Emma is the author/
Ada is the illustrator (email me for the link!)/
Budgielover is the plot and character beta (don't blame her for my cruddy
grammar errors!)/
Merry is tainted/
Pip is naïve'
Frodo is still tied/
Sam is not/
Neither are you!/
So review!!!!/
*********
Chapter 12: The Way Out is the Way Through
* * *
"Well, Master. We're in a fix and no mistake!"
Sam was crouched in front of Frodo loosening his master's leg bonds with his strong but indelicate fingers.
"First things first, dear Sam!" answered Frodo." First we-or rather-you have to get me free or my help won't be of much service."
Sam tugged frantically at the knots. His face was growing red with frustration.
"Snakes and adders, but these knots are tight!" steamed Sam. "I can't even get my pinkie underneath 'em."
"What about that knife of yours, Sam?"
"It was dull to begin with, Frodo," confessed Sam. "And sawing that thick rope with it just about did it and me in. These knots are just going to have to get untied."
"My fingers are smaller, Sam. If you could only get my wrists loose, I could free my own legs," suggested Frodo.
Sam crawled crab-like to Frodo's back and began pulling at the knots-with no better results.
"Ow! Sam, You just pulled it tighter!"
"Sorry Master Frodo. I can't see worth anything and I haven't got no leverage. Maybe if."
Sam hesitated. "Well, it wouldn't be very dignified and."
"Out with it, Sam!" Frodo cried -nearly surly. "Any suggestion that works is a good one."
"Well," continued Sam sheepishly. "If you lie yourself down on your belly I might me able to see better."
Frodo laughed.
"You're right Sam!" That is not very dignified. But undignified seems to be the rule of the day for Frodo Baggins. I've suffered worse indignities thus far, and none filled with such good intentions as your suggestion. So down I go, on my belly like a snake."
"Careful, Master," said Sam as he grabbed Frodo's shoulders, eased him down on his side and rolled him over as carefully as if Frodo was made of glass. Before messing with the bonds, Sam dug out a pillow from the pile. He lifted Frodo's whole front up with one arm, and stuck a soft pillow under Frodo's neck and chin. "Now to it."
Frodo could feel Sam's hands spidering over his own as he tried to loosen the binds. The whole process seemed to be going agonizingly slow until finally lifted Frodo's hands toward his mouth in order to use his teeth. When Sam sighed sharply, Frodo knew Sam had scored a victory.
"I got one Mr. Frodo! exclaimed Sam. "One of the knots that is!"
"Hsh!" breathed Frodo. "Don't crow so loudly or it will be for nothing!"
Sam got back to work tugging and pulling and jiggling. Within minutes, Frodo felt the bonds loosen.
"Almost there, Mr. Frodo."
Sam, I think I can manage," said Frodo. "You hold on to the cloth, I'll shimmy my hands out."
Both hobbits breathed a sign of relief as Frodo's hands slipped free from the cloths.
"Help me up, Sam, My hands are free, but asleep. And we have very little time, I fear."
Sam rolled Frodo around and pulled him back into a more dignified sitting position.
"Here. Frodo," said Sam taking Frodo's hands in his own. "Let me rub some life into your poor wrists."
Sam massaged Frodo's wrists as if they were small kittens in need of a petting. All the while, Sam marveled at how delicate Frodo's doll-like hands seemed -so unlike the callused, tanned appearance of his own. Such a frail, delicate thing in charge of such a daunting task. It seemed so very unfair!
"Now for the knots, Sam," announced Frodo as he seized his hands away from Sam's gentle ministrations.
Frodo made two short pulls at strategic locations on the ankle binds. Sam watched in amazement as they fell away like husks from autumn corn.
"How-"
"I taught Merry how to tie this particular type of knot when he was just a hobbit lad, Sam" smiled Frodo. "A lesson I presently much regret."
Frodo suddenly tensed as his mind snapped back to the present.
"We need to get out of here, Sam," said Frodo, restating the obvious. "The ring is taking hold of Merry. He's not himself. It is only a matter of time before he tries to claim it."
Sam suddenly burst into tears.
"Master Frodo" Sam cried, "This is all my fault! I told them everything- can't you see? Everything! I know I shouldn't ought to have done it, but they said they wanted to help you, Mr. Frodo. And I believed them!"
"Sam, Sam," cooed Frodo as he drew Sam into a one-armed embrace. "You had every reason to believe them! I have no doubt they had planned to use that information to help me. They were going to come with us, weren't they, Sam?"
Sam nodded, tears streaming from his reddened woebegone eyes.
"So, Sam, whatever change has come over Merry has done so after you gave him the information. I know you only had my interests in mind. You've no reason to feel guilty, and besides, guilt will not get us out of here. What we need is a plan."
Sam's convulsive sobs subsided into hiccups before disappearing altogether. Sam glanced up at the small circular window near the ceiling that cast the midday sun across the room.
"No hope that I could get through that, Mr. Frodo. But you're a thinner hobbit. You could possible get through and escape if I lifted you."
"A hobbit lad of four summers would not fit through that thing, Sam," sighed Frodo. "And besides, I'll not leave you behind."
Tears began flowing unbidden from Sam's eyes at that last phrase, though Frodo was too wrapped up in thought to notice.
"I believe the only way out, Sam, is through the front door."
"And through your cousins, I fear," added Sam.
Sam rose to test the bedroom door. As he extended his hand, a frantic Frodo jumped up to stop him.
"No-Samwise," admonished Frodo as he grabbed hold of Sam's wrist. "I'm sure it is locked, and if the door clicks, Merry and Pippin will know something's up."
"It is only Merry I'm worried about, Mr. Frodo."
Sam rolled up his sleeves, spoiling for a fight.
"Don't you worry, Mr. Frodo! I'll take care of 'em! I'll throttle that Merry the minute he comes through that door!"
Frodo put a calming hand on Sam's shoulder.
"Sam, I know Meriadoc has been acting beastly to both of us. But I am sure it is only because of the influence of the ring. My dear cousin is still in there, Sam, waiting to get out. Please try not to hurt him, Sam. All we need to do is to escape, not cause permanent injury."
"Well," huffed Sam. "I'll give as good as I get, Mr. Frodo, if you catch my meaning."
"I do Sam," replied Frodo. Just, for dear Merry's sake, please do be careful."
Sam shook his head in disbelief.
"Mister Frodo," said Sam. "Mr. Merry is the bigger and stronger of your cousins. You let me take care of Merry. If you don't mind me sayin', you are not much one for fighting."
Frodo offered a wry smile.
"Perhaps you are right, dear Sam. Very well. You handle Merry, and I'll see to managing little Pip. But it will be the element of surprise, and not sheer strength that will win the day here, Sam."
Sam beamed with enthusiasm, rubbing his brawny palms together.
"They'll not know what hit 'em, Mr. Frodo!"
* * *
"Merry, how will you convince Frodo to stay here with us?" asked Pippin.
Pip and Merry were reclined on Merry's bed- Merry leaning on a stack of pillows and Pip leaning on Merry. Merry absentmindedly smoothed Pippins curls off of his forehead in a rhythmic motion that soothed Pippin to his core. He could stay here forever and want for nothing.
Merry, however, was so tangled in thought that he scarcely heeded either Pip or his question.
"Merry?" repeated Pippin.
"Pippin," asked Merry in a clear cold voice. "Do you love Frodo?"
"Of course, Merry."
"I love Frodo as well, Pip," sighed Merry. Which is why his behavior today was so hurtful."
"Behavior?" questioned Pip, his eyes filled with questions.
"Yes Pip!" snapped Merry. "Behavior. Poor, hurtful, nefarious, malignant behavior! Frodo tried to trick us, Pip!"
Pippin scrunched up his face.
"Maybe Frodo was just worried that we would be putting ourselves in danger if we followed him, Merry. Maybe he was just worried about us!"
"No Pip," Merry contested in an icy tone. "Frodo told an outright falsehood --the only purpose of which was to deceive. Pippin, we are Frodo's greatest allies, and he is treating us as if WE are the enemy. And that is unforgivable. But I will forgive him, Pip. I will forgive Frodo because he is our cousin, and I love him."
Merry's gentle caresses upon Pippin brow had subconsciously become rough grasps upon the younger hobbit's hair. Pip flinched, and lovingly took Merry's hand to keep it out of his locks. Merry did not seem to notice.
"Besides, Pippin," continued Merry. "I do think we can help dear Frodo to see the light."
Confusion swam in Pip's innocent eyes.
"What will you do?" he asked
"You mean what will WE do," corrected Merry. "Remember that I will need your assistance in this task."
Pip puffed up with pride.
"What will we do then, Mer?"
The strange pale gleam came into Merry's eyes again.
"We will break Frodo's stubborn and willful attitude," answered Merry forcefully. "We will reorganize his priorities. We will do things that are unpleasant but necessary. And we will do these things because we love him. Frodo will learn the extent of our compassion, even though, Pip, it will be difficult for him to accept, at least at first."
Pippin's eyes went wide.
"How?"
"Through persuasion," answered Merry,
Pip gulped, and shuttered. Something began to stir deep in his consciousness. Something was not quite right. But surely his Merry knew best.
Pip laughed weakly and without mirth.
"I guess a little gentle persuasion never hurt anyone," Pippin muttered.
"Pippin," replied Merry gravely. "Who said anything about being "gentle"?
* * *
Frodo and Sam had placed themselves on either side of the bedroom door- prepared to pounce. Sam, being the stronger of the two, stood by the knob, while Frodo was at the hinges.
"Master Frodo," whispered Sam. "What shall we do once we break out of this room. I mean, what after?"
"Then, dear Samwise," answered Frodo. "We run."
Sam stepped back from the door a little and placed his hands firmly on his hips as if addressing a naughty child.
"And have Merry and Pip up and scurry right after us. I don't much like the sound o' that!"
"What would you have us do, Samwise?"
Sam mouth curved up in a wicked grin.
"I dunno. Force Merry to drink a tankard of his own blasted tea!" huffed Sam. "But I would settle for knocking out Merry and locking him in this room. Let him enjoy his own brand of hospitality!"
Frodo barely stifled a laugh.
"Well Sam," sighed Frodo. "I hope it would come to that-the knocking out part. But I suppose we should at least lock them in. We will need a head start."
"Granted we succeed," said Sam.
Frodo's features hardened with grim determination.
"We must."
* * *
"Come along now, Pip," ordered Merry. "Time to speak more with Frodo. He and Sam have had plenty of time to reminisce."
Pip slid lazily out of bed, buttoning his shirt as an afterthought.
"Mer?"
"Yes?" answered Merry.
"I'm hungry. It's been hours since we've eaten. And I bet Frodo and Sam are hungry too. Why don't we cook up a little dinner to eat while we talk."
"You, I and Sam shall eat soon," answered Merry.
"And Frodo?" asked Pip.
"Frodo shall not eat until he sees reason. Which means he may not eat for awhile yet. But, Pip, we will be needing that chair."
Merry indicated a sturdy wooden chair in the corner of the bedroom. "Move that out into the parlor, will you, Pip. I will meet you in front of Sam's room."
Pip nodded and began dragging the chair down the corridor, its feet making loud skidding and bumping sounds as Pippin proceeded. He set the chair by the hearth, assuming Frodo would be most comfortable there. His task done, Pip padded back over to Merry.
* * *
"Mr. Frodo!" whispered Sam in frantic tones. "Mr. Frodo! I think they are coming!"
Sam had his ear pressed against the heavy wooden door.
"I just heard the sounds of a door opening and something being dragged out," continued Sam.
Frodo nodded, taking his place beside the door.
Both Hobbits tensed as they heard the distinctive pads of hobbit feet approaching.
* * *
Merry stood soundlessly outside Sam's door, waiting for his younger cousin. He had not to wait long, and Pip came sprinting up to him with a big smile.
"All done, Mer!"
"Good lad."
"Mer?"
"Yes?" answered Merry, his voice laced with impatience.
"Mer, I don't think Frodo much likes being tied up."
Merry rifled through his pocket and drew out a key.
"Sometimes, Pip," answered Merry regretfully, "Sometimes you must be cruel to be kind."
And with those words, Merry struck his key into the lock and turned it.
* * * *
"Alright Sam," whispered Frodo in a firm but hushed tone. "Now for it!"
One!
Two!
THREE!!!!!
TBC
_______________________________________________________________________
AN: Evil cliffhanger! MWHAAAHAAAA!!!!! Five reviews, and I'll update ;)
TO THE REVIEWERS!
Krista: I don't suspect Merry will react very well to this! Do you think Merry should take it out on Pip? I have not decided yet!
MBradford: I have not forgotten Fatty. He will have a part to play yet, so to speak. But his whereabouts will remain unknown for quite a bit longer!
Blue Jedi Hobbit- Well-they will make their best effort to escape! Stay tuned!
Natta: Happy Belated Birthday! In honor of your birthday there will be nothing really scary-just suspenseful.
Pointy-eared Archer- I'm trying not to overdo evil!Merry. He's comflicted. But I'm afraid once he claims the ring, all bets are off! (just look at the bad behavior of Evil!Merry in Nasty Hobbitses once Merry takes the ring!!!) BTW-according to Stockholm symdrome, breaking Frodo should take about 4 days under "ideal" circumstances. (mwahaahaa!)
Cailen Braern: So thrilled to have you aboard!! I'm on the edge of my seat with your story! Will Sam turn evil in your tale? Well, I'll continue reviewing your tale if you give me tips on mine! As for your question-I think SOMEONE will get it next chapter!!
Endymion- Thanks for noticing the chapter titles! And I love it when people include the quotes they like because it helps me know which ones are the most effective. And the fun of this story is watching the hobbits trying to second guess each other-with varying degrees of success.
Budgielover- Thank you for the excellent sequel idea! This story is addictive-and I love writing it! Thanks for the fav quote pic (blushes). As for conking Frodo over the head- I think Merry is still enough "himself" to see that tactic as "stealing"-and it would ruin his convenient foction that he is helping Frodo. But don't worry! The ring will inevitably devour good intentions!!
Aratlithiel- (blushes) thank you! I'm trying very hard to get book Frodo and Sam to hit a believable note. So before I write, I go over sections in the book with much Frodo-Sam dialogue. It is getting easier as I write! And you just might be onto something with you suspicions of Frodo's "immunity." As for grading papers-I'm about halfway done! ;(
Iorhael- Punishment will be meted out-but to whom? As in your tale, I love the dynamic between evilMerry and Frodo. I wonder if I should start having Frodo get tanted by the ring? Hmmm. But I also love your broken Li'l Fwodo.
And folks-if you love Frodo torment-run, don't walk, to read Iorhael's Nasty Hobbitsess-home of the original Evil! Merry. (movieverse). But I warn you-He is vile. But we would not have him any other way!!!
Thanks to all! And lurkers! I would love hearing from you! Constructive criticism only makes the story better. Plus-ask a question, get an answer!
*********
Chapter 12: The Way Out is the Way Through
* * *
"Well, Master. We're in a fix and no mistake!"
Sam was crouched in front of Frodo loosening his master's leg bonds with his strong but indelicate fingers.
"First things first, dear Sam!" answered Frodo." First we-or rather-you have to get me free or my help won't be of much service."
Sam tugged frantically at the knots. His face was growing red with frustration.
"Snakes and adders, but these knots are tight!" steamed Sam. "I can't even get my pinkie underneath 'em."
"What about that knife of yours, Sam?"
"It was dull to begin with, Frodo," confessed Sam. "And sawing that thick rope with it just about did it and me in. These knots are just going to have to get untied."
"My fingers are smaller, Sam. If you could only get my wrists loose, I could free my own legs," suggested Frodo.
Sam crawled crab-like to Frodo's back and began pulling at the knots-with no better results.
"Ow! Sam, You just pulled it tighter!"
"Sorry Master Frodo. I can't see worth anything and I haven't got no leverage. Maybe if."
Sam hesitated. "Well, it wouldn't be very dignified and."
"Out with it, Sam!" Frodo cried -nearly surly. "Any suggestion that works is a good one."
"Well," continued Sam sheepishly. "If you lie yourself down on your belly I might me able to see better."
Frodo laughed.
"You're right Sam!" That is not very dignified. But undignified seems to be the rule of the day for Frodo Baggins. I've suffered worse indignities thus far, and none filled with such good intentions as your suggestion. So down I go, on my belly like a snake."
"Careful, Master," said Sam as he grabbed Frodo's shoulders, eased him down on his side and rolled him over as carefully as if Frodo was made of glass. Before messing with the bonds, Sam dug out a pillow from the pile. He lifted Frodo's whole front up with one arm, and stuck a soft pillow under Frodo's neck and chin. "Now to it."
Frodo could feel Sam's hands spidering over his own as he tried to loosen the binds. The whole process seemed to be going agonizingly slow until finally lifted Frodo's hands toward his mouth in order to use his teeth. When Sam sighed sharply, Frodo knew Sam had scored a victory.
"I got one Mr. Frodo! exclaimed Sam. "One of the knots that is!"
"Hsh!" breathed Frodo. "Don't crow so loudly or it will be for nothing!"
Sam got back to work tugging and pulling and jiggling. Within minutes, Frodo felt the bonds loosen.
"Almost there, Mr. Frodo."
Sam, I think I can manage," said Frodo. "You hold on to the cloth, I'll shimmy my hands out."
Both hobbits breathed a sign of relief as Frodo's hands slipped free from the cloths.
"Help me up, Sam, My hands are free, but asleep. And we have very little time, I fear."
Sam rolled Frodo around and pulled him back into a more dignified sitting position.
"Here. Frodo," said Sam taking Frodo's hands in his own. "Let me rub some life into your poor wrists."
Sam massaged Frodo's wrists as if they were small kittens in need of a petting. All the while, Sam marveled at how delicate Frodo's doll-like hands seemed -so unlike the callused, tanned appearance of his own. Such a frail, delicate thing in charge of such a daunting task. It seemed so very unfair!
"Now for the knots, Sam," announced Frodo as he seized his hands away from Sam's gentle ministrations.
Frodo made two short pulls at strategic locations on the ankle binds. Sam watched in amazement as they fell away like husks from autumn corn.
"How-"
"I taught Merry how to tie this particular type of knot when he was just a hobbit lad, Sam" smiled Frodo. "A lesson I presently much regret."
Frodo suddenly tensed as his mind snapped back to the present.
"We need to get out of here, Sam," said Frodo, restating the obvious. "The ring is taking hold of Merry. He's not himself. It is only a matter of time before he tries to claim it."
Sam suddenly burst into tears.
"Master Frodo" Sam cried, "This is all my fault! I told them everything- can't you see? Everything! I know I shouldn't ought to have done it, but they said they wanted to help you, Mr. Frodo. And I believed them!"
"Sam, Sam," cooed Frodo as he drew Sam into a one-armed embrace. "You had every reason to believe them! I have no doubt they had planned to use that information to help me. They were going to come with us, weren't they, Sam?"
Sam nodded, tears streaming from his reddened woebegone eyes.
"So, Sam, whatever change has come over Merry has done so after you gave him the information. I know you only had my interests in mind. You've no reason to feel guilty, and besides, guilt will not get us out of here. What we need is a plan."
Sam's convulsive sobs subsided into hiccups before disappearing altogether. Sam glanced up at the small circular window near the ceiling that cast the midday sun across the room.
"No hope that I could get through that, Mr. Frodo. But you're a thinner hobbit. You could possible get through and escape if I lifted you."
"A hobbit lad of four summers would not fit through that thing, Sam," sighed Frodo. "And besides, I'll not leave you behind."
Tears began flowing unbidden from Sam's eyes at that last phrase, though Frodo was too wrapped up in thought to notice.
"I believe the only way out, Sam, is through the front door."
"And through your cousins, I fear," added Sam.
Sam rose to test the bedroom door. As he extended his hand, a frantic Frodo jumped up to stop him.
"No-Samwise," admonished Frodo as he grabbed hold of Sam's wrist. "I'm sure it is locked, and if the door clicks, Merry and Pippin will know something's up."
"It is only Merry I'm worried about, Mr. Frodo."
Sam rolled up his sleeves, spoiling for a fight.
"Don't you worry, Mr. Frodo! I'll take care of 'em! I'll throttle that Merry the minute he comes through that door!"
Frodo put a calming hand on Sam's shoulder.
"Sam, I know Meriadoc has been acting beastly to both of us. But I am sure it is only because of the influence of the ring. My dear cousin is still in there, Sam, waiting to get out. Please try not to hurt him, Sam. All we need to do is to escape, not cause permanent injury."
"Well," huffed Sam. "I'll give as good as I get, Mr. Frodo, if you catch my meaning."
"I do Sam," replied Frodo. Just, for dear Merry's sake, please do be careful."
Sam shook his head in disbelief.
"Mister Frodo," said Sam. "Mr. Merry is the bigger and stronger of your cousins. You let me take care of Merry. If you don't mind me sayin', you are not much one for fighting."
Frodo offered a wry smile.
"Perhaps you are right, dear Sam. Very well. You handle Merry, and I'll see to managing little Pip. But it will be the element of surprise, and not sheer strength that will win the day here, Sam."
Sam beamed with enthusiasm, rubbing his brawny palms together.
"They'll not know what hit 'em, Mr. Frodo!"
* * *
"Merry, how will you convince Frodo to stay here with us?" asked Pippin.
Pip and Merry were reclined on Merry's bed- Merry leaning on a stack of pillows and Pip leaning on Merry. Merry absentmindedly smoothed Pippins curls off of his forehead in a rhythmic motion that soothed Pippin to his core. He could stay here forever and want for nothing.
Merry, however, was so tangled in thought that he scarcely heeded either Pip or his question.
"Merry?" repeated Pippin.
"Pippin," asked Merry in a clear cold voice. "Do you love Frodo?"
"Of course, Merry."
"I love Frodo as well, Pip," sighed Merry. Which is why his behavior today was so hurtful."
"Behavior?" questioned Pip, his eyes filled with questions.
"Yes Pip!" snapped Merry. "Behavior. Poor, hurtful, nefarious, malignant behavior! Frodo tried to trick us, Pip!"
Pippin scrunched up his face.
"Maybe Frodo was just worried that we would be putting ourselves in danger if we followed him, Merry. Maybe he was just worried about us!"
"No Pip," Merry contested in an icy tone. "Frodo told an outright falsehood --the only purpose of which was to deceive. Pippin, we are Frodo's greatest allies, and he is treating us as if WE are the enemy. And that is unforgivable. But I will forgive him, Pip. I will forgive Frodo because he is our cousin, and I love him."
Merry's gentle caresses upon Pippin brow had subconsciously become rough grasps upon the younger hobbit's hair. Pip flinched, and lovingly took Merry's hand to keep it out of his locks. Merry did not seem to notice.
"Besides, Pippin," continued Merry. "I do think we can help dear Frodo to see the light."
Confusion swam in Pip's innocent eyes.
"What will you do?" he asked
"You mean what will WE do," corrected Merry. "Remember that I will need your assistance in this task."
Pip puffed up with pride.
"What will we do then, Mer?"
The strange pale gleam came into Merry's eyes again.
"We will break Frodo's stubborn and willful attitude," answered Merry forcefully. "We will reorganize his priorities. We will do things that are unpleasant but necessary. And we will do these things because we love him. Frodo will learn the extent of our compassion, even though, Pip, it will be difficult for him to accept, at least at first."
Pippin's eyes went wide.
"How?"
"Through persuasion," answered Merry,
Pip gulped, and shuttered. Something began to stir deep in his consciousness. Something was not quite right. But surely his Merry knew best.
Pip laughed weakly and without mirth.
"I guess a little gentle persuasion never hurt anyone," Pippin muttered.
"Pippin," replied Merry gravely. "Who said anything about being "gentle"?
* * *
Frodo and Sam had placed themselves on either side of the bedroom door- prepared to pounce. Sam, being the stronger of the two, stood by the knob, while Frodo was at the hinges.
"Master Frodo," whispered Sam. "What shall we do once we break out of this room. I mean, what after?"
"Then, dear Samwise," answered Frodo. "We run."
Sam stepped back from the door a little and placed his hands firmly on his hips as if addressing a naughty child.
"And have Merry and Pip up and scurry right after us. I don't much like the sound o' that!"
"What would you have us do, Samwise?"
Sam mouth curved up in a wicked grin.
"I dunno. Force Merry to drink a tankard of his own blasted tea!" huffed Sam. "But I would settle for knocking out Merry and locking him in this room. Let him enjoy his own brand of hospitality!"
Frodo barely stifled a laugh.
"Well Sam," sighed Frodo. "I hope it would come to that-the knocking out part. But I suppose we should at least lock them in. We will need a head start."
"Granted we succeed," said Sam.
Frodo's features hardened with grim determination.
"We must."
* * *
"Come along now, Pip," ordered Merry. "Time to speak more with Frodo. He and Sam have had plenty of time to reminisce."
Pip slid lazily out of bed, buttoning his shirt as an afterthought.
"Mer?"
"Yes?" answered Merry.
"I'm hungry. It's been hours since we've eaten. And I bet Frodo and Sam are hungry too. Why don't we cook up a little dinner to eat while we talk."
"You, I and Sam shall eat soon," answered Merry.
"And Frodo?" asked Pip.
"Frodo shall not eat until he sees reason. Which means he may not eat for awhile yet. But, Pip, we will be needing that chair."
Merry indicated a sturdy wooden chair in the corner of the bedroom. "Move that out into the parlor, will you, Pip. I will meet you in front of Sam's room."
Pip nodded and began dragging the chair down the corridor, its feet making loud skidding and bumping sounds as Pippin proceeded. He set the chair by the hearth, assuming Frodo would be most comfortable there. His task done, Pip padded back over to Merry.
* * *
"Mr. Frodo!" whispered Sam in frantic tones. "Mr. Frodo! I think they are coming!"
Sam had his ear pressed against the heavy wooden door.
"I just heard the sounds of a door opening and something being dragged out," continued Sam.
Frodo nodded, taking his place beside the door.
Both Hobbits tensed as they heard the distinctive pads of hobbit feet approaching.
* * *
Merry stood soundlessly outside Sam's door, waiting for his younger cousin. He had not to wait long, and Pip came sprinting up to him with a big smile.
"All done, Mer!"
"Good lad."
"Mer?"
"Yes?" answered Merry, his voice laced with impatience.
"Mer, I don't think Frodo much likes being tied up."
Merry rifled through his pocket and drew out a key.
"Sometimes, Pip," answered Merry regretfully, "Sometimes you must be cruel to be kind."
And with those words, Merry struck his key into the lock and turned it.
* * * *
"Alright Sam," whispered Frodo in a firm but hushed tone. "Now for it!"
One!
Two!
THREE!!!!!
TBC
_______________________________________________________________________
AN: Evil cliffhanger! MWHAAAHAAAA!!!!! Five reviews, and I'll update ;)
TO THE REVIEWERS!
Krista: I don't suspect Merry will react very well to this! Do you think Merry should take it out on Pip? I have not decided yet!
MBradford: I have not forgotten Fatty. He will have a part to play yet, so to speak. But his whereabouts will remain unknown for quite a bit longer!
Blue Jedi Hobbit- Well-they will make their best effort to escape! Stay tuned!
Natta: Happy Belated Birthday! In honor of your birthday there will be nothing really scary-just suspenseful.
Pointy-eared Archer- I'm trying not to overdo evil!Merry. He's comflicted. But I'm afraid once he claims the ring, all bets are off! (just look at the bad behavior of Evil!Merry in Nasty Hobbitses once Merry takes the ring!!!) BTW-according to Stockholm symdrome, breaking Frodo should take about 4 days under "ideal" circumstances. (mwahaahaa!)
Cailen Braern: So thrilled to have you aboard!! I'm on the edge of my seat with your story! Will Sam turn evil in your tale? Well, I'll continue reviewing your tale if you give me tips on mine! As for your question-I think SOMEONE will get it next chapter!!
Endymion- Thanks for noticing the chapter titles! And I love it when people include the quotes they like because it helps me know which ones are the most effective. And the fun of this story is watching the hobbits trying to second guess each other-with varying degrees of success.
Budgielover- Thank you for the excellent sequel idea! This story is addictive-and I love writing it! Thanks for the fav quote pic (blushes). As for conking Frodo over the head- I think Merry is still enough "himself" to see that tactic as "stealing"-and it would ruin his convenient foction that he is helping Frodo. But don't worry! The ring will inevitably devour good intentions!!
Aratlithiel- (blushes) thank you! I'm trying very hard to get book Frodo and Sam to hit a believable note. So before I write, I go over sections in the book with much Frodo-Sam dialogue. It is getting easier as I write! And you just might be onto something with you suspicions of Frodo's "immunity." As for grading papers-I'm about halfway done! ;(
Iorhael- Punishment will be meted out-but to whom? As in your tale, I love the dynamic between evilMerry and Frodo. I wonder if I should start having Frodo get tanted by the ring? Hmmm. But I also love your broken Li'l Fwodo.
And folks-if you love Frodo torment-run, don't walk, to read Iorhael's Nasty Hobbitsess-home of the original Evil! Merry. (movieverse). But I warn you-He is vile. But we would not have him any other way!!!
Thanks to all! And lurkers! I would love hearing from you! Constructive criticism only makes the story better. Plus-ask a question, get an answer!