---

„Do so. Magor deserves nothing less! And I hope you‘ll find that bastard and kill him!“ Gordir shouted. Some of the group‘s members took care that Magor who had suffered a painful death found his peace. There was not much time left, so they piled up some wood to burn him.
Frodo looked at the leader wordlessly. He had taken Liliane in his embrace and felt her breathing hard. She was terrified, scared to death.
Frodo knew that Gordir was thinking of Bergil. Although he must not lose time, Gordir wanted to take revenge on the spy. And Bergil had killed someone in order to defend himself. He was gone. And it was good. He‘d be dead if he hadn‘t left them.
Once the fire was burning, Gordir rose and went up to the Hobbits. Frodo did not take his eyes off him.
„You‘ll be carried by Ortherion, I‘ve seen that you can‘t walk. Well done, halfling. Now you can‘t escape either!“ Gordir said, grinning in amusement. Frodo narrowed his eyes.
„Wait until Bergil finds help, wait for the king to arrive! You‘ve seen him today. He‘s not far and he will not tolerate your deeds!“ Frodo replied angrily. He did not fear the leader. Not yet.
„You‘re too cheeky, Frodo Baggins. What would you say if I told you that I was the new guard to care for your wife?“
Frodo went pale at once and shook his head.
„N-no. You won‘t. Never!“ he replied and rose. Liliane turned her head slowly to look at Gordir. As she saw his expression, she knew it was true.
„Yes, I am. I will take care myself now. We know now that this would be better! And tell me, Ringbearer, where was the king? I only saw an Elf and a dwarf, Gandalf the wizard, Lord Faramir and two of your little friends, but... you don‘t want to make me believe that this Ranger, wearing rags, was King Elessar?“
Frodo shrugged. „He was a Ranger once. These were his clothes. It was Aragorn Elessar, King of Gondor.“
Gordir looked at him in amazement. He had heard of the king‘s past as a Ranger, but he had never reckoned... he was searching for them himself! And when he considered those who he had seen, he felt uncomfortable for a short moment, but then he smiled. They had not come to help their friends, for they had not seen them!
„Great friends you have. They were so close and left you behind! Wonderful“, he said sarcastically. Frodo took a deep breath.
„You don‘t know Elessar‘s silent anger. But you will get to know!“
Gordir shrugged and did not answer, but he even came closer and grabbed Frodo‘s hands, lifting his arms up. Frodo tried to pull them down again, but Gordir was stronger and then it was easy for him to separate the Hobbits.
„No!“ Liliane screamed in terror as she felt Gordir‘s arms around her shoulders. Frodo wanted to come to her aid, but suddenly he was taken by Ortherion and lifted up.
„Welcome!“ the deputy leader said, grinning broadly, then he managed to take the Hobbit on his shoulders, covering his feet with one arm and his arms with the other. Frodo struggled to get free, but Ortherion didn‘t even react.
They walked on. Gordir was pushing Liliane forward, holding her tight in his unyielding grasp. Ortherion walked next to them and Frodo, still lying on the boy‘s strong shoulders, managed to look at Liliane. He was shocked.
Never before he had seen her like that. There were an empty sadness, despair and agony in her eyes and she just stared down on the ground movelessly. She only walked because Gordir forced her to.
There was dirt in her face, washed away by tears in some spots. Frodo wanted to comfort her, but he couldn‘t.
And it came worse. Suddenly Frodo was aware by the dark clouds above their heads. The sunlight faded and unexpectedly they heard far thunder roaring.
At once Liliane raised her head, looking up to the sky. She froze and then gazed at Frodo in dismay. He smiled a little, trying to cheer her up and encourage her, but he knew it was useless.
Her heart was beating faster. Liliane tried not to panic, but it became harder and harder. She was scared already - how should she bear being out at a thunderstorm?
She tried to be brave. She fought hard to be. But the storm drew nearer, flashes tore the gloomy light and suddenly the rain began to pour down.
Gordir noticed her fear, but he didn‘t know where it came from. He had no idea there was a special reason for it. She was trembling all over and weeping silently which nobody saw, she tried not to panic...
„Easy, dear“, Frodo said, giving her a warm smile. Liliane swallowed hard. Frodo noticed in what state she was.
„Let me down“, he demanded. Ortherion turned his face sidewards to look at him, then he laughed at him and said: „Why should I? It‘s a simple thunderstorm. She‘ll have to endure many more things!“
Gordir looked at Frodo, but said nothing. He would see where this led to.
They walked on. Frodo was shifting uneasily, hearing Liliane sobbing and suddenly pleading: „Make it stop, please make it stop...“
„Let me down, please!“ Frodo asked and she looked at him, smiling through tears. Still Ortherion didn‘t move.
„It will stop when it‘s over“, Gordir said, holding her tight and showing no reaction.
But when suddenly a loud thunder raged above, Liliane cried out and stopped. No matter how Gordir tried to make her walk again, she didn‘t, she fought to get free, she was panicking.
„I will calm her down! Will you not let me?“ Frodo screamed angrily. „She‘s horrified at thunderstorms, don‘t you see that? She will neither walk on nor stop screaming if you don‘t let me down to talk to her!“
Ortherion looked at Gordir, but the leader shook his head mercilessly.
„No. You will stay where you are. No break. But tell me, why does she behave like that?“
Still she was sobbing loudly and wincing in fear when there was more lightning.
„It‘s the remembrance“, Frodo said. „She‘s been like that since I know her. She doesn‘t pretend that, it‘s always the same! But I can comfort her!“
He did not like the idea of telling Gordir which remembrance he spoke of, but the leader didn‘t ask either. He looked at the two Hobbits, taking a minute to consider the situation, but when Liliane cried out again at another roaring thunder, he turned her about and made her look up to him.
„What are you trying to do here? What game do you play? You will walk on and you will be quiet again!“ he demanded. Her only answer was loud sobbing and she nearly screamed.
„Well, I have no choice“, Gordir said, putting his hand into his pocket.
„No!“ Frodo cried. „No, leave her, it will pass once the storm is over! She‘ll be fine... why don‘t you let me help her?“
Liliane only heard him speaking, but she didn‘t understand the meaning of Frodo‘s words. Still she heard the storm and felt the rain, then suddenly she was grabbed ungently by Gordir.
„Don‘t!“ Frodo shouted as he saw Gordir taking the cloth. It was useless. Roughly he put it in her mouth and fastened the endings with a knot. Liliane closed her eyes and cried out in despair, she nearly went to her knees. Frodo was breathing hard as he had to watch her being gagged.
„It‘s not necessary!“ he shouted. Gordir turned to him, coming close to his face and hissing sharply: „You‘re the next to shut up - no matter how!“
Frodo bit his lip, but fell silent. He looked at Liliane and closed his eyes. He felt so ashamed. She was suffering because of him.
Yet she did not walk on. Gordir was in rage and before anyone was able to say something, he slapped her across the face and pushed her forward ungently. She lost the balance and fell. Sobbing loudly she turned around, finding her already torn dress wholly dirtstained. It tore her heart - it was Arwen‘s present.
She did not move when Gordir dragged her up, taking her on his arms. He had no choice. But it didn‘t take long until she struggled to be let down again and so he finally did as she tried to cry out.
„Oh well, you get what you want, I like that better anyway“, Gordir said and shrugged.
Frodo kept watching them. He felt so much hatred for the cruel leader. It was a feeling which he hadn‘t known like that before, but now he did. He hated Gordir.
And this hatred made him even feel more helpless. He was not ashamed, for how should he feel about his man‘s cruelty towards Liliane?
He closed his eyes as he remembered moments in which she had looked so happy. He loved to see her smile.
If she would ever do so again? He doubted it. And he hated Gordir for taking her away from him.
They walked until nightfall. The thunderstorm finally passed and when it was over, Frodo asked Gordir to take away her gag again, but Gordir didn‘t. Frodo was angry. Liliane had calmed down, but for the leader it was just a bit of fun.
When it was too dark to go on, they decided to take a rest although everything was wet. Still it was warm and so everything dried again very soon, but they were not able to light a fire.
Ortherion laid Frodo down on the ground before a tree and Gordir made Liliane sit down next to him. Since Frodo couldn‘t run away and Liliane wouldn‘t do so, Gordir went to talk to some others and get some food. Only Ortherion was left to guard the Hobbits, but he did not really look at them, sitting beside them.
Liliane leaned on the tree and closed her eyes. She did not move anymore. She couldn‘t.
Frodo came closer and raised his hands to take down her gag. Ortherion saw it and let him since Liliane would get something to eat anyway.
She leaned on Frodo‘s shoulder weakly and stared somewhere, Frodo couldn‘t figure out where. Probably nowhere.
„I‘m so sorry, dear“, he whispered so that only she could hear him. She raised her head.
„You don‘t have to. Once I swore myself to never leave you, no matter what happened. I... I told myself I would endure everything. I know of your past! And I wasn‘t afraid of revenge. That‘s love, Frodo. And they can‘t take it. They will never do so.“
Frodo turned away as she spoke so. It made him only feel more ashamed then. He knew she had spoken truly and this was the problem. She had been honest. She was willing to endure the revenge that was for him, to carry it on her shoulders, too.
She was incredibly brave, but she would still be broken afterwards.
He had also been after the quest.
Suddenly he felt how she was shaking. Again she was sobbing. She tried to stand it, but she couldn‘t. Still she felt Gordir in her back, heard the thunder...
Frodo looked at Ortherion who was busy with his sword. Then he had decided.
He raised his hands to his mouth and began to tear at the knot with his teeth. The ropes were thick and the knot was strong, but his will was stronger and finally he had loosened the ropes.
He sighed quietly once he was free. Liliane, still leaning on his shoulder, hadn‘t noticed what he was doing, but she didn‘t care either. Then as he suddenly wrapped his arms around her and pulled her on his lap, she looked up in surprise and kissed him shyly.
Frodo didn‘t care what Gordir would say to that. It was not important.
„Thank you“, Liliane whispered and hid in his embrace. It was so much protection to her.
Yet it didn‘t take long until Gordir returned with some food. He halted as he saw the rope beside Frodo who was sitting there with Liliane. He didn‘t seem to worry about Gordir‘s appearance.
„Was that you?“ Gordir asked Ortherion who raised his head and then looked at Frodo.
„No! Cursed, what did you do there, filthy rat of a halfling?“ Ortherion replied and rose. Gordir laid down the food on his coat and quickly grew a dagger, knelt down in front of the Hobbits and pointed the blade at Frodo‘s throat.
„You‘ll never do that again, you will not even dare to, do you hear me? I will bind you in a way that will make you unable to move if you do that again! I would kill you now, but you‘ll be spared until tomorrow!“ he hissed sharply, took the rope and bound Frodo‘s wrists again. Frodo groaned, but let him do so.
„I‘d never have run off! How should I?“ he asked. Gordir only looked at him for a second.
„That‘s not the thing. You are not to do what you want! Got that?“
Frodo didn‘t answer, he only laid his arms around Liliane again and raised his eyes up to the sky.
Killed. He would be killed, it was merely a question of hours. Had he already realized?
What was it that made him remain so unaffected by that?
He knew the answer. To him it was bigger torture to think of Liliane - to think of what was waiting for her.
He closed his eyes, but opened them again when Gordir came close and handed Liliane some food. It was barely enough for her, but she was already about to divide it.
„No“, Frodo said, ignoring the hunger. „Take it. You need it more than I do. Think of the baby.“
He answered Gordir‘s scornful gaze unimpressed. He knew this made the leader go mad and find no sleep, but Frodo was proud now.
Liliane ate slowly, but she only took half of the water. Then she laid down and Frodo did not let go of her. He was there.
Soon she fell asleep, but Frodo looked at Gordir and Ortherion, both sitting next to them.
They wouldn‘t leave them that night. Frodo didn‘t care. He stayed awake until he grew too tired, then he also fell asleep.

The next morning he awoke very early. He couldn‘t feel his arm anymore where Liliane had been lying on. He looked into her eyes, her wonderful green eyes that were so sad now.
„I‘m sorry to wake you, Frodo, but...“ she began, but he understood immediately and sat upright to let go of her. He saw Gordir watching her as she took a few steps to a thicket, kneeling down, then she was sick.
Frodo nearly wanted to smile, but he preferred not to do so. He imagined Gordir would be tried to eat him alive then.
They gaped at each other in silence. Gordir felt he would nearly explode. Did Frodo have any idea of what was waiting for him? Probably not... otherwise he would be scared stiff. Gordir looked at him with an evil grin.
„Seems as if you can‘t wait for me to try on you how sharp my dagger is!“ he said and laughed. Frodo took a deep breath. Gordir knew how to hurt him.
„Indeed I can‘t wait for it!“ he replied sarcastically. „But I know my friends are near and the king will know how to punish you for that!“
Gordir shrugged. „Let him come. He was unable to protect you before, so how would he be able now?“
Frodo did not answer since Liliane returned to him. She looked pale and weary. She sat down beside him again and was given some bread and water again which Frodo refused again as she told him to take some.
He knew how to endure hunger. He had been hungry all his way to Mount Doom once they had run out of food in the centre of Mordor.
„You‘ll take him again, Ortherion! Come on, our aim is near! Walk!“ Gordir commanded and grabbed Liliane ungently. She looked at Frodo who was taken by the deputy leader. His foot didn‘t hurt anymore, but he hadn‘t used it for hours. Still he knew he would be unable to walk.
They were walking until noon. Suddenly as they slowed down Frodo felt fear growing inside of him. Now he was aware of what was to come next. He had been able to suppress his agony for long, he had displaced it, but when he heard Liliane screaming and saw the building himself, he was taken by fear and stiffened all over.
He had been lying on Ortherion‘s shoulders for hours, always waiting for his friends to come. He knew they would come. They were near... but they hadn‘t come yet.
Now it was too late. They had reached it. Frodo coughed and sucked in a deep breath. His stomach got cramped. Death...
He didn‘t want to die now. And he didn‘t want to die that way.
He would be a father, he couldn‘t leave her... and he couldn‘t leave Liliane to these devils!
„No“, he said. „No, don‘t take her with you. Release her now. You don‘t need her! Why would you?“
Gordir turned and looked at him. They stopped before the building and Frodo saw the tears in Liliane‘s eyes. She had been silent all morning, she hadn‘t spoken, she hadn‘t cried... she had only walked all the way. She had been thinking of Toron and she had been thinking that this was the day. The day when it would all be too late.
The Hobbits looked at each other. Liliane felt hear heart beating faster and faster. She felt like choked as they came closer to the building.
„Where are they?“ she whispered tonelessly, looking at Frodo helplessly. He closed his eyes.
Candles were lit already as the only sources of light in the black-covered hall-like room. In the flickering light they could only see the things they had already passed, but they didn‘t get far anyway. Suddenly Frodo and Liliane were thrown down and hit the ground. Ungently Gordir cut their bonds, but accidently he also cut Frodo‘s hand while doing so.
The Hobbit gritted his teeth and looked at the leader wordlessly.
„Brave, little rat. But you will need your bravery later!“
It tore Frodo‘s heart in two to see Liliane in mortal agony. Yet she did not speak, no word left her lips as the two of them were grabbed brutally and pushed against the wall. Frodo didn‘t care about two boys dragging up his arms to chain him on the wall.
He was waiting. But he didn‘t know what he was waiting for.
The chains were of a height which would have allowed a grown man to sit down, but the Hobbits could just crouch down.
With his head bent down Frodo balanced his weight on his undamaged foot.
Still he looked at her. He was tugging at the cold iron manacles around his wrists, trying to get a little closer to Liliane, but he couldn‘t.
Her gaze was empty as she stared at the ground. She didn‘t even move. Petrified by fear she was breathing hard, fighting not to cry, but it was useless.
Tears were streaming down her cheeks and could not be stopped anymore. Frodo bit his lip in despair. He could not stand her weeping like that.
„Look at me. Please! Come on, Liliane, look at me!“
Whatever he tried, he could not reach her. It took a while until she finally raised her head and looked at him, her eyes were shining from tears. Frodo had never before seen her like that. It hurt.
She should not... she must not... but he could not help it.
Her silent weeping grabbed the attention of some lads. They were laughing scornfully which let Frodo‘s anger grew. Now that he was actually facing the end, he should have been afraid, but he wasn‘t. It was because of her, he feared for her, he feared that he was unable to protect her now.
„Ringbearer, why don‘t you look at what‘s waiting for you?“
First he didn‘t move, but when Liliane turned her head first and cried out in terror, he did so though. Right in the center of the room there was a huge plate of stone which nearly looked like an altar. It was surrounded by candles and to his dismay he perceived iron manacles knocked into the surface of the stone.
Slowly he understood what they intended to do. It scared him to death, it had not been like that even in his worst nightmares.
Through tears Liliane had seen it and still she was screaming in panic. She was dismayed since she understood immediately what would come next. She was crying and pleading, begging for his life, only interrupted by sobs.
„Don‘t... don‘t do that, show mercy, leave him... spare him!“ she cried, but the only answer was mocking laughter. All the surroundings scared her, all the lads that had gathered. They were sitting on the walls that were full of frightening signs. The Messengers were waiting for the things to come.
Liliane lost her composure and no matter how Frodo tried to calm her, it was of no use. Fear had taken her.
And slowly it took him, too.
He could not help her. It hurt to see her pulling at the chains as a hopeless attempt to escape agony and harm.
„It is not her business, so leave her! Let her go. Take me and... do everything you want, but let her go!“ Frodo shouted at Gordir who stood some meters away. He held up a dagger and its sharp blade reflected in the candle-light. He grinned viciously. Frodo felt his eyes widening in terror, feeling lost and trapped.
It was all over now.
Gordir didn‘t even answer. Frodo gave up. He knew they had him anyway. And they had their plans with her.
There was no use in just trying to escape, it was too late.
„Aragorn!“ Liliane cried loudly. She cried the king‘s name again and again, it was the last gleam of hope that was left, but nobody had reckoned something to happen when all of a sudden the doors flung open. In contrast to the bright light that was flooding the hall at once, there stood a small figure like a shadow in the door, raising a sword.
As Frodo turned his head, he recognized the figure immediately. He lost control and screamed: „Leave, Sam! Go! Run away!“
But it was too late. Sam entered the hall with Sting in his hand, shouting in wrath.
„You will spare them and let them go if you are still in full possession of your right mind!“
Yet it was so easy for the lads to disarm the Hobbit who was all alone and still not healed. They grabbed him, dragged him towards his friends and also chained him up beside Liliane.
„Sam...“ she whispered. But it was not Liliane who Sam looked at, it was Frodo who looked just terrible.
„You devils! How can you do that?“ Sam yelled angrily which provoked Gordir to approach him, raising the dagger.
„You will witness it all, halfling, you don‘t see things like that every day!“
Liliane backed away as Gordir passed her, but it was Frodo that he was interested in.
„One last wish?“ Gordir asked, pointing the dagger at Frodo who began to tremble all over as he did so.
Gordir came closer. Liliane‘s eyes grew wide, she stared at the leader panic-stricken and winced when Gordir loosened the first button of Frodo‘s shirt with the shining blade. It hit the ground with a rattling noise and Frodo looked at the lads surrounding them, eagerly waiting for their leader to continue. Gordir removed button after button and on his command some boys undid the chains. In the nick of a second they had grabbed Frodo and wholly stripped him.
Sam held his breath. It had taken him some moments to see where the boys took Frodo, but he could hardly bear the sight.
It was in this moment when Frodo closed his eyes. He got cramped all over because of agony. He would be unable to stand that, to endure this torture. He could never have described the feeling of fear creeping inside of him, for he knew what was waiting for him. It was worse than the worst nightmare.
„Frodo!“ Liliane screamed, tugging her chains helplessly, but this only made Gordir develop another idea. He went over to Ortherion and Gurtor and gave some commands, quiet enough to prevent the Hobbits from hearing his words.
Meanwhile the lads took Frodo to the middle of the room and he started when he felt the cold stone in his back as they laid him down. They manacled him, he felt the cold of the iron at his wrists and his ankles. His breath went harder.
He had lost. However they had managed, they had succeeded in fitting the manacles to his size, it was merely a helpless attempt to pull his hands out. Frodo had never felt that helpless before, they were to do everything to him and nobody would stop them and help him.
He was not only bound to his fate. He closed his eyes and would have liked to cover his ears as he heard Liliane crying loudly.
Frodo saw some lads passing him, approaching Liliane and Sam. Liliane pressed herself to the wall as the boys came near and also undid her chains.
She knew what would follow. She knew what they were up to. And everything inside of her was screaming as she felt the grabbing hands at her arms. Gurtor lifted her up as if she had no weight, he grabbed her tightly and she could not make a single move.
„Help me, Sam! Help me... no!“ she screamed in panic. Gordir came towards her, laid a finger under her chin and smiled as he said: „I‘m leaving you to the lads now. They know what to do and will exorcise the sin out of you!“
Frodo cried out in dismay as he heard that. She would be violated. She would not die, but was there a difference?
„Liliane!“ He called out her name, but they had no chance to say at least goodbye. They looked at each other one last time before Gurtor disappeared down the stairs, followed by some other members of the group. Frodo recognized Torgil, Daugamir, Turdir and some others, there was half a dozen of them. And Liliane was at their mercy.
Frodo closed his eyes again. He heard Sam shouting in rage, all in vain.

Meanwhile Liliane tried to kick Gurtor to be let go, but it didn‘t work out. He knew how to prevent that. She had not seen these steps before, but now as she was taken down, horror took her. Torches lit the chamber that was below the hall, there was no door and except for an old heavy desk it was all empty.
„Maethor, bring the rope“, Gurtor ordered and knelt down. Daugamir stepped beside Liliane on the other side as she was laid down on the ground. Each of them held one of her arms, dragged them left and right and then she felt how her wrist was bound to one of the table-legs.
„Frodo!“ she screamed in terror and as loud as she could. He was unable to help her, she knew that, but she could not help it as she cried out his name. Maethor also bound her other wrist very tightly and when he was done, they rose and took some steps backwards.
Liliane felt her heart beating faster and faster, her breath went hard and she bit her lip until she tasted blood.
They stood around her, six or seven lads they were, all so much bigger than her save one... it was Torgil. He looked as if he was feeling very awkward.
„And what are we supposed to do now, Gurtor?“ one of them asked. Gurtor shrugged. They all glared down at her thoughtfully which made her even more aware of the perilous situation that she was in. Tears came to her eyes. No matter how hard she tried, she could not get free. The ropes were too tight.
She would be unable to defend herself. No way.
„Guess what I‘m considering right now“, Gurtor replied harshly. There was silence for a moment, but it didn‘t last for long.
„We have something to be done first. Still she‘s bearing his child. Anyone an idea how to deal with that?“ Gurtor asked. Liliane‘s eyes widened and she was panicking.
„No...“ she whispered tonelessly. „You... you can‘t do anything...“
She knew they couldn‘t kill her and there was nothing they could do that would not endanger her life.
„Gimme that knife“, Daugamir demanded and took a dagger from Gurtor. Liliane let out a cry as he knelt down beside her and pressed it down on the fabric of her dress. He cut it above her belly with an evil grin.
„How would ye like me to free you from this burden?“ he asked and laughed maliciously.
„You‘re such a blockhead“, Maethor said. „You‘ll kill her if you try to cut out... that would be of no use for the Lord!“
Most of the boys were snickering in amusement as the two boys stared at each other.
„Well, so what do you propose, idiot?“ Daugamir asked.
Suddenly they were all startled by a fierce cry from above. Liliane heard Frodo screaming something that sounded like Morgoth, she was not sure. She dared not to imagine what Gordir was doing to him now.
He would kill him. He would torture him, maybe to death. He would be executed in the cruelest way she could ever think of.
„Frodo!“ she yelled despairingly and heard him answer, calling her name. And then he added something.
„I‘m sorry, dear, I‘m so sorry!“
Liliane closed her eyes and felt like choked. She knew what he feared the lads were doing to her.
Not yet.
She began to weep again. Sobbing loudly she struggled to get free with no success.
Gurtor knelt down beside her and reached out his hand for her cheek, wiping away the tears. Liliane winced as he did so.
„You will once understand that we freed you. You will not like our exorcism, but it has to be. We can‘t let you have this child and we have to undo your sins. The Lord claims this as a revenge. His new order is to exorcise it all out of you before he dies so you‘re taken from him.“
Liliane felt disgust and hatred growing inside as he was speaking like that. She took a deep breath and shouted: „You will not take away my love. Do whatever you want or what you‘re ordered to do, but you will never take my love for Frodo! He did nothing wrong!“
At once Gurtor was in rage and slapped her across the face. Liliane did not give a single sound except for one word she said: „Never!“
Gurtor stared at her grimly, but then he rose and stepped backwards.
„Any ideas?“ he asked again. „She must not have the child! What are we to do?“
„We can‘t do anything that would kill her. But is there anything else to do about it?“ another boy said. They all looked at each other quite helplessly.
Liliane could not even lift herself up a little. She was lying on the ground, delivered to seven boys who were all so much taller than she was.
They continued considering their options. Liliane screamed in terror when someone had several violent ideas, only beginning with thrashing.
She heard Frodo answer. Again he repeated how sorry he was.
She could not stand it all. She could not bear hearing what the boys said and she could not bear Frodo remarking that he felt sorry for her situation. It was not his fault... it was not to be blamed on him. He was in danger himself.
Sam was shouting something. What were they doing?
„Would it be of any use if the one to have her was treating her a little more severe?“ Daugamir asked. Liliane held her breath in agony. She fought the tears and begged quietly: „No, please don‘t... please...“
Torgil met her gaze as she was looking up from below. He was not entirely sure whether they were doing the right thing.
„And who is the one to have her?“ asked Maethor.
Liliane winced fearfully and kept her eyes shut tightly. Every word was stinging her. It was merely a question of time until they would do what they were still speaking of.
„Well... Gordir just told me about the Lord‘s commands. The Lord ordered us to take care that she does no longer have the Ringbearer‘s child. One should have her soon and we might choose the one - it would be best if it was one of the younger boys. She‘s too small. And this one is a deputy for the Lord, still it will actually be the Lord if you understand...“
Stricken by the most intense terror Liliane screamed Frodo‘s name, she screamed as loud as she could since there was nothing else left she could do.
„No... no, please don‘t...“ she begged, waiting for Frodo to answer - but there was no answer. There were voices in the room above, but there was no answer from Frodo.
Again she called his name, but it was useless.
Was he dead already?
She began to sob uncontrollably. The boys didn‘t care about it.
„Bergil would have been the youngest, that bastard. Now there‘s still Torgil...“ Gurtor continued. All the boys looked at Torgil who shrugged.
„So I am... Me? But how...“ he stammered. They laughed.
„You wanna know how? You don‘t know? Don‘t worry, we‘re here to tell you...“ Daugamir grinned in amusement. Torgil made an unhappy face.
„Very funny indeed, bonehead. The best about your idea is that you‘ll all stay here. Very helpful!“ he grumbled and crossed his arms before the chest. Liliane gazed at him in disbelief. Actually she had reckoned them all being unable to wait, but in fact Torgil did not like the idea at all.
Still her whole body was cramped all over.
„Heck, what are you waiting for? The Ringbearer must not be dead before you finally decided what to do!“ Gurtor insisted. Torgil rolled his eyes.
„You‘re a pest. But you‘d help me the most if you left!“
Nobody made a move. Torgil groaned.
„Well, then.“
This was when Liliane realized the time of talking was over at once. Torgil took some steps forward and knelt down before her. The others were still there and watching.

Frodo kept his eyes shut tightly as the lads began to murmur something in the Black Speech of Mordor which he knew, letting out vows and coming a little closer.
The Hobbit was shivering. He knew Sam was still there, but he didn‘t dare to imagine the horror his friend must feel.
Then he opened his eyes at once. There was cold metal on his throat and he saw Gordir‘s mean grin above his face, felt his breath and didn‘t dare to breathe. The blade was scratching his skin and he feared the pain of the cut. Fear took him, it was so intense at once and he could not help but sob silently.
Then Gordir let out a cry, but it was not his voice, it was cold and sounded like Morgoth himself. In his eyes there was a dark sparkling and with an expression of madness he stared down at Frodo.
Then they heard Liliane crying loudly, crying Frodo‘s name. Frodo closed his eyes for a moment. She was all alone down there with these lads, they could do everything they wanted, they would hurt her in the worst way possible.
He did not care about Gordir as he answered, calling her name to assure that he was still there. There was laughter coming from below.
Gordir didn‘t care about Frodo screaming. He concentrated on his Lord‘s commands. Frodo gazed into a pale white face, but Gordir‘s dark eyes were of a huge contrast to that. It was a sight which was equal to a dead, reminding Frodo of the Nagzul with their empty lifeless faces.
„Praise the Lord!“ Gordir shouted with a deep voice and Frodo made a fist. He could not move and then Gordir put the dagger down on Frodo‘s chest, causing a long cut - not deep, but deep enough.
Frodo gave a cry and was breathing hard. The feeling of the metal penetrating his skin was the worst he could imagine, it made him go mad since he feared to feel it again. This fear was the real torture.
„Are you afraid?“ Gordir asked with a strange toneless voice, deep and croaking, but Frodo understood.
„Morgoth!“ he screamed in panic and Gordir backed away.
„How did you call me? This is not my name!“
„Morgoth!“ Frodo cried in despair.
Again Frodo heard Liliane calling out his name. Before Frodo could answer, Gordir came closer again, raising the dagger with increasing wrath, then cutting Frodo‘s cheek.
Frodo felt the warm blood running down to his throat.
„Liliane!“ he yelled. „I‘m sorry, dear, I‘m so sorry...“ He tried to bear the pain. It was nearly unbearable, but not only because of his physical pain, he feared for Liliane. She sounded so desperate. What if they were about to hurt her now? They would violate her. It was merely a question of time.
Tears came to his eyes. They must not do that. He could not imagine anything worse than that for her.
„Release her...“ he begged and cried: „A Elbereth Gilthoniel!“
Again Gordir backed away in dismay, but the result was only growing rage and he scratched Frodo‘s belly. When he raised the dagger again, Frodo could see the blood on the shining blade.
He could not stand it all. But it came worse as Liliane screamed loudly and in agony. Frodo held his breath. He had a picture in his mind and it didn‘t let go of him. There were half a dozen boys down there with her, intending all evil that they could possibly do to her.
She expected his child. Surely they were about to find a way to deal with that. He knew they wouldn‘t let her have the child.
He felt his salty tears biting in his bleeding wound, but he could not fight the tears back. They would do any possible harm to her to make her lose the child. And they would go on with following their leader‘s commands, maybe their Lord‘s commands, who wanted her for himself.
„No!“ he screamed and tried to lift up his head, but he couldn‘t.
„I‘m so sorry, Liliane...“ he cried and sobbed. He would die today - maybe it was better. She would hate him for that, she would hate him that she had to suffer like that simply because she was his wife.
And he understood that.
Gordir touched Frodo‘s bleeding cheek with the dagger, but he didn‘t hurt him. Frodo was breathing harder, gasping in fear and in thoughts he nearly begged it would be over soon. But then he suddenly felt a cut on his throat, Gordir wanted to mark him, sacrifice him and bring torment to him to make him feel the revenge.
In despair he called: „Aiya elenion ancalima“, as he already had done in Mordor before, but the only answer was another cut and he gritted his teeth.
There was something flashing in Gordir‘s eyes, maybe endless anger, as he hissed: „You‘re doomed to die, Ringbearer!“
Frodo screamed as loud as he could, coughed and struggled to get free, but there was no hope in that. He shifted from left to right, but he couldn‘t really move, it was useless. Gordir laughed scornfully and exclaimed: „You want to escape? You can‘t escape!“
Frodo felt the cold metal of the dagger on his hand. Gordir went about his fingers with the blade and looked at Frodo to see his reaction.
„This marked you also for ever. You should be recognized as the Ringbearer! How‘s that, a missing finger? How would it be with another one missing?“
Frodo gaped at him in dismay, Gordir went over to the other side of the desk and put the dagger down on Frodo‘s other hand.
Frodo didn‘t move because of fear and Gordir was feasting his eyes on that.
This was when Sam shouted wrathfully.
„Leave him! You‘d be dead by now if he hadn‘t destroyed the Ring!“
Gordir laughed at these words, but Frodo smiled as he heard Sam‘s voice. His true friend was still there.
„Make him shut up“, Gordir ordered some lads who went over to Sam and gagged him. Frodo closed his eyes. He didn‘t imagine what he looked like, what sight Sam had to bear now.
Frodo‘s heart was beating painfully and he feared it could suddenly stop. Gordir‘s only reaction to Frodo‘s fear was another evil smile. He pulled back the dagger and just looked at Frodo who was whimpering in agony, weeping, his face was wet from tears.
Gordir narrowed his eyes and went through his hair, then reacted immediately as Frodo tried to lift his head and look at Sam. Maybe it would be the last time that Frodo had the chance to see him, at least he wasn‘t alone in this hell.
Gordir laid his hand on Frodo‘s forehead and at once pressed his head down forcefully. Frodo felt his head hitting the stone hard. Immense pain flashed through his head, he could not see clearly anymore and had the vague hope of losing consciousness now, but he didn‘t. Still he had to bear this torture as his consciousness returned. He gritted his teeth in pain.
Sam tried to get rid of his gag, he saw how bad Frodo needed some comfort at least, but he couldn‘t give it anymore. He wanted to help him, he saw the dark blood, but he was so helpless.
Gordir continued. He carved some signs, Frodo felt the cuts and the warm blood, but he didn‘t dare to look at it.
He wondered why there was silence below. First it inquieted him, but then he thought that maybe nothing was happening when she was not screaming.
Something good at least.
Suddenly Gordir raised the dagger which was bloodstained all over and with a mad grin he licked it off, laughing cruelly. He was focusing on Frodo who was so much aware of the change that had taken place.
Still he concentrated on how to stand the pain, but he didn‘t succeed in that. He just screamed out his pain, calling: „Morgoth!“
Of course the result was different from what Frodo had intended to. Quickly Gordir held a cloth in his hand and gagged Frodo who closed his eyes, fighting with tears of despair.
But it came worse.
Suddenly he heard Liliane screaming as he had never heard her screaming before. Nothing was to be compared with that fear and helplessness. Frodo‘s breath went faster as he imagined what was happening.
They must not do that. It tore his heart in two to think of that. Why did she have to experience such cruelty?
He remembered how he had said that they would get out and be a family. Now he regarded it as a lie. Toron had died, Bergil was gone, he could not make a single move and Liliane...
He wanted to answer, but it was all choked by his gag. He was so incredibly sorry. It was all his fault.
Why didn‘t they only blame it on him? He was the Ringbearer. She was his wife. And how they call her guilty, call the child guilty?
There were so many thoughts in his mind. He thought of the throbbing pain being caused by his wounds, thought of his death that was inevitable - and maybe better. Again he regarded it that way.
She had hoped to have a child sometime. And now she was a victim of the worst cruelty because of the child, his child.
He was weeping. They would kill him, they would make her lose the child and violate her brutally.
He wished he would never have come to Gondor with Liliane. Indeed he had hoped to be able to live a normal and happy life with his own little family, but the past did not let go of him. It was his fate, he was bound to it and now Liliane was involved.
He was sobbing loudly as he thought of her beautiful smile and her loving kiss.
She would be broken afterwards. All good in her would be destroyed...
His fault. It was all his fault.
Then he heard her sobbing. He winced in pain. They must not do that. They must not harm her, hurt her...
He imagined the boys standing around her who was delivered to one of them. Or at least he tried to imagine since he couldn‘t.
He felt so ashamed and it was so painful to think of that.
Her sobbing increased.
All of a sudden Frodo felt Gordir slitting his wrists lengthwise one after another and he groaned in pain, opening his eyes again.
So this would be the end. He hoped it. He had no hope left for living.
With every heartbeat he felt the blood pulsating and closed his eyes again.
It did not hurt. But he felt how he was losing more blood with every beat of his heart. He was weakening soon. The blood was dripping off his arms and he didn‘t move anymore, but yet he heard her crying. Liliane was begging and pleading, he heard her always repeating it.
„No...“
He could not answer. He was still there, but she didn‘t know it. Didn‘t even want to know it, he guessed.
It was too late now. And he was the one who had promised to protect her.
He had failed. There was someone to rape her now and he was only listening. He hated himself so much that moment.
But he still loved her. He would never stop loving her, he felt the warm feeling growing for a second, but Gordir showed no mercy. Again he cut Frodo‘s throat and the Hobbit winced in pain. He perceived so much blood as he quickly opened his eyes, but he closed them again.
The blood was dripping steadily. He heard Sam whimpering and weeping and Liliane begging in despair, it was all too much...
Sam could not stand watching his friend‘s torture. Tears were streaming down his cheeks.
Frodo heard Gordir shouting something and opened his eyes. The leader had raised the dagger, he was pointing at Frodo‘s heart and Frodo expected it to happen the next moment, but it didn‘t. All of a sudden Gordir let the dagger fall. An arrow was stuck in his hand and he cried out in pain. It made Frodo wince.
Another arrow passed Gordir and missed him, but when Frodo turned his head weakly, he saw the door being opened. They were coming.

Bergil had been unable to stop Sam, but he and Eowyn backed away from the door because they feared to be seen.
„Any ideas?“ Bergil asked from one side of the building and Eowyn shrugged. Bergil ran over to her and whispered: „If we enter now, I‘ll be dead in a minute and we can‘t do anything as well. They‘re more than ten times superior in number and insane...“
„I know. We have to go and search for help, but if we find none... then I‘ll enter or whatever, you still have the bow. Don‘t forget that!“
Bergil nodded. He observed the surroundings, but saw nothing. Cursed! They needed help... urgently!
They still heard voices and screams as they left, but they couldn‘t care. They just ran into the thicket and searched for every movement full of despair and impatience, but it was strangely quiet. Maybe too quiet.
Suddenly some bowmen rose, poining their arrows at them and calling: „Don‘t move!“
One of them was Legolas. He let his bow sink again immediately.
„Down with the bows! They belong to us!“ Faramir called and also put down his weapons which he had aimed on his wife.
„We only heard you, but we couldn‘t see you“, he explained and shrugged helplessly. They had been sitting in dense thicket.
Eowyn and Bergil glanced at them and were glad to see more of the Gondorian soldiers behind their friends.
„Quick! We found the headquarters! Come on, they need our help!“ Bergil cried in excitement and his eyes grew wide as he saw them all. Even Gandalf was there.
The soldiers and the searching friends had met again and the soldiers had reported about finding the headquarters, still being empty. They had been waiting for the Messengers to come, but missed them.
„Bergil! You are alive!“ Aragorn exclaimed. „Praise to the Valar... but what are you doing here? Where is Sam?“
„He‘s with the Hobbits“, Eowyn said, drawing her sword. She knew she would need it.
„Bergil, I... I know you were not alone with the Hobbits“, Aragorn suddenly said. Bergil looked at him with big eyes.
„No, there was Toron... how do you know?“
Aragorn did not answer, he only handed Bergil Toron‘s sword. Bergil began to tremble at the sight, he knew what that meant. But he took it.
„Be glad you haven‘t seen him. But he found his peace“, Aragorn said. Bergil took a deep breath.
„Come on!“ he cried and ran forth. The others followed immediately, but found it hard to keep up with the boy. He ran faster and faster, still hearing their friend‘s screams in his head.
He was hurrying as fast as he could, he must not be too late... they had lost precious time. Bergil held his bow firmly, took an arrow while he was running and although he didn‘t know what he was to find there, he anticipated he would be prepared for everything.
He was too late for Toron, he feared - but he didn‘t want to be too late for the Hobbits.
He was the first to enter the building and at first he couldn‘t see anything because of the gloomy light inside, but then he saw something he hadn‘t been prepared for.
Gordir stood with a dagger in his raised hand, Bergil could see Frodo. He was still alive, but Gordir wanted to stab him.
Trembling Bergil aimed at Frodo‘s torturer. He was breathing hard.
Unexpectedly Gandalf raised his staff which was suddenly flashing brightly, flooding the hall within the darkest corner.
Gordir backed away, blinded by the light and he tried to defend himself by protecting his eyes with his hand. He began to tremble all over and clutched the plate.
„Leave, Morgoth!“ Gandalf commanded with a deep voice and for a second nobody moved, for they were all too surprised to react.
Frodo was still losing his strength and feeling more pain than life, but he had the impression of the sun lighting the dark. Yet the light didn‘t return his strength.
Aragorn stood beside Gandalf with Anduril in his hand, speaking slowly: „End it now. Stop it! Free yourself from the spell of evil!“
Sam was so relieved to see them. It took him from head to toe, but he still was aware of the surprise in Gordir‘s eyes. In the nick of a second Gordir bent down to grab the dagger, but Bergil had been waiting for that and let go of the arrow which hit Gordir in the chest before he could kill Frodo.
Crying out loudly Gordir went to his knees since the man, not Melkor felt this pain. No matter how hard he tried, the weakness was too strong. He fell on his face, tried to grab the plate with no success, but he had no strength left and remained lying on the ground movelessly.
Bergil took a deep breath and ran forth, sword in hand. It was Toron‘s sword.
He looked at Frodo, saw he was still breathing and Bergil understood that Frodo couldn‘t speak anymore since he didn‘t even try.
But when he came closer, Bergil hesitated for a second. Frodo was full of blood, bleeding from his wrists and he saw the blood even dripping to the ground.
„No!“ he exclaimed in dismay and hurried to help him.
Meanwhile the others followed. Sam was relieved to see them all, some guards approached him and also Eowyn.
„Where is Liliane, Sam? Where is she?“ Eowyn asked feverishly for she knew what danger Liliane was in.
„Down there... the stairs, they took her...“ Sam answered as he was freed from his gag. Eowyn did not lose time and took some guards, ran towards the stairs and down to the chamber. If she only wasn‘t too late...
Bergil was protected by Aragorn and Gandalf who took control over the Messengers. Hastily he approached Frodo and freed him from the manacles. Bergil held his breath as he looked at him. Frodo‘s eyes were shining from tears, he was covered with his own blood.
„I‘m here, Frodo, I‘m here to help you!“ he said and grabbed the Hobbit‘s hand with a smile. But before Bergil was able to lift him on his arms, suddenly Gordir rose on the other side of the plate, still with the arrow stuck in his chest. He lifted the dagger and wanted to throw it at Bergil wrathfully, but Bergil was faster and thrust his sword in Gordir‘s heart.
The dagger hit the ground, Gordir lost his balance and fell forward just down on Frodo whose cry of pain couldn‘t be choked by his gag.
Quickly Bergil pushed the man aside and looked into his dark eyes. The fire didn‘t burn anymore. He was dead. Slowly he slipped to the ground.
„Frodo! No...“ Bergil stammered and first loosened the gag, then finally freed him and stroked his head. Helplessly he gazed all about him and cried: „We need help! Please...“
He cried loudly and full of despair. It made everyone look at him. Then Sam stopped beside him and took one of Frodo‘s bloody hands.
„Master Frodo!“ he whispered and smiled through tears. Frodo answered it weakly.
„Quick, we must help him!“ Bergil cried and Gandalf handed him his coat. Bergil covered Frodo in the white fabric and Sam took Frodo‘s clothes to press them on his wrists, trying to bandage them as tight as possible.
Bergil held him firmly and Sam pressed his hand. Frodo smiled and whispered: „Stay with me, Sam... and let me see her one last time...“

„No...“ Liliane whispered, always repeating it. It increased until she was screaming. Torgil bent down to her and still looked at her, trying to understand that although she was small, she was no child. This made him aware of the fact that actually he still was. He was fourteen years old and would never have imagined he would be the one to violate someone.
He hesitated. Liliane was breathing hard as she looked at him with eyes wide of fear.
„Don‘t, Torgil, please...“ she whispered barely audiable, but he heard it.
Torgil held his breath for a second. He would rape her if he continued now, but he didn‘t want to, he didn‘t want to be the one to hurt someone so small. He was the smallest of them all, but still the halflings were smaller.
Still he had no doubt that the killing of his brother had been right, but the spell he was under couldn‘t make him understand why they had taken Liliane captive and were to do such things now.
She feared it more than death, he could see it.
„Go on, coward!“ Gurtor ordered from behind. Torgil shrugged and did not dare to answer her gaze as he lifted her dress with his hand. Liliane bit her lip, pulling at the thick ropes around her wrists, begging him to stop.
„No... no, please...“ she pleaded and cried out loudly. She did not know how to stand that. The boy came closer and showed no feelings as he unbuttoned his trousers, then reaching out his hand to touch her. Liliane gasped panicking as she felt his hand on her breast.
He wouldn‘t stop.
Torgil put his hands on her knees had to use enormous pressure to part her legs since she fought hard to oppose it, but he was stronger.
Liliane closed her eyes and tried to find a way to bear the inevitable, but suddenly she heard voices being raised above. She couldn‘t hear Frodo yet, but the things that happened next came so fast that nobody could react.
Liliane was trembling all over and at once she opened her eyes as she heard someone running down the stairs, shouting loudly and then metal crashed against metal. Torgil turned about hastily and backed away as he saw someone approaching him in a hurry.
„Go away and leave her!“ Eowyn called and raised her sword to emphasize her words. Torgil did as she told him. He showed no fight at all.
There were royal guards taking care for the other boys not to run away or harm Liliane, but none of them followed Eowyn to the Hobbit.
She had seen that she wasn‘t too late. Quickly she knelt down beside Liliane who was sobbing convulsively. Eowyn cut the bonds and wasn‘t surprised that Liliane didn‘t move.
She couldn‘t. She was like paralyzed.
Carefully Eowyn bent down to her and lifted her up, then took her in her arms and pulled her close.
„It‘s over. Nobody will touch you“, she said, rocking Liliane to appease her.
Liliane clutched her in despair, burying her head in her side. Eowyn stroked her head slowly.
„Frodo...“ Liliane whispered. „What‘s wrong with him? Have you seen him?“
Eowyn knew she couldn‘t hurry. What she had seen had been so horrible that Liliane must not see it.
She lifted her on her arms though and smiled at her warmly.
„I have seen him. He‘s alive“, she said.
„Let... let me see him, please...“
„Yes... I‘ll take you to Frodo, but... be prepared. He looks terrible.“
Their eyes met.
„I know“, Liliane said.
Eowyn looked at the boys with an unfriendly gaze as she passed them with Liliane on her arms, climbing the stairs to the hall.
When she tried to find Frodo and Bergil, she was confused at first as she saw none of them. Sam had also disappeared. But then she saw them leaving the hall, making for the entrance.
Liliane screamed in dismay as she saw all the blood on the plate and the ground below. Eowyn made her turn away and passed some boys, heading for the door.
Liliane was panting. With big eyes she stared at Eowyn. She knew what Gordir, lying dead beside the plate, had done to Frodo.
It was horrifying to imagine.
„Bergil!“ cried Eowyn and the boy stopped. As he turned, they saw Frodo lying in his arms weakly. Liliane bit her lip as she saw the blood in his face and on his throat. Gandalf‘s white coat was bloodstained, too.
„Frodo...“ she cried in dismay. Eowyn hurried towards them and they left the hall together. Protected by some guards they stopped meters away from the entrance. Bergil laid Frodo down on the ground very gently, for Frodo had asked him to do so. Eowyn let Liliane down and she knelt down beside Frodo.
With the sleeve of her dress she wiped away the blood on his cheek, taking him in her arms and pulling him close. Frodo could hardly move. There were his breeches bandaged about one wrist and his shirt about the other. He was breathing weakly.
Silence spread. Liliane felt tears on her cheeks as she looked at him, but he smiled. In this moment Aragorn and Gandalf left the hall and approached them. They both only needed to look at Frodo for a second and they knew what was happening.
„I‘m so sorry, Liliane... you... you should never... please forgive me...“ Frodo whispered quietly and sobbed under much effort. It toiled him to speak.
„No, Frodo, there‘s nothing to forgive. What are you sorry for? Frodo, I love you...“
He closed his eyes when she spoke so.
„Don‘t worry“, Liliane said. „They didn‘t hurt me. Nothing happened.“
He looked at her weakly. He didn‘t believe her. He couldn‘t. Why had she been crying like that?
He tried to raise one hand, but he couldn‘t. This made Liliane bend down to him and kiss him lovingly.


Thirteenth Chapter
Of love and forgiveness

„I... I am so thankful that I met you. It should have happened long before, now I‘m leaving you. I‘m sorry. Your child should have a father, but... but maybe you will take care, Sam...“ Frodo whispered.
Sam took his hand and smiled. He was weeping silently.
„I will, Master Frodo, whatever you ask me to. You know I never left you...“
„Sam... I‘d be dead for long if there weren‘t you. Thank you. And please don‘t forget me...“
„How could I, Frodo? But... but you will not leave me now, you won‘t... you...“ Liliane answered, interrupted by sobs.
Every breath was torture, it was all pain. Frodo swallowed hard and said: „I‘ll always be with you, dear... you saved me...“
Liliane shook her head in disbelief. He must not die now, he would be a father and...
„Frodo, I love you more than words can say. Stay with me, don‘t leave me, I need you!“
Frodo gasped. He felt the tears on his cheeks and he was so sorry that he would leave her, but he was also taken by a feeling of relief. His pain vanished slowly and his weakness changed to weightlessness.
„You‘ll care for our baby. Don‘t cry for my, Liliane, my love“, he whispered and closed his eyes when he had looked at her for long, one last time.
It happened with his last heartbeat.

Her tears were dripping down on the white coat. She clasped his hand as if she wanted to return strength to him to breathe again, but he didn‘t.
„No... say something, come back to me, wake up... you‘ll be a father, Frodo Baggins, you can‘t... why are you doing this? Don‘t leave me now... come back, just come back...“
Sam gasped and let go of Frodo‘s hand, hid his face in his hands and sank down sobbing.
Dismayed and helpless Aragorn looked at the Hobbits and Bergil. The boy just stared at Frodo and did not move nor say anything.
of Frodo and was sobbing in despair. Sam tried to give comfort while he had none himself.
Could he be dead?
They were all petrified. Frodo had lost so much blood...
„I don‘t know“, Legolas answered. „But I might try...“
Aragorn tried to realize what just had happened. Nobody had reckoned that.
Legolas knelt down beside the Hobbits who were weeping in grief. Carefully he took the bandages from Frodo‘s wrists and laid his hands about them. Closing his eyes the Elf concentrated on the immortal strength he had and pressed his hands on Frodo‘s wounds. Then he took one of his hands away. The bleeding had stopped.
„Give me the gemstone“, he asked of Aragorn and the king did so. Liliane was surprised that he had it. She hadn‘t even noticed the loss.
Legolas laid it on Frodo‘s heart and placed his other hand on Liliane‘s heart, then waited. Deep in thoughts he tried to call the Valar, call for help by telling them that Frodo was still needed - but nothing happened. He felt no heartbeat.
„No!“ he cried and put his hands on his heart. Then he pressed them down, again and again, he placed one hand on Frodo‘s forehead and nearly gave up all hope when suddenly Frodo gasped and opened his eyes.
Aragorn knelt down beside Legolas and smiled. It had not needed any Elvish skills, but Legolas‘ Elvish origin had helped to return some strength to Frodo by driving out the darkness in his heart. Morgoth had lost.
„What... Liliane, Sam... I...“
Sam and Liliane couldn‘t believe what they saw. He was back!
„Now hurry!“ Aragorn said. „Take them to Minas Tirith, Bergil. Frodo needs help. He lost too much blood!“
Bergil rose quickly, he saw some horses near. In that moment Eowyn joined them, she went over to a horse with Sam. Bergil took Frodo on his arms, Aragorn helped the Hobbits to sit on the horse‘s back and when Bergil took care he would not lose Frodo, Aragorn gave the gemstone back to Liliane.
„That‘s yours“, he said. She smiled thankfully. Together she and Bergil held Frodo tight who had his eyes closed again, but they knew he was with them.
„Come on!“ Bergil cried and so they left on two horses.
Aragorn stood for a moment watching them, then he turned to go back into the building. Legolas joined him, but they didn‘t reckon anything to happen when suddenly someone jumped forward, sword in hand, with a fierce cry and ready to attack Aragorn.
„You let this bastard kill our leader? Because of you it all failed!“ Ortherion cried out. He knew it was the king, now that he stood in front of him, he did not doubt it was him.
Aragorn drew Anduril very quickly and parried Ortherion‘s blow. He had wanted to land his sword on Aragorn, he was blinded by rage.
Aragorn saw Legolas stir uneasily, he was about to get involved, but Aragorn said: „Help Gandalf, I don‘t need you now! That‘s a matter between me and him!“
Legolas shrugged, but he did not really leave. He watched the fight, always ready to help his friend.
„You‘re weak, Elessar! You should also follow our Lord, the Dark Lord is the mightiest...“
„Wrong“, Aragorn interrupted him. „The Dark Lord failed, he can never return to the world. You know that! And his deputy failed, too! Sauron is destroyed!“
Ortherion yelled in anger, metal crashed against metal. He was a young, but tall man and skilled at fighting, Aragorn noticed that immediately. He had no idea who he exactly was, but he reckoned him to be a friend of the dead leader.
„Bergil had no choice but to shoot your leader! Frodo was innocent, how could we let him die? I don‘t know yet what you‘ve done to him, but I don‘t tolerate this!“
„Oh, the great king is speaking!“ Ortherion hissed. „How can you think Melkor cannot return? We heard his voice, he spoke to us and gave us commands! He wanted revenge for Sauron, so how could the Ringbearer be innocent destroying the Ring?“
Aragorn raised his sword again, trying to disarm Ortherion.
„Because“, he said, „it was not Frodo to destroy the Ring!“
Ortherion was so surprised that it was easy for Aragorn to make him lose the sword. Rattling loudly it hit the ground and Otherion was panting.
„No“, he said. „That can‘t be! He bore the Ring and destroyed it in the fiery mountain!“
Aragorn gave Legolas a sign who grabbed Ortherion‘s arms. While Aragorn was stepping close and binding him, he said: „Yes, Frodo bore the Ring, that‘s true. But in the end he could not resist the power anymore. He claimed the Ring. It was Gollum who bit off his finger, taking a step too far and falling into the chasm!“
Ortherion gazed at Aragorn in disbelief. He had never heard of that!
„You lie!“ he shouted. Aragorn shook his head.
„No. I don‘t. It‘s the truth. So it was wrong to blame it all on Frodo. And how“, he hissed sharply, „could you blame anything on his wife? You‘re mad to take her as guilty! Let‘s hope nothing happened to my friends or you‘ll get to know me!“
Legolas told a soldier to guard Ortherion, then they entered the building.
Gandalf‘s staff was still glowing, lighting the whole room and driving out the darkness. The wizard knew how to handle that. Beside him there stood Faramir and the Hobbits, Aragorn and Legolas joined him. Soldiers guarded the boys who did not move but only look at Gandalf, standing before the plate of stone. Pippin gaped at the blood in dismay, but the others didn‘t react to that.
Aragorn looked at many boys and then began to speak.
„I think I don‘t need to tell you anything about Morgoth. I know, your leader who is dead now may have told you everything about him, but all of you lost control, being unable to do anything about the things happening. I don‘t blame it on you. You took Morgoth back to us in your thoughts, you heard him, you were corrupted. I didn‘t reckon that to happen, I never thought one could be able to follow the Dark Lord, but you did. Still he is not here in person! I do not deny he might have been here as he took Gordir, but he‘s gone. It‘s over.“
Aragorn took off his Ranger‘s clothes and the boys looked at him in surprise when they saw his kingly gown.
„You nearly witnessed the cruel death of my innocent friend. Was that worth it? What was it to corrupt you that way? Be glad Gandalf freed you from the spell of evil. Or maybe even Bergil took it away by killing Gordir and saving Frodo‘s life? I‘m your king and I will not judge now, but I want justice!“
Aragorn looked at Gandalf who took the word.
„You‘ve been searching for something different than you have found. Promises, excitement, whatever it was to lead you here - it was too late once Morgoth only needed to reach out his hand for you. Now that you‘re in possession of your mind again, come closer to see what you‘ve done!“
The lads did as they were told. The eyes of some grew wide in dismay as they saw the blood and saw Gordir lying dead beside the plate.
„Can anyone of you imagine that you all stood here half an hour ago, watching this man to kill an innocent halfling in the cruelest way imagineable? You‘ve all seen it and you won‘t forget it, that may be enough of punishment. And yet there were some who have not witnessed that, but have been down with Liliane. Who was that?“
Most lads stepped back to let these approach Gandalf. They did so, but didn‘t dare to look at the wizard.
„I don‘t know what you‘ve done to her and I don‘t want to know now. But I‘m asking something of you and all of you: You may go and ask them to forgive you. They will if they can. And when you return home now - never forget that. Ask yourself what it was to lead you that way.“
Suddenly Torgil stepped forward, kneeling down in front of Aragorn and hiding his face in his hands. He began to cry, he lost his composure and while many lads left the building, Aragorn knelt down to Torgil and told him to look at him.
„What is it, my son? What‘s your concern?“
Aragorn was worried. This was a very young boy and he was still trembling in terror.
„I let him kill my brother...“ he said, sobbing loudly and gaping up at Aragorn in dismay.
„I can‘t return home. I let him die...“
Slowly Aragorn understood.
„So Toron was your brother?“
Torgil nodded and shyly took Aragorn‘s hand.
„My Lord, I did things worse than everything else... I handed Gordir my brother‘s sword, I... I even wanted him to kill my brother! He‘s dead now, he‘s dead! Toron!“
He broke down. Aragorn felt so helpless, but when Torgil lost control, he took him in his arms and looked up to Gandalf who said: „He needs your help now.“
Aragorn nodded, but then his attention was drawn on Torgil again who continued, suddenly backing away. He felt ashamed because he behaved like that in front of his king, but Aragorn smiled at him warmly.
„It‘s alright, you don‘t need to worry. You experienced the worst things.“
„My Lord, it was me... it was me to... I‘m the youngest and smallest of all, they told me to... but I didn‘t want to hurt her! I couldn‘t...“
Aragorn did not understand at first, but then he asked: „What happened?“
„I didn‘t do her any harm. They ordered me to, but the Lady Eowyn came to rescue the little one. Still I nearly...“
Aragorn swallowed hard. This was done by evil - so young a boy...
„She‘s not hurt?“ Aragorn repeated.
Torgil shook his head. „No, my Lord. Please believe me. I didn‘t want that to happen!“
Aragorn sighed. If that was true, he should be relieved.
„Torgil, I‘ll tell you something. You‘ll return to Minas Tirith with us now and I‘ll lead you the way to Frodo and Liliane. You should ask them to forgive you. Frodo will be concerned about her. And then we will see what to do.“
He was referring to Toron. Probably Torgil feared that he could never return home again.
When they all left the building, some of the boys that were still there bowed or knelt down as they saw their king. He was arresting Ortherion who was still in rage, but Aragorn didn‘t know yet what to do with him.
When they sat on their horses, Faramir let Gandalf kindle an arrow and aimed it at the headquarters. He let go of the arrow and when they left, they heard the fire burning and saw it when they turned back.
It was over.

The horses were galloping down the road that led through the forest. It was not the shortest way to the city, but there they could ride the fastest.
Sam looked at Bergil and his friends. He could not believe what he saw. Frodo was wrapped in Gandalf‘s coat, he looked terrible. The white coat was bloodstained and still Frodo felt only pain. The wounds were still bleeding.
His eye wasn‘t that swollen anymore, but his face was bruised and full of dried blood on one side. Liliane had placed her hand on his forehead, holding him tight.
Her dress was dirty and torn, her wrists were red from the tight ropes and on her throat Sam could still see the bruises.
They were alive. But that was it. It tore his heart to see them like that.
„We‘ll reach the Houses of Healing soon“, Bergil said. Liliane smiled a little. She was leaning on him, she had rested her head on his chest and felt safe with him.
„Thank you, Bergil“, Frodo whispered tonelessly and opened his eyes for a moment. Bergil smiled.
„You‘re welcome, dear friend. I had to take you out of there. At least you, now that Toron...“
He trailed off. Frodo looked at him again and coughed.
„You... know it?“
„I have his sword. Aragorn found him.“
Both of them didn‘t say anything. Frodo closed his eyes again, he loved to feel Liliane‘s warm hand on his forehead. She was looking at Sam and Eowyn. She was so glad that they had come. Without them worse would have happened.
She was thankful that Eowyn had freed her. Eowyn had just arrived in time.
Suddenly she was aware of how cramped her stomach was. Liliane took a deep breath. She felt only pain.
Weakly she closed her eyes and leaned on Bergil heavily. All her stomach was cramped and painful. First she was not aware of the fact that she wasn‘t bound anymore, but then she laid her hand on her belly and unexpectedly groaned quietly. Her breath went faster.
„What is it, little one?“ Bergil asked. He had noticed that she was not fine.
Liliane looked up to him and Bergil saw tears. He took one of her hands. Finally he could comfort her!
„Tell me, what is it? Is there anything wrong?“
She sat upright and whispered: „I have stomachache, Bergil...“
He looked at her with big eyes.
„Y-you... what happened? Tell me!“ he said. He was very nervous at once.
Frodo opened his eyes and looked at them.
„Anything wrong?“ he asked weakly.
„N-no... nothing“, Liliane said, but Frodo saw the tears in her eyes.
„Why don‘t you tell me?“ he asked. Bergil held his breath. He considered that feverishly.
„What have they done? Why?“ he said. He didn‘t understand anything, he only knew that this might cause problems with the baby. His aunt had also had that once.
„They did nothing... I don‘t know why, but...“ Liliane did not speak farther. Frodo noticed that she was cramped all over and raised his hand. Under a great effort of strength he stroked her cheek and laid his hand on her belly. She covered it with her hand.
„I‘m fine, believe me...“ Liliane said, but Frodo didn‘t. Still he had not the strength to argue now.
The horses were speeding out of the forest, heading for the city. They could not be stopped anymore, even the guards let them through when they saw them coming with the Hobbits.
Bergil bit his lip. He had not been a single second too early. Frodo would be dead if he hadn‘t shot and he didn‘t know what was wrong with Liliane. He also feared she did not tell the whole truth.
They rode through the White City and reached the Houses of Healing. Eowyn and Sam dismounted first, then Bergil and Liliane let Frodo down on Eowyn‘s arms. Bergil and Liliane followed, but she was trembling all over when she had to take a step forward.
She felt blood and she didn‘t know why. She had a bleeding.
After only one step she lost the balance and fell against Bergil who held her.
„What is it?“ Eowyn cried. Bergil shrugged, taking Liliane on his arms who was sobbing. Sam was distraught.
Together they entered the Houses of Healings very quickly.
„We need help!“ Sam cried. Immediately some healers appeared and they all prepared for helping the Hobbits.
„What on earth happened?“ one of them asked, taking Frodo on his arms. Sam and Eowyn didn‘t follow, but when Bergil let one of the healers take Liliane, she begged: „Eowyn, come with me...“
And so she did. Bergil looked at her and stayed out with Sam once the doors were closed.
„What‘s wrong with Liliane?“ Sam asked. Bergil looked at him for a while before he said: „She‘s got stomachache. I don‘t know why and what the lads did to her. But that she asked Eowyn to follow...“
Sam closed his eyes and sank down to the ground, leaning on the wall. That could not be.
Suddenly the door was opened again and Eowyn looked at Bergil.
„Go get a midwife, quick! Hurry!“ she said and Bergil did not move at first, but then he ran to find a midwife. There was one in the Houses of Healing.
The he returned to Sam again and sat down beside him on the wall. They could only wait and so they did.
„At least they are alive“, Sam said sadly, hiding his face behind his hands.

The healers laid down Frodo and Liliane. First they cared for Frodo, took away the coat and the youngest of them nearly cried out in dismay.
„What‘s that? Lady Eowyn, what happened to him?“ he asked, shaking his head in disbelief. Eowyn still stared at Frodo movelessly, then she said: „He was taken captive... they wanted to kill him, but we arrived in time.“
Slowly Liliane turned her head. Eowyn held her hand stroked her forehead. Then Liliane winced as she saw what Frodo looked like.
„No! No, he didn‘t do that... no...“ she whispered and began to shake. Frodo managed to look at her and said: „Don‘t look. I‘ll be fine.“
Liliane began sobbing again. When one of the healers came to look at her, she first let him as he gazed at the bruises on her throat, but when he saw how cramped she was, shifting uneasily from pain, he wanted to lie his hand on her stomach which made her cry out in panic.
„Don‘t!“ Eowyn said. Now she knew why Liliane had asked her to stay.
„What is it?“ the healer asked. „Why is she cramped?“
„She‘s cramped?“ Eowyn repeated. She looked at Liliane full of sorrow and Liliane said: „There... there‘s blood, I...“
The healer looked at Eowyn helplessly. He could see none, but at once Eowyn understood.
„She‘s expecting a child, then...“
Liliane was crying and pulled her dress up a little herself. Then they saw the blood.
„A midwife“, the healer said. Eowyn ran to the door, asking Bergil to find one. Then she returned.
„Look at me. What happened? I mean, I thought I wasn‘t too late!“ Eowyn said. Liliane nodded, telling her that she hadn‘t been.
„I don‘t know where it comes from, but... but please help me, the baby...“
Now the healer was wholly confused. He had no idea what the two were speaking of, he only saw that there was a problem. He asked Eowyn to follow him. They had to talk about that.
In a far corner of the room he asked: „She‘s pregnant, but why does she have the bleeding?“
Eowyn shrugged helplessly. „I don‘t know! I thought I‘d come before anyone could touch her, but now I‘m not sure anymore!“
They didn‘t speak farther since the midwife arrived. Meanwhile Frodo looked at Liliane full of sorrow. He saw blood on one of her legs himself. The healers cleaned his wounds and bandaged him, but he didn‘t even notice.
„Did they hurt you?“ he asked quietly. Again Liliane shook her head.
„No... I don‘t know what‘s wrong!“
Frodo couldn‘t believe it. But when finally the midwife came and looked at Liliane, she asked her and Eowyn many questions. Finally she knew that nobody had hurt Liliane, but she had been terribly afraid and was shocked by everything.
„You must stay in bed, lie down. The bleeding will pass. It‘s because of your fear. It was too much. Nothing will happen now if you take care, then you‘ll have your baby. It will be healthy!“
The midwife stroked Liliane‘s head who gave her a thankful glance, then she left the room for a moment to return with clean white children‘s clothing.
„I guess these should fit for you halflings. Try them! You can‘t keep your dirty clothing!“ she said. Together she and Eowyn carried Liliane to another room and helped her change her clothes. She was so sad when she saw the dress that had been her present.
„It was from Arwen... it was so wonderful“, she whispered. Eowyn sighed, folding the dress. She said nothing, but she had an idea.
„Let‘s return to Frodo. Maybe they‘ll be ready by now!“ she then said, taking Liliane on her arms so she didn‘t have to walk.
Frodo kept his eyes closed once Liliane had left the room. He felt how two healers were first cleaning his wounds, washing all the blood away, then they took some time to stitch the deepest wounds. First they bandaged his body and his wrists, finally they cared for his throat. Shocked by the bruises of his face and body they kept silent. He had been beaten up badly.
Was Liliane telling the truth? The midwife had said her bleeding came from her fear, but could he be sure of that? He had seen her fright. She had asked Eowyn to come with her. It had also been Eowyn to free her which was good, but what on earth had happened?
Frodo sighed. At least she wouldn‘t lose the baby. How should she ever bear that? She had endured too much already.
If she only wasn‘t hurt...
He had been petrified when he had seen the blood. That was it what she hadn‘t wanted to tell him. He also knew why, she didn‘t want him to worry since she knew how proud he was.
He was worried anyway, although there was no reason to fear anything.
The healers were just about to bandage his hurt foot when Eowyn entered the room again with Liliane on her arms. She laid her down again beside Frodo who was wearing a clean white shirt now. He smiled warmly.
„Are you feeling better now?“ he asked. Liliane nodded.
„The bleeding stopped. It will be fine, don‘t be afraid.“
He was deadly pale. Frodo took her hand and she looked at the white bandage. There was no blood anymore. He looked so much better now.
Finally the healers were done and took them to a quiet room. Since they were so small, they laid the Hobbits together in one bed. Frodo smiled and asked for water, but he was also brought food by one of the healers.
Eowyn was sitting beside the bed. She had hidden Liliane‘s dress, but not laid it aside yet.
Suddenly Bergil and Sam entered the room. They smiled as they saw the Hobbits lying there peacefully. Liliane had leaned on Frodo‘s shoulder and he had taken her in a loving embrace, placing his hand on her belly. There was no blood left, they looked as if they were ill, not hurt.
„My dear Sam“, Frodo said when Sam knelt down beside the bed with tears in his eyes. He took Frodo‘s hand and pressed it a little. He was smiling through tears and looked at Bergil thankfully.
„Would you excuse me?“ Eowyn suddenly said, rose and left the room with a last smile as she turned back. She had something to do.
Bergil and Sam stayed with Frodo and Liliane.
„I‘m so glad you are alive, Sam, I feared they killed you...“ Frodo said. Sam shook his head and wiped away his tears.
„I‘m fine, as you can see. Only a little headache!“ he replied, smiling happily.
„Liar. That must hurt!“ Frodo said and replied his smile. Liliane kissed his cheek. It was so wonderful to be free again, be with him again.
She had mistaken him for dead when she hadn‘t heard him anymore, but he hadn‘t left her. Legolas had helped him and also saved his life.
Bergil was still sitting on the opposite side of the bed, looking at the Hobbits silently. In his scabbard there was Toron‘s sword. He grieved for him. Bergil had been able to escape, so he was still alive. Toron wasn‘t.
„He was a real brave hero, Toron Berenthalion“, Bergil suddenly said. The others looked at him in silence.
„Gordir cut his throat“, Frodo said. Bergil laid his head sink.
„You witnessed it?“
In silence Frodo nodded. He would not be able to forget it. Bergil took Toron‘s sword and raised it high. That was everything which was left from his friend.
„But you‘re alive. I‘m so glad about that. You could also be dead“, Frodo said. Bergil didn‘t answer, he didn‘t know what to say. Somehow he felt guilty.
There was silence for a moment, but suddenly Liliane said to Sam: „I told him now. Actually I had intended to get some mushrooms and first feed my dear Frodo with his favourite food before I would tell him of the child, but it was a little different now.“
Frodo turned to her and thought about her words for a moment, then he said: „You won‘t tell me now that Sam knew it before?“
Liliane smiled. „He did. He found out about it and... yes.“
„Oh! I‘m disappointed“, Frodo said, but he didn‘t mean it. Of course Sam would find out about such things, he knew that already. And now that he had heard how Liliane had wanted to tell him, he smiled happily and didn‘t care that it had been different.
It felt so good to lie in bed, finally being free again. They had forgotten the terror for a while when they were sitting with their friends. Sam told them about how bad he had tried to follow, but he had always fallen and lost consciousness when he tried to get up. Frodo laughed as he heard that. Sam was terribly stubborn!
Then Bergil narrated of his way to the city after his escape and how he had searched for them with Eowyn and Sam. The Hobbit was proud that he had Sting again, he had collected it once he had been free.
Suddenly they were startled by a shy knock on the door.
„Enter“, Bergil said and Frodo nodded. It was Aragorn to come in, but he was not alone.
„Here is someone to speak to you. Will you let him?“ he asked and gave way for Torgil. Frodo‘s eyes grew wide, Bergil and Sam had no ideas who it was and Liliane stiffened for a second, but then she sat upright and looked at Frodo.
„For my part, yes“, she said, but her voice was quavering a little. Frodo nodded.
„How are you?“ Aragorn asked. He was surprised how good they looked, compared to how they had looked before. There were no blood and dirt anymore, they were not afraid anymore and Frodo wasn‘t that pale anymore.
„Better“, the Hobbit said. They would talk later. Aragorn asked Sam and Bergil to follow him out of the room, but then he returned and sat down on a chair. He would not leave his friends alone now.
Torgil turned to his king, then he looked at the Hobbits and knelt down before the bed. The Hobbits could see that he had cried - so the spell was broken.
„Please forgive me“, he said, he knew nothing else to say. Biting his lip he looked at them and continued: „I didn‘t want that to happen. Now that... now I‘m grieving for my brother the way you do. I‘m so sorry, I wish I‘d told Gordir to spare him, but I must have been mad... do you believe me?“
Again there were tears in his eyes. Frodo looked at Aragorn in surprise, but he showed no reaction.
„Yes, I do“, Frodo said. Liliane couldn‘t speak. She knew he wasn‘t done yet. And Torgil continued.
„Please believe me something else, too, Master Baggins“, Torgil said with a low voice. Frodo could barely understand him, but he was surprised that Torgil spoke that way. Then the boy looked at Liliane who was not petrified anymore. She saw he was not evil.
„Can you forgive me? I didn‘t want to do that, I didn‘t want to hurt you, but I didn‘t know what to do! Still I thought that everyone else would hurt you really bad and... I‘m so sorry!“
Frodo looked at Torgil speechlessly. Still he only had a suspicion, but while Liliane took the hand of the sobbing boy, Torgil said to Frodo: „Believe me I didn‘t hurt her! The lads told me to do it, they chose me, but I didn‘t harm her. I couldn‘t, she was so afraid and I felt so terrible because of that...“
Frodo gasped. They had chosen Torgil? He was shocked.
„You?“ he said quietly. Torgil nodded.
„Forgive me, I felt so helpless, but nothing happened!“
Torgil seemed to lose his composure. Liliane remembered how helpless he had been indeed, but she was surprised to hear his words now. He hadn‘t wanted to, she knew that, but actually he was right... everyone else would have hurt her really bad. But did that fit to what he had done before Eowyn had arrived?
She didn‘t care for a moment. She thought of the loss of his brother and the shock because of her, so she leaned forward and embraced him in a gesture of comfort.
„I will forgive you, Torgil. I have seen what you thought... we should be glad that Eowyn arrived!“
Frodo was confused. He didn‘t understand anything.
Torgil looked up to her thankfully, pressing her hand and smiling warmly, but at once they both turned when Frodo said: „Wait. What are you speaking of? Well, I do believe that nothing happened, but what if Eowyn hadn‘t arrived? You would have hurt her, wouldn‘t you? Am I right? What would you have done then?“
Torgil looked at Frodo helplessly.
„I... I don‘t know, Master Baggins, but believe me, I didn‘t want that to happen! Still it would have and... and it would have been worse if one of the others were to do it!“
Frodo managed to sit upright and shook his head. „No. I don‘t understand that... do you excuse that you‘d have done so by comparing it to the others? That‘s... I... no!“
„Wait, Frodo“, Liliane said. „Wait. You haven‘t been there. Torgil is right, it would have been of no use for him to tell the others to stop. Someone different would have replaced him. Forgive him! I told you before that nothing happened, now he‘s here to tell you the same, why don‘t you believe it? I am fine, don‘t worry!“
Frodo swallowed hard. He couldn‘t understand that, but indeed he had not experienced it. Of course Liliane was still horrified by the simple thought of it all, but indeed it could have been worse. She was glad that Torgil dared to come and excuse for it. She could forgive him.
„I won‘t argue now about what you wanted and what you didn‘t want. I will accept your excuse since nothing happened, so it‘s fine. And if Liliane forgives you, I shall do so, too“, Frodo said, but he looked very unhappy. He was still confused.
Torgil rose. He knew he could expect nothing more from what he got now, so he rose, turned and looked back one last time before he left, saying: „It was wrong. I know that now. Sorry.“
Aragorn was still there when Frodo and Liliane looked at each other in silence.
„It‘s over“, he said into the lurking silence. It felt like that to him - something had gone wrong some minutes before. Before he left them, he wanted to tell them something.
„I arrested the deputy leader and the others went freely. They had enough. Once the spell was broken they were nearly as shocked as you are. Maybe there will be more to come to ask you to be forgiven. I don‘t know. I‘m glad you‘re here again. I could hardly forgive myself that I couldn‘t protect you before, but...“
„It‘s not your fault, Aragorn“, Frodo said quickly. „We‘re alive. The rest is evil doing.“
Aragorn heard that Frodo was very impatient at once. The king decided to come back later.
„I‘ll leave you now, but the others and I, we‘re out there in front of the door. Nobody will get in here.“
He rose and left without saying anything else. Frodo gaped at Liliane, still he was silent and felt silent anger inside. He did not exactly know why, he was too confused.
Suddenly Liliane burst out in tears and clutched him despairingly. Frodo put his arms around her and sighed.
„I... I didn‘t mean to be angry“, he said.
„I know. But you didn‘t believe me, I know that. You might be unable to understand why I could forgive Torgil, but it was the right thing. He would have done so, yes, I know that myself. But he had no choice, I know that. I have seen that he didn‘t want to, that was enough for me. He‘s just a boy! Don‘t be angry. I know you are. But you don‘t have to be sorry for it.“
Frodo sighed and made her raise her head, then he wiped away her tears and gave her a long kiss.
„I‘m so glad you‘re fine. My worst fear was to lose you. There‘s nothing worse for me to imagine, now that we will finally be a family...“
Liliane looked at him for a while before she answered.
„I‘m right here, Frodo. I‘m with you. You will not lose me. You‘re the best that could ever happen to me and I‘m so glad it‘s your child that I have. As long as you‘re fine... I heard you. Morgoth, this is what you said. What did that mean?“
„It‘s another name for Melkor, the name that was given to him after the theft of the Silmaril. Only evil still calls him Melkor. He doesn‘t like Morgoth, so this was why I said it. I wanted to scare him. It was him who had taken Gordir. It was not Gordir anymore.“
„Did he do that to you?“ Liliane asked silently, pointing at the bandages and covering one of Frodo‘s bandaged wrists with her hands. Frodo nodded silently.
„I can‘t tell you. But you see yourself what he did. It was his revenge.“
Liliane put her arms around him. She clutched him despairingly. Frodo remembered her words - she was with him, yes. She was sitting right beside him. But he felt he still might lose her. He had seen how scared she was and he knew it wasn‘t over yet.
„I can‘t tell you either...“ she said right in that moment and he closed his eyes. Of course she couldn‘t - this was no matter of trust, it was a matter of fear.
But how should he be strong if he had no strength left? He had always found strength in protecting her, but this was before Morgoth‘s act of revenge.
Frodo opened his eyes at once. He had seen Gordir above him. He would not be able to forget it either.
They embraced each other very tightly. They had nothing else left. But soon they laid down again, still keeping silent. Frodo wrapped his arms around her and was happy to feel her, but this was everything to be happy about.
Then, as he looked at her again, she had fallen asleep. He smiled. Sleep - this was a good idea, but he knew he would find no sleep.


Fourtheenth Chapter
From deep within

He had been sitting for a long time, resting his arm about her shoulders. She had cuddled up to him and was sleeping with a peaceful expression on her face. Frodo listened to her regular breath, reaching out his other hand for her. Carefully he touched the red bruises on her throat. It was a loving gesture, but his face showed his wrath. She had been hurt because of the child. Now she had to lie - because of everything that had happened and she must not lose the baby.
He remembered her wish to have a child. They had hoped for it, but they hadn‘t reckoned it to happen so soon. And now it seemed wrong. Frodo remembered the happiness though that had been in her voice when she had told him. Despite all fear she had been so glad and still she was. She would be a mother although she had given up hope long before.
She was suffering. What was he to do now? Could he ever imagine her horror? He knew that something horrible and cruel would have happened if Eowyn hadn‘t come. It was true - maybe she would have been badly injured if there hadn‘t been Torgil. Somehow Frodo felt pity for the boy who had lost his brother to evil.
Frodo always asked himself what Eowyn might have seen, but should he ever dare to ask her?
Slowly and shyly he placed his hand on Liliane‘s belly. He would be a father - a strange and wonderful feeling, but he had never reckoned someone to do any harm to his family. He knew he was an aim for acts of revenge, he wasn‘t just a Hobbit from the Shire. But she was.
Was it his mistake?
Suddenly he was startled by a silent knock on the door. It was opened slowly and Frodo saw Sam‘s curly head.
„There is someone waiting for you... some of the boys“, he said. Slowly Frodo rose and nearly fell, he felt so weak, but Sam came and supported him. Liliane didn‘t wake up when they left the room. Frodo wasn‘t afraid, but he was surprised as he saw them in the hallway. There were some of these who he had known as Messengers, but they were unarmed and wore different clothes, nothing black anymore.
Some of them knelt down when they saw him. Frodo felt nearly ashamed, he knew they had been under a spell, they were only normal boys and to him it was enough that they had come.
„No, rise“, he said and sucked in his breath. Slowly they did as they had been told. They looked at him in awe and for a while nobody spoke.
Aragorn, Sam and Bergil were beside him. Frodo looked at Maethor, Daugamir, Gurtor and others whose names he didn‘t know, but he remembered their faces. They had all come, nearly a dozen boys were standing there with shy faces.
„I didn‘t mean to... I... I‘m sorry“, Daugamir said, being the first to speak. Frodo stepped forward and took his hand. The lads were aware of his bandages and his pale face, his wounds and bloodshot eyes. He looked terrible.
„I will forgive you“, Frodo said.
„H-how is you wife, Master Baggins? Didn‘t she want to see us? I‘d like to ask her to forgive me“, Gurtor said. There was truth in his eyes.
„She is asleep now... I didn‘t want to wake her up, she‘s not fine... she nearly lost the baby because of her shock.“
Gurtor gaped at him in dismay. Then he hid his face in his hands and shook his head. He knew which shock Frodo was speaking of.
„Tell her I‘m so sorry, please, will you do so?“ Gurtor said. Frodo smiled warmly at the boys and said: „Thank you for coming here, I know it wasn‘t your will nor your fault. You shall be forgiven like Torgil, all of you. Don‘t...“
Suddenly they all heard a fearful cry. It was Liliane, calling out Frodo‘s name.
„No!“ he whispered, turned and swayed back into the room. Leaning on the wall he saw her, she was about to get up and didn‘t stop although she noticed him.
„No, stay in bed! I‘m right here, don‘t be afraid. What‘s wrong?“ Frodo asked, approaching her and embracing her tightly. She was trembling all over and clutched him.
„You‘re here...“ she whispered. After a while Frodo got to know that she had been roused by a nightmare in which he had died. When she had woken up, he had been gone. She didn‘t even know where she was.
„I‘m fine, Liliane. I was just outside with some of the boys who asked to be forgiven. It‘s over, don‘t have fear.“
Liliane looked at him and smiled wearily, but she calmed down.
„Dear... I have a question“, Frodo said. „Gurtor asked me to see you.“
„He is here, too? Who else is here?“
There were many of those who had never been in touch with the Hobbits, but still felt guilty. And then there were those who had been in touch with them - in every way one could think of.
Liliane nodded. She was prepared to see him.
Frodo told Sam to let them come in one after another. Gurtor and Daugamir were the first ones to ask for forgiveness. Liliane was surprised to see Gurtor so much changed. She remembered how those lads had treated her, but now it was very different. She was relieved.
Every one of them spoke to the Hobbits for a while, also speaking of their personal experiences with that evil. Frodo understood them so well.
They weren‘t afraid that moment. Frodo wasn‘t angry at them, but to know that Gordir was dead... he felt no pity for his torturer. The only thing he felt concerning the merciless leader was anger, burning anger. How could he connect his deeds with his family? And how could he hurt Liliane? He had had no right to do that.
Frodo looked at her and felt tears in his eyes. She had been the one to snatch him from his misery, now she was miserable herself.
Was all good in her destroyed the way it had been in him?
„What is it, Frodo?“ she asked. Everybody had left. They knew that Sam and Bergil were still outside, but Aragorn had returned to the citadel where Torgil was waiting for him. They had to see his parents. Aragorn knew the boy needed his help, how should he dare to return home now? A good explaination for Toron‘s death was needed. Aragorn knew that the boys‘ parents would listen to their king, they would listen to his words like nobody else‘s. And Torgil needed their help after all!
The Hobbits sat beside each other in silence for a while. Frodo didn‘t reply at first. Bravely he tried to fight the tears.
„Why don‘t you hate me now? Why?“ he asked. „Why don‘t you hate me for being the one who let it come to this?“
Liliane reached out her hand and stroked the cut on his cheek very tenderly. She had laid down again, but he was sitting and staring at the wall.
„Because you‘re innocent. You know that yourself. Frodo, I loved you just when I first saw you. Now I know why you always tried to hide your past, but I accepted it as a part of you. This is love! I‘ve sworn myself to be on your side. Always, no matter what would happen. I knew it could be dangerous, but I decided to risk it. And I will stay with you, you‘ll be a father and this is what I‘ve been dreaming of. I don‘t care about anything else! You didn‘t hurt me during these days. No, you were the one who was beaten up badly protecting me. How could I ever stop loving you? I can‘t. But be aware of one thing: Treat me with care, Frodo. I... I mean, I...“
Suddenly she trailed off and closed her eyes. She was shifting uneasily which made Frodo lie down beside her, wrapping his arms around her.
„I know what you are speaking of“, he said. She was suffering from a trauma, he knew best what that was like. But there was something else, he was sure about that.
He had to find out what the boys had done. She couldn‘t tell him, but he had to know, otherwise he wouldn‘t understand her.
„I love you, Frodo Baggins“, she said.

Merry and Pippin hadn‘t yet dared to see their friends in the Houses of Healing. Sam had come to the citadel to tell them what had happened, but Bergil still sat before the door of the Hobbit‘s room, accompanied by one of the royal guards.
Merry and Pippin were silent. Sam had told them of everything, even the horrible sight he had had to bear during Frodo‘s torture. Later Aragorn had joined them, so he was to find out about it, too.
Torgil had already told him of the actions down in the cellar room of the headquarters. The king was dismayed. Now he knew what the Hobbits had been through, but he wasn‘t sure whether he really had wanted to know.
He left Merry, Pippin and Sam. The Hobbits were sitting together, deep in thoughts and full of sorrow. They decided to pay special attention to their friends in order to help them.
Aragorn met Gandalf in the hallway. The wizard had spoken to some of the lads who were still frightened by the events, especially some of the younger ones.
„How are Frodo and Liliane?“ was his first question. He hadn‘t yet had the time to see them, but he would do so later.
„Don‘t ask“, replied Aragorn. They sat down in one of Aragorn‘s working rooms which were full of books and maps and old paper.
„I wish I‘d never have been told what happened to them. You will not believe it, but it‘s much more of a torment than the quest was for Frodo. You have seen him, but these were only his visible wounds.“
Gandalf nodded. „Yes, I know. I will not doubt that he will have the strength to return back to his life, but what about Liliane? He will find strength in comforting her, but where will she find her strength in? What happened to her?“
„Nothing really, but still it was enough. Eowyn arrived in time. And I took care that the deputy leader is arrested. Like Gordir, he believed in what they did and he still does. Before the guards shut the door, he said something about the Hobbits I will not repeat here.“
He had insulted Liliane and threatened to kill Frodo at once if he had the chance to.
Gandalf asked him what he intended to do with Ortherion now.
„I don‘t know yet, but he will be condemned for several things. It needed no spell to make him do what he did. He doesn‘t feel sorry for it and therefore I will show no mercy. All the others I can‘t really punish, their shock was real. Once the spell was broken they were all equally dismayed. If the Hobbits are able to forgive them, I will do so, too.“
Gandalf had a different opinion, but he understood Aragorn. Even if the boys hadn‘t been under a spell, most of them wouldn‘t really have known what they had been doing. They were only boys.
He could not punish the boys for the evil that had led them. There was a difference.
„And what about the Hobbits‘ shocks?“ asked Gandalf. Aragorn shrugged helplessly.
„I will be with them as often as possible. They need help, I think. I know Frodo‘s strong will, but what about Liliane? First they can‘t leave, she has to stay in bed. But when they leave, I‘ll lead them the way to the Shire. My blindness let this happen, it‘s my duty as their friend to help them!“
They continued to talk for a while, but there was not much use in that. They had to wait and be patient.

Bergil was cleaning Toron‘s sword. He couldn‘t bear his friend‘s blood on it. Leaning on the wall he sat on the ground, polishing the silver blade with immense patience. There was nothing else he could do.
Legolas and Gimli arrived together with Faramir to ask for the Hobbits. Bergil told them that they were asleep, he couldn‘t hear their voices anymore and he was right.
„It‘s good that they‘re able to sleep. I wonder how I will find sleep tonight“, Faramir said.
„Oh, I will“, Gimli grumbled. „I have to prepare for my meeting with that deputy leader!“
Legolas shook his head and smiled. He shoudl take care that Gimli wouldn‘t do something he‘d better leave.
Two or three days passed like that. Faramir and Eowyn came to see Frodo and Liliane together with Legolas and Gimli, later Merry, Pippin and Sam arrived with Aragorn. Gandalf came to see them all on his own. He talked to Frodo about the Messenger‘s intentions which had been led my Morgoth. While they were speaking, Liliane was lying beside them wordlessly. It was all the same as it had been with the others, too. Frodo noticed her apathy and it troubled him, but he didn‘t know what to do about it. He never left her, talked to her, but her answers were short - if she gave some.
It tore his heart. In some way he understood her - he was haunted by nightmares himself, he dreamt of Gordir and the torture he had done to him, but he also dreamt of Liliane and the lads. One night he woke up with his heart pounding and cold sweat on his forehead because he had seen how she had lost the baby.
But he was not as apathetical as she was. He had learned how to cope with pain like that. She had not done the least part to help him to forget his wounds of the War of the Ring, but now she was suffering from her own wounds.
Their friends couldn‘t always help them. Merry and Pippin tried to cheer them up, Legolas and Gimli told the Hobbits of their journey through Middle-earth and Faramir gave report about the behaviour of the lads who had been Messengers before. Some of them came to talk to Gandalf about the events and every one of them was shocked because of what he had been involved in.
One day Aragorn came to see Bergil who still didn‘t leave the Houses of Healing. He spent the day with Frodo and Liliane. She was happy about his presence, she liked the boy as much as she liked all of Frodo‘s friends.
„You shall be honoured, Bergil“, Aragorn said as he sat down beside Frodo and the boy. Bergil looked at him with big eyes and nearly blushed.
„But why, my Lord? What honour should be mine?“
„You don‘t know? Let Frodo tell you“, said the king and Frodo spoke about what Aragorn had thought of.
Bergil had come to help them under risk of his life and he had been the one to save Frodo‘s life when he had shot Gordir.
„You let evil fail“, Frodo added.
And so it came. The next day many people gathered in a square, amongst them there were many of the lads who had been involved. People had found out about the events and were curious to learn more.
Even Toron‘s parents had come with Torgil. The boy grieved for his older brother, everyone could see that.
„The spell of evil has been broken now. The young lads who are the future of Gondor are free again. I do not deny my helplessness and the fact that I didn‘t see the danger, I didn‘t see how serious it was. But the lads themselves weren‘t the danger. It was Morgoth, represented by the leader and founder of the Messengers of Darkness.“
Aragorn spoke loudly and in a tone which didn‘t let people doubt the strength of his will. „I had no choice but be a friend and help Frodo. The deputy leader still is arrested, I cannot show mercy in this case. I know my duties as your king and I will take care for the safety of our people. Things like that must not happen again. Those who have been involved know it was no game. It was paid with blood. Remembering the fear of two halflings, there were two amongst the lads who tried to protect them, ignoring the danger their own lives were in. One could escape the hands of evil and later saved Frodo‘s life. He shall be honoured for his courage!“
Aragorn gave Bergil a sign to step forth and so the boy did. People applauded and smiled at him warmly. It was an awkward situation for the fourteen-year old, but he stood firmly and answered the friendliness with his smile, but he didn‘t feel like smiling.
„He is the protector of the halflings, Bergil Berianeth, son of Beregond“, Aragorn said and Bergil gaped at him in disbelief. He was able to translate the title that the king had given to him and it filled him with pride after all - he saw his father standing in front of the crowd. Beregond was proud, too.
„But I survived“, Bergil said, unsheathing Toron‘s sword which he still kept.
„My friend didn‘t. I had no choice but to leave Toron, son of Targon, to his fate. He had joined me in protecting the halflings and couldn‘t escape the leader‘s revenge. The leader killed Toron, he executed him with his own sword.“
Aragorn was surprised that Bergil now spoke, but he let him. The boy raised Toron‘s sword high and it shone in the sun, brightly and intensely.
„Toron fought bravely. We must never forget him. I grieve for him, but my grief can never be like that of his brother and his parents. Think of him with pride, he deserves it!“
„He shall be called a hero who was there to help his brother and the halflings. He acted bravely“, Aragorn said. „Do not forget the deeds of Toron Berenthalion!“
Bergil fought hard to breathe. He could hardly stand all the honour that was in the king‘s noble speech. Words could never express the truth.
And he was glad when it was over. But then Toron‘s father came, right as Bergil wanted to sheath the sword, and reached out for it. Bergil handed it to the man who looked at the weapon sadly. Then he touched the blade carefully and looked at Bergil.
„Keep it, my son“, he said. „We have the remembrance of our son, you shall have his sword. It‘s a good weapon which will help you to be better at swordfighting. You might need it, keep it and use it!“
Bergil could not answer. He was deeply moved by Targon‘s words and felt tears in his eyes when he saw the man leave. But he would respect the man‘s wish.

She had given up. She knew there was no way to move, she couldn‘t move, she was lying like paralyzed, waiting for him to do it. Liliane looked at Torgil who answered her gaze and in his eyes she saw what he felt. He didn‘t want it either, but he was ready for it now.
„Sorry“, he suddenly whispered. Liliane bit her lip and closed her eyes, she didn‘t care whether he was sorry or not - he would do it. There was no way for her to escape.
„Frodo...“ she whispered. He had not replied for so long a while now.
Torgil came nearer and bent down, but just in this moment they were all startled by a voice from behind.
„Now let‘s bring to an end what we have just started!“
When Torgil turned about, breathing hard, he gave way for Liliane to see who it was. To her dismay she saw Gordir and Ortherion coming down the stairs.
„Leave, all of you“, Gordir said. „Go and see what you helped to do. It‘s over. Go up and look!“
Torgil looked at his leader who was followed by his deputy. He was surprised. But before he could say anything, Gordir hissed: „Go take your trousers and leave! You‘re not needed here.“
Liliane‘s eyes grew wide, but Torgil did as he had been told. He was the last to leave the cellar. Gordir and Ortherion came closer.
„He is dead“, Gordir said quietly with a threatening tone in his voice.
„You can call it a bloody mess. Would you now like to see him one last time? He bleeded to death. Look!“
He knelt down beside her and held up his dagger so that she could see it. It was full of blood, it even dripped down on her dress.
Liliane bit her lip until she tasted blood, she turned her head away and closed her eyes. Shaken by sobs she began to scream, stricken by the most intense terror.
She knew Gordir spoke the truth. He had killed Frodo. He was dead.
It was as if it came from far away, but she heard Sam. He was still alive, calling her name. Good Sam, at least they hadn‘t killed him, too.
But was there any comfort in it?
„You will bring it to an end now“, Gordir said, looking at Ortherion. „You can have her. And make sure you‘re not too friendly! Remember, it‘s the Ringbearer‘s child she bears. It‘s all that is left of him now, but that must not be! Be a servant to our leader, Melkor the Great!“
Liliane closed her eyes again. She had looked at Gordir for a moment, but when she saw Ortherion preparing to follow Gordir‘s command, she could not bear the sight.
„Look at me“, Gordir demanded and so she did then.
„Listen to me. We will not kill you, the lord forbid it. But we will not release you either. Never. Now you shall be a servant to Melkor like us, it will free you from your sins. Later we will take you to a place were none of your poor friends will find you. But you have the choice, maybe you would like not to be alone? What about the little fellow up there? We could let him join you, it‘s your decision! Isn‘t that a friendly offer? You should be grateful!“
Liliane did not answer. There was no feeling left inside of her. She knew Gordir spoke the truth, she would be delivered to them as long as they liked it.
But how should she care? Frodo was dead. And she knew it would take minutes for the deputy leader to destroy everything that was still left. Everything.
Gordir gave way and sat down leaning on the wall. He played with the bloody dagger and feasted his eyes on Liliane‘s agony as Ortherion came closer. And he showed no mercy. He didn‘t hesitate like Torgil.
She felt only pain. There was nothing but pain left in her life. Frodo had been executed cruelly. But at least he didn‘t have to suffer anymore.
She still had. She had never before known pain like that, but she did not give a sound. Movelessly she stared at the ceiling and her wish to die grew intensely.
She knew Gordir was watching. They took everything from her, but she did not have the will to fight anymore. She decided to let it happen. But would it be easier?
Now it was all too late. Again she only felt pain.
But then she gasped and nearly screamed - and opened her eyes.
Breathing hard she gaped at the ceiling, turned her head and saw that nobody was there. She was all alone, lying in bed like she had been for days. She had stretched out her arms to the left and the right, she was lying like she had been in the headquarters and she found herself unable to move.
She knew it had been a nightmare. But she had seen what would have happened if the others hadn‘t come.
Liliane tried to calm down, her stomach nearly cramped again, but she took a deep breath and the feeling of pain passed at once.
Yet she couldn‘t move. She didn‘t know why, but she couldn‘t.
„Frodo...“ she said, barely audiable, but she always repeated it, her voice growing louder and louder. It merely took seconds until he came in, swaying and unable to walk properly because of his twisted ankle, but he came. Frodo had been sitting before the door with Bergil, the door had been open and he had let her sleep.
Frodo looked at her in wonder, saying nothing. She was sobbing silently, didn‘t move, just looked at him with a glance begging for help.
He walked towards the bed, bent down and lifted her up in his arms, embracing her tightly. But only seconds later she suddenly screamed, struggling to get free and Frodo let go of her, gazing at her helplessly. He didn‘t understand.
Liliane couldn‘t bear his touch. She could bear no touch at all, she had dreamt of the worst thing possible and could not bear it. But when she looked at him, his eyes showing his pain, she felt so sorry.
„Please leave me, I... I can‘t... leave me alone, Frodo...“
Her voice was quavering as if she was afraid. Frodo backed away and turned about, he said nothing, then he left the room and closed the door behind him.
Liliane sank down sobbing. Why had she done that? But could she ever tell him what she had seen?
Tears were running down Frodo‘s cheeks. He stared somewhere when Bergil rose and looked at him.
„What‘s wrong?“ he asked. Frodo turned to him, stepping forward and then he put his arms around the young boy who was so much taller than he was.
„A nightmare?“ Bergil asked and saw Frodo nodding, but the Hobbit said nothing. Bergil stroked his curly head and sighed.
Again. They needed help, both of them. Frodo had just said to him that he feared to lose her - now Bergil knew what he had been speaking of. Liliane could not bear his presence.
„I... I have to see Eowyn“, Frodo whispered and raised his head. It was the only chance that was left for him. There was no other. He had never wanted to ask her, he didn‘t want to know, but he had to. Otherwise he would never know how to behave.
„Forlas, will you stay here? I‘ll take Frodo to Lady Eowyn“, Bergil said to the guard who nodded with a friendly smile.
Supported by Bergil Frodo made his way to the citadel. They knew that Eowyn was to find there. Bergil didn‘t really understand why Frodo wanted to see the Lady, but he would help him to get there.
They met some people on their way. Frodo was known as the Ringbearer and he knew that people had heard of his abduction, but their reactions still surprised him. They gaped at the stitched cut in his face, the white bandages about his wrists and how weak he was walking. They met him with pity, they did not ignore it although nobody said anything to them.
„Do I look that bad?“ he suddenly asked quietly. Bergil grinned.
„No. But when they saw you years ago, they took you as a hero - and now you‘re far from that.“
„I always was.“ Frodo did not look at the boy when he said that.
Finally they reached the citadel. The guards greeted them in a friendly manner and let them pass. Their way led them straight to where Bergil reckoned to find Eowyn - and so it was. She was sitting in the room that she lived in while staying in Minas Tirith. Faramir was not there, but she wasn‘t alone after all. Arwen was with her.
When Bergil opened the door after a careful knock, the women both rose and Frodo said: „I am sorry if I disturbed you - but may I talk to you, Eowyn? It‘s... it‘s important.“
Without any comment Arwen left the room, smiling warmly at the Hobbit, and Bergil followed his queen. Frodo and Eowyn sat down and for a while there was only silence in the room, but suddenly Frodo raised his head and said: „She‘s afraid of me. Liliane just had a nightmare and now... now she can‘t even bear if I only embrace her... I... I don‘t know what to do...“
„She didn‘t tell you what she had been dreaming of?“ Eowyn asked carefully, but Frodo only shook his head. He wished she had, but he knew she wouldn‘t talk. She never did, she had been silent for days.
„No. But when I entered the room, she was lying there like petrified with her arms stretched to the left and the right. She didn‘t move, maybe didn‘t even try to. She was only calling for me, just the way she had done when she had been down there.“
When Eowyn heard his words, she lowered her head and sighed loudly. Of course Frodo wouldn‘t know what that meant, but she did. Yet before she could say anything, Frodo asked: „What was it like? What have you seen when you came down there?“
Eowyn looked at him again.
„It looked like that. What you‘ve seen was the same. When I came down the stairs, I nearly collided with half a dozen boys who were standing there, watching Torgil‘s actions. I guess they had been discussing for a while because they must have been down there for long already, but nothing had happened so far. The soldiers disarmed the boys and I ran forth to Torgil and Liliane. He was kneeling in front of her, just about to undress. It was terrible... they had bound her arms to some table legs on each side. She had no chance to get free or rise. This must have been the most threatening thing: She was lying helplessly and they were all around, the lads, watching.“
She had spoken with a calm voice, but this was the contrary of her emotions. Eowyn wouldn‘t have felt different about the situation.
„They were all down there... watching?“
Eowyn nodded. „Yes. And when I cut her bonds, she didn‘t move, she didn‘t rise. I had to help her. Again it‘s the same... It all happens again. She can‘t forget it.“
Frodo bit his lip. He understood everything so far - but he didn‘t understand one thing.
„I can‘t forget either what Gordir did to me, but... I‘d understand if she was afraid of the boys or men she doesn‘t know, but... but it‘s me that she‘s afraid of...“
Frodo raised his hands and hid his face. He felt tears burning in his eyes, but he couldn‘t cry.
„Yes, I know. Maybe you can‘t understand... she can‘t bear your touch. It‘s not because of you, it‘s because of the fact that you‘re close to her. It has nothing to do with her love.“
Frodo wrinkled his brow.
„But I am close to her! We‘re married! And I love her more than my life... how can it be that it has nothing to do with her love, but she can‘t bear my touch? It was to comfort her...“
Eowyn sighed. She knew he couldn‘t understand. But how was she to explain?
„See... she had just had a nightmare and you don‘t know what happened in that nightmare. If she even was lying as she might have dreamt, I know why she can‘t bear your touch. Just imagine she dreamt of what Torgil would have done if we hadn‘t come!“
„No. Wait. It‘s me, I‘m not Torgil! I would never hurt her... doesn‘t she know that? Why is she afraid of me? Doesn‘t she recognize me? I... I will lose her that way! How can I help her if she won‘t let me?“
They looked at each other in silence for a moment until Eowyn answered. Frodo wouldn‘t lose her and she told him so. Liliane had needed him before and she would need him again.
„She loves you dearly. Didn‘t she call your name? It was you that she was calling for. She hadn‘t reckoned her reaction to your touch herself. And you know that she was sorry. There‘s nothing you can do but wait. Be patient and careful with her. It will take some time, but once she will want to be close to you again, just like before. You know that! And let me tell you something: You didn‘t know what to do before you came. I hope you know now.“
She told him to speak to Liliane. He could only find out about what she couldn‘t bear if he asked her. Now that he knew what it had been like, it might be easier to handle.
„And don‘t forget yourself, Frodo.“


Fifteenth Chapter
Back home

Less than a week had passed when the Hobbits heard a knock on the door. Frodo had finally recovered and felt more strength in him, which was the reason for some walks through the gardens whenever Liliane was asleep. She often was. She was not sick anymore, but she was weak after all her fear and also because of the baby.
The day before the midwife had come to see her and she had reacted in a very positive way when Liliane told her that nothing had happened anymore.
„You will be fine, little lady. You and your baby. And if you would like to return home, you might do so in a week maybe. But don‘t use too much strength then. Remember that you‘re still weak and always rest if you‘re not fine.“
Liliane was happy. Frodo noticed with relief that she cheered up a little, she smiled again and talked to him - and she let him come closer. At night she cuddled up to him, longing for his embrace and Frodo gave it gladly.
They even decided to leave the Houses of Healing and return to the citadel. Bergil would come and carry Liliane who must not yet walk, but they were still waiting when someone came to them.
„You!“ Frodo said when Eowyn entered.
„Yes, me. Whom were you waiting for?“
„For Bergil, but I‘m sure he‘ll arrive soon. What can we do for you?“
Eowyn stood before the bed and smiled at Liliane.
„I can do something for you“, Eowyn said. She had her hands on her back, but then she pulled them forth and unfolded a piece of fabric which turned out to be a dress.
„No, that... that can‘t be! How...“ Liliane stammered and sat upright a little. She shook her head in disbelief.
„It can be. It‘s yours.“ Eowyn smiled broadly. To see Liliane that happy made her happy, too.
The Hobbits looked at the dress. It was of a warm dark green, shining velvet and with countless golden figures woven in it. Its cut was slightly different from the dress that Arwen had given to Liliane, but she regarded it as even more beautiful.
„How did you...“ Liliane asked. Eowyn handed the dress over to her and said: „I took yours of which there wasn‘t much left. When Arwen saw it, she had the same idea: We intended to give you a new one. And here you are... that‘s the story!“
She laughed. Liliane reached out her arms for her and Eowyn knelt down so that she could embrace her thankfully.
„You‘re wonderful!“ Liliane said. She couldn‘t yet believe that it was true, but it was.
„But I have to ask something of you...“ Eowyn said. Liliane looked at her expectingly, then Eowyn said: „Please don‘t wear it when your belly has grown round... it wouldn‘t fit!“
Liliane burst out in laughter. „No! How could I? But still there‘s enough time left, I think... or can anyone see something?“
Frodo shook his head. „I‘m searching for it every day, but still it hides. Do you know how small Hobbit children are?“ he asked Eowyn and showed her. The lady couldn‘t believe it - she regarded men‘s children as small, but Hobbit children were much smaller!
„You will be wonderful parents. Children are wonderful!“
Frodo nodded and told her some stories of little Elanor. When Liliane listened to his euphoric talk, she smiled secretly. Of course he would be a wonderful father!

They spent another week in Minas Tirith, together with their friends in the citadel. Special guards watched every entrance which lead to the Hobbits, but nothing happened. The only one who still believed in the Messengers and Melkor was Ortherion. Aragorn talked to him one afternoon and found out that, although the young man still believed in evil, this belief wasn‘t as strong as before.
He decided as he had once done and he knew it was the right thing to do.
„You will go to Ithilien with Lord Faramir and the soldier Beregond will take special care for you with his son Bergil. You will work there and have enough time to consider everything. You still have your options! This is a free land and I will not imprison you now. Take it as a chance or I might change my decision!“ Aragorn said to him. Ortherion couldn‘t believe what he heard, but it was true. And deep inside he felt a little thankful which was a thought he disliked, but he was free again. Or at least not in prison.
Aragorn often found Frodo and Bergil together whenever Liliane was not alone. She spent much time Gimli, Legolas and Gandalf. Often Aragorn would join them and tell his own stories of the War of the Ring.
It was a happy time. Liliane felt safe with Frodo‘s friends and was glad to know them now. She liked Gimli very much who had his very own way of showing his appreciation for something, but he was so good-hearted.
She met Legolas with admiration and knew that Gandalf liked her even if he didn‘t speak.
It was all different with Aragorn - she liked him the most, he was such a just king and good friend.
Faramir and Eowyn were ready to leave very soon which was the time for Bergil to say goodbye to his friends.
„Will you once visit me again? I will show you the most wonderful places in Gondor!“ Bergil offered. Liliane smiled as he said so.
„I know Gondor is wonderful. I like what I have seen. And I‘d like to see more, but not now. We will leave once I can ride again. And I‘m glad I‘ve met you.“
She whispered a word of thanks into his ear as they embraced. Then Bergil embraced Frodo and smiled warmly.
„You‘re the bravest person I‘ve ever known, Frodo. You‘re a hero although you don‘t want to be one.“
Frodo shook his head. „No. I‘m no hero, I never wanted to be one. I only did what I had to do. And without you I‘d be dead now. I couldn‘t see my child growing up, so the hero of us is you.“
Bergil blushed and nearly felt ashamed. But this was what everybody thought. He had not acted like an ordinary fourteen-year-old boy would have done.
Bergil left for Ithilien with Faramir, Eowyn and his father. They took Ortherion with them, but the Hobbits didn‘t know. They didn‘t ask for him either.
At the end of the second week Frodo and Liliane went back to the Houses of Healing. Aragorn carried her one last time, but the midwife would tell them whether everything was good.
The healers looked at Frodo first. His wounds had healed and they began to remove the stitches. Aragorn held his breath when Frodo took off his shirt. His chest and belly were full of healing wounds. Once they had taken off all the bandages, it was obvious for everyone to see: it had been painful. Very painful.
They began with the cut on his cheek. It was a long and deep cut, but it had healed very well and nothing happened when they removed the stitches. They continued with all the others and Frodo endured it patiently. It didn‘t hurt, but it was nothing pleasant to be examined that carefully.
He was given some new bandages for his wrists in order to protect the healing wounds. He would be in grave danger if they tore open again.
„That‘s awful“, said Aragorn quietly. Liliane nodded. She had seen the wounds before, but she could not get used to the sight at all.
Frodo was also shocked himself. It was the first time he looked at the wounds attentively. He gulped and looked at Aragorn in dismay. He had nearly forgotten.
„You will not see the scars very well“, one of the healers said. „They will vanish. Don‘t worry.“
When they were done, the midwife came and all left the room save Frodo. Liliane wanted him to stay.
„I will have to examine you“, the midwife said. Liliane bit her lip and closed her eyes, but she nodded. Frodo felt so helpless when she pressed his hand, clutching him tightly. Now he could see what she was afraid of.
„Easy, just a minute and it will be over“, Frodo said. Liliane forced herself to calm down, she knew it had to be, but she could hardly bear it. It was too early.
Frodo kept asking himself who she would be once they were at home again. Would she ever be the same again? He doubted it. If she only wouldn‘t be afraid of him anymore...
„Everything is fine. You can return home if you want to, but you have to be very careful. Will you take care that she is not afraid of something?“ the midwife asked Frodo. He nodded.
„This is the only thing you should care for. Fear will be bad, but this is it. You must not be afraid of anything else, little master.“
But actually Frodo was. He would do nothing which could be bad for the child. Yet he said nothing.
On their way back Liliane walked again. It felt so good, but she was still a little weak. Frodo supported her lovingly.

„We will lead you to the Gap of Rohan“, Aragorn said. He had decided with Gimli and Legolas to guard the Hobbits until they were far from Gondor. They had a merry time with laughter and chatting and they also rested in Edoras. Gandalf had also come with them for some part of the way, but then he left them and didn‘t tell them where he was going. Nobody cared about that, they all knew the wizard.
„I will come to the Shire when it‘s time to“, he had said before he had left them. Frodo knew what he had meant.
Sam missed his family. He always spoke of his little son and his beloved daughter which made Merry and Pippin consider names for the little baby of Frodo and Liliane.
„It‘s too early!“ Liliane said. „It will be born in spring, so take your time!“
They didn‘t. First they thought of many names for girls, mostly flowers‘ names and then of heroic names for boys. Frodo burst out in laughter again and again, he didn‘t like their ideas at all. He had his own one, but he didn‘t tell anyone. Even Liliane had no idea.
The nights were warm and silent. But Frodo was always tired when it was his turn to guard them all. He had taken the watch before Liliane and he never woke her up, but took her guard, too. He reckoned she would be afraid all alone awake at night and so it was when she once woke up, startled by a nightmare. Frodo took her in his arms and comforted her because she had woken him, too. Fearfully she gaped at the surroundings and listened attentively for every sound. Cracking twicks made her wince and shiver. They avoided to rest near forests, but they couldn‘t always do so.
When they had left Edoras and reached the Gap of Rohan, they said goodbye to their friends who returned to Gondor.
„We will meet again“, Aragorn said. „And send news when the baby is born!“
„I will do so“, Frodo promised. Again Gimli took some time for congratulations and Legolas kissed his little friend‘s foreheads in a friendly manner.
„I hope you will have a good journey“, he said.
And they had. But there was one problem: They didn‘t have enough food.
One night Frodo woke up because he felt cold in his back. Liliane had left him. Sleepily he squinted and saw her sitting by the fire. What he saw made him laugh out loud.
She had sneaked to their backpacks and taken some food which should have been her breakfast. She was still chewing and held the rest of an apple in her hand, but when she saw Frodo looking at her, she blushed and felt so ashamed.
„I... I was hungry...“ she tried to explain, but Frodo shook his head. He took the blanket, covered her shoulders with it and sat down beside her.
„You must freeze!“
„No, actually I‘m only hungry...“
The others woke up from their whispering. When Sam saw Liliane eating, he burst out in laughter himself and said: „You‘re trapped! But I know that myself...“
„This is normal?“ Liliane asked and sighed. He nodded.
„Oh yes! You should ask Rosie what she had been eating all night...“
Merry grinned broadly. He could not wait to experience that himself with Estella.
„As long as you think it‘s funny!“ Liliane said and took another bite. Pippin giggled.
„You‘re only a Hobbit“, Sam said and laid down again. He wasn‘t impressed at all.
„Embarassing...“ Liliane whispered when they laid down. Frodo shrugged.
„No. You‘re only eating for two!“
But she was still hungry. Frodo had nearly fallen asleep again, but when she sighed, he opened an eye.
„Yes?“ he said.
„Oh... I‘m just dreaming of strawberries and pickled gherkins...“
Frodo shivered. „Wonderful combination!“
„And cheese...“
„Good idea!“ Frodo said and smiled. He placed his hand on her belly and whispered: „Seems to be very hungry, our little one!“
„Don‘t ask.“
But she was happy to be with him and she would also bear this hunger...

Weeks had passed. The borders of the Shire lay already behind them, they were close to their homes. Merry and Pippin didn‘t like to leave their friends, but they did so. Sam told them he would get along with Frodo and Liliane. He knew he also had Rosie to help him, he wasn‘t all alone with his friends.
Actually they had been fine on their way back home. It was seldom that Liliane was afraid of something and Frodo could hide his sorrow. He always watched their surroundings, searching for someone who could want to do them any harm, but there was only peace.
They forgot their experiences while travelling with their friends, heading for their home. Sam was so happy that also the others couldn‘t wait to arrive.
When both Merry and Pippin left them to return to their homes, Sam, Frodo and Liliane made for Hobbiton.
Carefully and unnoticed Sam looked at Frodo. He knew Frodo hid something. He didn‘t know yet what it was, but he would find out. And he feared it would get worse again once they had reached Bag End. When normal life was to return, Frodo and Liliane would be in trouble. That was bad. Sam had a secret hope: The baby. Once their attention could be drawn on their child, it could maybe become better again. They must not have time to remember the events. Throughout the journey they hadn‘t had any time, but they would have once they were back home.
And then the time came. They rode up Hobbiton Mill and finally reached Bag End. In the garden there was Elanor playing with Peony and they weren‘t alone - little Frodo was with them.
„Look!“ Sam exclaimed and dismounted his pony. He looked at his little son in disbelief who was running around cheerfully, laughing and giggling.
„Look how he‘s grown... it‘s Daddy!“ Sam said, kneeling down and opening his arms. The little boy shrieked in joy when he saw his father, came running towards him and flung his arms about his father‘s neck.
„Daddy!“ Elanor exclaimed and approached him, too. Sam embraced his children happily and Frodo smiled. He had an idea what Sam was so proud of... he would know the feeling himself soon.
„Uncle Frodo is back!“ Elanor cried and turned to Frodo and Liliane.
„And Auntie Liliane is back, too! You‘re all here again!“
She took a few steps forward, but when Frodo knelt down to embrace the girl, Elanor halted at gazed at him for a moment.
„Who did that, Uncle Frodo?“ she asked and pointed at the cut in his face. Frodo touched the wound with his hand and Elanor could see his bandages which were still about his wrists.
„Uncle...“ she whispered and reached out for him. Frodo took her little hand and looked at her with an encouraging smile.
„Just a little adventure, Ellie... nothing serious“, he said and swallowed hard. He felt so much like a liar.
Her words had made him aware of his wounds again. He had forgotten. He didn‘t feel them anymore, he didn‘t pay attention to them - but now it was too late.
It was to be seen. One could not overlook it.
„An adventure? And what about Auntie Liliane and Daddy?“
„Your aunt was with me and your Daddy was really brave when he fought with us“, Frodo said and rose again. Liliane came closer, knelt down before Elanor and said: „Do you want to know a secret?“
Elanor nodded eagerly. Liliane whispered into her ear: „You will soon have a friend to play with! I expect a baby!“
Elanor‘s eyes grew wide and she cried out loudly, cheering happily. Liliane smiled, she had reckoned the girl to react that way and if there was at least one reason to be happy, she should know it.
Elanor ran back to Peony and, of course, told her about the secret. Liliane was amused and when she looked back again at Sam and Frodo, she saw Rosie approaching her husband.
„Oh, Sam!“
They embraced and Sam kissed her tenderly.
„I‘m back, my love“, he said and she sighed.
„I missed you so much, you can‘t imagine!“ Rosie said quietly and then turned to Frodo and Liliane. Like Elanor, she hesitated for a moment before she approached them. First she embraced Liliane whose facial expression was far from the happiness Rosie knew of her. And when Rosie turned to Frodo, she said nothing at first and didn‘t even move. She knew this was no accidental injury. He had other scars in his face, too.
„Will you tell me what you‘ve been doing all the time?“ she said, turning to Sam. He pointed at the smial and together they entered Bag End. The children paid no attention to them in this moment, Elanor was so excited about the new baby that she was busy talking with Peony, sitting in the grass.
„Something happened, didn‘t it?“ Rosie asked before she entered the kitchen.
„Yes. Otherwise we would have been back much earlier“, Sam answered and sat down on the bench. Liliane and Frodo did so, too. He laid his arm about her shoulders and when they began to drank some tea, Frodo looked at Sam, telling him to report it to Rosie.
„We were in trouble“, he began. „There were people who wanted to take revenge on Frodo.“
Rosie gaped at them all in disbelief, one after another.
„Revenge? What do you mean with revenge?“
„They nearly killed me“, Frodo surprisingly said, staring at the table. Liliane stiffened, then rose and left the kitchen in a hurry. Sam sighed.
Without saying a word, Frodo followed her. It had been wrong to say it that way.
„Who is they, Sam? Would you...“
And Sam did. He told her the whole story. He told her of the abduction and his injury, Bergil‘s help and everything he knew from the captivity Frodo and Liliane had suffered.
„In his face, this was... this was the only visible wound. And without Legolas he would have died - the leader of the Messengers showed no mercy... Frodo‘s shirt hides the wounds. I... I had to watch it, he was lying there, waiting for his death...“
Sam stared at the ceiling and sighed loudly. Biting his lip he looked at Rosie who was sitting in silence, only listening to him in dismay.
„But why Liliane?“ she finally asked.
„B-because she‘s his wife. They feared children of the Ringbearer, they... they nearly raped her. These bastards...“
Rosie closed her eyes.
„That can‘t be true. No, Sam. That‘s a nightmare, you... you... what...“
Sam felt tears burning in his eyes.
„It is true, Rosie. It happened. Without Bergil it would all be too late. Gordir would have stabbed Frodo and Liliane would have lost the baby...“
„The baby?“
Sam nodded. „Yes. She‘s pregnant. They will be parents in spring.“
He felt terrible in this moment. He could not tell her everything, he didn‘t even want to, but now he knew what problems Frodo and Liliane had. They were so much far away from each other. He was not able to reach Rosie either. This horror changed everyone. He wanted to protect her, she must not know it, but she wanted to.
„Really?“ she asked and smiled awkwardly. She knew how much Liliane had been waiting for that and finally she would be a mother...
„This is the only thing to help them. I... I don‘t really know why, but it seems Liliane is afraid of Frodo. He may embrace her and comfort her, but something is different. It‘s not that they don‘t trust each other, but... but they‘re not as close to each other as before. And I‘m sure of one thing: If there wasn‘t the baby, maybe it would all be over soon...“
„Sam! How can you say that? You know yourself they love each other! It‘s very hard a time now, I know, but they will not lose their love. Not now!“
„Look at them“, Sam said and felt a teardrop running down his cheek. It hurt to see everything breaking. He knew it was. And he didn‘t know what to do about it.
Frodo loved Liliane, but she didn‘t let him come close. Yet she answered his love, but something was destroyed.
„I should have protected them, I... it was my duty to... I swore myself to always protect Master Frodo, but again I failed... I failed...“
Sam was weeping silently. Rosie stood up and sat down beside him, wrapping her arms around him.
„No, Sam. You did what you could. You fulfilled your task again. It‘s not your fault!“
„It is...“
„No! You were as helpless as everyone else! And don‘t fear anything. You know how strong love can be!“
Yes, he knew. But what if this love was in danger?

Liliane had laid down on the bed, hiding her face in her pillow. She was sobbing loudly when Frodo came in. It felt as if his heart was stabbed.
It was all because of his past, his terrible past which he had wanted to protect her from.
„I‘m sorry“, he said, leaning on the wall. Liliane didn‘t move, so he came closer, sat down beside her and laid his hand on her shoulder.
„You take it as if it was nothing, don‘t you?“ she shouted at him when she had turned about. Frodo closed his eyes.
„That‘s not true.“
„Of course it is! I haven‘t seen what they have done to you, but I can imagine and you want to tell me that you forgot about it? No, Frodo. What are you doing here? What do you pretend? You don‘t have to be strong for me. You can‘t help me anyway since you don‘t even understand me!“
Frodo swallowed hard and fought the tears.
„Yes“, he said with his voice quavering, „I don‘t understand. Maybe you didn‘t notice, but this is what I‘m trying to do - I try to understand you! But if you don‘t talk to me...“
„I can‘t! I would do so if I could, but... but... just leave me...“
She turned around again, turned his back on him. Frodo closed his eyes and felt tears streaming down his cheeks.
Now it was too late. He had lost her. She told him to leave?
He rose and left the room, closing the door. Then he sank down, leaning on the wall, he cowered on the ground and was sobbing in despair.
She was everything he had. Everything he had wanted to survive for. His love - his life. Nothing less. And she pushed him away.
He always remembered Eowyn‘s words, but still he couldn‘t understand. It was him! He was a Hobbit, Frodo Baggins, her husband. He was no adolescent Gondorian boy, being under a spell and unaware of what he was doing.
What did she accuse him of?
He heard voices from the kitchen. Now Sam and Rosie were fighting, too. Great.
And what was the reason for all this damage?
His past. His cursed past, he was the Ringbearer...
He should have left. It was wrong having returned. This caused so much pain...
He cursed himself. He should never have gone to Gondor, he should never have taken Liliane along.
Of course she couldn‘t bear this pain. How difficult was it to be his wife? Why had she met him? The Ringbearer?
He couldn‘t believe she didn‘t hate him. Of course she did.
Suddenly he was startled by the sound of steps approaching him. It was Rosie.
„Is she in there?“
Without saying a word Frodo nodded. Rosie did not answer and simply entered the bedroom with a sigh.
It was terrible. They were all like paralyzed, all three of them. Sam blamed it all on himself, Frodo could not reach Liliane and she...
Rosie barely had an idea what it had been like, but she knew she had to try and talk to Liliane.
„Don‘t cry“, she said. Liliane slowly turned about as she heard her voice and sat upright.
„You?“
„Yes. I need to talk to you. Sam is worried and Frodo sits outside the door, crying all his heart out. Sam has the same fear as Frodo might have. He doesn‘t want to lose you, Liliane, but this could happen.“
Liliane was dismayed and searching for words, but she found none. She had already thought of that, but the thought hadn‘t settled in her mind.
„What is wrong? What are you afraid of?“
Liliane didn‘t answer. Rosie took the chair from the corner and sat down opposite of Liliane. After a while Rosie just dared and tried.
„You are ashamed, aren‘t you?“
It took a moment, but then Liliane nodded.
„Yes. I always ask myself how this could happen. There‘s nothing worse...“
„Now listen to me. It was not because you did something wrong. You didn‘t provoke them, it was not because of you as... well, what they actually thought of when they intended to hurt you was something different. They had also decided to do so before they even knew who you were. Maybe they didn‘t even have an idea what you look like before they came to take you captive. It was because of something simple which you are not, after all. They had just one idea. You‘re Frodo‘s wife, the Ringbearer‘s wife. You never felt like that and you don‘t need to because you‘re more than that. But still it was not because of that, but because of their fear of children. They were mad! They didn‘t want to let Frodo be a father, this is the whole matter. And may I tell you something? He wouldn‘t have been if they killed him, so why did they continue?“
Liliane‘s face had turned pale as she was listening to Rosie‘s words. Rosie put into words what Liliane just felt, but she couldn‘t even express that in words herself.
And it hurt to listen. Yet she could not stop doing so.
„I will tell you. They wanted to hurt Frodo. The leader used it as a threat. He wanted Frodo to suffer because he knew Frodo would suffer. It was part of the plan! I know this hurts but... but he wanted Frodo to hear you. He must not see it because that would have drawn his attention away from his own pain. I guess it did so anyway. The leader wanted Frodo to hear you crying. That‘s it. It was part of his revenge. And wasn‘t it like that? In know Frodo. He must have been mad at the leader! I know Sam thinks equally of that. He would kill everyone who tried to harm me. Imagine Frodo‘s torture - he must have thought it was too late already. The leader wanted him to have this picture in his mind, the picture of you with the boys. And there was one thing which would hurt Frodo most, referring to you. He would not have cared about anything if they had killed you. Frodo would have wanted to die himself then. So there was only one thing left which was bad enough to hurt him, to really hurt him. It was a mean of pressure. There was only one thing for them to do. So don‘t be ashamed, it‘s not because of you, they would have raped you because of Frodo.“
Liliane gasped. She had listened to Rosie although every word was stinging her, but now that she named it in the end, named the abominable fact, named what Liliane tried to forget - she cried out and sank down, sobbing loudly.
Rosie bit her lip, sitting down beside Liliane and taking her into her arms, rocking her gently.
„I know it hurts“, she whispered and stroked her head. But she knew she had spoken the truth, the important truth which would help to change everything.
„After all you should be proud, Liliane. Just be proud that you‘re Frodo‘s wife. You can be. There‘s no one who would love you more than he does. He would give everything for you. And indeed he is a hero. I don‘t know much of that myself, but I know he is. You deserve his love like he deserves yours. And he‘s not one of the boys. You know he would never hurt you. Well, of course I know how hard it must be to bear all that, but may I tell you something? Frodo doesn‘t understand you, I guess, but he can‘t. Sam would not be able to understand either. But there‘s no reason to push him away. You don‘t need to tell him, but he fears to lose you. And he will if you continue like that. I know you don‘t want that yourself, so do one thing: Don‘t refuse his closeness. You know how much that can be. Right now you don‘t understand each other, but you will again. And remember your baby. It needs happy parents - especially a happy mother.“
Now Liliane raised her head in surprise.
„You know it?“
„Yes. Sam told me. And this is wonderful. So let‘s do one thing. I will tell Frodo why you react the way you do and you should try to trust him again. He‘s not one of the boys. And take your time. It will work. You love each other!“
So Rosie went and talked to Frodo. She told him that Liliane was still suffering from this horrifying experience. Still the simple idea of his closeness made her shiver, but it would change again. Slowly, but surely.
„You will not lose her. But be patient. Your love is strong and this is exactly what she needs!“


Sixteenth Chapter: Their strength

He had seen her putting the dress away, the wonderful green one which Eowyn had given her this time. Liliane had put it behind many others things in the back of the wardrobe. Frodo didn‘t understand that, but he sat down on his soft, comfortable chair in the corner of his working room, looking all about and thinking in silence.
His things were all where they belonged. Nothing had changed here in Bag End, only the children had grown. The rest was like before. Before their departure to Gondor.
He remembered Rosie‘s words. She had spoken to him and he could not stop to consider what she had said.
Liliane was ashamed. She felt guilty. But why did she feel guilty? She, Liliane, his wife?
He could not help but look at all the damage he had caused. The damage his past had done to all of them.
Yes, the Messengers were had been the ones to actually do it, but he had to always ask himself why they had done so.
He sighed. He had talked to Eowyn and Rosie. Both of the women had tried to explain the problem to him which they could understand, but he still found it hard.
Rosie was right. Liliane wasn‘t guilty, it wasn‘t her fault that the lads had had evil intentions. So why did she feel guilty?
He understood that he felt ashamed. He had to admit that he didn‘t feel different either. It wasn‘t much better what they had done to him. He had felt as helpless. But in fact he was guilty!
Of course he was.
Whenever he looked at her, he saw sadness in her eyes. They weren‘t lively anymore. They were dead. Yes, she needed his comfort, but she did seldom speak to anyone.
Where had his beloved wife gone? Where was she? Could he ever find her again? Her happiness, the warmth of her heart, her love...
Did she still love him? He couldn‘t even be sure of that. He hated himself, so why didn‘t she do so? Did she pretend it or was it really love?
What if the only thing to keep them together was the baby?
He cried without even noticing. He didn‘t want a life like that. He wanted to talk to Liliane, but he couldn‘t.
But she had accused him indeed, asking him whether the whole matter was nothing to him.
Of course it was. Maybe even more than the quest.
He missed her. In thoughts he pleaded for her coming back to him, but nothing happened.
He didn‘t even have an idea where she was right now. Maybe sitting somewhere like he was.
Hadn‘t she been happy about her new dress? She had. And now she put it away. What was it that made her do so? But if she felt ashamed - most likely she didn‘t dare to put it on because she might think she wasn‘t worth it.
She had never worn it since she had been given it.
But he would go and ask her to do so. He had to talk to her, to encourage her... But first he had to understand.
He rose and went over to the mirror which hung at the opposite wall near the door. It had always been there, been there for years and for no special reason, but now he wanted to make use of it.
He took a deep breath and looked at himself. Movelessly Frodo stared at at his mirrored figure. So he looked like this, the one who had failed in everything.
He had failed in the quest. He would have kept the Ring.
He would never be married if Liliane hadn‘t made the first step. He had been too shy.
And he had been unable to protect her from harm.
There was only one thing he could be proud of. He would be a father. It had been his wish as much as it had been hers.
Trembling he looked at himself.
But did she still want it now?
He raised his hands, slowly putting the white bandages away which still covered his wrists. He had gotten used to that feeling.
When the cloths were removed, he looked at the healing cuts. They had been long and deep.
And they would better have killed him.
He hated himself so much, regarding himself as the one cause of all evil that had happened.
What did Liliane think whenever she looked into his face? It was marked by the long cut. It would always be.
With weak fingers he unbuttoned his shirt, slowly but steadily until he could see the cuts.
He had never looked at himself that way.
Gasping he bit his lip as he saw the scars.
How should she ever be able to forget it this way? She could forget her own pain because there were no visible wounds, but his would always remind her.
„No...“ he whispered tonelessly. He hated himself so much. And this hatred grew.
Suddenly a picture of Gordir flashed in his thoughts and before his eyes. He saw his mad grin, dagger in hand. He had such an ugly face.
And he felt the pain again. Frodo held his breath and leaned on the wall weakly. He felt it, cut by cut and he could not help but look at himself again.
All those wounds.
Shaken by sobs he sank down on the ground. He looked awful. And this was exactly what he deserved. He didn‘t deserve love. The least Liliane‘s love.
Why did she stay? She stayed because of the baby. His baby. She had no choice but to stay. This was also his fault. His child.
He was everything but happy.
His sobbing increased, getting louder and louder. He covered his head with his hands, letting it sink down on his knees.
When Sam entered the room, he found Frodo cowering like that, crying his heart out. Before his feet there lay his bandages, he saw him sitting with his shirt half opened and weeping uncontrollably.
Without saying a word Sam knelt down beside Frodo, putting his arms him and resting Frodo‘s head on his shoulder. Frodo clasped him sadly and cried even louder.
„I can‘t stand it... I just can‘t stand it...“ Frodo whispered, interrupted by sobs. Sam closed his eyes.
„I know, Master Frodo. I know it‘s hard. But what is it to trouble you this way?“
„Don‘t ask. Just look at me and you‘ll now! Look!“
Frodo raised his head, staring at Sam. The stout gardner sighed.
„These wounds are healing, Frodo! What‘s wrong? You will be able to live with the scars. Nobody will care.“
Frodo laughed bitterly. Sure. Maybe Sam wouldn‘t care. Sam had also been the one to endure his rough behaviour while heading for Mount Doom toilsomely. Sam had always been with him. He had taken his poor hand, as he had said, and known nothing else but Frodo‘s pain when Gollum had hurt him.
„My biggest mistake was to return“, Frodo whispered and Sam saw new tears streaming down his cheeks.
„You know that‘s not true! Why should it have been a mistake? This is your home which you have been fighting for - just as if you‘d have known what for. Your own family.“
„No!“ Frodo shouted and leaned back, escaping Sam‘s embrace.
„This is why it‘s a mistake. Now look at my wife! Look at her, look at what it‘s made of her! I know she would go and leave me if she could and I can‘t even blame it on her!“
Sam‘s eyes grew wide. He sat down and took a deep breath, considering what Frodo had just said.
„Yes! And do you know why she can‘t leave? Because of my child. Isn‘t that great? And she‘s the one I wanted to hurt the least!“
Sam stared at the ground. This wasn‘t true. Liliane loved him too much, she would never stop loving him.
„You‘re being silly, Frodo. You know that this is not true! She would never go! And you can be sure of one thing: It‘s not the baby to keep her here. It‘s you. She loves you! This is love, Frodo. Love means to never leave the beloved, no matter how hard times are. It‘s not easy. Yes, it‘s hard for her, I see that myself. And maybe it would even be a little different if there wasn‘t the baby. I know she‘s happy. She will need something to trust in, to hope for. And to care for.“
They looked at each other in silence for a while. Outside they heard the children scream and Rosie was singing quietly in the kitchen. Frodo envied Sam so much in this moment.
„Yes. You‘re not the one who... I... I can‘t even look at me myself, Sam... how can she?“
„You‘re not only silly, you‘re also stupid sometimes“, Sam replied impatiently and determined. Frodo gasped. This was new to him.
„Yes, stupid“, Sam repeated. „Unlike you she knows that it‘s not to be blamed on you, but the Messengers. And right now she‘s talking to Rosie again. At least she is trying to leave it all behind! Believe me, she needs you, not your guilt which you think exists. And your child needs a father. No hero and no one to suffer from his own imagined guilt. You are not guilty, Frodo! Would you please finally be a little proud?“
„Proud?“
Sam nodded. He saw Frodo wiping away his tears. With a sigh he considered his behaviour. It hadn‘t always been easy with Frodo, but he didn‘t know him like that. Of course it was because of Liliane. He felt responsible for her.
This was the moment Sam had been waiting for. Throughout their journey and all the time in Gondor before Frodo had seemed to be fine. Better as Liliane - he had tried to hide his pain, but now it burst out. It had merely been a question of time.
„Proud. You‘ll be a father, Frodo Baggins. This morning Liliane told me how happy she is. She‘s not only happy that she will finally be a mother. She is also happy that it‘s your child. And it will need you, need happy parents. Believe me. I know it‘s not easy, but you love each other and you will be needed. Think of the baby. Doesn‘t that mean hope?“
Frodo did not answer, but Sam was right. Indeed the baby was important now. It could heal wounds, so many wounds... just by giving them the feeling of being needed, being of importance again.
They belonged together. He knew that. His worst fear was to lose her.
He had to see her!
Suddenly he felt the pride. Had he really believed the Messenger‘s lies?
Still he found it hard to believe that there was no problem at all, but he knew Sam was right.
The baby.
He wanted to be proud!
Smiling broadly Sam said: „I like that expression in your face.“
Then he rose and left the room.
„Wait!“ Frodo cried. „Wait... I‘ll follow you.“
He had needed these words.

„Why have you been crying?“
Frodo turned his head to look at her. He was lying on his back, had been staring at the ceiling, losing in thoughts. Liliane had laid her arm on his belly, feeling his regular breath. They had been lying in silence, unable to sleep, remembering the day.
In the afternoon Frodo had entered the kitchen alone and sat down next to Liliane, not saying a word. He had helped her and Rosie with the cake as best as he could, being looked at attentively. Liliane had immediately noticed that he had been crying when she saw his red-rimmed eyes. Like Sam they had heard him, but he had been the one to look after Frodo because Liliane had had the idea that it was because of her.
She had noticed his worries, but she didn‘t yet know why Frodo felt this way. Sam had told her afterwards, but she had not been pleased with that. Frodo had behaved strange all day, not saying much, spending some time alone still, thinking about something. He didn‘t look sad anymore, but neither happy.
Now that they were lying in bed and he still didn‘t explain the reasons for his breakdown, Liliane grew impatient and finally decided to ask him.
Frodo pondered for a while until he answered. It was not easy at all.
„Liliane, I... I... don‘t want to lose you. Don‘t let me lose you! But I feared you would... you‘d leave me if you could. I mean, I...“
„No!“ Liliane interrupted him. „No, Frodo. How can you think that? I would never leave you! I love you, I truly love you.“
Frodo swallowed. He saw it in her eyes, he saw that she spoke the truth. But yet he was feeling uncomfortable.
„Do I not remind you of everything? All the ugly scars... and it was all because of my past, your pain was caused by my past...“
Liliane shook her head and came closer, sighing quietly. She bit her lip and let her hand slip under his shirt, resting it on his chest. Frodo held his breath, but she did not stop looking at him when she slowly let her hand roam about his warm skin, feeling the cuts. It also felt ugly to her, but she knew it would pass.
„It will not be more than a faint memory one day. Of course it reminds me of your torture and it also reminds me of my own. But your past is not you, Frodo Baggins.“
Frodo raised his hand and laid it on his nightshirt, covering her hand under the fabric. He did not know what to say, but she continued.
„You always wanted to protect me. You even wanted to protect me when I tried to confess my love. There‘s nothing wrong to me in loving you, there never was. And yes, it‘s your child because of which they wanted to hurt me, but still I want it more than everything else. Are you not proud?“
She had also talked to Rosie about the matter again and although it was hard she tried to live with what had happened. Sam had also said that Frodo feared she wouldn‘t love him anymore.
It wasn‘t true. Of course it wasn‘t. She would show him.
Frodo smiled warmly and kissed her forehead.
„I wasn‘t, but now I am. I have to be. Our baby will need us. We must not be sad.“
They smiled at each other. They had finally managed to talk about it all. Just a little, but before there had been nothing.
The first days at home had been hard, but Rosie and Sam really helped them very much.
Frodo felt warmth spreading all over. It was the first time in months that he felt close to her again. He lifted himself up, supported by his arms, and smiled down at her. Liliane raised her hand and stroked his cheek. Again he smiled and then bent over her, being about to give her a loving kiss.
Liliane‘s smile faded as she saw him put his arm on the other side, wholly being over her, taking control. And she lost it. All of a sudden she felt so very helpless again, buried by the power of someone else.
Screaming in panic she pushed him away, backing away like he did, staring at him while breathing hard.
Frodo sat upright and answered her gaze in silence. The moment of relief was destroyed, the short time of returning closeness.
„W-what... what did I do wrong?“ he finally asked when he felt able to speak again. He felt like paralyzed. But then he saw tears shining in her eyes. Very carefully he reached out his hand for her and she took it which surprised him. She clutched him despairingly, leaning forward and wrapping her arms around him.
He must not think that she didn‘t love him!
„Easy, dear... don‘t cry. I‘m not angry now. But I don‘t understand“, Frodo said, stroking her back. She was shaken by sobs.
„I-it was like... like down... there... I lost control, you... You must not do that. I can‘t stand someone... bending over me...“
Frodo closed his eyes. She was right - it was his mistake. He should have thought of that.
„Oh, I‘m so sorry, Liliane! Sorry, I‘m so stupid, I...“ He sighed.
She raised her head and gazed at him for a while. Then she smiled through tears and came closer to kiss him. Frodo was surprised, but he answered her kiss gladly and then wiped away her tears.
„No, you‘re not stupid“, she said. „But you must not do that. And I think it‘s the only thing which scares me, but be careful, please...“
He nodded and laid down again. She also laid down and cuddled up to him, hiding in his embrace.
„You‘re everything I have“, he said, stroking her tenderly.
„Wrong“, Liliane replied and took his hand. She placed it on her belly, adding: „There‘s not only the two of us. Don‘t forget that. And I can‘t wait to be a mother.“
Suddenly she laughed cheerfully and kissed his cheek.
„May I tell you something?“ she asked. Frodo looked curious.
„I‘m the happiest Hobbit. I want your baby and you‘re the best which ever happened to me. I love you, Frodo. And you were so brave! Do you remember the first night in captivity?“
In surprise he gave her a glance, then he nodded.
„Yes. Of course. Why do you ask?“
„At first I was frightened when you went to ask the leader to cut your bonds. But I was so glad you did it. It was so courageous and it helped me so much. This was only the first of many things which let me know that I love you. And I feel so happy that I‘m loved by you. It did not make me stop loving you. It made me love you even more.“
He could not believe what she said. But this made him lose all doubts in her love. There was truth in her words.
When she had fallen asleep, he still looked at her. She was so beautiful. And she was so strong.

Elanor was not pleased. Nobody could tell her anything. She had asked Liliane when the little baby would be born - but she couldn‘t tell her.
„In early spring, I think“, she had said, taking the little girl on her lap.
„And will it be a little boy or a little girl?“
„I don‘t know that either. But I don‘t care. I think your Uncle Frodo would like to have a girl, a little princess just like you. Anyway - I‘m just happy that we‘ll be parents.“
Liliane was right. Frodo loved Elanor, she was a cute little girl and little Frodo was still too young, so nobody could tell what he would be like.
But one thing was already for sure: Frodo was very cheeky. He couldn‘t yet speak, but he was cheeky whenever he could.
This was why he had the strange feeling of preferring a little girl, but he didn‘t really care either.
„I want to know now!“ Elanor insisted. Liliane could not help but laugh.
„I‘m also curious, but you have to be patient. At least you will be able to, well, see it soon. Remember what your Mummy looked like before your little brother was born?“
Ellie nodded eagerly. Of course she remembered that!
Suddenly Rosie entered the room. She had come down the hallway and heard them speaking. The subject was the interesting thing.
„I have good news for you“, she said and sat down beside her daughter and Liliane. They both looked at her expectantly.
„You will have another sibling next year, my dear Ellie!“
Liliane looked at her and smiled, then she embraced her happily.
„That‘s wonderful! But careful, this means two happy fathers pesting us...“
They laughed. Indeed Sam and Frodo both were incredibly happy and didn‘t want to miss a single day concerning their children. As long as they weren‘t born, they both were too worried about everything.
„Yes. And Sam doesn‘t get enough - it‘s the third child and he still acts as he did with the first!“
Liliane understood what Rosie was talking about. Frodo was equally impatient and couldn‘t wait to be a father.
Elanor was so proud that she rose and left her mother and Liliane. First she ran to Sam and embraced him.
„I will finally have little siblings to play with!“ she cried in excitement. She wasn‘t jealous of her brother, she liked to have him, quarrel with him and play with him. And there would be the baby of uncle and aunt and another baby sibling...
„Uncle Frodo?“ she exclaimed when she entered Bag End again. Sam had been in the garden and Elanor knew she would find her uncle inside the smial in his working room.
„I‘m here, Ellie“, she heard the faint answer. She had been right.
Frodo was writing a letter to Aragorn when she entered the room and jumped on his lap.
„I will have another baby sibling soon!“ she reported proudly. Frodo‘s eyes grew wide.
„Wonderful! Did your Mummy just tell you?“
„Yes and... and I‘m so happy I will have many friends when they‘re older!“
Frodo smiled and kissed her forehead. She was such a lovely girl.
„Does that still hurt?“ Elanor suddenly asked and touched the scar in his face with her little fingers. Frodo smiled warmly.
„No, Ellie. The mean men didn‘t really hurt me. I don‘t care anymore.“
„You‘re such a hero, Uncle Frodo! Auntie Liliane told me you always defended her. I also want to marry a hero when I‘m older!“
Frodo burst out in laugher when he heard her words.
„A hero? No. I‘m no hero, Ellie. But the mean men scared her. I had to protect her from them, her and our baby.“
„But what did they want? Why were they so mean?“
Frodo sighed, embracing Sam‘s daughter who leaned on him.
„It was because of the journey your Daddy and I went on before. They didn‘t like what we have done and they wanted to take revenge. It was really scary. But your father and our other friends came to rescue us. Pippin‘s friend Bergil was the real hero, he always helped us and he shot the leader when he wanted to hurt me. There are only my scars left.“
„But that must have hurt!“
„It did.“ Frodo nodded. „Your auntie was afraid I would die, but as you can see I didn‘t. How could I leave her and our baby?“
Elanor closed her eyes and enjoyed his loving embrace. To her it sounded like an exciting adventure, but Frodo was so glad she had no idea what he was actually talking about. Yet there was no reason not to talk about it. He knew it helped. He had already decided to talk to Liliane, too. This would be much easier since she knew what happened anyway. He trusted her.

He was breathing hard, wincing in pain. With weary eyes Frodo gazed out of the window, looking at the grey clouds, blown by the wind and passing by. He had woken up when it had been dark, very early in the morning, and he had been lying like that for hours now. With his cold hand he had clutched Liliane‘s which gave him a little comfort in his pain.
His shoulder had gone cold. A throbbing pain was tormenting him more intense with every minute. It would never let go of him. Every year there were two days of remembrance which did not pass. It would toil him to the end of his days.
Tears came to his eyes. He felt them streaming down his cheeks and he closed his eyes again.
It did not pass...
Trembling all over he remained lying there, unable to move and finally Liliane woke up. She looked into his deadly pale face, his bloodshot eyes and wiped away the tears from his cheeks.
„My poor Frodo...“ she whispered and kissed him. Frodo backed away and shook his head.
„No! I-it‘s evil, be careful with the baby...“
Liliane gave him an encouraging smile.
„Don‘t worry. It doesn‘t do me any harm and it will neither do so to our child if I kiss you!“
She put one arm about his belly and held the gemstone in her other hand, placing it on his shoulder. Immediately she felt the cold. She held him tight in her embrace and tried to warm him.
It didn‘t take long until Sam entered the room. He had been up for hours, waiting to hear voices and when he was sure that they had both woken up, he came in with some freshly smelling tea for Frodo.
„May it ease your pain“, he said and handed the cup to his friend. Frodo looked at him thankfully. Sam left the room again to prepare breakfast and served it to them, still lying in bed. Frodo felt awful.
„Don‘t leave me...“ he whispered and looked at Liliane under a great effort of strength. Unsuccessfully she had tried to make him eat something, but she wasn‘t hungry herself. Liliane shook her head when she heard him speaking that way.
„Don‘t be silly. You know it doesn‘t scare me. I will help you to bear your pain!“
Frodo smiled and closed his eyes for a moment before he spoke again.
„You‘re really brave. It‘s a miracle that you simply understand it all... What would I do without you? I‘d have left the shores of the Hither Lands, never to return, if I hadn‘t had the feeling that it was a mistake. Now I know why. Indeed there was someone waiting for me to drive out all the shadows of my remembrance. It was hard to live normally again.“
Liliane didn‘t interrupt him because she felt that he was about to speak of something which he hadn‘t spoken of before.
„I‘ve never before spoken of that. I couldn‘t. It was the most horrifying experience of my whole life.“
He paused for a moment and closed his eyes, trying to imagine it all again.
„I saw the light. I saw the exit of the hideous tunnel, I was making for it and only turned when I heard Sam calling for me. I couldn‘t see anything at first, it was all dark, but then I heard the rattling, bubbling noises again. She was right behind me. I raised Sting, trying to defend myself, but then I felt the pain of her sting in my neck. I don‘t know how she managed to sting me, but she did. And Sting fell from my grasp, hit the ground and I went to my knees when all blurred before my eyes. I was swaying and fell, I was lying on my back then and felt how some deadly cold spread from the wound in my neck. I lay like paralyzed - but I was paralyzed. She bent over me. I couldn‘t scream, nor could I move. The stench was unbearable. I felt the poison taking hold of me. I couldn‘t think anymore, but I remember my fear and agony when she began to... she... she spun me in cords, beginning at my shoulders. It was so much of relief when finally my eyes closed. I couldn‘t keep them open anymore. I wanted to die, I felt I was dying although I wasn‘t... and I heard Sam how he was wielding with Gollum. My poor Sam. Then all went dark. But it came worse. I woke up from the pain caused by biting claws clutching my arms. Lying with my back on a stony surface I froze and when I looked up I saw yellow fangs grinning down at me. The orc was binding me with thick ropes. I couldn‘t yet move, but he grasped my hair and hissed something at me. I don‘t remember what it was, I can‘t even remember whether I understood it. And then I realized why I was freezing. They had stripped me. They had taken everything from me. There were an orc and an Uruk, Gorbag and Shagrat. I faintly remembered their words of Barad-dur which made me wholly despair. They had knives and began to question me. They wanted to know where I was coming from and why, they asked me for my companion and where I had the precious thing. They kept it going for hours. I can‘t remember... I remained lying there for long. They were threatening with... they had a whip. Their prey, this is what they called me. The little rat. And Shagrat took me and locked me up in that room, shouting at me, talking of Barad-dur. I was asking myself where Sam was, whether Shelob had also killed him or if Gollum had strangled him. He was gone and so was the Ring. I had failed... this was torture. When they had questioned me, they had me lying like... like I was in Gondor...“
Liliane held her breath. She couldn‘t imagine how Frodo had suffered from that. She didn‘t know orcs, but in Gondor she had seen pictures, huge pictures showing the battle on the Pelennor Fields with orcs fighting against men. They looked cruel, distorted faces they had. And what they had done to Frodo...
„N-now I know“, she said. „Now I know why you didn‘t want me to know, why you wanted to protect me. How can you live with that?“
Frodo smiled weakly.
„Because of you, Liliane. Your love gives me the strength that I need. You showed me how to live a happy life. I have to thank you!“
She kissed him.
„You‘re the saver of all“, she said.
He had sacrificed so much. But he had also been rewarded now.
And the pain passed again.

„The one to suffer the worst from your past is you“, Liliane said and kissed him before she went over to the bed. Frodo felt better again, but this was no reason for Liliane not to care for him like the day before. She was convinced he deserved it and she wanted to let him know that she would always comfort him if he needed her.
She had laid down already, waiting for him to come to bed, too. He was still searching for his shirt which made her grow more impatient with every second.
„I‘m freezing. Will you come now?“
„Why don‘t you take the blanket to cover yourself? And why don‘t you tell me where the shirt is?“
„I have no idea where your shirt is, Frodo. I have mine. And I‘m waiting for you!“
He turned around.
„Waiting? For me?“
„Yes. I‘m too lazy to move, so will you finally come now? You don‘t need your shirt. I also like you without your shirt!“
She laughed. She didn‘t care about all the scars which she could see.
Frodo had no order in his things. He had put the shirt away to some place where it normally would never be, so he didn‘t find it. But since he was marked by the scars, he was always eager to wear some shirt so that nobody had to see the wounds.
He was surprised that she looked into his face and not at his chest, but she had gotten used to the cuts. She didn‘t like the scars, but she didn‘t care because they belonged to him now.
„All right. I obey.“
Grinning broadly she reached out his hand for him and pulled him down to the mattress. When he wanted to lie down beside her, he suddenly halted and placed his hand on her belly.
„What‘s this?“ he asked and wrinkled his brow.
„What do you mean?“
„Well, I... I just asked myself whether you have eaten too much or... or is this our little one I see?“
Liliane looked at her belly and then she also noticed that it had indeed begun to grow round.
„No. That‘s not because of dinner...“ she whispered and suddenly smiled.
„I‘m jealous“, she added. Frodo looked at her and it was obvious from his facial expression that he had no idea what she was talking about.
„Well... you‘re paying far too much attention to our baby! What about me? I‘m enduring everything, I‘m sick because of it, I‘m...“
Frodo laid down beside her and silenced her with a kiss, embracing her tightly.
„You‘re right“, he then said. „And I‘m the one who did this to you.“
Liliane first didn‘t look at him when she answered: „I couldn‘t say it was a mistake... and to be honest - I can‘t blame it on you. I don‘t even regret it! There are worse things...“
„I would dislike being sick all the time...“ Frodo said, but she shook her head at once.
„No. That‘s not what I‘m talking about.“
Without any further explaination she kissed him passionately, stroking his chest and belly. Then she sat upright, pulling her nightshirt over her head and taking his hands to pull him up. Frodo hadn‘t expected that, but he did not refuse her tenderness.
He had been waiting for her to make the first step, it was her choice, and now it was the time. Liliane came closer, pressed herself to him and kissed him again.
„You‘re so beautiful“, he whispered and carefully reached out his hand for her. She noticed that he was hesitating and said with a smile: „Don‘t worry, it‘s alright. I‘m not afraid.“
Slowly he touched her and made her shiver when she felt him caressing her breast. They laid down again and he felt her stroking him lovingly. He returned her tenderness, letting his hand pass over her legs while he was kissing her. But then suddenly he stopped.
„What is it?“ she asked. „Anything wrong?“
„W-what about the child? I‘m not sure if... if...“
„Oh!“ She giggled. „I see. It won‘t do any harm, believe me.“
„B-but I... it makes me feel awkward“, he answered. Laughing quietly Liliane pinched him in his side and took his hand to rest it on her belly.
„Well, ask for permission!“
Frodo took a deep breath. „You‘re making fun of me! But I‘m serious.“
„I know. But you have the choice: Dare it or leave it...“
Frodo hesitated for a moment, then at once he looked very determined and nodded.
„You‘re right. We‘re the ones allow things, it‘s not the other way round!“
She turned on the other side and looked at him back over her shoulder. He understood, took her into his arms and kissed her cheek. She knew best what he was to do and what he was to leave. He had to be careful not to scare her.
She gave him an encouraging smile. „There‘s no need to be afraid. But go slow“, she asked of him and clasped his hand.
For a second Frodo felt even a little helpless - he had to consider everything he was doing. But then he just decided to let it happen and overcame his shyness, finally being so close to her again.
„I missed you“, he whispered. She knew what he meant.
„I know. I don‘t feel different.“
She trusted him. And he gave her all love that he could. Liliane felt protected in his arms, she lost her fear, she had wanted to feel him.
He did not let go of her again. In a loving gesture he covered her with the blanket when she had later cuddled up to him sleepily.
„You‘re wonderful“, she said quietly and closed her eyes. Frodo smiled and stroked her belly with his hand.
It was fine.


Seventeenth Chapter: New life

It was one of the last days of October. They were lying in bed and Frodo had nearly fallen asleep when Liliane suddenly felt something strange which she had never felt before. There it was again, the unknown feeling, and she laid her hand on her belly.
She felt the movements. The baby had moved and with tears of happiness in her eyes she took Frodo‘s hand. He blinked sleepily and watched her placing his hand beside her hand.
Her belly had grown round a little more, it was already easy to be seen.
„What is it?“ Frodo whispered. Liliane didn‘t answer. Then he felt the movement himself. He smiled and found no words to say, but he felt tears in his eyes, too. He couldn‘t believe it. It was wonderful.
Immediately he rose and laid his head on her belly. He was so happy to feel it.
„Our baby...“ he said and when he laid down again beside Liliane, his hand remained lying on her belly. There were movements!
Throughout the next days Frodo always trapped himself again and again how he laid his hand on Liliane‘s belly, nearly crying every time he felt the child moving. Soon it even seemed to be kicking his hand.
„So it‘s also cheeky, just like his mother...“ he muttered. Liliane‘s answer was a sceptical gaze.
„How would it be if you were always kicked in your stomach, Frodo Baggins?“ she replied and crossed her arms. Frodo laid his arm about her shoulders and looked at her in a way which made her laugh out loud.
When Sam saw them together like that, he sighed in relief. Now it was all fine again. They had no nightmares anymore, but they were happy. They couldn‘t wait to be parents. Frodo asked him whether he was also jealous that they didn‘t have the chance to experience it like a mother did.
„It‘s not just“, Sam said. „But on the other hand we don‘t have to suffer... and we don‘t have to give birth to the children!“
This was also a matter of which Liliane and Rosie were talking one day. Rosie smiled when the saw the happiness in Liliane‘s eyes. She remembered the day when she had first felt Elanor moving.
„It‘s a miracle“, she said. „A baby is the most wonderful proof for love, I think. And I mean it. Look at the two fathers! I think Sam would kill for his children, for every single one.“
„What else is there waiting for me?“ Liliane asked.
„Oh, if you‘re feeling like I always was, you‘ll turn out to be very lazy once you can‘t really move anymore... I always wished my belly wasn‘t as round. You feel so plump then! Sometimes the birth is like relief. But it‘s also the most painful thing you can imagine.“
„Really?“
„Yes. But don‘t be afraid. You will be rewarded once it passed. It‘s not impossible to do it.“
Liliane said nothing for a while. She remembered how Rosie had been screaming when little Frodo was born.
„But... but may I ask something of you?“ Liliane then asked.
„Would you help me if it‘s the time? I mean, you know what to do...“
Rosie gave her an encouraging smile. „Of course I will. But there will be no problems, believe me. Don‘t worry.“
Later she also talked to Frodo, asking him to stay with her when the baby was born. Frodo didn‘t seem to be very happy about the idea, he didn‘t feel comfortable about it, also remembering how Rosie had suffered from the labour pains.
„I will be with you if you ask me to be“, he said. How could he leave her giving birth to his child?
Her birthday passed and also the days of yule and Frodo loved to discuss with his baby, always trying to trick it. He placed his hand on Liliane‘s belly, trying to escape the kicks of the child.
Laughing in amusement he stated: „Seems to be a little stubborn!“ But no matter how hard he tried not to look at Liliane, she pinched im his side and said: „Thanks, Master Baggins, you‘re amazingly friendly today!“
In a loving gesture he stroked her cheek and said: „I hope it‘s more like you than like me!“

It was a day in the beginning of March when Frodo sank down on the matress sleepily, taking Liliane into his arms and passing over into sleep. He found himself dreaming of his baby, how much he would love it, and reckoned nothing to happen when suddenly an abrupt movement woke him up. Liliane had pulled her arm away which had been lying under his, then laid it on her belly for she had woken up from pain.
Frodo sighed quietly and did not intend to open his eyes until he suddenly heard a groan.
He squinted. Liliane was was lying beside him on her back, having placed her hands on her belly, she was cramped all over and bit her lips, but said nothing.
„What‘s wrong?“ Frodo asked wearily and she turned to him.
„You‘re awake?“
He smiled warmly and murmured: „Are you fine?“
„Yes... but... but I think it‘s the time, Frodo... the baby...“
He opened his eyes and in the nick of a second he sat updright.
„What? Now? The labour pains? I... what can I do?“
He was fully awake now. His heart was pounding painfully, the blood shot into his head and he took a deep breath.
„Ask Rosie, she‘ll know“, Liliane said and tried to sit upright as well. Frodo jumped out of the bed, nearly stumbled over the carpet and fell, but then he tried to calm down and not to panic. This would be wrong, he felt it.
Yawning he left the bedroom, crossed the hallway and silently opened the door to Rosie‘s and Sam‘s bedroom. He sneaked to the bed soundlessly and placed his hands on Rosie‘s shoulder.
„Rosie, wake up... wake up!“ he whispered until she slowly blinked.
„Frodo?“ she asked. „What are you doing here? Let me sleep...“
„Rosie, it‘s time, Liliane told me to wake you... the baby!“ he explained breathlessly which made Rosie‘s weariness pass.
„Oh well. Calm down now, it‘s all right! I‘m coming. But you can go and fetch the little bathtub for the children.“
„Nothing else? What‘s next?“ he asked impatiently.
Calmly Rosie explained that he should light the fire in the kitchen so that they could later heat some water. He should also go and fetch some towels and quickly Frodo did as he had been told.
With the towels in his hand he ran back to the bedroom where Rosie was sitting beside Liliane, quietly talking to her. Liliane had also calmed down now, she had been so excited at once, but Frodo was not calm at all. He also sat down on the bed, took Liliane‘s hand and from time to time he felt her pressing his hand.
Time didn‘t seem to pass. It was late at night and nothing happened for long, but the labour pains came more frequently. Nobody spoke for a while, but suddenly Liliane whispered: „It hurts...“
Frodo stroked her forehead and smiled in an encouraging manner. Rosie told her that it was normal and it wouldn‘t take long anymore until the baby would be born.
Liliane tried to breathe slowly, clutched Frodo‘s hand and soon her pain was so intense that she cried out. Frodo was nearly desperate, he would have loved to help her, but there was nothing he could do.
It was very early in the morning. They had been sitting like that for hours when the first grey mist was to be seen outside, the sun would soon rise. A red light warmed the world and the sun sent its light through the windows. While waiting for the birth to proceed, Frodo leaned back, taking Liliane into his arms, and he listened to the birds singing.
Still it took some time. Rosie placed her hands on Liliane‘s belly and said: „It will soon come, there will be no problems, I think.“
Liliane smiled wearily, there was sweat on her forehead, but suddenly Rosie got excited and sent Frodo to heat the water in the kitchen.
When he stepped out the door, he heard Liliane scream in pain, but he reminded himself that it meant nothing bad. He turned and wanted to go to the kitchen, but he suddenly nearly collided with Sam who had been disturbed by the noise.
„Master Frodo... what is it? It‘s the baby, isn‘t it?“
Frodo nodded in silence and said something of warm water. Sam smiled.
„I‘ll care for that. Just go back, I‘ll go and warm some water!“
So Sam went to the kitchen and Frodo returned to the bedroom, staying with Rosie and Liliane who was shaken by pain, but it wouldn‘t take long anymore. Frodo was trembling all over because of excitement.
Sam was not stirred by that. He stood in the kitchen, eating an apple and waiting for the water to be heated on the stove.
He knew what that was like. He just concluded that it was time when he heard Liliane screaming, but then he suddenly got nervous.
He would be the father of three children later that year...
He ran up and down in the kitchen and always felt for the temperature of the water, then took it when it was warm enough, going to the bedroom.
Liliane was leaning on Frodo who held her tight and Rosie tried to help.
„Make it stop...“ Liliane cried and screamed in pain.
Sam was so nervous at once that he left the room for a couple of minutes, but he returned very soon. He didn‘t want to leave them alone.
„Hold out, please!“ Frodo whispered into her ear.
His voice reached Liliane like through dense fog, she first had to consider what he had said. Hold out. What a good idea.
Again she cried out when she was taken by pain again. She screamed loudly, then breathed faster which should ease the torment.
Frodo was sitting behind her and had laid one arm about her shoulders. He was aware of the fact that she needed him so bad. She had clasped his other hand and pressed it when the pain grew too intense. Rosie felt for the baby and Liliane suddenly cursed her wish of having a child. Why had nobody told her of that pain before? She wasn‘t jealous of Rosie anymore. Rosie had been through that twice... and she would have to stand that again!
„It will be over soon“, whispered Frodo and stroked her forehead again. Again Liliane felt how the labour pains were to take her and she tried hard to push and end it.
„Make that stop, please... I can‘t stand that!“ she cried and gritted her teeth. She was cramped and taken by pain again which paralyzed her. She could hardly think.
She was shivering. The pain was growing. At least the birth seemed to proceed. Her mind had gone blank completely. She tried to focus on Rosie who was looking at her with big eyes full of expectations, then taking a towel.
One last time she pushed and cried out loudly, but suddenly the pain decreased, the pressure faded, the tension shrinked. Liliane let go of Frodo‘s hand and fell back into his arms. Panting she closed her eyes. Sleep... she only wanted to sleep.
Frodo was speechless. He had been so afraid all the time, felt her shaking and held her close. There was nothing else for him to do which could have eased her pain. He had felt so terrible, so sorry that Liliane had to suffer so much.
He could hardly believe how someone was to stand this torment, but she did, being so relieved that he was with her. Frodo found it hard to stand, he could do nothing, couldn‘t help her, even blamed it on himself somehow when he heard her screams and wiped away her tears. He could only talk to her, encourage her and wait.
Then it had happened so fast, Liliane cried out so loud and Rosie reacted immediately. Sam, sitting at the wall near the door, winced as he heard it, he also found it hard to imagine what that felt like.
Frodo felt sweat on his forehead, kissed Liliane‘s cheek when she sank back into his arms and then held his breath.
It was in Rosie‘s arms.
Liliane didn‘t stir anymore, she only tried to recover and breathed hard, but then she heard silent crying, screeching, the small voice of a little baby.
Her baby. Her child!
At once she opened her eyes again and saw everything in front of her so clear. Rosie held a bundle in her arms and approached her.
„Your son“, she said. Liliane reached out her arms, felt she would die if she couldn‘t hold her baby immediately. She was still trembling and felt tears of happiness in her eyes. She was sobbing when she finally held her little boy in her arms, held him tight.
She couldn‘t have described what she felt. Big blue eyes were searching for her and Frodo, tiny arms were searching for hold.
Liliane was overwhelmed by her feelings. She still tried to understand what had happened when Frodo slowly pointed at the little hand with his finger. The baby touched it and shrieked quietly. Liliane smiled happily.
Frodo‘s hand was trembling when he reached out for the child, wanting to stroke his head. The boy tried to keep his eyes open, he was guggling and Liliane didn‘t want to let go of him again. She could hardly believe it, she wanted to touch him and tenderly stroked the wet curls of her son. Her little boy. Finally...
„Look how wonderful he is“, she whispered with her voice quavering.
She felt so exhausted, but the pain was forgotten. She rested her hand on her son‘s head while Frodo was already fighting with him. The little arms were searching their way out of the warming wool, the tiny hands were searching for something to grab for. Compared to the small hands Frodo‘s finger looked huge. Frodo didn‘t know what to think, he only felt joy.
Speechless they were, they were parents now and looked at their baby in amazement. With one hand Frodo wiped away the tears from his eyes to be able to see something again and Liliane stroked the baby‘s head.
She smiled, then she turned to Frodo. Tears were still streaming down his cheeks, he was smiling broadly and looked at his son in wonder.
Liliane felt Frodo in her back, held her son in her arms and she was right in the middle. She was deeply moved to see Frodo that happy. He was a father now. She had given birth to his child. She was finally a mother.
The boy was quiet, played with his father‘s finger and seemed to like the loving touch of his mother.
Frodo looked at Liliane and kissed her. His happiness was as big as Liliane‘s.
He still held her in his arms, he supported her, whispering: „You were so brave!“
For some moments they only looked at the baby and slowly understood that he was finally born, until Rosie asked: „Do you want to give him a bath, Frodo?“
Frodo hardly turned away from his son when he answered: „But he‘s so small... I... I can‘t...“
„I‘ll help you. Don‘t worry, there‘s nothing to fear.“
Slowly Frodo rose, laid another pillow in Liliane‘s back and then took his son in his arms for the very first time. And it looked just the way it had looked when he had held little Frodo.
Sam was still sitting on the ground, feeling so glad that Liliane had made it. He knew best what Frodo now felt like. He was close to tears himself when he saw Frodo with his baby son. All pain from the past was forgotten. A new life had begun. The Ringbearer deserved nothing less.
„He‘s so... tiny“, Frodo whispered.
„Oh, come on, you know that! Well then, he wants a bath.“ Rosie laughed. But although they hurried, the boy cried when he was freezing before he was lying in the warm water, but then Frodo and Rosie succeeded in washing him. Rosie asked Sam to get a crawler.
„He‘ll need that now!“
„Oh... of course“, Sam said and nearly collided with his children when he left the room. They had been on their lair before the door and now ran inside when their father came out.
Frodo was very careful with the child and hardly knew what to do with him. With a smile Liliane observed him trying to dry him, but it wasn‘t easy to first take the crawler and then dress the baby.
Frodo gave in. He didn‘t want to hurt his son, so Rosie had to help him, being watched by her children who only gaped at the baby in silence.
Then Frodo took his baby again and went back to Liliane, lying him into her arms.
„He‘s the most beautiful... thing I‘ve ever seen... except for his mother, maybe...“ he whispered and grinned cheekily. Liliane shrugged.
„Forget it. I will not give birth to any other baby!“
Frodo gave her a surprised glance. „I didn‘t mean to...“
„You didn‘t mean to? I should have known this before!“
Rosie laughed. „May I tell you something? I know Frodo will, just like Sam, find a way to have more children!“
The women looked at each other. Liliane was dismayed.
„I fear so...“ she replied and then laughed. Frodo was confused. She did not even understand a simple compliment...
The children were whispering curiously and asking their parents so many questions while Liliane said quietly: „Frodo, what‘s the Elvish translation of Samwise?“
In surprise Frodo wrinkled his brow and replied: „Why do you ask?“
„Well, Frodo Baggins, this is my idea... for a name, if you agree...“
Speechleesly he first looked at her, then answered: „Perhail“, turning to Sam and smiling happily.
This made a dream come true which he hadn‘t even known of before. Sam had deserved that. Frodo had never really thanked him, but now Sam should know that his best friend‘s son was named after him.
Rosie handed Liliane a cup of tea which she accepted gladly. Then, when Frodo had taken his son and sat down on the bed, he announced: „We decided on a name. Sam, do you remember what Arwen once called you in Sindarin?“
„She called me Perhail, why...“
„This is his name“, Frodo said. „Our son‘s name. He shall be called Perhail.“
Sam took a step back. Overwhelmed by surprise he leaned on the wall and tried to find words to say. Such a cute little boy... named after him!
And it was Frodo‘s son!
He felt tears in his eyes.
Liliane looked at the two friends. They had such a close relationship and she knew that Frodo would be dead if there hadn‘t been Samwise. He was an extraordinary brave Hobbit, he was Frodo‘s best friend and meant nearly as much to him as she did. Sam was lovely, so warm-hearted and courageous - Liliane regarded him as her friend, too.
She was sure that it was the best idea.
In the afternoon Liliane was still in bed, she had been asleep for some hours while Frodo cared for his son. The baby boy was quiet and sleepy, but around noon Frodo had to wake Liliane when Perhail was first hungry. She was happy although she was exhausted, her baby needed her and looked at her with bright blue eyes which reminded her of his father.
Frodo had not let go of his son again. He had carried him all morning, walking through Bag End and the garden, being followed by Sam‘s children. Later he would sit beside his sleeping wife, looking at her in a loving manner. She was smiling in her sleep, had cuddled up like a child and sighed quietly when Frodo put his arm around her shoulders. Now her dream of a baby had come true. They were a family now, a real happy family.
It was in the afternoon that there was a knock on the door. Frodo had nearly fallen asleep.
„What am I to hear?“ Frodo heard Gandalf‘s voice outside in the corridor.
„Gandalf!“ Frodo murmured and rose, taking his son with him, but Gandalf was already in the door and Frodo said with a smile on his face: „You‘re on time, as usual!“
Liliane woke up from their voices. She rose when she saw the wizard who entered the room, first having a look at the baby.
Liliane answered the wizard‘s gaze who sat down before the bed on a chair. Frodo let him hold his son which let Gandalf smile.
„He has your eyes“, he said to Frodo. The Hobbit blushed.
„Well“, he replied, „he‘s as lovely as his mother!“
Gandalf was moved by what he saw. There was joy in Frodo‘s eyes which he had missed when he had last seen him. In Liliane‘s voice there was gladness when she spoke.
The wounds had healed, Perhail had healed them.
Gandalf had felt it was time. He had pondered about when the baby would be born and he had felt he was to arrive predisely in time once again.
He was glad Frodo had decided not to leave, but to return to the Shire. It had been right. It would had been relief to live in the Undying Lands, but this wasn‘t where Frodo belonged. He preferred the simple but happy life in the Shire. He had never wanted anything else but his peace.
It was so wonderful - Gandalf sighed when he saw the little family.

With a tormented groan Frodo turned on his stomach, grabbed the pillow and threw it on his head. When Liliane blinked sleepily to look for him, she only saw his arms on the pillow and his shoulders come out under the blanket, but there was nothing else to be seen of him.
Despite of her weariness she smiled and got up, shaking her head. The baby was still screaming, as loud as he could, was screaming without finding an end and the little arms were helplessly reaching out for nothing.
„My little darling, what‘s wrong?“ Liliane asked quietly, she would have found her way to the cradle blindly - the fifth time that night.
Frodo had decided not to stir. He wasn‘t even sure whether it was his turn to look for Perhail, so he had chosen not to do anything.
He was relieved when he guessed that he had been right and when the screaming slowly faded, he sighed relaxed and closed his eyes under the warm pillow, but then he heard silent giggling and squinted.
„You know it was your turn?“
Grumbling he lifted the pillow and looked at Liliane unwillingly with one eye.
„Sure?“ he asked and yawned.
„Yes, I am, my dear Frodo.“
Lovingly she nursed her little son in her arms who was sucking at his thumb and calming down slowly. Frodo turned on his back again and looked at them.
„Please, tell me something: Why can‘t he just be a good boy and sleep?“ he murmured sleepily and pulled the blanket up to the tip of his nose.
Liliane just shrugged while stroking the baby‘s head reassuringly. The little one had fallen silent again and was nearly sleeping when she laid down again with Perhail still in her arms, handing him to Frodo.
„Now he did it again. I‘m awake. Why can‘t he just sleep alone?“ he moaned, leaned back on the wall and rocked Perhail in his arms, taking a deep breath.
Some sleep... not much, but a little... He didn‘t want anything else! But soon the first cock would greet a new morning and he could count the few hours that he had slept.
He envied Liliane for her sleep. She was able to sleep again very fast and even the little torturer didn‘t seem to disturb her very much. But he disturbed his father!
What had he done?
He felt awful. His whole body was screaming for sleep, but he couldn‘t even think of it.
Suddenly he felt a hand on his belly and when he looked down, he saw Liliane cuddling up to him, resting her head in his side and sighing pleasantly. With one hand Frodo pulled her blanket up to her shoulders and she smiled.
She was nearly asleep. Frodo turned his gaze up to the ceiling.
Sleep! Just a little sleep... the little one was asleep, Liliane was asleep - and he didn‘t even know anymore what that felt like. Sleep.
It had been like that for months. Or was it weeks, but he didn‘t consider the reckoning of eternity - weeks or months, who cared...
She could sleep.
But with all his uneasy thoughts he fell asleep some time later.

The morning welcomed them with the usual heat of summer which made everyone rise very early. Perhail had a similar opinion to that, although he had slept the rest of the night, he wanted his parents‘ attention very soon that morning.
With his high baby voice he screamed again and made Frodo start at once. His son had screamed into his ear and Frodo nearly hit the wall with his head when he started, but then he noticed it was only his boy to disturb his sleep.
His pulse slowed down again and he rubbed his eyes yawning.
„Yes... oh well... I know it‘s not my turn, but... no, you can‘t be hungry!“ he murmured and was nearly tempted to scream himself and maybe even scream louder than the little torturer, but then Liliane woke and asked: „What is it?“
„I‘ve no idea. I guess he‘s hungry.“
She looked out of the window and gazed at the dust dancing in the sunlight brightening the room.
„Yes, it‘s time“, she said and took him which made Frodo immediately sink down again in his bed, hiding under the blanket. He wanted to catch some sleep.
This time it wasn‘t his son to prevent him from finding sleep. It was the heat.
„I can‘t bear that...“ he groaned. „Does that ever stop?“
Liliane laughed. „Don‘t blame that on me. The weather is wonderful!“
„But it‘s been hot for weeks now!“ Frodo muttered and laid his arm over his eyes. Sleep...!
„I‘ll go leave the room now with your son, Frodo, so you can still sleep for a while. Otherwise you‘ll be annoying all day.“
Frodo turned to her and sighed. „Sorry. You‘re right. But... your son is killing me!“
„This is what I thought during the birth.“
She rose and left the room. Frodo took a deep breath. He wasn‘t really awake. She was right - she never complained and she had given birth to that screaming plague. What reason did he have to complain?
He was proud - as long as Perhail was asleep.
But he was so tired that he immediately fell asleep again.
„Uncle Frodo!“ Ellie cried, jumping on him. Frodo groaned uneasily and blinked.
„You‘re a pest, Ellie. What‘s it?“
„Frodo wants to scare me with a spider! He put it under my blanket!“ she complained. Frodo laughed.
The young boy could hardly speak, but he had nothing else in mind than annoying his sister. Immediately little Frodo entered the room and Frodo again noticed how much the boy looked like his father.
„Coward!“ he cried. Shrieking loudly Elanor jumped off the bed to run after her brother who escaped hastily.
Frodo pulled the blanket over his head, but he found no rest anymore, so he finally got up and went into the kitchen.
„Good morning, Frodo!“ Rosie welcomed him friendly when he, followed by Sam, entered the kitchen. It was time for second breakfast already.
Rosie‘s belly had grown very round, she was sitting by the table lazily and did not stir. The baby would soon be born. Sam was very excited, considering many boys‘ and girls‘ names, but he would still have to wait.
Rosie picked some blades of grass from Sam‘s curls before he sat down at the table with his hands just cleaned, but his clothes were green all over. Frodo could not help but smile when he saw that. Even the worst heat of summer could not stop Sam from doing his work in the gardens around Hobbiton.
But Frodo also noticed that Sam was wet, he had given water to the flowers and liked the cool of the water himself.
It was the end of May and this year‘s wonderful spring was coming to an end. Nature was blossoming freshly, but the heat which was already lasting for two weeks now was only particularly welcomed by the little Hobbit children who used to play near the little brook. The sun was shining from a blue sky and the warm wind touched the green hills of the Shire.
Elanor pinched her uncle in his side.
„Fael was so loud tonight“, she stated. Frodo laughed. Elanor could not spell Perhail‘s name properly, so the baby was only Fael to her.
„I know, Ellie, I noticed that myself. At daytime he‘s asleep and at night he‘s tormenting us!“
Indeed the baby boy was asleep in his mother‘s arms and looked very content. Liliane didn‘t feel different at all. She looked at Frodo and Elanor and observed their actions. Frodo was a loving father to his son and a wonderful uncle to Sam‘s children. Liliane knew how important his family was to Frodo. She was endlessly happy to be in Bag End. She could not imagine to be without him.
They had breakfast and soon were all gone. While Liliane laid Perhail in his cradle, Frodo had gone outside with his pipe, then laid down on the bench and observed the passing little clouds in the sky. But it hadn‘t taken a long while until he had fallen asleep with the pipe on his chest. So Liliane found him when she came outside with one of Elanor‘s dressed which had to be repaired. She laughed silently and took the smoking pipe away, sitting down in the grass before the bench.
The sun warmed them and Frodo had fallen into a deep sleep. Finally. Liliane felt so much pity for him, for she knew how much Perhail tormented his father. It had been like that for weeks and she had often suggested that he just left the bedroom to sleep somewhere else, but he had protested. He wanted to take his part of the work - after all he was as responsible for the baby as his mother. He couldn‘t leave her with the crying bundle.
He was lying on the bench for long without anything happening. Sam was busy in the village, Rosie was playing with her children and Liliane laid down in the grass when she had finished her sewing. Her baby still seemed to be asleep, she would have heard him with the door open.
Before she knew what was happening, she also fell asleep. But it didn‘t last for long. Very soon it was that Perhail was crying again. Liliane yawned and entered Bag End.
This was where she belonged.
Frodo, having pretended that he was still asleep, squinted and smiled. He loved his family, but Perhail was terrible sometimes.
And he was a tired father.
„I‘m here, dear“, he heard Liliane say, then closed his eyes again.