Author's Note: Well guys, here is another update! Once again, I got it out
a bit quicker than I had anticipated. I'm sorry to say, there are only a
couple of chapters left (unless I decide to make some major changes).
However, I really need to finish this tale so I can get back to my work
(Hmm. Should I sit down and read "The Seven Ages of Information Retrieval"
for class or spend time writing about abused hobbits? Hmmm - tough choice!)
Samwise the Brave: Ooops! Sorry I confused you with Gamgeefest (Samwise, Gamgee much too related!). Anyway, I think at least for the moment I will have to decline your generous offer to join your group. I really am falling behind in school and everything else that needs doing in my life. Plus, other than that great novel I wrote in 7th grade, you have read all my stories - all three of them! It may be awhile before I write any more. It's too addicting! However, when things lighten up, I'll check back with you. It really is nice to be wanted!
Chapter 15 Encounters in the Dark
Aragorn led the others down into a ravine, following Merry's clear trail. They all felt more encouraged knowing that that were at least going in the right direction. Once they were in the ravine, they moved more quickly. There was no place for them to go except straight ahead.
"Aragorn!" cried Legolas from a little distance ahead. He was squatting by the trail carefully examining the tracks. His eyes were troubled. When Aragorn reached him, Legolas stood and said quietly, "Uruk." Aragorn's eyes narrowed as he examined the tracks for himself. There was no doubt. An Uruk-hai had obviously made his way into the ravine from above and if the tracks were any indication, it now had Merry. Aragorn lowered his head in frustration. This was getting worse and worse! He stood up as the rest of the party joined them.
"Is something wrong?" asked Pippin apprehensively.
It was a moment before Aragorn spoke. He sighed heavily and said, "It appears an Uruk-hai has Merry. At least, I am assuming it is Merry." Frodo and Pippin cried out in dismay.
"We must move with greater speed," said Gandalf grimly. "I suspect it believes it has Sam, but we do not know for sure. It may be that both hobbits have been captured."
The Fellowship hurried on, determined to locate their missing companions and to bring the One Ring back to safety. It was late in the afternoon that Legolas stopped again, his keen eyes scanning the sky above. "Scavengers," he said simply as he pointed to the black shapes wheeling high overhead. Frodo felt a chill run down his spine. Did this mean they had already lost Merry or Sam? They moved quickly ahead and it wasn't long before they encountered the sickly-sweet stench of decaying flesh.
They rounded a bend in the ravine and were met by a flock of large, black scavenging birds all fighting over something hidden in their midst.. Boromir and Aragorn strode ahead, scattering the screeching birds in their wake. They stopped in surprise when they realized the form in the center was not that of a hobbit, but of a large Uruk-hai. Aragorn stared at the sword protruding from the creature's chest for a moment, then holding the Uruk's body down with his foot, Aragorn seized the hilt of the sword and pulled it free, dripping black blood. "This is Sam's sword!" he exclaimed in wonder. "And look!" he reaching down to the Uruk's belt. "Here is Merry's!"
Boromir frowned as Aragorn wiped the blood from Sam's sword. "Do you truly believe that Sam was actually able to slay this Uruk?" he asked skeptically. Although he had become rather fond of the halflings, he found it hard to believe one of them was capable of killing a powerful Uruk-hai single handed.
Aragorn did not answer. He was studying the ground around them. The rest of the Fellowship held back at Aragorn's request. Finally, he stood up and beckoned to them. "Look," he said, pointing towards the wall of the ravine. "One of the hobbits was traveling near the wall so we did not see his tracks. He came in from over there and attacked the Uruk." He then turned around and walked towards the other wall. "But," he continued, "It appears a second Uruk showed up from the opposite direction and took the other hobbit captive." He pointed out the two sets of prints. He didn't point out the drops of blood staining the sandy soil next to them. "It then appears that this Uruk took both hobbits with him." He swept his hair from his face and gave a weak grin. "I think it safe to say, that at this point, both Sam and Merry were alive."
"How far ahead do you think they are?" asked Frodo anxiously. He was relieved to hear that it appeared Sam and Merry were still alive, but feared they would not find them before the Uruk-hai reached Isengard. He shuddered to think what might befall them at the hands of Saruman.
"Three or four hours." sighed Aragorn, "Maybe a little more, maybe a little less."
Merry had never run so fast in his life. He knew there was little hope of reaching Gandalf and the others in time to save Sam, yet he still felt he had to do his best. He owed Sam his life and leaving him in the hands of that vile orc was the hardest thing Merry had ever done in his life, even harder than leaving Pippin and Frodo on the mountain. He silently cursed the Ring and Saruman and every other vile thing he could think of. He knew Sam had been right and that getting the Ring to safety was the most important thing, but still. He hoped he could forgive himself if he was too late to save Sam.
He had no idea how long he had been running, but he knew he couldn't go much further. He had slowed to a stumbling trot. Several times now, his aching legs felt so weak they simply gave out from under him and he fell sprawling into the dirt. The last time, was almost too much. He just didn't know how much longer he could go on. He lay sobbing in exhaustion. "Oh, Sam!" he moaned, "I'm so sorry! I've failed you!" Then, he thought of Sam's gray, haggard face and of what would happen to him if he was delivered into Saruman's hands. This gave Merry the strength to struggle to his feet and stagger forward once more.
It was dark now, and they were now out of the ravine and climbing a bluff overlooking a river. Aragorn insisted they continue on through the night. He felt sure they would catch up if they kept moving. Their pace was slower now as Gandalf feared the use of light would alert the Uruk-hai to their presence. It was well into the night when Legolas quietly called, "Stop! I hear something!" The Fellowship stood still, straining to detect whatever sound had alerted Legolas. Moments later, they all heard it: the sound of stumbling feet and labored breathing. Silently, they ducked into shadows and behind boulders to wait. No sooner had they all disappeared from sight, when a small figure came lurching unsteadily into view.
Without hesitation, Pippin cried, "Merry!" and leaped out, catching his cousin as Merry began to fall again. "Merry! You're alive!" Pippin's eyes were brimming with tears as he eased Merry to the ground. In seconds, Aragorn and Frodo were at his side. Gandalf decided to take a chance, and illuminated his staff. Merry, pale and soaked with sweat, was wheezing, trying to get air into his tortured lungs. Gimli handed him a flask of water, which Merry desperately gulped down, not having had any water since the night before. Aragorn noted the thin red gash across Merry's throat, but didn't see any other obvious injuries.
"Merry," he said quietly. "Are you injured?' Still wheezing and gulping water, Merry shook his head.
"I'm fine!" he was finally able to gasp, "But Sam. we must get Sam!" He closed his eyes wearily.
"What about the Ring?" demanded Boromir more roughly than he intended.
Merry, his chest still heaving, opened his eyes and whispered, "I have it." Then, he slowly reached up and clumsily pulled the silver chain over his head. The Ring glinted in the light from Gandalf's staff. Frodo stared at it, mesmerized, but his emotions were conflicted. On one hand, it was all he could do to keep from snatching it from Merry's hand, but on the other, he dreaded the very thought of bearing that cursed Ring once more. However, he knew his duty, and slowly, reluctantly he held his hand out. Without looking at him, Merry dropped the Ring in Frodo's hand. Taking a deep breath, Frodo placed the Ring over his own head and tucked the Ring out of sight. Merry buried his face in his hands and sat unmoving.
"Where is Sam?" asked Aragorn even more quietly. He could see that Merry was very upset and was trying to keep him focused. "What happened?
Merry reluctantly lifted his tear-stained face and stared off into the darkness and began. "I followed Sam after Pippin found Frodo," he said dully, "I followed him all through the night and into the next day. Then, that Uruk-hai caught me. At first he thought I was Sam, but then he said I didn't look bad enough to have been fighting Saruman's Command, so he was taking me to see someone else. Another giant orc I would guess." He stopped and took another drink of water. He still couldn't look at any of his companions.
"I don't know how far we traveled, but suddenly, there was Sam, his sword drawn." Merry closed his eyes and gave a faint laugh. "He stood right up to that giant Uruk! I didn't even recognize him. Then," he hesitated again, "Sam disappeared." He could hear the sharp gasps from the others. They knew all too well what that meant. "Well," continued Merry, "He actually killed the Uruk, but there was a second one. That one grabbed me and threatened to kill me if Sam didn't show himself. So, Sam did."
Merry stopped again. He was thinking about how shocked he had been by Sam's ghastly, hollow-eyed appearance. The others waited. "The Uruk took us both and ran until it got dark. Then we met the Nazgul." He smiled ruefully, "I never thought I would be glad to have an orc around," he said bemusedly. "But it dropped us and went after the Wraith. I tried to get Sam to come with me so we could escape, but.but he," Merry couldn't continue.
Frodo, staring into space nodded knowingly. "The Ring." he whispered. For the first time, Merry glanced at his cousin. He nodded as well. Frodo understood.
Gandalf placed an encouraging hand on Merry's shoulder, and smiled gently at him. Merry took a deep breath and went on. "The Nazgul got past the orc and came at us." he said with a shudder, hoping to get through this part as quickly as possible. "I.I tried to shield Sam, but it just knocked me aside. Sam was fighting so hard!" The tears flowed freely now as Merry relived those awful moments. "He. put the Ring on and vanished. The Wraith was inches from him, about to grab him and the Ring." Frodo buried his face and gave a small groan. It was like reliving his own fateful encounter with the abhorrent Ringwraiths. The others still said nothing, fearing the worst.
Then, Merry gave another faint smile. "The orc saved us again." he said, a faraway look in his eyes. "He grabbed the Wraith and pulled him away from Sam. Sam took the Ring off almost at once. I crawled over to him and told him we must get away, but." again Merry faltered. "He couldn't do it. He.he looked worse than ever and was so weak. He told me to take the Ring and get away." He broke down at this point. Remembering Sam's still body, lying there in the dark was too much for him. The guilt was overwhelming. Pippin and Frodo both held him as his body was wracked with deep, heart-rending sobs.
"It's alright, Merry," said Frodo through his own tears, "You did what you had to do. We'll get Sam back! You'll see!'
It was then that Boromir spoke, his voice heavy with sorrow. "I fear that we may already be too late."
Frodo turned abruptly, "What do you mean we are "already too late"?" he demanded angrily. "Are you saying we should just abandon Sam to his fate?"
Boromir stared down at the agitated hobbit. He sighed and shaking his head grimly, replied, "No, I mean, that Sam is already as good as dead."
Samwise the Brave: Ooops! Sorry I confused you with Gamgeefest (Samwise, Gamgee much too related!). Anyway, I think at least for the moment I will have to decline your generous offer to join your group. I really am falling behind in school and everything else that needs doing in my life. Plus, other than that great novel I wrote in 7th grade, you have read all my stories - all three of them! It may be awhile before I write any more. It's too addicting! However, when things lighten up, I'll check back with you. It really is nice to be wanted!
Chapter 15 Encounters in the Dark
Aragorn led the others down into a ravine, following Merry's clear trail. They all felt more encouraged knowing that that were at least going in the right direction. Once they were in the ravine, they moved more quickly. There was no place for them to go except straight ahead.
"Aragorn!" cried Legolas from a little distance ahead. He was squatting by the trail carefully examining the tracks. His eyes were troubled. When Aragorn reached him, Legolas stood and said quietly, "Uruk." Aragorn's eyes narrowed as he examined the tracks for himself. There was no doubt. An Uruk-hai had obviously made his way into the ravine from above and if the tracks were any indication, it now had Merry. Aragorn lowered his head in frustration. This was getting worse and worse! He stood up as the rest of the party joined them.
"Is something wrong?" asked Pippin apprehensively.
It was a moment before Aragorn spoke. He sighed heavily and said, "It appears an Uruk-hai has Merry. At least, I am assuming it is Merry." Frodo and Pippin cried out in dismay.
"We must move with greater speed," said Gandalf grimly. "I suspect it believes it has Sam, but we do not know for sure. It may be that both hobbits have been captured."
The Fellowship hurried on, determined to locate their missing companions and to bring the One Ring back to safety. It was late in the afternoon that Legolas stopped again, his keen eyes scanning the sky above. "Scavengers," he said simply as he pointed to the black shapes wheeling high overhead. Frodo felt a chill run down his spine. Did this mean they had already lost Merry or Sam? They moved quickly ahead and it wasn't long before they encountered the sickly-sweet stench of decaying flesh.
They rounded a bend in the ravine and were met by a flock of large, black scavenging birds all fighting over something hidden in their midst.. Boromir and Aragorn strode ahead, scattering the screeching birds in their wake. They stopped in surprise when they realized the form in the center was not that of a hobbit, but of a large Uruk-hai. Aragorn stared at the sword protruding from the creature's chest for a moment, then holding the Uruk's body down with his foot, Aragorn seized the hilt of the sword and pulled it free, dripping black blood. "This is Sam's sword!" he exclaimed in wonder. "And look!" he reaching down to the Uruk's belt. "Here is Merry's!"
Boromir frowned as Aragorn wiped the blood from Sam's sword. "Do you truly believe that Sam was actually able to slay this Uruk?" he asked skeptically. Although he had become rather fond of the halflings, he found it hard to believe one of them was capable of killing a powerful Uruk-hai single handed.
Aragorn did not answer. He was studying the ground around them. The rest of the Fellowship held back at Aragorn's request. Finally, he stood up and beckoned to them. "Look," he said, pointing towards the wall of the ravine. "One of the hobbits was traveling near the wall so we did not see his tracks. He came in from over there and attacked the Uruk." He then turned around and walked towards the other wall. "But," he continued, "It appears a second Uruk showed up from the opposite direction and took the other hobbit captive." He pointed out the two sets of prints. He didn't point out the drops of blood staining the sandy soil next to them. "It then appears that this Uruk took both hobbits with him." He swept his hair from his face and gave a weak grin. "I think it safe to say, that at this point, both Sam and Merry were alive."
"How far ahead do you think they are?" asked Frodo anxiously. He was relieved to hear that it appeared Sam and Merry were still alive, but feared they would not find them before the Uruk-hai reached Isengard. He shuddered to think what might befall them at the hands of Saruman.
"Three or four hours." sighed Aragorn, "Maybe a little more, maybe a little less."
Merry had never run so fast in his life. He knew there was little hope of reaching Gandalf and the others in time to save Sam, yet he still felt he had to do his best. He owed Sam his life and leaving him in the hands of that vile orc was the hardest thing Merry had ever done in his life, even harder than leaving Pippin and Frodo on the mountain. He silently cursed the Ring and Saruman and every other vile thing he could think of. He knew Sam had been right and that getting the Ring to safety was the most important thing, but still. He hoped he could forgive himself if he was too late to save Sam.
He had no idea how long he had been running, but he knew he couldn't go much further. He had slowed to a stumbling trot. Several times now, his aching legs felt so weak they simply gave out from under him and he fell sprawling into the dirt. The last time, was almost too much. He just didn't know how much longer he could go on. He lay sobbing in exhaustion. "Oh, Sam!" he moaned, "I'm so sorry! I've failed you!" Then, he thought of Sam's gray, haggard face and of what would happen to him if he was delivered into Saruman's hands. This gave Merry the strength to struggle to his feet and stagger forward once more.
It was dark now, and they were now out of the ravine and climbing a bluff overlooking a river. Aragorn insisted they continue on through the night. He felt sure they would catch up if they kept moving. Their pace was slower now as Gandalf feared the use of light would alert the Uruk-hai to their presence. It was well into the night when Legolas quietly called, "Stop! I hear something!" The Fellowship stood still, straining to detect whatever sound had alerted Legolas. Moments later, they all heard it: the sound of stumbling feet and labored breathing. Silently, they ducked into shadows and behind boulders to wait. No sooner had they all disappeared from sight, when a small figure came lurching unsteadily into view.
Without hesitation, Pippin cried, "Merry!" and leaped out, catching his cousin as Merry began to fall again. "Merry! You're alive!" Pippin's eyes were brimming with tears as he eased Merry to the ground. In seconds, Aragorn and Frodo were at his side. Gandalf decided to take a chance, and illuminated his staff. Merry, pale and soaked with sweat, was wheezing, trying to get air into his tortured lungs. Gimli handed him a flask of water, which Merry desperately gulped down, not having had any water since the night before. Aragorn noted the thin red gash across Merry's throat, but didn't see any other obvious injuries.
"Merry," he said quietly. "Are you injured?' Still wheezing and gulping water, Merry shook his head.
"I'm fine!" he was finally able to gasp, "But Sam. we must get Sam!" He closed his eyes wearily.
"What about the Ring?" demanded Boromir more roughly than he intended.
Merry, his chest still heaving, opened his eyes and whispered, "I have it." Then, he slowly reached up and clumsily pulled the silver chain over his head. The Ring glinted in the light from Gandalf's staff. Frodo stared at it, mesmerized, but his emotions were conflicted. On one hand, it was all he could do to keep from snatching it from Merry's hand, but on the other, he dreaded the very thought of bearing that cursed Ring once more. However, he knew his duty, and slowly, reluctantly he held his hand out. Without looking at him, Merry dropped the Ring in Frodo's hand. Taking a deep breath, Frodo placed the Ring over his own head and tucked the Ring out of sight. Merry buried his face in his hands and sat unmoving.
"Where is Sam?" asked Aragorn even more quietly. He could see that Merry was very upset and was trying to keep him focused. "What happened?
Merry reluctantly lifted his tear-stained face and stared off into the darkness and began. "I followed Sam after Pippin found Frodo," he said dully, "I followed him all through the night and into the next day. Then, that Uruk-hai caught me. At first he thought I was Sam, but then he said I didn't look bad enough to have been fighting Saruman's Command, so he was taking me to see someone else. Another giant orc I would guess." He stopped and took another drink of water. He still couldn't look at any of his companions.
"I don't know how far we traveled, but suddenly, there was Sam, his sword drawn." Merry closed his eyes and gave a faint laugh. "He stood right up to that giant Uruk! I didn't even recognize him. Then," he hesitated again, "Sam disappeared." He could hear the sharp gasps from the others. They knew all too well what that meant. "Well," continued Merry, "He actually killed the Uruk, but there was a second one. That one grabbed me and threatened to kill me if Sam didn't show himself. So, Sam did."
Merry stopped again. He was thinking about how shocked he had been by Sam's ghastly, hollow-eyed appearance. The others waited. "The Uruk took us both and ran until it got dark. Then we met the Nazgul." He smiled ruefully, "I never thought I would be glad to have an orc around," he said bemusedly. "But it dropped us and went after the Wraith. I tried to get Sam to come with me so we could escape, but.but he," Merry couldn't continue.
Frodo, staring into space nodded knowingly. "The Ring." he whispered. For the first time, Merry glanced at his cousin. He nodded as well. Frodo understood.
Gandalf placed an encouraging hand on Merry's shoulder, and smiled gently at him. Merry took a deep breath and went on. "The Nazgul got past the orc and came at us." he said with a shudder, hoping to get through this part as quickly as possible. "I.I tried to shield Sam, but it just knocked me aside. Sam was fighting so hard!" The tears flowed freely now as Merry relived those awful moments. "He. put the Ring on and vanished. The Wraith was inches from him, about to grab him and the Ring." Frodo buried his face and gave a small groan. It was like reliving his own fateful encounter with the abhorrent Ringwraiths. The others still said nothing, fearing the worst.
Then, Merry gave another faint smile. "The orc saved us again." he said, a faraway look in his eyes. "He grabbed the Wraith and pulled him away from Sam. Sam took the Ring off almost at once. I crawled over to him and told him we must get away, but." again Merry faltered. "He couldn't do it. He.he looked worse than ever and was so weak. He told me to take the Ring and get away." He broke down at this point. Remembering Sam's still body, lying there in the dark was too much for him. The guilt was overwhelming. Pippin and Frodo both held him as his body was wracked with deep, heart-rending sobs.
"It's alright, Merry," said Frodo through his own tears, "You did what you had to do. We'll get Sam back! You'll see!'
It was then that Boromir spoke, his voice heavy with sorrow. "I fear that we may already be too late."
Frodo turned abruptly, "What do you mean we are "already too late"?" he demanded angrily. "Are you saying we should just abandon Sam to his fate?"
Boromir stared down at the agitated hobbit. He sighed and shaking his head grimly, replied, "No, I mean, that Sam is already as good as dead."