FrodoBaggins1982 - You'll see in this chapter whether Frodo will agree or not! Ahh, the arrogance of Big Folk, eh? Assuming it's safe to talk in a seemingly empty stable yard to a bunch of hobbits. They're hobbits, after all and hobbits don't cause much trouble do they? Yeah, right, big fella! Darien will know better after all this! Bramblethorn is to be pitied as much as loathed and, if possible, avoided.
Endymion2 - Don't worry, there will be plenty of volatile emotion coming up. Bramblethorn did lose valuable time and opportunity due to his inner conflict. If he could switch off the part that truly cares for Frodo and doesn't want him to be utterly destroyed, he'd have certainly had his way again by now.
Trust No One - Darien hasn't got a dark side to show us in this story. Frodo needs some allies, after all! Sam will recover his balance when it comes to the all important task of caring for Frodo. Frodo will have to choose, but I'm hoping his choice will surprise you. The fact that Frodo did, in some ways, inadvertently respond to Bramblethorn does make him feel even worse. It makes him feel more helpless and of less worth.
GamgeeFest - Darien shouldn't be so complacent regarding hobbits, should he? Just because he's never seen them make trouble before doesn't mean they're not capable of it. He is making a mistake in underestimating them! You can bet he won't when all this is over. Merry really was in a spot over whether to seek help. The fact that he is a hobbit of the Shire had something to do with him not going to the Big Folk, definitely. Bramblethorn is insanely jealous of Sam and hates him all the more for it. He will finally address them by name in his last message to them, though.
The Lady of Mirkwood - Some chances will be taken regarding helping Frodo. Bramblethorn is treacherous, and if Sam and Merry do go alone, they risk being hurt and losing Frodo forever.
Stephanie - Bramblethorn is conflicted about what to do regarding Frodo, but he'll make a decision, for better or worse. And he will have some things to say to Merry and Sam that will be anything but nice!
Shelbyshire - This story has been a complicated web to weave, believe me. I think Shelob has the advantage when it comes to webs!
Lovethosehobbits - I'm glad you like the story. It took a few months to write and a lot of hard thinking! There are more chapters to come before the end.
Breon Briarwood - The calm before the storm is definitely nearing its end.
Hobbitfeet13 - Bramblethorn is somewhat unnerved by the Big Folk getting involved, but his ego is overriding it. He sees them as loud, clumsy and easy to dupe and cheat. We won't see Pip until the last couple of chapters, but he will provide comfort to Frodo in his innocent way at that time.
Spootasia Tomoe - If there's a fight, Monto and Anson will certainly stand for themselves if not for Bramblethorn.
Anarie - Bramblethorn is maybe 12 years older than Frodo or thereabouts. He was just out of his tweens when Frodo arrived in Hobbiton.
Aratlithiel1 - Darien will be a big help to the hobbits, but perhaps not entirely in the way he intends. More to come!
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Chapter 23 - Compliance and Defiance
Frodo lay in the darkness, attempting to gather his courage. Bramblethorn would surely return soon and would expect to know what Frodo had chosen. He hoped that he would be able to manage the situation as he'd planned. One thing was certain, he could not bear to go without food for very much longer.
As if in response to his thoughts, the door at the top of the stairs creaked open and the sound of soft footsteps reached Frodo's ears. Bramblethorn had arrived as promised and stood over Frodo with a candle in his hand. "Good evening, Frodo," he said calmly as he placed the candle on the floor and knelt by Frodo's side. "You must answer me now, love. What have you chosen?"
Frodo's tone was low, sounding humbled and defeated. "I cannot bear this any longer. I will go with you. I will do as you bid me, if only to escape this torment."
Bramblethorn was elated. He had won at last! "I'm very glad to hear you say so, my dear, for it has pained me greatly to treat you so." He stroked Frodo's hair gently and removed the blindfold. "Let us leave this room now, together."
Bramblethorn released Frodo from his bonds and held him while Frodo gathered his strength to rise to his feet. "Please, I must have something to eat before we - before anything else."
"Of course, love," Bramblethorn replied, continuing the gentle movement of his fingers through the curls at Frodo's brow. "I shall have something prepared for you. Would you like to bathe as well?" There were smudges of dirt on Frodo's face from the cellar floor and he looked quite bedraggled.
"I should like that very much," Frodo replied as Bramblethorn helped him to his feet. He wavered unsteadily as his muscles protested their awakening. A wave of dizziness overtook him and Bramblethorn held him upright as he guided him to the stairs.
"You see, Frodo? All you had to do was to make the right choice, the sensible choice, and now your torment is ended. I shall give you all the care and kindness I am able to give." Bramblethorn seemed to be suiting action to words as he gently helped Frodo to ascend the stairs and make his way down the hallway.
Bramblethorn sent Monto to prepare the bath while he brought Frodo into the kitchen and seated him at the table. Before long, hot soup steamed in a bowl and fresh baked bread was sliced and buttered. Frodo tried to eat slowly to keep his stomach from rejecting the offering. He fancied he could almost feel more of his strength returning with every bite of the bread and every spoonful of soup.
"How did you finally arrive at your decision, Frodo?" Bramblethorn asked as he watched the hungry hobbit eat.
"I'm tired of being hurt," Frodo said truthfully. "I still don't want this, but if you will promise not to hurt me, I shall attempt to bear it."
"You could grow to appreciate me," Bramblethorn suggested. "Given time, of course."
"We shall not have time," Frodo said simply. "You asked me to give myself to you just once, and I shall so that I should be returned to Merry and Sam alive, if not undamaged."
Bramblethorn did not make any comment regarding returning Frodo to his companions. "Your bath should be ready now," he said as he helped Frodo up from the table. Having eaten all he could manage, Frodo allowed Bramblethorn to guide him toward the room where the large tub again awaited him. "I shall wait for you, dear, and when you have finished, we shall retire to my room and please each other properly."
Alone in the room, Frodo leaned with his back against the door. So far he had managed to maintain his composure, but he was growing more apprehensive by the moment. He hoped that he could do what he must without breaking down completely.
He washed slowly, letting the hot water calm and soothe him. He pondered his course of action as he scrubbed. Yes, he had made the only choice he possibly could. It was inevitable, an unavoidable part of a battle of wills that would otherwise have consumed him, and still might, if the truth be known.
Frodo dried himself and reached for the clean shirt Bramblethorn had left for him. A pair of breeches lay beside it, a little too large in the hips and waist, but not impossibly so. Frodo gazed at his reflection in the mirror. He looked much like his old self, but bruises still showed on his face and there were dark circles under his eyes. He set his jaw grimly and prepared himself to face his dread and fear.
"Ahhh, you are a vision," Bramblethorn complimented as Frodo emerged into the hallway. Bramblethorn took Frodo's hand and gently began to lead him. "I considered leaving you only a robe to wear, but I should like the opportunity to take those clothes off you myself."
Bramblethorn ushered Frodo into his room and closed the door behind him. Frodo walked to the window and looked out, taking a deep breath and closing his eyes. A moment later he felt Bramblethorn massaging his neck, and then a light kiss behind one ear. "I shall not hurt you," Bramblethorn promised. "I shall be gentle. Relax and let me touch you."
Frodo let his head fall back, eyes closed, as Bramblethorn stood behind him and embraced him. His heart began to beat harder in his chest as hands wandered lightly over his body. Bramblethorn trailed kisses over Frodo's neck as he slowly unfastened each shirt button. Frodo attempted to concentrate on counting the seconds as they passed, willing himself to remain strong.
"Mmmmm, so nice," Bramblethorn purred as he pulled the shirt aside to expose Frodo's shoulder. Now Bramblethorn turned Frodo to face him and pulled him close, kissing him deeply and passionately. Bramblethorn's growing arousal was obvious now, and Frodo knew he dared not wait much longer.
Frodo reached out and placed his hands on Bramblethorn's waist. While his right lingered there, his left, the least injured, moved slowly toward Bramblethorn's groin.
"I knew you would enjoy it if you only stopped fighting me," Bramblethorn breathed. "Ohhh, Frodo - "
Through the fabric of Bramblethorn's breeches, Frodo's fingers found their goal. He rubbed his hand slowly over the area, eliciting a groan of pleasure from Bramblethorn. Carefully, Frodo cupped his hand around the sensitive area - and squeezed. Hard.
Bramblethorn's howl of agony reverberated off the walls of the room and Frodo leapt away as Bramblethorn fell writhing to the floor. Frodo backed away toward the door, watching to see if the other hobbit would be able to rise and come after him. He had tried to cause as much pain as he could, in order to dissuade Bramblethorn from making any further attempts on him for the time being. If escape were not possible, at least Bramblethorn would be in too much discomfort to force himself on Frodo again, for a day or so at any rate. Frodo hastily refastened the buttons of his shirt.
Frodo heard the door open behind him, and he knew he was trapped. Monto grabbed him and slammed him into the wall as Bramblethorn gasped from across the room. "Treacherous fool! You shall pay, I promise you!" To Monto he said, "Tie him up!" Fury warred with pain in Bramblethorn's expression.
Frodo neither spoke nor cried out as Monto dragged him out of the room and back toward the cellar. In the dim underground chamber, Monto beat and bound Frodo quite thoroughly. Frodo bore the punishment with a weary resignation, never once pleading for mercy or crying out. It was as if he acknowledged that he deserved it this time, but would not have taken different action if given the opportunity.
Bramblethorn managed to regain his feet with Monto's help. He stood, but still was bent nearly double, groaning at the terrible ache in his groin and abdomen. Any hope he held of taking his pleasure with Frodo in the near future evaporated in a haze of pain. Bramblethorn hoped no permanent damage had been done.
He lay on the bed with one hand at his abused testicles and the other curled into a fist by his side. "He dared to lie to me!" Bramblethorn growled. "He caused me to believe that he was finally willing to concede the game, only to attack me!"
"He's not gonna be attacking anyone for a while," Monto assured his employer. "I've got him trussed up tight in the cellar, boss. I had to knock him around a bit, too, you understand."
Bramblethorn gave Monto a grim little smile of approval. "I'll not fault you or your methods," he told his henchman. "Let him lie there in the dirt until our meeting with his dear cousin and gardener. I want him to suffer as much as possible until then."
As it was, Frodo was not suffering just yet. He was unconscious, knocked out by a blow from Monto's meaty fist. Monto had made sure to bind him securely, making certain he would be quite uncomfortable when he came to.
Bramblethorn had Monto prepare some of his sedative - laced tea and he drank it to ease his discomfort. He fell asleep eventually, his mind and body numbed by the drug.
~*~ Morning ~*~
A teenage lad walked up to the front desk of the inn and rang the bell. He waited quietly until the innkeeper appeared.
"What can I do for you, young fellow?" the innkeeper asked idly.
"Courier, sir," the boy responded. "I've a message for one of your guests." He held out the envelope.
The innkeeper took it and tried to hide the twinge of excitement he felt as he looked at the name of the intended recipient. It was for the hobbit Brandybuck, and written in the same hand as the previous messages. "Thank you, lad," the man said to the young courier and pressed a coin into his hand. He waved an employee over to watch the desk as he went in search of Darien.
The lawman was sitting in the corner, smoking a pipe and calmly watching the patrons come and go through the common room. "Yes, Eldon, what is it?" he said, looking up at the anxious innkeeper.
"I think this is what you've been waiting for," he said, handing the message to Darien.
"Very good, Eldon. Thank you, friend. I shall find Master Brandybuck and his compatriots and we shall see what is required of them." Darien rose from the table and exited the room, heading for the rooms the hobbits occupied. He rapped smartly on the door of the first room and waited.
Merry opened the door just a crack and peered out cautiously. When he saw Darien there, he opened the door wide. "What is it? Do you have something?"
"I may at that. This just arrived by courier. Whoever sent it did not wish it delivered by anyone who might be recognized." Darien handed the message to Merry and turned to knock on the door of the adjacent room to rouse the rest of the party and summon them to meet.
As soon as all the hobbits were assembled in the same room, Darien gestured to the note in Merry's hand. "Please read it aloud, Master Meriadoc."
Merry tore the envelope open with trembling hands. He unfolded the page and began to read.
"My dear Meriadoc and Samwise,"
"Word has reached me that you have left Bree but have now returned, in the company of three more of your Buckland kin or friends. Allow me to remind you that you are to come alone to deliver payment. If you disregard any of the instructions herein, you can expect dire consequences, particularly for Frodo."
"After midnight tomorrow, you are to come to the location I have specified. A map has been provided on the back of this letter. You are to bring a wagon to carry the grain you will purchase and you are to bring full payment for the grain and Frodo."
"I also have reason to believe that you are considering asking the assistance of certain of the Big Folk in this matter. I must warn you against such action, as it will surely result in the transaction being canceled. If you want to see Frodo again, you will comply with these instructions to the very letter. Remember, my lads will be there as well, and their blades are sharp and ready. "
"Kindest regards,
Rushford Bramblethorn."
"Kindest regards, my - " Merimac began, but was silenced by a jab in the ribs from Saradoc.
Merry had turned the page over and was looking at the hand - drawn map as Sam looked over his shoulder. A route had been drawn leading to a clearing in a dense wood not far from the village.
"A wood. Splendid," Darien said with a nod. "The trees will provide us with cover."
Sam's gaze snapped up to meet the man's and he gasped, "But weren't you listening, sir? If Mr. Merry and I don't go alone - "
"If you go alone, you may be harmed, or at the very least, cheated," Darien replied firmly. "This Bramblethorn seems unlikely to keep his word. He has proved treacherous has he not?"
"Aye, sir, that he has," Sam admitted. "But what good will it do, all of us bein' there when he still has Mr. Frodo?"
"I shall bring more men with me and we shall conceal ourselves in the surrounding woods before the meeting takes place." Darien gestured to a bow and quiver of arrows he had placed in the corner of the room. "We shall attempt to get a clean shot at Bramblethorn, not to kill him, but to wound him so that he might be brought to judgment for his actions."
"Do you think you can do it without being seen?" Saradoc asked doubtfully.
"There are men of great skill who have made themselves available to the Keepers of the Peace," Darien replied confidently. "If they wish to be unseen, none shall see them."
"We're going too, are we not?" Merimac asked, folding his arms over his chest in a determined gesture.
"If you wish, but you must remain similarly hidden," Darien responded. He need not have worried, as hobbits were known to be quite stealthy when they had reason to be.
"All right, so we're goin' to meet this Bramblethorn in the wee hours," Ned said with a nod. "We'd better be sure an' rest up before then, I reckon."
"Wisely spoken," Darien told him. "For we must leave before nightfall if we are to be certain of finding concealment before our quarry arrives at the meeting place." He scooped up his bow and quiver and made for the door. "I shall meet you behind the stables prior to sundown. I'm off to gather what help I can."
The man departed, leaving the hobbits to discuss the plan, its merits and flaws. It was generally agreed that Bramblethorn must not be allowed to escape punishment and that he could not be trusted to complete the transaction as promised.
Sam immediately began to gather various items together and load them into his pack. He had a flask of clean water, cloth to be used as bandages, and herbs used by healers to dull pain. Merry watched in silent apprehension as Sam made his preparations, hoping fervently that they wouldn't be needed.
~*~ To be continued ~*~
Endymion2 - Don't worry, there will be plenty of volatile emotion coming up. Bramblethorn did lose valuable time and opportunity due to his inner conflict. If he could switch off the part that truly cares for Frodo and doesn't want him to be utterly destroyed, he'd have certainly had his way again by now.
Trust No One - Darien hasn't got a dark side to show us in this story. Frodo needs some allies, after all! Sam will recover his balance when it comes to the all important task of caring for Frodo. Frodo will have to choose, but I'm hoping his choice will surprise you. The fact that Frodo did, in some ways, inadvertently respond to Bramblethorn does make him feel even worse. It makes him feel more helpless and of less worth.
GamgeeFest - Darien shouldn't be so complacent regarding hobbits, should he? Just because he's never seen them make trouble before doesn't mean they're not capable of it. He is making a mistake in underestimating them! You can bet he won't when all this is over. Merry really was in a spot over whether to seek help. The fact that he is a hobbit of the Shire had something to do with him not going to the Big Folk, definitely. Bramblethorn is insanely jealous of Sam and hates him all the more for it. He will finally address them by name in his last message to them, though.
The Lady of Mirkwood - Some chances will be taken regarding helping Frodo. Bramblethorn is treacherous, and if Sam and Merry do go alone, they risk being hurt and losing Frodo forever.
Stephanie - Bramblethorn is conflicted about what to do regarding Frodo, but he'll make a decision, for better or worse. And he will have some things to say to Merry and Sam that will be anything but nice!
Shelbyshire - This story has been a complicated web to weave, believe me. I think Shelob has the advantage when it comes to webs!
Lovethosehobbits - I'm glad you like the story. It took a few months to write and a lot of hard thinking! There are more chapters to come before the end.
Breon Briarwood - The calm before the storm is definitely nearing its end.
Hobbitfeet13 - Bramblethorn is somewhat unnerved by the Big Folk getting involved, but his ego is overriding it. He sees them as loud, clumsy and easy to dupe and cheat. We won't see Pip until the last couple of chapters, but he will provide comfort to Frodo in his innocent way at that time.
Spootasia Tomoe - If there's a fight, Monto and Anson will certainly stand for themselves if not for Bramblethorn.
Anarie - Bramblethorn is maybe 12 years older than Frodo or thereabouts. He was just out of his tweens when Frodo arrived in Hobbiton.
Aratlithiel1 - Darien will be a big help to the hobbits, but perhaps not entirely in the way he intends. More to come!
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Chapter 23 - Compliance and Defiance
Frodo lay in the darkness, attempting to gather his courage. Bramblethorn would surely return soon and would expect to know what Frodo had chosen. He hoped that he would be able to manage the situation as he'd planned. One thing was certain, he could not bear to go without food for very much longer.
As if in response to his thoughts, the door at the top of the stairs creaked open and the sound of soft footsteps reached Frodo's ears. Bramblethorn had arrived as promised and stood over Frodo with a candle in his hand. "Good evening, Frodo," he said calmly as he placed the candle on the floor and knelt by Frodo's side. "You must answer me now, love. What have you chosen?"
Frodo's tone was low, sounding humbled and defeated. "I cannot bear this any longer. I will go with you. I will do as you bid me, if only to escape this torment."
Bramblethorn was elated. He had won at last! "I'm very glad to hear you say so, my dear, for it has pained me greatly to treat you so." He stroked Frodo's hair gently and removed the blindfold. "Let us leave this room now, together."
Bramblethorn released Frodo from his bonds and held him while Frodo gathered his strength to rise to his feet. "Please, I must have something to eat before we - before anything else."
"Of course, love," Bramblethorn replied, continuing the gentle movement of his fingers through the curls at Frodo's brow. "I shall have something prepared for you. Would you like to bathe as well?" There were smudges of dirt on Frodo's face from the cellar floor and he looked quite bedraggled.
"I should like that very much," Frodo replied as Bramblethorn helped him to his feet. He wavered unsteadily as his muscles protested their awakening. A wave of dizziness overtook him and Bramblethorn held him upright as he guided him to the stairs.
"You see, Frodo? All you had to do was to make the right choice, the sensible choice, and now your torment is ended. I shall give you all the care and kindness I am able to give." Bramblethorn seemed to be suiting action to words as he gently helped Frodo to ascend the stairs and make his way down the hallway.
Bramblethorn sent Monto to prepare the bath while he brought Frodo into the kitchen and seated him at the table. Before long, hot soup steamed in a bowl and fresh baked bread was sliced and buttered. Frodo tried to eat slowly to keep his stomach from rejecting the offering. He fancied he could almost feel more of his strength returning with every bite of the bread and every spoonful of soup.
"How did you finally arrive at your decision, Frodo?" Bramblethorn asked as he watched the hungry hobbit eat.
"I'm tired of being hurt," Frodo said truthfully. "I still don't want this, but if you will promise not to hurt me, I shall attempt to bear it."
"You could grow to appreciate me," Bramblethorn suggested. "Given time, of course."
"We shall not have time," Frodo said simply. "You asked me to give myself to you just once, and I shall so that I should be returned to Merry and Sam alive, if not undamaged."
Bramblethorn did not make any comment regarding returning Frodo to his companions. "Your bath should be ready now," he said as he helped Frodo up from the table. Having eaten all he could manage, Frodo allowed Bramblethorn to guide him toward the room where the large tub again awaited him. "I shall wait for you, dear, and when you have finished, we shall retire to my room and please each other properly."
Alone in the room, Frodo leaned with his back against the door. So far he had managed to maintain his composure, but he was growing more apprehensive by the moment. He hoped that he could do what he must without breaking down completely.
He washed slowly, letting the hot water calm and soothe him. He pondered his course of action as he scrubbed. Yes, he had made the only choice he possibly could. It was inevitable, an unavoidable part of a battle of wills that would otherwise have consumed him, and still might, if the truth be known.
Frodo dried himself and reached for the clean shirt Bramblethorn had left for him. A pair of breeches lay beside it, a little too large in the hips and waist, but not impossibly so. Frodo gazed at his reflection in the mirror. He looked much like his old self, but bruises still showed on his face and there were dark circles under his eyes. He set his jaw grimly and prepared himself to face his dread and fear.
"Ahhh, you are a vision," Bramblethorn complimented as Frodo emerged into the hallway. Bramblethorn took Frodo's hand and gently began to lead him. "I considered leaving you only a robe to wear, but I should like the opportunity to take those clothes off you myself."
Bramblethorn ushered Frodo into his room and closed the door behind him. Frodo walked to the window and looked out, taking a deep breath and closing his eyes. A moment later he felt Bramblethorn massaging his neck, and then a light kiss behind one ear. "I shall not hurt you," Bramblethorn promised. "I shall be gentle. Relax and let me touch you."
Frodo let his head fall back, eyes closed, as Bramblethorn stood behind him and embraced him. His heart began to beat harder in his chest as hands wandered lightly over his body. Bramblethorn trailed kisses over Frodo's neck as he slowly unfastened each shirt button. Frodo attempted to concentrate on counting the seconds as they passed, willing himself to remain strong.
"Mmmmm, so nice," Bramblethorn purred as he pulled the shirt aside to expose Frodo's shoulder. Now Bramblethorn turned Frodo to face him and pulled him close, kissing him deeply and passionately. Bramblethorn's growing arousal was obvious now, and Frodo knew he dared not wait much longer.
Frodo reached out and placed his hands on Bramblethorn's waist. While his right lingered there, his left, the least injured, moved slowly toward Bramblethorn's groin.
"I knew you would enjoy it if you only stopped fighting me," Bramblethorn breathed. "Ohhh, Frodo - "
Through the fabric of Bramblethorn's breeches, Frodo's fingers found their goal. He rubbed his hand slowly over the area, eliciting a groan of pleasure from Bramblethorn. Carefully, Frodo cupped his hand around the sensitive area - and squeezed. Hard.
Bramblethorn's howl of agony reverberated off the walls of the room and Frodo leapt away as Bramblethorn fell writhing to the floor. Frodo backed away toward the door, watching to see if the other hobbit would be able to rise and come after him. He had tried to cause as much pain as he could, in order to dissuade Bramblethorn from making any further attempts on him for the time being. If escape were not possible, at least Bramblethorn would be in too much discomfort to force himself on Frodo again, for a day or so at any rate. Frodo hastily refastened the buttons of his shirt.
Frodo heard the door open behind him, and he knew he was trapped. Monto grabbed him and slammed him into the wall as Bramblethorn gasped from across the room. "Treacherous fool! You shall pay, I promise you!" To Monto he said, "Tie him up!" Fury warred with pain in Bramblethorn's expression.
Frodo neither spoke nor cried out as Monto dragged him out of the room and back toward the cellar. In the dim underground chamber, Monto beat and bound Frodo quite thoroughly. Frodo bore the punishment with a weary resignation, never once pleading for mercy or crying out. It was as if he acknowledged that he deserved it this time, but would not have taken different action if given the opportunity.
Bramblethorn managed to regain his feet with Monto's help. He stood, but still was bent nearly double, groaning at the terrible ache in his groin and abdomen. Any hope he held of taking his pleasure with Frodo in the near future evaporated in a haze of pain. Bramblethorn hoped no permanent damage had been done.
He lay on the bed with one hand at his abused testicles and the other curled into a fist by his side. "He dared to lie to me!" Bramblethorn growled. "He caused me to believe that he was finally willing to concede the game, only to attack me!"
"He's not gonna be attacking anyone for a while," Monto assured his employer. "I've got him trussed up tight in the cellar, boss. I had to knock him around a bit, too, you understand."
Bramblethorn gave Monto a grim little smile of approval. "I'll not fault you or your methods," he told his henchman. "Let him lie there in the dirt until our meeting with his dear cousin and gardener. I want him to suffer as much as possible until then."
As it was, Frodo was not suffering just yet. He was unconscious, knocked out by a blow from Monto's meaty fist. Monto had made sure to bind him securely, making certain he would be quite uncomfortable when he came to.
Bramblethorn had Monto prepare some of his sedative - laced tea and he drank it to ease his discomfort. He fell asleep eventually, his mind and body numbed by the drug.
~*~ Morning ~*~
A teenage lad walked up to the front desk of the inn and rang the bell. He waited quietly until the innkeeper appeared.
"What can I do for you, young fellow?" the innkeeper asked idly.
"Courier, sir," the boy responded. "I've a message for one of your guests." He held out the envelope.
The innkeeper took it and tried to hide the twinge of excitement he felt as he looked at the name of the intended recipient. It was for the hobbit Brandybuck, and written in the same hand as the previous messages. "Thank you, lad," the man said to the young courier and pressed a coin into his hand. He waved an employee over to watch the desk as he went in search of Darien.
The lawman was sitting in the corner, smoking a pipe and calmly watching the patrons come and go through the common room. "Yes, Eldon, what is it?" he said, looking up at the anxious innkeeper.
"I think this is what you've been waiting for," he said, handing the message to Darien.
"Very good, Eldon. Thank you, friend. I shall find Master Brandybuck and his compatriots and we shall see what is required of them." Darien rose from the table and exited the room, heading for the rooms the hobbits occupied. He rapped smartly on the door of the first room and waited.
Merry opened the door just a crack and peered out cautiously. When he saw Darien there, he opened the door wide. "What is it? Do you have something?"
"I may at that. This just arrived by courier. Whoever sent it did not wish it delivered by anyone who might be recognized." Darien handed the message to Merry and turned to knock on the door of the adjacent room to rouse the rest of the party and summon them to meet.
As soon as all the hobbits were assembled in the same room, Darien gestured to the note in Merry's hand. "Please read it aloud, Master Meriadoc."
Merry tore the envelope open with trembling hands. He unfolded the page and began to read.
"My dear Meriadoc and Samwise,"
"Word has reached me that you have left Bree but have now returned, in the company of three more of your Buckland kin or friends. Allow me to remind you that you are to come alone to deliver payment. If you disregard any of the instructions herein, you can expect dire consequences, particularly for Frodo."
"After midnight tomorrow, you are to come to the location I have specified. A map has been provided on the back of this letter. You are to bring a wagon to carry the grain you will purchase and you are to bring full payment for the grain and Frodo."
"I also have reason to believe that you are considering asking the assistance of certain of the Big Folk in this matter. I must warn you against such action, as it will surely result in the transaction being canceled. If you want to see Frodo again, you will comply with these instructions to the very letter. Remember, my lads will be there as well, and their blades are sharp and ready. "
"Kindest regards,
Rushford Bramblethorn."
"Kindest regards, my - " Merimac began, but was silenced by a jab in the ribs from Saradoc.
Merry had turned the page over and was looking at the hand - drawn map as Sam looked over his shoulder. A route had been drawn leading to a clearing in a dense wood not far from the village.
"A wood. Splendid," Darien said with a nod. "The trees will provide us with cover."
Sam's gaze snapped up to meet the man's and he gasped, "But weren't you listening, sir? If Mr. Merry and I don't go alone - "
"If you go alone, you may be harmed, or at the very least, cheated," Darien replied firmly. "This Bramblethorn seems unlikely to keep his word. He has proved treacherous has he not?"
"Aye, sir, that he has," Sam admitted. "But what good will it do, all of us bein' there when he still has Mr. Frodo?"
"I shall bring more men with me and we shall conceal ourselves in the surrounding woods before the meeting takes place." Darien gestured to a bow and quiver of arrows he had placed in the corner of the room. "We shall attempt to get a clean shot at Bramblethorn, not to kill him, but to wound him so that he might be brought to judgment for his actions."
"Do you think you can do it without being seen?" Saradoc asked doubtfully.
"There are men of great skill who have made themselves available to the Keepers of the Peace," Darien replied confidently. "If they wish to be unseen, none shall see them."
"We're going too, are we not?" Merimac asked, folding his arms over his chest in a determined gesture.
"If you wish, but you must remain similarly hidden," Darien responded. He need not have worried, as hobbits were known to be quite stealthy when they had reason to be.
"All right, so we're goin' to meet this Bramblethorn in the wee hours," Ned said with a nod. "We'd better be sure an' rest up before then, I reckon."
"Wisely spoken," Darien told him. "For we must leave before nightfall if we are to be certain of finding concealment before our quarry arrives at the meeting place." He scooped up his bow and quiver and made for the door. "I shall meet you behind the stables prior to sundown. I'm off to gather what help I can."
The man departed, leaving the hobbits to discuss the plan, its merits and flaws. It was generally agreed that Bramblethorn must not be allowed to escape punishment and that he could not be trusted to complete the transaction as promised.
Sam immediately began to gather various items together and load them into his pack. He had a flask of clean water, cloth to be used as bandages, and herbs used by healers to dull pain. Merry watched in silent apprehension as Sam made his preparations, hoping fervently that they wouldn't be needed.
~*~ To be continued ~*~