Chapter 8
Their Good-bye
Lotho Sackville-Baggins and a number of Hobbiton Shirriffs slowly came into view, while Fredegar stood there in shock and fear. He began to back away, but his knees felt like they would suddenly buckle.
"Where are they, Fat-so!" said Lotho in disdain for this hobbit that he had always picked on throughout his growing years.
"I-I-I'm sure I do not know who you are speaking of?" said Fredegar as his voice cracked and he trembled inside.
Lotho's eyes narrowed looking at Fredegar. "There's no use you trying to tell me that you have not seen them, since we have followed them here! They lost us in the night, but we soon found their tracks again this morning. We know they are here!"
Fredegar breathed a sigh of relief for his friends deciding to leave immediately at first morning light. He knew they were safe now, but it was his turn to help Frodo. At least he could throw enough confusion about to keep them looking in many different places as he could. "You're welcome to come into Frodo's house and look about if you of mind too!"
Lotho climbed off his pony and brushed past Fredegar while the Shirriff kept their eyes upon Fredegar.
Fredegar could hear tables being turned over and boxes dumped out. He knew that they were searching for anything that would lead them to Frodo. He knew that Merry went through the entire house to make sure that every piece of maps or letters, anything that would give away their location was not anywhere in this hobbit hole. He was now thankful that they were so particular with their planning.
Lotho raced out of Frodo's home and grabbed Fredegar by the collar and shoved him down towards the ground. "You tell me where Frodo is!"
Fredegar looked up at Lotho and almost snickered knowing he had something that Lotho wanted and would never have! "Frodo! Is that who you are looking for?"
"Yes! You fool!" shouted Lotho in frustration. "Where is he?"
A slow smile crossed Fredegar's lips as he put his finger to the side of his brow. "Frodo? Let's see now....I think it was Sam who told me that Frodo had made his way to Frogmorton last night to stay at The Floating Log Inn or was it Merry Brandybuck that told me he was staying in Bywater. Either way, why don't you just stay here and wait for him. He's bound to show up here sooner or later, seeing this is his house and all!"
Lotho thought that Fredegar seemed to eager for him to waste his time by just hanging around while Frodo made his get away. He could tell that last night Frodo and his group of friends had stayed the night here, but there was no clue where and when he left. He stared at Fredegar with a glare in his eyes. "Well, since you're not sure about anything, perhaps being in lock-up will bring your poor memory to the facts of Frodo's where about!" Lotho looked at his Shirriffs and shouted at them. "Tie his hands and get him on a pony. We're taking him to Michel Delving."
Lotho turned back to Fredegar and had a pleased smiled on his face. "That's our new lock-up Fatty! And locked up is where you are going to be for a very, very long time!"
"Lotho Sackville-Baggins, you can't lock me up! The Mayor will hear of this!" shouted Fredegar as the Shirriff grabbed his hands and pulled them behind him.
Lotho snapped around and said with a snide voice back to Fredegar while the Shirriff tied his hands together. "The mayor, you say? The mayor is a fool! I can do whatever it is I wish! I'm the boss now! My name is no longer Baggins. I disown that name! Call me Pimple, Boss Pimple that is! "
Fredegar staggered to his feet as the Shirriff forced him to stand. "Who made you Boss!"
Lotho's glare in his eyes narrowed as he stared at Fredegar. "Sharky has made me boss of the entire Shire! He's the one who wants Frodo and Sharky will have Frodo before the days out!"
Fredegar struggled to get his leg up and over the pony as the six Shirriffs lifted him. He knew that this Sharky fellow would never get his hands on Frodo or the rest of friends. At least they were safe from Lotho or Pimple, whatever name he wanted to be called, scoundrel was more accurate, but were they safe from the Old Forest? This worried Fredegar and made him all the angrier at this nasty hobbit. "Lotho! You release me at once!"
A sarcastic cruel smiled crossed Lotho's lips, "Yes, Fatty! Just as soon as you tell me where Frodo is!"
"I told you, I do not know for sure!" shouted Fredegar when the Shirriff turned his pony and began to take him away. Frededgar began to cry. He thought about Poppy, Frodo and his promise he made to his friend. He knew no matter what, he had to protect Frodo's where abouts.
Lotho kicked a short thick stick on the ground and watched it sail through the air. He turned and shouted to the other Shirriffs, "On to Brandyhall!"
~*~
The Shirriffs untied Fredegar's hands and shoved him into the old storage tunnel of Michel Delving. The tunnel was dark as night when Fredegar fell to the cold damp ground. The Shirriff hung a lantern over his head and lit it. Fredegar saw a row of cells with iron bars. The Shirriff opened the second cell and pushed Fredegar to enter. Locking the door behind him, Fredegar's eyes slowly adjusted to the low lighting. He turned shocked eyes upon the mayor, Old Will Whitefoot. He was crouched down in the corner of the number one cell next to his.
"Mayor Whitefoot!" said Fredegar in total surprise as he rushed over to him and crouched down to his knees. "Why are you in the lockholes?"
"That Lotho and his new ruffians shoved me in here weeks ago! They've taken over, the lot of them. They're acting all bossy and thinking themselves big and all! Someone has got to stop them before they take over the entire Shire!" whispered Mayor Whitefoot.
Fredegar slumped down next to the mayor on his side of the bars, knowing there was nothing no one could do now. "I think they have all ready. Least ways, it was to my hearing from the Shirriffs because they bragged in their bossy manner!"
The mayor reached his hand around the bar and tapped Fredegar on the shoulder. "Don't be worrying yourself none, they'll have Mr. Frodo Baggins and the Tooks to deal with, as it were!'
Fredegar shook his head in despair knowing that Frodo would never have any idea what was truly going on in the Shire or what would become of him. Fredegar knew better not to whisper a thing of his knowledge of Frodo. All was lost now.
The mayor seeing Fredegar's despair tried to encourage him. "They'll come and let us out soon. Just wait and see. The Bucklanders and the Tooks will come. Mr. Baggins will be leading them, knowing the kindness of his heart, Frodo will come and save us!"
Fredegar took out his letter that he wrote to Poppy and knew now that she would never open this letter nor read it. She would never know how much he loved her nor ever know what had become of him.
He placed his hand over his brow and cried.
~*~
Months went by and Poppy looked everyday for a letter, but it never came nor did he. Poppy's heart fell thinking that Mr. Bolger had a change of heart and perhaps found another lass to marry.
Her mother slowly withered away becoming so weak she could barely eat. She knew her days were coming to an end. She called her daughter into her bedroom to speak to her for the final time.
"Poppy, my dear sweet daughter!" said Annegrin in her weak voice. "I'll not last the day. My poor old body is giving up!"
"No, Mama!" said Poppy as the tears began to roll down her cheeks. "You mustn't say such things. You'll be strong again soon!"
Annegrin looked up into her eyes and smiled. "No, child. My days are ending. I love you, my dearest Poppy. You have given me more happiness than I ever deserved in life. I was so happy to take you in and raise you as my very own. Now listen to me carefully. You take my jewelry box and everything that is in there. I want you to take Lilly and go to Grand Hall of Long Cleeve. Their mistress is a kind soul and aged old noble hobbit. Tell her that I've sent you. She'll give you a good job and see to you and Lily's care. I had hoped you'd be married by now and having a good husband to care for you, but it is not so! Pack your things and be on your way! Promise me, child. If you love me, you must do what I'm telling you!"
Poppy's looked into her mother's eyes and saw that she began to fade. The struggle of her speaking was all that she could do. Slowly Annegrin's eyes closed and her hand fell to the side of her body. Poppy laid her head down on the side of her bed and sobbed. She took her hand that was now growing cold and no longer could feel her touch. Her gentle hands that cared for her when she was sick or hurt. Who had hugged her and stroked her curls with the same love within a mother's heart. Who cooked, cleaned and cared for so many children who had no home. "Oh, Mama! Thank you for giving me a home and loving me. I swear Mama! I swear, I'll take care of Lily and do all that you have asked of me. Good-bye Mama, I love you!" She gentle kissed her mother's hand and laid it down upon her side.
Her eyes raised up to her dressing table as Poppy stood and saw the jewelry- box. Taking the hem of her white crisp apron she wiped her tears and stroked her hair back from her face. She slowly walked over to the dressing table and placed her hands upon the jewelry-box. She remember the many times her mother would scowled her for trying to take this box and wanted to play with the jewelry. Her mother never let her open it or see what was in this box. Poppy thought to herself and thought odd of it. She had never seen her mother ever wear a stitch of jewelry all the long years she lived in this hobbit home. Her curiosity mounted when her fingers touched the latch on this box and lifted it from its hook. She opened the lid and her eyes widened in surprise. It was stuffed with folded parchments and she took them out. Underneath the parchments were small pieces of jewelry, some crafted pieces of beads and brooches. There was a silver-chained necklace and a small silver bracelet. She counted three golden rings and a couple loose pearls.
Her eyes wandered back to the bracelet as she felt draw to it. It seemed to pull at her heart and felt a connection to it. Her fingertips slowly touched the shiny small silver bracelet and noticed something was attached to it.
The door slowly opened and the squeaking of the door caused her to drop the bracelet back into the box and close the lid. She turned and saw Ellderbra with his cane when enter the bedroom. He slowly made his way over to his wife and sunk down to his knees.
Tears poured out of his eyes as he lowered his head upon her chest. Poppy rushed to his side slowly lowered herself to her knees. She placed her arms around him to comfort his grieving.
Lily, hearing their sobbing, joined them to say their final good-byes to their mother and wife.
~*~
The next day was Annegrin's funeral and Poppy was surprised to see so many North-Tooks that came to their humble home. Among the guests were noble hobbits with grand clothing and stature. The older hobbitess introduced herself to Poppy as Euphemia Took, she turned to her daughters who stood beside her. "These are my daughters, Ruby, Diamond and Pearl," said Euphemia Took.
Poppy greeted them warmly and invited them in. The girls gave Poppy their deepest sympathy when they entered her home. They seemed closely to her age. She noticed Diamond the most as she stood out from the other girls in her beauty and kindness.
Ellderbra seemed to know this noble hobbitess. They greeted each other warmly just before the funeral began.
Ellderbra joined Poppy and Lily. He handed them a bouquet of flowers to place on Annegrin's coffin that lye in the middle of the room. Poppy approached the coffin first and laid her flowers next to her mother and she kissed her good-bye. Lily was next and placed her flowers on the other side of her mother. Lily's round face and gentle green eyes looked down upon Annegrin and she had to stand on her tip-toes to kiss her good-bye. Slow tears dropped down her chubby cheeks when she turned to join Poppy and allow Ellderbra to add his flowers. Ellderbra's breath caught in his chest as his tears drifted downward upon his old thin cheeks. He lifted her hand upon her chest and placed his flowers next to her heart. He whispered in his sorrow his love of his wife and kissed her good-bye.
The attending guests added one flower each until she was encased in flowers about her feet and up to her folded hands. The guests all filed outside to the gravesite and stood in waiting for her coffin to be brought out.
The healers placed a silken cloth over her face and body and sealed the coffin with its lid. Six healers placed their poles under the coffin and lifted it. They carried the coffin to the gravesite and placed their poles upon the open grave.
Ellderbra placed a ring of flowers upon the top of her coffin. They sang a burial song and their many voices echoed in the open air.
Afterwards was a great feast to honor Annegrin and share her memories with each other.
Euphemia approached Poppy and Lily to speak with them. She had a warm smile and looked at both the girls as she spoke. "Your mother was the kindness hobbit that I had ever known. She use to work for me long ago when she was a young tween. When she married your Papa, they moved here. I have always known Annegrin grew up in the streets, but I saw more than just a street urchin. I saw her kind heart that always had room for others than herself. Annegrin has asked me to take you girls into our home and give you good jobs so you will have a good start in life. She does not want you two to return to the streets of Long Cleeve."
Both Poppy and Lily looked at each other and then back at the aged old hobbitess. Poppy could see that Lily was welcomed to her offer of a good job working for the Tooks. Lily gave Poppy a slight nod of her head and Poppy turned to Euphemia and said. "This is what my mother had told me just before she died. We both agree and would like very much to come and work for you!"
Euphemia smiled wider and put her arms around the girls. "Then go pack your bags now and join us in our coach!"
Poppy looked at Ellderbra with sadness in thinking she was abandoning him. He approached her. "Go, child! My time is near its end and I can care for myself until I join my dear wife. I have our good neighbors here to cook a meal for me and see to the things I may need. You're both young and need to begin your lives and finding your fortunes, as it were. I know when you can, you'll come to visit. Now off with the both of you!"
Their Good-bye
Lotho Sackville-Baggins and a number of Hobbiton Shirriffs slowly came into view, while Fredegar stood there in shock and fear. He began to back away, but his knees felt like they would suddenly buckle.
"Where are they, Fat-so!" said Lotho in disdain for this hobbit that he had always picked on throughout his growing years.
"I-I-I'm sure I do not know who you are speaking of?" said Fredegar as his voice cracked and he trembled inside.
Lotho's eyes narrowed looking at Fredegar. "There's no use you trying to tell me that you have not seen them, since we have followed them here! They lost us in the night, but we soon found their tracks again this morning. We know they are here!"
Fredegar breathed a sigh of relief for his friends deciding to leave immediately at first morning light. He knew they were safe now, but it was his turn to help Frodo. At least he could throw enough confusion about to keep them looking in many different places as he could. "You're welcome to come into Frodo's house and look about if you of mind too!"
Lotho climbed off his pony and brushed past Fredegar while the Shirriff kept their eyes upon Fredegar.
Fredegar could hear tables being turned over and boxes dumped out. He knew that they were searching for anything that would lead them to Frodo. He knew that Merry went through the entire house to make sure that every piece of maps or letters, anything that would give away their location was not anywhere in this hobbit hole. He was now thankful that they were so particular with their planning.
Lotho raced out of Frodo's home and grabbed Fredegar by the collar and shoved him down towards the ground. "You tell me where Frodo is!"
Fredegar looked up at Lotho and almost snickered knowing he had something that Lotho wanted and would never have! "Frodo! Is that who you are looking for?"
"Yes! You fool!" shouted Lotho in frustration. "Where is he?"
A slow smile crossed Fredegar's lips as he put his finger to the side of his brow. "Frodo? Let's see now....I think it was Sam who told me that Frodo had made his way to Frogmorton last night to stay at The Floating Log Inn or was it Merry Brandybuck that told me he was staying in Bywater. Either way, why don't you just stay here and wait for him. He's bound to show up here sooner or later, seeing this is his house and all!"
Lotho thought that Fredegar seemed to eager for him to waste his time by just hanging around while Frodo made his get away. He could tell that last night Frodo and his group of friends had stayed the night here, but there was no clue where and when he left. He stared at Fredegar with a glare in his eyes. "Well, since you're not sure about anything, perhaps being in lock-up will bring your poor memory to the facts of Frodo's where about!" Lotho looked at his Shirriffs and shouted at them. "Tie his hands and get him on a pony. We're taking him to Michel Delving."
Lotho turned back to Fredegar and had a pleased smiled on his face. "That's our new lock-up Fatty! And locked up is where you are going to be for a very, very long time!"
"Lotho Sackville-Baggins, you can't lock me up! The Mayor will hear of this!" shouted Fredegar as the Shirriff grabbed his hands and pulled them behind him.
Lotho snapped around and said with a snide voice back to Fredegar while the Shirriff tied his hands together. "The mayor, you say? The mayor is a fool! I can do whatever it is I wish! I'm the boss now! My name is no longer Baggins. I disown that name! Call me Pimple, Boss Pimple that is! "
Fredegar staggered to his feet as the Shirriff forced him to stand. "Who made you Boss!"
Lotho's glare in his eyes narrowed as he stared at Fredegar. "Sharky has made me boss of the entire Shire! He's the one who wants Frodo and Sharky will have Frodo before the days out!"
Fredegar struggled to get his leg up and over the pony as the six Shirriffs lifted him. He knew that this Sharky fellow would never get his hands on Frodo or the rest of friends. At least they were safe from Lotho or Pimple, whatever name he wanted to be called, scoundrel was more accurate, but were they safe from the Old Forest? This worried Fredegar and made him all the angrier at this nasty hobbit. "Lotho! You release me at once!"
A sarcastic cruel smiled crossed Lotho's lips, "Yes, Fatty! Just as soon as you tell me where Frodo is!"
"I told you, I do not know for sure!" shouted Fredegar when the Shirriff turned his pony and began to take him away. Frededgar began to cry. He thought about Poppy, Frodo and his promise he made to his friend. He knew no matter what, he had to protect Frodo's where abouts.
Lotho kicked a short thick stick on the ground and watched it sail through the air. He turned and shouted to the other Shirriffs, "On to Brandyhall!"
~*~
The Shirriffs untied Fredegar's hands and shoved him into the old storage tunnel of Michel Delving. The tunnel was dark as night when Fredegar fell to the cold damp ground. The Shirriff hung a lantern over his head and lit it. Fredegar saw a row of cells with iron bars. The Shirriff opened the second cell and pushed Fredegar to enter. Locking the door behind him, Fredegar's eyes slowly adjusted to the low lighting. He turned shocked eyes upon the mayor, Old Will Whitefoot. He was crouched down in the corner of the number one cell next to his.
"Mayor Whitefoot!" said Fredegar in total surprise as he rushed over to him and crouched down to his knees. "Why are you in the lockholes?"
"That Lotho and his new ruffians shoved me in here weeks ago! They've taken over, the lot of them. They're acting all bossy and thinking themselves big and all! Someone has got to stop them before they take over the entire Shire!" whispered Mayor Whitefoot.
Fredegar slumped down next to the mayor on his side of the bars, knowing there was nothing no one could do now. "I think they have all ready. Least ways, it was to my hearing from the Shirriffs because they bragged in their bossy manner!"
The mayor reached his hand around the bar and tapped Fredegar on the shoulder. "Don't be worrying yourself none, they'll have Mr. Frodo Baggins and the Tooks to deal with, as it were!'
Fredegar shook his head in despair knowing that Frodo would never have any idea what was truly going on in the Shire or what would become of him. Fredegar knew better not to whisper a thing of his knowledge of Frodo. All was lost now.
The mayor seeing Fredegar's despair tried to encourage him. "They'll come and let us out soon. Just wait and see. The Bucklanders and the Tooks will come. Mr. Baggins will be leading them, knowing the kindness of his heart, Frodo will come and save us!"
Fredegar took out his letter that he wrote to Poppy and knew now that she would never open this letter nor read it. She would never know how much he loved her nor ever know what had become of him.
He placed his hand over his brow and cried.
~*~
Months went by and Poppy looked everyday for a letter, but it never came nor did he. Poppy's heart fell thinking that Mr. Bolger had a change of heart and perhaps found another lass to marry.
Her mother slowly withered away becoming so weak she could barely eat. She knew her days were coming to an end. She called her daughter into her bedroom to speak to her for the final time.
"Poppy, my dear sweet daughter!" said Annegrin in her weak voice. "I'll not last the day. My poor old body is giving up!"
"No, Mama!" said Poppy as the tears began to roll down her cheeks. "You mustn't say such things. You'll be strong again soon!"
Annegrin looked up into her eyes and smiled. "No, child. My days are ending. I love you, my dearest Poppy. You have given me more happiness than I ever deserved in life. I was so happy to take you in and raise you as my very own. Now listen to me carefully. You take my jewelry box and everything that is in there. I want you to take Lilly and go to Grand Hall of Long Cleeve. Their mistress is a kind soul and aged old noble hobbit. Tell her that I've sent you. She'll give you a good job and see to you and Lily's care. I had hoped you'd be married by now and having a good husband to care for you, but it is not so! Pack your things and be on your way! Promise me, child. If you love me, you must do what I'm telling you!"
Poppy's looked into her mother's eyes and saw that she began to fade. The struggle of her speaking was all that she could do. Slowly Annegrin's eyes closed and her hand fell to the side of her body. Poppy laid her head down on the side of her bed and sobbed. She took her hand that was now growing cold and no longer could feel her touch. Her gentle hands that cared for her when she was sick or hurt. Who had hugged her and stroked her curls with the same love within a mother's heart. Who cooked, cleaned and cared for so many children who had no home. "Oh, Mama! Thank you for giving me a home and loving me. I swear Mama! I swear, I'll take care of Lily and do all that you have asked of me. Good-bye Mama, I love you!" She gentle kissed her mother's hand and laid it down upon her side.
Her eyes raised up to her dressing table as Poppy stood and saw the jewelry- box. Taking the hem of her white crisp apron she wiped her tears and stroked her hair back from her face. She slowly walked over to the dressing table and placed her hands upon the jewelry-box. She remember the many times her mother would scowled her for trying to take this box and wanted to play with the jewelry. Her mother never let her open it or see what was in this box. Poppy thought to herself and thought odd of it. She had never seen her mother ever wear a stitch of jewelry all the long years she lived in this hobbit home. Her curiosity mounted when her fingers touched the latch on this box and lifted it from its hook. She opened the lid and her eyes widened in surprise. It was stuffed with folded parchments and she took them out. Underneath the parchments were small pieces of jewelry, some crafted pieces of beads and brooches. There was a silver-chained necklace and a small silver bracelet. She counted three golden rings and a couple loose pearls.
Her eyes wandered back to the bracelet as she felt draw to it. It seemed to pull at her heart and felt a connection to it. Her fingertips slowly touched the shiny small silver bracelet and noticed something was attached to it.
The door slowly opened and the squeaking of the door caused her to drop the bracelet back into the box and close the lid. She turned and saw Ellderbra with his cane when enter the bedroom. He slowly made his way over to his wife and sunk down to his knees.
Tears poured out of his eyes as he lowered his head upon her chest. Poppy rushed to his side slowly lowered herself to her knees. She placed her arms around him to comfort his grieving.
Lily, hearing their sobbing, joined them to say their final good-byes to their mother and wife.
~*~
The next day was Annegrin's funeral and Poppy was surprised to see so many North-Tooks that came to their humble home. Among the guests were noble hobbits with grand clothing and stature. The older hobbitess introduced herself to Poppy as Euphemia Took, she turned to her daughters who stood beside her. "These are my daughters, Ruby, Diamond and Pearl," said Euphemia Took.
Poppy greeted them warmly and invited them in. The girls gave Poppy their deepest sympathy when they entered her home. They seemed closely to her age. She noticed Diamond the most as she stood out from the other girls in her beauty and kindness.
Ellderbra seemed to know this noble hobbitess. They greeted each other warmly just before the funeral began.
Ellderbra joined Poppy and Lily. He handed them a bouquet of flowers to place on Annegrin's coffin that lye in the middle of the room. Poppy approached the coffin first and laid her flowers next to her mother and she kissed her good-bye. Lily was next and placed her flowers on the other side of her mother. Lily's round face and gentle green eyes looked down upon Annegrin and she had to stand on her tip-toes to kiss her good-bye. Slow tears dropped down her chubby cheeks when she turned to join Poppy and allow Ellderbra to add his flowers. Ellderbra's breath caught in his chest as his tears drifted downward upon his old thin cheeks. He lifted her hand upon her chest and placed his flowers next to her heart. He whispered in his sorrow his love of his wife and kissed her good-bye.
The attending guests added one flower each until she was encased in flowers about her feet and up to her folded hands. The guests all filed outside to the gravesite and stood in waiting for her coffin to be brought out.
The healers placed a silken cloth over her face and body and sealed the coffin with its lid. Six healers placed their poles under the coffin and lifted it. They carried the coffin to the gravesite and placed their poles upon the open grave.
Ellderbra placed a ring of flowers upon the top of her coffin. They sang a burial song and their many voices echoed in the open air.
Afterwards was a great feast to honor Annegrin and share her memories with each other.
Euphemia approached Poppy and Lily to speak with them. She had a warm smile and looked at both the girls as she spoke. "Your mother was the kindness hobbit that I had ever known. She use to work for me long ago when she was a young tween. When she married your Papa, they moved here. I have always known Annegrin grew up in the streets, but I saw more than just a street urchin. I saw her kind heart that always had room for others than herself. Annegrin has asked me to take you girls into our home and give you good jobs so you will have a good start in life. She does not want you two to return to the streets of Long Cleeve."
Both Poppy and Lily looked at each other and then back at the aged old hobbitess. Poppy could see that Lily was welcomed to her offer of a good job working for the Tooks. Lily gave Poppy a slight nod of her head and Poppy turned to Euphemia and said. "This is what my mother had told me just before she died. We both agree and would like very much to come and work for you!"
Euphemia smiled wider and put her arms around the girls. "Then go pack your bags now and join us in our coach!"
Poppy looked at Ellderbra with sadness in thinking she was abandoning him. He approached her. "Go, child! My time is near its end and I can care for myself until I join my dear wife. I have our good neighbors here to cook a meal for me and see to the things I may need. You're both young and need to begin your lives and finding your fortunes, as it were. I know when you can, you'll come to visit. Now off with the both of you!"