Chapter 9: Decisions

It had been two days since Frodo left from Gondor alone. Sam was worried for his friend. He longed to be on the road to Mordor along with Frodo, but he forced himself to accept the reality that he was not with Frodo and that he could not change anything by letting sorrow overcome his heart. He decided that he was going to do whatever he could to help in the battle for Middle-earth.

Sam's health had greatly improved. It was still hard for him to run or stand for long periods at a time, but he could stand and walk without any help. He paced around the small quarters that were chosen for him and Eowyn as a hideout from the evil Denethor. Faramir had feared that his father knew of their involvement with Frodo and the Ring. He wanted to keep Eowyn and Sam safe in case the steward was angry enough because of losing the Ring to hurt anyone.

Sam wondered when Faramir would return. They had not seen him since he left to go back into the city right after Frodo set out for Mordor. Sam could not guess why it would take him so long to discover the steward's reaction to their disappearance. His thoughts were interrupted by a sweet and gentle voice.

"Would you like some bread, Sam?" Eowyn offered as she tore off a piece of yeast bread from their small loaf.

"Yes, please." Sam replied as his outstretched hand took the bread.

"I hope Faramir returns soon. We are almost out of supplies. I had no idea he would be gone this long." Eowyn observed.

"Neither did I." Sam admitted. He took a bite of his bread and let out a long sigh.

Eowyn looked at Sam with compassion in her eyes. "I know this is hard for you, Sam. But it's for the best." She tried to believe the wisdom in Frodo's decision, but inside she would have given anything if things had turned out differently.

"I know." Sam said as he twiddled the bread between his two hands. "Mr. Frodo was doing what he thought best. I know that. I just wish there was something I could do to help. If I can't be with him as he goes to Mordor, at least I could help make his trip easier."

Eowyn nodded in agreement. "So do I, Sam. So do I."

Suddenly, they both jumped at the sound of a knock on the door. Eowyn motioned for Sam to hide on the other side of the rough wooden table as she grasped her sword from the sheath and cautiously crept to the door. Her right hand came quickly to her lips as she motioned Sam to be silent. Eowyn slowly twisted the bronze knob with her slender fingers and pulled the door towards her. She sighed in relief as her eyes fell upon Faramir, but her relief was short lived as she gazed at the expression on his solemn face.

"Faramir. What's wrong?" she asked, begging him to reveal the news behind his worried expression.

"It's my father," Faramir began. "He's enraged." The Gondorian soldier stopped still as he looked about the small room. "Where is Samwise?" he asked Eowyn.

Sam popped up from underneath the table almost comically, but no on laughed. He slowly left his hiding place and crept closer to Eowyn. "What is it, Faramir?" Sam asked.

Faramir continued, "Lord Denethor has gone mad over the disappearance of Frodo and the Ring. I feared he would send troops out in search for him, but instead he has decided to take out his rage on everyone else. I'm afraid that if I stay in Gondor any longer he will kill me. I've decided to take my few faithful soldiers and head out after Frodo towards Mordor, because we've gotten word that another army of orcs are headed this way. I've brought three packs of supplies for you both, I'm afraid I don't know when we will be able to return."

Eowyn had listened intently to Faramir as he explained the direness of their current situation, and she had made her decision. "We're going with you." Eowyn stated boldly to the captain.

Sam looked puzzled for a moment, but then a wide grin grew across his face and he excitedly chimed in, "Yeah. We're going too!"

"Eowyn," Faramir pleaded, "The road ahead is dangerous. We don't know how large the orc army is, but I can only guess that Sauron has rebuilt his forces by now."

"I can fight." Eowyn told Faramir as her hand glided across the handle of her sword.

"Yes," Faramir urged, "but the hobbit? He is still recovering from his wounds given to him by the last orc army we came in contact with."

Sam was determined not to let his injuries hold him hostage once again, "I am better."

Eowyn pleaded their case, "Sam is better." She looked at the hobbit as she continued, and wondered if he was really ready for a trip of this nature, or if she was making a foolish decision. One glance at his glowing face assured her that the trip would be better for his health than staying couped up in their little prison. "And he won't have to go into the battle." Seeing that Faramir still needed convincing, she added, "He is no longer safe here either, Faramir."

Faramir took a deep breath and thought heavily about the choice before him. After what seemed like hours to Sam, he replied, "Very well. Pack your things, but take only what is necessary, we have a rough road ahead."

Sam wanted to jump about in celebration, but controlled himself. "Thank you. Thank you very much Faramir. I promise to not be a burden."

"Well then, let's be off." Faramir said as he turned toward Eowyn and whispered. "Are you sure this is a wise idea?"

Eowyn replied, "Being trapped in here is slowly draining the life from him. He needs to be able to help Frodo, at least to do something. Besides with what you've told us of your father, we are probably safer with you and your soldiers than in here."

"Alright, I trust you to know what is best for him." Faramir said as he nodded his head at her words. "We left our horsed just outside the tunnel. Come on." He grabbed the three packs of supplies he had brought and headed out the door.

Sam offered Eowyn a grateful smile as he passed in front of her and followed Faramir back into the tunnels. Eowyn slung her pack over her shoulder and headed out after them, as the door shut behind them she hoped she wasn't making a terrible decision. Deep inside, however, she knew that this was truly the best thing for Sam. He would rather die trying to help his beloved Frodo than to stay in hiding while his master was in great danger.

The three finally reached the end of the tunnel, and Faramir lead a fine looking paint horse over to Eowyn. "Here. You will need a horse." As he put the reigns in her hand, Eowyn felt his fingers linger for a moment. She wondered if all of Faramir's concern wasn't just for the small hobbit, but for her as well.

"Thank you, Faramir." She said. Then Eowyn motioned for Samwise. "Come on, Sam."

Sam had a love for all animals and especially ponies, but riding atop a full-grown horse was a bit frightening to him. He had decided, however, that there was no way that he would allow his fear of heights to keep him from his dear friend. He grabbed the saddle as Eowyn hoisted him onto the back of the paint. Sam struggled to keep his balance as Eowyn pulled herself up onto the saddle behind him. All the excitement of getting to help Frodo and riding atop the horse made his stomach flutter, but it was a good king of nervousness. He was finally out of the cramped little room in the tunnel and off to help Frodo fight the evil of Middle-earth. Sam's nerves settled a bit as Eowyn reached around him to grab the reigns of her horse, he was glad that Eowyn was with him. Somehow she seemed to understand him and Frodo more than any of the other "big-folk" and he felt quite safe, despite the constant threat of evil. In his heart, he knew the truth of their situation, it was very possible that death was waiting for them on the horizon, but it did not matter to Sam. He would risk everything, even his own life, to help his beloved Frodo.

To be continued…