A/N: Hello everyone! I am very sorry for having taken so long to update this- it has been way too long! Unfortunately, I had an extremely bad case of writer's block over the past month or so. I really went blank with where to go with this story. I am deeply sorry for the long delay :)

Wow- I am speechless with the amount of reviews I have received, despite the fact I left you poor people hanging like that for so long. Thank you all so much- all of your reviews are wonderful!

Here is your long awaited chapter.



*Note- This chapter is dedicated to NarsilC, Fool of a Took, and Eowyn who have relentlessly bugged me for this next chapter for the past month. Thanks for the encouragement, guys! _______________________________

Chapter 10





Frodo didn't have the strength to talk anymore. Not even enough to say goodbye. A terrible sadness had washed over him. He held onto Sam's hand, so warm and comforting, and concentrated on breathing. He closed his eyes, knowing he would not have the strength to open them again.

Slowly he felt as if he were drifting, and the pain that had already all but left him vanished completely. Except now he was numb to everything. At first he felt frightened, he didn't want to leave Sam. Not here, not in this dreadful tower.

Then a feeling of great tiredness washed over him and he relaxed into it. Oh, it was wonderful not to feel any pain. And the heaviness on his heart where the Ring lay suddenly lifted and he felt whole. Complete. As he had not felt since before this had all started. He felt his mouth twitch- was he really smiling?

Then a vision, a vision of his dear Sam swam in front of his mind's eye once more. Sam, smiling and happy, standing in the sunshine, looking as if he had just come from a good day's work in the garden. There was the Sam he knew so well.

And with that thought Frodo felt contented, happy and at peace at last. Then he knew no more.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The cry of anguish set forth from Samwise Gamgee in his final moment of despair echoed along all the passages of the tower from top to bottom, reverberating against the cold stones. Any who heard it would have felt his grief in their own hearts, so powerful was his cry-- all but orc-kind.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Two orc-guards entered the tower, just off duty. They ambled in, not bothering to be quiet and grumbled loudly at each other. For a time they were completely unaware that anything had gone wrong within the tower as they continued their loud discussion.

One was complaining loudly, "Can't believe this. Everyone's runnin' about. It's outta control out there! Did you ever hear what it was that's got everyone so riled up?"

"You didn't hear yet?" The larger of the two answered. "You ain't got a clue. A big group of lads ran by my post not too long after I was put on watch, seemed mighty frazzled about something or other. I asked what was going on and one called out somethin' about someone getting' past Her Majesty last night."

The first one looked astounded. "Ain't no one can get past Shelob!"

"Ah, or so we thought," the other one sneered. "Apparently it ain't so impossible, at least not for elf-kind."

"Elf? How could a ruddy elf get in here? The guards-"

"They made it past the guards, all right, and that ain't never been done. At least not by someone who ain't wanted in. It had to be an elf; they're the only ones who could magic their way past those guards and Shelob. I heard she's even been wounded. Saw the blood on the ground with me own eyes."

The other's already bulbous eyes widened, "Yeah," the second continued, "Dozens of troops been sent out searchin' for this elf-warrior. He can't be too far off. They also said they found a spy or somethin' lyin' near where there seemed to have been a battle between Shelob and her defeater. Some kind of rat, they said. It was taken to the tower o' course, but it had to have been traveling with that elf, and the elf will be bound to come back for it. Ain't like elves to abandon a companion."

At that time the large orc stopped talking when he noticed the look of surprise in the other's face. "Whatcha gogglin' at?" he questioned, then looked around the corridor they were standing in and gaped at it. There were orc-bodies strewn all about the length of the hall, dark blood everywhere. The place reeked of death.

"What happened here?" he bellowed, unsheathing his sword and looking around suspiciously as though he expected an unknown enemy to come jumping right out at them. "Don't tell me they gone and had a quarrel again- fine time to choose to wipe themselves out!"

The shorter one, also looking around carefully, said. "What if that ruddy elf is already here? I bet it's him who killed all these lads.only an elf could do that. He probably just came back to look for his friend. Don't you remember that sound we heard on the way here?"

"Yeah, like a scream or somethin'. But there's lotsa prisoners bein' tortured around in these towers. It was probably just that." But he sounded doubtful.

"Something right strange has been goin' on here and I bet it all has to do with that elf-warrior they're all blabbin' about."

The larger orc considered this for a moment- it looked like hard work. Finally he said, "You might actually be right for once. But he's gotten rid of everyone in the tower, it looks like. If any were still around they would have called out for reinforcements."

"Well, shouldn't we come back with a troop to investigate?"

"No, it wastes too much time. We need to find this filthy elf-warrior, wherever he is, and stop him in his tracks- before he make off with the prisoner. I heard this little rat is very important to the Master. Apparently he sent one of his Men over here for questioning. Man, he must be dead, too. Ain't no orc gonna take down a man, especially Drenymer, he's the one I heard they sent over."

They stood in silence for a time, looking at the bodies and listening for any sounds. There were none.

Finally the larger one broke the silence. "I heard they were keeping the prisoner at the very top. If the elf's still here, I bet that's where he'll be." And with that they both started down the corridor, swords held out in front of them, looking and listening intently for anything at all. But all was silent.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sam sat like that, clutching the small bundle of blood-soaked blankets. He was covered in blood, his and his master's. Though his own wounded arm was of no importance anymore. He was blind to any pain of his own. Nothing mattered now.

Sam's world had stopped when Frodo's breathing had stilled. There was no past or future for him anymore- only the agonizing present. Frodo had finally gone somewhere where Sam could not possibly follow. He was alone now. Utterly alone.

After his immediate reaction Sam found he was completely empty of any feelings at all. He sat motionless, gazing at the fair face of his master as it swam in and out of focus, distorted by his continual rush of tears. He made no attempt to stop them.

Slowly, as if his limbs had forgotten how to move, he reached up and stroked his master's brow. Cold.so cold. He hugged the small motionless body closer to him, burying his tear-streaked face into the dark curls, hoping beyond hope to hear shallow breaths or a slight 'thump' of a heartbeat. If only Frodo would look up at him with that playful smile Sam had known so well, but hadn't seen in so long. If only he would take Sam's hand and tell him everything would be all right. Sam shut his eyes tight and wished with all his might that this terrible nightmare would end.

Without realizing it, Sam dropped off to sleep from exhaustion and grief. He awoke a short time later, still huddled up close to Frodo. Out of habit he reached out to wake his master, whispering his name softly. Then he saw the blood. So much dark blood everywhere. And the bodies of Man and Orc lying around the small tower room. And everything flooded back to him. He had awoken back into the nightmare that was his reality.

He squeezed the hand he still clutched in his own. Cold as ice. He sat for a moment in despair once more. He felt completely empty of any feelings, good or bad. How could he have let this happen? The grief was so heavily laid upon him again that he closed his eyes, feeling only the terrible pain in his heart.

'I'm sorry, Gandalf,' he whispered, almost soundlessly to the darkness. 'I let you down. I lost him.'

Slowly Sam opened his eyes again, willing himself to take in his surroundings, to face reality. What was he to do now? He was alone, at the top of an orc-tower in Mordor.

Slowly Sam's gaze moved, without him even willing it to, toward his master lying in his arms and came to rest on the shiny glint of gold about his throat. The Ring. The cursed object that had brought about all this evil. It had hurt Frodo badly, scarred him forever.. and now, it had taken his master from him.

He glared down at the Ring that seemed to be looking innocently back up at him, reflecting the bit of dull light beginning to creep through the tiny high-set window. The dull glow of Mordor.

Then Sam's eyes moved upwards, to the face of his friend. And he stared on disbelief for a moment. Was that a smile he saw? A faint upturn of the lips? Yes, it was. Frodo's face, though pale and bruised, marked by lines of worry and pain and grief, in that moment looked peaceful and content.

He looked only to be asleep having peaceful dreams, safe and comforted. Sam's eyes glazed with tears as, despite himself, he smiled too. It felt odd, smiling at a time when there was almost nothing to be even remotely pleased about. But in that moment a sound had echoed through his mind. Frodo's laughter. Frodo laughing on the Stairs of Torech Ungol as they talked together. It had seemed strange then too, hearing his master laughing into the foul darkness. But the sound was wonderful. He could almost hear it now.

The unshed tears forming in his eyes slowly overflowed and cascaded down his face. But he was still smiling. Smiling down at his master. He brushed away a stray curl from Frodo's face. It was so- there was no other word for it- happy.

And then Sam understood. Frodo was free. Finally free of the Ring and all his worldly worries. Free of the responsibility he felt and the pressure of what he had to do. Free of the Quest. Forever. And now he was at peace. There was no shadow about his face anymore, darkening his features. He was only Frodo. The dear master he loved so much.his best friend. And Sam's smile grew even wider. Frodo was finally happy.

Gently Sam pulled the Ring on its chain from around his master's neck and laid his head back down. The Ring could not have a hold on him any longer.

Now Sam held it up to eye level, it was slowly spinning on its chain, still reflecting the dull light from the window. And he knew what he had to do. Just like before- he could not just lay aside the Quest, as much as he wanted to, and remain here with his master. He had to finish what Frodo started. He would destroy the Ring as it destroyed his friend. He would get rid of it forever. For Frodo.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The two orcs continued up the passageways and staircases, eyes and ears searching for any sight or sound. An elf would be quick and quiet. But they wouldn't let that deceive them. Despite the fact that the supposed elf- warrior had killed nearly an entire troop of orcs they continued on, determined to find him and catch him by surprise before he could make off with the valuable prisoner. They would be sure to be rewarded for this.

Some time later they were still wandering, moving toward the top of the tower, though slowly so their heavy boots did not make much noise.

"You seen anything?" one of them asked, holding up a torch and trying to pierce the blackness outside of their circle of light.

"Nothin'" growled the other. "But he's got to be around here somewhere."

Finally they made it to the top of the last flight of stairs. They were on the landing underneath the tower room. They glanced around quickly, throwing the beam of light from the torch into every corner.

Then the smaller orc jabbed the other in the side with his elbow and pointed to the far wall.

"Ow!" The larger one growled. "What the-?"

"Shut up!" The other whispered, still pointing to the far wall. Eventually the larger orc caught on and followed his partner's gaze. There was a ladder standing up against the wall- a ladder leading right up to the trap door in the ceiling that was closed at the moment.

"See that?" The smaller one whispered. "That's where he got up, all right. I just hope he's still up there."

Slowly and as quietly as orcs can go, the two of them moved forward across the landing and prepared to climb up. They had this elf now.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sam had put the Ring around his neck, once again surprised by the immense weight of something so small. He had resolved what it was he would do, but that did not mean he wished to rush on and do it. He did not want to leave his master. Not again- after what had happened last time. But what could he do?

Sam's head was pounding. He did not want to think anymore. Just to drift off to sleep again with Frodo beside him and forget everything. But he knew he mustn't. Every second he wasted here was precious time lost. They would not be alone in this tower forever. More orcs would come, of that he was sure. And then he would have no chance to escape.

He pulled Frodo close again. "What do I do now, Mr. Frodo?" He asked out loud.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Hey- did you hear somethin'?" The smaller of the two orcs had begun to ascend to ladder with the other waiting to follow, both with swords at the ready.

"Hear what?"

"Sounded like a voice. A small voice, though. It sounded frightened. Don't think no elf would sound like that."

"It's probably that little rat they put up there. But he's talkin' to someone, that elf's got to be up there with him. C'mon, move it!"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sam did not expect to hear any answer to his question, let alone a voice at all. But there was one. A sort of whispered growl coming from right below the trap door. Immediately his arms tightened protectively about his master and his eyes flew to Sting, lying halfway across the room near the body of the great Man. He thought also of his wounded arm, throbbing dully and still bleeding quite a bit. It had been a deep cut.

His heart thudding in his chest, Sam barely had time to act before the trap door was flung open and the great ugly head of an orc peered through at him.

~AC~