Disclaimer:I own neither Gollum, Frodo, Sam, Lord of the Rings, or your will to stop reading this story right now. So there. Now read.
You are Lost
Chapter 1: The Darkness
"I won't sit around and wait for him to murder us!" Sam declared. His eyes were begging with his master, and the Ringbearer's heart was torn in two. His mind groped for a compromise and stress began to build upon his spirit. Sam's eyes seemed to burn into him; Frodo wanted desperately to be out of this trouble. He desired to get out of this situation, but could do nothing. Nothing except . . . Frodo's hand unconsciously slunk toward the one ring. Sam glanced at their companion, the slimy former hobbit-like creature now known as Gollum. He appeared ready to pounce, a cat stalking a bird, prepared to make a kill. Then Gollum's eyes dilated and he shrieked horribly. Sam turned to see that Frodo had disappeared. In his place was nothing but air. Gollum began the chase.
"Get away, you!" Sam hollered, drawing his sword. Gollum screamed, and scampered away, lost in the darkness. Then Sam heard a scream from the opposite direction. He raced toward it, praying his master was safe.
"Frodo" He called. A whimper from a deep pit ahead was all he heard. He scurried down the edge, groping in the dark. His hand rested on a slimy body. An orc! He turned away in disgust.
"I'm here, Sam," a pained whisper came from the left. Sam's right hand rested on the soft skin of the Ringbearer.
"Are you all right?" he asked fearfully.
"I don't know. I'll try to walk," Frodo winced as he rose, leaning heavily on Sam. "Nothing is broken," Yet something in his master's voice caused Sam to worry. He wanted to see him, for he sounded as if he weren't well. That would have to wait until morning, though.
Somehow the journey upward seemed much more difficult than the slide down. Sam reached the top first, and waited anxiously for Frodo. After quite some time, he called down. There was no answer.
"Mr. Frodo!" Sam yelled, alarm evident in his voice.
"I'm . . . all right" Sam barely heard the labored reply.
"Take my hand," he ordered. Moments later Frodo found the extended limb and took it in his hand. Sam heaved his master up. Both Hobbits collapsed. Frodo shivered violently, drawing his elven cloak about him. Instants later, sweat poured from his brow. He closed his eyes, bringing the ring close to his neck, his hand secure about it. This was going to be a long night.
