CHAPTER SEVEN - FINDING



Legolas sat still and numb. It had been weeks since they'd first found out that Frodo still lived, but it had dawned on them early on that there was the whole of Middle Earth to search. He could be anywhere. So much had happened since that day on the river bank, Gandalf had come back to them, Aragorn had been believed dead, they had won the battle at Helm's Deep. So many had already died, could Frodo have possibly survived.

He felt a nudge from Araogorn and sat up a little straighter; he'd been so lost in thought that he'd nearly dropped off to sleep. They'd been riding for several days now, Gandalf had insisted they make with all haste towards Isengard, but he would not tell them why. When they got there, his silence became apparent.

All of Isengard had been destroyed and still water ran through the grounds, all that remained was the single black tower in the centre, alone against the world. It remained unscathed, untouched. He looked around and saw many trees standing solemnly around the grounds and towers. But wait, these were no trees; these were Ents!

The small party moved towards the remains of the gates, but were halted by a familiar voice.

"Hey, Pippin! It's Aragorn."

Aragorn got down from his horse to see if he could find where this voice was coming from, when he was ambushed from behind.

"Aragorn we're so glad to see you again!" Shouted the hobbits as they embraced him. They soon moved on to Legolas, Gimli and Gandalf and in their frenzy they almost hugged King Theoden as well.

Legolas looked warily at Gandalf.

"Do you think Frodo could be here, Gandalf?" He said quietly, so that no other could hear.

"Perhaps, my friend, perhaps. Mayhap we shall find out."

***

Gandalf approached the tower, followed by Aragorn, King Theoden, Legolas and Gimli. Eomer strayed slightly behind with Merry and Pippin, having been told by Gandalf that he was to ensure that they did not enter the tower. The Riders that had accompanied them stayed near the gate, wary of this foreboding place and frightened of the walking trees.

Saruman came forth from the balcony and eyed the company. There were all there that he had expected. At first he spoke to Theoden, trying to persuade the King to his cause by using a light enchantment. Gandalf saw through it soon enough and cut it off. He had but one card left to play.

"No you not the fate of your cousin, Meriadoc and Peregrin?" He said, turning towards the hobbits. The half-ling he now knew as Frodo had finally broken and spilled everything he knew about the shire, the ring and the initial forming of the fellowship. From his descriptions, he could recognise Frodo's cousins.

Merry and Pippin stared open mouthed at Saruman. They shared only one cousin outside of the shire. Frodo.

"I spoke to him several hours ago and he told me of you. Merry; cold and calculating, Pippin; dumb and stupid, Gandalf the Grey; a conjuror of fireworks and smoke rings and Strider; a pathetic bodyguard turned king in love with an elf. What a pitiful sight you are!" Saruman laughed.

"What's he talking, Strider. Frodo's dead, isn't he Strider." Pippin said to Strider, tears in his eyes.

Strider did not have the heart to tell him what he suspected, but it seemed words confirmed it for Pippin.

"Would you like me to tell you where he is? Or perhaps you would rather hear of how I watched him scream when the orcs beat him, once, twice, thrice daily." If Saruman was going down, then he was going to as much damage as possible on his way out.

All of Isengard was silent.

Saruman disappeared back inside, and climbed the stairs to the chamber where he kept Frodo.

"Come, Frodo, it is time for you to leave."

Frodo no longer spoke words, but obediently followed Saruman back to the balcony like a dog.

Sure enough, when he looked out over Isengard once again, the company was still assembled.

"I have a proposition for you Gandalf Greyhame."

Gandalf looked up to Saruman. "We're listening."

"Give myself and Grima safe passage from Isengard in any direction I choose, and I will spare Frodo's life."

Gandalf exchanged glances with Aragorn. They had no choice.

"You must show us that he is still alive." Gandalf replied.

Saruman gestured to Frodo and he climbed clumsily on top of the balcony rail. It was but a few inches wide, and hundreds of feet to the ground, but if the master commanded it, then he must obey.

"You are convinced I take it."

Gandalf nodded. "It is done."

Using the distance between himself and the company to his advantage, Saruman tied a rope around Frodo's neck to prevent him from falling too soon.

"If master commands you, you will jump. Understand?"

Frodo nodded. Master must be obeyed.

*** Saruman took his time saddling his horse and rode out with Grima leisurely. The dwarf drew his axe as Saruman passed and he smiled.

"If anything happens to me before I pass the borders of Isengard, Frodo will jump from that ledge. He will obey anything that I command. Consider this again before you point your weapons at me, dwarf."

It was as if things went into slow motion for Aragorn as Saruman passed the gates of Isengard. He saw what was happening but could not hope to stop it.

"NO FRODO, DON'T DO IT!" He yelled, already running towards the entrance of Isengard in a hopeless attempt to save the hobbit.

Saruman stood from a safe distance, Grima metres behind him, ready to spur their horses.

"Jump Frodo." He said quietly and locked gaze with Frodo, who was still upon the balcony. He did not need to say it loudly, so under Saruman's spell was Frodo. He knew that Frodo would hear and understand his command. He spurred his horse on, and Grima followed in his footsteps. North- westwards towards the place known as the shire. He had work to do.

Frodo looked down. It was so far down. He heard his master's call, telling him to jump. The rope was tight and itchy around his already bruised neck and he felt strange, lighter even as his master rode away. Frodo stepped off the balcony and felt himself falling into the sunshine, before blackness consumed him when the rope went taut.

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*Cowers in corner trying to hide*

"You all wanted Frodo angst so here it is. Please don't hurt me!!!"

(Sorry if you think this chapter is too graphic)