Author's Notes: Well guys, looks like there are only a couple more chapters after this one. Not a whole lot happens in this one (one of those kind of bridging chapters as I think of them), but I hope you enjoy it just the same! Almost done with my stupid report (I'm sorry, but there just isn't anything interesting about the 'History of Medical Subject Headings'!) As aways, thanks to all of you who read my story and special thanks to those that review!
Merimas Gamgee: Lotho, eh? That wouldn't have been a bad idea, but it never even crossed my mind! I did debate about killing off one of the other brothers, but decided to go with the one who had figured most prominently in the story so far.
Althea: Yeah, Ferny is pretty much a Class A scumbag, which makes him so much fun to hate! Sam is pretty tough, but even he has his limits (which seem to get pushed time and time again...)
Baileymag: Yep, Frodo HAS finally arrived and this is his chapter!
Hobbity: You know, I don't think I have ever written quite such a pathetic Sam as in this story! Talk about 'long-suffering'! It's about time Frodo got here to help him out!
Kriszta: Why thank you for all your kind words! Yes, you have my permission to translate my story an put it on your site. And don't worry, I would never pair up Frodo and Rosie! That's just not right. As for killing Sam, well, I won't make any promises. I've done it once, I might very well do it again (bwa hahahaha!)
Gamgee fest: According to my maps, it's about 45 miles from the Brandywine to Hobbiton, about the same as from Bree to Brandywine. They did it in two days in the book, but they certainly could have done it more quickly (after all they made it to the Shire from Bree in one day). So, it is not unreasonable for Frodo to make it to Hobbiton in one day. I think I would rather die than marry that nasty Ted Sandyman as well. Blecch! I think Sam's anger increased his adrenalin levels allowing him the energy to fight, but mind you, it didn't accomplish much!
Bronwyn: I like everyone to suffer some in this story. I'm equal opportunity! Yes, Frodo has arrived, but will he be able to rescue Sam? Only time will tell!
Janna Hawkins: I did feel kinda bad killing off poor Jolly, but I felt it had to be someone on the list. So, Jolly had to go! But, Rosie is still alive!
Laurajslr: Here is the next update (even though my paper isn't completely finished!) and we are rapidly coming to the end. Not sure if this chapter will make you any happier or not, but here it is!
Bloodroses9: Well of course forcing Rosie to marry Ted is lame – it is nothing but pure melodrama! LOL! Can't you just see Ferny in a black cape and top hat pulling on his long mustache and tying Rosie to the railroad tracks while he does the villain's "Eeeya ah ah" laugh!? This entire story is oozing melodrama (which is part of the reason it's been fun to write!). Anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter (if not, I shall be forced to take your deed to the ranch and tie you to the buzz saw!).
Bookworm2000: Yay! You're back! I've missed you! I'm glad you've been enjoying the story and hope you like that last few as well. We're almost done!
The Lady of the Mirkwood: I wish I could say that Sam and Frodo get back together in this chapter, but, well, they don't! Sorry! But eventually, Frodo and Sam will be together in the same place at the same time and in the same chapter!
Szhismine: Yay! You're back, too! That's ok that you weren't in the mood for all this pain and anguish! Don't feel badly. I'm mean, my stories can be kind of hard to take after awhile. But, you're back and I'm glad! I hope you continue to enjoy the last few chapters!
Elf- Sorry, I don't understand Elvish.
A person: Thanks so much for the reviews! Glad you liked the story and I hope you enjoy the rest of it as well!
Sam: I'm glad you enjoyed Merry's family reunion! I rather enjoyed writing that! I'm sorry to say, Frodo and Sam don't meet up quite yet, but soon!
Merry Lad: Well, here it is... the next chapter!
Chapter 31 Frodo
"M...Mister Baggins?" Rosie stuttered in surprise. Frodo looked exhausted but his smile for Rosie was bright with relief.
"Rosie!" he breathed, "I worried I was too late! You're still alive!"
She nodded. "They killed my brother, Jolly," she replied haltingly. "My...my mother and I were released when Sam turned himself in. They still hold my father and other brothers in the Lockholes." She then frowned. "But, how did you get here?" she asked. "Sam said you were far away."
Frodo looked uncomfortable for a moment, then gently took Rosie's arm. "Is there somewhere safe we can go? I do not think we should be out here in the open. Then I will tell you all I can." He hesitated for a moment. "Is...is Sam all right?"
Rosie looked away before answering. "He's still alive, if that's what you're asking," she said bleakly. "But, come, we can go to my house and speak there." She then turned to Frodo, her eyes glistening with tears. "There's not much time, Mr. Baggins. Sharkey plans to hang Sam in the morning!"
Frodo's face grew grim. "I was afraid I was too late but at least we still have a chance to save him Rosie. I won't let them kill him without a fight. It's my fault he's here at all and I will save him!"
The two hobbits crept silently through the shadows of Hobbiton until they finally made their way to the Cotton farmhouse. They had seen a few men, but managed to avoid being seen. Rosie quietly opened the back door then she and Frodo slipped into the welcome warmth of the Cotton kitchen. A small figure huddled by the paltry fire leapt up at the sound of their entrance.
"Rosie, lass!" cried the figure throwing itself into Rosie's arms. "I thought I'd lost you for good this time!"
Rosie held her sobbing mother tightly. "It's all right, Ma," she said softly, "I'm fine."
Mrs. Cotton stepped away and tearfully searched her daughter's pale face. "When that devil came and dragged you off, I didn't think I would ever see you again! I can't bear to lose another! I just can't!"
Tears were on Rosie's cheeks now. "I know, Ma, I know." Was all she could say. They stood like that for some moments until Frodo quietly cleared his throat. "Oh!" cried Rosie in embarrassment stepping away from her mother. "Ma! Look who's come! It's Mr. Frodo!'
Mrs. Cotton blinked in surprise, then self-consciously wiped the tears from her face and tried to straighten her hair and wrap. "Oh! Mr. Baggins!" she said quickly, "You must think me a foolish old lady carrying on so! Please, sit down and I'll make us all some tea!" She then stopped and stared at him as if she suddenly realized who he was. "Where did you come from, sir?" she asked, perplexed. "Last I heard you was away in foreign parts with Mr. Merry and Mr. Pippin! Are they here too?" Before Frodo could answer, Mrs. Cotton's eyes widened in realization, Have ye come to save Sam, then?" she whispered.eagerly.
Frodo smiled wearily and nodded. "We were in Bree when the message about Sam reached us. We came as quickly as we could. Merry and Pippin are trying to raise the Shire against the Chief and Sharkey. I came on ahead to try and rescue Sam. I so feared I would be too late."
Mrs. Cotton smiled back. "If anyone can put things to right, Mr. Baggins," she said earnestly. "It's you. Now please, sit, while I get you a bite to eat. There's not much, I'm afraid. The Chief's men have taken most everything." With that, she bustled off to find something to feed her guest.
Frodo watched her for a moment then turned to Rosie. "Rosie?" he asked gently. "What can you tell me of Sam?"
She sighed and studied her hands. "They've got him locked up in one of the sheds near Bag End," she began in a low voice. "A terrible man is in there with him by the name of Bill Ferny." She stopped here, tears slowly seeping from her closed eyes as she gathered herself together. "He...he's been torturing Sam."
Frodo's face went white, his jaw tight with fury. Unfortunately, he knew exactly who Bill Ferny was. "How bad is he, Rosie?"
She looked at him now, her face full of anguish. "He's in a terrible state, Mr. Frodo! He could barely move, Ferny beat him so bad! I wouldn't have even recognized him!" Now her voice grew cold with anger. "Ferny came and got me earlier this evening to take me to Sam. He said Sam wished to die and Ferny wanted to give Sam a reason to want to live! Just to make it that much worse for him! But that's not the worst of it!" She stood up and paced the room. "Ted Sandyman told me that the Boss doesn't really care about Sam or his rebels. He's having Sam tortured and killed to get back at you and Gandalf and the others!"
Frodo stared at her dumbfounded. Get back at him? What had he ever done to this Boss? He frowned, then his eyes widened with a growing understanding. "Have you ever seen Sharkey?" he asked urgently.
"Just briefly," replied Rosie watching Frodo carefully. "He looks to be an old man with a long white beard. Do you know him?"
"Saruman!" he spat banging his fist on the table. "Gandalf warned us he would be up to no good! I never would have dreamed he'd come here to the Shire!" He stood now and walked to the window. "Saruman has nearly destroyed the Shire and now he wants to kill Sam because he knows how important Sam is to all of us and how much we would suffer upon his death!" He turned as Mrs. Cotton set food down on the table. Both women stared at him. "You might not believe this," Frodo said with a sad smile, "But Samwise Gamgee is one of the most famous people in all of Middle Earth! He is a hero and counts the King of Gondor as his good friend. This Saruman or Sharkey, was a wizard like Gandalf, but turned evil. He was defeated and now he wants his revenge. But, none of that matters now. What is important is that we figure out how to rescue Sam! I am hoping the Merry and Pippin will arrive soon, but we cannot count on that. I do not know how much resistance they might meet up with on the road here." He stood silent for a few moments considering their few options.
"Rosie, can you take me to Sam tonight?" he asked sitting back down across from her. "Maybe there's something we can do."
Rosie looked towards the window. "I don't know that we'll have enough time, Mr. Frodo," she said lifting her chin, "Dawn's comin'" Frodo turned and saw she was right. The darkness of night was starting to give way to the soft grays of morning.
But Frodo was undaunted and in the end, Rosie agreed to guide him. With luck, maybe they could reach the hut before daylight had fully arrived. They crept from the Cotton's house and started up the South Lane towards Bag End. They ran as quickly as they dared, but it soon became apparent that something was going on. Men were all hurrying in the same direction and they all seemed quite agitated. Frodo and Rosie ducked down behind a hedgerow to avoid one such group. They could easily hear the men's loud voices calling to each other.
"I can't believe them little Shire-rats 'ad the nerve to rise up against Tag's group down there in Frogmorton!" one man was saying in angry disbelief. "I heard some o' the men were even killed!"
"Aye!" another growled menacingly, "One word from the Boss and we'll go teach them little maggots what's what! Love to git me hands around some o' their scrawny little necks!" The other men shouted in agreement and they hurried on toward Bag End.
"Merry and Pippin!" whispered Frodo excitedly gripping Rosie's arm. "They're coming! They're coming!" Rosie grinned back at him, hope in her eyes. As soon as the way was clear, they continued their stealthy way towards the shacks.
Frodo looked worriedly at the sky, it seemed to getting lighter with every passing moment. The final leg of the journey to the sheds felt like it took an eternity, but finally, as they took shelter behind a pile of rocks, Rosie pointed to a shed farther up the hill. "He's in there," she said quietly. Frodo glanced at her pale face and saw a lone tear trickle down her cheek.
"I must go up there," he said with determination. He stood to start moving when Rosie again grabbed his arm and pulled him down. Her eyes were wide with alarm. It was then Frodo heard the footsteps approaching. Cautiously, he peered around his makeshift shelter and watched as a tall, lanky man approached the shed and knocked loudly.
"Hey! Ferny!" the man cried knocking even harder. "Open up!"
It took a few moments, but finally the door reluctantly opened. "Waddaya want, Mac?" Ferny snarled, peering blearily though the doorway. "Aint' even daylight yet!"
"Them bloody hobbits is rising against us!" Mac told him shortly. "We need every able bodied man to head over towards Frogmorton to help put 'em down in and teach 'em a lesson."
"I can't go," protested Ferny swaying unsteadily, "I'm s'posed to string this rebel up this mornin'. So, unless the Boss 'imself orders me to go, I'm staying right 'ere!"
Mac stepped closer and peered around Ferny into the shed. "He don't even look like he's still alive!" Frodo felt his heart drop at that and Rosie gave a small cry of dismay.
"Oh, 'ee's alive alright," mumbled Ferny, "Not too lively after las' night, but 'ee's breathin'! 'Ee was getting mighty uppity las' night an' I had to teach 'im a lesson or two. Then I tied 'im up so's he wouldn't cause me no more trouble."
Mac grunted and stepped back. He surveyed Ferny with disgust. "Well, you don't look like you'd be much use anyways," he snorted and left. Ferny glared at the man's back as he marched back towards Bag End, then Ferny slammed the door shut with a resounding bang. Men were now arriving in greater numbers and if they didn't move soon, Frodo and Rosie would be spotted.
Rosie bit her lip and wiped the tears from her face. "Oh, Mr. Frodo," she whispered. "What shall we do now!? Ferny's awake and all these men! We'll never get into the shed now!"
Frodo grabbed Rosie's hand and led her back down the hill. As soon as they had reached the comparative safety of the hobbit houses, they sat down to rest. Frodo was thinking hard. Surely there had to be some way to rescue Sam It was obvious that Merry or Pippin had reached Frogmorton some 18 miles from Hobbiton. Frodo did not know if they had managed any further than that, but there was no doubt it would take them awhile to reach them. If only they knew when Sam was to be hung! Frodo hoped that most of the men would be off to fight the insurgents which would give him a better chance to save Sam.
Frodo turned to Rosie. "There's only one way I can think of to rescue Sam," he said slowly. "Will they execute him at the Mill?" Rosie nodded, her eyes puzzled. "Then, I must hide there. Saruman's main concern is that Sam is dead before Merry, Pippin and I are supposed to arrive. Now that the hobbits are fighting back, I do not think Saruman will want any hobbits at the execution so a large number of men will not be required to keep them in hand. Plus, I am hoping that most of the men will have gone to fight in Frogmorton." Frodo paused, his hand gently resting on Sting's hilt. He abhorred the thought of violence, but he would do what was necessary to save Sam.
Rosie nodded, for the first time in weeks she allowed herself to feel the slightest bit of hope. She led Frodo through what was left of the darkness to the Mill. It was still belching smoke and roaring it's deafening roar as it always did whether it was grinding grain or not. She pointed to a loading platform extending from the side of the building and stacks of grain bags were piled up filling most of the space. A makeshift gallows had been erected there where it could be easily seen. Jolly's body still hung there, a desolate and lonely figure. Frodo nodded, gave Rosie a quick hug and disappeared into the shadows.
Rosie watched silently until she could no longer see Frodo's fading figure, then looking down, she studied her left hand. She gazed back at the Mill and with her jaw set in defiance, she slowly and deliberately pulled the detested silver ring from her finger, strode over to the river and flung the ring far into the foul, murky water below. She smiled in satisfaction as she heard its tiny splash. Now she had work to do. Turning, she hurried away towards town. Mr. Frodo would not be in this alone.
Merimas Gamgee: Lotho, eh? That wouldn't have been a bad idea, but it never even crossed my mind! I did debate about killing off one of the other brothers, but decided to go with the one who had figured most prominently in the story so far.
Althea: Yeah, Ferny is pretty much a Class A scumbag, which makes him so much fun to hate! Sam is pretty tough, but even he has his limits (which seem to get pushed time and time again...)
Baileymag: Yep, Frodo HAS finally arrived and this is his chapter!
Hobbity: You know, I don't think I have ever written quite such a pathetic Sam as in this story! Talk about 'long-suffering'! It's about time Frodo got here to help him out!
Kriszta: Why thank you for all your kind words! Yes, you have my permission to translate my story an put it on your site. And don't worry, I would never pair up Frodo and Rosie! That's just not right. As for killing Sam, well, I won't make any promises. I've done it once, I might very well do it again (bwa hahahaha!)
Gamgee fest: According to my maps, it's about 45 miles from the Brandywine to Hobbiton, about the same as from Bree to Brandywine. They did it in two days in the book, but they certainly could have done it more quickly (after all they made it to the Shire from Bree in one day). So, it is not unreasonable for Frodo to make it to Hobbiton in one day. I think I would rather die than marry that nasty Ted Sandyman as well. Blecch! I think Sam's anger increased his adrenalin levels allowing him the energy to fight, but mind you, it didn't accomplish much!
Bronwyn: I like everyone to suffer some in this story. I'm equal opportunity! Yes, Frodo has arrived, but will he be able to rescue Sam? Only time will tell!
Janna Hawkins: I did feel kinda bad killing off poor Jolly, but I felt it had to be someone on the list. So, Jolly had to go! But, Rosie is still alive!
Laurajslr: Here is the next update (even though my paper isn't completely finished!) and we are rapidly coming to the end. Not sure if this chapter will make you any happier or not, but here it is!
Bloodroses9: Well of course forcing Rosie to marry Ted is lame – it is nothing but pure melodrama! LOL! Can't you just see Ferny in a black cape and top hat pulling on his long mustache and tying Rosie to the railroad tracks while he does the villain's "Eeeya ah ah" laugh!? This entire story is oozing melodrama (which is part of the reason it's been fun to write!). Anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter (if not, I shall be forced to take your deed to the ranch and tie you to the buzz saw!).
Bookworm2000: Yay! You're back! I've missed you! I'm glad you've been enjoying the story and hope you like that last few as well. We're almost done!
The Lady of the Mirkwood: I wish I could say that Sam and Frodo get back together in this chapter, but, well, they don't! Sorry! But eventually, Frodo and Sam will be together in the same place at the same time and in the same chapter!
Szhismine: Yay! You're back, too! That's ok that you weren't in the mood for all this pain and anguish! Don't feel badly. I'm mean, my stories can be kind of hard to take after awhile. But, you're back and I'm glad! I hope you continue to enjoy the last few chapters!
Elf- Sorry, I don't understand Elvish.
A person: Thanks so much for the reviews! Glad you liked the story and I hope you enjoy the rest of it as well!
Sam: I'm glad you enjoyed Merry's family reunion! I rather enjoyed writing that! I'm sorry to say, Frodo and Sam don't meet up quite yet, but soon!
Merry Lad: Well, here it is... the next chapter!
Chapter 31 Frodo
"M...Mister Baggins?" Rosie stuttered in surprise. Frodo looked exhausted but his smile for Rosie was bright with relief.
"Rosie!" he breathed, "I worried I was too late! You're still alive!"
She nodded. "They killed my brother, Jolly," she replied haltingly. "My...my mother and I were released when Sam turned himself in. They still hold my father and other brothers in the Lockholes." She then frowned. "But, how did you get here?" she asked. "Sam said you were far away."
Frodo looked uncomfortable for a moment, then gently took Rosie's arm. "Is there somewhere safe we can go? I do not think we should be out here in the open. Then I will tell you all I can." He hesitated for a moment. "Is...is Sam all right?"
Rosie looked away before answering. "He's still alive, if that's what you're asking," she said bleakly. "But, come, we can go to my house and speak there." She then turned to Frodo, her eyes glistening with tears. "There's not much time, Mr. Baggins. Sharkey plans to hang Sam in the morning!"
Frodo's face grew grim. "I was afraid I was too late but at least we still have a chance to save him Rosie. I won't let them kill him without a fight. It's my fault he's here at all and I will save him!"
The two hobbits crept silently through the shadows of Hobbiton until they finally made their way to the Cotton farmhouse. They had seen a few men, but managed to avoid being seen. Rosie quietly opened the back door then she and Frodo slipped into the welcome warmth of the Cotton kitchen. A small figure huddled by the paltry fire leapt up at the sound of their entrance.
"Rosie, lass!" cried the figure throwing itself into Rosie's arms. "I thought I'd lost you for good this time!"
Rosie held her sobbing mother tightly. "It's all right, Ma," she said softly, "I'm fine."
Mrs. Cotton stepped away and tearfully searched her daughter's pale face. "When that devil came and dragged you off, I didn't think I would ever see you again! I can't bear to lose another! I just can't!"
Tears were on Rosie's cheeks now. "I know, Ma, I know." Was all she could say. They stood like that for some moments until Frodo quietly cleared his throat. "Oh!" cried Rosie in embarrassment stepping away from her mother. "Ma! Look who's come! It's Mr. Frodo!'
Mrs. Cotton blinked in surprise, then self-consciously wiped the tears from her face and tried to straighten her hair and wrap. "Oh! Mr. Baggins!" she said quickly, "You must think me a foolish old lady carrying on so! Please, sit down and I'll make us all some tea!" She then stopped and stared at him as if she suddenly realized who he was. "Where did you come from, sir?" she asked, perplexed. "Last I heard you was away in foreign parts with Mr. Merry and Mr. Pippin! Are they here too?" Before Frodo could answer, Mrs. Cotton's eyes widened in realization, Have ye come to save Sam, then?" she whispered.eagerly.
Frodo smiled wearily and nodded. "We were in Bree when the message about Sam reached us. We came as quickly as we could. Merry and Pippin are trying to raise the Shire against the Chief and Sharkey. I came on ahead to try and rescue Sam. I so feared I would be too late."
Mrs. Cotton smiled back. "If anyone can put things to right, Mr. Baggins," she said earnestly. "It's you. Now please, sit, while I get you a bite to eat. There's not much, I'm afraid. The Chief's men have taken most everything." With that, she bustled off to find something to feed her guest.
Frodo watched her for a moment then turned to Rosie. "Rosie?" he asked gently. "What can you tell me of Sam?"
She sighed and studied her hands. "They've got him locked up in one of the sheds near Bag End," she began in a low voice. "A terrible man is in there with him by the name of Bill Ferny." She stopped here, tears slowly seeping from her closed eyes as she gathered herself together. "He...he's been torturing Sam."
Frodo's face went white, his jaw tight with fury. Unfortunately, he knew exactly who Bill Ferny was. "How bad is he, Rosie?"
She looked at him now, her face full of anguish. "He's in a terrible state, Mr. Frodo! He could barely move, Ferny beat him so bad! I wouldn't have even recognized him!" Now her voice grew cold with anger. "Ferny came and got me earlier this evening to take me to Sam. He said Sam wished to die and Ferny wanted to give Sam a reason to want to live! Just to make it that much worse for him! But that's not the worst of it!" She stood up and paced the room. "Ted Sandyman told me that the Boss doesn't really care about Sam or his rebels. He's having Sam tortured and killed to get back at you and Gandalf and the others!"
Frodo stared at her dumbfounded. Get back at him? What had he ever done to this Boss? He frowned, then his eyes widened with a growing understanding. "Have you ever seen Sharkey?" he asked urgently.
"Just briefly," replied Rosie watching Frodo carefully. "He looks to be an old man with a long white beard. Do you know him?"
"Saruman!" he spat banging his fist on the table. "Gandalf warned us he would be up to no good! I never would have dreamed he'd come here to the Shire!" He stood now and walked to the window. "Saruman has nearly destroyed the Shire and now he wants to kill Sam because he knows how important Sam is to all of us and how much we would suffer upon his death!" He turned as Mrs. Cotton set food down on the table. Both women stared at him. "You might not believe this," Frodo said with a sad smile, "But Samwise Gamgee is one of the most famous people in all of Middle Earth! He is a hero and counts the King of Gondor as his good friend. This Saruman or Sharkey, was a wizard like Gandalf, but turned evil. He was defeated and now he wants his revenge. But, none of that matters now. What is important is that we figure out how to rescue Sam! I am hoping the Merry and Pippin will arrive soon, but we cannot count on that. I do not know how much resistance they might meet up with on the road here." He stood silent for a few moments considering their few options.
"Rosie, can you take me to Sam tonight?" he asked sitting back down across from her. "Maybe there's something we can do."
Rosie looked towards the window. "I don't know that we'll have enough time, Mr. Frodo," she said lifting her chin, "Dawn's comin'" Frodo turned and saw she was right. The darkness of night was starting to give way to the soft grays of morning.
But Frodo was undaunted and in the end, Rosie agreed to guide him. With luck, maybe they could reach the hut before daylight had fully arrived. They crept from the Cotton's house and started up the South Lane towards Bag End. They ran as quickly as they dared, but it soon became apparent that something was going on. Men were all hurrying in the same direction and they all seemed quite agitated. Frodo and Rosie ducked down behind a hedgerow to avoid one such group. They could easily hear the men's loud voices calling to each other.
"I can't believe them little Shire-rats 'ad the nerve to rise up against Tag's group down there in Frogmorton!" one man was saying in angry disbelief. "I heard some o' the men were even killed!"
"Aye!" another growled menacingly, "One word from the Boss and we'll go teach them little maggots what's what! Love to git me hands around some o' their scrawny little necks!" The other men shouted in agreement and they hurried on toward Bag End.
"Merry and Pippin!" whispered Frodo excitedly gripping Rosie's arm. "They're coming! They're coming!" Rosie grinned back at him, hope in her eyes. As soon as the way was clear, they continued their stealthy way towards the shacks.
Frodo looked worriedly at the sky, it seemed to getting lighter with every passing moment. The final leg of the journey to the sheds felt like it took an eternity, but finally, as they took shelter behind a pile of rocks, Rosie pointed to a shed farther up the hill. "He's in there," she said quietly. Frodo glanced at her pale face and saw a lone tear trickle down her cheek.
"I must go up there," he said with determination. He stood to start moving when Rosie again grabbed his arm and pulled him down. Her eyes were wide with alarm. It was then Frodo heard the footsteps approaching. Cautiously, he peered around his makeshift shelter and watched as a tall, lanky man approached the shed and knocked loudly.
"Hey! Ferny!" the man cried knocking even harder. "Open up!"
It took a few moments, but finally the door reluctantly opened. "Waddaya want, Mac?" Ferny snarled, peering blearily though the doorway. "Aint' even daylight yet!"
"Them bloody hobbits is rising against us!" Mac told him shortly. "We need every able bodied man to head over towards Frogmorton to help put 'em down in and teach 'em a lesson."
"I can't go," protested Ferny swaying unsteadily, "I'm s'posed to string this rebel up this mornin'. So, unless the Boss 'imself orders me to go, I'm staying right 'ere!"
Mac stepped closer and peered around Ferny into the shed. "He don't even look like he's still alive!" Frodo felt his heart drop at that and Rosie gave a small cry of dismay.
"Oh, 'ee's alive alright," mumbled Ferny, "Not too lively after las' night, but 'ee's breathin'! 'Ee was getting mighty uppity las' night an' I had to teach 'im a lesson or two. Then I tied 'im up so's he wouldn't cause me no more trouble."
Mac grunted and stepped back. He surveyed Ferny with disgust. "Well, you don't look like you'd be much use anyways," he snorted and left. Ferny glared at the man's back as he marched back towards Bag End, then Ferny slammed the door shut with a resounding bang. Men were now arriving in greater numbers and if they didn't move soon, Frodo and Rosie would be spotted.
Rosie bit her lip and wiped the tears from her face. "Oh, Mr. Frodo," she whispered. "What shall we do now!? Ferny's awake and all these men! We'll never get into the shed now!"
Frodo grabbed Rosie's hand and led her back down the hill. As soon as they had reached the comparative safety of the hobbit houses, they sat down to rest. Frodo was thinking hard. Surely there had to be some way to rescue Sam It was obvious that Merry or Pippin had reached Frogmorton some 18 miles from Hobbiton. Frodo did not know if they had managed any further than that, but there was no doubt it would take them awhile to reach them. If only they knew when Sam was to be hung! Frodo hoped that most of the men would be off to fight the insurgents which would give him a better chance to save Sam.
Frodo turned to Rosie. "There's only one way I can think of to rescue Sam," he said slowly. "Will they execute him at the Mill?" Rosie nodded, her eyes puzzled. "Then, I must hide there. Saruman's main concern is that Sam is dead before Merry, Pippin and I are supposed to arrive. Now that the hobbits are fighting back, I do not think Saruman will want any hobbits at the execution so a large number of men will not be required to keep them in hand. Plus, I am hoping that most of the men will have gone to fight in Frogmorton." Frodo paused, his hand gently resting on Sting's hilt. He abhorred the thought of violence, but he would do what was necessary to save Sam.
Rosie nodded, for the first time in weeks she allowed herself to feel the slightest bit of hope. She led Frodo through what was left of the darkness to the Mill. It was still belching smoke and roaring it's deafening roar as it always did whether it was grinding grain or not. She pointed to a loading platform extending from the side of the building and stacks of grain bags were piled up filling most of the space. A makeshift gallows had been erected there where it could be easily seen. Jolly's body still hung there, a desolate and lonely figure. Frodo nodded, gave Rosie a quick hug and disappeared into the shadows.
Rosie watched silently until she could no longer see Frodo's fading figure, then looking down, she studied her left hand. She gazed back at the Mill and with her jaw set in defiance, she slowly and deliberately pulled the detested silver ring from her finger, strode over to the river and flung the ring far into the foul, murky water below. She smiled in satisfaction as she heard its tiny splash. Now she had work to do. Turning, she hurried away towards town. Mr. Frodo would not be in this alone.