Camellia - Gamgee Took - Bramblethorn seems more his old self now, doesn't he? No more Mr. Nicehobbit!
Aelfgifu - Ahh, yes. Sleep deprivation as well as other kinds. As before, Bramblethorn is going to exercise his power over Frodo in every way he can. He intends that the only way Frodo will find relief is if he gives in and begs for it. I will definitely not let Bramblethorn read that article you mention. He's got enough nasty ideas of his own!
CuriousCat - You're right. The way Bramblethorn says "My dear" and other endearments make them a whole different ballgame. Frodo will continue to attempt to defy Bramblethorn, but lets just say it's a good thing help will be coming soon. Bramblethorn only has a few days left to accomplish his goal.
Shelbyshire - Merry and Sam will reach Buckland in this chapter and the entire tale will be out. Bramblethorn fully intends to have at least one more night with Frodo, but can he get Frodo to submit before Merry and Sam arrive with help? They'll be making all possible haste, I assure you!
Stephanie - Frodo is still fighting. Bramblethorn has made his intentions quite clear, but Frodo cannot imagine giving in. He will have to be careful, though. For every comfort there will most certainly be a price, and he must decide which of those prices he is willing to pay.
Hobbitfeet13 - Bramblethorn is hurt that Frodo will never love him, but he accepts that for now. Things are indeed about to become much more serious for Frodo. He has been this route with Bramblethorn before and he knows what that hobbit is capable of.
Breon Briarwood - Keep chewing on those nails and they'll start looking like mine! Here's that update for you!
GamgeeFest - Bramblethorn has many weapons to use against Frodo's resistance at this time, whether it's news of Sam and Merry or something as simple as a drink of water. Frodo will have to weigh his very survival against his hatred and revulsion for Bramblethorn. As to what Bramblethorn will do with the news that Merry and Sam have departed Bree, read on. It may not be what you might think, but I promise you, it is quite wicked.
Endymion2 - The innkeeper will recognize Monto - if he sees him! Bramblethorn does just say some of the most terrible things, doesn't he? He's at it again in this chapter.
Sam - Bramblethorn's tricks are getting dirtier all the time! Frodo is seriously peeved about Bramblethorn ruining the harvest, and many other things.
Spootasia Tomoe - Bramblethorn intends to do all he can to break Frodo before Merry and Sam can get to him. Much more tension and angst on the way.
Anarie - Bramblethorn will want to warn Merry and Sam against treachery. What form will his warning take? Read on. We will see just how far Bramblethorn can get with Frodo before help comes.
Trust No One - Bramblethorn is definitely trying to humiliate Frodo, but the sleep deprivation is intended to weaken him further and make him more likely to comply in order to ease his discomfort.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Chapter 18 - Whatever the Cost
Monto walked through the yard at the back of the inn, pausing near the stables to light his pipe. He had managed to slip into the common room by the back door, and all there had been quiet. There had been no sign of the hobbits from the Shire, nor the innkeeper himself. The desk was manned by another, so the innkeeper must be about other duties, Monto surmised.
The innkeeper's voice drifted out to him from one of the structures, and Monto could hear part of his conversation with another man inside. He concealed himself quickly and extinguished his pipe lest the smoke alert anyone to his presence.
"How is business, Eldon?" the other man asked the innkeeper idly.
"Fair enough, I suppose," the innkeeper grunted back at him as he wrestled with a broken gate latch he was attempting to repair. "But for some strange comings and goings, things have been quiet of late."
The other man frowned and asked, "What do mean, my friend? Is there something of a suspicious nature afoot on the premises?"
It was the innkeeper's turn to frown as he spoke. "I've been tryin' to keep my nose out of my guests' business, but there's somethin' right strange about the behavior of some of them," he conceded. "Them hobbits I gave lodgings to a bit over a week ago, for a start. There were three of them, come from the Shire or so they said. They were askin' about buying a good supply of grain. Must have had a bad harvest or some such. As I said, there was three of 'em, and then there were two."
"Go on," the second man prompted curiously.
"Items started to come for the other two in the post, and I swear as I'm an honest man, there was fear in them hobbits' eyes when I gave them those letters." He considered whether to go further with his explanation. He had determined that whatever was going on was none of his affair and he would be best advised to keep out of it altogether, but Darien was a lawman of Bree. He might be able to answer the questions as to the innkeeper's rights to any property left in a room by non - paying guests.
"'Long about three nights ago, them other two got into a scrape in my common room with two others of their kind. It didn't look as though my guests were the cause, but there was somethin' to it they didn't want to talk about. The next day, I didn't see either of them around neither, and I've seen not a sign of them since. Their two ponies are gone, but the wagons they came in are still here."
"Have you gone to their room to see if there are any clues to their whereabouts?" Darien asked his friend. This was becoming more intriguing by the moment.
"I did," the innkeeper admitted. "An' here's the interesting part. They did leave some personal belongings in the room, as if they'd gone in a big hurry. They left behind them messages they'd received, and I got a look at them." The innkeeper looked rather abashed at the admission. "One of them was no less than word that the third one had been kidnapped, and the one responsible was askin' the others to meet with him to discuss
terms of some kind."
"Eldon, why did you not say something to me before?" Darien said in consternation. "These things simply cannot be allowed to go unanswered." The laws of the Breelanders were ancient and simple, having been passed down through generations from the time when a king ruled the lands of the West. Confining another against his will was punishable by a long term of imprisonment and hard labor, the size or race of the culprit notwithstanding.
"'T ain't my business what my guests don't want me to know about. I was just tendin' to my own." The innkeeper finished with the gate latch and scrubbed his hands against his thighs. "If them hobbits don't come back, what have I got a right to in order to recover my loss on the room?"
"By the law, if they have not returned in a fortnight, you have a right to any property they leave behind and you may sell it for whatever price it may bring," Darien informed him. "I'm disturbed by your news, Eldon. I plan to linger nearby for a few days in case your missing guests should return. If they do, I intend to speak with them and to know their tale in its entirety."
Outside the stables Monto stood very still as he listened. This was interesting information indeed, and potentially very bad news. If those hobbits had gone for help, there could be serious trouble ahead, not to mention the fact that Men were now aware of the events. Monto slunk away silently to impart the news to his employer.
~*~
Bramblethorn was not pleased. He paced the floor of his study, glowering and cursing under his breath. "They've gone, then. You are certain?"
"That's what them big fellows said," Monto confirmed.
"Although I have attempted to make Frodo believe otherwise, his companions would never merely leave him. They have gone to Buckland to obtain the ransom." Bramblethorn stopped pacing and considered his next move. "They will have reached Buckland by now if the Men were correct regarding the time of their departure, and if they made haste. They shall likely return in only two to three days, and perhaps with reinforcements."
"Do you think they're gonna try somethin'?" Monto asked curiously.
"I intend to warn them very strongly against it," Bramblethorn growled with a dangerous gleam in his eye. "Good work, Monto. Get some rest, old boy. You will be watching over Frodo during the night, and your vigilance will be required."
Monto nodded and left the room. Bramblethorn remained for a few moments longer as he collected his thoughts. He would have to send Monto or Anson to watch the inn and report back to him regarding the situation. He must know if Frodo's companions brought others with them. And then there was the matter of the nosy innkeeper and his friend, a lawman, of all things. Bramblethorn knew he must issue a strong warning indeed if he wanted to keep such people at bay.
A thought came to him and he made his way out of the study, stopping in the kitchen on the way to his room. He retrieved the necessary items and continued down the hallway to his destination. When Bramblethorn opened the door, Anson was standing over Frodo, gripping a handful of his hair and preparing to strike him.
"He keeps fallin' asleep on me," Anson said snidely as Bramblethorn entered.
"Does he now?" Bramblethorn's tone was almost amused. "He seems to be awake at present." Bramblethorn placed the items he was carrying on the table. He had brought several things into the room, including a teacup and a small, sharp knife. "You may release him from the chair, but keep his hands bound," he instructed Anson.
When Anson had wrestled Frodo to his feet, Bramblethorn gestured for him to bring the captive hobbit to him as he stood by the table. "Frodo, I have just received word of your cousin and your gardener," Bramblethorn said as he removed Frodo's gag. "Do you know that they have left Bree? Some nights ago, it seems."
Frodo's eyes widened in shock. "No! You lie!" he gasped. "They wouldn't leave me here!"
"Oh, but it seems they would and that they have," Bramblethorn said mildly. "And that begs the question, what is their purpose for having done so?"
"They've gone for help," Frodo hissed. "They'll return."
"As much as I would like to believe that they have given you to me permanently, I fear you're correct," Bramblethorn conceded. "And that is why we must remind your cousin and your gardener that treachery on their part will not be tolerated."
Frodo regarded the other hobbit fearfully as Bramblethorn nodded to Anson. Anson forced Frodo to his knees, and Frodo squirmed desperately, unable to break his captor's hold or to foresee what was coming next.
"Hold him still," Bramblethorn commanded as he reached for the cup and the knife.
Frodo's heart pounded furiously. What did Bramblethorn intend to do with such things? He received the answer to his unspoken question as sharp pain shot through his hand. Frodo fought against the scream that threatened to burst from him as Bramblethorn drew the blade across one of his palms.
Bramblethorn held the cup under the newly - made wound and collected the blood that ran from cut. He had not sliced Frodo's skin deeply, but only enough to produce the desired result. A moment later, as Frodo knelt trembling before him, Bramblethorn bandaged the hand and drew Frodo into his arms.
"I'm sorry, Frodo, but it was necessary," he explained. "Your former companions must know beyond any doubt that your life is in my hands."
Stunned beyond words, Frodo said nothing. The lack of sleep was beginning to wear on him as well as an ever growing hunger and thirst. His hand now throbbed in time with his aching head as Bramblethorn released him and Anson dragged him up from the floor and back to the chair.
Bramblethorn departed for his study with the cup and the knife in hand. There was only a small quantity of blood in the cup, but enough to accomplish his task. He seated himself at his writing desk and drew a sheet of clean vellum from the drawer, dipped a quill into the cup and began to write.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
'Dear Masters Brandybuck and Gamgee,
It has been some time since our last communication, and I believe you have been rather busy in the meantime. I am aware that you have been to Buckland, and that you may now have in hand the sum required to purchase the grain and to ransom your dear Frodo.
I wish to remind you that his life is mine to take or to spare as I deem necessary, and that any treachery on your part will surely have serious consequences. If you doubt me, allow me to make the truth of the matter absolutely clear to you.
This message is NOT written in ink.
You will await my further instructions regarding the exchange of the ransom for Frodo, and I trust that you will not do anything foolish.
Sincerely yours,
Rushford Bramblethorn'
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
That should deter Frodo's cousin and gardener from making any attempts to rescue him, Bramblethorn thought as he waved a hand over the page to dry the writing he had inscribed upon it. He would ensure that the message was waiting at the inn by the time those hobbits returned from Buckland.
~*~ Late night in Buckland ~*~
Brandy Hall had never looked so appealing to Sam. On the few occasions when he had accompanied Frodo to Buckland, Sam had found the Hall itself to be far too crowded and busy for his tastes. Now it stood before him promising new hope as he helped Merry to dismount and make his way to the main entrance. The hour was late and the doors were barred, the courtyard silent and brooding under the stars.
Merry wasted no time in attempting to rouse some of the inhabitants. He thumped on the doors with his fists, shouting, "Someone, please! Let us in!"
There came the sound of one of the doors being unbarred and a pair of suspicious eyes peered at the hobbits from the barely opened portal. "I've a broom in one hand and a frying pan in the other," a female voice warned stoutly. "Who dares to beat upon the doors of the Hall at such an hour?"
"Let us in, Lillia," Merry said urgently. "It's Merry and Samwise."
The middle - aged servant gasped at the sound of the familiar voice and flung the doors open wide. "I thought you were in Bree - "
"We were, and we must go back," Merry said wearily as Sam helped him through the doorway. "Please wake my father immediately. It's very important!"
Lillia made no protest, but fled hastily down an adjacent hallway to wake the Master of Buckland. Sam noted idly that she carried neither the broom nor the frying pan she had claimed to be wielding.
Sam helped Merry into a nearby parlor and eased him into a chair by the hearth. "Your father will be none too pleased when he sees the state you're in," Sam lamented.
"That hardly matters, Sam." Merry brushed the dust of the road from the front of his breeches. He supposed he did look a sight, having traveled with little rest for several days on end.
A sound in the hallway caused both hobbits to look up. Saradoc was hurrying down the hall with an expression of deep concern on his face, his hair mussed and his eyes puffy from sleep. "Merry! Sam! What's brought you back at such an hour? For Eru's sake, look at you! You're injured - "
"I'm fine," Merry answered crossly.
Saradoc examined the lump on Merry's head and gave Sam a nod of approval for having tended to it. "Don't gainsay your father, Meriadoc," he chided. Once he was satisfied that Merry was more whole than hurt, he paused and looked around the room. "Where's Frodo?"
"You never received our message, did you?" Merry asked, finding his fears confirmed.
"I've received no messages from you since your departure, Merry," Saradoc responded with a frown. "In fact, I was beginning to wonder how you were faring." The frown deepened as Saradoc again noted the weary, disheveled appearance of both hobbits. "What is this all about?"
Merry took a deep breath and Sam stared at the floor in silence. "Something terrible has happened," Merry began. "Frodo has been kidnapped."
"What did you say?" Saradoc stared at Merry in shock, now fully awake. "By whom, and for what purpose?"
"It was Rushford Bramblethorn. He's in Bree! He's hoarding the supply of grain and charging outrageous prices to those who wish to buy it. To ensure that we buy from him and at the price he demands, he's holding Frodo captive. He's demanded a ransom for Frodo as well." Merry's tale poured forth as Sam wrung his hands mournfully.
"Bramblethorn?" Saradoc's brow creased as he spoke the name. "Wasn't he that dreadful fellow that spirited Frodo off to Bywater and did such awful things to him a few years ago?"
"The very same, sir," Sam acknowledged, finally trusting himself to speak. "He's got himself a couple of nasty hired hands to help him, and they've got Mr. Frodo!" Sam's voice wavered as he thought his master's plight. "They said they'd hurt him if we don't do as they say."
"This is terrible news indeed!" Saradoc exclaimed as he sank into a chair next to Merry. "We must go to Bree at once."
Merry had tears in his eyes as he looked at his father. "I've failed you. I've failed Frodo - "
"You mustn't take the blame upon yourself, my son," Saradoc said as he placed a hand upon Merry's shoulder. "You didn't know that rascal Bramblethorn was about when you asked Frodo to accompany you to Bree. It is very bad luck that there is no grain to be had in Bree but by Bramblethorn's provision, but it is certainly no fault of yours. Let us gather ourselves now and be away, lads."
"Who shall we take with us?" Merry asked.
A voice sounded in the corridor and heads turned. "You're not leaving me to sit in this bloody cave and wait for you, that's certain." Another stout hobbit was walking into the room combing his hair from his eyes with the fingers of one hand. He was tanned and weathered, and his gaze was as sharp as his voice.
"Merimac! We didn't mean to wake you," Saradoc said apologetically. "How much of our trouble did you get wind of while you were eavesdropping in the hallway?"
Merimac ignored the gibe completely. "Enough to know you've got trouble enough for an army of hobbits, let alone the three of you."
"And you wish to journey with us to Bree? Is this the same hobbit who oft has said, 'if I cannot float there, I'll not go?'" Saradoc raised an eyebrow at the riverhobbit. Merimac was just back from a long trip and taking his rest at the hall with his large extended family. Indeed, journeys by land held little interest for him on general principles. He was much more at home on the deck of a boat then on the back of one of Saradoc's beloved ponies.
"For Frodo's sake I shall bear the ground beneath my feet and your surly company as well," Mac retorted.
"You're coming with us?" Merry asked his father in surprise. "But you've so much to do here! A few stout lads from the hall would be able to act as escort for us just as easily."
"I have no doubt of that, but I suppose I share Mac's feelings regarding these events. It's more than just safety in numbers while transporting a large sum of funds. It's the fact that Frodo is in trouble and I cannot bring myself to stay here under the circumstances." Saradoc considered for a moment. "I think I shall ask Ned to come as well. He's a solid fellow and his duties are lighter now that harvest has come and gone."
Merry groaned as he rose from the chair. "We had better get started," he said, intending to help with preparations.
"You just relax for a moment, lad," Saradoc chided his son. "If you could see what a sight you are, you would betake yourself to the baths and let the rest of us see to the other tasks. You too, Samwise."
Merry nodded in defeat. He knew it was more than time for a rest, and a hot bath sounded absolutely wonderful. He sighed and beckoned to Sam. "Come on, Sam. Let's make ourselves ready to take to the road again."
"We'll take a wagon large enough for all of us. Those who aren't driving or preparing a meal will be able to sleep along the way. We will travel day and night, as I fear the two of you have done." Saradoc smiled at his son. "We will help Frodo. We shall have him back regardless of the cost." He knew he wouldn't like the answer to his next question. "How much?"
Merry told him.
The Master of Buckland stared at his son for a moment, then cleared his throat. "Very well. As long as Frodo is returned to us, I shall pay it." It seemed Bramblethorn's wickedness knew no bounds.
Merimac expressed his anger with a filthy curse that made Sam's ears redden. "I shall take that hobbit to sea and kick him overboard with a large stone hung about his neck!"
"And I shan't try to stop you," Saradoc agreed as they made their way down the hall.
~*~ To be continued ~*~
Aelfgifu - Ahh, yes. Sleep deprivation as well as other kinds. As before, Bramblethorn is going to exercise his power over Frodo in every way he can. He intends that the only way Frodo will find relief is if he gives in and begs for it. I will definitely not let Bramblethorn read that article you mention. He's got enough nasty ideas of his own!
CuriousCat - You're right. The way Bramblethorn says "My dear" and other endearments make them a whole different ballgame. Frodo will continue to attempt to defy Bramblethorn, but lets just say it's a good thing help will be coming soon. Bramblethorn only has a few days left to accomplish his goal.
Shelbyshire - Merry and Sam will reach Buckland in this chapter and the entire tale will be out. Bramblethorn fully intends to have at least one more night with Frodo, but can he get Frodo to submit before Merry and Sam arrive with help? They'll be making all possible haste, I assure you!
Stephanie - Frodo is still fighting. Bramblethorn has made his intentions quite clear, but Frodo cannot imagine giving in. He will have to be careful, though. For every comfort there will most certainly be a price, and he must decide which of those prices he is willing to pay.
Hobbitfeet13 - Bramblethorn is hurt that Frodo will never love him, but he accepts that for now. Things are indeed about to become much more serious for Frodo. He has been this route with Bramblethorn before and he knows what that hobbit is capable of.
Breon Briarwood - Keep chewing on those nails and they'll start looking like mine! Here's that update for you!
GamgeeFest - Bramblethorn has many weapons to use against Frodo's resistance at this time, whether it's news of Sam and Merry or something as simple as a drink of water. Frodo will have to weigh his very survival against his hatred and revulsion for Bramblethorn. As to what Bramblethorn will do with the news that Merry and Sam have departed Bree, read on. It may not be what you might think, but I promise you, it is quite wicked.
Endymion2 - The innkeeper will recognize Monto - if he sees him! Bramblethorn does just say some of the most terrible things, doesn't he? He's at it again in this chapter.
Sam - Bramblethorn's tricks are getting dirtier all the time! Frodo is seriously peeved about Bramblethorn ruining the harvest, and many other things.
Spootasia Tomoe - Bramblethorn intends to do all he can to break Frodo before Merry and Sam can get to him. Much more tension and angst on the way.
Anarie - Bramblethorn will want to warn Merry and Sam against treachery. What form will his warning take? Read on. We will see just how far Bramblethorn can get with Frodo before help comes.
Trust No One - Bramblethorn is definitely trying to humiliate Frodo, but the sleep deprivation is intended to weaken him further and make him more likely to comply in order to ease his discomfort.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Chapter 18 - Whatever the Cost
Monto walked through the yard at the back of the inn, pausing near the stables to light his pipe. He had managed to slip into the common room by the back door, and all there had been quiet. There had been no sign of the hobbits from the Shire, nor the innkeeper himself. The desk was manned by another, so the innkeeper must be about other duties, Monto surmised.
The innkeeper's voice drifted out to him from one of the structures, and Monto could hear part of his conversation with another man inside. He concealed himself quickly and extinguished his pipe lest the smoke alert anyone to his presence.
"How is business, Eldon?" the other man asked the innkeeper idly.
"Fair enough, I suppose," the innkeeper grunted back at him as he wrestled with a broken gate latch he was attempting to repair. "But for some strange comings and goings, things have been quiet of late."
The other man frowned and asked, "What do mean, my friend? Is there something of a suspicious nature afoot on the premises?"
It was the innkeeper's turn to frown as he spoke. "I've been tryin' to keep my nose out of my guests' business, but there's somethin' right strange about the behavior of some of them," he conceded. "Them hobbits I gave lodgings to a bit over a week ago, for a start. There were three of them, come from the Shire or so they said. They were askin' about buying a good supply of grain. Must have had a bad harvest or some such. As I said, there was three of 'em, and then there were two."
"Go on," the second man prompted curiously.
"Items started to come for the other two in the post, and I swear as I'm an honest man, there was fear in them hobbits' eyes when I gave them those letters." He considered whether to go further with his explanation. He had determined that whatever was going on was none of his affair and he would be best advised to keep out of it altogether, but Darien was a lawman of Bree. He might be able to answer the questions as to the innkeeper's rights to any property left in a room by non - paying guests.
"'Long about three nights ago, them other two got into a scrape in my common room with two others of their kind. It didn't look as though my guests were the cause, but there was somethin' to it they didn't want to talk about. The next day, I didn't see either of them around neither, and I've seen not a sign of them since. Their two ponies are gone, but the wagons they came in are still here."
"Have you gone to their room to see if there are any clues to their whereabouts?" Darien asked his friend. This was becoming more intriguing by the moment.
"I did," the innkeeper admitted. "An' here's the interesting part. They did leave some personal belongings in the room, as if they'd gone in a big hurry. They left behind them messages they'd received, and I got a look at them." The innkeeper looked rather abashed at the admission. "One of them was no less than word that the third one had been kidnapped, and the one responsible was askin' the others to meet with him to discuss
terms of some kind."
"Eldon, why did you not say something to me before?" Darien said in consternation. "These things simply cannot be allowed to go unanswered." The laws of the Breelanders were ancient and simple, having been passed down through generations from the time when a king ruled the lands of the West. Confining another against his will was punishable by a long term of imprisonment and hard labor, the size or race of the culprit notwithstanding.
"'T ain't my business what my guests don't want me to know about. I was just tendin' to my own." The innkeeper finished with the gate latch and scrubbed his hands against his thighs. "If them hobbits don't come back, what have I got a right to in order to recover my loss on the room?"
"By the law, if they have not returned in a fortnight, you have a right to any property they leave behind and you may sell it for whatever price it may bring," Darien informed him. "I'm disturbed by your news, Eldon. I plan to linger nearby for a few days in case your missing guests should return. If they do, I intend to speak with them and to know their tale in its entirety."
Outside the stables Monto stood very still as he listened. This was interesting information indeed, and potentially very bad news. If those hobbits had gone for help, there could be serious trouble ahead, not to mention the fact that Men were now aware of the events. Monto slunk away silently to impart the news to his employer.
~*~
Bramblethorn was not pleased. He paced the floor of his study, glowering and cursing under his breath. "They've gone, then. You are certain?"
"That's what them big fellows said," Monto confirmed.
"Although I have attempted to make Frodo believe otherwise, his companions would never merely leave him. They have gone to Buckland to obtain the ransom." Bramblethorn stopped pacing and considered his next move. "They will have reached Buckland by now if the Men were correct regarding the time of their departure, and if they made haste. They shall likely return in only two to three days, and perhaps with reinforcements."
"Do you think they're gonna try somethin'?" Monto asked curiously.
"I intend to warn them very strongly against it," Bramblethorn growled with a dangerous gleam in his eye. "Good work, Monto. Get some rest, old boy. You will be watching over Frodo during the night, and your vigilance will be required."
Monto nodded and left the room. Bramblethorn remained for a few moments longer as he collected his thoughts. He would have to send Monto or Anson to watch the inn and report back to him regarding the situation. He must know if Frodo's companions brought others with them. And then there was the matter of the nosy innkeeper and his friend, a lawman, of all things. Bramblethorn knew he must issue a strong warning indeed if he wanted to keep such people at bay.
A thought came to him and he made his way out of the study, stopping in the kitchen on the way to his room. He retrieved the necessary items and continued down the hallway to his destination. When Bramblethorn opened the door, Anson was standing over Frodo, gripping a handful of his hair and preparing to strike him.
"He keeps fallin' asleep on me," Anson said snidely as Bramblethorn entered.
"Does he now?" Bramblethorn's tone was almost amused. "He seems to be awake at present." Bramblethorn placed the items he was carrying on the table. He had brought several things into the room, including a teacup and a small, sharp knife. "You may release him from the chair, but keep his hands bound," he instructed Anson.
When Anson had wrestled Frodo to his feet, Bramblethorn gestured for him to bring the captive hobbit to him as he stood by the table. "Frodo, I have just received word of your cousin and your gardener," Bramblethorn said as he removed Frodo's gag. "Do you know that they have left Bree? Some nights ago, it seems."
Frodo's eyes widened in shock. "No! You lie!" he gasped. "They wouldn't leave me here!"
"Oh, but it seems they would and that they have," Bramblethorn said mildly. "And that begs the question, what is their purpose for having done so?"
"They've gone for help," Frodo hissed. "They'll return."
"As much as I would like to believe that they have given you to me permanently, I fear you're correct," Bramblethorn conceded. "And that is why we must remind your cousin and your gardener that treachery on their part will not be tolerated."
Frodo regarded the other hobbit fearfully as Bramblethorn nodded to Anson. Anson forced Frodo to his knees, and Frodo squirmed desperately, unable to break his captor's hold or to foresee what was coming next.
"Hold him still," Bramblethorn commanded as he reached for the cup and the knife.
Frodo's heart pounded furiously. What did Bramblethorn intend to do with such things? He received the answer to his unspoken question as sharp pain shot through his hand. Frodo fought against the scream that threatened to burst from him as Bramblethorn drew the blade across one of his palms.
Bramblethorn held the cup under the newly - made wound and collected the blood that ran from cut. He had not sliced Frodo's skin deeply, but only enough to produce the desired result. A moment later, as Frodo knelt trembling before him, Bramblethorn bandaged the hand and drew Frodo into his arms.
"I'm sorry, Frodo, but it was necessary," he explained. "Your former companions must know beyond any doubt that your life is in my hands."
Stunned beyond words, Frodo said nothing. The lack of sleep was beginning to wear on him as well as an ever growing hunger and thirst. His hand now throbbed in time with his aching head as Bramblethorn released him and Anson dragged him up from the floor and back to the chair.
Bramblethorn departed for his study with the cup and the knife in hand. There was only a small quantity of blood in the cup, but enough to accomplish his task. He seated himself at his writing desk and drew a sheet of clean vellum from the drawer, dipped a quill into the cup and began to write.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
'Dear Masters Brandybuck and Gamgee,
It has been some time since our last communication, and I believe you have been rather busy in the meantime. I am aware that you have been to Buckland, and that you may now have in hand the sum required to purchase the grain and to ransom your dear Frodo.
I wish to remind you that his life is mine to take or to spare as I deem necessary, and that any treachery on your part will surely have serious consequences. If you doubt me, allow me to make the truth of the matter absolutely clear to you.
This message is NOT written in ink.
You will await my further instructions regarding the exchange of the ransom for Frodo, and I trust that you will not do anything foolish.
Sincerely yours,
Rushford Bramblethorn'
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
That should deter Frodo's cousin and gardener from making any attempts to rescue him, Bramblethorn thought as he waved a hand over the page to dry the writing he had inscribed upon it. He would ensure that the message was waiting at the inn by the time those hobbits returned from Buckland.
~*~ Late night in Buckland ~*~
Brandy Hall had never looked so appealing to Sam. On the few occasions when he had accompanied Frodo to Buckland, Sam had found the Hall itself to be far too crowded and busy for his tastes. Now it stood before him promising new hope as he helped Merry to dismount and make his way to the main entrance. The hour was late and the doors were barred, the courtyard silent and brooding under the stars.
Merry wasted no time in attempting to rouse some of the inhabitants. He thumped on the doors with his fists, shouting, "Someone, please! Let us in!"
There came the sound of one of the doors being unbarred and a pair of suspicious eyes peered at the hobbits from the barely opened portal. "I've a broom in one hand and a frying pan in the other," a female voice warned stoutly. "Who dares to beat upon the doors of the Hall at such an hour?"
"Let us in, Lillia," Merry said urgently. "It's Merry and Samwise."
The middle - aged servant gasped at the sound of the familiar voice and flung the doors open wide. "I thought you were in Bree - "
"We were, and we must go back," Merry said wearily as Sam helped him through the doorway. "Please wake my father immediately. It's very important!"
Lillia made no protest, but fled hastily down an adjacent hallway to wake the Master of Buckland. Sam noted idly that she carried neither the broom nor the frying pan she had claimed to be wielding.
Sam helped Merry into a nearby parlor and eased him into a chair by the hearth. "Your father will be none too pleased when he sees the state you're in," Sam lamented.
"That hardly matters, Sam." Merry brushed the dust of the road from the front of his breeches. He supposed he did look a sight, having traveled with little rest for several days on end.
A sound in the hallway caused both hobbits to look up. Saradoc was hurrying down the hall with an expression of deep concern on his face, his hair mussed and his eyes puffy from sleep. "Merry! Sam! What's brought you back at such an hour? For Eru's sake, look at you! You're injured - "
"I'm fine," Merry answered crossly.
Saradoc examined the lump on Merry's head and gave Sam a nod of approval for having tended to it. "Don't gainsay your father, Meriadoc," he chided. Once he was satisfied that Merry was more whole than hurt, he paused and looked around the room. "Where's Frodo?"
"You never received our message, did you?" Merry asked, finding his fears confirmed.
"I've received no messages from you since your departure, Merry," Saradoc responded with a frown. "In fact, I was beginning to wonder how you were faring." The frown deepened as Saradoc again noted the weary, disheveled appearance of both hobbits. "What is this all about?"
Merry took a deep breath and Sam stared at the floor in silence. "Something terrible has happened," Merry began. "Frodo has been kidnapped."
"What did you say?" Saradoc stared at Merry in shock, now fully awake. "By whom, and for what purpose?"
"It was Rushford Bramblethorn. He's in Bree! He's hoarding the supply of grain and charging outrageous prices to those who wish to buy it. To ensure that we buy from him and at the price he demands, he's holding Frodo captive. He's demanded a ransom for Frodo as well." Merry's tale poured forth as Sam wrung his hands mournfully.
"Bramblethorn?" Saradoc's brow creased as he spoke the name. "Wasn't he that dreadful fellow that spirited Frodo off to Bywater and did such awful things to him a few years ago?"
"The very same, sir," Sam acknowledged, finally trusting himself to speak. "He's got himself a couple of nasty hired hands to help him, and they've got Mr. Frodo!" Sam's voice wavered as he thought his master's plight. "They said they'd hurt him if we don't do as they say."
"This is terrible news indeed!" Saradoc exclaimed as he sank into a chair next to Merry. "We must go to Bree at once."
Merry had tears in his eyes as he looked at his father. "I've failed you. I've failed Frodo - "
"You mustn't take the blame upon yourself, my son," Saradoc said as he placed a hand upon Merry's shoulder. "You didn't know that rascal Bramblethorn was about when you asked Frodo to accompany you to Bree. It is very bad luck that there is no grain to be had in Bree but by Bramblethorn's provision, but it is certainly no fault of yours. Let us gather ourselves now and be away, lads."
"Who shall we take with us?" Merry asked.
A voice sounded in the corridor and heads turned. "You're not leaving me to sit in this bloody cave and wait for you, that's certain." Another stout hobbit was walking into the room combing his hair from his eyes with the fingers of one hand. He was tanned and weathered, and his gaze was as sharp as his voice.
"Merimac! We didn't mean to wake you," Saradoc said apologetically. "How much of our trouble did you get wind of while you were eavesdropping in the hallway?"
Merimac ignored the gibe completely. "Enough to know you've got trouble enough for an army of hobbits, let alone the three of you."
"And you wish to journey with us to Bree? Is this the same hobbit who oft has said, 'if I cannot float there, I'll not go?'" Saradoc raised an eyebrow at the riverhobbit. Merimac was just back from a long trip and taking his rest at the hall with his large extended family. Indeed, journeys by land held little interest for him on general principles. He was much more at home on the deck of a boat then on the back of one of Saradoc's beloved ponies.
"For Frodo's sake I shall bear the ground beneath my feet and your surly company as well," Mac retorted.
"You're coming with us?" Merry asked his father in surprise. "But you've so much to do here! A few stout lads from the hall would be able to act as escort for us just as easily."
"I have no doubt of that, but I suppose I share Mac's feelings regarding these events. It's more than just safety in numbers while transporting a large sum of funds. It's the fact that Frodo is in trouble and I cannot bring myself to stay here under the circumstances." Saradoc considered for a moment. "I think I shall ask Ned to come as well. He's a solid fellow and his duties are lighter now that harvest has come and gone."
Merry groaned as he rose from the chair. "We had better get started," he said, intending to help with preparations.
"You just relax for a moment, lad," Saradoc chided his son. "If you could see what a sight you are, you would betake yourself to the baths and let the rest of us see to the other tasks. You too, Samwise."
Merry nodded in defeat. He knew it was more than time for a rest, and a hot bath sounded absolutely wonderful. He sighed and beckoned to Sam. "Come on, Sam. Let's make ourselves ready to take to the road again."
"We'll take a wagon large enough for all of us. Those who aren't driving or preparing a meal will be able to sleep along the way. We will travel day and night, as I fear the two of you have done." Saradoc smiled at his son. "We will help Frodo. We shall have him back regardless of the cost." He knew he wouldn't like the answer to his next question. "How much?"
Merry told him.
The Master of Buckland stared at his son for a moment, then cleared his throat. "Very well. As long as Frodo is returned to us, I shall pay it." It seemed Bramblethorn's wickedness knew no bounds.
Merimac expressed his anger with a filthy curse that made Sam's ears redden. "I shall take that hobbit to sea and kick him overboard with a large stone hung about his neck!"
"And I shan't try to stop you," Saradoc agreed as they made their way down the hall.
~*~ To be continued ~*~