Disclaimer: See Chapter One, as usual.
A/N: Thanks to all who have reviewed. It is nice to receive such wonderful feedback about this story. I had hoped that it would be read a little more, but I am thrilled none-the-less.
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Chapter Five
Light was the first thing that Legolas became aware of, an intense brightness that assaulted his eyelids, trying desperately to get in. He shut his eyes even tighter against the invading enemy as he became aware of a second thing~a horrific pounding in his head that ironically seemed to throb in synch with the harsh, humorless laughter that assaulted his ears.
"Did someone catch that mountain troll that ran me over?" he groaned and he was shocked when a hand clamped itself tightly over his mouth. His eyes shot open, then squinted against the bright morning light as he found himself staring into the very concerned faces of his friends. Gimli raised a finger to his lips, his eyes pleading with Legolas to remain quiet as he slowly removed his hand.
"The Orcs are in a foul mood this morning, Master Elf." he whispered, his eyes darting around nervously, a fact that was not lost on Legolas…he had never seen his friend so apprehensive. Aragorn leaned over Legolas, looking at him carefully.
"How do you feel?"
Legolas groaned softly as he inadvertently jostled his back. "Like someone beat the tar out of me and then let a troll sit on my head."
"That sounds very similar to what happened."
Legolas feigned a shocked look. "They let a troll sit on my head?"
Aragorn smiled, despite his concern. "You are a smart-mouthed, arrogant elf, do you know that?" he laughed.
"Ai, my friend. Do not waste your breath telling me of my virtues." Legolas laughed quietly. "I know them well, for they seem to land me in trouble far too often." He raised his head carefully, his eyes searching. "How is Merry?"
"I am well, Legolas." Merry's small voice assured him from just behind Aragorn.
"Boromir is tending to his back." Aragorn explained. "We will be moving soon, the activity in the camp has increased. Can you sit up?"
Legolas nodded in response, the motion only adding to the pounding in his head. Doing his best to ignore the discomfort, he sat up as Aragorn inspected his back.
"Your wounds are healing nicely." he said approvingly. "There is no sign of infection."
"Good to know." Legolas smirked.
"You made no friends last night." Aragorn warned, his face turning serious. "Trion has been glaring your way all morning and I fear retribution is near."
"I did kick his Orc ass last night, didn't I?" Legolas grinned.
Aragorn shook his head, smiling. "You merely knocked him down."
"Close enough."
"The Orcs are glancing our way." Boromir warned, his voice low.
"So they are." Aragorn agreed. "No pissing off the Orcs today, got that Legolas?"
"Yes your Highness." Legolas consented, saluting his friend.
"I am serious."
"So am I. Do you think I want to get my ass kicked again today?"
Aragorn chuckled. "Sometimes I think you do."
Legolas opened his mouth to respond, but quickly closed it as Trion stalked over to the group.
"I see you are awake, little Elf." Trion sneered, glaring down at the group.
"It would appear so." Legolas smirked. "Or else I am having one really horrendous dream. Though I do not believe I would waste my time dreaming about you."
"And how is your back?" Trion inquired with mock concern.
"It is excellent, thank you." Legolas answered smugly. "No signs of infection, I am told." He gave the Orc a thumbs up.
Trion's eyes blazed with anger. "I would not bait me, if I were you, Elf."
"Good advice. I will try to remember that."
"How you can be so smug after last night is beyond me. Perhaps a repeat tonight will give you some manners." Ugluk said, coming up beside Trion.
"Perhaps a repeat right now!" Trion growled, moving towards the Elf. Ugluk put a retraining hand on his shoulder, keeping him back.
"We must move Trion. We do not have time. However, I will let you guard the Elf again today." Ugluk sneered meaningfully at Legolas. "If he acts up, I will let you deal with him accordingly tonight." The two Orcs laughed menacingly before stalking back to their camp. Legolas sighed as Aragorn helped him stand up.
"You baited them again Legolas." his friend chided.
"They started it." Legolas grumbled.
* * * * * * * * * *
"I do not believe my feet will take me any further, Mr. Frodo." Sam wheezed, his body weary with exhaustion. He sat down heavily on a large rock and pulled out his canteen, taking a long, much needed drink. Frodo joined his friend on the rock.
"Nor do I, Sam." he said, sadly. "The journey seems to grow longer with each step we take. And yet, we cannot give up. Our friends lives and the very fate of Middle Earth may depend on us."
Sam managed a tired grin. "I'm sure no one would have ever thought that hobbits would help to save the world. Do you think they will ever write a song about us…about our journey?"
"A song about Samwise the Great." Frodo laughed.
Sam laughed as well. "And Frodo the Mighty."
"Well, Samwise the Great, where do you suppose we are?"
Sam looked around thoughtfully. "From the maps I studied in Rivendell, I would guess that we are in Rohan."
"Rohan is near Isengard, is it not, Sam?"
"It is that, Mister Frodo." Sam answered sadly.
"Then we must carry on with renewed strength, my friend. Each minute we rest, the Orc party gets that much further away." he paused suddenly, his face apprehensive. "Sam? Did you hear that?" he whispered.
"Hear what?" Sam asked, turning his head to the side to listen.
"That rustling sound. Something is watching us." Frodo said, jumping to his feet and grabbing Sting.
Sam got to his feet as well, looking around fearfully. "Watching us?"
"Yes. In those bushes. Wait here and I will see what it is." Frodo stalked quietly up to the gathering of bushes, his sword held defensively out in front of him. Leaping into the bushes, he gave a yelp as he connected solidly with a large animal. He drew back Sting, ready to strike the beast down when an excited cry from Sam stopped him.
"Mister Frodo!" Sam yelled happily. "It's Bill! Bill's found us!" He ran to the pony, wrapping his arms around its neck in a great hug as Bill nuzzled him joyfully.
"Bill!" Frodo laughed, just as happy to see the animal as Sam was. "What a great event! Sam, do you know what this means? We can ride him and gain on the Orcs."
"Do you mind, Bill?" Sam asked the Pony. Bill responded by lowering himself to the ground, allowing the two hobbits to climb unto his back.
"Good old Bill." Sam cheered as they set off once again. Bill, surprisingly, was quite strong and fast, carrying the two hobbits a long distance that early morning before stopping for a short rest at the start of a great plain. While the pony happily munched on an apple Sam had found, Frodo stared out over the grasslands. A swift moving party of riders caught his attention and he called for Sam to look.
"They are not Orcs." Frodo said, sure of that one fact. "Do you think they are friend or foe, Sam?"
Sam shook his head. "I do not know, Mister Frodo. But if they are friend, perhaps they could help us free our friends. A large group against the Orcs would fare better than two small hobbits."
"That is certain, Sam. If we ride fast, we could meet up with them near those rocks." Frodo pointed to a large outcropping of boulders, miles from where they stood. "Do you think Bill will take us?"
Sam nodded. "He will, Mister Frodo. As swiftly as any animal could."
"Then let us meet those riders. If they are friend, our luck could be changing for the better."
"And if they are not?" Sam wondered nervously.
"Then let us hope old Bill here can out ride all those horses!" Frodo laughed. They quickly mounted the pony and rode off to meet the other riders.
* * * * * * * * * *
Eomer, son of Eomund, Third Marshall of Riddermark, rode out in front of his large command of riders as they galloped swiftly across the plains of Rohan. They were on a hunting mission, riding to find a large party of Orcs that wandered through their land. They had heard tell that the group was heading towards their eastern border, on their way to Isengard, and Eomer hoped to catch them before they reached their destination. So intent was he on gaining ground on the Orcs that he almost failed to notice a small pony, carrying an odd shaped rider, heading directly into their path. Reigning his horse quickly, he held up his hand, bringing his company to a swift halt as the pony intercepted them. He was shocked to realize that the pony carried not one rider, but two small riders of a race that he had never before seen. Drawing his sword, he advanced on the new arrivals.
"Who are you and by what right do you ride in our lands?" he inquired, gazing down upon the pony.
Frodo looked up in wonder, striving to keep his fear hidden. "We are hobbits, sir, of the Shire." he answered quickly. "We ride through your lands in search of our friends, who were captured by a large army of Orcs."
"Orcs?" Eomer said, in surprise. "You know nothing of Orcs if you hunt them in this fashion. They are swift and well armed, and they are many. Had you overtaken them, you would have changed quickly from hunters to prey."
"We have no choice but to hunt them, Sir." Sam answered, trying to keep a firm grasp on his courage. "They have taken our friends and we mean to rescue them."
Eomer laughed, his men joining him. "The two of you honestly think you can rescue anyone from one Orc, let alone an entire army of them?" he asked in disbelief.
Frodo bristled slightly at the man's insult. "We may be small, but our courage is unmatched. We will rescue our friends or we will die trying."
"Is that so? Well, you are in luck. We appear to be hunting the same group of Orcs." Eomer told them.
"Really?" Sam asked, his voice hopeful. "Then you will help us rescue our friends?"
Eomer shook his head. "I am afraid we cannot allow you to travel with us. Your pony is too old and would slow us down."
Sam looked at the man, angered over his words about Bill. "This pony has more heart than any of your horses." he scowled.
"That may be so, little hobbit." Eomer consented, "but he will slow us down, none the less. Tell us of your friends and if we find them with the Orcs, we will free them for you."
Sam and Frodo glanced at each other, considering the offer. As it seemed they had little choice, Frodo nodded. "They are two men, an elf, a dwarf and two hobbits like ourselves." he explained, drawing a surprised look from the man.
"That is a remarkable combination, little hobbit." Eomer said in disbelief. "I am inclined to wonder why such a group would travel together."
"We are on a quest." Frodo offered, unwilling to explain any further.
Eomer gazed at him thoughtfully before nodding. "Very well. A mighty quest it must be, to bring together such a diverse group of beings. Perhaps when we are together once more, you will delight me with your story."
"It is a deal, sir." Frodo grinned. "We will follow behind your group at our slower pace and hope to meet up with you again once our friends have been found. If you find them, you will have them wait for us?"
"Of course, my good hobbit." Eomer assured. "We will await your arrival at our campfire tonight as well."
Frodo held up his hand in salute. "Then we will part ways for now. May good fortune find you and our friends well when we meet again."
"And you." Eomer agreed, again raising his hand and calling his riders to action. "We hunt some Orcs!" he yelled, and the riders of Rohan rode off, leaving Sam and Frodo in their wake.
* * * * * * * * * *
Legolas collapsed in an exhausted heap next to Aragorn, his breathing heavy. "It will be our luck to stop here tonight." he whispered to his friend. Aragorn looked at him intently.
"You sense something?"
Legolas nodded. "The riders draw ever near us. If we stay here, they will overtake us before morning."
"And if they are friend, they could secure our release."
"And if they are foe?" Boromir asked quietly.
"We could not be any worse off than we are now. We are but a day's walk from Isengard. Once there, our chances of escape will drastically decline." Legolas warned.
"Which gives us tonight only to make our move and these riders could offer our only hope." Aragorn said.
Gimli offered his own thoughts. "They would make for a good distraction. With the Orcs fighting against these riders, we could slip away into that forest nearby and disappear."
"Fangorn Forest?" Boromir asked in shock. "You wish us to hide in Fangorn Forest? I would almost rather take my chances against the Orcs…that forest has a dark and disturbing history. They say the trees can walk and talk, the same as you and I."
"The legend speaks of Ents." Legolas explained. "And they are no threat to those who do not threaten the forest. We could find safety within those trees, if we manage to escape."
"So it is decided. We must be ready for those riders and once they come, we will make a run for the forest." Aragorn settled, getting nods of agreement from the others, though Boromir still looked slightly disturbed about the idea of entering the woods.
"We'll protect you, Boromir." Pippin quipped, earning a smile from the man. "We have talking trees in the woods near our home as well and they've never managed to out-smart us, have they Merry?"
"Well, I do not know about you Pip." Merry grinned. "But they would have to wake up pretty early in the morning to outsmart a Brandybuck."
"And considering that Ents do not sleep, it would be your ill-fortune to go up against one, my dear hobbit." Legolas laughed. "We need not fear the trees, my friends. When all others fail, the trees and their inhabitants can be your best allies."
"Spoken like a true Wood Elf, my good prince." Aragorn teased, earning a smack from the elf.
"At least the trees have no need for sarcasm." Legolas grumbled good-naturedly.
"And yet the wood elves keep around their sarcastic prince."
"Ironic." Boromir laughed.
"Truly ironic indeed." Quipped Gimli.
Legolas sighed. "The Valar hates me, forcing me to keep company with such unworthy friends."
"And giving you an enemy in Trion." Boromir warned, his eyes blaring. "The Orc heads our way and his smile belies his evil intentions."
"Not him again." Legolas groaned. "You'd think last night would have satisfied his blood lust."
"And yet it only seems to have increased it." Aragorn growled. "But we will not have a repeat of that." He stood to meet the oncoming Orc, who in turn gestured for nearby Orcs to join him. With two others flanking him, Trion smugly continued towards the fellowship.
"We camp here tonight." he sneered as Boromir, Legolas and Gimli stood to join Aragorn. "I've come to choose tonight's play mate."
"You would do well to walk way, Orc." Aragorn snapped, his eyes blazing.
"Is that so? I think I'll choose you, human." Trion snapped, gesturing to the others, who grabbed Aragorn's arms, holding him tightly. "And when we're done, we'll play with the elf some more." he sneered at the glaring Legolas. He held his dagger to Aragorn's throat as Legolas moved to attack. "Move and it will only be worse for your friend." he warned, staying Legolas in his tracks. Turning away, he paused, then faced the group once more. "I almost forgot." he began, his foot whipping out and connecting solidly with Legolas's midsection. Legolas staggered under the impact and he leaned against Boromir for support. "I owed you a kick to the stomach." Trion scoffed, turning away once more.
"I will kill that Orc bastard!" Legolas gasped, struggling to catch his breath.
"Not before I do!" Boromir growled, his eyes burning into the retreating beast.
"Getting yourselves beaten will not help our situation." Gimli cautioned, once again the voice of reason. "The riders intercept us tonight. We will need our health and strength to escape."
"And Aragorn?" Boromir asked heatedly.
"If need be, we will carry him." Gimli advised. "But let there be enough of us with that capability, to ensure that we prevail."
* * * * * * * * * *
Aragorn struggled against the grips of the Orcs as Trion led them to the camp. He was forced to kneel in the center, the Orcs surrounding him, as Trion and Ugluk smirked down at him.
"Trying to save your friends, human?" Ugluk jeered. "A noble gesture, but a pointless one as well. Until we reach Isengard, you are at the mercy of me and my army. And we will do with you what we please, as you will soon find out."
Aragorn glared at the Orc, his anger evident on his face. "I am at no one's mercy!" he growled dangerously.
"No? We will see." Ugluk gave a nod and Trion rushed at the man, his foot connecting solidly with Aragorn's head. Stifling a groan, Aragorn fell to the ground as his vision swam. He could hear the Orcs laugh as Trion delivered yet another kick to his head, causing black dots to dance in front of his eyes. Another kick, this time to his midsection, elicited a soft groan from the human, enlivening the Orcs even more. Aragorn struggled to get to his feet, so as to ward off the attack, but he quickly found himself back on the ground as a club connected with his back, knocking him down. He soon found himself helpless under a profusion of Orc fists, feet and clubs and he forced himself into a tight ball to ward off as much of the attack as he could. Aragorn was on the verge of unconsciousness when a loud sound to the right brought him back to reality. The Orcs ceased their merciless beating and cowered in fright as a figure appeared in an explosion of smoke and haze, emerging to glare at the Orc leader.
"Ugluk," the figure snapped, his voice demanding. "What is going on?"
"Saruman," Ugluk began feebly, "we were just playing with the human."
"I can see that, you Orc oaf!" Saruman yelled. "Why is he still alive? I ordered you to bring me the halfings and dispose of the rest of these pathetic creatures."
Ugluk shrank back, moving away from the wizard in fright. "The halflings did not have the Ring, Saruman. One of these creatures hid it and so we brought them all."
Saruman glanced down at Aragorn thoughtfully. "They hid it? And they believe that will stop me from possessing it? Foolish creatures." he turned his attention back to the Orc. "You did well in bringing them, Ugluk. I will learn the whereabouts of the Ring from whichever has hidden it. But for now there is a greater threat baring down on you. Riders from Rohan stalk you this night. You will cease your play with this human and prepare an ambush."
"Riders, my Lord?" Ugluk questioned, uncertain. "We were not aware of any riders tracking us."
"Fool! They have been tracking you for days now! You waste too much time with play and not enough with watching your backs." he stormed over to the fellowship, where Legolas and the rest eyed him warily. "I'm sure the elf was aware of the riders, weren't you?" he snapped at Legolas.
"I am aware of no riders." Legolas snapped back. Saruman smiled at the elf.
"You are spirited." he began. "You will not be so spirited in Isengard. Prepare the ambush, Ugluk. Deny these prisoners their chance at escape. Keep the man out and tie the rest securely to this tree. Secure the man to a stake at the beginning of the camp and use him as bait. When the riders enter the camp to rescue him, slaughter every last one of them."
"It will be done, my Lord." Ugluk assured, bowing to the wizard.
"I will see you in Isengard." Saruman smirked, before disappearing just as suddenly as he had appeared, in another explosion of smoke. Ugluk shouted at his men to prepare the ambush and the camp exploded into motion. The fellowship found themselves tightly bound together at the far end of the camp, out of sight. Aragorn was tied to a stake as Saruman had ordered at the border of the Orc camp, his mouth gagged so that no sound could escape. The trap set, the Orcs and their captives waited, a nervous energy filling the camp.
* * * * * * * * * *
It was beginning to get dark, a fact that was not lost on Eomer. His riders had stalked the Orc army to the edge of their border, a journey that had taken all day. It was now evening and as the sun set, Eomer laid plans for the attack on the Orc camp.
"They have set up camp for the night." he began, his men crowding around him, awaiting his orders. "There appears to be little activity in the camp, though our scouts have spotted one prisoner, tied to a stake near the edge of their camp. The Orcs have beaten him savagely and have left him for dead." The men broke out into cries at the injustice and cruelty the Orcs possessed, each one demanding that they storm the camp and free the man. Eomer held up a hand for silence.
"The scout saw no signs of other prisoners. Chances are they did not last as long as this one and were discarded before now. We will ride swiftly into the camp, dispatching all Orcs we meet, the element of surprise on our side. I will free the man." Eomer held his men in a firm gaze. "Let's rid our land of these retched creatures once and for all." He quickly mounted his horse and drew his sword to lead the attack. "On my mark!" he cried. "GO!" The riders took off, riding at full speed for the Orc camp. Entering it, they looked around for any sign of resistance, and were shocked to find not one Orc in the camp.
"They seem to have left." Eomer said in surprise, dismounting and heading towards the lone prisoner. Drawing his dagger, he moved to cut the binds that held the man to the pole. "It is well now, friend." he said to the man, who struggled at his binds determinedly. "The riders of the Mark have rescued you." He removed the gag from the man's mouth, a triumphant smile on his face.
"It's a trap!" Aragorn yelled, but his warning came too late.
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A/N: hehe, I love cliffhangers! Don't you? Please please please be good little readers and leave me a review ~ I love reviews almost as much as I love cliffhangers! If I get enough response, I will try my very best to have the next chapter posted by Monday.