet in the snow and the ponies began to neigh pulling against the rope that bind them to their stall. Moss heard Elbraad's twang of his bowstring as he let his first arrow fly and the loud howl of a wolf being hit. Snarling and growling echoed as the wolves paced along side the building.
Moss could not turn his bow sharp enough around the window frame to sight in an attack on the wolves. Three wolves paraded under his window as they were up against the building as they walked.
"Frodo, they are coming you way, prepare yourself!" shouted Moss.
Moss saw four wolves racing across the yard heading in his direction, having a clear shot, he fired his arrow and hit the wolf he aimed at. Pulling another arrow, the wolves separated as they ran. Moss aimed at another and shot again. The wolf yelped out loudly as it fell to the ground.
Moss could hear Elbraad as he shouted, "I've got three more on this side!" as he shot his arrows into the dark.
Frodo stood inches from the window and saw the long bushy tail of wolf as it went under his narrow window. He stood to the side pointing his arrow as the cold sweat poured down his brow. In a sudden surprise the wolf jumped up snarling as it tried to force its head in the window. Frodo jumped in shock as he fell backward and sending his arrow to hit the ceiling of the barn. Climbing to his knees, Frodo fumbled in trying to get his next arrow and reload as the board began to loosen from the window as the wolf pressed hard against it. Remembering Elbraad's words, if the wolves get into the barn they would all soon die. Frodo heard the twang of his friends bows being fired as he put an arrow in his bow and pulled back on the string. He kept his eyes upon the wolf and saw the white long fangs of its teeth and the fierceness of this beast. Letting go his arrow, he shot through the neck of the wolf and killed it as it died hanging in the window. Frodo tried to stand but noticed paw feet digging from under the barn door. Frodo shouted, "They are digging under the door trying to get in!"
"Stand ready Frodo and fire!" said Moss as he barked out orders as he fired upon another wolf.
Frodo stood before the door with his arrow pointed at the paws of the wolf. He noticed the wolf's nose struggling to get in. Frodo held in his breath trying to calm himself as he waited for a good shot. Within moments the wolf's head appeared and growled as it watched Frodo standing before him. Frodo let go of his arrow, but it hit the barn wall just above the wolf's head. The corner of the board broke as the wolf lunged into the barn. Frodo let out a loud gasp as Moss turned and fired killing the wolf at Frodo's feet. Frodo turned around to look at Moss, and when he turned back another wolf bounced on him knocking him to the ground.
Frodo only had time to bring his arms to cover his face as the wolf latched down upon both arms in its mouth. Frodo thought the wolf was going to ripe his arms from his shoulder as it shook him. Moss dived upon the wolf with his knife and plunged it into its neck. The wolf dropped instantly on top of Frodo and released his grip upon him. Moss pulled Frodo from under the wolf and yelled at Elbraad to climb to the loft. Moss half-dragged Frodo up the ladder as his arms had gapping holes and he was bleeding badly. Elbraad was at Moss's side and pulled Frodo and laid him down in the straw. Taking their bows and arrows they picked off the wolves one by one, as they would crawl through the hole dug under the door.
Elbraad took a hammer and broke a couple of wooden boards from the roof and climbed out. He stood on top of the roof and had Moss hand him up his bow and arrows. Shooting from the roof, Elbraad killed the pack that reminded outside.
The sun rose in the east when Elbraad picked up Frodo and ran him into the smial where Rose and Elanor watched from a window. The Cotton girls ran for their sewing kit as Elbraad directed them what to do. Putting Frodo on top of the table he held his hand over Frodo's arms to stop the bleeding.
Bell Cotton threaded a needle and handed it to Elbraad as he sewed the wounds shut. Frodo screamed and screamed until he fainted from the pain.
~*~
Opening the door to the guestroom Sam approached the sleeping hobbit and gently awoken him. "Fastred, Roise has made a fine breakfast for us. The election will be held at the Green Dragon very shortly. Time to get dressed," said Sam as he stood and watched Fastred yawn and stretch-out his arms.
"I'll be right along."
"Sorry to awaken you only after a couple hours of sleep, my son," said Sam as he began to head for the door.
Sam turned and looked over his shoulder and thought how glad he was that Fastred had come to help him. Sam wondered after this day, would he still be mayor of Hobbiton.
Shutting his door Sam walked back to the kitchen. Rosie had begun to dish up the plates. Seeing her husband standing in the doorway, she asked, "Sam, would you please get Ham. I've called him three times to come to the table, but he has not gotten out of his bed."
"Don't worry, my dear. I'll fetch him for you," said Sam. Walking out of the kitchen a loud knock came from the front door and Sam went to answer it.
"Meriadoc!" said Sam. "Welcome! Please come in."
"I heard the election will be at the Green Dragon this morning. I want to join you for your speech," said Meriadoc.
"This is a surprise, Fastred is here also. He'll be joining us as well," said Sam.
"Peregrin will meet us at the Green Dragon, later," said Meriadoc as he walked in and followed Sam to the kitchen.
Sam smiled thinking how wonderful it was to have such good friends who would truly support him.
Pouring Meriadoc a cup of tea, Fastred came out of his bedroom and greeted Meriadoc. The three hobbits sat at the table while Rosie put their plates in front of them.
"Now that is another reason for coming, having a fine meal prepared by Rosie," said Meriadoc as he smiled up at her.
"Thank you, Meriadoc," said Rosie. "But you have to tell me about your son."
"Little Merry, only being just a few months old, the lad is already sitting up on his own and drinking his own bottle. You have to come see him sometime. He is a plumb little fellow. For being such a small infant, when he was born, he is making up for it and growing like a weed," said Meriadoc as he chuckled.
"Perhaps after the election, Sam and I could spend a week at our home in Crickhollow," said Rosie and patted Sam on his shoulder.
"I'll tell Estella and we'll make plans to have a party for that day," offered Meriadoc.
Rosie went back to her stove and stirred something in the pot before taking it off the stove.
"Sam, we should go to the Green Dragon right after our meal," said Fastred. "Perhaps we can get some last minute votes turned your way."
"That's a great idea, Fastred!" said Sam. "Let's eat up and head over there."
Sam kissed Rosie's cheek and said, "Good-bye, my love! Wish me luck!"
"Good luck, Sam!" said Rosie as she looked up into his worried eyes.
She watched Sam, Fastred and Meriadoc as they walked through the gate and down the path. She was happy that she had sent letters to Meriadoc and Peregrin to join Sam for his re-election. She knew they would be there to help him. Rosie was proud of Fastred for coming without being asked.
Rosie heard Ham's fiddle and remembered she had forgotten to get him up for his breakfast. He played mother's song that Emma had taught him in very slow sluggish rhythms as if the strings of the fiddle were ill. Rosie remembered what Emma had told her about Ham. That he feels through the music that he plays. Panic seized Rosies as she rushed into his room. Ham lay prompt up on his pillows with the fiddle below his chin and he slowly brought his bow against the strings. Turning to look at his mother, Rosie could see his cheeks were red and his eyes dull with dark circles underneath. Rosie felt his forehead with the palm of her hand and he was hot with fever.
~*~
The Folk of Hobbiton began to gather in the Green Dragon as many filed in. Filibert Bolger stood upon a table and talked to the folk that had gathered around him.
"Looks like, old Filibert had the same idea as we had," said Meriadoc as he leaned against the bar to listen. Fastred and Sam sat down on the stools and placed their elbows on the bar as they too turned an ear to hear him.
"Good Folk of Hobbiton, How long will you allow your children to leave the boarders of the Shire? One by one, they are leaving for unknown lands and unknown ways. With them goes our future and all that we hold dear in our hearts as hobbits. They will soon forget our ways and their families! Do you trust the words of our mayor Gardner or what we have always known and shared together within our lands, a good life, a full pipe and a tall mug of ale!" Filibert Bolger spoke in his speech to the hobbits.
The hobbits all shouted and cheered waving their arms in the air. "Filibert for Mayor!"
Sam looked at Meriadoc and Fastred with a heavy heart seeing the hobbits on the side of Filibert Bolger.
Peregrin walked in and stood next to Sam. He heard the shouts of the hobbit and knew it would not be an easy election this year.
Peregrin climbed upon a chair and shouted in a loud voice, "Nicely said Filibert! But not exactly right!" the crowd turned to face the Thain as he began to speak. "The Shire is growing or have you not noticed! Have your children room to grow within our boarders? Have you not seen them struggle to find a place of their own in our lands? How many families have more than eight children each? Some like our Mayor has thirteen! We're growing, like it or not and change is upon us. A change we must make if your children are to have their own lands to farm and the life we hold dear in our hearts. Turn around and take a good look. Have you not seen the poor among us! Children starving in our streets and families not knowing where the next meal will come from. Have we grown so uppity that we lost our compassion? Filibert speaks of the past, a time where we were untouched by all we have faced and thrust upon us."
The hobbit grew silent and stared at each other and then back up to Filibert.
"The Thain meaning well and all, is only seeing things in one way. There are other ways to improve our children's life and the lands of the Shire. There is still room to grow here!"
Meriadoc stood next to Peregrin and shouted, "Our children are barely scratching a living here and Filibert Bolger you know what I'm saying! The Long Bottom Leaf has tripled in price coming from the South Farthing. How long will it be when other hobbits lose hope and turn to selling it to the big folk making themselves fat. The Bucklanders and The Tooks have stopped them before, but we can not keep stopping them. The Thain and I have lost lads fighting to keep our lands safe and outsiders from taking over the Shire again. Fastred is here to tell you of the Westmarch and the ground good enough to grow the Long Bottom Leaf and selling it back at prices we all can afford, it will force the South Farthing to drop is prices to keep up. There is good farmland in the Westmarch, not only for Long Bottom leaf, but rich in herbs and seasonings. There, a lad can build a strong life in its open lands, if his has a mind too."
Eleven-year old Robin Gardner came into the tavern and pulled on Sam's coat tails. "Robin, you should not be here! Now go home to your mother!" said Sam.
"Da, you must come, Ham is sick! Mama sent me to find you and bring you home!" said Robin almost in tears. "She wants you to bring the healer."
Sam's eyes froze on Robin as his words sunk into him. Sam turned and whispered to Fastred, "My older boy is really sick, Fastred. I can not stay here, I have to get the healer!"
"Don't worry, Sam. We'll look out for your interest!" said Fastred. "I hope all is well with your son!"
Sam turned and ran out of the tavern with Robin. The hobbits all watched at seeing their mayor turn tail and run away.
~*~
Emma walked with Basil through the high drifts of snow. Whenever she would fall, Basil was by her side to help her. Seeing her struggling and close to exhaustion, he told her to climb on his back and he would carry her for awhile. Being so tired, she agreed. Emma wrapped her arms around his neck as he boasted her upon his back. Holding her legs in each arm, Basil carried Emma through the deep snow. As Basil walked through the drifts she asked him, "Is Basil your given name?"
"No," said Basil. "My name is Basilbras Took, Basil for short. My brother Moss's given name is Mosisac Took. We are direct descends of the great Northern-Took clan of Long Cleeve. Bandobras the Bullroarer, is our lineage."
"I'm not well on names, and all, but 'tis sounding very impressive!" said Emma. "I guess I fall a long way from any sort of fancy given name."
"Emma, you're perfect just being who you are," said Basil. "All those tittles only goes to confuse others around you."
"Well then, Basil, You're not so bad as I was thinking you'd be," said Emma. "At least you're good for something, you make a mighty fine pony!" Emma giggled out loud as Basil dumped her into the deepest snow bank that he could find, jumping on her, he began to tickle her as she rolled in the snow trying to get away from him. Dashing up from the snow she ran through the snowdrifts laughing as Basil chased her.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Amilia Rose: I think I have some fun things planned for Basil, Emma and Frodo that should surprise you and keep you guessing! I hope you will like what I have planned.
Christina B: I love to have a lot of action in my stories and I am glad that you it! It was a blast writing it. That was so sweet Christina! That made my day, hearing that!
MLynnBloom : Sméagol whispers into loveofthering"s ear, "You be nice to Emma, and We'll be nice to you!" "Gollum! Gollum!"...Poor, poor Frodo! Nasty, nasty wolvesess! WE hates Them! WE ring their scrawny, little necks! WE pull out the eyesess! Then we be the master! Sméagol.."No, too Risky!" I just love Gollum! He is the coolest!
I knew that tittle stuck in my head from somewhere, now I know where! Ha! I finally figured out away to fix their name! Lula folds her arms and stops laughing! Yes! Four days in California! You are so lucky! Beats the drifts of snow we have on the ground! I'd trade snow boarding for surfboard any time! You're so lucky! I'm looking so forward to updates on your story and news chapters! That sounds wonderful! I wouldn't call me a master! I sure could use some more lessons in English and grammer! I should have paid more attention in class! Wow! I suck at that! I give Lula a major pain every time she reads my stories! She is a 4.0 student and perfect in English, in which I tend to slaughter when I write! LOL! I'm a better storyteller than a writer.
ShireElf : Don't run too far away, ShireElf! Elbraad and Hilbrand will get those nasty wolves! And then find a cozy place to snuggle up with their favorite lass by the hearth! Romance is in the air at the Westmarch!
snow-angel222 I need to practice more on detailing my descriptions and it was nice that you like it! You make me smile and smile!
Giulietta Wow! That is so cool that I have another reviewer! Awesome! I sure hope you come back and read more chapters! I love it when someone new comes to review. Dances around the room clapping!
Turn Tailed
"Frodo!" shouted Elbraad. "You must pay attention! You're not even looking at where your arrow will strike. Now try it again!"
"Elbraad, I don't think I'll be able to kill a wolf!" said Frodo. "My heart is just not in it."
"You better find it in your heart, Frodo! Or it could mean one of us dying or these ponies being killed," pointed out Elbraad.
Frodo looked at the skins of the wolves hanging in the sun to dry. Their beautiful long fur coats were as soft as a rabbit's fur. The gray and white color was magnificent to look upon. But Frodo also saw the ponies that he loved also lying dead in the snow covered corral. Frodo thought this was just too sad.
Frodo looked at his target just as Elbraad instructed him. Pulling back his bow, he let the arrow fly and it hit his target.
"You see, just like that!" said Elbraad. "You keep practicing, you'll have it down in no time."
Moss leaned on his bow as he watched Frodo. When Elbraad entered the barn, Moss followed him. "You know it as well as I do, Elbraad! Frodo will not be able to fight! He is a gentle hobbit."
"Sometimes, Moss when danger is upon you, your courage is found in a single moment. Frodo will do what he must!" said Elbraad.
"Are you willing to trust your life upon it, cousin!" said Moss.
"We have no other choice, Moss. We need that third bow-man!" said Elbraad. "Night is almost upon us. We must prepare ourselves!"
Elbraad called Frodo in the barn and locked themselves in. "Frodo you take the front window, while Moss, you take the right side window. I'll take the back of the barn. As soon as you see the wolves begin to fire. Remember if those wolves get in, there is no chance for us making it out again!"
Elbraad handed Frodo a belt with a knife and sheath attached to it. "Put this on Frodo, just incase."
Frodo's eyes widen as he buckled the belt around his waist. His heart pounded with fear thinking about what Elbraad had told him. He tried to calm his shaking hands as he took his place next to the window and prepared his bow.
The barn even though it was a sturdy pole structure with long boards running across the poles that held it up. There were spaces between each plank to give the animals fresh air to breathe. At the bottom, thicker planks of boards where nailed to prevent rotting of the wood. Each pony had its own stall and lined each side of the barn's wall. There was a larger area in the front with pens for other animals and an area to saddle the ponies. Big mound of a hay stack sat in one corner of the barn and a loft just above it. This is where most of the animal feed was placed in stacks or in piles such as fresh straw and dried grass. They also kept tools that they needed for repairing and building. There were three narrow windows to look out upon and one big wooden door to get the animals in and out of the barn. It was latched with a hook and a wooden piece of board nailed closer to one side. They would turn the wooden piece of board to lock the door tighter.
Elbraar nailed an extra board to prevent the wolves from climbing into the windows, running in the center, to the top and bottom of the window seal. This still gave them a space to shoot an arrow through.
The hours ticked by and the three did not speak a single word and stood at their window watching, as the blackness of the night envelop around them. Only the full moon shown brightly over head and gave some light to the yard they watched. Elbraad had only a couple lanterns burning, but the light was hardly enough to see each other as they waited in the darkness.
Frodo's eyes began to get heavy and he wanted to sleep. It was hard staying awake all night and he knew it would be dawn in a couple of hours. Frodo did not believe the wolves would come back.
Elbraad heard rustling of feet in the snow and the ponies began to neigh pulling against the rope that bind them to their stall. Moss heard Elbraad's twang of his bowstring as he let his first arrow fly and the loud howl of a wolf being hit. Snarling and growling echoed as the wolves paced along side the building.
Moss could not turn his bow sharp enough around the window frame to sight in an attack on the wolves. Three wolves paraded under his window as they were up against the building as they walked.
"Frodo, they are coming you way, prepare yourself!" shouted Moss.
Moss saw four wolves racing across the yard heading in his direction, having a clear shot, he fired his arrow and hit the wolf he aimed at. Pulling another arrow, the wolves separated as they ran. Moss aimed at another and shot again. The wolf yelped out loudly as it fell to the ground.
Moss could hear Elbraad as he shouted, "I've got three more on this side!" as he shot his arrows into the dark.
Frodo stood inches from the window and saw the long bushy tail of wolf as it went under his narrow window. He stood to the side pointing his arrow as the cold sweat poured down his brow. In a sudden surprise the wolf jumped up snarling as it tried to force its head in the window. Frodo jumped in shock as he fell backward and sending his arrow to hit the ceiling of the barn. Climbing to his knees, Frodo fumbled in trying to get his next arrow and reload as the board began to loosen from the window as the wolf pressed hard against it. Remembering Elbraad's words, if the wolves get into the barn they would all soon die. Frodo heard the twang of his friends bows being fired as he put an arrow in his bow and pulled back on the string. He kept his eyes upon the wolf and saw the white long fangs of its teeth and the fierceness of this beast. Letting go his arrow, he shot through the neck of the wolf and killed it as it died hanging in the window. Frodo tried to stand but noticed paw feet digging from under the barn door. Frodo shouted, "They are digging under the door trying to get in!"
"Stand ready Frodo and fire!" said Moss as he barked out orders as he fired upon another wolf.
Frodo stood before the door with his arrow pointed at the paws of the wolf. He noticed the wolf's nose struggling to get in. Frodo held in his breath trying to calm himself as he waited for a good shot. Within moments the wolf's head appeared and growled as it watched Frodo standing before him. Frodo let go of his arrow, but it hit the barn wall just above the wolf's head. The corner of the board broke as the wolf lunged into the barn. Frodo let out a loud gasp as Moss turned and fired killing the wolf at Frodo's feet. Frodo turned around to look at Moss, and when he turned back another wolf bounced on him knocking him to the ground.
Frodo only had time to bring his arms to cover his face as the wolf latched down upon both arms in its mouth. Frodo thought the wolf was going to ripe his arms from his shoulder as it shook him. Moss dived upon the wolf with his knife and plunged it into its neck. The wolf dropped instantly on top of Frodo and released his grip upon him. Moss pulled Frodo from under the wolf and yelled at Elbraad to climb to the loft. Moss half-dragged Frodo up the ladder as his arms had gapping holes and he was bleeding badly. Elbraad was at Moss's side and pulled Frodo and laid him down in the straw. Taking their bows and arrows they picked off the wolves one by one, as they would crawl through the hole dug under the door.
Elbraad took a hammer and broke a couple of wooden boards from the roof and climbed out. He stood on top of the roof and had Moss hand him up his bow and arrows. Shooting from the roof, Elbraad killed the pack that reminded outside.
The sun rose in the east when Elbraad picked up Frodo and ran him into the smial where Rose and Elanor watched from a window. The Cotton girls ran for their sewing kit as Elbraad directed them what to do. Putting Frodo on top of the table he held his hand over Frodo's arms to stop the bleeding.
Bell Cotton threaded a needle and handed it to Elbraad as he sewed the wounds shut. Frodo screamed and screamed until he fainted from the pain.
~*~
Opening the door to the guestroom Sam approached the sleeping hobbit and gently awoken him. "Fastred, Roise has made a fine breakfast for us. The election will be held at the Green Dragon very shortly. Time to get dressed," said Sam as he stood and watched Fastred yawn and stretch-out his arms.
"I'll be right along."
"Sorry to awaken you only after a couple hours of sleep, my son," said Sam as he began to head for the door.
Sam turned and looked over his shoulder and thought how glad he was that Fastred had come to help him. Sam wondered after this day, would he still be mayor of Hobbiton.
Shutting his door Sam walked back to the kitchen. Rosie had begun to dish up the plates. Seeing her husband standing in the doorway, she asked, "Sam, would you please get Ham. I've called him three times to come to the table, but he has not gotten out of his bed."
"Don't worry, my dear. I'll fetch him for you," said Sam. Walking out of the kitchen a loud knock came from the front door and Sam went to answer it.
"Meriadoc!" said Sam. "Welcome! Please come in."
"I heard the election will be at the Green Dragon this morning. I want to join you for your speech," said Meriadoc.
"This is a surprise, Fastred is here also. He'll be joining us as well," said Sam.
"Peregrin will meet us at the Green Dragon, later," said Meriadoc as he walked in and followed Sam to the kitchen.
Sam smiled thinking how wonderful it was to have such good friends who would truly support him.
Pouring Meriadoc a cup of tea, Fastred came out of his bedroom and greeted Meriadoc. The three hobbits sat at the table while Rosie put their plates in front of them.
"Now that is another reason for coming, having a fine meal prepared by Rosie," said Meriadoc as he smiled up at her.
"Thank you, Meriadoc," said Rosie. "But you have to tell me about your son."
"Little Merry, only being just a few months old, the lad is already sitting up on his own and drinking his own bottle. You have to come see him sometime. He is a plumb little fellow. For being such a small infant, when he was born, he is making up for it and growing like a weed," said Meriadoc as he chuckled.
"Perhaps after the election, Sam and I could spend a week at our home in Crickhollow," said Rosie and patted Sam on his shoulder.
"I'll tell Estella and we'll make plans to have a party for that day," offered Meriadoc.
Rosie went back to her stove and stirred something in the pot before taking it off the stove.
"Sam, we should go to the Green Dragon right after our meal," said Fastred. "Perhaps we can get some last minute votes turned your way."
"That's a great idea, Fastred!" said Sam. "Let's eat up and head over there."
Sam kissed Rosie's cheek and said, "Good-bye, my love! Wish me luck!"
"Good luck, Sam!" said Rosie as she looked up into his worried eyes.
She watched Sam, Fastred and Meriadoc as they walked through the gate and down the path. She was happy that she had sent letters to Meriadoc and Peregrin to join Sam for his re-election. She knew they would be there to help him. Rosie was proud of Fastred for coming without being asked.
Rosie heard Ham's fiddle and remembered she had forgotten to get him up for his breakfast. He played mother's song that Emma had taught him in very slow sluggish rhythms as if the strings of the fiddle were ill. Rosie remembered what Emma had told her about Ham. That he feels through the music that he plays. Panic seized Rosies as she rushed into his room. Ham lay prompt up on his pillows with the fiddle below his chin and he slowly brought his bow against the strings. Turning to look at his mother, Rosie could see his cheeks were red and his eyes dull with dark circles underneath. Rosie felt his forehead with the palm of her hand and he was hot with fever.
~*~
The Folk of Hobbiton began to gather in the Green Dragon as many filed in. Filibert Bolger stood upon a table and talked to the folk that had gathered around him.
"Looks like, old Filibert had the same idea as we had," said Meriadoc as he leaned against the bar to listen. Fastred and Sam sat down on the stools and placed their elbows on the bar as they too turned an ear to hear him.
"Good Folk of Hobbiton, How long will you allow your children to leave the boarders of the Shire? One by one, they are leaving for unknown lands and unknown ways. With them goes our future and all that we hold dear in our hearts as hobbits. They will soon forget our ways and their families! Do you trust the words of our mayor Gardner or what we have always known and shared together within our lands, a good life, a full pipe and a tall mug of ale!" Filibert Bolger spoke in his speech to the hobbits.
The hobbits all shouted and cheered waving their arms in the air. "Filibert for Mayor!"
Sam looked at Meriadoc and Fastred with a heavy heart seeing the hobbits on the side of Filibert Bolger.
Peregrin walked in and stood next to Sam. He heard the shouts of the hobbit and knew it would not be an easy election this year.
Peregrin climbed upon a chair and shouted in a loud voice, "Nicely said Filibert! But not exactly right!" the crowd turned to face the Thain as he began to speak. "The Shire is growing or have you not noticed! Have your children room to grow within our boarders? Have you not seen them struggle to find a place of their own in our lands? How many families have more than eight children each? Some like our Mayor has thirteen! We're growing, like it or not and change is upon us. A change we must make if your children are to have their own lands to farm and the life we hold dear in our hearts. Turn around and take a good look. Have you not seen the poor among us! Children starving in our streets and families not knowing where the next meal will come from. Have we grown so uppity that we lost our compassion? Filibert speaks of the past, a time where we were untouched by all we have faced and thrust upon us."
The hobbit grew silent and stared at each other and then back up to Filibert.
"The Thain meaning well and all, is only seeing things in one way. There are other ways to improve our children's life and the lands of the Shire. There is still room to grow here!"
Meriadoc stood next to Peregrin and shouted, "Our children are barely scratching a living here and Filibert Bolger you know what I'm saying! The Long Bottom Leaf has tripled in price coming from the South Farthing. How long will it be when other hobbits lose hope and turn to selling it to the big folk making themselves fat. The Bucklanders and The Tooks have stopped them before, but we can not keep stopping them. The Thain and I have lost lads fighting to keep our lands safe and outsiders from taking over the Shire again. Fastred is here to tell you of the Westmarch and the ground good enough to grow the Long Bottom Leaf and selling it back at prices we all can afford, it will force the South Farthing to drop is prices to keep up. There is good farmland in the Westmarch, not only for Long Bottom leaf, but rich in herbs and seasonings. There, a lad can build a strong life in its open lands, if his has a mind too."
Eleven-year old Robin Gardner came into the tavern and pulled on Sam's coat tails. "Robin, you should not be here! Now go home to your mother!" said Sam.
"Da, you must come, Ham is sick! Mama sent me to find you and bring you home!" said Robin almost in tears. "She wants you to bring the healer."
Sam's eyes froze on Robin as his words sunk into him. Sam turned and whispered to Fastred, "My older boy is really sick, Fastred. I can not stay here, I have to get the healer!"
"Don't worry, Sam. We'll look out for your interest!" said Fastred. "I hope all is well with your son!"
Sam turned and ran out of the tavern with Robin. The hobbits all watched at seeing their mayor turn tail and run away.
~*~
Emma walked with Basil through the high drifts of snow. Whenever she would fall, Basil was by her side to help her. Seeing her struggling and close to exhaustion, he told her to climb on his back and he would carry her for awhile. Being so tired, she agreed. Emma wrapped her arms around his neck as he boasted her upon his back. Holding her legs in each arm, Basil carried Emma through the deep snow. As Basil walked through the drifts she asked him, "Is Basil your given name?"
"No," said Basil. "My name is Basilbras Took, Basil for short. My brother Moss's given name is Mosisac Took. We are direct descends of the great Northern-Took clan of Long Cleeve. Bandobras the Bullroarer, is our lineage."
"I'm not well on names, and all, but 'tis sounding very impressive!" said Emma. "I guess I fall a long way from any sort of fancy given name."
"Emma, you're perfect just being who you are," said Basil. "All those tittles only goes to confuse others around you."
"Well then, Basil, You're not so bad as I was thinking you'd be," said Emma. "At least you're good for something, you make a mighty fine pony!" Emma giggled out loud as Basil dumped her into the deepest snow bank that he could find, jumping on her, he began to tickle her as she rolled in the snow trying to get away from him. Dashing up from the snow she ran through the snowdrifts laughing as Basil chased her.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Amilia Rose: I think I have some fun things planned for Basil, Emma and Frodo that should surprise you and keep you guessing! I hope you will like what I have planned.
Christina B: I love to have a lot of action in my stories and I am glad that you it! It was a blast writing it. That was so sweet Christina! That made my day, hearing that!
MLynnBloom : Sméagol whispers into loveofthering"s ear, "You be nice to Emma, and We'll be nice to you!" "Gollum! Gollum!"...Poor, poor Frodo! Nasty, nasty wolvesess! WE hates Them! WE ring their scrawny, little necks! WE pull out the eyesess! Then we be the master! Sméagol.."No, too Risky!" I just love Gollum! He is the coolest!
I knew that tittle stuck in my head from somewhere, now I know where! Ha! I finally figured out away to fix their name! Lula folds her arms and stops laughing! Yes! Four days in California! You are so lucky! Beats the drifts of snow we have on the ground! I'd trade snow boarding for surfboard any time! You're so lucky! I'm looking so forward to updates on your story and news chapters! That sounds wonderful! I wouldn't call me a master! I sure could use some more lessons in English and grammer! I should have paid more attention in class! Wow! I suck at that! I give Lula a major pain every time she reads my stories! She is a 4.0 student and perfect in English, in which I tend to slaughter when I write! LOL! I'm a better storyteller than a writer.
ShireElf : Don't run too far away, ShireElf! Elbraad and Hilbrand will get those nasty wolves! And then find a cozy place to snuggle up with their favorite lass by the hearth! Romance is in the air at the Westmarch!
snow-angel222 I need to practice more on detailing my descriptions and it was nice that you like it! You make me smile and smile!
Giulietta Wow! That is so cool that I have another reviewer! Awesome! I sure hope you come back and read more chapters! I love it when someone new comes to review. Dances around the room clapping!