Ch 11 Revelations
Aragorn was by now used to the moving car but every time they violently stopped it made his stomach turn, he had been on many different modes of transport but this was definitely the strangest thing he'd been on. Despite this he kept a close lookout for both his friends and this man's daughter. He had made a promise and he was going to keep it. He had seen a picture of his daughter and had confirmed that he had not seen her in the town. John, the girls father, had visibly lost hope for the moment and it made Aragorn feel sorry for him and once again reassured him that together they could probably find them.
They finally stopped outside a building that Aragorn assumed was the man's house. It certainly wasn't as grand as the places that the heir to the throne was used to. A woman came running out of the house and was greeted by John, Aragorn was unsure as to who she was but he guessed some kind of relation or perhaps wife or partner. She was wearing good clothes so she obviously wasn't a servant. Aragorn opened the door and got out, he stood tall against the car and even taller against the woman. When she saw him, the woman gasped, she grabbed John in surprise and started asking him a long list of questions and Aragorn knew that they were about him. He didn't have time to wait around so walked past them and in to the open door of the house. The woman looked on surprised by what was happening but followed him in. John followed close behind them amazed that his wife had allowed this stranger to help her in the search for their daughter.
Aragorn stood waiting and noticed the woman was very on edge.
"Don't worry ma'am, I'll help find your daughter. I am a skilled tracker and am also looking for my friends."
"Thank you. Aragorn."
Aragorn looked surprised, he didn't know how this woman knew his name, she seemed to recognise him but he was sure that he had never seen her before. She held up her hand to stop him asking questions and took his sword from him and laid it on the table. She then went to a cupboard and took out something. On the front he saw pictures of his friends and even more surprisingly himself. It was like someone had painted on but in so much detail, it was incredible. He didn't understand and was about to ask what it was but didn't know how to do it, there was nothing he could ask he was just so shocked.
He sat down on one of the seats provided and took off some of his armour, he felt comfortable here but the picture had made him uneasy. There was definitely something strange about this place and he didn't like it at all.
"It will be night soon, we should wait until dawn to start looking again, there is little we can do at night."
He decided to rest there that night but he thought he had best keep his sword close, they didn't seem dangerous but he didn't trust these people. He settled down in his seat and tucked into the food that they had provided, tomorrow he would search for their daughter and hopefully find his companions as well.
**
A guard in a blue uniform held Gimli still even though the dwarf struggled to get free. They were questioning him about what had happened, the thing that seemed to disgust the men most was the fact that he was in the woman's department. Gimli couldn't understand why this was a problem, he didn't even know where he was and he had tried to explain this to them but mostly it just came out in a string of insults from the dwarves mouth.
Gimli had tried his plan to push his way out of the cell but it didn't work well at all, in fact it had made things worse because the men had put handcuffs on him. Now he was stood in a small room being interrogated by some very tall people who were now asking him about his axe and why he was carrying a weapon. Gimli could hardly believe what he was hearing, it was almost unheard of for dwarves to not carry weapons, the man was beginning to get angry that Gimli wasn't answering any of his questions.
Gimli knew that he had to get out of the jail and the only way he was going to get out by telling the man about himself, of course he did leave out the major parts about the Fellowship's mission and the One Ring, he didn't trust these people enough to tell them of these sacred things, he had seen and heard of how the Ring could easily corrupt men. He told the men a few 'white lies' and twisted the truth slightly every now and then. In the end the people actually started to believe that he was a traveller and that the only reason he had an axe was that it was a present from an uncle in the antiques business. He had also told the men that he was looking for a treasure in the area. Surprisingly, the men finally bought it all and agreed that Gimli wasn't dangerous and they would give him twenty eight days to pay for the damage he had caused, and the would have to keep his weapon, but would return it to the collector as soon as they found out who it was. Gimli silently wished him luck and was on his way.
**
Legolas had been wandering around this strange place for almost an hour, trying to find out where he was and where he should be looking for his friends, he had been tempted to ask someone where he was and if they had seen anyone that looked out of place but after his previous experience with people he decided that it wasn't a good idea. He didn't want to get into trouble again, the last person he spoke to hadn't been very helpful and he wondered if they were all like that.
He was now in a quiet place, before the place had been fairly quiet but now it was completely silent. There appeared to be fewer shops in this area and Legolas was glad of that, he decided that he didn't like these shops. The last one he had gone in was a disaster and he hadn't enjoyed the experience and didn't wish to repeat it. Yes, he certainly was glad that the place was quiet but something told him that it was a little too quiet.
**
Merry and Pippin were now wandering leisurely around the town, the woman was still with them and over the time they had been with each other they had grown close. The hobbits still hadn't told her about their quest, Merry kept going on about revealing nothing but Pippin really didn't understand why he was so worried, the young hobbit hardly knew what was going on anyway and couldn't explain to the woman even if he wanted to. This whole thing was a complete mystery to him, he did trust this woman and deep down he didn't want to keep things from her but he thought his cousin was right, it would just cause more trouble.
The three of them had been wandering around Salisbury for a while and it was just beginning to get dark, the woman knew how eager the hobbits were to find their friends so so far she had not told them that they should be getting home soon. There was something about these strange hairy-footed creatures that fascinated the woman, it was very strange that they should just appear in the museum like that. Although she was curious she had never asked them what they were there for.
They had stopped for a while for lunch but apart for that they had not stopped much, apart from Pippin stopping to see the ducks at the small park they had passed. He had always liked looking at the water although hobbits didn't generally like the water, of course, he himself couldn't swim as in the peaceful Hobbiton there was no need to learn how to swim. Merry was a little more wary of the water, he had been aware of what had happened to Frodo's parents, the story was that they had drowned on the river.
The hobbits had always been more curious than most, if they hadn't been they wouldn't have even thought about going on the journey with Frodo and Sam, though they were sort of forced into it. Sometimes they wished that they could be more like Frodo, he had explorer's blood in him, he was destined to follow in the footsteps of his uncle, Bilbo. Surprisingly, the two hobbits were beginning to enjoy their adventure although they wished that their friends were there with them so they too could enjoy it. There appeared to be so many good things to see in this new place, it was extraordinary, like nothing they had ever imagined before. They thought that Rivendell had been spectacular but this place was just pure magic, there was so much to see and do here, plus Pippin had made a very close friend.
After a while longer searching they decided to stop and rest for a while, after all they had been searching all day and it was beginning to get tiring, they weren't used to all this walking and exploring. The woman asked them to sit near the river. It was one of her favourite places and she told them that she wanted them to experience it with her. They agreed, even though Merry was a little cautious.
When they reached the river they agreed that it was amazing and they could hardly take their eyes off it, it was truly captivating. The woman asked Pippin if she could speak to him alone for a minute, they left Merry and walked closer to the river.
"Do what I say and I might not kill you and your friend." The woman whispered to the startled Pippin.
He didn't know what to say, he wasn't expecting that.
"Tell me, where is the Ring bearer? I want him, tell me now, or I kill your friend."
Once again Pippin didn't know what to say. He glanced behind him hoping that Merry was working out what was going on but the hobbit seemed to be in a trance, no doubt initiated by this mysterious woman.
He looked despairing back at her hoping it might just have been a mistake but her eyes told him all he needed to know. This woman was serious.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"I think you do. I know you know the one who bears the Ring of Power and I need it."
"I don't know anything about a Ring, or who carries it."
The woman glared at him once more.
"You're lying, I know you are. How about I kill your friend and then we'll see if you remember who carries it."
Pippin didn't think he had any choice but to tell the truth, he couldn't let her kill Merry. But he couldn't let her know about Frodo either. So he decided that he should tell her everything he knew about where Frodo was.
"I don't know where the Ring bearer is, we were separated, and where he is I don't know. Why would I, I am unimportant after all."
The woman gave him a warning look but her face softened when she was finally convinced that he was telling the truth. She smiled at him and bent down to his level and kissed him gently on the lips. Pippin instinctively responded and kissed her back. When their embrace was broken she smiled once more.
"I'm sorry my friend. Goodbye."
With that she pushed the helpless hobbit into the water and watched as he floundered helplessly. Merry knew exactly what was happening but it was as if something was holding him back, he longed to get up and help his friend but he couldn't. He saw that the woman walked away, annoyed but satisfied that there was nothing else to be gained. Slowly some of the feeling returned to him but he was still unable to move.
Across the road Legolas had been watching what was going on, even with his Elven eyesight he could not clearly see that it was Merry and Pippin that were being held by this woman. He had moved closer and then realised that it was two members of the Fellowship, he ran closer hoping that it wasn't too late to help his friends.
To Legolas it looked as if Merry was watching his cousin die, the elf couldn't understand why Merry wasn't doing anything. As he got closer he saw the woman run past him and was tempted to knock her to the ground but he knew he had to get to Pippin, from what he had heard hobbits weren't overly good swimmers and from what he could tell that river was very deep (at least to a hobbit). Legolas ran past the dazed Merry who was obviously under some kind of a spell and threw his quiver on the floor by the older hobbits' feet. The elf then jumped into the water to save Pippin who was desperately trying to fight the strong current and keep his small head above water. He thrashed out wildly hoping it would keep him afloat but his arms were beginning to feel tired and he felt an uneasy unconsciousness over coming him.
Slowly he began to sink under the water, praying that it would be painless. For a while he felt nothing but the whole experience seemed to slow down and the memories of the past came flooding back to him.
He saw himself when he was young, happily playing in the garden.
He saw himself with his friends and family.
He saw himself sharing many good times with his friend and relative Merry.
The most recent memory was that of the quest to which he had been assigned. It was certainly the most vivid and the most terrifying.
Pippin screamed underwater knowing what was going to happen to him. Instead of making a sound he took in the murky water and he once more felt that coldness sweeping over him. Just as the water went completely black and he thought it was over strong hands pulled at him and he felt himself being dragged from a watery grave.
The voices he heard were distant but some familiar. There were others standing around him but they were blurred and unrecognisable. The one he did recognise was that sweet voice of an elf, Legolas.
**
As the despairing elf dragged Pippin out of the water others jumped in and helped him, even though he had strong muscles the current in the water was so strong that even he felt weak. The strangers helped him pull Pippin to the riverbank where Merry was now shouting at them to help Pippin.
One man came up to Legolas and held him with a strong grip, it was clear to see that the cold water had taken its toll on the fit elf. He was now gasping for breath and shaking with cold but the small helpless hobbit kept him going.
They finally got Pippin to the bank and people gathered around them quickly as if there was something interesting to see. Legolas lay on the floor trying to catch his breath but the thought of Pippin just as helpless made him get to his feet and try to help the hobbit. He carefully placed a blanket one of the others had given him over the soaking figure, Legolas checked his breathing finding that it was non-existent. He called Pippin's name but there was no response. He lifted the hobbit so he was sitting and the strong, but tired elf, hit the small, almost drowned, hobbit on the back.
After repeating this several times a small cough escaped the young halfling. Legolas held Pippin forward as he coughed up more of the water. The small person was lying helpless and coughing wildly, he was still shivering from cold despite the warm blanket that lay over him.
Legolas breathed a sigh of relief and Merry came running over to his cousin fussing over him instantly. In between his sobs he thanked Legolas for saving his cousin. Legolas was being praised by the people around him, they all seemed very pleased that Pippin was alive and this surprised the elf.
Soon the scene was swarming with paramedics who were eager to take Pippin to a hospital, although Legolas didn't know what this was from what he had been told it was like the Houses of Healing. Finally, after much reassurance he agreed that Pippin would be better off there. The paramedics gave him and Pippin a blanket and laid Pippin down on a bed. They were just about to take the three to the hospital when Pippin screamed, Legolas felt it too, evil was near.
He stopped and looked around him with wary eyes. In the distance there was a shape approaching, a black shape, something that was very familiar to him. The shape was that of a Ring Wraith. At first it seemed impossible, there was no way a Wraith could get into this strange land.
Pretty soon the Wraith was right on top of them and Legolas yelled to the curious on-lookers to get out of the way. They did so as the black shape went by and headed straight for Legolas and the two frightened hobbits. Merry and Pippin screamed and ran to one side but Legolas stood his ground and only his quick elvish reflexes saved him from being trampled. The Wraith turned around and went back to Legolas who once again jumped out of its way.
It drew its sword and Legolas searched desperately from his quiver which he had forgotten to pick up after he dragged the hobbit out of the water. People all around him were screaming and running, even the paramedics who had been looking after Pippin weren't there any more. Legolas finally spotted his arrows and bow nearby and wondered if he'd reach them. The Wraith now had its sword drawn and was taking its final charge towards Legolas.
The swift elf leaped towards his bow and arrows, did a quick somersault and grabbed them, he quickly shot off an arrow and the Wraith swerved slightly, just missing Legolas. The elf saw the advantage and shot off more arrows at the Wraith. It dropped its sword and almost went back but sensing that it couldn't win this fight it withdrew. Legolas fired a few more shots at it, each one hitting its target so precisely that the stunned by-standers gasped.
They had never seen anything like it and never seen such an accurate marksman before. Merry and Pippin had seen this done before so were not quite as stunned at Legolas' speed as the on-lookers. They simply looked towards the direction that the Wraith had disappeared to.
Legolas instantly had a mass of people around him, all asking him questions like how his aim was so good, he thought this to be a stupid question and he wondered if these people even knew what elves could do. He grabbed the paramedic out of the crowd and told him that he should take them to this hospital he spoke of. The man didn't know what to say but instantly called for his co-worker and put Pippin into the back of the vehicle.
In the back of the ambulance Pippin still had a look of astonishment on his face.
"Was that a Wraith?" He asked, even though he knew the answer.
"Yes," replied Legolas " how it got here I do not know. This seems impossible, surely the White Wizard hasn't got this much power. Although, the Wraith did seem considerably weaker in this place, did you notice?"
Pippin shook his head. "Sorry, I was too busy being scared to notice it's strength."
Merry listened to the conversation silently, also wondering how a Wraith had got there. He was also thinking about what had happened at the river. He had wanted to help Pippin so much but something was holding him back, like some invisible force. He didn't understand it and thought it best to keep this to himself for now, he couldn't believe what he had let happen to Pippin and the guilt he felt now was over-whelming.
Aragorn was by now used to the moving car but every time they violently stopped it made his stomach turn, he had been on many different modes of transport but this was definitely the strangest thing he'd been on. Despite this he kept a close lookout for both his friends and this man's daughter. He had made a promise and he was going to keep it. He had seen a picture of his daughter and had confirmed that he had not seen her in the town. John, the girls father, had visibly lost hope for the moment and it made Aragorn feel sorry for him and once again reassured him that together they could probably find them.
They finally stopped outside a building that Aragorn assumed was the man's house. It certainly wasn't as grand as the places that the heir to the throne was used to. A woman came running out of the house and was greeted by John, Aragorn was unsure as to who she was but he guessed some kind of relation or perhaps wife or partner. She was wearing good clothes so she obviously wasn't a servant. Aragorn opened the door and got out, he stood tall against the car and even taller against the woman. When she saw him, the woman gasped, she grabbed John in surprise and started asking him a long list of questions and Aragorn knew that they were about him. He didn't have time to wait around so walked past them and in to the open door of the house. The woman looked on surprised by what was happening but followed him in. John followed close behind them amazed that his wife had allowed this stranger to help her in the search for their daughter.
Aragorn stood waiting and noticed the woman was very on edge.
"Don't worry ma'am, I'll help find your daughter. I am a skilled tracker and am also looking for my friends."
"Thank you. Aragorn."
Aragorn looked surprised, he didn't know how this woman knew his name, she seemed to recognise him but he was sure that he had never seen her before. She held up her hand to stop him asking questions and took his sword from him and laid it on the table. She then went to a cupboard and took out something. On the front he saw pictures of his friends and even more surprisingly himself. It was like someone had painted on but in so much detail, it was incredible. He didn't understand and was about to ask what it was but didn't know how to do it, there was nothing he could ask he was just so shocked.
He sat down on one of the seats provided and took off some of his armour, he felt comfortable here but the picture had made him uneasy. There was definitely something strange about this place and he didn't like it at all.
"It will be night soon, we should wait until dawn to start looking again, there is little we can do at night."
He decided to rest there that night but he thought he had best keep his sword close, they didn't seem dangerous but he didn't trust these people. He settled down in his seat and tucked into the food that they had provided, tomorrow he would search for their daughter and hopefully find his companions as well.
**
A guard in a blue uniform held Gimli still even though the dwarf struggled to get free. They were questioning him about what had happened, the thing that seemed to disgust the men most was the fact that he was in the woman's department. Gimli couldn't understand why this was a problem, he didn't even know where he was and he had tried to explain this to them but mostly it just came out in a string of insults from the dwarves mouth.
Gimli had tried his plan to push his way out of the cell but it didn't work well at all, in fact it had made things worse because the men had put handcuffs on him. Now he was stood in a small room being interrogated by some very tall people who were now asking him about his axe and why he was carrying a weapon. Gimli could hardly believe what he was hearing, it was almost unheard of for dwarves to not carry weapons, the man was beginning to get angry that Gimli wasn't answering any of his questions.
Gimli knew that he had to get out of the jail and the only way he was going to get out by telling the man about himself, of course he did leave out the major parts about the Fellowship's mission and the One Ring, he didn't trust these people enough to tell them of these sacred things, he had seen and heard of how the Ring could easily corrupt men. He told the men a few 'white lies' and twisted the truth slightly every now and then. In the end the people actually started to believe that he was a traveller and that the only reason he had an axe was that it was a present from an uncle in the antiques business. He had also told the men that he was looking for a treasure in the area. Surprisingly, the men finally bought it all and agreed that Gimli wasn't dangerous and they would give him twenty eight days to pay for the damage he had caused, and the would have to keep his weapon, but would return it to the collector as soon as they found out who it was. Gimli silently wished him luck and was on his way.
**
Legolas had been wandering around this strange place for almost an hour, trying to find out where he was and where he should be looking for his friends, he had been tempted to ask someone where he was and if they had seen anyone that looked out of place but after his previous experience with people he decided that it wasn't a good idea. He didn't want to get into trouble again, the last person he spoke to hadn't been very helpful and he wondered if they were all like that.
He was now in a quiet place, before the place had been fairly quiet but now it was completely silent. There appeared to be fewer shops in this area and Legolas was glad of that, he decided that he didn't like these shops. The last one he had gone in was a disaster and he hadn't enjoyed the experience and didn't wish to repeat it. Yes, he certainly was glad that the place was quiet but something told him that it was a little too quiet.
**
Merry and Pippin were now wandering leisurely around the town, the woman was still with them and over the time they had been with each other they had grown close. The hobbits still hadn't told her about their quest, Merry kept going on about revealing nothing but Pippin really didn't understand why he was so worried, the young hobbit hardly knew what was going on anyway and couldn't explain to the woman even if he wanted to. This whole thing was a complete mystery to him, he did trust this woman and deep down he didn't want to keep things from her but he thought his cousin was right, it would just cause more trouble.
The three of them had been wandering around Salisbury for a while and it was just beginning to get dark, the woman knew how eager the hobbits were to find their friends so so far she had not told them that they should be getting home soon. There was something about these strange hairy-footed creatures that fascinated the woman, it was very strange that they should just appear in the museum like that. Although she was curious she had never asked them what they were there for.
They had stopped for a while for lunch but apart for that they had not stopped much, apart from Pippin stopping to see the ducks at the small park they had passed. He had always liked looking at the water although hobbits didn't generally like the water, of course, he himself couldn't swim as in the peaceful Hobbiton there was no need to learn how to swim. Merry was a little more wary of the water, he had been aware of what had happened to Frodo's parents, the story was that they had drowned on the river.
The hobbits had always been more curious than most, if they hadn't been they wouldn't have even thought about going on the journey with Frodo and Sam, though they were sort of forced into it. Sometimes they wished that they could be more like Frodo, he had explorer's blood in him, he was destined to follow in the footsteps of his uncle, Bilbo. Surprisingly, the two hobbits were beginning to enjoy their adventure although they wished that their friends were there with them so they too could enjoy it. There appeared to be so many good things to see in this new place, it was extraordinary, like nothing they had ever imagined before. They thought that Rivendell had been spectacular but this place was just pure magic, there was so much to see and do here, plus Pippin had made a very close friend.
After a while longer searching they decided to stop and rest for a while, after all they had been searching all day and it was beginning to get tiring, they weren't used to all this walking and exploring. The woman asked them to sit near the river. It was one of her favourite places and she told them that she wanted them to experience it with her. They agreed, even though Merry was a little cautious.
When they reached the river they agreed that it was amazing and they could hardly take their eyes off it, it was truly captivating. The woman asked Pippin if she could speak to him alone for a minute, they left Merry and walked closer to the river.
"Do what I say and I might not kill you and your friend." The woman whispered to the startled Pippin.
He didn't know what to say, he wasn't expecting that.
"Tell me, where is the Ring bearer? I want him, tell me now, or I kill your friend."
Once again Pippin didn't know what to say. He glanced behind him hoping that Merry was working out what was going on but the hobbit seemed to be in a trance, no doubt initiated by this mysterious woman.
He looked despairing back at her hoping it might just have been a mistake but her eyes told him all he needed to know. This woman was serious.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"I think you do. I know you know the one who bears the Ring of Power and I need it."
"I don't know anything about a Ring, or who carries it."
The woman glared at him once more.
"You're lying, I know you are. How about I kill your friend and then we'll see if you remember who carries it."
Pippin didn't think he had any choice but to tell the truth, he couldn't let her kill Merry. But he couldn't let her know about Frodo either. So he decided that he should tell her everything he knew about where Frodo was.
"I don't know where the Ring bearer is, we were separated, and where he is I don't know. Why would I, I am unimportant after all."
The woman gave him a warning look but her face softened when she was finally convinced that he was telling the truth. She smiled at him and bent down to his level and kissed him gently on the lips. Pippin instinctively responded and kissed her back. When their embrace was broken she smiled once more.
"I'm sorry my friend. Goodbye."
With that she pushed the helpless hobbit into the water and watched as he floundered helplessly. Merry knew exactly what was happening but it was as if something was holding him back, he longed to get up and help his friend but he couldn't. He saw that the woman walked away, annoyed but satisfied that there was nothing else to be gained. Slowly some of the feeling returned to him but he was still unable to move.
Across the road Legolas had been watching what was going on, even with his Elven eyesight he could not clearly see that it was Merry and Pippin that were being held by this woman. He had moved closer and then realised that it was two members of the Fellowship, he ran closer hoping that it wasn't too late to help his friends.
To Legolas it looked as if Merry was watching his cousin die, the elf couldn't understand why Merry wasn't doing anything. As he got closer he saw the woman run past him and was tempted to knock her to the ground but he knew he had to get to Pippin, from what he had heard hobbits weren't overly good swimmers and from what he could tell that river was very deep (at least to a hobbit). Legolas ran past the dazed Merry who was obviously under some kind of a spell and threw his quiver on the floor by the older hobbits' feet. The elf then jumped into the water to save Pippin who was desperately trying to fight the strong current and keep his small head above water. He thrashed out wildly hoping it would keep him afloat but his arms were beginning to feel tired and he felt an uneasy unconsciousness over coming him.
Slowly he began to sink under the water, praying that it would be painless. For a while he felt nothing but the whole experience seemed to slow down and the memories of the past came flooding back to him.
He saw himself when he was young, happily playing in the garden.
He saw himself with his friends and family.
He saw himself sharing many good times with his friend and relative Merry.
The most recent memory was that of the quest to which he had been assigned. It was certainly the most vivid and the most terrifying.
Pippin screamed underwater knowing what was going to happen to him. Instead of making a sound he took in the murky water and he once more felt that coldness sweeping over him. Just as the water went completely black and he thought it was over strong hands pulled at him and he felt himself being dragged from a watery grave.
The voices he heard were distant but some familiar. There were others standing around him but they were blurred and unrecognisable. The one he did recognise was that sweet voice of an elf, Legolas.
**
As the despairing elf dragged Pippin out of the water others jumped in and helped him, even though he had strong muscles the current in the water was so strong that even he felt weak. The strangers helped him pull Pippin to the riverbank where Merry was now shouting at them to help Pippin.
One man came up to Legolas and held him with a strong grip, it was clear to see that the cold water had taken its toll on the fit elf. He was now gasping for breath and shaking with cold but the small helpless hobbit kept him going.
They finally got Pippin to the bank and people gathered around them quickly as if there was something interesting to see. Legolas lay on the floor trying to catch his breath but the thought of Pippin just as helpless made him get to his feet and try to help the hobbit. He carefully placed a blanket one of the others had given him over the soaking figure, Legolas checked his breathing finding that it was non-existent. He called Pippin's name but there was no response. He lifted the hobbit so he was sitting and the strong, but tired elf, hit the small, almost drowned, hobbit on the back.
After repeating this several times a small cough escaped the young halfling. Legolas held Pippin forward as he coughed up more of the water. The small person was lying helpless and coughing wildly, he was still shivering from cold despite the warm blanket that lay over him.
Legolas breathed a sigh of relief and Merry came running over to his cousin fussing over him instantly. In between his sobs he thanked Legolas for saving his cousin. Legolas was being praised by the people around him, they all seemed very pleased that Pippin was alive and this surprised the elf.
Soon the scene was swarming with paramedics who were eager to take Pippin to a hospital, although Legolas didn't know what this was from what he had been told it was like the Houses of Healing. Finally, after much reassurance he agreed that Pippin would be better off there. The paramedics gave him and Pippin a blanket and laid Pippin down on a bed. They were just about to take the three to the hospital when Pippin screamed, Legolas felt it too, evil was near.
He stopped and looked around him with wary eyes. In the distance there was a shape approaching, a black shape, something that was very familiar to him. The shape was that of a Ring Wraith. At first it seemed impossible, there was no way a Wraith could get into this strange land.
Pretty soon the Wraith was right on top of them and Legolas yelled to the curious on-lookers to get out of the way. They did so as the black shape went by and headed straight for Legolas and the two frightened hobbits. Merry and Pippin screamed and ran to one side but Legolas stood his ground and only his quick elvish reflexes saved him from being trampled. The Wraith turned around and went back to Legolas who once again jumped out of its way.
It drew its sword and Legolas searched desperately from his quiver which he had forgotten to pick up after he dragged the hobbit out of the water. People all around him were screaming and running, even the paramedics who had been looking after Pippin weren't there any more. Legolas finally spotted his arrows and bow nearby and wondered if he'd reach them. The Wraith now had its sword drawn and was taking its final charge towards Legolas.
The swift elf leaped towards his bow and arrows, did a quick somersault and grabbed them, he quickly shot off an arrow and the Wraith swerved slightly, just missing Legolas. The elf saw the advantage and shot off more arrows at the Wraith. It dropped its sword and almost went back but sensing that it couldn't win this fight it withdrew. Legolas fired a few more shots at it, each one hitting its target so precisely that the stunned by-standers gasped.
They had never seen anything like it and never seen such an accurate marksman before. Merry and Pippin had seen this done before so were not quite as stunned at Legolas' speed as the on-lookers. They simply looked towards the direction that the Wraith had disappeared to.
Legolas instantly had a mass of people around him, all asking him questions like how his aim was so good, he thought this to be a stupid question and he wondered if these people even knew what elves could do. He grabbed the paramedic out of the crowd and told him that he should take them to this hospital he spoke of. The man didn't know what to say but instantly called for his co-worker and put Pippin into the back of the vehicle.
In the back of the ambulance Pippin still had a look of astonishment on his face.
"Was that a Wraith?" He asked, even though he knew the answer.
"Yes," replied Legolas " how it got here I do not know. This seems impossible, surely the White Wizard hasn't got this much power. Although, the Wraith did seem considerably weaker in this place, did you notice?"
Pippin shook his head. "Sorry, I was too busy being scared to notice it's strength."
Merry listened to the conversation silently, also wondering how a Wraith had got there. He was also thinking about what had happened at the river. He had wanted to help Pippin so much but something was holding him back, like some invisible force. He didn't understand it and thought it best to keep this to himself for now, he couldn't believe what he had let happen to Pippin and the guilt he felt now was over-whelming.