Daisy Brambleburr - I'm answering both your reviews for chapters 12 and 13
here. It would not be outrageous to say that Aiden looks upon Frodo like a
son to some degree. Frodo is still a youngster, and in need of someone to
look out for him. Aiden misses his son, and if he can channel that care
into helping Frodo, so much the better for both of them! Saradoc has indeed
gone to fetch Merry. We'll see what happens regarding that in this chapter.
Fionarox - Thanks for de - lurking and reviewing chapter 6! The angst is still comin', and we've a distance to travel before getting back to Buckland to deal with those 'ratfaced hobbits'! As to your review of chapter 12, have you got a Palantir? You are very perceptive as to the possible direction of this story! This tale continues for some time yet.
Shirebound - As you said, Frodo cannot help but make friends among good folk. He's so charming! Even nasty ruffians need time to plan their doings, so let's see if we can't keep this happy interlude going for a little while yet. All roads are beginning to lead to Frodo, for good or ill at this point. Merry is definitely showing some of the characteristics that lead him to follow Frodo on the quest later on. He's a very noble hobbit, and it's important to him to do his duty by those he loves.
Bookworm2000 - Gavin and Fergus are hateworthy, aren't they? Let's see what else I can do with this tangle of a plot I've got going. This chapter we'll eavesdrop on conversations between Frodo and Aiden, Merry, Bilbo and Saradoc, and Gavin and Fergus.
Krista - Yep, fast updates here. The secret behind that is that I mostly completed the story before I started posting. That way, I can keep the momentum going and get a mailbox full of fun reviews almost every day! The hobbitlore in these past few chapters was partially inspired by my beta, Aratlithiel. She suggested the part with the hobbits swapping family names upon meeting, and I had fun writing that!
Aratlithiel - Yes, as my beta you've had the ultimate sneak peek! I've changed minor things here and there on a couple of chapters, so I might still have surprises for you.
Endymion - Many things in this fic were inspired by the films, up to and including the color of the cloak Aiden gave to Frodo. The argument between Saradoc and Bilbo was necessarily a bit abbreviated, since time is of the essence for them, and they have other bones to pick with each other, as we will see. It is hard for a parent to realize a child is growing up, especially if we're talking about the youngest. I know that one from personal experience! Yes, the ruffians in this fic and those naughty hobbit lads suffer from similar faults. They are greedy, small - minded, and lack integrity and compassion.
TTTurtle - This makes Dolan - Conflicted! (Whether he's aware of the fact or not.) Merry is in a little hot water with his folks right now, but Frodo still is running ahead in the 'endangered' department.
Trust No One - Hope your vacation is going well! How this will end for Aiden remains to be seen. He still has quite a bit of the story ahead of him! Whether we will see Otto Mugwort again remains to be seen. He may or may not show up again. (Note how I say nothing at all, really? Wicked! Tricksy!) You are welcome for the review, and thanks for your kind comments as well!
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Chapter 14 - Conversations
~*~Aiden's home, Bree, late afternoon ~*~
Aiden was standing before the hearth, gazing at a portrait above the mantelpiece. He had been there, unmoving, for several minutes, and Frodo was reluctant to disturb him. He set the tea service down quietly on the table and poured two cups.
The sound roused the man from his reverie and he turned to join the hobbit at the table. Aiden stirred his tea with an absent expression, watching as the liquid swirled in the cup. He may have been looking at a cup of chamomile tea, but all he saw were the faces in the portrait.
"The portrait is beautiful," Frodo ventured quietly. "You miss them very much, don't you?" He looked up and caught Aiden's eyes, and the haunted look there went straight to his heart.
"Yes," Aiden answered him. "Not a day goes by when they aren't in my thoughts and my heart, Frodo." He sipped his tea and stared at the grain of the wooden table. "It's been three years now, but it doesn't seem that long."
Frodo knew what Aiden meant. It had been eight years since his parents had died, but sometimes the pain of the loss could flare up as sharply as if it were only days ago. Frodo nodded silently.
"Callen was the first to come down with it. He was fine the day before, all bright eyes and energy." Something like a smile crossed the man's face as he thought of the little boy who'd had his eyes and hair and his mother's nose. "The fever came on so quickly. The healer said it was worse for the young and the very old."
Frodo nodded again, thinking of an illness that had spread through Brandy Hall when he was younger. Several of the children came down with it and one very young one had died. The entire Hall had been in mourning for weeks afterward.
"Mori and I remained by his side. I could see that she was tired, but she wouldn't rest. Eventually, she sickened as well." Aiden's eyes seemed clouded, shrouded by a veil of sorrow. "We lost Cal on the same day that she fell ill. I don't think she knew he was gone."
Frodo felt his chest tighten as he beheld the anguish in his friend's face. "Aiden, you don't have to tell me if - "
"It's all right, Frodo," he said, taking a deep breath. "It helps, somehow."
"I know. To speak of it is hard, but to hold it inside is harder still," Frodo said softly, thinking of how he had closed himself off from others after his loss.
"When I lost Mori, I actually wished for the illness to take me as well. I couldn't understand how it could take them and yet leave me untouched. I still don't understand it, Frodo." He put the teacup down and placed his hands on the table, palms down.
"Perhaps you have something yet to accomplish," Frodo suggested. "Something of great importance, whether to yourself or others that requires you to remain."
Aiden looked at Frodo in wonder. "You are quite possibly correct, Frodo, and if so, you are wise beyond your years." He stirred his tea pensively. "Perhaps the greater powers that direct our fates have more in mind for us than we imagine possible." Aiden sipped his tea, attempting to allow a lighter tone to come into his voice. "Enough of my rambling," he said, forcing a smile. "I've no wish to carry my guest away with me on a wave of melancholy."
"It's quite all right," Frodo replied. "In truth, I've been rather out of sorts today myself."
Had he been? Aiden wondered if he had failed to notice Frodo's mood due to his immersion in his own sorrow. "Forgive me, Frodo. I've been so accustomed to bearing my moods in solitude, I fear I've noticed little today."
"It's nothing, really," Frodo sighed. "I just miss my home a little. My cousin and my uncle, specifically. Merry is my best friend, and Uncle Bilbo is, well, quite special."
"Everyone needs to have special people in their lives," Aiden said, his tone lightening somewhat. "Tell me about them."
"Bilbo is amazing," Frodo began, trying to find adequate words to describe his relative. "In truth, he is a cousin, but for as long as I can remember, I have called him Uncle. It seems to suit him better." Aiden nodded and Frodo continued. "When he was younger, he went away on a great adventure. He knows Wizards, Elves and Dwarves, and he has seen dragons and spiders bigger than you - " Frodo stopped to take a breath.
Aiden's expression had changed from the pensive, sorrowful gaze to a look of wonder and a hint of amusement. Wizards and dragons? My, but this lad had an interesting family indeed! "He sounds like a capital fellow," Aiden remarked. "What about your cousin?"
"His name is really Meriadoc, but we all call him Merry. It seems to suit him, as he's always full of laughter and mischief." Frodo smiled at the thought of the pranks his younger cousin could come up with. "He's a bit younger than I am, but he's always there when I need him, whether I'm aware of needing him or not."
"It sounds like he is a very good friend indeed," Aiden agreed. "You will see them again, Frodo, I promise." He rose from the table and put a hand on Frodo's shoulder, squeezing gently. "I left word with Butterbur at the Prancing Pony that I am to be contacted immediately as soon as your family comes to look for you. If necessary, I will take you home to the Shire myself."
The lump that rose in Frodo's throat nearly kept him from speaking, but he managed two words. "You will?"
"Of course," Aiden replied, kneeling by Frodo's side. "As your friend, I would do so."
Thoroughly overcome, Frodo hugged Aiden as his tears fell.
~*~The Bree Road, nightfall~*~
They had stopped for the night, making camp a short distance off the road. Merry shifted on his bedroll, trying to get some rest, but sleep avoided him completely. He could hear the voices of Bilbo and Saradoc a short distance away, as they sat talking by the fire. Merry tried not to listen, but it was impossible not to as the voices rose and fell.
"As I said before, Sara, I feel that Brandy Hall is not the best environment for Frodo at this time in his life," Bilbo said pointedly. "Let me come to the point. I wish to adopt Frodo and have him live with me at Bag End."
Saradoc brooded in silence for a moment. When he spoke, it was with an air of mild frustration. "Bilbo, we have discussed this. You have never raised a child, much less a tween."
"You have, and yet Frodo does not seem to be benefiting from your experience." The comment was made rather sharply, and so was the response.
"Indeed? Then tell me, Bilbo. What is it that Frodo is lacking at Brandy Hall?" Saradoc looked Bilbo in the eye and waited for the answer.
"Someone who understands him," Bilbo shot back. "Someone who will not judge him but accept him for who he is."
"Do you think we judge him, or fail to accept him?" Saradoc said angrily. "That is absurd."
"I speak not just of you or Esmie, Saradoc. I speak of the Hall in general." Bilbo's voice softened somewhat as he spoke. "Sara, have you seen how distant Frodo is from the other youngsters? Have you seen how he is either ignored or put upon by them?" He shook his head sadly. "The adults whisper about him as well. He has endured much."
"You needn't tell me what goes on in the Hall," Saradoc said, glaring at Bilbo.
"Need I not?" Bilbo was glaring back. "Did you know those boys forced Frodo to raid the farmer's mushrooms for them? That they threw him into the river? Thrashed him in the hayloft and trapped him there? These things have been going on for years, Saradoc. It's the same lads who are responsible for all of these things."
Even in the light of the campfire, Bilbo could see Saradoc blanching at his words. So he hadn't known about the specific events. Had Frodo simply not spoken of them at all? That was likely. Even so, it was obvious by their behavior that Bargo and Reginard had an unhealthy fixation on Frodo.
"I - I hadn't known of all those things," Saradoc admitted. "You managed to talk Frodo into telling me of some of the trouble, but after that day, he said nothing more. I had assumed the trouble to be finished."
"I think he feared retaliation if he told of any more. The point, Saradoc, is that the signs have been there, and someone who had time for the lad would have seen them." He placed a hand on Saradoc's arm and smiled. "I know you do not actively neglect Frodo. The fact, as I see it, is that you and Esmie have so much to deal with that you cannot see all that happens. You cannot be everywhere."
"Who can, Bilbo? We have cared for Frodo to the best of our ability, I assure you." Saradoc considered for a moment. "Frodo is unique. He is rather like a deer in a forest," he explained. "When you happen upon him suddenly, he is likely to bolt."
"Not if you know how to approach him," Bilbo said calmly. "I know, Sara. The boy talks to me. That is why I took Merry seriously when he said something terrible had happened."
"So you believe we will actually find Frodo in Bree, as the rumor says?" Saradoc asked seriously. There was no sarcasm in his voice.
"I believe that those two lads have done him a bad turn, and that if he is anywhere nearby, Bree is the likely location." Merry had heard one of those devils say Frodo ought to be halfway to Bree, Bilbo remembered.
"If there are to be any major changes in his life, Frodo must agree to them," Saradoc cautioned. "He must genuinely desire to go with you to Hobbiton, or he will not be sent."
"I am in agreement with you, Sara," Bilbo said, nodding. "I would never ask the boy to do anything that wasn't his heart's desire."
Merry tried to shut out the rest of the conversation. Frodo, going away to Hobbiton with Bilbo? The thought stirred something within him that he would later admonish himself for feeling, a selfish, possessive wish that Frodo remain at Brandy Hall. ~My best friend, going away,~ Merry thought sadly. Maybe Frodo would refuse to go. Maybe, if Merry asked him to, Frodo would stay.
Bilbo and Saradoc continued to discuss the matter long into the night, and Merry eventually fell into an uneasy sleep.
~*~Bree, after nightfall~*~
The house was small and decrepit, and Fergus had no idea what power kept it from collapsing. It was out of the way, though, and the cellar seemed secure enough. "Nice place ye got 'ere," he remarked with casual flippancy. "'Ow long ye figure on hidin' 'im 'ere?"
"Not long," Gavin informed him. "I'm heading south in a couple of days. I can keep the little imp here until then." The cellar was bare and dank, with sturdy doors that could be bolted from the outside.
"Ye sure ye can 'andle 'im?" Fergus prodded. "I don't think 'e's gonna go wi' ye quietly." He snickered to himself, remembering Frodo's protests. "'E likes that fancy fella 'e's with now, I wager."
"I don't care what the little thing likes or doesn't like," Gavin growled. "If he steps out of line, I'll put him back in his place right quick." That little halfling would learn his place before they even left Bree. No servant of his would be talking back to him or disobeying his commands, and if it took a day or two to get the idea across, so be it.
Having found the location secure enough to suit their purposes, Gavin and Fergus took their leave. All they had to do now was get their hands on that halfling, and that would be accomplished soon enough. They headed off to a nearby inn for a pint and more planning.
Idiots, thought Dolan as he stepped out of the alcove where he had been observing them. So Fergus really meant to go through with it. Dolan had followed them out of overwhelming curiosity. He'd known Fergus was a greedy fool, but he hadn't thought he'd try something so risky as this. Well, he wasn't getting involved. He was smarter than that. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his coat and walked away in the opposite direction, whistling a tune.
~*~To be continued~*~
Fionarox - Thanks for de - lurking and reviewing chapter 6! The angst is still comin', and we've a distance to travel before getting back to Buckland to deal with those 'ratfaced hobbits'! As to your review of chapter 12, have you got a Palantir? You are very perceptive as to the possible direction of this story! This tale continues for some time yet.
Shirebound - As you said, Frodo cannot help but make friends among good folk. He's so charming! Even nasty ruffians need time to plan their doings, so let's see if we can't keep this happy interlude going for a little while yet. All roads are beginning to lead to Frodo, for good or ill at this point. Merry is definitely showing some of the characteristics that lead him to follow Frodo on the quest later on. He's a very noble hobbit, and it's important to him to do his duty by those he loves.
Bookworm2000 - Gavin and Fergus are hateworthy, aren't they? Let's see what else I can do with this tangle of a plot I've got going. This chapter we'll eavesdrop on conversations between Frodo and Aiden, Merry, Bilbo and Saradoc, and Gavin and Fergus.
Krista - Yep, fast updates here. The secret behind that is that I mostly completed the story before I started posting. That way, I can keep the momentum going and get a mailbox full of fun reviews almost every day! The hobbitlore in these past few chapters was partially inspired by my beta, Aratlithiel. She suggested the part with the hobbits swapping family names upon meeting, and I had fun writing that!
Aratlithiel - Yes, as my beta you've had the ultimate sneak peek! I've changed minor things here and there on a couple of chapters, so I might still have surprises for you.
Endymion - Many things in this fic were inspired by the films, up to and including the color of the cloak Aiden gave to Frodo. The argument between Saradoc and Bilbo was necessarily a bit abbreviated, since time is of the essence for them, and they have other bones to pick with each other, as we will see. It is hard for a parent to realize a child is growing up, especially if we're talking about the youngest. I know that one from personal experience! Yes, the ruffians in this fic and those naughty hobbit lads suffer from similar faults. They are greedy, small - minded, and lack integrity and compassion.
TTTurtle - This makes Dolan - Conflicted! (Whether he's aware of the fact or not.) Merry is in a little hot water with his folks right now, but Frodo still is running ahead in the 'endangered' department.
Trust No One - Hope your vacation is going well! How this will end for Aiden remains to be seen. He still has quite a bit of the story ahead of him! Whether we will see Otto Mugwort again remains to be seen. He may or may not show up again. (Note how I say nothing at all, really? Wicked! Tricksy!) You are welcome for the review, and thanks for your kind comments as well!
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Chapter 14 - Conversations
~*~Aiden's home, Bree, late afternoon ~*~
Aiden was standing before the hearth, gazing at a portrait above the mantelpiece. He had been there, unmoving, for several minutes, and Frodo was reluctant to disturb him. He set the tea service down quietly on the table and poured two cups.
The sound roused the man from his reverie and he turned to join the hobbit at the table. Aiden stirred his tea with an absent expression, watching as the liquid swirled in the cup. He may have been looking at a cup of chamomile tea, but all he saw were the faces in the portrait.
"The portrait is beautiful," Frodo ventured quietly. "You miss them very much, don't you?" He looked up and caught Aiden's eyes, and the haunted look there went straight to his heart.
"Yes," Aiden answered him. "Not a day goes by when they aren't in my thoughts and my heart, Frodo." He sipped his tea and stared at the grain of the wooden table. "It's been three years now, but it doesn't seem that long."
Frodo knew what Aiden meant. It had been eight years since his parents had died, but sometimes the pain of the loss could flare up as sharply as if it were only days ago. Frodo nodded silently.
"Callen was the first to come down with it. He was fine the day before, all bright eyes and energy." Something like a smile crossed the man's face as he thought of the little boy who'd had his eyes and hair and his mother's nose. "The fever came on so quickly. The healer said it was worse for the young and the very old."
Frodo nodded again, thinking of an illness that had spread through Brandy Hall when he was younger. Several of the children came down with it and one very young one had died. The entire Hall had been in mourning for weeks afterward.
"Mori and I remained by his side. I could see that she was tired, but she wouldn't rest. Eventually, she sickened as well." Aiden's eyes seemed clouded, shrouded by a veil of sorrow. "We lost Cal on the same day that she fell ill. I don't think she knew he was gone."
Frodo felt his chest tighten as he beheld the anguish in his friend's face. "Aiden, you don't have to tell me if - "
"It's all right, Frodo," he said, taking a deep breath. "It helps, somehow."
"I know. To speak of it is hard, but to hold it inside is harder still," Frodo said softly, thinking of how he had closed himself off from others after his loss.
"When I lost Mori, I actually wished for the illness to take me as well. I couldn't understand how it could take them and yet leave me untouched. I still don't understand it, Frodo." He put the teacup down and placed his hands on the table, palms down.
"Perhaps you have something yet to accomplish," Frodo suggested. "Something of great importance, whether to yourself or others that requires you to remain."
Aiden looked at Frodo in wonder. "You are quite possibly correct, Frodo, and if so, you are wise beyond your years." He stirred his tea pensively. "Perhaps the greater powers that direct our fates have more in mind for us than we imagine possible." Aiden sipped his tea, attempting to allow a lighter tone to come into his voice. "Enough of my rambling," he said, forcing a smile. "I've no wish to carry my guest away with me on a wave of melancholy."
"It's quite all right," Frodo replied. "In truth, I've been rather out of sorts today myself."
Had he been? Aiden wondered if he had failed to notice Frodo's mood due to his immersion in his own sorrow. "Forgive me, Frodo. I've been so accustomed to bearing my moods in solitude, I fear I've noticed little today."
"It's nothing, really," Frodo sighed. "I just miss my home a little. My cousin and my uncle, specifically. Merry is my best friend, and Uncle Bilbo is, well, quite special."
"Everyone needs to have special people in their lives," Aiden said, his tone lightening somewhat. "Tell me about them."
"Bilbo is amazing," Frodo began, trying to find adequate words to describe his relative. "In truth, he is a cousin, but for as long as I can remember, I have called him Uncle. It seems to suit him better." Aiden nodded and Frodo continued. "When he was younger, he went away on a great adventure. He knows Wizards, Elves and Dwarves, and he has seen dragons and spiders bigger than you - " Frodo stopped to take a breath.
Aiden's expression had changed from the pensive, sorrowful gaze to a look of wonder and a hint of amusement. Wizards and dragons? My, but this lad had an interesting family indeed! "He sounds like a capital fellow," Aiden remarked. "What about your cousin?"
"His name is really Meriadoc, but we all call him Merry. It seems to suit him, as he's always full of laughter and mischief." Frodo smiled at the thought of the pranks his younger cousin could come up with. "He's a bit younger than I am, but he's always there when I need him, whether I'm aware of needing him or not."
"It sounds like he is a very good friend indeed," Aiden agreed. "You will see them again, Frodo, I promise." He rose from the table and put a hand on Frodo's shoulder, squeezing gently. "I left word with Butterbur at the Prancing Pony that I am to be contacted immediately as soon as your family comes to look for you. If necessary, I will take you home to the Shire myself."
The lump that rose in Frodo's throat nearly kept him from speaking, but he managed two words. "You will?"
"Of course," Aiden replied, kneeling by Frodo's side. "As your friend, I would do so."
Thoroughly overcome, Frodo hugged Aiden as his tears fell.
~*~The Bree Road, nightfall~*~
They had stopped for the night, making camp a short distance off the road. Merry shifted on his bedroll, trying to get some rest, but sleep avoided him completely. He could hear the voices of Bilbo and Saradoc a short distance away, as they sat talking by the fire. Merry tried not to listen, but it was impossible not to as the voices rose and fell.
"As I said before, Sara, I feel that Brandy Hall is not the best environment for Frodo at this time in his life," Bilbo said pointedly. "Let me come to the point. I wish to adopt Frodo and have him live with me at Bag End."
Saradoc brooded in silence for a moment. When he spoke, it was with an air of mild frustration. "Bilbo, we have discussed this. You have never raised a child, much less a tween."
"You have, and yet Frodo does not seem to be benefiting from your experience." The comment was made rather sharply, and so was the response.
"Indeed? Then tell me, Bilbo. What is it that Frodo is lacking at Brandy Hall?" Saradoc looked Bilbo in the eye and waited for the answer.
"Someone who understands him," Bilbo shot back. "Someone who will not judge him but accept him for who he is."
"Do you think we judge him, or fail to accept him?" Saradoc said angrily. "That is absurd."
"I speak not just of you or Esmie, Saradoc. I speak of the Hall in general." Bilbo's voice softened somewhat as he spoke. "Sara, have you seen how distant Frodo is from the other youngsters? Have you seen how he is either ignored or put upon by them?" He shook his head sadly. "The adults whisper about him as well. He has endured much."
"You needn't tell me what goes on in the Hall," Saradoc said, glaring at Bilbo.
"Need I not?" Bilbo was glaring back. "Did you know those boys forced Frodo to raid the farmer's mushrooms for them? That they threw him into the river? Thrashed him in the hayloft and trapped him there? These things have been going on for years, Saradoc. It's the same lads who are responsible for all of these things."
Even in the light of the campfire, Bilbo could see Saradoc blanching at his words. So he hadn't known about the specific events. Had Frodo simply not spoken of them at all? That was likely. Even so, it was obvious by their behavior that Bargo and Reginard had an unhealthy fixation on Frodo.
"I - I hadn't known of all those things," Saradoc admitted. "You managed to talk Frodo into telling me of some of the trouble, but after that day, he said nothing more. I had assumed the trouble to be finished."
"I think he feared retaliation if he told of any more. The point, Saradoc, is that the signs have been there, and someone who had time for the lad would have seen them." He placed a hand on Saradoc's arm and smiled. "I know you do not actively neglect Frodo. The fact, as I see it, is that you and Esmie have so much to deal with that you cannot see all that happens. You cannot be everywhere."
"Who can, Bilbo? We have cared for Frodo to the best of our ability, I assure you." Saradoc considered for a moment. "Frodo is unique. He is rather like a deer in a forest," he explained. "When you happen upon him suddenly, he is likely to bolt."
"Not if you know how to approach him," Bilbo said calmly. "I know, Sara. The boy talks to me. That is why I took Merry seriously when he said something terrible had happened."
"So you believe we will actually find Frodo in Bree, as the rumor says?" Saradoc asked seriously. There was no sarcasm in his voice.
"I believe that those two lads have done him a bad turn, and that if he is anywhere nearby, Bree is the likely location." Merry had heard one of those devils say Frodo ought to be halfway to Bree, Bilbo remembered.
"If there are to be any major changes in his life, Frodo must agree to them," Saradoc cautioned. "He must genuinely desire to go with you to Hobbiton, or he will not be sent."
"I am in agreement with you, Sara," Bilbo said, nodding. "I would never ask the boy to do anything that wasn't his heart's desire."
Merry tried to shut out the rest of the conversation. Frodo, going away to Hobbiton with Bilbo? The thought stirred something within him that he would later admonish himself for feeling, a selfish, possessive wish that Frodo remain at Brandy Hall. ~My best friend, going away,~ Merry thought sadly. Maybe Frodo would refuse to go. Maybe, if Merry asked him to, Frodo would stay.
Bilbo and Saradoc continued to discuss the matter long into the night, and Merry eventually fell into an uneasy sleep.
~*~Bree, after nightfall~*~
The house was small and decrepit, and Fergus had no idea what power kept it from collapsing. It was out of the way, though, and the cellar seemed secure enough. "Nice place ye got 'ere," he remarked with casual flippancy. "'Ow long ye figure on hidin' 'im 'ere?"
"Not long," Gavin informed him. "I'm heading south in a couple of days. I can keep the little imp here until then." The cellar was bare and dank, with sturdy doors that could be bolted from the outside.
"Ye sure ye can 'andle 'im?" Fergus prodded. "I don't think 'e's gonna go wi' ye quietly." He snickered to himself, remembering Frodo's protests. "'E likes that fancy fella 'e's with now, I wager."
"I don't care what the little thing likes or doesn't like," Gavin growled. "If he steps out of line, I'll put him back in his place right quick." That little halfling would learn his place before they even left Bree. No servant of his would be talking back to him or disobeying his commands, and if it took a day or two to get the idea across, so be it.
Having found the location secure enough to suit their purposes, Gavin and Fergus took their leave. All they had to do now was get their hands on that halfling, and that would be accomplished soon enough. They headed off to a nearby inn for a pint and more planning.
Idiots, thought Dolan as he stepped out of the alcove where he had been observing them. So Fergus really meant to go through with it. Dolan had followed them out of overwhelming curiosity. He'd known Fergus was a greedy fool, but he hadn't thought he'd try something so risky as this. Well, he wasn't getting involved. He was smarter than that. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his coat and walked away in the opposite direction, whistling a tune.
~*~To be continued~*~