So I know I said I would be working on the new Dragon Trainer, Dragon Speaker to post this weekend, but now I'm not sure if that is going to happen. So to make things up to you and give you something to read this weekend, I decided to post this chapter. This is actually going to finish out The Fellowship of the Ring.
During their time in Lothlórien, Ricky was usually at the training grounds with whoever was there. Many of the Elves were interested in the odd way the boy fought. During the spars, the Elves learned that Ricky liked to attack from below or from their blind spots, using his agility and flexibility. Rúmil was all right and introduced Ricky to Orophir, his and Haldir's other brother. Like Rúmil, Orophir spoke little Common Tongue, but they made it work. They took the time to show Ricky different techniques with his daggers and took him to the archery range to practice.
The Elves also took it upon themselves to challenge Ricky's skills in overcoming obstacles one may encounter while in a battle. This ended with several colorful curses from Ricky each time he missed catching a tree branch or slipping on a rock. Once he even fell off a wall when he was trying to roll the length of it. After getting the breath back in him, he went back and did the trick again just to prove he could do it. However, Aragorn was helping him wrap his ankle that night when he didn't tell the Elves he had twisted it on the second attempt.
Ricky was also putting on weight. The Elves were always giving him snacks after training, usually apples. One Elf joked that Ricky was like a horse; hard-working and loves apples. Ricky planted his boot in the Elf's behind when it was his turn to spar.
While the Fellowship rested, they dealt with their grief. Ricky was quick to get over Gandalf's death, along with Boromir and Aragorn. Gimli came to terms with what happened in Moria was not his fault. Legolas was hurt deeply by the loss as Elves are immortal and Legolas had known Gandalf for many years. Frodo, Sam, and Merry understood they would never see Gandalf's fireworks again. It was Pippin who was taking it the hardest. He blamed himself for Gandalf's death.
Frodo was sleeping better. The Ring did not torment him during the time they spent with the Elves. It still felt heavy at times, but the whispers were at a minimum. This could have been because of the Elves' magic or it could have been the mantra Ricky made him recite every night before he went to sleep which made him ignore the whispers.
One night at dinner, Aragorn said, "We leave at dawn. We have spent too much time here."
"How long have we been there?" asked Merry.
"A month," replied Aragorn.
"A month?" the Hobbits repeated.
Ricky, Gimli, and Boromir stared at Aragorn like he was crazy.
"It is because of Galadriel's power," Legolas explained. "We do not notice the passage of time."
Aragorn gave a small nod. "Get some rest tonight. Tomorrow, we leave on the boats to the Anduin River."
When they were finished eating, they packed their things so there was less to do in the morning. The Hobbits went to bed first with Ricky making Frodo do his mantra and then singing his lullaby to him. Once they were asleep, Ricky got up and moved over to Boromir.
"So," Ricky started.
Boromir looked at Ricky.
"Ready for tomorrow?" Ricky asked.
"Are you?" asked Boromir.
"Yeah, I'm ready," Ricky replied easily.
Boromir snorted. "You sound overconfident. Do you understand the danger we are walking into?"
"Not fully," Ricky replied. "But I get that I could die at any moment."
Boromir shook his head. "Does your life truly mean so little to you?"
"In the scheme of things, yes, my life doesn't mean much," replied Ricky. "What matters is that Frodo gets to Mount Doom and destroys the Ring. We promised that we would help him reach that goal no matter what. Or did you forget that?"
"No, I did not," Boromir answered. "But this quest is hopeless."
"It only seems hopeless," said Ricky.
"Gandalf is dead," said Boromir. "Without him, I cannot see us finishing this quest."
Ricky gave a frustrated groan and fell back in the grass where he sat. After a moment, he said, "You know, I don't put Frodo through that mantra every night for the fun of it. He has to remember why he is doing this. Maybe I need to come up with one for you."
"I do not need one," Boromir insisted.
Ricky thought for a moment. "'When you think all is forsaken, listen to me now: all is not forsaken. You need never feel broken again. Sometimes darkness can show you the light.'"
Ricky got up and brushed himself off. "Let me know if you want to hear more of it." He walked away.
Galadriel was just off behind a tree. Ricky glanced up at her when he walked by.
"I would like to hear more of it," Galadriel told Ricky.
"It's from a song," Ricky explained. "I'm not that great of a singer."
"You do not have to sing it," said Galadriel.
Ricky took a moment to remember the words and began to tell Galadriel how he came to first hear them.
It was a chilly night and Ricky was hungry. It was about eleven o'clock and many restaurants were already closed. However, it was a weekend and the Starbucks would only begin to start to close now.
Ricky found the door was still unlocked and went into to the coffee shop.
"We're closing in a few minutes," a barista called from behind the counter.
"If I help you close, can you give me some of da food dat's gonna be t'rown out?" Ricky asked.
The barista looked up.
Ricky had his cleanest clothes on and he had showered that morning at a youth center. He didn't look like he was homeless, just that he had a rough night.
The barista thought about it. "I'm a person short. Can you wash dishes?"
Ricky nodded. "Just tell me what needs to be washed."
A second barista brought the dishes to the back.
Ricky rolled up his sleeves and started washing out the tea jugs. Someone had a rock station playing on the radio that sat above the sink.
"Like an unsung melody, the truth is waiting there for you to find it," came the lyrics through the speakers. "It's not a blight, but a remedy; a clear reminder of how it began. Deep inside your memory; turned away as you struggled to find it. You heard the call as you walked away; a voice of calm from within the silence. And for what seemed an eternity, you're waiting, hoping it would call out again. You heard the shadow reckoning, then your fears seemed to keep you blinded. You held your guard as you walked away. When you think all is forsaken, listen to me now (all is not forsaken): you need never feel broken again. Sometimes darkness can show you the light.
"An unforgivable tragedy; the answer isn't where you think you'd find it. Prepare yourself for the reckoning for when your world seems to crumble again. Don't be afraid, don't turn away. You're the one who can redefine it. Don't let hope become a memory. Let the shadow permeate your mind and reveal that thoughts that were tucked away, so that the door can be opened again. Within your darkest memories lies the answer if you dare to find it. Don't let hope become a memory. When you think all is forsaken, listen to me now (all is not forsaken): you need never feel broken again. Sometimes darkness can show you the light.
"Sickening, weakening; don't let another somber pariah consume your soul. You need strengthening, toughening; it takes an inner dark to rekindle the fire burning in you. Ignite the fire in you. When you think all is forsaken, listen to me now (all is not forsaken): you need never feel broken again. Sometimes darkness can show you the light. Don't ignore. Listen to me now (all is not forsaken): you need never feel broken again. Sometimes darkness can show you the light."
The song faded out before the DJ came on. "That was Disturbed with "The Light" and before that was Five Finger Death Punch "Bad Company" and Evanescence's "Bring Me To Life". My name is -."
Ricky couldn't hear anymore because he turned the hot tap on to rinse out the jugs he finished with.
When the dishes were done, the barista gave him the unwrapped food that couldn't be donated, even heating a breakfast sandwich up so he could have hot eggs and ham. Ricky wrapped up the rest the best he could and took it back to where he was staying for the week.
At dawn, the Fellowship stood by the Silverlode River. Several Elves stood in front of them and fastened green-grey cloaks around their shoulders held in place with a green, silver-veined leaf pin. Celeborn fastened Aragorn's himself.
"Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people," said Celeborn. "May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes."
Galadriel then came forward, bearing gifts for the Fellowship. To Legolas, she gave an elegant bow. "My gift for you, Legolas, is a bow of the Galadhrim. Worthy of the skill of our woodland kin."
Legolas tested the bow.
She moved to Merry and Pippin. She gave them each a dagger. "These are the daggers of the Noldorin. They have already seen service in war." She looked at Pippin. "Do not fear, young Peregrin Took. You will find your courage."
Sam was next. She handed him a length of rope. "And for you, Samwise Gamgee, Elven rope made of hithlain."
"Thank you, my lady," he said with a bow. He glanced over at Merry and Pippin. "Have you run out of those nice, shiny daggers?" he asked hesitantly.
Galadriel smiled.
Sam looked down in embarrassment.
Galadriel stepped over to Gimli. "And what gift would a Dwarf ask of the Elves?"
Gimli shook his head. "Nothing." He looked up at her. "Except to look upon the lady of the Galadhrim one last time for she is more fair than all the jewels beneath the earth."
Galadriel laughed.
Gimli scowled at himself and turned away. He turned back. "Actually, there was one thing. No, no, I couldn't. It's quite impossible. Stupid to ask."
"Ask," Galadriel said softly. She leaned over for Gimli to whisper in her ear. She smiled and combed her fingers through her hair.
After Gimli came Aragorn.
"I have nothing greater to give than the gift you already bear." She touched the shining pendant around his neck. "For her love, I fear the grace of Arwen Evenstar . . . will diminish."
"I would have her leave these shores, and be with her people. I would have her take the ship to Valinor," Aragorn said.
"That choice is yet before her. You have your own choice to make, Aragorn," Galadriel informed him. "To rise above the height of all your fathers since the days of Elendil or to fall into darkness with all that is left of your kin. Namárië."
Aragorn bowed his head.
Galadriel lifted his chin with her fingers. "There is much you have yet to do. We shall not meet again, Elessar."
Galadriel moved to Boromir. She handed him a solid gold belt shaped like linked golden leaves. Tied to the belt was a small pouch with a golden charm. "For you, Boromir, I give you this belt of gold, and the chance to see the hope that remains. Keep it close."
To Ricky, she gave a pair of Elvish boots. They were made for tiny feet such as Ricky's and they were very light.
"For one so nimble, special boots are needed. Your feet will never tire as long as your spirit stays strong."
Ricky took the boots. "Thank you," he whispered.
Galadriel tipped Ricky's chin up to make eye contact. "Remember, let your actions speak for you, not your appearance."
Ricky actually smiled at that.
Finally it was Frodo's turn. In her hand was a crystal phial. "I give you the light of Eärendil, our most beloved star." Galadriel bent over and kissed Frodo's head. "May it be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out."
Celeborn took Aragorn aside while the others loaded and got into three small boats. "Every league you travel south, the danger will increase," Celeborn told him. "Mordor Orcs now hold the eastern shore of the Anduin. Nor will you find safety on the western bank. Strange creatures bearing the White Hand have been seen on our borders. Seldom do Orcs journey in the open under the sun, yet these have done so."
Celeborn handed Aragorn a curved dagger.
Aragorn unsheathed the dagger. It was a beautiful, deadly work of art.
"You are being tracked."
Aragorn sheathed the dagger.
"By river you have the chance of outrunning the enemy to the Falls of Rauros," Celeborn continued.
They packed up the rest of their things in the boats. Aragorn would take Frodo and Sam, Boromir would take Merry and Pippin, and Legolas would take Gimli and Ricky.
Ricky sat at the front of their boat and heard Gimli grumbling.
"I have taken my worst wound at this parting having looked my last upon that which is fairest. Henceforth I will call nothing fair unless it be her gift to me."
"What was it?" Legolas asked.
"I asked for one hair from her golden head," Gimli said. "She gave me three."
Legolas smiled.
Ricky turned around to look at Gimli. It was difficult to read his expression now that he was wearing his goggles and knit hat again.
"Oh, don't give me that look, lad," snapped Gimli. "I wasn't asking your opinion."
"I didn't say a word," Ricky defended. His mouth twisted upwards. "But that was so sweet of you, Gimli."
Gimli scoffed.
"I mean it," Ricky insisted. "If some guy said that to me, I would be flattered. 'Course, livin' in New York, I would probably have to tell him go screw himself. Chances are that guy only had one thing on his mind." He shrugged. "Then again, I don't know human men around here that well, Aragorn and Boromir bein' the only ones I have any contact with."
The three boats eventually joined the Anduin River. Green trees became withered and brown. Birds sent up warning calls and scattered to the grey sky.
They traveled on the river for days, stopping only at night to rest.
On their ninth day on the water, when it was becoming too dark to see, they pulled up the boats on the west shore.
Boromir was hiding behind a rock, watching the river. A log floated slowly down the river, but there was a small hand holding onto it. There was something following them.
Aragorn came up behind Boromir. "Gollum," he said quietly. "He has tracked us since Moria. I had hoped we would lose him on the river. But he is too clever a waterman."
The log settled on the eastern shore, caught on other river debris.
"And if he alerts the enemy to our whereabouts, it will make the crossing even more dangerous," said Boromir.
At the campfire, Frodo was listening to the two Men.
"Have some food, Mr. Frodo," Sam said.
"No, Sam," Frodo told him.
"You haven't eaten anything all day." Sam moved to sit with Frodo. "You're not sleeping, neither. Don't think I haven't noticed. Mr. Frodo."
"I'm all right."
"But you're not. I'm here to help you," said Sam. "I promised Gandalf that I would."
Frodo turned to Sam. "You can't help me, Sam. Not this time. Now get some sleep." He turned away again.
Sam saw he was getting nowhere tonight and left him alone.
Ricky, however, had a different idea. He came to kneel in front of Frodo. "What is the Ring?"
Frodo sighed. "Not now, Ricky."
Ricky put one hand on Frodo's shoulder. "What is the Ring?" he asked sternly.
Frodo stared up at Ricky with wide eyes. He then turned his gaze to his feet. "Evil," he responded quietly.
"And what are you?"
"Good."
"What does the Ring carry?"
"Empty promises."
"And you?"
"Love and hope."
"In your heart," Ricky added, poking Frodo in the chest to remind him. "And don't you forget it. Because from here on out, whatever happens to any of us, you fight like hell to get to Mordor and back. You got that?"
Frodo nodded.
"Good." Ricky gave his shoulder a slap. "Now get something to eat."
"I'm not hungry," Frodo told him.
"If you don't eat, I don't eat," Ricky said.
Frodo stared at Ricky. "All right." He got up and dished a little stew out of the pot. He didn't want to eat, but with Ricky watching him, he didn't want to starve him. After finishing his small portion, he went to where he had his bedroll set up near the fire.
Boromir turned away from the rock. "Minas Tirith is the safer road. You know that. From there we can regroup. Strike out for Mordor from a place of strength."
"There is no strength in Gondor that can avail us," said Aragorn.
"You were quick enough to trust the Elves," Boromir snapped.
Aragorn said nothing.
"Have you so little faith in your own people?" Boromir asked desperately. "Yes, there is weakness. There is frailty. But there is courage also, and honor to be found in Men. But you will not see that."
Aragorn turned away only to be grabbed by his tunic by Boromir.
"You are afraid!" said Boromir.
From the small campfire, Frodo was awake and listening. He wasn't the only one. Ricky crawled over to Frodo and sat by his head with his fingers in Frodo's hair.
"Let me worry about this," Ricky whispered to him.
"All your life you have hidden in the shadows," said Boromir. "You are scared of who you are, of what you are."
Aragorn calmly fixed his tunic and turned away from Boromir. "I will not lead the Ring within a hundred leagues of your city."
Frodo felt Ricky pat his head and heard him get up.
Boromir passed Ricky as Ricky made his way over to Aragorn. "He is hopeless!" he hissed to Ricky.
Ricky glared at him, but said nothing.
He stopped by Aragorn as he went through his pack on the boat. "Wanna talk about it?"
Aragorn looked over his shoulder. "There is little to say."
"Bullshit. You're not one to get worked up over nothin'."
"You would not understand," Aragorn tried to deflect.
"If you say I'm too young to understand, I'm goin' to have to hit you," Ricky cut in.
Aragorn was quiet for a moment. "What do you know about the Ring?"
"Created by Sauron, got cut off his finger during a battle, and someone named Isildur picked it up and was supposed to destroy it but didn't."
"Isildur is my ancestor," Aragorn told Ricky. "His blood is in my veins."
"So what?"
"I share the same weakness," Aragorn said.
Ricky snorted. "There's no way you're that stupid."
Aragorn blinked.
"You share blood. So what?" Ricky went on. "My great-great-great-grandfather could have been in politics, but could you see me doing somethin' like that? You're Aragorn, not Isildur, dumbass. And if you are, then I'm a frickin' Orc."
Aragorn chuckled a little at that. "Arwen also told me I was not Isildur."
"Smart lady," said Ricky. "You should listen to her."
Aragorn smiled.
"Hey." Ricky's demeanor became serious. "You may share blood and you may share the same weakness, but unlike Isildur, if I think for one minute you're gonna become like him, I'm puttin' an arrow in your ass. And don't think I won't."
"You sound so confident," said Aragorn.
"Somebody's gotta be with all the negativity I've been hearin'," Ricky replied.
He started to walk away, but stopped. "Aragorn?"
Aragorn paused in what had turned to do.
"I know I didn't talk to many of the Elves in Rivendell, but I'm not stupid. Arwen loves you. And you love her. I saw you two when we left Rivendell. You need to stay alive to see her again. Just remember that if gettin' shot in the ass doesn't discourage you enough."
Ricky went back to sit with Frodo. He glanced at the others and saw Pippin was still awake. He crawled over to him.
"What's wrong?"
"It's my fault," whimpered Pippin.
"What was?" asked Ricky. "Gandalf?"
Pippin nodded.
"It's not your fault," Ricky said. "I'm gonna tell you what I told Legolas: you can blame nobody or you can blame everybody. Everythin' had a hand in what happened in Moria. Yeah, you knocked the skeleton down, but I wasn't fast enough to catch it. If there wasn't a storm, we could have crossed the mountains. If it wasn't those frickin' birds, we never would have had to cross the mountains early. Pippin, there were a lot of things we couldn't do anythin' about. This ain't your fault."
Pippin gazed up at Ricky with large eyes. "You really think that?"
"Hell yeah, I know it," Ricky said. "Now get some sleep."
Pippin closed his eyes. "Ricky, can you sing again? That yay-yay-yay song?"
Ricky nodded. "She sang for you last night, she heard you were callin', yearnin' in tears a thousand times. Your spirit was floatin', your spirit was searchin' on a cloud of dreams. A moon beam shines bright in the city of angels, guidin' the dreamers back to life. And they'll do the same every tomorrow, 'til the pain subsides."
After his song, Ricky went to sleep himself.
There was shouting from below the bedroom floor. Ricky looked over at his roommate, a girl about his age. She was crying in the corner. Ricky himself was standing by the door, his arms crossed over his chest.
"He's drunk again," Ricky muttered. He glanced over at his roommate. "Cryin' about it s'not gonna change it."
The girl looked up at Ricky in a rage. Her dark eyes were red from all her crying. "How can you say that?"
"You t'ink I don't know it?" Ricky asked coldly.
"You're a cold bitch, Ricky," the girl snapped.
Ricky didn't take the bait. "Been cawed woise." He turned back to the door.
"How do you do it?" the girl asked.
"Do what?" asked Ricky.
"Keep it together? You're always so calm. I don't think I've seen you angry, just cold."
Ricky turned to her. "'Cause I know nobody ca'es. Nevah did, nevah will, not unless we do somethin' woith anythin'. You get used to it."
The girl sniffed and wiped her eyes on her sleeve. "You just don't care about anyone but yourself?"
"Welcome t' life, Michelle."
Ricky turned away.
It was dark in their room and only becoming darker. It was also getting hotter.
"Ash nazg durbatulûk."
"They will leave you if you tell them."
"Ash nazg gimbatul."
"You will be weak in their eyes. Take the Ring. Use it and show all of Middle Earth what you are capable of."
"Ash nazg thrakatulûk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul!"
The world was on fire.
Ricky threw himself off his bedroll with a dagger in hand. He was soaked in sweat. He whipped around to Frodo to see the Hobbit asleep. His eyes went to the chain at Frodo's neck. His gaze moved lower to where the Ring would be under Frodo's shirt.
"I already told you once," he whispered, glaring at the Ring. "Fuck off, you sonovabitch!"
Ricky rolled over on his bedroll and went back to sleep.
Aragorn and Boromir were still at odds with each other when they got up a few hours later. They didn't speak to one another and Aragorn wouldn't even look at Boromir. In the meantime, Boromir was glaring at Aragorn from across the water.
They were paddling through the rocky gorge as the sun rose.
"Frodo," Aragorn said quietly.
Frodo looked up in front of him.
Two enormous stone statues stood on either side of the river, guarding it, their left hands outstretched to signal someone to stop. In their right hands were their swords.
"The Argonoth," Aragorn said in awed.
They all stared up at the silent sentinels.
"Long have I desired to look upon the kings of old . . . my kin," Aragorn said almost said to himself.
"Wow," breathed Ricky.
They all watched in stunned silence as the current took them through the narrow gap at the statues' feet.
Another hour on the water brought them close to the Falls of Rauros. They beached their boats on the west shore.
"We cross the lake at nightfall, hide the boats and continue on foot," Aragorn told them. "We approach Mordor from the North."
"Oh, yes," Gimli said sarcastically. "Just a simple matter of finding our way through Emyn Muil, an impassable labyrinth of razor-sharp rocks. And after that, it gets even better! A festering, stinking marshland as far as the eye can see."
"That is our road," Aragorn told him. "I suggest you take some rest and recover your strength, Master Dwarf."
Gimli bristled. "Recover my -!"
Ricky smiled and filled his water bottle. He slipped it back in his pack. He checked his pockets for his Altoids tin and a ration of lembas bread the Elves had sent with them. In his boots were his straight razor and his multi-tool. The multi-tool was uncomfortable in his right boot, but Ricky was ready to trade comfort for preparedness. Tucked into his waistband was his suture kit. His pack had his spare clothes and food. As often as he brushed off the danger they were going to face, Ricky was not going to let something stupid kill him. From this point on he wasn't going anywhere unarmed and unprepared.
Ricky wandered off to look around. This place used to be a fort or a city or something. It was in ruins now and many of the light grey stones were crumbling and overgrown with vines and trees. He wondered what it would have looked like before now. Would New York look like this eventually if it became abandoned?
"Frodo!" he faintly heard someone call frantically.
Ricky whipped his head around, trying to find the source of the voice. He began running in the direction of the shout.
He found Boromir looking around wildly. "Boromir!"
Boromir turned to Ricky. "Have you seen Frodo?"
"No. I heard you yellin'. What the hell's goin' on?"
Boromir's face was a mask of horror and shame. "I tried to take the Ring from Frodo."
"You what?" Ricky cried, his voice cracking. "You idiot! We gotta find him. Which way did he go?"
"He disappeared," Boromir moaned. "I do not know where he is."
Ricky growled. He stopped and looked around. "Do you hear that?"
Boromir listened.
It was a faint sound and wouldn't have been noticed unless someone really listened. Ricky, who was listening for Frodo, caught it. At first he thought it was just noise on the wind, but it was too rhythmic and repetitive to be just wildlife. Then they heard two voices screaming.
Boromir and Ricky said nothing as they ran towards the shouts. What they found were Merry and Pippin trapped by large, black Orcs. One raised its axe to bring it down on their heads.
Boromir had his sword out and charged up the hill. He blocked the stroke and killed the Orc. Behind him was Ricky, both daggers drawn and a snarl on his face. The two began cutting down the Orcs, protecting Merry and Pippin.
"Move! Move!" Ricky motioned with one hand at the Hobbits.
"Run!" Boromir called to them.
The Hobbits retreated, still keeping close to Ricky and Boromir.
"What the hell are they?" yelled Ricky.
One Orc had a white hand painted on its chest. It spoke. "We are the fighting Uruk-hai. We are the servants of Saruman the Wise, The White Hand: The Hand that gives us man's flesh to eat. We came out of Isengard!"
It was abruptly cut off when Ricky rolled across the ground and jumped up, slamming his dagger into its throat.
"Dat's enough outta you."
Boromir blew his horn. It was three short blasts and Ricky could only think S.O.S.
Ricky killed another Uruk.
Boromir flipped one onto its back before stabbing it. He blew his horn again.
By this time, Merry and Pippin had their small swords out and were fighting alongside Boromir and Ricky.
More Uruk-hai came over the hill in front of them.
"Run!" Boromir ordered. "Run!" He cut off another Uruk's arms before finishing it.
Merry and Pippin retreated while Boromir and Ricky held their ground. The Hobbits grabbed rocks and started pelting the armored head of the Uruk-hai with them.
Ricky was using every trick he knew. He would duck, jump, tumble, anything to get a shot in. Their armor was thick, but weak at the joints. Ricky's best chance for a kill was the throat, which was difficult because he was much shorter than them.
Ricky looked through the mass of Uruk-hai and saw one at the top of the hill with a bow, aiming at them. He looked to see where the arrow was aimed.
"Oh, shit! Boromir!"
Boromir took an arrow in the left shoulder. He sank to his knees.
Merry and Pippin froze in shock.
Ricky was the only one still moving, ducking under a shield and shoving a dagger through an eye. Boromir's injury only spurred Ricky on.
Boromir got to his feet and continued to fight.
Ricky looked up and saw the Uruk coming down from the hill with a bow in its hands. It was drawing an arrow out of its quiver.
"Shit!" Ricky swore again.
The Uruk fired and a second arrow lodged itself in Boromir's abdomen.
Boromir dropped to his knees and looked at the Hobbits. The shock and fear on their innocent faces was clear. Boromir got back up and took down two more Uruk-hai.
Ricky was forcing his way through the Uruk-hai, determined to get to the Uruk archer before it could fire off a third arrow. He could see it was already readying a third arrow. He used all of his strength to shove the Uruk he was fighting into the path of the arrow. It was a direct hit, killing the Uruk instantly.
Though the arrow did not strike him, Boromir went down on his knees for a third time.
Merry and Pippin let out battle cries and charged. The Uruk-hai picked them up and carried them off. Ricky was grabbed as well. His daggers were tossed away. He fought and cursed as he was taken with the Hobbits. Boromir could only watch as they were taken.
The Uruk archer was the only one left. It stood several paces in front of Boromir with his bow aimed at him, intent on killing him. Boromir stared up at it, knowing it was over.
Aragorn came charging into the clearing with his sword in hand. He tackled the Uruk to the ground. They got up and their swords clashed. The Uruk threw Aragorn back against a tree. It threw its shield, the prongs at the bottom embedding into the tree trunk and pinning Aragorn to the tree at the neck. The Uruk ran up to him to cut his head off. Aragorn managed to slip his head under the shield. He kicked the Uruk, but it kicked him harder, knocking him to the ground. It raised its wicked sword over his head. Aragorn rolled and kicked the Uruk again. He drew the dagger Celeborn gave him and stabbed the Uruk in the thigh.
The Uruk roared in pain and punched Aragorn. It picked him up and head-butted him and punched him again. It pulled the dagger out of its thigh with a roar. Aragorn looked up. The Uruk made a show out of licking its blood of the dagger before throwing it at Aragorn. Aragorn batted it away with his sword.
The Uruk picked up its sword and the two blades met again. Aragorn fought hard and cut off the Uruk's sword arm and stabbed it through the stomach. The Uruk snarled and reached out with its remaining arm. It pulled itself down the length of Aragorn's sword and growled in his face. Aragorn pulled his sword out and decapitated the Uruk.
Aragorn ran back to Boromir, who was now lying on his back, gasping for air.
"They took the little ones and Ricky," he said urgently.
"Be still," Aragorn told him gently, trying to stop the worst of the bleeding; the arrow wound in the abdomen.
"Frodo? Where is Frodo?" Boromir asked.
"I let Frodo go," Aragorn answered.
"Then you did what I could not. I tried to take the Ring from him."
"The Ring is beyond our reach now," Aragorn told him.
"Forgive me," said Boromir. "I did not see. I have failed you."
"No, Boromir," said Aragorn. "You fought bravely. You have kept your honor."
Aragorn looked at the wound.
"Leave it," said Boromir. "It is over. The world of Men will fall and all will come to darkness and my city to ruin."
Aragorn shifted his hands to keep pressure on Boromir's wound. "I do not know what strength is in my blood, but I swear to you . . . I will not let the White City fall, nor our people fail."
"Our people," gasped Boromir. "Our people."
Aragorn looked to see what else he could do at the moment for the arrow wounds.
"She said that I had the chance to see the hope I could not see," Boromir said.
Aragorn's head snapped up to Boromir's face. He immediately remembered Galadriel's gift to Boromir. Aragorn reached down and took the pouch with the gold charm from Boromir's belt.
"This is Elvish medicine," Aragorn gasped, looking into the pouch. "Powerful medicine! Her gift to you was great indeed!"
Boromir shook his head. "Go after the Hobbits and Ricky. I would have followed you, my brother . . . my captain, my king."
"And you will follow," Aragorn promised. "You will live. You are strong. We will rescue Merry, Pippin, and Ricky. But we will help you first."
Aragorn looked behind him and saw Legolas and Gimli looking on from a distance. "Legolas, I need boiled water and bandages."
Legolas dashed off to get the items. A few minutes later he returned with bandages and the kettle of water that had been left by the fire before they were attacked.
Aragorn set to work on removing the arrow in Boromir's chest. "Hold him."
Legolas and Gimli helped to hold Boromir still as Aragorn removed the arrow.
It took two hours to get Boromir stable. The arrows were difficult to remove and they were fighting to stop the blood loss. The medicine stopped the bleeding the moment it was applied and was already closing the skin.
Legolas noticed something glimmer in the dirt. Aragorn did not need him at the moment, so Legolas went to see what it was. Laying in the dirt were a pair of daggers. Legolas picked up Ricky's daggers and slipped them in his belt.
Once Boromir's wounds were bandaged, they moved him back to the river to his bedroll.
"We need to hurry," said Legolas. "Frodo and Sam have already reach the eastern shore. If we are quick, we will catch Frodo and Sam before nightfall."
Aragorn said nothing, only knelt over Boromir, trying to get him comfortable.
Boromir looked up weakly at him. "Go," he whispered.
Aragorn looked across the river at the white boat being pulled up on shore and the two Hobbits running. He made no reaction to the scene.
"You mean not to follow them," Legolas realized.
"Frodo's fate is no longer in our hands," said Aragorn.
"Then it has all been in vain," Gimli said. "The Fellowship has failed."
Aragorn stood. He moved over to Legolas and Gimli and put his hands on their shoulders. "Not if we hold true to each other. We will not abandon Ricky, Merry, and Pippin to torment and death, not while we have strength left."
"I will not be able to follow," Boromir called weakly.
They turned to him.
"No," said Aragorn. "You will take the river to Osgiliath. Legolas and I will get one of the boats over the falls. We will carry you to it."
"That will take hours," Boromir protested.
Aragorn shook his head. "They look for your coming from the White Tower. Legolas."
"I will wait at the foot of the falls," Legolas said. He gathered up Merry, Pippin, and Ricky's packs. There was plenty of food and other supplies. "Wait one hour and send the boat over."
"Will the boat survive going over the falls?" Gimli asked, watching Legolas run off.
"These are Elvish vessels, Gimli," Aragorn explained. "They do not sink easily."
Gimli grunted disbelievingly.
Aragorn sat next to Boromir. "Legolas took Merry, Pippin, and Ricky's packs with him. You will have plenty of food. I will check your wounds before we send you off. Hopefully, you will not need your bandages changed until you reach Osgiliath. There is always the risk of fever."
"I live now," Boromir said. "I will not succumb to fever."
"Rest now, Boromir," Aragorn insisted. "We will wake you when we are ready to move you."
Boromir closed his eyes.
Aragorn sent the boat over and hour later and Legolas returned after pulling the boat ashore. In the meantime, Aragorn and Gimli made a litter to transport Boromir and packed up the rest of camp. It was tricky getting Boromir down the almost sheer cliff of the falls.
Aragorn checked Boromir's wounds one last time. "The bleeding has stopped. How are you feeling?"
"Tired," Boromir replied. "I will not be able to paddle."
Aragorn gave an understanding nod. "Let the current take you. If you feel strong enough, paddle only when you must. Do not stop until you get to Osgiliath."
Boromir nodded. "You should wear something of our people." He fumbled with the leather bracers on his arms.
Aragorn removed them and put them on his own arms.
Boromir smiled. "Now you are beginning to look like the king of Gondor."
Aragorn leaned down and gave a kiss on Boromir's brow. "Safe passage, Boromir."
They put him in the boat and shoved it off.
Aragorn turned to Legolas and Gimli. "Leave all that can be spared behind. We travel light. Let's hunt some Orc."
Gimli cheered. "Yes! Ha!"
The three ran off in the direction the Uruk-hai went.
Frodo and Sam stood atop of a high ridge. Before them were the saw-tooth mountains and beyond that was the black sky. Black smoke rose from behind the mountains.
"Mordor!" said Frodo. "I hope the others find a safer road."
"Strider'll look after them," Sam said simply.
"I don't suppose we'll ever see them again."
"We may yet, Mr. Frodo. We may."
"Sam?" Frodo turned to Sam with an affectionate smile. "I'm glad you're with me."
They both smiled and continued their journey.
And the first movie ends here. I actually finished editing this chapter on my smart phone and it's not the best tool to edit with, so please forgive me if a line break looks weird. I'll fix it when I get to a real computer.
Quotes/songs are from Within Temptation "The Last Dance" and Disturbed "The Light".