Houses of Healing
Aragorn was helping Ioreth, one of the Healers assistants, make final
preparations in the room they were setting up for Frodo and Sam. He
had gone out and collected some herbs and plants that the Healer
lacked in his own stores. Pippin watches as Aragorn arranged them on
a table with the healers own remedies. Pippin had recently recovered
from his own wounds and was eager for Frodo and Sam to return.
Suddenly there was a shout from outside and the call was picked up by
many voices. One of the scouts had spotted the eagles. Aragorn headed
for the door, Pippin was close behind. Aragorn turned and stopped
Pippin with a hand on his shoulder. "No Pippin, I think it would
be best for you to remain inside. At least until we know what
condition they are in. Go and be with Merry. I will send word as soon
as I can". Pippin, too shocked with fear and grief to argue,
simply turned towards Merryís room.
Aragorn met the healer outside in a small garden. He looked up and
saw the three eagles approaching. His heart sank and hope all but
died when he saw his two friends hanging limply in the eaglesí
talons.
The eagles gently laid Frodo and Sam on the ground then drew away.
Aragorn and the healer were at the unconscious hobbits sides
instantly assessing their condition. Both hobbits were covered in
soot and ash though there no obvious wounds on either one.
Samís breathing was shallow but regular. Froro, on the other
hand, was having some difficulty breathing. His breaths were coming
in short raspy gasps.
Gwahir landed nearby to let Gandalf off his back. As Gandalf ran
towards the small group, he called out to Aragorn. "Are
they..." he stopped when Aragorn held up his hand.
"Raytheon", Aragorn said to the healer, "get them
inside and cleaned up immediately". "Right away"
Raytheon replied. As the healer was giving instructions to his
assistants Aragorn turned to Gandalf. "They live." Aragorn
said. "though I donít know for how long. Samís
breaths are too shallow and Frodo struggles for every one he
takes". "May Elbereth help them." Gandalf prayed as he
watched Frodo and Sam being carried into the Houses of healing. As
Aragorn turned to follow he saw Pippin watching from the window of
Merryís room, A tear silently slipped down Pippinís
cheek.
