Author's Note: Just to clarify the timing here (someday, I should rewrite
parts of this to make it clearer). Sam's time was ahead of Frodo's. Frodo
got the message the day before Sam on Oct 29. This chapter takes place
primarily during the days where Sam surrendered (Oct 30) and his enjoying
fun and games with Bill Ferny (Nov 1). Thus, we will not see Sam in this
chapter so Frodo can catch up in time. Next time, I must think these things
out more clearly! What a pain!
Laurajslr: Thank you so much for your patience (at least I had several updates for your story upon my return yay!). Well, you know, I thought it was time for Hertig to earn his paycheck. I mean, for weeks he's done nothing but sit around the Lockholes doing nothing! You will learn his fate eventually!
Baileymag: Well, we should be seeing more of all our hobbity friends in the next few chapters. Now, that the action is in Hobbiton, that's where everyone needs to be!
Nymredil72: You know, I did seriously think about leaving Gandalf in, but I decided that he would have left them given the circumstances. He knew his time for helping was over and he had just seen that the hobbits were not the wimpy little creatures that had started out on the quest. If he had not left with Hertig, the Rider would certainly die, so he had to go. I also decided, like Tolkien, that it was time for the hobbits to take care of themselves and after all they had been through, I thought they could do it! I hope you have a great time on your vacation (wish mine had been longer!)! I hope this update was quick enough!
A fan: Welcome and thank you so much for reading and reviewing my story! Unfortunately, there are too many people in the real world like Bill Ferny. At least in my story, he's fictional (and thus fun to hate!). I hope you continue to enjoy the story!
RenaissanceGrrl: Welcome back! Here is the next update just in time! As for your most recent and excellent comments and reviews: In my map book, they have it written Tuckburrow, but in the book, it is Tuckborough. I tried to be consistent, but I must have missed some. As for the clothes, it is more difficult to swim with soaking wet clothes on. They absorb water and weigh you down. If you don't have to swim too far, you're better off carrying them (plus, they'll be drier when you put them on, thus conserving body heat). No, I don't think you could get from Bree to Hobbiton in a day (it's about 90 miles). Thus, in this story, it will take two days. Anyway, glad to have you back!
Merimas Gamgee: Fear not, I would never leave a story unfinished! It would drive me nuts! I felt badly about having to take so long to update. I really wanted the Hobbits to handle this on their own. After all, this is when they really grow up. Thus, it was necessary to get Gandalf and Hertig out of the picture.
Althea: I'm glad you agree! I really felt this was the hobbits' responsibility and Gandalf and Hertig would run the show if they were still around. Since it had been so long, I felt you guys deserved updates on everybody!
Bronwyn: It's good to be back (although I am really swamped and should be catching up on schoolwork rather than writing fanfiction! But, guess which is more fun! Lol). I did want to let you know how everyone was doing this time.
Lalaithofthebruinen: Well, you're right actually, more did happen than I realized. I'm glad it was a satisfying chapter after such a long time!
Sam: At this point, Sam doesn't really care what happens to him. He thinks there's nothing left for him, so being hung doesn't seem like such a bad thing. Poor Sam... BTW, I wasn't confused, I figure these computers are always doing weird things (plus, it was two reviews for the price of one!)
Janna Hawkins: I heartily agree. Ferny should have someone wring his scrawny little neck. What a maggot!
BloodRoses9: LOL! Well, I will try to not make him too girly (was I?), but keeping true to Tolkien, Frodo absolutely did not want to fight. So, I do have to keep that in mind. But, maybe he'll toughen up a little!
OK guys, here is the next installment. I do believe we are slowly but surely approaching the end of this looooooong story! I hope you enjoy! Thanks to you all!
Chapter 29 The Travelers Return
Onward Frodo, Merry, and Pippin rode. Frodo's sense of urgency grew with each passing moment and he would brook no delay. The ponies gave it their all until finally Merry cried out, "Frodo! We must stop and rest! The horses are almost all played out! If we do not let them rest and eat, we'll never get to Brandy Hall!" Reluctantly, Frodo agreed pulling his exhausted pony to a halt, the poor animal's sides were heaving and his flanks flecked with foam.
They led the animals off the road and to a small stream nearby. Merry and Pippin pulled out oats for the horses and watched apprehensively as Frodo paced impatiently. He understood the need for the stop, but it ate at him. He rubbed his hand over his aching eyes. He was exhausted himself, having slept but little the night before. His worries would allow him no rest.
Merry finally came over and placed a comforting hand on his cousin's shoulder. "Frodo, you must eat as well. If we are to be of any help to Sam, we must be strong. We have a long road ahead of us still." Frodo sighed and nodded. He allowed himself to be led to where Pippin had pulled out food for their meal. Frodo had little appetite and the bread was like sawdust in his mouth, but he knew Merry was right. He just worried that they were already too late.
After they had given the ponies time to rest and eat, the three remounted and continued on. Although it was still cold and wet, the torrential rain had let up and they were able to make better time. It was evening and darkness had settled over the land when they finally left the road to travel through the woodlands. They still had many miles to travel before reaching Brandy Hall, but Frodo would not even consider stopping for the night.
Merry knew these woods well having spent much of his youth exploring their paths and hills. He found himself growing more and more eager to reach his home and his family. They traveled in silence, the only sound the dripping of the rain from the trees and the muffled sound of the ponies hooves on the wet leaves. It was nearing midnight when the weary hobbits were halted by the sound of a voice and two dark figures stepping out onto the path before them. One held a dark lantern up, and opening its door gasped in surprise upon seeing the faces of the three mounted hobbits. "Merry!" he cried.
"Merroc!" replied Merry in delight, sliding off his horse to embrace his cousin. "Are we ever glad to see you!" He turned to the other hobbit, "Ilberic!" he grinned, clasping his other cousin's arm.
Ilberic grinned back. "I guess that giant from Rohan found you all right! Nice fellow, him. He didn't come with you?"
Merry's face grew grim. "He was wounded by bandits on the road. Gandalf returned with him to Bree."
Unable to keep still any longer Frodo looked anxiously to the newcomers. "Is there any word on Samwise Gamgee's fate? Has he been captured? What of the Cottons?"
Merroc shook his head sadly. "We don't get much news from Hobbiton here," he replied. "The river keeps the ruffians away, but it also keeps us isolated. I don't know if they've captured him or not. As for the Cottons, we heard tell one was executed, but that's all. I'm sorry."
Frodo sighed in frustration and anguish. Where was Sam and who had been executed? His reverie was interrupted by Pippin pulling on Frodo's sleeve. "Come on," he said, "We're going to Brandy Hall." So saying, the five hobbits continued their way through the woods until finally, in the wee hours of the morning, reached Merry's home. Merroc had raced on ahead to prepare for them and they were met at the main door of Brandy Hall by Merry's parents, Saradoc and Esmeralda Brandybuck.
"Merry!" cried Esmeralda hurrying forward to embrace her wayward son. With a cry of delight, Merry leapt from his horse and hugged his tiny mother to him. She stepped back and looked at him in amazement. "Merry! You've grown!" Merry just laughed and hugged her tighterr.
Saradoc joined them a moment later, clapping his son on the shoulder. "That Rider fellow told us something of your adventures," he said looking his son up and down, admiring his armor and sword. "Seems he weren't exaggerating!" He then looked over to Frodo and Pippin. "Frodo Baggins! Peregrine Took!" he greeted them. "Come in, come in! You all look like half-drowned cats! Esmeralda, let's get some food and warm clothes for these weary travelers!" He ushered them all into the Hall.
Frodo, Merry, and Pippin felt much better with dry clothes and warm food. They sat in one of Brandy Hall's many parlors before a roaring fire. "We cannot allow this Sharkey to run things in the Shire any longer," Merry was saying to his father. "Hertig told us of the things happening here and we must do something."
Saradoc nodded slowly puffing on his pipe. "Aye son," he growled, "You're right enough there. Trouble is, no one's been brave enough to fight back. Oh, the Thain made a stand early on, true enough, but the Chief's men have got them trapped in the Green Hill country now." He now studied his son thoughtfully. Merry was much changed from his travels. There was a maturity and determination that certainly hadn't been there before. He saw it in Pippin as well. Frodo was more of a puzzle. It was obvious the master of Bag End was not the same hobbit as before, but Saradoc sensed in him a deep and haunting pain. His attention turned to Pippin as the young hobbit spoke.
"We want to raise the Shire," Pippin said leaning forward. "I know the Tooks will take part. But, as you say, it will take more than just my family. We need everyone!"
"But, we must also get to Hobbiton as quickly as possible," interjected Frodo tersely, looking up from the fire. "We must save Sam and the Cottons!"
Saradoc continued to think. It would take Pippin all day to reach Tuckburrow and it was a good forty miles from Brandy Hall to Hobbiton. It would take time to raise even the Brandybucks and make it all the way to Bywater to meet up with the Tooks. Hopefully, they could gather more hobbits on the way, but if they were forced to fight, that would delay them even further. The older hobbit glanced at Frodo's anxious face. Well, the only way they could hope to save Sam, if he were still alive, was to send someone on ahead. He knew that someone would be Frodo. Saradoc now knew that Merry and Pippin would have to be the ones to lead the attack. They had a military bearing now that would inspire others. It was time to make plans.
As daylight slowly illuminated the forest around them, Frodo watched as Pippin and a few Brandybucks rode towards the river. The Brandybucks had small boats to ferry them across the river and then they would make their way to Tuckborough. Men controlled the ferry and Pippin wished to avoid any confrontations. The young hobbit hoped to gather the Tooks and meet the others near Bywater. Time was of the essence!
There was much excitement in Brandy Hall that morning. Merry and Pippin's numerous relations were much taken by their new appearance and when Merry had announced their intentions to take back the Shire, there had been great cheers of enthusiasm. Although the Brandybucks had been mostly immune to the troubles plaguing the rest of the Shire by virtue of their location across the Brandywine, they were more than ready to fight back.
Merry's plan was to head north and pick up the Great East Road, then march directly to Hobbiton. It would be impossible to hide so many hobbits plus he wanted everyone to know what was going on. They were through hiding now and he was determined to oust these interlopers once and for all. He fingered the beautiful horn of Rohan. Its call would sound a new beginning for the people of the Shire.
Frodo had other plans. He knew any military operations were best left up to his cousins. Although Sting hung faithfully at his side, Frodo had no intentions of ever wielding the small blade every again if he could possibly help it. He had seen enough death this past year. But, if there were no other options, he would use it, but only to save Sam. He hoped it wouldn't come to that. When Pippin and his followers disappeared, Frodo turned and entered Brandy Hall where Merry was busy organizing his troop. Merry looked up at his cousin's approach.
"You're going?" he asked quietly moving away from the chaos around them.
Frodo nodded heavily. "I must. I cannot wait here any longer. It will take me all day to reach Hobbiton as it is. Unlike you, I dare not move openly. I realize it may be too late for Sam, but I must try."
"You know Pippin and I would have gladly accompanied you," said Merry with a worried look.
"Yes, I know," smiled Frodo sadly, "But you and Pippin are the only ones who can raise the Shire. You have your own work cut out for you. I am not fit for much, but Sam risked everything for me time and time again. It is the very least I can do for him."
Merry sighed. This was certainly not the homecoming he had envisioned. "Well, at least let Merroc go with you. I suspect it will take more than one person to save Sam."
Frodo shook his head. "No, I will not be responsible for anyone else's life but my own this time. I will go alone."
Looking unhappy, Merry simply nodded. He knew he would not be able to sway Frodo in this. He looked into Frodo's wan face and with an encouraging smile embraced his cousin. Frodo then picked up his pack and with one last look at Merry, turned and left. Sam's rescue would be entirely in Frodo's hands
Night had long since fallen by the time Frodo spotted the lights of Bywater. He had traveled nonstop since morning, keeping well away from the road. But, he had seen enough of the destruction the ruffians had wrought throughout the Shire to make him ill. Destroyed homes, felled trees, gave him a preview of what he could expect in Hobbiton. Again he wondered how Pippin and Merry were faring. Had they managed to rouse the usually passive hobbits into action? They were the Shire's only hope.
Frodo halted on the outskirts of town. There were fewer lights than he would have expected. The Green Dragon had been closed down and many of the quaint hobbit holes and homes had been destroyed. He had seen ugly shacks put up in their place but few lights shone there. No hobbits were about by night and he avoided any Men he saw. They were a surly, coarse lot and Frodo knew he must not allow them to see him.
He decided to travel along the edge of The Water rather than take the Bywater Road through town. He could possibly cross near Sandyman's mill. He was trying to figure out how he would find Sam. Frodo knew the Lockholes were in Michel Delving, but according to the flyer, the executions were supposed to be in Hobbiton.
Turning a curve in the river as it approached the mill, Frodo froze in his tracks, his mouth open in shock. The mill was still there, true enough, but it was hardly the small, picturesque mill of Frodo's memories. This one was more like a huge, hulking monster crouching over the river ready to attack. Frodo could now smell the choking smoke pouring from its chimney and looking into the water, he could make out an oily sludge covering the surface. Here, the windows were bright with light and the night was filled with the sound of grinding gears and screeching metal. It was truly a nightmare. But, that was not the worst of it. As Frodo silently crept forward, he could make out a form silhouetted against one of the large mill windows. He frowned trying to make it out. Abruptly, as if someone had doused him with freezing cold water, Frodo gasped and stumbled backwards. It had just become clear what he was seeing. There, hanging from a makeshift gallows, was a small body silently spinning in the cold, night breeze. He was too late. The executions had begun.
Laurajslr: Thank you so much for your patience (at least I had several updates for your story upon my return yay!). Well, you know, I thought it was time for Hertig to earn his paycheck. I mean, for weeks he's done nothing but sit around the Lockholes doing nothing! You will learn his fate eventually!
Baileymag: Well, we should be seeing more of all our hobbity friends in the next few chapters. Now, that the action is in Hobbiton, that's where everyone needs to be!
Nymredil72: You know, I did seriously think about leaving Gandalf in, but I decided that he would have left them given the circumstances. He knew his time for helping was over and he had just seen that the hobbits were not the wimpy little creatures that had started out on the quest. If he had not left with Hertig, the Rider would certainly die, so he had to go. I also decided, like Tolkien, that it was time for the hobbits to take care of themselves and after all they had been through, I thought they could do it! I hope you have a great time on your vacation (wish mine had been longer!)! I hope this update was quick enough!
A fan: Welcome and thank you so much for reading and reviewing my story! Unfortunately, there are too many people in the real world like Bill Ferny. At least in my story, he's fictional (and thus fun to hate!). I hope you continue to enjoy the story!
RenaissanceGrrl: Welcome back! Here is the next update just in time! As for your most recent and excellent comments and reviews: In my map book, they have it written Tuckburrow, but in the book, it is Tuckborough. I tried to be consistent, but I must have missed some. As for the clothes, it is more difficult to swim with soaking wet clothes on. They absorb water and weigh you down. If you don't have to swim too far, you're better off carrying them (plus, they'll be drier when you put them on, thus conserving body heat). No, I don't think you could get from Bree to Hobbiton in a day (it's about 90 miles). Thus, in this story, it will take two days. Anyway, glad to have you back!
Merimas Gamgee: Fear not, I would never leave a story unfinished! It would drive me nuts! I felt badly about having to take so long to update. I really wanted the Hobbits to handle this on their own. After all, this is when they really grow up. Thus, it was necessary to get Gandalf and Hertig out of the picture.
Althea: I'm glad you agree! I really felt this was the hobbits' responsibility and Gandalf and Hertig would run the show if they were still around. Since it had been so long, I felt you guys deserved updates on everybody!
Bronwyn: It's good to be back (although I am really swamped and should be catching up on schoolwork rather than writing fanfiction! But, guess which is more fun! Lol). I did want to let you know how everyone was doing this time.
Lalaithofthebruinen: Well, you're right actually, more did happen than I realized. I'm glad it was a satisfying chapter after such a long time!
Sam: At this point, Sam doesn't really care what happens to him. He thinks there's nothing left for him, so being hung doesn't seem like such a bad thing. Poor Sam... BTW, I wasn't confused, I figure these computers are always doing weird things (plus, it was two reviews for the price of one!)
Janna Hawkins: I heartily agree. Ferny should have someone wring his scrawny little neck. What a maggot!
BloodRoses9: LOL! Well, I will try to not make him too girly (was I?), but keeping true to Tolkien, Frodo absolutely did not want to fight. So, I do have to keep that in mind. But, maybe he'll toughen up a little!
OK guys, here is the next installment. I do believe we are slowly but surely approaching the end of this looooooong story! I hope you enjoy! Thanks to you all!
Chapter 29 The Travelers Return
Onward Frodo, Merry, and Pippin rode. Frodo's sense of urgency grew with each passing moment and he would brook no delay. The ponies gave it their all until finally Merry cried out, "Frodo! We must stop and rest! The horses are almost all played out! If we do not let them rest and eat, we'll never get to Brandy Hall!" Reluctantly, Frodo agreed pulling his exhausted pony to a halt, the poor animal's sides were heaving and his flanks flecked with foam.
They led the animals off the road and to a small stream nearby. Merry and Pippin pulled out oats for the horses and watched apprehensively as Frodo paced impatiently. He understood the need for the stop, but it ate at him. He rubbed his hand over his aching eyes. He was exhausted himself, having slept but little the night before. His worries would allow him no rest.
Merry finally came over and placed a comforting hand on his cousin's shoulder. "Frodo, you must eat as well. If we are to be of any help to Sam, we must be strong. We have a long road ahead of us still." Frodo sighed and nodded. He allowed himself to be led to where Pippin had pulled out food for their meal. Frodo had little appetite and the bread was like sawdust in his mouth, but he knew Merry was right. He just worried that they were already too late.
After they had given the ponies time to rest and eat, the three remounted and continued on. Although it was still cold and wet, the torrential rain had let up and they were able to make better time. It was evening and darkness had settled over the land when they finally left the road to travel through the woodlands. They still had many miles to travel before reaching Brandy Hall, but Frodo would not even consider stopping for the night.
Merry knew these woods well having spent much of his youth exploring their paths and hills. He found himself growing more and more eager to reach his home and his family. They traveled in silence, the only sound the dripping of the rain from the trees and the muffled sound of the ponies hooves on the wet leaves. It was nearing midnight when the weary hobbits were halted by the sound of a voice and two dark figures stepping out onto the path before them. One held a dark lantern up, and opening its door gasped in surprise upon seeing the faces of the three mounted hobbits. "Merry!" he cried.
"Merroc!" replied Merry in delight, sliding off his horse to embrace his cousin. "Are we ever glad to see you!" He turned to the other hobbit, "Ilberic!" he grinned, clasping his other cousin's arm.
Ilberic grinned back. "I guess that giant from Rohan found you all right! Nice fellow, him. He didn't come with you?"
Merry's face grew grim. "He was wounded by bandits on the road. Gandalf returned with him to Bree."
Unable to keep still any longer Frodo looked anxiously to the newcomers. "Is there any word on Samwise Gamgee's fate? Has he been captured? What of the Cottons?"
Merroc shook his head sadly. "We don't get much news from Hobbiton here," he replied. "The river keeps the ruffians away, but it also keeps us isolated. I don't know if they've captured him or not. As for the Cottons, we heard tell one was executed, but that's all. I'm sorry."
Frodo sighed in frustration and anguish. Where was Sam and who had been executed? His reverie was interrupted by Pippin pulling on Frodo's sleeve. "Come on," he said, "We're going to Brandy Hall." So saying, the five hobbits continued their way through the woods until finally, in the wee hours of the morning, reached Merry's home. Merroc had raced on ahead to prepare for them and they were met at the main door of Brandy Hall by Merry's parents, Saradoc and Esmeralda Brandybuck.
"Merry!" cried Esmeralda hurrying forward to embrace her wayward son. With a cry of delight, Merry leapt from his horse and hugged his tiny mother to him. She stepped back and looked at him in amazement. "Merry! You've grown!" Merry just laughed and hugged her tighterr.
Saradoc joined them a moment later, clapping his son on the shoulder. "That Rider fellow told us something of your adventures," he said looking his son up and down, admiring his armor and sword. "Seems he weren't exaggerating!" He then looked over to Frodo and Pippin. "Frodo Baggins! Peregrine Took!" he greeted them. "Come in, come in! You all look like half-drowned cats! Esmeralda, let's get some food and warm clothes for these weary travelers!" He ushered them all into the Hall.
Frodo, Merry, and Pippin felt much better with dry clothes and warm food. They sat in one of Brandy Hall's many parlors before a roaring fire. "We cannot allow this Sharkey to run things in the Shire any longer," Merry was saying to his father. "Hertig told us of the things happening here and we must do something."
Saradoc nodded slowly puffing on his pipe. "Aye son," he growled, "You're right enough there. Trouble is, no one's been brave enough to fight back. Oh, the Thain made a stand early on, true enough, but the Chief's men have got them trapped in the Green Hill country now." He now studied his son thoughtfully. Merry was much changed from his travels. There was a maturity and determination that certainly hadn't been there before. He saw it in Pippin as well. Frodo was more of a puzzle. It was obvious the master of Bag End was not the same hobbit as before, but Saradoc sensed in him a deep and haunting pain. His attention turned to Pippin as the young hobbit spoke.
"We want to raise the Shire," Pippin said leaning forward. "I know the Tooks will take part. But, as you say, it will take more than just my family. We need everyone!"
"But, we must also get to Hobbiton as quickly as possible," interjected Frodo tersely, looking up from the fire. "We must save Sam and the Cottons!"
Saradoc continued to think. It would take Pippin all day to reach Tuckburrow and it was a good forty miles from Brandy Hall to Hobbiton. It would take time to raise even the Brandybucks and make it all the way to Bywater to meet up with the Tooks. Hopefully, they could gather more hobbits on the way, but if they were forced to fight, that would delay them even further. The older hobbit glanced at Frodo's anxious face. Well, the only way they could hope to save Sam, if he were still alive, was to send someone on ahead. He knew that someone would be Frodo. Saradoc now knew that Merry and Pippin would have to be the ones to lead the attack. They had a military bearing now that would inspire others. It was time to make plans.
As daylight slowly illuminated the forest around them, Frodo watched as Pippin and a few Brandybucks rode towards the river. The Brandybucks had small boats to ferry them across the river and then they would make their way to Tuckborough. Men controlled the ferry and Pippin wished to avoid any confrontations. The young hobbit hoped to gather the Tooks and meet the others near Bywater. Time was of the essence!
There was much excitement in Brandy Hall that morning. Merry and Pippin's numerous relations were much taken by their new appearance and when Merry had announced their intentions to take back the Shire, there had been great cheers of enthusiasm. Although the Brandybucks had been mostly immune to the troubles plaguing the rest of the Shire by virtue of their location across the Brandywine, they were more than ready to fight back.
Merry's plan was to head north and pick up the Great East Road, then march directly to Hobbiton. It would be impossible to hide so many hobbits plus he wanted everyone to know what was going on. They were through hiding now and he was determined to oust these interlopers once and for all. He fingered the beautiful horn of Rohan. Its call would sound a new beginning for the people of the Shire.
Frodo had other plans. He knew any military operations were best left up to his cousins. Although Sting hung faithfully at his side, Frodo had no intentions of ever wielding the small blade every again if he could possibly help it. He had seen enough death this past year. But, if there were no other options, he would use it, but only to save Sam. He hoped it wouldn't come to that. When Pippin and his followers disappeared, Frodo turned and entered Brandy Hall where Merry was busy organizing his troop. Merry looked up at his cousin's approach.
"You're going?" he asked quietly moving away from the chaos around them.
Frodo nodded heavily. "I must. I cannot wait here any longer. It will take me all day to reach Hobbiton as it is. Unlike you, I dare not move openly. I realize it may be too late for Sam, but I must try."
"You know Pippin and I would have gladly accompanied you," said Merry with a worried look.
"Yes, I know," smiled Frodo sadly, "But you and Pippin are the only ones who can raise the Shire. You have your own work cut out for you. I am not fit for much, but Sam risked everything for me time and time again. It is the very least I can do for him."
Merry sighed. This was certainly not the homecoming he had envisioned. "Well, at least let Merroc go with you. I suspect it will take more than one person to save Sam."
Frodo shook his head. "No, I will not be responsible for anyone else's life but my own this time. I will go alone."
Looking unhappy, Merry simply nodded. He knew he would not be able to sway Frodo in this. He looked into Frodo's wan face and with an encouraging smile embraced his cousin. Frodo then picked up his pack and with one last look at Merry, turned and left. Sam's rescue would be entirely in Frodo's hands
Night had long since fallen by the time Frodo spotted the lights of Bywater. He had traveled nonstop since morning, keeping well away from the road. But, he had seen enough of the destruction the ruffians had wrought throughout the Shire to make him ill. Destroyed homes, felled trees, gave him a preview of what he could expect in Hobbiton. Again he wondered how Pippin and Merry were faring. Had they managed to rouse the usually passive hobbits into action? They were the Shire's only hope.
Frodo halted on the outskirts of town. There were fewer lights than he would have expected. The Green Dragon had been closed down and many of the quaint hobbit holes and homes had been destroyed. He had seen ugly shacks put up in their place but few lights shone there. No hobbits were about by night and he avoided any Men he saw. They were a surly, coarse lot and Frodo knew he must not allow them to see him.
He decided to travel along the edge of The Water rather than take the Bywater Road through town. He could possibly cross near Sandyman's mill. He was trying to figure out how he would find Sam. Frodo knew the Lockholes were in Michel Delving, but according to the flyer, the executions were supposed to be in Hobbiton.
Turning a curve in the river as it approached the mill, Frodo froze in his tracks, his mouth open in shock. The mill was still there, true enough, but it was hardly the small, picturesque mill of Frodo's memories. This one was more like a huge, hulking monster crouching over the river ready to attack. Frodo could now smell the choking smoke pouring from its chimney and looking into the water, he could make out an oily sludge covering the surface. Here, the windows were bright with light and the night was filled with the sound of grinding gears and screeching metal. It was truly a nightmare. But, that was not the worst of it. As Frodo silently crept forward, he could make out a form silhouetted against one of the large mill windows. He frowned trying to make it out. Abruptly, as if someone had doused him with freezing cold water, Frodo gasped and stumbled backwards. It had just become clear what he was seeing. There, hanging from a makeshift gallows, was a small body silently spinning in the cold, night breeze. He was too late. The executions had begun.