Warnings: Violence and slash themes (not M/P).
The wind smacked against Merry's face, tearing the hood from the side of his face, exposing his flesh to the bitter cold. He didn't move to place the cloth back over him; he didn't care. More then three hours had passed since his departure and there was still a long way to go. The distance mattered not to him, as long as he reached Bree and found what he sought. He spurred the pony harder, harder yet when a memory came flooding back into his mind.
"Pippin, I have to know....who did this to you?" Merry asked. "Who beat you and left you to die in the woods?"
"I will not tell you," Pippin said. "If I were to state the names of the men who caused my death you would somehow try to seek revenge. Even as I lay dying on the bed I often thought of ways to make them suffer. As I came close to oblivion I realized that even if I had the chance what would it prove? What would it prove to you dear Merry? What would you have done to them?"
"I would have what was done to you done to them!" Merry snarled. "Men like that do not deserve to live!"
"And tell me Merry would it comfort you watching them suffer and die?" Merry became silent. "Perhaps it would bring you momentary joy but what about after? Their deaths would not bring me back to life. That is the curse of revenge Merry, it is bittersweet."
"But they still live while you do not!" Merry screeched.
"Their time will come," Pippin replied.
"Not soon enough," Merry grumbled.
'No, not soon enough,' he repeated. 'I am sorry Pippin. I know you would not approve. I know you would not want this but I have no choice now. They took you away from me Pippin; they took my Estella away and nearly claimed the little one as well. I will not let them live to laugh about this atrocity. Men like that deserve to rot for all eternity. I will make the two of them pay.....even if it means sacrificing my own life.'
Merry gasped as warmth swarmed into his body. Once before he had felt it, a comforting force, but it felt awkward. There was no comfort now, only uneasiness and shame.
'How can you speak of such a thing?' a nagging voice asked. 'You have a son waiting for you at home, fool! Push aside your own selfishness and think of his future! Who will care for him if you were to fall?'
'Sam will care for little Peregrin,' Merry thought, 'if the unthinkable were to happen.'
'Would Estella want that?' the voice pressured. 'Please, turn the pony around and go back home. Please, do not become another victim for those men. Please, this is not the way to handle this situation. You are angry and not thinking clearly. You are no match for them in this condition. Go back now you fool!'
'If I am to die those men will surly join me,' Merry hissed. 'I can promise you that much. I am sorry, Pippin. Forgive me, but I am not turning back and your words cannot persuade me.'
Merry rode on, the warmth seeping out of his body leaving him hollow and cold. So cold, so empty. He could have sworn hearing the wind cry.
***
Within the village of Bree a new lodging stood erect, distanced from the other buildings, at the edge of the wooded area. It was known as The Twin Dragons; notorious for housing thieves, ruffians, and other colorful characters of society. Hobbits of the town knew all too well to stay clear. Men of the lodging had a knack for yanking stray hobbits from the streets, pinning them to a wall, and using the poor creatures as target practice with any available sharp object. It was a rowdy place and that night was no exception. Only minutes after the darkness crept over the land chairs flew through windows, which were soon accompanied by bodies. Two horses pulled up to the building and the men tied them to the rack. Laughing cheerfully, the two stepped over the disheveled bodies. Shouts of welcome echoed as the two opened the door.
"Hello fellas!" one of the men snickered. "You would not believe the day my friend and I had."
"Hey, where is the third in your party?" a man inside asked.
"He decided to take my offer up on early retirement," the man chuckled. "That can be saved for later. I met the most interesting halfling lass today......"
At the opposite end of town a small pony entered through the gate. Merry's head was low as he traveled through the mud road. It had been a long, hard ride. He stopped for nothing, not even for food, though he had not eaten a morsel in twenty-four hours. He made his way up the path until he came upon a familiar sign, aptly returned to the full original name, The Prancing Pony. Dismounting, he secured the steed and entered the lodging. Twice, he was nearly knocked over while trying to make his way to the desk. Ignoring the people yelling around him, Merry shoved through, immediately coming upon Butterbur.
"Well, hello there little sir!" Butterbur chirped. "I did not expect to see you back here so soon!"
"It has been a year Mr. Butterbur!" Merry said. "I hardly call that soon!"
"Oh, a year?" Butterbur inquired. "It certainly has gone by fast hasn't it? I heard you have yourself a little a wife now and a wee one on the way. How are the two dears doing?"
Merry choked. "They are fine. I need to know Mr. Butterbur; did you see two men enter this area?"
"Not that I can remember," Butterbur said, rubbing his chin. "Perhaps Nob saw something. Nob! Come here!"
"Yes sir?" the hobbit asked, putting down a tray.
"Have you seen any strange men enter this part?" Butterbur asked.
"The only ones I can think of were the two heading for The Twin Dragons," Nob answered. "Oh, they looked like the mean type if you understand me. Something about those two sent chills up and down my spine. I could tell they did not seem to care for me all too much. They rode on muttering about how much they despised halflings."
"Do you remember if they were carrying anything that would not seem ordinary for a man to obtain?" Merry asked.
"Yes, not that you mention I did see something!" Nob replied. "One of them was brandishing a gold heart pendant like a trophy. I thought it was pretty peculiar."
"Thank you for your help," Merry said. "Where is The Twin Dragons located?"
"At the edge of town," Butterbur said. "Why do you need to know that?"
Merry pushed back into the crowd, heading for the door.
"Wait, you have just arrived!" Butterbur called. "Stay to have a bite to eat! You look famished!"
Merry ignored Butterbur, sliding out the door and untying his pony. Once he mounted he steered the pony in direction of the lodging. Men passed by, stopping to glance at him and then the place where he was heading. They sneered, and turned away. As he approached the sign of the two dragons entwined together blew roughly in the wind. The nagging voice was returning, telling him to turn around. He moved on, dismounting from the steed and letting it roam aimlessly. His left hand grasped the sword while the free one slowly pushed open the door. He was greeted with the smell of ale and a pungent stink. Most of the men ignored him, far to drunk to lift themselves from their seats, while others just stared in bewilderment. Merry heard laughter in the corner and he turned to view two men standing near a table full of men. One of them was waving a gold pendant around in the air. Even at a distance he could tell it was the same heart he had given to Estella on the night of their wedding. He moved toward them, intently listening.
"So, where did you find that Haridur?" a man inquired. "I assume you did not pluck it from the roadside."
"Indeed, I did not," Haridur chuckled. "I tore it off the neck of pretty little halfling."
The men gave such a hoot and cheer that a sickness swelled in the pit of Merry's stomach. His hand gripped the sword painfully, the butt digging in his flesh.
"Well, did you have any fun with her?" another asked.
"No, how could I?" Haridur sighed. "The lass was pregnant but I think I took care of that problem." Another cheer from the men. "You know how it is. Those halflings are humping each other like mutts in heat. Pretty soon the whole of Middle-earth will be covered with them. That is the last thing we need..."
"Oh, you prattle on too much!" a man yelled. "What did you do to the halfing?"
"I shoved my sword into her round belly that's what I did!" Haridur snickered.
Merry's face reddened, so much laughter ringing in his ears. He drew closer.
"And I would have cut the little one from her womb if Briggs had not gotten in my way!" Haridur snapped. "But I took care of him, didn't I Delton?"
"Yes, most certainly!" Delton laughed. "Made a fine mess out of his gut you did but I think I like what you did to the lass much better!"
More laughter. It was driving Merry into frenzy.
"I--"Haridur began. The man shifted, glancing down at the floor toward Merry. "Well, looks like we have a halfling in our midst gentlemen." The men turned glaring down at him. "Who might you be?"
"I am Merry Brandybuck," he replied coldly. "Husband to Estella, the one you killed today, and cousin to Pippin Took, the one you killed eight months ago."
Haridur smiled down at him, no remorse what so ever on his face. "Well, that is quite a loss you have gone through. If you don't mind my asking, where were you this morning? A responsible husband would have never left a pregnant wife alone."
Merry's face tightened, twisting in rage.
"Too bad your cousin had to die so soon," Haridur growled. "I had some unfinished business with him. He left quite the nasty scar on my thigh. Then again, I can always take up my problems with you. No, I will not kill you, right away anyway. I don't see why we cannot have a little fun with you. Why don't we put him up on the table men?"
Slowly, the men rose from their seats advancing toward the hobbit. Merry drew out his sword and slashed wildly at the approaching men. Not expecting an armed hobbit, the men retreated at once in fear. Merry took the opportunity make a mad dash for Haridur. He almost reached him too, but someone from behind grasped him, flung him on the table, and pinned his arms. Another hand tore the sword away from his hands.
"Feisty one isn't he Haridur?" Delton sneered, holding him down snuggly.
"He most certainly is!" Haridur laughed. "Aw, do you miss your wife little halfling? Perhaps I could turn you into my little bitch. Would that make things better for you? Spend a night with me little one and I will make you forget you ever had a wife."
The men let out a loud ring of laughter as Haridur bent over, licking the side of Merry's face. The hobbit thrashed madly, desperately trying to kick the man in the face but someone grabbed his legs. Haridur chuckled before pressing his lips against Merry's. Disgust ran through his stomach and he briefly opened his mouth to wrap his teeth around the man's lips. A strangled cry came from Haridur as Merry pierced his lips with sharp incisors. The man stepped back, grasping at his bloodied lips, eyes wide in shock.
"So, you like it rough little one?" Haridur snarled. "Good. Flip him on his stomach."
"What?" Delton asked. "I thought you were just going to play with him."
"I am going to play with him," Haridur snarled. "Now, place him at the edge of the table face first."
Delton hesitantly complied, shifting Merry over to his stomach, pressing his face into the wood. Haridur placed his hands on Merry's waist, yanking on his pants.
"Hey, now! None of that!" the barkeep yelled. "I am trying to run a business here! Good people eat off that table and I will not have you sully it for a minute's worth of fun! If you are so intent on taking your crotch on a joyride I suggest you use one of the vacant rooms upstairs. You can do whatever you like to the halfling up there, I care not. Just be certain to keep the screams to a minimum and try not to make too much of a mess. Bloodstains do not come out of sheets you know. Oh, and make sure you dump whatever is left of him in a secure area. I do not want it known that his death took place here."
Haridur gave a hearty smile. "Very well. Come, Delton, let us take our fun upstairs."
Before the two could get a good hold on him, Merry shot his foot back, nailing Haridur below the waist. The man fell back grunting in pain, giving Merry the opportunity to slide under the table toward his sword. He took the blade in his hands and immediately darted after the first man in sight, Delton. Taken back in fear and unable to unsheathe his sword, Delton bolted for the front door screaming. Merry gave up on him and turned his attention back to Haridur. He was the one Merry wanted. The man was kneeling to the floor, panting.
"Get out your sword," Merry growled. "Even if you are scum I will not attack an unarmed man."
"And if I do not little one?" Haridur asked. "Will you still kill me?"
Merry did not move. "Get your sword."
"I think not," Haridur replied. "Why don't we talk more about your wife? She made the most delightful screams you know. I suppose I cannot blame her though. After all, it must hurt having a blade slowly sink through your flesh into your tender organs."
Sweat formed on Merry's brow.
"Hm, the way she screamed as I removed the sword was even better. I especially enjoyed the soft, squishy sound as the blade slid from her flesh. The way her blood emptied to the floor, starting off as light rose red before turning a deep crimson. It was quite the sight. You really should have been there to witness it."
Merry's body began to sway; he felt nauseous.
"Too bad Briggs had to ruin everything. I would have gutted her you know. I was planning on pulling her intestines out and wrapping them around the room like vines. Wouldn't that have been a sight for sore eyes? Maybe I would have cleaned her out completely. Leave her nothing but a hollow carcass. I bet that would be something fun to look at."
"Be quiet," Merry hissed, a threatening tone in his voice. He was fighting a losing battle and he knew it. Even if the person before him was a monster, he was unarmed; he could not attack a defenseless man. That would make him no better then man kneeling in front of him.
"Of course, the baby would have been a problem. I wonder how long it could have lasted if it were violently ripped from its mother's womb. How long do you think the babe would have lasted? Is the babe still alive?" Seeing the look on Merry's face made Haridur chuckle low. "So, the baby is still alive. A real fighter I must admit. After all, his dear mother did go through a traumatic experience. Perhaps, after I have finished with you, I can pay the little one a visit. Maybe even take your place as his father. Have a real man bring him up."
Hearing that drove Merry over the edge. He leaped forward, slamming the butt end of the sword across Haridur's cheek. A sickening crunch filled the air as the man's cheekbone shattered. Instead of crying out in pain Haridur laughed and continued to laugh as Merry repeatedly beat him. Rage clouded over Merry's vision and a smile actually formed. He rained powerful blows all over Haridur's body and brought the tip down; ready to slice the man to pieces when he suddenly stopped. The man was completely at his mercy but he felt sick. He had been taking enjoyment in another's pain. This was not what he wanted. Haridur's demeanor took a drastic change.
"Please, do not kill me," he whimpered, groveling.
Merry raised his sword again. The men in the lodgings were in so much shock that none could move to come to Haridur's aid. It would be so easy to take his life right there but he couldn't bring the sword down. No, how could he? The man was a teary wreak, sobbing and whining pleas, a very pitiful sight.
"You are not worth my time," Merry muttered. "Why soil my hands with the blood of a coward? No, I will not kill you but only because you bear no weapon. I do not know what you did with it but be thankful you lost it for that and that alone saved your life."
The hobbit turned his back, slowly heading toward the door. An evil sneer formed over Haridur's face as he drew out a small dagger from his boot. Screaming a curse, he lunged forward. Merry turned to view the man descending upon him and he remained still. Haridur brought the dagger up, took one final step, and plunged it down near the hobbit's chest. Merry was faster though. Easily, he dodged the blow sliding past the man and ramming his blade into the man's gut. A startled gasp came from Haridur as he looked down at the sword imbedded in his stomach. Haridur dropped to his knees, wiping the trail of blood that oozed from his mouth. Merry bent down, picked up the dagger, and cautiously stalked over to Haridur.
"Well, it appeared as if you were armed after all," Merry said. "That is very unfortunate for you."
Merry rammed the dagger through the man's throat. Haridur gurgled, blood gushing everywhere, and fell to the floor. As he choked, still quite alive, Merry grasped the blade in his belly and very slowly slid it out. The man's mouth fell open in pain and he moved no more. Sheathing the sword, Merry walked away from the body. There was no joy in this occasion, no happiness, only emptiness. Men rushed over to Haridur's fallen form but made no effort to stop his killer. Merry stopped dead in his tracks when he came upon an object glittering in the light. Estella's necklace. Catching a sob in his throat, he bent to pick up the pendant, reading the words engraved on the back.
To Estella, my everlasting love, Merry.
He placed the necklace in his pocket and journeyed back to the entrance. The door flew open revealing a tiny mass huddled in a cloak. For the first time, Merry gave a faint smile.
"Hello Sam," he said. "I did not expect to see you here."
"I told you," Sam said. "I would not let you come to Bree alone. Better late then never I suppose."
"Excuse me Sam," Merry sighed, "but I must go after the last man. I managed to take care of Haridur but Delton eluded me. He went running out the door before I could catch him."
"Well, I suppose you won't have to worry about him anymore. Apparently, he was wanted for other things besides robbery. Some of the town's folk immediately recognized him when he came running by and a lynch mob formed. I tried to stop them but it was no use. If you wish to see his body it is hanging from the tree in the village square."
"No, I think I have seen enough death for one night," Merry murmured.
"Come then, we will spend the night at Mr. Butterbur's," Sam said, grasping Merry's shoulders. "You are in no condition to return home tonight. Do not fear about your son. He is in safe hands with Rose and Brombleburr. Come, you need food and rest."
The two slipped out of The Twin Dragons into the night air. The rain had ceased and the clouds parted from the sky releasing the twinkling stars. Merry glanced up at them and sighed. He had completed his task but felt unsatisfied.
More to Follow.