Morning came and everyone prepared to leave to the wilderness. Lux and Ahsoka had their backpacks over their shoulders and came out to meet with Strider.
"Are you both ready ?" Strider asked the couple.
"We are, but where are the hobbits ?" Ahsoka wondered as she looked around.
They quickly came out from the Inn with food for the journey. Bacon, sausages, fish, tomatoes and apples. It was all packed neatly by the Inn's staff.
They departed from Bree and soon made their way over plains, cliffs and reached the woodlands.
"How do we know this Strider is a friend of Gandalf ?" Merry asked Frodo while walking alongside.
"I think a servant of the enemy would look fairer, but feel fouler." Frodo responded.
"He's foul enough." Merry quipped.
"He knows of our quest, Merry. We have no choice but to trust him." Frodo continued.
"But where is he leading us ?" Sam wondered.
"To Rivendell, Master Gamgee. To the House of Elrond." Strider answered while looking ahead.
"Did you hear that ? Rivendell ! We're going to see the elves !" Sam shouted in excitement.
"Rivendell, wasn't that one of the names you heard in your dream, 'Soka ?" Lux asked.
"Yeah, I remember. Somehow I think we were meant to meet these people and aid them. I get the feeling that something important will take place there." Ahsoka replied while turning to Lux.
"Where are you two really from, if you don't mind me asking ?" Sam wondered.
"It's a bit complicated, but we'll try to keep things simple. First up, we are definitely not of this world..." Lux began to explain.
"Not of this world ?! How did you reach Middle-Earth, then ?" Merry questioned in disbelief.
"Ok, I'll take over from here, Lux. This world you live on... it's called a planet. It's basically one of thousands of stars that support life. I was born on a planet named Shili. Lux came from a planet known as Onderon. We reached your planet by traveling through deep space using a ship that goes at the speed of light." Ahsoka tried to explain while keeping it as simple as she could.
"Ok, so you came from the stars above if I understand you right. And what do you do ? Are you merchants or warriors ?" Sam kept on asking.
"I used to be a Jedi. Lux is a senator." Ahsoka replied back.
"Jedi ? Senator ?" Merry wondered in confusion.
"A Jedi is a peacekeeper of the Republic. We fight to keep the peace for the people. I used to serve in the Grand Army of the Republic. We've fought a great number of battles against an opposing faction known as the Separatists. A senator is basically a world leader, an ambassador, if you will. Their role is to discuss world problems with other leaders and work together to figure out a solution to a problem in the best interest of the people." Ahsoka continued her explanations.
"So you're a warrior or sorts, but I haven't seen any kind of weapon on you." Sam observed.
"That's because they're inconspicuous to most people. These here are my main weapons, Sam. They're called lightsabers. They are strong enough to cut through any materials, including steel and stone." Ahsoka explained while igniting her lightsabers for a moment. She soon extinguished them and placed the hilts of the lightsabers hanging off one of her belts.
Strider looked back in shock, he had never seen such weapons.
"Swords of light capable of cutting through stone ?! I must say I'm quite impressed, milady. And you mentioned also that you served in an army ? What was your rank ?" Strider wondered.
"I was a commander. I led many successful missions against the enemy." Ahsoka replied.
"If you don't mind me asking, how did you two meet ?" Pippin asked in curiosity.
"It happened several years ago. I was told by the Jedi Order that all Separatists were evil and corrupt. I was asked to accompany a friend of mine to a Separatist planet known as Raxus. That is where I first met Lux and his mother. We were trying to negotiate a peace treaty between the two factions. I quickly realized that not all Separatists were corrupt or evil. At first, I wasn't sure what to make of him. After a bit of talking with him, I found out that he was quite the gentleman. Not long after we left for our home on the Republic planet of Coruscant, we learnt that Lux's mother got murdered by the enemy.
We met again when Lux tried to take justice into his own hands and wanted revenge for his mother's death. He was about to make a big mistake by joining a team of evil men known as Death Watch, but I managed to get him out of trouble in time. Eventually, I was tasked with several other Jedi to train his troops to free his home planet of Onderon from Separatist occupation. They succeeded, but there were some casualties.
After a string of unpleasant events on my end, I left the Order and made my way back to him. At first, we were just friends... but our relationship changed into something bigger. Lux eventually proposed to me. I couldn't refuse his offer after everything that happened between us." Ahsoka explained to Pippin.
"Well I think you did well, Sir Lux. Aside how odd those "tendrils" on your head look, you are quite beautiful, Lady Ahsoka." Pippin complimented with a smile.
"Why thank you, Pippin. By the way, these "tendrils" you refer to are known as lekku. The stripes on them will change in color depending on my emotions. They darken up when I feel embarrassed for example. The ones on the sides are mobile and are used if I speak my native tongue, Togruti. My larger lekku at the back of my head is immobile, it also contains a part of my brain. The "horns" at the top of my head, those are known as montrals. They serve as my hearing as you've probably noticed that I don't have external ears like the rest of you. They also allow me to sense the movement and proximity of physical objects or creatures around me through a form of passive echolocation." Ahsoka replied while smiling back and explaining the functions of her "tendrils".
They kept on through the woodlands until they reached the top of hills. Snow covered the ground at some parts. Strider paused for a moment and looked back to see the hobbits taking out frying pans and utensils.
"Gentlemen ! We do not stop until nightfall." Strider told the hobbits.
"What about breakfast ?" Pippin asked.
"You've already had it." Strider said while being slightly confused.
"We've had one, yes. What about second breakfast ?" Pippin continued.
Strider glared at him and kept on.
"I don't think he knows about second breakfast, Pippin." Merry added.
"What about elevenses ? Luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner ? Supper ! He knows about them, doesn't he ?" Pippin wondered in slight panic.
"I wouldn't count on it." Merry finished while giving a pat on his friend's shoulder.
Ahsoka and Lux were quite amused by Pippin's antics. They tried their best not to laugh.
Suddenly, an apple flew over a bush and is caught by Merry. He gives it to Pippin and heads off to follow Strider and the others. A second apple flies and hits Pippin on the head. He picks it up and continues with the rest of the group.
They eventually reached the Midgewater Marshes. The hobbits stumbled through the water as they are assaulted by midges. Lux and Ahsoka weren't spared, they kept slapping themselves all over as they went on.
"Ugh ! These bugs are driving me crazy !" Ahsoka shouted while slapping her right cheek to take out a midge that was biting her.
"I can't recall if I've ever had such an annoying experience before, but this is a bit much ! Ow !" Lux commented as he slapped his forehead as he felt a bite.
"What are they eating when they can't get hobbit, human or togruta ?" Merry wondered while swatting the midges around him.
Eventually, night came and they stopped. Strider had gone off for several minutes. They were surprised when he returned with a deer that he managed to kill. After several minutes of preparation, the deer meat was cooked and served. Thanks to Sam's seasoning, it was quite pleasant. After a full meal, they rested.
Everyone but Strider slept. He chose to keep watch in case the Nazgûl would appear. He was also smoking his pipe and singing in elvish. Frodo woke and looked up to him.
"Who is she ? This woman you sing of ?" Frodo asked.
"It is the Lady of Luthien. The Elf Maiden who gave her love to Beren... a mortal." Strider explained to Frodo.
"What happened to her ?" Frodo wondered.
"She died. Get some sleep, Frodo." Strider answered.
Meanwhile, in Isengard...
Saruman is using the Palantir to contact Sauron.
"The power of Isengard is at your command, Sauron, Lord of the Earth." Saruman said to his master.
"Build me an army worthy of Mordor." Sauron ordered as his voice echoed through the Tower of Orthanc.
Saruman then went to his library and waited. It wasn't long until 3 orcs appeared before him.
"What orders of Mordor, my Lord ? What does the Eye command ?" The head orc asked.
"We have work to do." Saruman answered.
The orcs began to remove the trees around the Tower of Orthanc. Gandalf was on the top of the tower, bruised and battered. It wasn't getting any better since it began to rain. He witnessed the destruction and huddled himself. Saruman made his way to the head orc.
"The trees are strong, my Lord. Their roots go deep." The head orc commented.
"Rip them all down !" Saruman commanded.
Gandalf couldn't do anything for the time being, he had to bide his time before he could escape. He hid behind a pillar to shield himself from the rain.
Back in Arnor...
After a day of travelling, the group reached a hill with some ruins on top of it.
"This was the great watch tower of Amon Sûl. We shall rest here tonight." Strider told the rest as they made their way to the hill.
The hobbits were quick to unload their bags and rested for a bit. Strider took out a cloth which held several sheathed swords and daggers and offered one to each hobbit. They began to admire the weapons.
"These are for you four. Keep them close. Sir Lux, stay with the hobbits. Lady Ahsoka and I will have a look around." Strider told Lux and motioned Ahsoka to follow him.
"As you wish, Strider. Careful out there, 'Soka." Lux responded as he looked to see Ahsoka head off into the distance with Strider.
Frodo was fast asleep. He was suddenly awoke by the other hobbits and Lux talking between them around a campfire.
"My tomato's burst !" Merry grunted in disappointment.
"Can I have some bacon ?" Pippin asked while taking a tomato of his own as well.
"Ok. Want a tomato, Sam ?" Merry asked while looking at Sam.
"Friends, if it's not asking too much, could you care to put aside a sausage and a few strips of bacon for 'Soka when she gets back with Strider ? She loves those." Lux asked the group.
"Not a problem, Sir Lux. See ? Those will be for her." Merry stated while placing a small plate aside.
Frodo suddenly woke up and looked in slight panic.
"What are you doing ?!" Frodo asked the group.
"Tomatoes, sausages and some nice, crispy bacon !" Merry said while pointing at the food.
"We saved some for you, Mr. Frodo." Sam said while holding out a plate.
"Put it out, you fools ! Put it out !" Frodo shouted while stamping on the fire.
"Well that's nice ! That's nice ! Ash on my tomatoes !" Pippin shouted in frustration.
A familiar screech was heard. Everyone looked down the cliff to see a group of Nazgûl making their way towards the hill. They quickly made their way towards the ruins at the top. They stood at the middle of the ruins and looked around frantically. A lone Nazgûl appeared between two pillars and began to unsheathe his sword, it held it in front of him while approaching slowly. Lux decided to take his blasters out of his holsters and got ready to shoot back. Four other Nazgûl joined the first as they slowly approached, pointing their swords towards the hobbits and Lux.
Lux attempted to shoot the Nazgûl only to trip on a small stone and losing his balance. He began to panic as he crawled backwards along with the hobbits.
"Back, you devils !" Sam shouted while trying to attack the Nazgûl with his sword, but was quickly tossed aside. Lux, Merry and Pippin were also tossed aside, leaving Frodo open to attack. He panics and drops his sword. While trying to run, he trips on a stone and crawls away. He reaches for the Ring, which alerts the leader of the Nazgûl, which would later be known as the Witch King. The Witch King takes out a small dagger and moves closer to Frodo. Fear takes over and forces Frodo to put the Ring on. As he enters the world of Shadow, he notices the Nazgûl standing over him. The Witch King reaches for the Ring, but Frodo pulls back. The Witch King reacts by stabbing Frodo in his shoulder. The Witch King is about to try to get the Ring again, but he is distracted when he hears a battle cry.
Ahsoka arrived brandishing both of her lightsabers while Strider arrived with his sword and a torch. Frodo, groaning in pain, manages to remove the Ring. Sam rushes to him while Ahsoka and Strider keep the Nazgûl at bay. Screeching in fear, all but one of the Nazgûl run off into the darkness. The last tries to attack Strider from behind and receives the torch straight in the face. As its robes burn, the last Nazgûl runs off screeching like the rest.
"Strider ! Help him, Strider !" Sam cries out.
Strider picks up the blade that the Witch King used, only to have it crumble into dust, which he tosses aside.
"He's been stabbed by a Morgul blade... This is beyond my skill to heal. He needs elvish medicine !" Strider said while picking up Frodo, still crying in pain and begins to get down the hill and towards the woodlands. The Nazgûl still pursue them as their screech can be heard in the distance.
"Hurry !" Strider shouted to the rest.
"We're six days from Rivendell, he'll never make it !" Sam shouted back while running.
"Hold on, Frodo !" Strider whispered while trying to stay calm.
"Gandalf !" Frodo cried out while feeling more and more pain.
Meanwhile, in Isengard...
Isengard is now surrounded by lots of caverns excavated by the orcs. A moth flies over the caverns to the top of the Tower of Orthanc where Gandalf still lies. He manages to grab it gently and talks to it in an unknown language. It then flies off into the sky. At the deepest chasms, the orcs are building weapons and armor. In a particular corner, some orcs work together to pry something out of the mud. A larger, muscular orc appears as it is freed from a sort of membrane. It ends up killing an orc as it struggles to get up. Saruman is present to witness and smiles in contentment.
Back in Arnor...
The group managed to reach a secluded area which had some large, unusual statues.
"This is an odd place to have carved such abominations..." Lux commented while looking at the statues.
"They weren't statues at first..." Strider quickly explained.
Ahsoka could only raise an eye marking in response. This world was very odd indeed.
"Look Mr. Frodo, it's Mr. Bilbo's trolls." Sam pointed out to Frodo.
Frodo was beginning to struggle for breath. His eyes were losing their color.
"He's going cold !" Sam said while feeling Frodo's forehead.
"Is he going to die ?" Pippin asked in morbid curiosity.
"He's passing into the Shadow world. He'll soon become a wraith like them." Strider added.
The Nazgûl's screech was still heard.
"They're close !" Merry stated in slight panic.
"Sam ! Do you know the Athelas plant ?" Strider asked Sam.
"Athelas ?" Sam asked in confusion.
"Kingsfoil." Strider stated.
"Kingsfoil ! Aye, it's a weed !" Sam shouted while recognizing the plant's common name.
"Hurry ! It may help to slow the poison." Strider said while heading out with Sam to find said weed.
"Do you think he'll be all right, 'Soka ?" Lux asked fearing the worst for Frodo.
"I think he will, Lux. I sense something... unusual." Ahsoka answered while picking up subtle movement using her montrals.
All of a sudden, a brilliant light appeared before the group. A maiden shows up on a white horse. She approaches Frodo and speaks to him in elvish. Strider and Sam soon follow with the needed plants. Strider begins to chew up the plant.
"Who is she ?" Merry asked.
"She's an elf !" Sam responded.
"So that's what they look like..." Ahsoka commented.
"Quite fair, indeed." Lux added.
"He's fading !" The elf stated while uncovering Frodo's wound.
Strider placed the chewed up plant into Frodo's wound. It caused him to gasp in pain some more.
"He's not going to last. We must get him to my father !" The elf suggested.
Strider picked Frodo up and brought him to the elf's horse.
"I've been searching for you for two days. There are five wraiths behind you, where are the other four, I do not know." The elf kept on.
They spoke between them in elvish.
"What are they saying ?" Merry wondered.
"Not a clue." Ahsoka stated, dumbfounded.
"Ride hard, Arwen. Don't look back !" Strider told Arwen.
With that, she sped off through the woods.
"What are you doing ? Those wraiths are still out there !" Sam shouted in anger.
Arwen traveled as quickly as possible. She was soon pursued by the Nazgûl. Her horse managed to pick up speed in order to avoid capture. She reached a river and crossed it. The Nazgûl stopped by the edge of the river and screeched.
"Give up the halfling, she-elf !" A Nazgûl shouted.
"If you want him, come and claim him." Arwen told the Nazgûl while raising her sword.
As the Nazgûl started to make their way through the river, Arwen began to chant in elvish. The result was a great wave that caught and washed the Nazgûl further down the river, destroying their horses in the process.
Frodo had weakened considerably since Arwen took him. She chose to lie him down on the ground for a moment.
"No , Frodo ! Don't give in... not now !" Arwen cried out in despair.
Arwen began to cry as she hugged him. She called on the great powers of her kind to keep Frodo going just a while longer, so she could take him to Rivendell in time for him to be treated by her father, Elrond.
"What grace has given me, let it pass to him. Let him be spared. Save him." Arwen whispered to herself.
A vision appears. Rivendell is seen, as well as Frodo sleeping peacefully. There is also a glimpse of Elrond chanting in elvish which manages to heal Frodo from his terrible wound.