Ninth chapter: Hope and despair


While Eowyn was in the Houses of Healing together with Sam, Aragorn, Merry and Pippin went to Gandalf, Gimli and Legolas. Their friends were startled as they saw their troubled faces.
s wrong? Gimli asked. Legolas noticed the tears in Pippins eyes.
Aragorn told them. Gandalfs face went pale as he heard the terrible news.
Why are they doing this? Gimli asked angrily.
s hard to understand, Gandalf said, but some hearts are easily corrupted. When people think they are not pleased with their situation, they are corrupted by evil. Theyre dangerous. Very dangerous.
I dont know what to do now, Aragorn said. I sent some men to go and search for them, but I cant just sit here and wait. We should go, too. Everyone of us.
At once they all agreed. Aragorn asked them to go and get their weapons and horses ready, but he left them for a while to go and look at Sam.
The healers were excited at once as the king entered the Houses of Healing. They had already cared for Sam who was lying in bed now.
We washed the blood away and bandaged his head. He must have been hit very hard, my Lord. But once he wakes up again, he will be fine. He is not seriously wounded, one of them explained.
Aragorn entered the room in which Eowyn was sitting beside Sams bed, deep in thoughts.
What will you do now? she asked as she saw Aragorn coming in.
I dont really know, but I guess Faramir should be my deputy. I will go and search for the Hobbits with the others. I have to find the leader of the Messengers of Darkness. Still I am the king of Gondor and although these lads are under a spell, they should not dare to ignore their kings commands. Every one of them who will gravely hinder me from saving the Hobbits lives will have to fear a punishment. I have to go myself to do something.
What are their intentions, Aragorn?
Aragorn did not dare to look at her as he took a deep breath and explained.
Frodo shall be sacrificed. I have to protect him from this. But this is all I know.
Suddenly Sam began to stir and opened his eyes surprisingly.
Aragorn exclaimed and bent to his friend.
Sam groaned in pain. He suffered from a terrible headache.
Strider... where am I?
He tried to sit up, but he couldnt. Aragorn pushed him back.
re in the Houses of Healing. You were hit on your head.
Where is Frodo? What happened to Liliane and Frodo?
Sam coughed and began to shiver. Still he saw the cruelty in the eyes of his opponents.
re taken - taken captive, Sam. The Messengers of Darkness are sent by the Dark Lord. Did they say anything?
I... I dont know, but... they did not only want Frodo. They had an aim, they wanted her, too... and Liliane is having a child, she told me...
Aragorn gasped. He had feared that this was why they needed her - they had to regard her love as a sin and prevent her from bearing the Ringbearers child - he dared not imagine how.
But she was already pregnant... this could also doom her to die!
Sam, dont be afraid. I will go and seek them. Nothing will happen to them.
Sam reached out his hand and grabbed him in despair.
Aragorn, you must help them! They hit me though they didnt need to. I know they will kill them!
No, Sam. Not as long as I am the King of Gondor. I promise.
But... does this mean that you know what they will do to Liliane and Master Frodo? Sam asked and rubbed his eyes. It hurt Aragorn to see his friend that sad and troubled. He was himself - but he blamed himself. He had had the responsibility for their safety. He was the king and he had failed to protect his little friends though he could have done so.
I know from Bergil that they want Frodo as the Ringbearer, but I may only suspect why they want Liliane.

Yes... hes a spy. He joined the group in order to find out about their actions. You were waiting for him at the gates in vain, he came to me since he had just learned about the Messengers plans.
Aragorn continued telling Sam of the group. The Hobbit went pale as he listened and then he exclaimed: s so obvious, Strider... they will take revenge on Frodo!
Aragorn nodded. Yes... but still its hard to tell why they took Liliane...
s not, Eowyn said seriously. They looked at each other. There were several cruel ideas that the group might have, they knew that.
Hinder the lads from hurting them, please... Sam pleaded. Aragorn rose and sighed.
Will you stay with Sam? he asked Eowyn who nodded. Then the king left the Houses of Healing to return to the citadel. There were all his friends in the yard. Pippin and Merry wore their Gondorian and Rohirrim armour, Gimli just put on his helmet and Legolas assured his long knives were easy to reach.
Faramir and Gandalf were having a conversation in which Aragorn joined them.
I am a warrior of Gondor and steward of Ithilien. I would better like to serve my country by fighting for the law and not just idly sitting here. Please, Gandalf, people respect you! Let me guide the others a way to the Hobbits. I know the forests and surroundings!
Faramir looked at Aragorn who understood his wish. Actually he would have liked Faramir to stay for him, but indeed Gandalf could also be his deputy in the citadel. Faramir stood in armour and with weapons, he looked very determined and he was right: He knew the lands around the city best.
Will you stay, Gandalf? Aragorn asked. The wizard nodded.
Someone has to stay and Faramir is more a warrior than I am. He would be of more use out there.
Wait for me, Ill return in a couple of minutes, Aragorn said and hurried up the stairs to the citadel where he entered his bedroom and took out his old Rangers clothes. They were torn and even a little smelly, but these were what he needed. He took off his gown save for one piece which showed the tree of Gondor magnificently. He would wear that under the old and used dark shirt and coat and he also took a mailshirt.
Aragorn was just about to leave and fastened Andurils scabbard when Arwen entered the room, looking worried and thoughtful.
Be careful, Estel, she said. Aragorn smiled at her warmly.
You know I have to go. Forgive me to trouble you.
I know. In your heart youre still the Ranger and youre a friend. Go and behave like one, I did not doubt youd do so, so theres nothing to forgive.
I love you, Arwen. I will return safely.
They kissed goodbye and Aragorn did not turn back as he left the hallway. He would go without many guards, he was just with his friends. Still this would be the best thing to do now. He didnt need protection.
It wasnt him who was in danger.

Bergil was excited. There had to be some members! They had not all left immediately. Some had left to take the Hobbits captive, but some had returned to the city like he had and it was said that they would follow later.
Then where were they?
he exclaimed suddenly. Maglos turned and smiled as he recognized him.
Bergil! Will you also follow to the hideout? Theres great fun for us waiting there. Just imagine, they did it! I watched them from the gates.
Maglos was seventeen years old and one of the members who had joined the group very early. He was a fervent supporter of Gordirs ideas.
The leader is with them. Hes taking care for the halflings, if you know what I mean... have you met Gordir before?
Bergil shook his head in answer to Maglos question.
No, but I want to be part of that! It will be the perfect opportunity to serve the Lord, what do you think? But I never doubted they would succeed in taking them captive. Still I ask myself why we need the Ringbearers wife!
Maglos laughed and they left through the gates.
re still young, otherwise you wouldnt ask. You have no idea?
He smiled viciously. Bergils eyes grew bigger, but he shook his head. He didnt mean...
Look. What does the fact mean that shes his wife? She loves him. That makes her guilty, too. And what does that mean? The Ringbearer must never be a father by the order of the Lord. In addition to that he commanded to undo her sins - he claims the little one for himself once the Ringbearer is dead!
Bergil swallowed hard. How could they be that cruel? He could not see why Liliane should be guilty.
Oh... well, what else should it be? I could have guessed. They will not like that! he said and looked at Maglos who smiled broadly.
Of course they wont. But the Ringbearer shall be glad if he doesnt have to watch! I already heard some talking of trying to be the one to have the little one. Personally, I dont know whats so exciting about that.
Bergil felt disgust growing inside as he heard Maglos speak like that. He regarded it as fun! He didnt know whose situation was worse. Frodo would be killed and he was sure that he would get to know the Messengers anger by torture. But that they wanted to hurt Liliane that way... he remembered how he had met her the day before for the first time. She had looked so happy - and now she was amongst a rabble of lads lurking to have their very own fun.
No. He had to hurry and protect the little ones. At least they wouldnt be alone.
Bergil hoped and feared many things to happen. He grew impatient and continued to talk to Maglos. Soon they met some other members heading for the hideout in the forest and he felt strange amongst them. He was accepted although he was one of the youngest boys, he was as important as every other one of them.
He got to know that the Hobbits had first been taken to the very opposite direction of the headquarters to lead their friends astray who were searching for them. Bergil sighed. It would take them long to find out about that, but how should he tell them?
Finally they reached a clearing on which there were some horses left in front of an old building. Many others had gathered there to wait for everybody to arrive.
s get in! The deputy leader told me he expected me to come. Follow me! Maglos said to Bergil who walked along the other lads to enter the building. He heard voices and when he stepped into the room where the Hobbits were in, he first saw Gordir, the leader of the Messengers of Darkness. He was sitting on a chair, paying no attention to the Hobbits sitting behind in a corner. Bergil first looked at him, a man of maybe 25 years with thin dark hair and piercing eyes.
Then he stared at the Hobbits in disbelief. Frodo answered his gaze. The little one looked terrible. Although he had taken Liliane on his lap, Bergil could see his bloodstained and torn shirt, the blood in his face, his swollen eye. They had both been bound, but Frodo had laid his arms around Liliane who was leaning on him and staring down at the ground fearfully. She was not hurt, but sat like paralyzed.
Bergil swallowed as he saw them. Then he noticed how Frodo went pale. Of course, he had to mistake him as a member...
The Hobbits had been sitting for hours, Frodo wasnt sure for how long. Slowly the pains throbbing had decreased, he could open his left eye a little, but he couldnt feel his hands anymore. He didnt care as long as he could give comfort to Liliane.
She did not speak. Sometimes she looked at him with fearful eyes, but mostly she rested her head on his chest, trembling all over and staring somewhere movelessly.
His regular breath calmed her down. But Frodo only seemed that quiet. In fact he was not less afraid.
The boys left them. Gordir sat in front of them to guard them, but this was also why no one else came to attack them. Not yet.
He heard how more and more of them gathered, but none entered until suddenly someone came in who he knew.
He stiffened and his heart was beating faster. It was Bergil!
Of course... he had set the trap, he had led them to the gates... now he wore the same clothing as the others. He was one of the Messengers!
How could he...?
Frodo went pale. All was lost if even a former friend became a traitor.
What is it? Liliane asked as she felt him getting nervous. Still Frodo stared at Bergil which made Liliane turn. She gasped.
Bergil? That cant be Bergil... she whispered tonelessly. Frodo bit his lip in despair.
He is. He set the trap for us.

Frodo kissed her forehead. Be quiet, dear. Not all abandoned us. The others will come...
But then Bergil attracted his attention. He looked at him in a way which Frodo couldnt interprete.
Suddenly Maglos stepped forward, approached the Hobbits and pointed at Liliane with his dagger.
Let her go, Ringbearer, and nothing will happen! he ordered, but Frodo shook his head.
What do you want?
Get up, you two! Were ready to leave, so come on!
Slowly Frodo made her rise and so he did, but he did not let her go. Maglos raised his fist and when he hit Frodo, Bergil laughed grimly and smiled. Frodo stared at him in disbelief, but then he saw how Bergils smile vanished as he came closer. He looked at him seriously and bowed down to them.
Bergil was nervous. He had to try and make the others trust him so that he could get close to the Hobbits. He cheered as Maglos became violent which tore his heart, but he saw Gordir smile as he did so. The leader offered him to go closer to the Hobbits and so Bergil did.
Little ones... he said and grabbed Frodo which only looked violent, but before he pushed him back against the wall, he whispered: Boro nin! (Trust me!)
Frodo was petrified as he heard that. It took him some seconds to translate, but he let Bergil pull his arms up without any defense. Bergil didnt hurt him, in fact he looked at him in a way which told him that he only pretended to be a devoted member...
But Liliane hadnt noticed. She had heard Bergil whisper something that she couldnt understand, but she screamed as Frodo let go of her and Bergil took her then. The boy put his arms around her shoulders and held her tight with much power, so she couldnt get free.
She stared at Frodo in disbelief as he didnt move or try to help her. Still he remained close to her.
Well done, young friend! said Gordir. s your name?
m Bergil. Im honoured to help serving the Lord! Bergil said and smiled as Liliane struggled to be let go. Frodo stepped beside her and Bergil, laid his hands on her arm and this made Bergil notice the red weals on the Hobbits arms.
Liliane stood still and looked at Frodo helplessly. He smiled warmly and whispered: Let him.
Please, may I guard one of them? Ive been looking forward to that for long! Bergil said and Gordir smiled at him friendly. He was impressed by the young lads behaviour. Bergil acted perfectly and evoked the impression of a devoted member.
Since Liliane didnt move anymore, Gordir nodded and said: Take care for her. But dont touch her, she has to reach the headquarters unspoiled. Nobody must touch her!
Gordir liked the idea of one of the younger lads guarding her. He would be less likely to have certain ideas and he seemed to be capable keeping her quiet.
He had no idea it was all a trick.
Gordir looked at Maglos who could not wait to be given a task, but Gordir did not want one to guard Frodo who would be violent too soon. It had all to end once. They should be guarded, not beaten up badly before they reached the headquarters.
he said as he looked at one of the lads standing at the door.
I ask you to do something useful now. You may be the Ringbearers guard on our way to the headquarters. But he must not be hurt unless hes causing trouble!
Toron bowed as he approached his leader and laid his hands on Frodos shoulders. He smiled at Bergil. Meanwhile Maglos asked Gordir to be another guard, but the leader refused.
No. My deputy will help them, but thats it! Come on, take the halflings out of here! Gordir ordered and Bergil forced Liliane to walk. Frodo was relieved to see Bergil with her, no harm would be done now. He did not care about his own guard, but he seemed to be friendlier than the others.
They walked until nightfall. Bergil still held Liliane tight which was not to prevent her from running away, but to give her the feeling of protection. She understood. Still she asked herself what his intentions were, but she hoped she and Frodo would find out about that soon.
Toron guarded Frodo as carefully as Bergil did with Liliane. Frodo did not cause trouble anyway, so Toron had no need to use more force than necessary.
Bergil was waiting for a chance to speak to the Hobbits, but he didnt dare to as long as Toron was beside him. In addition to that, Ortherion walked behind them and although he didnt pay much attention to them, Bergil was afraid of making a mistake.
They walked through the forest until Gordir ordered them all to take a rest. They were in no hurry, so they could just sit down for a while or even stay for the night, he had not yet decided on that.
Toron seemed to be searching for someone, Bergil noticed that because he wondered about him being silent all day. Neither the guards nor the Hobbits said anything.
Gordir exclaimed and sat down near the Hobbits, but not beside them. Bergil leaned on a tree and sat between Liliane and Frodo. He had still laid one arm around her shoulders. Suddenly Toron rose and said: May I talk to my younger brother? Hes over there, Ill return in a minute. Would that be fine? Still there are the others near...
There wont be any trouble, Bergil said, pointing at his sword. As long as I keep her, hell be tame!
Frodo did not react although he knew that Bergil spoke of him. Toron left the three of them and Bergil noticed others were very near indeed. He did not like that, so he had to switch to Elvish in order to talk to Frodo.
Tellin chen thaed. Im chen hwaniannen, said Bergil quietly. Both the Hobbits looked at him in surprise, they hadnt expected him to say something, but only Frodo understood.
Let her go, he asked Bergil and then he took Liliane in his arms.
He said that he came to help us, Frodo explained silently. He was searching for us.
It took him a while to translate, but it was better to talk in Elvish. He was glad that both he and Bergil could speak it.
Le nach harnen, Frodo. Ma cerir aen cen? asked Bergil. He wanted to know why Frodo was hurt.
Sain nin ristanner (They have beaten me), Frodo said. Bergil nodded. He had imagined that, but still Frodo didnt want to tell him why.
Im chen beriathon, Bergil explained.
He will protect us, Frodo translated. Liliane smiled.
Hannad, Bergil, she said and the boy answered her smile.
Sam, na hon mae? asked Frodo. He had to know whether Sam was fine or hurt seriously.
Sam cuia, ma caro tress.
Sam is alive! We dont need to worry, said Frodo and Liliane sighed in relief. So he was a spy! When Frodo asked Bergil about that, the boy nodded, explaining that he was sent by Aragorn.
Le gerich naig? Nach le mae? (Do you have pain? Are you fine?) Bergil asked Frodo. The Hobbit answered him after a while which he took to translate. He found it easier to understand Sindarin than to actually speak it.
I width nar tanc. Liliane ger guruthos, he said, telling Bergil that his ropes were too tight. When Frodo said that Liliane was afraid, Bergil nodded. He could see that.
Im radathon, ma gerich gaer (Ill find a way, dont be afraid), Bergil said.
They continued their conversation for a while, very carefully they were and Frodo always translated it to Liliane quietly. She was leaning on him and even Bergil could not understand what Frodo said to her.
Aniron sain leithiathar hen, Frodo said. Bergil understood, but he knew Frodos wish of Liliane being released would never come true.
He was with them and he told them he would never leave them. Bergil was waiting for food. He was curious to see whether the Hobbits would get some, but he would take care they wouldnt stay hungry.
They still talked carefully, but suddenly they were all startled by a rustling in the leaves behind and when Bergil turned, he saw Torons head over the twigs.
Peleth na hal lathar aen (Theres danger of being eavesdropped), he said which made Bergil rise in dismay. Frodo rose, too, making Liliane follow.
How did you... Bergil began with his voice quavering and backed away, but Toron made a calming gesture. He stepped forward next to the Hobbits, but Bergil didnt want him to come close, drew his sword to protect the Hobbits.
His hand was trembling so much that he lost it at once. With a rattling sound it hit the ground before Torons feet and drew the others attention towards them.
He, what ye lads doing there?
s playing with his sword, attacking Toron!
Five boys gathered around them, the Hobbits backed away and Frodo stood before Liliane, taking a deep breath.
re silly, guys. He didnt attack me! He just showed it to me, Toron explained and picked up the sword again in order to hand it back to Bergil. Pretty good work, I have to admit. Here you are.
Speechlessly Bergil took the sword, the boys left them and they all sat down. Bergil sat left to the Hobbits, Toron on their right and the older boy said: Do you believe me now? Youd be dead by now if I hadnt had that excuse for you!
Bergil whispered in disbelief. But you shocked me! Who are you?
You were not careful enough! I couldnt hear the halflings speaking, I only saw it. But I heard you. And I heard that it was no Westron that you spoke, so I came closer to listen. I speak Sindarin myself and this is how I found out that youre their friend. Im your friend, too, not your enemy.
Our friend? Frodo asked, getting involved now.
Yes. Its because of my brother. Hes fanatic, he loves the group and not only because of our parents, but also because of my own sorrow I joined the group, too, in order to look after him. Hes fourteen. But what about you? asked Toron. He was a nineteen-year-old carpenters son, tall and blond and with a friendly open face.
King Elessar sent me. I joined the group two weeks ago to find out about their intentions, but now Im here to protect my friends. I learned too late about the plans to abduct them. Im so glad Im not alone!
Toron smiled. re not. We shall be glad that were the ones to guard you, halflings. I would have sent a message to the king or reported him about the plans to abduct you, but I found out too late. Theyre mad, these lads. They dont know what theyre doing.
Nobody paid attention to them except for Ortherion and Gordir, but they reckoned the guards to have a simple conversation. They guarded the Hobbits attentively which were sitting together between them. Liliane lost some fear in Frodos arms between the boys. At once it had all changed, the threatening situation was not that intense anymore. Frodo felt similar about that, but then he remembered something.
Lads... I... I have to ask something of you. We need your help. Whatever the group intends to do with us - they must not find out something.
Both Bergil and Toron looked at him, waiting for him to go on, but Liliane stiffened for a second. She knew what he wanted to say - was it that good?
Still she let him speak.
I dont know what theyre up to, but Lilianes life will be in danger if they get to know. She expects a child. My child... did they ever consider that? They said I must never be a father according to their Lords commands, but its... its too late already...
Toron gasped. He had once heard Gordir speak of his intentions regarding her and this remembrance was making him feel very uncomfortable about that.
Gordir never considered that. I only know that they need you alive, little one, but I dont know how this might change the situation. Theres an urgent need for all of us to keep that secret. Hell be mad if he finds out. Hell try everything not to let you have it, I fear...
Liliane closed her eyes and let her head sink. Frodo kissed her cheek tenderly and looked at Toron with his eyes full of tears.
But what if shes sick tomorrow? Shes every morning...
I must not be, Frodo. We must try everything to hide it. It will be the hardest for me, it affects me the most.
Liliane raised her head again and bit her lip sadly. Now that her dream of a family was to come true, they were in danger - also because of that.
Bergil smiled at her warmly.
I will find a way. Im your guard, if theres one to hide you, its me. Let me try if there is a problem.
Is there no way to escape? Youre two... and you may leave me behind if you can only save her, but... began Frodo, but immediately Liliane shook her head and also Toron did so.
No, Master Baggins. See, Gordir keeps looking at us all the time. We could escape if there were not only the two of us. Were too few. And we will not leave one of you. Especially we should not leave you, Ringbearer. They will kill you if we let them. Your wife will live, you wont. We have to wait.
Frodo sighed unhappily. Yes, of course Liliane would live. But there were things to protect her from.
At once the Hobbits fell wholly silent as one of the Messengers came towards the four of them. He carried bread, fruits and water.
Here you are, lads. You may also give her something to eat, but by Gordirs order the Ringbearer must only have water, the boy said, a tall one with dark hair, handing them everything. Toron took the food and looked at the two Hobbits.
Gordir is an idiot, he whispered and divided everything into three parts of which one was much bigger than the other two. This one he handed to Liliane.
We cant give it to Frodo, but you can. That should be enough for both of you, Toron said and Liliane took it with a thankful smile.
Bergil began to eat while Toron was still speaking, he was very hungry. Meanwhile he watched the Hobbits. Liliane gave Frodo something to eat. Carefully Bergil looked at Gordir who watched her doing so, but the leader had no idea that it wasnt something from her own part that she gave him.
If he could just once stop staring at us! he hissed and took another bite.
Toron laughed as Bergil said so. You dont really believe in that, do you, Bergil? Gordir will always keep his eyes on his captives. Theres nothing more precious to him right now.
Bergil shrugged and told all of them what he knew of their friends in Minas Tirith. They had all been ready to depart as he had left them. Frodo smiled. He knew theyd come! And he was so glad about news from Sam. To hear that his friend was only wounded, relieved his heart.
Gordir announced that they would stay overnight, not going any further in the darkness. Campfires were lit and many laid down to sleep.
Go get some sleep, Hobbits, Bergil said, taking the hilt of his sword. Frodo looked at him thankfully and laid down between the boys, facing Liliane. She fell asleep very soon and so he did a while later. Bergil was glad to see that.
Toron, what have they done to him? Why does he look like that? Do you know?
Toron nodded. He had been there with his brother who had watched it all and given report to him later, so Toron told Bergil.
These devils. Now I know why Gordir insisted on me taking special care of Liliane.
Bergil did not speak farther. His worry was the following morning. He did not know what he was to do if Liliane was sick. How should he hide it?
Get some sleep, Bergil. Ill be the first guard tonight, Toron said, so Bergil laid down, too.

They were all silent. Aragorn was the first one to speak as they reached the place in which the Hobbits had been taken captive. There was nothing except for some traces left by feet and hooves.
We must follow them. If we hurry, well catch up with them.
They were all sitting on their horses, Pippin sat with Faramir and Merry with Aragorn. Gimli had not dared to ride on his own, so he was riding with Legolas.
They reached the forest, still keeping quiet. It was hard to follow the traces, in the dry ground the riders hadnt left many. When they lost track, Legolas dismounted his horse, laid on the ground and listened.
ve come far... They stuck to the original direction.
He looked at the others who just shrugged. Nobody was of a courageous heart that moment, they were all depressed, thinking of their friends.
The sun was not too high anymore and the heat of the summers day decreased a little as they rode on, but it was hard for them not to lose the traces.
Is there nothing, my friend? asked Gimli impatiently. Legolas shook his head. He perceived nothing.
How can they do that to the little ones? Faramir said. s no one more peaceful than the Hobbits, how can they treat them like that?
No, Faramir, youre wrong. If someones hurting my friends, Ill turn to a Hobbit thats the farthest from peaceful! Merry said with a broad smile.
We should have taken care for Frodo, dont you see that? Pippin said suddenly. Merry looked at him and sighed.
Of course his cousin was right. They should have known that the former Ringbearer would always be in danger. There was sleeping revenge, now it had woken up and caught him.
We should have protected him and Liliane. Why didnt we do so? Why?
I have a question, Aragorn interrupted them. Do you know something concerning Liliane?
Everybody looked at him. The Hobbits shook their heads.
What should we know? Is there something wrong?
I just asked myself why only Sam knew that shell be a mother.
Pippin held his breath.
Which means that the Messengers cant know, said Legolas. Aragorn nodded. He was always full of thoughts.
They rode on for a while until they discovered a building behind the trees. First they waited some seconds to find out whether there was anyone lurking for them, but it was all silent. They approached it, finding the door open and everything quiet. There were many traces in front of the door and when Legolas dismounted to look at them, he stated that it was not too long ago that someone had been there. Gimli clutched his axe when he entered the building.
At first they could see nothing in the thick darkness inside, but when they walked on, they found all the doors open and the rooms behind empty.
They were surrounded by darkness when they entered the room in which the Hobbits had been sitting.
The windows are covered with black cloth, Aragorn said and tore down one of those cloths. Immediately bright daylight flooded the room and so the others also took away the black fabric.
What in the name of the Valar... Legolas began as they all looked at the signs and symbols written on the walls. There was an eye surrounded by iron chains between many signs that none of them could read. Still Aragorn knew that it was from the Black Speech, a form of the Tengwar which was very old.
This is Morgoths doing, he whispered. The eye... its like the eye of Sauron and this is the chain of... either it refers to Angband or Angainor, Melkors chain...
They left not too long ago, Legolas said. Still the air had an old smell, there were cobwebs in the corners and then they found something in one of the corners on the ground.
s... its a stick, Faramir said as he took it up. He saw some blood on it. Aragorn also looked at it and closed his eyes.
I think I know...
Faramir nodded. Then he bent down again and took up a piece of fabric.
s! Its from his shirt, Aragorn said. They all looked at it.
And rope, Merry said, raising the cut ropes in his hand.
What does that mean? muttered Gimli. Nobody had an answer.
Aragorn took it all and put it in his pocket. He was sure that Frodo had been treated with violence, the stick and the piece of fabric told him, but he wasnt sure about the meaning of the cut ropes. He feared that evil had been at work again.
s get out of here, he said. ve seen enough. Theyre gone, lets follow them until nightfall!