If you already read this chapter, I removed the original and replaced it
with this slightly different version. There was a small error that annoyed
me and I changed one part just a little. Sorry for the inconvenience!
Thanks again to all my faithful readers and reviewers!
FrodoBaggins87: LOL! Glad you were able to read it at least!
Dragonfly: I believe this chapter will answer your question.
Laurajslr: I liked Hertig too, so I figured he could do more than simply bring Sam home! He's a good guy.
Sam: Well, Gandalf wants to give her a good talking to! We may see her again yet!
Althea: I can assure you that Frodo learning of Sam's fate isn't going to shorten this story any! LOL!
Brownwyn: Martin really wasn't a bad guy, but Uzelle made him an offer he just couldn't refuse!
Szhismine: It would be rather rude of Eomer to tie Sam, on of the Heroes of Middle Earth, in a sack don't you think!? LOL!
Bookworm2000: Unfortunately for Martin, he doesn't really know much about halflings. He figures anything with big, hairy feet MUST be easy to track!
Merimas: Yes, it is time Sam did something besides moon over Frodo! LOL! This story gives him the opportunity.
Gamgeefest: My stories? Tortuous? Surely you jest!
Renaissancegirl: Wow! What a loooong review! Thank you so much for pointing out my consistent error in misspelling "Pelennor". Argh! I try to be accurate, but must have spelled it wrong once and never looked back! I also try to correct spelling and grammar mistakes, although I know I always miss some. *sigh* Anyway, I truly appreciate your wonderful review (and it's nice to know there are other future librarians out there!) and I hope the rest of the story lives up to your expections!
Now, on with the show...
******************************************************
Chapter 13 The Truth Comes Out
Frodo, Merry, and Pippin had become more and more despondent as time went on without any sign of Sam. The entire city had been searched as had the roads and countryside around Minas Tirith. Despite Martin's story, Aragorn and Gandalf refused to give up. "There are too many holes in that story!" Gandalf had growled. Legolas and Gimli even spent two weeks scouring the wilds of Ithilien thinking perhaps Sam had gone seeking refuge there. Frodo grew more depressed and his friends worried about him, but what were they to do? Gandalf had gone to find Lady Uzelle but she seemed to have disappeared along with the gardener, Martin. Her servants simply said she had gone to one of her country estates. Her husband, Lord Angarhad had no idea where she had gone nor did he care.
However, with the exception of his former companions, most of the inhabitants of Minas Tirith gradually forgot about the missing hobbit. Their attention was now drawn to the preparations for the King's wedding. The Elves had arrived and the people of Gondor were entranced. One hobbit more or less was hardly a reason for concern. Along with the Elves, came guests from the far reaches of Middle Earth. Eomer would not return for the wedding, being much involved in setting his homeland back to rights, but he did send representatives. One of which was most interested in finding Frodo Baggins.
Frodo, Merry, and Pippin were taking a moment to escape from all the bustling activities in one of the palace gardens. Frodo was hardly in the mood for celebrating. The sun was high and the sky a dazzling robin's egg blue. It reminded the three hobbits of home.
"Excuse me, my lord." Frodo looked up at the sound of the page's voice. He still had a difficult time being called "my lord", but had become resigned to it. "A Rider from Rohan would like a word with you."
Frodo felt very weary and simply did not feel up to talking to anyone at the moment. Many times complete strangers had asked to see him just so they could tell their friends they had met the Ringbearer. He closed his eyes and sighed. "Please tell the Rider I will talk to him later. I really just want to rest for awhile."
The page nodded and hurried away. Again the hobbits were left in peace. Frodo leaned back, basking in the warmth of the sun overhead, letting his thoughts drift aimlessly. Soon, he was dozing comfortably; but, not for long.
"My lord?" Frodo slowly opened an eye and peered irritably at the anxious looking page.
"I told you," grumbled Frodo, "I do not wish to see anyone right now! I can't imagine that this Rider has anything so urgent that it can't wait an hour or two!"
The boy continued to look uncomfortable, but wouldn't give up. "My...my lord," he stammered, "The Rider says his message is most important and that you will skin me alive if I let him leave without allowing him to see you. He says you have been waiting for this message."
Frodo looked at his cousins who were sitting nearby in the garden with him. They were as puzzled as he was. "Alright," said Frodo with a shrug, "Bring him along."
The Rider strode into the garden, his helm securely held beneath his mailed arm, his long blonde hair streaming behind. He nodded formally to the three hobbits. "Forgive me for disturbing you, my lord," he began turning to Frodo, "But, I have news from King Eomer which should be of great interest to you and your kin."
Again the three hobbits glanced at one another, then Frodo nodded for the Rider to continue. "The King commands me to tell you that your friend and comrade, Samwise Gamgee is safe and sound in the city of Edoras. He was quite ill for sometime, but has since recovered and will soon be on his way home to the Shire. I was told to tell you that Samwise sends his regrets and apologies and hopes to see you all soon in Hobbiton."
For a few moments, the hobbits just gaped at him then pandemonium broke forth. "Sam is alive!" cried Frodo leaping to his feet. "Are you sure? Have you seen him? How did he get to Edoras? Why isn't he coming back here?" He was all but shaking the surprised Rider. Realizing this, Frodo flushed with embarrassment and stepped back.
The Rider was unperturbed by this outburst and produced a faint smile. "Yes, my lord, I have seen him. He was nursed back to health by my sister and her husband, Hertig. It was Hertig who found Master Gamgee along the side of the Great West Road in the Firien Wood. All your friend would tell us was that he needed to return home to the Shire as he was concerned for his father. The king tried to persuade him to return to Minas Tirith, but Master Gamgee was adamant about returning to his homeland."
Frodo shook his head in confusion. "But why?" he cried aloud. "Why would he just leave us without so much as a word? I know that woman upset him, but I cannot believe that would be sufficient to chase Sam away! And if he really was worried about the Gaffer, why wouldn't he have said something? This makes no sense!" His brow furrowed. "And what about Martin's story? How does that figure into this? The Anduin is nowhere close to where you say your brother-in-law found Sam. It simply makes no sense!"
Merry glanced at Pippin standing beside him. "My guess is that witch, Lady Uzelle made up that whole story," he growled angrily. "You and Aragorn brought her down off her high horse and she wanted revenge. What better way than to tell us Sam was dead!"
Frodo stared at his cousin for moment, his face darkening. What Merry said made perfect sense. Gandalf had never trusted Martin's story and Frodo had been in too much pain to think clearly. How could he have been so gullible! If he ever got his hands on that woman... ! He turned to the Rider. "Did Sam say anything more? Why he left Minas Tirith?" he asked desperately.
The man simply shook his head. "I do not know, my lord" he replied quietly. "King Eomer himself was as perplexed as you and your cousins, but he could not force Master Gamgee to return to this city." He paused a moment as he reached into a pouch at his side. He pulled out a piece of parchment and handed it to Frodo. "My sister bade me give you this. Perhaps it will explain things. I do not know. However, it may further ease your mind to know that Hertig will accompany your friend to the Shire. He is a good man."
Frodo sat heavily on the bench, still shaking his head and staring at the rolled parchment. The last such message had started this nightmare. Would this one end it? Taking a deep breath, he unrolled the message and read silently, his face growing paler with each passing moment. "I do not understand," he finally repeated in a low voice, his face paler than ever. He sat quietly for a moment, deep in thought, tears glistening in his eyes. Then wiping them away, he turned to Merry and Pippin. "This note says that Sam overheard some conversation I had with Gandalf and that I claimed I wished Sam had perished on Mt. Doom and that now I can barely stand the sight of him!" He had become very agitated now and was pacing back and forth.
"How could he possibly think such a thing!?" he cried suddenly, turning to Merry and Pippin. His cousins had been so shocked by this news that they had yet to say anything. "When have I ever said anything to Sam that would lead him to believe I hate and him and wished him dead? He saved my life time and time again. He is like a brother to me! I would never, never say anything like that about Sam! I..." abruptly he froze as the memory of such a conversation did occur to him. But it hadn't been Sam he was talking about, but Gollum! Had Sam overheard that conversation and misunderstood believing instead that Frodo was talking about him? Frodo shuddered at the thought. That would explain so much, he thought dismally. Lady Uzelle's treatment would insult Sam, true, but Frodo's rejection would devastate him. "Oh, no," he whispered shaking his head in horror. "No!"
Merry stared at Frodo's anguished face. He and Pippin exchanged worried glances. "Did...did you say something like that?" asked Merry hesitantly.
Staring down at the note in his hands, Frodo nodded miserably. "But he got it all wrong!" he cried suddenly, his head snapping up. "I was talking about Gollum! Not him! I felt as if Gollum would always follow me in my mind and that I would never be rid of him! It was Gollum I wished had not followed me from Mordor! Oh, Sam!" He buried his head in his hands as the hot tears seeped from beneath his eyes. What had he done?
Pippin laid a comforting hand on his cousin's shoulder. "Frodo," he said quietly, "All you have to do is explain it to Sam! He'll understand! Just knowing that you do not really hate him will change everything. Sam will be his old self in no time! You'll see!"
Merry nodded. "This explains so much," he sighed, "If only we had known! We could have saved all of us so much unhappiness! Confound that stubborn, close-mouthed gardener! And that woman! She should be boiled in oil and fed to an orc!"
Frodo gave his cousins a wavering smile. He glanced over at the Rider still standing nearby. "Thank you, sir," Said Frodo slowly coming to his feet. "The news you bring is most welcome. We thought Sam was dead and now we know he is alive and well! Do you know when he planned to leave for the Shire?"
"He probably has already left, my lord," the Ride replied quickly. "Hertig told me that they would be leaving as soon as they were ready. Master Samwise was most eager to depart."
Frodo again looked at Helveg's note. "I do wish Sam had written something to me," he sighed.
The Rider looked at him sympathetically. "My sister did try to convince him to send such a missive. But Master Samwise said he was no good at writing things like that down and he would prefer to explain things in person."
Frodo nodded, tears still in his eyes. "Yes," he said softly, "That does indeed sound like Sam. Dear Sam." He took a deep breath and turned to his cousins. "We must go after him," he said forcefully. "As soon as Aragorn and the Lady Arwen are wed, there is nothing holding us here."
Merry looked troubled, "That may be true," he began slowly, "But I wish to attend King Theoden's funeral. Lord Eomer will be returning in a few weeks so he may carry the king back to Rohan and bury him among his ancestors." He looked up at Frodo with troubled eyes, "The king was like a father to me. I feel I owe it to him to be at his final farewell."
Pippin laid a hand on Merry's arm, then turned to Frodo. "Sam will be all right, Frodo," he assured his cousin. "This fellow says Sam has an escort and after all, Sam is on his way home, to the Shire! Sam has been through the Mines of Moria, and even to the darkest heart Mordor and back. Somehow, I think he'll manage a trek through the South Farthing without harm! We'll be home ourselves soon enough and then you can have a long talk with that gardener of yours and find out all he has been hiding!"
Frodo was still unhappy, but knew his cousins were right. It was only proper that Merry attend King Theoden's funeral and they would be home soon themselves. Sam would be traveling with an escort and truly, how much danger could there be in the Shire after all?
Thanks again to all my faithful readers and reviewers!
FrodoBaggins87: LOL! Glad you were able to read it at least!
Dragonfly: I believe this chapter will answer your question.
Laurajslr: I liked Hertig too, so I figured he could do more than simply bring Sam home! He's a good guy.
Sam: Well, Gandalf wants to give her a good talking to! We may see her again yet!
Althea: I can assure you that Frodo learning of Sam's fate isn't going to shorten this story any! LOL!
Brownwyn: Martin really wasn't a bad guy, but Uzelle made him an offer he just couldn't refuse!
Szhismine: It would be rather rude of Eomer to tie Sam, on of the Heroes of Middle Earth, in a sack don't you think!? LOL!
Bookworm2000: Unfortunately for Martin, he doesn't really know much about halflings. He figures anything with big, hairy feet MUST be easy to track!
Merimas: Yes, it is time Sam did something besides moon over Frodo! LOL! This story gives him the opportunity.
Gamgeefest: My stories? Tortuous? Surely you jest!
Renaissancegirl: Wow! What a loooong review! Thank you so much for pointing out my consistent error in misspelling "Pelennor". Argh! I try to be accurate, but must have spelled it wrong once and never looked back! I also try to correct spelling and grammar mistakes, although I know I always miss some. *sigh* Anyway, I truly appreciate your wonderful review (and it's nice to know there are other future librarians out there!) and I hope the rest of the story lives up to your expections!
Now, on with the show...
******************************************************
Chapter 13 The Truth Comes Out
Frodo, Merry, and Pippin had become more and more despondent as time went on without any sign of Sam. The entire city had been searched as had the roads and countryside around Minas Tirith. Despite Martin's story, Aragorn and Gandalf refused to give up. "There are too many holes in that story!" Gandalf had growled. Legolas and Gimli even spent two weeks scouring the wilds of Ithilien thinking perhaps Sam had gone seeking refuge there. Frodo grew more depressed and his friends worried about him, but what were they to do? Gandalf had gone to find Lady Uzelle but she seemed to have disappeared along with the gardener, Martin. Her servants simply said she had gone to one of her country estates. Her husband, Lord Angarhad had no idea where she had gone nor did he care.
However, with the exception of his former companions, most of the inhabitants of Minas Tirith gradually forgot about the missing hobbit. Their attention was now drawn to the preparations for the King's wedding. The Elves had arrived and the people of Gondor were entranced. One hobbit more or less was hardly a reason for concern. Along with the Elves, came guests from the far reaches of Middle Earth. Eomer would not return for the wedding, being much involved in setting his homeland back to rights, but he did send representatives. One of which was most interested in finding Frodo Baggins.
Frodo, Merry, and Pippin were taking a moment to escape from all the bustling activities in one of the palace gardens. Frodo was hardly in the mood for celebrating. The sun was high and the sky a dazzling robin's egg blue. It reminded the three hobbits of home.
"Excuse me, my lord." Frodo looked up at the sound of the page's voice. He still had a difficult time being called "my lord", but had become resigned to it. "A Rider from Rohan would like a word with you."
Frodo felt very weary and simply did not feel up to talking to anyone at the moment. Many times complete strangers had asked to see him just so they could tell their friends they had met the Ringbearer. He closed his eyes and sighed. "Please tell the Rider I will talk to him later. I really just want to rest for awhile."
The page nodded and hurried away. Again the hobbits were left in peace. Frodo leaned back, basking in the warmth of the sun overhead, letting his thoughts drift aimlessly. Soon, he was dozing comfortably; but, not for long.
"My lord?" Frodo slowly opened an eye and peered irritably at the anxious looking page.
"I told you," grumbled Frodo, "I do not wish to see anyone right now! I can't imagine that this Rider has anything so urgent that it can't wait an hour or two!"
The boy continued to look uncomfortable, but wouldn't give up. "My...my lord," he stammered, "The Rider says his message is most important and that you will skin me alive if I let him leave without allowing him to see you. He says you have been waiting for this message."
Frodo looked at his cousins who were sitting nearby in the garden with him. They were as puzzled as he was. "Alright," said Frodo with a shrug, "Bring him along."
The Rider strode into the garden, his helm securely held beneath his mailed arm, his long blonde hair streaming behind. He nodded formally to the three hobbits. "Forgive me for disturbing you, my lord," he began turning to Frodo, "But, I have news from King Eomer which should be of great interest to you and your kin."
Again the three hobbits glanced at one another, then Frodo nodded for the Rider to continue. "The King commands me to tell you that your friend and comrade, Samwise Gamgee is safe and sound in the city of Edoras. He was quite ill for sometime, but has since recovered and will soon be on his way home to the Shire. I was told to tell you that Samwise sends his regrets and apologies and hopes to see you all soon in Hobbiton."
For a few moments, the hobbits just gaped at him then pandemonium broke forth. "Sam is alive!" cried Frodo leaping to his feet. "Are you sure? Have you seen him? How did he get to Edoras? Why isn't he coming back here?" He was all but shaking the surprised Rider. Realizing this, Frodo flushed with embarrassment and stepped back.
The Rider was unperturbed by this outburst and produced a faint smile. "Yes, my lord, I have seen him. He was nursed back to health by my sister and her husband, Hertig. It was Hertig who found Master Gamgee along the side of the Great West Road in the Firien Wood. All your friend would tell us was that he needed to return home to the Shire as he was concerned for his father. The king tried to persuade him to return to Minas Tirith, but Master Gamgee was adamant about returning to his homeland."
Frodo shook his head in confusion. "But why?" he cried aloud. "Why would he just leave us without so much as a word? I know that woman upset him, but I cannot believe that would be sufficient to chase Sam away! And if he really was worried about the Gaffer, why wouldn't he have said something? This makes no sense!" His brow furrowed. "And what about Martin's story? How does that figure into this? The Anduin is nowhere close to where you say your brother-in-law found Sam. It simply makes no sense!"
Merry glanced at Pippin standing beside him. "My guess is that witch, Lady Uzelle made up that whole story," he growled angrily. "You and Aragorn brought her down off her high horse and she wanted revenge. What better way than to tell us Sam was dead!"
Frodo stared at his cousin for moment, his face darkening. What Merry said made perfect sense. Gandalf had never trusted Martin's story and Frodo had been in too much pain to think clearly. How could he have been so gullible! If he ever got his hands on that woman... ! He turned to the Rider. "Did Sam say anything more? Why he left Minas Tirith?" he asked desperately.
The man simply shook his head. "I do not know, my lord" he replied quietly. "King Eomer himself was as perplexed as you and your cousins, but he could not force Master Gamgee to return to this city." He paused a moment as he reached into a pouch at his side. He pulled out a piece of parchment and handed it to Frodo. "My sister bade me give you this. Perhaps it will explain things. I do not know. However, it may further ease your mind to know that Hertig will accompany your friend to the Shire. He is a good man."
Frodo sat heavily on the bench, still shaking his head and staring at the rolled parchment. The last such message had started this nightmare. Would this one end it? Taking a deep breath, he unrolled the message and read silently, his face growing paler with each passing moment. "I do not understand," he finally repeated in a low voice, his face paler than ever. He sat quietly for a moment, deep in thought, tears glistening in his eyes. Then wiping them away, he turned to Merry and Pippin. "This note says that Sam overheard some conversation I had with Gandalf and that I claimed I wished Sam had perished on Mt. Doom and that now I can barely stand the sight of him!" He had become very agitated now and was pacing back and forth.
"How could he possibly think such a thing!?" he cried suddenly, turning to Merry and Pippin. His cousins had been so shocked by this news that they had yet to say anything. "When have I ever said anything to Sam that would lead him to believe I hate and him and wished him dead? He saved my life time and time again. He is like a brother to me! I would never, never say anything like that about Sam! I..." abruptly he froze as the memory of such a conversation did occur to him. But it hadn't been Sam he was talking about, but Gollum! Had Sam overheard that conversation and misunderstood believing instead that Frodo was talking about him? Frodo shuddered at the thought. That would explain so much, he thought dismally. Lady Uzelle's treatment would insult Sam, true, but Frodo's rejection would devastate him. "Oh, no," he whispered shaking his head in horror. "No!"
Merry stared at Frodo's anguished face. He and Pippin exchanged worried glances. "Did...did you say something like that?" asked Merry hesitantly.
Staring down at the note in his hands, Frodo nodded miserably. "But he got it all wrong!" he cried suddenly, his head snapping up. "I was talking about Gollum! Not him! I felt as if Gollum would always follow me in my mind and that I would never be rid of him! It was Gollum I wished had not followed me from Mordor! Oh, Sam!" He buried his head in his hands as the hot tears seeped from beneath his eyes. What had he done?
Pippin laid a comforting hand on his cousin's shoulder. "Frodo," he said quietly, "All you have to do is explain it to Sam! He'll understand! Just knowing that you do not really hate him will change everything. Sam will be his old self in no time! You'll see!"
Merry nodded. "This explains so much," he sighed, "If only we had known! We could have saved all of us so much unhappiness! Confound that stubborn, close-mouthed gardener! And that woman! She should be boiled in oil and fed to an orc!"
Frodo gave his cousins a wavering smile. He glanced over at the Rider still standing nearby. "Thank you, sir," Said Frodo slowly coming to his feet. "The news you bring is most welcome. We thought Sam was dead and now we know he is alive and well! Do you know when he planned to leave for the Shire?"
"He probably has already left, my lord," the Ride replied quickly. "Hertig told me that they would be leaving as soon as they were ready. Master Samwise was most eager to depart."
Frodo again looked at Helveg's note. "I do wish Sam had written something to me," he sighed.
The Rider looked at him sympathetically. "My sister did try to convince him to send such a missive. But Master Samwise said he was no good at writing things like that down and he would prefer to explain things in person."
Frodo nodded, tears still in his eyes. "Yes," he said softly, "That does indeed sound like Sam. Dear Sam." He took a deep breath and turned to his cousins. "We must go after him," he said forcefully. "As soon as Aragorn and the Lady Arwen are wed, there is nothing holding us here."
Merry looked troubled, "That may be true," he began slowly, "But I wish to attend King Theoden's funeral. Lord Eomer will be returning in a few weeks so he may carry the king back to Rohan and bury him among his ancestors." He looked up at Frodo with troubled eyes, "The king was like a father to me. I feel I owe it to him to be at his final farewell."
Pippin laid a hand on Merry's arm, then turned to Frodo. "Sam will be all right, Frodo," he assured his cousin. "This fellow says Sam has an escort and after all, Sam is on his way home, to the Shire! Sam has been through the Mines of Moria, and even to the darkest heart Mordor and back. Somehow, I think he'll manage a trek through the South Farthing without harm! We'll be home ourselves soon enough and then you can have a long talk with that gardener of yours and find out all he has been hiding!"
Frodo was still unhappy, but knew his cousins were right. It was only proper that Merry attend King Theoden's funeral and they would be home soon themselves. Sam would be traveling with an escort and truly, how much danger could there be in the Shire after all?