Well guys, here is another update, but it may be the last one for awhile. I am leaving for a 7 day Alaskan cruise on Saturday and trying to get ahead on my 2 summer school courses, so may not have time to do much writing between now and Sat. Hate to leave you hanging for so long (and this chapter doesn't solve anything!), but such is life! Maybe I'll get one more up before I go, but I won't promise anything. Thanks again to all my wonderful readers and reviewers! I'm going to be sorry when this story ends!
Bronwyn: Well, I wish I could say that this answers your questions about Rosie, but ...not yet! LOL!
Sams friend: Welcome! Thank you so much for reviewing and I'm glad you like it so far! Hopefully, the rest of the story will be equally as enjoyable!
Althea: This chapter, I'm afraid, will only answer one of your questions! I'm glad Hertig made it, too. It was time for him to get out of the lockholes and do something constructive!
Merimas Gamgee: Here is the first step in the gradual path to the end of this story! Don't think it will ease your mind any!
Hobbity: Yeah, Frodo is quite upset. Here it was he though Sam nice and safe in the Shire only to find out he's in big trouble! Just one more excuse for angst!
Lauralsjr: Hmm, about your assumption, well...I wouldn't count on it necessarily being correct! LOL! Wouldn't want things to be TOO predictable now would we? After this chapter, we should be seeing a lot more of the others.
Gamgeefest: Butterbur always amused me, too! I'm afraid Rosie's fate is still a mystery in this chapter.
Janna Hawkins: The others aren't in this chapter but should return again in the next. As for Rosie...well I'm afraid this chapter won't help you!
Wolfs Pen: Thank you so much for your reviews! I'm really glad you like my story so much! I hope you'll keep reading and that the rest of the story lives up to your expectations!
Well, now, on with the chapter...
Chapter 27 An Interview with a Wizard
Sam's grief was finally spent and he sat numbly, gazing into the fire. The others sat nearby watching him apprehensively, but Sam barely even noticed their presence. He looked down at the paper in his hand and absently traced the letters of Rosie's name as he considered his next move. Well, there was no doubt what he must do, really. He must leave immediately and turn himself in. The others had argued against this saying that Sam himself would be killed, but that hardly mattered anymore, did it? In fact, he almost looked forward to it. What did he have left to live for? Rosie had been killed because of him and Mister Frodo certainly didn't want him around. His Gaffer would be alright. Sam had enough siblings to look after the elderly hobbit. But most importantly, if he didn't go, others would die because of him. He pictured little Olwyn and Eldred playing outside their cottage in Rohan. Could he possibly live with himself if he let their father die? Of course not. Nor could he live with himself if he let anything happen to the rest of the Cottons. He had grown up with the Cotton boys and Mr. and Mrs. Cotton had always treated Sam as one of their own. No, his course was clear. He must leave immediately.
Sam stood up and turned to his friends. "I must go now," he said faintly. "There's nothing else for it. If I don't go, others will die and I won't live with that on my conscious." He wiped the tears from his face and smiled at the mournful faces watching him. "Don't be sad, lads," he said, "We've had a good run and made things a bit more difficult for old Pimple and Sharkey. We've shown 'em that not all hobbits are willing to lie down and give up!" Then, one by one, Sam embraced his companions, giving each words of encouragement and farewell.
"Sam, please!" begged Tamblin one last time. "Maybe we could go in and rescue the hostages! Don't give yourself up to those villains!"
Sam just shook his head. "No," he replied, "I won't risk another life. I've seen so much of this world destroyed, but watching them butcher the Shire has been the worst of all. Too many innocent people have died this past year and I will do what I can to stop the killin' of any more." He sighed deeply and looked away. "I'm tired, Tamblin," he whispered. "I'm tired to the very depths o' my soul and I can't take it any more. I'm ready for the pain to end."
Tears ran down Tamblin's face as he embraced his friend one last time. "Go in peace, then Samwise Gamgee," he said quietly. "We will never forget you." He then turned away and rejoined the others. Sam took one final look around the small cavern, then carefully folding the paper and placing it in his pocket, he slowly departed. He must reach Hobbiton before morning, he thought wearily, or another victim may be executed.
The night was cold and wet. It had been raining heavily for the past few days making the path difficult. Sam made his way down through the hills of Scary and finally to the road leading south. The going was a bit easier there, and he made good time. It was dawn when the village of Hobbiton finally appeared in the distance. Sam slumped down against a rock, exhausted. He had practically run all the way and his legs were like lead. "Only a little further, Sam", he thought to himself as he greedily drank from a waterskin. "Then, all of this will be over". He rested for just a few minutes, then with a groan lurched to his feet and continued on.
"Hey! You!" Sam had gone just a short ways down the road when a harsh voice cried out behind him. The weary hobbit stopped and turned finding a couple of ruffians striding towards him. One of them he instantly recognized as Bill Ferny. "Well, well, well!" smirked Ferny stopping before Sam. "If it ain't our brave little rebel! Come to turn yerself in, 'ave you Mister Gamgee? Too bad! We was plannin' on 'aving some more fun today! But just the same, I'm sure the Boss has some fine entertainment planned for you!" His companion laughed, nodding enthusiastically. Then, Ferny grabbed Sam's collar and roughly shoved him to the ground. "I don't think we want you tryin' any funny stuff," he snarled and quickly tied Sam's hands tightly behind him. Pulling Sam back to his feet, Ferny whispered, "And don't think I've fergotten that apple back in Bree, ye little Shire-rat. Ye'll pay for that it I have any say in it!"
The two men pushed Sam ahead of them and hurried on to Sharkey's hut. The Boss would be most pleased with them and they were eager to bring their prisoner to him as soon as possible. Ferny knocked on the hut door, knowing that even at this early hour, the Boss would be awake. The door opened slowly and Wormtongue peered out suspiciously. "What is it?" he hissed.
Ferny pushed Sam forward. "Tell the Boss we caught in infamous Samwise Gamgee!" Wormtongue squinted at the despondent hobbit before him, then nodded.
"Wait here." Saruman's lackey disappeared into the darkness of the hut. Ferny and his companion waited patiently for a few moments before the door reopened. "I was told to give this to you," said Wormtongue as he handed Ferny a purse full of coin. "As your reward.
Ferny grinned at his friend and tossed the purse into the air. "We'd be grateful if you'd thank the Boss fer us," said Ferny with a small bow. "We was only doin' our duty!"
Wormtongue stared at him in distaste then reached out and grabbed Sam by the arm dragging him into the hut. He looked back at Ferny. "Sharkey says to wait here. He will have need of you shortly." He then slammed the door in the surprised faces of the two men.
Sam stood motionless inside the doorway, not even looking around. Wormtongue studied him for a moment, then shook his head. "You should not have come here, halfling," he mumbled shaking his head. "You are very foolish." Still, Sam said nothing.
"Bring him here, Wormtongue," commanded a voice from across the room. Unresisting, Sam allowed himself to be pulled to where a tall man with a long white beard stood near the fire staring down at him. Something about this man seemed vaguely familiar to Sam.
"So, you are Samwise Gamgee, companion to the Ringbearer and now Shire rebel, is that correct?" said the man with a tinge of amusement in his deep melodious voice.
Sam frowned. What would this man know about the Ring? The man laughed at Sam's obvious confusion. "Oh, I know much about you and your so-called Fellowship of the Ring, my dear halfling," he sneered. "You do not recognize my face, I see, but perhaps you will recognize my name. I am Saruman."
Sam flinched at the Istari's name and stared at Saruman in shock. "Th..the white wizard? From Isengard?"
"That is correct," smiled Saruman coldly. "Your old friend, Gandalf allowed me my freedom after my downfall. After meeting your dear companions on the Road, I decided to hurry on ahead so that I could prepare a proper welcome for them when they returned to their beloved Shire."
Sam frowned, feeling anger rise within him. "So you're the one responsible for all this destruction? Killin' the trees? Foulin" the water?"
Saruman laughed out loud. It was a chilling sound. "It was indeed, Master Gamgee! It seems that it was quite acceptable for my home to be destroyed and yet, you little halflings come out of this without a scratch. I decided that perhaps it was time someone taught you a lesson." He studied Sam's furious face. "But, I think, capturing you will be the best of all. Killing other hobbits would certainly anger your companions, but imagine their dismay when they enter Hobbiton and find your body hanging from the gibbet! A much better welcome home gift don't you think? And such irony! You managed to survive the worst Mordor had to offer and yet find death in the supposed safety of your own home! I cannot imagine a more perfect ending!"
Sam stood mute as the full horror of the situation engulfed him. He was just a pawn in this crazed wizard's lust for revenge. It was never really about stopping the rebels as much as it was about hurting Frodo and the others! He looked up as he heard the door open again and Bill Ferny entered. "I want you to take this halfling," said Saruman, his eyes glittering with amusement, "And do what you must to find out where the rest of the rebels are hiding. Spare no effort, just do not kill him. He will be executed later today, so work quickly."
"Sure thing, Boss," replied Ferny giving Sam a sadistic grin. "I'll make sure there's enough fer you to hang!" Then laughing, he grabbed Sam and the two of them disappeared through the doorway.
Saruman turned to Wormtongue and smiled triumphantly. "Yes, this is truly turning out better than even I had imagined!"
Bronwyn: Well, I wish I could say that this answers your questions about Rosie, but ...not yet! LOL!
Sams friend: Welcome! Thank you so much for reviewing and I'm glad you like it so far! Hopefully, the rest of the story will be equally as enjoyable!
Althea: This chapter, I'm afraid, will only answer one of your questions! I'm glad Hertig made it, too. It was time for him to get out of the lockholes and do something constructive!
Merimas Gamgee: Here is the first step in the gradual path to the end of this story! Don't think it will ease your mind any!
Hobbity: Yeah, Frodo is quite upset. Here it was he though Sam nice and safe in the Shire only to find out he's in big trouble! Just one more excuse for angst!
Lauralsjr: Hmm, about your assumption, well...I wouldn't count on it necessarily being correct! LOL! Wouldn't want things to be TOO predictable now would we? After this chapter, we should be seeing a lot more of the others.
Gamgeefest: Butterbur always amused me, too! I'm afraid Rosie's fate is still a mystery in this chapter.
Janna Hawkins: The others aren't in this chapter but should return again in the next. As for Rosie...well I'm afraid this chapter won't help you!
Wolfs Pen: Thank you so much for your reviews! I'm really glad you like my story so much! I hope you'll keep reading and that the rest of the story lives up to your expectations!
Well, now, on with the chapter...
Chapter 27 An Interview with a Wizard
Sam's grief was finally spent and he sat numbly, gazing into the fire. The others sat nearby watching him apprehensively, but Sam barely even noticed their presence. He looked down at the paper in his hand and absently traced the letters of Rosie's name as he considered his next move. Well, there was no doubt what he must do, really. He must leave immediately and turn himself in. The others had argued against this saying that Sam himself would be killed, but that hardly mattered anymore, did it? In fact, he almost looked forward to it. What did he have left to live for? Rosie had been killed because of him and Mister Frodo certainly didn't want him around. His Gaffer would be alright. Sam had enough siblings to look after the elderly hobbit. But most importantly, if he didn't go, others would die because of him. He pictured little Olwyn and Eldred playing outside their cottage in Rohan. Could he possibly live with himself if he let their father die? Of course not. Nor could he live with himself if he let anything happen to the rest of the Cottons. He had grown up with the Cotton boys and Mr. and Mrs. Cotton had always treated Sam as one of their own. No, his course was clear. He must leave immediately.
Sam stood up and turned to his friends. "I must go now," he said faintly. "There's nothing else for it. If I don't go, others will die and I won't live with that on my conscious." He wiped the tears from his face and smiled at the mournful faces watching him. "Don't be sad, lads," he said, "We've had a good run and made things a bit more difficult for old Pimple and Sharkey. We've shown 'em that not all hobbits are willing to lie down and give up!" Then, one by one, Sam embraced his companions, giving each words of encouragement and farewell.
"Sam, please!" begged Tamblin one last time. "Maybe we could go in and rescue the hostages! Don't give yourself up to those villains!"
Sam just shook his head. "No," he replied, "I won't risk another life. I've seen so much of this world destroyed, but watching them butcher the Shire has been the worst of all. Too many innocent people have died this past year and I will do what I can to stop the killin' of any more." He sighed deeply and looked away. "I'm tired, Tamblin," he whispered. "I'm tired to the very depths o' my soul and I can't take it any more. I'm ready for the pain to end."
Tears ran down Tamblin's face as he embraced his friend one last time. "Go in peace, then Samwise Gamgee," he said quietly. "We will never forget you." He then turned away and rejoined the others. Sam took one final look around the small cavern, then carefully folding the paper and placing it in his pocket, he slowly departed. He must reach Hobbiton before morning, he thought wearily, or another victim may be executed.
The night was cold and wet. It had been raining heavily for the past few days making the path difficult. Sam made his way down through the hills of Scary and finally to the road leading south. The going was a bit easier there, and he made good time. It was dawn when the village of Hobbiton finally appeared in the distance. Sam slumped down against a rock, exhausted. He had practically run all the way and his legs were like lead. "Only a little further, Sam", he thought to himself as he greedily drank from a waterskin. "Then, all of this will be over". He rested for just a few minutes, then with a groan lurched to his feet and continued on.
"Hey! You!" Sam had gone just a short ways down the road when a harsh voice cried out behind him. The weary hobbit stopped and turned finding a couple of ruffians striding towards him. One of them he instantly recognized as Bill Ferny. "Well, well, well!" smirked Ferny stopping before Sam. "If it ain't our brave little rebel! Come to turn yerself in, 'ave you Mister Gamgee? Too bad! We was plannin' on 'aving some more fun today! But just the same, I'm sure the Boss has some fine entertainment planned for you!" His companion laughed, nodding enthusiastically. Then, Ferny grabbed Sam's collar and roughly shoved him to the ground. "I don't think we want you tryin' any funny stuff," he snarled and quickly tied Sam's hands tightly behind him. Pulling Sam back to his feet, Ferny whispered, "And don't think I've fergotten that apple back in Bree, ye little Shire-rat. Ye'll pay for that it I have any say in it!"
The two men pushed Sam ahead of them and hurried on to Sharkey's hut. The Boss would be most pleased with them and they were eager to bring their prisoner to him as soon as possible. Ferny knocked on the hut door, knowing that even at this early hour, the Boss would be awake. The door opened slowly and Wormtongue peered out suspiciously. "What is it?" he hissed.
Ferny pushed Sam forward. "Tell the Boss we caught in infamous Samwise Gamgee!" Wormtongue squinted at the despondent hobbit before him, then nodded.
"Wait here." Saruman's lackey disappeared into the darkness of the hut. Ferny and his companion waited patiently for a few moments before the door reopened. "I was told to give this to you," said Wormtongue as he handed Ferny a purse full of coin. "As your reward.
Ferny grinned at his friend and tossed the purse into the air. "We'd be grateful if you'd thank the Boss fer us," said Ferny with a small bow. "We was only doin' our duty!"
Wormtongue stared at him in distaste then reached out and grabbed Sam by the arm dragging him into the hut. He looked back at Ferny. "Sharkey says to wait here. He will have need of you shortly." He then slammed the door in the surprised faces of the two men.
Sam stood motionless inside the doorway, not even looking around. Wormtongue studied him for a moment, then shook his head. "You should not have come here, halfling," he mumbled shaking his head. "You are very foolish." Still, Sam said nothing.
"Bring him here, Wormtongue," commanded a voice from across the room. Unresisting, Sam allowed himself to be pulled to where a tall man with a long white beard stood near the fire staring down at him. Something about this man seemed vaguely familiar to Sam.
"So, you are Samwise Gamgee, companion to the Ringbearer and now Shire rebel, is that correct?" said the man with a tinge of amusement in his deep melodious voice.
Sam frowned. What would this man know about the Ring? The man laughed at Sam's obvious confusion. "Oh, I know much about you and your so-called Fellowship of the Ring, my dear halfling," he sneered. "You do not recognize my face, I see, but perhaps you will recognize my name. I am Saruman."
Sam flinched at the Istari's name and stared at Saruman in shock. "Th..the white wizard? From Isengard?"
"That is correct," smiled Saruman coldly. "Your old friend, Gandalf allowed me my freedom after my downfall. After meeting your dear companions on the Road, I decided to hurry on ahead so that I could prepare a proper welcome for them when they returned to their beloved Shire."
Sam frowned, feeling anger rise within him. "So you're the one responsible for all this destruction? Killin' the trees? Foulin" the water?"
Saruman laughed out loud. It was a chilling sound. "It was indeed, Master Gamgee! It seems that it was quite acceptable for my home to be destroyed and yet, you little halflings come out of this without a scratch. I decided that perhaps it was time someone taught you a lesson." He studied Sam's furious face. "But, I think, capturing you will be the best of all. Killing other hobbits would certainly anger your companions, but imagine their dismay when they enter Hobbiton and find your body hanging from the gibbet! A much better welcome home gift don't you think? And such irony! You managed to survive the worst Mordor had to offer and yet find death in the supposed safety of your own home! I cannot imagine a more perfect ending!"
Sam stood mute as the full horror of the situation engulfed him. He was just a pawn in this crazed wizard's lust for revenge. It was never really about stopping the rebels as much as it was about hurting Frodo and the others! He looked up as he heard the door open again and Bill Ferny entered. "I want you to take this halfling," said Saruman, his eyes glittering with amusement, "And do what you must to find out where the rest of the rebels are hiding. Spare no effort, just do not kill him. He will be executed later today, so work quickly."
"Sure thing, Boss," replied Ferny giving Sam a sadistic grin. "I'll make sure there's enough fer you to hang!" Then laughing, he grabbed Sam and the two of them disappeared through the doorway.
Saruman turned to Wormtongue and smiled triumphantly. "Yes, this is truly turning out better than even I had imagined!"