TTTurtle - I got the alert for your review of Chapter 9 exactly 2 seconds
after uploading Chapter 10. I was going to remove it and add my
acknowledgement of your comments, but it prompted me that it would remove
the whole story plus all reviews if I did! Ahh, stranded on the information
superhighway. Yes, Chapter 9 was kinda short. Chapter 10,
too. Hope this one makes up for it! Bramblethorn's not as smart as he
thought, is he? What more will I put Frodo through before Sam can reach
him? Answers to be found herein.
FrodoBaggins1982 - Thank you for your compliments on my characterizations of the hobiits. Can Sam get around without being seen? Let's find out.
Aelfgifu - Samwise the Brave is ready for action! More creepy Bramblethorn and Frodo scenes? Got one coming up.
Camellia Gamgee - Took - You're feeling a sense of desperation regarding getting to the end of this story and getting Frodo safely home? Allow me to join you! Let's see how our heroes are doing.
Endymion - Many good questions! I'm doing some revising of future chapters dealing with the specific question of how to deal with Bramblethorn. It is a challenge, since crime and punishment in hobbit culture is a wide - open subject. Bramblethorn is very self-assured. Sam may be safe to follow him to his lair IF he's very careful. Will Sam be able to refrain from thrashing Bramblethorn on the spot? Watch this space for answer. We'll see Frodo again this chapter.
Map - Another new reader! Thanks for joining us. I've received many positive comments on Frodo's defiance and bravery in this fic. You're right, he carried the Ring into Mordor, and that's not a job for the faint - hearted! That's our Frodo, and we love him!
Misstook1420 - Will something go wrong with the plan? A weird plot twist perhaps? Hmmm. Let me see.
Aratlithiel - Will I let Sam off easily? How can a normally sane person worry about the fate of fictional characters? Because of a wonderful thing called imagination, without which things are much to dull!
ZoSo Gamgee-Baggins - Can't wait for Sam to find Frodo? And hasn't Sam got something important to tell him? Yes, Sam does have something he wants to say to Frodo, and Frodo has something to tell Sam too. Eventually.
Chapter 11 - In the Darkness
As Bramblethorn left the shop, Sam began to follow slowly, weaving his way in and out of the groups of hobbits walking down the street and keeping his eyes riveted on the back of Bramblethorn's head.
~Take me to him, you beast,~ Thought Sam angrily. ~Show me where you've got him!~ He busied himself thinking of what he'd do to that awful creature when he got his chance. He was surprised by the ferocity of his thoughts and how little guilt he experienced over them. Sam had always been a gentle sort, but when it came to someone harming Frodo, something else awakened in him. Nothing short of grim death could turn him aside from protecting Frodo. That was his place, simple enough.
Sam followed Bramblethorn at a safe distance. He seemed to be heading for the far side of the small settlement. Sam hoped it wasn't a long way. He could manage to stay hidden easily within the confines of the town, and could use the undergrowth as cover once the buildings thinned out and nature took over. However, the longer he had to tail Bramblethorn, the greater the possibility that he would be discovered.
He took great care to avoid being seen. Hobbits could be quite stealthy when they wished, and Sam had a knack for stepping silently. He had honed his skill in that area as a child, doing things a young lad usually does. He could sneak up on his sisters without being heard and deposit a grass snake nearby, or perform some other childish prank without them being the wiser to his presence. He was now long past the age for such activities, but some of the skills had remained with him.
As he followed his quarry, Sam found himself turning the same thoughts over in his head again and again. Frodo, in the clutches of that evil creature, being subjected to Eru knew what kind of horrible abuse. He couldn't bring himself to ponder the specifics. The thought of Bramblethorn violating Frodo's body and breaking his mind and gentle spirit nearly undid Sam completely if he allowed himself to consider the possibility.
Bramblethorn made his way out of the town proper and into the countryside. Sam kept to the cover of the trees and bushes, ready to duck behind them if Bramblethorn should turn and look behind him. Brambelthorn continued his confident progress, however, and Sam stuck tight to his trail.
Bramblethorn strode up the path and around a bend. Sam tried not to let his haste give him away as he made for the bend at his best pace. He mustn't lose sight of the villain! Once around the bend, he could see Bramblethorn ahead. Off to the right and downhill, Sam noticed a hillside that was quite overgrown with grass and leafy bushes. On closer inspection, he could see that some residences had once been excavated into the hillside, but were now empty and nearly obscured by the growth. Bramblethorn was heading in that direction.
Could that be it? Sam's heart sped up as he drew nearer to the row of abandoned smials. He weaved his way through the underbrush, getting close enough to see the old holes clearly. Bramblethorn entered one of them! At the end of the row, Sam could see that the grass near one of the smials had been trampled down slightly. It was the very one Bramblethorn had entered.
~Mr. Frodo, if you're in there, please hold on!~
Frodo had to be there! Sam was certain Bramblethorn would keep Frodo nearby, and he was trying not to dwell on the reasons. Bramblethorn's previous interest in Frodo had been depraved and without consideration for Frodo himself. Sam knew that Bramblethorn didn't feel love for Frodo. He just wanted to possess and dominate him. It didn't matter to that vile creature that Frodo was a person, with a beautiful soul and a loving heart.
Tears sprang to Sam's eyes anew. Try as he might, he could not keep thoughts about Frodo and what might be happening to him from crowding into his mind. It was all he could do not to race down the hill and smash the door of the smial to bits, then do the same to Bramblethorn. But it wasn't that easy, and he knew it. This would have to be done right, and in a way that would not endanger Frodo further. As much as Sam wanted to knock Bramblethorn into the next age, he had to admit that it was safer for all of them if they attempted to reach Frodo when his captor was elsewhere.
With that in mind, Sam turned and walked back up the path toward the town. He'd find an opportunity to teach Bramblethorn a lesson, if it was the last thing he did in his life.
~*~
Bramblethorn walked into Frodo's little prison with a grin on his face. The Mayor wanted to meet with him that very evening! Things were going well, perhaps even better than expected. He was in a good mood.
He peered into the semi-darkness at his prisoner, huddled in the corner. Frodo was sleeping again, lying unmoving, eyes closed, breathing evenly. Frodo had withstood his every effort to break him, until Bramblethorn had threatened that miserable servant of his. Imagine, someone of Frodo's standing, willing to sacrifice all for the sake of a lowly gardener! Would wonders never cease? Bramblethorn shook his head slightly.
He grabbed the chair he had been using to brace the door shut and sat down, stretching his legs out and lighting his pipe. He smoked in silence for a while, brooding. A sound from the corner broke his reverie. Frodo was waking up.
Bramblethorn watched as Frodo stirred, then pushed himself up to a sitting position using his hands for balance. Several darkening bruises marred his pale skin, a visible testimony to his ordeal. He looked tired and drawn, the strain of his captivity beginning to show. He looked vulnerable, Bramblethorn thought to himself.
"Have a good nap, Frodo?" Bramblethorn said, regarding his captive from across the room. No answer. Ahh, how Frodo must hate him! That mattered little, really. He wasn't seeking Frodo's adoration at this point. Whether the young hobbit cared for him or not was irrelevant. He rose from the chair and laid his pipe on the seat.
"I cannot thank you enough for your assistance," he said as he walked across the room to stand over the bound hobbit. "I'll be meeting with the Mayor this evening." He knelt down in front of Frodo. "You've brought me back, Frodo, and I won't forget you."
"I wish you would," Frodo said simply. He was well beyond wasting pleasantries of any kind on this creature.
"Oh, no. I'll remember you, and I'll remember your beloved gardener," Bramblethorn purred. "I still owe him for that day in the woods, you know."
Frodo's eyes were suddenly lit with blue fire. "You said you would leave him alone!" he shouted.
"I promised you nothing of the kind," Bramblethorn replied, gesturing pedantically. "I said I would have at him if you didn't sign the document. I made no further statements about what I would do if you did sign."
"NO! Keep your filthy hands off him! Damn you!" Frodo lashed out furiously.
Bramblethorn moved closer and reached out toward Frodo. "Oh, Frodo. You're even more beautiful when you're angry," he said in a lascivious tone.
Frodo snapped. He swung his bound hands outward, catching Bramblethorn squarely in the bridge of his nose, causing him to pull back sharply.
Recovering, Bramlethorn turned to Frodo in fury. "Like to play rough, do you?" he hissed and bent down to grab Frodo's forearms, shaking him violently and slamming him back against the floor. Frodo brought his legs up and planted a two-footed kick into Bramlethorn's chest with all his might, causing him to tumble backward.
The kick had reminded Frodo of his sprained ankle with a sharp pain, but he was too infuriated to care. Breathing heavily, he regarded Bramblethorn with undisguised hatred.
"You shall pay dearly for that, Frodo, I promise you," Bramblethorn growled as he regained his feet. He moved with lightning speed to grab Frodo again and lifted him from the floor. Bramblethorn threw him against the wall and slammed a fist into his midsection.
As Frodo doubled over, gasping, Bramblethorn moved behind him. He wrapped both of his arms around Frodo's upper body in a bear hug.
Having recovered his breath slightly, Frodo squirmed in Bramblethorn's embrace. "You must leave him be! He only sought to protect me," Frodo cried desperately.
"To protect you?" Bramblethorn said, laughing evilly. "He didn't do a very good job, did he, Frodo?" Bramblethorn tightened his embrace and Frodo fought for air. "He failed to prevent you from coming into my care, did he not?"
Frodo wished miserably for a way to block out the sound of the words now being whispered into his ear. "He failed you, Frodo. He could not prevent me from bringing you here. He hasn't prevented you from being bound, bruised and weakened by hunger and thirst." The already menacing, sarcastic tone became even more so. "And he will not prevent me from taking all you have to give, whether you give it freely or I force it from you with all my strength."
Frodo fought back tears at those awful words. Sam had not failed him, nor would he! It wasn't Sam's fault this had happened, nor was it his fault that he had no way of knowing where Frodo was now. It was just a cruel trick of fate, and if anything, Frodo blamed himself. He should have realized what a dangerous enemy he had in Bramblethorn.
"You're wrong!" Frodo's voice came out a ragged whisper. "He's not to blame, I am! It's my fault for not realizing the depths of your wickedness. You're vile and hateful! You - "
"I'm all you have now, Frodo." Bramblethorn cut him off. "It's just me and you, and whatever I want, when and where I choose." He was whispering again. "What I want is you. How about now, Frodo? How about here, hmm? What do you say?" Bramblethorn punctuated the sentence with a squeeze.
Frodo struggled harder, fear beginning to overcome him. The more he struggled, the more Bramblethorn seemed to enjoy it.
"I had planned to save you for a while yet," he whispered, lightly kissing Frodo's earlobe. "I had thought to complete my victory celebration with you in my arms, once the Mayor has revoked my banishment." Bramblethorn slowly kissed Frodo's neck, his lips hovering to feel the quickening pulse of his terrified captive. "But I can't wait, Frodo. I think I must have you now."
Frodo's remaining composure was shattered, and his voice broke as he screamed. "Get your hands off me!" he gasped. "Leave me alone!"
When Frodo had made similar pleas before, Bramblethorn had laughed at him and released him, taking pleasure in causing Frodo to cower at his touch. But not this time. He was no longer satisfied with the mere threat and its result. He wrestled Frodo to the floor and pinned him there. A horrible grin crawled across his face as his hands began to travel, invading and groping farther than ever before.
Frodo thought he was going to faint from sheer terror. He didn't recognize his own voice as he cried out in anger, shame and horror. One of those hated hands clamped tightly over his mouth while the other fumbled with the few remaining buttons of his torn shirt.
"Save your voice, Frodo, for I shall have you crying out long into the night," Bramblethorn promised. "I'll take you right now, and then again when I return. We'll have plenty of time, beloved. Hours and hours."
Frodo's eyes began to unfocus as a wave of panicked dizziness flooded through him. Bramblethorn removed his hand from Frodo's mouth in order to grab both forearms and shake him hard. "Now don't pass out, Frodo!" he admonished. "We're just getting started!"
The shaking had the desired effect of bringing Frodo back to himself somewhat. He screamed again, an action taken entirely in vain, as there was no one to hear him except his attacker. Bramblethorn covered his mouth again. "I told you to be quiet, Frodo," Bramblethorn hissed. "You shall scream, but not yet."
Frodo's shirt was torn open completely now, and Bramblethorn's other hand had moved to the fastenings of his breeches. Frodo was painfully aware of what was happening to him, and almost too terrified to think - almost. ~Fight him!~ his mind screamed. ~I promised to fight him! Eru, help me!~
Frodo bit down hard. He tasted blood, and the hand that had covered his mouth was gone. There was a cry of pain and rage, as the weight that had borne down on him disappeared. For a brief moment, relief flooded his senses. The small effort wouldn't save him, he knew, but it bought him a few seconds to breathe deeply and gather what strength he could.
A brutal slap snapped his head back and he cried out involuntarily. Dazed, he saw Bramblethorn standing over him, holding his bleeding hand and snarling like a hungry wolf. "You've drawn first blood this day, my love, but not nearly so much as I shall draw from you!" Bramblethorn sneered at Frodo and struck him again, even harder than before.
"Seeing how you're still not in the mood, why don't I give you a little more time to get used to the idea?" Bramblethorn stunned Frodo with another slap, re-bound his hands behind him and gagged him again. As he pulled the cords brutally tight around Frodo's slender wrists, he continued, "I must meet the Mayor in a few hours as it is. When I return, we will finish what we have begun, without interruption. And Frodo - " Bramblethorn grabbed a handful of his captive's hair, forcing his head upward. "That gag may rob me of the joy of listening to you scream, but it will be the only thing you will be able to bite!"
Clutching his injured hand, Bramblethorn strode toward the door. As he reached it, he turned. "You asked me to leave you alone, Frodo," he sneered, his voice burning in his battered prisoner's ears. "I'll leave you alone. Alone in the dark. And you are alone, my dear one. Your gardener isn't here, and he isn't coming."
Bramblethorn picked up the candle, the only source of light, and walked out, pulling the chair behind him and slamming the door with all his strength. The rusted hinges bent slightly from the force and the door wedged shut as if locked. He propped the chair under the doorknob again for good measure.
Now surrounded by complete darkness, Frodo heard the echoes of Bramblethorn's words in his head. ~Your gardener isn't here, and he isn't coming.~
~I'm sorry, Sam.~ Frodo thought. ~I'm sorry I'll never be able to tell you how much you mean to me. I hope you know. I hope you've seen it in my eyes when they've held yours briefly, across the table at tea or in the garden. I hope you've heard it in my voice when I say your name. My Sam, voronwer, aratoamin, mellonamin.~
As the darkness closed in around him, Frodo gave in to the shadows, losing consciousness. The last thought that passed through his tortured mind was a memory of light, of love, of hope. Those things would be evermore just memories now, he thought as the shadows claimed him.
~*~
Sam stalked into the inn, searching for Merry and Pippin. They were waiting for him in the common room, their nervous looks changing to relieved smiles when they saw him.
"Sam, what happened? What did you find?" Merry asked eagerly.
"I followed him right to his lair. The filthy stinker had no idea," Sam replied, scowling.
"Could you see Frodo?" Pippin asked, searching Sam's face.
"No, Mr. Pippin, I couldn't see him, but I'd bet the lot that he's there. That vicious beast wouldn't be likely to let him out of his sight," Sam said hotly. Sam described the location of the abandoned smial and the area around it. Sam had taken note of several areas with dense undergrowth that afforded a good view of the smial. They would leave early and lie in wait until Bramblethorn had left.
"Things are ready here," Merry said calmly. "The Mayor is scheduled to meet with Bramblethorn this evening. When the meeting is over, Bramblethorn will be detained here." Merry tried to sound reassuring. "We'll get Frodo out, Sam."
"Let's hope you're right, Mr. Merry." Sam's tone was grave, but his voice was steady.
The rest of the day was spent getting the rescue party together. Merry and Pippin would act as lookouts while Sam took care of getting Frodo away from Bramblethorn. They rested as they were able, but excitement and apprehension kept them on edge. For the time being, they stayed in their room. Conversation was minimal, as each was absorbed in his own thoughts.
Pippin stared out the window at the street below, idly watching the residents of Bywater come and go. The fear he felt regarding Frodo was completely at odds with everything else around him. The weather was fine, and the folk of Bywater laughed and waved to each other in friendly fashion. Everything seemed normal around him, but he felt as if he were standing in a cold spot where the sun's cheerful rays couldn't reach.
The Shire itself seemed the same pleasant place as always. It didn't seem right, somehow. How could the sun shine so brightly and the townsfolk laugh without care when something so terrible had happened? There should be some indication of wrongness, some chill in the air or darkening of the day. Pippin sighed and continued to stare out the window.
Across the room, Merry sat polishing a shiny button on his weskit, not really aware of the motion of his fingers over the metal surface. They had to find Frodo. And in what condition would they find him? It was not just physical injuries Merry was concerned about, but also the effects on Frodo emotionally. Frodo had written to him of the incident two years before, and Merry had discerned as much of his cousin's state of mind from what he didn't write as from what was clearly on the page.
Frodo had told him the most basic details of the story, but had plainly been holding back when it came to his feelings about what had happened. The letter had been somehow more impersonal than usual, mainly facts about the occurrence but no mention of how Frodo was truly feeling about it. 'I am unhurt, thanks largely to Sam's quick action,' Frodo had written. 'Bramblethorn is to be removed from the Shire, by order of the Mayor.' Nothing more had he written about himself, but had changed the subject in the paragraph that had followed.
Frodo would need Sam now more than ever, Merry reasoned. He prayed that Sam would be able to coax Frodo to talk about his feelings. It was difficult to bear the thought of Frodo's light heart and loving spirit being locked away behind a wall of fear and apprehension.
~Assuming, of course, that we find Frodo and that he's all right.~ Merry pushed the dark thoughts away, rubbing harder at a dull spot on the button as he did.
Sam had intended to have a smoke and hopefully relax for a short time, but he had not lit his pipe. He had pulled it from his pocket and was still sitting and holding it in his hands several minutes later. He thought about sitting on the bench in the garden at Bag End with Frodo, having a smoke and conversation on a summer evening. That was what should be, not - not this. Frodo should be safe, at home. He should be where nothing could harm him.
It was what he deserved, Sam thought sadly. Mr. Frodo deserved to be surrounded by love, light and laughter, for those were the things he lent to the space around him. He was kind and gentle and deserved the very same in return. He did not deserve to be surrounded by darkness, fear and pain. He didn't deserve Bramblethorn!
~Mr. Frodo, just hold on. Hold on for me, please!~ Sam silently pleaded into the emptiness. ~I can't lose you. Not now, not this way.~ He vowed to free Frodo from Bramblethorn's clutches or give his last breath trying.
~*~
~Frodo's Elvish translated~
"Loyal one, my champion, my friend."
Source - www.grey-company.org
~*~To be continued~*~
FrodoBaggins1982 - Thank you for your compliments on my characterizations of the hobiits. Can Sam get around without being seen? Let's find out.
Aelfgifu - Samwise the Brave is ready for action! More creepy Bramblethorn and Frodo scenes? Got one coming up.
Camellia Gamgee - Took - You're feeling a sense of desperation regarding getting to the end of this story and getting Frodo safely home? Allow me to join you! Let's see how our heroes are doing.
Endymion - Many good questions! I'm doing some revising of future chapters dealing with the specific question of how to deal with Bramblethorn. It is a challenge, since crime and punishment in hobbit culture is a wide - open subject. Bramblethorn is very self-assured. Sam may be safe to follow him to his lair IF he's very careful. Will Sam be able to refrain from thrashing Bramblethorn on the spot? Watch this space for answer. We'll see Frodo again this chapter.
Map - Another new reader! Thanks for joining us. I've received many positive comments on Frodo's defiance and bravery in this fic. You're right, he carried the Ring into Mordor, and that's not a job for the faint - hearted! That's our Frodo, and we love him!
Misstook1420 - Will something go wrong with the plan? A weird plot twist perhaps? Hmmm. Let me see.
Aratlithiel - Will I let Sam off easily? How can a normally sane person worry about the fate of fictional characters? Because of a wonderful thing called imagination, without which things are much to dull!
ZoSo Gamgee-Baggins - Can't wait for Sam to find Frodo? And hasn't Sam got something important to tell him? Yes, Sam does have something he wants to say to Frodo, and Frodo has something to tell Sam too. Eventually.
Chapter 11 - In the Darkness
As Bramblethorn left the shop, Sam began to follow slowly, weaving his way in and out of the groups of hobbits walking down the street and keeping his eyes riveted on the back of Bramblethorn's head.
~Take me to him, you beast,~ Thought Sam angrily. ~Show me where you've got him!~ He busied himself thinking of what he'd do to that awful creature when he got his chance. He was surprised by the ferocity of his thoughts and how little guilt he experienced over them. Sam had always been a gentle sort, but when it came to someone harming Frodo, something else awakened in him. Nothing short of grim death could turn him aside from protecting Frodo. That was his place, simple enough.
Sam followed Bramblethorn at a safe distance. He seemed to be heading for the far side of the small settlement. Sam hoped it wasn't a long way. He could manage to stay hidden easily within the confines of the town, and could use the undergrowth as cover once the buildings thinned out and nature took over. However, the longer he had to tail Bramblethorn, the greater the possibility that he would be discovered.
He took great care to avoid being seen. Hobbits could be quite stealthy when they wished, and Sam had a knack for stepping silently. He had honed his skill in that area as a child, doing things a young lad usually does. He could sneak up on his sisters without being heard and deposit a grass snake nearby, or perform some other childish prank without them being the wiser to his presence. He was now long past the age for such activities, but some of the skills had remained with him.
As he followed his quarry, Sam found himself turning the same thoughts over in his head again and again. Frodo, in the clutches of that evil creature, being subjected to Eru knew what kind of horrible abuse. He couldn't bring himself to ponder the specifics. The thought of Bramblethorn violating Frodo's body and breaking his mind and gentle spirit nearly undid Sam completely if he allowed himself to consider the possibility.
Bramblethorn made his way out of the town proper and into the countryside. Sam kept to the cover of the trees and bushes, ready to duck behind them if Bramblethorn should turn and look behind him. Brambelthorn continued his confident progress, however, and Sam stuck tight to his trail.
Bramblethorn strode up the path and around a bend. Sam tried not to let his haste give him away as he made for the bend at his best pace. He mustn't lose sight of the villain! Once around the bend, he could see Bramblethorn ahead. Off to the right and downhill, Sam noticed a hillside that was quite overgrown with grass and leafy bushes. On closer inspection, he could see that some residences had once been excavated into the hillside, but were now empty and nearly obscured by the growth. Bramblethorn was heading in that direction.
Could that be it? Sam's heart sped up as he drew nearer to the row of abandoned smials. He weaved his way through the underbrush, getting close enough to see the old holes clearly. Bramblethorn entered one of them! At the end of the row, Sam could see that the grass near one of the smials had been trampled down slightly. It was the very one Bramblethorn had entered.
~Mr. Frodo, if you're in there, please hold on!~
Frodo had to be there! Sam was certain Bramblethorn would keep Frodo nearby, and he was trying not to dwell on the reasons. Bramblethorn's previous interest in Frodo had been depraved and without consideration for Frodo himself. Sam knew that Bramblethorn didn't feel love for Frodo. He just wanted to possess and dominate him. It didn't matter to that vile creature that Frodo was a person, with a beautiful soul and a loving heart.
Tears sprang to Sam's eyes anew. Try as he might, he could not keep thoughts about Frodo and what might be happening to him from crowding into his mind. It was all he could do not to race down the hill and smash the door of the smial to bits, then do the same to Bramblethorn. But it wasn't that easy, and he knew it. This would have to be done right, and in a way that would not endanger Frodo further. As much as Sam wanted to knock Bramblethorn into the next age, he had to admit that it was safer for all of them if they attempted to reach Frodo when his captor was elsewhere.
With that in mind, Sam turned and walked back up the path toward the town. He'd find an opportunity to teach Bramblethorn a lesson, if it was the last thing he did in his life.
~*~
Bramblethorn walked into Frodo's little prison with a grin on his face. The Mayor wanted to meet with him that very evening! Things were going well, perhaps even better than expected. He was in a good mood.
He peered into the semi-darkness at his prisoner, huddled in the corner. Frodo was sleeping again, lying unmoving, eyes closed, breathing evenly. Frodo had withstood his every effort to break him, until Bramblethorn had threatened that miserable servant of his. Imagine, someone of Frodo's standing, willing to sacrifice all for the sake of a lowly gardener! Would wonders never cease? Bramblethorn shook his head slightly.
He grabbed the chair he had been using to brace the door shut and sat down, stretching his legs out and lighting his pipe. He smoked in silence for a while, brooding. A sound from the corner broke his reverie. Frodo was waking up.
Bramblethorn watched as Frodo stirred, then pushed himself up to a sitting position using his hands for balance. Several darkening bruises marred his pale skin, a visible testimony to his ordeal. He looked tired and drawn, the strain of his captivity beginning to show. He looked vulnerable, Bramblethorn thought to himself.
"Have a good nap, Frodo?" Bramblethorn said, regarding his captive from across the room. No answer. Ahh, how Frodo must hate him! That mattered little, really. He wasn't seeking Frodo's adoration at this point. Whether the young hobbit cared for him or not was irrelevant. He rose from the chair and laid his pipe on the seat.
"I cannot thank you enough for your assistance," he said as he walked across the room to stand over the bound hobbit. "I'll be meeting with the Mayor this evening." He knelt down in front of Frodo. "You've brought me back, Frodo, and I won't forget you."
"I wish you would," Frodo said simply. He was well beyond wasting pleasantries of any kind on this creature.
"Oh, no. I'll remember you, and I'll remember your beloved gardener," Bramblethorn purred. "I still owe him for that day in the woods, you know."
Frodo's eyes were suddenly lit with blue fire. "You said you would leave him alone!" he shouted.
"I promised you nothing of the kind," Bramblethorn replied, gesturing pedantically. "I said I would have at him if you didn't sign the document. I made no further statements about what I would do if you did sign."
"NO! Keep your filthy hands off him! Damn you!" Frodo lashed out furiously.
Bramblethorn moved closer and reached out toward Frodo. "Oh, Frodo. You're even more beautiful when you're angry," he said in a lascivious tone.
Frodo snapped. He swung his bound hands outward, catching Bramblethorn squarely in the bridge of his nose, causing him to pull back sharply.
Recovering, Bramlethorn turned to Frodo in fury. "Like to play rough, do you?" he hissed and bent down to grab Frodo's forearms, shaking him violently and slamming him back against the floor. Frodo brought his legs up and planted a two-footed kick into Bramlethorn's chest with all his might, causing him to tumble backward.
The kick had reminded Frodo of his sprained ankle with a sharp pain, but he was too infuriated to care. Breathing heavily, he regarded Bramblethorn with undisguised hatred.
"You shall pay dearly for that, Frodo, I promise you," Bramblethorn growled as he regained his feet. He moved with lightning speed to grab Frodo again and lifted him from the floor. Bramblethorn threw him against the wall and slammed a fist into his midsection.
As Frodo doubled over, gasping, Bramblethorn moved behind him. He wrapped both of his arms around Frodo's upper body in a bear hug.
Having recovered his breath slightly, Frodo squirmed in Bramblethorn's embrace. "You must leave him be! He only sought to protect me," Frodo cried desperately.
"To protect you?" Bramblethorn said, laughing evilly. "He didn't do a very good job, did he, Frodo?" Bramblethorn tightened his embrace and Frodo fought for air. "He failed to prevent you from coming into my care, did he not?"
Frodo wished miserably for a way to block out the sound of the words now being whispered into his ear. "He failed you, Frodo. He could not prevent me from bringing you here. He hasn't prevented you from being bound, bruised and weakened by hunger and thirst." The already menacing, sarcastic tone became even more so. "And he will not prevent me from taking all you have to give, whether you give it freely or I force it from you with all my strength."
Frodo fought back tears at those awful words. Sam had not failed him, nor would he! It wasn't Sam's fault this had happened, nor was it his fault that he had no way of knowing where Frodo was now. It was just a cruel trick of fate, and if anything, Frodo blamed himself. He should have realized what a dangerous enemy he had in Bramblethorn.
"You're wrong!" Frodo's voice came out a ragged whisper. "He's not to blame, I am! It's my fault for not realizing the depths of your wickedness. You're vile and hateful! You - "
"I'm all you have now, Frodo." Bramblethorn cut him off. "It's just me and you, and whatever I want, when and where I choose." He was whispering again. "What I want is you. How about now, Frodo? How about here, hmm? What do you say?" Bramblethorn punctuated the sentence with a squeeze.
Frodo struggled harder, fear beginning to overcome him. The more he struggled, the more Bramblethorn seemed to enjoy it.
"I had planned to save you for a while yet," he whispered, lightly kissing Frodo's earlobe. "I had thought to complete my victory celebration with you in my arms, once the Mayor has revoked my banishment." Bramblethorn slowly kissed Frodo's neck, his lips hovering to feel the quickening pulse of his terrified captive. "But I can't wait, Frodo. I think I must have you now."
Frodo's remaining composure was shattered, and his voice broke as he screamed. "Get your hands off me!" he gasped. "Leave me alone!"
When Frodo had made similar pleas before, Bramblethorn had laughed at him and released him, taking pleasure in causing Frodo to cower at his touch. But not this time. He was no longer satisfied with the mere threat and its result. He wrestled Frodo to the floor and pinned him there. A horrible grin crawled across his face as his hands began to travel, invading and groping farther than ever before.
Frodo thought he was going to faint from sheer terror. He didn't recognize his own voice as he cried out in anger, shame and horror. One of those hated hands clamped tightly over his mouth while the other fumbled with the few remaining buttons of his torn shirt.
"Save your voice, Frodo, for I shall have you crying out long into the night," Bramblethorn promised. "I'll take you right now, and then again when I return. We'll have plenty of time, beloved. Hours and hours."
Frodo's eyes began to unfocus as a wave of panicked dizziness flooded through him. Bramblethorn removed his hand from Frodo's mouth in order to grab both forearms and shake him hard. "Now don't pass out, Frodo!" he admonished. "We're just getting started!"
The shaking had the desired effect of bringing Frodo back to himself somewhat. He screamed again, an action taken entirely in vain, as there was no one to hear him except his attacker. Bramblethorn covered his mouth again. "I told you to be quiet, Frodo," Bramblethorn hissed. "You shall scream, but not yet."
Frodo's shirt was torn open completely now, and Bramblethorn's other hand had moved to the fastenings of his breeches. Frodo was painfully aware of what was happening to him, and almost too terrified to think - almost. ~Fight him!~ his mind screamed. ~I promised to fight him! Eru, help me!~
Frodo bit down hard. He tasted blood, and the hand that had covered his mouth was gone. There was a cry of pain and rage, as the weight that had borne down on him disappeared. For a brief moment, relief flooded his senses. The small effort wouldn't save him, he knew, but it bought him a few seconds to breathe deeply and gather what strength he could.
A brutal slap snapped his head back and he cried out involuntarily. Dazed, he saw Bramblethorn standing over him, holding his bleeding hand and snarling like a hungry wolf. "You've drawn first blood this day, my love, but not nearly so much as I shall draw from you!" Bramblethorn sneered at Frodo and struck him again, even harder than before.
"Seeing how you're still not in the mood, why don't I give you a little more time to get used to the idea?" Bramblethorn stunned Frodo with another slap, re-bound his hands behind him and gagged him again. As he pulled the cords brutally tight around Frodo's slender wrists, he continued, "I must meet the Mayor in a few hours as it is. When I return, we will finish what we have begun, without interruption. And Frodo - " Bramblethorn grabbed a handful of his captive's hair, forcing his head upward. "That gag may rob me of the joy of listening to you scream, but it will be the only thing you will be able to bite!"
Clutching his injured hand, Bramblethorn strode toward the door. As he reached it, he turned. "You asked me to leave you alone, Frodo," he sneered, his voice burning in his battered prisoner's ears. "I'll leave you alone. Alone in the dark. And you are alone, my dear one. Your gardener isn't here, and he isn't coming."
Bramblethorn picked up the candle, the only source of light, and walked out, pulling the chair behind him and slamming the door with all his strength. The rusted hinges bent slightly from the force and the door wedged shut as if locked. He propped the chair under the doorknob again for good measure.
Now surrounded by complete darkness, Frodo heard the echoes of Bramblethorn's words in his head. ~Your gardener isn't here, and he isn't coming.~
~I'm sorry, Sam.~ Frodo thought. ~I'm sorry I'll never be able to tell you how much you mean to me. I hope you know. I hope you've seen it in my eyes when they've held yours briefly, across the table at tea or in the garden. I hope you've heard it in my voice when I say your name. My Sam, voronwer, aratoamin, mellonamin.~
As the darkness closed in around him, Frodo gave in to the shadows, losing consciousness. The last thought that passed through his tortured mind was a memory of light, of love, of hope. Those things would be evermore just memories now, he thought as the shadows claimed him.
~*~
Sam stalked into the inn, searching for Merry and Pippin. They were waiting for him in the common room, their nervous looks changing to relieved smiles when they saw him.
"Sam, what happened? What did you find?" Merry asked eagerly.
"I followed him right to his lair. The filthy stinker had no idea," Sam replied, scowling.
"Could you see Frodo?" Pippin asked, searching Sam's face.
"No, Mr. Pippin, I couldn't see him, but I'd bet the lot that he's there. That vicious beast wouldn't be likely to let him out of his sight," Sam said hotly. Sam described the location of the abandoned smial and the area around it. Sam had taken note of several areas with dense undergrowth that afforded a good view of the smial. They would leave early and lie in wait until Bramblethorn had left.
"Things are ready here," Merry said calmly. "The Mayor is scheduled to meet with Bramblethorn this evening. When the meeting is over, Bramblethorn will be detained here." Merry tried to sound reassuring. "We'll get Frodo out, Sam."
"Let's hope you're right, Mr. Merry." Sam's tone was grave, but his voice was steady.
The rest of the day was spent getting the rescue party together. Merry and Pippin would act as lookouts while Sam took care of getting Frodo away from Bramblethorn. They rested as they were able, but excitement and apprehension kept them on edge. For the time being, they stayed in their room. Conversation was minimal, as each was absorbed in his own thoughts.
Pippin stared out the window at the street below, idly watching the residents of Bywater come and go. The fear he felt regarding Frodo was completely at odds with everything else around him. The weather was fine, and the folk of Bywater laughed and waved to each other in friendly fashion. Everything seemed normal around him, but he felt as if he were standing in a cold spot where the sun's cheerful rays couldn't reach.
The Shire itself seemed the same pleasant place as always. It didn't seem right, somehow. How could the sun shine so brightly and the townsfolk laugh without care when something so terrible had happened? There should be some indication of wrongness, some chill in the air or darkening of the day. Pippin sighed and continued to stare out the window.
Across the room, Merry sat polishing a shiny button on his weskit, not really aware of the motion of his fingers over the metal surface. They had to find Frodo. And in what condition would they find him? It was not just physical injuries Merry was concerned about, but also the effects on Frodo emotionally. Frodo had written to him of the incident two years before, and Merry had discerned as much of his cousin's state of mind from what he didn't write as from what was clearly on the page.
Frodo had told him the most basic details of the story, but had plainly been holding back when it came to his feelings about what had happened. The letter had been somehow more impersonal than usual, mainly facts about the occurrence but no mention of how Frodo was truly feeling about it. 'I am unhurt, thanks largely to Sam's quick action,' Frodo had written. 'Bramblethorn is to be removed from the Shire, by order of the Mayor.' Nothing more had he written about himself, but had changed the subject in the paragraph that had followed.
Frodo would need Sam now more than ever, Merry reasoned. He prayed that Sam would be able to coax Frodo to talk about his feelings. It was difficult to bear the thought of Frodo's light heart and loving spirit being locked away behind a wall of fear and apprehension.
~Assuming, of course, that we find Frodo and that he's all right.~ Merry pushed the dark thoughts away, rubbing harder at a dull spot on the button as he did.
Sam had intended to have a smoke and hopefully relax for a short time, but he had not lit his pipe. He had pulled it from his pocket and was still sitting and holding it in his hands several minutes later. He thought about sitting on the bench in the garden at Bag End with Frodo, having a smoke and conversation on a summer evening. That was what should be, not - not this. Frodo should be safe, at home. He should be where nothing could harm him.
It was what he deserved, Sam thought sadly. Mr. Frodo deserved to be surrounded by love, light and laughter, for those were the things he lent to the space around him. He was kind and gentle and deserved the very same in return. He did not deserve to be surrounded by darkness, fear and pain. He didn't deserve Bramblethorn!
~Mr. Frodo, just hold on. Hold on for me, please!~ Sam silently pleaded into the emptiness. ~I can't lose you. Not now, not this way.~ He vowed to free Frodo from Bramblethorn's clutches or give his last breath trying.
~*~
~Frodo's Elvish translated~
"Loyal one, my champion, my friend."
Source - www.grey-company.org
~*~To be continued~*~