I won' be able to post again for several days, so thought I would just go
ahead and put this one up as it is finished. Hope y'all enjoy!
Dragonfly: Welcome! Thanks so much for taking a chance and reading my story. I understand about not necessarily being into one character. I am firmly a Sam fan myself!
Bronwyn: I figured Sam needed some help and since he's on the road through Rohan, seemed like a Rider would be the most likely one to find him.
FrodoBaggins86: Glad you like the names. I figured that since Tolkien had a Nordic theme in Rohan, I looked for Nordic words that seemed to fit the characters. I think they came out pretty well!
Laurasjlr: OK, here we are back in Minas Tirith! Hope this doesn't disappoint!
Szhismine: Thanks for being such a regular reviewer! As for Frodo and the others finding out Sam is safe.... Well, read this chapter!
Althea: I am really pleased that you are enjoying the story! Sometimes I wonder if it's holding the reader's interest, then someone like you pops up with a such an encouraging review! I hope you continue to enjoy it!
Merimas Gamgee: Oh my, this story has quite a long way to go (probably too long!). Rest assured, Sam will get farther than Edoras!
Gamgeefest: Well, you know those horses in Rohan aren't your standard farm animal! They got brains AND beauty! And yes, hobbits can be very good at hiding themselves which is why Sam wasn't quickly found. He didn't want to be!
Sam: His stop in Edoras is just a temporary one. Otherwise, I'd have to change my summary (although, it is taking longer for me to get him to the Shire then I had originally planned!)
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Chapter 10 Lady Uzelle's Revenge
It was the day after the ball and Lady Uzelle was seething with indignation and fury. Never in her entire life had she been treated so disrespectfully! Who did that Ranger think he was, reprimanding her like some naughty child? And that halfling! She didn't care if he was the Ring-bearer, he had no right to speak to her like that! And it was all because of that sniveling little gardener! He was a SERVANT for goodness sake! Someone paid to work serving others! So what if he had killed some big insect or gave Frodo a ride on his back? What of it? That certainly didn't entitle him to mar the perfection of her ball! She started pacing the room. Now, she'd heard he was missing. No one had seen him since last night. She began thinking hard. Somehow, she could use the worthless halfling's disappearance to her advantage, of this she was certain. Aragorn and those others who thought themselves so high and mighty, had caused her great pain. She stopped pacing as an idea began to form in her mind. Well, perhaps she could do the same to them, she thought, her cold heart beginning to beat faster with excitement. She slowly sat down and leaned against the silken cushions of her divan, a sly, triumphant smile tugged at her lips. A white, longhaired cat leapt into her lap meowing softly. Yes, she gloated, petting the animal, she would get her revenge.
Frodo was frantic. By the next day, Sam had still not been found nor had he returned on his own. Despite the long search, no sign of Sam could be found. The coronation had gone on as planned, but Frodo's heart certainly was not in it. As he fulfilled his part of the ceremony, his thoughts were constantly on Sam. Where could he be? Was he hurt? What was troubling him so? It was all Frodo could do to keep from running away and joining the searchers. If only they would find him! Gandalf looked sympathetically at the forlorn looking hobbits. He knew at the first opportunity, all three of them rejoin the search. He himself feared that if they found Sam, the news would not be good.
The next day came and went with still no sign of Sam. Gimli and Legolas volunteered to go search out towards Ithilien, thinking perhaps Sam had gone there. It had been the one bright spot in Sam and Frodo's journey and maybe Sam went there to ease his mysterious anguish. It was worth a try anyway. In the meantime, soldiers and citizens would continue to keep an eye out for the missing hobbit.
When nightfall came for a second time, Frodo stumbled exhausted into his room. He had not slept since Sam's disappearance and he was reeling on his feet. Merry and Pippin had just retired to their own apartments. Gandalf and Aragorn had convinced the hobbits that they would be of no use to anyone in their current state. They needed some rest. Frodo collapsed into the chair by a small desk. Burying his weary head in his arms, he finally let his grief overwhelm him. Sobs wracked his thin body. He was lost without Sam. The horrors he and Sam had endured on their journey had forged a bond that went far deeper than even that of the most devoted of brothers. Now that he was gone, Frodo truly understood how much the quiet gardener meant to him. How could he possibly return to the Shire without him?
He did not know how long he sat there sobbing in the dark, but he was brought back to his senses by a soft, but insistent knocking on his door. Wiping the tears from his face, Frodo stumbled to the door and pulled it open. A nervous looking boy stood anxiously in the doorway. "M...Master Baggins?" he asked, clutching a piece of parchment in his hands. Frodo nodded, still staring at the boy. "I have a message for you, sir," said the boy and thrust the parchment at the surprised hobbit. "I'm to wait for your response, sir."
Frowning, Frodo turned, closing the door behind him. He lit the candle on the table and broke the seal on the note. Reading the message in the flickering candlelight, his frown grew darker. What on earth did this mean? He shoved the note into his pocket and hurried to the door. He would soon get to the bottom of this!
He flung open the door to find the boy still waiting. "Do you know what this note contains?" Frodo demanded, grabbing the boy by the arm. "Do you know what it means?"
"No...no, sir!" stuttered the boy in fear, "All I know is I was to deliver the message and take back any answer or to lead you to my lady if that is your wish! I don't know what the note says!"
Frodo stared hard at the boy, then released him. "Take me to your mistress, then," he growled. "I prefer to speak to her in person!" The boy nodded and led Frodo through the dark streets of Minas Tirith.
After much winding through labyrinthine passageways, they soon came to a small door cut into the wall of a massive stone wall. The boy knocked and spoke quietly to the guard that opened the door. Then, beckoning to Frodo led him into a stone courtyard brightly lit with torches. Looking around, Frodo gasped at the size and magnificence of the palatial home looming over them. He turned to the boy in awe, "She lives here!?" he whispered. The boy just nodded, then led the way across the courtyard. It seemed as if they walked forever before they came to another door, this one was found in the back of the house and led to the kitchens. A huge fireplace filled the room along with numerous worktables. Pots and pans hung down from the dark ceiling and even at this late hour, servants were at work cleaning and preparing food the next day's meals. Wouldn't Pippin adore this place, thought Frodo absently. Surely there was more food here than even his young cousin could consume!
The boy pulled at Frodo's sleeve and led him down one dark corridor after another, through doors, up stairs and on and on. Frodo was completely lost and didn't think he could possibly find his way back alone. Finally, they came to a dark blue door decorated with gold. The boy stopped and firmly knocked. A soft voice bade them enter.
The room was as luxurious as a sultan's palace. Rich tapestries hung from the walls, thick burgundy rugs carpeted the marble floors, while a beautifully carved marble fireplace warmed the room with its brightly burning fire. Frodo looked around and stopped as he spied the woman seated on an ornate chaise lounge covered with costly red and gold satin, her red velvet dressing gown glowing in the warm light. Slowly, the woman turned and stood, gliding gracefully towards Frodo and the boy. She looked at the boy and simply nodded. The boy turned and left, closing the door silently behind him. Frodo was now alone with Lady Uzelle.
Frodo watched the boy go, then turned to the woman. "What is the meaning of this?" he demanded abruptly holding out the letter. "What do you know about Sam's disappearance?"
Lady Uzelle sighed sadly. "First of all, Master Baggins," she began in her soft, sultry voice, "Please let me apologize again for the abominable way I have treated your friend. Yes, I was following our Gondorian codes of conduct, but that is no excuse!" She paused a moment, looking down at her clenched hands. "I felt responsible for your friend's disappearance, so I believed it was my duty to aid in the search for him. I have many contacts in this city and finally, this afternoon, I had some news." Frodo's face lit up. Lady Uzelle looked at him, then paused again, this time there were tears glistening in her pale blue eyes. "I am very sorry, Master Baggins," she whispered laying a gentle hand on his arm, "But the news is not good." Frodo stiffened beneath her touch. She turned and walked to a small chest. Opening it, she pulled out a gray bundle. As she turned back towards Frodo, he saw that it was a Lothlorien cloak. He frowned in confusion.
"One of my contacts located a man who knew your friend," began Uzelle gently caressing the soft fabric. "He is a gardener himself and I think that is what drew Samwise to him. He lives in the lowest part of the city, near the gates. He said that Samwise came to him the night of the ball in much distress. Martin, that is the man's name, said he managed to convince Samwise to come in and tried to get him to say what was wrong. At first Samwise would say nothing, but after much persuasion and as I understand it, some, uh, alcoholic encouragement, Samwise began to talk."
"What did he say?" whispered Frodo, afraid of what he might hear.
Lady Uzelle bit her lip and wiped away a small tear. It seemed to take her moment to gather her thoughts. "He told Martin that he saw no point in living any longer. His master had no further use for him and if that was the case, what use did he have for life? He felt no one wanted him around," she paused here, her eyes closed as if in pain. "I know that was my fault," she said, a small sob in her voice. "Martin said he had never seen anyone as low as Samwise was that night. The next morning, when he went to check on your friend, he was gone. It was very early and the dew was heavy, so Martin was able to follow his tracks out through the city gate and across the Pellenor Fields. They...they led to the river. He found this caught on a branch in the water." Frodo continued to stare at her, his face ghostly white.
Uzelle met his gaze, tears freely flowing now. "The tracks only went one way, Master Baggins. They did not return." The world began to spin around Frodo. No! This couldn't be happening! Why should he believe this horrid woman? She didn't even like Sam! He felt her gentle touch as she guided him to the chaise lounge and helped him sit down.
"I am so sorry, Master Baggins," she wept, "I had no idea this would happen! I am a selfish, foolish woman and Samwise Gamgee deserved so much better!" Frodo turned his stricken face to stare at Lady Uzelle. Her face was buried in her hands as she wept. He blinked trying to make sense of all this. She seemed genuinely upset. Could she be telling the truth?
"I..." the words choked him, "I... would like to talk to this Martin," he finally managed. "I want to hear his story from his own lips."
Uzelle lifted her tear-stained face and nodded. "I expected as much," she said wearily, "I asked him to remain here until you could come. I will send for him immediately." She stood and slowly made her way out of the room, wiping the tears from her face. She looked back at Frodo for a moment and said quietly, "I truly am sorry, Frodo." Then, she was gone.
Frodo stared at the cloak he now held in his hands. It smelled of river water and was still damp. He studied it closely as well as the delicate brooch still clinging to it. He saw a deep scratch across the leaf. Yes, this was Sam's. He remembered that scratch. Sam said it happened during the fight with Shelob. Burying his head in the folds of the cloak, Frodo wept.
Uzelle stood outside the door listening carefully. Yes, she could hear the halfling sobbing now. She smiled coldly. She had no idea where Samwise Gamgee was, nor did she care. The entire story had been fabricated, although it hit closer to the truth than she could have possibly imagined. She had paid a boy to steal Sam's cloak from his chamber. The others had not noticed it. This "Martin" was indeed a gardener and had once spoken to Sam about flowers, but the rest of the story was the result of a well- filled purse. He would say anything she told him to. She smiled more broadly as the sobs increased in intensity. Frodo was heartbroken. His friends would be likewise once they learned of poor Samwise's "death". Her only fear was that stupid hobbit would turn up alive and well, but since she had not offered any definitive proof, she could always feign surprise and relief at his return. She was, after all, a superb actress. In the meantime, she would relish the pain she had caused. No one humiliates Lady Uzelle and escapes unscathed!
Dragonfly: Welcome! Thanks so much for taking a chance and reading my story. I understand about not necessarily being into one character. I am firmly a Sam fan myself!
Bronwyn: I figured Sam needed some help and since he's on the road through Rohan, seemed like a Rider would be the most likely one to find him.
FrodoBaggins86: Glad you like the names. I figured that since Tolkien had a Nordic theme in Rohan, I looked for Nordic words that seemed to fit the characters. I think they came out pretty well!
Laurasjlr: OK, here we are back in Minas Tirith! Hope this doesn't disappoint!
Szhismine: Thanks for being such a regular reviewer! As for Frodo and the others finding out Sam is safe.... Well, read this chapter!
Althea: I am really pleased that you are enjoying the story! Sometimes I wonder if it's holding the reader's interest, then someone like you pops up with a such an encouraging review! I hope you continue to enjoy it!
Merimas Gamgee: Oh my, this story has quite a long way to go (probably too long!). Rest assured, Sam will get farther than Edoras!
Gamgeefest: Well, you know those horses in Rohan aren't your standard farm animal! They got brains AND beauty! And yes, hobbits can be very good at hiding themselves which is why Sam wasn't quickly found. He didn't want to be!
Sam: His stop in Edoras is just a temporary one. Otherwise, I'd have to change my summary (although, it is taking longer for me to get him to the Shire then I had originally planned!)
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Chapter 10 Lady Uzelle's Revenge
It was the day after the ball and Lady Uzelle was seething with indignation and fury. Never in her entire life had she been treated so disrespectfully! Who did that Ranger think he was, reprimanding her like some naughty child? And that halfling! She didn't care if he was the Ring-bearer, he had no right to speak to her like that! And it was all because of that sniveling little gardener! He was a SERVANT for goodness sake! Someone paid to work serving others! So what if he had killed some big insect or gave Frodo a ride on his back? What of it? That certainly didn't entitle him to mar the perfection of her ball! She started pacing the room. Now, she'd heard he was missing. No one had seen him since last night. She began thinking hard. Somehow, she could use the worthless halfling's disappearance to her advantage, of this she was certain. Aragorn and those others who thought themselves so high and mighty, had caused her great pain. She stopped pacing as an idea began to form in her mind. Well, perhaps she could do the same to them, she thought, her cold heart beginning to beat faster with excitement. She slowly sat down and leaned against the silken cushions of her divan, a sly, triumphant smile tugged at her lips. A white, longhaired cat leapt into her lap meowing softly. Yes, she gloated, petting the animal, she would get her revenge.
Frodo was frantic. By the next day, Sam had still not been found nor had he returned on his own. Despite the long search, no sign of Sam could be found. The coronation had gone on as planned, but Frodo's heart certainly was not in it. As he fulfilled his part of the ceremony, his thoughts were constantly on Sam. Where could he be? Was he hurt? What was troubling him so? It was all Frodo could do to keep from running away and joining the searchers. If only they would find him! Gandalf looked sympathetically at the forlorn looking hobbits. He knew at the first opportunity, all three of them rejoin the search. He himself feared that if they found Sam, the news would not be good.
The next day came and went with still no sign of Sam. Gimli and Legolas volunteered to go search out towards Ithilien, thinking perhaps Sam had gone there. It had been the one bright spot in Sam and Frodo's journey and maybe Sam went there to ease his mysterious anguish. It was worth a try anyway. In the meantime, soldiers and citizens would continue to keep an eye out for the missing hobbit.
When nightfall came for a second time, Frodo stumbled exhausted into his room. He had not slept since Sam's disappearance and he was reeling on his feet. Merry and Pippin had just retired to their own apartments. Gandalf and Aragorn had convinced the hobbits that they would be of no use to anyone in their current state. They needed some rest. Frodo collapsed into the chair by a small desk. Burying his weary head in his arms, he finally let his grief overwhelm him. Sobs wracked his thin body. He was lost without Sam. The horrors he and Sam had endured on their journey had forged a bond that went far deeper than even that of the most devoted of brothers. Now that he was gone, Frodo truly understood how much the quiet gardener meant to him. How could he possibly return to the Shire without him?
He did not know how long he sat there sobbing in the dark, but he was brought back to his senses by a soft, but insistent knocking on his door. Wiping the tears from his face, Frodo stumbled to the door and pulled it open. A nervous looking boy stood anxiously in the doorway. "M...Master Baggins?" he asked, clutching a piece of parchment in his hands. Frodo nodded, still staring at the boy. "I have a message for you, sir," said the boy and thrust the parchment at the surprised hobbit. "I'm to wait for your response, sir."
Frowning, Frodo turned, closing the door behind him. He lit the candle on the table and broke the seal on the note. Reading the message in the flickering candlelight, his frown grew darker. What on earth did this mean? He shoved the note into his pocket and hurried to the door. He would soon get to the bottom of this!
He flung open the door to find the boy still waiting. "Do you know what this note contains?" Frodo demanded, grabbing the boy by the arm. "Do you know what it means?"
"No...no, sir!" stuttered the boy in fear, "All I know is I was to deliver the message and take back any answer or to lead you to my lady if that is your wish! I don't know what the note says!"
Frodo stared hard at the boy, then released him. "Take me to your mistress, then," he growled. "I prefer to speak to her in person!" The boy nodded and led Frodo through the dark streets of Minas Tirith.
After much winding through labyrinthine passageways, they soon came to a small door cut into the wall of a massive stone wall. The boy knocked and spoke quietly to the guard that opened the door. Then, beckoning to Frodo led him into a stone courtyard brightly lit with torches. Looking around, Frodo gasped at the size and magnificence of the palatial home looming over them. He turned to the boy in awe, "She lives here!?" he whispered. The boy just nodded, then led the way across the courtyard. It seemed as if they walked forever before they came to another door, this one was found in the back of the house and led to the kitchens. A huge fireplace filled the room along with numerous worktables. Pots and pans hung down from the dark ceiling and even at this late hour, servants were at work cleaning and preparing food the next day's meals. Wouldn't Pippin adore this place, thought Frodo absently. Surely there was more food here than even his young cousin could consume!
The boy pulled at Frodo's sleeve and led him down one dark corridor after another, through doors, up stairs and on and on. Frodo was completely lost and didn't think he could possibly find his way back alone. Finally, they came to a dark blue door decorated with gold. The boy stopped and firmly knocked. A soft voice bade them enter.
The room was as luxurious as a sultan's palace. Rich tapestries hung from the walls, thick burgundy rugs carpeted the marble floors, while a beautifully carved marble fireplace warmed the room with its brightly burning fire. Frodo looked around and stopped as he spied the woman seated on an ornate chaise lounge covered with costly red and gold satin, her red velvet dressing gown glowing in the warm light. Slowly, the woman turned and stood, gliding gracefully towards Frodo and the boy. She looked at the boy and simply nodded. The boy turned and left, closing the door silently behind him. Frodo was now alone with Lady Uzelle.
Frodo watched the boy go, then turned to the woman. "What is the meaning of this?" he demanded abruptly holding out the letter. "What do you know about Sam's disappearance?"
Lady Uzelle sighed sadly. "First of all, Master Baggins," she began in her soft, sultry voice, "Please let me apologize again for the abominable way I have treated your friend. Yes, I was following our Gondorian codes of conduct, but that is no excuse!" She paused a moment, looking down at her clenched hands. "I felt responsible for your friend's disappearance, so I believed it was my duty to aid in the search for him. I have many contacts in this city and finally, this afternoon, I had some news." Frodo's face lit up. Lady Uzelle looked at him, then paused again, this time there were tears glistening in her pale blue eyes. "I am very sorry, Master Baggins," she whispered laying a gentle hand on his arm, "But the news is not good." Frodo stiffened beneath her touch. She turned and walked to a small chest. Opening it, she pulled out a gray bundle. As she turned back towards Frodo, he saw that it was a Lothlorien cloak. He frowned in confusion.
"One of my contacts located a man who knew your friend," began Uzelle gently caressing the soft fabric. "He is a gardener himself and I think that is what drew Samwise to him. He lives in the lowest part of the city, near the gates. He said that Samwise came to him the night of the ball in much distress. Martin, that is the man's name, said he managed to convince Samwise to come in and tried to get him to say what was wrong. At first Samwise would say nothing, but after much persuasion and as I understand it, some, uh, alcoholic encouragement, Samwise began to talk."
"What did he say?" whispered Frodo, afraid of what he might hear.
Lady Uzelle bit her lip and wiped away a small tear. It seemed to take her moment to gather her thoughts. "He told Martin that he saw no point in living any longer. His master had no further use for him and if that was the case, what use did he have for life? He felt no one wanted him around," she paused here, her eyes closed as if in pain. "I know that was my fault," she said, a small sob in her voice. "Martin said he had never seen anyone as low as Samwise was that night. The next morning, when he went to check on your friend, he was gone. It was very early and the dew was heavy, so Martin was able to follow his tracks out through the city gate and across the Pellenor Fields. They...they led to the river. He found this caught on a branch in the water." Frodo continued to stare at her, his face ghostly white.
Uzelle met his gaze, tears freely flowing now. "The tracks only went one way, Master Baggins. They did not return." The world began to spin around Frodo. No! This couldn't be happening! Why should he believe this horrid woman? She didn't even like Sam! He felt her gentle touch as she guided him to the chaise lounge and helped him sit down.
"I am so sorry, Master Baggins," she wept, "I had no idea this would happen! I am a selfish, foolish woman and Samwise Gamgee deserved so much better!" Frodo turned his stricken face to stare at Lady Uzelle. Her face was buried in her hands as she wept. He blinked trying to make sense of all this. She seemed genuinely upset. Could she be telling the truth?
"I..." the words choked him, "I... would like to talk to this Martin," he finally managed. "I want to hear his story from his own lips."
Uzelle lifted her tear-stained face and nodded. "I expected as much," she said wearily, "I asked him to remain here until you could come. I will send for him immediately." She stood and slowly made her way out of the room, wiping the tears from her face. She looked back at Frodo for a moment and said quietly, "I truly am sorry, Frodo." Then, she was gone.
Frodo stared at the cloak he now held in his hands. It smelled of river water and was still damp. He studied it closely as well as the delicate brooch still clinging to it. He saw a deep scratch across the leaf. Yes, this was Sam's. He remembered that scratch. Sam said it happened during the fight with Shelob. Burying his head in the folds of the cloak, Frodo wept.
Uzelle stood outside the door listening carefully. Yes, she could hear the halfling sobbing now. She smiled coldly. She had no idea where Samwise Gamgee was, nor did she care. The entire story had been fabricated, although it hit closer to the truth than she could have possibly imagined. She had paid a boy to steal Sam's cloak from his chamber. The others had not noticed it. This "Martin" was indeed a gardener and had once spoken to Sam about flowers, but the rest of the story was the result of a well- filled purse. He would say anything she told him to. She smiled more broadly as the sobs increased in intensity. Frodo was heartbroken. His friends would be likewise once they learned of poor Samwise's "death". Her only fear was that stupid hobbit would turn up alive and well, but since she had not offered any definitive proof, she could always feign surprise and relief at his return. She was, after all, a superb actress. In the meantime, she would relish the pain she had caused. No one humiliates Lady Uzelle and escapes unscathed!