Author's Note: Continuing thanks for all the wonderful reviews! They really
are encouraging to me! I'm afraid it may be a week or more before the next
update. I have to go out of town in a few days and I may not be able to get
another update done before I leave. I apologize!
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FrodoBaggins87: I figured unless something crucial to the story happened on the journey, there was no reason to drag it out! The Shire is where things are happing, so that's where we need to get to!
Szhismine: LOL! I'm glad you don't care how long it takes. I really don't know how long it will end up being. I'm sure more than another 3 or 4 chapters definitely! Sometimes you guys give me ideas, so things get added.
Merimas Gamgee: Well, in this chapter we finally meet up with a few ruffians! Hope you like it!
Bronwyn: I thought it was important for Sam to leave some memento of his stay with Hertig's family and given his nature, he thinks about EVERYONE else before he thinks of himself!
Ertia: Thanks so much for reviewing and bookmarking my story! I'm glad you're enjoying it, but I'm afraid it will be awhile before Frodo and the others catch up with Sam!
GamgeeFest: Sam doesn't have his old sword with him, but Eomer gave him one (it's mentioned in this chapter). Wouldn't want our hero to go into danger unarmed would we!?
Frodo Freak2: Well, this story will be here for awhile, so just keep checking in!
The Lady of Mirkwood: Welcome and thanks for reviewing! Poor Sam does have a tendency to suffer in my stories. I just can't seem to write happy, fluffy stories!
Bookworm2000: Here is the answer to your question: Sam!
Sam: I am SO sorry to hear that you had a bad prom! That's terrible! That alone would be depressing enough. Sorry my story isn't more cheerful. I sure hope this week is better for you!
Ronzgirlz: Wow! I'm really flattered that you think that way! I think my writing is improving over time, so maybe one of these days I really will write that book! Thank you again so much for your kind words! I hope you continue to enjoy the story wherever it goes!
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Chapter 15 Sarn Ford
As Sam rode down the hill towards the ford, he was surprised to see a line of wagons waiting to cross over. Several had already been driven off the ferry on his side of the river and the ferryman was preparing to return for more. Sam frowned as he approached close enough to see the drivers. They were similar to the ruffians he and the other hobbits had seen in Bree at the beginning of their quest. Sam knew their presence did not bode well for the Shire and what were they transporting in those wagons? Sam remembered Merry telling him how he and Pippin had found several barrels of the finest Longbottom leaf in Saruman's storerooms. It appeared that Sam had just discovered their source. As he approached the sentry booth before the ford, two hobbits came out to meet him, neither looking pleased.
"Stop right there!" cried the first one, a cudgel in his hand, "State your name and your business." His companion stood beside him, similarly armed and glowering menacingly. The men on the wagons turned to stare.
Sam suddenly found himself more angry than scared. After all he had been through, he was in no mood to put up with this foolishness. "My name is Samwise Gamee, son of Hamfast, from up to Hobbiton way. I've been on a long journey and I'm goin' home! Now, if you'll be moving out of the way, I'd like to continue." He moved his cloak slightly so that his sword became more visible. It was not the faithful sword he had carried all the way from the Barrows and now lay in Minas Tirith, but an elegant Rohirrim weapon made especially for him by King Eomer. It looked no less deadly.
The two hobbits looked at each other, a touch of nervousness eroding their bravado. They rarely had to deal with any problems besides the wagons and an armed hobbit was something entirely new. The first one looked back over his shoulder at the leering men. Squaring his shoulders, he turned back to Sam.
"Don't you know it's against the rules to travel around the Shire without permission?" he demanded, trying to sound forceful. "We can't be allowin' just anyone over the border. You'll have to wait in the guardhouse til we can get permission from the Chief up in Hobbiton to let you through."
Sam scowled at the hobbit. Since he was not from around these parts, Sam certainly didn't recognize either of these hobbits. He considered the matter. If all these men had not been present, he would have simply ignored these two blowhards and gone on his way, but he knew he couldn't fight or avoid the ten or so ruffians in the immediate vicinity. Perhaps the best plan of action was to pretend to agree and then when the Men left, make good his escape.
"Alright," Sam said to the first hobbit, "I'll wait til you can get permission from this "Chief" of yours. How long will that take?"
Again the two sentries exchanged glances. "Well," said the first with a smirk, "Could take a week. Maybe two. The Chief is mighty busy you know."
Sam rolled his eyes in frustration. This was ridiculous! "Fine, I'll wait," he grumbled, "But certainly NOT in your guardhouse. I'll make my camp back up the hills away. You can let me know when the "Chief" sends his permission!" Before they had a chance to respond, Sam abruptly turned Trofast and cantered back up the hill.
Sitting in the cool shade of a massive oak, Hertig looked up in surprise as Sam came storming into view. The Rider stood up and watched apprehensively as Sam approached. Sam slid off his horse and began pacing. He was fuming. "What a lot of Tom-fools!" he snarled. "Who are they to tell me I can't cross the river! After all I've been through, I can't believe I can not even get back into the Shire! If all those ruffians hadn't been there, things would have been different, I can tell you that!"
Hertig watched in amazement as Sam stalked back and forth in the clearing growling to himself. The Rider had never seen this side of Sam and it was something of a shock to realize good-natured Sam was capable of such fury. "Excuse me, Sam," he began somewhat hesitantly. "Is there a problem?"
Sam stopped his pacing and whirled to glare at the startled Rider. "I'll say there is!" he snapped, "A bunch of fools at the ford won't let me pass until they've gotten "approval" from some Chief of theirs in Hobbiton! Claimed it could take two weeks! I'll not wait another day! I've been all the way to Mordor and back. It's been close to a year since I've set foot in the Shire and I'll not let a couple of fools stop me! If they hadn't had a bunch of ruffians backing them up, I wouldn't be here now!" He began pacing again, running his hand over the pommel of his sword, cursing under his breath.
Hertig ran his hand over his face as he considered the situation. "Is there another bridge or ford nearby?" he asked.
Sam continued to scowl. "The nearest crossing is the Bucklebury Ferry and it's close to a hundred miles up the river! I am not going to walk so far just to cross the river when there's a perfectly good ferry just down the road!"
Hertig nodded, trying not to smile. "Perhaps we should explore the river a ways. There might be a place where the horses could swim across. You could ride on Manelys with me and Trofast could follow."
Sam sank to the ground beside the tree. "I don't want to get you involved in this, Master Hertig," Sam said, "But if you can help me at least get across the river without having to deal with that lot at the ford, I'd be much obliged. Then, I can make my way cross country to Hobbiton without any problem. If these fellows are an example of what's plaguing the Shire, than I'm more worried than ever about me gaffer." And Rosie, he thought.
They mounted the horses and staying well away from the Sarn ford, worked their way along the bank of the river. Hertig and Manelys frequently rode into the river testing its depth and current. It was several miles before they finally found a spot where Manelys could swim across without the danger of being swept away. Sam waited patiently on the far side for the horse and rider to return to him. Manelys snorted shaking his massive head, spraying Sam and Trofast with water. Hertig just laughed. "Come along, Sam," he said reaching out for the dripping hobbit. "Manelys can easily carry us both and I do not believe Trofast will have any problem swimming across if we hold tightly onto his lead." Hertig easily swung Sam unto the saddle behind him, then grabbed onto Trofast's reins. Urging Manelys forward, they entered the cold waters of the Baranduin.
Hertig felt Sam tense behind him, the hobbit's hold on his waist became almost painful. Hertig turned and was surprised by the change in Sam's expression. The hobbit's face had gone ghostly white and his eyes were screwed tightly shut. He was breathing hard and Hertig could feel Sam trembling. He was terrified by the water! thought the Rider in dismay. "Are you alright, Sam?" he asked.
"I'll be fine once we're on the other side," replied Sam through gritted teeth. His hold tightened a bit further. Hertig gave him a sympathetic smile, then concentrated on the journey across the river. Little Trofast struggled valiantly behind them. Hertig heard Sam give a tremendous sigh of relief once Manelys' hooves touched solid ground and the stallion struggled up the steep bank with the pony following. They had made it. Hertig lowered Sam back to the ground and the hobbit remounted his faithful pony.
"You did a fine job, Trofast!" Sam whispered into the pony's ear and patted him affectionately. He wished he had a carrot or apple for his brave mount.
The trees were heavy on this side of the river and moving through them was difficult for Hertig and Manelys. However, the Rider was determined to make sure Sam got on his way safely this time. Sam on Trofast had far less difficulty weaving through the trees and underbrush. Manelys did not like the confined space of the forest and Hertig was having to focus most of his attention on keeping the big animal in line. Sam was feeling uncomfortable as well and he kept peering worriedly around him. Something just didn't feel right.
They attacked just as Sam and Hertig were nearing the edge of the woods. Several coarse looking men armed with clubs and knives appeared in front of Hertig and Sam ordering them to stop. Sam was both horrified and furious. When he saw the men appear from the woods, he knew they were in trouble and without thinking, soon had his sword in his hand. He could not believe that he was having to defend himself in the Shire against such trash! Sam could see that Hertig also had his sword free and was prepared to fight. Unfortunately, he was severely hampered by the density of the trees. Rohirrim were at their best on the open plains of Rohan, but Hertig was determined that nothing would happen to Sam while he was here. But such was not to be. Neither Sam nor Hertig even had a chance to use their weapons as several more of the men leaped down on them from the trees above dragging them both to the ground. Manelys screamed in anger and began rearing and kicking. Two of the men were killed outright by the horse's flailing hooves but after several of the men managed to get a ropes around Manelys' neck, they were able to immobilize the crazed horse.
It took Sam a few moments to realize what had happened. The weight of the man had slammed him into the ground, knocking out his breath. The man quickly rose and kicked Sam's sword away, then reached down, grabbed the hobbit by the collar and hauled him to his feet. Struggling frantically, Sam managed to slip out of his jacket and flung himself towards his sword. Before the startled man had time to react, Sam had the gleaming weapon in his hand. With a cry of rage, the frenzied hobbit swung his sword and sliced into the man's outstretched arm. The man howled in pain and stumbled backwards, blood streaming down his injured arm. He had hardly expected this kind of resistance from a mere halfling! Sam turned towards Hertig, and was enraged to see the struggling Rider being held down by five of the burly men.
"No!" cried Sam as he charged forward, intent on rescuing his friend, but it was all in vain. The injured man had regained his club and descended upon Sam with a vengeance. With an explosion of pain, Sam plummeted into the black world of unconsciousness. Hertig soon followed. Sam had just barely stepped onto the soil of his beloved Shire and already things had gone terribly wrong. He and Hertig were now prisoners.
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FrodoBaggins87: I figured unless something crucial to the story happened on the journey, there was no reason to drag it out! The Shire is where things are happing, so that's where we need to get to!
Szhismine: LOL! I'm glad you don't care how long it takes. I really don't know how long it will end up being. I'm sure more than another 3 or 4 chapters definitely! Sometimes you guys give me ideas, so things get added.
Merimas Gamgee: Well, in this chapter we finally meet up with a few ruffians! Hope you like it!
Bronwyn: I thought it was important for Sam to leave some memento of his stay with Hertig's family and given his nature, he thinks about EVERYONE else before he thinks of himself!
Ertia: Thanks so much for reviewing and bookmarking my story! I'm glad you're enjoying it, but I'm afraid it will be awhile before Frodo and the others catch up with Sam!
GamgeeFest: Sam doesn't have his old sword with him, but Eomer gave him one (it's mentioned in this chapter). Wouldn't want our hero to go into danger unarmed would we!?
Frodo Freak2: Well, this story will be here for awhile, so just keep checking in!
The Lady of Mirkwood: Welcome and thanks for reviewing! Poor Sam does have a tendency to suffer in my stories. I just can't seem to write happy, fluffy stories!
Bookworm2000: Here is the answer to your question: Sam!
Sam: I am SO sorry to hear that you had a bad prom! That's terrible! That alone would be depressing enough. Sorry my story isn't more cheerful. I sure hope this week is better for you!
Ronzgirlz: Wow! I'm really flattered that you think that way! I think my writing is improving over time, so maybe one of these days I really will write that book! Thank you again so much for your kind words! I hope you continue to enjoy the story wherever it goes!
*****************************************************
Chapter 15 Sarn Ford
As Sam rode down the hill towards the ford, he was surprised to see a line of wagons waiting to cross over. Several had already been driven off the ferry on his side of the river and the ferryman was preparing to return for more. Sam frowned as he approached close enough to see the drivers. They were similar to the ruffians he and the other hobbits had seen in Bree at the beginning of their quest. Sam knew their presence did not bode well for the Shire and what were they transporting in those wagons? Sam remembered Merry telling him how he and Pippin had found several barrels of the finest Longbottom leaf in Saruman's storerooms. It appeared that Sam had just discovered their source. As he approached the sentry booth before the ford, two hobbits came out to meet him, neither looking pleased.
"Stop right there!" cried the first one, a cudgel in his hand, "State your name and your business." His companion stood beside him, similarly armed and glowering menacingly. The men on the wagons turned to stare.
Sam suddenly found himself more angry than scared. After all he had been through, he was in no mood to put up with this foolishness. "My name is Samwise Gamee, son of Hamfast, from up to Hobbiton way. I've been on a long journey and I'm goin' home! Now, if you'll be moving out of the way, I'd like to continue." He moved his cloak slightly so that his sword became more visible. It was not the faithful sword he had carried all the way from the Barrows and now lay in Minas Tirith, but an elegant Rohirrim weapon made especially for him by King Eomer. It looked no less deadly.
The two hobbits looked at each other, a touch of nervousness eroding their bravado. They rarely had to deal with any problems besides the wagons and an armed hobbit was something entirely new. The first one looked back over his shoulder at the leering men. Squaring his shoulders, he turned back to Sam.
"Don't you know it's against the rules to travel around the Shire without permission?" he demanded, trying to sound forceful. "We can't be allowin' just anyone over the border. You'll have to wait in the guardhouse til we can get permission from the Chief up in Hobbiton to let you through."
Sam scowled at the hobbit. Since he was not from around these parts, Sam certainly didn't recognize either of these hobbits. He considered the matter. If all these men had not been present, he would have simply ignored these two blowhards and gone on his way, but he knew he couldn't fight or avoid the ten or so ruffians in the immediate vicinity. Perhaps the best plan of action was to pretend to agree and then when the Men left, make good his escape.
"Alright," Sam said to the first hobbit, "I'll wait til you can get permission from this "Chief" of yours. How long will that take?"
Again the two sentries exchanged glances. "Well," said the first with a smirk, "Could take a week. Maybe two. The Chief is mighty busy you know."
Sam rolled his eyes in frustration. This was ridiculous! "Fine, I'll wait," he grumbled, "But certainly NOT in your guardhouse. I'll make my camp back up the hills away. You can let me know when the "Chief" sends his permission!" Before they had a chance to respond, Sam abruptly turned Trofast and cantered back up the hill.
Sitting in the cool shade of a massive oak, Hertig looked up in surprise as Sam came storming into view. The Rider stood up and watched apprehensively as Sam approached. Sam slid off his horse and began pacing. He was fuming. "What a lot of Tom-fools!" he snarled. "Who are they to tell me I can't cross the river! After all I've been through, I can't believe I can not even get back into the Shire! If all those ruffians hadn't been there, things would have been different, I can tell you that!"
Hertig watched in amazement as Sam stalked back and forth in the clearing growling to himself. The Rider had never seen this side of Sam and it was something of a shock to realize good-natured Sam was capable of such fury. "Excuse me, Sam," he began somewhat hesitantly. "Is there a problem?"
Sam stopped his pacing and whirled to glare at the startled Rider. "I'll say there is!" he snapped, "A bunch of fools at the ford won't let me pass until they've gotten "approval" from some Chief of theirs in Hobbiton! Claimed it could take two weeks! I'll not wait another day! I've been all the way to Mordor and back. It's been close to a year since I've set foot in the Shire and I'll not let a couple of fools stop me! If they hadn't had a bunch of ruffians backing them up, I wouldn't be here now!" He began pacing again, running his hand over the pommel of his sword, cursing under his breath.
Hertig ran his hand over his face as he considered the situation. "Is there another bridge or ford nearby?" he asked.
Sam continued to scowl. "The nearest crossing is the Bucklebury Ferry and it's close to a hundred miles up the river! I am not going to walk so far just to cross the river when there's a perfectly good ferry just down the road!"
Hertig nodded, trying not to smile. "Perhaps we should explore the river a ways. There might be a place where the horses could swim across. You could ride on Manelys with me and Trofast could follow."
Sam sank to the ground beside the tree. "I don't want to get you involved in this, Master Hertig," Sam said, "But if you can help me at least get across the river without having to deal with that lot at the ford, I'd be much obliged. Then, I can make my way cross country to Hobbiton without any problem. If these fellows are an example of what's plaguing the Shire, than I'm more worried than ever about me gaffer." And Rosie, he thought.
They mounted the horses and staying well away from the Sarn ford, worked their way along the bank of the river. Hertig and Manelys frequently rode into the river testing its depth and current. It was several miles before they finally found a spot where Manelys could swim across without the danger of being swept away. Sam waited patiently on the far side for the horse and rider to return to him. Manelys snorted shaking his massive head, spraying Sam and Trofast with water. Hertig just laughed. "Come along, Sam," he said reaching out for the dripping hobbit. "Manelys can easily carry us both and I do not believe Trofast will have any problem swimming across if we hold tightly onto his lead." Hertig easily swung Sam unto the saddle behind him, then grabbed onto Trofast's reins. Urging Manelys forward, they entered the cold waters of the Baranduin.
Hertig felt Sam tense behind him, the hobbit's hold on his waist became almost painful. Hertig turned and was surprised by the change in Sam's expression. The hobbit's face had gone ghostly white and his eyes were screwed tightly shut. He was breathing hard and Hertig could feel Sam trembling. He was terrified by the water! thought the Rider in dismay. "Are you alright, Sam?" he asked.
"I'll be fine once we're on the other side," replied Sam through gritted teeth. His hold tightened a bit further. Hertig gave him a sympathetic smile, then concentrated on the journey across the river. Little Trofast struggled valiantly behind them. Hertig heard Sam give a tremendous sigh of relief once Manelys' hooves touched solid ground and the stallion struggled up the steep bank with the pony following. They had made it. Hertig lowered Sam back to the ground and the hobbit remounted his faithful pony.
"You did a fine job, Trofast!" Sam whispered into the pony's ear and patted him affectionately. He wished he had a carrot or apple for his brave mount.
The trees were heavy on this side of the river and moving through them was difficult for Hertig and Manelys. However, the Rider was determined to make sure Sam got on his way safely this time. Sam on Trofast had far less difficulty weaving through the trees and underbrush. Manelys did not like the confined space of the forest and Hertig was having to focus most of his attention on keeping the big animal in line. Sam was feeling uncomfortable as well and he kept peering worriedly around him. Something just didn't feel right.
They attacked just as Sam and Hertig were nearing the edge of the woods. Several coarse looking men armed with clubs and knives appeared in front of Hertig and Sam ordering them to stop. Sam was both horrified and furious. When he saw the men appear from the woods, he knew they were in trouble and without thinking, soon had his sword in his hand. He could not believe that he was having to defend himself in the Shire against such trash! Sam could see that Hertig also had his sword free and was prepared to fight. Unfortunately, he was severely hampered by the density of the trees. Rohirrim were at their best on the open plains of Rohan, but Hertig was determined that nothing would happen to Sam while he was here. But such was not to be. Neither Sam nor Hertig even had a chance to use their weapons as several more of the men leaped down on them from the trees above dragging them both to the ground. Manelys screamed in anger and began rearing and kicking. Two of the men were killed outright by the horse's flailing hooves but after several of the men managed to get a ropes around Manelys' neck, they were able to immobilize the crazed horse.
It took Sam a few moments to realize what had happened. The weight of the man had slammed him into the ground, knocking out his breath. The man quickly rose and kicked Sam's sword away, then reached down, grabbed the hobbit by the collar and hauled him to his feet. Struggling frantically, Sam managed to slip out of his jacket and flung himself towards his sword. Before the startled man had time to react, Sam had the gleaming weapon in his hand. With a cry of rage, the frenzied hobbit swung his sword and sliced into the man's outstretched arm. The man howled in pain and stumbled backwards, blood streaming down his injured arm. He had hardly expected this kind of resistance from a mere halfling! Sam turned towards Hertig, and was enraged to see the struggling Rider being held down by five of the burly men.
"No!" cried Sam as he charged forward, intent on rescuing his friend, but it was all in vain. The injured man had regained his club and descended upon Sam with a vengeance. With an explosion of pain, Sam plummeted into the black world of unconsciousness. Hertig soon followed. Sam had just barely stepped onto the soil of his beloved Shire and already things had gone terribly wrong. He and Hertig were now prisoners.