Chapter 23 Return of the King

Morning was capping the treetops in the forest when they heard it. There were hoof beats in the distance. Everyone looked up, and then to Gandalf.

"We must leave. Quickly."

"Gandalf it only sounds of one horse." As she spoke more became heard, "Never mind." And they set off for he river.

No one cared about the creature lurking in the water now. Everyone got in a boat and paddled. To get away from the riders, who ever they were. Legolas got in a boat with Gimli and Sari, and then there was Aragon and Sam and Frodo in the next boat. The last boat to leave the shore was Ednocon and Gandalf. They turned to the shore to see what pursued them, only when they reached about half way out. They turned and saw them it was barely distinguishable in the dark but seeing the nine struck fear into every one. (Save Gandalf) Sari whispered,

"Nazgul"

They paddled till they were sore. All everyone wanted to do was get away from the riders. After about three quarters of the way through the day Gandalf announced that they must go to shore and make for Rivendell, to alert Elrond of the downfall of Nublar. No one was thrilled to go back to shore, despite what had happened last time they were in the water. They rode to shore to find in that spot the same horses and ponies that had been left in Nublar. Also to Sari's great pleasure Kingsfoil. Once she set her foot on the sand he ran strait into her arms and began to lick her face uncontrollably.

They set off again for Rivendell. Gandalf told them it was not terribly far they were a little heartened. Half way through the journey though they heard hoof beats against the forest floor.

"Do not scatter we stand better chance if we are together." Gandalf said looking around. "We cannot escape for we know not the direction they come in."

As the words came from his mouth they wee surrounded by the nine Nazgul. The tallest was in the front. All at once the Black Riders drew their swords and held them in positions to fight. The company followed in the same suit. Suddenly, Sari rode forward and confronted the tallest Rider in the front.

" Remove your self from our path!" she commanded him.

The rider faced its hood in her direction, "No" the leader whispered if you could call it whispering.

" I alone have the power to slay you if you do not move I will!"

"While my other riders slay what is dear to you, Princess Ephredil?"

Sari stood transfixed on the rider. She looked as if she was going to give up when an arrow, engulfed in flame shot through the Riders hood. A man on a white stallion, with a hood over his face, rode forward and lit fire to all the Nazgul.

"Follow me!" he commanded to the company.

The company followed him though they were galloping the entire way they didn't get tired for they wanted to get as far away from the black riders as possible.

"Stop!" Sari commanded the man of the horse.

He turned and looked at her, she returned the stare and whispered,

All that is gold does not glitter All who wander are not lost The old that is strong does not whither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost; From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring;

"King of old you have returned to us." She whispered softly.

The man removed his hood and they all stood in wonder of the man that was there.

"Father," Aragon said

"I have indeed returned," Said the tall, proud face of Aragorn.

"Strider!" Frodo cried

"Yes, yes I am here. My son has awakened me from across the sea."

Aragorn walked over and embraced his son. Then he went to Gandalf and greeted him pleasantly.

"How are all of you old friends?"

" Truly we are most pleased to see you Elessar, but there is still evil behind us. I think it best for us to reach Rivendell then speak of happier times."