Author's note - Still pondering the point of the position of Buckland
relative to the Brandywine. I found a more detailed Shire map (that takes a
while online), and have discovered that GamgeeFest is quite right! Ladies
and gentlemen, my deepest apologies. I have moved Buckland! To be accurate,
you have to cross the river to get to Buckland from Hobbiton. Once in
Buckland you needn't cross it if you're continuing on to Bree. You are
already on the Bree side by that time. The movie is unclear on this point,
not stating just where in the Shire Frodo and company are when they take
the Ferry across the river, hence my confusion regarding the geography.
Aelfgifu - The Ring, whether it wants to or not, could be in a position to help the good guys here.
Trust No One - Things may be taking a turn for the better. Only time will tell!
Ilmare - Gavin deserves a whacking, doesn't he? The angsty roller coaster will begin to slow down a little in the future as we get Frodo into the care of his friends and family.
Endymion - Have a great vacation, and the rest of this story will be waiting when you get back!
Shirebound - That was a tense situation for sure! We all have a chance to breathe easier now, especially Frodo!
Gayalondiel - Dolan may just have a touch of decency in him somewhere. But will he let it work its way up to the surface so we can be sure?
Bookworm2000 - Bilbo pulled out a little of that 'Mad Baggins' humor when he said "Boo!" to Gavin. Trust Bilbo to do something odd like that to break the tension. Onward to Frodo's recovery and a very stunned Merry!
Camellia - Gamgee - Took - Yes, Frodo will be cared for with the utmost kindness, I promise you. He certainly deserves it!
Aratlithiel - My biggest challenge for the last chapter was to make sure the action didn't get muddled. It was a bit tough to figure out how to keep everybody in it and pull it all together, but I'm glad it worked! I couldn't resist letting Bilbo get a little cheeky during the process. You know how he is!
Midgette - Yes! Frodo lives! Love it - LOL!
Fool of a Took - Things are looking up for Frodo now. I wouldn't mind giving those ruffians a kick or two myself. This time the Ring helped do something good for a change. Too bad it has to be an instrument of evil! I know a lot of people who could use a magic ring from time to time. Let's go give our future Ringbearer a big hug, shall we?
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Chapter 20 - Family and Friends
~*~Bree~*~
How strange it is to realize the little things that are taken for granted like breathing, Frodo thought dreamily. The unconscious act of filling one's lungs with air moment by moment, the involuntary rising and falling of one's chest - a violent fit of coughing brought him back to himself, back to the cold, dewy grass on which he lay. He felt a hand gently brushing his hair back from his eyes.
"Frodo! Frodo, lad, can you hear me?" Bilbo was saying, his voice urgent and anxious.
"Uncle Bilbo?" Frodo's voice rasped in his throat. He tried to sit up but abandoned the effort as a stab of pain flared across his back. "Oh!" he gasped. "It - it hurts."
Bilbo frowned. "What hurts lad? Tell me." Now that Frodo's very survival was no longer an issue, there was time to discover his true condition.
"My back," Frodo said slowly. He allowed Bilbo to help him to a sitting position. Bilbo looked at Frodo's back and was aghast at the blood on his torn shirt. "What have they done to you, lad?" There were tears in his eyes and voice.
"I - I ran away," Frodo said, his voice beginning to shake. "They punished me." Frodo buried his head in Bilbo's arms and cried tears born both of pain and relief. Bilbo clutched him tightly, comforting him. A muffled cry from a short distance away startled him and he looked up.
Dolan was attempting to help Aiden to sit upright. He looked at the hilt of the dagger, then gazed directly into Aiden's eyes as he spoke. "This is going to hurt." Aiden nodded and braced himself. Dolan grasped the dagger with both hands and pulled it from Aiden's shoulder, eliciting a muffled curse. "It's a clean wound, but deep," Dolan said, applying pressure. "Can you make it back to the inn?"
Aiden nodded, and Dolan then moved to where Bilbo and Frodo were sitting together. Frodo opened his eyes and looked up to see the man approaching, and involuntarily recoiled further into Bilbo's embrace.
"Why are you here?" Frodo asked, his voice tight with pain and trepidation. "What do you want?"
"I want you and your companions out of this cold, wet place and back at the inn," Dolan answered him. "It will be too far for you to walk." He moved as if to lift Frodo from the ground.
Frodo clung to Bilbo and resisted. "No! Don't touch me!" He looked at Dolan and his brows knit together in a frown. "I don't trust you!"
Bilbo looked from Frodo to Dolan questioningly. "You know each other, I take it," he said, his eyebrows rising.
"He's one of them," Frodo said shakily. "He and the red - haired one brought me to Bree."
Bilbo's eyes narrowed. "Is that so?" He regarded the man warily.
"There is truth in the statement that Fergus and I are responsible for Frodo's being in Bree," Dolan answered. "Fergus and I have since parted ways, and it was Fergus and his newfound friend who attacked Aiden and abducted Frodo, bringing him here."
Aiden spoke from a short distance away. "He is the one who told me I could find you here, Frodo. He defended us as we fought your captors."
Frodo's voice grew stronger as he faced this man who had purchased him from Reginard and Bargo. "So now you expect me to believe you have seen the error of your ways? That you are sorry for carrying me bound from my home for the sake of a few gold coins?"
"I expect you to understand that both you and Aiden are injured." He leaned over, looking Frodo in the eye. "He cannot carry you back to the inn, and you are in no condition to walk there yourself. I doubt your uncle would make an easy time of bearing you either."
Frodo considered both the logic of Dolan's statement and Aiden's words. Dolan had indeed worked against his former compatriot, leading Aiden and Bilbo to the cellar in order to rescue him. He had raised his sword to stop Fergus from killing Aiden. It was indeed true that the walk back to the inn would be extremely difficult if not impossible for Frodo in his present condition. Someone would have to carry him, and Aiden's shoulder would prevent him from doing so. Frodo's tone softened somewhat when he spoke again.
"I understand." He bowed his head wearily and allowed Dolan to wrap his cloak about him and lift him up. He winced and made a small gasp as Dolan's arm came in contact with his back.
"I am sorry, Frodo," Dolan said as he rose to his full height. "I will try not to cause you discomfort, but we have a distance to walk before we reach the inn."
Bilbo had risen and walked over to stand beside Aiden. The man rose to his feet unsteadily, a little woozy from loss of blood. Steeling themselves, they began the long walk back to the inn.
~*~The Prancing Pony~*~
Merry was startled by the sound of footsteps in the hallway outside. He bolted out of his chair and looked at Saradoc, who was already on his feet. The door burst open and a dark - haired man he had never seen before entered with Frodo in his arms. Aiden followed with a hand clasped to his shoulder, which was bleeding, soaking his shirt with crimson. Bilbo was the last to enter, mostly unharmed, but for the bruises he would have from the ruffian kicking him.
"Frodo!" Merry shouted, moving forward only to be intercepted by his father.
"Give them room, lad," he cautioned gently. It appeared that their preparations were not without purpose. Frodo was very pale and looked as if he were in pain, and Aiden was obviously injured.
Dolan crossed the room and placed Frodo on the bed carefully, and Bilbo, Merry and Saradoc came immediately to the bedside. The man let the young hobbit's family take over seeing to his injuries, and went to look at the wound in Aiden's shoulder.
Saradoc supported Frodo as he sat wearily with his legs hanging over the edge of the bed. Bilbo began carefully removing the tattered remains of Frodo's shirt. The marks on his back were very recent, he realized. They looked to be the marks of a whip or strap of some kind, and had plainly been applied with great force.
"Ssshhh, Frodo, lad," he soothed as Frodo groaned. "Sara, could you make some of that tea ready?" Saradoc nodded wordlessly, and gestured to Merry to follow him to the hearth where the kettle was warming.
Bilbo was grateful for the relative privacy. His attention was fully concentrated on Frodo and his injuries. It had been too dark outside for him to see the true extent of the damage, but here, in the warm, brightly lit room at the inn, he could see all too well the evidence of the treatment Frodo had received.
In addition to the raised, bleeding welts on his back, a dark bruise was forming over Frodo's ribs on one side, the mark of Gavin's boot and displeasure. Bruises were likewise beginning to show on the lad's pale face, an especially prominent one shadowing his left cheekbone. Was it not enough for those men to whip him? A tear slid down the old hobbit's face at the thought of those large brutes striking the dear boy.
"Lie down, Frodo, on your stomach," Bilbo instructed, willing his voice to steadiness. "That's it, easy now." As Bilbo eased him down onto the pillows, Merry returned with a steaming cup in his hands and placed it on the washbasin by the bed.
"Thank you, Merry." Merry nodded and seated himself quietly in a chair nearby, staying back out of the way of Bilbo's ministrations. Bilbo took one of the clean cloths from the washstand and dipped it into the herb - laden water in the basin. He wrung it out and gently began to bathe the marks on Frodo's back.
Frodo winced, and Merry reached out for his hand. "Merry - " Frodo breathed, opening his eyes. "I'm so glad you're here! But however did you manage - "
"I heard him, Frodo," Merry blurted, anger rising in his voice. "I heard Bargo talking about what they did to you. I'm so glad you're back." His voice wavered and he squeezed Frodo's hand.
Lulled by the scent of the herbs and the warmth of the water, Frodo closed his eyes and squeezed Merry's hand in return. "I'm glad to see you too, Mer," he replied quietly. "More than you'll ever know."
"Merry, since you're right here, will you take another cloth and soothe those marks on Frodo's wrists?" Bilbo asked. Merry nodded and immediately went to work, dabbing at the angry red abrasions the ropes had left behind. When he was satisfied that the injuries had been cleaned properly, he bandaged them with strips of cloth.
"Frodo, can you sit up and have some tea? It has some herbs in it that will help you sleep," Bilbo said quietly, lightly stroking Frodo's hair. The tween nodded and allowed Bilbo and Merry to assist him as he sat up again, just long enough to drink the tea Merry had brought him.
"Stars, Bilbo!" Saradoc rejoined them and got his first clear look at Frodo's back. He stared in disbelief at the wounds marring the pale skin of Frodo's back. "How did this happen?"
"This is what has come of the mischief those two lads at the Hall perpetrated," Bilbo said grimly. "As a result of their treachery, Frodo wound up a captive. He was beaten for attempting to escape."
Saradoc paled. "The men who did this - what will be done about them?" He would deal with Bargo and Reginard when they got back to the Hall, but what about Frodo's abusive captors?
"I shall see to them," Dolan said from across the room. All eyes were fixed upon him now, as he continued with a sigh. "I had thought to pass the winter in Bree, but it seems fate has other plans," he said ruefully. "I will alert the constable to Fergus and Gavin's presence and their actions. Fergus will undoubtedly implicate me at the very first opportunity, so I will be taking my leave of Bree immediately."
Aiden moved his newly - bandaged shoulder carefully, reaching into his coat and pulling out a pouch containing ten gold coins. "I believe this is yours," he said, passing it to Dolan. "Payment for services rendered."
"Keep it, friend," Dolan replied, handing the money back to Aiden. "You have paid a great enough cost as it is."
A half - smile tugged at the corners of his lips as Aiden took the pouch back. "What's this? Has your conscience awakened and reminded you of your principles, perhaps?"
"You tell the story your way, and I will surely tell it in mine," Dolan replied, the swagger returning to his manner. "If it pleases you to think so, then be my guest."
"Why did you help us?" Aiden said curiously. He certainly hadn't expected to see Dolan show up and point his sword at his former associate as he had.
"I saw you leaving the inn, and I knew you'd never come out of this alive if I didn't lend a hand," he answered, one eyebrow rising slightly. "I guessed you weren't much of a swordsman, and I didn't know you had a disappearing halfling to assist you." Both men looked at Bilbo uncertainly, who was so intent on Frodo that he failed to notice.
"I was unaware of that myself, " Aiden replied, shaking his head. He must ask the old hobbit to explain that extraordinary trick he'd pulled.
"I shall be on my way now," Dolan announced, shouldering his pack and fastening the clasp of his cloak. He had done his duty as he saw it, and now must set about dispatching the authorities to take care of Gavin and Fergus.
As he stepped to the door and placed his hand on it, he heard a voice behind him speak a single word quietly. "Wait."
He turned toward the source of the voice and saw Frodo looking at him intently from the corner. Dolan turned from the door and made his way to the bedside, kneeling to better hear the voice of the young hobbit.
"Yes, Frodo?" Dolan waited to hear what the little one had to say to him.
"Thank you. I am sorry I doubted you." Frodo closed his eyes as he spoke. The medicines in the herb tea were starting to work on him.
If Dolan had doubted himself before that moment, he knew then that he had done the right thing. Still, he didn't quite feel comfortable in dropping his rakish façade completely.
"Yes, well, let's not let too much word of this get around, shall we?" He winked conspiratorially. "My reputation, you know."
Frodo managed a sleepy smile, and Merry looked at Dolan curiously. Frodo would certainly tell him the entire tale when he felt up to it.
"Take care of him," Dolan said to Merry, and strode from the room before anything else could delay or discomfit him.
Merry remained by Frodo's side as he slept. Aiden, also dosed with the medicinal tea, slept quietly on one of the other beds nearby. How odd the tall man looked, stretched out on his back on the hobbit - sized bed with his feet hanging well off the end!
Bilbo and Saradoc sat together by the fire, discussing the issue of Frodo's continued stay at Brandy Hall. "Provided that Frodo agrees to the arrangement, will you allow me to take him to Bag End?" Bilbo asked pointedly. "Recent events notwithstanding, I believe the lad would be happier there."
"Indeed, I must admit you may be correct, Bilbo." Saradoc rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I would be willing to allow it on the condition that Frodo has free choice of where he remains. If he is not happy at the end of six months, he should be given the option to return to Brandy Hall."
Bilbo considered. He wanted only what was best for the lad, certainly. "I cannot see why he would be unhappy at Bag End, Saradoc, but I will agree to those terms. Also, I have another matter to add to our discussion, namely my choice of an heir."
Saradoc looked at Bilbo sharply. This subject had been a focus of much debate and conjecture, not only at Brandy Hall, but certainly among Bilbo's family in the Hobbiton area. "Are you speaking of Frodo?"
"I am." Bilbo said firmly. "Of all my family, Frodo is the only one I feel any kind of connection with. He has such a spirit about him, Sara." Bilbo lit his pipe and leaned back in his chair, watching the flames dance in the fireplace. "The rest of my family members I have considered lack his curious nature, his patience and pure kindness. They are selfish and grasping, and quite honestly, I believe they are more irritated by every year that I remain among them!"
Saradoc laughed at the statement, a clear picture of Otho and Lobelia Sackville - Baggins and their smirking tweenage son Lotho appearing in his mind. "Yes, Bilbo, in some cases that may be so." He considered for a moment. "What an unpleasant surprise your choice will be for them, I imagine. It could put Frodo in an uncomfortable position."
Bilbo had considered the possibility. "I realize that there will be some consternation and perhaps some unpleasantness directed toward the lad as a result. I will shield him from it as best I can, but otherwise I feel that Frodo has the ability to deal with the situation." Indeed, after his adventure in Bree, Bilbo expected to see a stronger, more assertive young lad emerging. "He's a brave boy, Saradoc. Let the others say what they will of him, but I can see it."
"Yes, Bilbo, I believe he is. He has proven himself so in recent days." Saradoc thought of all Frodo had been through - being abducted and taken to an unfamiliar place, enduring captivity and violence. Thank the Valar for the one friend the lad had made during the adventure, the kindly merchant who now lay injured in their care.
"Remarkable, what that fellow did in Frodo's favor," Saradoc remarked, gesturing toward the bed where Aiden slept. "Had he not stepped in, things would certainly have been worse."
"How well I know, Sara." Bilbo fidgeted with his pipe. "We are much in his debt, although I doubt he would recognize the fact." Aiden seemed to be someone who acted out of the kindness of his heart, without thought to what he stood to lose or gain in the process. It would be difficult for Frodo to say farewell to his new friend.
And speaking of farewells, it would undoubtedly be hard on Merry to see Frodo leave Brandy Hall. When Bilbo voiced his thoughts regarding the subject, Saradoc responded, "Merry will feel Frodo's absence quite keenly, but he understands. We have discussed the matter."
"I would be pleased if Merry would come visit us at Bag End, and I would definitely be in favor of Frodo's visiting the Hall when time allows," Bilbo said with a smile. Frodo would undoubtedly make more friends in Hobbiton, and while he would miss Merry, he would not lack for companionship.
It was settled, then. If Frodo agreed to the plan, the four hobbits would journey back to Brandy Hall together, and Frodo would join Bilbo as he continued home to Hobbiton. They passed the night uneventfully, resting as well as they were able in a room with too few beds.
Frodo slept soundly, exhaustion and the effects of the medicines allowing him the deep, strength - renewing rest he had known so little of during the past fortnight. He woke only once during the night, to see Merry sleeping in a chair nearby. He smiled and closed his eyes again, knowing he was safe in the presence of family and friends, and feeling that this time, nothing would come to harm him.
~*~To be continued~*~
Aelfgifu - The Ring, whether it wants to or not, could be in a position to help the good guys here.
Trust No One - Things may be taking a turn for the better. Only time will tell!
Ilmare - Gavin deserves a whacking, doesn't he? The angsty roller coaster will begin to slow down a little in the future as we get Frodo into the care of his friends and family.
Endymion - Have a great vacation, and the rest of this story will be waiting when you get back!
Shirebound - That was a tense situation for sure! We all have a chance to breathe easier now, especially Frodo!
Gayalondiel - Dolan may just have a touch of decency in him somewhere. But will he let it work its way up to the surface so we can be sure?
Bookworm2000 - Bilbo pulled out a little of that 'Mad Baggins' humor when he said "Boo!" to Gavin. Trust Bilbo to do something odd like that to break the tension. Onward to Frodo's recovery and a very stunned Merry!
Camellia - Gamgee - Took - Yes, Frodo will be cared for with the utmost kindness, I promise you. He certainly deserves it!
Aratlithiel - My biggest challenge for the last chapter was to make sure the action didn't get muddled. It was a bit tough to figure out how to keep everybody in it and pull it all together, but I'm glad it worked! I couldn't resist letting Bilbo get a little cheeky during the process. You know how he is!
Midgette - Yes! Frodo lives! Love it - LOL!
Fool of a Took - Things are looking up for Frodo now. I wouldn't mind giving those ruffians a kick or two myself. This time the Ring helped do something good for a change. Too bad it has to be an instrument of evil! I know a lot of people who could use a magic ring from time to time. Let's go give our future Ringbearer a big hug, shall we?
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Chapter 20 - Family and Friends
~*~Bree~*~
How strange it is to realize the little things that are taken for granted like breathing, Frodo thought dreamily. The unconscious act of filling one's lungs with air moment by moment, the involuntary rising and falling of one's chest - a violent fit of coughing brought him back to himself, back to the cold, dewy grass on which he lay. He felt a hand gently brushing his hair back from his eyes.
"Frodo! Frodo, lad, can you hear me?" Bilbo was saying, his voice urgent and anxious.
"Uncle Bilbo?" Frodo's voice rasped in his throat. He tried to sit up but abandoned the effort as a stab of pain flared across his back. "Oh!" he gasped. "It - it hurts."
Bilbo frowned. "What hurts lad? Tell me." Now that Frodo's very survival was no longer an issue, there was time to discover his true condition.
"My back," Frodo said slowly. He allowed Bilbo to help him to a sitting position. Bilbo looked at Frodo's back and was aghast at the blood on his torn shirt. "What have they done to you, lad?" There were tears in his eyes and voice.
"I - I ran away," Frodo said, his voice beginning to shake. "They punished me." Frodo buried his head in Bilbo's arms and cried tears born both of pain and relief. Bilbo clutched him tightly, comforting him. A muffled cry from a short distance away startled him and he looked up.
Dolan was attempting to help Aiden to sit upright. He looked at the hilt of the dagger, then gazed directly into Aiden's eyes as he spoke. "This is going to hurt." Aiden nodded and braced himself. Dolan grasped the dagger with both hands and pulled it from Aiden's shoulder, eliciting a muffled curse. "It's a clean wound, but deep," Dolan said, applying pressure. "Can you make it back to the inn?"
Aiden nodded, and Dolan then moved to where Bilbo and Frodo were sitting together. Frodo opened his eyes and looked up to see the man approaching, and involuntarily recoiled further into Bilbo's embrace.
"Why are you here?" Frodo asked, his voice tight with pain and trepidation. "What do you want?"
"I want you and your companions out of this cold, wet place and back at the inn," Dolan answered him. "It will be too far for you to walk." He moved as if to lift Frodo from the ground.
Frodo clung to Bilbo and resisted. "No! Don't touch me!" He looked at Dolan and his brows knit together in a frown. "I don't trust you!"
Bilbo looked from Frodo to Dolan questioningly. "You know each other, I take it," he said, his eyebrows rising.
"He's one of them," Frodo said shakily. "He and the red - haired one brought me to Bree."
Bilbo's eyes narrowed. "Is that so?" He regarded the man warily.
"There is truth in the statement that Fergus and I are responsible for Frodo's being in Bree," Dolan answered. "Fergus and I have since parted ways, and it was Fergus and his newfound friend who attacked Aiden and abducted Frodo, bringing him here."
Aiden spoke from a short distance away. "He is the one who told me I could find you here, Frodo. He defended us as we fought your captors."
Frodo's voice grew stronger as he faced this man who had purchased him from Reginard and Bargo. "So now you expect me to believe you have seen the error of your ways? That you are sorry for carrying me bound from my home for the sake of a few gold coins?"
"I expect you to understand that both you and Aiden are injured." He leaned over, looking Frodo in the eye. "He cannot carry you back to the inn, and you are in no condition to walk there yourself. I doubt your uncle would make an easy time of bearing you either."
Frodo considered both the logic of Dolan's statement and Aiden's words. Dolan had indeed worked against his former compatriot, leading Aiden and Bilbo to the cellar in order to rescue him. He had raised his sword to stop Fergus from killing Aiden. It was indeed true that the walk back to the inn would be extremely difficult if not impossible for Frodo in his present condition. Someone would have to carry him, and Aiden's shoulder would prevent him from doing so. Frodo's tone softened somewhat when he spoke again.
"I understand." He bowed his head wearily and allowed Dolan to wrap his cloak about him and lift him up. He winced and made a small gasp as Dolan's arm came in contact with his back.
"I am sorry, Frodo," Dolan said as he rose to his full height. "I will try not to cause you discomfort, but we have a distance to walk before we reach the inn."
Bilbo had risen and walked over to stand beside Aiden. The man rose to his feet unsteadily, a little woozy from loss of blood. Steeling themselves, they began the long walk back to the inn.
~*~The Prancing Pony~*~
Merry was startled by the sound of footsteps in the hallway outside. He bolted out of his chair and looked at Saradoc, who was already on his feet. The door burst open and a dark - haired man he had never seen before entered with Frodo in his arms. Aiden followed with a hand clasped to his shoulder, which was bleeding, soaking his shirt with crimson. Bilbo was the last to enter, mostly unharmed, but for the bruises he would have from the ruffian kicking him.
"Frodo!" Merry shouted, moving forward only to be intercepted by his father.
"Give them room, lad," he cautioned gently. It appeared that their preparations were not without purpose. Frodo was very pale and looked as if he were in pain, and Aiden was obviously injured.
Dolan crossed the room and placed Frodo on the bed carefully, and Bilbo, Merry and Saradoc came immediately to the bedside. The man let the young hobbit's family take over seeing to his injuries, and went to look at the wound in Aiden's shoulder.
Saradoc supported Frodo as he sat wearily with his legs hanging over the edge of the bed. Bilbo began carefully removing the tattered remains of Frodo's shirt. The marks on his back were very recent, he realized. They looked to be the marks of a whip or strap of some kind, and had plainly been applied with great force.
"Ssshhh, Frodo, lad," he soothed as Frodo groaned. "Sara, could you make some of that tea ready?" Saradoc nodded wordlessly, and gestured to Merry to follow him to the hearth where the kettle was warming.
Bilbo was grateful for the relative privacy. His attention was fully concentrated on Frodo and his injuries. It had been too dark outside for him to see the true extent of the damage, but here, in the warm, brightly lit room at the inn, he could see all too well the evidence of the treatment Frodo had received.
In addition to the raised, bleeding welts on his back, a dark bruise was forming over Frodo's ribs on one side, the mark of Gavin's boot and displeasure. Bruises were likewise beginning to show on the lad's pale face, an especially prominent one shadowing his left cheekbone. Was it not enough for those men to whip him? A tear slid down the old hobbit's face at the thought of those large brutes striking the dear boy.
"Lie down, Frodo, on your stomach," Bilbo instructed, willing his voice to steadiness. "That's it, easy now." As Bilbo eased him down onto the pillows, Merry returned with a steaming cup in his hands and placed it on the washbasin by the bed.
"Thank you, Merry." Merry nodded and seated himself quietly in a chair nearby, staying back out of the way of Bilbo's ministrations. Bilbo took one of the clean cloths from the washstand and dipped it into the herb - laden water in the basin. He wrung it out and gently began to bathe the marks on Frodo's back.
Frodo winced, and Merry reached out for his hand. "Merry - " Frodo breathed, opening his eyes. "I'm so glad you're here! But however did you manage - "
"I heard him, Frodo," Merry blurted, anger rising in his voice. "I heard Bargo talking about what they did to you. I'm so glad you're back." His voice wavered and he squeezed Frodo's hand.
Lulled by the scent of the herbs and the warmth of the water, Frodo closed his eyes and squeezed Merry's hand in return. "I'm glad to see you too, Mer," he replied quietly. "More than you'll ever know."
"Merry, since you're right here, will you take another cloth and soothe those marks on Frodo's wrists?" Bilbo asked. Merry nodded and immediately went to work, dabbing at the angry red abrasions the ropes had left behind. When he was satisfied that the injuries had been cleaned properly, he bandaged them with strips of cloth.
"Frodo, can you sit up and have some tea? It has some herbs in it that will help you sleep," Bilbo said quietly, lightly stroking Frodo's hair. The tween nodded and allowed Bilbo and Merry to assist him as he sat up again, just long enough to drink the tea Merry had brought him.
"Stars, Bilbo!" Saradoc rejoined them and got his first clear look at Frodo's back. He stared in disbelief at the wounds marring the pale skin of Frodo's back. "How did this happen?"
"This is what has come of the mischief those two lads at the Hall perpetrated," Bilbo said grimly. "As a result of their treachery, Frodo wound up a captive. He was beaten for attempting to escape."
Saradoc paled. "The men who did this - what will be done about them?" He would deal with Bargo and Reginard when they got back to the Hall, but what about Frodo's abusive captors?
"I shall see to them," Dolan said from across the room. All eyes were fixed upon him now, as he continued with a sigh. "I had thought to pass the winter in Bree, but it seems fate has other plans," he said ruefully. "I will alert the constable to Fergus and Gavin's presence and their actions. Fergus will undoubtedly implicate me at the very first opportunity, so I will be taking my leave of Bree immediately."
Aiden moved his newly - bandaged shoulder carefully, reaching into his coat and pulling out a pouch containing ten gold coins. "I believe this is yours," he said, passing it to Dolan. "Payment for services rendered."
"Keep it, friend," Dolan replied, handing the money back to Aiden. "You have paid a great enough cost as it is."
A half - smile tugged at the corners of his lips as Aiden took the pouch back. "What's this? Has your conscience awakened and reminded you of your principles, perhaps?"
"You tell the story your way, and I will surely tell it in mine," Dolan replied, the swagger returning to his manner. "If it pleases you to think so, then be my guest."
"Why did you help us?" Aiden said curiously. He certainly hadn't expected to see Dolan show up and point his sword at his former associate as he had.
"I saw you leaving the inn, and I knew you'd never come out of this alive if I didn't lend a hand," he answered, one eyebrow rising slightly. "I guessed you weren't much of a swordsman, and I didn't know you had a disappearing halfling to assist you." Both men looked at Bilbo uncertainly, who was so intent on Frodo that he failed to notice.
"I was unaware of that myself, " Aiden replied, shaking his head. He must ask the old hobbit to explain that extraordinary trick he'd pulled.
"I shall be on my way now," Dolan announced, shouldering his pack and fastening the clasp of his cloak. He had done his duty as he saw it, and now must set about dispatching the authorities to take care of Gavin and Fergus.
As he stepped to the door and placed his hand on it, he heard a voice behind him speak a single word quietly. "Wait."
He turned toward the source of the voice and saw Frodo looking at him intently from the corner. Dolan turned from the door and made his way to the bedside, kneeling to better hear the voice of the young hobbit.
"Yes, Frodo?" Dolan waited to hear what the little one had to say to him.
"Thank you. I am sorry I doubted you." Frodo closed his eyes as he spoke. The medicines in the herb tea were starting to work on him.
If Dolan had doubted himself before that moment, he knew then that he had done the right thing. Still, he didn't quite feel comfortable in dropping his rakish façade completely.
"Yes, well, let's not let too much word of this get around, shall we?" He winked conspiratorially. "My reputation, you know."
Frodo managed a sleepy smile, and Merry looked at Dolan curiously. Frodo would certainly tell him the entire tale when he felt up to it.
"Take care of him," Dolan said to Merry, and strode from the room before anything else could delay or discomfit him.
Merry remained by Frodo's side as he slept. Aiden, also dosed with the medicinal tea, slept quietly on one of the other beds nearby. How odd the tall man looked, stretched out on his back on the hobbit - sized bed with his feet hanging well off the end!
Bilbo and Saradoc sat together by the fire, discussing the issue of Frodo's continued stay at Brandy Hall. "Provided that Frodo agrees to the arrangement, will you allow me to take him to Bag End?" Bilbo asked pointedly. "Recent events notwithstanding, I believe the lad would be happier there."
"Indeed, I must admit you may be correct, Bilbo." Saradoc rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I would be willing to allow it on the condition that Frodo has free choice of where he remains. If he is not happy at the end of six months, he should be given the option to return to Brandy Hall."
Bilbo considered. He wanted only what was best for the lad, certainly. "I cannot see why he would be unhappy at Bag End, Saradoc, but I will agree to those terms. Also, I have another matter to add to our discussion, namely my choice of an heir."
Saradoc looked at Bilbo sharply. This subject had been a focus of much debate and conjecture, not only at Brandy Hall, but certainly among Bilbo's family in the Hobbiton area. "Are you speaking of Frodo?"
"I am." Bilbo said firmly. "Of all my family, Frodo is the only one I feel any kind of connection with. He has such a spirit about him, Sara." Bilbo lit his pipe and leaned back in his chair, watching the flames dance in the fireplace. "The rest of my family members I have considered lack his curious nature, his patience and pure kindness. They are selfish and grasping, and quite honestly, I believe they are more irritated by every year that I remain among them!"
Saradoc laughed at the statement, a clear picture of Otho and Lobelia Sackville - Baggins and their smirking tweenage son Lotho appearing in his mind. "Yes, Bilbo, in some cases that may be so." He considered for a moment. "What an unpleasant surprise your choice will be for them, I imagine. It could put Frodo in an uncomfortable position."
Bilbo had considered the possibility. "I realize that there will be some consternation and perhaps some unpleasantness directed toward the lad as a result. I will shield him from it as best I can, but otherwise I feel that Frodo has the ability to deal with the situation." Indeed, after his adventure in Bree, Bilbo expected to see a stronger, more assertive young lad emerging. "He's a brave boy, Saradoc. Let the others say what they will of him, but I can see it."
"Yes, Bilbo, I believe he is. He has proven himself so in recent days." Saradoc thought of all Frodo had been through - being abducted and taken to an unfamiliar place, enduring captivity and violence. Thank the Valar for the one friend the lad had made during the adventure, the kindly merchant who now lay injured in their care.
"Remarkable, what that fellow did in Frodo's favor," Saradoc remarked, gesturing toward the bed where Aiden slept. "Had he not stepped in, things would certainly have been worse."
"How well I know, Sara." Bilbo fidgeted with his pipe. "We are much in his debt, although I doubt he would recognize the fact." Aiden seemed to be someone who acted out of the kindness of his heart, without thought to what he stood to lose or gain in the process. It would be difficult for Frodo to say farewell to his new friend.
And speaking of farewells, it would undoubtedly be hard on Merry to see Frodo leave Brandy Hall. When Bilbo voiced his thoughts regarding the subject, Saradoc responded, "Merry will feel Frodo's absence quite keenly, but he understands. We have discussed the matter."
"I would be pleased if Merry would come visit us at Bag End, and I would definitely be in favor of Frodo's visiting the Hall when time allows," Bilbo said with a smile. Frodo would undoubtedly make more friends in Hobbiton, and while he would miss Merry, he would not lack for companionship.
It was settled, then. If Frodo agreed to the plan, the four hobbits would journey back to Brandy Hall together, and Frodo would join Bilbo as he continued home to Hobbiton. They passed the night uneventfully, resting as well as they were able in a room with too few beds.
Frodo slept soundly, exhaustion and the effects of the medicines allowing him the deep, strength - renewing rest he had known so little of during the past fortnight. He woke only once during the night, to see Merry sleeping in a chair nearby. He smiled and closed his eyes again, knowing he was safe in the presence of family and friends, and feeling that this time, nothing would come to harm him.
~*~To be continued~*~