Author's Note: I'm reposting this chapter as Gamgeefest made me aware of a
place I had forgotten to change. It's not a big thing, but it bothered me
enough to correct it (if you've already read this chapter, you may not even
notice)! Anyway, I hope this chapter makes sense! Thanks again to all
those who take the time to read my story and especially to those who
review! I appreciate it! (Again, good to see you Irish Flying Fish)
Chapter 13 Escape
Pippin froze. "Who...who's there?" he called nervously, slowly backing away the way he had come. He heard a rustling from somewhere ahead and a small figure made its way into the torch's flickering light. It was Jalan.
"Jalan?" said Pippin, his eyes narrowing in confusion. "What are you doing here?" Pippin could feel his anger rising now. He was usually a congenial sort of fellow, but he was feeling less than friendly towards this boy.
Jalan moved a little closer, his eyes downcast. He stopped a few feet away, then raised his eyes to meet those of the suspicious Hobbit. "I am sorry, Pippin." he said softly. "When this all began, I believed as my father, that we should bring you and your companions here and into the Black Wizard's trap. After all, you and your friends were responsible for the Dark Lord's defeat." He stopped here for a moment, looking away into the darkness. "I wanted you all to suffer. To die horribly. But." now he looked at Pippin. "But this is not the way of the warrior!" he spat, "A warrior fights his battles bravely and with honor. This is the work of a sneak, a coward! You and your companions came willingly to rescue your friend, despite the risks, despite knowing it might result in all your deaths. You have behaved bravely. Torture and lies are the tools of spies and cowards, not honorable soldiers. I will no longer be part of this. If you are to die, it should be valiantly, in battle, not at the hands of someone as vile as the Black Wizard." He paused again, shifting his weight. "I will help you rescue the others and get you out of here."
Pippin stood staring at him in befuddled disbelief. One moment, the boy was leading them into certain death and now he claimed he wanted to help them! Was he to be believed, much less trusted? Pippin desperately wished there was someone wiser than he to make these decisions. "Why should I believe you?" he asked angrily. "Do you know what that monster has done to Sam? Have you seen him?"
Jalan shook his head. "No. In fact, I have never met Samwise Gamgee. My father instructed me on what I should say. But, I have seen victims of the Black Wizard's chamber. I can well imagine what has been done to your friend." He sighed. "I cannot make you trust me, Pippin. If my father or the Black Wizard knew I was here with you now, I would soon be joining the others in the chamber. All I know is that I cannot live with this dishonor."
Pippin studied the boy's grim face. He had no choice, really. The Black Wizard was undoubtedly looking for him and Jalan certainly knew these caves better than hedid. Maybe it was his only hope. "What do you suggest we do?" he asked cautiously.
Jalan moved a little closer. "I know my father guards the chamber door. He will not aid us. The Black Wizard has sent word to the village summoning more men to help search the caverns for you. They will be here any minute."
Pippin felt the blood drain from his face. "What?" he cried, "Then where can I hide? How can we save Frodo, Merry and Sam?" He ran his hand through his hair trying to think.
"There is a way," began Jalan slowly, "But it is very dangerous and it may very likely kill you, but it could work." Pippin looked at him eagerly, motioning him to go on. Jalan swallowed nervously and continued. "There is," he said, "An underground river that runs from these mountains to the Sea of Rhun in the east. There are several places where it may be accessed in these caverns, including the torture room. It is said that the Black Wizard uses the river to dispose of the bodies of his victims. I know there is a trap door there, so the tale makes sense. You and your friends could escape down the river."
Pippin was aghast at this idea! Granted, water didn't bother him nearly as much as it did Sam, but the thought of traveling in an underground river was disturbing. Yet, he suddenly recalled Bilbo's tale of how the dwarves escaped from the elves by floating down a river. Maybe the plan wasn't as far-fetched as it seemed. He turned to Jalan, "Sam is badly hurt," he said, "How could we get him down the river? What is the river like? Is it deep?"
Jalan shrugged. "I do not know." he replied apologetically. "I have seen it here in the caverns and where it exits the mountains, but I have not traveled on it nor followed its path. It will be very risky, but with men searching the caverns, I believe it may be your only hope." He frowned in thought, then his face brightened. "I have an idea! Wait here!" Jalan turned and swiftly disappeared into the darkness. He returned a short while later carrying four small casks.
"These are too small for you to hide in," Jalan explained, "But you could use them to help keep you afloat. I know there is enough room just below the torture chamber for you to use these, but I cannot say that they would work the entire way." Pippin examined the casks. They were empty now, but appeared to have held salt. They would be easy to carry and as Jalan suggested, might help them navigate the river. It was worth a try.
The boy turned and pointed to a passage behind Pippin. "There is an entryway to the river not far from here," he began. I will lead you there. There is room enough to walk beside the river to the trapdoor in the torture chamber. I do not know how far the ledge goes. I will help retrieve your friends, then it is up to you to make your way to safety. If you are captured, I will not help you further. Do you understand?" Pippin bit his lip anxiously and nodded. It was more than he could have hoped to expect. He turned and followed Jalan down the passage.
"Here," announced Jalan after a short hike. He pointed towards a small rocky grotto. Using his torch, Pippin looked down into an irregular opening in the rock, the light glinted on the black water flowing below. The air was damp and cold, making Pippin shiver. Jalan set his casks down and slid into the hole. "Hand me the barrels!" he called quietly. One by one, the casks and then the torch disappeared into the darkness. Finally, it was Pippin's turn. Taking a deep breath, he swung his feet over the side and carefully lowered himself as far as he could before dropping a short distance to the ground.
He was standing on a narrow ledge that skirted the edge of the rushing river. The opening was just a couple of feet above his head. He could see that Jalan had to stoop slightly so as not hit his head on the ceiling of the rocky waterway. "We will leave the casks here," Jalan called as loudly as he dared above the echoing roar of water. "It is not far to the trap door." So saying, he led the way down the slippery ledge. Pippin nearly fell several times, but was able to keep from tumbling into the river just a few feet below.
The two traveled in silence for some minutes before Jalan finally came to a halt. He turned to look at Pippin, then pointed above his head. Pippin could just make out the glowing edges of a trapdoor, a rusted iron ring hung from the center. They had reached their destination. Jalan put his finger to his lips and handed the torch back to Pippin. Then, putting his hands above his head, he carefully began pushing on the trapdoor. It took a moment, but soon the crack of light became a wedge and then, a full square. Jalan held onto the ring allowing him to keep the door from slamming onto the floor of the chamber and undoubtedly alerting his father outside. Jalan carefully climbed out of the hatch and lay the door wide open on the floor. Pippin wedged the torch into a crack in the rock face then allowed Jalan to help him up.
They were near one of the back corners of the chamber, out of view of the cells holding the other Hobbits. Pippin scurried over the cell doors calling "Frodo! Merry!" in a hushed voiced.
Frodo's head snapped up at Pippin's voice. "Pippin!" he heard Merry cry eagerly. Frodo leaped to his feet just as Pippin reached their cell. "How did you get here?" Merry whispered in growing excitement. "Get us out!" Jalan suddenly appeared at Pippin's side, the ring of keys in his hand. Frodo and Merry froze, then turned in Pippin in surprise.
"He's helping us," was all Pippin said as he and Jalan searched for the right key. As soon as that cell was open, they hurried to the next and opened Sam's. Jalan stopped and stared in shock at the injured Hobbit sprawled on the cold, stone floor, He could see places on the Hobbit's back where he had been flogged clear to the bone. As much as he hated all the people of the West, he hated the Black Wizard and his cruel, cowardly ways even more. He hadn't lied about his mother and brothers being killed by the wizard. One brother had been returned to them still alive, but in much the same condition as this halfling. Tular had died before the week was done. The sight of Sam just strengthened Jalan's resolve to see these Hobbits out of this place of death. He knelt down beside Sam and gently lifted the Hobbit's head. Taking a small flask from his tunic, he pulled out the stopper with his teeth and carefully poured some of the black liquid into Sam's slack mouth. Sam began to moan and cough.
The other Hobbits were there now. "What are you doing?" cried Frodo in alarm, but Merry and Pippin watched carefully. The liquid reminded them of the nasty elixir the orcs had forced upon them when they had been captured so long ago. It was terrible stuff, but worked well. After a few moments, Sam slowly opened his eyes and looked around.
"Sam!" cried Frodo in relief kneeling beside Jalan.
"Mr. Frodo?" whispered Sam now trying to sit up. Jalan carefully helped him into a sitting position.
"Yes, Sam!" smiled Frodo, tears in his eyes, "We need to get out of here quickly. Do you think you can stand?" Sam closed his eyes for a moment, then slowly nodded. He was in a lot of pain, but the orc elixer had given him new strength. Between them, Frodo and Jalan got Sam onto his feet.
Pippin looked at Sam and his cousins. "We must leave immediately!" he warned anxiously, "We've found a way out! Come on!" With that, he led the others to the open trap door. The water could be heard below. Frodo and Merry stared at Pippin in disbelief.
"What's this, then Pippin?" demanded Merry. "Are we supposed to swim all the way back to Gondor!?"
"It's an underground river," explained Jalan impatiently. "It will take you out of the mountains!" Pippin proceeded to drop down into the hole, with Merry following a little more cautiously.
Sam watched this as if in a dream. He was still having a hard time comprehending what was going on. "Come on, Sam!" he heard Frodo say in his ear and he allowed himself to be led to the hole. Jalan and Frodo then helped Merry lower him to the ledge. Soon all five were safely through the hatch and Jalan quietly closed it behind them.
He led them to were the casks were waiting and turned to them. "I am sorry I tricked you and brought you to the Black Wizard," he said stiffly, "I have explained my actions to Pippin. Now, I must leave you. Maybe someday we will meet honorably - on the field of battle. Good luck to you." The boy bowed gracefully from the waist, turned and disappeared into the darkness. It was up to them now.
Chapter 13 Escape
Pippin froze. "Who...who's there?" he called nervously, slowly backing away the way he had come. He heard a rustling from somewhere ahead and a small figure made its way into the torch's flickering light. It was Jalan.
"Jalan?" said Pippin, his eyes narrowing in confusion. "What are you doing here?" Pippin could feel his anger rising now. He was usually a congenial sort of fellow, but he was feeling less than friendly towards this boy.
Jalan moved a little closer, his eyes downcast. He stopped a few feet away, then raised his eyes to meet those of the suspicious Hobbit. "I am sorry, Pippin." he said softly. "When this all began, I believed as my father, that we should bring you and your companions here and into the Black Wizard's trap. After all, you and your friends were responsible for the Dark Lord's defeat." He stopped here for a moment, looking away into the darkness. "I wanted you all to suffer. To die horribly. But." now he looked at Pippin. "But this is not the way of the warrior!" he spat, "A warrior fights his battles bravely and with honor. This is the work of a sneak, a coward! You and your companions came willingly to rescue your friend, despite the risks, despite knowing it might result in all your deaths. You have behaved bravely. Torture and lies are the tools of spies and cowards, not honorable soldiers. I will no longer be part of this. If you are to die, it should be valiantly, in battle, not at the hands of someone as vile as the Black Wizard." He paused again, shifting his weight. "I will help you rescue the others and get you out of here."
Pippin stood staring at him in befuddled disbelief. One moment, the boy was leading them into certain death and now he claimed he wanted to help them! Was he to be believed, much less trusted? Pippin desperately wished there was someone wiser than he to make these decisions. "Why should I believe you?" he asked angrily. "Do you know what that monster has done to Sam? Have you seen him?"
Jalan shook his head. "No. In fact, I have never met Samwise Gamgee. My father instructed me on what I should say. But, I have seen victims of the Black Wizard's chamber. I can well imagine what has been done to your friend." He sighed. "I cannot make you trust me, Pippin. If my father or the Black Wizard knew I was here with you now, I would soon be joining the others in the chamber. All I know is that I cannot live with this dishonor."
Pippin studied the boy's grim face. He had no choice, really. The Black Wizard was undoubtedly looking for him and Jalan certainly knew these caves better than hedid. Maybe it was his only hope. "What do you suggest we do?" he asked cautiously.
Jalan moved a little closer. "I know my father guards the chamber door. He will not aid us. The Black Wizard has sent word to the village summoning more men to help search the caverns for you. They will be here any minute."
Pippin felt the blood drain from his face. "What?" he cried, "Then where can I hide? How can we save Frodo, Merry and Sam?" He ran his hand through his hair trying to think.
"There is a way," began Jalan slowly, "But it is very dangerous and it may very likely kill you, but it could work." Pippin looked at him eagerly, motioning him to go on. Jalan swallowed nervously and continued. "There is," he said, "An underground river that runs from these mountains to the Sea of Rhun in the east. There are several places where it may be accessed in these caverns, including the torture room. It is said that the Black Wizard uses the river to dispose of the bodies of his victims. I know there is a trap door there, so the tale makes sense. You and your friends could escape down the river."
Pippin was aghast at this idea! Granted, water didn't bother him nearly as much as it did Sam, but the thought of traveling in an underground river was disturbing. Yet, he suddenly recalled Bilbo's tale of how the dwarves escaped from the elves by floating down a river. Maybe the plan wasn't as far-fetched as it seemed. He turned to Jalan, "Sam is badly hurt," he said, "How could we get him down the river? What is the river like? Is it deep?"
Jalan shrugged. "I do not know." he replied apologetically. "I have seen it here in the caverns and where it exits the mountains, but I have not traveled on it nor followed its path. It will be very risky, but with men searching the caverns, I believe it may be your only hope." He frowned in thought, then his face brightened. "I have an idea! Wait here!" Jalan turned and swiftly disappeared into the darkness. He returned a short while later carrying four small casks.
"These are too small for you to hide in," Jalan explained, "But you could use them to help keep you afloat. I know there is enough room just below the torture chamber for you to use these, but I cannot say that they would work the entire way." Pippin examined the casks. They were empty now, but appeared to have held salt. They would be easy to carry and as Jalan suggested, might help them navigate the river. It was worth a try.
The boy turned and pointed to a passage behind Pippin. "There is an entryway to the river not far from here," he began. I will lead you there. There is room enough to walk beside the river to the trapdoor in the torture chamber. I do not know how far the ledge goes. I will help retrieve your friends, then it is up to you to make your way to safety. If you are captured, I will not help you further. Do you understand?" Pippin bit his lip anxiously and nodded. It was more than he could have hoped to expect. He turned and followed Jalan down the passage.
"Here," announced Jalan after a short hike. He pointed towards a small rocky grotto. Using his torch, Pippin looked down into an irregular opening in the rock, the light glinted on the black water flowing below. The air was damp and cold, making Pippin shiver. Jalan set his casks down and slid into the hole. "Hand me the barrels!" he called quietly. One by one, the casks and then the torch disappeared into the darkness. Finally, it was Pippin's turn. Taking a deep breath, he swung his feet over the side and carefully lowered himself as far as he could before dropping a short distance to the ground.
He was standing on a narrow ledge that skirted the edge of the rushing river. The opening was just a couple of feet above his head. He could see that Jalan had to stoop slightly so as not hit his head on the ceiling of the rocky waterway. "We will leave the casks here," Jalan called as loudly as he dared above the echoing roar of water. "It is not far to the trap door." So saying, he led the way down the slippery ledge. Pippin nearly fell several times, but was able to keep from tumbling into the river just a few feet below.
The two traveled in silence for some minutes before Jalan finally came to a halt. He turned to look at Pippin, then pointed above his head. Pippin could just make out the glowing edges of a trapdoor, a rusted iron ring hung from the center. They had reached their destination. Jalan put his finger to his lips and handed the torch back to Pippin. Then, putting his hands above his head, he carefully began pushing on the trapdoor. It took a moment, but soon the crack of light became a wedge and then, a full square. Jalan held onto the ring allowing him to keep the door from slamming onto the floor of the chamber and undoubtedly alerting his father outside. Jalan carefully climbed out of the hatch and lay the door wide open on the floor. Pippin wedged the torch into a crack in the rock face then allowed Jalan to help him up.
They were near one of the back corners of the chamber, out of view of the cells holding the other Hobbits. Pippin scurried over the cell doors calling "Frodo! Merry!" in a hushed voiced.
Frodo's head snapped up at Pippin's voice. "Pippin!" he heard Merry cry eagerly. Frodo leaped to his feet just as Pippin reached their cell. "How did you get here?" Merry whispered in growing excitement. "Get us out!" Jalan suddenly appeared at Pippin's side, the ring of keys in his hand. Frodo and Merry froze, then turned in Pippin in surprise.
"He's helping us," was all Pippin said as he and Jalan searched for the right key. As soon as that cell was open, they hurried to the next and opened Sam's. Jalan stopped and stared in shock at the injured Hobbit sprawled on the cold, stone floor, He could see places on the Hobbit's back where he had been flogged clear to the bone. As much as he hated all the people of the West, he hated the Black Wizard and his cruel, cowardly ways even more. He hadn't lied about his mother and brothers being killed by the wizard. One brother had been returned to them still alive, but in much the same condition as this halfling. Tular had died before the week was done. The sight of Sam just strengthened Jalan's resolve to see these Hobbits out of this place of death. He knelt down beside Sam and gently lifted the Hobbit's head. Taking a small flask from his tunic, he pulled out the stopper with his teeth and carefully poured some of the black liquid into Sam's slack mouth. Sam began to moan and cough.
The other Hobbits were there now. "What are you doing?" cried Frodo in alarm, but Merry and Pippin watched carefully. The liquid reminded them of the nasty elixir the orcs had forced upon them when they had been captured so long ago. It was terrible stuff, but worked well. After a few moments, Sam slowly opened his eyes and looked around.
"Sam!" cried Frodo in relief kneeling beside Jalan.
"Mr. Frodo?" whispered Sam now trying to sit up. Jalan carefully helped him into a sitting position.
"Yes, Sam!" smiled Frodo, tears in his eyes, "We need to get out of here quickly. Do you think you can stand?" Sam closed his eyes for a moment, then slowly nodded. He was in a lot of pain, but the orc elixer had given him new strength. Between them, Frodo and Jalan got Sam onto his feet.
Pippin looked at Sam and his cousins. "We must leave immediately!" he warned anxiously, "We've found a way out! Come on!" With that, he led the others to the open trap door. The water could be heard below. Frodo and Merry stared at Pippin in disbelief.
"What's this, then Pippin?" demanded Merry. "Are we supposed to swim all the way back to Gondor!?"
"It's an underground river," explained Jalan impatiently. "It will take you out of the mountains!" Pippin proceeded to drop down into the hole, with Merry following a little more cautiously.
Sam watched this as if in a dream. He was still having a hard time comprehending what was going on. "Come on, Sam!" he heard Frodo say in his ear and he allowed himself to be led to the hole. Jalan and Frodo then helped Merry lower him to the ledge. Soon all five were safely through the hatch and Jalan quietly closed it behind them.
He led them to were the casks were waiting and turned to them. "I am sorry I tricked you and brought you to the Black Wizard," he said stiffly, "I have explained my actions to Pippin. Now, I must leave you. Maybe someday we will meet honorably - on the field of battle. Good luck to you." The boy bowed gracefully from the waist, turned and disappeared into the darkness. It was up to them now.