Faces of War
Chapter 18: Trusting
Disclaimer: The characters, at least most of them, are the invention of J.R.R Tolkien. I am just borrowing them for a while!
FrodoBaggins87 There is more darkness for out dear hobbit...but he discovers new reasons for living along the way....The King has a plan and in this chapter he puts the wheels in motion!
Endymion2 Aragorn begins to see the value of "good hobbit sense" as he begins his rescue plan at last.....the "super ruffian" is still coming...a chapter or two away...and I have no doubt that he will find ways to "get what he wants" from Mr. Baggins!
Becca Hold on...there are many ways to be "rescued" and Frodo will discover the strength he needs to go one with the help of the little ones by his side!
Iorhael Pippin had my sympathies during that scene as well! The hobbits will soon be feeling a little less "powerless" as they fear for their friend.
Shire Baggins Merry and Pippin will use their hobbity skills...their wit, warmth and ingenuity to help Frodo...and support Sam as he blames himself for Frodo's pain....the strength of love and companionship can be formidable!
Time stood still in the dark confines of the dank cavern, neither day nor night it seemed to be, the beauty of morning or evening lost in the grayness, trapped in the void of his pain. Damp; a musty and old odor struck his senses as he slowly came back to some semblance of awareness.
Scratchy; the rough texture of the blanket covering him was causing his cheek to itch. He vaguely wondered if it was worth the energy to reach a hand to cure the itch. Thinking himself still bound, and consumed by the darkness about and within him, he did not even try to will his arms to move. He took a deep breath, it's hitching feeling offering only the weight of fear and pain, not the satisfaction that the air of full lungs brings. The air was stale, stagnant, dead, no hint of freshness, motion or life. He felt just like the air around him, a heavy lethargy upon his mind. If it weren't for the pain of his body, he was not sure he'd know he was alive, he wasn't sure he'd care.
He gradually became aware of another who shared his air, one who occupied his space and sought to bring him back with words of comfort. He shuddered as he felt a small hand softly stroke his lank curls, stale sweat causing tangles to snag the little hand upon occasion. The persistent hand kept to it's course, tangles or no, and continued their mindless path from crown to chin as little fingers worked to leave comfort in their wake. A small voice whispered, then cried
"ye must wake Sir Frodo...don't leave me to the bad men...please take me from this tale Sir Frodo". He felt a lone tear and tasted salt as it dribbled down his cheek. The voice sounded of pain he thought...then he remembered.
His last wakeful moment, the white face of Kylos staring in shock, not moving or protesting, watching, only watching as more agony was forced upon him. He recalled the debilitating horror of being bound once more, the shadow of a large man and a heated sword. The feel of shattering pain upon his head as the smell of burnt hair and molten flesh crept through his layers of agony and despair. He felt adrift, wanting only a release from his pain, a safe harbor in which to rest his weary mind. He vowed he would not wake to pain, he could not face the torment of others pleasures, shouldn't endure the sight of a world that sought only to maim and control it's smallest occupants. He allowed the emptiness of his mind numbing sorrows and the bleak colors of his relinquished memories to pull him once more to the refuge of sleep as he refused to wake once more.
Kylos sighed, shook his head and looked sadly upon the crumpled form of the ringbearer. He took in the pale face, sweat darkened locks and shuddering breaths of the hobbit beside him. Rosetta had, after many tearful entreaties, wrapped herself within the limp arms of her 'sir Frodo' and had drifted off to sleep. Her rosebud lips and childish brow finally relaxed in the surrender of her rest, she had cried herself to sleep and the traces of her tears had left the shimmer of silver lines coursing down her cheeks. For a moment the stern young boy allowed himself the luxury of anger, who was this fair skinned and fine talking halfling to be making his sister so sad? Had she not seen enough sadness in her young life? How dare Frodo open himself, humble himself, share himself just enough to have his little sister feel the hope of love once more? He sat beside the pallet of the ailing hobbit and stroked the pale cheek of his precious sister. He found himself thinking that Rosetta had had enough of sadness, enough sadness and pain to last a life time and then some...how dare this halfling show her the openness and risk of love once more...only to retreat from her and leave her in such pain?
He wanted, more than anything to feel anger, to sustain himself with hatred, to justify his feelings with a desire for revenge. He could not, as he looked to his sister, saw the ease of her face and the comfort of her posture as she snuggled within the curve of the hobbits arm, he too felt love. He clenched his hands, the tightness of his fists not giving him the release his emotions so desperately sought, he felt tears well up and impatiently shrugged them aside. He did not want the complication of love, he wanted only the sustenance of food, clothes and shelter...or at least that is what he had thought he'd wanted. He buried his tired face in his hands, in the short week he'd known the ringbearer, he'd found a friend, a fellow fighter and one who understood his treasure. He ran his hands through the yellow curls that peaked out from beneath Rosetta's kerchief, until he'd met Frodo, she alone had, in this post war world been the force that controlled his emotions. As he watched the labored rise and fall of the hobbit's frail chest, he knew that he had to fight to bring his new friend back, back to the justice of the King, back to the
goodness that still existed in this world....back to his Sam.
Aragorn and Gandalf stood by the fully provisioned carts and once more reviewed the task the King had set before the hobbits. Merry and Pippin consulted the list of supplies to be bartered as Sam looked to the status of his cooking goods and the well being of the ponies. Gimli spent a last minute with the Elf and when all seemed ready, the two carts packed and secured, Aragorn called them over. "We have no certain knowledge of Frodo's whereabouts, from all the scouts have learned, the three mining camps are the only places in need of forced labor." The King said. The three hobbits nodded and Gimli crossed his arms stubbornly across his chest as the King continued. "Be most careful my friends, for all of these mines are unpleasant and are worked by unhappy souls." He paused a moment and placed a gentled hand upon Merry's shoulder as he looked sternly to the hobbit "I am counting on you to keep you wits about you, use your cleverness...do not act in a rash or impulsive manner." His gaze shifted from Merry to Sam's sturdy form, he turned and kneeling in front of Frodos loyal friend and servant said "we will find Frodo and the children Sam, but know this my friend, any one craven enough to take the ringbearer and children as captives will not hesitate to take another halfling."
Sam stared defiantly into the eyes of his trusted friend and new King "aye, be that as it may Strider, if they've taken my master and there's a chance 'o findin' him by bein' taken meself...well, ye know I'll let em take me too Sir" he said, his tone challenging the caution in Aragorns voice. Merry and Pippin, looking on from their position near to the carts, nodded their whole hearted agreement. Aragorn looked from one hobbit to the next and sighed as he stood up and walked to Gimli's side as he reiterated "I fear then what Sam has said to be true, and to you master Dwarf I charge the safety of these hobbits."
Gimli scowled and was about to offer his support to Sam's statement when Legolas joined in, speaking to the hobbits, he said " Well we elves understand of your desire to rescue Frodo..." turning to Gimli with a smile said "and well we understand both the stubborn natures of dwarves and hobbits. The fair haired elf looked to Aragorn for permission to continue, Aragorn nodded. "A contingency of elves will join me two days hence as they left Mirkwood a week ago. We will trail you to each of the camps, to assist you Gimli in your attempts to keep the hobbit's out of trouble."
Pippin, looking rather indignant about the elves last statement, opened his mouth to protest when Sam stepped in "tis no good protesting Mr. Pippin, ye know they're right" he looked about him from one face to another "they've saved us from our best intentions before." Sam said, his good hobbit sense shining through. Aragorn smiled his thanks to Sam, then his eyes darkened with pain as he told of his plans. "I fear that I am needed here to qwell the fear and unrest that is arising in the refugee camps. Lord Faramir and I will be gathering the ransom...though I would give all in my Kingdom to have Frodo back" The deep and eloquent voice of the King broke in his pain..." I hope your efforts will prove successful long before I am forced to give a single coin in the name of such depravity." Sam watched as the clouds of anger and despair raced across the features of the Ranger who'd become King. The good natured hobbit saw what such an admission of near defeat cost Aragorn, for he had protected and weathered many ill happenings for the fellowship as he bore the cloak of "Strider" that he seemed unable to now as King.
Aragorn and Gandalf wished all well one last time as Legolas pulled Gimli aside "Aragorn would not speak of it in front to the hobbits my friend, but you shall know, the prisoner of war camp is rumored to be holding Orcs among their workers." Gimli stared to the elf in disbelief as Legolas sought to soothe him " it is but yet a rumor, but be most careful my friend, be most careful."
The fear filled quiet of the children's cavern was abruptly challenged as several burley and loud guards forced their way among the sleeping children waking them with kicks and harsh grunts. An old man, stooped and as grey as the gruel he dished out, walked from pallet to pallet filling wooden bowls with unappetizing porridge. The wizened old cook looked furtively about, eyes fixing on no one child, but taking in the scene of tired resignation and fearful acceptance as the children readied themselves for another day in the mine.
Rosetta stirred and turning from the warmth of her position underneath Frodo's arm she tilted her head upwards to softly place her lips upon the pale cheek of the ringbearer. She pulled herself up further and ran her chubby fingers along the side of Frodo's dirty chin "Sir Frodo?" her tiny voice questioned "Sir Frodo?" she entreated as her voice began to waiver, her lips trembled in her efforts not to cry " 'tis morning Sir Frodo....ye must awaken ta have yer breakfast" she saw no sign of movement under her shaking hand and she tried again to waken her friend "please Frodo, please don't leave me alone in this story" she begged as she hung her head and began to cry.
Frodo felt the lightness of Rosetta's fingers as they danced upon his face, felt the soft pleading of her kisses and the loneliness of her tears. The shadow, which had wrapped itself about him so completely began at last to loosen it's grip. He fought to shake the darkness from him, the evil dreams that he had been wandering were once more left behind as he, with the greatest of efforts allowed his hand to open and find hers. He slowly wrapped his fingers about hers and pursing his lips made sounds to comfort this child, this light at his side. Rosetta lifted her face to his, joy and concern battling upon the sweetness of her face as she witnessed the the great weariness that Frodo fought as he tried to open his eyes. She wiggled closer and taking his thin pale face in the grasp of her pudgy hands kissed his face eagerly, like a puppy greeting it's master, she used her love to bring him back to her.
Frodo's lips twitched in a smile as he finally found his sky blue eyes gazing into the depth of her stormy blue ones "Your Princess saved you Sir Frodo, just like Arwen and the King" she whispered with all her childish innocence and wisdom. "Yes, yes you did" Frodo whispered, his voice hoarse and broken from pain and emotion. He closed his eyes a moment and stroked her hair as she snuggled into his embrace "the shadow is held at bay again" he whispered to himself.
Kylos came back from fetching their breakfast to find a wide awake Rosetta chattering away with a barely awake hobbit. He felt as if his heart would burst from joy and for a moment where they were, the cruelty of the men and foul confines of the cave did not matter...for they were together. He watched, eyes full, the easy way in which his sister gave of her affections, the gentle manner Frodo had as he showed his caring, and he realized that he too loved this hobbit. The sudden realization of this emotion scared Kylos for he knew that to open himself to love was to invite the risk of pain and loss. He stared at the ragged and pain wracked body of the halfling, he knew deep within himself that Frodo's future was bleak and he did not know how he would endure the pain of more losses in his life.
Frodo, who'd been lying with eyes closed as Rosetta chattered, opened his eyes to find Kylos looking to him with barely veiled feelings of love and sympathy upon his young features. He smiled at the boy, his blue eyes trying in vain to make Kylos feel welcomed and reassured by their glance. "Kylos" he whispered as the boy knelt beside him "thank you for all you've done" Frodo licked his dry lips and coughed. Kylos hastily brought a dipper of water from a nearby pail and gently, with Rosetta's help, pulled the hobbit to a seated position. Frodo drank deeply from the water and smiled his thanks as he continued "I know what you did was to save me' he said as he looked towards his newly bandaged foot "...and I know it was hard for you to do...I, I am only sorry that you had to witness it". Kylos allowed his eyes to fill one last time with the water of his unshed tears, then he assumed once more the hard expression of responsibility "Ye'll be just fine Mr. Frodo...Galen has taught me ta change the dressin's....and Dalmer's allowin' me and Rosetta ta stay with ya instead of workin' the mines with the others."
The children about them, with the harshly barked commands of the guards to guide them, began to form the lines they would travel in to begin their day's labor in the nearby mine. Frodo watched them anxiously, some of them looked frightened, some lost and some defiant...but all were showing signs of wear. The labor of the mines was hard and all looked tired, underfed and filthy. As they were forced from the cavern Frodo sought to question Kylos about the events of the past days. "Where do they take the children?" he asked of Kylos. The boy turned to Frodo, a bowl of gruel and spoon in his hands "they go ta the mine...tis back a ways from here and not all the guards seem ta know of it." Kylos offered the bowl to Frodo, who looked at the grey lumpy contents and shook his head " no Kylos, you and Rosetta split this....I've not had the labor you've had...you'll need the food more than I". Kylos nodded and he and Rosetta ravenously ate the contents of the bowl. Frodo felt the pain of his leg awakening and he grimaced as he tried to shift his position upon the pallet. Kylos noted the look of discomfort , got up and walking to a nearby table gathered the herbs the cook had given him and set them to steeping in a cup of hot water. In a moment he brought the cup back and offered Frodo the foul smelling concoction.
Frodo took the cup and wrinkled his nose in disgust "what is this foul brew?" he asked. Kylos smiled " 'tis and infusion given ta me by Tolemen, the oldman cook...he's a herbalist that Dalmer keeps ta cook and treat them that get injured." Frodo gingerly took the cup and drank as much of it as he could, not caring what the cup contained so long as it might somehow dull his pain. After a few moments he felt a soothing sort of haze settle about him and he knew the drink had contained a sedative. He wanted to find out more of the mines activities so he fought against the sleep that wanted once more to claim him. "What do the children use to mine?" he asked as Kylos was checking the dressings upon his foot "we dig and use pick axes ta break the rock...but I heard Dalmer saying how he's gonna need ta blow some 'o the wall soon ta get to the gold." Frodo winced as Kylos carefully put his foot back down on the folded blanket upon which it rested. "Have they explosives?" he asked. Kylos shook his head, "Dalmer said somethin' about needed some supplies from the procurement officers, though he didn't know who he'd 'ave ta put together what he needed." Frodo nodded as he began to lose his battle to stay awake and his last thoughts were of fireworks....'odd to think of Gandalf's fireworks now' he thought as his mind was filled with images of exploding canisters turning to brightly colored trees and angry red dragons.