Trust No One - Yes, that awful creature once again has found a way to get Frodo into his clutches. Poor thing!
Hobbitfeet13 - I can't seem to keep Frodo out of trouble, can I? Sam and Merry are going to be mighty upset, all right. Pippin is safe this time around as he won't be appearing until the end of the story.
Tavion - In this story you will see a more three dimensional Bramblethorn. I feel as you do, regarding Bramblethorn's strange brand of charm. He grows on you in a very odd way, doesn't he?
Camellia Gamgee - Took - Sorry the site wouldn't let you post your review. It's been happening a bit lately. Now we're really going to get into the nitty gritty of this tale!
Sam - Sam does need a hug, and you can bet Frodo will too! Bramblethorn would be more than happy to oblige. Sam is going to be right by Frodo's side forevermore, isn't he?
Endymion2 - Isn't Bramby just lovely? You'd be surprised how much fun the old boy will have!
Esterification - Bramblethorn is a smug, self - satisfied so - n - so, isn't he?
Iorhael - Hope you had an enjoyable Christmas! Let's get our boys together, shall we?
Heartofahobbit - Bramblethorn is evil, isn't he? How does he think taking Frodo prisoner will help him score a big profit? You'll see!
Aelfgifu - You're not the only one who had trouble leaving a review. Bramby and I have plans for Frodo, we do! What they are you'll have to wait and see!
GamgeeFest - If you thought the last chapter was angsty, just wait. The wheels are still turning in Bramby's head, and he's cooking up some mayhem for sure!
FrodoBaggins87 - Sam is very protective of Frodo, and his seeming inability to keep him safe will cause a great deal of anguish to him in chapters to come.
Hang on, everyone. Here's the chapter you've been waiting for, and it's a long one!
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Chapter 6 - Ultimatum
Bramblethorn raised his eyes from the book on his desk to see Anson and Monto coming in carrying their captive. "Excellent," he crowed. "You fellows have earned your pay this evening. Put him down." Although he couldn't see Frodo's face because of the concealing hood, Bramblethorn felt something stir within him. Oh, to look into those amazing blue eyes again!
Monto and Anson obeyed, laying Frodo's prone form on a sofa. Bramblethorn approached and pulled away the hood that covered Frodo's head. "Wake up, now, Frodo dear. Open your eyes."
Frodo was semi - conscious, and he groaned as Bramblethorn shook him. In his dazed condition, Frodo had not yet identified the voice that spoke his name. "Look at me, Frodo," Bramblethorn commanded, giving Frodo another shake.
That voice was familiar, yet half - forgotten, a thing Frodo had pushed as far toward the back of his mind as he had been able. Recognition came slowly through the haze and Frodo squeezed his eyes closed to avoid gazing into the face of a nightmare come to life.
Bramblethorn pulled the gag away and cupped Frodo's face in his hands. "I said, LOOK at me!" he snarled.
Frodo knew he couldn't keep his eyes closed forever, and that he was in danger of further injury if he did not obey. He slowly opened his eyes and waited for them to focus on the piercing gaze and sardonic grin of his old enemy.
"Ahh, good. There are the lovely blue eyes that I've seen so often in my dreams. I see you have met Anson and Monto," Bramblethorn gestured to his hired help. "They were kind enough to see that you made your way here."
"Where am I?" Frodo mumbled blearily.
"You're in my home, love. You're to be my guest for the time being." Bramblethorn gestured around the well - appointed room. "As you can see, I've done quite well since we last met."
"You lied to me," Frodo whispered.
"Lied? What did I lie about, love?" Bramblethorn cast an amused glance at Frodo.
"You said you wouldn't seek me out again," Frodo reminded him.
"Ahh, but I haven't sought you out," Bramblethorn replied, smiling. "You have come to me this time."
Frodo was recovering more of his wits and the statement spurred his anger. "I didn't come to Bree to see you, Bramblethorn," he spat, struggling to sit up on the sofa.
Bramblethorn grabbed Frodo and pulled him upright to sit with his back against the cushions. "Whether you know it or not, you did, Frodo. You see, I am aware of your errand. I also happen to be the only one in Bree with a substantial supply of grain stored and ready to sell."
Frodo stared at him, dumbfounded. "You? But how - "
"When I returned to Bree, I had only a small portion of my wealth remaining," Bramblethorn explained. "I lost everything else when I was exiled, thanks to you. Well, I've invested carefully and built an organization that has become quite prosperous. The land I do not own, I control by means of payment to the farmers for their crops. I give them more than anyone else, so they sell to me."
Frodo remembered the innkeeper's words about a grain shortage. "There's no shortage of grain in Bree, is there? You have it all, and you're forcing people to pay you double for it."
"I'm not forcing them to buy from me, although I will admit, I have encouraged it." Frodo didn't want to think about Bramblethorn's methods of encouragement.
"So what do you want with me?" Frodo asked, dreading the answer. "Why didn't you just send your people to sell us the grain?"
Bramblethorn laughed. "Would you have bought it from me?"
Frodo saw his point. "No. I would have told you to take it and - " Anson stepped forward and slapped him.
"Insolence is not recommended," Bramblethorn gloated. "I have told your cousin and your gardener that you are here. If they want to see you again, they'll make a substantial purchase of grain."
"You're unbelievable," Frodo said indignantly. "It won't work. They'll tell someone what you've done."
"Not unless they want to seriously endanger you, they won't," Bramblethorn said nastily. "I've made it quite clear that your safety depends on their actions. For your sake, they had better believe it." He traced the line of Frodo's jaw with one finger.
"You're even more wicked than I thought," Frodo said, turning away from Bramblethorn sullenly.
"Am I?" Bramblethorn smirked. "Glad to know you're impressed. You know, had you not refused me in the first place, none of this would have come about."
"I didn't want you," Frodo said plainly, "and that has not changed."
Bramblethorn shook his head with mock sadness. "You don't know what you're missing." He turned to Monto and Anson. "Please show our guest to his quarters."
Monto untied Frodo's ankles while Anson hauled him to his feet. Frodo protested as they dragged him from the room and down the hallway. They paused outside a door and Anson pulled it open to reveal a small, windowless interior room that might have been used for storage at one time, but was now converted to something like a guest room. There was a bed, a table and a chair, and an old trunk sitting against a far wall.
"If it was up to me, I'd have dumped you in the cellar," Anson growled, untying Frodo's hands and shoving him into the room. Frodo spun around only to find that the door was already closed, and he heard the click of a bolt sliding into place.
Fury flared within him. He flung himself at the door and slammed his fists against it repeatedly. "Damn you, Bramblethorn! You have no right to do this! Release me, blast you! BRAMBLETHORN!!!"
Frodo's shouts carried down the hallway, and Bramblethorn rolled his eyes at his henchmen. "I told you he was stubborn," he said, fixing them with a steely gaze. "Shut him up."
"Yes, sir," Monto said, and he and Anson left the room, pausing only long enough for Anson to grab his pack and sling it over one shoulder. They made their way down the hall and stood outside the locked door for a moment. In a swift motion, Monto unlocked it and flung it open. Frodo was taken by surprise as the two stormed in and grabbed him.
"Let me go!" Frodo snarled, thrashing in their grip. They ignored him and shoved him down into the chair where they bound him tightly. Anson gagged him again, and Frodo was left immobile, breathing hard and glaring up at Bramblethorn's thugs.
Only now did they answer his demand to be freed. "Shut up," Monto said, and clouted Frodo solidly. Spots danced before Frodo's eyes as he watched them go, leaving him in the little room. A single candle burned on the table, but there was no light otherwise. No windows, and only a locked door for an escape route, Frodo thought grimly.
He closed his eyes and tried to calm himself, testing his bonds for any sign of weakness. He soon gave up the effort, realizing that Bramblethorn's goons knew their work. As his breathing slowed, weariness stole over him, and when he could no longer hold his head upright, he slept.
~*~
Midnight came and found Sam and Merry watching the door of the inn from the table where they waited. Bramblethorn's note had said his people were to meet them at the inn, but did not specify whether they were to meet outside or in the common room. They assumed that if they waited, they would be approached.
The door swung open and two stocky hobbits strode in and scanned the room. Their eyes stopped roving over the tables and chairs and their gazes came to rest on Sam and Merry. One of them made a 'follow me' gesture, and Sam and Merry rose from the table.
Once they were outside the inn, Bramblethorn's henchmen turned to face Sam and Merry. "Come with us and don't try anything foolish."
Sam glared at them. "You'd better be takin' us to the same place you took Mr. Frodo," he growled.
"We're takin' you to see the boss," Monto told him. "He wants to talk to you, I don't. So shut up."
"Hey!" Merry protested as Anson blindfolded him.
"You'll see where you're goin' when you get there," he advised as Sam received similar treatment.
They were led to a cart - the same one that had been used to transport Frodo - and were made to sit in the back. Monto climbed in with them. "Keep still or we'll smack you around like we did the other one," he said with a sarcastic laugh.
Sam tensed and Merry's fingers brushed his arm. Now was not the time for either of them to lose their composure. They had to find out what Bramblethorn had planned and why he had taken Frodo.
~*~
Through the open door of the study, Bramblethorn could hear the front door slam, and he could hear what sounded like the voice of Meriadoc Brandybuck rising in a curse. Sam's voice came clearly down the hallway: "Get your filthy paws off me, you!"
Tempers were clearly flaring. This ought to be every bit as entertaining and enjoyable as he'd thought. Bramblethorn smiled as Merry and Sam entered the room, flanked on either side by Monto and Anson. The blindfolds had been removed. Merry was plainly furious and Sam had murder in his eyes. Not that Bramblethorn was impressed - if either of them made any aggressive moves, they would be stopped immediately, either by the henchmen at their sides or by other means Bramblethorn had in mind. He regarded them with open contempt, his fingers steepled and his elbows propped on the desk.
"Well, well. Meriadoc Brandybuck and Samwise Gamgee." He cracked his knuckles and smiled ruefully. "I see you left that absurd little Took at home this time. What a shame. I owe him too."
"The only thing you owe anyone is an apology for your outrageous behavior," Merry spat angrily. "Sam and I didn't come here to watch you smirk, Bramblethorn. Where is Frodo?"
"Now, now. All in good time," Bramblethorn replied. "We will get to the subject of your dear cousin soon, I assure you. But let's talk about you, shall we?" He leaned back in his chair and kicked his feet up on the desktop. "I know why you're here in Bree. You need something, and I happen to have it."
"You?" Sam said incredulously. "You couldn't possibly have anything we need!"
Bramblethorn laughed and Sam stiffened at the sound. "How wrong you are, my good gardener. Word travels, you know. I may have been banished from the Shire, but I still have my sources." He rose and paced back and forth in front of the other hobbits. "My sources tell me of trouble in the Eastfarthing. You haven't enough grain in storage to get the good people of Buckland through the winter."
Merry glowered, pained to his soul that this noisome creature should know so much about his troubles. "And just why should that be any concern of yours?" he shot back.
"Because, my dear fellow," Bramblethorn answered, "I have a good supply of grain for sale and I have a business proposition for you."
Merry's eyes widened. "You mean to tell me that you expect us to purchase our grain from you, of all people? After what you've done?"
"Where else will you get it, hmmm?" Bramblethorn eyed Merry as though he were not the future Master of Buckland, but rather an insect pinned to a board for dissection. "Most farmers in the Shire don't grow enough to sell to anyone else. The Great Smials are as thickly populated as Buckland and won't be able to spare enough to help you. Really, Meriadoc, are you planning to go all the way to Gondor to avoid doing business with me?"
"That's not a bad idea," Merry said sarcastically.
"Ahh, but now we come to the subject of Frodo," Bramblethorn said, watching both Merry and Sam flinch visibly at the mention of the name.
"Where is he? What have you done to him?" Sam growled, taking a step forward. A beefy hand came to rest firmly on his shoulder, discouraging further action.
"You would like to see him, wouldn't you?" Bramblethorn nodded at Monto, who left the room. "And so you shall."
Merry and Sam looked at each other and swallowed hard. The last time Frodo had been in Bramblethorn's clutches, he had emerged from the experience half starved, physically injured and beset with awful memories and dark fears. This time, it was not only Bramblethorn who posed a threat to Frodo, but the two burly goons at Bramblethorn's beck and call.
A few moments later there came the sound of a door slamming down a hallway, and feet stumbling nearer, steps uneven as if their owner were not completely in control of them. The uneven steps drew nearer and Monto appeared in the doorway prodding and shoving Frodo in front of him, not minding it at all as his captive's shoulder slammed into the doorframe.
Frodo staggered and Monto steadied him by grabbing both his arms in a crushing grip. Frodo stood with his hands bound behind him, looking tired and disheveled but mostly uninjured except for a bruise on his cheek and a small cut on his forehead.
"Sam! Merry!" he gasped and Monto silenced him with a slap to the side of the head.
"Let him go, you beast!" Sam lunged forward, intent on tearing Monto to shreds.
He never made it. He stopped short as Monto viciously twisted Frodo's arm. Frodo cried out in agony and writhed in the grip of Bramblethorn's henchman. Anson raised his fist as if to clout Sam for his insolence, but Bramblethorn held up a hand and he stopped. Sam didn't even notice that part of the byplay, so stricken was he at the sound of Frodo's pained cry.
"Stop it! Don't hurt him!" Sam was close to tears, his composure all but shattered at the sight of Frodo in his present state.
"Don't do anything stupid, and I won't have to," Bramblethorn cautioned. "The point of our conversation is this - you will purchase the grain from me, and at the price I set."
"And if I refuse?" Merry challenged.
"How much do you care for your cousin? Is he dear to you?" As if on cue, Anson produced a small, sharp knife and began using it to pick at the dirt underneath his nails. He stretched his hand out in front of him to inspect the result then calmly brought the blade to rest upon Frodo's throat. Frodo looked into Merry's eyes, soundlessly pleading and apologizing simultaneously.
"You've made your point," Merry growled, as all color drained from his face. Sam stood frozen, unable to tear his gaze from the sharp blade that stood a hair's breadth from the tender throat of his beloved master.
"How much grain do you plan to purchase?" Bramblethorn asked, suddenly all business. He passed a sheet of parchment and a quill to Merry. Merry scratched some figures on the page. He considered for a moment, crossed one out and wrote another in its place. Sam reluctantly tore his gaze from Frodo and looked over Merry's shoulder, shock registering on his features. Was the situation in Buckland really so dire?
Bramblethorn took the page and eyed it appreciatively. He cocked an eyebrow as he wrote his own figures at the bottom of the page. He smiled broadly as he handed the parchment back to Merry and waited for his reaction.
"There are two prices here," Merry said suspiciously. "They're both ridiculous. What are you up to, Bramblethorn?"
"The first figure is the price for the grain. The second - " he paused to savor his moment. "The second is for Frodo."
Sam and Merry gasped in unison. Merry recovered first, galvanized by the fear in Frodo's eyes. "You're demanding a ransom for Frodo?"
"Ransom is such a negative word," Bramblethorn said with a casual wave of his hand. He walked over to stand in front of Frodo, and reached out to caress his cheek. Sam lurched forward and Anson turned the point of his blade outward, waving it directly under Sam's nose. Bramblethorn forged ahead. "To ensure that you keep your end of the bargain, Frodo will remain here until full payment is received." He eyed Merry nastily. "And I mean full payment, do you understand?"
Dumbstruck, Merry nodded. When he found his voice again, he fixed Bramblethorn with an icy stare and said, "If you harm him - "
"As long as Frodo behaves himself, he will not be harmed," Bramblethorn replied, "but know this, Brandybuck." He leaned forward, nose to nose with Merry, eye to eye. "Your own behavior will also be important to Frodo's continued safety."
"Safety? Do you call that safe?" Merry pointed at the doorway where Monto still clutched Frodo, and Anson ran the dull back side of the blade from Frodo's earlobe down to the collar of his shirt.
Bramblethorn ignored him completely. "Your mistakes, should you make any, will cost him. Dearly." Bramblethorn's gaze turned to Sam. "Any attempts to gain his premature release will be met with retaliation - against him."
"I won't leave him!" Sam railed fiercely. "I won't leave him alone with the likes of you!"
"You shall leave him, as you have no other choice. And he will not be alone with me, as you've said. He will also have the company of my esteemed assistants who will aid me in seeing to his needs." Bramblethorn gestured to the two burly hobbits he had hired to do his dirty work.
"Sam! Please - " Frodo burst out, trying to calm his loyal friend. Monto increased the pressure on his arms and Anson drew back preparatory to backhanding him.
"No, let him speak," Bramblethorn instructed, crossing his arms and regarding Frodo with interest.
Frodo looked at Bramblethorn with undisguised terror. If he said the wrong thing, he would likely end up being carried from the room unconscious, if not scored fatally by Anson's blade. "Sam, there's no other way. I'm so sorry," Frodo said, trying to keep his voice steady.
"But Mr. Frodo - " Sam protested, his eyes gleaming with barely restrained tears.
"You can't help me by fighting this time, Sam. I'm asking you to - " Frodo fought to get the words out. "I'm asking you to leave me, just for now." Frodo know he was asking the impossible of Sam, requesting that Sam leave his side even for the time being.
"But he'll hurt you, Mr. Frodo," Sam pleaded. "I promised - "
"I know you promised me you wouldn't leave me, Sam, but there's no choice now. It isn't your fault." Frodo caught Merry's gaze.
"This is outrageous, Frodo, and you know it!" Merry pleaded.
"If my staying here will help Buckland, I shall bear it. It's too important, Merry." Frodo's eyes were downcast, not meeting those of his nearly frantic cousin.
"Blast it, Frodo, Buckland will survive if I have to beg, borrow or steal to make it so!" Merry's voice wavered with emotion. "But I won't sacrifice you for a load of grain!"
"Comply with my demands, and you will not have to," Bramblethorn said, giving Merry a warning look. "He stays. You go. You will return with payment in short order."
"I - I don't have that much with me," Merry said, praying he had not just been the voice of Frodo's doom.
"Then you shall come back when you've got it. I will be waiting, and bear in mind - " Bramblethorn gestured toward Frodo - "So will your cousin." He nodded at Monto who began to muscle Frodo out of the room.
"No!" Frodo cried, craning his neck for a last glimpse of Merry and Sam as he was forced from the study and down the hall. Monto made sure to 'accidentally' slam him into the wall a couple of times when he seemed to resist. A shove at his back nearly sent him sprawling through the door, which slammed shut behind him and was immediately locked, closing him off from any contact with the people he loved.
Sam was unable to stand it any longer. He leapt at Bramblethorn before Anson could get a hand on him, and his fist connected with his enemy's jaw. Merry snarled and followed, only to be yanked back by the burly bodyguard. Bramblethorn recovered and dabbed at the blood Sam had drawn as Monto re - entered the room.
"My fellows and I will keep in contact with you to arrange the purchase of the grain, once you have the payment." He turned to Monto and Anson. "Remove them," Bramblethorn ordered, and Sam and Merry were forced, protesting from the room. "I'll give you that one for free, Samwise," he called after them, rubbing his jaw. "But before you try such a thing again, think of the cost."
Bramblethorn's henchmen ignored Sam and Merry's curses and protests, and tossed them, blindfolded once again, into the back of the cart. They rattled along back into the town and Sam and Merry were left standing in the darkness behind the inn.
"I've left him, Mr. Merry!" Sam nearly sobbed. "I'm naught but a coward and no use to him at all!"
"That's not true, Sam, and you know it," Merry said gravely. "It was no easier for me to leave Frodo in Bramblethorn's presence, or to listen to Frodo tell me I'd no choice. But what can we do, Sam? We're outnumbered and at a clear disadvantage."
"There must be someone in Bree who can help us," Sam said desperately. "There's law in places like Bree, ain't there, Mr. Merry?"
"Law there may be, Sam, but few to enforce it. Besides, if we send anyone to Frodo's aid, we'll place Frodo in danger of retaliation. You heard what Bramblethorn said. If we attempt to free Frodo, there will be reprisals."
"And he would do it, wouldn't he?" Sam looked more crestfallen that Merry had ever seen him. "He would hurt Mr. Frodo, blast him!"
"I fear he would, Sam." Merry sighed. "Frodo is very strong and he's no fool. He knows Bramblethorn's games from experience and will keep his wits about him. Our task is to procure enough funds to make the payment, and as soon as possible."
"We'll have to give him what he wants, won't we?" Sam began to feel anger rising and cutting a swath through his despair. It was all so wrong!
"I have enough with me to ransom Frodo, but not enough for the grain as well. I would be more than satisfied to have Frodo safely back with us and damn the grain, but Bramblethorn will not free him unless we purchase from him."
Sam's thoughts went back to the large amount of grain Merry had requested. "That's an awful lot of wheat an' such, Mr. Merry. Does Buckland need all that much?"
"To tell you the truth, Sam, I asked for a good deal more than is needed. It may be a small thing in comparison to all that he's done, but I have a mind to deal Bramblethorn a blow myself," Merry said, referring to Sam's well - aimed right hook.
"I'm afraid I don't follow you, Mr. Merry," Sam said, shaking his head. How was buying more grain from Bramblethorn going to hurt him?
"I'll fill you in on my plan later, Sam. It must wait until Frodo is safely returned to us. For now, I'm planning to go back inside and write an urgent letter to my father. We must get the rest of the payment as soon as we are able."
Sam nodded and followed Merry inside, casting a glance at the hills above the village where Bramblethorn's well - guarded smial was located. He could imagine the dark forms of Monto and Anson standing watch at the door, and cursed himself for having ever let Frodo out of his sight for even a moment. Now he was letting Frodo out of his sight and out of his reach, but not out of his mind or heart. Never that.
Filled with fear and desperation, Merry and Sam made their way back to their room. Sleep was a far - off, unattainable thing for both that night, as they thought of nothing but Frodo and what he was likely enduring at the hands of Bramblethorn and his thugs.
~*~ To be continued ~*~
Hobbitfeet13 - I can't seem to keep Frodo out of trouble, can I? Sam and Merry are going to be mighty upset, all right. Pippin is safe this time around as he won't be appearing until the end of the story.
Tavion - In this story you will see a more three dimensional Bramblethorn. I feel as you do, regarding Bramblethorn's strange brand of charm. He grows on you in a very odd way, doesn't he?
Camellia Gamgee - Took - Sorry the site wouldn't let you post your review. It's been happening a bit lately. Now we're really going to get into the nitty gritty of this tale!
Sam - Sam does need a hug, and you can bet Frodo will too! Bramblethorn would be more than happy to oblige. Sam is going to be right by Frodo's side forevermore, isn't he?
Endymion2 - Isn't Bramby just lovely? You'd be surprised how much fun the old boy will have!
Esterification - Bramblethorn is a smug, self - satisfied so - n - so, isn't he?
Iorhael - Hope you had an enjoyable Christmas! Let's get our boys together, shall we?
Heartofahobbit - Bramblethorn is evil, isn't he? How does he think taking Frodo prisoner will help him score a big profit? You'll see!
Aelfgifu - You're not the only one who had trouble leaving a review. Bramby and I have plans for Frodo, we do! What they are you'll have to wait and see!
GamgeeFest - If you thought the last chapter was angsty, just wait. The wheels are still turning in Bramby's head, and he's cooking up some mayhem for sure!
FrodoBaggins87 - Sam is very protective of Frodo, and his seeming inability to keep him safe will cause a great deal of anguish to him in chapters to come.
Hang on, everyone. Here's the chapter you've been waiting for, and it's a long one!
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Chapter 6 - Ultimatum
Bramblethorn raised his eyes from the book on his desk to see Anson and Monto coming in carrying their captive. "Excellent," he crowed. "You fellows have earned your pay this evening. Put him down." Although he couldn't see Frodo's face because of the concealing hood, Bramblethorn felt something stir within him. Oh, to look into those amazing blue eyes again!
Monto and Anson obeyed, laying Frodo's prone form on a sofa. Bramblethorn approached and pulled away the hood that covered Frodo's head. "Wake up, now, Frodo dear. Open your eyes."
Frodo was semi - conscious, and he groaned as Bramblethorn shook him. In his dazed condition, Frodo had not yet identified the voice that spoke his name. "Look at me, Frodo," Bramblethorn commanded, giving Frodo another shake.
That voice was familiar, yet half - forgotten, a thing Frodo had pushed as far toward the back of his mind as he had been able. Recognition came slowly through the haze and Frodo squeezed his eyes closed to avoid gazing into the face of a nightmare come to life.
Bramblethorn pulled the gag away and cupped Frodo's face in his hands. "I said, LOOK at me!" he snarled.
Frodo knew he couldn't keep his eyes closed forever, and that he was in danger of further injury if he did not obey. He slowly opened his eyes and waited for them to focus on the piercing gaze and sardonic grin of his old enemy.
"Ahh, good. There are the lovely blue eyes that I've seen so often in my dreams. I see you have met Anson and Monto," Bramblethorn gestured to his hired help. "They were kind enough to see that you made your way here."
"Where am I?" Frodo mumbled blearily.
"You're in my home, love. You're to be my guest for the time being." Bramblethorn gestured around the well - appointed room. "As you can see, I've done quite well since we last met."
"You lied to me," Frodo whispered.
"Lied? What did I lie about, love?" Bramblethorn cast an amused glance at Frodo.
"You said you wouldn't seek me out again," Frodo reminded him.
"Ahh, but I haven't sought you out," Bramblethorn replied, smiling. "You have come to me this time."
Frodo was recovering more of his wits and the statement spurred his anger. "I didn't come to Bree to see you, Bramblethorn," he spat, struggling to sit up on the sofa.
Bramblethorn grabbed Frodo and pulled him upright to sit with his back against the cushions. "Whether you know it or not, you did, Frodo. You see, I am aware of your errand. I also happen to be the only one in Bree with a substantial supply of grain stored and ready to sell."
Frodo stared at him, dumbfounded. "You? But how - "
"When I returned to Bree, I had only a small portion of my wealth remaining," Bramblethorn explained. "I lost everything else when I was exiled, thanks to you. Well, I've invested carefully and built an organization that has become quite prosperous. The land I do not own, I control by means of payment to the farmers for their crops. I give them more than anyone else, so they sell to me."
Frodo remembered the innkeeper's words about a grain shortage. "There's no shortage of grain in Bree, is there? You have it all, and you're forcing people to pay you double for it."
"I'm not forcing them to buy from me, although I will admit, I have encouraged it." Frodo didn't want to think about Bramblethorn's methods of encouragement.
"So what do you want with me?" Frodo asked, dreading the answer. "Why didn't you just send your people to sell us the grain?"
Bramblethorn laughed. "Would you have bought it from me?"
Frodo saw his point. "No. I would have told you to take it and - " Anson stepped forward and slapped him.
"Insolence is not recommended," Bramblethorn gloated. "I have told your cousin and your gardener that you are here. If they want to see you again, they'll make a substantial purchase of grain."
"You're unbelievable," Frodo said indignantly. "It won't work. They'll tell someone what you've done."
"Not unless they want to seriously endanger you, they won't," Bramblethorn said nastily. "I've made it quite clear that your safety depends on their actions. For your sake, they had better believe it." He traced the line of Frodo's jaw with one finger.
"You're even more wicked than I thought," Frodo said, turning away from Bramblethorn sullenly.
"Am I?" Bramblethorn smirked. "Glad to know you're impressed. You know, had you not refused me in the first place, none of this would have come about."
"I didn't want you," Frodo said plainly, "and that has not changed."
Bramblethorn shook his head with mock sadness. "You don't know what you're missing." He turned to Monto and Anson. "Please show our guest to his quarters."
Monto untied Frodo's ankles while Anson hauled him to his feet. Frodo protested as they dragged him from the room and down the hallway. They paused outside a door and Anson pulled it open to reveal a small, windowless interior room that might have been used for storage at one time, but was now converted to something like a guest room. There was a bed, a table and a chair, and an old trunk sitting against a far wall.
"If it was up to me, I'd have dumped you in the cellar," Anson growled, untying Frodo's hands and shoving him into the room. Frodo spun around only to find that the door was already closed, and he heard the click of a bolt sliding into place.
Fury flared within him. He flung himself at the door and slammed his fists against it repeatedly. "Damn you, Bramblethorn! You have no right to do this! Release me, blast you! BRAMBLETHORN!!!"
Frodo's shouts carried down the hallway, and Bramblethorn rolled his eyes at his henchmen. "I told you he was stubborn," he said, fixing them with a steely gaze. "Shut him up."
"Yes, sir," Monto said, and he and Anson left the room, pausing only long enough for Anson to grab his pack and sling it over one shoulder. They made their way down the hall and stood outside the locked door for a moment. In a swift motion, Monto unlocked it and flung it open. Frodo was taken by surprise as the two stormed in and grabbed him.
"Let me go!" Frodo snarled, thrashing in their grip. They ignored him and shoved him down into the chair where they bound him tightly. Anson gagged him again, and Frodo was left immobile, breathing hard and glaring up at Bramblethorn's thugs.
Only now did they answer his demand to be freed. "Shut up," Monto said, and clouted Frodo solidly. Spots danced before Frodo's eyes as he watched them go, leaving him in the little room. A single candle burned on the table, but there was no light otherwise. No windows, and only a locked door for an escape route, Frodo thought grimly.
He closed his eyes and tried to calm himself, testing his bonds for any sign of weakness. He soon gave up the effort, realizing that Bramblethorn's goons knew their work. As his breathing slowed, weariness stole over him, and when he could no longer hold his head upright, he slept.
~*~
Midnight came and found Sam and Merry watching the door of the inn from the table where they waited. Bramblethorn's note had said his people were to meet them at the inn, but did not specify whether they were to meet outside or in the common room. They assumed that if they waited, they would be approached.
The door swung open and two stocky hobbits strode in and scanned the room. Their eyes stopped roving over the tables and chairs and their gazes came to rest on Sam and Merry. One of them made a 'follow me' gesture, and Sam and Merry rose from the table.
Once they were outside the inn, Bramblethorn's henchmen turned to face Sam and Merry. "Come with us and don't try anything foolish."
Sam glared at them. "You'd better be takin' us to the same place you took Mr. Frodo," he growled.
"We're takin' you to see the boss," Monto told him. "He wants to talk to you, I don't. So shut up."
"Hey!" Merry protested as Anson blindfolded him.
"You'll see where you're goin' when you get there," he advised as Sam received similar treatment.
They were led to a cart - the same one that had been used to transport Frodo - and were made to sit in the back. Monto climbed in with them. "Keep still or we'll smack you around like we did the other one," he said with a sarcastic laugh.
Sam tensed and Merry's fingers brushed his arm. Now was not the time for either of them to lose their composure. They had to find out what Bramblethorn had planned and why he had taken Frodo.
~*~
Through the open door of the study, Bramblethorn could hear the front door slam, and he could hear what sounded like the voice of Meriadoc Brandybuck rising in a curse. Sam's voice came clearly down the hallway: "Get your filthy paws off me, you!"
Tempers were clearly flaring. This ought to be every bit as entertaining and enjoyable as he'd thought. Bramblethorn smiled as Merry and Sam entered the room, flanked on either side by Monto and Anson. The blindfolds had been removed. Merry was plainly furious and Sam had murder in his eyes. Not that Bramblethorn was impressed - if either of them made any aggressive moves, they would be stopped immediately, either by the henchmen at their sides or by other means Bramblethorn had in mind. He regarded them with open contempt, his fingers steepled and his elbows propped on the desk.
"Well, well. Meriadoc Brandybuck and Samwise Gamgee." He cracked his knuckles and smiled ruefully. "I see you left that absurd little Took at home this time. What a shame. I owe him too."
"The only thing you owe anyone is an apology for your outrageous behavior," Merry spat angrily. "Sam and I didn't come here to watch you smirk, Bramblethorn. Where is Frodo?"
"Now, now. All in good time," Bramblethorn replied. "We will get to the subject of your dear cousin soon, I assure you. But let's talk about you, shall we?" He leaned back in his chair and kicked his feet up on the desktop. "I know why you're here in Bree. You need something, and I happen to have it."
"You?" Sam said incredulously. "You couldn't possibly have anything we need!"
Bramblethorn laughed and Sam stiffened at the sound. "How wrong you are, my good gardener. Word travels, you know. I may have been banished from the Shire, but I still have my sources." He rose and paced back and forth in front of the other hobbits. "My sources tell me of trouble in the Eastfarthing. You haven't enough grain in storage to get the good people of Buckland through the winter."
Merry glowered, pained to his soul that this noisome creature should know so much about his troubles. "And just why should that be any concern of yours?" he shot back.
"Because, my dear fellow," Bramblethorn answered, "I have a good supply of grain for sale and I have a business proposition for you."
Merry's eyes widened. "You mean to tell me that you expect us to purchase our grain from you, of all people? After what you've done?"
"Where else will you get it, hmmm?" Bramblethorn eyed Merry as though he were not the future Master of Buckland, but rather an insect pinned to a board for dissection. "Most farmers in the Shire don't grow enough to sell to anyone else. The Great Smials are as thickly populated as Buckland and won't be able to spare enough to help you. Really, Meriadoc, are you planning to go all the way to Gondor to avoid doing business with me?"
"That's not a bad idea," Merry said sarcastically.
"Ahh, but now we come to the subject of Frodo," Bramblethorn said, watching both Merry and Sam flinch visibly at the mention of the name.
"Where is he? What have you done to him?" Sam growled, taking a step forward. A beefy hand came to rest firmly on his shoulder, discouraging further action.
"You would like to see him, wouldn't you?" Bramblethorn nodded at Monto, who left the room. "And so you shall."
Merry and Sam looked at each other and swallowed hard. The last time Frodo had been in Bramblethorn's clutches, he had emerged from the experience half starved, physically injured and beset with awful memories and dark fears. This time, it was not only Bramblethorn who posed a threat to Frodo, but the two burly goons at Bramblethorn's beck and call.
A few moments later there came the sound of a door slamming down a hallway, and feet stumbling nearer, steps uneven as if their owner were not completely in control of them. The uneven steps drew nearer and Monto appeared in the doorway prodding and shoving Frodo in front of him, not minding it at all as his captive's shoulder slammed into the doorframe.
Frodo staggered and Monto steadied him by grabbing both his arms in a crushing grip. Frodo stood with his hands bound behind him, looking tired and disheveled but mostly uninjured except for a bruise on his cheek and a small cut on his forehead.
"Sam! Merry!" he gasped and Monto silenced him with a slap to the side of the head.
"Let him go, you beast!" Sam lunged forward, intent on tearing Monto to shreds.
He never made it. He stopped short as Monto viciously twisted Frodo's arm. Frodo cried out in agony and writhed in the grip of Bramblethorn's henchman. Anson raised his fist as if to clout Sam for his insolence, but Bramblethorn held up a hand and he stopped. Sam didn't even notice that part of the byplay, so stricken was he at the sound of Frodo's pained cry.
"Stop it! Don't hurt him!" Sam was close to tears, his composure all but shattered at the sight of Frodo in his present state.
"Don't do anything stupid, and I won't have to," Bramblethorn cautioned. "The point of our conversation is this - you will purchase the grain from me, and at the price I set."
"And if I refuse?" Merry challenged.
"How much do you care for your cousin? Is he dear to you?" As if on cue, Anson produced a small, sharp knife and began using it to pick at the dirt underneath his nails. He stretched his hand out in front of him to inspect the result then calmly brought the blade to rest upon Frodo's throat. Frodo looked into Merry's eyes, soundlessly pleading and apologizing simultaneously.
"You've made your point," Merry growled, as all color drained from his face. Sam stood frozen, unable to tear his gaze from the sharp blade that stood a hair's breadth from the tender throat of his beloved master.
"How much grain do you plan to purchase?" Bramblethorn asked, suddenly all business. He passed a sheet of parchment and a quill to Merry. Merry scratched some figures on the page. He considered for a moment, crossed one out and wrote another in its place. Sam reluctantly tore his gaze from Frodo and looked over Merry's shoulder, shock registering on his features. Was the situation in Buckland really so dire?
Bramblethorn took the page and eyed it appreciatively. He cocked an eyebrow as he wrote his own figures at the bottom of the page. He smiled broadly as he handed the parchment back to Merry and waited for his reaction.
"There are two prices here," Merry said suspiciously. "They're both ridiculous. What are you up to, Bramblethorn?"
"The first figure is the price for the grain. The second - " he paused to savor his moment. "The second is for Frodo."
Sam and Merry gasped in unison. Merry recovered first, galvanized by the fear in Frodo's eyes. "You're demanding a ransom for Frodo?"
"Ransom is such a negative word," Bramblethorn said with a casual wave of his hand. He walked over to stand in front of Frodo, and reached out to caress his cheek. Sam lurched forward and Anson turned the point of his blade outward, waving it directly under Sam's nose. Bramblethorn forged ahead. "To ensure that you keep your end of the bargain, Frodo will remain here until full payment is received." He eyed Merry nastily. "And I mean full payment, do you understand?"
Dumbstruck, Merry nodded. When he found his voice again, he fixed Bramblethorn with an icy stare and said, "If you harm him - "
"As long as Frodo behaves himself, he will not be harmed," Bramblethorn replied, "but know this, Brandybuck." He leaned forward, nose to nose with Merry, eye to eye. "Your own behavior will also be important to Frodo's continued safety."
"Safety? Do you call that safe?" Merry pointed at the doorway where Monto still clutched Frodo, and Anson ran the dull back side of the blade from Frodo's earlobe down to the collar of his shirt.
Bramblethorn ignored him completely. "Your mistakes, should you make any, will cost him. Dearly." Bramblethorn's gaze turned to Sam. "Any attempts to gain his premature release will be met with retaliation - against him."
"I won't leave him!" Sam railed fiercely. "I won't leave him alone with the likes of you!"
"You shall leave him, as you have no other choice. And he will not be alone with me, as you've said. He will also have the company of my esteemed assistants who will aid me in seeing to his needs." Bramblethorn gestured to the two burly hobbits he had hired to do his dirty work.
"Sam! Please - " Frodo burst out, trying to calm his loyal friend. Monto increased the pressure on his arms and Anson drew back preparatory to backhanding him.
"No, let him speak," Bramblethorn instructed, crossing his arms and regarding Frodo with interest.
Frodo looked at Bramblethorn with undisguised terror. If he said the wrong thing, he would likely end up being carried from the room unconscious, if not scored fatally by Anson's blade. "Sam, there's no other way. I'm so sorry," Frodo said, trying to keep his voice steady.
"But Mr. Frodo - " Sam protested, his eyes gleaming with barely restrained tears.
"You can't help me by fighting this time, Sam. I'm asking you to - " Frodo fought to get the words out. "I'm asking you to leave me, just for now." Frodo know he was asking the impossible of Sam, requesting that Sam leave his side even for the time being.
"But he'll hurt you, Mr. Frodo," Sam pleaded. "I promised - "
"I know you promised me you wouldn't leave me, Sam, but there's no choice now. It isn't your fault." Frodo caught Merry's gaze.
"This is outrageous, Frodo, and you know it!" Merry pleaded.
"If my staying here will help Buckland, I shall bear it. It's too important, Merry." Frodo's eyes were downcast, not meeting those of his nearly frantic cousin.
"Blast it, Frodo, Buckland will survive if I have to beg, borrow or steal to make it so!" Merry's voice wavered with emotion. "But I won't sacrifice you for a load of grain!"
"Comply with my demands, and you will not have to," Bramblethorn said, giving Merry a warning look. "He stays. You go. You will return with payment in short order."
"I - I don't have that much with me," Merry said, praying he had not just been the voice of Frodo's doom.
"Then you shall come back when you've got it. I will be waiting, and bear in mind - " Bramblethorn gestured toward Frodo - "So will your cousin." He nodded at Monto who began to muscle Frodo out of the room.
"No!" Frodo cried, craning his neck for a last glimpse of Merry and Sam as he was forced from the study and down the hall. Monto made sure to 'accidentally' slam him into the wall a couple of times when he seemed to resist. A shove at his back nearly sent him sprawling through the door, which slammed shut behind him and was immediately locked, closing him off from any contact with the people he loved.
Sam was unable to stand it any longer. He leapt at Bramblethorn before Anson could get a hand on him, and his fist connected with his enemy's jaw. Merry snarled and followed, only to be yanked back by the burly bodyguard. Bramblethorn recovered and dabbed at the blood Sam had drawn as Monto re - entered the room.
"My fellows and I will keep in contact with you to arrange the purchase of the grain, once you have the payment." He turned to Monto and Anson. "Remove them," Bramblethorn ordered, and Sam and Merry were forced, protesting from the room. "I'll give you that one for free, Samwise," he called after them, rubbing his jaw. "But before you try such a thing again, think of the cost."
Bramblethorn's henchmen ignored Sam and Merry's curses and protests, and tossed them, blindfolded once again, into the back of the cart. They rattled along back into the town and Sam and Merry were left standing in the darkness behind the inn.
"I've left him, Mr. Merry!" Sam nearly sobbed. "I'm naught but a coward and no use to him at all!"
"That's not true, Sam, and you know it," Merry said gravely. "It was no easier for me to leave Frodo in Bramblethorn's presence, or to listen to Frodo tell me I'd no choice. But what can we do, Sam? We're outnumbered and at a clear disadvantage."
"There must be someone in Bree who can help us," Sam said desperately. "There's law in places like Bree, ain't there, Mr. Merry?"
"Law there may be, Sam, but few to enforce it. Besides, if we send anyone to Frodo's aid, we'll place Frodo in danger of retaliation. You heard what Bramblethorn said. If we attempt to free Frodo, there will be reprisals."
"And he would do it, wouldn't he?" Sam looked more crestfallen that Merry had ever seen him. "He would hurt Mr. Frodo, blast him!"
"I fear he would, Sam." Merry sighed. "Frodo is very strong and he's no fool. He knows Bramblethorn's games from experience and will keep his wits about him. Our task is to procure enough funds to make the payment, and as soon as possible."
"We'll have to give him what he wants, won't we?" Sam began to feel anger rising and cutting a swath through his despair. It was all so wrong!
"I have enough with me to ransom Frodo, but not enough for the grain as well. I would be more than satisfied to have Frodo safely back with us and damn the grain, but Bramblethorn will not free him unless we purchase from him."
Sam's thoughts went back to the large amount of grain Merry had requested. "That's an awful lot of wheat an' such, Mr. Merry. Does Buckland need all that much?"
"To tell you the truth, Sam, I asked for a good deal more than is needed. It may be a small thing in comparison to all that he's done, but I have a mind to deal Bramblethorn a blow myself," Merry said, referring to Sam's well - aimed right hook.
"I'm afraid I don't follow you, Mr. Merry," Sam said, shaking his head. How was buying more grain from Bramblethorn going to hurt him?
"I'll fill you in on my plan later, Sam. It must wait until Frodo is safely returned to us. For now, I'm planning to go back inside and write an urgent letter to my father. We must get the rest of the payment as soon as we are able."
Sam nodded and followed Merry inside, casting a glance at the hills above the village where Bramblethorn's well - guarded smial was located. He could imagine the dark forms of Monto and Anson standing watch at the door, and cursed himself for having ever let Frodo out of his sight for even a moment. Now he was letting Frodo out of his sight and out of his reach, but not out of his mind or heart. Never that.
Filled with fear and desperation, Merry and Sam made their way back to their room. Sleep was a far - off, unattainable thing for both that night, as they thought of nothing but Frodo and what he was likely enduring at the hands of Bramblethorn and his thugs.
~*~ To be continued ~*~