Author's note: Just a quick note this time! Thanks to all of you for your
continued support and reviews! You guys are the best! A couple people asked
how long this story is going to be. The answer is: I don't know! I have
almost caught up to where I had originally stopped (not finished, just
stopped) writing. I know what will happen in general, but I don't know how
long it will take to get there!
Chapter 14 Homeward Bound
Sam and Hertig traveled in quiet companionship throughout the lengthy trip to the Shire. Sam had been most anxious to be on his way, but leaving Hertig's family was more difficult than he had imagined. He had become quite close to little Olwyn and Eldred. With tears in his eyes, he remembered their bittersweet parting. "Please don't go, Sam!" Olwyn had cried, her round, blue eyes swimming in tears. "I want you to stay!" She wrapped her small arms tightly around him, hugging him with all her might. Eldred stood to the side looking equally forlorn, but trying to act more grown up.
"I am sorry, Miss Olwyn," Sam had choked, the tears caught in his throat, "But, I must go! My own father might be in a bit of trouble and I must go look to him. He's quite old and needs my help. You wouldn't want my father to go wanting or perhaps come to some harm because I wasn't there, would you?" Olwyn's face was buried in the folds of Sam's shirt, her thin shoulders shaking with her quiet sobs. She made no response for some moments before she finally raised her tear-streaked face to look up at her friend's.
"No, Sam," she hiccupped, her tears still running freely. She understood about fathers being in danger and she was a brave and unselfish girl, despite her tender years. "You go save your father." She hiccupped some more as she gazed anxiously up at Sam's mournful face. "But you don't forget me!" Sam gave a small sad laugh as he affectionately caressed Olwyn's shining blonde hair.
"I could never forget someone as pretty and as special as you, Miss Olwyn!" Sam smiled. "And I don't want you to go forgetting me, neither! So, I have something here for you to remember me by!" He reached into his pack and brought out a small carving of a beautiful elenor blossom, the yellow starflower he had so admired in Lothlorien. He smiled as Olwyn gently took the carving in her small hands. "I made this for you," he said as she examined it carefully. "I'm not much of a carver, but I do love flowers and you are as pretty as one! This is the prettiest flower I could think of. It grows where the elves live and it's as golden as your beautiful hair." Her tears forgotten, Olwyn beamed up at Sam in delight. She had never seen anything so marvelous. She threw herself into his arms again, laughing.
Sam smiled down at her, then looked over to her brother standing nearby. "Don't think I forgot you, Master Eldred!" he exclaimed reaching into his pack. "I don't want your forgetting me either!" Eldred moved closer and grinned in pleasure as he took the small carved horse Sam handed to him. "It's my Bill," explained Sam a little self consciously. "He was the best pony that ever was. I know he don't compare to your magnificent horses here in Rohan, but he was just as brave and faithful!"
"He's the one you let go outside the mines of Moria," said Eldred slowly, remembering the stories Sam had told them of his journeys. He gently ran his finger down the pony's smooth back as he examined all the details of Sam's brave pony. He looked up and met Sam's eyes. "I will always treasure Bill," he said solemnly. "I won't forget you!" He then ran over to Sam and the hobbit hugged him tightly in his arms. Finally, brushing away the tears, he turned to Hertig.
"I guess, it's time for us to go," he said. He had already said his good- byes to Helveg and Hertig's mother, Bertah. He never could express his deep appreciation to them all for saving his life.
Helveg looked fondly down upon the small hobbit before her. She had been deeply touched by the gifts he had given her children. Not just the carvings, but the stories and most of all, the friendship. Although the people of Rohan loved their children, life was hard and there was not much time for play. Sam had taken the time to develop a bond with Olwyn and Eldred and Helveg knew the children would forever remember this. There would always be a warmth in their hearts for the hobbits of the Shire.
Hertig brought forth a small gray hill pony, for Sam. It was the brother of the one that had borne Merry when the Rohirrim had ridden forth to Dunharrow. Sam stroked the horse's soft nose and smiled as it nuzzled him gently. "His name is Trofast," said Hertig. "It means 'faithful'".
Sam smiled at the affectionate animal. "I think you and I will be great friends!" he whispered. The horse gave a gentle snort and nibbled Sam's ear.
Hertig and Sam mounted their horses and with a final wave good-by they headed up the Great West Road that would ultimately lead them to the Shire. The weather was fair now that they were into the spring and Sam reveled in the wildflowers they saw along the way. Rohan's wide plains were blanketed with brilliant blooms and it did Sam's gardener heart good to see them. It had been so long since he had been able to even think about growing things and the beauty of nature. It refreshed his soul.
As they approached the Gap of Rohan, Hertig stood solemnly staring at the ruins surrounding Helm's Deep. Sam gaped at the massive keep built into the mountain. Hertig looked down at his hobbit companion. "This is where Rohan stood firm against the forces of Saruman," he said quietly. "Many a brave Rider was lost here. I deeply regret that I was not here until the end. If Gandalf had not found us and led us here at the eleventh hour, I fear all of the people of Edoras would have been lost." Sam knew that would have included Hertig's beloved wife and family. They watched awhile as men worked to repair the damage wrought by Saruman's uruk-hai and then continued on their way.
They also passed by Saruman's tower at Isengard, although they did not stop. Sam and Hertig could see some of the massive Ents standing near Orthanc, others seemed to be working to clear the debris left by the mighty flood. Although Sam would have liked to see the tree herders up close, he did not feel comfortable approaching any closer. Perhaps if Gandalf or Strider had been along, it would have been different. Hertig knew little more about the Ents than did Sam, and was content to watch them from a distance.
Still they continued on. They did not hurry, yet they did not they tarry anywhere along the way. Sam continued to feel a growing urgency to get home to Hobbiton, but at the same time, his thoughts and heart were back in Minas Tirith with Frodo. Being apart from his beloved master was most painful and he had to continually convince himself that he was doing the right thing.
It took them a little over two weeks to finally reach Sarn Ford. Sam had debated whether or not to retrace the route he, Frodo, Merry and Pippin had taken, which would take them through Bree and Buckland. But, in the end, he decided he would prefer not to be reminded any more of Frodo than he already was and opted to go the more southerly route towards Michel Delving. Once he was in the Shire, he reasoned, he could easily cut across the countryside.
As they passed into the rolling hills south of the Shire, Sam's anxiety began to grow. His nightmares had become more vivid now. Again and again he relived the destruction of the Shire as he had seen it in Lady Galadriel's mirror. He saw his father ill and suffering. He saw Rosie, thin and haggard and of course, amidst these dreams, he dreamt of Mordor and Frodo as well. Many a night Hertig rushed to Sam's side, holding the trembling hobbit in his powerful arms, soothing him as he would a small child. Sam would break down into tears, but reluctant to discuss his nightly terrors. Hertig watched him worriedly.
They were perhaps a day's ride from the Sarn Ford, the entryway to the South Farthing when unexpectedly, Sam pulled Trofast to a halt and turned to Hertig. Puzzled, the Rider looked down at the pale hobbit beside him. "I think," began Sam slowly, "That when we reach the Shire, it would be best if I continued on alone." Hertig opened his mouth to protest, but Sam cut him off. "It's not that I don't want you to come with me, mind," he said, "But, if things are as bad as I fear they might be, I'm afraid that if I show up with a powerful warrior like yourself on my heels, it might make things a bit more difficult."
Hertig frowned. This made no sense to him at all. "Why do you believe that things will be so amiss in your homeland?" he asked. "And be it true, would not having me beside you only strengthen your position?"
Sam sighed. Of course he would like nothing more than to ride into Hobbiton, a tall and impressive Rider from Rohan accompanying him, but his dreams had shown him that there were more than hobbits skulking around the Shire and the last thing Sam wanted was for something to happen to Hertig. He feared that if they met up with the ruffians he believed were there, Hertig would try and fight them. It could easily end in his death. Sam simply could not bear the thought of Hertig's family being left without him. But, how to explain that to a warrior? No doubt Hertig would be insulted that Sam didn't want his protection. Sam had to present a plausible explanation.
"Well," he replied, playing for time, "I need to scout out the lay o' the land, if you get my meanin' and it would be a sight more difficult with you along." He paused a moment. This wasn't going at all the way he'd hoped. He twisted Trofast's reins in his hands. "I just think it might be better if I went home quiet like, without anyone noticin' me. If things are good, then no harm's done, but if there's trouble, bringin' attention to myself could just make it worse. I don't want anything to happen to my old gaffer." He looked up pleadingly. "Do you understand?"
Hertig studied Sam's anxious face for a few moments, then nodded. It was obvious the hobbit felt it would be better to arrive alone and without any fanfare. The Rider still was uncertain about the kind of trouble there might be ahead and whether or not he should abandon Sam to his fate. Sam smiled in relief. "And I surely would appreciate it if you could get word back to Mister Frodo that I arrived home safe and sound. Tell him again how sorry I am for running out on him like I did but I'll try and explain when he comes home." Home? Where was Mister Frodo's home now? Sam wondered. Bag End was now the property of that despicable Lotho Sackville- Baggins. Crickhollow? Frodo had barely stayed there. Sam then wondered if Fatty Bolger was still there. He'd have to find out. Perhaps Sam could plant some gardens there in preparation for Mister Frodo's return.
"Sam?" Sam blinked, startled out of his reverie. He hadn't meant to let his mind wander like that. Hertig was peering at him in concern. "Are you certain you do not wish me to accompany you to Hobbiton? I would most gladly do so and it would reassure my heart that you were safe."
"No," replied Sam firmly. "Whatever waits on the other side of the Sarn Ford, is my problem. I've been gone so long taking care of the world's business, it's time I came home and tended my own." With that, he gave Trofast's side a gentle kick and they continued on their way.
It was late in the afternoon when they spied the Sarn Ford some distance ahead. Sam had not spent much time in the South Farthing and never as far as the Ford, but he was still surprised to make out some kind of gate barring the way. He paused and turned to his friend. "I think, Master Hertig," he said in a low voice, "It is time for me to go my own way now." Sam blinked back the tears threatening to spill free. The thought of going on alone terrified him, but he knew it was the proper thing to do.
Hertig reached over and gripped Sam's arm. "I will wait here for three days," he replied. "If you have need of me, send a message and I will come." He still did not like the idea of letting Sam go on alone, He simply did not understand why Sam thought there would any sort of trouble in this idyllic place, but obviously the hobbit was worried.
"Thank you, Master Hertig," smiled Sam, a slight quaver in his voice, "For saving my life and coming with me all the way to the Shire. I know your family misses you and it's time for you to go home. Don't worry about me! I've been to the blackest heart of Mordor itself! There's nothing in the Shire can compare with that!" Hertig nodded, released his grip and sat back to watch sadly as the small hobbit slowly rode forth. He looked terribly alone.
Sam felt terribly alone. It didn't quite compare to the despair he felt in the pass of Minas Morgul when he believed Frodo to be dead, but it was close. It pained him deeply to be returning without his master not to mention, Merry and Pippin. How he wished they were all coming home together! He sighed sadly. He was coming home he scolded himself! To the Shire! No matter how bad things were (And don't forget, he reminded himself, he was basing all his fears on mere dreams), surely they couldn't be any worse that what he had already experienced on his long journey. Was there anything in the Shire to compare with Shelob the spider or the armies of orcs he'd already faced? Surely not! Oddly enough, these thoughts began to make him feel a little better, and with his head held high, he approached the gates of the Sarn Ford.
Chapter 14 Homeward Bound
Sam and Hertig traveled in quiet companionship throughout the lengthy trip to the Shire. Sam had been most anxious to be on his way, but leaving Hertig's family was more difficult than he had imagined. He had become quite close to little Olwyn and Eldred. With tears in his eyes, he remembered their bittersweet parting. "Please don't go, Sam!" Olwyn had cried, her round, blue eyes swimming in tears. "I want you to stay!" She wrapped her small arms tightly around him, hugging him with all her might. Eldred stood to the side looking equally forlorn, but trying to act more grown up.
"I am sorry, Miss Olwyn," Sam had choked, the tears caught in his throat, "But, I must go! My own father might be in a bit of trouble and I must go look to him. He's quite old and needs my help. You wouldn't want my father to go wanting or perhaps come to some harm because I wasn't there, would you?" Olwyn's face was buried in the folds of Sam's shirt, her thin shoulders shaking with her quiet sobs. She made no response for some moments before she finally raised her tear-streaked face to look up at her friend's.
"No, Sam," she hiccupped, her tears still running freely. She understood about fathers being in danger and she was a brave and unselfish girl, despite her tender years. "You go save your father." She hiccupped some more as she gazed anxiously up at Sam's mournful face. "But you don't forget me!" Sam gave a small sad laugh as he affectionately caressed Olwyn's shining blonde hair.
"I could never forget someone as pretty and as special as you, Miss Olwyn!" Sam smiled. "And I don't want you to go forgetting me, neither! So, I have something here for you to remember me by!" He reached into his pack and brought out a small carving of a beautiful elenor blossom, the yellow starflower he had so admired in Lothlorien. He smiled as Olwyn gently took the carving in her small hands. "I made this for you," he said as she examined it carefully. "I'm not much of a carver, but I do love flowers and you are as pretty as one! This is the prettiest flower I could think of. It grows where the elves live and it's as golden as your beautiful hair." Her tears forgotten, Olwyn beamed up at Sam in delight. She had never seen anything so marvelous. She threw herself into his arms again, laughing.
Sam smiled down at her, then looked over to her brother standing nearby. "Don't think I forgot you, Master Eldred!" he exclaimed reaching into his pack. "I don't want your forgetting me either!" Eldred moved closer and grinned in pleasure as he took the small carved horse Sam handed to him. "It's my Bill," explained Sam a little self consciously. "He was the best pony that ever was. I know he don't compare to your magnificent horses here in Rohan, but he was just as brave and faithful!"
"He's the one you let go outside the mines of Moria," said Eldred slowly, remembering the stories Sam had told them of his journeys. He gently ran his finger down the pony's smooth back as he examined all the details of Sam's brave pony. He looked up and met Sam's eyes. "I will always treasure Bill," he said solemnly. "I won't forget you!" He then ran over to Sam and the hobbit hugged him tightly in his arms. Finally, brushing away the tears, he turned to Hertig.
"I guess, it's time for us to go," he said. He had already said his good- byes to Helveg and Hertig's mother, Bertah. He never could express his deep appreciation to them all for saving his life.
Helveg looked fondly down upon the small hobbit before her. She had been deeply touched by the gifts he had given her children. Not just the carvings, but the stories and most of all, the friendship. Although the people of Rohan loved their children, life was hard and there was not much time for play. Sam had taken the time to develop a bond with Olwyn and Eldred and Helveg knew the children would forever remember this. There would always be a warmth in their hearts for the hobbits of the Shire.
Hertig brought forth a small gray hill pony, for Sam. It was the brother of the one that had borne Merry when the Rohirrim had ridden forth to Dunharrow. Sam stroked the horse's soft nose and smiled as it nuzzled him gently. "His name is Trofast," said Hertig. "It means 'faithful'".
Sam smiled at the affectionate animal. "I think you and I will be great friends!" he whispered. The horse gave a gentle snort and nibbled Sam's ear.
Hertig and Sam mounted their horses and with a final wave good-by they headed up the Great West Road that would ultimately lead them to the Shire. The weather was fair now that they were into the spring and Sam reveled in the wildflowers they saw along the way. Rohan's wide plains were blanketed with brilliant blooms and it did Sam's gardener heart good to see them. It had been so long since he had been able to even think about growing things and the beauty of nature. It refreshed his soul.
As they approached the Gap of Rohan, Hertig stood solemnly staring at the ruins surrounding Helm's Deep. Sam gaped at the massive keep built into the mountain. Hertig looked down at his hobbit companion. "This is where Rohan stood firm against the forces of Saruman," he said quietly. "Many a brave Rider was lost here. I deeply regret that I was not here until the end. If Gandalf had not found us and led us here at the eleventh hour, I fear all of the people of Edoras would have been lost." Sam knew that would have included Hertig's beloved wife and family. They watched awhile as men worked to repair the damage wrought by Saruman's uruk-hai and then continued on their way.
They also passed by Saruman's tower at Isengard, although they did not stop. Sam and Hertig could see some of the massive Ents standing near Orthanc, others seemed to be working to clear the debris left by the mighty flood. Although Sam would have liked to see the tree herders up close, he did not feel comfortable approaching any closer. Perhaps if Gandalf or Strider had been along, it would have been different. Hertig knew little more about the Ents than did Sam, and was content to watch them from a distance.
Still they continued on. They did not hurry, yet they did not they tarry anywhere along the way. Sam continued to feel a growing urgency to get home to Hobbiton, but at the same time, his thoughts and heart were back in Minas Tirith with Frodo. Being apart from his beloved master was most painful and he had to continually convince himself that he was doing the right thing.
It took them a little over two weeks to finally reach Sarn Ford. Sam had debated whether or not to retrace the route he, Frodo, Merry and Pippin had taken, which would take them through Bree and Buckland. But, in the end, he decided he would prefer not to be reminded any more of Frodo than he already was and opted to go the more southerly route towards Michel Delving. Once he was in the Shire, he reasoned, he could easily cut across the countryside.
As they passed into the rolling hills south of the Shire, Sam's anxiety began to grow. His nightmares had become more vivid now. Again and again he relived the destruction of the Shire as he had seen it in Lady Galadriel's mirror. He saw his father ill and suffering. He saw Rosie, thin and haggard and of course, amidst these dreams, he dreamt of Mordor and Frodo as well. Many a night Hertig rushed to Sam's side, holding the trembling hobbit in his powerful arms, soothing him as he would a small child. Sam would break down into tears, but reluctant to discuss his nightly terrors. Hertig watched him worriedly.
They were perhaps a day's ride from the Sarn Ford, the entryway to the South Farthing when unexpectedly, Sam pulled Trofast to a halt and turned to Hertig. Puzzled, the Rider looked down at the pale hobbit beside him. "I think," began Sam slowly, "That when we reach the Shire, it would be best if I continued on alone." Hertig opened his mouth to protest, but Sam cut him off. "It's not that I don't want you to come with me, mind," he said, "But, if things are as bad as I fear they might be, I'm afraid that if I show up with a powerful warrior like yourself on my heels, it might make things a bit more difficult."
Hertig frowned. This made no sense to him at all. "Why do you believe that things will be so amiss in your homeland?" he asked. "And be it true, would not having me beside you only strengthen your position?"
Sam sighed. Of course he would like nothing more than to ride into Hobbiton, a tall and impressive Rider from Rohan accompanying him, but his dreams had shown him that there were more than hobbits skulking around the Shire and the last thing Sam wanted was for something to happen to Hertig. He feared that if they met up with the ruffians he believed were there, Hertig would try and fight them. It could easily end in his death. Sam simply could not bear the thought of Hertig's family being left without him. But, how to explain that to a warrior? No doubt Hertig would be insulted that Sam didn't want his protection. Sam had to present a plausible explanation.
"Well," he replied, playing for time, "I need to scout out the lay o' the land, if you get my meanin' and it would be a sight more difficult with you along." He paused a moment. This wasn't going at all the way he'd hoped. He twisted Trofast's reins in his hands. "I just think it might be better if I went home quiet like, without anyone noticin' me. If things are good, then no harm's done, but if there's trouble, bringin' attention to myself could just make it worse. I don't want anything to happen to my old gaffer." He looked up pleadingly. "Do you understand?"
Hertig studied Sam's anxious face for a few moments, then nodded. It was obvious the hobbit felt it would be better to arrive alone and without any fanfare. The Rider still was uncertain about the kind of trouble there might be ahead and whether or not he should abandon Sam to his fate. Sam smiled in relief. "And I surely would appreciate it if you could get word back to Mister Frodo that I arrived home safe and sound. Tell him again how sorry I am for running out on him like I did but I'll try and explain when he comes home." Home? Where was Mister Frodo's home now? Sam wondered. Bag End was now the property of that despicable Lotho Sackville- Baggins. Crickhollow? Frodo had barely stayed there. Sam then wondered if Fatty Bolger was still there. He'd have to find out. Perhaps Sam could plant some gardens there in preparation for Mister Frodo's return.
"Sam?" Sam blinked, startled out of his reverie. He hadn't meant to let his mind wander like that. Hertig was peering at him in concern. "Are you certain you do not wish me to accompany you to Hobbiton? I would most gladly do so and it would reassure my heart that you were safe."
"No," replied Sam firmly. "Whatever waits on the other side of the Sarn Ford, is my problem. I've been gone so long taking care of the world's business, it's time I came home and tended my own." With that, he gave Trofast's side a gentle kick and they continued on their way.
It was late in the afternoon when they spied the Sarn Ford some distance ahead. Sam had not spent much time in the South Farthing and never as far as the Ford, but he was still surprised to make out some kind of gate barring the way. He paused and turned to his friend. "I think, Master Hertig," he said in a low voice, "It is time for me to go my own way now." Sam blinked back the tears threatening to spill free. The thought of going on alone terrified him, but he knew it was the proper thing to do.
Hertig reached over and gripped Sam's arm. "I will wait here for three days," he replied. "If you have need of me, send a message and I will come." He still did not like the idea of letting Sam go on alone, He simply did not understand why Sam thought there would any sort of trouble in this idyllic place, but obviously the hobbit was worried.
"Thank you, Master Hertig," smiled Sam, a slight quaver in his voice, "For saving my life and coming with me all the way to the Shire. I know your family misses you and it's time for you to go home. Don't worry about me! I've been to the blackest heart of Mordor itself! There's nothing in the Shire can compare with that!" Hertig nodded, released his grip and sat back to watch sadly as the small hobbit slowly rode forth. He looked terribly alone.
Sam felt terribly alone. It didn't quite compare to the despair he felt in the pass of Minas Morgul when he believed Frodo to be dead, but it was close. It pained him deeply to be returning without his master not to mention, Merry and Pippin. How he wished they were all coming home together! He sighed sadly. He was coming home he scolded himself! To the Shire! No matter how bad things were (And don't forget, he reminded himself, he was basing all his fears on mere dreams), surely they couldn't be any worse that what he had already experienced on his long journey. Was there anything in the Shire to compare with Shelob the spider or the armies of orcs he'd already faced? Surely not! Oddly enough, these thoughts began to make him feel a little better, and with his head held high, he approached the gates of the Sarn Ford.