Author's Note: I apologize for the lengthy period between updates! I just
got back from my Alaskan cruise (it was FANTASTIC!) and then needed to get
caught up with classwork that was due while I was gone. Not a whole lot
happens in this chapter, but I did want to get back on track with the story
after such a long time! I hope you enjoy it!
Merimas gamgee: You're not supposed to like Saruman. I mean, he IS a bad guy after all! What kind of villain would he be if he were nice!?
Aouramaiden: I'm sorry I couldn't get an update up sooner (I can assure you, I won't do it again!). If I didn't leave you hanging, maybe you wouldn't come back to see how it ends!
Bronwyn: Yes, I did enjoy myself on the cruise immensely, thank you! And no, Ferny's words don't bode well! It will all become clear...eventually!
Gamgeefest: Actually, Saruman couldn't care less where the other rebels are. He just was giving Ferny a reason to torture poor Sam! He's just such a sweetheart.
Hobbity: Hmm. Hang Samwise...Well, I have killed off Sam before...so it's always possible! evil grin
Baileymag: Here is our update on all our little hobbity friends. The cruise was great and the schoolwork is killing me (I really should be working on it instead of writing this, but I felt I owed it to my Faithful Readers to get a chapter up!)
Laurajslr: I thought it was ironic as well. Poor Sam manages to survived the worst of Mordor, but finds himself in greater peril than ever at home! I have read your last three chapters, but haven't had time to review them, but will soon!
Janna Hawkins: Well, we do know that Saruman gets his in the end, don't we!
LalaithoftheBruinen: Glad you are still enjoying the story! Yes, life is hard for our intrepid heroes! Be a boring story if it wasn't!
Althea: The cruise really was wonderful and I hated coming back to Reality! Sigh Anyway, here is my update, such as it is. Hopefully I'll get another one up by the weekend. I feel guilty keeping you guys hanging for so long.
Sam: I'm so glad you liked Sam's departure speech. He's just so tired of all the bad things that keep happening to him and those around him. He wants it all to end.
Well, thanks so much for all your wonderful reviews and your patience! You guys really are the best!
Chapter 28 On the Road Home
Frodo was anxious to leave immediately. He understood Sam better than anyone and knew his friend would give himself up in a heartbeat to rescue the Cottons. If indeed Rosie had already been executed, Frodo feared Sam would feel there was nothing left to live for. It pained him deeply to know that he had not yet had the chance to clear up the misunderstanding that had sent Sam away in the first place. If Sam died, Frodo would never forgive himself.
Gandalf had arrived later that evening to find the hobbits packing their belongings intending to leave as soon as possible. He frowned deeply as he listened to Hertig's explanation of current events in the Shire.
"We must leave now, Gandalf!" cried Frodo urgently. "I know Sam will turn himself in if he hasn't already and it is clear that this "Sharkey" will see him dead! We are Sam's only hope!"
"Calm down, my dear Frodo," soothed Gandalf leading Frodo to a chair. "Yes, we will leave, but not tonight. The rain is coming down in torrents now and the road will be impassable. Besides, we must plan our actions carefully. It is clear that much evil has occurred in the Shire and if we are to save Samwise, we must not act in haste."
Frodo sat for only a moment before regaining his feet. He paced the room in agitation. How could he wait any longer? Any further delay could be Sam's death sentence, but he knew Gandalf was right. If they went charging into Hobbiton with no plan, they might be Sharkey's next victims. And what was Lotho's role in all of this? Surely he wouldn't condone murder? Hertig didn't know what had happened to the Chief just that lately, little had been heard of him.
Merry sat back down in his chair and was thinking hard. "I think we should enter the Shire using the same route that brought Hertig here," he said finally. "I know my family will help us."
"And mine!" echoed Pippin eagerly. He had been more than pleased when Hertig described the Took's fight against Lotho's ruffians.
Hertig looked from the two hobbits to the wizard. "The Thain felt that all that was needed was someone to lead the hobbits against the ruffians. The Tooks are currently bottled up in their land, but if the countryside could be raised to fight against the men, the Thain said the Tooks would rise as well. Then the ruffians would be surrounded."
Gandalf nodded thoughtfully as he puffed on his pipe. He had a good idea who was behind this mischief but felt it was better to keep this thought to himself. In fact, he really had no intention in going into the Shire with Frodo and the others. It was time for them to fight their own battles. But, he would help them as long as possible. He looked up at the sound of Frodo's voice.
"I abhor the thought of violence," began Frodo unhappily, "But we cannot allow these men to execute hobbits at will and continue to destroy the Shire! I believe we should go to the Brandybucks and get their support, then try and raise the hobbits to fight against the invaders. But, that still doesn't solve the problem of rescuing Sam!"
"Once the battle has begun," replied Merry turning to his cousin, "Perhaps at least one or two of us can slip away to Hobbiton and rescue Sam. There will certainly be a lot of distraction and maybe that will delay any further executions."
Frodo nodded slowly. He had no doubt in his mind who that someone would be. As Sam had braved an army of orcs to rescue Frodo from Cirith Ungol, so would he risk his life to save Sam's. He would fight if he must, but his first responsibility was to his friend and savior, Samwise Gamgee. Fighting was better left up to Gandalf and the others.
The next morning, was still dark and raining. The road was a sea of mud but it was impossible to wait any longer. The going would be slow enough as it was. Pippin looked at their small ragtag group and was suddenly glad to have the wizard and the tall Rider with them. He had seen his fair share of fighting during this past year, but it was still easy to fall into old patterns and let the big people help them. But such was not to be.
The party had decided to stay on the road until the last possible moment knowing that traveling through the woods would only slow them down further. It was still raining and the travelers huddled in their cloaks trying to keep at least a little dry. Their thoughts were all far away, focused on the Shire and Sam, not on their journey. In their concern for their friend, they had forgotten Butterbur's warning of thieves and cutthroats on the road and as they had not been bothered before, they weren't worried now. That was a mistake.
Frodo sat miserably on his pony, his dark thoughts bringing him little comfort in the raw wind. He feared they would be too late and he could not accept that fact. His brooding was suddenly interrupted by an unexpected cry of pain and alarm. Sitting up straighter, Frodo whirled around just in time to see Hertig fall from his horse, an arrow quivering in his chest. "Hertig!" he cried trying to turn his pony towards the Rider, but a moment later, a large, dark-cloaked figure leapt from the woods and grabbed the pony's bridle. Several more such men grabbed for the other horses bringing them to a halt.
The hobbits stared in shock and surprise at the hooded men. Gandalf had dismounted and knelt by Hertig in the mud. He seemed oblivious to the interlopers. Merry regained his senses first. "Who are you?" he demanded angrily staring at the man nearest to him. "I demand that you let us go!"
The men laughed harshly. "Why should we care what a little pipsqueak like yourself wants?" replied the man leaning closer. "If yer foolish enough to travel these roads, then you and yer friends here will have to pay the toll. No one rides through here for free!"
Merry glowered at the man, exchanged glances with Pippin and without a word between them, the cousins drew their swords and threw back their cloaks displaying their armor. The men drew back slightly in alarm. This was certainly not what they had expected! Three hobbits and an old man seemed easy pickings once the apparent bodyguard had been eliminated. It would appear that they were mistaken. The men studied the two armed hobbits more closely now and realized they were much bigger than the standard Halflings and had a fearless look in their eyes that was quite disturbing.
However, the man nearest Merry quickly recovered and snarling, lunged at the hobbit with a knife. With a cry of fury, Merry parried, his blade slashing deeply into the man's arm, causing him to drop his weapon. The bandit screamed in pain and fell back clutching his wound, blood dripping from between his white fingers. Pippin moved menacingly towards his own captor who immediately let go of the pony and backpedaled quickly avoiding the sharp point of Pippin's sword. Pippin rode forward with a yell causing the startled men to bolt for the woods. They were bullies at heart and not keen on attacking anyone that might fight back.
The hobbits defiantly watched as the men fled before them, then they quickly dismounted to join Gandalf where he knelt by the fallen Rider. Hertig's face was grey and drawn with pain, but he said nothing. He grimaced in agony as Gandalf deftly pulled out the black-fletched arrow, then quickly placed a makeshift bandage over the wound to staunch the flow of crimson blood. Hertig's eyes were closed now, his breathing ragged as he fought for control over the pain. Gandalf turned to his companions.
"You three must go on by yourselves now," he said quietly. "If Hertig is to survive, I must return with him to Bree where he may receive proper care. " "But Gandalf!" cried Pippin in alarm, "How can we do this alone!? We thought you would be there to help us!"
Gandalf smiled fondly at the young hobbit. "Pippin, my dear hobbit," he said laying a hand on Pippin's shoulder. "Just this very moment you have proved yourselves more than up to the task. Did you not chase away several desperate bandits a moment ago? You have been preparing for this task for a year now and it is up to you three to save the Shire and your friends. My work in Middle Earth is complete and you must look to yourselves now. I will be better used taking our friend here to safety."
The hobbits watched forlornly as Gandalf lifted Hertig and settled him onto the back of Shadowfax, then mounted behind to hold the Rider steady. Gandalf looked down at them and smiled, "Good luck, my friends," he said encouragingly, "We will meet again!" With that, he turned Shadowfax and headed back towards Bree, leading Hertig's horse behind them.
They continued to watch as Gandalf rode away, then turned to each other when he was no longer in view. "We must get going," said Frodo firmly. "If we are to save Sam and the Shire, there is no more time to be lost. Gandalf is right. We can do this by ourselves." With shouts of agreement, the hobbits quickly remounted their ponies and hurried on down the road. Their course was set.
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As Sam slowly regained consciousness, the first thing he was aware of was a odd, metallic taste his mouth. It puzzled him at first, but it was soon followed by throbbing pain and memories of the last few hours came flooding back to him. He was lying on a cold, rough wooden floor and it was dark now. He had no idea how long Ferny had beaten and tortured him in his supposed quest for information. Sam knew Saruman didn't care about the other rebels. He was just giving Ferny a reason to abuse Sam. As if the man needed one, thought Sam grimly. It was obvious that Ferny would be delighted to torture anyone just for the sheer enjoyment of it. Sam grimaced in pain as he shifted his position. He could barely open his eyes, they were so badly bruised and swollen and pain seemed to emanate from every pore. He knew there were broken bones but he couldn't sort out one kind of pain from another. Good think they're goin' to kill me soon, though Sam with a pained laugh. "Best reward they could give me now!"
How long he lay there shivering in the darkness letting his mind drift in and out of consciousness, he couldn't say. But he was abruptly brought to his senses when the door was pulled open with a loud bang. Blearily, Sam tried to focus on the figure in the doorway. He stiffened in alarm as he recognized Bill Ferny. It must be time.
"Well, maggot," sneered Ferny dripping rain onto the battered hobbit as he stood over him. "Good news! You've got a reprieve! The Boss says he wants as big a crowd as possible for yer hangin' and with the late hour and rain, he's decided to wait until tomorrow!" He squatted down next to Sam and gripped the hobbit's face painfully forcing Sam to look at him. "Ain't you the lucky one!" Ferny continued with an ugly leer. "That means you an' me get to spend a few more hours together! An' you thought the Boss didn't have no heart!"
Sam closed his eyes in resignation as Ferny reached down and grabbed Sam's arm, pulling him to his feet. The last sounds Sam heard were Ferny's harsh, sadistic laughter and the bang of the door as it slammed shut on the outside world. It would be a very long night.
Merimas gamgee: You're not supposed to like Saruman. I mean, he IS a bad guy after all! What kind of villain would he be if he were nice!?
Aouramaiden: I'm sorry I couldn't get an update up sooner (I can assure you, I won't do it again!). If I didn't leave you hanging, maybe you wouldn't come back to see how it ends!
Bronwyn: Yes, I did enjoy myself on the cruise immensely, thank you! And no, Ferny's words don't bode well! It will all become clear...eventually!
Gamgeefest: Actually, Saruman couldn't care less where the other rebels are. He just was giving Ferny a reason to torture poor Sam! He's just such a sweetheart.
Hobbity: Hmm. Hang Samwise...Well, I have killed off Sam before...so it's always possible! evil grin
Baileymag: Here is our update on all our little hobbity friends. The cruise was great and the schoolwork is killing me (I really should be working on it instead of writing this, but I felt I owed it to my Faithful Readers to get a chapter up!)
Laurajslr: I thought it was ironic as well. Poor Sam manages to survived the worst of Mordor, but finds himself in greater peril than ever at home! I have read your last three chapters, but haven't had time to review them, but will soon!
Janna Hawkins: Well, we do know that Saruman gets his in the end, don't we!
LalaithoftheBruinen: Glad you are still enjoying the story! Yes, life is hard for our intrepid heroes! Be a boring story if it wasn't!
Althea: The cruise really was wonderful and I hated coming back to Reality! Sigh Anyway, here is my update, such as it is. Hopefully I'll get another one up by the weekend. I feel guilty keeping you guys hanging for so long.
Sam: I'm so glad you liked Sam's departure speech. He's just so tired of all the bad things that keep happening to him and those around him. He wants it all to end.
Well, thanks so much for all your wonderful reviews and your patience! You guys really are the best!
Chapter 28 On the Road Home
Frodo was anxious to leave immediately. He understood Sam better than anyone and knew his friend would give himself up in a heartbeat to rescue the Cottons. If indeed Rosie had already been executed, Frodo feared Sam would feel there was nothing left to live for. It pained him deeply to know that he had not yet had the chance to clear up the misunderstanding that had sent Sam away in the first place. If Sam died, Frodo would never forgive himself.
Gandalf had arrived later that evening to find the hobbits packing their belongings intending to leave as soon as possible. He frowned deeply as he listened to Hertig's explanation of current events in the Shire.
"We must leave now, Gandalf!" cried Frodo urgently. "I know Sam will turn himself in if he hasn't already and it is clear that this "Sharkey" will see him dead! We are Sam's only hope!"
"Calm down, my dear Frodo," soothed Gandalf leading Frodo to a chair. "Yes, we will leave, but not tonight. The rain is coming down in torrents now and the road will be impassable. Besides, we must plan our actions carefully. It is clear that much evil has occurred in the Shire and if we are to save Samwise, we must not act in haste."
Frodo sat for only a moment before regaining his feet. He paced the room in agitation. How could he wait any longer? Any further delay could be Sam's death sentence, but he knew Gandalf was right. If they went charging into Hobbiton with no plan, they might be Sharkey's next victims. And what was Lotho's role in all of this? Surely he wouldn't condone murder? Hertig didn't know what had happened to the Chief just that lately, little had been heard of him.
Merry sat back down in his chair and was thinking hard. "I think we should enter the Shire using the same route that brought Hertig here," he said finally. "I know my family will help us."
"And mine!" echoed Pippin eagerly. He had been more than pleased when Hertig described the Took's fight against Lotho's ruffians.
Hertig looked from the two hobbits to the wizard. "The Thain felt that all that was needed was someone to lead the hobbits against the ruffians. The Tooks are currently bottled up in their land, but if the countryside could be raised to fight against the men, the Thain said the Tooks would rise as well. Then the ruffians would be surrounded."
Gandalf nodded thoughtfully as he puffed on his pipe. He had a good idea who was behind this mischief but felt it was better to keep this thought to himself. In fact, he really had no intention in going into the Shire with Frodo and the others. It was time for them to fight their own battles. But, he would help them as long as possible. He looked up at the sound of Frodo's voice.
"I abhor the thought of violence," began Frodo unhappily, "But we cannot allow these men to execute hobbits at will and continue to destroy the Shire! I believe we should go to the Brandybucks and get their support, then try and raise the hobbits to fight against the invaders. But, that still doesn't solve the problem of rescuing Sam!"
"Once the battle has begun," replied Merry turning to his cousin, "Perhaps at least one or two of us can slip away to Hobbiton and rescue Sam. There will certainly be a lot of distraction and maybe that will delay any further executions."
Frodo nodded slowly. He had no doubt in his mind who that someone would be. As Sam had braved an army of orcs to rescue Frodo from Cirith Ungol, so would he risk his life to save Sam's. He would fight if he must, but his first responsibility was to his friend and savior, Samwise Gamgee. Fighting was better left up to Gandalf and the others.
The next morning, was still dark and raining. The road was a sea of mud but it was impossible to wait any longer. The going would be slow enough as it was. Pippin looked at their small ragtag group and was suddenly glad to have the wizard and the tall Rider with them. He had seen his fair share of fighting during this past year, but it was still easy to fall into old patterns and let the big people help them. But such was not to be.
The party had decided to stay on the road until the last possible moment knowing that traveling through the woods would only slow them down further. It was still raining and the travelers huddled in their cloaks trying to keep at least a little dry. Their thoughts were all far away, focused on the Shire and Sam, not on their journey. In their concern for their friend, they had forgotten Butterbur's warning of thieves and cutthroats on the road and as they had not been bothered before, they weren't worried now. That was a mistake.
Frodo sat miserably on his pony, his dark thoughts bringing him little comfort in the raw wind. He feared they would be too late and he could not accept that fact. His brooding was suddenly interrupted by an unexpected cry of pain and alarm. Sitting up straighter, Frodo whirled around just in time to see Hertig fall from his horse, an arrow quivering in his chest. "Hertig!" he cried trying to turn his pony towards the Rider, but a moment later, a large, dark-cloaked figure leapt from the woods and grabbed the pony's bridle. Several more such men grabbed for the other horses bringing them to a halt.
The hobbits stared in shock and surprise at the hooded men. Gandalf had dismounted and knelt by Hertig in the mud. He seemed oblivious to the interlopers. Merry regained his senses first. "Who are you?" he demanded angrily staring at the man nearest to him. "I demand that you let us go!"
The men laughed harshly. "Why should we care what a little pipsqueak like yourself wants?" replied the man leaning closer. "If yer foolish enough to travel these roads, then you and yer friends here will have to pay the toll. No one rides through here for free!"
Merry glowered at the man, exchanged glances with Pippin and without a word between them, the cousins drew their swords and threw back their cloaks displaying their armor. The men drew back slightly in alarm. This was certainly not what they had expected! Three hobbits and an old man seemed easy pickings once the apparent bodyguard had been eliminated. It would appear that they were mistaken. The men studied the two armed hobbits more closely now and realized they were much bigger than the standard Halflings and had a fearless look in their eyes that was quite disturbing.
However, the man nearest Merry quickly recovered and snarling, lunged at the hobbit with a knife. With a cry of fury, Merry parried, his blade slashing deeply into the man's arm, causing him to drop his weapon. The bandit screamed in pain and fell back clutching his wound, blood dripping from between his white fingers. Pippin moved menacingly towards his own captor who immediately let go of the pony and backpedaled quickly avoiding the sharp point of Pippin's sword. Pippin rode forward with a yell causing the startled men to bolt for the woods. They were bullies at heart and not keen on attacking anyone that might fight back.
The hobbits defiantly watched as the men fled before them, then they quickly dismounted to join Gandalf where he knelt by the fallen Rider. Hertig's face was grey and drawn with pain, but he said nothing. He grimaced in agony as Gandalf deftly pulled out the black-fletched arrow, then quickly placed a makeshift bandage over the wound to staunch the flow of crimson blood. Hertig's eyes were closed now, his breathing ragged as he fought for control over the pain. Gandalf turned to his companions.
"You three must go on by yourselves now," he said quietly. "If Hertig is to survive, I must return with him to Bree where he may receive proper care. " "But Gandalf!" cried Pippin in alarm, "How can we do this alone!? We thought you would be there to help us!"
Gandalf smiled fondly at the young hobbit. "Pippin, my dear hobbit," he said laying a hand on Pippin's shoulder. "Just this very moment you have proved yourselves more than up to the task. Did you not chase away several desperate bandits a moment ago? You have been preparing for this task for a year now and it is up to you three to save the Shire and your friends. My work in Middle Earth is complete and you must look to yourselves now. I will be better used taking our friend here to safety."
The hobbits watched forlornly as Gandalf lifted Hertig and settled him onto the back of Shadowfax, then mounted behind to hold the Rider steady. Gandalf looked down at them and smiled, "Good luck, my friends," he said encouragingly, "We will meet again!" With that, he turned Shadowfax and headed back towards Bree, leading Hertig's horse behind them.
They continued to watch as Gandalf rode away, then turned to each other when he was no longer in view. "We must get going," said Frodo firmly. "If we are to save Sam and the Shire, there is no more time to be lost. Gandalf is right. We can do this by ourselves." With shouts of agreement, the hobbits quickly remounted their ponies and hurried on down the road. Their course was set.
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As Sam slowly regained consciousness, the first thing he was aware of was a odd, metallic taste his mouth. It puzzled him at first, but it was soon followed by throbbing pain and memories of the last few hours came flooding back to him. He was lying on a cold, rough wooden floor and it was dark now. He had no idea how long Ferny had beaten and tortured him in his supposed quest for information. Sam knew Saruman didn't care about the other rebels. He was just giving Ferny a reason to abuse Sam. As if the man needed one, thought Sam grimly. It was obvious that Ferny would be delighted to torture anyone just for the sheer enjoyment of it. Sam grimaced in pain as he shifted his position. He could barely open his eyes, they were so badly bruised and swollen and pain seemed to emanate from every pore. He knew there were broken bones but he couldn't sort out one kind of pain from another. Good think they're goin' to kill me soon, though Sam with a pained laugh. "Best reward they could give me now!"
How long he lay there shivering in the darkness letting his mind drift in and out of consciousness, he couldn't say. But he was abruptly brought to his senses when the door was pulled open with a loud bang. Blearily, Sam tried to focus on the figure in the doorway. He stiffened in alarm as he recognized Bill Ferny. It must be time.
"Well, maggot," sneered Ferny dripping rain onto the battered hobbit as he stood over him. "Good news! You've got a reprieve! The Boss says he wants as big a crowd as possible for yer hangin' and with the late hour and rain, he's decided to wait until tomorrow!" He squatted down next to Sam and gripped the hobbit's face painfully forcing Sam to look at him. "Ain't you the lucky one!" Ferny continued with an ugly leer. "That means you an' me get to spend a few more hours together! An' you thought the Boss didn't have no heart!"
Sam closed his eyes in resignation as Ferny reached down and grabbed Sam's arm, pulling him to his feet. The last sounds Sam heard were Ferny's harsh, sadistic laughter and the bang of the door as it slammed shut on the outside world. It would be a very long night.