Disclaimer: I don't own anything the great Tolkien invented. I wish I
did..Damn it didn't work.
Ch 32 The Gathering
Gandalf grabbed his things quickly and ran out of the shop before the shopkeeper could even say anything. Not that he was going to charge the wizard anyway. How could he after what he had just seen? He was used to selling people chicken feet and glass crystal balls not seeing real magic taking place. He sat down and wondered whether all this was just a dream. It seemed too real. He got up and walked over to the door and flipped the sign to 'closed'.
Gandalf rushed through the streets checking the signs as he went. Strangely he knew exactly where he was going even though he had never been on these roads before. He glanced up at a sign about his head and saw the bold H on it. He knew that this was where Gimli, Legolas, Merry and Pippin were and he almost ran there ignoring the strange looks he got from people. He checked each sign as he got closer and closer to the hospital. He hoped he wasn't too late and that the four members of the Fellowship were there.
If they were and he managed to meet up with them then all he had to do was find Aragorn although he naturally assumed that he had already gone to the New Forest. That only left Boromir. He had no idea where to find him. He had not the time to check when he was in the magic shop looking into the round ball the keeper used for a paperweight. However, Boromir would probably try and find the Ring bearer anyway which meant that he would probably look in the town where he landed. Gandalf hoped he could get to them in time.
He had very few powers left now after he had given them away to Bob in Isengard. It was worth it though to know that they had a chance of getting back to Middle Earth. He raced towards the hospital praying that the four Fellowship members would be there still. He hoped they hadn't left yet after all it had been several days since they had been spit up.
He finally reached the hospital and wasted no time in rushing in through the open doors and to the nearest desk with people behind it. He caught his breath quickly and said something that the man said he couldn't understand. He breathed heavily and tried again.
"I'm looking for people. They are friends of mine and it is of vital importance that I find them. Three are very short and may look a little strange to you and the other is tall and slim with blond hair and was possible carrying something on his back. Please, have you seen them?"
The man looked shocked for a moment and then shook his head.
"No I haven't seen anyone like that but I'm sure I'll notice when I do. Do you have any idea how many people are brought in here every day? Hundreds. I suggest that you go search for your friends seeing as I couldn't tell you anything anyway seeing as your not family." The man said hardly taking a breath.
Gandalf felt his anger rise and grabbed the man's shirt and pulled him up so his feet were off the ground.
"I suggest you go and find them and fast. I do not have time to listen to your excuses now go before I get angry." He growled.
He let the man go and he quickly rushed off to find people who matched their description. Gandalf walked over to a row of seats and sat down. It was the first time he had had to properly rest since all this begun. He leaned back with his head against the wall and closed his eyes.
When he opened them he saw the man standing in front of them and just coming up behind him were the four members of the Fellowship. All looked incredibly pleased to see a familiar face. Legolas came forward first and held out his hand for the Wizard who took it and allowed himself to be pulled up. He shook Legolas' hand and looked at the other three. They all looked different although he couldn't explain it.
"We have no time to waste. We must get to the New Forest." They all looked at him with confusion on their faces. "I have not the time to explain. First we must find Boromir and take him with us. We must hurry time is running out. I would say we have less than an hour." He was already walking away as he said this last bit.
The others followed him knowing better than to ask any questions. They raced out of the building but before he could go any further Gandalf was pulled back by a firm hand. Legolas had stopped him from walking out into the middle of a road.
"There may be a faster way to find Boromir and get to this place you were talking about. These things with wheels are fast and there are many around. It would save us time." Legolas was already walking towards one of the cars. A man was just getting into it but stopped when he saw Legolas running towards him. Legolas grabbed them man before he could go anywhere and held him up against the car with his silver dagger to the man's throat.
"I will not hurt you. Do you know a place called the New Forest?" The man nodded not knowing what else to do. "You will take us there in this machine, do you understand?" The man nodded again.
Gandalf, Merry, Pippin and Gimli walked quickly over and jumped into the car ignoring the man's threats of calling the police, whoever they were. The man reluctantly climbed into the driver's seat and started the car. Most of them were used to this by now and did not find it too upsetting and Gimli and Gandalf were far too concerned with finding Boromir to worry about the moving vehicle.
They were soon on the road and heading into the town. Gandalf was looking out of the window watching the strange objects flying by; he wished he had some idea of where Boromir was. Just then he had an idea.
"Stop the car." He shouted at the driver who quickly pulled to the side of the road. Before the others could ask any questions Gandalf was sat on the pavement next to the car. The others also got out and Legolas made sure he kept hold of the driver in case he decided to run. They watched Gandalf as he muttered some words in a language unknown to them. Soon he had that look about him that told the others that there was some magic working in him. He stood up silently and went to get back into the car.
"We must leave now. I know where Boromir is." He said as the car started.
Soon they were heading towards the location Gandalf had specified. The car slowed when they saw the familiar figure of Boromir walking along the path. All of the Fellowship members sighed in relief when they saw him but their relief was too sudden because they saw the woman he had next to him, they also saw how close the two were.
The car pulled over and the passengers piled out. Boromir was instantly aware of them and was making his way towards them with a pleased look on his face. They met up and just looked at each other for a moment as if making sure they were seeing what they thought they were seeing.
"It's good to see you again my friend." Gandalf finally broke the silence.
"You too. I have been looking for you for days. I was beginning to believe that I would never see any of you again." He smiled. Then said seriously, "Where is Frodo?"
"Frodo is in a place called The New Forest. We must reach there fast if we wish to return home. Are you ready to leave?" Gandalf said and looked over at the woman. Boromir followed his gaze.
"This is Maria she saved me a few days ago."
"Boromir we must leave now." Gandalf said.
"She can help us, she knows where this place is right?" Maria nodded. "And she has a way of getting us there seeing as yours just drove off I think we will need it."
"Very well, she will take us but not come too close. We cannot risk her getting hurt."
Boromir nodded although a little reluctantly.
**
They finally reached the edge of the New Forest. Boromir kissed Maria goodbye and thanked her for everything she had done. He didn't want to leave her but he had no choice. The only other alternative was to take her to Middle Earth, which would be far more dangerous for her besides Gandalf would never let him do that. He kissed her once more and whispered something in his ear that none of the others could hear.
Finally he was ready to leave and as they walked off into the forest Boromir turned and said his final goodbye to Maria.
"You may see her again." Legolas said hoping to make Boromir feel a little better although he was certain that he hadn't done much good. They walked further into the forest not knowing what to expect or where they were going they just hoped they were heading in the right direction although Gandalf had assured them that he knew what he was doing.
**
Aragorn and Fred's father were racing through the forest now, somehow Aragorn had picked up feint tracks in the soil and he was on their trail. The marks were getting fresher which meant they were near by. Fred's father rushed to keep up with the fast Ranger, he could feel that they were getting close but he couldn't help but feel nervous about what they would find.
What if they found everyone dead?
What if Fred wasn't there?
What if.?
He knew he shouldn't think like that. He must just hope that everything would be alright and his daughter would be there waiting for him and laughing at him for being so concerned. That was Fred but he couldn't bring himself to think like that.
Suddenly Aragorn stopped. He looked around at the bushes and his eyes stopped on something that Fred's father couldn't see. He stood silently.
"Do you hear that?" Aragorn asked, a hint of excitement in his voice.
"Hear what?" Fred's father still couldn't hear anything.
"That. I know that voice. Frodo." He smiled and ran off in the direction of the voices. Fred's father followed even though he still couldn't hear anything.
They ran into a small clearing and what they saw shocked them. Frodo and Sam were there and there was another girl that Fred's father recognised as Ned. She was lying on the ground with blood seeping from a wound on her shoulder. Frodo was pressing his cloak up against it desperately trying to stop the bleeding although he wasn't doing a very good job. Ned was shouting instructions at him and trying to stay conscious.
Frodo jumped when he saw Aragorn but let out a heavy sigh of relief when he realised who it was.
"Aragorn. I thought you'd never come." He said. "Please, you must help her, she was stabbed. I think the knife was poisoned."
Aragorn snapped into action. He knelt down next to Ned was fighting to keep her eyes open, she was so relieved that Aragorn was there at least he knew something about healing unlike Frodo who had been completely useless and very panicky. She got the feeling that although Aragorn had probably come as fast as he could and that he was a skilled healer, he was too late but she didn't say anything.
"Hello." He said politely as he pressed the cloak down harder against her wound.
"Hi." She replied not really wanting the pleasantries. "Good to see you. We thought you'd never come."
"The others are on their way I don't know how I know but I have a feeling Gandalf is leading them here. We have to get back to Middle Earth."
"I know, that's what we've been trying to do. Fred." She was cut off by a wave of pain that shot through her body. She screamed and tried to control the pain but it wasn't working very well.
"Rest." Aragorn said compassionately as he touched her head to feel how hot she was. That must have been the affect of the poison Frodo had talked about. He couldn't help but think that it was too late; there was nothing he could do. He didn't tell any of them this and carried on trying to help her. "It's Ned isn't it?" Ned nodded. "Ned, I need you to stay awake for me. Do you understand?" Once again Ned nodded knowing that that was a lot to ask. She hadn't slept much in the past few days and all she wanted to do was sleep.
Fred's father came towards them and bent down next to Aragorn.
"Ned is Fred with you?"
Ned looked at him. She tried to think straight. "Fred. And Bob. Oh my God I almost forgot. They're not here, she went to save her."
"Who went to save who? Ned please I need to know this."
"Fred, she was taken by a Wraith. Bob went to find her."
"Taken by a what? Where did they go?" He was asking desperately.
"Middle Earth. The Wraith took Fred and we tried to find a way to Middle Earth but we couldn't. Eventually Bob came up with the idea of letting herself get caught. They went to Orthanc. Fred. They did terrible things to her, Bob saw it and felt it so she wanted to help."
"How long ago?" Fred's father asked trying to fight back the tears. He didn't understand much of what was going on.
"I don't know." She said.
Just as Fred's father was about to ask more questions people appeared from the trees. He recognised them instantly. The rest of the Fellowship.
Gandalf went straight to Aragorn who was still trying to help Ned, he looked at him and a look of relief passed on the faces of both of them.
Frodo was pulled away and was soon talking to Merry and Pippin. Sam was looking on amazed at what was happening but happy that everything was going to be alright.
"She was poisoned. I don't think she'll make it but I have to try. What of you?" Aragorn whispered so as not to alert Ned.
"I have been searching for the Fellowship for days and it is only through magic that I found any of you. I saw that you were near the New Forest and that Bob and Fred were here also. I have told them what they must do and hopefully we shall soon be back in Middle Earth and on with our quest."
"You mentioned my daughter. Fred. Please tell me is she alright?"
"Your daughter? I do not know. She is not well but the last time I saw she was alive. I have been helping her and Bob in their quest. She has saved a lot of people and will save many more if this plan goes as I hope. You should be very proud of both." He smiled and patted him on the shoulder.
Ned screamed again and interrupted the conversation. Aragorn pressed harder on the wound but the blood wouldn't stop. She had already lost too much. There was nothing he could do. No matter what he tried he couldn't stop the bleeding. She began to close her eyes and Aragorn whispered soothing Elvish words into her ear. She closed her eyes and felt a sudden sense of relief. She hoped Bob and Fred would be alright. She felt her breathing slowing down.
Aragorn watched as the breathing stopped and there was nothing but silence in the clearing. Everyone stood still and looked at the still body of Ned. Frodo fell to his knees and wept whilst the others stood silently not knowing what to do. Legolas walked over and placed a spare blanket over her body.
Ned was dead.
Ch 32 The Gathering
Gandalf grabbed his things quickly and ran out of the shop before the shopkeeper could even say anything. Not that he was going to charge the wizard anyway. How could he after what he had just seen? He was used to selling people chicken feet and glass crystal balls not seeing real magic taking place. He sat down and wondered whether all this was just a dream. It seemed too real. He got up and walked over to the door and flipped the sign to 'closed'.
Gandalf rushed through the streets checking the signs as he went. Strangely he knew exactly where he was going even though he had never been on these roads before. He glanced up at a sign about his head and saw the bold H on it. He knew that this was where Gimli, Legolas, Merry and Pippin were and he almost ran there ignoring the strange looks he got from people. He checked each sign as he got closer and closer to the hospital. He hoped he wasn't too late and that the four members of the Fellowship were there.
If they were and he managed to meet up with them then all he had to do was find Aragorn although he naturally assumed that he had already gone to the New Forest. That only left Boromir. He had no idea where to find him. He had not the time to check when he was in the magic shop looking into the round ball the keeper used for a paperweight. However, Boromir would probably try and find the Ring bearer anyway which meant that he would probably look in the town where he landed. Gandalf hoped he could get to them in time.
He had very few powers left now after he had given them away to Bob in Isengard. It was worth it though to know that they had a chance of getting back to Middle Earth. He raced towards the hospital praying that the four Fellowship members would be there still. He hoped they hadn't left yet after all it had been several days since they had been spit up.
He finally reached the hospital and wasted no time in rushing in through the open doors and to the nearest desk with people behind it. He caught his breath quickly and said something that the man said he couldn't understand. He breathed heavily and tried again.
"I'm looking for people. They are friends of mine and it is of vital importance that I find them. Three are very short and may look a little strange to you and the other is tall and slim with blond hair and was possible carrying something on his back. Please, have you seen them?"
The man looked shocked for a moment and then shook his head.
"No I haven't seen anyone like that but I'm sure I'll notice when I do. Do you have any idea how many people are brought in here every day? Hundreds. I suggest that you go search for your friends seeing as I couldn't tell you anything anyway seeing as your not family." The man said hardly taking a breath.
Gandalf felt his anger rise and grabbed the man's shirt and pulled him up so his feet were off the ground.
"I suggest you go and find them and fast. I do not have time to listen to your excuses now go before I get angry." He growled.
He let the man go and he quickly rushed off to find people who matched their description. Gandalf walked over to a row of seats and sat down. It was the first time he had had to properly rest since all this begun. He leaned back with his head against the wall and closed his eyes.
When he opened them he saw the man standing in front of them and just coming up behind him were the four members of the Fellowship. All looked incredibly pleased to see a familiar face. Legolas came forward first and held out his hand for the Wizard who took it and allowed himself to be pulled up. He shook Legolas' hand and looked at the other three. They all looked different although he couldn't explain it.
"We have no time to waste. We must get to the New Forest." They all looked at him with confusion on their faces. "I have not the time to explain. First we must find Boromir and take him with us. We must hurry time is running out. I would say we have less than an hour." He was already walking away as he said this last bit.
The others followed him knowing better than to ask any questions. They raced out of the building but before he could go any further Gandalf was pulled back by a firm hand. Legolas had stopped him from walking out into the middle of a road.
"There may be a faster way to find Boromir and get to this place you were talking about. These things with wheels are fast and there are many around. It would save us time." Legolas was already walking towards one of the cars. A man was just getting into it but stopped when he saw Legolas running towards him. Legolas grabbed them man before he could go anywhere and held him up against the car with his silver dagger to the man's throat.
"I will not hurt you. Do you know a place called the New Forest?" The man nodded not knowing what else to do. "You will take us there in this machine, do you understand?" The man nodded again.
Gandalf, Merry, Pippin and Gimli walked quickly over and jumped into the car ignoring the man's threats of calling the police, whoever they were. The man reluctantly climbed into the driver's seat and started the car. Most of them were used to this by now and did not find it too upsetting and Gimli and Gandalf were far too concerned with finding Boromir to worry about the moving vehicle.
They were soon on the road and heading into the town. Gandalf was looking out of the window watching the strange objects flying by; he wished he had some idea of where Boromir was. Just then he had an idea.
"Stop the car." He shouted at the driver who quickly pulled to the side of the road. Before the others could ask any questions Gandalf was sat on the pavement next to the car. The others also got out and Legolas made sure he kept hold of the driver in case he decided to run. They watched Gandalf as he muttered some words in a language unknown to them. Soon he had that look about him that told the others that there was some magic working in him. He stood up silently and went to get back into the car.
"We must leave now. I know where Boromir is." He said as the car started.
Soon they were heading towards the location Gandalf had specified. The car slowed when they saw the familiar figure of Boromir walking along the path. All of the Fellowship members sighed in relief when they saw him but their relief was too sudden because they saw the woman he had next to him, they also saw how close the two were.
The car pulled over and the passengers piled out. Boromir was instantly aware of them and was making his way towards them with a pleased look on his face. They met up and just looked at each other for a moment as if making sure they were seeing what they thought they were seeing.
"It's good to see you again my friend." Gandalf finally broke the silence.
"You too. I have been looking for you for days. I was beginning to believe that I would never see any of you again." He smiled. Then said seriously, "Where is Frodo?"
"Frodo is in a place called The New Forest. We must reach there fast if we wish to return home. Are you ready to leave?" Gandalf said and looked over at the woman. Boromir followed his gaze.
"This is Maria she saved me a few days ago."
"Boromir we must leave now." Gandalf said.
"She can help us, she knows where this place is right?" Maria nodded. "And she has a way of getting us there seeing as yours just drove off I think we will need it."
"Very well, she will take us but not come too close. We cannot risk her getting hurt."
Boromir nodded although a little reluctantly.
**
They finally reached the edge of the New Forest. Boromir kissed Maria goodbye and thanked her for everything she had done. He didn't want to leave her but he had no choice. The only other alternative was to take her to Middle Earth, which would be far more dangerous for her besides Gandalf would never let him do that. He kissed her once more and whispered something in his ear that none of the others could hear.
Finally he was ready to leave and as they walked off into the forest Boromir turned and said his final goodbye to Maria.
"You may see her again." Legolas said hoping to make Boromir feel a little better although he was certain that he hadn't done much good. They walked further into the forest not knowing what to expect or where they were going they just hoped they were heading in the right direction although Gandalf had assured them that he knew what he was doing.
**
Aragorn and Fred's father were racing through the forest now, somehow Aragorn had picked up feint tracks in the soil and he was on their trail. The marks were getting fresher which meant they were near by. Fred's father rushed to keep up with the fast Ranger, he could feel that they were getting close but he couldn't help but feel nervous about what they would find.
What if they found everyone dead?
What if Fred wasn't there?
What if.?
He knew he shouldn't think like that. He must just hope that everything would be alright and his daughter would be there waiting for him and laughing at him for being so concerned. That was Fred but he couldn't bring himself to think like that.
Suddenly Aragorn stopped. He looked around at the bushes and his eyes stopped on something that Fred's father couldn't see. He stood silently.
"Do you hear that?" Aragorn asked, a hint of excitement in his voice.
"Hear what?" Fred's father still couldn't hear anything.
"That. I know that voice. Frodo." He smiled and ran off in the direction of the voices. Fred's father followed even though he still couldn't hear anything.
They ran into a small clearing and what they saw shocked them. Frodo and Sam were there and there was another girl that Fred's father recognised as Ned. She was lying on the ground with blood seeping from a wound on her shoulder. Frodo was pressing his cloak up against it desperately trying to stop the bleeding although he wasn't doing a very good job. Ned was shouting instructions at him and trying to stay conscious.
Frodo jumped when he saw Aragorn but let out a heavy sigh of relief when he realised who it was.
"Aragorn. I thought you'd never come." He said. "Please, you must help her, she was stabbed. I think the knife was poisoned."
Aragorn snapped into action. He knelt down next to Ned was fighting to keep her eyes open, she was so relieved that Aragorn was there at least he knew something about healing unlike Frodo who had been completely useless and very panicky. She got the feeling that although Aragorn had probably come as fast as he could and that he was a skilled healer, he was too late but she didn't say anything.
"Hello." He said politely as he pressed the cloak down harder against her wound.
"Hi." She replied not really wanting the pleasantries. "Good to see you. We thought you'd never come."
"The others are on their way I don't know how I know but I have a feeling Gandalf is leading them here. We have to get back to Middle Earth."
"I know, that's what we've been trying to do. Fred." She was cut off by a wave of pain that shot through her body. She screamed and tried to control the pain but it wasn't working very well.
"Rest." Aragorn said compassionately as he touched her head to feel how hot she was. That must have been the affect of the poison Frodo had talked about. He couldn't help but think that it was too late; there was nothing he could do. He didn't tell any of them this and carried on trying to help her. "It's Ned isn't it?" Ned nodded. "Ned, I need you to stay awake for me. Do you understand?" Once again Ned nodded knowing that that was a lot to ask. She hadn't slept much in the past few days and all she wanted to do was sleep.
Fred's father came towards them and bent down next to Aragorn.
"Ned is Fred with you?"
Ned looked at him. She tried to think straight. "Fred. And Bob. Oh my God I almost forgot. They're not here, she went to save her."
"Who went to save who? Ned please I need to know this."
"Fred, she was taken by a Wraith. Bob went to find her."
"Taken by a what? Where did they go?" He was asking desperately.
"Middle Earth. The Wraith took Fred and we tried to find a way to Middle Earth but we couldn't. Eventually Bob came up with the idea of letting herself get caught. They went to Orthanc. Fred. They did terrible things to her, Bob saw it and felt it so she wanted to help."
"How long ago?" Fred's father asked trying to fight back the tears. He didn't understand much of what was going on.
"I don't know." She said.
Just as Fred's father was about to ask more questions people appeared from the trees. He recognised them instantly. The rest of the Fellowship.
Gandalf went straight to Aragorn who was still trying to help Ned, he looked at him and a look of relief passed on the faces of both of them.
Frodo was pulled away and was soon talking to Merry and Pippin. Sam was looking on amazed at what was happening but happy that everything was going to be alright.
"She was poisoned. I don't think she'll make it but I have to try. What of you?" Aragorn whispered so as not to alert Ned.
"I have been searching for the Fellowship for days and it is only through magic that I found any of you. I saw that you were near the New Forest and that Bob and Fred were here also. I have told them what they must do and hopefully we shall soon be back in Middle Earth and on with our quest."
"You mentioned my daughter. Fred. Please tell me is she alright?"
"Your daughter? I do not know. She is not well but the last time I saw she was alive. I have been helping her and Bob in their quest. She has saved a lot of people and will save many more if this plan goes as I hope. You should be very proud of both." He smiled and patted him on the shoulder.
Ned screamed again and interrupted the conversation. Aragorn pressed harder on the wound but the blood wouldn't stop. She had already lost too much. There was nothing he could do. No matter what he tried he couldn't stop the bleeding. She began to close her eyes and Aragorn whispered soothing Elvish words into her ear. She closed her eyes and felt a sudden sense of relief. She hoped Bob and Fred would be alright. She felt her breathing slowing down.
Aragorn watched as the breathing stopped and there was nothing but silence in the clearing. Everyone stood still and looked at the still body of Ned. Frodo fell to his knees and wept whilst the others stood silently not knowing what to do. Legolas walked over and placed a spare blanket over her body.
Ned was dead.