DISCLAIMER:  Of course. The characters don’t belong to me, I just get to think about them day and night.

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SPELLBOUND

Chapter 3 -- In the Barrow

No light penetrated the interior of the Great Barrow, but the wight needed none.  It reached unerringly into an inner pocket of Frodo’s weskit, seeking the object that burned with such power.  Its eager fingers touched... a ring.  The Ring.  How could this be?  Never before had such a thing come within the wight’s domain.  This was a matter beyond the fell creature’s experience.  It drew back from the One Ring and Frodo’s unconscious form, and considered.  The Dark Lord’s Ring of Power could not join the glittering heaps of gems and gold piled about the chamber.  It should not be handled at all... and perhaps its bearer should be left alone, as well.

The creature then studied the other three halflings and their garments.  They walked seemingly unarmed, without sword or bow; what manner of guardians were these?  Or perhaps their weaponry had been left with their mounts, now scattered and lost?  And where was any sign of rank or position?  The ancient ritual of sacrifice was more elaborate for nobility -- ceremony and song of greater length and complexity.  Did these three warrant such preparations?

The wight searched the minds of the halflings for clues.  All three were devoted to the safety of the fourth, but ah... the one lying farthest from the Ring-bearer was his sworn guardian, there could be no doubt.  Whatever power this one possessed to protect his Master lay hidden, but would be respected.  The others... yes.  The other two halflings were sons of ruling houses in their country, heirs to land and title.

All three, therefore, would be treated with high honor, the ritual played out as it would for any noble chieftain of men.

The wight returned its attention to Merry, and something it had sensed.  The ancient stories were known to this one, although incomplete and without detail.  Before death took him, he would learn much.

The creature touched Merry’s brow, allowing  him to dream.  Images, thoughts, emotions... in sleep, Merry lay helpless to resist the cascade of memories the wight had stolen from brave men who had fought their last battle on these downs.  He shuddered and moaned, his dreams vivid and terrifying.  Battle, hopeless despair... death...

“So it was, halfling,” the wight spoke out loud.  “So it shall ever be.  Even the most noble fall into darkness; none can escape.”  It turned from Merry and ghosted its fingers briefly over Pippin’s face.  “So young,” it murmured, “they fall in battle so young, so foolish.  Why do they fight?  The Dark Lord will prevail, in time.  In time, yes.”

Night deepened, the stars wheeling slowly overhead as the creature began its work -- deliberately and without haste -- long arms still the only aspect of itself embodied and solid.  It ripped the clothing from each of the three sleeping hobbits, then pulled the garments apart, searching for wealth or hidden gems.  Coins were found, several small knives, a curiously-shaped key from Merry’s pocket...  all were tossed in a corner, as were the shredded garments.  The wight brought out silken shirts  taken from past victims.  The cloth was ragged with age, but serviceable -- and large enough to be used as shrouds for these small ones.  It clothed Sam, Merry, and Pippin in ritual garb -- white, girdled with the finest gold chains.

Soon all was prepared save adornment of the three halflings.  Thin golden bands, once worn on the upper arms of great warriors, would serve as circlets on bright curls.  Rings of gold and silver, some sparkling with gems beyond price, were slid onto small, limp fingers.  Long swords of ancient lineage were placed between Merry, Pippin, and Sam, and shields decorated with emblems of the northern kingdom of Arnor were laid at their feet.  The wight then lay one long, glittering sword across their throats as a symbol of its dominion over their lives and their helplessness in the face of their deaths.

“I claim you.”  The wight intoned the ritual words it had spoken so many times before.  “This realm and all who enter it are mine.”

Frodo it left alone, save to cross the small hands over his breast as was done for chieftains who lay in death.  This one would be safeguarded for the Witch-king’s arrival -- untouched, and unspoiled.  He still lay unconscious -- pale, with breaths as deep and slow as his companions -- and the wight still felt no need to speak enchantment over him.  Should the Ring-bearer show signs of waking, a sleep spell could be easily and quickly woven, as it had been for his unwary guardians.  But even if allowed to regain consciousness, there was no escape.  The barrow was shut, and the wight did not perceive that this or any halfling had the power -- in strength or spell -- to move the massive stone guarding the entrance.

The wight surveyed the readied halflings, and cast its thoughts about the barrow and all it held.  Swords and glittering knives of great power hung on the earthen walls and leaned against treasure-laden chests.   The Men of Westernesse, foreseeing a need, had learned the craft of forging and enspelling weapons, several intended to be wielded against even the Witch-king himself.  But that chance had never come, and now the blades rested here, safeguarded against discovery and use.

With all else prepared, the wight found amusement in a sudden thought.  From a chest it drew forth a long knife which instantly began to glow and brighten.  Such weapons, with the ability to flare with light, were rare and precious.  They warned of fell creatures nearby -- blue for orcs, green for wights -- and had been crafted by ancient ones long gone. 

“You carry power still,” the creature murmured to the glowing sword it held.  “You would alert the halflings to my presence, but they will not wake again... and your warning they will never see.”  It lay the weapon between Frodo and Merry, and the chamber was cast in a pale, greenish light.

** TBC **

Alabrith Gaiamoon:  I think a toilet brush would make a formidable weapon!  I’ll hide one in the barrow in case it’s needed...

Andrea:  Thank you for the link.  John Howe’s art is fascinating.

aprilkat:  I’m so glad the “why’s” and “how’s” I’m coming up with seem believable.  This is one of the most mysterious events that befell the hobbits on the whole Quest, and it’s fascinating to try to decipher everything.

Aratlithiel:  That was one of the challenges of this fic -- how could there possibly be any suspense, when we all know how it will end?  I truly appreciate your kind words; they mean the world to me.

Breon Briarwood:  It’s so odd to be writing something “creepy”, Breon!  Wish I could toss a rubber duckie into that barrow somehow...

Budgielover:  You can probably imagine how difficult it was for me to start (and and immerse myself into) this type of story, Budgie... but I had so many questions of my own about this chapter of FOTR, I was just compelled to try to figure out the “why’s and “how’s”.  Thank you!

Connie B:  As you can see, I didn’t forget about Merry’s dream.  It was a very strange experience for him, that will be elaborated on further, later on.

cpsings4him:  It’s odd to swing from fluff to dark, but thank you so much for saying that they both seem to work!  I suspect I’ll be writing major fluff once this story is finished, to shake off all the creepies.

cuthalion:  Thank you, my friend.  Very much.

Dreamflower:  Eeek, I’m making people shiver!  It’s so fascinating to try to figure out this part of the Tale.

Elendiari22:  I suppose the wight could be seen to be pitiable, since it’s compelled to forever haunt deserted mounds and is only obeying orders.

elentari angel:  I’m so grateful that this eerie tale is finding an audience.  Thank you so much.

Elf Friend:  Thank you so much for the encouragement.  This part of the Tale has so many mysteries, and I wanted to take a crack at filling in the blanks.  I’m so happy you’re enjoying the story.

Elven Kitten:  As always, your enthusiasm is much appreciated.

GamgeeFest:  I don’t think I’ll ever think about fog in quite the same way again!

Gaya:  It’s chilling and scary to me, as well!  I’m glad we all know how it finally turns out.

girlofring:  I think the best explanation of why the wight wants Frodo was at the end of Chapter 1 -- the Witch-king had ordered that all objects of craft and power be held and guarded -- and Frodo was carrying something of great power.  The wight takes his duties very seriously, apparently.

illyria:  The key to getting into the mind of a wight, wraith, or other evil being is (for me) realizing that they probably see all people as disposable ‘objects’ -- to be ignored, used, or discarded.  It’s truly a chilling notion.

Inkling:  It’s fascinating to try to get into the “mind” of a Barrow-wight, and assign motivations for its actions.  And you are so right -- it has no idea what a “halfling” can do, does it?

Jeodo Brandybuck:  I’m writing scary and creepy!  But my goodness, those barrow-wights are awesomely chilling creatures.

Larner:  I’m so happy to hear that you can ‘see’ the fog, faces, etc., since I’ve never felt that I write descriptions that well.  Thank you so much.

Lily the Hobbit:  I feel “bound” by this story, as well!  I need to get us all to a satisfying resolution.

lindahoyland:  My “explanations” for these events are my own, and others will write these things differently (I hope!) -- but I’m so very glad that what I’m coming up with seems logical.  Thank you.

lovethosehobbits:  I’m glad there’s some ‘cool’ to balance out the ‘creepy’!

Maura Labingi:  It’s such a compliment when a reader knows exactly what’s going to happen -- but holds on for the ride anyway!

my-fool-of-a-took:  Thank you!  Although this chapter of FOTR doesn’t center on Pippin, I’m trying to make sure he isn’t ignored in this story.

Mysterious Jedi:  As you know, I have quite a soft spot for Aragorn-hobbit interactions, as well.  I don’t think there will be one in this story, however, since in FOTR Frodo told Gandalf in Rivendell that he hadn’t talked to anyone else about what happened in the barrow.

Pippinfan1988:  It is a hobbit ghost story!  And we know they all live to tell it, so that’s a comforting thought.

Pipwise Brandygin:  Those hobbitses truly need hugs about now, don’t they?  I’ll have to write a fluffy story for them next.

Quiet Infinity:  The next time a thick fog rolls in, I’m going to be a bit nervous, I think!  Thank you so much for loving this so much.

Sandy K:  Thanks so much, Sandy!

Scifirogue Kane:  More spookiness, at your service!

ShireElf:  Waits by computer, staring lifelessly...  Eeeps, I hope you’re still with us!  Must write faster...

Slightly Tookish:  It really creeps me out to get into the “mind” of a Barrow wight.  What a challenge.

smalldiver:  “I do hope that many more writers explore this part of the book” -- So do I!!!

Soledad:  I was also surprised to find so little fanfiction about the Barrow-downs.  It’s a challenge to delve into this part of the Tale.

Tathar:  I’m looking forward to tackling the part where Frodo awakens -- and the wight realizes that it has underestimated this particular halfling.