A/N: I know I took a long time getting this part written, and I apologize. Here it is, though. I hope you enjoy it. :)
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Gondor's Bane
Part Four: Yrch!

"Aragorn," Gimli said quietly. "I need to speak with you."

Aragorn looked at the dwarf and saw uneasiness in his dark eyes. "What is it, Gimli son of Glóin? What troubles you?"

Gimli answered, "I have seen the Lady Galadriel."

"You have?"

"Yes. I have seen her in my sleep. She was standing in Lothlorien, fairer than I remembered her being," Gimli replied.

"Did she say anything to you?"

"She told me that she fears for the safety of Boromir. She said his heart was heavy and turning farther from where it used to be. Farther from where it should be... She told me that the Ring is too much for him. His will to resist its temptation is not strong enough."

Aragorn looked off into the distance. "I have seen her as well, friend. She told me these things in my sleep. She also said we should make great haste that we may hope to find him before someone else does."

Gimli nodded solemnly. "If the Lady says it, then so it should be."

"Tell everyone that we shall leave very soon," Aragorn said in response.

Gimli left the man where he stood and went back to their companions. "We leave shortly," he said and set about getting what he could ready for the next leg of their journey.

"What were you and Aragorn speaking of?" Pippin asked.

Gimli didn't answer immediately. He finally said, "Do not worry yourself with such things, young Mister Took."

Pippin furrowed his brow. "Here! I am tired of being left out of things because of my age! I am a part of this Fellowship as well. I deserve to know what is happening!"

"Calm yourself, Peregrin!" Aragorn spoke. He had come over as Pippin began his complaint. "We are very near to Mordor. There may be orcs nearby as we speak. You do not want to attract them with your raised voice. What is it that you wish to know?"

Pippin looked sheepish. He spoke softly: "I am sorry, Strider. I only wished to know what you and Gimli spoke of just now."

"Very well," Aragorn consented. He told the Fellowship of the dreams he and the dwarf had had.

"I had the same dream!" Pippin cried in astonishment.

"So did I," Merry nodded. Frodo, Sam and Legolas also said that they had seen Galadriel in their sleep. Everyone recounted their dreams and they were all almost identical.

They all agreed that it would be wise to begin their journey again immediately. Following a quick meal, the Fellowship set out once more in pursuit of their former companion.

Two hours into their march they were attacked by several very large orcs. The Company drew their weapons. All, including the hobbits, would have to fight.

The orcs attacked them fiercly. There were thirteen of them in all. They charged the Fellowship, crying out evil and vulgar things in the language of Mordor.

Legolas fired arrows at a few, killing them instantly. Gimli put his axe to good work, slaying more of them. Frodo and the other hobbits stood close together, their blades drawn. When an orc came close to them they attacked. Aragorn, meanwhile, was in a sword fight with an orc-chieftain.

The clash of swords could be heard a good distance away. Very soon more orcs were upon the Fellowship.

"How long can this go on?" Merry asked, exhausted from the battle.

"It will be full light soon," Frodo answered, clutching Sting. "They'll not fight so well then."

"What will we do until then?" Pippin questioned.

"We continue to fight. The others cannot face so many alone. We may not be great warriors as they are, but we will do all that we can," Frodo said.

The four hobbits let out a great cry and rushed the opposition, their blades flashing in the rising sun's light. They went in groups of two: Frodo and Sam were a pair, while Merry and Pippin stayed close to one another. They slid their small swords into their enemies quickly, attacking them from behind. One team of hobbits would get an orc or two's attention while the other two came up behind the creatures and stabbed them.

Soon the sun had risen all the way and morning had fully broken. The remaining orcs were easily slain. One attempted to run away, but fell as Legolas' arrow pierced his back.

"Well done, hobbits!" Gimli praised. "You are stouter warriors than you appear to be!"

"I am just glad it is over," Sam sighed. He wiped the orc blood from his sword onto the grass.

"You fought well. Let us not tarry here and speak of it, however. We have another duty to perform," Aragorn reminded them.

They all readied themselves to continue their march, walking in the same order as they had the entire time from the place where they had left their boats.

"That will teach them to mess with the Shire!" Pippin said quietly to Merry.

"Indeed, Pip," Merry returned. "Let us just hope the other orcs get the message."

Pippin nodded. He hoped so. He never wanted to see another orc again. "Merry?" he spoke.

"Yes, Pip?"

"I'm hungry."

Merry sighed. "Oh, Pippin..."