*** Chapter 9 Lets hope that this will be longer then the last. Thanks lulu
bell, Saera, and Tara for the reviews. I truly appreciate it. ***
"I have no memory of this place." Gandalf whispered stopping in front of three passageways.
We sat down wearily on the steps knowing that it could be awhile. The hobbits sat beside me after some time.
"How are you fairing Shealyn?" Merry asked moving a little closer to me.
"Good Merry. Are you fairing?" I returned.
"Quite well, but I am weary." He answered.
"So are the rest of us silly hobbit." I said with a smile. "Gandalf will remember eventually, but for now lets rest while we can."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Boromir sat down beside Aragorn sighing. He glanced over at the girl who sat with the hobbits on the stairs.
"Is everything well Boromir?" He asked seeing the distress in Boromir's eyes.
"I am worried about Shealyn. She woke from another nightmare last night... she spoke of someone whipping her in a dark cell. How could someone do such a thing to a child?" He asked
"I know not Boromir, but we must show Shealyn that we will always be there for her." Aragorn answered.
Boromir nodded and looked back over at Shealyn.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It seemed like forever that we sat there. Beside me Pippin was restlessly shifting in his spot. "Pip if you don't stop moving around I will beat you to a pulp." I hissed becoming tired.
Pippin stopped moving. "I'm bored Shealyn do you know any songs?" He responded.
"I don't know Pip." I replied.
"Please Shealyn!" Merry chimed in.
"Ok I'll sing a song, but don't laugh." I said smiling.
"You know a dream is like a river
Ever changin' as it flows
And a dreamer's just a vessel
That must follow where it goes
Trying to learn from what's behind you
And never knowing what's in store
Makes each day a constant battle
Just to stay between the shores.. and
I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Too many times we stand aside
And let the waters slip away
'Til what we put off 'til tomorrow
Has now become today
So don't you sit upon the shoreline
And say you're satisfied
Choose to chance the rapids
And dare to dance the tide.. yes
I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
And there's bound to be rough waters
And I know I'll take some falls
But with the good Lord as my captain
I can make it through them all.. yes
I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Yes, I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
'Til the river runs dry" (A/N: this belongs to Garth Brooks)
I opened my eyes as I finished the song to find most of the fellowship staring at me.
"I have never heard such a beautiful song in my long life." Legolas stated with a small smile playing on his lips.
"Its sung by a great singer where I come from. His name is Garth Brooks." I said.
"You sing beautifully." Pippin stated mesmerized by the song. The others nodded in agreement.
"Ah its that way." Gandalf said standing up along with Frodo.
"He's remembered." Merry questioned happily.
I bent to pick up my pack and followed the others down the stairs. Gandalf had said we were almost out and I hoped that to be true. As we walked into a large hall Gandalf's staff became brighter. My eyes grew wide when I saw the extent of the hall's beauty.
"Now there's an eye opener make no mistake." Sam spoke up looking around him.
I noticed Gimli back step and glance into a room filled with natural light. His facial expression changed rather quickly. "No!" He groaned running into the room.
We followed Gimli into the room where a mass of dwarf bodies were scattered everywhere. In the middle of the room bathed in the light was a white stone casket with strange writing on. ~Must be tellin' who it is~ I thought glancing over to Gandalf.
"Here lies Balin son of Fundin lord of Moria... so he is dead as I feared." Gandalf read the description.
Gandalf bent and picked a thick book from where it rested in a skeleton's arms. He began to read, but I tuned him out as I wandered around the small room.
"... can not get out... they are coming." Gandalf finished looking up at us.
Suddenly there was a crash behind us. Turning I found Pippin by the well as the rest of the skeleton and the pail crash downward into the well. Everyone held their breath as the echo sounded. Pippin turned back to us with a guilty look on his face.
"Fool of a Took..." Gandalf slammed the book shut and grabbed his staff and hat from the hobbit's hands. "Throw yourself in next time to rid us of your stupidity."
Before anyone could speak the sound of drums reached our ears. Everyone turned towards the well. Boromir ran to the door pulling his head back just before arrows imbedded in the door. "They have a cave troll." He said sarcastically closing the door.
Aragorn ran forward as well helping Boromir to bar the door. "Get back." Aragorn commanded. "Stay close to Gandalf."
I dropped my pack and stood next to Boromir sword drawn. "Get back Shealyn stay with Gandalf." He hissed.
"You know as well as everyone I don't back down." I replied through clenched teeth.
He didn't get to protest due to the fact the orcs were breaking through the door. Aragorn and Legolas shot arrows at the enemy. They came at us weapons swinging. I ducked as a sword swung over my head. "Jesus." I muttered dodging another blow. "Boromir watch out... behind you." I called whirling I struck an orc down.
'Thump'
'Thump'
I looked up hearing the heavy footsteps approached. Seconds later a troll crashed through the doorway led by a few orcs.
"Oh my..." I started, but I had to dive out of harms way.
The troll lashed out at it's handlers causing them to crash into the walls. Gimli jumped out of the way as the troll swung his weapon. Legolas' arrows flew through the air striking the troll in the side. He attacked the three hobbits separating Frodo from Merry and Pippin.
"Frodo!" Aragorn called trying to get to him.
Frodo began to play hide 'n seek with the troll. Amazingly the troll caught Frodo by the foot dragging him towards him.
"Aragorn, Aragorn." Frodo cried out grabbing onto a pillar.
"Frodo" Aragorn called again.
Aragorn grabbed a spear and leaped in front of Frodo thrusting the spear into the troll's side. Enraged the troll struck Aragorn hard causing him to fly into a pillar knocking him out cold. Frodo tried to wake him, but the troll cornered Frodo.
"No, Frodo." I cried jumping in front of him, but I was pushed out of the way.
I watched the spear hit him in the chest. "Oh God Frodo." I yelled.
Suddenly I felt pain rip in my stomach. Looking down I found an orc stabbing me. I struck the orc down. "Dammit" I muttered pulling the sword out of my stomach. I was in so much pain, but Frodo was more important.
"Oh no." Aragorn whispered gently turning Frodo on his back.
Frodo gasped and with Aragorn's help he sat up. "I'm ok..." gasp "I'm not hurt." He said.
"How can that be..." Aragorn stammered. "That spear would have skewered a wild boar." He was astounded.
"I think there is more to this hobbit that meets the eye." Gandalf said with a smile.
Frodo pulled part of his shirt away revealing a shiny material underneath. "Mithril..." Gimli breathed. "You are full of surprises Master Baggins."
"Come we must fly." Gandalf ordered.
We ran out of the room and down the long hall. I stumbled, but caught myself. Pain was all I felt right then. Surprisingly I was able to keep up with Aragorn. Orcs surrounded us causing us to halt. Tension grew as the orcs closed in.
A great rumble was heard. The surrounding orcs cried out in terror as another rumble sounded. The orcs ran for their lives leaving us alone.
"What new devilry is this?" Boromir questioned Gandalf
Gandalf closed his eyes as if warding off a headache. After a long moment he spoke. "It is a Balrog a demon from the ancient world... this foe is beyond any of you... run." He shouted.
I felt my side split, but I continued to run. "Aragorn lead them on the bridge is near." Gandalf told Aragorn. When he resisted Gandalf shoved him. "Do as I say! ... swords are of no more use here."
Running down the stairs we reached a place where stairs were broken. Without a thought Legolas leaped over the space. Turning he beckoned to Gandalf who jumped over. Next Boromir jumped with Merry and Pippin under his arms.
"Sam..." Aragorn beckoned.
Aragorn tossed Sam over to Legolas. Turning to Gimli he was about to toss him as well, but the dwarf held up a hand. "No one tosses a dwarf." He grumbled.
Swinging his arms he took the jump. Coming short he began to fall backwards. "Not the beard." He roared as Legolas grabbed him.
"Shealyn jump." Boromir cried.
I felt the stairs crumble beneath me as I leaped to the other side. Stumbling down the stairs I turned to watch Aragorn and Frodo fall into Legolas and Boromir.
The bridge was close and we continued to run. Gandalf was the last, but instead of following he stopped to face the Balrog.
"I am the servant of the secret fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. The dark fire will not avail you! Flame of Udun!" Gandalf cried out.
I watched in horror as the Balrog lifted his sword and brought it down on Gandalf. But a bright light surrounded him much like Jean's gift would to protect her.
"Go back to the shadow." Gandalf shouted.
The Balrog produced a flaming whip; subconsciously I flinched at my own memory. Gandalf raised his staff above his head. "YOU......... SHALL... NOT......... PASS!" He bellowed, his staff struck the bridge. My ears heard the crack before anyone saw the crack. The bridge crumbled beneath the demon. I heard Boromir sigh, but it wasn't over yet. As the Balrog fell he flicked the whip catching on Gandalf's ankle causing him to fall over.
"GANDALF!" Frodo screamed trying to get to the wizard.
"No Frodo." Boromir cried grabbing onto him.
Gandalf struggled a moment, but gave in "Run you fools." He said before falling into darkness with the demon.
"NO!!!" Frodo screamed.
Boromir picked up the screaming hobbit and ran out of the mine followed by everyone, but Aragorn and I. "Aragorn, Shealyn!" Boromir screamed to get our attention.
Snapping out of it we ran out of the mines and into the open after four days of darkness. The fellowship spread out to grieve. Merry and Pippin lay on the ground comforting each other. Sam sat by himself, his head resting in his hand. Legolas looked shocked unable to comprehend death. Frodo wandered off while Boromir held back a homicidal Gimli. Aragorn kept his emotions in check while wiping his blade.
"Gandalf...." I whispered looking back at the mines we just left.
"Legolas get them up." Aragorn ordered.
Legolas came back to reality and walked towards Merry and Pippin,
"Give them a moment for pity's sake." Boromir protested.
"By nightfall these hills will be swarming with orcs. We must get to the woods of Lothlorien." Aragorn pointed out. "Come Boromir, Legolas, Gimli get them up." Aragorn walked over to Sam. "On your feet Sam." He said softly.
I struggled to keep upright as I watched Aragorn look around for Frodo. "He's over there Aragorn." I replied pointing in the direction.
"Frodo!" He called. When he got no response he called again. "Frodo!"
I stumbled once more as we grabbed our things ~Thank the Valar my tunic is a dark color~ I thought.
"Shealyn are you wounded?" Aragorn asked trotting beside me.
~Aw crap~ I thought. "No I'm ok." I replied wincing as another wave of pain racked my body.
"You are not ok Shealyn." Aragorn said concern in his voice. "We will stop here for the night." He called to the others.
"Why didn't you tell me?" He asked helping me to lie down.
He pulled my shirt up far enough to see the wound. "What happened to Shealyn?" Pippin asked seeing my stab wound.
Hearing Pippin's question the others gathered 'round.
"Sam get me some Athelas... quickly." Aragorn instructed. "Shealyn this doesn't look good." He told me.
"I'm sorry Aragorn, I'm so sorry..."
"Shh... tithen min do not speak." He interrupted me.
Quickly he wrapped a bandage soaked in Athelas laced water around my middle tightly. "We must move more swiftly then expected... come" He announced gently picking me up.
He began to run swiftly with the others behind him. I was so tired, my eyes drooped and I lay my head against Aragorn's shoulder. My vision blurred and blacked out.
*** Hey I told ya it would be a longer chapter. I hoped ya like it. R&R! ***
"I have no memory of this place." Gandalf whispered stopping in front of three passageways.
We sat down wearily on the steps knowing that it could be awhile. The hobbits sat beside me after some time.
"How are you fairing Shealyn?" Merry asked moving a little closer to me.
"Good Merry. Are you fairing?" I returned.
"Quite well, but I am weary." He answered.
"So are the rest of us silly hobbit." I said with a smile. "Gandalf will remember eventually, but for now lets rest while we can."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Boromir sat down beside Aragorn sighing. He glanced over at the girl who sat with the hobbits on the stairs.
"Is everything well Boromir?" He asked seeing the distress in Boromir's eyes.
"I am worried about Shealyn. She woke from another nightmare last night... she spoke of someone whipping her in a dark cell. How could someone do such a thing to a child?" He asked
"I know not Boromir, but we must show Shealyn that we will always be there for her." Aragorn answered.
Boromir nodded and looked back over at Shealyn.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It seemed like forever that we sat there. Beside me Pippin was restlessly shifting in his spot. "Pip if you don't stop moving around I will beat you to a pulp." I hissed becoming tired.
Pippin stopped moving. "I'm bored Shealyn do you know any songs?" He responded.
"I don't know Pip." I replied.
"Please Shealyn!" Merry chimed in.
"Ok I'll sing a song, but don't laugh." I said smiling.
"You know a dream is like a river
Ever changin' as it flows
And a dreamer's just a vessel
That must follow where it goes
Trying to learn from what's behind you
And never knowing what's in store
Makes each day a constant battle
Just to stay between the shores.. and
I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Too many times we stand aside
And let the waters slip away
'Til what we put off 'til tomorrow
Has now become today
So don't you sit upon the shoreline
And say you're satisfied
Choose to chance the rapids
And dare to dance the tide.. yes
I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
And there's bound to be rough waters
And I know I'll take some falls
But with the good Lord as my captain
I can make it through them all.. yes
I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Yes, I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
'Til the river runs dry" (A/N: this belongs to Garth Brooks)
I opened my eyes as I finished the song to find most of the fellowship staring at me.
"I have never heard such a beautiful song in my long life." Legolas stated with a small smile playing on his lips.
"Its sung by a great singer where I come from. His name is Garth Brooks." I said.
"You sing beautifully." Pippin stated mesmerized by the song. The others nodded in agreement.
"Ah its that way." Gandalf said standing up along with Frodo.
"He's remembered." Merry questioned happily.
I bent to pick up my pack and followed the others down the stairs. Gandalf had said we were almost out and I hoped that to be true. As we walked into a large hall Gandalf's staff became brighter. My eyes grew wide when I saw the extent of the hall's beauty.
"Now there's an eye opener make no mistake." Sam spoke up looking around him.
I noticed Gimli back step and glance into a room filled with natural light. His facial expression changed rather quickly. "No!" He groaned running into the room.
We followed Gimli into the room where a mass of dwarf bodies were scattered everywhere. In the middle of the room bathed in the light was a white stone casket with strange writing on. ~Must be tellin' who it is~ I thought glancing over to Gandalf.
"Here lies Balin son of Fundin lord of Moria... so he is dead as I feared." Gandalf read the description.
Gandalf bent and picked a thick book from where it rested in a skeleton's arms. He began to read, but I tuned him out as I wandered around the small room.
"... can not get out... they are coming." Gandalf finished looking up at us.
Suddenly there was a crash behind us. Turning I found Pippin by the well as the rest of the skeleton and the pail crash downward into the well. Everyone held their breath as the echo sounded. Pippin turned back to us with a guilty look on his face.
"Fool of a Took..." Gandalf slammed the book shut and grabbed his staff and hat from the hobbit's hands. "Throw yourself in next time to rid us of your stupidity."
Before anyone could speak the sound of drums reached our ears. Everyone turned towards the well. Boromir ran to the door pulling his head back just before arrows imbedded in the door. "They have a cave troll." He said sarcastically closing the door.
Aragorn ran forward as well helping Boromir to bar the door. "Get back." Aragorn commanded. "Stay close to Gandalf."
I dropped my pack and stood next to Boromir sword drawn. "Get back Shealyn stay with Gandalf." He hissed.
"You know as well as everyone I don't back down." I replied through clenched teeth.
He didn't get to protest due to the fact the orcs were breaking through the door. Aragorn and Legolas shot arrows at the enemy. They came at us weapons swinging. I ducked as a sword swung over my head. "Jesus." I muttered dodging another blow. "Boromir watch out... behind you." I called whirling I struck an orc down.
'Thump'
'Thump'
I looked up hearing the heavy footsteps approached. Seconds later a troll crashed through the doorway led by a few orcs.
"Oh my..." I started, but I had to dive out of harms way.
The troll lashed out at it's handlers causing them to crash into the walls. Gimli jumped out of the way as the troll swung his weapon. Legolas' arrows flew through the air striking the troll in the side. He attacked the three hobbits separating Frodo from Merry and Pippin.
"Frodo!" Aragorn called trying to get to him.
Frodo began to play hide 'n seek with the troll. Amazingly the troll caught Frodo by the foot dragging him towards him.
"Aragorn, Aragorn." Frodo cried out grabbing onto a pillar.
"Frodo" Aragorn called again.
Aragorn grabbed a spear and leaped in front of Frodo thrusting the spear into the troll's side. Enraged the troll struck Aragorn hard causing him to fly into a pillar knocking him out cold. Frodo tried to wake him, but the troll cornered Frodo.
"No, Frodo." I cried jumping in front of him, but I was pushed out of the way.
I watched the spear hit him in the chest. "Oh God Frodo." I yelled.
Suddenly I felt pain rip in my stomach. Looking down I found an orc stabbing me. I struck the orc down. "Dammit" I muttered pulling the sword out of my stomach. I was in so much pain, but Frodo was more important.
"Oh no." Aragorn whispered gently turning Frodo on his back.
Frodo gasped and with Aragorn's help he sat up. "I'm ok..." gasp "I'm not hurt." He said.
"How can that be..." Aragorn stammered. "That spear would have skewered a wild boar." He was astounded.
"I think there is more to this hobbit that meets the eye." Gandalf said with a smile.
Frodo pulled part of his shirt away revealing a shiny material underneath. "Mithril..." Gimli breathed. "You are full of surprises Master Baggins."
"Come we must fly." Gandalf ordered.
We ran out of the room and down the long hall. I stumbled, but caught myself. Pain was all I felt right then. Surprisingly I was able to keep up with Aragorn. Orcs surrounded us causing us to halt. Tension grew as the orcs closed in.
A great rumble was heard. The surrounding orcs cried out in terror as another rumble sounded. The orcs ran for their lives leaving us alone.
"What new devilry is this?" Boromir questioned Gandalf
Gandalf closed his eyes as if warding off a headache. After a long moment he spoke. "It is a Balrog a demon from the ancient world... this foe is beyond any of you... run." He shouted.
I felt my side split, but I continued to run. "Aragorn lead them on the bridge is near." Gandalf told Aragorn. When he resisted Gandalf shoved him. "Do as I say! ... swords are of no more use here."
Running down the stairs we reached a place where stairs were broken. Without a thought Legolas leaped over the space. Turning he beckoned to Gandalf who jumped over. Next Boromir jumped with Merry and Pippin under his arms.
"Sam..." Aragorn beckoned.
Aragorn tossed Sam over to Legolas. Turning to Gimli he was about to toss him as well, but the dwarf held up a hand. "No one tosses a dwarf." He grumbled.
Swinging his arms he took the jump. Coming short he began to fall backwards. "Not the beard." He roared as Legolas grabbed him.
"Shealyn jump." Boromir cried.
I felt the stairs crumble beneath me as I leaped to the other side. Stumbling down the stairs I turned to watch Aragorn and Frodo fall into Legolas and Boromir.
The bridge was close and we continued to run. Gandalf was the last, but instead of following he stopped to face the Balrog.
"I am the servant of the secret fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. The dark fire will not avail you! Flame of Udun!" Gandalf cried out.
I watched in horror as the Balrog lifted his sword and brought it down on Gandalf. But a bright light surrounded him much like Jean's gift would to protect her.
"Go back to the shadow." Gandalf shouted.
The Balrog produced a flaming whip; subconsciously I flinched at my own memory. Gandalf raised his staff above his head. "YOU......... SHALL... NOT......... PASS!" He bellowed, his staff struck the bridge. My ears heard the crack before anyone saw the crack. The bridge crumbled beneath the demon. I heard Boromir sigh, but it wasn't over yet. As the Balrog fell he flicked the whip catching on Gandalf's ankle causing him to fall over.
"GANDALF!" Frodo screamed trying to get to the wizard.
"No Frodo." Boromir cried grabbing onto him.
Gandalf struggled a moment, but gave in "Run you fools." He said before falling into darkness with the demon.
"NO!!!" Frodo screamed.
Boromir picked up the screaming hobbit and ran out of the mine followed by everyone, but Aragorn and I. "Aragorn, Shealyn!" Boromir screamed to get our attention.
Snapping out of it we ran out of the mines and into the open after four days of darkness. The fellowship spread out to grieve. Merry and Pippin lay on the ground comforting each other. Sam sat by himself, his head resting in his hand. Legolas looked shocked unable to comprehend death. Frodo wandered off while Boromir held back a homicidal Gimli. Aragorn kept his emotions in check while wiping his blade.
"Gandalf...." I whispered looking back at the mines we just left.
"Legolas get them up." Aragorn ordered.
Legolas came back to reality and walked towards Merry and Pippin,
"Give them a moment for pity's sake." Boromir protested.
"By nightfall these hills will be swarming with orcs. We must get to the woods of Lothlorien." Aragorn pointed out. "Come Boromir, Legolas, Gimli get them up." Aragorn walked over to Sam. "On your feet Sam." He said softly.
I struggled to keep upright as I watched Aragorn look around for Frodo. "He's over there Aragorn." I replied pointing in the direction.
"Frodo!" He called. When he got no response he called again. "Frodo!"
I stumbled once more as we grabbed our things ~Thank the Valar my tunic is a dark color~ I thought.
"Shealyn are you wounded?" Aragorn asked trotting beside me.
~Aw crap~ I thought. "No I'm ok." I replied wincing as another wave of pain racked my body.
"You are not ok Shealyn." Aragorn said concern in his voice. "We will stop here for the night." He called to the others.
"Why didn't you tell me?" He asked helping me to lie down.
He pulled my shirt up far enough to see the wound. "What happened to Shealyn?" Pippin asked seeing my stab wound.
Hearing Pippin's question the others gathered 'round.
"Sam get me some Athelas... quickly." Aragorn instructed. "Shealyn this doesn't look good." He told me.
"I'm sorry Aragorn, I'm so sorry..."
"Shh... tithen min do not speak." He interrupted me.
Quickly he wrapped a bandage soaked in Athelas laced water around my middle tightly. "We must move more swiftly then expected... come" He announced gently picking me up.
He began to run swiftly with the others behind him. I was so tired, my eyes drooped and I lay my head against Aragorn's shoulder. My vision blurred and blacked out.
*** Hey I told ya it would be a longer chapter. I hoped ya like it. R&R! ***