elderberrywine (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
elderberrywine) wrote2009-06-01 11:12 am
elderberrywine) wrote2009-06-01 11:12 am
Three cheers for summer
So. With finally being able to take a free breath, here is part two of the latest Baggins/Gamgee. Looks as if there will be three parts in all.
Title: The Case of the Concealed Current, Part Two
Author: Elderberry Wine
Pairing: F/S. Or Baggins/Gamgee, as it were.
Rating: Mild Adult
Word Count: 6515
Summary: What began as a mildly curious case involving the disappearance of pipeweed from Buckland takes a decidedly more sinister turn. And Gamgee discovers a hobby for which he has no patience at all. Part of the 221B Bag End AU.
I sat on my stone again, the fishing pole stuck firmly in the muddy ground, and watched the Stock piers once more. The weather was the same, a determined misty drizzle, the lack of fish was fortunately likewise the same, and the Stock dockside was as deserted as ever. With a sigh, I stared at the weathered sheds with the small boats stacked to the sides, and wiggled my toes in a very nearly vain attempt to keep them from freezing solid. It was a undeniably good thing, I decided gloomily, that I loved Baggins with all my heart, for this was an unrewarding occupation to say the very least, and nothing short of my absolute refusal to ever prove to be a disappointment to him was keeping me here.
Hour after miserable hour crept by, as I awaited the first plausible opportunity to make my way to the inn. I had long since concluded that those who did this for sport were unmitigated fools, that surely there could have been an alternative guise that I could have taken up which would have been more productive, and that I would give my left foot, which indeed I could not feel at the present, for a good hot plate of taters and onions. I had quite nearly reached the point at which I was prepared to toss the whole affair into the Brandywine with a hearty curse, and make my way back to the smial and sulk, taking my chances with Baggins’ disapproval, when there was finally some indication of activity on the river.
A small watercraft with half a dozen crewmembers rowed out of the mist from the lower river. I watched it idly, supposing it to be a fishing vessel such as I had seen yesterday, until it was quickly joined by two more slightly larger watercraft. Curious, I watched this unlikely fleet, and suddenly had the peculiar notion that it might be a prudent move to remain unseen by those on board, whoever they might be.
Acting upon this instinct, I rose up from the stone I was using for a seat, taking the damp blanket upon which I had been sitting as well. I was fairly certain that the modest pole, planted in the mud, would go unnoticed, and did not wish to get any closer to the water’s edge in order to retrieve it. There was a small tangled grove of willows not far from the riverbank, and it was within their shelter that I crept, and then peered out once again.
There was no sign that anyone had noticed my presence, as a sort of conference seemed to be taking place between those on board the three boats. They were not loud about it, and I heard no clear snatches of conversation, but their gestures seemed rather animated, and in the end, some sort of agreement must have been reached, as I could see some of the occupants of one boat clambering into the smaller one, which immediately set off from the other two. The other two slid back into the bend of the Brandywine, where a stand of reeds hid them from sight of the village, and it was instantly as if they had never been there.
The smaller vessel continued toward Stock and soon was pulling up to the pier, where it was met by, I was not in the least surprised to see, my acquaintance of the day before, Nethercleft. Standing on the deserted dock with an imperious air, he barked some sort of order, and the hobbits on the boat quickly scrambled out, tying up the boat to the dock in no time, and followed meekly at his heels into the village.
I contemplated this turn of events thoughtfully. There appeared to be eight to ten hobbits with him, approximately the same number as I had seen yesterday, but there had been nearly twice that many left behind on the two boats which had been hidden. Would they make their way into the village as well, or remain concealed to await whatever orders Nethercleft would chose to give them? What was their mission and why were so many needed?
Those were matters that I needed to discuss with Baggins, but there was something I must do first. Nethercleft, I had to admit, had awakened a sense of daring in my rather staid spirit. In my guise as a traveling gentlehobbit, I felt that I might be able to safely strike up a conversation again, and perhaps gain some valuable information unwittingly from him. I must confess to the temptation of teasing, just in the slightest, what was undoubtedly dangerous game, but the thought of how pleased Baggins would be, should I chance to learn something of import, was extremely alluring. I could almost hear his pleased laugh, and warm praise. And surely, what could possibly happen to a law-abiding gentlehobbit in the respectable village of Stock?
Thus it was that I returned to the inn, to take my chances with their shepherd’s pie once again, and confront the menace that was Nethercleft.
&&&&&
It took me several moments to realize what was different as I entered the Leaping Trout, as the inn was annoyingly named, shortly before noon. The common room seemed crowded enough, but after a few moments I noticed that I was not seeing any of the regular patrons, whom I had come to recognize over the past few days. The assembly was boisterous and filled with bulky sorts who appeared to be well on their way to having the sort of night that one regretted the next morning, despite the fact that the sun, had one been visible under the thick layer of damp fog, must surely only just be reaching its zenith.
I instinctively looked about for the chief of this rowdy crew, and quickly spotted him at a place of honor near the fire, his back conveniently to me. I must admit I was of two minds at this point. The wise course of action would have been to sensibly retire to the smial and await Baggins’ arrival later this night to inform as to what I had seen. The rash course of action would be to draw attention to myself, to bait this Nethercleft, and see what else I might learn. The choice of a reckless simpleton, without a doubt, and of course it was the one I chose.
Ordering my meal from the clearly cowed proprietor, I took the pro-offered mug in hand and made my way to the fire. “Beastly day, isn’t it?” I interrupted his monologue to his underlings as I made myself at home one seat closer to the fire than the one in which he sat, and propped my feet up on a stool near the hearth with quite a proprietary air. Those near him fell instantly into a hushed silence, as I met his suddenly darkened face with what was, I have to admit, a distinctly idiotic grin.
I could hear the conversation of those surrounding us suddenly halted, the silence circling out from our center as the ripples in still water when one tosses a stone into a pond, and desperately hoped that I had not calculated incorrectly. For the space of at least a couple of minutes, all of the common room fell into a waiting stillness, except for my rapidly beating heart, which I was absolutely certain must have been audible to one and all.
He regarded me with a black stare, and then just when I had decided that if I made a sudden break for it, and gave the rather scrawny underling near the door a hearty kick, I might actually be able to escape this band of thieves, he burst into a loud guffaw. “Still looking for fish, are we?” he gave me a hearty clout on my shoulder, and I gave a well-concealed sigh of relief.
“Well, I did lease the smial for the week,” I mentioned mildly, “and whether there are fish or no, I do hate to waste a perfectly good lodging.”
“Indeed,” he gave me a raised eyebrow. “I suspect we all have our own ideas of entertainment, don’t we, then?”
“Ah, well, I might as well be here as anywhere else,” I shrugged, with a hint of boredom. “I suppose I’ll be moving on, soon enough, but the beer here is fairly decent, and sport is rather sparse, this time of year, no matter where one is.”
“You interest me, Underhill,” and I noted the lack of a title.
I shrugged and took a sip from my mug.
“Where would your people be from, then?” he continued, with the slightest note of malice creeping into his voice.
“Oh, up North Farthing way,” I responded lightly, quickly trying to think of the most remote location I could. “I don’t suppose you’ve heard of Far Bindle, have you?”
Thankfully, he continued to study me without a hint of recognition.
“A bit beyond that, you know.” I saw with delight that my meal was approaching in the tremulous hands of the proprietor’s scrawny young assistant. Surely I could not be expected to keep up my end of this exchange as I ate, which would leave me able to eavesdrop, should he chose to resume the conversation that had broken off at my approach. He studied me thoughtfully for a moment more, and then shrugged slightly, standing up and motioning to the proprietor himself, who left the safety of the bar quite rapidly and scurried over to us, spasmodically wiping a mug out with a dish towel.
“Has the shed been seen to?” Nethercleft asked him sternly. “Is it empty and swept out well? I expected my shipment tomorrow, and will be extremely ill-pleased if it has to stand out in the rain.”
“Oh, yes, indeed it has,” the innkeeper assured him, with a bit of a bow. “Quite tidy, just as you wish. I have seen to it myself, sir.”
I could not help crooking an eyebrow at that address. Nethercleft did not strike me in the least as a gentlehobbit, but in this village, he seemed to be someone even more powerful than that.
But Nethercleft grunted in reply, and then turned about and barked orders to his crew in a tongue that I did not recognize in the least. I nearly bit my tongue at this turn of events, but continued to eat my meal as imperturbably as possible. With a thrill, I anticipated Baggins’ reaction to this unexpected twist, and tried to fix some of the mysterious words into my memory. There was a guttural, harsh sound to them, and I suddenly thought of the men who we had encountered last year, who had been in Lotho Sackville-Baggins’ company, although Nethercleft and his band were unmistakably hobbits.
With a final inscrutable glance at me, in which he seemed to me to be fixing my features firmly in his memory, Nethercleft strode out of the inn, with his crew trailing haphazardly behind, and I was left in the sudden hush, to finish my beer in company of the crackling flames and a pair of sluggish flies.
&&&&&&
I hardly let Baggins remove his cloak, later that night when he returned to the smial well after dark, before divulging my news. Eagerly, I told him of the two hidden boats, and the mysterious language that Nethercleft had employed, as I poured him a steaming cup of tea. His expression, which had been somewhat drawn, and even a bit haggard as he had entered, immediately flickered back to something more like normal, and he sank into the pile of cushions I had prepared before the fire with a grateful sigh and a deep draught of his tea.
“Excellent, Gamgee, very nicely done,” he praised me with a warm smile, and I knew I would have marched in to the very mouth of a dragon for the sake of that look.
“Well, I was curious, and it seemed as though he was continuing to think me quite the fool, so I thought there’d be no harm in pushing it a bit.” I settled quite close to him with my cup as well, turning my toes to the fire.
“All the same, my dear, it will not pay to play that card too often,” he returned, his face growing suddenly serious. “Nethercleft is a dangerous and unpredictable quantity, and should be treated warily indeed. I must caution you, Sam dear, do not tempt him too often.”
“Oh, I imagine I can take care of myself, well enough,” I responded somewhat airily, before polishing off a good deal of my own tea. “Now, why don’t you stay just as you are, and we can make a proper picnic of our meal here. No need to sit in those heavy chairs, is there?”
“Capital idea, my dear, since I really don’t think I could move a muscle at the moment,” he answered wryly, the fatigue settling back on his features. “Impersonating a working river hobbit is one thing, but actually carrying through with it is an entirely different matter. I thought I was in rather good shape, but apparently I had quite deceived myself about my capabilities.”
I cast a quick glance at him, as I brought him his dinner plate, and found nothing amiss with his shape at all, but thought it prudent not to mention that fact for the moment.
“But tell me again, Sam,” he continued as we ate, his curiosity piqued once again, “what were those words you heard?”
I repeated him, as best I was able, and he hummed thoughtfully, his eyes going distant and his food temporarily forgotten.
“An odd language indeed,” he murmured, his fork waving absentmindedly in circles. “Certainly not any form of elvish, and although harsh, not dwarvish either. As you say, it has something of the flavor of the language of the men from the south whom we encountered in Lotho’s company, and yet I think it is different, somehow. Certainly the mystery would lessen, if they were the same, and yet facts can’t always be driven where one would have them go.”
As I watched in fond bemusement, regretfully noting the food beginning to grow cold on his plate, he suddenly blinked, and seemed to return to the present. “Well, certainly a matter that deserves further consideration. However, Sam my dear, judging from the preparations regarding the shed, and the snippets that I have picked up from my end of it, the Buckland shipment is due in tomorrow, and with it, Merry. You must run into him, but in a natural sort of way, and invite him to visit for the evening. Bring him up to date on all we know, and I will try to join you later if at all possible. But remember what I told you, Sam dear. If I am unable to come, I will notch the tree, once for every night I expect to be gone. Be quite cautious around Nethercleft, and stick to Merry at all costs. He must not be allowed to be Nethercleft’s next victim, if indeed that is what happened to Tobias. It seems preposterous that this scoundrel would dare to threaten the heir of Brandy Hall, and yet I do not put it past him, not in the least. And now, my dear, I must retire, for these infernal early mornings are not in the least to my liking,” and he emphasized the point with a hearty yawn.
I nodded, and gave the room a quick glance. The dishes could be done in the morning; not a distasteful chore at all, as compared to my tedious vigil awaiting the mythical fish. I quickly banked the fire and pinched out the candles, following Baggins into the bedroom of our humble smial, where he was already shedding his clothing with all due speed. I followed suit, and pinching out this candle as well, crawled into the bed in the darkness.
“Ah, Samwise,” I heard him sigh in the dark, as I fit spoonwise against his back, his arms clasping mine closely to him. “You are such a comfort, love. I can’t imagine how I ever thought my life was worth living without you.”
I buried my nose at the back of his neck and tightened my embrace, unable to speak for the moment. “I don’t plan on being anywhere else, Frodo me dearie,” I breathed, as soon as I was able. “Sleep now, love. Your Sam has you.”
It wasn’t long before his breathing fell into the steady rhythm of sleep, but I held him and treasured the feel of him in my arms for a long good while before I fell asleep as well.
&&&&&
I had just barely arrived at my by now customary position the next morning at the river’s edge, when the procession from Buckland broke through the mist, making its way up from the lower river. It was, I must admit, nearly mid-morning, for I had leisurely tidied up the smial before finally making my way to the riverbank with the greatest of reluctance. The fishing pole was stuck, once more, in the mud, but that was as far as I was prepared to go at this point in service of this ridiculous charade.
The Buckland contingent consisted of four large flat barges, and a couple of smaller more nimble boats, nudging the others along. To my relief, the figure of Meriadoc Brandybuck, with his tall frame and golden hair, was unmistakable, in the first boat, consulting with an older hobbit. The cargo, presumably Longbottom leaf, was well wrapped and neatly stacked in the barges, and there were several hobbits standing guard, with a wary eye, in each. Brandy Hall was, apparently, taking no chances with this last shipment.
I gave the Buckland flotilla time to dock at the Stock piers, and meet with the local officials, who quickly presented themselves, before I pitched my gear into a small patch of shrubbery, with a fervent hope to never be forced to retrieve it again, and then rapidly made my way to the inn, to meet up with Merry.
&&&&&
Brandybuck was seated at the table nearest the fire with a group of his hobbits, foaming mug in hand, as I entered the Leaping Trout. I gave a quick glance about, and did not see Nethercleft, but rather recognized some of his underlings at one of the farther tables, unabashedly watching the contingent from Buckland. Anything that occurred within the inn would immediately be known to Nethercleft, I had no doubt.
Ordering my standard lunch from the markedly calmer proprietor, I sauntered up to Brandybuck’s table, my own mug in hand. “Brandybuck, wasn’t it?” I mentioned cheerfully, standing hopefully near an empty chair.
“Er, um, Underhill, right?” Brandybuck stammered in the most natural manner, with a grin, as he sprang to his feet. “Still here for sport, I see?”
“Hope does spring eternal,” I gave him a polite nod. “May as well be here as anywhere else, I suppose.”
“Indeed,” Frodo’s cousin responded politely, indicating the empty seat. “Won’t you join me?”
We chatted lightly as I finished my meal, and soon as I could, for Brandybuck’s composure seemed to be a trifle thin from time to time, I rose and made my excuses. “If you’re going to be about this evening,” I mentioned, with a polite bow, “you’re quite welcome to pop by my smial for a bite. Down at the end of the river road, red door. Nothing too extravagant, mind you, but a bit of company would be most welcome.”
“Good of you, Underhill,” he nodded, with a courteous smile. “I most certainly will, if at all possible.”
As I left, I noticed that Nethercleft’s underlings still had their attention fixed on Brandybuck, rather than myself, and gave a sigh of relief.
&&&&&
To my great delight, as I approached our temporary shelter, I noticed a slight curl of smoke from the chimney low on the hill, and deduced that Baggins must have arrived before me.
As indeed he had. As a matter of fact, I found him very soundly asleep, still fully dressed but wrapped in a blanket and comfortably nestled in the pillows that I had left before the hearth, in lieu of any more substantial furniture. I knelt at his side for a few moments, stuck with the wonder with which one watches one’s beloved when they are entirely unconscious of your gaze, and marvels, yet once again, how this utterly glorious creature could possibly be yours.
But Baggins seemed to have a sixth sense about being observed, and sleepily blinked and squinted up at me. “There you are, Gamgee,” he murmured, his voice still slurred with sleep. “I thought you’d be showing up before long. Just thought I’d take the opportunity to catch a bit of sleep as it promises to be a very long night.”
I took that as an invitation, and Baggins’ low laugh quickly confirmed that fact, as I hastily ensured the lock in the front door was firmly in place, and shed my clothing with all due haste. “Come, now, Baggins,” I pointed out, as I knelt next to him, “that clothing does not look at all comfortable. Surely it’s bound to pinch you in the most unpleasant of ways.”
He drowsily chuckled at my comment. “I suppose it does, my dear, but I was far too tired to care, when I lay down at first.”
“And now?” I prompted him.
“Not nearly as tired,” he smiled up at me, that certain light sparking in his eyes; an indication, as I had come to know, of delights to come.
And indeed they did, as we made short work, working together, of his garments, and then were in each other’s arms. What can I say of the joy that we found there other than these precious stolen moments allowed us cast aside the rest of the world and admit to nothing else but the ecstasy and fulfillment that we found in each other? It was growing dark, although neither of us would have noticed, when we fell into a deep and thoroughly satisfied slumber, tightly wrapped together.
&&&&&
The rap upon the door was annoyingly insistent, as I cracked an eye open and then realized, to my alarm, that it must be Brandybuck. Hissing that information in Frodo’s ear, I sprang to my feet, and snatched my clothing up. Hopping on one foot in the most ridiculous manner, I’m quite sure, I managed to get most of my clothing on, and Baggins prudently hastily retrieved his, and scrambled into our small bedroom.
Giving myself a final check to make sure that all was properly in place, I unlocked the door, and greeted our guest, impatiently shuffling his feet in the dusk, obviously chilled by the frosty evening drizzle.
“Not a fit night to be out, under any circumstances,” he grumbled, as I opened the door to admit him. “Certainly took your time about it, Gamgee.”
I began to respond, when I heard Baggins’ voice behind me, greeting his cousin with amusement. “Don’t be taking it out on poor Gamgee, old chap, we’ve a long night ahead of us, and I advised him to take a nap. Rum doings here, Merry, old thing. It’s best to be prepared.”
“Well, I’m not surprised in the least, but couldn’t a fellow at least get a cup of hot tea before all misfortune breaks loose?” Merry continued to grouse, giving Baggins a brief nod and then thrusting out his hands to the fire to warm them. I hastened forward then, for Merry entirely had the right of it, to my mind, and thrust the kettle out over the fire, stirring it up a bit for good measure.
“Have a pillow,” Baggins chuckled, seeing his cousin’s eye fall on the pile of them in a heap before the fire. “Not much in the way of furniture here, but you’ll find them surprisingly comfortable. I’ll manage the tea,” he added, turning to me with a warm smile, “if you can put together a bite for us to eat. We shall need all our strength tonight.”
“Well then, Frodo, exactly what is going on here?’ Merry asked impatiently as he made himself comfortable, and watched Baggins steep the tea. “That was without a doubt one of the most nefarious collection of scoundrels I’ve seen in a long time, assembled there at the inn. You and Gamgee have been here several days now. What have you discovered?”
“That your cargo shall disappear tonight,” Baggins answered simply, glancing over his shoulder at Brandybuck.
“Not if I can help it,” was the growl in response, but Baggins shook his head sternly.
“Indeed, Merry, that is precisely it. You must not try to stop it, for if I may say so, that will prove to be impossible. These are extremely dangerous villains and will not hesitate in the least to take a life in pursuit of their objective. They are not a local band of ruffians at all, but are being supported and funded by greater forces, possibly from even outside the Shire. What that force is needs to be discovered, and so we must play along with these rogues until we know more. I have been, indeed, hired by them in order to assist in lifting your cargo off the ships tonight. There is a storehouse for it here, but from then, where it goes I do not know. And that is a fact which I plan to uncover.”
He turned to me then, and I could see, so very clearly, the suppressed excitement in his expression. “You must stick quite close to Merry, Gamgee. I do not think that they will take the chance of doing him an ill turn, but I cannot be absolutely sure of that. I plan on following along with Nethercleft’s minions, until I know more. I will meet you both back here as soon as I am able, but remember our code. If I must be gone, I will try to mark the tree if at all possible.”
“As you wish, Baggins,” I responded, not caring for this plan in the least but putting the best face on it.
Brandybuck, holding his mug of hot tea unnoticed in his hands, glanced back and forth between the both of us and nodded at last. “Very well, then,” he murmured, “I will leave it to the both of you. But this is certainly a grim situation to be in for the sake of some pipeweed.”
“Undoubtedly,” Baggins answered him darkly. “If indeed that is all that is at stake. That, however, is a matter that has yet to be determined.”
&&&&&
Night had fallen in earnest as we left the smial, and made our way to the docks of Stock. It was unpleasantly damp, and the swirls of mist from the river promised to soon intensify and solidify into a thick fog. Baggins left us soon enough, to meet up with his fellow laborers at the inn, as he had been instructed earlier by Nethercleft’s foreman, but I had a chance, as Brandybuck’s back was to us, to quickly reach out and tightly grasp his hand. He smiled at me, and even though he had already taken the precaution of smearing his face with a bit of grime, and had covered his head with a well-worn cap, I could still see the warmth in his eyes as he returned my grip with his own. “Take care, my dear, and I will as well,” he murmured so softly that Brandybuck never heard, but I did. I nodded, with a gulp, and almost wished I dare take another kiss, but there was a fork in the road ahead, and Brandybuck was beginning to turn around for directions, and so I quickly let go. With a last piercing glance, and an intimate smile, he was gone into the murky night.
“Well, I certainly hope you know your way about this depressing burg, for I swear I have no idea in the least which way town is,” Brandybuck complained with a frown, stamping his feet to keep them warm. “And where on earth has Frodo gotten off to?”
“No idea. He doesn’t tell me everything he’s up to, you know,” I replied a bit testily, not liking in the least the direction this whole affair was beginning to take. “That way, towards the river,” I nodded, answering, at any rate, the first of his questions. “It’s easiest to find the docks and go from there.”
“I still don’t see why I shouldn’t join back up with my hobbits on our boats,” he grumbled, as we cautiously trudged along the muddy path in the gloom. “I can understand that Frodo doesn’t want us to strongly resist, if these fellows are as bloodthirsty as he claims them to be, but we could still put up a bit of a fuss instead of politely handing the cargo over to them.”
“I believe the main thrust of what he was saying is that you are not to be on the boats,” I returned, somewhat sharply. “Certainly there is no reason I could not give them that message, but I know he is concerned that they will not stop at taking you hostage.”
“But that would be a capital idea,” he turned to me, and even in the shadows, I could see the gleam of excitement in his eyes. “I could find out so much more about their plans, that way.”
“Not if you are blindfolded and bound up like a bundle of dirty wash,” I replied grimly, having been in that situation myself. “And you’re assuming Baggins and I would be able to get you out of that fix. Need I remind you that we have seen nothing of your hobbit, Tobias?”
“Ah, yes, I suppose there is that,” and his face fell. “Still, I think there would be no harm in your passing the word to at least Peder. He’s the captain of the first boat, and the hobbit in charge when I am gone.”
Much as I hated to disregard Frodo’s explicit instructions, that did seem like a reasonable request. “Very well,” I agreed. “I’ll meet back up with you at the inn. You should be safe enough alone for a brief time, in such a public place. But I’ll need some sort of token, so that they know I’ve come from you.”
“A good point.” He thought for a moment and then pulled out his pipe. “Here, Peder will recognize this well enough. But be sure to tell him if he allows it to come to any grief, he owes me a jug of that cider ale he does so well. With those apples my father never misses from the orchard. He’ll know you’re from me, then, sure enough.”
I gave a snort of amusement. “You need to send some of that Bag End way, likewise. ‘Tis been far too long since I’ve tasted a fine batch of cider ale. It’s the least you can do for the trouble you’ve been to the two of us.”
“Indeed, Gamgee, you’ve begun to sound positively like an old housewife,” he grinned mischievously at me. “Where’s your sense of adventure, old thing?”
With a guilty start, I realized that he was quite right. However, my sense of adventure was awakened in a direct proportion to my proximity to Frodo, a fact I though it prudent not to mention to him, so I gave a noncommittal grunt, and since we were approaching the outskirts of Stock, indicated the lights of the inn, hardly discernible in the gloom.
“There you go then. I should be joining you shortly. Try not to do any mischief, and do not leave, under any circumstance, until I’m back.”
“Yes’m, Goody Gamgee,” was his laughing response, and he was soon gone into the fog.
&&&&&
The flotilla from Buckland was still moored where they had been earlier that day, I found to my relief. Taut thick canvases covered the cargo that was neatly stacked on top of the low flat boats, and the lights were lit in the cabins below, where most of the crew would be waiting out the night in warmth, and at least a bit of comfort. Only a few stood sentinel on the upper decks, well-wrapped in thick cloaks and stoically smoking their pipes in the thick mist. I hailed the nearest boat, as I reached the end of the dock, and called out for Peder. Fortunately, he was in that boat, and after having been summoned up by the guard, gave me a wary look and shoved a small skiff out in the direction of the dock, manned by a rather disgruntled hobbit with a pole.
“Look lively, now, good sir, there’d be no need to be out in this damp any longer than needs be,” my pilot grumbled, as I clumsily lowered myself into the rocking vessel.
I couldn’t agree with him more on that point, for one would be hard pressed to find a hobbit who disliked being suspended above water more than I, but there was no time to waste as far as my returning to the inn, and trying to convince Peder that we should be having this conversation on land was clearly impractical. So I nodded without a word, clutched tightly to the sides of the tiny boat, and allowed myself to be ferried out to the barge.
Peder hauled me aboard with what was unmistakably a smirk, but that quickly disappeared as I explained by mission and produced Brandybuck’s pipe. “So Master Merry’d just be wantin’ us to sit back and let these villains make off with the leaf?” he asked me incredulously. “ ‘Tis hard to believe that, now, sure enough!”
“It is only for the time being,” I assured him. “Just until Brandybuck, Baggins and I can determine exactly what’s behind this whole plot.”
“Oh, well, now, you say Mister Baggins is in on this likewise? Mister Frodo Baggins, that would be?” he exclaimed, his face immediately clearing. “Indeed, that is an entirely different matter altogether! Very well, then, I’ll pass a word to the lads. We’ll put up a bit of a fight, just so’s they won’t suspect nothing, but then lay low until we get further word.”
“Absolutely the best plan,” I agreed, gratified to find that Baggins’ name had had such an effect. “Now if you don’t mind, I must be back to the inn. I’m not to know anything about you all, you see.”
“Aye, sure enough, lad. Underhill, you said your name was? Off w’you then, and tell them as we’ll be followin’ through, sure enough,” Peder chuckled, and I bobbled my way back to shore.
&&&&&
The light from the windows of the inn shone through the fog with a welcome gleam, but there was something that struck me as wrong as I approached. Only as I put my hand on the handle of the weathered door did I realize what it was.
No inn had the right to ever be this silent, I realized, even as I was in the act of pulling the door open. Not surprising, since it was, as far as I could see, absolutely deserted. Signs indicated, however, that it had not been long so. Full tankards and mugs still lay on the tables, along with plates full with dinner, but there were also a few mugs and plates overturned on the floor. The fire crackled cheerfully but there was not a soul in front of it.
With growing fear and concern, I looked about the place, and called out, not caring at this point that I might be overheard. Surely an uninvolved patron, as I still hoped to be considered, might be allowed some alarm at a scene such as this.
Finally I heard a rustle behind the broad bar, and a small lad, no more than a teen, popped his terrified face over the counter.
“What’s all this now?” I exclaimed, trying to maintain a reassuring expression for his sake, despite my increasing apprehension. “Looks like a whirlwind swept everyone out.”
“ ‘Twas no wind,” the lad quavered, still clutching the counter with whitened knuckles. “Ain’t no wind as comes blowin’ in with knives and staffs. ‘Twas Nethercleft’s ruffians,” and he paused here to spit contemptuously on the floor, “as took all the decent folk, and the master, too, off w’them. Tied ‘em up and hauled them off, and hurt some of them pretty bad likewise.”
“Did they say why or where?” I breathed in horror.
But the lad just shook his head. “Just summat about not allowing any prying eyes to be left behind,” he gulped. “The master, he shoved me under the counter when he seen them burst in, but he ain’t had no time t’hide himself. An’ he was that good a master t’me, too,” he added with tears unmistakably ready to follow.
But there was one more piece of information I had to have. “Tell me, lad,” I questioned him fervently, “was there a gentlehobbit here too? Brandybuck by name, tall with yellowish hair?”
“Oh, aye, I had noticed him right off, since the master seemed right pleased to have him here. I didn’t see what happened to him proper, since I was under the counter, but I did hear him call something out as they burst in, someone’s name.”
“What was the name?” I urged him, intently. “Think, lad, it’s that important!”
“Not one as I knew,” he paused for a moment, with his tears postponed as he thought with deliberation. “Thomas, was it? No, that ain’t right. Ah, ‘twas Tobias!”
For some reason, that answer did not surprise me in the least.
&&&&&
There was a growing pit of fear in my stomach as I rushed out into the dank night and made my way back to the dock with all the speed I could. The dock, when I reached it, was still lit by the one dim lantern hanging on the old post, as it had been earlier that evening, but there was one difference in the scene presented by its flickering light. The boats from Buckland were not there. Desperately, I ran to the end of the pier and scanned the river as far as it could be seen, but it was useless. They simply were not there, just as if they had never been.
There was one more matter left to be determined, and I snatched up the old lantern and scrambled down the muddy path from the dock, making my frantic way to the outskirts of that accursed town.
I knew what I would find before I held the lantern up in my trembling hand, and yet I had to look. Three slashes on the tree were there. Frodo was gone, and I was alone.
And here is Part One, if you missed it.
http://elderberrywine.livejournal.com/47624.html#cutid1
Title: The Case of the Concealed Current, Part Two
Author: Elderberry Wine
Pairing: F/S. Or Baggins/Gamgee, as it were.
Rating: Mild Adult
Word Count: 6515
Summary: What began as a mildly curious case involving the disappearance of pipeweed from Buckland takes a decidedly more sinister turn. And Gamgee discovers a hobby for which he has no patience at all. Part of the 221B Bag End AU.
I sat on my stone again, the fishing pole stuck firmly in the muddy ground, and watched the Stock piers once more. The weather was the same, a determined misty drizzle, the lack of fish was fortunately likewise the same, and the Stock dockside was as deserted as ever. With a sigh, I stared at the weathered sheds with the small boats stacked to the sides, and wiggled my toes in a very nearly vain attempt to keep them from freezing solid. It was a undeniably good thing, I decided gloomily, that I loved Baggins with all my heart, for this was an unrewarding occupation to say the very least, and nothing short of my absolute refusal to ever prove to be a disappointment to him was keeping me here.
Hour after miserable hour crept by, as I awaited the first plausible opportunity to make my way to the inn. I had long since concluded that those who did this for sport were unmitigated fools, that surely there could have been an alternative guise that I could have taken up which would have been more productive, and that I would give my left foot, which indeed I could not feel at the present, for a good hot plate of taters and onions. I had quite nearly reached the point at which I was prepared to toss the whole affair into the Brandywine with a hearty curse, and make my way back to the smial and sulk, taking my chances with Baggins’ disapproval, when there was finally some indication of activity on the river.
A small watercraft with half a dozen crewmembers rowed out of the mist from the lower river. I watched it idly, supposing it to be a fishing vessel such as I had seen yesterday, until it was quickly joined by two more slightly larger watercraft. Curious, I watched this unlikely fleet, and suddenly had the peculiar notion that it might be a prudent move to remain unseen by those on board, whoever they might be.
Acting upon this instinct, I rose up from the stone I was using for a seat, taking the damp blanket upon which I had been sitting as well. I was fairly certain that the modest pole, planted in the mud, would go unnoticed, and did not wish to get any closer to the water’s edge in order to retrieve it. There was a small tangled grove of willows not far from the riverbank, and it was within their shelter that I crept, and then peered out once again.
There was no sign that anyone had noticed my presence, as a sort of conference seemed to be taking place between those on board the three boats. They were not loud about it, and I heard no clear snatches of conversation, but their gestures seemed rather animated, and in the end, some sort of agreement must have been reached, as I could see some of the occupants of one boat clambering into the smaller one, which immediately set off from the other two. The other two slid back into the bend of the Brandywine, where a stand of reeds hid them from sight of the village, and it was instantly as if they had never been there.
The smaller vessel continued toward Stock and soon was pulling up to the pier, where it was met by, I was not in the least surprised to see, my acquaintance of the day before, Nethercleft. Standing on the deserted dock with an imperious air, he barked some sort of order, and the hobbits on the boat quickly scrambled out, tying up the boat to the dock in no time, and followed meekly at his heels into the village.
I contemplated this turn of events thoughtfully. There appeared to be eight to ten hobbits with him, approximately the same number as I had seen yesterday, but there had been nearly twice that many left behind on the two boats which had been hidden. Would they make their way into the village as well, or remain concealed to await whatever orders Nethercleft would chose to give them? What was their mission and why were so many needed?
Those were matters that I needed to discuss with Baggins, but there was something I must do first. Nethercleft, I had to admit, had awakened a sense of daring in my rather staid spirit. In my guise as a traveling gentlehobbit, I felt that I might be able to safely strike up a conversation again, and perhaps gain some valuable information unwittingly from him. I must confess to the temptation of teasing, just in the slightest, what was undoubtedly dangerous game, but the thought of how pleased Baggins would be, should I chance to learn something of import, was extremely alluring. I could almost hear his pleased laugh, and warm praise. And surely, what could possibly happen to a law-abiding gentlehobbit in the respectable village of Stock?
Thus it was that I returned to the inn, to take my chances with their shepherd’s pie once again, and confront the menace that was Nethercleft.
&&&&&
It took me several moments to realize what was different as I entered the Leaping Trout, as the inn was annoyingly named, shortly before noon. The common room seemed crowded enough, but after a few moments I noticed that I was not seeing any of the regular patrons, whom I had come to recognize over the past few days. The assembly was boisterous and filled with bulky sorts who appeared to be well on their way to having the sort of night that one regretted the next morning, despite the fact that the sun, had one been visible under the thick layer of damp fog, must surely only just be reaching its zenith.
I instinctively looked about for the chief of this rowdy crew, and quickly spotted him at a place of honor near the fire, his back conveniently to me. I must admit I was of two minds at this point. The wise course of action would have been to sensibly retire to the smial and await Baggins’ arrival later this night to inform as to what I had seen. The rash course of action would be to draw attention to myself, to bait this Nethercleft, and see what else I might learn. The choice of a reckless simpleton, without a doubt, and of course it was the one I chose.
Ordering my meal from the clearly cowed proprietor, I took the pro-offered mug in hand and made my way to the fire. “Beastly day, isn’t it?” I interrupted his monologue to his underlings as I made myself at home one seat closer to the fire than the one in which he sat, and propped my feet up on a stool near the hearth with quite a proprietary air. Those near him fell instantly into a hushed silence, as I met his suddenly darkened face with what was, I have to admit, a distinctly idiotic grin.
I could hear the conversation of those surrounding us suddenly halted, the silence circling out from our center as the ripples in still water when one tosses a stone into a pond, and desperately hoped that I had not calculated incorrectly. For the space of at least a couple of minutes, all of the common room fell into a waiting stillness, except for my rapidly beating heart, which I was absolutely certain must have been audible to one and all.
He regarded me with a black stare, and then just when I had decided that if I made a sudden break for it, and gave the rather scrawny underling near the door a hearty kick, I might actually be able to escape this band of thieves, he burst into a loud guffaw. “Still looking for fish, are we?” he gave me a hearty clout on my shoulder, and I gave a well-concealed sigh of relief.
“Well, I did lease the smial for the week,” I mentioned mildly, “and whether there are fish or no, I do hate to waste a perfectly good lodging.”
“Indeed,” he gave me a raised eyebrow. “I suspect we all have our own ideas of entertainment, don’t we, then?”
“Ah, well, I might as well be here as anywhere else,” I shrugged, with a hint of boredom. “I suppose I’ll be moving on, soon enough, but the beer here is fairly decent, and sport is rather sparse, this time of year, no matter where one is.”
“You interest me, Underhill,” and I noted the lack of a title.
I shrugged and took a sip from my mug.
“Where would your people be from, then?” he continued, with the slightest note of malice creeping into his voice.
“Oh, up North Farthing way,” I responded lightly, quickly trying to think of the most remote location I could. “I don’t suppose you’ve heard of Far Bindle, have you?”
Thankfully, he continued to study me without a hint of recognition.
“A bit beyond that, you know.” I saw with delight that my meal was approaching in the tremulous hands of the proprietor’s scrawny young assistant. Surely I could not be expected to keep up my end of this exchange as I ate, which would leave me able to eavesdrop, should he chose to resume the conversation that had broken off at my approach. He studied me thoughtfully for a moment more, and then shrugged slightly, standing up and motioning to the proprietor himself, who left the safety of the bar quite rapidly and scurried over to us, spasmodically wiping a mug out with a dish towel.
“Has the shed been seen to?” Nethercleft asked him sternly. “Is it empty and swept out well? I expected my shipment tomorrow, and will be extremely ill-pleased if it has to stand out in the rain.”
“Oh, yes, indeed it has,” the innkeeper assured him, with a bit of a bow. “Quite tidy, just as you wish. I have seen to it myself, sir.”
I could not help crooking an eyebrow at that address. Nethercleft did not strike me in the least as a gentlehobbit, but in this village, he seemed to be someone even more powerful than that.
But Nethercleft grunted in reply, and then turned about and barked orders to his crew in a tongue that I did not recognize in the least. I nearly bit my tongue at this turn of events, but continued to eat my meal as imperturbably as possible. With a thrill, I anticipated Baggins’ reaction to this unexpected twist, and tried to fix some of the mysterious words into my memory. There was a guttural, harsh sound to them, and I suddenly thought of the men who we had encountered last year, who had been in Lotho Sackville-Baggins’ company, although Nethercleft and his band were unmistakably hobbits.
With a final inscrutable glance at me, in which he seemed to me to be fixing my features firmly in his memory, Nethercleft strode out of the inn, with his crew trailing haphazardly behind, and I was left in the sudden hush, to finish my beer in company of the crackling flames and a pair of sluggish flies.
&&&&&&
I hardly let Baggins remove his cloak, later that night when he returned to the smial well after dark, before divulging my news. Eagerly, I told him of the two hidden boats, and the mysterious language that Nethercleft had employed, as I poured him a steaming cup of tea. His expression, which had been somewhat drawn, and even a bit haggard as he had entered, immediately flickered back to something more like normal, and he sank into the pile of cushions I had prepared before the fire with a grateful sigh and a deep draught of his tea.
“Excellent, Gamgee, very nicely done,” he praised me with a warm smile, and I knew I would have marched in to the very mouth of a dragon for the sake of that look.
“Well, I was curious, and it seemed as though he was continuing to think me quite the fool, so I thought there’d be no harm in pushing it a bit.” I settled quite close to him with my cup as well, turning my toes to the fire.
“All the same, my dear, it will not pay to play that card too often,” he returned, his face growing suddenly serious. “Nethercleft is a dangerous and unpredictable quantity, and should be treated warily indeed. I must caution you, Sam dear, do not tempt him too often.”
“Oh, I imagine I can take care of myself, well enough,” I responded somewhat airily, before polishing off a good deal of my own tea. “Now, why don’t you stay just as you are, and we can make a proper picnic of our meal here. No need to sit in those heavy chairs, is there?”
“Capital idea, my dear, since I really don’t think I could move a muscle at the moment,” he answered wryly, the fatigue settling back on his features. “Impersonating a working river hobbit is one thing, but actually carrying through with it is an entirely different matter. I thought I was in rather good shape, but apparently I had quite deceived myself about my capabilities.”
I cast a quick glance at him, as I brought him his dinner plate, and found nothing amiss with his shape at all, but thought it prudent not to mention that fact for the moment.
“But tell me again, Sam,” he continued as we ate, his curiosity piqued once again, “what were those words you heard?”
I repeated him, as best I was able, and he hummed thoughtfully, his eyes going distant and his food temporarily forgotten.
“An odd language indeed,” he murmured, his fork waving absentmindedly in circles. “Certainly not any form of elvish, and although harsh, not dwarvish either. As you say, it has something of the flavor of the language of the men from the south whom we encountered in Lotho’s company, and yet I think it is different, somehow. Certainly the mystery would lessen, if they were the same, and yet facts can’t always be driven where one would have them go.”
As I watched in fond bemusement, regretfully noting the food beginning to grow cold on his plate, he suddenly blinked, and seemed to return to the present. “Well, certainly a matter that deserves further consideration. However, Sam my dear, judging from the preparations regarding the shed, and the snippets that I have picked up from my end of it, the Buckland shipment is due in tomorrow, and with it, Merry. You must run into him, but in a natural sort of way, and invite him to visit for the evening. Bring him up to date on all we know, and I will try to join you later if at all possible. But remember what I told you, Sam dear. If I am unable to come, I will notch the tree, once for every night I expect to be gone. Be quite cautious around Nethercleft, and stick to Merry at all costs. He must not be allowed to be Nethercleft’s next victim, if indeed that is what happened to Tobias. It seems preposterous that this scoundrel would dare to threaten the heir of Brandy Hall, and yet I do not put it past him, not in the least. And now, my dear, I must retire, for these infernal early mornings are not in the least to my liking,” and he emphasized the point with a hearty yawn.
I nodded, and gave the room a quick glance. The dishes could be done in the morning; not a distasteful chore at all, as compared to my tedious vigil awaiting the mythical fish. I quickly banked the fire and pinched out the candles, following Baggins into the bedroom of our humble smial, where he was already shedding his clothing with all due speed. I followed suit, and pinching out this candle as well, crawled into the bed in the darkness.
“Ah, Samwise,” I heard him sigh in the dark, as I fit spoonwise against his back, his arms clasping mine closely to him. “You are such a comfort, love. I can’t imagine how I ever thought my life was worth living without you.”
I buried my nose at the back of his neck and tightened my embrace, unable to speak for the moment. “I don’t plan on being anywhere else, Frodo me dearie,” I breathed, as soon as I was able. “Sleep now, love. Your Sam has you.”
It wasn’t long before his breathing fell into the steady rhythm of sleep, but I held him and treasured the feel of him in my arms for a long good while before I fell asleep as well.
&&&&&
I had just barely arrived at my by now customary position the next morning at the river’s edge, when the procession from Buckland broke through the mist, making its way up from the lower river. It was, I must admit, nearly mid-morning, for I had leisurely tidied up the smial before finally making my way to the riverbank with the greatest of reluctance. The fishing pole was stuck, once more, in the mud, but that was as far as I was prepared to go at this point in service of this ridiculous charade.
The Buckland contingent consisted of four large flat barges, and a couple of smaller more nimble boats, nudging the others along. To my relief, the figure of Meriadoc Brandybuck, with his tall frame and golden hair, was unmistakable, in the first boat, consulting with an older hobbit. The cargo, presumably Longbottom leaf, was well wrapped and neatly stacked in the barges, and there were several hobbits standing guard, with a wary eye, in each. Brandy Hall was, apparently, taking no chances with this last shipment.
I gave the Buckland flotilla time to dock at the Stock piers, and meet with the local officials, who quickly presented themselves, before I pitched my gear into a small patch of shrubbery, with a fervent hope to never be forced to retrieve it again, and then rapidly made my way to the inn, to meet up with Merry.
&&&&&
Brandybuck was seated at the table nearest the fire with a group of his hobbits, foaming mug in hand, as I entered the Leaping Trout. I gave a quick glance about, and did not see Nethercleft, but rather recognized some of his underlings at one of the farther tables, unabashedly watching the contingent from Buckland. Anything that occurred within the inn would immediately be known to Nethercleft, I had no doubt.
Ordering my standard lunch from the markedly calmer proprietor, I sauntered up to Brandybuck’s table, my own mug in hand. “Brandybuck, wasn’t it?” I mentioned cheerfully, standing hopefully near an empty chair.
“Er, um, Underhill, right?” Brandybuck stammered in the most natural manner, with a grin, as he sprang to his feet. “Still here for sport, I see?”
“Hope does spring eternal,” I gave him a polite nod. “May as well be here as anywhere else, I suppose.”
“Indeed,” Frodo’s cousin responded politely, indicating the empty seat. “Won’t you join me?”
We chatted lightly as I finished my meal, and soon as I could, for Brandybuck’s composure seemed to be a trifle thin from time to time, I rose and made my excuses. “If you’re going to be about this evening,” I mentioned, with a polite bow, “you’re quite welcome to pop by my smial for a bite. Down at the end of the river road, red door. Nothing too extravagant, mind you, but a bit of company would be most welcome.”
“Good of you, Underhill,” he nodded, with a courteous smile. “I most certainly will, if at all possible.”
As I left, I noticed that Nethercleft’s underlings still had their attention fixed on Brandybuck, rather than myself, and gave a sigh of relief.
&&&&&
To my great delight, as I approached our temporary shelter, I noticed a slight curl of smoke from the chimney low on the hill, and deduced that Baggins must have arrived before me.
As indeed he had. As a matter of fact, I found him very soundly asleep, still fully dressed but wrapped in a blanket and comfortably nestled in the pillows that I had left before the hearth, in lieu of any more substantial furniture. I knelt at his side for a few moments, stuck with the wonder with which one watches one’s beloved when they are entirely unconscious of your gaze, and marvels, yet once again, how this utterly glorious creature could possibly be yours.
But Baggins seemed to have a sixth sense about being observed, and sleepily blinked and squinted up at me. “There you are, Gamgee,” he murmured, his voice still slurred with sleep. “I thought you’d be showing up before long. Just thought I’d take the opportunity to catch a bit of sleep as it promises to be a very long night.”
I took that as an invitation, and Baggins’ low laugh quickly confirmed that fact, as I hastily ensured the lock in the front door was firmly in place, and shed my clothing with all due haste. “Come, now, Baggins,” I pointed out, as I knelt next to him, “that clothing does not look at all comfortable. Surely it’s bound to pinch you in the most unpleasant of ways.”
He drowsily chuckled at my comment. “I suppose it does, my dear, but I was far too tired to care, when I lay down at first.”
“And now?” I prompted him.
“Not nearly as tired,” he smiled up at me, that certain light sparking in his eyes; an indication, as I had come to know, of delights to come.
And indeed they did, as we made short work, working together, of his garments, and then were in each other’s arms. What can I say of the joy that we found there other than these precious stolen moments allowed us cast aside the rest of the world and admit to nothing else but the ecstasy and fulfillment that we found in each other? It was growing dark, although neither of us would have noticed, when we fell into a deep and thoroughly satisfied slumber, tightly wrapped together.
&&&&&
The rap upon the door was annoyingly insistent, as I cracked an eye open and then realized, to my alarm, that it must be Brandybuck. Hissing that information in Frodo’s ear, I sprang to my feet, and snatched my clothing up. Hopping on one foot in the most ridiculous manner, I’m quite sure, I managed to get most of my clothing on, and Baggins prudently hastily retrieved his, and scrambled into our small bedroom.
Giving myself a final check to make sure that all was properly in place, I unlocked the door, and greeted our guest, impatiently shuffling his feet in the dusk, obviously chilled by the frosty evening drizzle.
“Not a fit night to be out, under any circumstances,” he grumbled, as I opened the door to admit him. “Certainly took your time about it, Gamgee.”
I began to respond, when I heard Baggins’ voice behind me, greeting his cousin with amusement. “Don’t be taking it out on poor Gamgee, old chap, we’ve a long night ahead of us, and I advised him to take a nap. Rum doings here, Merry, old thing. It’s best to be prepared.”
“Well, I’m not surprised in the least, but couldn’t a fellow at least get a cup of hot tea before all misfortune breaks loose?” Merry continued to grouse, giving Baggins a brief nod and then thrusting out his hands to the fire to warm them. I hastened forward then, for Merry entirely had the right of it, to my mind, and thrust the kettle out over the fire, stirring it up a bit for good measure.
“Have a pillow,” Baggins chuckled, seeing his cousin’s eye fall on the pile of them in a heap before the fire. “Not much in the way of furniture here, but you’ll find them surprisingly comfortable. I’ll manage the tea,” he added, turning to me with a warm smile, “if you can put together a bite for us to eat. We shall need all our strength tonight.”
“Well then, Frodo, exactly what is going on here?’ Merry asked impatiently as he made himself comfortable, and watched Baggins steep the tea. “That was without a doubt one of the most nefarious collection of scoundrels I’ve seen in a long time, assembled there at the inn. You and Gamgee have been here several days now. What have you discovered?”
“That your cargo shall disappear tonight,” Baggins answered simply, glancing over his shoulder at Brandybuck.
“Not if I can help it,” was the growl in response, but Baggins shook his head sternly.
“Indeed, Merry, that is precisely it. You must not try to stop it, for if I may say so, that will prove to be impossible. These are extremely dangerous villains and will not hesitate in the least to take a life in pursuit of their objective. They are not a local band of ruffians at all, but are being supported and funded by greater forces, possibly from even outside the Shire. What that force is needs to be discovered, and so we must play along with these rogues until we know more. I have been, indeed, hired by them in order to assist in lifting your cargo off the ships tonight. There is a storehouse for it here, but from then, where it goes I do not know. And that is a fact which I plan to uncover.”
He turned to me then, and I could see, so very clearly, the suppressed excitement in his expression. “You must stick quite close to Merry, Gamgee. I do not think that they will take the chance of doing him an ill turn, but I cannot be absolutely sure of that. I plan on following along with Nethercleft’s minions, until I know more. I will meet you both back here as soon as I am able, but remember our code. If I must be gone, I will try to mark the tree if at all possible.”
“As you wish, Baggins,” I responded, not caring for this plan in the least but putting the best face on it.
Brandybuck, holding his mug of hot tea unnoticed in his hands, glanced back and forth between the both of us and nodded at last. “Very well, then,” he murmured, “I will leave it to the both of you. But this is certainly a grim situation to be in for the sake of some pipeweed.”
“Undoubtedly,” Baggins answered him darkly. “If indeed that is all that is at stake. That, however, is a matter that has yet to be determined.”
&&&&&
Night had fallen in earnest as we left the smial, and made our way to the docks of Stock. It was unpleasantly damp, and the swirls of mist from the river promised to soon intensify and solidify into a thick fog. Baggins left us soon enough, to meet up with his fellow laborers at the inn, as he had been instructed earlier by Nethercleft’s foreman, but I had a chance, as Brandybuck’s back was to us, to quickly reach out and tightly grasp his hand. He smiled at me, and even though he had already taken the precaution of smearing his face with a bit of grime, and had covered his head with a well-worn cap, I could still see the warmth in his eyes as he returned my grip with his own. “Take care, my dear, and I will as well,” he murmured so softly that Brandybuck never heard, but I did. I nodded, with a gulp, and almost wished I dare take another kiss, but there was a fork in the road ahead, and Brandybuck was beginning to turn around for directions, and so I quickly let go. With a last piercing glance, and an intimate smile, he was gone into the murky night.
“Well, I certainly hope you know your way about this depressing burg, for I swear I have no idea in the least which way town is,” Brandybuck complained with a frown, stamping his feet to keep them warm. “And where on earth has Frodo gotten off to?”
“No idea. He doesn’t tell me everything he’s up to, you know,” I replied a bit testily, not liking in the least the direction this whole affair was beginning to take. “That way, towards the river,” I nodded, answering, at any rate, the first of his questions. “It’s easiest to find the docks and go from there.”
“I still don’t see why I shouldn’t join back up with my hobbits on our boats,” he grumbled, as we cautiously trudged along the muddy path in the gloom. “I can understand that Frodo doesn’t want us to strongly resist, if these fellows are as bloodthirsty as he claims them to be, but we could still put up a bit of a fuss instead of politely handing the cargo over to them.”
“I believe the main thrust of what he was saying is that you are not to be on the boats,” I returned, somewhat sharply. “Certainly there is no reason I could not give them that message, but I know he is concerned that they will not stop at taking you hostage.”
“But that would be a capital idea,” he turned to me, and even in the shadows, I could see the gleam of excitement in his eyes. “I could find out so much more about their plans, that way.”
“Not if you are blindfolded and bound up like a bundle of dirty wash,” I replied grimly, having been in that situation myself. “And you’re assuming Baggins and I would be able to get you out of that fix. Need I remind you that we have seen nothing of your hobbit, Tobias?”
“Ah, yes, I suppose there is that,” and his face fell. “Still, I think there would be no harm in your passing the word to at least Peder. He’s the captain of the first boat, and the hobbit in charge when I am gone.”
Much as I hated to disregard Frodo’s explicit instructions, that did seem like a reasonable request. “Very well,” I agreed. “I’ll meet back up with you at the inn. You should be safe enough alone for a brief time, in such a public place. But I’ll need some sort of token, so that they know I’ve come from you.”
“A good point.” He thought for a moment and then pulled out his pipe. “Here, Peder will recognize this well enough. But be sure to tell him if he allows it to come to any grief, he owes me a jug of that cider ale he does so well. With those apples my father never misses from the orchard. He’ll know you’re from me, then, sure enough.”
I gave a snort of amusement. “You need to send some of that Bag End way, likewise. ‘Tis been far too long since I’ve tasted a fine batch of cider ale. It’s the least you can do for the trouble you’ve been to the two of us.”
“Indeed, Gamgee, you’ve begun to sound positively like an old housewife,” he grinned mischievously at me. “Where’s your sense of adventure, old thing?”
With a guilty start, I realized that he was quite right. However, my sense of adventure was awakened in a direct proportion to my proximity to Frodo, a fact I though it prudent not to mention to him, so I gave a noncommittal grunt, and since we were approaching the outskirts of Stock, indicated the lights of the inn, hardly discernible in the gloom.
“There you go then. I should be joining you shortly. Try not to do any mischief, and do not leave, under any circumstance, until I’m back.”
“Yes’m, Goody Gamgee,” was his laughing response, and he was soon gone into the fog.
&&&&&
The flotilla from Buckland was still moored where they had been earlier that day, I found to my relief. Taut thick canvases covered the cargo that was neatly stacked on top of the low flat boats, and the lights were lit in the cabins below, where most of the crew would be waiting out the night in warmth, and at least a bit of comfort. Only a few stood sentinel on the upper decks, well-wrapped in thick cloaks and stoically smoking their pipes in the thick mist. I hailed the nearest boat, as I reached the end of the dock, and called out for Peder. Fortunately, he was in that boat, and after having been summoned up by the guard, gave me a wary look and shoved a small skiff out in the direction of the dock, manned by a rather disgruntled hobbit with a pole.
“Look lively, now, good sir, there’d be no need to be out in this damp any longer than needs be,” my pilot grumbled, as I clumsily lowered myself into the rocking vessel.
I couldn’t agree with him more on that point, for one would be hard pressed to find a hobbit who disliked being suspended above water more than I, but there was no time to waste as far as my returning to the inn, and trying to convince Peder that we should be having this conversation on land was clearly impractical. So I nodded without a word, clutched tightly to the sides of the tiny boat, and allowed myself to be ferried out to the barge.
Peder hauled me aboard with what was unmistakably a smirk, but that quickly disappeared as I explained by mission and produced Brandybuck’s pipe. “So Master Merry’d just be wantin’ us to sit back and let these villains make off with the leaf?” he asked me incredulously. “ ‘Tis hard to believe that, now, sure enough!”
“It is only for the time being,” I assured him. “Just until Brandybuck, Baggins and I can determine exactly what’s behind this whole plot.”
“Oh, well, now, you say Mister Baggins is in on this likewise? Mister Frodo Baggins, that would be?” he exclaimed, his face immediately clearing. “Indeed, that is an entirely different matter altogether! Very well, then, I’ll pass a word to the lads. We’ll put up a bit of a fight, just so’s they won’t suspect nothing, but then lay low until we get further word.”
“Absolutely the best plan,” I agreed, gratified to find that Baggins’ name had had such an effect. “Now if you don’t mind, I must be back to the inn. I’m not to know anything about you all, you see.”
“Aye, sure enough, lad. Underhill, you said your name was? Off w’you then, and tell them as we’ll be followin’ through, sure enough,” Peder chuckled, and I bobbled my way back to shore.
&&&&&
The light from the windows of the inn shone through the fog with a welcome gleam, but there was something that struck me as wrong as I approached. Only as I put my hand on the handle of the weathered door did I realize what it was.
No inn had the right to ever be this silent, I realized, even as I was in the act of pulling the door open. Not surprising, since it was, as far as I could see, absolutely deserted. Signs indicated, however, that it had not been long so. Full tankards and mugs still lay on the tables, along with plates full with dinner, but there were also a few mugs and plates overturned on the floor. The fire crackled cheerfully but there was not a soul in front of it.
With growing fear and concern, I looked about the place, and called out, not caring at this point that I might be overheard. Surely an uninvolved patron, as I still hoped to be considered, might be allowed some alarm at a scene such as this.
Finally I heard a rustle behind the broad bar, and a small lad, no more than a teen, popped his terrified face over the counter.
“What’s all this now?” I exclaimed, trying to maintain a reassuring expression for his sake, despite my increasing apprehension. “Looks like a whirlwind swept everyone out.”
“ ‘Twas no wind,” the lad quavered, still clutching the counter with whitened knuckles. “Ain’t no wind as comes blowin’ in with knives and staffs. ‘Twas Nethercleft’s ruffians,” and he paused here to spit contemptuously on the floor, “as took all the decent folk, and the master, too, off w’them. Tied ‘em up and hauled them off, and hurt some of them pretty bad likewise.”
“Did they say why or where?” I breathed in horror.
But the lad just shook his head. “Just summat about not allowing any prying eyes to be left behind,” he gulped. “The master, he shoved me under the counter when he seen them burst in, but he ain’t had no time t’hide himself. An’ he was that good a master t’me, too,” he added with tears unmistakably ready to follow.
But there was one more piece of information I had to have. “Tell me, lad,” I questioned him fervently, “was there a gentlehobbit here too? Brandybuck by name, tall with yellowish hair?”
“Oh, aye, I had noticed him right off, since the master seemed right pleased to have him here. I didn’t see what happened to him proper, since I was under the counter, but I did hear him call something out as they burst in, someone’s name.”
“What was the name?” I urged him, intently. “Think, lad, it’s that important!”
“Not one as I knew,” he paused for a moment, with his tears postponed as he thought with deliberation. “Thomas, was it? No, that ain’t right. Ah, ‘twas Tobias!”
For some reason, that answer did not surprise me in the least.
&&&&&
There was a growing pit of fear in my stomach as I rushed out into the dank night and made my way back to the dock with all the speed I could. The dock, when I reached it, was still lit by the one dim lantern hanging on the old post, as it had been earlier that evening, but there was one difference in the scene presented by its flickering light. The boats from Buckland were not there. Desperately, I ran to the end of the pier and scanned the river as far as it could be seen, but it was useless. They simply were not there, just as if they had never been.
There was one more matter left to be determined, and I snatched up the old lantern and scrambled down the muddy path from the dock, making my frantic way to the outskirts of that accursed town.
I knew what I would find before I held the lantern up in my trembling hand, and yet I had to look. Three slashes on the tree were there. Frodo was gone, and I was alone.
And here is Part One, if you missed it.
http://elderberrywine.livejournal.com/47624.html#cutid1
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Thank you on the suspenseful and thrilling part! *beams* And I think Nethercleft is aspiring to Bracegirdle levels of evilness. With a name like that, what else can he do? ;D
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Arg! Talk about the plot thickens. Is Tobias Nethercleft? I guess that would explain how Merry knew him when the Trout was attacked.
This story is SO good - I can't wait for the final part.
Thank you, EBW!
Btw, I think it is immoral that teachers aren't paid year round, regardless of whether or not they teach summer school. Such a shame!
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The final part should roll around a little faster than this one did. *promises* So very glad you're enjoying it, thank you!
You know, I wouldn't mind taking a little less each month and spreading it over 12 months instead of 11. I'm still fairly new at this, and coming from private industry, I couldn't believe that I didn't have that option. As well as, of course, the 50 percent cut in pay thing. *grouses* Ah, well, more reading and writing time! *is determinedly cheerful*
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Well, at least the first half. *shifty eyes*
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Actually, how could that happen? *scrambles to come up with a good reason*
Thank you very much, my dear, and will try to make sure the next part comes along posthaste!
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But, aggggrrrgh, what a place to leave us!
I was a bit nervous when Gamgee spilled the beans, as it were, to Peder.
As always there are so many delightful turns of phrase and images that I cannot quote them back or I would be quoting virtually the entire story. I read with equal mixture of delight and awe (at your abilities). I will chose one gem, among so many: "The choice of a reckless simpleton, without a doubt, and of course it was the one I chose."
And every time I read "Nethercleft" I laugh a little. What a name!
ETA: I found this statement to be quite profound (seriously). It touches on some issues of interest to me (paradigms). "...facts can’t always be driven where one would have them go."
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Thank you for the turn of phrase thing. Gamgee is such a fun voice to write, and so different from Sam, although I like to let him slip a Samish phrase or two in there from time to time.
Nethercleft was an absolute gift from above, I swear. ;D
And that is the nasty thing about facts, isn't it? Sometimes, they have absolutely no sense of fairness.
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BTW, I sent you a private message through LJ, in case you haven't seen it.
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Merry knows a trick or two himself, Sam as well
Oh, indeed they do, but what of our lad Baggins now? *sly wink*
Thank you very much, and I hope it won't be long before the next is through!
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Thank you, my dear! I must admit, it is so much fun to write their different voices - Frodo and Sam, and yet not. Sam is so hard to write first-person, normally, but Gamgee comes much more easily. (Well, actually, I suspect there is not that much difference as far as that aspect goes, but be that as it may. . . *re-groups*)
Ah, no, Nethercleft is a bad 'un, no mistake! And the rest should be popping up before too long.
Thank you so much, dearie!
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(by chance do you have like a table of contents of your stories - or an order to read them in?)
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Well, I just lost my website - it was on GeoCities, alas. But lately, I've been archiving my fics over at the Last Ship (http://www.thelastship.org/eFiction331/index.php). They are sorted in series, although there's plenty of odds and ends of mine over there, too, and the order of the series is the proper order of the stories. They are on my LJ in memories, too, but that order is pretty hit or miss. Someday I'll get that cleaned up.