12. Fallen
Loudly the horn-call echoed in the hills, heard even above the voice of Rauros, but help arrived too late. In a glade he found the tall warrior, his back against a tree, pierced with many arrows. There was time enough for a few broken words of comfort, time enough to put his bloodied sword into his hand, and then he breathed no more.
Legolas and Gimli found them there, one standing bent with sorrow, one prostrate at his feet. Gimli stood silent and choked with grief, but Legolas cried aloud from the depths of his heart: "Estel! Estel! What hope have we now without you?"
"We must go forward without hope," spoke the Man of Gondor. Tears were in his eyes, but his face was set and he thought quickly. Decision had fallen to him, and the path was clear: Though Merry and Pippin were certain to perish in the cruel hands of the Orcs, he would send the Elf and Dwarf in pursuit nonetheless. But Frodo and Sam might yet be saved from folly, Gondor might yet be saved from Shadow. Yes, they would lay Isildur's heir to rest, then Boromir would cross the river. Forth the Three Hunters!
the end(but more ficlets to come...)