Welcome back!
Endymion - Yes, poor Sam! As watchful as he is, he can't have his eyes open 24-7. Building up tension? Guilty!
Aratlithiel - Plotbunnies are still kicking. There will be a third installment that is just Frodo and Sam. Three chapters, titled "Sound, Silence and Solace." The aftermath must be coped with! And cliffhangers in this fic? Definitely a few to come!
Seregon - Thank you for calling the story so far "captivating". You made my day! Here's some more of that tension for ya!
Misstook1420 - If chapter 2 provoked a shiver, read on. I've tried to make sure there are a few more to come!
Mariole - Yes, you sense the rough road ahead. ~Looking at my toes sheepishly~ But Frodo is brave, resilient, defiant and clever. Please don't abandon me for getting him into this mess!
Carol - ~Blush~ Thanks for the compliments on the story so far. You are not alone in your concern for our hero, which is something I'll admit I was counting on! With all of us pulling for him, he'll have to make it, won't he? Stay tuned. The plot thickens!
Author's note - I wasn't going to post for another day or so, but you guys have been such great readers and reviewers, I'm letting this chapter out of its cage a little early for you! Keep coming back, and bring a friend!
The Way of Vengeance Chapter 3 - Into the Night
Frodo had seen Sam off to his home after supper. He was pleased when Sam accepted the invitation to stay. It was the least Frodo could do, with all the help Sam had given him in preparing for Merry and Pippin's visit. The last of the supper dishes were cleared away, washed and placed in the cupboard.
Frodo stretched and fought a losing battle with a yawn. It would be a night for retiring early, at this rate. He still had some things to take care of in the study, so he snuffed the candles in the parlor and kitchen, and let the coals in the kitchen fireplace start to die down.
He settled himself comfortably in the chair at his writing desk, and worked for a while at preparing another lesson for Sam. He had been teaching Sam to read and write Elvish, Quenya specifically. Sam was learning rapidly, and Frodo was thrilled with his progress. The arrangement had originated some time ago after Frodo had overheard bits of a conversation between Sam and Bilbo regarding elves. Sam was fascinated by anything and everything to do with the fair folk, and Frodo thought it would be nice for him to know a little of the Elvish languages. They had started with some basic Quenya, and would work on Sindarin later.
Growing weary after a while, Frodo stretched again and rubbed at his temples. Leaning back in his chair, he closed his eyes to rest them. Just a few minutes of rest, and he would return his attention to the page before him for a little while longer.
~*~
All was dark and still outside Bag End as Bramblethorn touched the doorknob carefully. If it happened to be locked, it might take some time to get it open. One could get through a locked door noisily and all at once, or slowly and quietly, with a little patience.
He turned the knob slowly, noiselessly, meeting no resistance as the door opened obediently. The thing wasn't even locked! The Master of Bag End was feeling comfortable and secure indeed, if he didn't even bother to lock his door. Of course, what threat could possibly exist in Hobbiton now? Hadn't Frodo gotten Bramblethorn safely removed from the Shire, never to return? A nasty glimmer shone in Bramblethorn's eyes. Frodo's expression would be a priceless treasure to him.
He slipped into the parlor silently and closed the door behind him. He could see light down the hallway where the study was located. He moved slowly down the hallway, making no sound at all. Approaching the door to the study with silent steps, he could see that it was only partially open. Perhaps he could get a quick glimpse inside without being seen. If he was detected, the element of surprise would be gone, but he would still be able to subdue the smaller hobbit without too much fuss.
He looked carefully around the doorjamb and spied Frodo sitting at his writing desk, his back to the door. Frodo had leaned back in his chair and appeared to be resting. It was too much to hope that he was actually asleep, and too great a chance to take. He passed by the study and continued walking down the hall. A short distance away, he came across the master bedroom. Slipping into the shadows behind the open door, he waited.
~*~
Frodo tidied up his desk and rose from his chair. Yawning for the third time in the last few minutes, he decided it was time to call it a day. Tomorrow would be busy, and he expected Merry and Pippin by luncheon.
He retrieved the candle from his desk and started for his bedroom, feeling a little wearier with each step. Sleep beckoned invitingly, and he was not feeling inclined to argue. He opened the door, stepped in and set the candle on the dresser. He turned his back to the door and started to move in the direction of the bed to turn down the covers.
Bramblethorn struck swiftly and decisively. Clamping a hand over Frodo's mouth to stifle the expected scream and grabbing the terrified hobbit's arm in a crushing grip, he stepped out of the shadows, pushing Frodo in front of him.
"Good evening, Frodo. It's been a long time, and I've missed you," he said, his voice low and menacing.
Frodo froze solid at the sound of that hated voice he had thought never to hear again. This was impossible! Bramblethorn had been banished from the Shire two years earlier! He was gone! He -
"I'll bet you missed me too," the voice purred in Frodo's ear. A finger traced lightly from the tip of the ear down to the lobe.
Frodo panicked. With his free arm, he reflexively jabbed his elbow backward into his attacker's ribs. Bramblethorn let out his breath in a huff and released his hold. Frodo bolted toward the door, instinctively fleeing through the only exit. He only made it part of the way there before a weight fell on his back, knocking him to the floor.
Bramblethorn had recovered quickly and pounced on Frodo's back. He wrestled with the squirming hobbit, trying to gain a firm hold. Frodo had rolled onto his back during the scuffle and struck out in self-defense, landing a fairly solid punch on his attacker's jaw.
It was a good effort, but not good enough. The next thing he felt was a blow to his temple that left him stunned. He fought to remain conscious, to keep fighting his assailant. Any chance of striking his attacker again evaporated as Bramblethorn rolled him over and pulled his arms behind his back. Sitting on Frodo's legs to hold him steady and pulling a small coil of rope out of his pack, Bramblethorn bound Frodo's hands securely.
"Still as stubborn as ever, aren't you?" He said sarcastically. "Don't make me hurt you, Frodo. We have places to go, you and I, and I should hate to have to drag you."
"What are you doing back in the Shire?!" Frodo cried out. "You were banished -"
"Yes, thanks largely to you, my dear. But I missed you so!" Bramblethorn punctuated his last sentence by giving Frodo's arms a vicious yank. Frodo bit back a cry. "I've returned just to see you," Bramblethorn continued, dragging Frodo to his feet. "We're going for a walk in the moonlight. It's a fair distance, so I hope you're not too dizzy to make the trip."
"Where are you taking me?" Frodo asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
"No harm in telling you, since you would see for yourself eventually. We're going to Bywater. But no more questions now, Frodo dear. We'll get to the details of my visit soon enough, I promise."
With that, Bramlethorn threw his pack over his shoulder and shoved his captive out the door and toward the parlor. As they reached the front door, he spoke again. "We will not be using the road, obviously. If I hear a sound from you intended to give our presence away to anyone, I will gag you. Now move!"
With no way of leaving word to Sam, Merry or Pippin regarding his plight, Frodo felt a hopeless feeling wash over him. They would find him gone in the morning, with no sign of his whereabouts to lead them. They would know something was amiss, certainly, but the fact that he would be in Bywater would be completely unknown to them.
Another shove and a few faltering steps, and Frodo was forced from his home and into the night. He was scared witless. The last time this beast had laid hands on him, it was with unspeakable intentions. Was his motive the same now, or was there more to it? Afraid to contemplate the answer to his own question, he stumbled forward into the darkness.
~*~To be continued ~*~
Endymion - Yes, poor Sam! As watchful as he is, he can't have his eyes open 24-7. Building up tension? Guilty!
Aratlithiel - Plotbunnies are still kicking. There will be a third installment that is just Frodo and Sam. Three chapters, titled "Sound, Silence and Solace." The aftermath must be coped with! And cliffhangers in this fic? Definitely a few to come!
Seregon - Thank you for calling the story so far "captivating". You made my day! Here's some more of that tension for ya!
Misstook1420 - If chapter 2 provoked a shiver, read on. I've tried to make sure there are a few more to come!
Mariole - Yes, you sense the rough road ahead. ~Looking at my toes sheepishly~ But Frodo is brave, resilient, defiant and clever. Please don't abandon me for getting him into this mess!
Carol - ~Blush~ Thanks for the compliments on the story so far. You are not alone in your concern for our hero, which is something I'll admit I was counting on! With all of us pulling for him, he'll have to make it, won't he? Stay tuned. The plot thickens!
Author's note - I wasn't going to post for another day or so, but you guys have been such great readers and reviewers, I'm letting this chapter out of its cage a little early for you! Keep coming back, and bring a friend!
The Way of Vengeance Chapter 3 - Into the Night
Frodo had seen Sam off to his home after supper. He was pleased when Sam accepted the invitation to stay. It was the least Frodo could do, with all the help Sam had given him in preparing for Merry and Pippin's visit. The last of the supper dishes were cleared away, washed and placed in the cupboard.
Frodo stretched and fought a losing battle with a yawn. It would be a night for retiring early, at this rate. He still had some things to take care of in the study, so he snuffed the candles in the parlor and kitchen, and let the coals in the kitchen fireplace start to die down.
He settled himself comfortably in the chair at his writing desk, and worked for a while at preparing another lesson for Sam. He had been teaching Sam to read and write Elvish, Quenya specifically. Sam was learning rapidly, and Frodo was thrilled with his progress. The arrangement had originated some time ago after Frodo had overheard bits of a conversation between Sam and Bilbo regarding elves. Sam was fascinated by anything and everything to do with the fair folk, and Frodo thought it would be nice for him to know a little of the Elvish languages. They had started with some basic Quenya, and would work on Sindarin later.
Growing weary after a while, Frodo stretched again and rubbed at his temples. Leaning back in his chair, he closed his eyes to rest them. Just a few minutes of rest, and he would return his attention to the page before him for a little while longer.
~*~
All was dark and still outside Bag End as Bramblethorn touched the doorknob carefully. If it happened to be locked, it might take some time to get it open. One could get through a locked door noisily and all at once, or slowly and quietly, with a little patience.
He turned the knob slowly, noiselessly, meeting no resistance as the door opened obediently. The thing wasn't even locked! The Master of Bag End was feeling comfortable and secure indeed, if he didn't even bother to lock his door. Of course, what threat could possibly exist in Hobbiton now? Hadn't Frodo gotten Bramblethorn safely removed from the Shire, never to return? A nasty glimmer shone in Bramblethorn's eyes. Frodo's expression would be a priceless treasure to him.
He slipped into the parlor silently and closed the door behind him. He could see light down the hallway where the study was located. He moved slowly down the hallway, making no sound at all. Approaching the door to the study with silent steps, he could see that it was only partially open. Perhaps he could get a quick glimpse inside without being seen. If he was detected, the element of surprise would be gone, but he would still be able to subdue the smaller hobbit without too much fuss.
He looked carefully around the doorjamb and spied Frodo sitting at his writing desk, his back to the door. Frodo had leaned back in his chair and appeared to be resting. It was too much to hope that he was actually asleep, and too great a chance to take. He passed by the study and continued walking down the hall. A short distance away, he came across the master bedroom. Slipping into the shadows behind the open door, he waited.
~*~
Frodo tidied up his desk and rose from his chair. Yawning for the third time in the last few minutes, he decided it was time to call it a day. Tomorrow would be busy, and he expected Merry and Pippin by luncheon.
He retrieved the candle from his desk and started for his bedroom, feeling a little wearier with each step. Sleep beckoned invitingly, and he was not feeling inclined to argue. He opened the door, stepped in and set the candle on the dresser. He turned his back to the door and started to move in the direction of the bed to turn down the covers.
Bramblethorn struck swiftly and decisively. Clamping a hand over Frodo's mouth to stifle the expected scream and grabbing the terrified hobbit's arm in a crushing grip, he stepped out of the shadows, pushing Frodo in front of him.
"Good evening, Frodo. It's been a long time, and I've missed you," he said, his voice low and menacing.
Frodo froze solid at the sound of that hated voice he had thought never to hear again. This was impossible! Bramblethorn had been banished from the Shire two years earlier! He was gone! He -
"I'll bet you missed me too," the voice purred in Frodo's ear. A finger traced lightly from the tip of the ear down to the lobe.
Frodo panicked. With his free arm, he reflexively jabbed his elbow backward into his attacker's ribs. Bramblethorn let out his breath in a huff and released his hold. Frodo bolted toward the door, instinctively fleeing through the only exit. He only made it part of the way there before a weight fell on his back, knocking him to the floor.
Bramblethorn had recovered quickly and pounced on Frodo's back. He wrestled with the squirming hobbit, trying to gain a firm hold. Frodo had rolled onto his back during the scuffle and struck out in self-defense, landing a fairly solid punch on his attacker's jaw.
It was a good effort, but not good enough. The next thing he felt was a blow to his temple that left him stunned. He fought to remain conscious, to keep fighting his assailant. Any chance of striking his attacker again evaporated as Bramblethorn rolled him over and pulled his arms behind his back. Sitting on Frodo's legs to hold him steady and pulling a small coil of rope out of his pack, Bramblethorn bound Frodo's hands securely.
"Still as stubborn as ever, aren't you?" He said sarcastically. "Don't make me hurt you, Frodo. We have places to go, you and I, and I should hate to have to drag you."
"What are you doing back in the Shire?!" Frodo cried out. "You were banished -"
"Yes, thanks largely to you, my dear. But I missed you so!" Bramblethorn punctuated his last sentence by giving Frodo's arms a vicious yank. Frodo bit back a cry. "I've returned just to see you," Bramblethorn continued, dragging Frodo to his feet. "We're going for a walk in the moonlight. It's a fair distance, so I hope you're not too dizzy to make the trip."
"Where are you taking me?" Frodo asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
"No harm in telling you, since you would see for yourself eventually. We're going to Bywater. But no more questions now, Frodo dear. We'll get to the details of my visit soon enough, I promise."
With that, Bramlethorn threw his pack over his shoulder and shoved his captive out the door and toward the parlor. As they reached the front door, he spoke again. "We will not be using the road, obviously. If I hear a sound from you intended to give our presence away to anyone, I will gag you. Now move!"
With no way of leaving word to Sam, Merry or Pippin regarding his plight, Frodo felt a hopeless feeling wash over him. They would find him gone in the morning, with no sign of his whereabouts to lead them. They would know something was amiss, certainly, but the fact that he would be in Bywater would be completely unknown to them.
Another shove and a few faltering steps, and Frodo was forced from his home and into the night. He was scared witless. The last time this beast had laid hands on him, it was with unspeakable intentions. Was his motive the same now, or was there more to it? Afraid to contemplate the answer to his own question, he stumbled forward into the darkness.
~*~To be continued ~*~