Chapter 7
Have No Fear
Merry pulled his cart to a stop at Frodo's new home. He had the papers signed from his father and it was official.
Merry picked up a big box and carried it into the hobbit hole. Merry giggled at seeing all the work that Fatty had accomplished when he sat down his box on the table. "You're going to make that lass a fine husband some day, Fatty!"
Fredegar's face flushed a bright red color and he looked around the room. "Do you really think so!"
Merry nodded and said, "Yes!"
Fredegar was so proud of himself for making it as cozy for Frodo as he could possibly have done.
Turning back to the box that he brought in he told Fredegar. "I had my Da sign the papers so Frodo can have this home. This was our guesthouse for visitors to Brandyhall. My mother sent over this box of fixings so we can make Frodo a decent meal once he arrives."
Fredegar went through the box and saw bags of tomatoes and slices of cooked bacon. There were all sorts of other fixings and fresh spices. He picked up the box and carried it to the kitchen while Merry got more furniture from his cart.
Together they finished cleaning and arranging most of the rooms. Merry went into the bathing room, as he knew that his father had kept three tubs and a copper for boiling the water for the guests that would stay there. Cleaning them out they set them up neatly so they all could have a bath once all their work was finished. Merry laid out soap, mats and towels for his guests.
Merry looked outside and seeing that it was getting dark and still there was no sight of his three friends. He could not imagine what was keeping them. Merry paced back and forth while he waited. His worry got the better of him and he turned to Fredegar. "I'm going after them, Fatty! Something is just not right! They should have been here hours ago!"
Fredegar also looked out the window and he too began to worry. "That would be a great idea, Merry. But what if you miss each other on the road. You would just wander around for nothing!"
Merry thought a moment and then continued to pace. "It's better than just sitting here worrying. What if something awful happened to them?"
Fredegar noticed the deep worry in Merry's face that made him become very worried also. He looked at Merry. "Then you better go!"
Before Fredegar had the words out of his mouth, Merry was heading to the door, but paused a moment as an idea came to his mind. "Being on the safe side, pack some bags for traveling and keep them by the door. We may need them just incase! You'll have to trust me on this, Fatty. I know more than what Frodo is telling us!"
Fredegar nodded and waved at Merry as he closed the door quickly to keep any light from view. Fredegar rushed off to the kitchen and began preparing the traveling bags so everything was ready.
Once Merry was outside he ran to the small stable where the ponies were kept. He quickly prepared a pony and took off to find Frodo, Pippin and Sam.
Fredegar wrapped a stack of blankets and tied each end together. He found small jugs to fill with water and made sure none leaked. He thought about what they would need to pack for meals out in the open range and sorting many different types of meals. He grouped them together and placed them into the bag.
He searched the sheds and stables for all the rope he could find and wrapped them up tightly. Fredegar also spotted some extra tools that could be taken easily in a pack for cutting firewood and such things. Carrying them inside he found the bag for the pack pony and placed the rope in there.
Fredegar did everything he could think of during his wait for his friends. The hours clicked by and he began to worry when there was still no sign of his friends. Sitting down on one of Frodo's comfort chairs, his eyes became heavy just listening to the stillness and quietness of this country home. The minutes ticked by and before he knew it, his eyes slowly closed shut.
Fredegar was almost asleep when he heard the front door open quietly. His heart raced in fear. After all of Merry's warnings and the talk of trouble going on, he did not know what to think. He carefully moved to the shadowed part of the room and pressed himself up against the side of the wall. A small lantern beamed as a small figure passed by Fredegar. He took a deep breath and sighed when he saw Merry.
"You scared the breath from me, Merry!" stated Fredegar when he walked back into the light from Merry's lantern. "Did you find, Frodo?"
"Yes, he told me he'll be here shortly. I rode on up ahead of them so I can get their supper prepared. Mrs. Maggot sent this basket for Frodo. It's full of mushrooms!"
Fredegar's eyes widened, "Mushrooms!"
He lifted the towel that covered them and saw the largest mushrooms that he had ever seen before. He knew Farmer Maggot had the best in the Shire. It would be a fitting meal for welcoming Frodo to his new home.
Merry snatched the basket from Fredegar and recovered them with the towel. "I'll put these in the kitchen for later!" Fredegar followed Merry.
After placing the basket on the countertop, Merry turned to his friend. "Frodo will need a bath when he finally gets here. He is just exhausted after his day of trouble! A hot bath will make him feel so much better!"
Fredegar had just enough time to begin boiling huge pots of water for a warm bath when Frodo, Pippin and Sam arrived.
Fredegar heard knocking on the door and he rushed to answer it.
Frodo, Pippin and Sam quickly entered, while Fredegar rushed to shut the door to keep out any light that may be showing.
He followed Frodo through the rooms and smiled when Frodo commented how wonderful everything looked. Frodo stopped and looked at all his closest friends. Tears swelled up into his eyes from his pride and love he felt for them. He also felt a heavy guilt for not telling them everything.
Merry saw the overwhelming look upon Frodo's face and he told Frodo to follow him. They all followed single-file down the hallway where Merry lead them into a room with a glowing fire and puffs of steam pouring from this room. Pippin almost jumped in the hot tub of water with his clothes on from being so excited.
"Easy on, Pip! You can have a bath at the same time with Frodo and Sam. While Fatty and me make us a fine supper," said Merry.
Within moments Pippin was pulled his clothes off and tossing them carelessly everywhere.
They left to help prepare the meal so the three hobbits could enjoy their bath.
Merry tied the lantern to a small hook that was mounted just above the center of the kitchen. This gave them the only light in this room. Since the kitchen was a small room the lantern hung low in the center of the room.
Sam was the first out of the tub and all ready dressed when he entered the kitchen. He almost bumped his head upon the lantern when he suddenly turned upon seeing the fine seasonings lined up on the countertop.
Merry's mother had packed these seasonings for them and he noticed a small little box filled with the finest salts that was made in the shire. Sam prized special seasonings because he mother taught him a lot about being a good cook. There was not a finer cook in Bagshot Row or anywhere else to Sam's thinking, who could make proper hobbit dishes.
Sam dodged the lantern quickly before smacking his head. He approached Merry to ask him if he did not mind him keeping this special salt.
Merry nodded his agreement, even though he thought odd that Sam would want something like that.
While in the kitchen, they could hear Pippin belting out bathing songs and they heard the loud splashes of water being flung everywhere. Merry laughed at his cousin's songs and his enjoyment with his bath.
Once the meal was finished Merry yelled out to Pippin. "If you're not out here in a moments time, You'll not get a taste of these here mushrooms!"
Merry placed the big tray of seasoned mushroom on the countertop in the kitchen and turned to find the mugs for his friends so they could have a glass of ale to drink and toast to Frodo's new home.
Merry heard his cousin's rapid pace as he ran from the bathing area to the kitchen. He didn't think to warn Pippin of the lantern that hung so low.
Pippin rounded the corner to the kitchen and burst into the room hitting his head directly into the lantern that sent it swinging high almost to the ceiling. It stopped Pippin cold in his tracks and he seemed dazed for a moment. Before Merry could reach his hand to stop the lantern it came crashed down upon Pippin's head again with a loud crack.
This sent Pippin sailing backward to the floor.
Merry, Sam and Fredegar grabbed their stomachs and burst out laughing hysterically seeing Pippin laid out on the floor in such a fashion, while the lantern swung carelessly above him.
Sam grabbed the lantern when Frodo came around and he too burst out laughing. Frodo could not remember the last time he had such a laugh. It felt good and eased his tension.
Feeling badly for Pippin who now supported a rather generous lump upon his brow, allowed him to have an extra helping of mushrooms, as it were, Pippin's most favorites.
After the meal Fredegar unrolled the blankets on the floor while Merry and Sam went for their bath.
Frodo sat down upon his blankets, while Pippin joined him. After Merry's bath, the conspirators gathered around Frodo and covered themselves up. They talked long into the evening. To Merry's surprise Frodo began to tell them everything about his troubles. However, Frodo was shocked to learn that for the most part, he had not kept nothing from his friends. Merry told him how much he already knew about Bilbo's ring and the mission that they were about to go upon. Merry, Pippin and Sam vowed to go with Frodo to whatever end they would met.
Fredegar's eyes widened in surprise after hearing Frodo's entire tale. He felt bad that he could not go with Frodo and help him.
Frodo looked at Fredegar and smiled. "I understand, Fatty! It's all right. In fact it is better that you do not come with us. I'm very worried about Gandalf, as he was suppose to come back to Bag End to met me. He still has not shown up. With you here you could direct the wizard to where we are heading. It is just too dangerous to leave a note. Then, since we are leaving at first morning light, you could stay here for a while to through everyone off. You could pretend to be me living here. That way, we'll have enough time to get away and be well on our road to Rivendale before anyone finds out! That would be a greater service!"
Fredegar's perked up and smiled at Frodo. He knew this is something that he could do. He swore to Frodo that he would never tell a soul of his plans and where he was. He would wait for Gandalf.
"You are a set of deceitful scoundrels!" said Frodo, "But bless you!" Frodo looked at each one of his friends. He smiled beamed across his face. "I feared his night especially, and you have all made me so happy. Happier than I have been in such a long time!"
Merry stuck out his chin in pride and smiled. "Good then it is all settled!"
The five mapped out their plans and decided to leave at first morning light.
It was late into the evening when they all finally fell asleep.
For Frodo, it only seemed a matter of a few hours before Merry was waking him up to start their traveling.
"It's first light, Frodo and there's a heavy fog. It's best we leave very soon. Wake up Fatty, that sluggard, at least he can see us off!"
After eating their breakfast that Sam had prepared, Fredegar helped Merry load the pack pony with everything they needed.
Fredegar looked at his friends when each one climbed upon their ponies. His heart sank and only hoped that he would see them again.
They road through the morning up to the hedges of the Old Forest. Fredegar was amazed that Merry had little fear of this place. While Fredegar's heartbeat wildly in his chest. He had heard all the terrible stories and it frighten him beyond belief.
Merry found the opening to the Old Forest with ease and the four friends gathered closely in front of Fredegar to say their last good-byes.
"Don't worry yourselves none," said Fredegar bravely as he tried to smile at them. His heart sunk in his chest, but he squared his shoulder with pride for them. "I've sworn to keep any and all away from knowing your true path. I'll keep a close watch for Gandalf. Go my friends and I'll watch for your return!"
Fredegar sat on his pony as he watched each one slowly make their way into the Old Forest until they were gone. Loneliness hit him like a hammer when he turned to head back to Crickhallow.
Fredegar wearily put his pony in the shed and took off his pony's saddle and bridle. He patted his pony tenderly and turned to walk into the front door. He could barely make out a shape that loomed in the thick fog and noticed it moved slowly towards him. Fredegar's heart jumped from fear.
Have No Fear
Merry pulled his cart to a stop at Frodo's new home. He had the papers signed from his father and it was official.
Merry picked up a big box and carried it into the hobbit hole. Merry giggled at seeing all the work that Fatty had accomplished when he sat down his box on the table. "You're going to make that lass a fine husband some day, Fatty!"
Fredegar's face flushed a bright red color and he looked around the room. "Do you really think so!"
Merry nodded and said, "Yes!"
Fredegar was so proud of himself for making it as cozy for Frodo as he could possibly have done.
Turning back to the box that he brought in he told Fredegar. "I had my Da sign the papers so Frodo can have this home. This was our guesthouse for visitors to Brandyhall. My mother sent over this box of fixings so we can make Frodo a decent meal once he arrives."
Fredegar went through the box and saw bags of tomatoes and slices of cooked bacon. There were all sorts of other fixings and fresh spices. He picked up the box and carried it to the kitchen while Merry got more furniture from his cart.
Together they finished cleaning and arranging most of the rooms. Merry went into the bathing room, as he knew that his father had kept three tubs and a copper for boiling the water for the guests that would stay there. Cleaning them out they set them up neatly so they all could have a bath once all their work was finished. Merry laid out soap, mats and towels for his guests.
Merry looked outside and seeing that it was getting dark and still there was no sight of his three friends. He could not imagine what was keeping them. Merry paced back and forth while he waited. His worry got the better of him and he turned to Fredegar. "I'm going after them, Fatty! Something is just not right! They should have been here hours ago!"
Fredegar also looked out the window and he too began to worry. "That would be a great idea, Merry. But what if you miss each other on the road. You would just wander around for nothing!"
Merry thought a moment and then continued to pace. "It's better than just sitting here worrying. What if something awful happened to them?"
Fredegar noticed the deep worry in Merry's face that made him become very worried also. He looked at Merry. "Then you better go!"
Before Fredegar had the words out of his mouth, Merry was heading to the door, but paused a moment as an idea came to his mind. "Being on the safe side, pack some bags for traveling and keep them by the door. We may need them just incase! You'll have to trust me on this, Fatty. I know more than what Frodo is telling us!"
Fredegar nodded and waved at Merry as he closed the door quickly to keep any light from view. Fredegar rushed off to the kitchen and began preparing the traveling bags so everything was ready.
Once Merry was outside he ran to the small stable where the ponies were kept. He quickly prepared a pony and took off to find Frodo, Pippin and Sam.
Fredegar wrapped a stack of blankets and tied each end together. He found small jugs to fill with water and made sure none leaked. He thought about what they would need to pack for meals out in the open range and sorting many different types of meals. He grouped them together and placed them into the bag.
He searched the sheds and stables for all the rope he could find and wrapped them up tightly. Fredegar also spotted some extra tools that could be taken easily in a pack for cutting firewood and such things. Carrying them inside he found the bag for the pack pony and placed the rope in there.
Fredegar did everything he could think of during his wait for his friends. The hours clicked by and he began to worry when there was still no sign of his friends. Sitting down on one of Frodo's comfort chairs, his eyes became heavy just listening to the stillness and quietness of this country home. The minutes ticked by and before he knew it, his eyes slowly closed shut.
Fredegar was almost asleep when he heard the front door open quietly. His heart raced in fear. After all of Merry's warnings and the talk of trouble going on, he did not know what to think. He carefully moved to the shadowed part of the room and pressed himself up against the side of the wall. A small lantern beamed as a small figure passed by Fredegar. He took a deep breath and sighed when he saw Merry.
"You scared the breath from me, Merry!" stated Fredegar when he walked back into the light from Merry's lantern. "Did you find, Frodo?"
"Yes, he told me he'll be here shortly. I rode on up ahead of them so I can get their supper prepared. Mrs. Maggot sent this basket for Frodo. It's full of mushrooms!"
Fredegar's eyes widened, "Mushrooms!"
He lifted the towel that covered them and saw the largest mushrooms that he had ever seen before. He knew Farmer Maggot had the best in the Shire. It would be a fitting meal for welcoming Frodo to his new home.
Merry snatched the basket from Fredegar and recovered them with the towel. "I'll put these in the kitchen for later!" Fredegar followed Merry.
After placing the basket on the countertop, Merry turned to his friend. "Frodo will need a bath when he finally gets here. He is just exhausted after his day of trouble! A hot bath will make him feel so much better!"
Fredegar had just enough time to begin boiling huge pots of water for a warm bath when Frodo, Pippin and Sam arrived.
Fredegar heard knocking on the door and he rushed to answer it.
Frodo, Pippin and Sam quickly entered, while Fredegar rushed to shut the door to keep out any light that may be showing.
He followed Frodo through the rooms and smiled when Frodo commented how wonderful everything looked. Frodo stopped and looked at all his closest friends. Tears swelled up into his eyes from his pride and love he felt for them. He also felt a heavy guilt for not telling them everything.
Merry saw the overwhelming look upon Frodo's face and he told Frodo to follow him. They all followed single-file down the hallway where Merry lead them into a room with a glowing fire and puffs of steam pouring from this room. Pippin almost jumped in the hot tub of water with his clothes on from being so excited.
"Easy on, Pip! You can have a bath at the same time with Frodo and Sam. While Fatty and me make us a fine supper," said Merry.
Within moments Pippin was pulled his clothes off and tossing them carelessly everywhere.
They left to help prepare the meal so the three hobbits could enjoy their bath.
Merry tied the lantern to a small hook that was mounted just above the center of the kitchen. This gave them the only light in this room. Since the kitchen was a small room the lantern hung low in the center of the room.
Sam was the first out of the tub and all ready dressed when he entered the kitchen. He almost bumped his head upon the lantern when he suddenly turned upon seeing the fine seasonings lined up on the countertop.
Merry's mother had packed these seasonings for them and he noticed a small little box filled with the finest salts that was made in the shire. Sam prized special seasonings because he mother taught him a lot about being a good cook. There was not a finer cook in Bagshot Row or anywhere else to Sam's thinking, who could make proper hobbit dishes.
Sam dodged the lantern quickly before smacking his head. He approached Merry to ask him if he did not mind him keeping this special salt.
Merry nodded his agreement, even though he thought odd that Sam would want something like that.
While in the kitchen, they could hear Pippin belting out bathing songs and they heard the loud splashes of water being flung everywhere. Merry laughed at his cousin's songs and his enjoyment with his bath.
Once the meal was finished Merry yelled out to Pippin. "If you're not out here in a moments time, You'll not get a taste of these here mushrooms!"
Merry placed the big tray of seasoned mushroom on the countertop in the kitchen and turned to find the mugs for his friends so they could have a glass of ale to drink and toast to Frodo's new home.
Merry heard his cousin's rapid pace as he ran from the bathing area to the kitchen. He didn't think to warn Pippin of the lantern that hung so low.
Pippin rounded the corner to the kitchen and burst into the room hitting his head directly into the lantern that sent it swinging high almost to the ceiling. It stopped Pippin cold in his tracks and he seemed dazed for a moment. Before Merry could reach his hand to stop the lantern it came crashed down upon Pippin's head again with a loud crack.
This sent Pippin sailing backward to the floor.
Merry, Sam and Fredegar grabbed their stomachs and burst out laughing hysterically seeing Pippin laid out on the floor in such a fashion, while the lantern swung carelessly above him.
Sam grabbed the lantern when Frodo came around and he too burst out laughing. Frodo could not remember the last time he had such a laugh. It felt good and eased his tension.
Feeling badly for Pippin who now supported a rather generous lump upon his brow, allowed him to have an extra helping of mushrooms, as it were, Pippin's most favorites.
After the meal Fredegar unrolled the blankets on the floor while Merry and Sam went for their bath.
Frodo sat down upon his blankets, while Pippin joined him. After Merry's bath, the conspirators gathered around Frodo and covered themselves up. They talked long into the evening. To Merry's surprise Frodo began to tell them everything about his troubles. However, Frodo was shocked to learn that for the most part, he had not kept nothing from his friends. Merry told him how much he already knew about Bilbo's ring and the mission that they were about to go upon. Merry, Pippin and Sam vowed to go with Frodo to whatever end they would met.
Fredegar's eyes widened in surprise after hearing Frodo's entire tale. He felt bad that he could not go with Frodo and help him.
Frodo looked at Fredegar and smiled. "I understand, Fatty! It's all right. In fact it is better that you do not come with us. I'm very worried about Gandalf, as he was suppose to come back to Bag End to met me. He still has not shown up. With you here you could direct the wizard to where we are heading. It is just too dangerous to leave a note. Then, since we are leaving at first morning light, you could stay here for a while to through everyone off. You could pretend to be me living here. That way, we'll have enough time to get away and be well on our road to Rivendale before anyone finds out! That would be a greater service!"
Fredegar's perked up and smiled at Frodo. He knew this is something that he could do. He swore to Frodo that he would never tell a soul of his plans and where he was. He would wait for Gandalf.
"You are a set of deceitful scoundrels!" said Frodo, "But bless you!" Frodo looked at each one of his friends. He smiled beamed across his face. "I feared his night especially, and you have all made me so happy. Happier than I have been in such a long time!"
Merry stuck out his chin in pride and smiled. "Good then it is all settled!"
The five mapped out their plans and decided to leave at first morning light.
It was late into the evening when they all finally fell asleep.
For Frodo, it only seemed a matter of a few hours before Merry was waking him up to start their traveling.
"It's first light, Frodo and there's a heavy fog. It's best we leave very soon. Wake up Fatty, that sluggard, at least he can see us off!"
After eating their breakfast that Sam had prepared, Fredegar helped Merry load the pack pony with everything they needed.
Fredegar looked at his friends when each one climbed upon their ponies. His heart sank and only hoped that he would see them again.
They road through the morning up to the hedges of the Old Forest. Fredegar was amazed that Merry had little fear of this place. While Fredegar's heartbeat wildly in his chest. He had heard all the terrible stories and it frighten him beyond belief.
Merry found the opening to the Old Forest with ease and the four friends gathered closely in front of Fredegar to say their last good-byes.
"Don't worry yourselves none," said Fredegar bravely as he tried to smile at them. His heart sunk in his chest, but he squared his shoulder with pride for them. "I've sworn to keep any and all away from knowing your true path. I'll keep a close watch for Gandalf. Go my friends and I'll watch for your return!"
Fredegar sat on his pony as he watched each one slowly make their way into the Old Forest until they were gone. Loneliness hit him like a hammer when he turned to head back to Crickhallow.
Fredegar wearily put his pony in the shed and took off his pony's saddle and bridle. He patted his pony tenderly and turned to walk into the front door. He could barely make out a shape that loomed in the thick fog and noticed it moved slowly towards him. Fredegar's heart jumped from fear.