Frodo hardly slept the rest of the night. His thoughts all lead back to Shrell. What would happen to her? Frodo hardly noticed when the sun rose.

"We best depart soon" Sam said, wearily.

"What about Shrell?" Frodo looked sternly at Sam.

"What do you mean...."

"Well, We can't leave her behind-" Frodo started but Sam cut him off.

"She wouldn't have wanted us to stop." Sam said looking down, sadly.

"You speak as though she's already dead!" Frodo gasped, a look of horror in his eyes.

"I don't want to gave any false hope" Sam answered.

"You have! You said she had something to fight for and all along you were thinking that she was dead!" Frodo spat.

"It's an army of Orcs, Frodo...." Sam stuttered, keeping his voice low but filled with sadness.

"Stop it!" Frodo shrieked. He fell to is knees, sobbing softly. Sam slowly walked over to him.

"I'm sorry, Frodo" he said, shakily. "I..."

"No, I'm sorry, Sam. You have done nothing. It is time I face the truth" replied Frodo. He wiped the tears from his cheeks and stood. "Let us continue" he said, trying to keep his head high and look untouched.

"Lead on then, Frodo" Sam said with a sad nod. Frodo slowly started down the path, not daring to look back.

'Good bye, Shrell, ghost of the past, lost shadow, vanquished spirit. You are but an illusion to me now and will remain but an illusion. May your soul rest in peace.'

Sam and Frodo traveled long past nightfall but when the glow of pink eyes appeared through the darkness they stopped and tried to find a place to rest. Frodo fell into sleep at once but not a peaceful sleep. His mind was filled with dreams.

~Have you lost faith in me?

Must I seek you in dreams?

Life is an illusion, and death to break free.

I am one to know well, things are not what they seem.

Though you've said your good-byes, and said you don't care,

If you looked back, would I have been there?~

Frodo awoke in a panic, cold sweat collecting on his brow. His eyes were blurred with tears.

"Leave me be! You are gone! Dead! Do not make me suffer more than I can bear! You have caused me enough pain!" Frodo screamed up at the heavens, rain soaking him through. His head slowly fell into his hands. "You were wrong!" he sobbed, "I am nothing more than a weak fool! I needed you........" Frodo fell into uncontrollable sobs. A picture of Shrell stayed so clear in his mind. She was almost in front of him.

~I will return to you, even in death. Do not lose hope~

Frodo tried to blocked the thoughts out of his mind but could not find a peaceful sleep, only dreams and memories.

~~

"Frodo? Mr. Frodo, wake up."

Sam shook Frodo, lightly. Frodo opened one tired eye. It was rather dim. The sun was just peeking over the tops of mountains.

"Shall we get an early start?" Sam said, trying to be cheerful but all Frodo could see was sorrow and pity.

"Yes, thank you, Sam" Frodo answered, getting to his feet.

They trudged along, thinking of the times ahead, trying to forget the past. Sam suddenly stopped, his eyes turned downward.

"I am too far from home. This journey has caused nothing but misery. I would give my life to be back with Rosie and Eleanor, just for one day" he whispered, tears rolling down his cheeks.

"We must remain strong, Sam, for those we have lost"

Frodo found the words strangely familiar. He stared at the ground.

'To shed a tear is not to be weak, Shrell'

Frodo shook his head.

"What do you mean, Frodo?" Sam asked, looking up at him.

"I...I don't know....."

To be continued...........

A/N: Ok, I would REALLY like reviews. please please review! Oh yes, very sorry for being so mean to Frodo. I know he doesn't deserve it.