Chapter 38: The Departure of Shane

Trenr looked over to his side and sees the afflicted Shane and raced over to him.

"No," he said silently.

Shane, bloodied and paled, lay on his back near a tree. Trent kneeled near Shane.

"They took the little ones," said Shane, panting.

"Hold still," instructed Trent.

Ethan," said the injured, panting Shane, "…where's Ethan?"

Trent let a few moments pass before answering, "…I let Ethan go."

"Then you did what I could not… I tried to take the ring from him."

Trent grimaced for a moment… but calmed himself.

"The ring is beyond our reach now," he said.

"Forgive me… I did not see it… I have failed you all," Shane said in great sorrow and regret.

"No, Shane, you fought bravely… you have kept your honor," Trent reassured Shane.

Trent then reached out, trying to pull the arrows out of Shane… but Shane stopped him.

"Leave it," he said, "…it is over."

Shane puts his hand on Trent's shoulder, confirming his belief.

"…I don't know what strength is in my blood," said Trent, "but I swear to you I will not let the White City fall… nor our people fail."

"…Our people…" stuttered Shane, "…our people."

Shane then reached for his sword, which Trent puts in his hand, and helped place it upon his chest…

Dustin walk into the scene and see the afflicted Shane… and look with sadness…

"…I would've followed you my brother," Shane said to Trent…

"…My captain…

"…My king…

With those last words, Shane breathed his last…

…And died.

Moments later… Trent gently placed both his hands on Shane's face and silently said a small lament, "…be at peace… Son of Gondor."

Trent softly and gently kissed Shane's forehead…

Max also walked in as well to see Shane's death.

Trent slowly stood up… with his eyes and tears… filled with grief…