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Trotter  by Dreamflower

 

Chapter Six: Rescued


When next I awakened, I knew at once my bonds were gone. But I was still in the presence of Big Folk. I could hear their deep rumbling voices, though I could not understand what they said, for they spoke in a low tone of voice.

“He is awake,” said one of the voices. I shrank into myself fearfully, wondering what was in store for me now.

But one of them came near me, sat down on the cot. “It is all right--those who captured you are gone.” His voice was gentle, not rough like those other Men. I opened my eyes fearfully.

“Who--who are you?” My voice was rusty, and my head was pounding.

“They call me Longshanks,” he said, and chuckled. It was a warm sound, and I realized that in spite of his rough appearance, he was not like those others. His dark hair, though unkempt, was clean. And his grey eyes were very kind. “And who are you? he asked me.

“My name is Hildifons T--er--Chubb,” I said, still reluctant to reveal my true name. My mother’s maiden name would do as well.

“ ‘Chubb’, eh?” He smiled. “Those green eyes of yours speak of the Tooklands…”

I sighed, but did not confirm his guess. I did not deny it, either.

He glanced at his companions. “These are my friends Archer and Stark.”

Those didn’t sound anymore like real names to me than “Longshanks” did. I suppose I must have looked rather skeptical, because both of them laughed quietly. “Who are you? How did I come to be here with you?”

“We are Rangers-- we make it our business to protect innocent folk from brigands and ruffians and other wickedness when we can.”

“Oh.” I was rather taken aback. I’d never heard of such a thing. But then the Shire has a distinct lack of brigands and ruffians. I supposed the Bounders or the Shirriffs might have known of these Men. I wondered if my father did. And I wondered at this Man’s seeming familiarity with Tooks.

“Do you know the Shire?”

“I have some passing acquaintance with it,” he said, “and one of my good friends visits the Thain quite often. You may have heard of him? Gandalf the Grey?”

I’m afraid I may have looked a bit stupid with surprise. Finally I closed my jaw, and then said “You know Gandalf?”

“I do indeed.” He smiled at me, and then said, “I need to look at your head for a moment.”

I’d been aware for a while that my head hurt rather abominably, but I was surprised when he reached over very carefully. I could not help flinching at the approach of his large hand, for my time among the outlaws had left me skittish and timid.

Longshanks sighed and shook his head sadly. “I am sorry that you have been so mistreated by those villains. I assure you I mean no harm,“ and he began to gently unwind a bandage from around my head--I‘d no idea it had been bandaged. “I had to put in a few stitches,” he said, “but it appears to be healing cleanly. I think we will leave the bandage off now. Do you think you could eat a bit of broth?”

Truth to tell, something savory had been tickling my nose for a while. “Coney?” I asked.

“Mostly coney,” he said, “some squirrel as well.”

I sat up gingerly, and realised that I was clad only in my smallclothes; apparently my rescuers had cleaned me up while I was still unconscious, and I found myself immensely grateful to be clean once more, after the filth of the ruffians.

The one called Archer brought over a rather alarmingly large mug. Fortunately it was only half-filled, but even so, Longshanks had to help me hold it as I sipped. The broth was very plain--a bit salty, with a hint of wild thyme and a few very small bits of meat floating about in it, but nothing else. Still, it warmed my belly, and I was surprised to feel full long before I had finished it. My headache grew a bit duller.

“Now, Mr.--Chubb,” and he gave me an ironic arch of brow at the name, “what were you doing so far from the Shire, and how did you come to fall among those ruffians?”

I knew it was going to be hard to keep up the “Chubb” business. “Please, call me Hildifons,” I said. “I thought to see a bit of the world outside the Bounds, and planned to make my way to Bree. The brigands waylaid me when I was only about a half-day’s journey from Bree. They robbed me, and then decided I might be worth something as a captive--though I’ve no idea of what value they might have found in me.”

Longshank’s face grew briefly grim. “I do. It is well that you do not.”

It was several years before I realized what that remark meant. I was very innocent of the world then.

“I think, Master Hildifons, that you should take some rest. We shall see about finding someone to escort you home to the Shire in a few days. Tomorrow, you should rest. We recovered your pony and some of your goods from the thieves, but I do not think you should risk being robbed again.”

I could not help a gasp of dismay! Even though my experience among the brigands had been dreadful, I could not think of going home to face the embarrassment and humiliation of having my family know I had run away! I swallowed. “That will not be necessary, Master Longshanks,” I said. “Please do not trouble yourself on my account, for I do not plan on returning to the Shire at this time.”

He arched an eyebrow at me, clearly doubtful of my ability to fend for myself, and said mildly, “Well, we shall see what we shall see. In the meantime, do take your rest.”





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