Disclaimer: Not mine, don't sue. Contains spoilers from the film 'Fellowship of the Ring'
I could hear them coming as I spoke to Frodo, had he not been so jumpy he would have heard them too. Hobbit ears are better than Human ones after all.
"Go Frodo", I tried to hurry him along. I started to draw my sword and he blanched. I could see the shock etched into his face. After all we've been through together I still scare him; I don't think that is necessarily a bad thing as he was far too trusting when we met in Bree. Considering what he carries there are very few people he can trust. Wary is a better description; he's been that way ever since Carhadras, not I that I blame him. "Run!" This time he seemed to come out of his shock and followed the direction I indicated. He disappeared over the horizon and I paused a moment to wish him luck, I feel we won't meet again for many days. Probably not until this is all over.
I am amazed he is still going, the wariness and edginess have been becoming more obvious. I've been watching it grow by the moment since we left Lothlorian. Even now pursued by darkness as we are; I fear he has more evil and horror to face than any of us believe, maybe more than any of us can imagine. I hope he can continue to face the storm that is still growing.
I know the reason Frodo is leaving is to cut himself off from us. I am not surprised, one of those charged with his protection has betrayed him and he fears the rest of us will do the same. I can't say I am willing to let him go but it is what he wants and we said we'd abide by his decision. I, at least, intend to stick to that vow.
The charge of Uruk-hai continued up the hill towards me, I raised my sword in salute. Several dozen against one, not the best type of odds but perhaps in the mood I'm in. I can't let them get past me and after Frodo towards the boats. I swore to protect him and I will. I am not a violent person but these are violent and dangerous times and I have long since realised that you have to fight because you want to survive and because there I some things worth fighting for. I know the Uruk-hai are not here after me, at least not yet, but they would kill me and the others in their hunt for what Frodo carries.
'Look after the others especially Sam, he won't understand' Frodo's words echoed in my mind. I think he underestimates Sam; I'll be very surprised if he manages to leave Sam behind. Friendship is a very powerful force and one I believe will be tested to the limits in the trials that lie ahead. Even so it is one of the few things that can hope to stand against the evil rising in the East.
The fight raged around me, my body switched on to instinct. In my 87 years I have fought for my life so many times that I fight better if I don't think about what I am doing. From the outside it might seem as if I am the brave one here but I am not. Frodo is the brave one, he may be leaving but he is coping far better with fate than I. He has had this destiny thrust upon him and he is facing up to it. I've known my destiny for years and even now I can't face it. The destiny that is written in my blood is the only thing that really scares me. I've proved to myself that I am not Isildur. I succeeded were he failed. I prove that I am stronger than my ancestor but I still can't face the destiny laid out by my bloodline
Even now the fight goes on we must regroup, there seems to be a never-ending supply of them. I think it will be a very long day. I promised Frodo and Gandalf that I would look after the others, mean to keep those promises.