Tenth chapter: Courage to cruelty


You cant, Sam. Not yet. They will take us with them once youre able to stand upright, but its too early! See, you fell every time you tried to get up...
So Sam tried again. He sat on the bed and then rose, nearly lost his balance and then fell backwards onto the bed.
No! Lady Eowyn, that must not be, I have to find Master Frodo... why did they hurt me? I just cant stay here doing nothing!
But he was of no use outside the Houses of Healing, he knew that himself. His head was completely bandaged except for his face, this made him look strange, but he didnt care about nothing but Frodo.
Eowyn sighed. She had often been told of the special relationship the Hobbits had. Sam would have died for Frodo, he would do everything for him and it made him mad to be unable to help his friend in the gravest danger.
It was a very special task given to the Lady of Ithilien to care for the stubborn gardner.
Wait, Sam. Maybe the others will return tonight and give a report. Maybe they even found them already! Look, the Messengers cant be that far, can they?
They can... they had horses, I think...
Sam crossed his arms before the chest. He had a terrible headache, but he didnt dare to imagine how Frodo and Liliane would suffer. He always thought of what she had told him.
She expected a child. And she hadnt told Frodo before. Probably this was one more reason why she was in danger now. Sam thought of Rosie, he knew how Frodo must feel. It would kill Sam if he had to fear for Rosie as the mother of his children.
Liliane would have told Frodo by now, Sam reckoned, but this would only make it worse.
He laid down and turned on his stomach, his his face in the cushion and could not fight the tears back. He knew what Liliane meant to Frodo. He feared that they would hurt her to hurt him.
They were his friends. He had always sworn to protect Frodos wife as he would protect him, but now they were both gone and he had stood there with his bare hands, unable to help and prevent them from suffering.
He felt Eowyns hand on his back. She stroked him reassuringly which made him sob in despair.
Why dont you ever give me the chance to find them? I dont want anything to happen to them!
Oh, Sam... dont give up. Nobody will hurt them, they have friends who are troubled and searching for them.
Why Frodo? Why? And why Liliane? Is she the Ringbearer? No. Ill tell you something. Shes never left the Shire before just like my dear Rosie and whats happening then? Frodo always told me of his fear to lose her and now hell do so. If we ever free them, shell be different. If I think of Rosie...
His voice was choked by tears, but he did not cry. This was his most urgent trouble. He always compared it with his own family, he didnt remain unaffected by Frodos danger.
He had mistaken him for dead and nearly lost him, he had saved him from Shelob and the orcs, somehow taken him to Mount Doom - on his knees if there had been no other way. He had followed him and finally led him to the bitter end.
Sam, you know he wont blame it on you if you dont come to help him. He will be glad that youre fine. I know youre alive, but does he? Oh, come on!
Sam looked at her unhappily. Soon she went and got some food and water for him which cheered him up a little although he was not hungry at all. The hours passed. Eowyn took him outside to the garden where they sat down on a wall, looking down to the city. They still sat there long after nightfall, then they went back into the room and Sam sat down on his bed.
They were not tired. Silence spread. But when they had given up hope, the door was opened and Aragorn entered the room, followed by all his friends.
re back! Sam exclaimed, rose and then fell against Eowyn who held him.
Sam, careful! she said and made him sit down again. He had nearly lost consciousness.
What about Frodo? he asked. They all gathered around him: Merry and Pippin sat beside him with Gimli, Legolas and Faramir took chairs next to Aragorn and he was it to speak then.
We found their first hideout empty. They led us on the wrong track. They showed first cruelty towards Frodo, we found a piece of his shirt and stains of blood, also some cut ropes... we dont know whether Liliane was involved. But Im sure Bergil is with them already. We headed back for Minas Tirith after nightfall since we met the other group who is searching. They stayed in the forest although they dont continue with the search, but I had to come back in order to find out about some things. We met nobody else, we found only traces... but at least we found something. Now that its dark its useless to seek them, but well go on tomorrow morning.
Sam swallowed hard. He saw their discouraged faces, so they felt like he did.
He didnt know what to say.
They... they showed cruelty? he finally whispered. Aragorn nodded.
We dont know why and how, but it doesnt seem too serious, he said. Of course it was a lie, but Sam must not know everything.
How are you, dear friend? Aragorn asked. Sam shrugged. He felt worse and worse with every minute, but there was nothing he could do about it.
There was nothing at all.

They were all asleep. She only found Ortherion and a few other boys sitting around the ashes of a fire when she woke up with the first daylight. It was all grey at dawn.
When Liliane turned, she found Toron and Bergil asleep, too. Her hands still laid under Frodos, he was sleeping peacefully. Toron and Bergil had guarded them all night, but Bergil had fallen asleep soon once it had been his turn. Now he was leaning on a tree movelessly.
She felt cold to the bones. Cold and sick.
Liliane closed her eyes and laid down again. Nobody must notice. She tried to breathe calmly and regularly, but there was no use in that. She was startled by that every morning and it had always become worse.
Still she must hide it! This time it would be dangerous if she couldnt suppress that sick feeling.
Liliane was shifting uneasily which made Frodo wake up. He had not been deeply asleep, he had not been able to find rest that night. Often he would wake up, startled by voices or any other sounds, still being relieved as he found Liliane beside him.
She didnt look at him as he opened his eyes. He gave her a kiss on her cheek and leaned on her, but found her stiffened all over.
Is there anything wrong? he asked. Liliane felt tears in her eyes as she turned to him.
Help me, Frodo...
First he didnt understand, but then he closed his eyes and swallowed hard.
re sick, arent you?
She nodded silently.
How can I help you now?
I... I dont know, she whispered with her voice choked by terror. If she would lie movelessly, it was alright, but she knew they would walk on sometime later. Then it would all be over.
Think... think of something different. Dont concentrate on it. It will pass! Frodo said and smiled, but she shrugged helplessly and suddenly sat upright. He did so, too.
Calm down, dear. Who tells us that they will understand the reason for it? We will tell them youve eaten something wrong...
He bit his lip. He knew it wouldnt work - they had all eaten the same. Why would she be sick then?
They winced as Toron suddenly moved. He woke up, disturbed by their whispering, then he looked at them and noticed Lilianes pale face.
, he whispered.
Toron, will they know about the meaning? I mean, I never knew myself before... Frodo asked quietly. Toron shrugged.
Most of them wont know, but Gordir will. Hes not stupid. Is there nothing to hide it? To make it pass?
Liliane shook her head very slowly. The sickness increased. She laid down again.
Gordir was aware of this movement as he returned from a little walk at the opposite side of the camp. He sat down watching the Hobbits and their guards, he saw how Toron made Bergil wake up. Liliane leaned on Frodo with her eyes closed.
There was something going on. He didnt know what it was, but he was about to find out.
What... leave me. Too early. Come back later, Bergil muttered as Toron shook him by the shoulder.
Bergil, come on. We have a problem. Good morning, lad, we need your opinion! Toron insisted and Bergil groaned as he stretched, opening his eyes wearily.
re a pest, Toron. What is it?
s her. We must hide her somehow.
At once Bergil was awake and looked at Liliane with big eyes, noticing how pale she was.
Great. The best thing to start the day, he said ironically. Then he rose, carefully watching the other sleeping lads and overlooking Gordir who sat in the shadow of a bush.
Little one, be strong now. You know it will pass!
Liliane nodded, but suddenly let her head sink, hiding her face in her hands. She could not stand the pressure that weighed heavy on her shoulders now. If it only passed...
Frodo laid his hands on her leg, coming a little closer and trying to calm her down. Bergil kneeled in front of her and tried everything to make her stop weeping, but it didnt work.
Suddenly he stopped speaking as he saw Frodos eyes growing wide in panic. Bergil turned about and sat down at once before the Hobbits as he saw Gordir approaching.
The boy held his breath and did not dare to look at Toron who was leaning on a tree movelessly.
s your concern with her? Gordir asked. He was sure Bergil knew what was wrong with her. Up to now he hadnt worried about the care the boy treated his captive with, but now he was interested.
Bergil knew he had no good chances. But should he really lie?
I dont know. Just woke up from that, maybe its just a nervous breakdown, he said and shrugged. His heartbeat went faster and faster.
Slowly Liliane raised her head as she heard the leaders voice in front of her. His appearance frightened her intensely. First she didnt move and got cramped all over, but then suddenly she got up, took some steps towards the bushes behind them and knelt down, leaning on a tree weakly.
She was sick.
Frodo jumped up as she ran away and closed his eyes as he saw her kneeling on the ground, trembling all over because of fright and panic.
Gordir crossed his arms before his chest. Neither Toron nor Bergil moved as their leader passed Frodo who stood like paralyzed, heading for Liliane.
She nearly gave a cry as she heard steps behind her and saw that it was Gordir who came closer.
She backed away, but in her back there was a tree and she was trapped. Her breath went harder as Gordir knelt down before her, lying his finger under her chin, raising heir head and forcing her to look at him.
s wrong with you, Mrs. Baggins? Not fine today? he asked scornfully and grinned. Liliane did not stir.
Leave her! Frodo cried from behind and came closer. This startled some of the boys lying near. Gordir turned and saw Frodo approaching.
Stop him, Toron. Hell not join our conversation! he ordered and Toron had no choice but to follow the command. He held Frodo tight with his arms on his shoulders, giving him no chance to get free.
Let me! Frodo cried, but Toron couldnt. The boy looked at Bergil who laid his hand on his swords hilt, watching Gordir.
You are afraid, little one, the leader said. And you dont want to tell me why youre sick. I think I know anyway. Too bad, I guess I must not find out, but its too late. The food was alright, so why could you be sick in the morning? Why?
Liliane held her breath and did not take her eyes off him. Very quickly and unexpected Gordir grabbed her hands and laid his other hand on her belly.
m not stupid. You are already bearing his child, arent you? Youre pregnant! Cursed, the Ringbearer must not be a father!
Liliane shook her head slowly and whispered: No, its... Im not, I... no... She was interrupted by sobs. Gordir scared her to death.
No, youre not? So what is it? Why could women be sick in the morning? Dont mistake me as a fool, Mrs. Baggins! But what am I supposed to do with you now? I must not kill you by the order of Melkor the Great. Still youre of no use to him like that. What way am I to choose now? I cant tolerate this!
Tears were streaming down her cheeks. Gordir didnt move, still looking at her full of silent anger. This was all against his plan.
Leave her and take your hands off her! What on earth do you blame on her? Well, call me guilty, but she is not! Shes just a Hobbit from the Shire, no more and no less. My deeds are not her business! Frodo screamed, struggling against Torons force. He could not stand it.
Gordir let him speak, then he rose, leaving Liliane behind who cowered down, sobbing loudly. The leader approached Frodo. Their eyes met.
One deed is her business now as you can see clearly. You knew it and you tried to hide it, but as you can see I found out anyway. That means serious trouble for me! Now it will be even harder to undo her sins!
No. Dont harm her. Isnt it enough that you have me? Who bore the Ring? Was it my wife? Whats wrong about her love? the Hobbit shouted. They both stared at each other furiously and didnt notice how some lads passed them in Gordirs back. They were Daugamir and Maethor whose attention had been drawn towards their shouting leader. When they heard that Liliane was having a child, their hatred even grew. Gurtor didnt follow them, hed had enough before as Ortherion had hit him for coming too close to her.
Bergil saw them approaching and planted up before Liliane, ready to draw his sword. Still Maethor was faster, landing his fist on Bergils face which made him hit the tree in his back. Coughing and tasting blood he sank down to the ground.
The shouting between Frodo and Gordir continued. Toron saw how Bergil was attacked by Maethor, but he did not know what to do at first. When he knew, he had no chance to tell Gordir because he was still roaring in wild rage.
Gordir forbid, Bergil said with a croaking voice. Maethor smiled at him from above as he watched Bergil moving helplessly. The young boy could not focus on anything, the blow had been very hard. Still he looked at Daugamir coming closer to Liliane who could not give a single sound because of fear.
ll show you something! Daugamir said with a threatening tone in his voice. Liliane shook her head in dismay and wanted to cry for help, but with immense power Daugamir grabbed her, pushed her to the ground and set his knees on her dress so that she couldnt move anymore. As she tried to, the skirts fabric was torn. The crack went up to her knees.
He closed his hands about her throat as she wanted to scream. Liliane couldnt breathe anymore. With enormous power the boy cut off her air supply, choking her mercilessly. He pointed all his anger at her, the fact that she was bearing the Ringbearers child enraged him too much.
Liliane grabbed his wrists with her bound hands, trying to get free. Panic grew inside of her. She could not breathe. Suddenly her gaze blurred, her lungs were screaming for air and she fought for her life.
Daugamir, dont! The leader forbid it! Bergil screamed and coughed, feeling a vicious kick in his ribs as he tried to get up and help Liliane.
She felt only pain from the pressing hands, there was a throbbing pain in her head, but she was not let go.
Then finally Gordir heard what Toron was trying to tell him. He turned around and yelled in fury.

He ran beside him, pushed him away and grabbed him by his necklace.
Liliane laid her hand on her throat, coughed and sucked in a deep breath greedily. The feeling of sickness passed at once. He throat was aching and felt like squeezed. Slowly she sat upright, seeing Frodo running towards her. He knelt down beside her, taking her in his arms as good as he could, rocking her lovingly.
Her breath made a rattling noise and she fought hard to breathe and was too shocked to do anything.
Gordir aimed several hard blows at Daugamir and shouted: I am the one to decide upon her life or her death, its not you, blockhead! Are you mad? Never dare to do that again, do you hear me? Im not pleased with that myself, but you must not kill her!
Maethor tried to get away unseen, but Toron grabbed him and pushed him towards their leader who told him the same. Then Gordir looked at Bergil who sat upright again with his nose bleeding heavily. He gasped and was so much relieved to see Liliane alive.
She was sobbing loudly as far as she could breathe. Frodo kissed her cheek and stared at Daugamir full of hatred as he looked at the red bruises at her throat.
Master Gordir, Bergil said and coughed. Let me carry her. I doubt shell be able to walk on her own now. Shell slow us.
Yes, do so, Bergil. Then you might take care for her a little better than now, said Gordir, still being aware of the fact that Bergil had not had many chances.
He did not even look at the Hobbits as he passed them to go back to Ortherion.
Frodo still tried to appease Liliane. She was trembling all over.
It will all be fine, dear. Dont cry, he said, but he knew it wasnt true.
Nothing was fine. She was sobbing in despair and Frodo gazed at all the boys around furiously. They were watching them curiously, whispering silently and Frodo didnt dare to imagine what it was that they said. Still he wondered why Gordir protected them both so much. Frodo reckoned him to have his reasons, probably some that he didnt really want to know of.
Liliane was shocked. She stared at the ground apathetically and concentrated on her breath. It had all gone wrong. She had been unable to hide her pregnancy and she still heard Gordirs nasty words in her head. He had frightened her so much. Luckily he had left them and didnt care anymore, but he would return sooner or later. He would never tolerate it.
She looked at Frodo with her eyes full of tears. Daugamir had attacked her in order to kill her, he had tried to strangle her because she would be a mother.
But there was nothing wrong about it! To her it seemed right that she was expecting Frodos child. She bit her lip out of defiance and held her breath, looking at the Messengers all around.
They dont scare me. I dont care what they think! I will not let them destroy my dream of our family. Theyre so stupid! she whispered. Frodo gaped at her in wonder. He had never expected her to speak like that, but still he smiled as he heard it. This was Liliane as he knew her. She looked very determined at once when she took his hands, placing them on her belly with a shy smile and then she leaned on him with a sigh.
Yes, your child. I wanted nothing else! she said. Bergil who had sat down next to them, wiping away the blood from his face, looked at her in disbelief and smiled quickly. This was as he knew the Hobbits. They were of a stout heart and in fact he was not less scared as they were since he was also in danger. He was not one of the Messengers, he was a spy. And he would care for his little friends.
Now he knows, Toron muttered when he sat down on the other side of the Hobbits. Frodo shrugged. His problem, not mine. I know theres no way for him to do something about it. He cant kill her, so its alright.
Toron shrugged. He could think of nothing himself which would make her lose the child.
This was also Gordirs problem, but he did not let himself be troubled by that in this moment. He had a bunch of other problems, too.
When the first shock had passed, they all calmed down a little and had breakfast. Again they divided their food into four amounts so that Frodo would also have something and when the sun appeared on the eastern horizon, Bergil knelt beside Liliane and took her on his arms. She would be able to walk herself, but this was how he could keep an eye on her. He was tall and strong for a fourteen-year-old and she was so much smaller that he didnt even feel her weight. She was not taller than a child of nine years.
They left the camp. Toron had put one arm around Frodos shoulders, but the Hobbit did not intend to run away. Without saying a word he stumbled over the ground, trying to keep up with the group, and from time to time he smiled at Liliane warmly. Toron and Bergil started a conversation, telling each other of their families and sometime later they took turns at their guard. Toron walked on to carry Liliane and they did not have any problems for long.
Still they didnt notice how Gordir watched them. He walked behind them which they didnt know, always asking himself what the two boys did to keep the Hobbits that calm. He remembered their first fear at the hideout, they had both been like paralyzed and now they even let the Ringbearer smile at his wife, talk to her and they themselves laughed and didnt really pay much attention to their captives.
He had a suspicion, but he had no proofs for that, so he had to wait. At least one of the guards might be a liar and a spy, but he didnt know which one. It all seemed too easy.
Do you know where the headquarters is? Bergil asked.
In the Druadan Forest, right between Eilenach and the Amon Din, Toron said. They were walking through the Grey Wood right now, the sun rose higher and a short while before Gordir would have decided to take a rest for lunch, they suddenly heard a warning cry that sounded like a bird.
someone exclaimed and they all got down. Toron laid Liliane down and bent over her, Bergil hid Frodo and cowered behind a bush. They watched for every movement around, looking through the twigs and leaves, when suddenly they heard voices. Figures were coming near.
Bergil froze as he recognized Prince Legolas, his friend Pippin and there was the king, wearing some strange clothes, but he knew it was him.
Frodo was regarding them curiously, but did not recognize his friends at once. Still Liliane did so as she saw them, she took a deep breath, but quickly Toron put his hand over her mouth and shook his head.
Bergil looked at Frodo with an intense glance, telling him not to scream, and then he looked all about. They were at least thirty, so the king and his friends were outnumbered. If they tried to escape now, the Messengers would kill all of them since they could do so very easily. They had no chance, they were too few and Gordir would do everything to prevent the Ringbearer from running off.
Bergil saw Gordir sitting behind a tree near to them, gazing at him in a way which ordered Bergil to take special care of the captives.
Cursed, Bergil thought. The king had told him to trust in them. Now they were there, but there was no way...
Suddenly they heard voices.
Legolas, did you hear something, too?
It was Faramir, Bergil recognized his fathers master easily. Legolas observed the surroundings closely and Bergil felt his heart beating faster.
Should they really... but there were so many of the Messengers near. They would pull them down again before they would even have risen.
Liliane looked at Toron with a pleading gaze, but he did not let go of her and whispered: s useless, well be dead since the Messengers are superior in number! Be quiet now!
She did not at once understand, but at least Frodo did so, looking at her full of pity. It was also his most urgent wish to get out, but they had no chance.
Toron looked at Liliane again as he felt something wet on his hand. She was weeping, he felt her tears and took his other hand which none could see to stroke her hands in a gesture of comfort.
No, Faramir, here had been something before, but now its all silent, Legolas answered and they saw how they friends slowly disappeared. Frodo swallowed hard.
s your clever plan, Bergil and Toron? This might have been our one and only chance! How do we know if well ever meet them again? he whispered. Bergil shrugged, but he did not dare to look at him. He felt ashamed and like a coward although there was no need to.
At night when all are sleeping or when they return with more men. A village would also be a chance, Toron whispered.
Liliane thought her world was turned upside down. She couldnt understand, she wanted to escape from her mortal agony. She did not see it would have been suicide.
When they were gone and far away, Toron rose first, wiping her tears away carefully.
m sorry, Liliane. Forgive me!
Again he took her on his arms, but she did not look at him. Bergil and Frodo were beside them, but she felt so lost and lonely.
They were gone and had not noticed them. While Toron carried her on and on, she was sobbing and it tore Frodos heart to see her like that.
Toron stroked her hand again and felt her trembling. Her courage had vanished.
Had it been wrong not to try?
m with you, Frodo said. Liliane laughed bitterly.
Yes, now you are still. But when they killed you, Ill be all alone with them, being at their mercy. Do you want that?
Frodo looked at her and shook his head in silence.
re unfair, he whispered, barely audiable. It pierced his heart painfully. He would have loved to change their situation, but he was the most helpless.
Stop it now, Bergil said. He could not bear them fighting now. He was always ready to escape, but on the other hand he must not risk too much to save them.
Toron began to feel Lilianes weight after a while, but he was glad to care for her. She must be terrified amongst those lads, being so much smaller and always looked at with evil glances. She clutched him with cold hands, but he could not help her.
They walked on for a while until Gordir let them take a rest at noon. He ordered Ortherion to hide in the thicket behind the captives and the guards to find out about their strange friendly relationship. He did not trust in that, there was something wrong with them.
Neither Bergil nor Toron noticed the deputy leader sitting down a few metres behind them, unseen and unheard. Gordir watched them openly from the front.
Frodo and Liliane were sitting together in silence. She was leaning on a tree, her gaze was empty and she did not care whether Frodo was beside her or not. She felt betrayed by the lads and even by Frodo. Did he not understand her fear?
He did, but he didnt say so. He knew he would be executed in a very cruel way. Torture was waiting for him. But he knew it would only be physical pain and in addition to that he understood why someone could intend to do that to him.
But she was innocent. And the Messengers would hurt her terribly. It was out of the question, Frodo had already seen what they were up to and he knew there could be nothing worse for her. She would be raped and even to think of that made him go mad. Why was she to expect such cruelty?
Forgive me, he whispered, but did not look at her. He felt tears in his eyes as he thought of the child. It meant so much to her, he knew that, and he did not feel different about it. He was so thankful.
Unexpectedly she leaned on him and hid her face at his shoulder. Frodo pulled her close and answered Bergils gaze who looked at them both thoughtfully. He was playing with his sword and sighed as he saw the Hobbits sadness. They did not deserve that.
t give up. We will find a way, believe me. Now you know the others are near, they will not let anything happen to you. See, the king send me to help you. Toron and I, were here to protect you, he said quietly, not reckoning someone to be eavesdropping.
Frodo smiled wearily. He knew they tried everything they could, but they were only two.
Suddenly they heard the twigs rustling behind and Ortherion ran towards them, yelling in fury.
Filthy bastard of a spy! he shouted and reached Bergil first, aimed a hard kick at his stomach and threw him back by that. All air escaped Bergils lungs, he looked up to Ortherion in terror and perceived how the Hobbits and Toron rose.
Immediately Bergil tried to get up again and he could because Ortherion approached the Hobbits. Gordirs attention was drawn on them.
Toron, run! Bergil screamed, scrambled to his feet, sword in hand, and threw Ortherion down from behind with enormous power.
Gordir! Theyre both spies! Ortherion shouted as he tried to rise again. Gordir drew his sword and so did others.
But Bergil was faster. He grabbed Frodos hands and dragged him into the thicket, running as fast as he could.
he screamed. Now it was all too late.
Toron did not look back as he took Liliane on his arms, hurrying after Bergil. He laid his hand on the hilt of his sword, but he heard footsteps behind.
Liliane cried since she saw those who followed them. Gordir was with them, wholly in rage, shouting: Take the halflings! They must never escape!
Toron gasped and ran as fast as he could with Liliane on his arms, but she slowed him down very much.
Faster, Bergil! Toron exclaimed. Bergil bit his lip in despair. He had made a terrible mistake, once they had to find out...
Everything blurred around him. Then he was startled by a fervent cry.
Toron felt something stabbing his side and he went to his knees. Gordir had thrown a dagger at him which got stuck in Torons side, skillfully aimed, and Toron hit the ground. He had lost control and let go of Liliane.
Run, little one! he said, being petrified because of pain. The dagger had hurt something, he felt it.
Liliane got to her feet and looked at him in panic.
Toron, what... no, youre wounded! What...
Run, dammit, go, save your life! Now! Toron shouted. He could not rise and she had only a chance all alone. Liliane wouldnt have left him if there hadnt been Gordir and the others to come near, so she turned and ran as fast as she could, but she was much too slow. She felt how someone grabbed her by the shoulder, pulling her back forcefully and taking her in an unyielding grasp.
she screamed, but she was not let go.
This was heard by Frodo. At once he stopped and turned back, then he saw her standing there, held by Ortherion.
Come on, Frodo! Bergil cried and pulled him further, but Frodo only followed hesitatingly.
I cant leave her! he screamed. Bergil did not listen. He knew how Frodo felt, but he must take him out of there! They could help her later.
Suddenly they heard arrows whizzing past them. Bergil turned and tried to run faster, but still they were too slow.
Frodo cried, hearing her faint answer. She told him to run on.
Again Frodo turned, not taking care of his steps for a second. With a startled cry he fell, he had stepped into a hole and felt gnawing pain in his ankle.
Go, Bergil! Leave me behind, we cant both escape! he screamed, perceiving their enemies approaching them.
No, you... Bergil began, but he was interrupted.
My ankle, I cant run, so go now! Go!
Bergil looked at him, Liliane and Toron one last time, then he turned and left him by running for his own life. Then at once Bergil cried out in pain and laid his hand on his left arm. An arrow was stuck in it.
He did not care. He ran on, he had to. There was no choice for him. Blinded by tears he stumbled on, listening for the others to follow him, but he didnt want to see them, grasped his sword and raised his eyes up to the sky. Was there no one to help them?
Stop, you traitor! they cried, but Bergil even ran faster although he had no breath left. He knew they would kill him if they caught him. He could do nothing for his friends anymore, but he could save his own life.
Nevertheless he turned at once, crying t come nearer!, but the only answer was an amused laughter by half a dozen boys with swords. They took some steps forward since he had stopped. It was all over. Bergil was so desperate that he raised his sword and so did two others, but with a fierce cry Bergil ran forth and attacked them full of anger and dismay. He disarmed one of them very easily.
Go get yourself outta here! Leave me! he cried and attacked the second lad who fought him back until Bergil felt a tree in his back.
Full of determination he pushed his sword in the direction of his opponent who had not reckoned him to do so. The sword ran him through, Bergil pierced his stomach and let go of the sword in panic.
The others looked at him, one cried as the hurt boy went to his knees, coughing and fighting to breathe. Bergil was trembling all over, he had not wanted that to happen, but now it was too late. Hastily he took his dagger from his boot, crying: Will you leave now? and then he turned in order to run as nobody moved.
All was empty inside of him, he didnt know what to think, he felt nothing, but suddenly something let him freeze, freeze his blood to ice.
He heard a cry of mortal agony, it was one of the Hobbits. Bergil was panting. He winced as he heard that cry.
It was Frodo, crying out Torons name. Bergil went to his knees. All went silent. He knew what was going on.
He went pale. His eyes widened in terror, he gasped and stared somewhere with an empty gaze. Bergil hid his face in his hands, trying not to scream, but he felt tears in his eyes and rose again with weak knees.
he whispered and put his dagger away. Still there were cries about. He must not wait.
He ran like a coward, so he felt, leaving them to their cruel fate.

Frodo was grabbed by Gordir, dragged up and felt a hard blow aimed on his face. At once he felt blood from his nose, but he didnt care. He had stiffened as Gordir lugged him back to the others with no mercy.
Liliane had to watch how Toron tried to get up, but he couldnt. She was also unable to move, she saw nothing but tears and heard the shouting as if it was far away. It all blurred.
She saw Gordir approaching with Frodo which shocked her since she saw the blood in his face. He did not speak. Everyone gathered about them. The Hobbits were both thrown at the ground very ungently. Liliane turned to Frodo who was lying in the grass beside her. Sobbing loudly she had to watch as Gordir walked up to Toron, being followed by a boy of Bergils age.
She could not breathe. Frodo reacted immediately and sat upright, taking her in his arms and preventing her from looking at Toron.
Spare him, please! she cried and pressed herself close to Frodo.
He had to watch how two lads held Toron, they had turned his arms on his back and more stood next to them. Gordir was wholly in rage.
What do you think youre doing here, traitor? Look at you! You failed, for the power of evil is too strong! You lost, but youll not get away with that!
Toron fought hard to breathe and said quietly: ll pay for that, you brutes!
Toron, no! Frodo screamed in panic and shook his head in despair. Torons brother stepped forward, being looked at by Gordir.
Torgil, take your brothers sword and give it to me!
Torgil did as he was ordered to and spit in Torons face.
re a shame to all our family! he shouted and Frodo fought hard to breathe. Still Liliane could not look at what happened, but she was crying and he felt her tears.
she whispered and hid her face on his shoulder.
Gordir took the sword and Toron looked at his brother, fighting with tears.
Brother, do you never wake up? What are you doing there? Torgil, Im doing it for you, I...
Shut up you traitor, Im not willing to listen to your lies! Torgil yelled and Gordir looked at him.
Does he deserve the punishment?
The lads agreed, crying loudly. Frodo pulled Liliane closer who was trembling heavily, shaken by sobs.
he whispered and swallowed hard, then he saw Gordir raising the sword against Toron who was kneeling helplessly in front of him. Torgil stood beside Gordir, making a fist.
No, please... Frodos heart stopped beating for a second, but then it was all too late. Gordir took the sword and cut Torons throat at once. Toron was falling over to the front and Frodo cried out his name in agony. He felt Liliane sinking down and he fought hard to breathe. He got cramped and closed his eyes, hearing Liliane screaming in terror.
Then he raised his head again. He saw blood, everywhere was blood. Toron was dead, but they were not pleased yet. They took him to a tree, leaning him on it and when he fell forward again, they took some rope to bind him to the tree.
It was torture to Frodo as he watched them doing this to his dead friend Toron who had wanted to help them and paid for it with his life...
You murderers! he screamed and looked at Toron. They had killed him, Gordir had killed him. And no one was paying any attention to them right in that moment.
How could that happen? Gordir shouted. He could not believe that he had left the captives to spies. Why hadnt he noticed? He ordered some lads to follow Bergil, then he sat down near the Hobbits which made Frodo look at him. Gordir didnt answer his gaze at first, but then he looked at them because he heard Liliane weeping.
ll talk about that tomorrow, Frodo Baggins. You see that you cant escape. Youre doomed to die and Ill find a way how to deal with your little wife!
Frodo replied and kissed Lilianes forehead. She did not move yet.
Frodo closed his eyes. Bergil and Toron had given back hope to them, he had been so thankful for that. They had helped them for a whole day, making it easier to stand the misery like grown men. Toron had been one. Bergil was not far from that.
Toron had only wanted to protect his brother, but still Frodo heard Torgils curses before Torons cruel death.
Gordir had just cut his throat with his own sword. Toron was dead, but it had been very quick.
Would it be the same with what was waiting for Frodo?
He knew it wouldnt be. He would be killed and Liliane would be violated.
Still Bergil knew where to find the headquarters. If he found help in time, they had a chance...
Frodo was glad Bergil hadnt witnessed Torons execution and he was relieved that Liliane hadnt seen it either.
They had killed him as if he was worth nothing. But he had been a real hero, just like Bergil and his other friends.
Frodo resigned. He felt so lonely, he was the only one left to protect Liliane and he knew he couldnt. He could count the time that was left for him.