[piosenniel]

Joint post - Cami and Chathol-linn:

Andreth and the Mayor

Arriving at the inn, Harald saw that Andreth had worked her magic and gotten the angry parents into her private chamber. He stood in the door a moment, noting how thin most of the hobbit parents looked – and so did Berilac now that I think of it – and how expectantly Andreth was looking at them. Harald sighed, and everyone turned to look.

“What is it, Mr. Chetwood?” Andreth inquired.

“Can you come outside for a moment, please?” When Andreth was outside the room they walked down the hall a little way. Then Harald said, “Did you know that your boy was with Will’s gang yesterday? I’m going to put it about that I want them brought to me in this matter. At once. If your boy doesn’t have a good excuse, he’ll have to see me too. I am sorry, Andreth, but he fell into bad company.”

The Innkeeper smiled sadly, "Yes, I know. I'm no more happy about it than you are. Edmund and I have had a serious talk, and he knows that there will be a punishment coming. I have no problem at all if you want to call him in individually and speak with him. Only remember he's just six years old. He's not going to understand what you're saying unless you talk to him like a little boy. And, whatever you do, I don't want him anywhere near those older lads. They're a bad influence."

Harald nodded in agreement.

“I’ll tell Telien and Elmerith to look grim while I give them a good talking-to. Then they have a choice: a swat on the backside with a birch switch, or help Elmerith in the guardhouse – putting points on long wooden poles, like spears. For every four they complete, I will pay them a farthing from the treasury. By the time we are done, I hope to have recruited the boys and if not, they’re free to go – and not come back. Punishment, reward – and a plan for those poles.”

Andreth replied, "I think the families of the lads will be cooperative, all but Tom Farroweed. As I told the parents this morning, they've already contacted me and let me know they're sorry. But the Farroweed family....I don't know."

“Maybe they need a hand with the boys, who knows? And if not, I don’t much care. The families will hear. I will bar them from town, and no one will trade with them.”

Andreth nodded. "As far as Edmund goes, I would prefer to punish him. I don't want him given the switch, as I think it will do little good other than to make him more rebellious. I have been thinking of something special. I think what he needs is some good, hard work, a bit of stiff discipline, and a chance to get to know some hobbits and realize that they're not really so different."


Harald said, "Of course. I understand. I feel the same way about the older boys. Stick, carrot ... I think they will choose the carrot, and help us. But I will not let bullies go unpunished in this town. It is my job to maintain order.”

Andreth looked away and sighed, "It's not easy when you're on your own and have so many things to manage as once. How many times in the past two days I've wished that Bergil were here. And I have a feeling if his was, Edmund would feel and act very differently. The boy misses his father terribly."

"Edmund is lucky to have you, Andreth. As for those other boys, shall we try my method, and find out?”

Andreth nodded in agreement, and shook hands with the mayor.

[ November 08, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]