Chapter 29 --- Calling
It came to pass that the company soon dispersed for they were weary and made short camp there, beside the trees of Fangorn. They would ready to depart in their separate ways the next morn. It was not yet dusk and Frodo was becoming desperately restless. He began to fight Sam in every which way but did not have any wants of his own. Sam would try to lead him and he would not walk; Sam would try to feed him and he would not eat; Sam would try to lay him to bed and he would not sleep. The two struggled on toward their tent for a while. Frodo, crying out and attempting to wrench himself away from Sam's grip. Finally Frodo's struggling arms were let go out of exhasperation. "Fine sir, where do you want to go if not to bed?" Frodo pulled against Sam's last attempts at restraint and threw himself forward with all of his might. His arms, once free, clutched around his chest instantly, his nails digging into his shoulders. He let his knees give way and he remained, head bent, arms clutching, leaning forward on the ground. Sam could not decide whether he was more frightened or confused at this stance. He knelt down and put a hand on Frodo's quivering shoulder. "Master?"
Frodo gasped and his body jerked away at the touch. Sam felt a pang of guilt for frightening his master but he could not simply sit there beside him any more. It was no longer enough. "Come now, Mr. Frodo, naught be afraid." Frodo finally turned his fearful eyes toward Sam and his lips moved in pleading whimpers. "What's hurtin' sir?" Sam attempted to inspect Frodo's arms and chest and stomach. There were no hurts as he already assumed but he somehow wished there were. "Outside wounds are easier to heal than the ones deeper in," Sam mused. "The ones that can't be seen..."
Frodo's voice seemed to rise in urgency, his weeping coming to a desperate cusp. It almost seemed like his voice now, his real voice, the tone and soft pitch of Frodo Baggins... if he were terribly terribly distraught. And such a state Sam had never seen the real Frodo in and concluded that it did not matter right now. What mattered was comforting his master. Sam pulled Frodo close and let the curly head rest upon his breast. "Oh, shush me dear. Shush and I'll watch over you, won't let no harm come to you none. I will do a better job of watching over you now, me dear, naught be afrighted."
But Sam's words did not soothe. He did not even know if they were heard. Frodo let his head be pulled down to rest against his protector's chest and he felt the warmth touch his cheek, but there was no solace in the touch. No comfort lie within those careful caresses as his curls were easily tamed by the gentle hands. There was no warmth to be had in those endearments. Unlike any other child, he could not find comfort from parental cares without, and there was no rest from the turmoil within. A warning was rising in his heart, now low and distant, now rising like incantations in a barrow, now lifting to the very clang and clamor of war horns! And he was deaf to the gentle endearments of one gardener.
He finally felt no warmth, only the anticipation of torment. Sam's touches became taunting mockery of what a voice in his head promised would come. Frodo sprang away from Sam's arms, clutching at the ground and shaking his head. If his thoughts could be put into any discernable speech it would be a soft pleading of; "No. Oh please, no." Thoughts churned in his head, over and round, beseeching whatever made these horrid promises of vengeance that he wished no harm to any... that he could not remember doing any harm. But his thoughts were lost in the darkness, and whether the pitiful pleas were heard or not could not be certain.
And now he turned to Sam, a look of betrayal in his eyes that cut the honest gardener to the quick. Frodo's brows furrowed in confused anger as if to say, "Why do you do nothing? I trust you above all else to protect me and yet you fail when I need you most." Sam clutched at his heart and felt tears burn his eyes. He placed a hand upon Frodo's shoulder again but this time he was pushed more violently away. A sob escaped Frodo's trembling frame and Sam could bear it no more. He lunged towards his master and grasped him in an attempt to embrace him and drive all of his fears away by force of love. It was out of sheer desperation and Sam did not consider that it might frighten Frodo more than soothe him. He could only feel immense anger at the moment. Anger at what the Ring had done to his master, anger at the fact that his master was being tortured in a place Sam could not take him away from, rage at whatever tortured him, and finally immense sorrow for he then realized that his master had gone where he could not follow.
"Oh master!" Sam cried, pressing Frodo close. "Where have you gone? Why can't I find you? Why can't I follow?" Frodo flailed and fought weakly against Sam's hold. But soon his movements became strong, his arms beating back his legs kicking violently. He was growing more desperate. He needed to get out of this place. He needed to get away from these voices!
It became evident he would take no caution in his actions and he cared not if he harmed even Sam. He clenched his eyes shut and cried out in a failing voice, his frantic fists clumsily thrusting in any direction until he caught Sam in the stomach, then the jaw. The gardener slumped to the ground gasping for breath. Frodo was free for the moment and scrambled forward only to be stopped by a great towering creature in white robes. Frodo cried out and shielded his face, backing away as quick as his frantic movements would allow. Sam groaned as he began to uncurl and regain his breath. Frodo clutched him, now more desperate for his comfort and Sam felt a little bitterness. "Now he's gone and changed his mind about what he wants, and why I suppose I'll never know," he thought. But when he looked up he saw why.
The hobbits were not far from the company at all and the first to arrive at their side was Gandalf. The wizard backed away a few steps though he wished to see about Sam and what this was all about. Frodo's fear would only cause more problems. But Gandalf fought to become less menacing, he threw down his staff and beat back his power. To any he might appear a simple old man, wearied and worried. But this did not quite fool Frodo. Still it was a try. Gandalf knelt before the two hobbits and Sam looked up pleadingly, not suffering to speak but Gandalf knew what the gardener asked for.
The wizard placed a kind hand to Frodo's cheek but the simple hobbit flinched and clenched his eyes shut tight. "Calm now Frodo. Hear my voice and know me." He gathered up the hobbit and held him securely. The three journeyed the short distance to the tent and Sam ran in to situate his master. Gandalf took a breath then followed. "Go on Samwise. Seek rest and I shall see what I can do for your master."
Sam was loth to leave and he just stood for a moment, wringing his hands. But as he watched Frodo grasp his ears and cry out Sam could bear no more. The gardener quickly fled and Gandalf tried to give the simple hobbit peace. Merry and Pippin were taking council with Treebeard though they had seemed reluctant. Sam knew not where to flee but he could feel his heart shattering. It was Emáten that he finally fled to and sat long with him until Gandalf returned.
The wizard stepped into Frodo's tent silently and watched Sam leave. Making sure the gardener was gone, for he knew now that it was not often true when it seemed Sam was not by Frodo's side. But indeed Sam was gone and Frodo paced the tent and tore at the walls and threw himself down on the blankets murmuring nothing in a language unknown.
Gandalf was still and silent until he saw Frodo had finally stopped his fit and was staring wildly about him as if his eyes strained to see beyond a mist. "What do you see?" the wizard whispered. Frodo's eyes shot to him but stayed not there and darted about. "You are frightened, like an animal that can foretell a storm very near."
He suddenly remembered the night Aragorn came to him giving him word that Legolas had sensed Saruman was free and wandering at his wont. "Does he seek you?" There came no answer though Gandalf sought not on his lips but deep within the hobbit's mind for an answer. None still came. "Where are you, Frodo?" he finally lamented.
In the tent the wizard's mind strove hard against the barriers that kept him from Frodo's but to no avail. If he ever delved deeply within the hobbit Frodo would scream as if burned and writhe as if he were lying in a pool of sulfur and coals. "My power is too great for you to understand. I fear that I shall break you yet with my presence. Oh Frodo, this Quest has claimed more of you than I can bear to see!" He then lifted the fretting hobbit and brought him again to Sam.
~~~
"My lord, I am afraid there is not much comfort I can offer you."
"Unless you can bring my master back there is no comfort you can offer me and that's a fact," muttered Sam. "I've never seen him so... alone."
Emáten shifted uncomfortably. "Why is he so frightened?"
"I wish I knew. I wish I knew what was causing this. He seemed to be on the mend... just a little. He seemed happy for a while. Well not happy maybe, but not afraid. The world wasn't so scary for him, I don't think. Not so scary." Sam chewed his lip and wrung his hands. "You didn't know him, Emáten..."
"I wish I had," said the young knight.
Sam looked away, "No you don't, because then you would have had to lose him. The change is so terrible. So terrible it makes my blood boil!"
"Would you rather to have never known him?"
"No!" Sam cried, leaping to his feet. "Not ever! Not ever would I wish somethin' like that!"
"Well then how is it different for me?" Emáten smiled wryly with a look of pity in his eyes but also, as always, immense respect.
Sam took in a breath and sat down again. "It shoulda been me. I was supposed to protect him, I shoulda suffered all he did. That was the whole purpose you see. We were all there to take the blows for him, in a way. The fellowship was formed for that purpose. And it failed. I failed."
"If it was you," began Emáten tentatively. "Then I would have never met you and it would be your master sitting here brought to tears over what became of his friend..."
"I was his servant."
"His friend," insisted Emáten more sternly. "I think it's just as worse if it had been you. I would have never known Lord Samwise Gamgee the Brave and your master would be feeling just what you feel. Don't deny it. You know it too well yourself. He'd suffer if he lost you."
Sam bowed his head in his head and wept. The gardener felt as if he might get some rest until he saw Gandalf running towards him with Frodo cradled in his arms. "I am sorry, Sam!" he cried from a distance. And when he came hither, he set Frodo upon the ground. "My power is too great for him. I cannot stay near."
Sam looked down upon a trembling Frodo and gathered him in his arms. Just then the simple hobbit shot to his feet and looked around wildly. Before a word was uttered he darted into the forest in a mad and senseless dash. Gandalf called out and made to run after him but stayed himself and gripped Emáten, "Fly! Get him!"
Sam had already set flight to chase his master and Emáten soon followed. But madness and urgency granted Frodo great speed and he cared not if he stumbled. He scrambled madly through the forest and the trees looked upon him and did nothing for they knew now that any Halfling in their wood was sacred and they were honored by his presence. When Frodo stumbled a quick limb held him up. Wind was at his heals and pushed him forward gently. The forest sought to aid him in whatever purpose he now had. Whispers of "Ringbearer! Welcome our savior!" shivered in the leaves and when Sam and Emáten heard the words they felt afraid that Frodo would soon disappear into the wood beyond all recall.
Shadows in the forest lifted like a veil revealing to Frodo all the beauty of Fangorn and magnificent trees that were once hidden from mortal sight. They shimmered in the warmth of light that soon bathed his face and it would seem enough to catch the simple hobbit in awe so that he would halt and stay still, too filled with wonder that he could not comprehend. But there was a danger in the corners of his mind and a pain within his heart. Evil whispers and shrill cries of urgency rang throughout his head and blinded him to the forest's beauty.
No root rose up to meet Frodo's faltering feet and the path before him was whisked clean of anything that might hinder him. Leaves brushed his cheek gently but no sharpness of twig met his fair face. Vines and canopies rose before him like veils unto a great lord's chambers and the dew glistened upon the grey tree bark and pooled in silver puddles in the bowls and fissures of the ancient trees. The evil malice that once lurked in the hearts of blackened trees was lifted with a soft endearing towards the Ringbearer but soon closed towards Emáten and the path would begin to darken until Sam's voice rang out clear and high, "Master! Master!" When the gentle voice touched the air and stirred it the trees again did whisper, "Heart of the earth! Ever at the heals of your master, he is safe!" But Sam took no heed and Emáten was safe at the time from any of the trees' malice.
Frodo sprang forward and before the ground met him vines entwined with his wrists and he was lifted to his feet again and he ran without a pause in his step. The forest grew deeper and darker and trees that had no longer opened their ears to the tales of their herders were surrounding him. Their darkness knew no end and the deeds of the Ringbearer were lost to them. Frodo's flight was soon hindered by root, limb, and stone. He fell to his knees and scraped them horribly. He cried out as his blood touched the forest floor but he then rose and ran on, so great was his fear.
Sam felt the earth shudder beneath his feet and the trees around him cried in lament. "He has gone too deep! The Ringbearer's blood has been spilled!" Sam shrieked and tore forward, his master now lost from his sight and Emáten soon falling behind for the trees now sought to aid the gardener to save his master.
Shadows filled the forest and the grey wind swept by the darkling landscape and still Frodo paid no heed. He ran like a wild thing and he gasped horribly until he fell upon his face and wept. He then crawled forward in the dirt and dust and his face was cut and bleeding. He crept forward on squirming knees and clawing hands until his hands grasped filthy robes and he looked up into an evil countenance and shivered in dread.
"Ringbearer, say the trees. So to you I do owe thanks to my downfall." And the black, twisted voice fell like poison on the hobbit's ears. It had been calling him, threatening him, cursing him terribly. Saruman's clawlike hand dug into Frodo's hair and tore against him like the tearing of so many vicious razors. Frodo's blood ran cold and he cried out again.
~~~
A/N: Ah another cliffhanger, this one decidedly worse than the last! Sorry for the long delay. This chapter has been in the works for a while and I had to cut it in half for suspense and length purposes. Also I'm working on another short, one chapter ficlet that should be up soon. I hope I haven't lost all of you! Please don't give up on me. I want this fic to be complete and as flawless as my current skills will allow. Long constructive reviews inspire long chapters and fast updates! ::horribly conspicuous hints::
elentari*angel – Calm down dear! Words and sentences and criticism. Thank you for the review ^^ and I'm glad I'm reaching you.
CStini – Yay you like! Good now I hope this chapter has cleared things up. You guessed well though I haven't been focusing on keeping it much of a secret. The ending is my own little secret though. Hopefully I'll get there soon.
Frodo's gal – Sorry this took so long. I'll try to update faster. I'm happy that this is your favorite story. I try my best and it does refine my skills very nicely.
ShireElf – Sugar is good! I hope I'm not driving you guys too insane. Don't want any more people stuck in poor Frodo's predicament. Frodo comforting Sam is the sweetest, I love it. Thank you for the presents. The customs of men are not too shabby. I like receiving gifts though there needn't always be an excuse for such ::wink:: Nice reviews are welcome all year round.
Laurajslr – Yes... cruel... ::falls to knees:: Sorry sorry sorry! For the wait and the wicked cliffhangers. I am 17 now and reveling in the short two months where my boyfriend is only technically one year older than me. When will Sam hear this new word of Frodo's? When Frodo understands it, I guarantee that. Ah yes... I miss time as well. It was so lovely to have, give, keep, waste... but then I killed it.... ::laughs uneasily at horrible joke:: Well my sense of humor notwithstanding I'll hopefully get the next chapter done without so much of a wait and my new fic done even earlier. I promise it won't be an epic like this bloody marvel.
Jet-1 – If I was not a fan would I be writing this bloody epic of a fanfic. I hope your liking. Read the books!
Yahiko – Sorry that I didn't put a warning up for this one. Demon am I ::feigns indignation:: Well take this ::throws cliffhangers a plenty:: mwa hahaha!
Tersa – I'm not sure what glomping is but it sounds painful. Don't we put him through enough our dear little blue-eyed hobbit? Now we have do go about the nasty business of glomping? Our poor dear ::pats his dazed little head::
Rosemary Baggins – I like your name ^^. One sitting, eh? Well I commend you and thank you for your interest. I hope you noticed the improvement of the writing as I can credit this fic to refining my skills. Enjoy! And review often!
Stoneage Woman – I appreciate all the reviews. I hope I don't disappoint you. This cliffhanger was truly evil.
Ailsa Joy - ::huggles:: Glad to see you back! I hope you plan to compensate for you absense with plenty of updates and reviews. I am anxious to see where your story is going.
It came to pass that the company soon dispersed for they were weary and made short camp there, beside the trees of Fangorn. They would ready to depart in their separate ways the next morn. It was not yet dusk and Frodo was becoming desperately restless. He began to fight Sam in every which way but did not have any wants of his own. Sam would try to lead him and he would not walk; Sam would try to feed him and he would not eat; Sam would try to lay him to bed and he would not sleep. The two struggled on toward their tent for a while. Frodo, crying out and attempting to wrench himself away from Sam's grip. Finally Frodo's struggling arms were let go out of exhasperation. "Fine sir, where do you want to go if not to bed?" Frodo pulled against Sam's last attempts at restraint and threw himself forward with all of his might. His arms, once free, clutched around his chest instantly, his nails digging into his shoulders. He let his knees give way and he remained, head bent, arms clutching, leaning forward on the ground. Sam could not decide whether he was more frightened or confused at this stance. He knelt down and put a hand on Frodo's quivering shoulder. "Master?"
Frodo gasped and his body jerked away at the touch. Sam felt a pang of guilt for frightening his master but he could not simply sit there beside him any more. It was no longer enough. "Come now, Mr. Frodo, naught be afraid." Frodo finally turned his fearful eyes toward Sam and his lips moved in pleading whimpers. "What's hurtin' sir?" Sam attempted to inspect Frodo's arms and chest and stomach. There were no hurts as he already assumed but he somehow wished there were. "Outside wounds are easier to heal than the ones deeper in," Sam mused. "The ones that can't be seen..."
Frodo's voice seemed to rise in urgency, his weeping coming to a desperate cusp. It almost seemed like his voice now, his real voice, the tone and soft pitch of Frodo Baggins... if he were terribly terribly distraught. And such a state Sam had never seen the real Frodo in and concluded that it did not matter right now. What mattered was comforting his master. Sam pulled Frodo close and let the curly head rest upon his breast. "Oh, shush me dear. Shush and I'll watch over you, won't let no harm come to you none. I will do a better job of watching over you now, me dear, naught be afrighted."
But Sam's words did not soothe. He did not even know if they were heard. Frodo let his head be pulled down to rest against his protector's chest and he felt the warmth touch his cheek, but there was no solace in the touch. No comfort lie within those careful caresses as his curls were easily tamed by the gentle hands. There was no warmth to be had in those endearments. Unlike any other child, he could not find comfort from parental cares without, and there was no rest from the turmoil within. A warning was rising in his heart, now low and distant, now rising like incantations in a barrow, now lifting to the very clang and clamor of war horns! And he was deaf to the gentle endearments of one gardener.
He finally felt no warmth, only the anticipation of torment. Sam's touches became taunting mockery of what a voice in his head promised would come. Frodo sprang away from Sam's arms, clutching at the ground and shaking his head. If his thoughts could be put into any discernable speech it would be a soft pleading of; "No. Oh please, no." Thoughts churned in his head, over and round, beseeching whatever made these horrid promises of vengeance that he wished no harm to any... that he could not remember doing any harm. But his thoughts were lost in the darkness, and whether the pitiful pleas were heard or not could not be certain.
And now he turned to Sam, a look of betrayal in his eyes that cut the honest gardener to the quick. Frodo's brows furrowed in confused anger as if to say, "Why do you do nothing? I trust you above all else to protect me and yet you fail when I need you most." Sam clutched at his heart and felt tears burn his eyes. He placed a hand upon Frodo's shoulder again but this time he was pushed more violently away. A sob escaped Frodo's trembling frame and Sam could bear it no more. He lunged towards his master and grasped him in an attempt to embrace him and drive all of his fears away by force of love. It was out of sheer desperation and Sam did not consider that it might frighten Frodo more than soothe him. He could only feel immense anger at the moment. Anger at what the Ring had done to his master, anger at the fact that his master was being tortured in a place Sam could not take him away from, rage at whatever tortured him, and finally immense sorrow for he then realized that his master had gone where he could not follow.
"Oh master!" Sam cried, pressing Frodo close. "Where have you gone? Why can't I find you? Why can't I follow?" Frodo flailed and fought weakly against Sam's hold. But soon his movements became strong, his arms beating back his legs kicking violently. He was growing more desperate. He needed to get out of this place. He needed to get away from these voices!
It became evident he would take no caution in his actions and he cared not if he harmed even Sam. He clenched his eyes shut and cried out in a failing voice, his frantic fists clumsily thrusting in any direction until he caught Sam in the stomach, then the jaw. The gardener slumped to the ground gasping for breath. Frodo was free for the moment and scrambled forward only to be stopped by a great towering creature in white robes. Frodo cried out and shielded his face, backing away as quick as his frantic movements would allow. Sam groaned as he began to uncurl and regain his breath. Frodo clutched him, now more desperate for his comfort and Sam felt a little bitterness. "Now he's gone and changed his mind about what he wants, and why I suppose I'll never know," he thought. But when he looked up he saw why.
The hobbits were not far from the company at all and the first to arrive at their side was Gandalf. The wizard backed away a few steps though he wished to see about Sam and what this was all about. Frodo's fear would only cause more problems. But Gandalf fought to become less menacing, he threw down his staff and beat back his power. To any he might appear a simple old man, wearied and worried. But this did not quite fool Frodo. Still it was a try. Gandalf knelt before the two hobbits and Sam looked up pleadingly, not suffering to speak but Gandalf knew what the gardener asked for.
The wizard placed a kind hand to Frodo's cheek but the simple hobbit flinched and clenched his eyes shut tight. "Calm now Frodo. Hear my voice and know me." He gathered up the hobbit and held him securely. The three journeyed the short distance to the tent and Sam ran in to situate his master. Gandalf took a breath then followed. "Go on Samwise. Seek rest and I shall see what I can do for your master."
Sam was loth to leave and he just stood for a moment, wringing his hands. But as he watched Frodo grasp his ears and cry out Sam could bear no more. The gardener quickly fled and Gandalf tried to give the simple hobbit peace. Merry and Pippin were taking council with Treebeard though they had seemed reluctant. Sam knew not where to flee but he could feel his heart shattering. It was Emáten that he finally fled to and sat long with him until Gandalf returned.
The wizard stepped into Frodo's tent silently and watched Sam leave. Making sure the gardener was gone, for he knew now that it was not often true when it seemed Sam was not by Frodo's side. But indeed Sam was gone and Frodo paced the tent and tore at the walls and threw himself down on the blankets murmuring nothing in a language unknown.
Gandalf was still and silent until he saw Frodo had finally stopped his fit and was staring wildly about him as if his eyes strained to see beyond a mist. "What do you see?" the wizard whispered. Frodo's eyes shot to him but stayed not there and darted about. "You are frightened, like an animal that can foretell a storm very near."
He suddenly remembered the night Aragorn came to him giving him word that Legolas had sensed Saruman was free and wandering at his wont. "Does he seek you?" There came no answer though Gandalf sought not on his lips but deep within the hobbit's mind for an answer. None still came. "Where are you, Frodo?" he finally lamented.
In the tent the wizard's mind strove hard against the barriers that kept him from Frodo's but to no avail. If he ever delved deeply within the hobbit Frodo would scream as if burned and writhe as if he were lying in a pool of sulfur and coals. "My power is too great for you to understand. I fear that I shall break you yet with my presence. Oh Frodo, this Quest has claimed more of you than I can bear to see!" He then lifted the fretting hobbit and brought him again to Sam.
~~~
"My lord, I am afraid there is not much comfort I can offer you."
"Unless you can bring my master back there is no comfort you can offer me and that's a fact," muttered Sam. "I've never seen him so... alone."
Emáten shifted uncomfortably. "Why is he so frightened?"
"I wish I knew. I wish I knew what was causing this. He seemed to be on the mend... just a little. He seemed happy for a while. Well not happy maybe, but not afraid. The world wasn't so scary for him, I don't think. Not so scary." Sam chewed his lip and wrung his hands. "You didn't know him, Emáten..."
"I wish I had," said the young knight.
Sam looked away, "No you don't, because then you would have had to lose him. The change is so terrible. So terrible it makes my blood boil!"
"Would you rather to have never known him?"
"No!" Sam cried, leaping to his feet. "Not ever! Not ever would I wish somethin' like that!"
"Well then how is it different for me?" Emáten smiled wryly with a look of pity in his eyes but also, as always, immense respect.
Sam took in a breath and sat down again. "It shoulda been me. I was supposed to protect him, I shoulda suffered all he did. That was the whole purpose you see. We were all there to take the blows for him, in a way. The fellowship was formed for that purpose. And it failed. I failed."
"If it was you," began Emáten tentatively. "Then I would have never met you and it would be your master sitting here brought to tears over what became of his friend..."
"I was his servant."
"His friend," insisted Emáten more sternly. "I think it's just as worse if it had been you. I would have never known Lord Samwise Gamgee the Brave and your master would be feeling just what you feel. Don't deny it. You know it too well yourself. He'd suffer if he lost you."
Sam bowed his head in his head and wept. The gardener felt as if he might get some rest until he saw Gandalf running towards him with Frodo cradled in his arms. "I am sorry, Sam!" he cried from a distance. And when he came hither, he set Frodo upon the ground. "My power is too great for him. I cannot stay near."
Sam looked down upon a trembling Frodo and gathered him in his arms. Just then the simple hobbit shot to his feet and looked around wildly. Before a word was uttered he darted into the forest in a mad and senseless dash. Gandalf called out and made to run after him but stayed himself and gripped Emáten, "Fly! Get him!"
Sam had already set flight to chase his master and Emáten soon followed. But madness and urgency granted Frodo great speed and he cared not if he stumbled. He scrambled madly through the forest and the trees looked upon him and did nothing for they knew now that any Halfling in their wood was sacred and they were honored by his presence. When Frodo stumbled a quick limb held him up. Wind was at his heals and pushed him forward gently. The forest sought to aid him in whatever purpose he now had. Whispers of "Ringbearer! Welcome our savior!" shivered in the leaves and when Sam and Emáten heard the words they felt afraid that Frodo would soon disappear into the wood beyond all recall.
Shadows in the forest lifted like a veil revealing to Frodo all the beauty of Fangorn and magnificent trees that were once hidden from mortal sight. They shimmered in the warmth of light that soon bathed his face and it would seem enough to catch the simple hobbit in awe so that he would halt and stay still, too filled with wonder that he could not comprehend. But there was a danger in the corners of his mind and a pain within his heart. Evil whispers and shrill cries of urgency rang throughout his head and blinded him to the forest's beauty.
No root rose up to meet Frodo's faltering feet and the path before him was whisked clean of anything that might hinder him. Leaves brushed his cheek gently but no sharpness of twig met his fair face. Vines and canopies rose before him like veils unto a great lord's chambers and the dew glistened upon the grey tree bark and pooled in silver puddles in the bowls and fissures of the ancient trees. The evil malice that once lurked in the hearts of blackened trees was lifted with a soft endearing towards the Ringbearer but soon closed towards Emáten and the path would begin to darken until Sam's voice rang out clear and high, "Master! Master!" When the gentle voice touched the air and stirred it the trees again did whisper, "Heart of the earth! Ever at the heals of your master, he is safe!" But Sam took no heed and Emáten was safe at the time from any of the trees' malice.
Frodo sprang forward and before the ground met him vines entwined with his wrists and he was lifted to his feet again and he ran without a pause in his step. The forest grew deeper and darker and trees that had no longer opened their ears to the tales of their herders were surrounding him. Their darkness knew no end and the deeds of the Ringbearer were lost to them. Frodo's flight was soon hindered by root, limb, and stone. He fell to his knees and scraped them horribly. He cried out as his blood touched the forest floor but he then rose and ran on, so great was his fear.
Sam felt the earth shudder beneath his feet and the trees around him cried in lament. "He has gone too deep! The Ringbearer's blood has been spilled!" Sam shrieked and tore forward, his master now lost from his sight and Emáten soon falling behind for the trees now sought to aid the gardener to save his master.
Shadows filled the forest and the grey wind swept by the darkling landscape and still Frodo paid no heed. He ran like a wild thing and he gasped horribly until he fell upon his face and wept. He then crawled forward in the dirt and dust and his face was cut and bleeding. He crept forward on squirming knees and clawing hands until his hands grasped filthy robes and he looked up into an evil countenance and shivered in dread.
"Ringbearer, say the trees. So to you I do owe thanks to my downfall." And the black, twisted voice fell like poison on the hobbit's ears. It had been calling him, threatening him, cursing him terribly. Saruman's clawlike hand dug into Frodo's hair and tore against him like the tearing of so many vicious razors. Frodo's blood ran cold and he cried out again.
~~~
A/N: Ah another cliffhanger, this one decidedly worse than the last! Sorry for the long delay. This chapter has been in the works for a while and I had to cut it in half for suspense and length purposes. Also I'm working on another short, one chapter ficlet that should be up soon. I hope I haven't lost all of you! Please don't give up on me. I want this fic to be complete and as flawless as my current skills will allow. Long constructive reviews inspire long chapters and fast updates! ::horribly conspicuous hints::
elentari*angel – Calm down dear! Words and sentences and criticism. Thank you for the review ^^ and I'm glad I'm reaching you.
CStini – Yay you like! Good now I hope this chapter has cleared things up. You guessed well though I haven't been focusing on keeping it much of a secret. The ending is my own little secret though. Hopefully I'll get there soon.
Frodo's gal – Sorry this took so long. I'll try to update faster. I'm happy that this is your favorite story. I try my best and it does refine my skills very nicely.
ShireElf – Sugar is good! I hope I'm not driving you guys too insane. Don't want any more people stuck in poor Frodo's predicament. Frodo comforting Sam is the sweetest, I love it. Thank you for the presents. The customs of men are not too shabby. I like receiving gifts though there needn't always be an excuse for such ::wink:: Nice reviews are welcome all year round.
Laurajslr – Yes... cruel... ::falls to knees:: Sorry sorry sorry! For the wait and the wicked cliffhangers. I am 17 now and reveling in the short two months where my boyfriend is only technically one year older than me. When will Sam hear this new word of Frodo's? When Frodo understands it, I guarantee that. Ah yes... I miss time as well. It was so lovely to have, give, keep, waste... but then I killed it.... ::laughs uneasily at horrible joke:: Well my sense of humor notwithstanding I'll hopefully get the next chapter done without so much of a wait and my new fic done even earlier. I promise it won't be an epic like this bloody marvel.
Jet-1 – If I was not a fan would I be writing this bloody epic of a fanfic. I hope your liking. Read the books!
Yahiko – Sorry that I didn't put a warning up for this one. Demon am I ::feigns indignation:: Well take this ::throws cliffhangers a plenty:: mwa hahaha!
Tersa – I'm not sure what glomping is but it sounds painful. Don't we put him through enough our dear little blue-eyed hobbit? Now we have do go about the nasty business of glomping? Our poor dear ::pats his dazed little head::
Rosemary Baggins – I like your name ^^. One sitting, eh? Well I commend you and thank you for your interest. I hope you noticed the improvement of the writing as I can credit this fic to refining my skills. Enjoy! And review often!
Stoneage Woman – I appreciate all the reviews. I hope I don't disappoint you. This cliffhanger was truly evil.
Ailsa Joy - ::huggles:: Glad to see you back! I hope you plan to compensate for you absense with plenty of updates and reviews. I am anxious to see where your story is going.