Here is the next chapter of life with Sam. Thanks again for reading and
reviewing!
FrodoBaggins87: I'm so glad you're enjoying this one! Periodically, we'll be checking back on Minas Tirith. Angst galore there!
Dragonfly32: I think if Aragorn had any sense, he'd feed her to the orcs! As for returning to Gondor, well.... That's not likely to happen anytime soon!
Bronwyn: In my original version of this story, Uzelle never reappeared after the scene in her coach. As I've revised this story, her part has expanded – it's always nice to have someone to despise!
Laurajslr: Again, thanks so much for your great reviews – they really mean a lot to me! I'm still really enjoying your current story! As for the ending of this story, well, it's not written yet! Who knows how this will turn out!
FrodoFreak2: Hmmm. Exactly what kind of cookies are we talking about here?
Samwise the Strong: Yeah, I think she should die as well, but then what would I do for a bad guy!? LOL!
Szhismine: Take a deeeeeep breath! That's right! Calm down! There! That's better! We're back to Sam this chapter, so you can rest easy now (sort of)!
Gamgeefest: Yeah, I hate vindictive people, too and you're right. There are far too many of them in real life! Petty people who have to get their revenge even when THEY'RE in the wrong! Argh! Frankly, I think her servants would line up to be first to throw her into Mt. Doom!
Sam: You make me laugh! No, you certainly didn't seem mean or anything when you were confused! Just meant that maybe I wasn't as clear as I'd hoped! I'm just glad you're still reading! I'm sure several people would like to see more than her butt kicked!
Nymredil72: Thank you so much for reviewing and the kind comments about my other stories! A lot of this story has been written, but since it was written some time ago, I'm doing a lot of rewriting and revising as I go along (which means I'm not getting the end done!). So, I really don't know how long this well end up being.
Althea: I hope I didn't kill you off! That would be one less reader! LOL!
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Chapter 11 Edoras
Helveg sat by the side of the unmoving hobbit, gently bathing his face with cool, scented water. She had already administered a potion of several herbs hoping to lower the hobbit's raging fever. She was very worried about him. He was so thin and weak. He was usually very still, but then the delirium would come upon him and he would use what little strength he still possessed to fight unseen enemies and horrifying monsters. Over and over he cried out the name of "Frodo". Although she well remembered the two halflings, Merry and Pippin, Helveg knew nothing of Sam and Frodo, but it was apparent even to her, the depth of affection the ailing hobbit felt for this Frodo for whom he so often called. Perhaps her husband knew more of this person.
She looked up as the door silently swung open and Hertig ventured in, his eyes straying to the hobbit's haggard face. "How does he fare?" he asked quietly.
Helveg sighed wearily. "There has been no change," she replied continuing to bathe Sam's burning brow. "If only we could break the fever. He uses what energy he has in bouts of delirium. You say he has been this way for three days?"
Hertig nodded. "At least that," he replied. "I do not know how long he was lying by the side of the Road. However, I believe his fever has grown worse since I found him."
"It is a wonder then that he still lives." Helveg looked sadly down at Sam. "Even if the fever does not kill him, I fear he may not recover from its ill effects. Such fevers may damage a man's senses or his mind."
Hertig gently laid his hand on his wife's slumped shoulders. "We must do what we can for him," he said, "He is one of the two Ringbearers that carried the Ring of Power into the very heart of Mordor and destroyed it forever in the fires of Mt. Doom. "
"A Ringbearer!" she gasped in surprise, glancing up at her husband. She had heard the tale of two halflings destroying the One Ring, but it never occurred to her that this poor fellow might be one of them! She looked down at Sam in frank admiration. "Are the stories true, then?"
Hertig nodded. "I was there when Gandalf and the great Eagles brought Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee out of Mordor. We could scarce believe they still lived. Although, I believe it was only by the grace of King Elessar's powers to heal that they survived after their rescue. They were greatly honored when they woke from their healing sleep."
"Frodo Baggins," whispered Helveg as she gently bathed Sam's brow again. "So that is who he calls for. Over and over he calls that name."
"Frodo is his master," replied Hertig, "Although I believe they are closer than brothers after their ordeal." He paused for a moment as he studied Sam's pale face. "Sam mysteriously disappeared from Minas Tirith a few weeks back. A great search was mounted, but no trace of him was ever found. Frodo was greatly distraught as were the other members of the Fellowship. I do not understand how Samwise managed to travel so far from the city. Or why."
Helveg sat back and stretched. Her muscles felt cramped from sitting still for so long. "Well, I will do all within my power to help him." Hertig had no doubt she would succeed.
For several days, Sam hovered between life and death, with Helveg rarely leaving his side. She frequently dosed him with various potions, trying first one thing, than another hoping to break the devastating fever. On the fourth night, after she had wrestled him back down onto the bed after another frenzied bout of delirium, Helveg broke down with exhaustion. Tears ran down her face as she was overwhelmed by grief and frustration. She laid her head on the edge of the bed and wept. She must have dozed off because she woke with a start as she became aware of a small, quiet voice singing. Slowly, she lifted her head and blinked surprise. Little Olwyn, only three years old, was sitting on the bed, holding Sam's hand and singing to him as the gray light of dawn began illuminating the room. Helveg turned her head and with a small cry stood over Sam. He was drenched in sweat and for the first time, seemed to be breathing a little easier. "Thank, Elbereth!" she whispered, "The fever has broken!"
"Hello, Mama!" beamed the small girl, "I am singing to the little man! Will he wake up now?"
Laughing, Helveg reached over and hugged her daughter, "Yes, my darling, I think he will now!"
It was two more days before Sam finally regained consciousness. He lay there quietly for some time, his eyes closed, trying to figure out where he was. He was almost afraid to look. Suddenly, something landed on his bed. Opening his eyes, he was startled to find himself peering into the bright blue eyes of a small child. "You waked up!" she crowed in delight jumping up and down. "Finally!"
"Olwyn!" cried her mother hurrying in and scooping the girl up off the bed, "Gently!" It was then Helveg noticed Sam blinking at her in confusion. "Master Gamgee!" she smiled in relief, "At last!" She quickly set the girl down and reached for a cup of water. Carefully lifting Sam's head, she assisted him in getting some water down his parched throat.
"Thank you," he croaked weakly. He closed his eyes again, but for just a moment as Olwyn, began pulling firmly on his bed clothes.
"No more sleep!" she ordered frowning at Sam, "Time to wake up!" Sam turned his head and smiled faintly at the determined child.
"Alright," he said with a small laugh. The little girl smiled widely in return. She had been waiting days and days for this odd little man to wake up. Olwyn was a curious child and rarely shy around strangers. A man barely larger than her 6 yr old brother was fascinating to her and she wanted him to wake up and play with her. Her mother tried to warn her that Master Gamgee might not like playing with children, but Olwyn held firm in her childish belief that he would want to play with her! Now that he was awake, she was determined to make him her special charge.
"My name is Olwyn," she said solemnly looking over the edge of the bed at Sam. "What your name?"
Sam smiled again. He was actually very fond of children and he was already smitten by this bright eyed sprite. "Sam," he rasped. Helveg gave him some more water.
"Now Olwyn," Helveg said sternly as she gently settled Sam's head back on the pillow, "We must let Master Gamgee rest now. He has been very ill. Come help me get him some broth. He needs to eat to get strong again." The woman smiled down at Sam and led the child skipping from the room.
Sam relaxed and stared up at the ceiling. He felt very groggy and wondered how long he had been here. He suspected, thinking of the blonde hair and clothing of the woman and her daughter, he must be in Rohan. He had seen a number of the Riders as well as Eomer and Eowyn in Minas Tirith and these people reminded him of them. Well, he thought optimistically, at least that put him closer to the Shire! He turned his head as he heard the woman and child approach. This didn't seem to be a bad place at all.
Once he had awakened and began to take in nourishment, Sam's recovery moved ahead quickly. Hobbits possess remarkable recuperative powers and with good care, Sam was demonstrating this trait admirably. Olwyn and soon her brother, Eldred, became his constant companions. As he grew stronger, he began to tell them stories of his home in the Shire soon followed by stories he remembered about elves as well as Mr. Bilbo's adventures with the dwarves and Smaug the dragon. The children were entranced and Sam was distracted from his own worries.
However, as he lay alone in his bed during the dark nights, he thought a lot about what had happened in Minas Tirith. He loved Frodo with all his heart, but those words still formed a barrier between himself and his master. The more he thought on it, the more despondent he became. Helveg noticed this gradual change in Sam's demeanor and it worried her. His health was very precarious at the moment and she was well aware of the connection between mind and body. If Sam became too depressed, he could easily relapse. This must be avoided at all costs. When she noticed his appetite falling off, she knew she must do something.
"Sam," she said one evening after settling the children in their beds. Hertig had gone out on patrol for a couple of days and she wanted to use this time to her advantage. Sam looked up at her from his pillows and smiled faintly. Helveg frowned at the dark shadows under his eyes. They had been fading as he grew stronger, but their return told her he was not sleeping well. She sat down beside him and took his hand.
"Sam," she repeated softly, "I know we have not known each other long, but in this short time, you have become very important to us. The children adore you, as you well know. I have done my best to restore you to health, but I am beginning to worry about you again." Sam looked away. Helveg shook her head in dismay, "Sam, I know something is hurting you. Something very deep. The others wonder why you have run away from Minas Tirith. But, I think I know," she paused as she studied him. "It is because of your master, isn't it?" Sam stared at her now, his mouth opened in surprise. Then, flushing, he looked away.
Helveg pressed her lips together. She knew if she could not remove the poison that was eating away at Sam's heart, he would die, no matter how many potions she tried or songs little Olwyn sang. Helveg had heard many things during Sam's bouts of delirium and she felt now was the time to confront some of them. "I know what Frodo said to you," she continued tensely. "I know he said he wished you had never come back from Mordor or at least I know that is what you believe he said."
Sam turned on her now, such tortured anguish in his eyes, Helveg felt her own heart grow cold. "I don't "believe" I heard it," he hissed, "I KNOW I heard it! I love Mister Frodo more than anyone else in the world! I would lay down my life for him in an instant and did everything I knew how to bring him safely through Mordor. But I failed. I let the orcs take him, then later the Ring took him. If Gollum hadn't stepped in, I would have lost Mr. Frodo. I didn't deserve to come back. He was right about that." He stopped for a moment, gathering his strength, his eyes closed, although hot tears seeped from beneath them. "I never thought I'd cause him pain," he rasped, his voice thick with grief. "The thought of him hating me, is just too much. I...I can't go on knowing what he truly thinks of me. There's no point to it."
Helveg shivered. This was worse than she had thought. Her limited experience with hobbits had taught her they were highly emotional creatures, but she hadn't realized what the consequences of such a fierce devotion could be. Somehow, they had to convince Samwise that with or without Frodo, life was still worth living.
Late that night, as Sam lay alone and lost in his bed, a small figured padded down the hallway through the dark. Sam turned his head as he heard his door opened and was surprised to see Olwyn standing before him. "Sam?" her quavery voice was a soft as a dove's coo. "I had a bad dream. Can I sleep with you?"
Sam blinked in surprise, then slid over to make room for the little girl. She nimbly climbed in and cuddled alongside the bemused hobbit. She gazed up at him adoringly with sleepy blue eyes whispering, "I love you, Sam." Then, with her tiny thumb in her mouth, she closed her eyes and was soon fast asleep; her mouth curved into a contented smile. Tears sprang to Sam's eyes as for the first time in many weeks, he felt the warmth of being needed. For just a moment, he was able to forget his pain and slid into a peaceful, dreamless sleep.
FrodoBaggins87: I'm so glad you're enjoying this one! Periodically, we'll be checking back on Minas Tirith. Angst galore there!
Dragonfly32: I think if Aragorn had any sense, he'd feed her to the orcs! As for returning to Gondor, well.... That's not likely to happen anytime soon!
Bronwyn: In my original version of this story, Uzelle never reappeared after the scene in her coach. As I've revised this story, her part has expanded – it's always nice to have someone to despise!
Laurajslr: Again, thanks so much for your great reviews – they really mean a lot to me! I'm still really enjoying your current story! As for the ending of this story, well, it's not written yet! Who knows how this will turn out!
FrodoFreak2: Hmmm. Exactly what kind of cookies are we talking about here?
Samwise the Strong: Yeah, I think she should die as well, but then what would I do for a bad guy!? LOL!
Szhismine: Take a deeeeeep breath! That's right! Calm down! There! That's better! We're back to Sam this chapter, so you can rest easy now (sort of)!
Gamgeefest: Yeah, I hate vindictive people, too and you're right. There are far too many of them in real life! Petty people who have to get their revenge even when THEY'RE in the wrong! Argh! Frankly, I think her servants would line up to be first to throw her into Mt. Doom!
Sam: You make me laugh! No, you certainly didn't seem mean or anything when you were confused! Just meant that maybe I wasn't as clear as I'd hoped! I'm just glad you're still reading! I'm sure several people would like to see more than her butt kicked!
Nymredil72: Thank you so much for reviewing and the kind comments about my other stories! A lot of this story has been written, but since it was written some time ago, I'm doing a lot of rewriting and revising as I go along (which means I'm not getting the end done!). So, I really don't know how long this well end up being.
Althea: I hope I didn't kill you off! That would be one less reader! LOL!
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Chapter 11 Edoras
Helveg sat by the side of the unmoving hobbit, gently bathing his face with cool, scented water. She had already administered a potion of several herbs hoping to lower the hobbit's raging fever. She was very worried about him. He was so thin and weak. He was usually very still, but then the delirium would come upon him and he would use what little strength he still possessed to fight unseen enemies and horrifying monsters. Over and over he cried out the name of "Frodo". Although she well remembered the two halflings, Merry and Pippin, Helveg knew nothing of Sam and Frodo, but it was apparent even to her, the depth of affection the ailing hobbit felt for this Frodo for whom he so often called. Perhaps her husband knew more of this person.
She looked up as the door silently swung open and Hertig ventured in, his eyes straying to the hobbit's haggard face. "How does he fare?" he asked quietly.
Helveg sighed wearily. "There has been no change," she replied continuing to bathe Sam's burning brow. "If only we could break the fever. He uses what energy he has in bouts of delirium. You say he has been this way for three days?"
Hertig nodded. "At least that," he replied. "I do not know how long he was lying by the side of the Road. However, I believe his fever has grown worse since I found him."
"It is a wonder then that he still lives." Helveg looked sadly down at Sam. "Even if the fever does not kill him, I fear he may not recover from its ill effects. Such fevers may damage a man's senses or his mind."
Hertig gently laid his hand on his wife's slumped shoulders. "We must do what we can for him," he said, "He is one of the two Ringbearers that carried the Ring of Power into the very heart of Mordor and destroyed it forever in the fires of Mt. Doom. "
"A Ringbearer!" she gasped in surprise, glancing up at her husband. She had heard the tale of two halflings destroying the One Ring, but it never occurred to her that this poor fellow might be one of them! She looked down at Sam in frank admiration. "Are the stories true, then?"
Hertig nodded. "I was there when Gandalf and the great Eagles brought Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee out of Mordor. We could scarce believe they still lived. Although, I believe it was only by the grace of King Elessar's powers to heal that they survived after their rescue. They were greatly honored when they woke from their healing sleep."
"Frodo Baggins," whispered Helveg as she gently bathed Sam's brow again. "So that is who he calls for. Over and over he calls that name."
"Frodo is his master," replied Hertig, "Although I believe they are closer than brothers after their ordeal." He paused for a moment as he studied Sam's pale face. "Sam mysteriously disappeared from Minas Tirith a few weeks back. A great search was mounted, but no trace of him was ever found. Frodo was greatly distraught as were the other members of the Fellowship. I do not understand how Samwise managed to travel so far from the city. Or why."
Helveg sat back and stretched. Her muscles felt cramped from sitting still for so long. "Well, I will do all within my power to help him." Hertig had no doubt she would succeed.
For several days, Sam hovered between life and death, with Helveg rarely leaving his side. She frequently dosed him with various potions, trying first one thing, than another hoping to break the devastating fever. On the fourth night, after she had wrestled him back down onto the bed after another frenzied bout of delirium, Helveg broke down with exhaustion. Tears ran down her face as she was overwhelmed by grief and frustration. She laid her head on the edge of the bed and wept. She must have dozed off because she woke with a start as she became aware of a small, quiet voice singing. Slowly, she lifted her head and blinked surprise. Little Olwyn, only three years old, was sitting on the bed, holding Sam's hand and singing to him as the gray light of dawn began illuminating the room. Helveg turned her head and with a small cry stood over Sam. He was drenched in sweat and for the first time, seemed to be breathing a little easier. "Thank, Elbereth!" she whispered, "The fever has broken!"
"Hello, Mama!" beamed the small girl, "I am singing to the little man! Will he wake up now?"
Laughing, Helveg reached over and hugged her daughter, "Yes, my darling, I think he will now!"
It was two more days before Sam finally regained consciousness. He lay there quietly for some time, his eyes closed, trying to figure out where he was. He was almost afraid to look. Suddenly, something landed on his bed. Opening his eyes, he was startled to find himself peering into the bright blue eyes of a small child. "You waked up!" she crowed in delight jumping up and down. "Finally!"
"Olwyn!" cried her mother hurrying in and scooping the girl up off the bed, "Gently!" It was then Helveg noticed Sam blinking at her in confusion. "Master Gamgee!" she smiled in relief, "At last!" She quickly set the girl down and reached for a cup of water. Carefully lifting Sam's head, she assisted him in getting some water down his parched throat.
"Thank you," he croaked weakly. He closed his eyes again, but for just a moment as Olwyn, began pulling firmly on his bed clothes.
"No more sleep!" she ordered frowning at Sam, "Time to wake up!" Sam turned his head and smiled faintly at the determined child.
"Alright," he said with a small laugh. The little girl smiled widely in return. She had been waiting days and days for this odd little man to wake up. Olwyn was a curious child and rarely shy around strangers. A man barely larger than her 6 yr old brother was fascinating to her and she wanted him to wake up and play with her. Her mother tried to warn her that Master Gamgee might not like playing with children, but Olwyn held firm in her childish belief that he would want to play with her! Now that he was awake, she was determined to make him her special charge.
"My name is Olwyn," she said solemnly looking over the edge of the bed at Sam. "What your name?"
Sam smiled again. He was actually very fond of children and he was already smitten by this bright eyed sprite. "Sam," he rasped. Helveg gave him some more water.
"Now Olwyn," Helveg said sternly as she gently settled Sam's head back on the pillow, "We must let Master Gamgee rest now. He has been very ill. Come help me get him some broth. He needs to eat to get strong again." The woman smiled down at Sam and led the child skipping from the room.
Sam relaxed and stared up at the ceiling. He felt very groggy and wondered how long he had been here. He suspected, thinking of the blonde hair and clothing of the woman and her daughter, he must be in Rohan. He had seen a number of the Riders as well as Eomer and Eowyn in Minas Tirith and these people reminded him of them. Well, he thought optimistically, at least that put him closer to the Shire! He turned his head as he heard the woman and child approach. This didn't seem to be a bad place at all.
Once he had awakened and began to take in nourishment, Sam's recovery moved ahead quickly. Hobbits possess remarkable recuperative powers and with good care, Sam was demonstrating this trait admirably. Olwyn and soon her brother, Eldred, became his constant companions. As he grew stronger, he began to tell them stories of his home in the Shire soon followed by stories he remembered about elves as well as Mr. Bilbo's adventures with the dwarves and Smaug the dragon. The children were entranced and Sam was distracted from his own worries.
However, as he lay alone in his bed during the dark nights, he thought a lot about what had happened in Minas Tirith. He loved Frodo with all his heart, but those words still formed a barrier between himself and his master. The more he thought on it, the more despondent he became. Helveg noticed this gradual change in Sam's demeanor and it worried her. His health was very precarious at the moment and she was well aware of the connection between mind and body. If Sam became too depressed, he could easily relapse. This must be avoided at all costs. When she noticed his appetite falling off, she knew she must do something.
"Sam," she said one evening after settling the children in their beds. Hertig had gone out on patrol for a couple of days and she wanted to use this time to her advantage. Sam looked up at her from his pillows and smiled faintly. Helveg frowned at the dark shadows under his eyes. They had been fading as he grew stronger, but their return told her he was not sleeping well. She sat down beside him and took his hand.
"Sam," she repeated softly, "I know we have not known each other long, but in this short time, you have become very important to us. The children adore you, as you well know. I have done my best to restore you to health, but I am beginning to worry about you again." Sam looked away. Helveg shook her head in dismay, "Sam, I know something is hurting you. Something very deep. The others wonder why you have run away from Minas Tirith. But, I think I know," she paused as she studied him. "It is because of your master, isn't it?" Sam stared at her now, his mouth opened in surprise. Then, flushing, he looked away.
Helveg pressed her lips together. She knew if she could not remove the poison that was eating away at Sam's heart, he would die, no matter how many potions she tried or songs little Olwyn sang. Helveg had heard many things during Sam's bouts of delirium and she felt now was the time to confront some of them. "I know what Frodo said to you," she continued tensely. "I know he said he wished you had never come back from Mordor or at least I know that is what you believe he said."
Sam turned on her now, such tortured anguish in his eyes, Helveg felt her own heart grow cold. "I don't "believe" I heard it," he hissed, "I KNOW I heard it! I love Mister Frodo more than anyone else in the world! I would lay down my life for him in an instant and did everything I knew how to bring him safely through Mordor. But I failed. I let the orcs take him, then later the Ring took him. If Gollum hadn't stepped in, I would have lost Mr. Frodo. I didn't deserve to come back. He was right about that." He stopped for a moment, gathering his strength, his eyes closed, although hot tears seeped from beneath them. "I never thought I'd cause him pain," he rasped, his voice thick with grief. "The thought of him hating me, is just too much. I...I can't go on knowing what he truly thinks of me. There's no point to it."
Helveg shivered. This was worse than she had thought. Her limited experience with hobbits had taught her they were highly emotional creatures, but she hadn't realized what the consequences of such a fierce devotion could be. Somehow, they had to convince Samwise that with or without Frodo, life was still worth living.
Late that night, as Sam lay alone and lost in his bed, a small figured padded down the hallway through the dark. Sam turned his head as he heard his door opened and was surprised to see Olwyn standing before him. "Sam?" her quavery voice was a soft as a dove's coo. "I had a bad dream. Can I sleep with you?"
Sam blinked in surprise, then slid over to make room for the little girl. She nimbly climbed in and cuddled alongside the bemused hobbit. She gazed up at him adoringly with sleepy blue eyes whispering, "I love you, Sam." Then, with her tiny thumb in her mouth, she closed her eyes and was soon fast asleep; her mouth curved into a contented smile. Tears sprang to Sam's eyes as for the first time in many weeks, he felt the warmth of being needed. For just a moment, he was able to forget his pain and slid into a peaceful, dreamless sleep.