Author's notes: Yet another crazy chapter by me.

Phoenix Angel Suyari—Kill Boromir? How can I do that?! He's my fav!!! And hey, college life killed me and I returned from Mandos's Hall. Lol. How's that for someone who needs to be in an asylum?

The Fellowship Of The…Baby?

Eleven: The Breaking Of The Fellowship II

   As Frodo ran back to where the boats were, a horn's blow echoed about him. He paid no heed to it, quickening his pace. He tried to push the boat into the water quickly, but Sam caught up with him and refused to let him go alone.

   Thus it was that they went together.

***

   Boromir brought his horn to his lips and gave a great blow. The deep bass of it startled a few Orcs motionless, enabling him to behead them ere more reached him.

   Gaelin, who was slung behind him, caught sight of the Orcs (how was he to avoid the sight of them when they were all around him?) and his face scrunched up.

   "Merry, Pippin! Run!" Boromir ordered them.

   "No!" The Hobbits stabbed at a few before two Orcs caught them from behind and carried them up, disarming them. "Boromir!"

   The Man whirled around to defend the Hobbits, but was struck a stumbling blow from behind. He staggered forward, unaware of the Uruk-hai which had an arrow aimed at him.

   Ere the Uruk-hai could shoot, Gaelin let out with a cry that caused both Orcs and Man to wince and cover their ears.

   But the Orcs had been commanded to bring back all the Halflings, and surely this noisy little one counted as one as well?

   Boromir was struck again in the head, and as he fell forwards, Gaelin was torn from his sling. The Man tried to twist and grab for the babe, but he was too dazed.

   Gaelin's wails increased as one Orc passed him to another, and it to another, until, finally, the Uruk-hai found itself holding the babe.

   The child paused for a little to peer at the Uruk-hai, then, deciding that he didn't like what he saw, resumed his bawling.

   The Uruk-hai snarled at Gaelin in the hope that he would be intimidated into silence, but that proved to be a wrong tactic, for the babe only bawled his lungs out.

   It growled in defeat and started to walk away, but a body slammed into it from behind and it lurched forward, releasing its hold. Gaelin went sailing through the air.

   The child's cries halted for a brief moment as Gaelin enjoyed the sensation of flying, then he started up again as soon as he was caught by an Orc; their heads would roll if any of the Halflings were killed.

   "Gaelin!" Aragorn cried as the babe was carried away. "Boromir, get Gae—ugh!"

   The Uruk-hai recovered from its shock and backhanded Aragorn, as Boromir staggered to his feet, contending with the Orcs that surged all around them.

   Aragorn tasted blood on his lips, but ignored the pain. Andúril flashed, and hacked off the right arm of the Uruk-hai. But it could feel no pain, and the severed limb did not bother it.

   The Man thrust his blade deep into the chest of the Uruk-hai. It only snarled—its foul breath choking—and leaned into the sword. Aragorn hid a wince at the sound and notion of voluntary flesh sliding over sword, pulled it out, and sliced its head off cleanly.

   Boromir had killed many Orcs, yet more there were. Not skill but numbers defeated his struggle to reach the Hobbits and Gaelin, and the two Men could only watch as the three vanished from sight.

***

   They returned to their camp to find a boat gone, as well as the packs of Frodo and Sam's, and they realized what must have happened.

   "Hurry!" Legolas urged. "We must go after them!" He started to push a boat into the waters when he realized that Aragorn was not moving. "You mean not to follow them."

   "The Ring has gone beyond any of our reach nor aid now," Aragorn said in answer. "But while we still live, we will not abandon out friends to Saruman's torture."

   Boromir returned the cool gaze of his king-to-be, the temptation of taking the Ring gone and his guilt at its peak. He had lost his honor when he tried to take the Ring, but gained it back partially as he fought with his life to save his friends.

   "I will go as well," he spoke. "And I will not return to Gondor ere the young Hobbits and Gaelin are rescued."

   "Discard anything you can leave behind." Aragorn smiled faintly at Boromir. "We travel light."

   Boromir nodded back. He was forgiven.