CHAPTER 4: LOST LEGENDS OF OLD
Bag End seemed quiet and deserted now. It was about 5 days after the warning the witch brought to the feast. The decorations were down and the Hobbits were home in there houses sleeping as usual. Gimili, Pippin, Merry, Sam, and Gandalf sat in the Hobbit hole Frodo once lived. Gandalf explained to them what had happened because the house was recked. He told them about the new witches premonition and how Frodo's illness will bring about evil again to Middle Earth. He told them how the riders tried to take Frodo but he held them back with a powerful curse and they fled into the wood. He hadn't explained about Joden though, he believed they wouldn't understand why he was chosen to help lead the Hobbit and Witch to him.
"Well we must go get Frodo if he's out there all alone." Said Merry who showed concern for his close friend. "If he's with a witch as good as Gandalf there's no need for us to worry." Argued Gimili who kept his axe at his side. "Now, now my dear friends, no one is going after him except me. I need to speak with them and lead them to Rivendell. Elrond will shine on us some of his light, we need as much help as we can get." Gandalf got up. He looked so tired and weak in the fire light but they all knew how powerful he really was.
"Mr. Gandalf sir, what are we to do? Stay here and wait for you to return?" Sam was as worried as any of them. Gandalf smiled under his long gray beard. "Don't worry Mr. Gamgee, I expect I will meet someone on the way who I can trust to take you to me." He pulled on his tall pointed hat and ducked down as he walked outside near the garden. "Where is he going?" Asked Pippin as he watched Gandalf walk down the hill and onto his horse. "To get Frodo Pip." Merry replied as Gandalf trotted into the forest.
It was a new morning once again, Gandalf had been riding all through the cool dark night. He decided to take a very short nap and maybe eat something before he regained his strength back. He hoped off his horse and tied it to a tree and patted its nose. He grabbed a pouch which he had been carrying and took out some bread and tea. He sat down on the dirt and chewed softly as the sun began to grow brighter as the day moved on. It was a beautiful day for Middle Earth though Gandalf could sense troubles were about to come. He took out his pipe and began to smoke merrily for the time being. He could feel Joden was close.
Soon the party would all be back together and they would head off for Rivendell, Gandalf just hoped he wasn't to late for Amelia and Frodo. Amelia was a wise and smart witch and Gandalf knew no matter how young she was Joden's race would be discovered and her trust for him will be lost forever. He lay back closing his eyes trying to think of the positive side of the situation. He could trust Joden and make Amelia see what good he has inside of him, the only problem was he would have to make Gimili and the Hobbits see it.
He pulled his hat over his eyes and listened to the noises around him. Everything was so peaceful and quiet but what should happen if his fears came true. There would be a war that would last for all eternity. The thump of light footsteps sounded just beyond the ridge of the stream. They were soft and cautious as if trying to hide from someone or something. Gandalf's ears perked up, he opened his eyes and lifted his head a little so he could see under the brim of his hat. Boots and a large black cloak stood standing in front of him.
The wizard took his hat off and smiled gently as the person he saw in front of him was a hooded man. He looked very tired, very weak and sickly. He had black circles around his eyes, his skin was pale and green with sweat and his hair was messy and tangled. "I thought I heard you coming." Gandalf stared at him waiting for him to say something, but he just nodded. He tilted his head and examined Joden. "You haven't ate in days have you?" He nodded not daring to open his mouth, he was afraid his hunger would get the best of him. "My dear friend you should go and get something to eat I will wait for you here." Joden's chest starting heaving up and down. His breathe was deeper and heavy. His lips curled up, you could see his fangs patruding from his mouth. He turned quickly and ran into the forest.
Gandalf let out a long sigh knowing he risked a lot by letting the vampire help them. 15 minutes had passed and Joden emerged from the brush. His face was more full of color and he seemed to be at ease now. "I'm sorry for that Gandalf, I needed to feed and I didn't wanna endanger anyone." "It's alright Joden I understand quite plainly." Gandalf suddenly realized something was missing. "Where's Amelia and Frodo?" The vampire put his head down slightly. He didn't want to fail Gandalf, he knew how much his trust would come in handy. "I had lead them to Quarry as you instructed but where they are now I do not know." Gandalf let out another long heavy sigh and placed his hand on his forehead.
"I assume Amelia found out what you really are?" Joden nodded. "i tried to keep it hidden as long as I could but I could sense she knew something was wrong from the start. I knew it wouldn't have been long till my secret slipped out. She took Frodo with her to The Cozy Quarry Inn. I watched them in the shadows but now I do not know where they linger. I lost her trust but I think there is hope with Frodo. I think I could regain that bond with him, he is more understanding."
Gandalf got up and put back on his hat and adjusted it. "well I think we know what this has come to dear boy." Joden straightened himself out. "I will go look for Frodo and Amelia in Quarry and if they aren't there ... I know where to look." "I will come with you" "No I have a much more important job for you." He hopped onto his horse. "Go back the way you came, past Bree and you will reach The Shire. Go towards Hobbiton, I believe you know where that is. There is a town there, very small but welcoming. Bag End is the name full of Hobbits like Frodo. there I will need you to find a Dwarf Gimili, and 3 other Hobbits by the names of Sam, Pippin and Merry. Tell them your duties and you should have no problem." Joden looked confused and frustarted. "What am I to do with these Hobbits and the Dwarf?" "I will need you to lead them to Rivendell, the house of Elrond. I will meet you there with Amelia and Frodo. The Elf's are wise and fair they will let you in if you tell them I sent you. Wait for us, you will be safe for the time being." Joden nodded. "I shall not fail you." Gandalf nodded also in agreement and watched Joden creep back into the Forrest to Bag End.
The road was far and wide, and the vampire stuck to the shadows along the side. For days he traveled, hood down to hide a growing redness in his eyes. It was getting close to the time... just months away, and the symptoms would come. It was one of many parts of his own race that was never written down in old scriptures, and something he intended to hide. He would just disappear no big deal no one would care.
Finally he saw it, a small picket sign that read Bag End across it in poorly carved letters. And the road wound farther and farther. He lifted his head a bit higher to see as much as the path as he could, and saw it winding into a group of hills. "I've never been here before... I won't be welcome, best to hunt them the old fashioned way." Joden turned away from the road and into a nearby wood which seemed to curve around the rolling hills. It was there that he waited until the sun fell, and the moon rose, and then he moved.
The town seemed to come alive when the night came. It seemed like another party had begun for another occasion, but nothing that Joden recognized. "These people were terrorized and they let their guard down again?" "Tis the way of an intelligent Hobbit." Said a young half-ling at his side. The vampire hadn't even noticed that the symptoms were growing stronger...
"Some rum for ya?" He said handing a mug to him. Joden looked down at him. The hobbit looked at him and took a large nervous swig when he saw the glowing eyes under the hood. "So since you seem so social, what's the occasion?" "A birthday of whom I dunno er care. Tis aparty, and I intend to enjoy it out." "Well I'm sorry, but could you point me to... a Dwarf?" Joden had decided to ask for someone different from the others. "Well yes, a Dwarf has been living here for sometime. Name's Gimili, if I'm not mistaken." "Gamili?" "If you say so!" "...Ok...Thanks I guess." "Help me again any time?"
Joden could smell the rum taking him, but the Hobbit seemed to answer normally at the start of the conversation. Joden paid attention not to step onto the dancing square and circled around the crowd. He hadn't gotten the position but the smell of Dwarves was different, and it was no where near the Hobbit he spoke too. Now he got a better view of the dancing square and almost as he stopped there to watch another Hobbit was at his waist ready to talk.
"I cannot be toiled with now. I-" "BLACK RIDER!" The party began dispersing right away, the little people charged into the nearest homes they could find, including the Hobbit who picked him out. Joden nearly drew his sword but then he realized that he was the rider. His plan had fallen apart. "Wait I'm not a rider!" "Now they speak perfectly! They grow smarter! They seek our lives through dastardly plot and scheme!" "I am not a rider!" "Run for yer lives, he's trying to trick you all!" Said another Hobbit. It seemed that the entire party had become an ocean of Hobbits, some running straight towards him. One in particular running right at him. Quickly.
The smell hit him and Joden leaped up, over, and behind the Dwarf. "Please I am no rider, I'm here in peace!" The Dwarfs ax spun around at Joden's waist, and he reacted with a quick unsheathing and a block. "Curse you all! I was sent by Gandalf and am treated poorly, has he not informed you of anything about those who might help the bearer!" "End your lies and fight!" The Dwarf began to swing his ax another way. Not quickly enough. Joden ran forward and slid under it, bringing his sword to the Dwarves neck. The two were breathing heavy for a moment, and then ...
"Now have I earned your ear?" The Dwarf wasn't moving for a moment but his eyes rolled to the side. Joden's other hand swung into his cloak. He showed the Dwarf cold steel. "Call off your allies. or bring them nearer if they are Merry, Pippin or Sam. I have come to guide them and you all." "Guide us! Where for?" One of the Hobbits said, standing quite close to Joden's back. "Frodo is sick and we are to cross paths in Rivendell."
No thought seemed to pass through the minds of any of them. "We're off then!" Merry said. "Yes, if it's to help the good mister Frodo." Said Sam. Joden wondered how they had survived with such fickle trust. But it had worked and that meant they could begin their travel to Rivendell. By the morning, Bags were packed and a very enthusiastic group left Bag End for the second time with an adventure before them.
So the part quickly gathered what they would need and together began their journey eastward to Rivendell. Samwise, Meriadoc and Perigrin all carried small bags with pots and pans strapped to their sides. Joden carried nothing but his sword as always, and Gimili carried a great hatchet and a bag for him self to sleep in. For several days and nights they marched with a short break each hour for tired feet to lay and stout hearts to renew vigor until finally the party had a reached a wood where they could remain hidden for a night with full rest.
So the Hobbits lay in small cotton bags upon the floor and curled up within them. Gimili did no such thing but laid it out and sat him self down there upon the mat. Joden who had no care for rest remained constantly watching the world for changes. And sleep to the Hobbits.
"Master Joden" Gimili said. "I prefer Joden if you care not." Was his answer. "joden then. Is it in Rivendell that we should meet with Frodo and the others safely and soundly? Is this journey going to be nothing but walking or should we face some evil along the way?"
Joden's eyes were on the moon now. "I do believe we shall have an eventless journey Frodo is the target." "Then why do we not help them!" "Because at the speed they must travel we shall not see them but till Rivendell anyway." Gimili fell silent. "Bah, to have at those riders would be a pleasure. My axe would sing to it." "And my sword would dance for them but I doubt heavily we will ever get the chance." The tewo fell silent and the Dwarf began slowly to nod off. There was a sound , like flowing water. But then it was broken up and the sound seemed to grow louder and louder becoming a roar that would over take them.
Joden recognized the scent though he couldn't understand how they would arrive here and now. "Orcs!" His sword went free from the sheath and paved an arc in the sky. Gimili arouse quickly and unsteadily, but his hatchet prevailed the sky and took green rotting flesh with it. The Hobbits sprung to their feet and began swinging what they could grab off hand at whatever came near them. Joden spun slicing open orcs in a display about him they began to pile at his feet.
Gimili swung down on an orcish head then came up and around another's neck and all the while he was forcing a gruff smile. He burst laughing in the middle of battle his old heart beating with the love of a good fight. "Oh I needed this!" He said taking the life of another. Sam swung a massive pot in a circle clocking an orc in the back of the head. He spun the other way finding his mark on Pippin's face. "Argh!" Pippin brought the pan on Sam's head and Sam panicked.
"Help!" And Sam bashed Merry in the back of the head, and he fell forward onto Joden's back, who stabbed an orc by accident when he collasped. "Quite the team!" Gimili laughed taking an axe to the nearest Orc's gut. Joden found the fight east too- much to easy for his liking. The Hobbits were taking more numbers than Joden had expected. The part of orcs had within minutes fallen to blades and pots.
The party was breathing deeply, although even the Hobbits were still as ready as before the battle. The ground was littered with blood and orcs and some supplies were scattered amongst the dead. "Nothing like a good brawl to get the blood pumpin!" Said Merry. "This was a disgrace..." Joden said. "They fell to easily." Merry, as well as the expressions of the other Hobbits, faded. "We are approached again..." Joden said keeping his sword ready. "I do not know..."
Gimili readied his axe and the Hobbits now felt their skills were no match for what was to come, they retreated back a bit, to where they saw no devils and watched silently hidden behind bushes that clung closer to the ground. They appeared in a slow procession. One led with a sword tracing straight up in front of his face, old and withered. Upon his head was a rotting crown. His hair, ragged, fell to his shoulders. And his eyes... they were white and dead. The others who followed looked almost the same- although some had shorter hair, smaller crowns and even worse skin.
"Joden..." "These are the kinds of old..." "The riders!" And they stopped there in the middle of the field. The moon seemed to hold that one area to light as though marking the field for battle. The riders stopped and the leader bowed his head to the pair. Joden began to walk forward slowly and Gimili followed although reluctantly. "I will explain later" Joden whispered. "It's a standoff, follow as I do."
The pair came within four yards of the wraiths. Joden bowed his head slightly and Gimili did as Joden. They raised their heads and now were staring into cold eyes. The leader stepped back and the two riders from the back stepped forward. Gimili didn't dare utter a word though he wished to know what was going on. Joden had lived beyond the king's times he understood the policy.
The riders fell back except for the two and sheathed their swords. They formed a circle an dthen began to hum. The song was old, and the memories weren't good to any extent. There were lyrics too they sang with deep voices none knew they could have ever possessed... even Joden pitched in when the time came.
'The mighty's reign
' and the weaklings fall,
'tiss all the same
'if your none at all.'
'There was a time
'when the world was young,
'and the people helped all
'but a needy one.'
'And so we thought
'as years have passsed,
'that we would grow
'to end the past.'
'Yet time went on
'and on and on,
'and none can tell
'who's a true weak one.'
There was no peace when the song ended the pair's sword clashed with Joden's sword and Gimili's axe. It was battle now. Gimili's hatchet flew back and forth, up and down, and the wraith seemed to stop it all as it came. Joden wasn't successful either although he clipped his enemies shoulder, it still stood. Then the wraiths traded their blows and they were harsh Joden dodged each one and Gimili worked to block the jabs from the sword.
Gimili swung down and Joden leapt sideways kicking the axe from his hands and swinging at Gimili's opponent. The cross worked and the sword and hatched clashed onto the wraiths head and it crumbled to the ground and vanished upon reaching it. The hatchet came down and so did the wraiths sword. Joden blocked and Gimili swung from the back and took the wraiths spine. Two were fallen.
Four others took up although they were as skilled as the first two they fell the same way. Joden's sword jabbed into the belly of one and took the head of another. Gimili's hatchet crushed one, coming from the head down to the ground. Then two more came and they were fallen. And so one stood.
For a few moments neither Joden, Gimili, nor the king moved. It was a serene pause, long enough so that the Hobbits peered out of their places for a moment just to see if the fight had ended. "Who would have known the riders could think for themselves." Joden said. The king smiled and turned to Gimili and frowned upon his axe. "Gimili step down." Joden said. "What?" "He's asking for a duel. Your axe has no place in that." So Gimili did back away though he would rather not. And the dead and the dead clashed.
Joden through himself at the rider and the rider moved to catch him with his sword. But Joden had slid underneath that, and came up from behind. The rider through his sword behind him just blocking a jab from Joden. Then he spun to take Joden's head again and Joden ducked and swatted the sword away. Joden took the opportunity, took his sword with two hands and spun around passing his sword entirely through the king's waist severing it. He stopped with his back facing the rider, face down. The rider fell apart.
The air was silent, everything seemed to stop in the moment. Easier than he thought it was going to be. Too much easier than he thought it was going to be. The king's upped portion lifted off the ground. He looked around, though he was not dazed. The rider even as Joden turned to watch, was altering its self slightly. Its cloak which was now being thrown by the wind, suddenly went stiff as a rock. Stiff as armor.
Its head turned black and its eyes began to glow a deep yellow. Joden was beginning to recognize the form from books, and fear it. He took a step away, but he kept his sword ready. It was missing one final touch. Its hand fell off and turned to dust upon hitting the ground, and the demon that mocked Sauron was formed, hovering there like some godly figure and wielding a terrible mace. "Run, it's beyond any of us!" Joden shouted , Gimili usually refused his limits, until now. The Hobbits had seen the terror and ran to catch up with Gimili. Only one remained to slow down the beast.
"I'll catch up with you!" Joden called clutching his weapon nervously. "I hope." And it came down upon him. Joden moved to block but when his sword made contact he was thrown away like a rag doll, ten feet away from his enemy. He rolled up, stared it down. It would chase and take them all that he could do, all his purpose now was to keep them from taking harm. He was quick, running forward and stabbing at it. His sword hit it but was ineffective-it fell apart. Joden followed his sword down with his eyes as it shattered and rained on the ground at his feet. His eyes rolled up to the demon and so it braced to attack.
Last second he rolled away and withdrew his two sharp daggers from his cloak. As though they would help. He leapt forward and dug one deep into the back of its head. Its response was to spin around and grab Joden by the neck. First reaction-Joden grabbed at the hand with one of his own, and the other held the dagger. The thing was raising that mace again.
Joden slashed at the hand quick severing that and trying to understand how he could fight with a mace and choke him when it had only one hand. The severed hand fell and so did Joden and finally so did the mace. Joden moved but not fast enough. The mace came down, and crushed his hand into the ground. "GGGraaargh!" Joden's wings ripped from his back, dark and fleshy and he took off leaving the splattered remains of his hand under the mace. He would have some explaining to do.
Gimili and the other Hobbits had stopped running. Now they stood ever watchful of the path they paved for Joden to return. But they never saw him enter the gate. The group sat down for a time, wondering to themselves and then... "He had put us on a straight road to Rivendell right?" Said Sam. They all knew what he was getting at.
"I believe you under estimate his power." said Gimili. "No it's not like he's not strong." "But that thing was big, and it'll beat him dead fast I think." NO one could shake heads to that. They still stood there alone in their own thoughts and then picked up and began walking. They had some sense of general direction they could ask for help along the way somewhere. The party moved on, leaving Joden for what they believed dead.
The moon was still high when the party left. Joden was there to see them leave, watching from above. He wanted to give chase, but something held him back. Something was wrong about it all, helping these people reach Rivendell. What was the point, they end the coming of destruction escapable by almost nothing. Except him, he trusted himself to escape the danger.
In short, after losing his hand and discovering the cold gold ring, he wasn't sure why he was fighting, what for. Besides they were walking in the direction they needed anyway... This was crazy, what was he thinking? What if they needed him? Frodo... "Joden." The voice was soft, gentle. Joden turned... Gandalf was floating there. "I relieve you of your duties." "Your not yourself" Joden replied. "I cannot stay long, power isn't as great now. But you have lost your hand. You needn't suffer anymore, we are going to reform the original fellowship, although Amelia will take the place of Aragorn since he cannot help us." There was nothing wrong about the sense of the apparition as it faded. It was a true apparition created by Gandalf. So Joden's purpose died as it always did.
Gimili and the rest of the Hobbits walked on for days and the stranger left their minds just a few days after their travels began again. They had reached the loud water or Bruinen. all they needed then was to walk north following the river, until finally they reached Rivendell and the city of Elves. They reached it days after Joden had. Joden was walking around Rivendell, hood up against the sun and tight dark gloves warn. He had told the Elves of the city that he had to arrive early. They couldn't see his injury, his hand had become itself again. And as for his sword, he had replaced that too with a new design. It was nearly as tall as he was and carried sharp ragged teeth all the way to the hilt. He wore that on his back.
From the clouds above snow began to float down. He stopped and held the glove hand out catching a flake in his palm. It was that day, that time, and exactly the same air. Joden could feel the bite in his throat now, remembering that time. "Ironic...the end of my road has come here." He said and with that he walked away into the home of Elrond to find rest.