Chapter 5: Myths of Rivers and Rubbish

It was now past noon and Merry's stomach growled loudly. He had been wandering through fields and brush and he still didn't know where he was. He was just thinking that he wished he were home for the hundredth time when he heard voices off in the distance. They sounded close and they were calling him. "Merry!" the voices called, "Frodo! Merry!" He spun around in place unable to find the direction the voices were coming from.

"I am here!" Merry yelled with all his might. He started to run in one direction before frantically turning and running in another. "Here I am! Here I am!" He called hopefully. The prospect of being found was wonderful. Merry decided right then and there that he was done with adventures, from now on he was staying close to home… well… maybe not too close.



***

They had been searching all night for the two hobbit lads. Word had spread that the boys had not been seen since yesterday afternoon and now all of Buck land appeared to be out looking for them. Small parties had been organized after sunset to search for young Frodo and Merry but they had all returned unsuccessful. Saradoc Brandybuck stood with his wife in a field not far from Brandy Hall. Esmeralda Brandybuck called the boys names over and over in hope of a response. She wanted to keep looking for the boys even though some hobbits had started speaking of searching the river for them. However, Esmeralda was far from believing Frodo and her son had drowned.

"The groups haven't found anything." Saradoc said softly to his wife. She did not answer and instead called again for her son. Upon receiving no response Saradoc continued. "Many were out all night… Some are starting to search the river banks." He said slowly. Esmeralda took a deep breath.

"Frodo and Merry did not drown in the river Saradoc. We both know Frodo doesn't dare go near the river alone at night. He would not take Merry near a place he fears so." Esmeralda paused scanning the fields for any movement before continuing. "They are both alive." She stared at her husband, noting the worry on his face. "You are not one to give up hope so easily. What else troubles you, Saradoc?"

Saradoc took a deep breath and looked away from his wife's gaze. "I spoke with Adda a few moments ago, she spoke ill of Frodo…" Saradoc trailed off.

"Old Adda? She only comes out of her home to enjoy the misfortune of others. What did she say of our Frodo?"

"She spoke of an old wives' tale about rivers and deaths… I don't believe her…it is rubbish Esmeralda."

"What did she say Saradoc? It has obviously upset you."

Saradoc shook head and sighed heavily. "She spoke of a myth that I have not heard since I was very young. I did not think anyone believed in it anymore…. The belief is that if a hobbits' family drowns in a river, then the river will call to the remainder of the family. She says that because the river took Frodo's parents away it calls for Frodo as well… She says she can hear it call his name at night. She says he is destined to be taken in the same way as his parents…It is rubbish, but what she says troubles me still."

Esmeralda took a deep breath and stepped forward. She called out Merry's name and paused. Without looking at Saradoc she spoke, "Do not speak of this to Frodo, I don't want him to hear it."

"I will not, besides it is only a myth…rubbish really." Esmeralda did not answer him as she went back to calling for the two boys. Saradoc soon joined her.



~~~

Some time passed and just as Esmeralda was starting to loose hope, she heard a rustle in the brush. To her surprise a hobbit lad appeared from the brush ahead of her. She gasped and ran forward wit Saradoc at her side.

"Merry!"

"Mama! Papa!" Merry shouted as he met his mother's embrace. "Meriadoc Brandybuck! Where have you been?!" She said pulling her child away so she could see his face, "And what on earth has happened to your pants, the bottom's been ripped off one of the legs!" She pulled Merry close to her again, "You are in so much trouble Meriadoc. Don't ever do that to me again! You're not allowed to leave Brandy Hall ever!" Her words were stern but they were said through happy tears as she hugged Merry as hard as she could.

"Mama?" Merry said trying to get his mother's attention.

"You had me worried sick! All of Buck land is looking for you! You better-"

"MAMA!" Merry shouted pulling himself away from his mother. "I'm sorry mama, it won't happen again, but you have to come with me!"

"What are you talking about Merry?"

"It's Frodo Mama! Frodo got hurt! You have to come with me!" Merry grabbed his mother's hand and attempted to lead her back the way he came.

"Merry wait! Where is Frodo?" Merry continued to pull her hand.

"You have to come! You have to help him! He's hurt you have to help! Come on!" Merry urgently pulled his mother toward the brush. "Papa!" Merry called to his somewhat stunned father, "Hurry Papa! Hurry! We have to go! Come on!" Merry's parents went with him, but Merry would not tell them what had happened, he would only say "We have to hurry, he's hurt! Hurry!" So the two hobbits followed their young son into the fields to find Frodo. Merry didn't know how hurt Frodo was, all he knew was that he had told Frodo he was going to get help and that's what he was going to do.



TO BE CONTINUED …….



A/N: I am not sure of names of hobbits and locations in this fic. If I am really wrong about a name please correct me in a review. BTW, Adda is a made up character. I really enjoy feedback. Right now I am not sure if I like the way I am writing this so feedback is appreciated.

Please review! Thank you!