The night slipped away with the passing dawn but the sky didn't remain vivid for long. Dark clouds were forming over the horizon, slowly drowning out the sun until the clouds were illuminated red and orange from the cracks between. Merry was the first up in the camp and he gazed at the fading morning with unease. For another hour he stayed in place under the tree, barely moving, as if entranced by the billowing clouds overhead. Cramps were spreading through his back and his hand clasped at the wounds in attempt to massage the spasm. No relief came from his efforts and he slumped against the tree trunk in defeat. He was drowsy again but he wouldn't allow his eyes to shut being so late in the sunup. All ready the men of the camp were stirring from slumber and the king was the first to rise over them. The hobbit glanced down at his companion and stretched out his hand to gently nudge him awake. As his hand touched Sam's soft locks he suddenly had a chance of heart and drew his hand away. He would allow the other hobbit a few more moments of rest, however short it may be.

When all had woken breakfast was cooked and served. Although the men openly chatted with one another Elessar, Merry, and Sam were silent. Occasionally the three would look at each other but neither could speak what was on their mind for the time being. With the meals finished Elessar addressed the two hobbits.

"I hope you forgive me my friends but as I stated earlier I must return to my kingdom," Elessar said. "How I wish I could journey further with you for the idea of leaving you two alone does not appeal to me but my realm calls me and I must heed it." His hand griped Merry's shoulder. "Sam is with you now and I know he will watch over you with a careful eye."

"Two eyes," Sam smirked.

Merry looped his hand around the larger one of the king's. "Are you certain you must return so soon?"

"I'm afraid so little one," Elessar sighed. "Know that if I could travel further with you I would do so without hesitation but I am needed in Gondor and I cannot ignore my duty as its king."

Merry nodded, tears welling in his eyes. "I understand."

At that moment Elessar and Merry locked in a tight embrace, both leery of letting go, for they knew in their hearts that this would be their last encounter. The king lowered his head lowered his head to the hobbit's ear and whispered. No knew of what they spoke but it seemed to make Merry's face brighten with sheer joy. Finally, the king and hobbit released their hold. Markus was the next to wrap his arms around Merry and the hobbit returned the hug with equal ferocity.

"You were a dear friend to me Merry in those long twenty years," Markus said. "I will remember you always, little one."

A smile formed over Merry's face as he glanced from the king to the guard. "Your words give me comfort and for a short while the darkness over my heart will be lifted."

The king took Sam aside while Merry and Markus were still locked together. Once near the edge of camp Elessar embraced Sam. "Watch over him well Sam because you are all he has left for now. I will give you a bag of athelas even though I doubt it will do much good for him. His wounds are far beyond my expertise. Only the Elves could have possibly saved him, though this extent of damage may have been out of their hands too, but alas we will never know for all have sailed beyond the sea. I can also sense despair and weariness rising in his heart. Be cautious. He's a hobbit with a strong will no doubt but you, most of all, know that even he can snap when emotions overwhelm him."

Sam shuddered at the thought. The memory of the incident in Bree was still fresh in his mind. "I promise to look after him with extra care. How could I not? We have been chums as far back as I can remember; though at times he's more like a brother to me. The poor hobbit has been through enough at the hands of evil and I will not allow anything else to happen to him, even if it means the end of my life just to protect him."

Elessar grimaced. "I sincerely hope it will not come to that. No, I doubt it will. You are near the Shire now and should return to Crickhollow safely without anyone hassling you."

Sam shrugged. "Yes, I suppose. The only thing we'll have to watch out for is the land and weather. It's the rainy season and several of the rivers have been flooding nearby."

The king and hobbit returned to the center of the camp where Merry was waiting. Elessar mounted his horse and the other men did the same. He turned back to the hobbits.

"Farewell my dear friends!" he cried. "May the rest of your trip home be a safe one and may you find what you are searching for. I will forget you not, Merry and Sam, nor your family. Farewell!"

With that the king turned, spurred his horse, and took off down the trail.

Merry fought the urge to run after him and instead waved to him. "Farwell my king! Thank you for all you have done for me! I am eternally grateful for your kindness! Good-bye!"

The entire camp followed behind their king leaving the two hobbits to stare in awe as the group slowly vanished in the woods. Elessar was the first to disappear but before he did the man raised his hand into the air and gave one last wave. With the men out of sight Sam placed his hand over Merry's arm.

"I suppose it's time for us to be moving on," Sam sighed. He led two ponies by the reins. "We still have a long trek ahead of us to Crickhollow. It's at least a two to three day travel to the Brandywine River."

Merry wiped at the tears seeping down his chin. "Of course Sam, just give me a minute to gather my wits."

"Certainly, Merry, take all the time you need," Sam said.

When calmed Merry mounted one of the steeds and when Sam had done the same the two descended upon the hill. The hobbits gave one final glance to the wood behind them, the spot where they had last seen King Elessar. Both heart and mind were filled with grief.

The day had worn on and the sky had begun to darken. Clouds were still moving in the black sky and it appeared as if more were forming, threatening to bring rain along with it. Camp was set up in a small clearing. Sam created a small fire and rummaged through his pack to pull out tiny cookware. Supper consisted of a small stew with a fragment of bread, neither of which Merry ate. He allowed it sit on his plate while he poked at it with the fork. Appetite was another thing that fading in his body.

"Eat," Sam sternly said. "You're becoming thin and I'll have none of it. If you wish to keep your strength you must eat. I realize I may not be the greatest cook but..."

"No, it's not that," Merry interrupted. "It just, well, I have a lot on my mind right now."

"What sort of thing, if you don't mind me asking?" Sam asked.

"Everything Sam," Merry said. "Everything." The hobbit poked a little more at his food before taking a bite. Merry choked as he attempted to gulp it down. For some reason he was having problems swallowing and a wave of nausea was forming in his gut. "If you don't mind Sam I think I'll turn in a bit early tonight."

"But you've barely touched your supper," Sam said.

"I don't feel well Sam," Merry replied. "I fear if I was to eat any more that I would be retching in the grass."

"Very well," Sam muttered, "but in the morning you will have breakfast."

Merry sighed and turned toward his bedroll. He positioned himself as comfortably as he could and closed his eyes, hoping that sleep would follow.

In the morning Merry could smell the smoke from a fire grazing across his nostrils along with the scent of crackling meat. He threw the covers off and rose from the bed, stretching. Sam smiled at him and motioned for him to sit near the flames. Merry suddenly winced at the stabbing pain in his gut and fell back to the ground. In an instant Sam was at his side.

"Whatever is the matter?" Sam yelled.

"My abdomen, it burns," Merry squeaked. "I feel....I feel...."

His hand clasped over his mouth and he crawled a few feet from Sam before vomiting onto the ground. When he reopened his eyes the sight horrified him. He had expected to find remnants of supper from the previous night but instead all he found was liquid, red, staining the grass beneath him. The tips of his fingers drew to his lips and he wiped at some of the residue still remaining. Gazing at his fingertips he saw that they too were covered with blood. He glanced back at Sam who was staring wide eyed at him.

"Oh Sam," Merry whimpered. "What is happening to me?"

"It must be your wounds," Sam stuttered. "You must have internal bleeding; there's no doubt about it."

The hobbit ran to the pony and packed a few items, leaving most of the heavy ones behind. Sam hauled Merry into his arms as best he could and mounted the pony. When Merry was secure in his arms Sam spurred the steed until it took off at top speed into the vast meadow.

"What are you doing Sam?" Merry asked

"We have to make haste," Sam answered. "Your injuries are far greater then I anticipated. We ride nonstop if we can manage. I know of an inn near the outskirts of The Shire called Willowcreek. There, we can rest for a little bit and obtain a new pony for the rest of the way home." He gazed at Merry's uncertain face. "Do not worry Merry. I promised to watch out for you and return you home safely and I have yet to break a promise."

Merry groaned while looking at the landscape in the distance. Home seemed so far away and he had so little time.

More to follow.