Chapter24

Boromir and Aragorn sprang forward, and with abandoned axes, barricaded the northern doors.

"They have a cave troll." Boromir said with a tight smile.

"Let them come!" Roared Gimli, "There is one dwarf in Moria who still draws breath!"

Legolas, Aragorn and I readied our bows, as the others drew swords. The door was smashing, breaking in. As soon as a whole big enough was made, we loosed arrows. I heard the screams of goblins as they were struck.

The wood splintered and shattered, and we were engulfed in a wave of goblins, or orcs, I guess. These ones were fit for the dark with large lamp-like green eyes, and nimble bodies.

They were followed closely by the troll, and he became my number one target. I stood just beside Legolas, and as he picked off orcs, I fired as many shots as I could into the trolls face, and neck.

The noise was horrendous; there were the shrieks and howls of the orcs, the shouts and battle cries of my companions, and the bugle of the troll. Along with the smashing of rock, the clang of swords, and the whiz of arrows.

This is amazing, let me tell you. In the books, as well as the movies (I had seen all three) no one ever got hit with an enemy arrow. NO ONE. I don't know if that's what made me foolhardy, or maybe it was just my own stupid confidence, but when I saw that troll go for Frodo, I just forgot everything else.

"Frodo!" I screamed, and leapt out from behind Legolas.

Trying to keep my head low, I dashed towards him, fitting an arrow to the string as I went. I fired up, and hit the troll in the soft skin underneath the chin, and he let out a murderous cry...

He turned, and obviously seeing me as an extreme annoyance, tried to smash me. I darted away, and tried to run, but then I felt extreme pain. I looked, and saw an arrow protruding from my shoulder.

I screamed, and threw myself on the ground, in an effort to remove myself as a target. The troll, seeing his chance, turned and swung his club down in a wide arc. It landed on the ground next to me, and I was thrown back a few feet.

I screamed again. While it aimed another blow, and I tried to crawl away...this one glanced off a boulder near by, and a small sharp chip of rock flew away from it and struck me near my forehead. Then Boromir came to my aid, and drove the troll back.

I got up, and with the arrow still intact, made my way towards one of the walls. There I lay against it panting, feeling the burn of the arrow, and the throe pain of my head.

I felt a trickle of warmth, and I reached up to touch it with my hand. When I bought it back within sight, it was red and sticky with blood. I bit my lip, and shot at another orc, as he entered the doorway. He fell with a scream.

Then I heard the shouts of Merry and Pippin, I turned my head slowly, and saw and the troll's spear ground Frodo firmly into the wall. The tweens attacked, and Sam fought tooth and nail to get to his master's side.

I just stood there, as after the last orc was slain, an attack was launched upon the thing. Frodo lay where he had fallen, face down, and I wondered if the blow really hadn't killed him.

Blood trickled down my forehead, and into my eyes. I swiped at it with a clumsy hand. "Aragorn..!.." I shrieked, and I sank to my knees. My bow falling from my other hand.

I smiled dimly, not realizing what was happening. Then with a jolt, remembering what would happen to Gandalf, I got up. I broke the arrow shaft off close to the wound and winced.

"To the bridge of Khazad-Dum!" Hollered Gandalf, and I headed as fast as I could towards the door.

We raced on, a jolly scramble. People weary and filled with adrenaline stumbled, and bumped into one another. Aragorn carrying Frodo for a time until he demanded to be let down.

When we were close, Gandalf halted, and urged us on. But Aragorn would have none of it.

"We cannot leave you to hold the door alone!" He shouted.

"Do as you're bid! Swords are no more use here!" Gandalf answered, voice full of sorrow.

Aragorn nodded slightly and resumed course. I had lingered behind as well, and as he passed me, he scooped me up into his arms. "You are hurt!" He exclaimed in surprise as he ran. I guessed my face was streaked with blood.

I smiled up at him; "I can take care of myself." I said quietly, impishly. Remembering the night back in the Prancing Pony.

His arm shielded my head as we caught the others up. They began to cross the bridge, and after Sam, Aragorn tossed me across the gap. "Carry her, Legolas!" He cried.

Legolas enfolded me into his arms, and I looked to where Gandalf was standing. My ears were ringing, and at first, I could not quite make out his words...We were all across the bridge now, as he faced the Balrog alone.

"Gandalf!" I screamed.

"YOU SHALL NOT PASS!" (Slams down staff)

Frodo, equally alarmed and frightened, took up the call as the stone began to crack under the wizard's feet. "GANDALF!" He sprang toward him, but Boromir held him back. "GANDALF!"

The Balrog fell, but cracking its fiery whip, caught Gandalf around the ankle. It pulled him towards the edge, as he scrambled to hang on. Legolas clenched my body in horror...

"Fly you fools..." Gandalf, said sorrowfully. Then he fell.

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Author: And the fellowship is down to eight. (Wipes tears from eyes). Sorry so short. But I will be updating this along with one, or two others, within short periods of time. So don't be alarmed.

Let me know what ya thought, a'? Also, please look at the review pages. You know, where reviews show up. I posted something there I want you peoples to see.

Thanx,

Pippinsgal011890