Author's Notes: Howdy all! Well, despite numerous computer problems (such
as my computer won't connect to the internet all of a sudden and keeps
locking up) I managed to get this chapter done. I sure hope it makes sense!
Janna Hawkins: Saruman and Ferny definitely are not nice people! I'm sure they will both get their just desserts! Unfortunately, in this story, they continue to be as nasty as ever!
Baileymag: Thank you so much for your kind words! I think I'm getting a little better as I go on (I like to hope so, anyway!). I try to keep things interesting and I'm pleased that you have found it so! I hope you keep reading!
Bronwyn: Sam hasn't done enough suffering lately. I think it's time to change that and thank goodness Saruman is there to help out!
Gamgeefest: I am feeling better, thanks! The annoying cough still lingering but even that is getting better. As one of the shirriffs said to Sam, there are plenty of hobbits in the Shire who are happy to help out the troublemakers! This is just one of them.
Aoura Maiden: Thank you for your wonderful complement! It's the wonderful readers like yourself that has turned my little experiment ("On Borrowed Time") into a full-fledged hobby!
LalaithoftheBruinen: I think your name is wonderful! Very creative, I must say. And I am happy to say, that I am feeling much better. Thanks!
Lauralsjr: Hope you've caught up on your sleep! LOL! I didn't want to Sam to spend the rest of the story cooling his heels in the Lockholes. I think we're winding down here (but as I'm still writing, I'm not sure what the final chapter count will be), but Sam is still out there!
Sam: Frodo will be there...eventually! As for Fredegar, this chapter should help clear that up.
Althea: Sam more careful? Hmm. He's become a bit more reckless in his old age as this chapter will demonstrate!
FrodoBaggins87: Only time will tell as to whether or not Saruman will get his claws into Our Hero!
Hobbity: I am so pleased that you are hooked on this story! That means I must be doing something right! LOL! I hope you continue to read and enjoy!
Rabidsamfan: I'm afraid this chapter won't ease your mind any!
Bookworm2000: We can but hope that Frodo will arrive in time! That is the question!
RenaissanceGrrl: Wow! What a lot of rather impressive reviews! They are fantastic! Yes, I do own the Atlas and Middle Earth and have found it extremely helpful when writing these stories. The maps in the book are only marginally useful. As for Pelennor...sigh I must just have a mental block about that place! Also, I was puzzled about your remark concerning "Ted" in Ch 20 so I went and looked. I put in the wrong name! I mean, there certainly could be a man named Ted (and I guess there is now! LOL!) But, I would normally avoid using identical names to prevent such confusion. You are a very perceptive reader! Anyway, thanks so much for taking the time to write such lengthy, well thought out reviews. I really enjoy them!
Well, here's the next chapter (and hopefully I've avoided any further glaring errors, but I'm sure as soon as I post this, I'll see several!) Thanks to all of you that have been reading and special thanks to you wonderful reviewers!
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Chapter 24 Saboteurs and Lockholes
It was a long, grueling night for Sam and his companions. Rory Brockenboring was their guide. He had grown up in the area and knew it well. He was leading them through the rocky hills to a small cave once used by smugglers. It was well hidden and difficult to get to. The five exhausted hobbits wound their way through the steep and winding pathways. They were wet clear through from the drizzling rain and often stumbled on the slick stones. However, they knew the men were looking for them, and although Sam seriously doubted they could follow the hobbits through this terrain in the dark, he wanted to get as far away as possible before stopping.
When the dreary, gray dawn finally broke, it found the hobbits nearing their destination. "Just 'round this bend, lads" announced Rory wearily as he led them down a narrow ravine. He stopped for a moment studying his surroundings then with a faint cry of relief stumbled towards a towering mound of boulders. The others stared at him with a dazed look. "Hold on!" grinned Rory. He moved around towards the back of the mound, then began pushing on one of the boulders. Oddly enough, it seemed to roll out of the way with little effort and revealed a surprisingly large opening into the side of the cliff. Just inside the opening, was a small keg with several unlit torches. Rory reached in, pulled one out and lit it. "This way!" he said and the others followed him into the passageway.
As soon as everyone was safely in, Rory reached over towards the boulder where a handle had been fixed and pulled it back into place. If not for the torch, they would have been totally engulfed in darkness. Rory led them down a short, dry passageway into the cave. It wasn't nearly as large as the one they had previously inhabited, but seemed comfortable enough. Sam noticed several kegs towards the back wall as well as a couple of wooden chests.
"Smugglers used to hide here," explained Rory as the others went to examine the items. "Some o' the stuff is left over from them. But most of it's stuff my cousins and I brought when we were younger. It was our secret hideaway." He stopped abruptly, his voice catching in his throat. The others looked away uncomfortably. Largo had been one of those cousins.
Sam took a quick inventory. There was some food and water, blankets, a couple of lanterns and a container full of lantern oil. It was this last item that captured Sam's attention. Frowning in thought, he carefully hefted the small keg. Tamblin sidled up beside him. "What are ye thinkin', Sam?" he asked quietly. He had seen that look before.
Sam turned to look at the other four hobbits before him. "I know we're in a bit of a tough spot," he began, "But I don't reckon any of us wants to give up. If somebody don't fight back, things will just get worse and worse. I'm thinkin' that perhaps it's time we started doing a little more fightin'".
The others glanced at each other a little anxiously. "What do ye mean?" asked Tamblin cautiously.
"I'm thinkin'," replied Sam slowly, "That we need to make things a bit more difficult for Lotho and his new man, that Sharkey. If we can make it harder for them to move their stolen goods out of Hobbiton, so much the better. I think we should start burnin' down some of the bridges around the Shire. If they can't cross the rivers, they can't sell the stuff. At the very least, it'll cause them some misery and aggravation!"
The others frowned as they considered this new proposal. After what had happened to the rest of their band, they were feeling far less adventurous than they had in the past. They were afraid that if they got caught burning down bridges or buildings, they would get far worse than the Lockholes. Sam was already condemned, so was more willing to take the risk. After a few moments of anxious discussion, they all finally agreed to give it a try.
Sam and Tamblin volunteered to make the first sortie. Sam felt they should try something a little less obvious, so one dark night a few days later, they headed for the bridge at Budge Ford. The ruffians used it to cart goods from the North Farthing. Using the keg of lantern oil, Sam poured a generous amount of the flammable liquid over the bridge and its supports. With great satisfaction, the two hobbits watched as the bridge burst into flames. They watched for a few minutes, then melted back into the darkness and into the hills, their mission a complete success.
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Saruman was livid. Three important bridges had burned down in the past two weeks and he was certain Samwise Gamgee was behind it. Saruman's men had been unable to capture the remaining rebels and Saruman found it hard to believe that a second group had suddenly cropped up in the same area. The fact that the destruction of the bridges impeded the shipment of pipeweed and other crops out of the Shire didn't anger him nearly as much as the thought that again one of the accursed Fellowship was thwarting him. He would put an end to this if it was the last thing he ever did!
Saruman turned at the knock at the door. "Come!" he commanded and watched impassively as Ted Sandyman and Bill Ferny stepped hesitantly into the room. Both regarded the old man nervously.
"I, uh, I found 'im boss," said Ferny giving Ted a slight push forward. Ted glared at Bill.
"Excellent," smiled Saruman turned his attention to the disheveled hobbit before him. "You are Ted Sandyman, the miller, are you not?"
"Uh, yessir," replied Ted quickly. "Lived 'ere all me life!"
Saruman nodded encouragingly. "Then I supposed you are well acquainted with Samwise Gamgee?"
"Aye," replied Ted darkly, "I know 'im. I was there when 'ee done old Fig, weren't I? I've known Sam since we were lads. I can tell ye anything ye want about ol'Sam."
"I was hoping you would say that," smiled Saruman thinly. He turned and motioned to Wormtongue who was skulking in the corner as usual. The one- time advisor to kings scurried over with a mug of ale and placed it on the table in front of Ted. "Please," said Saruman smoothly and gesturing to the mug, "Refresh yourself. Then, perhaps you can tell me who in this town would be most important to Samwise Gamgee."
With a broad grin and a nod of thanks, Ted took the mug and downed its contents in just a few gulps. Even for him, an ardent supporter of Sharkey and his ruffians, ale was hard to come by. "Well, Boss," began Ted wiping his mouth with a contented grin as he felt the warmth of the ale spread through him, "His ol' dad, the Gaffer would be mighty important, but 'ee's disappeared. Ain't seen hide nor hair of 'im since Sam murdered poor Fig. Then, there's that big blond feller Sam rode in with. Lotho had 'im locked up right quick. I know Sam used to go on 'bout 'im all th' time when 'ee was workin' for the Chief." He stopped and looked at the mug longingly. With a nod from Saruman, Wormtongue refilled it.
"Big, blonde fellow?" asked Saruman with a frown.
"Aye, that's right," nodded Ferny. "He was ridin' a huge black horse. Took six men to tie 'im down! The feller was wearin' some mighty fancy armor. The Chief had the helmet over his fireplace!"
Saruman continued to frown. "Wormtongue!" he called suddenly. His servant scuttled forward. "Take Ferny here into Bag End and find that helmet. I wish to see it!" He watched silently as the two left his hut. He then turned again to Ted, who was finishing off his second mug. "Is there anyone else you can thing of," he asked again.
Ted sat down heavily in the chair across from Saruman with a malicious grin. "Oh, aye," he said softly, "I can think of someone else alright! The pretty miss Rosie Cotton! It was cuz of her that ol' Fig got done in. Sam is mighty sweet on that lass. Everyone in Hobbiton knows that! Ol' Sam is like part o' the Cotton family already!" He stopped as Ferny and Wormtongue returned.
Wormtongue held out the helm in alarm. "A Rider of Rohan, my lord!" he whined. "Here!"
Saruman examined the elegantly designed helm and nodded. "It is as I suspected." He looked up at Ferny. "Have you seen this Rider lately?"
Ferny shook his head. "Nah, he's been in that Lockhole fer months. Can't imagine he'd be much t'look at now!"
Saruman was silent for a few moments, then looked up at Ferny. "Alright," he said decisively. "I want you to bring that Rider here and lock him up in one of the sheds. I want to send men to arrest the Cotton family here in Hobbiton. Make sure they get Rosie Cotton. Lock them up as well. Make sure there is a heavy guard on the sheds. I do not want them to escape."
Ferny glanced at Ted. "What're yeh plannin' on doin', Boss?" he asked eagerly.
Saruman leaned back and stared up at the ceiling. "We shall put flyers up all over the Shire. Make announcements in every town and village. I want it known that if Samwise Gamgee does not turn himself in within the next 5 days, the executions will begin, perhaps starting with Miss Rosie herself!" He now leaned forward staring intently at those before him. "I want Samwise Gamgee and I want him now!"
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Hertig lay in the cold, damp Lockhole listening to the sounds of misery around him. Since this new "Sharkey" person had arrived, the Lockholes were fuller than ever. Hertig had been trying to figure out a way to escape for weeks, but the opportunity had never presented itself. He was much weaker than he had been when he arrived and he worried that if he didn't escape soon, he would not have the strength.. They barely fed the hobbits enough so he certainly was far from well nourished. He sighed and thought again of Sam.
A few weeks ago, several new hobbits had been brought in and there was much excitement surrounding their arrival. "Fatty Bolger!" cried Mayor Whitfoot when a couple of the newcomers were tossed into their cell. "You're alive! Last we heard you were runnin' a band of rebels up in the Hills of Scary!"
Fredegar collapsed onto the floor in exhaustion, his face gaunt and haunted. "Aye, I was Mayor," he whispered. "Me and about 14 others." He looked up at Mayor Whitfoot. "Sam Gamgee was with us."
"Sam!" exclaimed the Mayor looking at Hertig sitting beside him. The ceiling of the cell was too low for him to stand comfortably. "We heard he'd killed that villain, Fig and then disappeared. So, he joined up with you?"
Fredegar nodded, sipping some water from a dipper. "That's right." He smiled wanly. "You never would have recognized him, Mayor! Quiet, shy Samwise Gamgee led us on more missions than I can count! He wasn't scared of anything! Thank goodness he wasn't on our last one. We'd been stealin' and smugglin' pipeweed out of the Shire for weeks, but someone musta seen us and turned us in." He grew quiet then as he remembered that awful night. "Poor Bertie Banks and Milo Brandybuck were killed outright by them ruffians. I think Largo Brockenboring got away. The others were taken. Sam and maybe four others were still at the hideout. I don't know what's happened to them. With any luck, perhaps they're still free."
"Well, they aren't in here, at any rate," replied the Mayor placing his hand on Fredegar's shoulder. "You were an inspiration to us all," he said to Fredegar and the others with him. "Somehow, knowing at least a few were fighting back gave us all hope." He bowed his head sadly. "As fort young Bertie Banks and Milo Brandybuck, they will be remembered as heroes as will you all!"
Hertig smiled now as he remembered the mayor's words. The Rider had been impressed by the resiliency and bravery of these hobbits. All were miserable, but few complained in the dank, fetid lockholes. He then thought of his own home on the wide open plains of Rohan and felt the painful twinge of homesickness. How he missed his wife and children and Manelys, his companion on so many campaigns. He sighed wearily, wondering if he would ever be free again.
As he lay there in the dark, he suddenly felt someone gently shake his shoulder. "Hertig?" came a whispered voice. "Hertig! Wake up!" Hertig turned his face and saw Mayor Whitfoot and Fredegar hovering above him.
"What is it?" Hertig asked rising up on one elbow.
The mayor looked around excitedly. "We've just heard – some men have come to take you to Hobbiton in the morning!"
Hertig frowned. "Why?"
"My friend on the outside said that this Sharkey fellow has a new plan for capturing Sam," replied the Mayor grimly. "He plans to use you and the Cottons as hostages and says he's going to execute one of you every day until Sam surrenders!"
Hertig sat up as straight as he could in the confined space. "What!?" he cried in horrified disbelief. "What kind of monster is this Sharkey? Well, I for one refuse to be used as bait! I will escape somehow."
The Mayor and Fredegar exchanged glances and nodded. "We have an idea," said Fredegar, "But if you do escape, you must go to Bree and not go looking for Sam."
Hertig was confused. Looking for Sam would have been the first thing he would do if regained his freedom. It would be against his code of honor to abandon his friend!
Fredegar moved closer. "Sam told us that Frodo and the others would probably be arriving here any day now. If someone doesn't warn them, they'll be walking straight into a trap! Plus, we're hopin' that if you get through, you could bring back help so we could oust this Sharkey , Lotho and their ruffians once and for all!" Hertig sat silently for a moment thinking about all he had seen and heard since he had met Samwise Gamgee. Sam would have wanted him to warn Frodo above everything else. He was certain of that. He looked into the faces of the anxious hobbits before him and nodded. If he escaped he would make for Bree
Janna Hawkins: Saruman and Ferny definitely are not nice people! I'm sure they will both get their just desserts! Unfortunately, in this story, they continue to be as nasty as ever!
Baileymag: Thank you so much for your kind words! I think I'm getting a little better as I go on (I like to hope so, anyway!). I try to keep things interesting and I'm pleased that you have found it so! I hope you keep reading!
Bronwyn: Sam hasn't done enough suffering lately. I think it's time to change that and thank goodness Saruman is there to help out!
Gamgeefest: I am feeling better, thanks! The annoying cough still lingering but even that is getting better. As one of the shirriffs said to Sam, there are plenty of hobbits in the Shire who are happy to help out the troublemakers! This is just one of them.
Aoura Maiden: Thank you for your wonderful complement! It's the wonderful readers like yourself that has turned my little experiment ("On Borrowed Time") into a full-fledged hobby!
LalaithoftheBruinen: I think your name is wonderful! Very creative, I must say. And I am happy to say, that I am feeling much better. Thanks!
Lauralsjr: Hope you've caught up on your sleep! LOL! I didn't want to Sam to spend the rest of the story cooling his heels in the Lockholes. I think we're winding down here (but as I'm still writing, I'm not sure what the final chapter count will be), but Sam is still out there!
Sam: Frodo will be there...eventually! As for Fredegar, this chapter should help clear that up.
Althea: Sam more careful? Hmm. He's become a bit more reckless in his old age as this chapter will demonstrate!
FrodoBaggins87: Only time will tell as to whether or not Saruman will get his claws into Our Hero!
Hobbity: I am so pleased that you are hooked on this story! That means I must be doing something right! LOL! I hope you continue to read and enjoy!
Rabidsamfan: I'm afraid this chapter won't ease your mind any!
Bookworm2000: We can but hope that Frodo will arrive in time! That is the question!
RenaissanceGrrl: Wow! What a lot of rather impressive reviews! They are fantastic! Yes, I do own the Atlas and Middle Earth and have found it extremely helpful when writing these stories. The maps in the book are only marginally useful. As for Pelennor...sigh I must just have a mental block about that place! Also, I was puzzled about your remark concerning "Ted" in Ch 20 so I went and looked. I put in the wrong name! I mean, there certainly could be a man named Ted (and I guess there is now! LOL!) But, I would normally avoid using identical names to prevent such confusion. You are a very perceptive reader! Anyway, thanks so much for taking the time to write such lengthy, well thought out reviews. I really enjoy them!
Well, here's the next chapter (and hopefully I've avoided any further glaring errors, but I'm sure as soon as I post this, I'll see several!) Thanks to all of you that have been reading and special thanks to you wonderful reviewers!
------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 24 Saboteurs and Lockholes
It was a long, grueling night for Sam and his companions. Rory Brockenboring was their guide. He had grown up in the area and knew it well. He was leading them through the rocky hills to a small cave once used by smugglers. It was well hidden and difficult to get to. The five exhausted hobbits wound their way through the steep and winding pathways. They were wet clear through from the drizzling rain and often stumbled on the slick stones. However, they knew the men were looking for them, and although Sam seriously doubted they could follow the hobbits through this terrain in the dark, he wanted to get as far away as possible before stopping.
When the dreary, gray dawn finally broke, it found the hobbits nearing their destination. "Just 'round this bend, lads" announced Rory wearily as he led them down a narrow ravine. He stopped for a moment studying his surroundings then with a faint cry of relief stumbled towards a towering mound of boulders. The others stared at him with a dazed look. "Hold on!" grinned Rory. He moved around towards the back of the mound, then began pushing on one of the boulders. Oddly enough, it seemed to roll out of the way with little effort and revealed a surprisingly large opening into the side of the cliff. Just inside the opening, was a small keg with several unlit torches. Rory reached in, pulled one out and lit it. "This way!" he said and the others followed him into the passageway.
As soon as everyone was safely in, Rory reached over towards the boulder where a handle had been fixed and pulled it back into place. If not for the torch, they would have been totally engulfed in darkness. Rory led them down a short, dry passageway into the cave. It wasn't nearly as large as the one they had previously inhabited, but seemed comfortable enough. Sam noticed several kegs towards the back wall as well as a couple of wooden chests.
"Smugglers used to hide here," explained Rory as the others went to examine the items. "Some o' the stuff is left over from them. But most of it's stuff my cousins and I brought when we were younger. It was our secret hideaway." He stopped abruptly, his voice catching in his throat. The others looked away uncomfortably. Largo had been one of those cousins.
Sam took a quick inventory. There was some food and water, blankets, a couple of lanterns and a container full of lantern oil. It was this last item that captured Sam's attention. Frowning in thought, he carefully hefted the small keg. Tamblin sidled up beside him. "What are ye thinkin', Sam?" he asked quietly. He had seen that look before.
Sam turned to look at the other four hobbits before him. "I know we're in a bit of a tough spot," he began, "But I don't reckon any of us wants to give up. If somebody don't fight back, things will just get worse and worse. I'm thinkin' that perhaps it's time we started doing a little more fightin'".
The others glanced at each other a little anxiously. "What do ye mean?" asked Tamblin cautiously.
"I'm thinkin'," replied Sam slowly, "That we need to make things a bit more difficult for Lotho and his new man, that Sharkey. If we can make it harder for them to move their stolen goods out of Hobbiton, so much the better. I think we should start burnin' down some of the bridges around the Shire. If they can't cross the rivers, they can't sell the stuff. At the very least, it'll cause them some misery and aggravation!"
The others frowned as they considered this new proposal. After what had happened to the rest of their band, they were feeling far less adventurous than they had in the past. They were afraid that if they got caught burning down bridges or buildings, they would get far worse than the Lockholes. Sam was already condemned, so was more willing to take the risk. After a few moments of anxious discussion, they all finally agreed to give it a try.
Sam and Tamblin volunteered to make the first sortie. Sam felt they should try something a little less obvious, so one dark night a few days later, they headed for the bridge at Budge Ford. The ruffians used it to cart goods from the North Farthing. Using the keg of lantern oil, Sam poured a generous amount of the flammable liquid over the bridge and its supports. With great satisfaction, the two hobbits watched as the bridge burst into flames. They watched for a few minutes, then melted back into the darkness and into the hills, their mission a complete success.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Saruman was livid. Three important bridges had burned down in the past two weeks and he was certain Samwise Gamgee was behind it. Saruman's men had been unable to capture the remaining rebels and Saruman found it hard to believe that a second group had suddenly cropped up in the same area. The fact that the destruction of the bridges impeded the shipment of pipeweed and other crops out of the Shire didn't anger him nearly as much as the thought that again one of the accursed Fellowship was thwarting him. He would put an end to this if it was the last thing he ever did!
Saruman turned at the knock at the door. "Come!" he commanded and watched impassively as Ted Sandyman and Bill Ferny stepped hesitantly into the room. Both regarded the old man nervously.
"I, uh, I found 'im boss," said Ferny giving Ted a slight push forward. Ted glared at Bill.
"Excellent," smiled Saruman turned his attention to the disheveled hobbit before him. "You are Ted Sandyman, the miller, are you not?"
"Uh, yessir," replied Ted quickly. "Lived 'ere all me life!"
Saruman nodded encouragingly. "Then I supposed you are well acquainted with Samwise Gamgee?"
"Aye," replied Ted darkly, "I know 'im. I was there when 'ee done old Fig, weren't I? I've known Sam since we were lads. I can tell ye anything ye want about ol'Sam."
"I was hoping you would say that," smiled Saruman thinly. He turned and motioned to Wormtongue who was skulking in the corner as usual. The one- time advisor to kings scurried over with a mug of ale and placed it on the table in front of Ted. "Please," said Saruman smoothly and gesturing to the mug, "Refresh yourself. Then, perhaps you can tell me who in this town would be most important to Samwise Gamgee."
With a broad grin and a nod of thanks, Ted took the mug and downed its contents in just a few gulps. Even for him, an ardent supporter of Sharkey and his ruffians, ale was hard to come by. "Well, Boss," began Ted wiping his mouth with a contented grin as he felt the warmth of the ale spread through him, "His ol' dad, the Gaffer would be mighty important, but 'ee's disappeared. Ain't seen hide nor hair of 'im since Sam murdered poor Fig. Then, there's that big blond feller Sam rode in with. Lotho had 'im locked up right quick. I know Sam used to go on 'bout 'im all th' time when 'ee was workin' for the Chief." He stopped and looked at the mug longingly. With a nod from Saruman, Wormtongue refilled it.
"Big, blonde fellow?" asked Saruman with a frown.
"Aye, that's right," nodded Ferny. "He was ridin' a huge black horse. Took six men to tie 'im down! The feller was wearin' some mighty fancy armor. The Chief had the helmet over his fireplace!"
Saruman continued to frown. "Wormtongue!" he called suddenly. His servant scuttled forward. "Take Ferny here into Bag End and find that helmet. I wish to see it!" He watched silently as the two left his hut. He then turned again to Ted, who was finishing off his second mug. "Is there anyone else you can thing of," he asked again.
Ted sat down heavily in the chair across from Saruman with a malicious grin. "Oh, aye," he said softly, "I can think of someone else alright! The pretty miss Rosie Cotton! It was cuz of her that ol' Fig got done in. Sam is mighty sweet on that lass. Everyone in Hobbiton knows that! Ol' Sam is like part o' the Cotton family already!" He stopped as Ferny and Wormtongue returned.
Wormtongue held out the helm in alarm. "A Rider of Rohan, my lord!" he whined. "Here!"
Saruman examined the elegantly designed helm and nodded. "It is as I suspected." He looked up at Ferny. "Have you seen this Rider lately?"
Ferny shook his head. "Nah, he's been in that Lockhole fer months. Can't imagine he'd be much t'look at now!"
Saruman was silent for a few moments, then looked up at Ferny. "Alright," he said decisively. "I want you to bring that Rider here and lock him up in one of the sheds. I want to send men to arrest the Cotton family here in Hobbiton. Make sure they get Rosie Cotton. Lock them up as well. Make sure there is a heavy guard on the sheds. I do not want them to escape."
Ferny glanced at Ted. "What're yeh plannin' on doin', Boss?" he asked eagerly.
Saruman leaned back and stared up at the ceiling. "We shall put flyers up all over the Shire. Make announcements in every town and village. I want it known that if Samwise Gamgee does not turn himself in within the next 5 days, the executions will begin, perhaps starting with Miss Rosie herself!" He now leaned forward staring intently at those before him. "I want Samwise Gamgee and I want him now!"
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hertig lay in the cold, damp Lockhole listening to the sounds of misery around him. Since this new "Sharkey" person had arrived, the Lockholes were fuller than ever. Hertig had been trying to figure out a way to escape for weeks, but the opportunity had never presented itself. He was much weaker than he had been when he arrived and he worried that if he didn't escape soon, he would not have the strength.. They barely fed the hobbits enough so he certainly was far from well nourished. He sighed and thought again of Sam.
A few weeks ago, several new hobbits had been brought in and there was much excitement surrounding their arrival. "Fatty Bolger!" cried Mayor Whitfoot when a couple of the newcomers were tossed into their cell. "You're alive! Last we heard you were runnin' a band of rebels up in the Hills of Scary!"
Fredegar collapsed onto the floor in exhaustion, his face gaunt and haunted. "Aye, I was Mayor," he whispered. "Me and about 14 others." He looked up at Mayor Whitfoot. "Sam Gamgee was with us."
"Sam!" exclaimed the Mayor looking at Hertig sitting beside him. The ceiling of the cell was too low for him to stand comfortably. "We heard he'd killed that villain, Fig and then disappeared. So, he joined up with you?"
Fredegar nodded, sipping some water from a dipper. "That's right." He smiled wanly. "You never would have recognized him, Mayor! Quiet, shy Samwise Gamgee led us on more missions than I can count! He wasn't scared of anything! Thank goodness he wasn't on our last one. We'd been stealin' and smugglin' pipeweed out of the Shire for weeks, but someone musta seen us and turned us in." He grew quiet then as he remembered that awful night. "Poor Bertie Banks and Milo Brandybuck were killed outright by them ruffians. I think Largo Brockenboring got away. The others were taken. Sam and maybe four others were still at the hideout. I don't know what's happened to them. With any luck, perhaps they're still free."
"Well, they aren't in here, at any rate," replied the Mayor placing his hand on Fredegar's shoulder. "You were an inspiration to us all," he said to Fredegar and the others with him. "Somehow, knowing at least a few were fighting back gave us all hope." He bowed his head sadly. "As fort young Bertie Banks and Milo Brandybuck, they will be remembered as heroes as will you all!"
Hertig smiled now as he remembered the mayor's words. The Rider had been impressed by the resiliency and bravery of these hobbits. All were miserable, but few complained in the dank, fetid lockholes. He then thought of his own home on the wide open plains of Rohan and felt the painful twinge of homesickness. How he missed his wife and children and Manelys, his companion on so many campaigns. He sighed wearily, wondering if he would ever be free again.
As he lay there in the dark, he suddenly felt someone gently shake his shoulder. "Hertig?" came a whispered voice. "Hertig! Wake up!" Hertig turned his face and saw Mayor Whitfoot and Fredegar hovering above him.
"What is it?" Hertig asked rising up on one elbow.
The mayor looked around excitedly. "We've just heard – some men have come to take you to Hobbiton in the morning!"
Hertig frowned. "Why?"
"My friend on the outside said that this Sharkey fellow has a new plan for capturing Sam," replied the Mayor grimly. "He plans to use you and the Cottons as hostages and says he's going to execute one of you every day until Sam surrenders!"
Hertig sat up as straight as he could in the confined space. "What!?" he cried in horrified disbelief. "What kind of monster is this Sharkey? Well, I for one refuse to be used as bait! I will escape somehow."
The Mayor and Fredegar exchanged glances and nodded. "We have an idea," said Fredegar, "But if you do escape, you must go to Bree and not go looking for Sam."
Hertig was confused. Looking for Sam would have been the first thing he would do if regained his freedom. It would be against his code of honor to abandon his friend!
Fredegar moved closer. "Sam told us that Frodo and the others would probably be arriving here any day now. If someone doesn't warn them, they'll be walking straight into a trap! Plus, we're hopin' that if you get through, you could bring back help so we could oust this Sharkey , Lotho and their ruffians once and for all!" Hertig sat silently for a moment thinking about all he had seen and heard since he had met Samwise Gamgee. Sam would have wanted him to warn Frodo above everything else. He was certain of that. He looked into the faces of the anxious hobbits before him and nodded. If he escaped he would make for Bree