Prologue: The Cotton's Front Step
How could he tell him? Sam's mind whirled in agony. Between their recovery from the quest and journey home to find the Shire – their home – overrun by ruffians, Sam wasn't sure his master could handle the news he had to give.
Shining as noble as a knight, Sam had galloped Bill the pony right up to the Cotton's front step. Mrs. Cotton was standing on the step with Nibs in front of her wielding a pitchfork. Rosie rushed from the house when she heard Sam's voice. Sam stared at her with shocked eyes at the sight of Rosie holding a baby. He had assumed it was hers, but it wasn't. It came as another shock to hear whom the baby belonged to, and he wiped his face on his sleeve when they told him she was dead.
"Mr. Frodo" called Sam as he came to a halt beside his master's pony.
"One moment, Sam" his master said, turning briefly to look at him then went back to trying to convince the hobbits around him not to slay the ruffians. Frodo was sick of death, and yet the stench of it followed him.
"Mr. Frodo, you need to come now" Sam persisted, laying a hand on his master's shoulder.
Frodo caught the urgent gleam in Sam's eyes, and nodded. "Lead the way."
He asked what was so important, but Sam would not tell – only wiped his eyes some more.
"Why are you taking me out here, Sam? I must be off to Bag End. Dulcie is waiting."
"No, she isn't, sir."
There was a quiver in Sam's voice that made Frodo's heart leap in his throat. "What do you mean? Samwise, tell me!" But they had arrived at the Cotton farm.
Sam rode ahead. He slid off his pony, and walked inside before Frodo could join him. He reached the front step just as Mrs. Cotton walked out the door. She was pale and very aged looking, tears ran down her cheeks. She pulled Frodo into an embrace. He looked up, stunned and confused, at Sam. "Where's Dulcie?" When no one answered, he pulled Mrs. Cotton away and demanded, "Where's my wife?"
"She's gone, cousin," a voice finally answered. It was Rosie. With tears glittering in her eyes but her voice bold, she continued, "She was killed nearly two weeks ago."