Chapter Seven

     The rhythmic beating of Maeg's heart filled her ears. Sweat beaded upon her wrinkled forehead; her hands shook. She looked into the trees, the obstacle of them and the brush kept her sight from going far. A cold hand of fear grabbed her heart as she distinctively heard a small twig snap.

     Legolas darted swiftly to the edge of the large boulder, which they all stood upon, and searched the area with his glowing eyes. His hand slowly crept to his arrows, his eyes never leaving the spot in which he was concentrating upon.

     What is he looking at? Where is He? Maeg thought, looking in-between two large trees where Legolas seemed to be scanning.

     Suddenly, as if out of nowhere, a stout man dressed in old, scraggly clothing limped out from behind a tree, his shaking form leaning upon a staff. His steps were slow; his destination sure, for each step brought him closer to the four travelers.

 "It is Saruman!" Gimli breathed with fright. He took his axe from his belt quickly. "Quick, kill him before he can put a spell upon us!"

     Aragorn quickly unsheathed his sword and lifted it above his head in a triumphant stance. He began going towards the old man, his sword ready to crash upon him, but the old man suddenly burst upright, his hands lifted, his cloak falling from him. A shining white light shone from him, blinding Aragorn and the others.

     Maeg fell to her knees in horror, covering her head with her violently shaking hands, and a whimper escaped from her trembling lips.

     With a loud crash and a burst of light, Aragorn's sword, Legolas' bow, and Gimli's axe fall to the ground as if they were on fire. Aragorn lifted his hands to his eyes, trying to keep the burning light from hurting his eyes.

     The wielder of this powerful light finally spoke, his voice low and gruff.

 "You are tracking Hobbits…are you not?" He asked, the light hiding this Wizards identity. "They passed this way the day before yesterday; someone found them…does that comfort you?"  He finished, his hands lifted above his head, his staff clutched in his gnarly hand.

      Aragorn listened to these words, his heart beating faster and faster as he realized that Saruman must now have the Hobbits.

 "What have you done with them?" Aragorn shouted, his hands tightening into fists with rage and disappointment.

    The Wizard spoke no more, the light still hovering about him. With frustration, Aragorn stepped closer.

 "Who are you?" he said slowly, his voice hoarse. "Show yourself!"

     After those words of impatience, the Wizard lowered his hands slowly, the light dimming as they went lower. Aragorn gasped and stumbled back with bewilderment.

 "Forgive me!" Legolas whispered as he fell to his knees in anguish.

     Maeg, who was behind Gimli, shyly raised her eyes to this Wizard.

 What is going on? Isn't this Saruman? Why are they repenting? Maeg wondered, with confusion. Her eyes suddenly lit up with realization. He must have put a spell upon them!

     Without thought, Maeg stumbled forward and lifted Aragorn's sword from the floor in triumph. She raised the sword high above her head, her eyes alight with fire.

 "You shall not put a spell upon me, you slithering snake!" Maeg cried as she lunged forward with the sword pointed straight for the Wizard.

    Aragorn tried to intercept, but the Wizard lifted his staff and sent the maiden flying through the air until she landed upon the grassy earth below them.

 "No!" Aragorn whispered, as he leapt from the rocky platform. He knelt before Maeg's limp body, his hands going over her arms and head to insure injuries. Legolas came to the edge of the rocky platform, his body rigid with concern.

 "Is she all right?" Legolas inquired, afraid of the answer. Aragorn was silent as he slowly rolled Maeg from her side to her back. His hand went to support her neck, a lump forming on the right side of her forehead.

 "I am not sure," Aragorn finally answered back. "There seems to be no broken bones, but…"

 "Is the wee one all right?" Gimli asked, voicing everyone's thoughts. Aragorn met Gimli's eyes, concern pooled within his own. Gimli moaned with grief and turned to the Wizard with shaking hands.

 "Gandalf…Oh, Gandalf!" Gimli exclaimed, kneeling before him. He took off his helmet and laid it before Gandalf's feet. He lifted his head slowly, his eyes beseeching.

 "You are…alive!" Gimli began, his wonder overcoming him. His eyes were alight one second, overjoyed with this Wizards miraculous life, but his features darkened as he looked to the unconscious maiden.

 "I shall bid you to tell me all about your adventures of how you came about life," Gimli began, his voice rough and commanding. "But I beseech thee to forgive this lass and…heal her!"

    Gandalf looked puzzled at first, looking to the humble Dwarf who knelt so lovingly beside his feet. He looked to the small form of Maeg, lying upon the floor, Aragorn's arm supporting her head.

     Without any word, Gandalf stepped toward Maeg, his staff supporting his slow steps down the rocks.  He stood over her frame, his body's shadow covering her.

     Aragorn moved back from her, slowly standing behind Gandalf, his eyes hopeful.

 "She only sleeps," Gandalf muttered as he bent down to caress her forehead. Suddenly, Mage's eyes fluttered open. She moaned as she gingerly touched the lump on her head.

     Aragorn sighed with relief and Gimli cried with joy as he jumped from the rock and stood beside her, his laugh full of merriment. Legolas only stood behind Aragorn, a form of a smile lighting up his dark features.

 "What happened?" Maeg asked her voice hoarse. She looked to Gandalf who still stood over her and her eyes widened in fear as the past floated back to her. In reflex, Maeg lifted her arms to cover her face, a whimper escaping from her puckered lips.

    Gandalf's brows curved, pity flooding his grey eyes as he knelt before her trembling body.

 "Now, now," Gandalf soothed, his deep voice filled with compassion. "Do not be afraid."

     Maeg searched his face, looking for some evil omen, but she found nothing but concern. Many moments of silence past with Maeg looking to Gandalf, still cautious of this Wizard, and Aragorn, contemplating when to speak his concern.

     Finally, Aragorn spoke, his unease driving him.

 "Maeg," Aragorn said, coming to her laying form once again. "Are you all right? Are you hurt?"

 "I'm quite all right…I think…" Maeg said, stirring herself from Gandalf's eyes. She sat up slowly, her hand supporting her lower back as she groaned. Aragorn's heart flipped with distress at her face which was screwed into pain.

 "What is it?" Aragorn mumbled, his hand clasping her own. She looked into his nervous face, hers pale with sickness.

 "It's time," Maeg whispered, her hand going to her stomach.

****A/N: Okay….I am sure your guys are about to hate me with a passion…but I updated!!!! I sure hope this chappie was worth the extreme delay! Hehe…yikes! So, please read and review!!!!! I know that Aragorn and Maeg seem to have a romance….don't get mad…all will be explained soon!!! Lol.