Sam nodded. Cami was about to begin the ceremony, and this was no time for chatting. Everyone was here now, and it was almost time.
There wasn't much wind, but what little there was seemed to rustle in the trees an unusual amount. Sam shivered a little and drew his light jacket around him. He should be in bed, not out in the barrows like this, waiting for his little sister to take an oath of secrecy on the bones of their ancestors. The dismal mood took its toll on everyone, and even Cami seemed unsure as she spoke to Marigold.
Quote:
|
"Sam, if you want, you can have her repeat after you."
|
Sam startled a little bit, then nodded and went up to Marigold. He tried to think up something to say, and after a moment's pause, he thought of at least a beginning. Taking a deep breath and trying to look brave, he said, "Marigold, repeat after me." His sister nodded. "I, Marigold Gamgee..."
"I, Marigold Gamgee..."
"...do solemnly swear before my ancestors never to tell anybody a word of what I will hear. If I do, I accept whatever may come as punishment." Sam said it haltingly, trying to find sufficiently formal words for the oath. Marigold repeated it gravely. "I take this oath before my ancestors and everyone present, and they will hold me to it." Marigold finished, and Sam breathed again.
[ January 15, 2003: Message edited by: Orual ]