Krista - No, I didn't let them kill Aiden. How could I do that, when you
guys like him so much? Poor Frodo, indeed. As to whether Merry will be
allowed to join in the action, read on.
TTTurtle - I had the same problem with the site all day too. Finally I gave up late last night and I uploaded the chapter again, hoping it would work. Looks like it finally did! Dolan is a mercenary, and as long as there's gain to be had, he might even take the high road! Frodo is pretty scared, and with good reason!
Endymion - Exactly. 'Where there's a coin, there's a way.' Dolan would love to teach Fergus a lesson, and a few extra coins in his pocket wouldn't hurt his feelings either. Will he make it 'easy' for the rescuers? I don't know that 'easy' is quite the term. Much as it pains them to wait until evening, the cover of darkness would be safer for them. Frodo is in a pretty sad state right now, but he is a Baggins, and he has the Baggins spirit!
Shirebound - Bilbo tells it like it is, doesn't he? When I wrote the part with him informing Aiden that he could deal with the rescue despite his size, I pictured Ian Holm as Bilbo in the movie, talking to Gandalf about Frodo - "He's a Baggins, not some blockheaded Bracegirdle from Hardbottle!" Same facial expression, same tone of voice. Ahh, Bilbo! Gotta love him!
Midgette - Good to hear from you again! I've been updating pretty much daily to keep the momentum going. I write the story in its entirety before I start posting, so there isn't a long wait between chapters. You've also missed some bad behavior from the website, which delayed chapter 16 a little longer than planned!e
Aratlithiel - Butterbur's forgetfulness caused some additional delay, but not enough for the hobbits to have saved Frodo from being taken. The attack occurred early in the evening and the hobbits didn't arrive until later that night. Still, if Butterbur had remembered to send them to Aiden, they might have been able to help him recover from his injuries and start looking for Frodo a little sooner. Although he doesn't see himself as a hero, Aiden is definitely ending up in that role here.
Distortion - Things are indeed looking up in that Aiden is alive and Dolan seems to be discovering a little bit of decency within himself.
Aelfgifu - Yes, Emma. You can love both Aiden and Evil Merry. You've got someone for your every mood! Glad you like Bilbo. He's so fun to write dialogue for. Hmmm, poor Frodo. Yes.
Heartofahobbit - I really liked Butterbur in the movie. He was just too nice to get mad at, no matter what slipped his mind! Aiden is more noble than even he knows, and as for the personal redemption he seeks, I have plans for him!
Bookworm2000 - Certainly something to celebrate, the fact that Aiden is ok! Frodo, however, is certainly not in his happy place right now. So many 'ifs'. IF Dolan chooses to do the right thing, IF Gavin doesn't leave Bree right away and IF Aiden and Bilbo get there in time! Let's all hope those 'ifs' come true! Don't want to meet up with Bilbo on a dark night? You shouldn't have any worries, as long as you're on his GOOD side!
Iorhael - Yes, it was rather unfortunate for Bilbo to arrive just as Frodo lands in hot water again. Rather rude of Dolan to seek personal gain for helping Frodo, wasn't it? Somewhere in there does he have a shred of decency? Let us hope so.
FrodoBaggins1982 - Welcome back! Good vacation? As for Aiden getting there in time, time will tell.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ Author's note - Caution! Much unkindness shown to our dear Frodo in this chapter.
Chapter 17 - Plans
~*~Bree, nightfall~*~
Aiden paced quietly in the shadows. That trader had better show up as he'd promised. Was there really no other way to find Frodo besides trusting to such a man? Aiden reluctantly conceded that without Dolan's help, he and the hobbits would be without any leads regarding Frodo's whereabouts.
Dry leaves crunched nearby, and Aiden looked up to see Dolan striding toward him. In a few moments, the two stood eye to eye, warily taking stock of each other in the complete absence of trust.
"Well, friend and protector of halflings, are you ready to go and find that one of yours?" Dolan's voice carried the same hint of amusement and sarcasm as before, as if all of this were some game he enjoyed immensely.
Aiden cringed inwardly, wishing the flippant rogue would leave off referring to Frodo as being his property. The idea was as repellent now as it ever had been. He fought back a sharp rebuke. "Please, just show me where they are holding Frodo."
Dolan extended his hand expectantly. "Not a step forward until the bargain is properly sealed." Rolling his eyes, Aiden reached into his coat and pulled out a pouch containing ten gold pieces.
"Very good," Dolan said, grinning and tucking the pouch away. "Follow me, and keep quietly to the shadows. If we are seen, it could go badly for us as well as for your little friend." Aiden nodded in acknowledgement and they started off through the darkened streets of Bree.
As they walked, Aiden made mental note of the twists and turns and the landmarks along the way. They walked for at least half an hour, coming to the very farthest edge of the village. The area was sparsely populated and decrepit buildings lined the rutted, unpaved streets. Many of them were abandoned and the rest looked like their occupants would be wise to leave them.
Dolan paused in the shadows and pointed up the road at a house that was clearly in the process of crumbling to rubble. "That's the place. I saw them go in and out of a root cellar off to the right of the house. My guess is that your halfling is there."
"Your guess?" Aiden said sharply. "You have no proof to offer me for the price I'm paying you?"
"My good fellow, I did not saunter up to the door and stick my head in," Dolan informed him. "Besides, I don't believe they had taken the little one yet at the time I followed them here. It seemed to me that they were making plans at that time, and they looked rather pleased with themselves. I think you can trust my information."
"I certainly hope so," Aiden replied curtly. Twenty gold pieces was a high price for information drawn partly from conjecture. "Do you know anything of their plans?"
"Now I admit I am guessing," Dolan replied. "Fergus goes where and when he will. Winter is coming and he will likely find a place with a warm fire and good ale to spend the colder months. Whether that will be here or not remains to be seen." Dolan intended to remain in Bree, so he suspected Fergus would move on. That was fine with him. "The other fellow - I never got his name - doesn't seem to be from around here. When we were discussing the sale of the halfling with him at the inn, he mentioned having come from somewhere south." Dolan looked pointedly at Aiden. "I think you had better act quickly if you want to save that halfling. It's my opinion that fellow will be clearing out and taking your little fellow with him."
"Not if I have anything to say about it," Aiden growled, thinking about Frodo being forced to journey south with such a person.
"You'd better have something to DO about it, friend," Dolan responded knowingly. "Have you any plans? Surely you don't intend to march in there alone and take the halfling out from under their very noses?"
Aiden considered, then responded vaguely, "I have help. We shall meet as soon as I return this evening, and will likely make our move soon after." He was unsure at this point what kind of decisive action could be taken by a single man and some hobbits, but it was clear that they were to be the rescue party.
Dolan nodded silently. There was something about this merchant that he liked, his adherence to principle, perhaps. Although Dolan himself would cast principle aside for the sake of gain, it fascinated him to meet one who seemed so adamantly against doing so. An interesting fellow, indeed.
"Well, you seem to have the matter well in hand," Dolan said, motioning to Aiden to follow again. "I shall be at the Prancing Pony when - or if - you have the rest of my payment for me."
Aiden paused, confused. "What do you mean, 'if'? I thought you expected the other half once we have Frodo back in our care."
"Indeed, I do," Dolan replied seriously. "Provided you succeed. You cannot very well pay me the other ten gold pieces if you're killed in the attempt to save your friend, now can you?"
Aiden felt a cold chill at Dolan's words. "No, I suppose I cannot," he replied, hoping his voice sounded steady.
The two men merged with the shadows and made their way back to the inn, one idly calculating the odds of receiving the rest of his due, and the other preparing himself to do right by a friend in need, or to perish in the attempt. If those ruffians should gain the upper hand, Aiden thought, he would do his best to at least take one of them with him to the next life.
~*~The cellar, a while later~*~
It was cold. Frodo shivered in the damp cellar as the chill crept over him. His head no longer ached so badly and the dizziness had passed. What he was mostly aware of now were the uncomfortable chill and the cramps in his muscles.
This was far worse than the time he had spent traveling with Dolan and Fergus on the road to Bree. That thought brought forth another. Where was the one called Dolan? He realized that he hadn't seen the other man with the two who had taken him from Aiden's home. He found himself being glad of the man's absence. Two were bad enough. Three would be nigh unbearable.
The doors creaked open again, and when bright light failed to spill through them, Frodo realized night had fallen. Were they coming for him, to bundle him up and take him away under cover of darkness, never to see his home again? He pushed the thought away as the poisonous thing it was. He was close to despair, and dwelling on such things would certainly push him over the edge into that deep, dark chasm.
In the pale light of a small lantern, Fergus stood with a tray in hand. It wasn't much of a meal, but how much could something as small as this halfling need to eat anyhow? He and Dolan hadn't fed the little imp a great deal on their journey and he had fared well enough it seemed.
"Got somethin' fer ye halfling," he said, as he put the lantern down and stood over the bound hobbit. "I'm gonna let ye 'ave a bite to eat, but ye'll 'ave to behave yerself," Fergus warned as he ungagged Frodo.
Fergus untied Frodo's hands and arms, but left his legs bound. Frodo realized unhappily that this afforded him no chance to escape. How far could he get with his feet immobilized? A thought struck him suddenly. Fergus wasn't too bright, and he'd been drinking. Frodo could smell the ale on the man's breath.
Gathering his courage and trying to play the role of the meek prisoner, Frodo looked up at Fergus. "I, um - I need to - "
Fergus laughed at him. "Well, I imagine ye do at that," he said, giving Frodo a wink. "I'll take ye fer a short walk, but don't ye be tryin' anythin' ye might regret."
Eru, it was working! Frodo's heart began to beat faster in anticipation of getting outside the dank little cellar. With his feet unbound he had a fighting chance.
Fergus did indeed unbind him, and helped him to stand. It was a few moments before Frodo could walk, as the circulation was restored to his limbs. Frodo moved forward as Fergus prodded him, carefully negotiating the cellar stairs. He was further encouraged by the fact that Fergus held the lantern in one hand and so had only one with which to hold onto him.
Frodo allowed himself to be herded forward toward a stand of trees across the road. He hadn't exactly lied to the man, as he truly did need to relieve himself. The idea of doing so within arm's reach of Fergus was repellent to him, but there was no way the ruffian was going to let go of his collar.
Frodo kept his back turned to Fergus during the procedure, but he still felt his face reddening. The fingers gripping his collar began to move upward to stroke the nape of his neck and he tried to shrug them away, revulsion filling him completely.
"Aww, whatsa matter?" Fergus drawled. He tightened his fingers on Frodo's collar again. "Yer not afraid or nothin', are ye?" He pulled Frodo back against him in a mockery of an embrace. Almost without thinking, Frodo slammed his elbow backward, and judging by the sound Fergus made as he doubled over, at least some damage had been done.
Frodo bolted as Fergus shouted curses and rose clumsily to his feet. The nimble hobbit had a good start on him, running back through the trees toward the road. Fergus gave chase, shouting slurred threats all the while.
He'd made it! Frodo felt elation rush through him as he ran down the darkened street. He would make for the nearest inn and ask the innkeeper for help. Surely the local authorities would -
The thought was broken off as he rounded a sharp corner and crashed headlong into something. He bounced back, stunned, to land squarely upon his rear end in the street. To his absolute horror, he stared up into the livid features of Gavin.
"I can't step away for a second, can I?" He growled fiercely as he made a grab for Frodo. "I don't know for sure how you got loose, but I got a good guess." He threw his head back and bellowed, loud enough to make Frodo wince. "FERGUS!"
Frodo scrambled backwards in terror as the big man reached for him. His retreat brought him directly into the waiting arms of Fergus, and he writhed and fought as Gavin approached. A stinging slap quelled his protests, and a face twisted with rage leered down at him.
"I told you, halfling, I am the boss here," Gavin growled. "Seems you need remindin' already!" His gaze flicked to Fergus. "And you, you great ass! I can't trust you to keep hold of a helpless halfling for a few hours?" Gavin had just returned from making a run for supplies, and his pack bulged with items purchased for a journey south.
Fergus began to stammer out a half - hearted defense, but was spared the effort as Gavin pulled some rope from his pack and grabbed Frodo by one arm. "Over there, in the trees." He gestured toward the copse of trees where Frodo had slipped free of Fergus.
"NO!" Frodo's scream pierced the chilly air as the men dragged him toward two small trees, standing close together. His captors bound him between the trees, his arms stretched out to his sides and above his head, drawing him upward so that he was barely able to stand on tiptoe. Gavin stood before the terrified hobbit, and removed his thick leather belt.
"Don't know your place, then? You're about to learn it," he threatened, glaring at Frodo in fury. Gavin circled around behind Frodo, pausing to stretch the belt, snapping it loudly in the air. Frodo's eyes widened in despair as he realized what was about to happen.
"NO! Please, I won't run away again, I promise!" he pleaded, trying to crane his neck around for a look behind him. He couldn't see Gavin, but he could hear his voice.
"Too late, halfling," Gavin said, swinging the belt. He drew back and lashed Frodo hard across the shoulders. As Frodo writhed and screamed in agony, Gavin shouted at him, "Who is in charge here?" Crack! The belt seared into Frodo's back again. "I can't hear you, so you better speak up and tell me! WHO is the BOSS?!" Gavin struck again, without mercy.
"Y-You are!" Frodo cried desperately. His cheeks burned with shame and tears as he cried out. At this point, he would say anything to make the man stop beating him.
"Damn straight!" Whack! Gavin punctuated the statement with another strike. "You are nobody! You are property, boy! Who owns you?!" When Frodo did not answer immediately, the leather strap came down again, drawing blood through the thin fabric of his shirt.
"Aaahh! Please, no more!" Frodo begged, now hanging limply between the two trees. He squeezed his eyes shut and fought to remain conscious as another blow fell and tore him.
"Answer me, damn you! Who do you belong to?!" A whoosh, a snapping of leather against tortured flesh.
"You - " Frodo breathed, his voice no longer cooperating. "I be - belong to y - you."
"Don't you forget it, either!" Gavin coiled the belt again and drew his arm back. "You don't talk back, and you damn well better not try running again!"
The leather strap struck again and again, sometimes accompanied by a demand for Frodo to speak some loathsome self - deprecation, but many times without any words at all from its wielder.
At last, Gavin walked back around the trees and stood facing his tormented captive. He grasped the hobbit's hair and pulled his head up, looking into Frodo's glassy eyes. "You will obey me, and you will call me Sir. Is that clear?"
Frodo struggled through a red haze of humiliation and pain. He tried to speak, but words would not come.
"I said, is - that - CLEAR?" Gavin raised his voice and his hand simultaneously, preparing to strike Frodo again.
"Yes," Frodo whispered.
"Yes WHAT?"
"Yes," Frodo swallowed hard. "Sir."
"Cut him down," Gavin ordered, and Fergus drew his dagger to saw through the ropes. Frodo crumpled in a miserable heap against the ground, bleeding and spent. He hadn't the strength to fight as he was dragged back toward the cellar.
"Miserable little fool," Gavin sneered as he and Fergus threw the cellar doors open and hauled Frodo down the stairs. "Slaves that flee their masters are usually killed for their insolence," Gavin informed a nearly unconscious Frodo while binding his hands again. "Remember that the next time you decide to stand up to your betters."
Frodo could feel his own blood trickling down his back from his wounds. He didn't think he could remain conscious much longer, as burning pain wracked him. Large, calloused hands bound his ankles once more, completing the task of rendering him captive once again.
After replacing Frodo's gag, Gavin turned to Fergus. "No food for him tonight. He has to learn that he lives or dies on my say so." Fergus nodded and retrieved the tray.
Gavin turned back to his captive. "You do as I say and behave yourself from now on, and we won't have to repeat this lesson." He leaned closer. "If I have to teach you a second time, this will seem like a mother's tender caress."
The men turned and exited the cellar, and the last of Frodo's strength went with them. Shadows approached and gathered him up, carrying him beyond his pain and despair as he blacked out.
~*~Aiden's home, Bree~*~
After taking his leave of Dolan, Aiden stopped at his house and spent a short while digging through forgotten spaces for things he had never needed until now.
He drew a battered, rusty sword from under the bed, and unsheathed it slowly. It had been new and gleaming once, long before his birth. It had come to him through generations, and he had stowed it away in hopes of passing it down to his own son. That was not to be, he thought sadly, testing the blade lightly with the pad of his thumb. He didn't press down hard enough to cut himself, but he could tell the blade was still capable of slicing through -
He closed his eyes. Never a violent man in any sense, he hated the thought of wielding the weapon, even in defense. He reminded himself that his foes would scarcely hesitate to bury steel in his flesh. He wiped the blade with a cloth, bringing back some of its former sheen.
Next, he opened the trunk at the foot of the bed and removed a pair of long ceremonial daggers with carved hilts. He hadn't noticed that the hobbits carried any armament with them, and if they truly insisted on accompanying him to free Frodo, they must have something for protection. These would be long enough to serve as swords of a fashion in the hands of the diminutive Shire Folk.
What about the young one who was with them? The lad with the bright eyes and golden curls? No, Aiden determined, Frodo's young cousin must not join the rescue party. They would need him to prepare for their arrival back at the inn.
With the weapons in hand, Aiden emerged into the parlor and stopped before the hearth, gazing once again upon the faces of his lost family. "Your love I will know always," he said softly. "If my time to join you again has come, I pray I will be guided to you." He touched the frame of the portrait reverently, then turned toward the door.
As he pulled the door open, a wind blew in and the fabric of the cloak he had given to Frodo brushed against his arm. He stared at it for a moment, then grabbed it from the peg on which it hung. He walked out and slammed the door behind him, sending fallen leaves scattering across the stoop.
~*~To be continued~*~
TTTurtle - I had the same problem with the site all day too. Finally I gave up late last night and I uploaded the chapter again, hoping it would work. Looks like it finally did! Dolan is a mercenary, and as long as there's gain to be had, he might even take the high road! Frodo is pretty scared, and with good reason!
Endymion - Exactly. 'Where there's a coin, there's a way.' Dolan would love to teach Fergus a lesson, and a few extra coins in his pocket wouldn't hurt his feelings either. Will he make it 'easy' for the rescuers? I don't know that 'easy' is quite the term. Much as it pains them to wait until evening, the cover of darkness would be safer for them. Frodo is in a pretty sad state right now, but he is a Baggins, and he has the Baggins spirit!
Shirebound - Bilbo tells it like it is, doesn't he? When I wrote the part with him informing Aiden that he could deal with the rescue despite his size, I pictured Ian Holm as Bilbo in the movie, talking to Gandalf about Frodo - "He's a Baggins, not some blockheaded Bracegirdle from Hardbottle!" Same facial expression, same tone of voice. Ahh, Bilbo! Gotta love him!
Midgette - Good to hear from you again! I've been updating pretty much daily to keep the momentum going. I write the story in its entirety before I start posting, so there isn't a long wait between chapters. You've also missed some bad behavior from the website, which delayed chapter 16 a little longer than planned!e
Aratlithiel - Butterbur's forgetfulness caused some additional delay, but not enough for the hobbits to have saved Frodo from being taken. The attack occurred early in the evening and the hobbits didn't arrive until later that night. Still, if Butterbur had remembered to send them to Aiden, they might have been able to help him recover from his injuries and start looking for Frodo a little sooner. Although he doesn't see himself as a hero, Aiden is definitely ending up in that role here.
Distortion - Things are indeed looking up in that Aiden is alive and Dolan seems to be discovering a little bit of decency within himself.
Aelfgifu - Yes, Emma. You can love both Aiden and Evil Merry. You've got someone for your every mood! Glad you like Bilbo. He's so fun to write dialogue for. Hmmm, poor Frodo. Yes.
Heartofahobbit - I really liked Butterbur in the movie. He was just too nice to get mad at, no matter what slipped his mind! Aiden is more noble than even he knows, and as for the personal redemption he seeks, I have plans for him!
Bookworm2000 - Certainly something to celebrate, the fact that Aiden is ok! Frodo, however, is certainly not in his happy place right now. So many 'ifs'. IF Dolan chooses to do the right thing, IF Gavin doesn't leave Bree right away and IF Aiden and Bilbo get there in time! Let's all hope those 'ifs' come true! Don't want to meet up with Bilbo on a dark night? You shouldn't have any worries, as long as you're on his GOOD side!
Iorhael - Yes, it was rather unfortunate for Bilbo to arrive just as Frodo lands in hot water again. Rather rude of Dolan to seek personal gain for helping Frodo, wasn't it? Somewhere in there does he have a shred of decency? Let us hope so.
FrodoBaggins1982 - Welcome back! Good vacation? As for Aiden getting there in time, time will tell.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ Author's note - Caution! Much unkindness shown to our dear Frodo in this chapter.
Chapter 17 - Plans
~*~Bree, nightfall~*~
Aiden paced quietly in the shadows. That trader had better show up as he'd promised. Was there really no other way to find Frodo besides trusting to such a man? Aiden reluctantly conceded that without Dolan's help, he and the hobbits would be without any leads regarding Frodo's whereabouts.
Dry leaves crunched nearby, and Aiden looked up to see Dolan striding toward him. In a few moments, the two stood eye to eye, warily taking stock of each other in the complete absence of trust.
"Well, friend and protector of halflings, are you ready to go and find that one of yours?" Dolan's voice carried the same hint of amusement and sarcasm as before, as if all of this were some game he enjoyed immensely.
Aiden cringed inwardly, wishing the flippant rogue would leave off referring to Frodo as being his property. The idea was as repellent now as it ever had been. He fought back a sharp rebuke. "Please, just show me where they are holding Frodo."
Dolan extended his hand expectantly. "Not a step forward until the bargain is properly sealed." Rolling his eyes, Aiden reached into his coat and pulled out a pouch containing ten gold pieces.
"Very good," Dolan said, grinning and tucking the pouch away. "Follow me, and keep quietly to the shadows. If we are seen, it could go badly for us as well as for your little friend." Aiden nodded in acknowledgement and they started off through the darkened streets of Bree.
As they walked, Aiden made mental note of the twists and turns and the landmarks along the way. They walked for at least half an hour, coming to the very farthest edge of the village. The area was sparsely populated and decrepit buildings lined the rutted, unpaved streets. Many of them were abandoned and the rest looked like their occupants would be wise to leave them.
Dolan paused in the shadows and pointed up the road at a house that was clearly in the process of crumbling to rubble. "That's the place. I saw them go in and out of a root cellar off to the right of the house. My guess is that your halfling is there."
"Your guess?" Aiden said sharply. "You have no proof to offer me for the price I'm paying you?"
"My good fellow, I did not saunter up to the door and stick my head in," Dolan informed him. "Besides, I don't believe they had taken the little one yet at the time I followed them here. It seemed to me that they were making plans at that time, and they looked rather pleased with themselves. I think you can trust my information."
"I certainly hope so," Aiden replied curtly. Twenty gold pieces was a high price for information drawn partly from conjecture. "Do you know anything of their plans?"
"Now I admit I am guessing," Dolan replied. "Fergus goes where and when he will. Winter is coming and he will likely find a place with a warm fire and good ale to spend the colder months. Whether that will be here or not remains to be seen." Dolan intended to remain in Bree, so he suspected Fergus would move on. That was fine with him. "The other fellow - I never got his name - doesn't seem to be from around here. When we were discussing the sale of the halfling with him at the inn, he mentioned having come from somewhere south." Dolan looked pointedly at Aiden. "I think you had better act quickly if you want to save that halfling. It's my opinion that fellow will be clearing out and taking your little fellow with him."
"Not if I have anything to say about it," Aiden growled, thinking about Frodo being forced to journey south with such a person.
"You'd better have something to DO about it, friend," Dolan responded knowingly. "Have you any plans? Surely you don't intend to march in there alone and take the halfling out from under their very noses?"
Aiden considered, then responded vaguely, "I have help. We shall meet as soon as I return this evening, and will likely make our move soon after." He was unsure at this point what kind of decisive action could be taken by a single man and some hobbits, but it was clear that they were to be the rescue party.
Dolan nodded silently. There was something about this merchant that he liked, his adherence to principle, perhaps. Although Dolan himself would cast principle aside for the sake of gain, it fascinated him to meet one who seemed so adamantly against doing so. An interesting fellow, indeed.
"Well, you seem to have the matter well in hand," Dolan said, motioning to Aiden to follow again. "I shall be at the Prancing Pony when - or if - you have the rest of my payment for me."
Aiden paused, confused. "What do you mean, 'if'? I thought you expected the other half once we have Frodo back in our care."
"Indeed, I do," Dolan replied seriously. "Provided you succeed. You cannot very well pay me the other ten gold pieces if you're killed in the attempt to save your friend, now can you?"
Aiden felt a cold chill at Dolan's words. "No, I suppose I cannot," he replied, hoping his voice sounded steady.
The two men merged with the shadows and made their way back to the inn, one idly calculating the odds of receiving the rest of his due, and the other preparing himself to do right by a friend in need, or to perish in the attempt. If those ruffians should gain the upper hand, Aiden thought, he would do his best to at least take one of them with him to the next life.
~*~The cellar, a while later~*~
It was cold. Frodo shivered in the damp cellar as the chill crept over him. His head no longer ached so badly and the dizziness had passed. What he was mostly aware of now were the uncomfortable chill and the cramps in his muscles.
This was far worse than the time he had spent traveling with Dolan and Fergus on the road to Bree. That thought brought forth another. Where was the one called Dolan? He realized that he hadn't seen the other man with the two who had taken him from Aiden's home. He found himself being glad of the man's absence. Two were bad enough. Three would be nigh unbearable.
The doors creaked open again, and when bright light failed to spill through them, Frodo realized night had fallen. Were they coming for him, to bundle him up and take him away under cover of darkness, never to see his home again? He pushed the thought away as the poisonous thing it was. He was close to despair, and dwelling on such things would certainly push him over the edge into that deep, dark chasm.
In the pale light of a small lantern, Fergus stood with a tray in hand. It wasn't much of a meal, but how much could something as small as this halfling need to eat anyhow? He and Dolan hadn't fed the little imp a great deal on their journey and he had fared well enough it seemed.
"Got somethin' fer ye halfling," he said, as he put the lantern down and stood over the bound hobbit. "I'm gonna let ye 'ave a bite to eat, but ye'll 'ave to behave yerself," Fergus warned as he ungagged Frodo.
Fergus untied Frodo's hands and arms, but left his legs bound. Frodo realized unhappily that this afforded him no chance to escape. How far could he get with his feet immobilized? A thought struck him suddenly. Fergus wasn't too bright, and he'd been drinking. Frodo could smell the ale on the man's breath.
Gathering his courage and trying to play the role of the meek prisoner, Frodo looked up at Fergus. "I, um - I need to - "
Fergus laughed at him. "Well, I imagine ye do at that," he said, giving Frodo a wink. "I'll take ye fer a short walk, but don't ye be tryin' anythin' ye might regret."
Eru, it was working! Frodo's heart began to beat faster in anticipation of getting outside the dank little cellar. With his feet unbound he had a fighting chance.
Fergus did indeed unbind him, and helped him to stand. It was a few moments before Frodo could walk, as the circulation was restored to his limbs. Frodo moved forward as Fergus prodded him, carefully negotiating the cellar stairs. He was further encouraged by the fact that Fergus held the lantern in one hand and so had only one with which to hold onto him.
Frodo allowed himself to be herded forward toward a stand of trees across the road. He hadn't exactly lied to the man, as he truly did need to relieve himself. The idea of doing so within arm's reach of Fergus was repellent to him, but there was no way the ruffian was going to let go of his collar.
Frodo kept his back turned to Fergus during the procedure, but he still felt his face reddening. The fingers gripping his collar began to move upward to stroke the nape of his neck and he tried to shrug them away, revulsion filling him completely.
"Aww, whatsa matter?" Fergus drawled. He tightened his fingers on Frodo's collar again. "Yer not afraid or nothin', are ye?" He pulled Frodo back against him in a mockery of an embrace. Almost without thinking, Frodo slammed his elbow backward, and judging by the sound Fergus made as he doubled over, at least some damage had been done.
Frodo bolted as Fergus shouted curses and rose clumsily to his feet. The nimble hobbit had a good start on him, running back through the trees toward the road. Fergus gave chase, shouting slurred threats all the while.
He'd made it! Frodo felt elation rush through him as he ran down the darkened street. He would make for the nearest inn and ask the innkeeper for help. Surely the local authorities would -
The thought was broken off as he rounded a sharp corner and crashed headlong into something. He bounced back, stunned, to land squarely upon his rear end in the street. To his absolute horror, he stared up into the livid features of Gavin.
"I can't step away for a second, can I?" He growled fiercely as he made a grab for Frodo. "I don't know for sure how you got loose, but I got a good guess." He threw his head back and bellowed, loud enough to make Frodo wince. "FERGUS!"
Frodo scrambled backwards in terror as the big man reached for him. His retreat brought him directly into the waiting arms of Fergus, and he writhed and fought as Gavin approached. A stinging slap quelled his protests, and a face twisted with rage leered down at him.
"I told you, halfling, I am the boss here," Gavin growled. "Seems you need remindin' already!" His gaze flicked to Fergus. "And you, you great ass! I can't trust you to keep hold of a helpless halfling for a few hours?" Gavin had just returned from making a run for supplies, and his pack bulged with items purchased for a journey south.
Fergus began to stammer out a half - hearted defense, but was spared the effort as Gavin pulled some rope from his pack and grabbed Frodo by one arm. "Over there, in the trees." He gestured toward the copse of trees where Frodo had slipped free of Fergus.
"NO!" Frodo's scream pierced the chilly air as the men dragged him toward two small trees, standing close together. His captors bound him between the trees, his arms stretched out to his sides and above his head, drawing him upward so that he was barely able to stand on tiptoe. Gavin stood before the terrified hobbit, and removed his thick leather belt.
"Don't know your place, then? You're about to learn it," he threatened, glaring at Frodo in fury. Gavin circled around behind Frodo, pausing to stretch the belt, snapping it loudly in the air. Frodo's eyes widened in despair as he realized what was about to happen.
"NO! Please, I won't run away again, I promise!" he pleaded, trying to crane his neck around for a look behind him. He couldn't see Gavin, but he could hear his voice.
"Too late, halfling," Gavin said, swinging the belt. He drew back and lashed Frodo hard across the shoulders. As Frodo writhed and screamed in agony, Gavin shouted at him, "Who is in charge here?" Crack! The belt seared into Frodo's back again. "I can't hear you, so you better speak up and tell me! WHO is the BOSS?!" Gavin struck again, without mercy.
"Y-You are!" Frodo cried desperately. His cheeks burned with shame and tears as he cried out. At this point, he would say anything to make the man stop beating him.
"Damn straight!" Whack! Gavin punctuated the statement with another strike. "You are nobody! You are property, boy! Who owns you?!" When Frodo did not answer immediately, the leather strap came down again, drawing blood through the thin fabric of his shirt.
"Aaahh! Please, no more!" Frodo begged, now hanging limply between the two trees. He squeezed his eyes shut and fought to remain conscious as another blow fell and tore him.
"Answer me, damn you! Who do you belong to?!" A whoosh, a snapping of leather against tortured flesh.
"You - " Frodo breathed, his voice no longer cooperating. "I be - belong to y - you."
"Don't you forget it, either!" Gavin coiled the belt again and drew his arm back. "You don't talk back, and you damn well better not try running again!"
The leather strap struck again and again, sometimes accompanied by a demand for Frodo to speak some loathsome self - deprecation, but many times without any words at all from its wielder.
At last, Gavin walked back around the trees and stood facing his tormented captive. He grasped the hobbit's hair and pulled his head up, looking into Frodo's glassy eyes. "You will obey me, and you will call me Sir. Is that clear?"
Frodo struggled through a red haze of humiliation and pain. He tried to speak, but words would not come.
"I said, is - that - CLEAR?" Gavin raised his voice and his hand simultaneously, preparing to strike Frodo again.
"Yes," Frodo whispered.
"Yes WHAT?"
"Yes," Frodo swallowed hard. "Sir."
"Cut him down," Gavin ordered, and Fergus drew his dagger to saw through the ropes. Frodo crumpled in a miserable heap against the ground, bleeding and spent. He hadn't the strength to fight as he was dragged back toward the cellar.
"Miserable little fool," Gavin sneered as he and Fergus threw the cellar doors open and hauled Frodo down the stairs. "Slaves that flee their masters are usually killed for their insolence," Gavin informed a nearly unconscious Frodo while binding his hands again. "Remember that the next time you decide to stand up to your betters."
Frodo could feel his own blood trickling down his back from his wounds. He didn't think he could remain conscious much longer, as burning pain wracked him. Large, calloused hands bound his ankles once more, completing the task of rendering him captive once again.
After replacing Frodo's gag, Gavin turned to Fergus. "No food for him tonight. He has to learn that he lives or dies on my say so." Fergus nodded and retrieved the tray.
Gavin turned back to his captive. "You do as I say and behave yourself from now on, and we won't have to repeat this lesson." He leaned closer. "If I have to teach you a second time, this will seem like a mother's tender caress."
The men turned and exited the cellar, and the last of Frodo's strength went with them. Shadows approached and gathered him up, carrying him beyond his pain and despair as he blacked out.
~*~Aiden's home, Bree~*~
After taking his leave of Dolan, Aiden stopped at his house and spent a short while digging through forgotten spaces for things he had never needed until now.
He drew a battered, rusty sword from under the bed, and unsheathed it slowly. It had been new and gleaming once, long before his birth. It had come to him through generations, and he had stowed it away in hopes of passing it down to his own son. That was not to be, he thought sadly, testing the blade lightly with the pad of his thumb. He didn't press down hard enough to cut himself, but he could tell the blade was still capable of slicing through -
He closed his eyes. Never a violent man in any sense, he hated the thought of wielding the weapon, even in defense. He reminded himself that his foes would scarcely hesitate to bury steel in his flesh. He wiped the blade with a cloth, bringing back some of its former sheen.
Next, he opened the trunk at the foot of the bed and removed a pair of long ceremonial daggers with carved hilts. He hadn't noticed that the hobbits carried any armament with them, and if they truly insisted on accompanying him to free Frodo, they must have something for protection. These would be long enough to serve as swords of a fashion in the hands of the diminutive Shire Folk.
What about the young one who was with them? The lad with the bright eyes and golden curls? No, Aiden determined, Frodo's young cousin must not join the rescue party. They would need him to prepare for their arrival back at the inn.
With the weapons in hand, Aiden emerged into the parlor and stopped before the hearth, gazing once again upon the faces of his lost family. "Your love I will know always," he said softly. "If my time to join you again has come, I pray I will be guided to you." He touched the frame of the portrait reverently, then turned toward the door.
As he pulled the door open, a wind blew in and the fabric of the cloak he had given to Frodo brushed against his arm. He stared at it for a moment, then grabbed it from the peg on which it hung. He walked out and slammed the door behind him, sending fallen leaves scattering across the stoop.
~*~To be continued~*~