Chapter Fifty-Five

:: Gandalf had gotten me up bright and early to complete a very important task. We walked through the crowded streets. "Peregrin Took, my lad, there is a task now to be done. Another opportunity for the Shirefolk to prove their great worth," he knelt in front of me. "You must not fail me."

I nodded. I wouldn't fail him again, not like when I let him fall to darkness and shadow. I began climbed the stone pillar. It wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it would have been. There were small rocks I could hold to and place my feet on. The higher up I got, the windier it became. I got to the top though.

There were two guards, but they were talkin' to one another. I climbed on top the pile of sticks, reachin' for the oil. As I tugged on it, the flask fell, but thankfully the guards dinn'a notice and the oil landed on the wood. I then grabbed the torch and dropped it around the oil. I grinned. I had finally done somethin' for Gandalf, without messin' it up.

I almost fell backwards when I noticed the flames gettin' bigger. I crawled back down the wood and towards the ground. ::

"Come on, give it back!" Merry called as I ran behind the stables with his pipe. "You don't even smoke!"

I just laughed and stuck into my pocket. I was actually happy right now. Merry had lay his pipe out while he was changing and I snatched it. I was happy because this was the first time in a long while either of us had actually played.

"Got ya!" he came from behind and tackled me to the ground. We both rolled down the hill, laughing, as if we were children again.

"You win," I sighed. I removed the pipe and handed it to him. "That was fun."

He nodded in agreement and stuck some weed into the pipe. He glanced outward, seeing Strider sitting under the watch tower. Suddenly, in the distance, a large flame appeared on the snow-covered mountain. "What do you suppose..."

Without warning, Strider jumped from his sitting and ran into the hall. Merry and I both exchanged worried glances and followed.

******

Well, the beacons of Gondor were lit and we were now riding to their aid. I stood in the stables with Eowyn, who was looking for a suitable horse for me to ride. "Let's see..." she went stall by stall. "We don't have any ponies, but..." she stopped in front of one labeled "Cricket". "Here we are." She led the small horse out. "She's a very good horse. She's a bit old, but very tame and friendly."

"Yes," I smiled, running my hand along her light brown neck. "She's very beautiful." Her fur was light brown, the color of tree bark, and her mane and tail was dusty black. "Are we going into battle?"

She was putting a saddle, and reins on the horse. "Yes, and no." Under the saddle, she stuck a small sword into the holding compartment. She lowered her voice. "Do not let them see this. It is customary for the women of the court to accompany the men. You will stay with me in my tent once we arrive."

I nodded and covered the sword. We rode for war.

------

I just saw ROTK again LOL. Third time, Yay and Dawnie, I updated, be happy! LOL. I always mean to update, but I never have the ambition, but Dawnie made me LOL. Hope you guys enjoyed. Review!