Chapter 23: Zack's Gifts
In the deep forests of Rivendell, Trent kneeled, with his head down, in front of a statue, a statue of a woman, hooded and cloaked. Trent began singing…
Tinúviel elvanui…
Elleth alfirin ethelhael…
O hon ring finnil fuinui…
A renc gelebrin thiliol…
Sensei Kanoi said to Trent, in Elvish, "Anirne hene beriad i chên în (She wanted to protect her child). Ned Imladris nauthant e le beriathar aen (She thought in Rivendell you would be safe)."
Trent ponders Sensei Kanoi's kind words about his mother.
Sensei Kanoi went on, "in her heart, your mother knew you'd be hunted all your life… that you'd never escape your fate. The skill of the Elves can re-forge the sword of kings… but only you have the power to wield it."
"I do not want that power," said Trent in protest, "I have never wanted it."
"You are the last of the bloodline," stated Sensei Kanoi, "there is no other."
Ethan went to Zack to receive some gifts from him, to help on this dangerous journey. Zack first gives Ethan a sword.
"My old sword, Sting," said Zack as he gave it to Ethan, "here take it, take it!"
Ethan draws the sword. The blade was very shiny. It didn't weigh anything almost.
"Its so light," stated Ethan in great awe of it.
"Yes," Zack confirmed, "yes. Made by the Elves, you know. The blade glows blue when Orcs are close. And its times like that, my lad, when you have to be extra careful. Here's a pretty thing."
Then Zack grabbed something else. It was a mail shirt made of a shiny, metallic-like material. It shined— simple, yet beautifully adorned with intricate patterns in the mail.
"Mithril," said Zack, "as light as a feather, and as hard as dragon scales. Let me see you put it on, come on."
As Ethan started to unbutton his shirt… he slowly unveiled the ring, still around his neck. Zack notices it and is glad to see it.
"Oh," Bilbo gasped in delight, "m… my old ring. I sh… should very much like… to hold it again, one last time."
Zack smiled at Ethan faintly, in an almost grandfatherly manner, imploring Ethan to grant his wish…
But Ethan wouldn't let him have it, he knew better. He started to button up his shirt covering the ring again…
"…ARGH!" Zack growled and transformed, lashing out at Ethan! Ethan recoiled from him, clutching the ring in his hand. Then…
The shadow left Zack, as he was able to slowly recover from his madness from the transformation and began to cower and weep…
"…I'm sorry I brought this upon you, my boy," apologized Zack, "I'm sorry that… you must carry this burden."
Zack then sat on his bed as he wept, "…I'm sorry for everything!"
Ethan, in that sad moment… believed his uncle. He slowly walked up to Zack and placed his hand gently on his shoulder, comforting him. Zack returns his gesture of comfort by placing his hand on Ethan's, as he continued to weep his heart out.
