Disclaimer; Everything to do with Lord of the Rings belongs to J.R.R Tolkien.
A/N; Two questions; Will Saz survive? Will Strider live up to his promise and protect them all? Find out now....
CHAPTER SIX
Frail Frodo
"Alright then!" said Strider, as the Company looked at him. They had all been summoned by Frodo into the Common Room, and had listened to his tale. They told him about Saz and their adventure so far, but he seemed to know it already and offered his guidance. Without a doubt, Strider was now a member of the team, but Sam was very reluctant for him to be so. "We will leave as soon as we can. But for now, rest here for a while. Do not go in the room you were given, as danger may come here tonight."
Rochelle gave a shiver and held her cloak tighter round her. If danger was a possibility, surely the evil would search every house for them? If that was so, even the Doctor's wouldn't be safe.
The Company got in the beds. Rochelle and Kooky in the big bed, and the Hobbits in four singles against the other side of the wall. Strider sat by the window, smoking his pipe as if waiting for trouble all along. It was a few moments after snuggling down comfortably, head on her pillow, that Rochelle fell asleep. She was very weary over travelling and worrying over Saz and it finally took its toll. Sam, Merry and Pippin also fell asleep not long after they said goodnight, but it was a fair while before Kooky and Frodo felt drowsy. The fire was nearly at an end, and it was spitting a little. Kooky sat up, not ready to close her eyes, but it was difficult. Her head felt heavy. As she peered over to Frodo and his friends, she noticed he too was sat up and watching Strider. Strider didn't notice. His eyes were fixed on the part of the Inn opposite where they would have been sleeping.
Frodo moved his eyes away from Strider and looked surprised at Kooky. He didn't expect her to be up.
She smiled wearily, and he returned it. They didn't feel like talking at the moment, and they didn't want to wake the others anyway, but it would have been nice; they hadn't really got to know one another, and there they were on a perilous journey that would take Lord knows how many days.
Strider suddenly leant forward in his seat and glared out of the window. He had spotted movement, and didn't like it one bit.
One moment later, loud, shrill cries were heard, and seconds after that, the sound of hooves galloping away along with the cries. It woke the rest with a start.
"W... what was that?" said Sam in a shaky voice.
"They are the Nazgul. Or Ringwraiths, as they are also known. They were once men, but Sauron turned their minds to his evil, and now they serve him forever. They sense the power of the ring at all times, they live on it... yearn for it... the minute you put it on your finger, they know, for it draws them. Yet... they are neither living, nor dead. They are just... just..."
"There," finished Frodo, and Strider nodded.
"You are wise young Baggins," he complimented, and stood up. "We must get supplies, get Sarah and go immediately, or all hope will be lost of leaving here alive. At the moment, the Riders think we have left Bree, but they will soon know otherwise and some back for us here where we still dwell; that is unless we move right away."
Frodo sprang up and started to pack things away, Rochelle tested her wand just in case, and they were all ready to go in less than three minutes. They left the Prancing Pony and walked along the streets.
"Let Pippin and I go to the Nurse while you get supplies, Strider," begged Merry. "We might not have time if we don't!"
Strider nodded. "Agreed. Rochelle, you go with them."
Rochelle nodded and walked along the muddy path to the Doctor's place. Kooky looked up at Strider, who was deep in thought.
"What are you thinking," she asked.
"I am thinking... I am thinking of what lies ahead and how to approach it. We must always prepare, you know."
Kooky nodded and looked around her as they entered a shop for food and supplies. Strider got a lot of things, and divided it up between them all, not forgetting to divide some food for Ro, Pippin and Merry to carry.
"He's getting a bit carried away don't you think, Master Frodo?" Sam whispered while Strider paid. "How does he even have the money for it all?"
"I don't know, and do not wish to question him," Frodo replied sternly. "He is willing to help us and that is very noble. He is risking his life here, Sam!"
Sam secretly agreed with his Master, but said nothing and turned away, wrinkling his nose. He wasn't totally sure about this... Ranger.
"Right!" Strider said, handing Kooky, Frodo and Sam the packs they were to hold. "Let's go and see how Pippin and the others are doing."
They went out of the shop and back up to the Surgery. The lights were all on, but the door was not open. Strider knocked, and the Nurse opened the door, letting them inside.
"She is bright and dandy, Mr Strider sir!" said the Nurse cheerily with a bounce in her step. "Mister Took and Brandybuck explained about your appearance," she added in a murmur. "SO! Here she is! Looking very lovely if I do say so myself!"
Saz appeared out of the cubicle, holding her left side where the sword had struck. A tight bandage was wrapped all around her side, and she walked slowly but steadily towards them, Rochelle and Pippin helping her along inch by inch. Saz's cheeks looked more rosy than the pale white they had been before, and her eyes had the same sparkle as before. Kooky ran up to her and hugged her lightly.
"YOU'RE ALRIGHT!" she wept.
"Yes, I'm fine..." Saz laughed, but then winced in pain as her side gave a jolt.
"I understand your urgency for leaving, Mr Strider sir, but please take it easy with this one..." pleaded the Nurse. "She is not yet back to bubbly and bouncy leaps and jumps, so be cautious and take care..."
Strider kissed the Nurse's hand, and smiled gratefully. "I will, Miss. Thank you so much..."
Kooky took over from Pippin and helped Saz along. She was dressed in very warm clothes, as the night was more chilly than expected. All the Company's breath could be seen infront of them as they made their way out of the Surgery.
The Nurse waved a teary goodbye, and it seemed to Frodo that she was very sensitive and got attached quickly to her patients...the evidence was there, and he smiled and waved back. She had helped them very much. As he went on with his friends though, the mud seemed to become harsh and it stung his feet a little. He did not know why, but the wetness made him feel uneasy and sick. He didn't have time to dwell on it. Strider had decided, in Saz's poorer state than expected, to buy a pony she could sit on as they made their way through the woods near Bree and further, until she got her strength back and was healed fully. He visited the man near the gate and got the shabbiest one of all; it was all he was allowed by the man for the few coins he had. Sam instantly took to the Pony and named him Bill. From then on, Sam never left his side and was named Bill's carer. Saz hoisted herself up with difficulty onto the saddle and their journey began once more.
"We'll move swift through the woods and then it is on to Rivendell!" Strider announced and Sam's eyes lit up. They were going to see the Elves! He still did not like Strider altogether, however, and hung back with Bill and Saz rather than up front with Frodo and the Ranger.
Rochelle was not ruffled by Sam's lack of trust in Strider, as she looked on the Ranger as their hero. She hadn't told anybody this, but stood up for him as Sam started to moan about how much time Strider was wasting.
"He's doing this freely, you know. He's risking everything, the last thing he needs is a grouchy Hobbit on his back."
"I expect you trust this Strider too, then!" said Sam to Rochelle, as they followed Strider with the others over hills and fields, leaving Bree behind.
"Yes. Yes I do!" Rochelle said smiling, and Sam gave in. He knew everyone I his company was right, and had no choice but to back Strider up.
Rain began to fall heavily in cold turrents as morning passed, and it slowed them down a little. Saz was covered up in blankets and coats with many hoods, and Strider went up ahead quickly to survey the area without anything on his head. He said he was alright with his hair being wet, as he had wandered many times in weather like it before, but Kooky wasn't sure he was being entirely truthful. As they trudged up a hill, Strider called that Rivendell wasn't far, but it did not help the Company with their cold bones and wet state.
"How about a song to lift our weary spirits?" asked Merry, but they all groaned in response. "It was only a suggestion..." he mumbled, and went on a little quieter and grumpier than usual.
As they went up a hill after Strider, the journey in the rain and cold was getting to be too much for Frodo. The ring was heavy on his neck as he had put it on a chain the day before, and the weather was making him shiver a lot. His head was swimming and he was getting to be dizzy. His feet started to become numb with stings as he climbed up the wet hill, his legs buckled underneath him and he fell down exhausted.
"Frodo!" Sam cried from the foot of the hill, but Strider was already at Frodo's side.
Frodo was shivering uncontrollably and he was sweating. His eyes were closing, then opening as if he was delirious...
"How I wish that nurse was here now," muttered Sam as he saw the state was Frodo was in.
"So do I..." said Strider solemnly. "He has been poisoned by a blue smoked pipe... I expect it was yesterday night at least. We have to reach shelter immediately and warm him, or else he will not survive much longer."
Merry, Pippin and Sam gasped. Kooky was called to Strider's side and was given instructions on what to find for Frodo's aid. She set off into the trees on the hill, and scrounged round for plants and mushrooms.
"What's a blue smoked pipe, Strider?" asked Sam nervously, as he looked upon Frodo in Strider's arms.
"It gives off a deadly poison and whoever sees the smoke as well as breathes it is contaminated. Water becomes deadly to the victim for around three days without them knowing it, and in weather like this it is worse and it's only a matter of days before they die..."
Sam looked at Frodo who was moaning in agony. Kooky reappeared with a bag full of ingredients and they set off once more. Saz was very distressed at Frodo's sudden illness, but no-one noticed as she was covered up and stayed silent as the events happened. Rochelle was left to tend to Bill and Saz at the back of the line while Sam never left Strider's side for once. They went over to the other side of the hill and saw it... shelter. It was perched high up on a mini mountain in the middle of a plain field, with stone formations round the top and caves in the sides.
"That is Weathertop," announced Strider, "the look out point for all guards and soldiers. As well as normal folk like us, mind. We will take Frodo there and then we can only hope he pulls through..."
The Company went silently after Strider and Frodo in a line to Weathertop. If it wasn't one thing to disrupt them, it was surely another.
A/N; What will happen to Frodo? Why is Saz more upset than the others (if possible.). And will the Company get to Rivendell? Find out next time in, CHAPTER SEVEN!!!!!
A/N; Two questions; Will Saz survive? Will Strider live up to his promise and protect them all? Find out now....
CHAPTER SIX
Frail Frodo
"Alright then!" said Strider, as the Company looked at him. They had all been summoned by Frodo into the Common Room, and had listened to his tale. They told him about Saz and their adventure so far, but he seemed to know it already and offered his guidance. Without a doubt, Strider was now a member of the team, but Sam was very reluctant for him to be so. "We will leave as soon as we can. But for now, rest here for a while. Do not go in the room you were given, as danger may come here tonight."
Rochelle gave a shiver and held her cloak tighter round her. If danger was a possibility, surely the evil would search every house for them? If that was so, even the Doctor's wouldn't be safe.
The Company got in the beds. Rochelle and Kooky in the big bed, and the Hobbits in four singles against the other side of the wall. Strider sat by the window, smoking his pipe as if waiting for trouble all along. It was a few moments after snuggling down comfortably, head on her pillow, that Rochelle fell asleep. She was very weary over travelling and worrying over Saz and it finally took its toll. Sam, Merry and Pippin also fell asleep not long after they said goodnight, but it was a fair while before Kooky and Frodo felt drowsy. The fire was nearly at an end, and it was spitting a little. Kooky sat up, not ready to close her eyes, but it was difficult. Her head felt heavy. As she peered over to Frodo and his friends, she noticed he too was sat up and watching Strider. Strider didn't notice. His eyes were fixed on the part of the Inn opposite where they would have been sleeping.
Frodo moved his eyes away from Strider and looked surprised at Kooky. He didn't expect her to be up.
She smiled wearily, and he returned it. They didn't feel like talking at the moment, and they didn't want to wake the others anyway, but it would have been nice; they hadn't really got to know one another, and there they were on a perilous journey that would take Lord knows how many days.
Strider suddenly leant forward in his seat and glared out of the window. He had spotted movement, and didn't like it one bit.
One moment later, loud, shrill cries were heard, and seconds after that, the sound of hooves galloping away along with the cries. It woke the rest with a start.
"W... what was that?" said Sam in a shaky voice.
"They are the Nazgul. Or Ringwraiths, as they are also known. They were once men, but Sauron turned their minds to his evil, and now they serve him forever. They sense the power of the ring at all times, they live on it... yearn for it... the minute you put it on your finger, they know, for it draws them. Yet... they are neither living, nor dead. They are just... just..."
"There," finished Frodo, and Strider nodded.
"You are wise young Baggins," he complimented, and stood up. "We must get supplies, get Sarah and go immediately, or all hope will be lost of leaving here alive. At the moment, the Riders think we have left Bree, but they will soon know otherwise and some back for us here where we still dwell; that is unless we move right away."
Frodo sprang up and started to pack things away, Rochelle tested her wand just in case, and they were all ready to go in less than three minutes. They left the Prancing Pony and walked along the streets.
"Let Pippin and I go to the Nurse while you get supplies, Strider," begged Merry. "We might not have time if we don't!"
Strider nodded. "Agreed. Rochelle, you go with them."
Rochelle nodded and walked along the muddy path to the Doctor's place. Kooky looked up at Strider, who was deep in thought.
"What are you thinking," she asked.
"I am thinking... I am thinking of what lies ahead and how to approach it. We must always prepare, you know."
Kooky nodded and looked around her as they entered a shop for food and supplies. Strider got a lot of things, and divided it up between them all, not forgetting to divide some food for Ro, Pippin and Merry to carry.
"He's getting a bit carried away don't you think, Master Frodo?" Sam whispered while Strider paid. "How does he even have the money for it all?"
"I don't know, and do not wish to question him," Frodo replied sternly. "He is willing to help us and that is very noble. He is risking his life here, Sam!"
Sam secretly agreed with his Master, but said nothing and turned away, wrinkling his nose. He wasn't totally sure about this... Ranger.
"Right!" Strider said, handing Kooky, Frodo and Sam the packs they were to hold. "Let's go and see how Pippin and the others are doing."
They went out of the shop and back up to the Surgery. The lights were all on, but the door was not open. Strider knocked, and the Nurse opened the door, letting them inside.
"She is bright and dandy, Mr Strider sir!" said the Nurse cheerily with a bounce in her step. "Mister Took and Brandybuck explained about your appearance," she added in a murmur. "SO! Here she is! Looking very lovely if I do say so myself!"
Saz appeared out of the cubicle, holding her left side where the sword had struck. A tight bandage was wrapped all around her side, and she walked slowly but steadily towards them, Rochelle and Pippin helping her along inch by inch. Saz's cheeks looked more rosy than the pale white they had been before, and her eyes had the same sparkle as before. Kooky ran up to her and hugged her lightly.
"YOU'RE ALRIGHT!" she wept.
"Yes, I'm fine..." Saz laughed, but then winced in pain as her side gave a jolt.
"I understand your urgency for leaving, Mr Strider sir, but please take it easy with this one..." pleaded the Nurse. "She is not yet back to bubbly and bouncy leaps and jumps, so be cautious and take care..."
Strider kissed the Nurse's hand, and smiled gratefully. "I will, Miss. Thank you so much..."
Kooky took over from Pippin and helped Saz along. She was dressed in very warm clothes, as the night was more chilly than expected. All the Company's breath could be seen infront of them as they made their way out of the Surgery.
The Nurse waved a teary goodbye, and it seemed to Frodo that she was very sensitive and got attached quickly to her patients...the evidence was there, and he smiled and waved back. She had helped them very much. As he went on with his friends though, the mud seemed to become harsh and it stung his feet a little. He did not know why, but the wetness made him feel uneasy and sick. He didn't have time to dwell on it. Strider had decided, in Saz's poorer state than expected, to buy a pony she could sit on as they made their way through the woods near Bree and further, until she got her strength back and was healed fully. He visited the man near the gate and got the shabbiest one of all; it was all he was allowed by the man for the few coins he had. Sam instantly took to the Pony and named him Bill. From then on, Sam never left his side and was named Bill's carer. Saz hoisted herself up with difficulty onto the saddle and their journey began once more.
"We'll move swift through the woods and then it is on to Rivendell!" Strider announced and Sam's eyes lit up. They were going to see the Elves! He still did not like Strider altogether, however, and hung back with Bill and Saz rather than up front with Frodo and the Ranger.
Rochelle was not ruffled by Sam's lack of trust in Strider, as she looked on the Ranger as their hero. She hadn't told anybody this, but stood up for him as Sam started to moan about how much time Strider was wasting.
"He's doing this freely, you know. He's risking everything, the last thing he needs is a grouchy Hobbit on his back."
"I expect you trust this Strider too, then!" said Sam to Rochelle, as they followed Strider with the others over hills and fields, leaving Bree behind.
"Yes. Yes I do!" Rochelle said smiling, and Sam gave in. He knew everyone I his company was right, and had no choice but to back Strider up.
Rain began to fall heavily in cold turrents as morning passed, and it slowed them down a little. Saz was covered up in blankets and coats with many hoods, and Strider went up ahead quickly to survey the area without anything on his head. He said he was alright with his hair being wet, as he had wandered many times in weather like it before, but Kooky wasn't sure he was being entirely truthful. As they trudged up a hill, Strider called that Rivendell wasn't far, but it did not help the Company with their cold bones and wet state.
"How about a song to lift our weary spirits?" asked Merry, but they all groaned in response. "It was only a suggestion..." he mumbled, and went on a little quieter and grumpier than usual.
As they went up a hill after Strider, the journey in the rain and cold was getting to be too much for Frodo. The ring was heavy on his neck as he had put it on a chain the day before, and the weather was making him shiver a lot. His head was swimming and he was getting to be dizzy. His feet started to become numb with stings as he climbed up the wet hill, his legs buckled underneath him and he fell down exhausted.
"Frodo!" Sam cried from the foot of the hill, but Strider was already at Frodo's side.
Frodo was shivering uncontrollably and he was sweating. His eyes were closing, then opening as if he was delirious...
"How I wish that nurse was here now," muttered Sam as he saw the state was Frodo was in.
"So do I..." said Strider solemnly. "He has been poisoned by a blue smoked pipe... I expect it was yesterday night at least. We have to reach shelter immediately and warm him, or else he will not survive much longer."
Merry, Pippin and Sam gasped. Kooky was called to Strider's side and was given instructions on what to find for Frodo's aid. She set off into the trees on the hill, and scrounged round for plants and mushrooms.
"What's a blue smoked pipe, Strider?" asked Sam nervously, as he looked upon Frodo in Strider's arms.
"It gives off a deadly poison and whoever sees the smoke as well as breathes it is contaminated. Water becomes deadly to the victim for around three days without them knowing it, and in weather like this it is worse and it's only a matter of days before they die..."
Sam looked at Frodo who was moaning in agony. Kooky reappeared with a bag full of ingredients and they set off once more. Saz was very distressed at Frodo's sudden illness, but no-one noticed as she was covered up and stayed silent as the events happened. Rochelle was left to tend to Bill and Saz at the back of the line while Sam never left Strider's side for once. They went over to the other side of the hill and saw it... shelter. It was perched high up on a mini mountain in the middle of a plain field, with stone formations round the top and caves in the sides.
"That is Weathertop," announced Strider, "the look out point for all guards and soldiers. As well as normal folk like us, mind. We will take Frodo there and then we can only hope he pulls through..."
The Company went silently after Strider and Frodo in a line to Weathertop. If it wasn't one thing to disrupt them, it was surely another.
A/N; What will happen to Frodo? Why is Saz more upset than the others (if possible.). And will the Company get to Rivendell? Find out next time in, CHAPTER SEVEN!!!!!
