Shirebound - Getting nervous? As this chapter will show, you have reason to
be.
Aratlithiel - Good old Fergus. Isn't he just a gem? NOT! Way angsty, and more comin'.
Gayalondiel - Glad you're enjoying the interaction between Aiden and Frodo, and Saradoc's part in the story. As to the ruffians hurting Frodo, I can tell you the next couple of chapters won't be much fun for him. But I do promise lots of hobbit huggin' later on. Lots and lots.
FantasyFan - I'm glad you liked the foreshadowing in Aiden and Frodo's conversation in the last chapter. It was meant to bring to mind the astonishing events we know will take place in Frodo's life later on. Bilbo will not take no for an answer when it comes to taking Frodo to Bag End, provided that Frodo wants to go. Merry is certainly torn between his wish to see Frodo safe and happy and his desire to keep his best friend nearby.
FrodoBaggins1982 - Welcome back! Can Dolan make himself useful? There's always hope. Aiden and Frodo lean on each other the way true friends often do, when they need a word of comfort or encouragement. It is good to see the sun shine in Bree in a fic, isn't it? I think the dark shots of Bree in the movie are mostly the cause of many of us immediately writing the Bree scenes as dark and scary and devoid of other hobbits. I went to book canon when it came to that part.
Tavion - Yes, just when things seem to settle down, there's trouble brewing! It will indeed be bittersweet when Frodo and Aiden have to say goodbye. They've become such good friends in a short time! I like Aiden a lot too. He's one of those characters that just showed up in my mind complete with a history and everything. I do picture him as having been a good husband and father. An interesting point you've made that Aiden's compassion in saving the future Ringbearer has, in effect, also saved Middle Earth.
Aelfgifu - Glad you liked the interaction between Bilbo and Merry. Merry can't fool old Bilbo, no matter how hard he tries. For Saradoc this journey to Bree is a journey of personal growth and understanding as he comes to grips with the idea of his son's growing up. Angst coming up? Ohhhh, yes.
Camellia - Gamgee - Took - I've never had a character in one of my stories named Gavin before, but maybe someone else has? Merry is welcome to be your best friend any time? Biscuits and ale? Merry and I will be right over!
Endymion - Gavin is a piece of work, isn't he? As to witnesses, Dolan is still around. The question is, whose side is he on? Will he take sides? The quiet interlude is definitely drawing to a close for the time being.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ Author's Note - The next couple of chapters will be rather dark for Frodo. Those of you who know my stories know that I never kill a character and that any injury or unkindness done to them will be followed by better times. That being said, back to the story! ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Chapter 15 - Taken
~*~The Bree Road, afternoon~*~
Merry paused and squinted ahead into the sunlight. As his eyes scanned the surrounding area, he spied something unusual in a clearing up the road. He turned and waved to his father and Bilbo.
"There's something in those trees up ahead," he told them. "A shelter of some kind, I think."
Bilbo and Saradoc followed him, picking their way through the underbrush as they left the road and made for the clearing. The pony munched contentedly as they examined Merry's find.
It was indeed a shelter, long and just a little taller than they were. It had been cobbled together from downed tree branches, brush cuttings and leaves. The wind had blown some of the leaves away, leaving holes in the makeshift roof, but the structure itself was sound.
"Frodo was here!" Merry exclaimed excitedly. "We used to build shelters just like this in the woods when we were younger," he explained, running a hand along one of the tree branches. "They must have camped here the night that storm went through."
Saradoc examined the withering leaves on the sections of brush that had been used to fill in the walls of the structure. "I think you're right Merry," he said. "These were cut only a few days ago."
"I'd say we should use it ourselves, but stopping now would be a waste of daylight," Bilbo said as he scanned the sky. "There's not a storm cloud in sight, so we'll not need such a shelter."
"At least we know that Frodo was all right at the time," Merry said quietly. He didn't say anything further. He didn't have to, as they were all thinking the same thing, and praying the same silent prayer for the safety of the missing tween.
They began their march again, leaving the little shelter behind them. If they could keep going until nightfall, they would be only one day out from Bree. It would be late when they arrived in the village, so they would have to begin searching for Frodo the next morning. Three weary, anxious travelers and a pack - laden pony continued to follow the road as the sun sank lower in the sky.
By nightfall, they had found another quiet wooded area to settle into. Merry joined his father in a search for firewood while Bilbo unpacked their gear. The silence was uncomfortable, and Merry was the first to break it.
"We'll be there soon," he remarked absently, reaching down for a fallen tree limb.
"Hmmm, yes. Not much farther now," Saradoc commented. He stopped his wood gathering and turned to face his son. "Speak your mind, lad. I can tell you've something bothering you, and it's best that you're out with it."
Had he been that obvious? Merry sighed. "I know Uncle Bilbo wants Frodo to go to Hobbiton with him," he said slowly. "Father, I don't want him to go! Frodo is my closest friend at the Hall, and if he goes to Hobbiton, I'll never see him."
Saradoc frowned to himself as he thought about the situation. "You will be able to see him, I'm sure. There will be visits at Yule, and Bilbo always comes for the Harvest Festival."
"But it won't be the same, will it?" Merry's eyes were downcast. "We won't be able to go swimming together or camping out in the woods anymore." He looked up at his father, his eyes brimming with tears. "I know I'm being selfish, but I can't help it."
Saradoc dumped the load of wood he was carrying and stepped toward Merry to hug him. Merry dropped his burden as well, and the two stood together, a father giving comfort to his son.
"I know how you feel, Meriadoc," Saradoc told him. "It will be hard for you to see your best friend go away, but it may very well be the best thing for Frodo right now." Saradoc stepped back and looked Merry in the eye. "I was against it at first, but some of what Bilbo said last night makes sense. Perhaps Frodo would do better in an environment where he has more space of his own, and someone to look after him exclusively. You know this in your heart."
Merry broke eye contact with his father and looked away. "I suppose I do, somehow," he answered sadly. "I know Frodo feels lonely and out of place at the Hall, Father. I just hoped that I would be the one who could help him feel better. I can't help him this time."
"Oh, Merry, but you can. Don't you see?" Saradoc placed his hands on Merry's shoulders and turned the lad to face him. "You can help Frodo by giving him your best wishes, and being supportive of whatever he chooses as his best option. He will love you no less albeit from a distance, and all the more for accepting his decision."
Wisely spoken, Merry knew, but it didn't make the pain in his heart go away. The darker thoughts he had held at bay were trying to force their way back into his mind as well. What if they didn't find Frodo? What if they had come too late to save him from the people who had taken him? It was all too much to bear, and Merry wouldn't speak of it.
~*~Bree, morning~*~
"They'll be comin' out right soon," Gavin observed, nodding at the house. It was about time for Aiden and Frodo to be starting out on their day's errands, and the two men watched from an alcove across the street.
"We should be goin' in by th' back way," Fergus observed. "Too likely we'd be spotted tryin' th' front." That was the peril of a daylight break - in, he mused. Too many people about, too many eyes looking where they need not be.
"Keep still!" Gavin hissed as the door of the house opened and a man and a hobbit emerged into the morning sunlight. Sickening, the way they were laughing and smiling at each other, Gavin thought. That fancy merchant was so proud of himself for rescuing that little imp from his terrible fate! Well, let him be proud in the next life, Gavin thought maliciously.
They waited until Frodo and Aiden were out of sight around a corner before they made their way to the back of the house. A back door indeed existed, and Fergus looked at the simple lock and smiled. There was nothing here to keep a determined individual from entering the premises.
Gavin had been watching the house for the last few days, and he knew the occupants wouldn't return until a few hours later. He and Fergus would have time to gather what they needed and maybe even have a pint in the meantime.
They made their way back to the Prancing Pony, and Fergus stopped by his room to load up a small pack. Damn Dolan anyway, he thought as he unlocked the door. The traitor had moved out on him, leaving him to pay for the room on his own. Not that the smarmy coward had been such good company, but it was cheaper with two to share the cost.
From a small leather case he withdrew a narrow blade and a long thin metal pin. There wasn't a lock in all of Bree that could stand against his skill with these tools, he surmised. He replaced them carefully in the case and tucked it into a pocket. It was too bad he didn't have any more of that sleeping drug they had used on the halfling before. If the little creature kicked this time, they would just have to slap him, he figured. He added rope and a couple of rags to use as blindfold or gag as necessary. Lastly, he threaded a dagger in a sheath to his belt. Swords were so large and clumsy to carry about.
As he stepped out into the hallway, he heard a familiar, derisive laugh behind him. "Still at it, eh, Fergus?" Dolan smirked as he leaned casually against the opposite wall.
"Shut yer 'ole, an' get outta th' way, Dolan." Fergus spoke calmly, but he made sure the dagger was within his reach.
"Oh, I'll get out of your way, all right. I just wanted to see if you'd developed any sense at all since our last conversation." Dolan's tone was relaxed and easy, as if he were discussing the weather. "Still time to change your mind, you know."
"An' why would I do that?" Fergus snorted. "I don't give a rat's hairy backside who that halfling has fer company, as long as there's gold innit fer me."
"Suppose someone catches you at it. What then, hmm? You'll either be locked up or tossed out the gate, while I'm enjoying a pipe and a roaring fire." He straightened and stepped away from the wall he'd been leaning on. "Just something to think on, Fergus."
"Think on this," Fergus growled, swinging at his former friend. The blow missed its target as Dolan sidestepped it nimbly, and Fergus' fist plowed into the wall instead. Jumping back and cursing a blue streak, Fergus snarled at Dolan. "So what do ye care 'bout it anyway? Are ye plannin' to rat us out?"
"Me?" Dolan laughed again. "Oh, no. I'm just having too much fun watching you get in over your head." He smiled as he turned to leave. "If you succeed, good show. You'll have proven your cleverness. If I'm right and you fail, just remember, I told you so." He descended the staircase and disappeared into the common room below.
Still cursing under his breath, Fergus thumped heavily down the stairs to join his compatriot. He'd need an ale after running into that stuck - up twit. One quick pint, then off to grab that halfling. They'd succeed, all right, and rub Dolan's nose in it in the process.
~*~Later~*~
"Patience, me friend," Fergus muttered as he held the thin blade in place and inserted the pin into the lock's mechanism. A look of intense concentration crossed his face as he moved the pin about in the lock and slid the blade between the door and frame just so. A moment later the concentration turned to triumph as he was rewarded with a soft click.
As Fergus opened the door with a flourish, Gavin gave him a sour look and stepped cautiously inside. It would be a relief when the job was done and he could pay the smirking jester and be done with him.
The house was empty and silent, and the footsteps of the two men echoed eerily as they moved from room to room. They decided it would be best if they stood in the hallway just beyond the small parlor. It was rather dark there, and the shadows would work to their advantage.
The sun was slanting through the windows at a sharp angle by the time a key turned in the lock of the front door. Frodo entered first, pausing to slip the cloak from his shoulders. Aiden was right behind him, removing his own cloak and reaching down for Frodo's. He turned to hang them on the pegs by the door.
Gavin and Fergus chose that moment to strike, stepping out of the darkness of the hallway and into the parlor. Frodo cried out sharply as large, meaty hands gripped him and lifted him from the floor. Aiden spun around at the sound and his eyes met with Fergus' cold gaze. He could feel the tip of the blade at his throat.
"'Ello, remember me?" Fergus said, his tone just a little too light. "I missed yer little friend, an' my companion wants to get to know 'im better."
At the mention of Frodo, Aiden recovered his voice. "You lay one finger on Frodo and I'll - "
"You'll what, Mr. wealthy merchant?" Gavin sneered from across the room, as Frodo dangled, writhing in his grasp.
"I'll pay you anything you ask," Aiden breathed. "Just let him be."
Frodo's eyes were wide with terror, his heart nearly bursting in his chest. He struggled harder against the hands that held him, his voice bursting forth in a ragged shout. "NO!!!" His captor delivered a hard slap to his face, but he barely noticed, so fearful was he at the sight of the blade at his friend's throat.
"We don't want yer money, fancy man. We're gonna take yer darlin' little halfling with us, though," Fergus taunted nastily. "Ye understand, me companion 'ere felt a wee bit slighted when ye showed up an' put yer nose into things."
Aiden recognized the ugly, unkempt man he had outbid for the little hobbit. It was agonizing to see Frodo twisting in his grip now, fighting in a futile effort to free himself.
"Release him, now!" Aiden's gaze met with Gavin's, and Frodo watched as the kind eyes he had come to know transformed into blazing orbs. "Take your hands off him immediately!"
Fergus grabbed a handful of Aiden's collar and pulled him away from the wall by the door. He spun him around, backing him further into the room, toward where Gavin stood holding Frodo with one arm, his free hand clamped tightly over the hobbit's mouth. "Fat chance," Fergus said with a horrible grin.
Whether it was the grinning rogue in front of him or the thought of Frodo in the hands of these vicious creatures that did it, Aiden seemed to snap. He moved with a speed born of pure fury to twist away from the knife and grab the hand that held it in a single motion. The blade had nicked him in the process, and he felt a trickle of blood welling just beneath his jaw.
As Aiden grappled with Fergus, Frodo bit down on his captor's hand sharply, causing Gavin to bellow in pain and release him. "Aiden!" Frodo screamed, diving forward, intent on attaching himself to Fergus' back and clawing his eyes out if necessary. He didn't get far before Gavin grabbed him again and struck him. Stunned, Frodo fell to the floor and lay struggling to rise as Gavin moved past him to Fergus' aid.
Still fighting Fergus for possession of the dagger, Aiden didn't see Gavin approaching him from behind, his sword drawn and raised. Gavin brought the solid hilt down on the merchant's head in a swift stroke, causing Aiden to crumple unconscious to the floor.
"Elbereth, no!" Frodo whispered, the ruffians all but forgotten as he began to crawl toward the fallen form of the man who had been his friend and protector since his arrival in Bree. Fergus and Gavin moved toward him as one, each grabbing him roughly by an arm and dragging him back.
"You've killed him!" Frodo sobbed, still struggling to break free. "Let me go!"
"Stop yer twitchin'," Fergus ordered, backhanding the little hobbit. As Frodo reeled senselessly, his sight was blocked out by a piece of thick, dark cloth, and his hands were bound at his back. As Gavin moved to bind the hobbit's ankles he was met with a kick that narrowly missed a sensitive area.
"Miserable imp," Gavin spat, giving Frodo another harsh slap. Frodo didn't feel the rope biting into his skin, nor did he feel himself lifted from the floor and wrapped in the folds of a rough cloak.
The men emerged from the house with their burden, hurrying away through the back streets in the fading light. Frodo was as still and silent as the house the men left behind them.
~*~To be continued~*~
Aratlithiel - Good old Fergus. Isn't he just a gem? NOT! Way angsty, and more comin'.
Gayalondiel - Glad you're enjoying the interaction between Aiden and Frodo, and Saradoc's part in the story. As to the ruffians hurting Frodo, I can tell you the next couple of chapters won't be much fun for him. But I do promise lots of hobbit huggin' later on. Lots and lots.
FantasyFan - I'm glad you liked the foreshadowing in Aiden and Frodo's conversation in the last chapter. It was meant to bring to mind the astonishing events we know will take place in Frodo's life later on. Bilbo will not take no for an answer when it comes to taking Frodo to Bag End, provided that Frodo wants to go. Merry is certainly torn between his wish to see Frodo safe and happy and his desire to keep his best friend nearby.
FrodoBaggins1982 - Welcome back! Can Dolan make himself useful? There's always hope. Aiden and Frodo lean on each other the way true friends often do, when they need a word of comfort or encouragement. It is good to see the sun shine in Bree in a fic, isn't it? I think the dark shots of Bree in the movie are mostly the cause of many of us immediately writing the Bree scenes as dark and scary and devoid of other hobbits. I went to book canon when it came to that part.
Tavion - Yes, just when things seem to settle down, there's trouble brewing! It will indeed be bittersweet when Frodo and Aiden have to say goodbye. They've become such good friends in a short time! I like Aiden a lot too. He's one of those characters that just showed up in my mind complete with a history and everything. I do picture him as having been a good husband and father. An interesting point you've made that Aiden's compassion in saving the future Ringbearer has, in effect, also saved Middle Earth.
Aelfgifu - Glad you liked the interaction between Bilbo and Merry. Merry can't fool old Bilbo, no matter how hard he tries. For Saradoc this journey to Bree is a journey of personal growth and understanding as he comes to grips with the idea of his son's growing up. Angst coming up? Ohhhh, yes.
Camellia - Gamgee - Took - I've never had a character in one of my stories named Gavin before, but maybe someone else has? Merry is welcome to be your best friend any time? Biscuits and ale? Merry and I will be right over!
Endymion - Gavin is a piece of work, isn't he? As to witnesses, Dolan is still around. The question is, whose side is he on? Will he take sides? The quiet interlude is definitely drawing to a close for the time being.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ Author's Note - The next couple of chapters will be rather dark for Frodo. Those of you who know my stories know that I never kill a character and that any injury or unkindness done to them will be followed by better times. That being said, back to the story! ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Chapter 15 - Taken
~*~The Bree Road, afternoon~*~
Merry paused and squinted ahead into the sunlight. As his eyes scanned the surrounding area, he spied something unusual in a clearing up the road. He turned and waved to his father and Bilbo.
"There's something in those trees up ahead," he told them. "A shelter of some kind, I think."
Bilbo and Saradoc followed him, picking their way through the underbrush as they left the road and made for the clearing. The pony munched contentedly as they examined Merry's find.
It was indeed a shelter, long and just a little taller than they were. It had been cobbled together from downed tree branches, brush cuttings and leaves. The wind had blown some of the leaves away, leaving holes in the makeshift roof, but the structure itself was sound.
"Frodo was here!" Merry exclaimed excitedly. "We used to build shelters just like this in the woods when we were younger," he explained, running a hand along one of the tree branches. "They must have camped here the night that storm went through."
Saradoc examined the withering leaves on the sections of brush that had been used to fill in the walls of the structure. "I think you're right Merry," he said. "These were cut only a few days ago."
"I'd say we should use it ourselves, but stopping now would be a waste of daylight," Bilbo said as he scanned the sky. "There's not a storm cloud in sight, so we'll not need such a shelter."
"At least we know that Frodo was all right at the time," Merry said quietly. He didn't say anything further. He didn't have to, as they were all thinking the same thing, and praying the same silent prayer for the safety of the missing tween.
They began their march again, leaving the little shelter behind them. If they could keep going until nightfall, they would be only one day out from Bree. It would be late when they arrived in the village, so they would have to begin searching for Frodo the next morning. Three weary, anxious travelers and a pack - laden pony continued to follow the road as the sun sank lower in the sky.
By nightfall, they had found another quiet wooded area to settle into. Merry joined his father in a search for firewood while Bilbo unpacked their gear. The silence was uncomfortable, and Merry was the first to break it.
"We'll be there soon," he remarked absently, reaching down for a fallen tree limb.
"Hmmm, yes. Not much farther now," Saradoc commented. He stopped his wood gathering and turned to face his son. "Speak your mind, lad. I can tell you've something bothering you, and it's best that you're out with it."
Had he been that obvious? Merry sighed. "I know Uncle Bilbo wants Frodo to go to Hobbiton with him," he said slowly. "Father, I don't want him to go! Frodo is my closest friend at the Hall, and if he goes to Hobbiton, I'll never see him."
Saradoc frowned to himself as he thought about the situation. "You will be able to see him, I'm sure. There will be visits at Yule, and Bilbo always comes for the Harvest Festival."
"But it won't be the same, will it?" Merry's eyes were downcast. "We won't be able to go swimming together or camping out in the woods anymore." He looked up at his father, his eyes brimming with tears. "I know I'm being selfish, but I can't help it."
Saradoc dumped the load of wood he was carrying and stepped toward Merry to hug him. Merry dropped his burden as well, and the two stood together, a father giving comfort to his son.
"I know how you feel, Meriadoc," Saradoc told him. "It will be hard for you to see your best friend go away, but it may very well be the best thing for Frodo right now." Saradoc stepped back and looked Merry in the eye. "I was against it at first, but some of what Bilbo said last night makes sense. Perhaps Frodo would do better in an environment where he has more space of his own, and someone to look after him exclusively. You know this in your heart."
Merry broke eye contact with his father and looked away. "I suppose I do, somehow," he answered sadly. "I know Frodo feels lonely and out of place at the Hall, Father. I just hoped that I would be the one who could help him feel better. I can't help him this time."
"Oh, Merry, but you can. Don't you see?" Saradoc placed his hands on Merry's shoulders and turned the lad to face him. "You can help Frodo by giving him your best wishes, and being supportive of whatever he chooses as his best option. He will love you no less albeit from a distance, and all the more for accepting his decision."
Wisely spoken, Merry knew, but it didn't make the pain in his heart go away. The darker thoughts he had held at bay were trying to force their way back into his mind as well. What if they didn't find Frodo? What if they had come too late to save him from the people who had taken him? It was all too much to bear, and Merry wouldn't speak of it.
~*~Bree, morning~*~
"They'll be comin' out right soon," Gavin observed, nodding at the house. It was about time for Aiden and Frodo to be starting out on their day's errands, and the two men watched from an alcove across the street.
"We should be goin' in by th' back way," Fergus observed. "Too likely we'd be spotted tryin' th' front." That was the peril of a daylight break - in, he mused. Too many people about, too many eyes looking where they need not be.
"Keep still!" Gavin hissed as the door of the house opened and a man and a hobbit emerged into the morning sunlight. Sickening, the way they were laughing and smiling at each other, Gavin thought. That fancy merchant was so proud of himself for rescuing that little imp from his terrible fate! Well, let him be proud in the next life, Gavin thought maliciously.
They waited until Frodo and Aiden were out of sight around a corner before they made their way to the back of the house. A back door indeed existed, and Fergus looked at the simple lock and smiled. There was nothing here to keep a determined individual from entering the premises.
Gavin had been watching the house for the last few days, and he knew the occupants wouldn't return until a few hours later. He and Fergus would have time to gather what they needed and maybe even have a pint in the meantime.
They made their way back to the Prancing Pony, and Fergus stopped by his room to load up a small pack. Damn Dolan anyway, he thought as he unlocked the door. The traitor had moved out on him, leaving him to pay for the room on his own. Not that the smarmy coward had been such good company, but it was cheaper with two to share the cost.
From a small leather case he withdrew a narrow blade and a long thin metal pin. There wasn't a lock in all of Bree that could stand against his skill with these tools, he surmised. He replaced them carefully in the case and tucked it into a pocket. It was too bad he didn't have any more of that sleeping drug they had used on the halfling before. If the little creature kicked this time, they would just have to slap him, he figured. He added rope and a couple of rags to use as blindfold or gag as necessary. Lastly, he threaded a dagger in a sheath to his belt. Swords were so large and clumsy to carry about.
As he stepped out into the hallway, he heard a familiar, derisive laugh behind him. "Still at it, eh, Fergus?" Dolan smirked as he leaned casually against the opposite wall.
"Shut yer 'ole, an' get outta th' way, Dolan." Fergus spoke calmly, but he made sure the dagger was within his reach.
"Oh, I'll get out of your way, all right. I just wanted to see if you'd developed any sense at all since our last conversation." Dolan's tone was relaxed and easy, as if he were discussing the weather. "Still time to change your mind, you know."
"An' why would I do that?" Fergus snorted. "I don't give a rat's hairy backside who that halfling has fer company, as long as there's gold innit fer me."
"Suppose someone catches you at it. What then, hmm? You'll either be locked up or tossed out the gate, while I'm enjoying a pipe and a roaring fire." He straightened and stepped away from the wall he'd been leaning on. "Just something to think on, Fergus."
"Think on this," Fergus growled, swinging at his former friend. The blow missed its target as Dolan sidestepped it nimbly, and Fergus' fist plowed into the wall instead. Jumping back and cursing a blue streak, Fergus snarled at Dolan. "So what do ye care 'bout it anyway? Are ye plannin' to rat us out?"
"Me?" Dolan laughed again. "Oh, no. I'm just having too much fun watching you get in over your head." He smiled as he turned to leave. "If you succeed, good show. You'll have proven your cleverness. If I'm right and you fail, just remember, I told you so." He descended the staircase and disappeared into the common room below.
Still cursing under his breath, Fergus thumped heavily down the stairs to join his compatriot. He'd need an ale after running into that stuck - up twit. One quick pint, then off to grab that halfling. They'd succeed, all right, and rub Dolan's nose in it in the process.
~*~Later~*~
"Patience, me friend," Fergus muttered as he held the thin blade in place and inserted the pin into the lock's mechanism. A look of intense concentration crossed his face as he moved the pin about in the lock and slid the blade between the door and frame just so. A moment later the concentration turned to triumph as he was rewarded with a soft click.
As Fergus opened the door with a flourish, Gavin gave him a sour look and stepped cautiously inside. It would be a relief when the job was done and he could pay the smirking jester and be done with him.
The house was empty and silent, and the footsteps of the two men echoed eerily as they moved from room to room. They decided it would be best if they stood in the hallway just beyond the small parlor. It was rather dark there, and the shadows would work to their advantage.
The sun was slanting through the windows at a sharp angle by the time a key turned in the lock of the front door. Frodo entered first, pausing to slip the cloak from his shoulders. Aiden was right behind him, removing his own cloak and reaching down for Frodo's. He turned to hang them on the pegs by the door.
Gavin and Fergus chose that moment to strike, stepping out of the darkness of the hallway and into the parlor. Frodo cried out sharply as large, meaty hands gripped him and lifted him from the floor. Aiden spun around at the sound and his eyes met with Fergus' cold gaze. He could feel the tip of the blade at his throat.
"'Ello, remember me?" Fergus said, his tone just a little too light. "I missed yer little friend, an' my companion wants to get to know 'im better."
At the mention of Frodo, Aiden recovered his voice. "You lay one finger on Frodo and I'll - "
"You'll what, Mr. wealthy merchant?" Gavin sneered from across the room, as Frodo dangled, writhing in his grasp.
"I'll pay you anything you ask," Aiden breathed. "Just let him be."
Frodo's eyes were wide with terror, his heart nearly bursting in his chest. He struggled harder against the hands that held him, his voice bursting forth in a ragged shout. "NO!!!" His captor delivered a hard slap to his face, but he barely noticed, so fearful was he at the sight of the blade at his friend's throat.
"We don't want yer money, fancy man. We're gonna take yer darlin' little halfling with us, though," Fergus taunted nastily. "Ye understand, me companion 'ere felt a wee bit slighted when ye showed up an' put yer nose into things."
Aiden recognized the ugly, unkempt man he had outbid for the little hobbit. It was agonizing to see Frodo twisting in his grip now, fighting in a futile effort to free himself.
"Release him, now!" Aiden's gaze met with Gavin's, and Frodo watched as the kind eyes he had come to know transformed into blazing orbs. "Take your hands off him immediately!"
Fergus grabbed a handful of Aiden's collar and pulled him away from the wall by the door. He spun him around, backing him further into the room, toward where Gavin stood holding Frodo with one arm, his free hand clamped tightly over the hobbit's mouth. "Fat chance," Fergus said with a horrible grin.
Whether it was the grinning rogue in front of him or the thought of Frodo in the hands of these vicious creatures that did it, Aiden seemed to snap. He moved with a speed born of pure fury to twist away from the knife and grab the hand that held it in a single motion. The blade had nicked him in the process, and he felt a trickle of blood welling just beneath his jaw.
As Aiden grappled with Fergus, Frodo bit down on his captor's hand sharply, causing Gavin to bellow in pain and release him. "Aiden!" Frodo screamed, diving forward, intent on attaching himself to Fergus' back and clawing his eyes out if necessary. He didn't get far before Gavin grabbed him again and struck him. Stunned, Frodo fell to the floor and lay struggling to rise as Gavin moved past him to Fergus' aid.
Still fighting Fergus for possession of the dagger, Aiden didn't see Gavin approaching him from behind, his sword drawn and raised. Gavin brought the solid hilt down on the merchant's head in a swift stroke, causing Aiden to crumple unconscious to the floor.
"Elbereth, no!" Frodo whispered, the ruffians all but forgotten as he began to crawl toward the fallen form of the man who had been his friend and protector since his arrival in Bree. Fergus and Gavin moved toward him as one, each grabbing him roughly by an arm and dragging him back.
"You've killed him!" Frodo sobbed, still struggling to break free. "Let me go!"
"Stop yer twitchin'," Fergus ordered, backhanding the little hobbit. As Frodo reeled senselessly, his sight was blocked out by a piece of thick, dark cloth, and his hands were bound at his back. As Gavin moved to bind the hobbit's ankles he was met with a kick that narrowly missed a sensitive area.
"Miserable imp," Gavin spat, giving Frodo another harsh slap. Frodo didn't feel the rope biting into his skin, nor did he feel himself lifted from the floor and wrapped in the folds of a rough cloak.
The men emerged from the house with their burden, hurrying away through the back streets in the fading light. Frodo was as still and silent as the house the men left behind them.
~*~To be continued~*~