Eleventh chapter: The value of friendship


It will be a final battle. I feel that there is power needed to win against the forces of evil. Something happened. I can feel the danger Frodo and Liliane are in, Gandalf said. He held his staff firmly, looking at Aragorn with a gaze that expressed more than words could say.
The wizard had asked to join the group before their departure in the morning. He had felt so useless the day before and he had had a dream that night. He had seen the Hobbits. Although nobody had told him before, he had seen that Frodo would be a father. The wizard knew some things that had happened the day before and he saw Frodo protecting Liliane as good as he could. And he also saw how useless it was.
Arwen was the only one left in Minas Tirith, protected by the best royal guards, but still Aragorn feared for her safety. He could not be sure anymore who was friend and who was foe. His own people were led astray by evil. While they were riding, he felt so powerless. He knew he had made a big mistake by ignoring the lurking danger. Who had reckoned the young peace to be disturbed that soon?
He had been busy with governmental affairs and not reckoned the Messengers of Darkness to be that dangerous. He had failed as a king whose task it was to protect his people. Worse - he had been unable to protect his own friends.
He was silent all morning. Merry felt quite uncomfortable in front of him, he didnt like his friend to be so worried. Still he was himself, but his worries were very different from Aragorns.
Sam had been fighting to follow them, he had begged and pleaded to be taken along, but they had left him with Eowyn. It was too dangerous to take him along who was still hurt.
These traces are not too old, said Legolas, attentively observing everything he saw. They had not found the camp which the Messengers had used to rest at night, but they knew they had rested. The Elf always tried to find Hobbits traces between all the steps from heavy boots, but when he finally found some, he was confused.
What is it? asked Faramir, kneeling down beside Legolas to have a look at the traces.
The Elf looked at Merry and Pippin, asking them to come over.
Whose footsteps are these? They should be Frodos, what do you think? he asked. Merry and Pippin investigated the footsteps and tried to compare their size with their own feet, but as the tallest Hobbits in history their feet were also bigger.
Should be... these are too big for Liliane. But where is she? aked Merry.
I wish I knew... but wait... behold! These footsteps went deeper. Looks as if one of the Messengers carries her! Why would one do that?
Legolas turned to Aragorn, looking at him thoughtfully as if he was asking to find out about the Messengers intentions. Aragorn shrugged.
I dont know. Maybe she was too slow, maybe she hurt herself in some way... or was hurt. I have no idea.
s go on, we still have a chance to catch up with them! Faramir said and rose. So they rode on for a while until they heard voices.
Look! There are the others who search... Rangamer! Aragorn exclaimed and one of the searching guards looked at him.
My Lord! Its good to meet you! he replied and the two groups approached each other.
Rangamer, did you find something? Aragorn asked. The guard nodded.
We found their camp. There had been a fight. Look.
He grasped into his pocket, taking out a piece of fabric. When Aragorn took it, he closed his eyes and made a fist. Although the fabric was dirtstained, he recognized it.
s from Liliane. Its from her dress that Arwen gave her as a gift!
Pippins eyes grew wide in dismay. He and his friends gathered around Rangamer and Aragorn.
Tell me what happened, soldier of Gondor, and I swear Ill meet them with anger that only a dwarf can show! Gimli grumbled full of rage. He grew a little impatient with the Messengers now, to him they were doing more than they should dare to.
She was attacked. I dont know what happened... we found that someone had been sick and then we found this piece of fabric near. She had been lying on the ground, being involved in a fight with one of the lads. There was also blood some metres away were someone had been beaten. We didnt understand the meaning of it all.
Aragorn took a deep breath and considered Rangamers words for a moment until he said: I think I know what happened. She was sick this morning because of her pregnancy and when the Messengers found out, one must have attacked her. If there was blood, she must also have been defended - but now we know why she is carried by someone!
He thought of Bergil. Maybe it was his blood, he imagined the boy having fought to protect Liliane.
Merry and Pippin looked at him in a very troubled manner. They remembered their fear when they had experienced violence during their captivity with the orcs, but this was still different...
Anything else? Aragorn asked, but Rangamer shook his head. There had been nothing else up to that moment.
Soon they separated again. The soldiers continued their search and so did the smaller group, but Aragorn asked the soldiers to consider a place where the Messengers could be heading for.
Maybe an old military building somewhere in the forest. Go on searching for that, well take care of the traces! he said and turned back.
They rode back, but first they missed the track. For some minutes they were trying to find the traces again in the thick green of the forest. Gimli drank a little water, still not letting go of his axe. He was prepared.
Suddenly Legolas hissed: Quiet! Ive seen something over there! Faramir!
Faramir looked into the direction which Legolas pointed out, but suddenly all was silent. Maybe even too silent. Merry and Pippin gazed around, they all dismounted their horses and Legolas led them. Noon was near, still they had only found what the Messengers had left, but now Legolas had found something.
There was something, over there, he whispered and observed everything attentively.
ve seen something.
Faramir nodded and said: I think I heard something...
Legolas didnt answer, he only went forth. Then they heard leaves rustling not too far away.
Legolas, did you hear something, too? Faramir asked. Legolas nodded, but he didnt say anything. They kept all silence and Legolas listened. It took a while until he said: No, Faramir, here had been something before, but now its all silent.
They returned to their horses. Merry gaped back sceptically. If they had heard something first, there had to be something, so why on earth did they return now?
He said nothing and they rode on in silence, still trying to find the traces.
Cursed, theyre gone! We missed them! Faramir said. They kept searching for a while until Aragorn said: s useless. We have to return and try to find the traces again!
So they did. They rode back to where they had come from, but first they led themselves astray for a while until they found themselves on a hill which they hadnt seen before.
Gimli groaned.
What are you doing here, could you tell me that? I think we got lost!
No, we didnt get lost. Not yet! Legolas said, not guessing how close they had been to the Messengers. This was also why they had been unable to find the traces - there were none yet.
They rode down the hill, first taking a break. The Hobbits were hungry and Legolas, Faramir and Aragorn had a little council, talking about where to go now. But wherever they glanced, it looked all the same.
It took them another hour until they found the traces. Finally they could follow again, but they soon wished they would never have found that place. They stepped onto a clearing where they first found obvious traces of a fight. Then, when Pippin turned back, he suddenly screamed in terror and his eyes grew wide in dismay.
Pip, what... Merry began, but when he followed his trembling friends glance, he was shocked.
These devils... he whispered. The others also turned to find out what it was to frighten the Hobbits that much.
It was Toron, leaning movelessly on the tree, full of blood.
, Legolas whispered. Aragorn slowly shook his head. He couldnt believe it. Toron still wore his Messengers clothing, his sword was lying beside him, bloodstained all over.
Who is he? Faramir whispered.
What happened here that they kill their own members? Aragorn murmured. He turned around and investigated the ground surrounding them.
They tried to escape, he said, suddenly being very excited. The others looked at him in surprise and let him follow the traces deeper into the forest. Many of the Messengers had been after them. He found traces which he regarded as Bergils, he had been running with Frodo. And there were also the deep footsteps of Toron.
Suddenly he halted, bent down and picked something up from the ground which he knew well. It was the white Elvish gemstone that Arwen had once given to Frodo. Aragorn remembered that Liliane had worn it now. She had been lying on the ground, but her traces didnt lead further. She had been caught and Toron, too. Aragorn found the blood on the ground which came from the boys stabbing wound.
He followed Bergils and Frodos traces, only to find that Frodo had fallen and been caught again like Liliane, but then he was aware of the fact that Bergils footsteps led further.
Do you see something? Legolas called from behind.
Yes, wait a minute, Aragorn replied and stood still when he saw ashes of piled wood which was to cover something. He found blood near, very much blood, but then he saw that Bergils traces led on and on. He had managed to escape and he had not been followed at first.
They have burned someone. One of the boys must have been killed during the fight.
In front of a bush he found Bergils sword, he knew it since he had given it to the boy. It was full of blood. Bergil must have defended himself as good as he could...
He was alone out there without a weapon. Maybe he was still being followed.
Aragorn returned, deep in thoughts. When he came back to the clearing, he passed the others without saying a word. Carefully he took Toron to the ground, turning him on his stomach. Still the dagger was stuck in his side.
He may rest in peace, Aragorn said, swallowing hard. He knew he had been a friend.
Still he said nothing while they were collecting wood from their surroundings, piling it up and lying Toron down on the top.
Gandalf made the wood burn, then they all sat down near the horses, watching the fire burning and giving his last peace to Toron.
He was the one to carry Liliane, said Aragorn. They tried to escape, but he was hurt and fell so she was caught like him and taken back here. Then they followed Bergil and Frodo. Bergil escaped, but he killed someone in order to defend himself. This is his sword.
Aragorn laid Bergils sword beside Torons, then he continued.
Frodo fell and they caught him. I fear the Hobbits had to watch the execution of their friend. I had no idea Bergil was not the only spy. Bergil would have been killed like him if they had caught him. Lets hope he is really on his way back to Minas Tirith.
Aragorn opened his fist, still gaping down. He did not dare to look at the others. Suddenly they were all aware of how serious the situation was. Bergil had been trapped with his dead friend and only escaped alone. The Hobbits were gone and Toron was dead.
I also found this. Lets hope I can once give it back to Liliane! Aragorn said, raised his head and looked at Gandalf in a determined manner. Now that he knew how easily traitors were killed, he feared the worst for the Hobbits.
Pippin felt tears in his eyes. It was all too much for him, he imagined the cruelest things.
t let anger blind you, Aragorn, Gandalf said quietly. Aragorn looked at him, raising his eyebrows, then he said: I was blind before, Gandalf. I was blind not to see the danger. I do not deny my anger now - I cannot guarantee I wont kill their leader if he does them any harm! How could these boys forget the terror of war? They experienced it themselves! They should remember what evil doing there was and now they are servants of that evil! Im their king and they live in my country. They are not to do such things in Gondor, were one of the free peoples of Middle-earth. Have you not seen the Hobbits? Have you not seen the change in Frodo? And didnt you also feel happy about that? He is my friend and so is Liliane. She has never before experienced things like that - captivity, murder, agony. Frodo will lose her if they break her. I will not accept it that easily! Im not only a king, but also a friend and I will act like one. Their leader will have an ill mind by himself, but the others were corrupted by Morgoth. I dont know what to do with them, but we will see once we found them!
He lowered his head again, putting the white gemstone in his pocket right to where he had laid the piece of fabric from Lilianes dress.
s go on. We must not lose time!
But soon they had a problem. Rain began to pour down in the afternoon, a thunderstorm had developed and suddenly the sky grew dark with heavy clouds. Flashlight and thunder were the companions of the rain which washed away all the traces that had been there before. Aragorn cried out in wild anger.
What are we to do now? Any ideas? he asked, gazing at Faramir who only shrugged.
I dont know. We can try to ride on like we did before, they have always been walking straight forward until now.
We will find their traces the better once the rain stopped. Everything will be muddy and much clearer to see! Legolas said and Merry smiled broadly. That sounded good!
Well... but we will go astray if we dont stop now. We got lost once today, I dont need a second time, Aragorn said and dismounted his horse, sitting down on a fallen tree. The others joined him, arguing about whether to go on or to stay now. The Hobbits and Gimli grew impatient, but the others knew it was of no use to go on when there were no traces to follow. They would try later when they could be sure they would once find traces.
Merry gaped out in the rain. He was wet to the skin, rain was dripping out of his curls and he looked at Pippin who was leaning on him wearily.
His cousin was terribly sad. Tears were on his cheeks, but Merry didnt see them because of the rain. Merry thought of their friends. The thunderstorm would scare Liliane to death.
Still there were not too far behind. Aragorn knew that, but his silent anger did not decrease.
When the thunderstorm had passed, they could finally go on. But because of the muddy wet ground it was impossible to ride and the thicket grew denser anyway, so they led the horses and walked themselves.
Again and again Aragorn repeated one thought in his head: They must not kill Frodo. He knew they would if nobody stopped them, but he would do everything to do so.
They even walked on a while after nightfall, but soon it was too dark to go on. They would have missed their track, so they rested for the night around a campfire which Gandalf could only light with a little magic because of the wet wood.
Pippin and Merry fell asleep soon, but Aragorn, Legolas and Gandalf stayed awake until late. They took turns at the guard until dawn which was their time to walk on.

Bergil hadnt gotten far anymore when he finally went to his knees in despair, hiding his head under his arms. He cowered down on the ground and first fought hard not to do so, but because of shock and dismay he could not help but cry. His despair knew no name, he couldnt find words for it, there was a feeling of cruel emptiness inside of him, emptiness and he felt so guilty.
He had run off like a coward, leaving the Hobbits and Toron all alone, he had escaped and now it was all over. It had doomed Toron to die. Bergil remembered Frodos painful cry. Probably he had watched. And he would die himself, too.
He hadnt even tried. He had given up much too early, now they were delivered to the enemies and he had run off.
It didnt count that they had told him to do so. Sobbing he clutched his legs, raising his head.
Why? Why does this have to happen? Why?! he screamed and let his grief and despair burst out of him. He did not care about anything, he didnt care whether he was still being followed, he only cared that he had left his friends. Yes, they were his friends.
And his father would be ashamed because of him.
And he had killed someone. Nobody deserved that, no matter if he was friend or foe. He had been a boy like Bergil himself!
He made a first and then remembered his arrow by the pain that he felt. It had run his arm through. Bergil gritted his teeth as he broke it in order to pull it out. He groaned in pain.
Panting he leaned back on a tree. Everything blurred before his eyes and he felt the throbbing pain.
This was all he felt.
He was so helpless and afraid. These devils knew no mercy.
Above his head and the trees dark clouds passed, blown by a sharp wind. Bergil wiped his tears away.
The rain should come, he didnt care. He would go back to Minas Tirith, he had no choice. There he would find someone to tell where the headquarters was to be found. This was the only thing he could do.
He was a stupid idiot. He had not been careful enough and this was why Toron was dead now. Bergil wished he would have been the one to experience that punishment. He was so ashamed.
Toron, Im sorry, Im so sorry... he whispered and then he rose, put the dagger away and ran, heading for Minas Tirith.
He would save them, save their lives before these madmen could take them.
As fast as he could, he ran through the forest, followed by the first far thunder.
Time passed slowly. He stumbled farther, soon joined by pouring ran, wetting him to the skin. He didnt care, he didnt care either about the flashlight and the roaring thunder. All hid in blackness, the ground went muddy, but Bergil ran on. He had to go for help. He would find the place where he had left them or search for the headquarters. Still he had time. A little time was left.
He had promised Sam. Sam - he would return to him with nothing but his own life. A few news he had...
Sometime later the thunderstorm had passed and Bergil sighed, waiting for his clothes to dry. It was still warm, so he didnt freeze.
Suddenly he stood like paralyzed. He heard twigs cracking. And voices.
He got excited. They followed him!
He turned about and looked everywhere. Nobody was to be seen.
But he heard their voices.
They would also hear him if he ran off now. He had but one choice: He must hide.
He found a dense thicket. Silently he sneaked forward and hid unter the leaves, trying to hide as good as he could.
The ground was smelling freshly from the rain. Bergil didnt dare to imagine what he would look like if he got up again. He would be full of mud.
But this hid him even better!
Slowly he turned and soon he was muddy over and over. Then he stopped, hearing how they were drawing nearer.
He could see them. They were Magors friends. He should have known! Gordir would never let him get away with that.
He would be dead if they found him, so he didnt stir, didnt even dare to breathe. Still they came nearer.
His trousers were brown anyway and his shirt wasnt white anymore, but brown from mud. He was so glad he had thrown his black coat away.
Footsteps. He was here, one of them suddenly said. Bergil froze. Five metres left. He made sure he would be able to take his dagger immediately.
But he is not here. Hes faster! Come on! another one said. Bergil held his breath. They turned and left. When they were far enough, he rose and ran on. He had to reach the city!
He was so glad that the city wasnt far away, he knew the direction he had to choose. And on he walked.
The light didnt really return that day. The clouds were too thick and didnt leave, sunset was near very soon, but Bergil ran forth breathlessly. It depended on him, he felt it.
Finally he reached the end of the forest and the open plain.
Yes! I did it, he whispered, passing a little village. Bergil was surprised as finally the sun found a way through the clouds for some red light, sending a faint light over the fields and meadows.
So late a visitor? one of the guards asked as Bergil reached the gate. They looked at him from head to toe and he shrugged.
Sorry, I... I had to escape the Messengers of Darkness. This is why I look like that. Please, let me pass, I have to go to the citadel! Its very important, he explained and was let through. He ran forth to the last ring of the city, passing inns from which he heard loud laughter coming. It was all dark soon, night fell and he smiled when he finally saw the citadel. The guards let him pass and he went to get some clean clothing, he had to get rid of the dirtstained clothes he wore. In addition to that he took a new sword.
When he was done, he ran back to the Houses of Healing, he had to see Sam and Eowyn. They were the only chance that was left now.
He entered the building and asked where he could find them, then he knocked on the door and entered.
the others exclaimed and Sam rose. He wasnt pale anymore, he had put his bandages away and was very excited.
They had passed a boring day. Sam had gone on Eowyns nerves until she had taken him to the citadel once. He wanted to fetch Sting, maybe he needed it. He couldnt be sure of that.
They had been waiting and quarreling about whether to leave or to stay. Sam was annoyed. But finally Bergil came!
Why are you here? Why are you not with Frodo and Liliane? Eowyn asked. Bergil sat down, unbuttoning his shirt. He had taken something to bandage his arm which wasnt bleeding anymore, but it still hurt.
Boy! Who shot you? Eowyn asked, approaching him in order to help him with the bandage. Sams eyes grew wide.
Bergil, what... what are you doing here? he asked. Bergil began to speak.
I met them yesterday, it was late... we left the first hideout. There had been a first fight already. Frodo was injured and Liliane was apathetical... but besides that they were fine. It would be of no use to lie now, so Ill tell you the truth. I could speak to them and... well, it was important that they had someone to protect them. Soon one of the lads joined me, Toron. He was no real member either. And Frodo asked for you, Sam. He feared you were death! It was terrible.
Eowyn looked at him, but she continued bandaging Bergils arm. The boy answered Sams gaze.
The Messengers found out about Liliane having a child. She was attacked therefore. And our friends nearly found us... but... but then it all went wrong. They found out that we were spies and we had to escape. Or at least try to. The Hobbits didnt make it. And Toron neither. They... they... I fear they killed him, Bergil whispered. Eowyn rose and laid her arm around his shoulders.
Oh Bergil... it would have been the worst if you had stayed with them. Youd be dead now! You had no choice...
They were both startled by Sam crying. He met Bergil with so many questions, he needed to know everything. His troubles knew no end.
I... I am so glad that you were with them, Bergil... its so good to know that theyre still alive... I feared they wouldnt be fine. But - but what will they do? What are they up to? Do you know?
Bergil let his head sink. Should he speak? Should he be honest?
Frodo will be sacrificed. They will kill him. And Gordir doesnt want Liliane to have the child... Morgoth claimed her, he whispered. Sam gave a cry of dismay.
No! No, they cant do this! Eowyn, we must leave! We must try to find them, please! Quick...
re the only ones I could go to, Bergil added. I need you. I know where the headquarters is, theyll take them there. I will help them. Do you come with me? Please!
said Eowyn. re only three. Thats useless!
Please, we must do something! Sam said.
No, its impossible. I cant. Dont look at me that way! I will not... Eowyn said.
Five minutes later they left the Houses of Healing. They were all in arms, they didnt hesitate and though there were only the three of them, it was better than nothing.
Bergil took a deep breath and Sam looked up at him. He couldnt wait to find and help Frodo. The Messengers would get to know him!
Bergil asked them to follow him to the citadel one last time. He was not really sure, but he anticipated he would make use of a bow, so he went to get one and some arrows. Lord Faramir himself had given him lessons in archery and always said he was a very good bowman, especially for his age.
They needed protection. They had no guards and no walls to hide behind, so they needed a different protection.
The clouds had passed as three black figures were running over the plain in the chill of the night, only observed by the stars. Sam clutched Stings hilt firmly, it felt so good to have a sword now and he would go where Frodo was. He would never hesitate to help him and Liliane once he had the chance to. Bergil regarded it similarly. He had not been able to stand his escape, so he would hurry to find them again.
Maybe he would still he able to help Toron... how could he know?
Eowyn was equally determined, she knew how her friends felt and besides that she liked Frodo and Liliane herself.
They hurried over the plain heading for the Druadan Forest, the shining moon helped them to find their way and search for enemies. Fortunately there were none.
They reached the first trees some time before dawn and Bergil was seeking for a while, he was searching for a place that he maybe knew. Finally he ran on, telling the others to follow.
They heard an owls cry and the first birds were singing at the pale light of dawn. Bergil smiled and searched the ground for traces. Some mist hindered him from finding anything for a while, but the deeper they went into the forest, the brighter it was after a while with the first signs of the rising sun. First warmth met the three hunters when they reached a place where there were traces.
Behold! They werent careful, Bergil said. Thirty young men walking through deep mud... we had to find the track!
Sam and Eowyn were glad and Sam took a deep breath of relief as they ran on. He was not afraid.
Life returned to the forest. The time for sleep was over and Bergil startled some rabbits when he tried to follow the traces.
He said to Sam: I promise, Gordir wont get away with that so easily. Once we found the headquarters, he will get to know me, dear friend! But... I fear your friends will need you then. I dont know what happened yesterday, but surely there will be nothing to ease their fear now. Frodo pretended not to be afraid, but he was. Still he is brave and courageous, but he is frightened. I dont know whether he realized that they are about to kill him, but he fears that they will hurt Liliane. And they will. Frodo and Liliane will need you!
Sam nodded and gaped up to the boy. I know. But Ill do everything if I only dont have to wait. I know that Frodo will be able to handle it somehow, but... well, if we hurry, it will all be easier!
Bergil had hope. They were running faster than the Messengers ever had done and those would have slept that night, so they were catching up. Indeed none of the three hunters felt tired. They had only taken some water with them, nothing else, but they were so eager to find the Messengers that they didnt feel hungry.
Then suddenly they found the place where the group had stayed that night. It was not to overlook.
Look! They have been sitting here, Eowyn said. Bergil gaped all around, finally finding the traces of the Hobbits.
They have slept here, he said since it was easy to see where the ropes had left traces in the ground. Bergil didnt find out what had happened the night before, there were no signs left. Sam investigated it all with curiosity.
Well, that... I dont know what to say. These Messengers are devils! Look what theyve done...
He sounded neither sad nor angry, but determined to fight. They looked at each other, agreeing that they had to continue their search in order not to lose time. But Bergil was faster than the others, he could not wait to find their friends and the enemies.
Mile after mile they walked on, still following the traces and preparing for what they would maybe find. They could not help it.
How much time had passed, they didnt really know. It was after noon when they suddenly heard voices near, very near.
Eowyn whispered and pulled Bergil and Sam behind a tree, not a second too early. Two lads passed near them, only perceivable as shadows.
... begun, what do you think? one of them asked and Sams eyes grew bigger.
ve no idea, but we will see. Look, there it is! was the answer and Bergil gaped through the green, bright leaves. He could see a building which stood in bright sunlight. Still it made him shiver since he knew the peace was not real.
We found it! There it is! Come on! he hissed, but Eowyn held him tight and whispered: Wait until they passed, its too risky!
Bergils heart was beating faster. When the boys were out of sight, they followed as silently as possible. Behind a bush they laid down on the ground, observing the surroundings. In front of the building there were many boys, entering one after another.
s going on? What on earth is that? Eowyn asked quietly. Bergil whispered: Looks like a military building, behold the long and narrow windows. Where are they? Everybodys here now, arent they?
They waited for a while, but since nothing moved anymore, they finally rose and looked all about.
d love to find out about what theyre doing there! Bergil murmured, coming closer to the building. All the windows were covered with black cloths, but the nearer he came, the better he heard what was said inside. It was Frodo.
Take me and do everything you want, but let her go!
Bergil noticed that Sam was standing beside him. But Frodo was alive!
Sam was shivering and went pale, but then suddenly they heard a fierce cry of agony.
Liliane was crying Aragorns name as loud as she could.
Sam whispered, shaking his head in disbelief. It frighented him.
Still they were alive. Sam turned and ran.
Sam, cursed! Bergil hissed. Stop! Sam!
But Sam didnt listen. He drew his sword, running forth to the great entrance door. Eowyn tried to stop him, too, but Sam was too fast.
she cried. You have no chance on your own!
Before he entered, Sam turned back, replying: Even if I cant rescue them, I will be with them, theyre alone in there!
Then he opened the door and ran inside.