Ch 2 At Anfalas
I awoke, disoriented for an instant. Then I remembered - I was home. I was cozy and warm, and did not want to move, not even to add fuel to the fire. It had burnt down during the night. I looked around at the familiar room. All was as before. I glanced over at the other chair, and saw Holmes sleeping.
I must have a noise, for Holmes was instantly alert. "Good Morning, Watson. I trust you slept well? I did not have the heart to awaken you last night, so I slipped a blanket around you."
"Thank you, Holmes. Yes, I do feel better. I would feel even better if I could bathe. It seems as though it has been decades since I have had a decent bath!" I sounded as though I were whining, but could not help myself.
"My dear Watson, if that is all you wish , then I believe I can grant that wish. There is a hot bath just waiting for you. I have taken the liberty of procuring some clean clothing for you, as well. Go along, now. Bathe, then come into the kitchen, as I will have breakfast ready."
I did as I was bid. The water was just the right temperature and I almost dozed off again. However, I roused myself and donned the clothing that was there. I felt more like myself.
As I entered the kitchen, Holmes had just finished brewing tea. We ate in companionable silence; then took our tea into the sitting room.
Holmes turned to me and asked "Is Mistress Gamgee visiting relatives before she returns?" His keen eyes had a twinkle in them.
"Yes," I replied, "she should be returning today." Suddenly, I heard the carriage as it stopped before our door. Holmes rose, and motioned me to stay where I was. He went to the door and escorted Rose into the room.
"Holmes," I said, fiddling with the handle of my mug, "there is something you should know. I should have told you last night…." I took a deep breath and said, "Rose and I are married."
Holmes just laughed. "I know. My dear Watson, I would be blind not to see the ring on your finger. I am happy for you. My offer still stands. Please move in with me. There is more than enough room for you and Rose and myself. I would not like to break in another housekeeper. Would you put up with an old bachelor, my dear?" Holmes entreated Rose.
My Rose laughed and said, "Mr. Holmes, I would indeed stay and be your housekeeper." She then came over to my chair and perched on the arm. "You have been so kind to my Sam, Sir, I could never repay you."
"My dear, it is I that owe much to Samwise Watson. Therefore, we are even. However, I would very much like to hear what happened."
I took a sip of tea, and started our story. "Well, if you remember, we were in Anfalas…
************************************************************************
Anfalas
"I thank you so much for recovering the treaty, Holmes. I would very much like to hear Watson's telling. However, I realize that it will have to wait for some time." Elessar, King of Gondor had come to see us off on our return journey.
"It was my pleasure, Your Highness. However, if I may make a suggestion. Make sure you get the same papers back that you send to the scribe."
Suddenly, I heard my name being called. "Samwise Watson! I haven't seen you in twenty or so years. Where did you go aground?" I turned to see an old friend, Captain Theogred Longbottom. We greeted each other with handshakes and hugs.
I introduced Holmes and Theogred to each other. "Are ye headed back home?" asked Theogred. P'rhaps ye'd like to sail with me? We leave at the noon hour. The ship is The Swan. She's a fast ship, and true."
Holmes laughed and said, "Captain, I am most definitely not a sailor. I was on one ship, and was ill the whole time. I thank you for the offer. However, if you wish to go with the good captain, Watson, please do so. I'm sure the trip will be a time for the two of you to catch up with each other."
"Thank you, Holmes. Very well, Captain, I will see you before noon." With that, the captain left for his ship, and Holmes and I continued on for a short while.
"Take care, Holmes. I will see you in about a month, if the seas are right." We shook hands, and Holmes rode out with an escort of the King's men, while I returned to the dock where The Swan rode at anchor.
