King Théoden's Reaction

Welcome back to chapter 5. Please R+R. Enjoy.

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King Théoden came out of his Castle and greeted his guests. 'Welcome, Gandalf and Hobbits. So wonderful to see you again.'

Gandalf and the Hobbits bowed down low to the ground when Théoden came out.

'Théoden we come because I have news for you of Frodo.'

'And what of Mr Frodo Baggins?'

'I think that it might be best if we sit inside. This may come as a shock.'

'Yes I am very sure that Aragorn will want to hear this. He became very fond of Frodo.'

They walked inside and sat down at the long table, used for feasts and important meetings. Aragorn came and sat with them.

'Now, Gandalf, what is so important about our little friend here?' Asked Théoden.

'I think that it might be best if Frodo tells you about it and then we can discuss it.' Answered Gandalf looking at Frodo, whom all eyes suddenly turned too.

Frodo was reluctant to tell them but felt it was best to as he always rathered to listen then to talk. When he had finished Aragorn spoke.

'I am beginning to think that the Ring was more powerful than we had ever suspected.' He sat back in his chair with a look of deep thought on his face. 'Is there nothing we can do? Reverse the damage?'

'I am afraid not. The damage that Sauron's Ring did to Frodo is permanent.' Answered Gandalf.

Suddenly Gandalf felt a tug on his long robes.

'What is it Samwise? I am in the middle of a very important meeting.'

'Well, Mr Gandalf, sir. I was just wondering when we are going to be heading back to the Shire. Rosie is pregnant and she wants me with her during it.'

'Sam! You never told me that Rosie is pregnant!' Frodo exclaimed with a look of joy on his face.

'Sam, we will be getting back to the Shire sooner now that you have spoken of this wonderful news. I am sorry, Master Théoden, but we must be off. Good day to you, and to you Aragorn.'

The Hobbits and Gandalf walked rather quickly out of the front doors. 'Farewell, my friends.' Said Aragorn. 'May we meet again.'

It took them three days to get back to the Shire. Without much rest mind you because Sam had them up early every day. When they got back into the gates of the Shire, Frodo suddenly collapsed again.

'Oh no! Mr Frodo! Gandalf help!' Sam said with a sound of mass panic in his voice.

'Sam help me get him to Bag End. His Weathertop wound has swelled up. He needs dressings for the swelling to go down.'

Sam and Gandalf went as fast as they could to Bag End. When they had laid Frodo on his bed Gandalf let Sam go and see Rosie.

Frodo awoke two hours after being set on his bed to find that his Weathertop wound was pounding.

'Gandalf, what happened?'

'You collapsed just as we entered the gates of the Shire. Sam helped me get you into bed and I have dressed your weathertop wound as it was swollen. I am going to guess and say that you collapsed again because of the pain?'

'Yes, most probably. I didn't want to say anything because I knew how eager Sam was to get back.'

'Oh, Frodo, as long as I have known you, you have put others ahead of yourself. Even when you are in pain and for that I thankyou. Now I am sorry but I have to depart from the Shire for a few weeks. I have called upon someone to take care of you while I am away.'

At that moment Aragorn stepped into Frodo's bedroom. 'Hello again, Frodo. I told you we would meet again soon.'

Frodo laughed. 'It's wonderful to see you again, Aragorn. Gandalf how long—oh he's gone. I hate it when he just disappears like that.' Frodo had a sad look on his face.

'Cheer up, Frodo. You know what Gandalf is like. Here one minute, gone the next. You will see him soon enough I'm sure of it. Now how about some breakfast?'

Frodo got out of bedand got two plates out of the cupboard when Sam, Rosie, Merry and Pippin came in the house.

'Oh, hello, Aragorn. Said Sam. 'Rosie this is Aragorn son of Arathorn. He helped us a lot while we were away taking the Ring to you-know-where. Frodo I thought that it would be better if we referred to the place as you-know-what? You seem to faint when we mention the name.'

'Yes, Sam, I like the sound of that.'

Frodo got out some more plates and the six of them sat down and ate a good breakfast.