Faces of War: Chapter 45….Resonating
Disclaimer: I sing the praises of JRR Tolkein, I do not endeavor to earn anything but
many late night hours of mind numbing struggle from my attempts to wrest a story from his brilliant characters….
Thanks to any and all for your patience…..many computer ailments were laid to rest in my attempt to continue this story….and a pox upon those villains who deem it necessary to spend their late nights getting their jollies from spreading their filthy viruses to the computers of innocents around the world!
Althea…thanks for the kind words….hope you'll enjoy what's coming!
Moonlightshadow….Thanks for the praise…I do believe that there can be kindness lurking the hearts of some the world may assign all the virtues of evil….but they must be given the room needed to show it! You will find that there are many ways to live a life…as out diminutive hero is finding…..
BreallyraLeatherleaf….sorry this is sooooo overdue….you can see from my previous comments that my frustration with the vandals of the internet is reaching an all new high…or is it low? Anyway…..hang in here a bit longer….Frodo is regaining some badly needed lost ground!
Coolmaurauders….love the screen name….very "ruffian to think of it…your tone is somewhat brusque as well….you could be the inspiration for some new and very verbal "evil doers"…so watch yourself! Glad you like the story….sorry for the delay….hang in please and see this to it's conclusion….you'll not have to wait so long next time!
Lovethosehobbits….I must say…that I have changes in the future for our guy….but as for the 'death is just another path' thing…well…it's a path I am not anxious for Frodo to take anytime soon…so rest easy….but recognize that his life is forever changed…
Endymion2….ah yes, insight…there is a lot of that going around…hope this next chapter explains some of it's causes for you…..yes, I do believe that fear and stress can heighten ones "sensibilities"….but I also believe that Frodo has some friends in pretty high places….as for ending this story….I keep finding other paths the characters must follow….I am afraid that it is like traveling the paths in Fangorn Forest….ever changing…so keep with it a while longer yet….and yes, I got your e-mail….shame on me for being such a poor example of the uses of sentence structure I foist upon my own students….but it is after all written for fans with a passion for hobbits….not for grammarians….I shall try not to "do more harm" ….but I fear this entry has some absolutely horrific examples of meandering sentences…..forgive me!
The soft echo of lightly shod feet, feet moving with little regard for discovery, could be heard resonating upon the marble inlaid floors. Occasionally the steps would falter, shift their pattern to reflect the resumption of speed as the body bourn by the stealthy feet would pause to look in doors or down corridors long since emptied of movement.
The hallways seemed to dance in welcome as the lengthening shadows of late afternoon flickered and writhed upon the shiny marble pathways, dappled sunlight filtered in amidst the sheer drapes and valance crowned windows lining its elegant byways.
The tall and darkly clad figure did not take his eyes from the map upon which his eyes were fixed as he heard a grunt of exasperated discovery behind him. He allowed himself the luxury of a slightly raised brow and the twitch of one corner of his lip as he awaited the onslaught of words he'd long known was coming. He readied himself for the noise of human speech, girding his solitude buffered senses for the barrage of words he knew would soon be his. He felt instead a firm grip upon his green velvet cloak and when no words came, turned about to face the intruder who had broken into his silent domain of thought and deed.
Gandalf's eyes were fixed not upon Elrond, but upon the map which was spread upon the table before him. His bright blue eyes darkened as they followed the small pins laid out like tiny warriors stretched in a flowing arc from Minas Tirith to distant points along the Anduin. "So you know of their whereabouts" the Wizard said, his voice sounding harsh, yet somehow strangely welcome to the elven ears before him. "Yes, Estel has been tireless in his efforts to reach me" the elf paused to look once more to the map and continued wryly "and also was successful in reaching you I see."
The Wizard shook his head grimly "it was not Estel my friend, it is the thoughts of Frodo that were able to penetrate my resistance…his fea grows stronger even as his body weakens." Elrond nodded slowly, his brow creased in a frown as a cloud of dark memory descended upon him. He could see once more the hours of pain and struggle endured by the small hobbit spirit, the fevers that raged, the blood that had flowed, the horrors his mind had endured. Through it all, the dark days after his rescue from the ford of Bruinin, his spirit had grown stronger. He remembered how astonished he'd been at the strength, tenacity and spirit of the dying hobbit. He'd known then that Gandalf's small friend, the one the wizard had grown to love as none other in middle earth, was doomed to be forever haunted by his remaining days in the company of men.
Elrond turned suddenly and walked from the map half dozen steps to where the open window balcony looked out upon the raging falls below. His thoughts wandered once more, a flash of gold touched fire and a laugh like the tinkling of bells wove through his memories and his face softened in response. The Wizard examined the map briefly then looked up to see the expression upon the stern elf's face, surprised by the flash of emotion, he waited. The elf lord stood lost in his pleasant thoughts a moment more, then having made up his mind, gestured that Gandalf should join him.
With his head bowed once quickly in assent, the Wizard strode purposely to the balcony to join his friend. Elrond waved his velvet draped arm expansively to the beauty of the falls below "She loved this view" he smiled with a quick quirk of his lip "she swore it to be a close second to the view she had of the Shire from Windly bluff." Gandalf waited for the elf to continue, not certain where the seeming mixed emotions of his long time friend were leading, but knowing he needed to be the strength this time.
Elrond shook his head "She was simply impossible, her opinions too strong, her laughter too loud, her songs too filled with love…she was all that we elves are not ". He paused again, seeming to gather himself to speak his hidden pain "and yet, she knew me like none other, it seemed at times as if my darling Celebrain had come to me in the body of a small, red haired sprite for she knew me in the open and honest way of one who fears that each day would be her last…and I tell myself that the important thing is only that she lived….she lived to share her love of life with others, she shared her love and her spirit with our indomitable young ringbearer…to the betterment of all." Elrond sighed, his shoulders rising with his nearly hopeful inhalation, then falling, curling in upon himself with the escape of his strength sustaining air. "When you brought her to me Gandalf, I saw once more all that I could not do to save the mother of my children, and I was angered. I was consumed by my hatred of the Valar that would allow such evil, such lust to be allowed to roam unchecked upon these shores". Elrond's face hardened, sculpted marble which had faced the tumult of the ages was undone by the fate of one small hobbit lass. The Wizard frowned and shook his head, not understanding the direction of the elf lord's thoughts, he replied with forced and steady calmness, attempting to sooth the angst of his friend's memories "yes, she lived and we all mourn her passing, but tell me, what import does this news bear during such times?"
Elrond leaned forward to grip the silent stone balcony, the testimony of his words' solidity "as she lay before me, her spirit was unbroken even as her life fabric came undone, thread by thread drifting from her. She sought to bring me comfort, to help me see that the value of her life would live on after she was gone." Gandalf watched, riveted by the specter of such raw pain engraving itself upon the countenance of the elf lord. Elrond's voice continued along it's gentle course of memory "she assured me that she would live on through the promise of Frodo's future…Frodo was her hope, and I knew what the fates had in store for him, as we both knew." Elrond sighed deeply, squeezed his eyes tight against the memory of his rage he said "I offered up myself, I railed against the powers of the Valar and offered my place with my own beloved…there will be no ship for me Gandalf…I shall see the fates of Middle Earth played out."
Gandalf interrupted "You are certain of this? You have been told of their choice?" The Wizard asked. Elrond continued, "I put her on board myself…I know that she lives still Gandalf, Chrys lives on as the children of iluvitar were promised, and she is the key that the Valar hold to in their quest to keep their vow to Frodo." The Wizard narrowed his eyes and lifted one brow in query, his stern visage fixed unwavering to the face of his long time friend "the Valar spoke not of this to me" he said tersely. Elrond nodded slowly "no, they have seen that your sights are at times too keenly fixed upon the ringbearer, they feared that your judgment may be colored by your love of him…no Gandalf, only this once my friend did the Valar choose me as the keeper of their wishes."
The stately leader of Rivendells' elven home sighed as he smiled sadly." I do not need life eternal, if I know that the two spirits I love most have a life free of pain."
The white robed wizard stepped away from Elrond, his hands clasped behind his back he strode away from the window, his hands clenched tensely as he sighed heavily and threw his head back to gaze at the murals painted upon the library ceiling. Elrond waited for the silent pain to pass, Gandalf, hands now clenched in fists at his side spun about, his words a fiery missile. "They will keep their vow then?" he asked, a hint of desperation in his shaking voice. Elrond nodded silently and watched as the tension, long held, was released from his friend's upright stance. Gandalf suddenly looked old, very old and tired and Elrond motioned that he should sit upon one of the brocaded benches that lined the windows.
"Tell me of their words Elrond" Gandalf pleaded. Elrond, his long face drawn into a small smile nodded "yes, they will keep their vow, they have promised to see Frodo and the other ringbearers safe to Tol Eressa…they keep safe passage for them at the grey havens….but they have long feared that Frodo's spirit, so wounded from the evil of the ring, would not stand the strain of this last test…they need him to have a light to look to."
Gandalf smiled as he thought of the essence of Chrys, the fight and spirit, the light of love that colored all she did….and he understood. "She waits for him; she waits for him to make the right choice that they may have the life they have dreamed of…." Elrond smiled as he continued "She waits for him because she has faith….she trusts that his hope will carry him onward….as her hope allowed her to endure the pain of her injuries…." The Elf lord smiled fondly as he remembered her tenacious spirit and endless capacity for love…"she will be his salvation Gandalf….she would allow nothing less."
The smile that had graced the wizard's furrowed brow but moments before faded as he was overwhelmed by a deep feeling of dread and emptiness that tugged at his heart. "He may not hold to his hope long enough to see the light that Chrys can cast for him" Gandalf paused, his eyes long filled with the wisdom of the ages suddenly reflecting the agony of his present fear "I fear we are losing him Elrond, his spirit fades from me".
Aragorn knelt by the fire, he idly fed another piece of kindling to the flames and poked the embers on the periphery of the fire's heart, seeking to bring life and heat to the outermost portions of the campfire. He stopped his mindless poking a moment, realizing with some detachment how like this fire the life of his friend had become. 'With what can I kindle your flame Frodo'? he asked himself. He finished adjusting the intensity of the fire, moved the ever ready pot of water too it's preferred spot near the center of the fire and sat back away from the intense heat of the fire. He drew his pipe from one of his many pouches and taking the glowing end of the fagot he'd just used to stir up the flames, held it to the bowl of his pipe and drew in a deep breath. He closed his eyes briefly, enjoying the pleasure of the moment, and reviewed once more his plan for the morning.
'We will travel to the site of the second ship; with Frodo bundled and tucked into the arms of Sam they may share the one packhorse.' The ranger had a twinge of discomfort with the one aspect of his plan he could not reconcile to his satisfaction, Mendal, the one prisoner from Frodo's captivity with Anborn would be more difficult to tend to on foot, more dangerous and more of a liability. 'Can't be helped…Durzack shall be given charge of him and I've faith that he will go a long way to do his master's bidding' he thought to himself. He was restless; he looked to the banks of the river. Qurag sat, squat upon a boulder that jutted into the river, the dark skin of the orc blended in with the dark ripples of the water. As the full moon danced among the clouds it seemed as if the occasional flash of white from the Orcs eyes were all that spoke of the presence of the hunter turned sentinel. Aragorn felt safe, he knew the Orc's skills as warrior were probably second to few 'I should rest' he thought, but instead he found himself walking purposely to where the hobbits lie.
He had dug a hollow between the roots of another tree, this one big enough to accommodate the press of two hobbit bodies curled together. Sam lay with his arms wrapped tightly about Frodo, golden hair entwined with the lank and too long curls of his master and friend. The King smiled grimily at the sight before him, Sam had for many days resisted his desire to show such affection for his ailing master. It was the events of the afternoon, the convulsive climax of Frodo's fever that had pushed Sam past the point of caring what others might think. As Frodo's body had finally stilled, as Sam had tended once more to hurts which seem insurmountable, as they had worked to strip, bathe and dry the chilled frail body, none had dared to speak. So deeply had they been touched by the violence and brutality of the ringbearer's latest trial, they had all felt that they were being given these last moments to say their goodbyes, for there seemed no chance that any could live long after such a thorough purging.
Then it had happened, a weak moan and eyes made larger and bluer than ever from weeks of deprivation had opened, lips chapped and abused had worked to utter words none had expected and his voice, weak and raspy from lack of use came "I'm sorry Sam, my Sam, I do not mean to cause you such worry…". Sam had gripped Frodo's hand so tightly that the ringbearer had gasped, causing Sam to cry and blubber his own apology. Before Frodo's eyes had closed again, he had looked with such love to his hobbit companion that Aragorn felt a lump swell in his throat, and words difficult to find as he'd watched, finding his own eyes filling with tears as Frodo sought to comfort Sam with feeble pats from weakened hands even as eyes sought to connect with the King. "Find her" he had watched the chapped lips mouth "she is in need" were the words he thought he'd seen formed upon those blue tinged lips. Then Frodo had fallen asleep again, a sleep guided with the comfort of arms that wanted only the chance to bring good things to one who asked so little for himself. "Remarkable creatures Gandalf once said" Aragorn whispered to no one " he was not honest with me…for you are so much more than that my friends"
He paused, stooping to lay a hand upon gold curls and darkened locks "you are the embodiment of all that is honest and genuine in this world…and I will not lose that, I will not allow your spirit to be lost my friends, no matter the cost" he vowed. He looked to the fringes of the horizon where the red and deep purple fingers of the impending sunrise were creeping upwards. It would be morning soon. With a last look at his slumbering friends he set to checking the binds upon a gagged Mendal, patted a wide awake Durzack in greeting upon his shoulder and checked once more his pack, as he waited for the morning.
The crackle from the fire as one of the men poked the embers gave way to a sudden 'pop' and Rosetta opened one eye sleepily to watch the three men conversing about the lightly smoking fire. She shifted ever so slightly; the coldness of the ground was buffered little by the cloak that Terren had forced about her. She, both eyes now cracked open snuck a peak to the tree behind the guards where Garth and Terren slept. They were bound about the waist, and both had collapsed upon the other in their fatigue. Rosetta envied them their togetherness however much she did not want to share their space. She wondered how close the morning was, for she was hungry and knew that the morning meal tended to be the one of most substance. Her eyes welled with tears as she felt the discomfort of her rumbling empty belly and she forced her mind to give up its thoughts about food, for she knew she'd be all the hungrier for it. 'Sir Frodo, I'm hungry, I'm cold…." She fought to keep her sniffles quiet "I'm lonely….tell me a story in my mind, help me remember you" she pleaded wishing that she could travel the time and space needed to be at her friends side once more.
As she shifted once more, trying to find a spot of greater comfort, she tried to tell herself one of the tales she loved so well, she clenched her eyes closed and tried her hardest to see Frodo's face, to hear the soft cadence of his speech. She heard instead the words of the guards and realized that they'd been joined by Keldor. Rosetta gave up her search for a story and listened instead to the tale she'd landed in.
"Captain….Darem reports that the caravan has been spotted" one of the guards reported to Keldor. The swarthy face of the dark leader of their tormentors looked even uglier and more frightening in the flickering shadows cast by the fire. Rosetta, her eyes shut tight pretended to be sleeping as she felt Keldors gaze penetrate the darkness and seek her out. As if he knew her to be listening he laughed harshly "Well, they must be lost if they have not yet found the King…perhaps they need our guidance eh Mattik?" Keldor laughed. Mattik laughed in answer and added, "I'm certain that the dwarf will find our 'hospitality' unique." Keldor's laughter stopped abruptly "Who else leads the children?" he asked brusquely. Mattik sneered, "there is a man…one who used to be a soldier of Gondor….but from his dress spent time with Anborn…he bears the weaponry of the band of brigands". Keldor's dark eyes narrowed and he stared for long moments to the depths of the fire before replying. "I want the man, alone….perhaps he may be persuaded to change his allegiance, once more that is…" The swarthy captain reached to stroke the oily hair of his braided beard. He turned from the fire and looked right at a slightly trembling blond haired child and beckoned that Mattik should bring her to him.
Rosetta, who'd been lying still as she was able, opened her eyes reflexively when she felt her self grabbed by the upper arms and dragged to her feet, she automatically began to struggle. Mattik, in no mood to incur the wraith of his leader, let lose one hand from her arm and tangled it in her curls. She bit back a cry, not wanting to awaken Terren, not wanting to cause more worries to the man who was more than a healer to her. She looked deep within herself, remembering all that Frodo had tried to teach her about fear and hatred. As she was tossed carelessly to the feet of the Corsair Captain, she had nearly mastered her fear and was able to look the dark ruffian in the eye as he knelt by her side.
"You will buy me much my little princess" Keldor whispered, his hot breath sending shivers down her spine "you will bring our former renegade brother back into line….or your friends will suffer my displeasure" he hissed looking to the figures tied to the near tree. Rosetta's stare, deep blue to darkest black, did not waiver as she whispered "I will not spread your evil….I will not bring dishonor to those I love" trying her hardest to say what she felt her Sir Frodo would. Keldor, his teeth, suddenly revealed in a broad smile, showing brightly against his darkened skin, smiled as he promised "we will see my little warrior, we will see".