Ithilien
Aragorn had seen Gandalf leave with the eagles. He knew immediately
that Gandalf was headed to Mt. Doom. Frodo had fulfilled his quest
and the ring had been destroyed. But the Ringbearer was not yet out
of danger.
"Harland" Aragorn called to one of the remaining Dunedain,
"see to it that the wounded are cared for and the dead
buried". Harland bowed and Aragorn left to find the warden of
the Houses of Healing. He had to make preparations should Frodo and
Sam return alive. "There is much to be done before this victory
can be celebrated" Aragorn said wearily to himself.
As He approached the Houses of Healing Aragorns thoughts went to
Frodo and Sam. He thought of the horrors they must have faced in
Mordor and shuddered. He said a silent prayer to Lluvatar that the
two hobbits would be all right.
Upon entering the Houses of Healing Aragorn found the Warden coming
out of Merryís room. Merry had been stricken with the black
breath during his encounter with the Nazgul on the battlefield
earlier in the war. "How is he doing?" Aragorn inquired.
"He is mending well and should be able to leave in a day or
two" replied Raytheon, the Warden. "These little ones are a
wonder of healing abilities". Aragorn simply nodded, remembering
Frodos recovery from the Morgul blade wound.
"Raytheon, I need two beds prepared and set aside" stated
Aragorn. "Forgive me lord but we have many wounded and little
space to spare" replied Raytheon. "I understand that but
these are for two very special Pheriannath" explained Aragorn,
"Gandalf will be returning with them soon I think".
"Ah!" exclaimed Raytheon, "like the little one in
there?"
"Yes, one is his kin"
Raytheon bowed to Aragorn, "I will do my best my lord" he
said and set about his appointed task.
"Aragorn?", it was Merry, "Is everything OK? I heard
you talking to the warden." Aragorn turned and saw the worry on
his friends face. "Iím not sure Merry, Iíll know
more when Gandalf returns." Merry fumbled nervously with the
buttons on his coat. "Its Frodo isnít it? And Sam?
Something dreadful has happened hasnít it?" Merry asked
with tears welling up in his eyes. Drawing a ragged breath Aragorn
Placed his hands on Merryís shoulders and leaned down to look
Merry straight in the eyes. Aragorn knew it would be wrong to deceive
Merry. "I honestly donít know Merry" Aragorn said
then quickly added "we must be strong. Get things ready for
their return, but" Aragorn looked away, "we must also
prepare for the worst." A single tear escaped down
Mercyís face and he angrily wiped it away.
"Theyíll be alright Aragorn, I know they will!"
"Yes merry, Iím sure your right. Now please return to
your room, you still need rest. I will let you know as soon as I hear
something." Merry simply nodded and turned to enter his room.
Aragorn watched sadly and, though he did not know it, he mirrored
Gandalfís fear that it was too late.
