Frodo noticed that Sam and Rose had eyes only for each other all through supper. When the meal was more or less over, he turned to the two of them, hiding his smile.

       "We'll see to the washing-up if you two want an early night. We have a busy day tomorrow if we're off to Michel Delving."

       Rose kissed him on the cheek and whispered in his ear. "You are the dearest hobbit in all the Shire, Frodo Baggins." She turned and walked slowly out of the room, glancing back to gaze longingly at Sam.

       "Go on, Sam. I told you - we'll do the washing-up and see that the lamps are out."

       "We...e...ll..... If you're sure........."

       Merry began clearing plates. "Run along, you ass, while Rose has that twinkle in her eye."

       Pip looked up, still busy eating his third helping of pie with cream. "What twinkle?"

       "That twinkle. Honestly, Pip, you are an unobservant lump," said Merry. "Damnit! Sam, are you still here? Get along with you!" He all but pushed a blushing Sam out of the door.

       "I like that! Me? Unobservant? I'm better at noticing things than you are."

       "You are not! If you were you'd have noticed that those two hardly said a word all through supper and spent the entire meal gazing at each other with soppy grins on their faces."

       "And that means................?

       Merry threw up his hands. "You're hopeless! What do you think it means?"

       Frodo intervened and handed Merry more plates. "I suspect it means that come next Thrimidge there will be another addition to the Gangee family."

       "Oh! That sort of twinkle." Pip shrugged and turned his attention back to his dish.

       "By Elbereth! The penny's dropped at last," Merry murmured sarcastically. "Which one will this be, Fro?"

       "Goldilocks. And you shouldn't be too hard on Pip - you know he can't think and eat at the same time."

       "No need to be rude, you impertinent Baggins! Hmmm. Goldilocks......I wonder what she'll be like?" Pip mused, gathering the serving dishes and following his cousins to the kitchen. "Can you see what will happen to them all, Fro?"

       Frodo poured hot water into the bowl and began to wash the plates. "Not really, although I have some idea what they will look like."

       Pip laughed. "Let's hope Sam gets a move on - didn't you say they're going to have a baker's dozen?"

       Frodo swatted Pip with the tea towel. "Yes, but you leave Sam alone, you cheeky Took!. He'll do things in his own time."

                                                                         ************

       They set off for Michel Delving the next morning, Sam driving the cart while the others rode. Molly had regarded them sourly when the other ponies were saddled and led out, and was no doubt sulking mightily and kicking over buckets. She was not taken on such trips because she would never pull a cart and had very distinct views on who was allowed to ride her - only Rose, Frodo-lad and Frodo himself were permitted that honour. Frodo rubbed her muzzle and told her that he would take her out on their return, whereupon she batted her eyelashes and pretended to be the model of good behaviour.

       When they reached Hobbiton they left the road, turned south west and rode cross-country, joining the East Road just east of Waymeet, where they had lunch at The Wheatsheaf. The ride to the White Downs was very enjoyable, Limlight charging ahead and looking back at the other ponies, daring them to follow him. The hobbits did not discuss the case much, preferring to talk of happier things and admire the view. The fields were full of ripe wheat and barley ready to be harvested in a few days, trees in the orchards were drooping under the weight of their bounty and the butterflies fluttered over the hedgerows like bright jewels.

       The White Downs were composed of chalky soil, in which giant figures had been carved in places, by the Men who lived there in the Second Age. They held a mystery which silenced them all in awe every time they saw them - large horse-like carvings gleaming white in the sun, looking a little like the horse emblem of Rohan.

       Paladin was waiting in Michel Delving, having booked rooms for everyone at The Holly Bush and The Pig and Pumpkin. The ponies were stabled and the cart stowed safely in the inn yard, then they joined Paladin, Saradoc, Ferdibrand Took, the Thain's lawyer appointed to speak for the accused, and Gordo Boffin, lawyer for the Mayor. They ordered dinner and ale and sat comfortably in the large dining-room of The Pig and Pumpkin, savouring the cool dark interior with its polished wood, timbered walls and solid tables and chairs. For some reason this inn had escaped the worst excesses of the Ruffians and was reassuringly unchanged from long before the Quest.

       "So, Ferdi, is Sandyman repentant at all? Eager to change his ways?" Pip enquired.

       The usually cheerful Took groaned. "Repentant? He doesn't know the meaning of the word. He does nothing but complain, blames everyone but himself, and seems not to realise the seriousness of his plight."

       Merry snorted. "Typical Sandyman! He's a fool. If we agree to send him to Gondor I really don't know what Aragorn can do to change him. I can't imagine where he'd start."

       Sam shrugged. "My money would be on Strider to come up with something. He's good at that. And I doubt even Ted Sandyman could be unimpressed if he has to face 'King Elessar' in all his kingly dignity in the Throne Room, all dressed in velvet, coronet round his brow, sword across his knees."

       Saradoc tapped his teeth thoughtfully. "I wonder........ Sandyman has that particular dogged ignorance which has intelligent people beating their heads in frustration. I think our King will probably want to hang him from the walls of Minas Anor within ten minutes of meeting him!"

       To everyone's surprise Frodo agreed, at least in part. "It will be a clash of opposites. I have complete trust in Aragorn not to do anything rash, and I'm sure he will devise an apt and suitable punishment, but he may have to bang his head on the wall afterwards!"

       The ale arrived at their table and they raised their tankards to each other. Gordo Boffin regarded his tankard in admiration. "That is good ale. I'd heard the landlord here made a fine brew but have never tried it before."

       They set to with a will when dinner arrived - beef and potato pie with plenty of mushrooms, followed by blackberry and apple pudding with cream. All thoughts of Ted Sandyman were banished as they concentrated on eating and praising the food. Sam kept a close but unobtrusive watch on Frodo and was pleased to see him talking animatedly and tucking in.

       At last they all pushed away the empty plates, pipes were lit and they chatted about family matters until bedtime. There would be time enough to discuss the Lockholes' sullen occupant when they gathered to hear his case the following day.

                                                                         ************

       Merry, Pip, Frodo and Sam were all staying at The Holly Bush, sharing rooms two and two, as they usually did. Pal, Sara and the two lawyers were across the square at The Pig and Pumpkin. Inns in Michel Delving did a roaring trade for most of the year and these two operated with a friendly rivalry.

       In the room occupied by Merry and Pip, the two hobbits were getting dressed in their uniforms, ready to mount guard on the door of the Council Hole. Merry was grumpily trying to adjust his sword belt and swearing fluently in a mixture of Rohirric and Westron when he failed to get it right. Pip sighed and went to help.

       "Calm down, Mer. You shouldn't be so tetchy. Hold still, you crazy hobbit!"

       "I think I'm just worried in case Da and Fro go all soft-hearted and refuse to send him to Aragorn."

       "I doubt that. Fro seems convinced and I'm certain Uncle Doc won't go soft. He's a tough hobbit really." He gave Merry a shrewd look, stood back and nodded. "You'll do. Anyway, there's more to this than you being nervous about Fro and Uncle Doc letting him go." He turned to his own toilette, took a brush and began to tame his foor hair.

       "Why should there be any more to it. What are you saying? That I'm hiding something?" Merry snapped.

       "Stop being so grouchy."

       "Grouchy? I'm not grouchy!"

       "Yes you are. You're just angry because of how close he came to killing Fro and Sam. I know you, Merry. You are terrified of losing Fro again - you lost him when he left Buckland, again on the Quest and we nearly lost him three years ago. Plus you know you'll take one look at Sandyman and want to beat the snot out of him on sight! You're protective of your family and those you love, Merry, and you stride about being a belligerent Brandybuck, trying to be as tough as a Corsair pirate but we all know you're as soft as mallow inside."

       "Oh really? Who says so?"

       Pip brushed up his toes. "I say so. You have a reputation, Mer. You'll fight at the drop of a hat, you lose your temper with little provocation and yet deep down you're as soggy as an old mushroom, especially over Fro or me."

       "Just when did my little cousin get to be so clever?"

       "Around the same time that I became impossibly handsome and charming."

       "I must have missed that then. Ow!" Merry was struck on the backside by a well-aimed hairbrush.

       "Serves you right! Now hurry up or second breakfast will be gone. Fro has his appetite back these days."

                                                                         ************

       The Council Hole smelled of polish, whitewash, flowers and old parchment. The hobbits took their seats, Sam in the middle with Paladin on his right and Saradoc to his left. Frodo took a seat at the end. The two lawyers sat at a smaller table nearby, with Will Whitfoot as an observer. In front of the Mayor's desk was a chair for the prisoner. Merry and Pippin, representing their Kings, stood at the doors with their swords drawn and held point down in front of them.

       The hobbits had more or less decided that sending Ted to Gondor would be the only real solution, but they would listen to anything Ted had to say and try to find out why he had made the attack. After a short discussion they requested that Ted be brought. Merry and Pip saluted and walked to the Lockholes to accompany the Shirriffs who would bring the prisoner. Merry did not trust the miller as far as he could throw him, and said so frequently.

       Merry looked at Sandyman with distaste. From his appearance it was clear that he had made little use of the washing facilities; his clothes were rumpled and grubby, his hair stood on end and his fingernails were filthy.

       Pip nodded curtly to indicate that he should move and the Shirriffs pulled him to his feet and marched him out. Neither Marty Broadloam nor Tim Banks showed much sympathy for their prisoner and they handled him firmly. Inside the Council Hole they sat behind the lawyers and the Captains took up their positions either side of the doors.

       As the Mayor was Chief Shirriff, both Thain and Master were happy for him to chair the proceedings.

       "Please sit down, Sandyman," Sam said quietly. Ted grunted and sat, his expression petulant, but Sam continued without comment. "The accusations against you are very serious, but because I can be considered an injured party I'm going to ask the Thain and Master to lead on this. Thain Paladin?"

       "Thank you, Mister Mayor. Now, Sandyman, before we discuss your case and decide what we are to do with you, we would like to hear your side of things. Do you have an explanation for your actions? Can you tell us why you tried to assault your wife, assaulted your younger son and attacked the Mayor and Mister Baggins?"

       Ted shrugged. "I was drunk."

       "Many of us have been drunk in our time, but we don't all beat our wives, rip our childrens' clothes and attack neighbours with knives. You entered the Shire carrying a knife, and it wasn't the sort designed for peeling fruit. You came to Hobbiton with the intention - as I understand it - of entering the home where your wife and family are living and ...what......living there? Or were you trying to force them to return with you to Bree?" Paladin's voice was soft, his tone cold.

       "She's my wife. I 'ave a right ............"

       "Rights?!" Saradoc repeated incredulously. "Marriage is not about rights but about a partnership, about co-operation, tenderness, respect and love. You can hardly beat your wife and children for years, put them in fear, drive them away and then expect them to welcome you home with open arms."

       "Has the prisoner expressed any regret for his actions, or given any reason for his behaviour?" Paladin enquired, turning to Ferdibrand. The young lawyer glanced briefly at the dishevelled figure.

       "None, Thain Paladin," he replied.

       "Who was the knife for?" Frodo asked suddenly.

       "Eh?" Sandyman gawped at him.

       "The knife, Ted. Why were you carrying it? When did you intend to use it? Were you going to use it to threaten Ivy and the children?"

       Ted looked defensive. "I was carryin' it for protection mostly."

       "The Shire is no longer full of Ruffians and half-orcs. Who do you need to protect yourself against?" Sam demanded.

       "Did you intend to threaten your wife?" Frodo asked again, his voice dangerously low. Merry and Pip braced themselves. When their cousin's voice dropped like that it was usually a sign of trouble ahead for someone.

       "Might 'ave. No....yes...... I dunno what I thought. I told you, I was drunk."

       "You tried to stab Sam in the neck. Do you know what happens if you cut someone's throat?" Frodo's blue eyes looked like Lake Evendim covered in ice.

       Paladin fixed the former miller with an equally chilly stare. "You were seen to aim the knife at Frodo's heart. Had he not been wearing the mithril shirt he would be dead - and you would be facing a charge of murder. Do you know what the penalty is for murder in the Reunited Kingdom? It is death, Ted Sandyman. Death. Had your knife struck home you would now on your way to Bree, in the charge of the Steward of Arnor, to be hanged outside the Breeland Gate."

       Ted's eyes blazed with hatred. "We don't hang people in the Shire!"

       "The Shire is part of the Kingdom of Arnor. We are part of a wider world now, and we defer to the King in the matter of punishment, particularly for murder," said Saradoc.

       "But as no murder was committed, we must devise a different punishment." Paladin conferred with his fellows then turned to Ted. "It is our decision, prompted by a request from King Elessar, that you be sent to Gondor. The King himself will deal with you, and I hope he can think of a way to help save you from yourself. The Man is wise and just, and you will not be harshly treated, but you will learn lessons from this. The King's cousins and others among the Dunedain will escort you to Minas Anor. There is really no place in the Shire for your behaviour."

       "Take him back to the Lockholes for now. He'll be taken to the Bridge by a contingent of Tookland archers, leaving tomorrow," Sam said to the Shirriffs. "Long live the King!"

       "Long live the King!"

       The Shirriffs saluted and marched Ted out of the Council Hole and across the square, back to the Lockholes. The others stood at the door, watching him walk away across the square. It was then that events erupted; everything became a blur. Ted elbowed Tim Banks in the face and the Marty Broadloam in the midriff. He dashed away, head turning from side to side as he weighed his options, calculating his chances of reaching the lane.

       "Don't be an ass, Sandyman!" Pippin yelled.

       "I'm walking out of here and you're not going to stop me!"

       "In your dreams, you blackguard!" Merry snapped as he and Pip began to advance on their quarry. The Shirriffs recovered themselves and edged round to close in from the side.

       "Why did you ever come back? We were better off under Sharkey's Men!" It was a howl of impotent rage.

       "You were, yes. I didn't notice most of the Shire prospering." Merry made a signal to the Shirriffs to spread out a little more in case Ted changed direction.

       "Stay back!"

       A mother was crossing the square with her little lass beside her, a faunt of three or four. Before anyone could react, Ted barged the woman to one side and snatched up the child.

       "Come any closer and I'll dash her brains out!" he shouted. "I'm not being judged by your precious King! I want some money and a fast pony and I'll leave the Shire for good. I'll be waiting in the lane - and if you don't give me what I want in one hour, I'll strangle the brat!"

       He turned away and hurried towards the end of the square. A strange noise in the air above, a dull thunk, and Ted stopped in his tracks. He jerked like a puppet when the strings are cut, then pitched forward into the dust. The child dropped to the ground and ran to her mother, too shocked to do more than whimper. The mother burst into tears and pulled the faunt into her lap.

       Ted lay face down. He was very, very still. Troll's Bane see-sawed back and forth, its point embedded in the base of his neck.

       "Bottles and billhooks! You've killed him, Pip!" Merry breathed.

       "I bloody hope so!" The young Took was pale and his usually warm emerald eyes resembled chips of green ice. "We're not having that sort of thing in the Shire."

       "We're certainly not," Sam agreed. "That sort of carry-on belongs to orcs and the servants of Mordor."

       Paladin bent over the former miller. It was clear that at least three inches of Pippin's sword had penetrated his neck, severing his spine.

       "I'm sorry, Fro. I wish you hadn't seen that," Pip whispered.

       Frodo was as pale as those around him, his stomach still churning with shock. "Squeak, you had to do something. You heard him - he was going to kill the child if we approached him. You showed great presence of mind and leadership." He hugged his not-so-little cousin, realising that they were both shaking. "I'm proud of you. You saved that little one's life." He shook his head. "Ted was born a fool and he died one. I think he truly was insane by the end."

       Paladin straightened. "Pip, you showed great common-sense and skill. I'm very proud of you. That was the action of a true leader. And no, before you ask, you will not be charged with anything. You are in uniform, in the service of the King and defending the inhabitants of the Shire from harm." Paladin looked at the others.

       Will Whitfoot agreed. "He might have harmed the child anyway. He never liked children, not even his own, and I wouldn't have trusted him not to do something cruel as a parting gesture, even if we had agreed to his demands."

       Saradoc nodded. "I agree. And I think Frodo is right - he must have been insane by the end. You did well, Pippin." He embraced his nephew.

       "Thanks, Uncle Doc. Frodo? Do you forgive me?"

       "I told you, you silly Took, there is nothing to forgive. You did the right thing, and I'm sure Aragorn will agree. He may have seen this in the palantir too, as he would be bound to want to see what we decided."

       Merry hugged Pip. "That was some throw, Pipsqueak. I only have one complaint," he whispered.

       "What's that?"

       "I wanted to kill him!"

       "Bested my big cousin Mer for once, have I?"

       "Good thing I saw it though, otherwise I wouldn't have believed he was dead."

       "No, you'd be prying off the coffin lid, just to make sure!" Pip's colour was returning and the frozen look in his eyes had thawed, much to Merry's relief. It had been a shock to see such an grim expression on his little cousin's face.

       "Well done, Pippin. That was a very accurate throw." Sam embraced his friend.

       Merry smiled. "We assume it was. You were aiming for his neck, weren't you, Pip?"

       "No, I thought I'd just give him a quick haircut," replied Pip acidly. He reached down and worked Troll's Bane loose, then wiped it clean before replacing it in his scabbard.

       Frodo had walked over to the shocked mother and her child and was crouching on his haunches, talking softly. Then he held out his hand, helped the woman to her feet and allowed Paladin to escort her to a seat in the shade of some trees. The little faunt trustingly put her hand in his and he led her across the square to the shops.

        Ten minutes later she skipped back to her mother, her fright forgotten, clutching some new hair ribbons, a furry cat and a large bag of sweets.

        "You didn't have to do that, Mister Baggins."

        "I wanted to help dispel any bad memories of this day for her. Memories can be hard to live with, so tempering them with something nice will hopefully help her to forget. I'm just so sorry it had to happen at all."

        While Frodo was in the shops, the Shirriffs had taken Ted's body back to the Lockholes for the night and Saradoc and Will Whitfoot had ordered a coffin from the Michel Delving carpenter. Paladin sent to the Holly Bush for food and drink and sent some to the next table for the mother and child. Curious and dumbfounded hobbits gossipped in groups, disbelieving that any hobbit could behave so. The unanimous verdict was that the Thain's lad had done a good deed, and good riddance to bad rubbish.