Stephanie - The evil author thanks you! I sometimes have to pause and wonder where Bramblethorn came from. If he's any kind of alter ego of mine, I think I'm in big trouble.
Heartofahobbit - Sam and Merry know it will take a few days for help to arrive from Buckland. We know it isn't coming, but as yet they're clueless. Bramblethorn's 'kindness' to Frodo is all due to his ulterior motives, which are growing stronger in his mind all the time!
Hobbitfeet13 - Bramblethorn's idea of 'good behavior' on Frodo's part might well be more than Frodo can manage. Frodo is definitely at odds with his surroundings, and it's bound to bring trouble.
CuriousCat - Bramblethorn's evil plans are evolving all the time. He started out with mere greed, but there are old feelings growing ever stronger that will guide his actions. We'll see how long Frodo can continue his level of cooperation.
Aratlithiel1 - Frodo can't help but be defiant, especially where Monto and Anson are involved. He absolutely loathes them! Merry has just about had it with Bramblethorn, let me tell you!
Anarie - There is something about Bramblethorn that you just can't completely hate, isn't there? He's such an ego - maniac headcase! Will Bramby 'get lucky'? Only time can answer that question. (Otherwise I'll be spoiling the story, won't I?)
FrodoBaggins87 - Bramblethorn relishes the opportunity to place himself in such a position of power over Merry, Sam and Frodo. His old feelings for Frodo are growing stronger, and there is more on his mind now than financial gain.
QTPie - 2488 - Poor Sam and Merry. There's not much they can do now but wait for help to arrive. They don't dare attempt to save Frodo on their own at this point. But don't worry, even if they will be forced to wait, there will be plenty of angst to go around! Bramblethorn will make sure of it.
GamgeeFest - Bramblethorn is a control freak, and right now he's glorying in the control he has over everyone, Merry and Sam included. He has certainly bought himself some time with Frodo, hasn't he?
Endymion2 - Ahh, time. Bramby now has some, doesn't he? He has some ideas of how to use it, but will his plans work? We'll see! The Bramblethorn series stands alone from the other stories precisely because I couldn't see Frodo having to deal with quite that much angst!
KT SHY - Bramblethorn is off in his own little world, making his twisted little plans regarding Frodo. Frodo is defiant as always, but it's bound to get him into trouble sooner or later!
Sam - Frodo absolutely detests his 'keepers'. He finds them coarse and stupid, and his defiance of them is almost automatic for that reason.
Honey Dipped Rose - Thanks for reviewing! I didn't mind Merry and Pippin being comic relief in the movies, but I think that only showed one side of their personalities. They may like ale and mischief, but I think they're capable of much more! Bramblethorn even scares me sometimes. When writing some of these chapters, I've found myself muttering things like, "God, you're awful! How could you?"
Aelfgifu - Frodo will continue his defiance, but as time goes on, we'll also see the effects of his situation beginning to tell on him. I know you want a bath scene, dear. Let me consider it. It's just that you've used the idea so well in your own story, I think I would be hard - pressed to use it without it seeming contrived. As for Frodo, I'll clean him up a bit in this chapter, but poor Bramblethorn won't be involved in the process.
Iorhael - Yes, Frodo is surrounded by a whole bunch of trouble. Right now, the only thing Frodo can do to help himself is try to keep his wits about him.
Trust No One - You might be more in touch with Bramblethorn's thought processes than you know.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Chapter 8 - Table For Two
Frodo started as the door swung open. He watched nervously as Anson and Monto brought in a washstand with a large ceramic bowl and ewer and placed it in the corner. They filled the ewer with heated water from a kettle and placed towels and soap nearby.
Anson walked over to where Frodo was sitting on the edge of the bed and yanked him to his feet. "Time to clean up, pretty boy," he said snidely. "The boss wants to see you."
"Since when does he care if I've a hair out of place?" Frodo muttered. If Frodo was in less than impressive condition, Bramblethorn was to blame for it.
"Since he expects you to join him for supper. Now get to it." Monto unbound Frodo's hands and pushed him toward the washstand. "We'll be back in a few minutes, and you'd better be ready."
Bramblethorn's henchmen left the room, and Frodo took a tentative glance at the mirror that was attached to the stand. He cringed as he saw a darkening bruise on his cheek. The cut above his eye had long since stopped bleeding, but it had scabbed over and there was a smear of dried blood on his forehead.
Frodo poured some of the water into the basin and scrubbed his face. He then hurriedly disrobed and scrubbed the rest of himself as well. It was nowhere near as satisfying as a good bath, but obviously that was too much to ask under the circumstances. He dressed again, blushing furiously as he hoped that Bramblethorn didn't have an eye to the keyhole. Lastly, he washed his hair and ruffled it with one of the towels until it was mostly dry.
He finished just in time. Anson and Monto walked in and each grabbed one of Frodo's arms. They hauled him out of the room and down the hall, to a dining room where a well - laden table stood set for two. A bottle of good wine and two fine crystal glasses stood amid the plates and silver, and two candles burned elegantly in graceful silver candlesticks. Presiding over all, like a king on his throne, was Bramblethorn.
Bramblethorn looked Frodo up and down and nodded in satisfaction. "Please, sit down, Frodo," he invited in an almost pleasant, but smug tone.
Casting suspicious looks at Monto and Anson, who hovered on either side of him, Frodo did as he was bidden. "What is this, Bramblethorn?" Frodo asked eyeing his self - proclaimed host warily.
"This," Bramblethorn replied, gesturing to the table, "is a romantic supper for two."
Frodo's lips quirked in a sardonic half - smile. "Don't you mean four?" he asked, referring to the two bodyguards who had remained behind his chair, alert for any sign of trouble.
"As much as I would like to dine with you in private, Frodo, it is still early in the game. I cannot yet trust you not to create a disturbance." Bramblethorn poured a glass of wine and placed it in front of Frodo. "Old Winyards, and a fine vintage," he said appreciatively as he poured another glass for himself. "Of course, nothing is too good for my guests."
"There you go again, using the term 'guest'," Frodo observed. "Do you always keep your guests bound and behind locked doors?"
"No, Frodo, I do not," Bramblethorn said, sounding mildly irritated. "For you, I am willing to make an exception." He grew serious and gazed across the table at Frodo. "We must discuss a few things, you and I."
"What is there to discuss?" Frodo shot back. "You're up to your old tricks again, only worse!"
"How do you mean?" Bramblethorn asked, sipping his wine. "It really is very good wine, Frodo. Go ahead, try it."
Frodo gave the wine glass a measuring glance then looked back at Bramblethorn. He had watched as Bramblethorn poured it straight from the bottle, so he felt confident that it wasn't spiked with anything. He took a small sip and spoke again. "This time, you have not only sought to harm me, but you've placed a heavy burden upon Buckland as well."
Bramblethorn waved his hand dismissively. "As I've mentioned, whether or not harm is done to you is dependent upon your own actions and those of certain other parties. As for Buckland," he said, taking another sip of wine, "the Bucklanders can afford the price I've specified."
"Are you referring to the price of the grain, or the ransom?" Frodo said rather hotly, and a hand gripped his shoulder in warning.
Bramblethorn shook his head almost imperceptibly while looking at the space above Frodo's head, and the hand was lifted. "Both," he answered, looking at Frodo appreciatively. "I so enjoy these witty conversations with you, Frodo. You have such spirit. It's one of the many things that has always drawn me to you."
"Oh, really?" Frodo said, crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair.
"In fact, have I ever mentioned the first time I saw you?" Bramblethorn smiled wistfully. "It as at a Yule party, your second in Hobbiton, I believe. Even then, I found you quite captivating." Bramblethorn gestured to Anson, who began serving a first course of stuffed mushrooms.
"I was barely a tween then," Frodo said indignantly. "And you were thinking - " he stammered, "you were thinking of me in that way?"
"Don't look so shocked, my dear. You were quite lovely, even then." Bramblethorn popped a mushroom into his mouth and chewed thoughtfully. Frodo followed suit. He had to admit that he was hungry.
"I was not long into my majority then myself, but it was made quite clear to me that my attentions toward you would not be exactly welcome." Bramblethorn's gaze crawled slowly over Frodo's features and Frodo felt the color rising in his cheeks.
"Made clear? By whom?" Frodo took a larger sip of wine this time, unsettled by the revelations.
"Why, that cracked old hobbit who took you in, of course," Bramblethorn laughed. "Old Bilbo warned me away, reminding me that you were little more than a child."
"Bilbo." Frodo closed his eyes and pictured his former guardian sternly cautioning Bramblethorn to stay away from Frodo. "So you waited until he was gone."
"Yes. And how fortunate that he should choose your coming of age as the time to go on his way. I had waited about as long as I could bear." Brambthorn frowned. "Of course, you were unkind enough to refuse me, then."
"Of course, I did!" Frodo said in genuine dismay. "You attempted to force me, and not only on one occasion!"
Monto stood behind Frodo and watched as Frodo's shoulders tensed. Bramblethorn's hireling began to ponder the very obvious desire his employer felt for Frodo. So Bramblethorn had wanted Frodo for a long time. He had tried to do something about it and failed. Monto wondered why. Frodo seemed rather delicate, and unlikely to be able to stop a sturdy hobbit like Bramblethorn from getting his way.
Anson paid little heed to the conversation, but busied himself with preparing servings of roasted duck.
"Enough about the past," Bramblethorn said abruptly. "Let's talk about here and now, shall we?"
Frodo raised his eyes to Bramblethorn's with reluctance. He braced himself for the threats and demands that were surely coming.
"I hope you realize that I have already made many concessions in your favor," Bramblethorn said. "I've given you the privacy of your own room, and a bed to sleep on rather than a hard floor. I've not allowed you to hunger or thirst, nor have I denied you your rest."
"What you call privacy I call confinement," Frodo said pointedly. "As to the other things you mention, I suppose I am grateful for them, but I would be more grateful if you would abandon this foolish scheme and let me go."
"Now, Frodo," Bramblethorn said as if talking to a rebellious child, "you know I can't do that. You're the most important part of the entire plan." Bramblethorn explained. "If I didn't have you, how would I convince your cousin and your gardener to accept my terms of sale for the grain?"
"You wouldn't." Frodo glowered at the hobbit who held him prisoner.
"And so I would miss a substantial financial gain," Bramblethorn agreed. "And that's just the grain. Really, the idea to ask a price for your safe return was not my original intention, but some opportunities are too good to ignore."
"So will you?" Frodo continued to glare at the hobbit across the table.
"Will I what?"
"Return me to them." Frodo doubted that Bramblethorn would be willing when the time came.
Bramblethorn smirked to himself. "I shall discuss that subject when I please and not before," he told Frodo, enjoying the fire that rose in his captive's eyes. "Please remember, you are in no position to dictate terms to me."
The fine hair on the back of Frodo's neck rose in response to that statement, and he could feel the close presence of the two burly hobbits who alternately stood watch outside his door. He shifted in his chair uncomfortably, and Monto cracked his knuckles very near to Frodo's ear.
"I wouldn't make any sudden moves," Bramblethorn warned Frodo. "Monto is good help, but he's rather hasty, you know." Bramblethorn put his fork down and ran a finger around the rim of the wineglass, causing it to emit a ringing sound. "Now, about my terms." Bramblethorn swirled the wine in his glass as he spoke. "I am prepared to offer you some comforts, within reason. If you prove to be pleasant company, I shall grant you small favors. As long as you can refrain from attempting to escape or from striking out at me, I will agree not to bind you."
Frodo gritted his teeth. "You are asking me to sit here and be complacent, as if I were visiting you of my own accord?"
"I realize it may be difficult for you, as stubborn as you are," Bramblethorn admitted. "But your choice is simple. Behave yourself or be punished. Once we have established that you can do that, I may be willing to give you more, say, something to read, perhaps."
"You expect me to grovel meekly at your feet and do your bidding, simply so that I may be treated with common decency?" The idea was too repellent to consider.
"It is your decision, Frodo," Bramblethorn said. "Your choice. If you can mind your manners for the course of this evening, I promise not to bind you upon your return to your room."
It took all Frodo's strength not to tell Bramblethorn what he could do with his promise. "All right, I shall attempt to conduct myself with the utmost propriety," Frodo answered. "But I want something in return."
"Do tell," Bramblethorn said, smiling.
Frodo took a deep breath and spoke softly. "I want to see Merry and Sam."
Bramblethorn stopped toying with the wine glass and set it down very carefully on the table and smoothed the linen. "No. That is out of the question." Frodo's cousin and that annoying gardener must be kept as far away from Frodo as possible.
"Why? Do you think that they alone could manage to spirit me away from you under the circumstances?" Frodo made an impatient gesture to the room at large. "Don't you understand that I must let them know - "
"Fear not, Frodo. I shall be more than pleased to inform them of your condition, be it what it may." The tone of Bramblethorn's voice did nothing to soothe Frodo. It was rather cold, and filled with darker implications. "Besides, they haven't seemed as eager to see you as I would have thought. I fully expected Samwise Gamgee banging on my door long before now. Indeed, I find it rather amazing that he left you to my care at all."
"How can you say that, with the threats you made before his very eyes?" Frodo asked incredulously. "The only reason Sam has stayed away is - "
"The reason your faithful gardener has abandoned you to my care is that he is afraid," Bramblethorn taunted.
"Yes, Bramblethorn," Frodo said evenly. "He is afraid. He is afraid that you will harm me if he comes, so he has not. He has stayed away because I pleaded with him to do so, but he most surely has not abandoned me."
"Poor dear, you're unwilling to see the truth, as painful as it is. When your isolation becomes too much to bear, perhaps you will not find my company so dreadful, hmmm?" Bramblethorn purred.
Frodo had heard enough. "I will never be lonely enough to crave your company," he said coldly. Having eaten and endured his fill, Frodo kept his promise to mind his manners and said, "May I be excused?"
Bramblethorn raised an eyebrow and looked at Monto. "You heard our guest, Monto. Frodo would like to be excused." Monto pulled Frodo to his feet.
"Thank you for a pleasant evening, Frodo. I'm so glad that you could join me." He addressed Monto again. "Please see him to his room."
"Come on, you," Monto growled and shoved Frodo toward the hallway. Upon reaching the door to the room, Monto paused to unlock it. As he did, he shoved Frodo against the wall and stood much closer to him than was strictly necessary. "The boss must really be fond of you to put up with your sass. You're a smart - arse pretty boy, you are."
"And you're a miserable half - orc," Frodo hissed. Monto had got the door unlocked by that time. He grabbed Frodo by his collar and hurled him into the room so hard he slammed into the far wall. The door banged shut and Frodo was alone again, a fact he regretted not at all. He lay down on the bed and closed his eyes, waiting for sleep to take him.
~*~
"Did you get it?" Bramblethorn asked Anson, once Frodo was safely locked away.
Anson produced Merry's letter and handed it to Bramblethorn, smirking broadly. "Wasn't too hard, boss. That innkeeper's not very attentive at times."
Bramblethorn turned the sealed envelope over in his hands gleefully. "Well, let's just see what the little Bucklander has attempted to report, shall we?" He tore it open and read the message Merry had intended for his father. "Ahh, good. They are afraid to attempt to rescue Frodo, at least for the present. We must keep them on their toes, however." He drummed his fingertips against the desktop. "As I told Frodo at supper, I plan to communicate with them every so often, to ensure that they don't forget where they stand." He drew parchment and quill from his writing desk and composed a message, which he sealed and addressed. "Tomorrow I want you to leave this at the inn for Brandybuck and Frodo's gardener."
Anson nodded and accepted the message. "I wish I could be there to see their faces when they read this," he commented with a nasty laugh.
"It would be enjoyable, wouldn't it?" Bramblethorn responded, his tone smug and self - satisfied. "Even as I prevent them from getting near Frodo, I shall make them feel his absence and fear for him with all of their hearts and souls." He leaned back in his chair and grinned at his hired help. This could turn out to be the best game of wits he had ever enjoyed.
~*~ To be continued ~*~
~*~
Heartofahobbit - Sam and Merry know it will take a few days for help to arrive from Buckland. We know it isn't coming, but as yet they're clueless. Bramblethorn's 'kindness' to Frodo is all due to his ulterior motives, which are growing stronger in his mind all the time!
Hobbitfeet13 - Bramblethorn's idea of 'good behavior' on Frodo's part might well be more than Frodo can manage. Frodo is definitely at odds with his surroundings, and it's bound to bring trouble.
CuriousCat - Bramblethorn's evil plans are evolving all the time. He started out with mere greed, but there are old feelings growing ever stronger that will guide his actions. We'll see how long Frodo can continue his level of cooperation.
Aratlithiel1 - Frodo can't help but be defiant, especially where Monto and Anson are involved. He absolutely loathes them! Merry has just about had it with Bramblethorn, let me tell you!
Anarie - There is something about Bramblethorn that you just can't completely hate, isn't there? He's such an ego - maniac headcase! Will Bramby 'get lucky'? Only time can answer that question. (Otherwise I'll be spoiling the story, won't I?)
FrodoBaggins87 - Bramblethorn relishes the opportunity to place himself in such a position of power over Merry, Sam and Frodo. His old feelings for Frodo are growing stronger, and there is more on his mind now than financial gain.
QTPie - 2488 - Poor Sam and Merry. There's not much they can do now but wait for help to arrive. They don't dare attempt to save Frodo on their own at this point. But don't worry, even if they will be forced to wait, there will be plenty of angst to go around! Bramblethorn will make sure of it.
GamgeeFest - Bramblethorn is a control freak, and right now he's glorying in the control he has over everyone, Merry and Sam included. He has certainly bought himself some time with Frodo, hasn't he?
Endymion2 - Ahh, time. Bramby now has some, doesn't he? He has some ideas of how to use it, but will his plans work? We'll see! The Bramblethorn series stands alone from the other stories precisely because I couldn't see Frodo having to deal with quite that much angst!
KT SHY - Bramblethorn is off in his own little world, making his twisted little plans regarding Frodo. Frodo is defiant as always, but it's bound to get him into trouble sooner or later!
Sam - Frodo absolutely detests his 'keepers'. He finds them coarse and stupid, and his defiance of them is almost automatic for that reason.
Honey Dipped Rose - Thanks for reviewing! I didn't mind Merry and Pippin being comic relief in the movies, but I think that only showed one side of their personalities. They may like ale and mischief, but I think they're capable of much more! Bramblethorn even scares me sometimes. When writing some of these chapters, I've found myself muttering things like, "God, you're awful! How could you?"
Aelfgifu - Frodo will continue his defiance, but as time goes on, we'll also see the effects of his situation beginning to tell on him. I know you want a bath scene, dear. Let me consider it. It's just that you've used the idea so well in your own story, I think I would be hard - pressed to use it without it seeming contrived. As for Frodo, I'll clean him up a bit in this chapter, but poor Bramblethorn won't be involved in the process.
Iorhael - Yes, Frodo is surrounded by a whole bunch of trouble. Right now, the only thing Frodo can do to help himself is try to keep his wits about him.
Trust No One - You might be more in touch with Bramblethorn's thought processes than you know.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Chapter 8 - Table For Two
Frodo started as the door swung open. He watched nervously as Anson and Monto brought in a washstand with a large ceramic bowl and ewer and placed it in the corner. They filled the ewer with heated water from a kettle and placed towels and soap nearby.
Anson walked over to where Frodo was sitting on the edge of the bed and yanked him to his feet. "Time to clean up, pretty boy," he said snidely. "The boss wants to see you."
"Since when does he care if I've a hair out of place?" Frodo muttered. If Frodo was in less than impressive condition, Bramblethorn was to blame for it.
"Since he expects you to join him for supper. Now get to it." Monto unbound Frodo's hands and pushed him toward the washstand. "We'll be back in a few minutes, and you'd better be ready."
Bramblethorn's henchmen left the room, and Frodo took a tentative glance at the mirror that was attached to the stand. He cringed as he saw a darkening bruise on his cheek. The cut above his eye had long since stopped bleeding, but it had scabbed over and there was a smear of dried blood on his forehead.
Frodo poured some of the water into the basin and scrubbed his face. He then hurriedly disrobed and scrubbed the rest of himself as well. It was nowhere near as satisfying as a good bath, but obviously that was too much to ask under the circumstances. He dressed again, blushing furiously as he hoped that Bramblethorn didn't have an eye to the keyhole. Lastly, he washed his hair and ruffled it with one of the towels until it was mostly dry.
He finished just in time. Anson and Monto walked in and each grabbed one of Frodo's arms. They hauled him out of the room and down the hall, to a dining room where a well - laden table stood set for two. A bottle of good wine and two fine crystal glasses stood amid the plates and silver, and two candles burned elegantly in graceful silver candlesticks. Presiding over all, like a king on his throne, was Bramblethorn.
Bramblethorn looked Frodo up and down and nodded in satisfaction. "Please, sit down, Frodo," he invited in an almost pleasant, but smug tone.
Casting suspicious looks at Monto and Anson, who hovered on either side of him, Frodo did as he was bidden. "What is this, Bramblethorn?" Frodo asked eyeing his self - proclaimed host warily.
"This," Bramblethorn replied, gesturing to the table, "is a romantic supper for two."
Frodo's lips quirked in a sardonic half - smile. "Don't you mean four?" he asked, referring to the two bodyguards who had remained behind his chair, alert for any sign of trouble.
"As much as I would like to dine with you in private, Frodo, it is still early in the game. I cannot yet trust you not to create a disturbance." Bramblethorn poured a glass of wine and placed it in front of Frodo. "Old Winyards, and a fine vintage," he said appreciatively as he poured another glass for himself. "Of course, nothing is too good for my guests."
"There you go again, using the term 'guest'," Frodo observed. "Do you always keep your guests bound and behind locked doors?"
"No, Frodo, I do not," Bramblethorn said, sounding mildly irritated. "For you, I am willing to make an exception." He grew serious and gazed across the table at Frodo. "We must discuss a few things, you and I."
"What is there to discuss?" Frodo shot back. "You're up to your old tricks again, only worse!"
"How do you mean?" Bramblethorn asked, sipping his wine. "It really is very good wine, Frodo. Go ahead, try it."
Frodo gave the wine glass a measuring glance then looked back at Bramblethorn. He had watched as Bramblethorn poured it straight from the bottle, so he felt confident that it wasn't spiked with anything. He took a small sip and spoke again. "This time, you have not only sought to harm me, but you've placed a heavy burden upon Buckland as well."
Bramblethorn waved his hand dismissively. "As I've mentioned, whether or not harm is done to you is dependent upon your own actions and those of certain other parties. As for Buckland," he said, taking another sip of wine, "the Bucklanders can afford the price I've specified."
"Are you referring to the price of the grain, or the ransom?" Frodo said rather hotly, and a hand gripped his shoulder in warning.
Bramblethorn shook his head almost imperceptibly while looking at the space above Frodo's head, and the hand was lifted. "Both," he answered, looking at Frodo appreciatively. "I so enjoy these witty conversations with you, Frodo. You have such spirit. It's one of the many things that has always drawn me to you."
"Oh, really?" Frodo said, crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair.
"In fact, have I ever mentioned the first time I saw you?" Bramblethorn smiled wistfully. "It as at a Yule party, your second in Hobbiton, I believe. Even then, I found you quite captivating." Bramblethorn gestured to Anson, who began serving a first course of stuffed mushrooms.
"I was barely a tween then," Frodo said indignantly. "And you were thinking - " he stammered, "you were thinking of me in that way?"
"Don't look so shocked, my dear. You were quite lovely, even then." Bramblethorn popped a mushroom into his mouth and chewed thoughtfully. Frodo followed suit. He had to admit that he was hungry.
"I was not long into my majority then myself, but it was made quite clear to me that my attentions toward you would not be exactly welcome." Bramblethorn's gaze crawled slowly over Frodo's features and Frodo felt the color rising in his cheeks.
"Made clear? By whom?" Frodo took a larger sip of wine this time, unsettled by the revelations.
"Why, that cracked old hobbit who took you in, of course," Bramblethorn laughed. "Old Bilbo warned me away, reminding me that you were little more than a child."
"Bilbo." Frodo closed his eyes and pictured his former guardian sternly cautioning Bramblethorn to stay away from Frodo. "So you waited until he was gone."
"Yes. And how fortunate that he should choose your coming of age as the time to go on his way. I had waited about as long as I could bear." Brambthorn frowned. "Of course, you were unkind enough to refuse me, then."
"Of course, I did!" Frodo said in genuine dismay. "You attempted to force me, and not only on one occasion!"
Monto stood behind Frodo and watched as Frodo's shoulders tensed. Bramblethorn's hireling began to ponder the very obvious desire his employer felt for Frodo. So Bramblethorn had wanted Frodo for a long time. He had tried to do something about it and failed. Monto wondered why. Frodo seemed rather delicate, and unlikely to be able to stop a sturdy hobbit like Bramblethorn from getting his way.
Anson paid little heed to the conversation, but busied himself with preparing servings of roasted duck.
"Enough about the past," Bramblethorn said abruptly. "Let's talk about here and now, shall we?"
Frodo raised his eyes to Bramblethorn's with reluctance. He braced himself for the threats and demands that were surely coming.
"I hope you realize that I have already made many concessions in your favor," Bramblethorn said. "I've given you the privacy of your own room, and a bed to sleep on rather than a hard floor. I've not allowed you to hunger or thirst, nor have I denied you your rest."
"What you call privacy I call confinement," Frodo said pointedly. "As to the other things you mention, I suppose I am grateful for them, but I would be more grateful if you would abandon this foolish scheme and let me go."
"Now, Frodo," Bramblethorn said as if talking to a rebellious child, "you know I can't do that. You're the most important part of the entire plan." Bramblethorn explained. "If I didn't have you, how would I convince your cousin and your gardener to accept my terms of sale for the grain?"
"You wouldn't." Frodo glowered at the hobbit who held him prisoner.
"And so I would miss a substantial financial gain," Bramblethorn agreed. "And that's just the grain. Really, the idea to ask a price for your safe return was not my original intention, but some opportunities are too good to ignore."
"So will you?" Frodo continued to glare at the hobbit across the table.
"Will I what?"
"Return me to them." Frodo doubted that Bramblethorn would be willing when the time came.
Bramblethorn smirked to himself. "I shall discuss that subject when I please and not before," he told Frodo, enjoying the fire that rose in his captive's eyes. "Please remember, you are in no position to dictate terms to me."
The fine hair on the back of Frodo's neck rose in response to that statement, and he could feel the close presence of the two burly hobbits who alternately stood watch outside his door. He shifted in his chair uncomfortably, and Monto cracked his knuckles very near to Frodo's ear.
"I wouldn't make any sudden moves," Bramblethorn warned Frodo. "Monto is good help, but he's rather hasty, you know." Bramblethorn put his fork down and ran a finger around the rim of the wineglass, causing it to emit a ringing sound. "Now, about my terms." Bramblethorn swirled the wine in his glass as he spoke. "I am prepared to offer you some comforts, within reason. If you prove to be pleasant company, I shall grant you small favors. As long as you can refrain from attempting to escape or from striking out at me, I will agree not to bind you."
Frodo gritted his teeth. "You are asking me to sit here and be complacent, as if I were visiting you of my own accord?"
"I realize it may be difficult for you, as stubborn as you are," Bramblethorn admitted. "But your choice is simple. Behave yourself or be punished. Once we have established that you can do that, I may be willing to give you more, say, something to read, perhaps."
"You expect me to grovel meekly at your feet and do your bidding, simply so that I may be treated with common decency?" The idea was too repellent to consider.
"It is your decision, Frodo," Bramblethorn said. "Your choice. If you can mind your manners for the course of this evening, I promise not to bind you upon your return to your room."
It took all Frodo's strength not to tell Bramblethorn what he could do with his promise. "All right, I shall attempt to conduct myself with the utmost propriety," Frodo answered. "But I want something in return."
"Do tell," Bramblethorn said, smiling.
Frodo took a deep breath and spoke softly. "I want to see Merry and Sam."
Bramblethorn stopped toying with the wine glass and set it down very carefully on the table and smoothed the linen. "No. That is out of the question." Frodo's cousin and that annoying gardener must be kept as far away from Frodo as possible.
"Why? Do you think that they alone could manage to spirit me away from you under the circumstances?" Frodo made an impatient gesture to the room at large. "Don't you understand that I must let them know - "
"Fear not, Frodo. I shall be more than pleased to inform them of your condition, be it what it may." The tone of Bramblethorn's voice did nothing to soothe Frodo. It was rather cold, and filled with darker implications. "Besides, they haven't seemed as eager to see you as I would have thought. I fully expected Samwise Gamgee banging on my door long before now. Indeed, I find it rather amazing that he left you to my care at all."
"How can you say that, with the threats you made before his very eyes?" Frodo asked incredulously. "The only reason Sam has stayed away is - "
"The reason your faithful gardener has abandoned you to my care is that he is afraid," Bramblethorn taunted.
"Yes, Bramblethorn," Frodo said evenly. "He is afraid. He is afraid that you will harm me if he comes, so he has not. He has stayed away because I pleaded with him to do so, but he most surely has not abandoned me."
"Poor dear, you're unwilling to see the truth, as painful as it is. When your isolation becomes too much to bear, perhaps you will not find my company so dreadful, hmmm?" Bramblethorn purred.
Frodo had heard enough. "I will never be lonely enough to crave your company," he said coldly. Having eaten and endured his fill, Frodo kept his promise to mind his manners and said, "May I be excused?"
Bramblethorn raised an eyebrow and looked at Monto. "You heard our guest, Monto. Frodo would like to be excused." Monto pulled Frodo to his feet.
"Thank you for a pleasant evening, Frodo. I'm so glad that you could join me." He addressed Monto again. "Please see him to his room."
"Come on, you," Monto growled and shoved Frodo toward the hallway. Upon reaching the door to the room, Monto paused to unlock it. As he did, he shoved Frodo against the wall and stood much closer to him than was strictly necessary. "The boss must really be fond of you to put up with your sass. You're a smart - arse pretty boy, you are."
"And you're a miserable half - orc," Frodo hissed. Monto had got the door unlocked by that time. He grabbed Frodo by his collar and hurled him into the room so hard he slammed into the far wall. The door banged shut and Frodo was alone again, a fact he regretted not at all. He lay down on the bed and closed his eyes, waiting for sleep to take him.
~*~
"Did you get it?" Bramblethorn asked Anson, once Frodo was safely locked away.
Anson produced Merry's letter and handed it to Bramblethorn, smirking broadly. "Wasn't too hard, boss. That innkeeper's not very attentive at times."
Bramblethorn turned the sealed envelope over in his hands gleefully. "Well, let's just see what the little Bucklander has attempted to report, shall we?" He tore it open and read the message Merry had intended for his father. "Ahh, good. They are afraid to attempt to rescue Frodo, at least for the present. We must keep them on their toes, however." He drummed his fingertips against the desktop. "As I told Frodo at supper, I plan to communicate with them every so often, to ensure that they don't forget where they stand." He drew parchment and quill from his writing desk and composed a message, which he sealed and addressed. "Tomorrow I want you to leave this at the inn for Brandybuck and Frodo's gardener."
Anson nodded and accepted the message. "I wish I could be there to see their faces when they read this," he commented with a nasty laugh.
"It would be enjoyable, wouldn't it?" Bramblethorn responded, his tone smug and self - satisfied. "Even as I prevent them from getting near Frodo, I shall make them feel his absence and fear for him with all of their hearts and souls." He leaned back in his chair and grinned at his hired help. This could turn out to be the best game of wits he had ever enjoyed.
~*~ To be continued ~*~
~*~