Iorhael - You can't stop reading because, just like me, you want to see the happy ending that must surely come sooner or later. Bramblethorn hurt Frodo because he wasn't gentle, but it wasn't Frodo's first time, thankfully. It was certainly very humiliating what Bramby did to Frodo in the cellar. All part of his evil plan.
Trust No One - Bramby has yet more nasty tricks ahead. Frodo did score a point when he told Bramblethorn he couldn't win. Bramby didn't want to hear that. You'll see what Bramblethorn decides to do and why it would change his life.
Monet - Thank you for coming by and for following the entire series. I never envisioned so many stories coming from the idea that spawned "In Safekeeping", but thousands of words later, here I am! There will be some comfort coming and Sam will have a lot to do with it.
Breon Briarwood - Any thought of Bramblethorn coming to his senses is, as you said, a dream. And Bramby has dreams of his own.
Stephanie - Bramblethorn won't be easy to get rid of, I'm afraid. He won't go away on his own, that's certain. He won't give Frodo up without a fight, that's true.
Shelbyshire - I try to update every couple of days or so, in between work and everything else. Sorry to make you wait! I'm flattered that you're enjoying the story enough to anticipate each chapter.
Spootasia Tomoe - Yes, more snarky comments ahead, certainly. Bramblethorn is the snarkiest! I don't know how I manage to come out sane after getting into that creature's head. Must be some sort of twisted therapy or something.
Endymion2 - Bramblethorn is starting to unravel under the stress, isn't he? More and more, he just doesn't know what to do to bring Frodo to him. Frodo won that round with his reminding Bramblethorn that true victory was impossible. Bramblethorn will have to pull himself together or he will be defeated by the forces of good that intend to descend upon him.
Camellia Gamgee - Took - The confrontation is coming soon, definitely. I have not read the story you describe, but there could be parallels between the characters. That is Bramblethorn's tragedy, that he is not entirely unfeeling.
Anarie - I haven't heard the song by Queen, but I'll have to find it and listen. Bramblethorn has one final move to try on Frodo and he'll do it soon.
The Lady of Mirkwood - Glad you're enjoying the story! Your idea is even angstier than mine, I think. Sooner or later we'll have to help Frodo or he'll be a mess for life!
GamgeeFest - Bramblethorn isn't likely to leave Frodo alone until his time is up, as you'll see in this chapter. Poor Frodo. It is Bramblethorn's fault that Frodo can't care for him. He's just too selfish and nasty. He is slipping a bit, underestimating Frodo. He shouldn't! Reunion is coming in the next few chapters.
Hobbitfeet13 - Sam is an optimistic hobbit, and he will need his optimism to help Frodo after all this.
Sam - I haven't been to the website you mention, but it might be fun! I'll try to check out the challenge there. Maybe it will spark something in my imagination too!
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Chapter 22 - Coming Together
Bramblethorn woke as the morning sun shone into the study through the window. He had fallen asleep by the fire, and an empty brandy glass stood on the table beside his chair. He scrubbed a hand across his face wearily and tried to focus on the things that must be done soon.
He must send Anson to watch the inn starting that very afternoon, he surmised. As soon as he had word that Frodo's companions had returned, he would send the letter containing his instructions for their next, most critical meeting. He had already decided that the meeting was to take place the next night, provided Brandybuck and the gardener reached Bree in due time. All there was to do now was wait, just wait and consider.
Bramblethorn considered Frodo. It was time Frodo at least had something to drink. He rose from his chair and made his way into the kitchen to prepare some mild herbal tea. It would not be much of a breakfast for his prisoner, but it would serve the purpose. The tea steeped and Bramblethorn stewed.
He had already decided what he would say to Brandybuck and the gardener when he saw them again. He could just imagine the looks on their faces when he told them. When the tea was ready, Bramblethorn prepared a tray with tea service and placed a lit candle on the tray as well.
Bramblethorn carefully negotiated the cellar stairs and set the tray on the floor near where Frodo lay still and silent. Frodo barely moved as Bramblethorn lifted the blindfold from his eyes. "Wake up, love," Bramblethorn cajoled. "I've tea for you, Frodo."
Frodo opened his eyes and squinted into the dim light. "H - how long have I - "
"You have been here almost two days, my dear," Bramblethorn answered the half - finished question. "Sit up now, and have some tea." He propped Frodo up in his arms and held the cup to his lips.
Frodo sipped the tea gingerly, but it tasted of herbs and nothing more. The sharp pangs of hunger had faded into a dull omnipresent ache, and even if Bramblethorn had brought him food, Frodo was unsure whether his stomach would accept it. The tea was bitter and unsweetened, but it revived him somewhat.
"Two days, Frodo," Bramblethorn said again. "Your stubbornness and your resilience are astonishing."
"Why are you here?" Frodo asked flatly. Bramblethorn could have no purpose for the visit beyond adding to his torment.
"I missed you, love," Bramblethorn answered calmly. "Will you not ease the emptiness of my arms and the aching of my heart?"
"You know very well I shall not," Frodo told him weakly.
Bramblethorn raised the teacup to Frodo's lips again. He spoke as if he had not even heard Frodo's denial. "Are you tired of this cold, dark place, Frodo?"
"Of course I am!" Frodo's retort sounded thin and ragged, edged with weary frustration.
"Then I shall allow you to choose, and I shall give you time to decide." Bramblethorn put the teacup down and wrapped both arms firmly around Frodo. "When I next come to visit you, you may either agree to take my hand and allow me to lead you from this cellar to a more comfortable place where we may have some quality time together, or I shall join you here. Either way, you are mine, love."
Tears were gathering in Frodo's eyes. "You offer me no choice, Bramblethorn. Either way, I am to be coerced. You will take from me what I will not give you voluntarily and I shall have no pleasure in it."
"It need not be as you describe, love," Bramblethorn informed him. "If you should decide to accept my attentions, I promise to make it enjoyable for you. Your body will respond, my dear. It responded the last time, if you remember."
Frodo's breath caught at the mention of the previous assault. He didn't want to remember! He had been helpless and horrified, and any response his body had made had been wholly involuntary. "I won't discuss this any further!" he gasped. "Take your hands off me! Take your tea and go," Frodo demanded stubbornly.
"Very well, Frodo," Bramblethorn replied. "But remember the choice I gave you. We shall be together again, you and I, and you must decide where. You must decide if you are to know pleasure or pain. Think about it for a while, hmmmm?"
Frodo remained silent as Bramblethorn blindfolded him and eased him down to lie upon the cellar floor once again. There had never been a more welcome sound than that of Bramblethorn's foot falls retreating up the stairs.
~*~ Late the same night ~*~
The wagon rattled through the Bree Gate and over the cobblestones as Saradoc drove the team of ponies toward the inn. He could see the lights of lanterns ahead as he and the other hobbits approached. When he reached the entrance to the yard and stables, he halted the wagon and roused his companions. "We've arrived, everyone."
The hobbits alit from the wagon and began to grab packs and other supplies. The sound of footsteps startled them and they looked up to see two men striding toward them. Merry cleared his throat and attempted a proper greeting. "Hello, sirs," he said to the innkeeper and the other man. "Please forgive us for our unannounced departure. As you can see, we have returned and we fully intend to pay you for our lodging."
The innkeeper turned a stern gaze upon Merry and the other hobbits. "Well that's a good thing, friend. I confess I'd thought not to see you again."
Merry blushed as Saradoc extended his hand to politely shake that of the innkeeper. "Thank you for your understanding, sir. There's been a bit of an emergency, and my son had to leave for a few days unexpectedly."
Darien spoke casually as he surveyed the party of hobbits. "After you've settled yourselves, I think we should speak with one another regarding this 'emergency' you mention."
Sam and Merry both paled and alarm showed clearly on their faces. Who was this man, and why did he wish to know about their trouble? "We mean no disrespect, sir, but we would rather not discuss that matter."
Darien smiled at Merry. "I didn't think you would be pleased at such a prospect, I admit. However, I believe it would be in your best interests to speak with us." He gestured to the innkeeper, who produced an envelope addressed to Merry and Sam.
"This came for you while you were away," he said gruffly as Merry reluctantly took the message from his hand. The hobbit made no move to open the message and peruse its contents.
"I think you should read that," Darien suggested. "Now, before all else."
Merry looked at Sam, then at his father. Merimac and Ned stood behind him, looking at the two men with mild distrust. Saradoc noted the apparent concern in Darien's tone and nodded at Merry. "Go ahead, lad. See what it says."
Merry opened the message slowly and his jaw dropped as he read. When he looked up again, his eyes were wide and filled with tears. Sam was in a similar state, and the elder hobbits were frowning in anger and dismay. Merimac cursed audibly and no one bothered to reprimand him.
"Your missing companion is in grave peril, is he not?" Darien said gently.
"You know, then," Merry said, not meeting Darien's sharp gaze. "How?"
"When you failed to reappear after a couple of days," Darien began, gesturing at the innkeeper, "my friend Eldon here inquired as to his rights to any abandoned property. He made a quick survey of your quarters to see if you'd left any clues to indicate your whereabouts or the likelihood of your return. He found the other messages you've received."
Sam looked at both men with a deepening distrust in his eyes. "Who are you, then, if I may ask, sir?"
Darien regarded Sam patiently. "My name is Darien. I am one of the Keepers of the Peace in Bree. There are few of us, but we do our best to ensure that the folk of Bree are kept safe from harm and that those who commit acts against them are duly punished."
"If we've done anything wrong, we're sorry, sir," Sam said with some trepidation.
A genuine smile crossed the lawman's face as he regarded the nervous hobbit before him. "Fear not, good fellow. As long as you make proper payment to my friend for the lodging he has provided for you, you'll have naught to fear from me or mine."
Merry suddenly gasped and turned to face Sam. "Sam! The money we brought to pay for our room and the grain! I left it in our room when we - "
"Not to worry, Mr. Merry," Sam soothed. "I've had it with me, here in my pack. I grabbed it when I followed you that night."
Merry looked greatly relieved. "I should have known you'd be thinking of such things, Sam." It would have been disastrous if anyone had stolen the money from their room.
"I suggest we get these ponies stabled and continue our conversation in a more private location," Darien said, glancing around the darkened yard. "I wish to know more about your captured companion and this fellow who holds him."
"Do you think you can help us?" Merry asked. "We've feared to ask for assistance, as we believe it will further endanger Frodo."
"The situation is indeed complicated," Darien admitted. "Such things usually are. But come, let us not remain here any longer. Once you are settled for the night, we will discuss your troubles further."
Darien turned and strode away, re - entering the inn by way of the back door. Saradoc watched him go. "I dislike the idea of involving the Big Folk in the affairs of hobbits, but this is not the Shire, after all," Saradoc admitted. "He seems trustworthy, and perhaps he can help us."
Merry looked sorrowful. "I should have asked for help long ago, the moment Frodo was taken," he berated himself. "Perhaps if I had - "
"Nonsense, lad," Merimac said, squeezing Merry's shoulder. "You had good reason to hesitate if you've been receiving such dire threats all this while." He gestured to the message Merry still clutched in his hand. "Imagine, the gall of that creature, writing something like that, and in Frodo's blood of all things!"
Sam turned away and choked back a sob.
"Mac!" Saradoc hissed. "Enough."
"Forgive me, Master Samwise," Mac said apologetically. "My mouth gets the better of my mind when I'm angered, I fear."
Sam regained his composure and faced Merimac grimly. "It's all right, sir. I understand."
"Let's get ourselves sorted out," Ned said, finally speaking up. "That fellow was right. This ain't no place for such talk."
Nods of agreement followed Ned's statement and the hobbits set about gathering their supplies and assisting the innkeeper with the stabling of the ponies.
~*~
Anson stepped quietly from the concealing shadows as the other hobbits entered the barn. Frodo's companions had returned and with three other hobbits! It also appeared that they were speaking with the Big Folk about the situation, which could make for big trouble.
The boss had better know about this, and now, he thought as he made his way from the inn. Maybe Monto was right. This whole thing was getting more and more dangerous all the time. If Brandybuck and Frodo's gardener brought those other hobbits and any Big Folk with them when they showed up to pay the ransom, the result could be disastrous.
When he reached the hills above the village and Bramblethorn's smial, he entered quietly and made his way immediately to the study. Bramblethorn was there, puffing on his pipe and considering the instructions for the meeting with Merry and Sam.
"Boss, I think we've got trouble," Anson said gravely. "Them two hobbits are back, and they've brought three more with 'em."
"Have they now?" Bramblethorn said with a frown. "Go on."
"I saw them talkin' with that innkeeper and another of the Big Folk, who happens to be one of them Keepers of the Peace."
Bramblethorn's frown deepened. It seemed likely that the lawman and the innkeeper were not merely curious, but were informed of the situation. "This isn't good," he confirmed. "It seems they are choosing not to heed my previous warnings. I will warn them anew in my next message, and I will give them specific instructions regarding our meeting."
"When are we going to do it?" Anson asked, referring to the exchange of the grain and Frodo for the large sum Bramblethorn had demanded.
"I shall wait out the remainder of tonight and through the day tomorrow. After nightfall we shall meet, after midnight," Bramblethorn answered. "Thank you for your timely news, my friend. Tomorrow morning I want you to deliver my message to the inn. They know you there now, so I want you to take it to a courier rather than doing it in person."
Anson nodded and left the room when Bramblethorn gave him no more instructions. Bramblethorn wadded up the message he had begun the night before and started over, making the message as stern and threatening as possible. If Brandybuck failed to heed his demands and come to the meeting with any others besides Frodo's gardener in tow, he would be made to regret it.
~*~
The room was as far away from the bustle of the common room as possible, and was warmed by a crackling fire. Five hobbits and two men were gathered there, having an earnest discussion in low tones.
"When the harvest failed, we knew we had to take what measures we could to ensure that our people wouldn't go hungry through the winter," Saradoc explained.
"But there ain't no supply of grain that size to be had here in Bree," the innkeeper protested. "Why I can't get but enough to make half the bread I need, and it costs me right dear, it does."
Merry's eyes darkened with anger as he spoke. "Oh there is grain in Bree, sir. Bramblethorn is hoarding it. He's to blame for the shortage you describe and for the terrible prices you're forced to pay."
The innkeeper gaped at the hobbit in shock, and Darien's eyebrow quirked upward at the news. "And so you will have to buy it from him if you want it, and you will be forced to pay a high price, will you not?"
Merry nodded. "And to ensure that we do agree to purchase from him, Bramblethorn has taken Frodo prisoner. He will not release him until we make payment for the grain and he is demanding a large ransom for him as well!"
"These are very serious misdeeds indeed," Darien said gravely. "He must be punished, of course."
"That would be quite all right with us," Saradoc confirmed, "but what we are most concerned with is Frodo."
"Of course," Darien said, nodding. "This Bramblethorn fellow does not seem unaccustomed to achieving his ends through violent means, it seems."
"No, it troubles him not at all to harm someone else," Sam said quietly. "He's hurt Mr. Frodo before, and I'm so very frightened that he has again."
"If that letter is truly written in blood, it may be so," Darien agreed quietly. "Frodo's captor is likely aware that you have returned and will attempt to contact you again. When he does, we must plan our next move carefully."
"As much as I'd like to see that horrid creature who holds him hanging by his neck from a sturdy branch, I'll not be party to anything that places Frodo in further danger," Merimac said firmly. "I know it's your concern that the guilty be held accountable for their deeds, but all we really want is Frodo."
"Yes, I understand," Darien replied. "Frodo's safe return is of the greatest importance to me as well, although Bramblethorn is clearly an enemy of the people and must be dealt with eventually."
"So we wait, then," Saradoc said, looking from one of his companions to the next.
"Yes. As soon as you receive word from the kidnapper, come and tell me. I shall remain nearby." Darien said, rising from the table. "Thank you for your assistance in this matter, Eldon," he said to the innkeeper. "You were right to bring these events to my attention, and I'm very glad that you have."
"I'm glad to oblige, friend," the innkeeper replied, "especially now that I know the reason why I can't get bread for my guests."
The hobbits returned quietly to their rooms to rest and ponder the events to come. The innkeeper returned to his duties, while Darien settled in to watch the common room for any sign of a messenger.
~*~ To be continued ~*~
Trust No One - Bramby has yet more nasty tricks ahead. Frodo did score a point when he told Bramblethorn he couldn't win. Bramby didn't want to hear that. You'll see what Bramblethorn decides to do and why it would change his life.
Monet - Thank you for coming by and for following the entire series. I never envisioned so many stories coming from the idea that spawned "In Safekeeping", but thousands of words later, here I am! There will be some comfort coming and Sam will have a lot to do with it.
Breon Briarwood - Any thought of Bramblethorn coming to his senses is, as you said, a dream. And Bramby has dreams of his own.
Stephanie - Bramblethorn won't be easy to get rid of, I'm afraid. He won't go away on his own, that's certain. He won't give Frodo up without a fight, that's true.
Shelbyshire - I try to update every couple of days or so, in between work and everything else. Sorry to make you wait! I'm flattered that you're enjoying the story enough to anticipate each chapter.
Spootasia Tomoe - Yes, more snarky comments ahead, certainly. Bramblethorn is the snarkiest! I don't know how I manage to come out sane after getting into that creature's head. Must be some sort of twisted therapy or something.
Endymion2 - Bramblethorn is starting to unravel under the stress, isn't he? More and more, he just doesn't know what to do to bring Frodo to him. Frodo won that round with his reminding Bramblethorn that true victory was impossible. Bramblethorn will have to pull himself together or he will be defeated by the forces of good that intend to descend upon him.
Camellia Gamgee - Took - The confrontation is coming soon, definitely. I have not read the story you describe, but there could be parallels between the characters. That is Bramblethorn's tragedy, that he is not entirely unfeeling.
Anarie - I haven't heard the song by Queen, but I'll have to find it and listen. Bramblethorn has one final move to try on Frodo and he'll do it soon.
The Lady of Mirkwood - Glad you're enjoying the story! Your idea is even angstier than mine, I think. Sooner or later we'll have to help Frodo or he'll be a mess for life!
GamgeeFest - Bramblethorn isn't likely to leave Frodo alone until his time is up, as you'll see in this chapter. Poor Frodo. It is Bramblethorn's fault that Frodo can't care for him. He's just too selfish and nasty. He is slipping a bit, underestimating Frodo. He shouldn't! Reunion is coming in the next few chapters.
Hobbitfeet13 - Sam is an optimistic hobbit, and he will need his optimism to help Frodo after all this.
Sam - I haven't been to the website you mention, but it might be fun! I'll try to check out the challenge there. Maybe it will spark something in my imagination too!
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Chapter 22 - Coming Together
Bramblethorn woke as the morning sun shone into the study through the window. He had fallen asleep by the fire, and an empty brandy glass stood on the table beside his chair. He scrubbed a hand across his face wearily and tried to focus on the things that must be done soon.
He must send Anson to watch the inn starting that very afternoon, he surmised. As soon as he had word that Frodo's companions had returned, he would send the letter containing his instructions for their next, most critical meeting. He had already decided that the meeting was to take place the next night, provided Brandybuck and the gardener reached Bree in due time. All there was to do now was wait, just wait and consider.
Bramblethorn considered Frodo. It was time Frodo at least had something to drink. He rose from his chair and made his way into the kitchen to prepare some mild herbal tea. It would not be much of a breakfast for his prisoner, but it would serve the purpose. The tea steeped and Bramblethorn stewed.
He had already decided what he would say to Brandybuck and the gardener when he saw them again. He could just imagine the looks on their faces when he told them. When the tea was ready, Bramblethorn prepared a tray with tea service and placed a lit candle on the tray as well.
Bramblethorn carefully negotiated the cellar stairs and set the tray on the floor near where Frodo lay still and silent. Frodo barely moved as Bramblethorn lifted the blindfold from his eyes. "Wake up, love," Bramblethorn cajoled. "I've tea for you, Frodo."
Frodo opened his eyes and squinted into the dim light. "H - how long have I - "
"You have been here almost two days, my dear," Bramblethorn answered the half - finished question. "Sit up now, and have some tea." He propped Frodo up in his arms and held the cup to his lips.
Frodo sipped the tea gingerly, but it tasted of herbs and nothing more. The sharp pangs of hunger had faded into a dull omnipresent ache, and even if Bramblethorn had brought him food, Frodo was unsure whether his stomach would accept it. The tea was bitter and unsweetened, but it revived him somewhat.
"Two days, Frodo," Bramblethorn said again. "Your stubbornness and your resilience are astonishing."
"Why are you here?" Frodo asked flatly. Bramblethorn could have no purpose for the visit beyond adding to his torment.
"I missed you, love," Bramblethorn answered calmly. "Will you not ease the emptiness of my arms and the aching of my heart?"
"You know very well I shall not," Frodo told him weakly.
Bramblethorn raised the teacup to Frodo's lips again. He spoke as if he had not even heard Frodo's denial. "Are you tired of this cold, dark place, Frodo?"
"Of course I am!" Frodo's retort sounded thin and ragged, edged with weary frustration.
"Then I shall allow you to choose, and I shall give you time to decide." Bramblethorn put the teacup down and wrapped both arms firmly around Frodo. "When I next come to visit you, you may either agree to take my hand and allow me to lead you from this cellar to a more comfortable place where we may have some quality time together, or I shall join you here. Either way, you are mine, love."
Tears were gathering in Frodo's eyes. "You offer me no choice, Bramblethorn. Either way, I am to be coerced. You will take from me what I will not give you voluntarily and I shall have no pleasure in it."
"It need not be as you describe, love," Bramblethorn informed him. "If you should decide to accept my attentions, I promise to make it enjoyable for you. Your body will respond, my dear. It responded the last time, if you remember."
Frodo's breath caught at the mention of the previous assault. He didn't want to remember! He had been helpless and horrified, and any response his body had made had been wholly involuntary. "I won't discuss this any further!" he gasped. "Take your hands off me! Take your tea and go," Frodo demanded stubbornly.
"Very well, Frodo," Bramblethorn replied. "But remember the choice I gave you. We shall be together again, you and I, and you must decide where. You must decide if you are to know pleasure or pain. Think about it for a while, hmmmm?"
Frodo remained silent as Bramblethorn blindfolded him and eased him down to lie upon the cellar floor once again. There had never been a more welcome sound than that of Bramblethorn's foot falls retreating up the stairs.
~*~ Late the same night ~*~
The wagon rattled through the Bree Gate and over the cobblestones as Saradoc drove the team of ponies toward the inn. He could see the lights of lanterns ahead as he and the other hobbits approached. When he reached the entrance to the yard and stables, he halted the wagon and roused his companions. "We've arrived, everyone."
The hobbits alit from the wagon and began to grab packs and other supplies. The sound of footsteps startled them and they looked up to see two men striding toward them. Merry cleared his throat and attempted a proper greeting. "Hello, sirs," he said to the innkeeper and the other man. "Please forgive us for our unannounced departure. As you can see, we have returned and we fully intend to pay you for our lodging."
The innkeeper turned a stern gaze upon Merry and the other hobbits. "Well that's a good thing, friend. I confess I'd thought not to see you again."
Merry blushed as Saradoc extended his hand to politely shake that of the innkeeper. "Thank you for your understanding, sir. There's been a bit of an emergency, and my son had to leave for a few days unexpectedly."
Darien spoke casually as he surveyed the party of hobbits. "After you've settled yourselves, I think we should speak with one another regarding this 'emergency' you mention."
Sam and Merry both paled and alarm showed clearly on their faces. Who was this man, and why did he wish to know about their trouble? "We mean no disrespect, sir, but we would rather not discuss that matter."
Darien smiled at Merry. "I didn't think you would be pleased at such a prospect, I admit. However, I believe it would be in your best interests to speak with us." He gestured to the innkeeper, who produced an envelope addressed to Merry and Sam.
"This came for you while you were away," he said gruffly as Merry reluctantly took the message from his hand. The hobbit made no move to open the message and peruse its contents.
"I think you should read that," Darien suggested. "Now, before all else."
Merry looked at Sam, then at his father. Merimac and Ned stood behind him, looking at the two men with mild distrust. Saradoc noted the apparent concern in Darien's tone and nodded at Merry. "Go ahead, lad. See what it says."
Merry opened the message slowly and his jaw dropped as he read. When he looked up again, his eyes were wide and filled with tears. Sam was in a similar state, and the elder hobbits were frowning in anger and dismay. Merimac cursed audibly and no one bothered to reprimand him.
"Your missing companion is in grave peril, is he not?" Darien said gently.
"You know, then," Merry said, not meeting Darien's sharp gaze. "How?"
"When you failed to reappear after a couple of days," Darien began, gesturing at the innkeeper, "my friend Eldon here inquired as to his rights to any abandoned property. He made a quick survey of your quarters to see if you'd left any clues to indicate your whereabouts or the likelihood of your return. He found the other messages you've received."
Sam looked at both men with a deepening distrust in his eyes. "Who are you, then, if I may ask, sir?"
Darien regarded Sam patiently. "My name is Darien. I am one of the Keepers of the Peace in Bree. There are few of us, but we do our best to ensure that the folk of Bree are kept safe from harm and that those who commit acts against them are duly punished."
"If we've done anything wrong, we're sorry, sir," Sam said with some trepidation.
A genuine smile crossed the lawman's face as he regarded the nervous hobbit before him. "Fear not, good fellow. As long as you make proper payment to my friend for the lodging he has provided for you, you'll have naught to fear from me or mine."
Merry suddenly gasped and turned to face Sam. "Sam! The money we brought to pay for our room and the grain! I left it in our room when we - "
"Not to worry, Mr. Merry," Sam soothed. "I've had it with me, here in my pack. I grabbed it when I followed you that night."
Merry looked greatly relieved. "I should have known you'd be thinking of such things, Sam." It would have been disastrous if anyone had stolen the money from their room.
"I suggest we get these ponies stabled and continue our conversation in a more private location," Darien said, glancing around the darkened yard. "I wish to know more about your captured companion and this fellow who holds him."
"Do you think you can help us?" Merry asked. "We've feared to ask for assistance, as we believe it will further endanger Frodo."
"The situation is indeed complicated," Darien admitted. "Such things usually are. But come, let us not remain here any longer. Once you are settled for the night, we will discuss your troubles further."
Darien turned and strode away, re - entering the inn by way of the back door. Saradoc watched him go. "I dislike the idea of involving the Big Folk in the affairs of hobbits, but this is not the Shire, after all," Saradoc admitted. "He seems trustworthy, and perhaps he can help us."
Merry looked sorrowful. "I should have asked for help long ago, the moment Frodo was taken," he berated himself. "Perhaps if I had - "
"Nonsense, lad," Merimac said, squeezing Merry's shoulder. "You had good reason to hesitate if you've been receiving such dire threats all this while." He gestured to the message Merry still clutched in his hand. "Imagine, the gall of that creature, writing something like that, and in Frodo's blood of all things!"
Sam turned away and choked back a sob.
"Mac!" Saradoc hissed. "Enough."
"Forgive me, Master Samwise," Mac said apologetically. "My mouth gets the better of my mind when I'm angered, I fear."
Sam regained his composure and faced Merimac grimly. "It's all right, sir. I understand."
"Let's get ourselves sorted out," Ned said, finally speaking up. "That fellow was right. This ain't no place for such talk."
Nods of agreement followed Ned's statement and the hobbits set about gathering their supplies and assisting the innkeeper with the stabling of the ponies.
~*~
Anson stepped quietly from the concealing shadows as the other hobbits entered the barn. Frodo's companions had returned and with three other hobbits! It also appeared that they were speaking with the Big Folk about the situation, which could make for big trouble.
The boss had better know about this, and now, he thought as he made his way from the inn. Maybe Monto was right. This whole thing was getting more and more dangerous all the time. If Brandybuck and Frodo's gardener brought those other hobbits and any Big Folk with them when they showed up to pay the ransom, the result could be disastrous.
When he reached the hills above the village and Bramblethorn's smial, he entered quietly and made his way immediately to the study. Bramblethorn was there, puffing on his pipe and considering the instructions for the meeting with Merry and Sam.
"Boss, I think we've got trouble," Anson said gravely. "Them two hobbits are back, and they've brought three more with 'em."
"Have they now?" Bramblethorn said with a frown. "Go on."
"I saw them talkin' with that innkeeper and another of the Big Folk, who happens to be one of them Keepers of the Peace."
Bramblethorn's frown deepened. It seemed likely that the lawman and the innkeeper were not merely curious, but were informed of the situation. "This isn't good," he confirmed. "It seems they are choosing not to heed my previous warnings. I will warn them anew in my next message, and I will give them specific instructions regarding our meeting."
"When are we going to do it?" Anson asked, referring to the exchange of the grain and Frodo for the large sum Bramblethorn had demanded.
"I shall wait out the remainder of tonight and through the day tomorrow. After nightfall we shall meet, after midnight," Bramblethorn answered. "Thank you for your timely news, my friend. Tomorrow morning I want you to deliver my message to the inn. They know you there now, so I want you to take it to a courier rather than doing it in person."
Anson nodded and left the room when Bramblethorn gave him no more instructions. Bramblethorn wadded up the message he had begun the night before and started over, making the message as stern and threatening as possible. If Brandybuck failed to heed his demands and come to the meeting with any others besides Frodo's gardener in tow, he would be made to regret it.
~*~
The room was as far away from the bustle of the common room as possible, and was warmed by a crackling fire. Five hobbits and two men were gathered there, having an earnest discussion in low tones.
"When the harvest failed, we knew we had to take what measures we could to ensure that our people wouldn't go hungry through the winter," Saradoc explained.
"But there ain't no supply of grain that size to be had here in Bree," the innkeeper protested. "Why I can't get but enough to make half the bread I need, and it costs me right dear, it does."
Merry's eyes darkened with anger as he spoke. "Oh there is grain in Bree, sir. Bramblethorn is hoarding it. He's to blame for the shortage you describe and for the terrible prices you're forced to pay."
The innkeeper gaped at the hobbit in shock, and Darien's eyebrow quirked upward at the news. "And so you will have to buy it from him if you want it, and you will be forced to pay a high price, will you not?"
Merry nodded. "And to ensure that we do agree to purchase from him, Bramblethorn has taken Frodo prisoner. He will not release him until we make payment for the grain and he is demanding a large ransom for him as well!"
"These are very serious misdeeds indeed," Darien said gravely. "He must be punished, of course."
"That would be quite all right with us," Saradoc confirmed, "but what we are most concerned with is Frodo."
"Of course," Darien said, nodding. "This Bramblethorn fellow does not seem unaccustomed to achieving his ends through violent means, it seems."
"No, it troubles him not at all to harm someone else," Sam said quietly. "He's hurt Mr. Frodo before, and I'm so very frightened that he has again."
"If that letter is truly written in blood, it may be so," Darien agreed quietly. "Frodo's captor is likely aware that you have returned and will attempt to contact you again. When he does, we must plan our next move carefully."
"As much as I'd like to see that horrid creature who holds him hanging by his neck from a sturdy branch, I'll not be party to anything that places Frodo in further danger," Merimac said firmly. "I know it's your concern that the guilty be held accountable for their deeds, but all we really want is Frodo."
"Yes, I understand," Darien replied. "Frodo's safe return is of the greatest importance to me as well, although Bramblethorn is clearly an enemy of the people and must be dealt with eventually."
"So we wait, then," Saradoc said, looking from one of his companions to the next.
"Yes. As soon as you receive word from the kidnapper, come and tell me. I shall remain nearby." Darien said, rising from the table. "Thank you for your assistance in this matter, Eldon," he said to the innkeeper. "You were right to bring these events to my attention, and I'm very glad that you have."
"I'm glad to oblige, friend," the innkeeper replied, "especially now that I know the reason why I can't get bread for my guests."
The hobbits returned quietly to their rooms to rest and ponder the events to come. The innkeeper returned to his duties, while Darien settled in to watch the common room for any sign of a messenger.
~*~ To be continued ~*~