Chapter 7
Losing Members
It burst through the wall and roared. Sam looked up from hitting an orc with a saucepan and gulped. Orcs were one thing; they were only a little taller but this? You must be joking! He was only a Hobbit. It raised its mighty club and Sam dived through the beast's legs. Sometimes being small had its advantages. But Sam wasn't safe yet. The cave troll followed him and as Sam scurried backwards he saw it was hopeless. He closed his eyes and waited for the blow to come. But it never came. He looked up and saw Aragorn and Boromir both hauling on the troll's chain. It left him and turned to them, whipping round. Boromir was dazed, he had been hit from behind and hadn't let go off the chain quick enough. It was wrapped around his middle and as the troll flung its chain out of the way, Boromir went with it. He crashed into a wall and fell, just conscious onto the ground. On opening his eyes he found an orc grinning evilly above him. The sword was aimed for his chest and he looked into the face of death. Luckily Aragorn had seen what was happening to Boromir and in one swift movement his small knife was sticking through the orc's neck. Boromir shook his head to try and remove the cloudy haze that hung over his brain. He got to his feet shakily and walked a few paces before plunging straight back into battle with the orcs.
The orcs weren't the brightest beings and weren't the best fighters but the sheer number of them swept through the Fellowship and succeed in breaking the ring that Faramir and Gandalf had made round the Hobbits and Tithe. Faramir had managed to stick beside Tithe and fought against the orcs trying to harm her. It wasn't that she was useless with a sword, but she was not experienced, one wrong move could be fateful and Faramir didn't want to risk losing her just yet. Pippin, Merry and Frodo had stuck together and had managed to climb onto a ledge, out of the reach of most of the orcs. Sam was still hacking away at the orcs heads with his trusty saucepan and Gandalf was over the other side of the small room, battling away himself.
The number of orcs seemed to have lessened since when Boromir and Aragorn went on the rampage together, they made a very good team, Aragorn was more graceful than Boromir, who preferred to hack away at any orcs head within his distance. Legolas had abandoned his bow and arrow in favour of 2 slim white daggers. He was stabbing and thrusting at the orcs around him. They didn't stand a chance against his elven powers. The cave troll was still the most prominent danger as there didn't seem to be any way of killing both it and the orcs. The stabs they put at it only seemed to enrage it further. But trouble was looming. The troll had seen the defenceless Hobbits on the other side of the room and, no matter how hard Faramir fought, he couldn't reach them.
The troll swung his giant club at them and they darted, Merry and Pippin went in one direction while Frodo went the other. Unfortunately the troll followed Frodo. But the Hobbit was crafty, darting behind the pillar, just out of reach of the troll. He breathed a sigh of relief to himself as the troll seemed to have lost interest in him, he wasn't counting on the troll rounding the corner and screaming in his ear. He fell back in shock and fear and scrambled into the corner. The troll reached for his foot and began pulling at him. Frodo scrambled desperately for something to hold onto, screaming for Aragorn.
"Aragorn! Aragorn!"
Aragorn, on hearing this, yelled back at the Hobbit and killed the last orc in his way. Frodo had grabbed hold of Sting, his sword, and had nicked the troll on the hand, making the troll let go of him. He had fallen onto the floor hard and as the troll made his way towards him he looked up at its gruesome features, when Aragorn leapt down, holding some kind of spear. He stood between Frodo and the troll and thrust the spear upwards. It caught in the troll's belly and the creature moaned in pain. Aragorn pushed harder and the troll roared. It hit out at Aragorn with its colossal hand and Aragorn was thrown backwards against the hard rock.
He didn't move. Frodo ran to him and shook him but Aragorn's body lay limp. He had said he would die for Frodo, enabling him to finish his quest, and he had done so. Frodo couldn't believe it. He looked down at his friend and then up, panicked, at the troll who was advancing at him with the spear pulled out of his belly. Frodo started to run under the troll's legs, but the creature had wisened and moved his spear so Frodo ran up against that. With a shove Frodo was thrown back against the wall and in one quick movement the spear was plunged into Frodo's heart. The Hobbit gasped in pain, doubled over and fell onto the floor. The troll blinked at him before he was set upon by 2 furious Hobbits.
Merry and Pippin brought out their small daggers and stabbed away into the trolls thick head. The creature left Frodo and Aragorn and concentrated on the 2 small beings a top him.
He reached blindly above him and caught Merry by the foot. Swinging the Hobbit around infront of him he swiped at the remaining members of the Fellowship who hacked and stabbed at him. He dropped Merry and turned round in confusion. At last Pippin stabbed him in the head one to many times and the troll threw back his head in pain. Legolas took his chance and shot an arrow into his throat. The troll gasped for breath before falling heavily onto the floor with a thud. Pippin was thrown from his back with a shriek.
A silenced followed. No one moved for a moment before a shuffling noise moved them out of their silence. Aragorn it seemed had not died, but had merely been knocked out temporarily. He was now moving over to Frodo, who still lay motionless on the floor.
"Oh no." he muttered and turned the limp Hobbit over. To his great surprise and joy, Frodo wasn't dead. He sat up, with Aragorn's help, and, panting slightly, managed to talk.
"Its okay, I'm alright."
Sam's face lit up in happiness and he crawled over to check his master wasn't just lying.
"You should be dead. That spear would have skewered a wild boar." Aragorn told the pale Hobbit.
Gandalf saved Frodo from answering. "I think there is more to this Hobbit than meets the eye."
Frodo pulled open his shirt to reveal a shining coat of mithril.
"Mithril!" the dwarf's eyes widened in shock. "You are full of surprises Master Hobbit."
Frodo managed a weak smile but the noise of more orcs coming halted their conversation.
Gandalf thought for a second before announcing their path.
"To the Bridge of Kazad-dum!"
They took off, running full pelt along the great hall; that only minutes before they had been admiring. Now the beauty of the stone and rock was marred by the thousands of orcs, pouring from the ceiling and from all sides. The door was in reach but then in a blink of an eye it was blocked by the foul orcs of Moria. They crowded round the small group, not wanting to get to close just yet as they were all well armed. Gimli cried aloud, his axe held, ready to fight, when a sudden silence fell.
Nothing was heard for a moment before a low growling echoed round the chamber. The orcs looked at each other in panic before scattering. In a flash they were gone and the Fellowship was left looking for an enemy. Legolas' bow moved around looking for an enemy but found nothing. He lowered it cautiously. Boromir rounded and looked down the hall to where a faint red light was growing.
"What is this new devilry?"
Gandalf furrowed his brow and searched through his mind.
"A Balrog, a demon of the underworld. His foe is beyond any of you. Run!"
At this the Fellowship all ran once again, to the safety of the door and to what lay beyond. Boromir ran through first and started down the flight of stairs, finding they gave way after only a few steps. He flailed, his arms waving and his torch was sent plummeting into the deep of the abyss below him. Legolas ran to his rescue, pulling him back onto of him. The Fellowship piled in behind him and screeched to a halt. Another stair case led off to the side. Aragorn turned back to Gandalf.
"Gandalf."
"Go Aragorn, the bridge is near."
Aragorn looked over at it, but moved back to Gandalf. All he got in return was to be shoved in the direction of the stair case. He looked puzzled and Gandalf relented a little.
"Swords are of no more use here."
And he was off again leading them down. Legolas leapt gracefully down and flew down the staircase. But there was a problem. There was a gap in the staircase. Legolas jumped it quickly and turned back to the group. The red light was growing and thudding footsteps had now joined it. The chamber shook and small bits of rock and dust fell on the Fellowship. Legolas motioned to Gandalf to jump.
"Gandalf."
The wizard leapt across the gap and was steadied by Legolas. An orc arrow landed by Boromir's feet and he leapt back. Legolas' bow was already out and aiming at the offending orcs. Aragorn followed suit. Faramir grabbed Tithe and shoved her towards the gap. She looked scared but determinedly jumped over the gap and into Legolas' arms. Faramir jumped after her. Boromir grabbed Merry and Pippin under his arms and swiftly leapt across, just in time as a large crack appeared and another section of the staircase fell. Aragorn took charge, grabbing Sam and throwing him over to Boromir. He reached for Gimli but was met with resistance.
"Nobody tosses a dwarf!" He puffed himself up and threw himself across the breach.
He seemed to have made it but his feet slipped on the rock and he began to fall backwards. Legolas' elven senses took over and he reached out and grabbed the dwarf by the only thing in reach-his beard.
"Mind the beard!" the dwarf roared in the process, not caring that he was about to fall to his death if Legolas let go. But in an instance he was up and safely on the other side.
Another large chunk of staircase broke off and Aragorn practically threw Frodo back up to safety. He clambered on up himself and looked back at the rest of the group. The gap was now too big for them to jump or for Aragorn to throw Frodo. He looked back over his shoulder, at the coming foe, and the ground shook as he took another step towards them. A large rock broke down off the ceiling and smashed behind Aragorn and Frodo. The staircase wobbled and swayed from side to side. Frodo looked terrified but Aragorn managed to steady them. On finding he could influence the direction that the staircase fell in, he pushed Frodo forward and slowly the rock started to move. Boromir and Legolas stood with their arms ready to catch them. The rock picked up pace and in a second Aragorn and Frodo had reached the other side. After a quick check they started off again, down and down the seemingly never ending staircase.
But at last they reached the floor which was now red hot and were off again on flat ground heading for the bridge of Kazad-dum. A huge beast leapt from the shadow behind them and started after them.
Boromir led the way across the bridge, stumbling a little in his weariness. The Hobbits followed, scampering across quickly with Tithe and Faramir behind them. Gimli ran next, with Aragorn hot on his heels and Legolas followed last, just in front of Gandalf. Everyone was over when they realised that Gandalf was still standing on the bridge, facing the fiery beast behind them. He was enormous and held in his hands a sword and a black whip. He growled at Gandalf and fire blew out of his mouth. But Gandalf stood firm.
"You cannot pass. I'm the servant of the secret fire, wielder of the flame of Arnor. The dark fire will not avail you! Flame of Udin!"
But the beast did not take heed to this warning and pulled the sword up high and thrashed down on Gandalf. A mysterious white light had grown around the wizard and as the sword struck it, it bounced off harmlessly and shattered. The Balrog roared and cracked his whip. But Gandalf was not to be deterred. He raised his staff and called to the beast
"YOU SHALL NOT PASS!"
The beast stepped again onto the bridge and it cracked underneath his great weight, or it could have been something to do with the spell Gandalf may have cast, but it didn't matter.
The beast fell into the abyss of Kazad-dum, taking half the bridge with him. The old wizard turned, weariness etched on his face. But the Balrog had one more trick up its sleeve, as it fell it threw up its whip one last time and caught Gandalf, pulling him down after him. The wizard caught onto the edge with his finger-tips and hung there, suspended over the chasm.
"Gandalf!" Frodo screamed, running towards his old friend.
"No!" Boromir turned and caught the Hobbit before he followed his friend over into Kazad-dum. He scooped the Hobbit up into his arms, with Frodo failing and struggling against him, but the Hobbit was no match for the warrior.
"Fly you fools." And he was gone, over the edge, fallen into shadow.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Frodo screamed.
The rest of the group had taken their cue and had started out of the Mines, as the orcs were crowding on the opposite side of the bridge, firing arrows at the Fellowship. Boromir was left, holding Frodo, urging Aragorn to hurry. But Aragorn was staring at the abyss, not able to believe his eyes that his friend was gone.
"Aragorn!" Boromir shouted to him, already running up the stair case with the sobbing Hobbit. Aragorn turned and followed the Man up the stairs, dodging orc arrows as he went.
The Fellowship piled out onto the rocks around the door. Everyone collapsed. Of all the people who they thought might fall Gandalf had been at the bottom of the list. Sam slumped onto a rock, holding his head, not bothering to stop the tears. Merry was hugging Pippin and Boromir was holding Gimli from going back in there and showing the orcs just who they were dealing with. Faramir sat with Tithe as she cried and Legolas walked past with a look of utter confusion etched on his face. He had never experienced death before, and for it to happen to one of his friends, he couldn't understand why Gandalf had gone. For the first time on this quest, the elf was unsure. Aragorn wiped his sword clean on his cloak and turned back to the group.
"Legolas, get them up."
Legolas looked round at his friend's voice, before moving numbly to Merry and Pippin. Boromir, having made sure Gimli wasn't going to run off and get himself killed by the orcs in Moria, turned to Aragorn in protest.
"Give them a moment, for pity's sake!"
"By nightfall these hills will be swarming with orcs! We must reach the woods of Lothlorien. Come Boromir, Gimli, get them up."
Boromir couldn't help but be slightly annoyed at the tone of authority and command Aragorn had in his voice. But nonetheless he could see the logic in the Ranger's words and went to his brother and Tithe. Aragorn made his way to Sam.
"On your feet Sam." He patted the little Hobbit on the shoulder as Sam hurriedly wiped his tears away. Aragorn looked round for Frodo.
"Frodo? Frodo!"
Frodo had wandered away, not seeing for his grief. He looked round as Aragorn called his name and a single tear ran down his cheek.
Aragorn ran on ahead, with the rest of the Fellowship following behind him. He crossed a small stream and smiled at the sight that met his eyes. Lothlorien stood before him, in all its glory, under the afternoon sun. He called out to the rest of the Fellowship.
"Come, Lothlorien is near: we must reach it before sunset."
He waited until they had caught up and rested a little for he had been driving them at a fast pace and the Hobbits were weary. All too soon, for Pippin, they were back on their feet and running to keep up with Aragorn's long legs. Sam hadn't called him Longshanks for nothing. But weariness was upon him and the little Hobbit didn't lift his feet up far enough. He stumbled on a stone and went tumbling. Thankfully he was at the back of the group, with only Boromir behind him; at least Merry hadn't seen his embarrassing fall. Boromir stopped beside him and knelt down.
"Are you okay Pippin? Did you hurt yourself, with your fall?"
"No, thank you Boromir, I am fine. Just a little tired."
"Aren't we all? Would you like a little rest? I could carry you for a bit. Save your energy for Lothlorien. It is meant to be a beautiful city; some even say it surpasses Rivendell. And that is no mean feat."
"But are you not tired also? You just said it yourself."
Boromir laughed. "I am tired but that is nothing to me. I have had longer marches on my trips from Gondor; a little weariness does not matter to me. And we are not far from Lothlorien, it is no skin off my nose, believe me."
"Thank you Boromir, you are very kind."
"No problem." He picked up the little Hobbit and ran to catch up with the others. Aragorn lagged behind to talk to him, as Legolas knew where he was going. Pippin had fallen asleep on Boromir's shoulder, lulled by the continual walking motion from Boromir.
"They are tired Aragorn."
"I know they are, we all are, even me. But we cannot afford to rest until we get to the safety of Lothlorien. You know that."
"I do. Sometimes I wonder why Elrond decided to let them come along."
"Their time will come."
"How are the other Hobbits doing?"
"Sam is keeping Frodo's spirits up and Merry is almost falling asleep on his feet but he wants to walk, he is talking to Legolas about the ways of elves. He seems fascinated."
"Just little Pippin then. He is the youngest after all. It is not his fault."
"Of course not."
They walked along together in a comfortable silence for a while, listening to Pippin's snores. The wood was in sight.
"You'd better get back to playing the leader Aragorn."
Aragorn smiled and walked off to catch up with Legolas and Merry. Boromir shook Pippin.
"Awake little one, we are nearing the woods. Would you like to walk now, or wait until we are nearer?"
"Mngfgh." Pippin mumbled into Boromir's shoulder.
"I'll take that as later then." He grinned and ruffled the Hobbit's hair.
When Aragorn and Legolas reached the trees Boromir shook Pippin awake once more and set him on the ground.
Aragorn had entered the wood and Gimli was walking with Frodo and Sam. Something was worrying him.
"Stay close young hobbits. They say that a great sorceress lives in these woods, and all who look upon her fall under her spell and are never seen again."
Frodo looked somewhat startled at this and stopped in his tracks, before being moved on by Sam. Boromir looked round, slightly worried. He had heard rumours from his men, from his father and from Rohan about the Lady of the Golden Wood, and he was doubtful of what they would find. But Gimli seemed confident about his skill in defying the Lady.
"I have the ears of a hawk and the eyes of a fox."
No sooner had these words left his mouth; he found an arrow pointing at his nose.
"Oh!"
Frodo and Sam were also surrounded and soon everyone was looking down at an arrow. Aragorn raised up his hands in peace.
"The dwarf breaths so loud we could have shot him in our sleep." An arrogant looking elf stepped forward from the rest, clearly the leader.
The dwarf grunted and growled in anger but Aragorn spoke first.
"Haldir of Lothlorien, we need your protection."
"Aragorn! These woods are perilous. We must turn back!" Gimli warned him.
"You have entered the realm of the Lady of the Wood, you cannot go back. Come she is waiting." Haldir turned on the dwarf.
They had no choice but to follow. Tithe stuck near Faramir, feeling a bit scared of these elves and their bows. He slipped her hand inside his and smiled at her. They were led steeply upwards until they reached a great city. In the middle stood a great tree, rising up above the rest. Steps lined the way up and made anyone breathless by the time they reached the top, even Legolas. They all stood in a line, with Aragorn standing slightly at the front, waiting for the Lord and Lady.
Soon enough they descended. A light seemed to glow around Galadriel as she stood beside her husband. Lord Celeborn spoke first.
"10 stand here, but there is one face that I am missing and one I do not recognise. Tell me, where is Gandalf the Grey for I much desire to speak with him. And who is this stranger?"
The Lady looked round the Fellowship and gleaned the information from their minds.
"He has fallen into shadow." Sadness tinged her voice.
"A Balrog; a demon from the underworld." Legolas added.
Aragorn raised his bowed head. "The other that stands here is one that Gandalf allowed to journey with us. She is called Tithe."
Celeborn turned to her.
"And where are you from?"
"I know not, my Lord. I came here for a purpose which I cannot speak of."
"I know your quest, hard as it is. I have much to ask you, but that can be saved for a later date. The Quest of the Ring stand on the edge of a knife, stray but a little and you will fall, to the ruin of all. But come, do not let your hearts be troubled, take food and rest while you shelter here. I have a desire to speak with you all. It will come. But first I must speak with Faramir, son of Denethor." The Lady turned her piercing blue eyes on him.
Faramir looked up startled. Him? What did she want with him? Why could she not speak with Aragorn or Boromir? If it was about Gondor surely she should speak with Boromir, he was the heir to the Steward after all.
'No Faramir, I have need to speak with you.'
The voice in his head startled him.
What? Where did it come from? From the Lady Galadriel. He nodded and followed her into a side room while the Fellowship left to rest.
In the small room there were 2 chairs and a table. Galadriel sat on one of the chairs and motioned for Faramir to follow suit.
"I know why you and your brother left Minas Tirith Faramir; I saw it in your mind. But Faramir, you have to face that fear now. Gondor is failing without you. Denethor is failing. Your people need you."
"What are you trying to say My Lady?"
"You need to return to Gondor and Minas Tirith."
"Why me? Why not Boromir?"
"Boromir's fate is not yet decided. Yours is."
"My fate?"
"I have seen it. In my mirror. Trust me."
"But...wh…I don't understand. What do I have to do?"
"Return to Gondor and aid your people and encourage your men. They need you now."
Faramir thought for a moment. He would love to return to Gondor, he was missing his home and the surrounding lands of Ithilien terribly. But, he would miss the Fellowship; he had grown close to them. And Tithe. Especially Tithe. Would she be able to come with him?
"Lady Galadriel? Would Tithe…"
"I am sorry Faramir, but this is not her destiny. She will not be able to come. You will be leaving tomorrow. Rest tonight, we will give you a horse and you will arrive in good time. That is all."
Riding on his own? Without Tithe or Boromir? Through Gondor? He wasn't looking forward to it. Now he had to go and tell Tithe and Boromir that he was leaving and try to stop Boromir going on the rampage about it afterwards. That was something he also wasn't looking forward to.
Faramir entered the small clearing the Fellowship was sleeping in. The Hobbits were setting down beds, making ready to fall asleep for a long, long time. Aragorn was cleaning his sword and the rest were sitting around a small fire. Tithe looked up as he entered and smiled at him. He walked over to her and sat down.
"What's wrong?" Boromir asked him. Nothing could get passed him. "What did Galadriel want?"
"I have to leave. I have to go back to Gondor. Our people need me."
"Our people need you? What about me? You're not going back without me."
"Boromir, I asked Galadriel and she told me you cannot go with me, it is not your fate."
"Not my fate? I am heir to the Steward! It is my city! I must go if she is in need!"
"Boromir! Listen to me. Go talk to the Lady if you must but mind your language!"
"I-Faramir! I can be polite when I want to be!"
"Yes I know that but you're not polite when you are angry like you are now. I know you to well Boromir."
Boromir scowled at his brother before leaving the clearing to go and find Galadriel. Haldir stood outside a door, leaning casually.
"Haldir, do you happen to know where the Lady is? I have need to speak with her."
"I do Boromir, son of Denethor. In fact she has been waiting to speak with you. Come this way please."
He opened the door behind him and led the man through. The Lady sat there waiting for him.
"Hello Boromir, I thought I might see you here. Please sit down."
He sat.
"Before you begin, I know why you are here. I have sent Faramir homewards because that is his fate. I know you are displeased with this as you think you should go but I know you are needed here with the Fellowship. Faramir is saddened enough by having to leave you and Tithe and the rest of the Fellowship. Please don't make his leaving any harder on him."
Boromir was silent. He sighed.
"Very well. Thank you My Lady."
"Boromir, hope remains. And not in the form you think of. You must not stray from your heart too much."
He frowned, puzzled at this advice, before smiling at something only he knew.
"Very well My Lady. Thank you." He bowed and took his leave. Galadriel smiled and watched his retreating back.
Boromir made his way back to camp. Faramir was waiting, a worried expression on his face.
"Don't worry Faramir. I have spoken with the Lady. I will not be going. Though I will miss you. Be careful of father. When do you go?"
"Tomorrow morning, at dawn."
Boromir hugged his little brother.
"Go carefully."
Boromir nodded and walked out of the clearing. He made for a log and sat down. He didn't know how long he had been sitting there before Aragorn came wandering out.
"Take some rest, these borders are well protected."
Boromir looked at him.
"I will find no rest here."
Aragorn frowned. Something was wrong. Boromir continued.
"I heard a voice in my head, her voice, telling me of the hope that remains. But I cannot see it. Or maybe I can but I am not sure. She spoke of Gondor and my father. We have never had hope. Always we fight, and for what? The chance to fight again another day? No we fight for our country, for the White Tower of Ecthelion. Have you ever seen it Aragorn? Glimmering like a spike in the sun."
"I have seen it, long ago."
"One day our paths will lead us there, one day, and the trumpets will take up the call for the Lords of Gondor have returned."
"You speak of a hope that you are not certain of. Would you tell me?"
"You're name, Elvish name. You are called Estel-meaning hope. Are you not the hope that Gondor looks for?"
"You think of me as the hope for your city?"
"My city? It is not my city anymore. It belongs to you. You are after all going to be King. Or do you pass on that?"
"I will do my duty if I survive. But is it not your city? Your home? Even the peasants on the street may call Minas Tirith their city."
Boromir nodded. "That is true. So maybe the hope grows in my heart. I like this feeling. I have never known it before. But it is good."
"So now you are satisfied you will take some rest? Regain you lost strength for we need you."
"If it annoys you so much I will rest. Good night Aragorn."
Boromir stood and left, heading back to his bedding roll. He would have to be up early to see Faramir off and wish him luck. Aragorn watched the Gondorian leave and hoped with all his being that all the shadow had left Boromir's heart.
The next morning saw 4 people standing near the edge of Lothlorien. One stood by a horse. Aragorn stood beside Boromir as Tithe said goodbye to Faramir. Galadriel was waiting to speak to her and she didn't want to keep her waiting.
"I love you Faramir. Travel safely. I will see you soon." She kissed him before turning and walking quickly back into the woods. Aragorn went forward next, sensing that Boromir would want to speak with Faramir alone.
"Good luck Faramir. We shall miss you. See you in Gondor." He shook his hand and left, waiting just out of hearing distance for Boromir. First Sendil had gone and now Faramir was having to ride through orc-infested lands, only to come home to a city he had disowned and an abusive father, who Aragorn could guess, would not be happy that Faramir had returned instead of Boromir, his favourite son. Boromir moved towards Faramir.
"I am still not happy with this. I know what Denethor can do."
Boromir had vowed that after that one incident, Denethor would never be his father again; he would never call him that again. Faramir noted this name change.
"Boromir, I know you are my elder brother and you're meant to protect me, but I am old enough to look after myself. I can do this. I love you for looking out for me, but this time I think I should be looking after you. I will not let him hit me, I will look out for our people, I promise."
"You will leave immediately if he ever lays a hand on you."
"I will leave and live in Ithilien, I promise."
"And you will send word to either me or Rohan? Promise me."
"Yes Boromir. I promise. Now I have to go if I am to get a reasonable distance today. I will see you soon. Goodbye Boromir."
He gave his brother one last hug before climbing onto his white stallion and cantering away, towards the rising sun. Boromir turned back and began the long lonely walk back to the Fellowship's camping ground. He wished, now, he had asked Aragorn to wait for him. As if by magic Aragorn appeared beside him.
"I thought I would wait and keep you company on the walk back."
"You must be able to read minds. I was just thinking that I'd wished I'd asked you to wait."
"I thought you might be a bit lonely. After all you have had a lot of loss over the past few months. You need a friend. I wish to be that friend."
Boromir smiled. "I think I do need a friend. Thank you Aragorn."
Tithe had gone back to the woods to meet the Lady Galadriel properly for the first time. She felt she was being judged and smoothed her clothes and ran a hand through her hair to smarten herself up. She walked through a door where the elf, Haldir, had directed her and found the Lady sitting there. She curtsied and walked over. Galadriel smiled warmly and motioned for her to sit down. She sat and fidgeted nervously. Why did she feel so ill at ease? Something was wrong. And she didn't know what. Galadriel, meanwhile, was looking at her calmly.
"Tithe I have lived a great many years and I shall live a great deal more for I am immortal. All through my time though I have never met someone from a different world. Many claim to be though I know they are lying. I can read minds, of every elf, dwarf and man that lives on this world, but I couldn't read yours. I am not annoyed or disappointed, only intrigued. I wish to know more of you. All I could get from you was your love of the brothers of Gondor."
"The brothers? Boromir and Faramir you mean. Yes, I do. I love Faramir with all my heart; he is like my soul mate. But his brother, I cannot help but loving. Boromir is troubled, his thoughts and heart are in shadow. I must help him."
"I have seen Boromir's fate. It is not pretty. Only you can save him. But you must follow my advice. I do not know the exact details as my mirror does not show death, only premonitions. It may happen, it may not. I do not know. But with the state that Boromir's mind is in right now, I would say that it is most likely. Now listen carefully if he is going to survive." She leaned in closer and began to explain.
The Fellowship did not rest in Lothlorien for a great many days before Aragorn decided they should move on. They couldn't afford to tarry as the threat of Sauron was growing with each passing day. Boromir seemed glad to move on. He was getting restless in this place of calm and tranquillity. He preferred Minas Tirith any day. The Lord and Lady agreed and bestowed on them a great many gifts. They were given boats and supplies of food and water. Around their necks they wore Elvan cloaks that seemed to be of no colour as it changed if the wearer moved or the sunlight hit it in anyway. To the Hobbits, Merry and Pippin, she gave small daggers, Sam got a length of Elvan rope, Legolas a new bow and Aragorn a small dagger. Boromir and Tithe took nothing. And last but not least she gave to Frodo the star of Earindel. Their most beloved star.
They left early one morning, their hearts saddened to be leaving the peaceful woods and to have to go back out again to face the orcs and other foul creatures of both Sauron and Saruman. The River Anduin was swift and Boromir remembered dearly that he, Faramir and Sendil had played in its waters when they were younger.
The Fellowship spent most of their day on the water, only stopping deep into the night for rest. This suited Boromir. He didn't have that much time to think, to dwell on his thoughts. Hope had failed in his heart once more, Shadow was growing daily. As much as he fought to stop it, he just wasn't strong enough. He was a failure but his pride stopped him from telling everyone this, or maybe it was the influence of the Ring. It had started after Faramir left, his brother, the only one he could confide in. And he had gone back home. Home. Where Boromir longed to go.
And one day, after only a couple of days on the river this longing came to a head. They had stopped to make camp late one night. The Hobbits were asleep in a pile by the small fire they had built. Aragorn and Boromir were sitting talking about the route they would take. The shadow that had been growing in Boromir finally took over.
"We must go through Minas Tirith. It is the only way."
"No Boromir, we are not taking the Ring through Gondor."
"Why do you have so little faith in your own people? Fair enough, hope is in short supply but we fight valiantly, we do not give up. Can you not see?"
"Boromir you know we were never going to go through Gondor. I know your brother is there and you wish to see him but we are not going through Minas Tirith."
"Why not? Why are-"
"Boromir, think about what your father would do if he got hold of this Ring!"
"I have no father, why do you speak of him?"
"I am sorry; I did not mean to upset you."
"Well you did. First you say the Ring cannot go through Gondor, now you drag my father into this. What is your motive?"
"Boromir I did not mean to do this. Please listen to me."
"No! I will not. We should take the Ring through Gondor, we can get better protection there, it will be hopeless to go up to Mordor with only the 9 of us, of which only 4 can fight decently."
"Boromir! I will never take the Ring within a hundred leagues of your city." Aragorn spoke harshly, the voice of a King. His cold blue eyes stared hard at the other man.
Boromir turned to him. If Aragorn's stare had been cold, Boromir's stare was practically Artic. They bore right into Aragorn. His face was closed, no emotion there. In a single movement he turned on his heel and strode away, cloak flapping angrily behind him.
"Boromir," Aragorn called after him. "Boromir, stop, please."
It was no use, the man had gone. Aragorn sighed heavily. He hadn't meant to say those things, really. It was just in the heat of the moment. He kicked himself mentally. Stupid fool. Boromir had not been himself ever since Faramir had left, and now he had gone and angered him, the one thing he had never wanted to do. Still he had done it and now he had to deal with it.
With a glance towards Legolas, he set off to find the man. To Aragorn's delight the man hadn't gone far and was easy to track. He was sitting by a rock, head in hands, cloak wrapped tightly around him, as if he was trying to protect himself from the world. Aragorn crossed over to him, making as much noise as possible for fear of angering him more by sneaking up. He crouched down beside him and put a hand delicately on his shoulder. The man flinched and jerked back. Aragorn retreated a few paces and sat down to wait for the man to start talking. It was a long wait.
Boromir's mind was in turmoil. Thoughts, feelings and the truth leapt about his confused mind and dizzied him. One thought pushed its way to the front of his mind, blocking all others. It began to grow, filling him with ideas. Aragorn was trying to block him from the Ring because he wanted it himself! How dare he? He promised to destroy the Ring. Back stabber.
Boromir stood up angrily. Aragorn looked up and followed suit only to be pushed back down by the angry man.
"Wha..." He was cut off by a swift hand movement.
"I know your little game. You can't fool me. You want it for yourself. You're trying to stop me getting it because you want to bring the glory home to Gondor. You are not a King you Elvan bastard."
Aragorn's blue eyes were filled with confusion. He stood up.
"Boro-"
"Quiet! I shouldn't have to listen to you."
A crack resounded around the small clearing as Boromir's palm connected with Aragorn's cheek. He stumbled back from the force of the blow and fell onto the ground. Boromir took a swing at his ribs. Aragorn rolled over in pain. He pulled himself into a tiny ball and tried to shield himself from each blow Boromir dealt him. And Boromir didn't hold back. His leg swung back time and time again as it hit Aragorn in the stomach and chest. He pounded the man with his feet and fists, until Aragorn could take it no more. He fell out of his ball and lay sprawled out on the floor on his back, open to anything else Boromir was going to give him.
But something happened in Boromir's mind as he looked on the injured man, spread before him. The unusual green fire his eyes had held while beating Aragorn had gone. Boromir, son of Gondor had returned. He took one look at Aragorn before collapsing on the ground, shaking with the force of his sadness. It was Aragorn that moved first, slowly and cautiously, still aware of his aching torso.
He crawled over to the man, realising now that it was not his fault, it was the Ring that was getting to him, eating away at him slowly. He laid a hand on a shoulder.
"I am so sorry Aragorn. I am so sorry, I shall leave the Fellowship now. I am no use to you. I am sorry."
"Boromir that was not you, it was the Ring. You do not have to go."
"But yes I do Aragorn, do you not see? It will continue to take me until I kill you all. Look at what I did to you. You can hardly move, and that was only one beating. You are the strongest member of the Fellowship. Try to imagine what I would do to the Hobbits. They do not stand a chance. No, I must leave now. I will go get my things."
He stood and made to leave the clearing before remembering the state Aragorn was in. Going back he helped the man stand and walk back to camp. There was nothing Aragorn could do. Boromir was stubborn and once he got a notion into his head he wouldn't back down. When Aragorn was back by his things, Boromir turned and picked up his pack where it had been sitting and pulled it on. He looked at Aragorn one last time, who was sitting watching him calmly
"I'm so sorry. I never meant for this to happen."
With that he turned and left the area. He would go on foot to Gondor, follow the River and carry on through Rohan; maybe he could even borrow a horse. The Fellowship would pass him in the morning but he would keep out of sight, hidden in the bushes. He sighed and took a step forward when a rustling in the bushes stopped him. Silently drawing his sword he moved closer. The rustling was getting louder and just before he reached the bush a head popped out.
"Tithe!" he exclaimed, "What in the Valour's name are you dong here at this time of night?"
She looked guilty. "I was following you. Where are you going? You aren't leaving are you?"
"I am sorry Tithe but I must. I have done something terrible which will never be forgiven. I hit my King. It is a killing offence in Gondor. When I return to my city I shall die for it."
"You hit Aragorn?"
"Yes I did. The Ring has got control over me. I must leave now and try to fight to regain my pride, I have ruined it now. I do not want to end up like the creature Gollum so I have to leave. You had better get back to camp before Aragorn begins to worry-why do you have your pack with you?"
"I'm coming with you. It's all right, Aragorn knows and he has said, quote 'very well then, you will come to no harm while there is breath let in Boromir's body'. So let's go!"
"Wait a moment! Coming with me? I don't think so. Get right back to camp now!"
"Boromir, you can't send me back to camp. I do not follow the rules in this world. To me you are not Boromir, heir to the Steward of Gondor; you're just Boromir, a man I have been travelling with. This may offend you but I'm not going to take orders from you about going back to camp. Anyway, I would just follow you to where ever you are going. Where are you going by the way?"
"I'm going home."
"To Gondor? Good, then I can see Faramir. There is no way you are sending me back to camp now! Okay let's get going." She marched off infront and Boromir had no choice but to follow.
"So we are just following the River? Should be easy enough." She looked back at him and grinned. He shook his head and laughed.
"Tithe, how did you get Aragorn to let you come after me?"
"Well I accidentally overheard your little talk with Aragorn and everything fell into place."
"Everything fell into place?" He looked confused.
"My mission, quest, what ever you want to call it. I know what I have to do. Galadriel explained it all to me."
"She did, did she? And would you care to explain this to me?"
"I'm afraid I can't. But you will see."
Boromir stopped. "It has something to do with me and the Ring doesn't it?"
She sighed and turned to face him. "It does, yes. Now is that as far as you can go without stopping? Not a very good soldier are you?"
Aragorn ran his fingers through his hair. This wasn't happening, it couldn't be happening. If he pinched himself he would wake up from this dream, no- nightmare. He pinched himself hard, right on a sore spot. He looked around at Boromir's sleeping area, hoping to see a mop of blond hair sticking out of a couple of tightly wrapped blankets. All he saw was a patch of empty ground. No, no, no! And now Tithe had gone as well. It was going to be tricky in the morning when it came to explaining just why they were 2 members down and also why he couldn't move. God, Boromir had nearly killed him.
His breathing was raspy and he couldn't move from the position he had been sitting in for the past couple of hours and frankly he wanted to move. Aragorn wondered where Boromir had gone. He might have followed the River Anduin, or gone through Rohan or, even though it seemed completely pointless, he may have gone through Eymn Muil, past the Dead Marshes and into Ithilien to find his brother. Anything was possible with Boromir.
He looked to the East and saw the first rays of sun creeping over the horizon. He would have to wake the others up in a minute or so, which would be interesting. Taking a deep breath he rolled onto his side-and almost passed out in pain. Dam Boromir! Did he really have to be so strong?
Of course he couldn't really blame Boromir as it was the Ring that had corrupted him. But still, the man was strong, very strong. Unable to move any further he had to resort to desperate measures. Picking up a few light stones he lobbed them in Legolas' direction.
The elf was awake in an instant, bow ready with arrow already notched. He looked round and listened intensely.
"Legolas." Aragorn called softly. "Over here, come here."
"Aragorn?" He crossed over to the man. "What's wrong? Why aren't you moving?"
"Long story. Please could you wake the others and tell Sam to put breakfast on? Then I will explain."
Legolas looked confused but he did what Aragorn said and then came back.
"Aragorn, where are Tithe and Boromir? I cannot find them anywhere."
Aragorn was receiving strange looks from Frodo as to why he was still lying on the ground when the rest of them were up.
"Legolas, could you help me up please?"
The elf bent gracefully beside him and took his arm lightly, pulling him into a sitting position. The man winced in pain.
"Why are you in so much pain?"
"Shh, listen carefully. It was Boromir. The Ring took a hold of him and he beat me. It was not him though. I tried to stop him from leaving but he insisted it was for the good of the Fellowship, for everyone's safety. He left late last night. Tithe talked to me and she has gone with him."
"Tithe? Will she be safe in his care?"
"Yes he is not corrupted if he is away from the Ring. She will be safe. Now, let us eat and move on."
"No. You cannot even sit up, let alone paddle a boat. You're going no where. Now take your shirt off and let's have a look at the damage."
"Bur we have to keep moving."
"We can catch up tomorrow. Shirt off now. I'll go talk to the others."
He got up and crossed over to the others. In a quick conversation he explained the situation . He asked Gimli to go on watch and sent the Hobbits to gather firewood close to camp. Aragorn had taken of his shirt and was looking down at the bruises marring his chest. It looked bad. Legolas sat down with some salve and handed it to Aragorn. He was a Ranger, he knew what to do. Legolas went to look out for the Hobbits and Aragorn was left alone. His mind drifted far from this place.
He thought back to his mother, his first coming to Rivendell, his first sighting of Arwen, Evanstar to the Elves. She would be his Queen if he ever became King of Gondor; there was no doubt about that. It was their fate, it was written in the stars. He glanced up at the clear blue sky and wondered where the others were. Faramir was out there, riding that white horse over the endless green plains of Rohan. He could almost see the look of determination on his face as he drove the horse a little faster.
Brego was out there somewhere, in Edoras most probably, within the hospitality of King Théoden. Shadowfax would be at his side, guarding him as only fathers can. Poor Shadowfax, he had yet to learn of his master's fall. What would happen to him now? He would most likely stay in Rohan, father land of his sires. Maybe he would come and live in Gondor if this quest was ever finished. But why was he pondering on the horse when Tithe and Boromir were somewhere out there, trudging on in the heat of the day?
The sun had risen and was burning brightly above them, spring was coming along but it was still in the gasp of winter. The others should be returning soon. They would have to try and make up the lost ground tomorrow and Gimli would have to paddle a boat if they didn't split up. Aragorn turned his mind to this new problem. A Hobbit could fit into Legolas and Gimli's boat but would he be able to take another one with Frodo and Sam? He would have to risk it, or maybe tie the remaining boat to his and paddle harder? He would ask the others tonight.
They would reach the Falls of Rauros tomorrow and that was where Aragorn was dreading. He would have to choose whether they went through Rohan to Minas Tirith-an idea which he wasn't keen on taking, not after Denethor's little outburst on his sons. But Eymn Muil was also dangerous as it was the front path to Mordor, almost impossible to pass. And after that the Dead Marshes? Would the Hobbits be able to survive? He had crossed them a few times before but with Mordor on full watch it would be difficult, the Nazgul would be about, not to mention the hordes of orcs and men Sauron was calling to him.
But he forgot, the orcs wouldn't use the Dead Marshes, they would take the long way around. Maybe they could take that path; Sauron wouldn't expect them to march to the Black Gates. They still had that element of surprise with them. He heard the noisy chatter of the Hobbits and saw Merry and Pippin enter the clearing, arms full of firewood, arguing over who had the most. Sam followed close behind with Frodo beside him. Aragorn had noticed a change in Frodo after Boromir's departure. He too had sensed that the Ring now had some control over the powerful man and, if Aragorn was in Frodo's position, he would not have like to be there when the Ring finally took over Boromir, at least not on his own without a small army to help him.
But now Frodo was laughing with his friends and seemed a lot more comfortable around them all. Aragorn was glad, there was going to be tough times ahead, tougher than they had already experienced and Aragorn was glad they had managed to find a little bit of fun on their long journey.
"Aragorn, how are you feeling?" Frodo came up to him.
"Much better thank you Frodo. The bruises are beginning to go down thanks to this salve Galadriel gave me. We should be on the move tomorrow so get as much rest as you can."
"Don't worry I will. Sam will be making lunch soon. Would you like some?"
"Very much so."
The Hobbit smiled and wandered over to where his gardener was lighting a small fire. Merry and Pippin were still arguing over something and Aragorn didn't want to get involved in it as it could sometimes take days to figure what had actually happened. He decided to try and get some sleep as he could move a lot more now and he hadn't got any during the night. Rolling over in his bedroll he pulled the covers tighter and closed his eyes.
Boromir pulled his foot out of the mud and turned to help Tithe. Maybe walking so close to the water wasn't the best idea he had ever had.
"I think we should move a bit higher, up to drier land."
"I am in agreement. My cloak's getting all muddy around the bottom."
"We have gone a long way today. Are you tired, do you want a rest?"
"No, no. I can manage a bit further. I'm not that unfit!" She glared at him and he laughed.
"Very well then, we shall carry on until you get hungry. Then we shall stop for a break before carrying on. Fair enough?"
She nodded and concentrated on covering a particularly tricky area of ground. She failed and slipped. Boromir reached out and caught her before she cracked her head off a small rock
"Careful, it's very slippy."
"I noticed." She commented dryly. "So will you tell me a bit more about where we are going?"
"I think when we reach the Falls of Rauros we shall turn and go through Rohan, I know the people there and they will not hinder us. We may even be allowed to borrow horses and from there we shall head into Gondor and Minas Tirith. We should reach the Falls tomorrow. We have made good speed."
"And how long will our journey take us?"
"To Gondor? No more than a few weeks on foot, less on a horse. But that is not counting any foes we may meet over that time."
"Foes?" she parroted ominously.
"Orcs or other foul beasts of Saruman or Sauron. Any stray parties that belong to neither side. I'm not too sure."
"Great, sounds like so much fun!"
"When did anyone ever say this would be fun?"
"Well they didn't I suppose. But anyway that is not the point. Can we stop now? I'm hungry!"
The day flew by for Aragorn as he slept for most of it, missing lunch but waking up just in time for dinner. After dinner he organised the watches then called the others for a little chat before they went to sleep, or in Gimli's case, on watch.
"We need to discuss the boat arrangement. Boromir's departure has left us with a problem. There are only 2 of us that can paddle the boats, but we have 3 boats. I was wondering if we could squeeze the Hobbits in with us but with all the other gear that we are carrying I'm not sure if the boats would hold it all or if they would just sink. Another option was using, with Sam's permission, his lovely piece of rope, we could tie the boat onto mine and I could pull 2 along. It would be no extra trouble and Merry and Pippin can ride in there. It will only be for a day as we reach the Falls of Rauros tomorrow if we paddle hard. Would that be okay with everyone?"
They all nodded and with that decided Aragorn let them all go, ready to catch one last night of full sleep before the onwards battle commenced again.
The night was peaceful for both parties. Gimli had a quiet watch before waking up Legolas and settling down to sleep.
Boromir was on watch for the whole night as he couldn't sleep. Tithe was safe and sound in her bedding roll, fast asleep, probably dreaming about Faramir, if the small smile on her face was anything to go by. Their small camping area was lit by a small fire they had built to eat their supper by. Water wasn't hard to go by but it was near difficult to find a dry camping area. They could hear the Falls in the distance, only a couple of hours hard trekking away. They would rest by them tomorrow. One thing was bothering him though.
They hadn't seen hide nor hair of the Fellowship during their day's walk. It was possible that they had slipped by when Boromir and Tithe had been further away from the River but Boromir was still worried. Why hadn't they passed? Had something gone wrong? Had they been ambushed by orcs? What if they had all died just because Boromir had left? No, this would not do to ponder over. He must forget and move on. Tithe rolled over by his feet, startling him out of his dream. He scolded himself; he should be keeping a better watch over her. He had to, for his brother's sake.
Soon the morning was dawning and the sun's rays were peeking out at him. He shook Tithe gently and started to make a quick breakfast for them. When they reached the Falls he would have a quick look for signs that they had been there. If they hadn't he would go back and seek signs of anyone's survival. He had to.
The sun was on its quest up the sky when Aragorn and the others finally set off. The River was fast flowing and the boats needed little paddling, though it was tough for Aragorn to keep the second boat under control and at times Merry and Pippin had a rough ride, but they seemed to enjoy it as both were quite used to being on the water. They had no time to stop for a break and so they ate while on a quiet stretch of water, though still going at a fairly fast pace. Although the others didn't notice Aragorn kept a close lookout for Boromir and Tithe, often sailing quite close to the bank to have a quick check for signs. But he found none at those particular points. Soon the noise of the Falls could be heard and they all paddled harder, spurred on by that encouraging noise. They rounded a corner and there they were.
The water speeded up and Aragorn quickly swung the boats into an alcove. The sun was on its path down to setting as they all took a break. Legolas came over to him.
"We must leave now."
"No," he countered, "orcs patrol the Eastern shore; we must wait for cover of darkness."
"It does not feel right. Too much evil is here I feel."
Merry came back with a pile of firewood for Gimli. He dusted himself off and looked round.
"Where's Frodo?"
Sam jolted up and Legolas scanned the woods.
"He said he was going for a walk to clear his mind. But he has been gone a while. I will go look for him." Aragorn set off. Sam snuck off in the opposite direction.
Aragorn found Frodo at the Seeing Seat. He was on the ground, the Ring in his hand.
"Frodo?" he asked, concerned for the Hobbit.
"Stay away!" He picked himself up and ran away from the Ranger.
"Frodo." He followed him at a safe distance. He saw what was wrong in the Hobbit's eyes. He was scared Aragorn was going to take the Ring, just like it had taken Boromir. "I swore to protect you."
"Can you protect me from yourself?" His voice was shrill and tinged with fear. He held out the Ring on his hand towards Aragorn. "Would you destroy it?"
Aragorn stared down at the Ring, that simple band of gold that had already caused so much pain and grief to so many people. It had caused the downfall of his name, it had caused the mistrust of his city, but maybe he could change that. He walked towards the ring as if in a trance, his hand outstretched towards it. For a terrifying moment Frodo was afraid Aragorn had been tempted.
But the memory of Boromir's face as he came out of his stupor rang clear in his mind and at the last minute he knelt down and closed Frodo's hand around the Ring, covering it in his own. He knew what Frodo was going to do.
"I would have gone with you to the end. Into the very fires of Mordor."
"I know. Look after the others for me, especially Sam, he will not understand."
Aragorn nodded sadly. He bowed his head-and noticed that Sting was glowing. Standing up and pulling his sword in one fluid motion he told Frodo to go.
"Go Frodo!"
Frodo glanced at his sword and looked uncertainly at Aragorn.
"Run! Go!"
The Hobbit took off. Aragorn went out to face the mass of orcs heading his way.
The army was massive, but it did not bear the Red Eye of Sauron, sporting a White Hand over their faces. Saruman, he guessed. They were in broad daylight and not afraid of the sun. It must be Saruman; he had been casting some sort of spell on his orcs.
He brought his sword out in front of his face, a final blessing before ducking the first attack from the orcs.
Legolas heard the approaching orcs.
"Quick! Orcs! Gimli get your axe! Merry, Pippin, Sam-where is Sam?"
"I think he went off to look for Frodo."
"We will have to look for him on the way, Merry, Pippin stay close to us."
But the Hobbits were off.
"Quick, we must go look for Aragorn. Come Gimli." He ran on ahead and Gimli followed.
They ran out to the Seeing Seat and found Aragorn engaged furiously in battle. They rushed to help him but the orcs were running past them at the orders of their leader. The 2 Hunters tried to stop them but the orcs had the advantage in numbers. How ever many Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli managed to kill there was always more, blocking their path so their fellow orcs could run past. Aragorn's sword was bloody and he was tired and covered with nicks and cuts from the orc blades. A particularly resistant orc to dying was currently challenging him. His strength was wearing away and the orc seemed to have the upper hand.
His hand was round his neck, forcing him backwards. Legolas was busy firing arrows at around 20 orcs who were either trying to escape or kill him. At last he turned and saw Aragorn in trouble. His blows against the armour were getting weaker by the minute. An arrow through the orc's back stopped that problem. Aragorn took a moment to re-sheath his dagger and catch his breath while Legolas asked if he was okay.
Suddenly a low horn blast echoed round. Aragorn jerked his head up in surprise.
"The Horn of Gondor!" Legolas' voice also betrayed his surprise.
"Boromir!"
Aragorn ran forward, brushing past Legolas. Where had he come from? He would only blow his Horn if he was in serious trouble. Had he come across the orcs also? Tithe, what about Tithe? Was she hurt? Thoughts swirled around his head as he ran past the orcs, killing whoever stood in his path. Where was he?
Boromir and Tithe had reached the Falls only minutes before the Fellowships boats came in sight. Luckily he spotted them quickly. Pulling Tithe down into a clump of bushes he quickly told her he had seen them. The Fellowship would leave at nightfall he knew that, and go through Eymn Muil. All they had to do was wait a couple more hours. They would most likely stick close to the shore and the boats. If they stayed inland and in the bushes they would be fine. Boromir didn't want to run into Aragorn or any of the others. Tithe nodded and followed him up into the bushes. They could still see the Fellowship from where they crouched. At first it looked normal. Merry went to collect firewood and Aragorn was discussing something with Legolas. But something seemed wrong.
All at once Aragorn dashed off into the woods and didn't return. Sam also disappeared. Then Legolas heard something and turned to the others. Merry and Pippin ran off while Gimli followed Legolas in the direction Aragorn had gone. Boromir went cold. Something was wrong. The sounds of battle reached his ears. He grabbed his sword and turned to Tithe.
"Tithe, I have to go see if the others need me. You must stay here, there are orcs about. If they come near where then you must run and find somewhere else to hide. I will come back for you. I will not leave you."
He got up and jumped out of the bush and ran after Merry and Pippin. Aragorn and the others could handle themselves but Merry and Pippin weren't skilled with a sword, not against orcs anyway. He ran and ran searching for them till a small cry of help reached his ears. He looked over a statue and saw the 2 small hobbits, his Little ones, standing defenceless on a small bridge with orcs coming at them from each side. The nearest one held an axe loft above his head, a grin breaking his face, making him look even uglier.
Boromir gave a cry of anguish and ran at full speed towards him. The axe was quickly dispensed of, as was the orc's head from his body.
The orcs were quickly around them and Boromir steered them slowly away from the bridge, into a clearer area for fighting. The orcs weren't very bright and only came at the Man in ones or twos, which Boromir could deal with easily. Merry and Pippin helped when they could but left most of the fighting to the professional. But the orcs kept on coming and Boromir was beginning to get tired. His lack of sleep the night before was catching up on him and soon he would be running on adrenaline alone.
He decided to risk seeing Aragorn again and took the Horn hanging by his hip and blew on it. It rang around the clearing and the orcs seemed to fear it. Boromir knew it would never bring the armies from Gondor that the Horn so promised but the orcs didn't seem to know that. They hung back for a few minutes before it dawned on them that the armies wouldn't come.
They rushed back at Boromir with renewed confidence. The snatched moments of rest had done wonders for Boromir and he fought back at them harder than before. He kept glancing at the hill top from where the orcs poured to see if Aragorn or Legolas or even Gimli were coming. He was disappointed every time.
Aragorn rushed through the orcs, pushing forward but they held him back. At this rate Boromir would think he wasn't coming. But he was. Hang on, please Boromir, he tried to communicate mentally with the Gondorian.
And suddenly the balance changed. Boromir was no longer in control of the battle as the orc's leader stepped over the hill. He wasn't rushing; he wasn't hurrying down to kill his enemy. He knew Boromir was doomed and he was taking his time, playing with his prey.
Boromir didn't notice him as he was too busy with some of the orcs challenging him. His first hint that death was near was the arrow embedding itself into his chest. He gasped in shock and pain. He looked down as if he didn't quite believe it was there. He took a breath and found he could still breathe easily. His strength hadn't failed him, he could still fight and boy was he going to. He risked a glance at his killer, a huge beast, ambling down the hillside, obviously quite proud with his work, his smirk faded just a little as Boromir stood up and killed another orc in a swift move. He carried on, with the arrow sticking out of him, but he didn't seem to notice it.
The orc raised his bow again and notched another arrow. He took careful aim and fired. Boromir didn't even feel anything as the 2nd arrow pierced his chest. He merely looked down and glanced at it before turning to beat down another attacker. Merry and Pippin were watching him stunned. How could he keep going? The stones they were holding in their hands fell to the ground, unnoticed. More and more orcs kept coming and Boromir battled on steadily but the Hobbits could see, that even with his strength, he couldn't carry on forever.
Yet another arrow found its mark in Boromir's chest. This time he stopped and looked down. He knew that someone who had 3 arrows in his chest couldn't carry on fighting. His knees buckled under him and he fell to the ground. No goddam it! He had to get back up and defend the Hobbits. He moved his leg and almost fell right over. He struggled to get his balance back. It was useless. His sword hung limply by his side, when only moments before he had been plunging it into orcs. His head hung in defeat and he couldn't even raise his head to look as Merry and Pippin were taken away by the orcs.
He had failed them; he had failed them even when he had been away from the Ring. The orc feet rushed past him, a blur to his failing sight, but one pair didn't. They walked slowly and deliberately towards him and stopped infront of him. Boromir looked up through the hair framing his face. There he was, bow in hand, arrow notched, aiming towards his heart. This was it, he couldn't stop death now.
But oh God where was Tithe? Had she been taken? Where was she? Would she go out looking for Aragorn and the others or would she stay and wonder why he hadn't come back for her? His breath was coming in shorter breaths now, and he was finding it difficult to focus on anything. But he wasn't going to die cowardly. Mustering up all his remaining strength he looked up at the gruesome creature towering over him. It drew the bow which creaked under the strain. He thought he could hear a rustling in the bushes coming nearer but as the orc didn't seem to notice he put it down to the blood rushing in his ears.
Just as the orc was about to release his arrow a black blur came rushing infront if his vision. Was this death? It didn't feel like death should, there was still pain in his chest and light with colours was still dancing in front of his eyes.
He looked up and saw Aragorn fighting with the orc. He took advantage of this and managed to pull himself over to a tree and rested against it. The fight was short and over quickly for the orc. Aragorn sliced of his right arm before plunging Anduril deep into his stomach. The orc reached out and pulled it deeper before Aragorn, in one swift move, whipped his sword out and cut off his head. He looked round for a moment, gathering his breath, before running over the mountains of orcs to Boromir.
"Boromir, you came back. Where...how…?"
"We...arrived just before…you came. We hid…but I heard the orcs…and I went after…Merry and Pippin…the Hobbits, they took the Hobbits. You have to go after them."
"Shh, stay still. The arrows will go deeper if you move."
"Leave them, it is over for me."
"Not yet, you have to go and wait for Tithe."
"No, I'm dying…I can feel it. I can hardly breathe. Go look for the Hobbits. Promise me you will look for the Hobbits." He coughed and blood spilled out of the corner of his mouth.
"I would have followed you…my brother…my captain…my…King"
Tears formed in Aragorn's eyes. He truly believed in him, he felt touched. Boromir's face went paler and his chest slowed and stopped. Aragorn bowed his head, leant forward and placed a kiss on Boromir's forehead, a last goodbye in Gondor's tradition.
"We must give him a…" A voice in his mind had stopped him. Galadriel. What was she doing here?
'Aragorn, I know this is hard but you must leave Boromir where he is. Someone will be along for him. Go, fulfil his last wish, and go after the hobbits. They need you. You must not argue with me, go or the chance will be lost. The orcs move fast and you must move faster to overtake them.'
However much he wanted to argue with the voice, however much he thought it was wrong, he didn't voice those opinions. He got up from where he was kneeling over Boromir. The King in him took over his personal feelings. Turning he walked away from the body of his former friend, knowing that if he looked back all would be lost.
"Come Legolas, Gimli, we must follow the Hobbits. They need us."
"Aragorn, what about Boromir's body? And Tithe? We can not just leave her here. We must do something. And Frodo, where did Frodo go?"
"Frodo went to Mordor alone; I presume Sam went with him. This is no time to argue with me Legolas; if you trust my leadership you will follow me now. Please, I do not want to do this but it is my duty, do not make it harder for me, I beg you. I will explain further on in our journey. Come let us go."
Legolas glanced at Gimli and the dwarf gave a short nod. He didn't like it but he trusted Aragorn with his life, and if Aragorn said they had to go, then go they would.
"Very well Aragorn lets go."
They left the clearing, taking only a small amount of food with them to keep them going. In a few minutes they were far out of sight.
Tithe crept out of the bush she was crouching in. Tears streaked her face. He was dead. She had failed. She gingerly moved towards him, lying there so still, surrounded by those murderous creatures. She crawled on her knees to his side and looked at his face. It was pale and lifeless. Putting her hand on his chest she checked for any little sign of life. To her shock and joy there was a flutter of a heart beat. He was unconscious but still alive, just.
Leaning down to his mouth she could feel the faint breath against her cheek. She had to move him, she couldn't leave him here. Lothlorien was the nearest option but how was she going to carry him to a boat, paddle upstream against the River and keep him alive? He was twice her size and a hell of a lot heavier. And she wasn't that strong. Suddenly she was hit with the urge to run back to the shore where the Fellowship had left their boats.
Deciding to trust her instincts she ran with all her speed down to the shore. Her mouth fell open. There, floating majestically down the River was a host of Elves, and in the foremost boat was Haldir, the elf who had lead them into Lothlorien. He raised a hand in greeting and the boats pulled round towards her. Haldir leapt gracefully down from his boat and bowed in front her.
"We are here with the compliments of the Lady of the Golden Wood. She knows your situation and we are here to transport Boromir, son of Gondor, back to Lothlorien where his wounds can be seen to. He has the best chance of survival if he comes with us. Would you lead us to him?"
"Of course, but hurry he seems like life will leave him any second. This way."
6 Elves followed bearing a stretcher with them. She ran back through the mass of dead bodies to Boromir's body and checked his heart, still beating. The elves surrounded him quickly and gently lifted his body onto the stretcher. They poured a little of a clear liquid into his mouth and his breathing became slightly easier. Then they bore him quickly away to the boats.
"How long do you think he will last? I mean it's a 3 day journey at least back to Lothlorien. Will he survive?"
"It will not be so long, a couple of hours at the most. The Lady has some control over this River and will help us along with our journey. Now come we must go."
To be continued…