Hello all! Another one of those "bridging chapters" where not much happens
but angst! LOL! Sorry for the delay in getting this one up. Life just keeps
getting in the way! Hope you enjoy it.
FrodoBaggins87: I'm afraid Sam will get farther than any suspected he could! He is a determined hobbit if nothing else!
Laurajslr: Glad you're addicted! That's a good thing, I think! LOL! Guess I share the same addiction with your wonderful stories! This chapter is a bit shorter than the last couple, but I hope you still enjoy it.
Merry lad: I think Sam could use all the hugs he could get about now! I hope you continue to enjoy the story. This one may very well turn out to be my longest yet.
Gamgeefest: Yes, madam Ubersnob (love that term!) got the ultimate PUBLIC smackdown. Nothing else would have made much of an impression. Too bad there really are people around like her!
Sam: Goats just seemed like the most logical livestock to be found in such a city. Not too big, and rather useful! I like the fact you've named your goats after the hobbits!
Althea: Thanks for your review! I'm glad you're all upset about poor Sam – means my story is working! LOL! I'm not sure I could write a "Happy Sam" story!
Bronwyn: I thought the loss of his few little flowers would be the straw that broke the camel's back. Not only does he lose his friend, but his flowers as well!
Samwise the Strong: Poor Frodo must be getting weary of looking for Sam, the Incredible Disappearing Hobbit! LOL! But, Sam put up with all of Frodo's angst for three books, I think it's Frodo's turn!
Rabidsamfan: I'm not sure how the palantirs would help in this situation. As I understand it, there have to be two of them, don't they? Sort of like a videophone? Unless Sam happened to bring one with him, I don't think they'll be much use!
Frodo Freak2: Here...I think you need some Kleenex! Is that better?
Arwen Baggins: I don't know whether or not Sam will ever run into Uzelle again (the story isn't finished), but all things are possible!
Szhismine: Why is Sam leaving? Well, on top of Sam thinking everyone in Minas Tirith thinks he's nothing more than a lowly, insignificant servant, he believes Frodo wishes Sam had never returned from Mordor and that Sam had just been a royal pain in the butt the whole trip (Frodo was actually speaking of Gollum). So, Sam thinks he's lost his best and dearest friend.
Saiyan: Yeah, losing his flowers was really the last straw. Sam just couldn't take it anymore and decided it was time to hit the road! I hope you enjoy the next chapter!
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Chapter 8 Friends' Fears
Interestingly enough, the party did not collapse after the dramatic departure of Lady Uzelle. For years, many had wished they could bring her down a peg or two, but none dared. The woman had an imperious, self- centered view of life that few could penetrate. Yet, Aragorn and Frodo had finally brought her down. The crowd dispersed throughout the ballroom, buzzing with excitement. Faramir smiled sardonically. "Seems as if your confrontation with Lady Uzelle will generate far more gossip and interest than even your coronation!" he said, shaking his head. "THAT feat of bravery is what people will remember no matter how long you reign!"
Aragorn gave a small snort of disgust. "I cannot believe that anyone would treat Sam in such a shameful manner. I do not hold with pretentious snobs and that woman is by far the worst!" He ran his hand through his hair thoughtfully, then turned to Frodo who was still seething by his side. "At least this explains Sam's odd behavior."
Frodo shook his head angrily. "If only I had known!" he cried in frustration, "I could have done something! I never would have allowed this to go on. These foolish people simply have no idea what Sam and I went through on our quest and how much they owe him in particular." He stared at the door through which Lady Uzelle had departed. "I must find Sam," he said finally. "I must let him know that no one else agrees with that woman. If anything happens to him because of the way she treated him, I'll..." he never finished that thought, for he turned abruptly and strode from the room, determined to find his friend.
Merry and Pippin stood with the others and watched him go. Pippin started to follow, but Merry held him back. "Let him go, Pip," he said quietly. "Let him talk to Sam alone first." Pippin nodded and stepped back. Merry then turned to Gandalf who had now joined them. The hobbit looked grim. "Gandalf," he said, "I think there is more to this than that Lady Uzelle insulting him." The others looked at him in surprise. Merry continued. "You know Sam. Yes, he would be hurt, certainly, but do you honestly believe that that would be enough to separate him from Frodo or to cause him such deep pain? He's not eating; Frodo doesn't think he's sleeping. He looks terrible!" He hesitated for a moment then said, "I think he's wasting and if that's true, there's more here than a social snub by that odious woman."
Gandalf leaned on his staff, frowning. There was truth in what Merry had said. Sam was uncommonly devoted to his master and it did seem unlikely that Lady Uzelle's actions would cause such a damaging response in Sam. He himself had felt concerned enough for Sam's well-being to have a guard secretly watching over the hobbit. But wasting? If that was true, than the root of Sam's pain went far deeper than anyone suspected. "I believe you are correct in this, Merry," Gandalf sighed. "But let us see what his response is after Frodo speaks with him. Perhaps knowing that we are all aware of Lady Uzelle's actions and have defended him, will bring him around. He is a sensible hobbit, after all." Merry nodded slowly, but doubt still tugged at his heart.
Frodo hurried down the corridors to the rooms he shared with Sam. He worried that Sam would have already disappeared as he so often did at night. He never could learn where Sam went. As soon as he reached the door of his room, he flung it opened urgently, "Sam!" he cried searching about, "Sam! Where are you? I must speak with you!" He ran over to Sam's room and stopped, his heart beating desperately. The room was empty. "Oh, Sam!" he whispered, "Where are you? Please be all right!" Silence was his only response.
Defeated, he made his way back to the ballroom. Merry and Pippin stood outside the doors waiting. "Frodo!" cried Pippin anxiously, "Have you spoken with Sam?"
Frodo shook his head dismally. He looked at his cousins, tears in his eyes. "He wasn't there. I am so worried that he has done something serious this time. I should never have left him alone!" He sat down on a small bench, his weary head in his hands. If something had happened to Sam, he would never forgive himself.
Merry slipped back into the ballroom, searching until he found Gandalf and Aragorn. They both had been keeping an eye out for any sign of Frodo's return. "Did Frodo find him?" Aragorn asked quietly as Merry approached.
Merry shook his head. "No," he replied. "Frodo is really worried this time. He fears Sam has done something desperate." Merry stood silently for a moment. "I just know there is more to this than Lady Uzelle."
Gandalf nodded thoughtfully then stepped outside for a few moments. When he returned, he looked more disturbed than before. "I have had a guard secretly watching Sam for several days now. He said that Sam often goes and stands on the cliff at the end of the causeway but has not seen him leave this evening. I suspect Master Gamgee has given him the slip."
He turned to Aragorn. "I think we had better look for Sam. I have a bad feeling about this. But, I think it best if we keep the search party small. You, me, Gimli, Legolas, and of course the hobbits."
"And me!"
Gandalf turned to find Faramir standing beside him. "I wish to be part of the search," declared Faramir, "I have grown very fond of Master Gamgee and as I know this city better than any of you, I think I should be included!" Gandalf smiled and nodded. That would bring the party up to eight. The wizard felt it would be best to keep the search party small. He didn't want to upset Sam any more than he already was.
All night they searched, to no avail. Frodo was beside himself with worry. No one could detect a single clue as to where Sam had gone. By morning, Aragorn had recruited some of the more trustworthy soldiers but eventually, the word got round that one of the hobbits was again missing. Riders searched the Pellenor fields and lands immediately around Minas Tirith. The residents of the city all kept their eyes open for a glimpse of the lost hobbit, but still there was no sign of Sam.
Aragorn considered postponing the coronation until Sam could be found, but Gandalf convinced him that it would be a mistake to delay any longer. Gondor must be united under its new king and the sooner the better. The search for Sam would continue even during the ceremony. Yet, despite the best efforts of all concerned, no trace of Samwise Gamgee was found. It was if he had disappeared off the face of the earth.
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Unaware of the uproar he had caused, Sam plodded on towards the Shire. He had no idea how far he had gone. A couple of times, he had heard the sound of hoof beats approaching from behind and he ducked into cover along the roadside. His presence remained undetected. Morning had come, then afternoon and finally, darkness descended on the land once more. Sam was exhausted and moving more by reflex than by any conscious thought. He hadn't eaten in at least two days and his throat was dry and parched. It was a familiar feeling, he thought dimly, recalling those last days in Mordor. At least here, the air was clear and fresh.
Finally, Sam found a small spring hidden amidst a copse of willowy trees. Its cool, sweet water helped revive him. "What are you doing, Samwise Gamgee?" he suddenly moaned to himself as he knelt by the spring. "You've gone and run away! What will Mr. Frodo and the others think?" His mind was in such a muddle. What had possessed him to start walking all the way to the Shire and him without so much as a bite of bread or a bit of rope? Had he learned nothing from all his traveling in the wilds? He'd only been gone a day and already he could barely walk. His lack of food and sleep during the past week had weakened him considerably. He was certainly in no condition to go hiking clear across Middle Earth just to go home!
He leaned back against one of the trees and considered his options. He could go back, of course. Perhaps they were even looking for him. Then he thought of Strider's coronation and decided that that would certainly take precedence over searching for one missing hobbit. But if he didn't go back to Minas Tirith, his only other option was to keep moving forward but without any food or supplies. He had no idea how far it would be to reach the Shire. They had come by such a circuitous route, that he had no concept of its distance. All he knew is that it was far. But what did it matter, he thought dismally. Any life he had was back in the Shire and somehow, he would make it there. Or die in the attempt. Either way, he would undoubtedly be happier.
FrodoBaggins87: I'm afraid Sam will get farther than any suspected he could! He is a determined hobbit if nothing else!
Laurajslr: Glad you're addicted! That's a good thing, I think! LOL! Guess I share the same addiction with your wonderful stories! This chapter is a bit shorter than the last couple, but I hope you still enjoy it.
Merry lad: I think Sam could use all the hugs he could get about now! I hope you continue to enjoy the story. This one may very well turn out to be my longest yet.
Gamgeefest: Yes, madam Ubersnob (love that term!) got the ultimate PUBLIC smackdown. Nothing else would have made much of an impression. Too bad there really are people around like her!
Sam: Goats just seemed like the most logical livestock to be found in such a city. Not too big, and rather useful! I like the fact you've named your goats after the hobbits!
Althea: Thanks for your review! I'm glad you're all upset about poor Sam – means my story is working! LOL! I'm not sure I could write a "Happy Sam" story!
Bronwyn: I thought the loss of his few little flowers would be the straw that broke the camel's back. Not only does he lose his friend, but his flowers as well!
Samwise the Strong: Poor Frodo must be getting weary of looking for Sam, the Incredible Disappearing Hobbit! LOL! But, Sam put up with all of Frodo's angst for three books, I think it's Frodo's turn!
Rabidsamfan: I'm not sure how the palantirs would help in this situation. As I understand it, there have to be two of them, don't they? Sort of like a videophone? Unless Sam happened to bring one with him, I don't think they'll be much use!
Frodo Freak2: Here...I think you need some Kleenex! Is that better?
Arwen Baggins: I don't know whether or not Sam will ever run into Uzelle again (the story isn't finished), but all things are possible!
Szhismine: Why is Sam leaving? Well, on top of Sam thinking everyone in Minas Tirith thinks he's nothing more than a lowly, insignificant servant, he believes Frodo wishes Sam had never returned from Mordor and that Sam had just been a royal pain in the butt the whole trip (Frodo was actually speaking of Gollum). So, Sam thinks he's lost his best and dearest friend.
Saiyan: Yeah, losing his flowers was really the last straw. Sam just couldn't take it anymore and decided it was time to hit the road! I hope you enjoy the next chapter!
****************************************************************
Chapter 8 Friends' Fears
Interestingly enough, the party did not collapse after the dramatic departure of Lady Uzelle. For years, many had wished they could bring her down a peg or two, but none dared. The woman had an imperious, self- centered view of life that few could penetrate. Yet, Aragorn and Frodo had finally brought her down. The crowd dispersed throughout the ballroom, buzzing with excitement. Faramir smiled sardonically. "Seems as if your confrontation with Lady Uzelle will generate far more gossip and interest than even your coronation!" he said, shaking his head. "THAT feat of bravery is what people will remember no matter how long you reign!"
Aragorn gave a small snort of disgust. "I cannot believe that anyone would treat Sam in such a shameful manner. I do not hold with pretentious snobs and that woman is by far the worst!" He ran his hand through his hair thoughtfully, then turned to Frodo who was still seething by his side. "At least this explains Sam's odd behavior."
Frodo shook his head angrily. "If only I had known!" he cried in frustration, "I could have done something! I never would have allowed this to go on. These foolish people simply have no idea what Sam and I went through on our quest and how much they owe him in particular." He stared at the door through which Lady Uzelle had departed. "I must find Sam," he said finally. "I must let him know that no one else agrees with that woman. If anything happens to him because of the way she treated him, I'll..." he never finished that thought, for he turned abruptly and strode from the room, determined to find his friend.
Merry and Pippin stood with the others and watched him go. Pippin started to follow, but Merry held him back. "Let him go, Pip," he said quietly. "Let him talk to Sam alone first." Pippin nodded and stepped back. Merry then turned to Gandalf who had now joined them. The hobbit looked grim. "Gandalf," he said, "I think there is more to this than that Lady Uzelle insulting him." The others looked at him in surprise. Merry continued. "You know Sam. Yes, he would be hurt, certainly, but do you honestly believe that that would be enough to separate him from Frodo or to cause him such deep pain? He's not eating; Frodo doesn't think he's sleeping. He looks terrible!" He hesitated for a moment then said, "I think he's wasting and if that's true, there's more here than a social snub by that odious woman."
Gandalf leaned on his staff, frowning. There was truth in what Merry had said. Sam was uncommonly devoted to his master and it did seem unlikely that Lady Uzelle's actions would cause such a damaging response in Sam. He himself had felt concerned enough for Sam's well-being to have a guard secretly watching over the hobbit. But wasting? If that was true, than the root of Sam's pain went far deeper than anyone suspected. "I believe you are correct in this, Merry," Gandalf sighed. "But let us see what his response is after Frodo speaks with him. Perhaps knowing that we are all aware of Lady Uzelle's actions and have defended him, will bring him around. He is a sensible hobbit, after all." Merry nodded slowly, but doubt still tugged at his heart.
Frodo hurried down the corridors to the rooms he shared with Sam. He worried that Sam would have already disappeared as he so often did at night. He never could learn where Sam went. As soon as he reached the door of his room, he flung it opened urgently, "Sam!" he cried searching about, "Sam! Where are you? I must speak with you!" He ran over to Sam's room and stopped, his heart beating desperately. The room was empty. "Oh, Sam!" he whispered, "Where are you? Please be all right!" Silence was his only response.
Defeated, he made his way back to the ballroom. Merry and Pippin stood outside the doors waiting. "Frodo!" cried Pippin anxiously, "Have you spoken with Sam?"
Frodo shook his head dismally. He looked at his cousins, tears in his eyes. "He wasn't there. I am so worried that he has done something serious this time. I should never have left him alone!" He sat down on a small bench, his weary head in his hands. If something had happened to Sam, he would never forgive himself.
Merry slipped back into the ballroom, searching until he found Gandalf and Aragorn. They both had been keeping an eye out for any sign of Frodo's return. "Did Frodo find him?" Aragorn asked quietly as Merry approached.
Merry shook his head. "No," he replied. "Frodo is really worried this time. He fears Sam has done something desperate." Merry stood silently for a moment. "I just know there is more to this than Lady Uzelle."
Gandalf nodded thoughtfully then stepped outside for a few moments. When he returned, he looked more disturbed than before. "I have had a guard secretly watching Sam for several days now. He said that Sam often goes and stands on the cliff at the end of the causeway but has not seen him leave this evening. I suspect Master Gamgee has given him the slip."
He turned to Aragorn. "I think we had better look for Sam. I have a bad feeling about this. But, I think it best if we keep the search party small. You, me, Gimli, Legolas, and of course the hobbits."
"And me!"
Gandalf turned to find Faramir standing beside him. "I wish to be part of the search," declared Faramir, "I have grown very fond of Master Gamgee and as I know this city better than any of you, I think I should be included!" Gandalf smiled and nodded. That would bring the party up to eight. The wizard felt it would be best to keep the search party small. He didn't want to upset Sam any more than he already was.
All night they searched, to no avail. Frodo was beside himself with worry. No one could detect a single clue as to where Sam had gone. By morning, Aragorn had recruited some of the more trustworthy soldiers but eventually, the word got round that one of the hobbits was again missing. Riders searched the Pellenor fields and lands immediately around Minas Tirith. The residents of the city all kept their eyes open for a glimpse of the lost hobbit, but still there was no sign of Sam.
Aragorn considered postponing the coronation until Sam could be found, but Gandalf convinced him that it would be a mistake to delay any longer. Gondor must be united under its new king and the sooner the better. The search for Sam would continue even during the ceremony. Yet, despite the best efforts of all concerned, no trace of Samwise Gamgee was found. It was if he had disappeared off the face of the earth.
*****************************************
Unaware of the uproar he had caused, Sam plodded on towards the Shire. He had no idea how far he had gone. A couple of times, he had heard the sound of hoof beats approaching from behind and he ducked into cover along the roadside. His presence remained undetected. Morning had come, then afternoon and finally, darkness descended on the land once more. Sam was exhausted and moving more by reflex than by any conscious thought. He hadn't eaten in at least two days and his throat was dry and parched. It was a familiar feeling, he thought dimly, recalling those last days in Mordor. At least here, the air was clear and fresh.
Finally, Sam found a small spring hidden amidst a copse of willowy trees. Its cool, sweet water helped revive him. "What are you doing, Samwise Gamgee?" he suddenly moaned to himself as he knelt by the spring. "You've gone and run away! What will Mr. Frodo and the others think?" His mind was in such a muddle. What had possessed him to start walking all the way to the Shire and him without so much as a bite of bread or a bit of rope? Had he learned nothing from all his traveling in the wilds? He'd only been gone a day and already he could barely walk. His lack of food and sleep during the past week had weakened him considerably. He was certainly in no condition to go hiking clear across Middle Earth just to go home!
He leaned back against one of the trees and considered his options. He could go back, of course. Perhaps they were even looking for him. Then he thought of Strider's coronation and decided that that would certainly take precedence over searching for one missing hobbit. But if he didn't go back to Minas Tirith, his only other option was to keep moving forward but without any food or supplies. He had no idea how far it would be to reach the Shire. They had come by such a circuitous route, that he had no concept of its distance. All he knew is that it was far. But what did it matter, he thought dismally. Any life he had was back in the Shire and somehow, he would make it there. Or die in the attempt. Either way, he would undoubtedly be happier.