From: needabath@nd.a.magnum.com (Harry at the West Gate) Newsgroups: rec.arts.books.tolkien Subject: The Fourth Age Date: Sun, 12 Nov 2000 06:02:54 GMT Organization: Bombadil Internet Providers Lines: 103 Message-ID: <3a0e1ae6.11394983@news.singnet.com.sg> NNTP-Posting-Host: 58delta675.singnet.com.sg X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent 1.11/32.235 Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!news-ge.switch.ch!isdnet!209.249.123.233.MISMATCH!xfer10.netnews.com!netnews.com!feed2.onemain.com!feed1.onemain.com!feeder.via.net!mawar.singnet.com.sg!not-for-mail Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch rec.arts.books.tolkien:29216 " And he went on, and there was yellow light, and fire within; and the evening meal was ready, and he was expected. And Rose drew him in, and set him in his chair, and put little Elanor upon his lap. He drew a deep breath. ' Well I'm back, ' he said. " Rose bustled around the table as she set the food on the table. Sam absently fondled the curls of little Elanors hair making the little hobbit giggle. Rose stared hard at Sam. ' Where is Mr Frodo, Samwise.' She asked. The use of his full name jerked him out of his reverie and he saw Rosie standing in front of him wiping her hands on her apron. He's gone away' . He said simply. ' Gone to wheres? May i ask.' He got up and handed Elanor back to Rose. " Gone to sea." He replied after a pause. Rose gasp ' You threw him in !' She exclaimed cupping her face in horror. Hobbits had very little to do with water staying away from rivers and lakes when they can help it and just the mention of the sea evoke the idea of death. Sam laughed but it was a sad little laugh. ' No Rosie, Mr Frodo is still alive and all that......' It suddenly struck Sam that Rosie had only a scant idea of what happened during his " disappearance" which was Roses description of the period when Sam was gone. Sam sighed as it suddenly dawned on him how limited the perspective of hobbit society was, and that it would have to be his task to educate society on the wideness of the world beyond the Shire borders in order for them to appreciate and understand the events of the last 3 years. Right now he gently sat Rose down and told her about Mr Frodos long voyage to the elves home with Mr Bilbo and Gandalf. ' Mr Bilbo and Gandalf ?' She looked at Sam her eyes wide and big. She knew Bilbo of course, the first master of Bag-End who was unlike any of the high folk she had ever met. A gentle-hobbit who would invite any one to tea whatever their background. Right now she was astonished at the fact that he was still alive. She had heard of the elves long home away in the west from Sam whenever he was in one of his introspective moods. In spite of what her parents told her and through Sam she had developed an odd affection and respect for Mr Bilbo, and once Sam had explained to her about the Grey Havens and everything she let the matter lie. She knew Sam and he would never lie to her. They then sat down to a quiet dinner. The deed to Bag-End and everything had been arranged before Frodo departed and the mere mentioned of the sea was enough to convince the authorities about Frodos passing on. But there was still some who fretted and did not want to rule out foul play. Sam bristled, angry that anyone would ever think of him of doing in Mr Frodo. Frodo himself had foreseen such a situation and he had counselled Sam on the contingency that if he should remained in Rivendell and he produced a document that his father before him kept.' The People vs Mirabella Took'. He explained that his grand-uncle Isengar had left a will that left everything to his sister Mirabella, Frodo's Grandmother. Isengar had gone to sea and his death could not be determined but the counselors for Mirabella had successfully argued on her behalf that Isengar was unlikely to return, with evidence that pointed to these facts. 1. His friendship with Gandalf. 2. His correspondence with the ship-wrights at Lond Daer. 3.The strange map of the sea showing 2 isles one large; the other small and the motif of a ship bearing wings. The authorities of course were not satisfied with the reasoning and they gave a probationary period of 10 months for Isengar to show up and reclaim his estate. Sam duly produced the document to the official who sqinted at it through his eyeglass. ' O'right Sam, it seems you may have a point.' Deck Matlock the senior district judge of Hobbiton handed the document back. ' But if er...Mr Frodo shows up, you'll have to surrender everything, y'understand?' Sam nodded his head ' Yes, Sir'. Sam sighed obviously relieved the matter settled without any more trouble. The judge rapped his gable for the next case. That night as they sat to dinner, there was a sudden knock on the door. Outside, Shiriff Smallburrow flanked by two large set and burly hobbits looked at Sam somewhat sheepishly. He produced a document. ' It's a warrant for your arrest.' announced Shiriff Smallburrow quickly avoiding Sams glare. ' And what may your truck be with me Shiriff Cockrobin?' Sam asked. He did not like the look of the other 2 hobbits. ' It's the matter of Bag-End and Mister Baggins will. It seems like uhh.... there are some irregularities. Your to come with us immediately I'm sorry to say.' ' Robin Smallburrow, ' cried Rose barging in.' You know better than anybody my Sam never had any truck with Mr Frodo to warrant this.' Sam comforted Rose ' I reckon it isn't any doing of Mr Smallburrow here. Alright Cockrobin I'll follow you whatever it may be.' Robin tipped his cap. ' Mrs Rose I don't like it anymore myself but I was told if Mr Gamgee were to resists then we have no choice but to bound him.' Indignantly Sam put on his coat and after kissing Elanor and Rose, the little party set forth towards hobbiton. To be ....continued Harry......peeking into the Red Book. ###### From: "Androg" Newsgroups: rec.arts.books.tolkien References: <3a0e1ae6.11394983@news.singnet.com.sg> Subject: Re: The Fourth Age Date: Sun, 12 Nov 2000 17:49:51 +1100 Lines: 23 X-Priority: 3 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Newsreader: Microsoft Outlook Express 5.00.2615.200 X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V5.00.2615.200 NNTP-Posting-Host: delta.tavultesoft.com X-Original-NNTP-Posting-Host: delta.tavultesoft.com Message-ID: <3a0e3e69@casper.southcom.com.au> X-Trace: 12 Nov 2000 06:53:29 GMT, delta.tavultesoft.com Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!newsfeed-zh.ip-plus.net!news.ip-plus.net!news.tesion.net!news.belwue.de!news-stu1.dfn.de!news-mue1.dfn.de!news.augsburg.net!news-spur1.maxwell.syr.edu!news.maxwell.syr.edu!news.mel.connect.com.au!news.labyrinth.net.au!casper.southcom.com.au!delta.tavultesoft.com Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch rec.arts.books.tolkien:29211 Harry at the West Gate wrote in message news:3a0e1ae6.11394983@news.singnet.com.sg... > > " And he went on, and there was yellow light, and fire within; and the > evening meal was ready, and he was expected. And Rose drew him in, and > set him in his chair, and put little Elanor upon his lap. > > He drew a deep breath. ' Well I'm back, ' he said. " Eagerly awaiting the next installment... -- Androg "Fela bith on Westwegum werum uncuthra, wundra and wihta, wlitescene land, eardgeard elfa, and esa bliss." ###### From: needabath@nd.a.magnum.com (Harry at the West Gate) Newsgroups: rec.arts.books.tolkien Subject: The Fourth Age:2 Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000 12:21:08 GMT Organization: Bombadil Internet Providers Lines: 132 Message-ID: <3a112e18.9673251@news.singnet.com.sg> NNTP-Posting-Host: 58echo523.singnet.com.sg X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent 1.11/32.235 Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!news.nextra.ch!news1.sunrise.ch!news.imp.ch!psinet-eu-nl!newsfeeds.belnet.be!news.belnet.be!colt.net!newspeer.clara.net!news.clara.net!feeder.singnet.com.sg!mawar.singnet.com.sg!not-for-mail Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch rec.arts.books.tolkien:29339 The Hobbiton Shirriff station was a simple hole that consisted of a counter and a bench. Behind it a solitary holding pen kept bounders and disturbers till the morning when a waggon would be sent around to pick up the troublemakers for judgement at the Michel Delving Courthole. Disturbers were mostly hobbits who had too much to drink and when any hobbit got tipsy, it would be well to keep them away from your vegetable patch. There was a minor dearth of leaf from the Southfarthing one year, as a band of hobbits was coming down from the inn at Frogmorton. They had the entire plantation stripped bare to it's bark and the following year leaf was mighty hard to come by. The band itself had a mighty keg of beer and the combination of leaf and alcohol, if this was possible, had the unexpected effect of making a hobbit amorous. It is a rather disturbing fact that cigars and pipes were never thought of in the same way again and many a hobbit dad in the Southfarthing would look at his child suspiciously wondering whether it was his. Sam was brought up to the station and his name was recorded down for the night. He noticed one other name but could not make out the handwriting. The pen was dimly lit but he could clearly see from the shadows that it was a bounder rather than a hobbit. Suddenly the bounder sang Del O'berry Go the Gold tis was war the Garry taht O'berry that took to im.... O'why did she serve maggot mush'oom that dis-oiented er an mistook the maia for her tom. Sam eyes widened for clearly the voice and figure was unmistakeable. ' Hei Sammy wazzer up? hic.' ' Master Tom! ' Sam gasped ' Ahh ....just call bomb...pomb ..ahh...whatever.' To spare you what is essentially the drunken ramblings of a nature spirit ... this is what happened the night when Gandalf...yes and it was he who was the cause for Toms misery...did when he left the hobbits at the downs. Goldberry had wind from Butterbur that Gandalf was coming their way. Immediately she set forth in the direction towards Stock where a fine harvest of mushrooms from Farmer Maggot awaited her arrival. In spite of trouble from Bree, Buckland and the lands around were relatively undisturbed. ' The only trouble we got were from those black customers' he said with a slight shudder. ' Had to chase them out of my patches when I got back from sending Mr Frodo to the ferry. What do you think they wanted with my mushrooms, eh? Stooping down and sniffing like that.' Old Maggot enquired to a smiling Goldberry.' But I don't think any harms come.' And he showed her one that resembled a gown being swept up by the wind.' Though I wish the make of it was kept the same as past years.' He ended with a scowl. That particular harvest was afterwards known as the Black Breath not particularly for any qualities from the black riders but for the unchaste ideas it suggested to the hobbits. Happily, Goldberry loaded her basket and when she arrived Gandalf was already there. Smoke rings were already making their way round the house and Tom was hmphing somewhat ominously grumping and recalling suddenly the reason why Gandalf was not more than an occasional guest.The dinner was a hearty a one with a generous spread of cream, honey, muffins , mushrooms and bacon that Gandalf had purchased from the butchers at Bree. Very merry Gandalf was as he regaled them with tales from the Shire and even the Blessed Isles with the silly extremes the sorrow of his mistress would sometime extend to. Suddenly Goldberries eyes widened, while Gandalf was in the middle of a story of his mistress ministering to souls in Mandos disguised as a bunny, and if she could help it, a warmth crept into her cheeks and her heart was pounding doubly fast. A side long glance at Tom told her that he was oblivious; in fact he and Gandalf were already in the process of striking up one of Toms favourites ditties their arms already over one another and their faces already looking red and merry as they sang. As for Goldberry, the sight of the singing duo blurred and she had trouble making out Tom from Gandalf. The next day Gandalf was back to his hasty ways and as he brought out Shadowfax, Goldberry appeared her eyes wide as she admired the big horse. ' O'Tom this is a mighty steed from whence it came?' Gandalf looked puzzled. ' My dear Goldberry it is Gandalf whom you are speaking too.' 'Oh yes Gandalf indeed it is to you whom I chats.' ' Hoo...ah,' boomed Tom as he wondered what it was that he took last night. Goldberry turned to him. ' Look at the mighty steed of Tom, Gandalf.' Now it was Toms turn to look puzzled. And suddenly for a moment as she glanced back at Gandalf, she saw him as he was on the other side, a mighty lord great and terrible at once but as it were tinged with some sadness. ' Oh well, time to make a move. Goldberry, Tom thanks for the party.' He gently slapped the flanks of Shadowfax and the great horse neighed, a sound that could be heard all the way up to the forsaken inn .' O'Tom wait!' Just as Gandalf turned, Goldberry leapt with surprising strength onto the horse even as they sped away. After that day they were never seen by any barrow again and Tom's wail of regret was the only sound that filled the forest from that day on. ' It was old Maggot that brought me out here,' declared Tom. ' And espeshally the keg of frog...moron beer he bought with him.' Sam had not realized it was already morning as light was beginning to filter through the porthole that served as a window. Though it was a shirriff station, hobbits were decent to their prisoners no matter what the misdemeanor was and the station attendant after listening to Tom's tale felt so sorry for him, he just had to make their breakfast an exceptionally hearty affair. As they were finishing breakfast the waggon pulled up and they got in. Though the interior was dingy and somewhat stuffy, Tom's spirits began to rise again and they were even singing as the waggon rolled on to Michel Delving. To be continued...... Harry......prefers potatos to mushrooms ###### From: needabath@nd.a.magnum.com (Harry at the West Gate) Newsgroups: rec.arts.books.tolkien Subject: The Fourth Age:3 Date: Fri, 17 Nov 2000 01:52:45 GMT Organization: Bombadil Internet Providers Lines: 125 Message-ID: <3a148b55.1341750@news.singnet.com.sg> NNTP-Posting-Host: 58delta236.singnet.com.sg X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent 1.11/32.235 Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!newsfeed-zh.ip-plus.net!news.ip-plus.net!news.tesion.net!news.belwue.de!news.uni-ulm.de!rz.uni-karlsruhe.de!schlund.de!newsfeed01.sul.t-online.de!newsfeed00.sul.t-online.de!t-online.de!colt.net!newspeer.clara.net!news.clara.net!feeder.singnet.com.sg!mawar.singnet.com.sg!not-for-mail Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch rec.arts.books.tolkien:29472 Tom stopped singing and became quiet. Suddenly Sam wondered how Tom ended up in Hobbiton and what was he doing in the lockhole that night. ' Master Bomba...' Suddenly Tom whipped his hand up cutting Sam off. His face became grim as the memory of his agony returned. ' You be wondering what Tom is doing so far inside your Shire are you.' Sam nodded. 'And also how Tom came to be inside a lockhole.' He let out a sigh and gave Sam a sad look. ' I had word that my Goldberry went west. Farmer Maggot, he tells me he sighted fair folk passing through the Marish and indeed among them was a maiden whose description fitted my Goldberry. I bade Fatty Lumpkin haste and very puffed he was when we got to the Havens. I got hold of an elf, but he would only say he saw the departure of Master Elrond, Gandalf, two of the little folk who lived beyond the towers east and yes, a fair maiden whose name he knew not.' Tom sat downcast but as the waggon bumped over some uneven ground he caught Sam smiling. ' Is the matter of Toms misfortune a jest for you? ' Sam leaned forward and as sad as he was to see Mr Frodo go, he was happy to tell Tom who the " maiden" was. ' She's Galadriel, lady of the elves.' He cried. Tom looked up. ' Not my Goldberry?' He asked, the semblance of a smile slowly returning. Now it was Sam who became sad. ' After we returned from Mordor and all that. Mr Frodo was sick for some of the time. Poor Mr Frodo the black riders, the ring....it was too much for him and he could not settle back propers like the rest of us.' And he became misty eyed. ' I guess faerie of the elves was the best place for him to go, only they can find a cure for Mr Frodo like how Master Elrond took the knife out of Mr Frodo when we got to Rivendell.' But again he became puzzled and asked Tom about last night. ' Your tidings cheer me, but Tom was very sorrowful as he rode away from the haven. I fell in with a dwarf who it seems was going away from there also. We did not talk. It seems the dwarf was as sad as I and I was in no mood for any conversation. As it grew dark we stopped for the night at the Greendragon. I ordered me mead and he ordered ale but the barman did not have any mead and the dwarf kindly offered to share his jug. We were into our seventh jug when the Dwarf told me a strange tale for it bore similarity to mine. He too had hastened to the havens after the fair folk in the hope of bidding farewell to the lady in their group. I eagerly pressed him for more information on this " lady". But he only offered up superlatives but it was clear that there were others who had fallen for my Goldberry and that her Tom was no longer irresistable to her. The dwarf then showed me a token of their time together.' He then produced from his jacket a crystal phial within which were set 3 golden hairs. ' I flew into a rage such as had not happen when the world was young and balrogs could be seen flying the skies. I snatched the phial away from him and threw the jug down.' " What hast thou been doing with my lady." " Your lady!" snarled the dwarf. And he produced an axe that had lained hidden in his cloak. Tom may be the oldest and fatherless but Tom was not much of a fighter, I caught up a stool as he swung the axe towards me. It stuck and I wrenched it away from him and we wrestled and many a furniture and crockery were damaged as we tried to gain the mastery of the phial. It was then that many of the little people came in and seperated us. The dwarf was quite strong in spite of his size and he flung many of them aside as though they were rag dolls, and he came charging at me and I swung the phial and it caught him full on the head and out cold he went.' He then paused to look out the window. ' I guess they put the little fella in the nearest lockhole and as for me they led me a slight further up the road and my head was already swirling from the ale. But even then I recall the barman laying cause for the ruckus on me.' He bowed his head, ashamed. They continued on their journey in silence. The chief township of the Shire was Michel Delving away west on the road from Bywater. Its locality was ideal being a series of low hills that resembled a W lying with its edges facing east and west. The westernmost edge of the W was the Mathom house where Bilbo once kept his mail shirt. The infamous lock-hole from Sharkey's time is located somewhere in the middle of the W range close to the Mayors residence with the courthole first coming into sight as you are led in. Being the chief township, many came from afar mostly to conduct barter trade which was conducted mostly at the easternmost edges. As the waggon rolled through the market place, the small crowd that followed it grew. The news of Frodos disappearance had spread far and wide and also they were curious about the Bounder who had a massive brawl with a dwarf. But it was Sam which the crowd wanted news of. Had the lowly gardener done his master in they ask. ' That Frodo looking sick and that business with Sharkey. ' Some of them growled. Though how they made the connection with Sam one can only wonder. It was near dusk when the waggon pulled up just outside the Courthole. They were led in and the judge was waiting. The charges were read. ' Tom Bombabounder.....disturbing the peace and destruction of property of the Greendragon Inn of Bywater. What have you to say to that. Tom his head bowed, said nothing. ' His name is Bombad....' Sam blurted in a bid to correct the error. 'Silence!' Roared the judge, and he looked at Sam. ' You Samwise, are on a far serious charge. The charge of doing in Frodo Baggins and attempted fraud to gain the property of Bag-End.' Sam gave the judge a look so grim and fell that the monocle on his right eye fell out. ' And pray tell the parties who are bringing this charge.' Sam asked or growled which it sounded more like. From the gallery Ted Sandyman, Bill Ferny and an unknown hobbit came forward. The unknown hobbit presented their case and the judge asked, 'And who may you be, my dear gentlehobbit.' ' Hugo Bracegirdle, your honour.' To be continued........ Harry.......who tort law was for kids. ###### From: "Dave Newton" Newsgroups: rec.arts.books.tolkien Subject: Re: The Fourth Age:3 Date: Fri, 17 Nov 2000 19:04:07 -0000 Organization: BT Internet Lines: 9 Message-ID: <8v3v8r$983$1@plutonium.btinternet.com> References: <3a148b55.1341750@news.singnet.com.sg> NNTP-Posting-Host: host62-7-125-241.btinternet.com X-Priority: 3 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Newsreader: Microsoft Outlook Express 5.50.4133.2400 X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V5.50.4133.2400 Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!newsfeed-zh.ip-plus.net!news.ip-plus.net!news.tesion.net!news.belwue.de!news.uni-stuttgart.de!uni-erlangen.de!newsfeeds.belnet.be!news.belnet.be!btnet-peer1!btnet-feed5!btnet!mendelevium.btinternet.com!not-for-mail Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch rec.arts.books.tolkien:29485 I couldn't help but notice that you've had no encouragement whatsoever from this NG. Well, you've got my attention! Keep it coming... -- Dave Newton in Sunny Bolton to reply by e-mail remove trousers http://www.btinternet.com/~davenewton ###### From: "Androg" Newsgroups: rec.arts.books.tolkien References: <3a148b55.1341750@news.singnet.com.sg> Subject: Re: The Fourth Age:3 Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2000 23:47:58 +1100 Lines: 10 X-Priority: 3 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Newsreader: Microsoft Outlook Express 5.00.2615.200 X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V5.00.2615.200 NNTP-Posting-Host: delta.tavultesoft.com X-Original-NNTP-Posting-Host: delta.tavultesoft.com Message-ID: <3a167a95$1@casper.southcom.com.au> X-Trace: 18 Nov 2000 12:48:21 GMT, delta.tavultesoft.com Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!machtgarnix.switch.ch!news-ge.switch.ch!newscore.univie.ac.at!194.25.134.126.MISMATCH!newsfeed01.sul.t-online.de!newsfeed00.sul.t-online.de!t-online.de!grolier!news-spur1.maxwell.syr.edu!news.maxwell.syr.edu!news.mel.connect.com.au!news.labyrinth.net.au!casper.southcom.com.au!delta.tavultesoft.com Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch rec.arts.books.tolkien:29471 This is great!... keep it up. -- Androg "Fela bith on Westwegum werum uncuthra, wundra and wihta, wlitescene land, eardgeard elfa, and esa bliss." ###### From: bhsu@ringil.cis.ksu.edu (William H. Hsu) Newsgroups: rec.arts.books.tolkien Subject: Re: The Fourth Age:3 Date: 23 Nov 2000 16:14:34 -0600 Organization: A poorly-installed InterNetNews site Lines: 10 Message-ID: <8vk4sa$i3b$1@ringil.cis.ksu.edu> References: <3a148b55.1341750@news.singnet.com.sg> NNTP-Posting-Host: ringil.user.cis.ksu.edu X-Trace: cnn.ksu.ksu.edu 975017678 12764 129.130.10.50 (23 Nov 2000 22:14:38 GMT) X-Complaints-To: abuse@ksu.edu NNTP-Posting-Date: Thu, 23 Nov 2000 22:14:38 +0000 (UTC) X-Newsreader: NN version 6.5.6 (NOV) Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!news.nextra.ch!news1.sunrise.ch!news.imp.ch!news-spur1.maxwell.syr.edu!news.maxwell.syr.edu!newsfeed.stanford.edu!headwall.stanford.edu!unlnews.unl.edu!newsfeed.ksu.edu!nntp.ksu.edu!localhost!not-for-mail Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch rec.arts.books.tolkien:29665 ... and Don Gimli gets as good as he gave to Don Celeborno! Kaleidascopically gret and brilliant (KGB) struff, my friend... keep up the goond work! (I may be vewy vewy qwiet, but I'll be reading... prolly.) -Banazir ((blue-glowing jedi hobbit)) -- Kindasorta. ###### From: needabath@nd.a.magnum.com (Harry at the West Gate) Newsgroups: rec.arts.books.tolkien Subject: The Fourth Age:4 Date: Tue, 21 Nov 2000 13:52:57 GMT Organization: Bombadil Internet Providers Lines: 134 Message-ID: <3a1a7375.14498846@news.singnet.com.sg> NNTP-Posting-Host: 58foxtrot486.singnet.com.sg X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent 1.11/32.235 Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!newsfeed-zh.ip-plus.net!news.ip-plus.net!news.tesion.net!news.belwue.de!news-stu1.dfn.de!news-mue1.dfn.de!news.augsburg.net!news-spur1.maxwell.syr.edu!news.maxwell.syr.edu!feeder.via.net!mawar.singnet.com.sg!not-for-mail Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch rec.arts.books.tolkien:29570 Shirriff Smallburrow was uncomfortable. His chief, a gaffer like hobbit had spent the better part of the morning listing Smallburrows inadequacies. ' This is no walking party mister... word has it that yours more as likely to be found in them watering holes when you should be at yer rounds. I'm sorry but I'm gonna have to relieve yer of feather and cap. Your laziness has put us at the mercy of a wild loose bounder. We sure can't as afford to have one chopping people about.' Ex-Shirriff Smallburrow took off his cap and handed it to his chief. Taking the little bag of silvers that was his severance, he walked out of the Bywater station and made straight for the Greendragon. The chief then called the rest who were about. ' We got a dwarf loose here....probably crazed. Whose our best archers? ....alright I want yer to shoot him on sight ok, before anyone gets hurt we have to put him down. Bert, Jay... I want you to warn Frogmorton, Whitfurrows and tell Buckland to be on the lookout, y'hear?' The Shirriff meeting dispersed as everyone went about their appointed ways. The following morning the Courthole was like a bubbling pot. Never before in the Shire has there been such a case. The gardener and the esquire. More spice was added by the fact that the gardener was the designated heir. Sam paced to and fro in his little cell and he was beginning to wonder if it was not better if he had followed Mr Frodo. He bunched his fists at the thought of Sandyman and Ferny. The gentlehobbit by the name of of Hugo was a bit of a mystery. Judge Wannamakin was to preside over the case and he looked hard at the document in front of him. It was an injunction dated July 3rd, 1342...halting the transfer of Bag-End to Otho Sackville Baggins by cause of Bilbo's unexpected return which made the Mirabella document redundant. Bilbo had been away for more than a year. The judge eyed the young hobbit in front of him. ' You have evidence to back your claim?' asked the judge. ' Oh yes , I have.' The young hobbit promptly replied. He took out a rag unwrapping it he produced a muddied cloak. Though it was soiled the make of it was unlike anything the judge had ever seen within the Shire. It had a greyish hue but one could not be certain from the next moment if it was moved, and the judge was bewildered as he examined it. ' Most likely it was gotten from foreign parts... they say it was elvish make I hear, but look.' And he pointed to a slash at the upper mid portion that was stained red. ' Blood.' The hobbit smiled deviously. ' Mr Baggins' blood. I had a witness who last saw them at the Woody End. Apparently they were on their way to meet the elves. But their trail led south to the marshes and that was where we found this cloak.' ' We?' The judge asked . ' Yes, one of the big folk under my employ. Mr William Ferny, he was with me at the gallery,' said the hobbit. ' And I have further evidence that points towards Samwise.' He unsheathed a knife, but to a hobbit it appeared by all intents, to be a sword. ' Samwise was carrying this with him the day they returned, and he very nearly slayed Sharky with it. The nature of the gash on this cloak clearly points towards this weapon here.' The judge called out for another cloak and one was brought forth by a helper. The helper and another hobbit held the cloak down and the judge, using the sword, made a slash to the other cloak. They examined the cuts and the judge nodded with regard to their similarity. ' Mr Bracegirdle you have yourself a case. We shall proceed with the trial this afternoon.' The judge pronounced. ' Very well your honour.' The hobbit bowed. Rosie had not been idle the night they took her Sam away. In the moments after they left, she hurriedly packed her stuff, got Elanor dressed, and made her way down to the Cottons. From there she sent Nibs, her brother, to Crickhollow to get Masters Merry and Pippin. Big brother Tolman immediately got in touch with the Master Shirriff. As the gravity of the charge was made known, they lost no time in getting the waggon prepared for the trip to Michel Delving. At the side of the hill underneath which ran a labyrinthine system of lockholes, there stood a solitary knoll. From Sharky' s time, the lockholes ran the whole half of the hill, but ever since the battle of Bywater it had been reduced to one segment of the ridge just beside the knoll. The knoll was the Courthole where disputes were arbitrated. Very rarely was a hobbit ever sentenced to time in the lockhole and most disputes were of a civilized sort, involving property ,land, and inheritance among multple heirs. The interior itself was a semi-circular room. Along its sides were 3 rows of pews that ran along the circumference of the room. In the middle, was the passage from where the disputing parties made their entrance. The disputing parties sat at tables opposite one another while the judge occupied a solitary table at the head. Two large circular windows overhead illuminated the room. There was a crowd outside the lockholes that afternoon and not many were sympathetic. They hissed and jeered when Sam made his appearance. ' The gardener who thinks he's an esquahyah.' They mocked. In to the Courthole he was led, and seated at the table opposite were his nemesis'. Sandyman , Ferny and Hugo.....the surname of whom sounded vaguely familiar. The judge came out from his chambers behind and seated himself at the head. He rapped his gable and proceedings were in session. The judge looked at Sam ' Do you not have a counselor Master Samwise?' He enquired. ' I do yer honour, me !' To be continued..... Harry....who tort this up. ###### From: needabath@nd.a.magnum.com (Harry at the West Gate) Newsgroups: rec.arts.books.tolkien Subject: The Fourth Age:5 Date: Thu, 23 Nov 2000 14:34:18 GMT Organization: Bombadil Internet Providers Lines: 135 Message-ID: <3a1ce103.1340993@news.singnet.com.sg> NNTP-Posting-Host: tns03555.singnet.com.sg X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent 1.11/32.235 Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!newsfeed-zh.ip-plus.net!news.ip-plus.net!news.tesion.net!news.belwue.de!news.uni-stuttgart.de!news.rhrz.uni-bonn.de!news-koe1.dfn.de!news-han1.dfn.de!news-nue1.dfn.de!uni-erlangen.de!newsfeed.germany.net!news.vas-net.net!newsfeed.icl.net!newspeer.clara.net!news.clara.net!feeder.singnet.com.sg!mawar.singnet.com.sg!not-for-mail Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch rec.arts.books.tolkien:29671 ' Sam.....Sam!' It was Rosie from the gallery. She was with Elanor and he noticed that a sizable number of residents from Bywater had turned up with her. They were chattering animatedly among themselves making the atmosphere a festive one as opposed to the hostile mood outside. Bywater folk were proud that one of their own had "made it." Gaffer Gamgee was even there yakking and pointing at his son proudly, every now and then sticking on his ear trumpet to hear out the other party. Sam blew a kiss towards Rose. Little Elanor waved back and he thought he caught her lips saying "daddy". ' Order...order.' croaked the judge. The crowd settled down. ' Ladies and gentlehobbits,' Hugo began gravely acknowledging the gallery. But the Bywater section hissed. ' Your honor.' He bowed to the judge. ' Today we try a case unprecedented in the history of the Shire. Here before us is Samwise Gamgee a hobbit of modest means. Who only some years ago was still living with his father down in Bagshot row, and now today he is the Master of Bag End. The Master....THE Master of Bag End, Frodo Baggins as all should know had at one point disappeared from the Shire. He and a few friends along with Samwise were said to have gone into the old forest. Things in the Shire took a turn for the worst after that, and suddenly our friends returned clad in outlandish gear. But they overthrew the ruffians and for that we are grateful.' At this point he gazed steadily at Sam. ' But our tale takes a new turn from here.' His focus now back on the gallery.' It has been reported that ever since their return Mr Baggins had been ill at regulars. While Samwise and his friends bask in their glory we hardly heard from Mr Baggins. But strangest of all is their sudden closeness after their return from the old forest.....even to the point of inviting his gardener to move in with him. ' He said this, drawing chuckles from the hostile part of the gallery. ' Mr Gamgee accepted the invitation and even took the opportunity to start a family. I guess after a while it seems Mr Baggins got quite in the way.' ' Hey !' cried Sam, unable to contain himself any longer. ' Mr Gamgee be seated will you!' The judge reproached. But Sam persisted. ' Your honour sir, I would like to have my say.' ' Very well Mr Gamgee.' the judge agreed. Sam got up. ' This Mr Hugo here....I do not know what cause he has against me ! But I see here Mr Sandyman and Ferny. They're as like sure to be holding some grudge on me with Mr Frodo gone and so to speak, me here, as sure as my name's Gamgee, its me they want and not for jools or money but for what Mr Frodo and his friends have done.' He paused for breath. ' See here, Mr Hugo is right that we were in the old forest.....but for the love of the one, we were not inside the whole years, we had a job to do, Mr Frodo and I were going to.....' ' Mordor,' blurted Rose. Sam looked at her astonished. ' I'm sorry Sam, you and Mr Baggins were awfully closed and it was quite hard to get in a word edgewise. So when you weren't around and Mr Baggins indisposed, I had a look into that red book of yours and my ......it was beyond any hobbits imagination what you two went through! ' Sam stood there speechless. 'Anyways it was my understanding that my Sam and Mr Baggins were summoned to an elvish council and at their bidding, they had to go into the enemies land to destroy a ring so that the world will not come under a terrible darkness.' she ended, and the Courthole was silent with everyone staring at her. ' All utter nonsense, your honour, ' Hugo declared to the judge.' Who ever heard tell of elves entrusting such perilous deeds to hobbits. As esteemed as Mr Baggins' is, I doubt any hobbit can pull of what Mrs Gamgee had just described.' In the shadows of the Courthole, a previously unnoticed figure stepped forward. From his size, it was clear that it was a man. He removed his hood. There was a stir in the Courthole in reaction to this. His hair was dark and his face was of a noble kind and to the hobbits he was unlike any of the squat and swarthy men of Bree. For a while his gaze wondered about the Courthole before it rested on the judge. ' I am Archaeon, Scribe and Surveyor to the King who now sits on the throne in Gondor.' he introduced. ' For a time we were once wonderers in this Northern land and indeed we were made known to some of you who called us,"rangers". At present my errand in your land is as an observer.' ' He's a spy!' somebody in the gallery cried, and the accusation was taken up by the others. ' Silence,' the stranger snapped.' You are now under the King who is not only the Lord of Gondor but of Arnor as well within which the Shire is contained. By decree, all within this realm are subject to the laws and the grace of the King.' Suddenly his voice grew soft. ' But it was not my intent to display the Kings authority to this court and by the jurisdiction of this land will I abide. I am only at this trial because of tidings I heard regarding the Kings companion. The lady hobbit Mrs Gamgee, all that she has said, I testify, is true.' ' Mr Archaeon... ,' Hugo began, but he looked at the stranger enquiringly. ' We do not bear last names.' said the stranger, by way of explaining. ' Then I will refer to you as sir?' He asked. The stranger nodded. ' Your credentials are impeccable and doubtless by it your testimony is given more weight but, these events you testify to, were you a witness to them? ' ' We the Dunedain, whether of the South or the North, do not bear falsehood.' the stranger declared. ' But surely as you are not a witness or even a party to these events, how can you testify to any of this with any certainty?' Hugo persisted. For the first time the stranger appeared troubled. As a historian he had taken down many exhaustive first hand accounts from personalities whose integrity were unquestionable, but here he was far away from home and quite out of his reckoning. He remained silent. To be continued...... Harry......Lord of the Jelly-Doughnut Ring. ###### From: needabath@nd.a.magnum.com (Harry at the West Gate) Newsgroups: rec.arts.books.tolkien Subject: The Fourth Age:6 Date: Sat, 02 Dec 2000 03:28:41 GMT Organization: Bombadil Internet Providers Lines: 143 Message-ID: <3a286a07.9014798@news.singnet.com.sg> NNTP-Posting-Host: hs04124.singnet.com.sg X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent 1.11/32.235 Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!news.nextra.ch!news1.sunrise.ch!news.imp.ch!uni-erlangen.de!newsfeeds.belnet.be!news.belnet.be!colt.net!newspeer.clara.net!news.clara.net!feeder.singnet.com.sg!mawar.singnet.com.sg!not-for-mail Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch rec.arts.books.tolkien:29962 Hugo smirked. ' Your Honour, I think "Sir" here has nothing more to add to the matter.' said Hugo, and turning to the stranger. ' Do you have anything to say in defence of Master Samwise.' Sam could not bear it any longer. ' Your honour,sir. For my part, I do not requests for any counsel. I have never seen this gentleman before in my life but I've been among his peoples whom I reckon are honourable and true folk. And rightly I've seen the King and he has returned. Mighty is he with a golden cup but also there's more to it than that and I think even Master Ferny's here's met him,' and he glared at Ferny. ' Strider he is !' Fernys jaw dropped. ' Longshanks ?....you must be out of your leaf-pickin' mind !' he exclaimed. 'Thats right Ferny....the likes of you have no place in the kingdom.' said Sam. ' Master Samwise,' Hugo calmly interrupted.' Your arguments are straying and when this court finds you guilty you might not even have a life, not to mention a kingdom to go inhabiting. I have here with me the evidence that points the doing of this deed to Master Samwise here.' He unwrapped a gigantic rag that was at the side of the table. ' This here is a cloak that Mr Baggins last wore as witnessed by Mr Sandyman.' Hugo said, as he exhibited it to the judge and the gallery. ' Hey,' cried Sam, outraged. Hugo continued. ' See the gash here, stained red,' he pointed, and out of the rag he produced a sword. ' this here is the instrument by which Samwise dealt the death blows. No doubt you might have seen it on Master Samwise here as he went about dealing with the ruffians.' There was murmuring in the Bywater section as some began expressing doubts. Oddly, Sam felt calm. ' Your honour, those were burglarised from Bag-End......I have no doubt it being the work of Masters Sandyman and Ferny here.' he explained. ' Then how do you account for this !' thundered Hugo as he produced a fragment of a skull that was charred black. ' You may have thought it good to get rid of the body by burning it but even then the dead can leave clues.' and he produced another charred remain. It was a hand with its mid finger missing. Now Sam became alarmed. ' Your honour somethings amiss here !' cried Sam. The judge adjusted his monocle. ' And what may that be Master Samwise ?' he asked. Sam looked at the gallery and spotted a hobbit who was snoring gently. His nose was red probably from too much drinking. ' Robin Smallburrow !' he cried. Robin woke up. ' Heh, did someone call me?' he asked only to find everyone staring at him. He looked round further when he caught Sam glaring at him and a lump formed in his throat. ' Mr Smallburrow here will explain the stuff and evidence that this Mr Hugo here is bringing against me.' declared Sam. ' Mr Smallburrow, is it not a fact that the keys to Bag-End are in your trust when Mr Frodo and I are aways.' A sorry looking Smallburrow nodded. ' And how did Mr Frodos cloak and my sword came to be here?' ' Sam I never meant this to come to pass, but me thinks it was the last time that Rosie here gave me the keys. I guessed that you were with Masters Meriadoc and Peregrin. Rosie, she tells me that her aunt in the Northfarthing maybe passing soon. And me with the keys I was at Greendragon when this Ted meaning Ted Sandyman here comes up to me and says or asks whether I like a tastes of this brew here. Though I was already into a jug too many, I was still wary of Master Sandyman. But he said something to the effect of it being a elvish brew and hearings your account of the wonders of things elvish, I guess I threw the caution to the wind. Ahh ....I remembers it was called Dorwinion.' he ended dreamily. ' And ?' Sam asked, growing a bit impatient. ' They asks me loads that was about you and Mr Baggins and I told them you were aways and I was keeping the keys.' said Smallburrow who was now downcast. ' Suddenly Sandyman says he left something behind in Bag-End. I should have rightly thought it false but the brews effect made all sorts of arguments seem persuasive, seemingly. I led Sandyman up to Bag-End and for some time he searched and finally he shows me this coat here that he must have missed but the sword here I guessed he had it concealed.' ' This cloak here..... Mr Smallburrow? ' Hugo asked holding up the cloak. ' Yes, but it wasn't in that state.' declared Smallburrow. ' Why aren't you on your rounds Shirriff Smallburrow? ' he suddenly asked. ' I was sacked on account of negliging my duties.' Smallburrow whimpered. ' In other words you were sleeping on the job.' Hugo exclaimed. ' Hai ! Mr Smallburrows conduct is not at trial.' cried Sam. ' Mr Smallburrows conduct influences the validity of his testimony your honour.' Hugo declared to the judge. ' Conduct it may be, but it does not change facts.' said Sam. For a moment the sky grew dark. But as the light returned, a heavy thrashing could be heard coming from outside. A voice cried out, ' There, there my good hobbit, this is not the way to treat a bird like as if it were some pony !' From the light outside, a hobbit looking scratched and bruised led the stranger in. As he stepped into the circle of the court he cast his hood aside and suddenly the court was in a tumult. Fear, wonder and rage gripped everyone. "Sharkey" they exclaimed. But Sam whispered, ' Gandalf !' To be continued........... Harry........the John Grishnakh of ME. ###### From: "Dave Newton" Newsgroups: rec.arts.books.tolkien Subject: Re: The Fourth Age:6 Date: Sat, 2 Dec 2000 19:15:28 -0000 Organization: BT Internet Lines: 8 Message-ID: <90bhhl$8qg$1@neptunium.btinternet.com> References: <3a286a07.9014798@news.singnet.com.sg> NNTP-Posting-Host: host213-1-147-223.btinternet.com X-Priority: 3 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Newsreader: Microsoft Outlook Express 5.50.4133.2400 X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V5.50.4133.2400 Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!news-ge.switch.ch!newsfeeds.belnet.be!news.belnet.be!btnet-peer1!btnet-feed5!btnet!mendelevium.btinternet.com!not-for-mail Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch rec.arts.books.tolkien:29970 Dont keep us waiting too long for 7, HatWG -- Dave Newton in Sunny Bolton to reply by e-mail remove trousers http://www.btinternet.com/~davenewton ###### From: needabath@nd.a.magnum.com (Harry at the West Gate) Newsgroups: rec.arts.books.tolkien Subject: The Fourth Age:7 Date: Tue, 05 Dec 2000 16:05:26 GMT Organization: Bombadil Internet Providers Lines: 154 Message-ID: <3a2cf18d.297861@news.singnet.com.sg> NNTP-Posting-Host: 58echo035.singnet.com.sg X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent 1.11/32.235 Path: chonsp.franklin.ch!pfaff.ethz.ch!news-zh.switch.ch!news-ge.switch.ch!news.maxwell.syr.edu!newsfeed.stanford.edu!paloalto-snf1.gtei.net!news.gtei.net!mawar.singnet.com.sg!not-for-mail Xref: chonsp.franklin.ch rec.arts.books.tolkien:30053 The stranger raised his staff and the tumult died down, but the murmurings persisted. He looked around with a half-amused expression. ' Where's Ben-adar? ' he cried. Everyone looked puzzled. ' Gandalf !' Sam laughed. ' You're back!' ' It's Sharkey,' they cried, and it was taken up by the rest. ' He's been working with that Sharkeys all this time.' ' Fools !' cried the stranger.' I only want to know where you have Ben-adar in your keeping and who is this Sharkey anyway ? ' ' They think you are Saruman,' Sam offered. ' And you my dear master think me to be Gandalf ?' retorted the stranger. ' Radagast is my name and I am he who remains. Not very good perhaps, But my grey brother was a better talker than I though not as smooth as whitie ever was. Whats going on ? Has somebody done something wrong? ' ' We are in the middle of a trial here,' Hugo explained. The stranger looked up. ' A trial ? ' he laughed. ' Anyone guilty here ? ' ' Sir, if you please,' cried the judge. ' State your errand and be on your way !' ' I was looking for Iarwain Ben-adar, I believe folks in these parts call him Bombadil and I have something of utmost importance to him.' ' Bombabounder you mean ? Well, he's keeping cold at the moment until we bring him to trial. ' ' And who are you trying at this moment, my good sir ?' the stranger enquired with a strange look in Sams direction. ' This is none of your business,' the judge declared flatly. ' Of course.....But if Ben-adar is not avaliable I might as well find out whats going on.' ' They think I murdered Mr Frodo, Sir.' explained Sam. ' Hmmm....,' he scratched his chin, and he noticed the cloak and sword. ' Very savage,' he commented, as he examined the evidence. ' Yes indeed,' smirked Hugo. ' No I did not mean that,' he muttered distractedly. ' You say here this little master here is the killer. But I saw their parting at the Havens ! ' ' How is that ?' Hugo demanded, doubt seeping in. Sam was also astonished and he sat up. ' It's hard to explain,' he said as he took a step back. ' But this was how I was at the Havens.' A slow grin appeared across his face and as they stared at him, it seemed that all but the grin faded. As the cloudiness around it cleared, they gasped. A man no longer stood there, but before them a great grey horse took his place. Its flanks bristled as it swished its tail. It trotted up to the table where the judge sat. In an almost insolent fashion it rested its hoofs akimbo on it. The terrified judge drew back knocking his chair down. ' No worry, hay tastes nice in this shape.' the horse declared, snorting. ' Whats this? ' cried the terrified judge. ' The shape I was in when I saw them off,' the horse chomped. ' My specialty is shapes and hues and I can blend into anything if I do not wished to be noticed. I was in two minds that day about going back and something held me back at the last moment. In a way Gandalf knew and my being here has something do with all this.' The faces in the gallery were at first horrified, not used to direct displays of magic but they could not help smiling as the scene took on a comical tone. It is not everyday one sees a horse talking in such a casual manner. ' What have you to say to this Master Bracegirdle? ' the judge asked, with an uncertain look. Gaffer Gamgee's ear cocked up. ' Hai......you be relations with that Lobelia. As sure as my names Gamgee, she was a Bracegirdle before a Baggins she became !' he said this as he waved his ear trumpet about. This set of another flurry of voices that was mostly disapproving. Hugos face turned white. ' Silence...silence,' rapped the judge furiously.' I will not have some wizard come in here making a mockery of this court !' ' Oh,' said the stranger who had already reverted back to his old form. ' Master Radagast, you are an impressive conjuror and nothing more but your word is not good enough !' said Hugo, having composed himself. ' Master Bracegirdle......now I know ! It's Mr Frodo and Mr Bilbo you have quarrel with, and all on the account of Bag-End.' Sam cried ' And we thought that feuds ended with the passing of Lobelia,' added Rose from the gallery. ' It goes a lot deeper than that,' said the stranger. ' My brother....the white one, may have passed on but vestiges of his influence remain. Many of my friends, the creatures of the lands about, were poisoned by his lies and some he used for his crooked purposes. I dread to think what he would have done if he had gained the ring. Your Shire was polluted in a different way. From my observations I have mistaken simplicity and your good nature as being uncouth. But with my brothers coming, and the changes he wrought to your land and peoples filled me with horror. I begged Gandalf for leave to do something, but he was raised and it was not my place to decide how events turned out. But as limited as my wisdom somewhat was, I could see the legacy that he would leave behind. And they were not just a heightened appreciation of your freedom and security but a legacy of greed and the hunger for power.' ' What are you getting at?' the judge demanded. The wizard suddenly raised his staff and he jabbed at the judges coat. Before he could do anything, buttons were flying off and his chest was laid bare. Sams eyes widened and it seems that everybody in the court issued one collective gasp. ' Mr Frodos mail !' he cried. ' The price of the Shire, eh your honour ?' said the wizard with a chuckle.' This case was lost before the first argument.' Seeing that all was up, Hugo started towards the door when he found his feet rooted to the ground by its hair. ' It was all my doing,' declared the judge, no longer resisting. To be continued....... Harry........back at post, for a while...