The Gardener's Son

Chapter One

Sam sprinted over the threshold of the Green Dragon Inn. He was out of breath after running down Bywater Road from his house. While scanning the room he noticed the absence of his father among the inn's patrons. He let out a breath hoping this meant his father hadn't arrived yet. There had been too many times in his life when he'd been scolded for being late or careless around his father.

That morning Sam's mother had woken him abruptly, telling him his father would be awaiting him with some tasks at the Green Dragon Inn. Hamfast Gamgee was a gardener for several residents of The Shire and he took his job very seriously. He was so fond of his son, Samwise. But he also valued his business and reputation. 

Sitting near the window in the sunlight, Sam saw Master Bilbo Baggins writing thoughtfully in his notebook. On the table in front of him sat an untouched ale, probably due to his entranced scribbling. He was an interesting hobbit with many rumors about him always floating around The Shire. But Sam's father had always told him to pay no mind to that talk. Besides, Master Bilbo had always been kind to Sam and his family ever since he was a small child. 

Sam wiped his brow and approached him tentatively. "Oh, Mr. Bilbo, have you seen my father around?" He asked. "I'm supposed to be meeting with him to help out with some work." 

Master Bilbo glanced up from his notebook and immediately grinned at Sam. "Good morning, dear boy. Don't you worry about Hamfast, he should still be watering the petunias in my garden." Bilbo patted the seat next to him, "Have a seat while you wait for your father, why don't you?"

Nodding politely, Sam scooted into the wooden chair of the inn's common room. Bilbo immediately shut his notebook and gently pushed it aside. Though, this went unnoticed by Sam who was still anxiously waiting for his father. 

"Why, Samwise, you've been growing so much lately. I remember you as a wee lad, following Hamfast around Bag End while he worked on my garden. You must be approaching your coming of age soon, huh, boy?" Bilbo smiled.

"I'm only nineteen, Master Bilbo. Hardly an adult by any means," Sam said sheepishly.

"Still I must wonder if you'll be taking over your father's business soon. He's not the young hobbit he used to be," Bilbo pointed out. "I don't know how much longer he'll be able to haul around those sacs of fertilizer and that terrible wheelbarrow."

Sam gulped guiltily. He had noticed a change in his father. He didn't move as quickly as he once did. Nor did he have the same affinity for gardening as when he first learned the trade. Yet, Sam doubted if he was capable of taking over for him. He feared disappointing his father's customers, or even worse, his father himself. His nervous and scattered nature didn't help either.

"Just something to think about, dear boy. My garden could always use a young set of hands to care for it." Bilbo paused to take out his small round pocket watch. "Is that the time... oh Samwise I've forgotten to mention some news. I'm having some family come stay with me in Bag End. I'm expecting them this afternoon."

Before Sam could express his delight for Master Bilbo, the inn's front door swung open to reveal Hamfast Gamgee. He entered the common room of the inn in his work clothes, sun hat, and muddy boots. 

"There you are, Samwise," he greeted his son casually. "I just finished up at Bag End, Master Bilbo. The flower beds are looking pristine this season, if I do say so myself."

"Great timing, Hamfast!" Bilbo exclaimed as he hopped off his chair, collected his things, and took one last gulp of his drink. "I've just been catching up with young Samwise, but I must be going now. Best be prepared for my guests."

Once Bilbo exited the Green Dragon Inn and was on his way home, Hamfast beckoned Sam to follow him outside. Parked outside was his father's small wagon, pulled by the family's pony. They walked over to the back, which was full of various tools, sacs, and watering cans. But what caught Sam's eye were some purple flower seedlings that sat in little pots atop a wooden tray.