Disclaimer: I do not own any of the original characters or places, all of that belongs to Tolkien and his estate.
A/N: As always, I must apologize for not updating sooner however April was my last month of school for this year. So now that I'm on break updates should come faster. Thanks for your patience.
Chapter 27-A Step Too Far
A heavy fog rolled in with the sunrise and both shores were so shrouded in mist it was practically impossible to see anything. Almira and I lay silent and still listening to Aragorn and Boromir debate the road ahead. It was decided that Aragorn and Legolas would explore along the shore while the rest of us remained with the boats. They hoped to find a way for us to carry our boats to smoother waters beyond the Rapids. As they turned to leave I fixed Legolas with a stern glance. "Do not get yourself killed," I whispered fiercely. "Never fear," he replied softly, "I will return." I watched anxiously as he and Aragorn climbed the bank, disappearing into the mists. I sat wringing my hands for two to three hours, eyes rarely straying from the point where they had vanished into the mist. They returned around midday and my heart flooded with relief.
Aragorn informed us that they had found an old portage-way which would lead us to smoother waters.
As usual our resident naysayer spoke up and Almira and I shared strained glances. "That would not be easy, even if we were all men," said Boromir. (1)
"Yet such as we are we will try it," said Aragorn. (1)
"Aye, we will," said Gimli. "The legs of Men will lag on a rough road, while a Dwarf goes, be the burden twice his own weight, Master Boromir!" (1) Take that, I added silently, laughing on the inside at Gimli's self-righteous expression.
We unloaded the boats and placed the baggage at the top of the bank. Then Aragorn and Boromir transported the boats one-by-one to the portage-way while the rest of us trailed behind with the baggage. Once at the portage-way where the path was mainly straight and flat, we each took up our boats and moved forward together. We had to make two trips before all our belongings were gathered at the edge of a little pool which prohibited us from walking further. It was decided that we would rest here and that groups of two would take turns keeping watch. Our part of the night passed uneventfully and Almira and I passed our watch on to Legolas and Gimli. We continued our journey as soon as it was fully light and were greeted with rain at mid-morning.
Pulling the skin across our boat to keep it from flooding, I heard Almira muttering darkly, "I hate boating in the rain. And it just had to rain, not like we weren't miserable enough."
I scowled and tried to pull my cloak tighter around me while paddling. Needless to say I wasn't really successful. I added my own silent complaints to Almira's list as we rowed onwards.
The rain thankfully did not last too long, just long enough to drench the entire company. I looked over at Legolas who was completely soaked but still gorgeous. So unfair, I thought. The departure of the clouds had revealed before us a wide ravine with the channel growing narrower and the River swifter. Our speed increased and our boats fell into line as we approached a narrow gap, housed by two huge pillars of stone.
"Behold, the Argonath, the Pillars of the Kings!" cried Aragorn and I felt curiosity stir within me. "We shall pass them soon. Keep the boats in line and as far apart as you can! Hold the middle of the stream!" (1)
As we approached the great statues I felt my awe increase and heard it echoed in Gimli's soft exclamation. They were terrible yet majestic. Stern and foreboding, the left hand of each was raised in a gesture of warning which seemed darkly appropriately. As we passed into the dark chasm of the Gates, I wished only to be freed from its oppressive dimness and the screaming wind. We emerged into wide, bright light and a long, oval lake, Nen Hithoel. We rested for awhile, drifting southwards through the lake and ate some food before hastening on our way. We approached the hills of Tol Brandir, Amon Lhaw and Amon Hen and reached their base after night had fallen. We rested on the lawn of Parth Galen, which stretched from the water's edge to the feet of Amon Hen. We rested fitfully and ate breakfast silently the next morning, our minds consumed by dread. Our path had to be decided, not that it mattered I asserted grimly to myself. It was about to be decided for us. Aragorn called us together when we had finished our meal.
"The day has come at last," he said: "the day of choice which we have long delayed. What shall now become of our Company that has traveled so far in fellowship? Shall we turn west with Boromir and go this way and that as each may choose? Whatever we do must be done soon. We cannot long halt here. The enemy is on the eastern shore, we know; but I fear that the Orcs may already be on this side of the water." (1)
No one spoke or even moved for many long moments.
"Well, Frodo," said Aragorn at last. "I fear that the burden is laid upon you. You are the Bearer appointed by the Council. Your own way you alone can choose. In this matter I cannot advise you. I am not Gandalf, though I have tried to bear his part, I do not know what design or hope he had for this hour, if indeed he had any. Most likely it seems that if he were here now the choice would still wait on you. Such is your fate." (1)
Frodo paused before answering and when he did he spoke slowly. "I know that haste is needed, yet I cannot choose. The burden is heavy. Give me an hour longer, and I will speak. Let me be alone!" (1)
Aragorn looked at him with kindly pity. "Very well, Frodo son of Drogo," he said. "You shall have an hour, and you shall be alone. We will stay here for awhile. But do not stray far or out of call." (1)
Frodo sat for a moment, ignoring Sam's muttering before he got up and walked away. I kept my eyes glued to Boromir. I no longer cared about being discreet. As our Company began to speak of the road ahead, I alone noticed when Boromir slipped away. But I did not call him out, this part I deemed crucial. Frodo has to decide to go on alone. But Boromir did not have to die. I was decided. Soon enough the time would come and confusion would reign. I would be free to follow him. It was only when Sam referenced Minas Tirith that the others realized Boromir had disappeared.
Anxiety was welling up within me, I could feel it emanating off Almira seated beside me. The others dismissed Boromir's disappearance, thinking he had decided to return to his homeland. Legolas turned to me and we shared a worried glance. He obviously suspected that Boromir's absence was not that simple. At that moment, Aragorn declared the hour was well past and it was time to summon Frodo. Suddenly, Boromir reappeared and I heard Almira sigh in relief. I could not feel any such relief. He looked grim and sad and the worst was yet to come. I did not listen to the ensuing conversation as my anxiety had evolved into full-fledged panic. When it was revealed that Boromir had not seen Frodo in an hour, and that he had used the Ring to disappear, panic descended on the rest of the Company as well. Merry and Pippin sprang away into the forest, shouting: Frodo! Frodo! Legolas and Gimli took off running as did Almira, but I waited, rooted to my spot, eyes trained on Boromir. And I followed him when Aragorn ordered him to find and protect Merry and Pippin.
We sped through the forest, tracking the sound of their cries. We reached them after several minutes of sprinting. We slowed as we neared them and they waited for us.
"Come, we shall all search together," Boromir stated, giving me a queer glance, no doubt wondering why I had chosen to accompany him instead of Legolas. "It is not safe for you to wander alone."
As if to punctuate the truth of his words, a black arrow whistled by us and embedded in a tree behind us. Shrill cries reached our ears and my heart began hammering hard. "Back, back to the shore!" Boromir cried, and the Hobbits began to run as Boromir and I readied ourselves for battle. I fitted an arrow to the string of my bow and fired when the first Uruk Hai dashed into view. And as the rest of the horde crested the hill, I realized that trying to save Boromir might very well cost me my life. Our skill was no match against the sheer number of the Uruk Hai. We would soon be overwhelmed. I moved behind Boromir to kill the Uruk Hai he was not engaging. It was not long before my arms were throbbing. I was pushing my archery skills to the limit. And all too soon I ran out of arrows. I stashed my bow and quickly unsheathed my sword. I fell into a rhythm with Boromir as we alternated between fighting and running.
It was during one of the moments when we were running, that he yelled to me, "We will not last much longer we must call for help." He grabbed his horn.
"It will draw them to us," I cried frantically.
"What choice do we have?" Boromir returned desperately as an arrow whizzed by him, barely missing his ear.
I frowned and gave a curt nod, expression grim. He was right, we had no choice. The loud blare of the horn made me start and I picked up my pace. We raced down a hill, Boromir slowing occasionally to sound his horn and hurry the Hobbits forward. We reached a small glade and turned to make our stand. I sliced and hacked as quickly as I could but there seemed to be no end in sight. A whistling sound and a loud thud proved me wrong. I turned and time slowed. There was an arrow protruding from Boromir's chest. My gaze followed the path the arrow had taken and landed on a tall, cruel-looking Uruk Hai wielding a bow. Instinctively I reached for an arrow, only to realize I was out of arrows. I quickly dodged a blow, and returned to dispatching as many orcs as possible, trying to fight my way closer to the one with the bow. But to no avail. I watched as the second arrow pierced Boromir and could not suppress an anguished cry. Merry and Pippin were paralyzed with shock, staring at Boromir as he valiantly continued to fight. I hacked ferociously, a mindless rage having taken hold of me, what I realized later was probably bloodlust. I was surrounded and the last thing I heard before being knocked unconscious was the whistling of the third arrow meant for Boromir.
I awoke with a start as my body slammed into the ground. Opening my eyes, I waited for my vision to come into focus and when it did my eyes widened. "Oh come on!" I cried without thinking.
The Uruk Hai nearest me backhanded me and set my head spinning. "Silence!" it snapped. Terrified, I obeyed. I looked to my left and saw Merry and Pippin staring at me anxiously. I tried to smile, but only ended up grimacing in pain. The beast had given me a split lip. This cannot be happening, I thought, they've got the wrong girl. This thought was closely followed by the realization that Legolas would probably have a heart attack when he discovered I was missing. I did not want to end up as a tasty treat for my captors which seemed the most likely reason I had been kidnapped. Frowning I realized that ironically that was the best option. Because if I had been captured for any other reason it would mean Saruman knew more about me than I was comfortable with. Suddenly, an Uruk Hai loomed over me. "Time to go," it growled, sneering. It hoisted me over its' shoulder as I was too big to be hung from their neck like Merry and Pippin. Shifting uncomfortably, I tried to find a bearable position where the creature's armor was not digging into my stomach. Strength failing I gave up with a sigh. We traveled for hours, all the jostling nearly driving me mad. For the first time in my life I actually wanted to pass out but luck had deserted me. Abruptly we stopped. More Orcs appeared from behind some rocks further up the ravine we were traveling through. I was too far back in the line to have an easy time of making sense of their snarling and I did not particularly care as I already had a good idea of who they were. Suddenly the Orcs caught the scent of 'manflesh' as they so crudely termed it and we were once again on the move. I heard Pippin whisper "Aragorn" and averted my eyes while he pried his pin off his cloak. I did not want to draw attention to his action. I smiled at the thought of Legolas.
"What are you smiling at?" The Uruk behind mine growled. I did not reply, just grinned more obnoxiously and he cuffed me, effectively sending me to sleep.
Once again I was jolted awake by being tossed on the ground and started at the darkness. We had traveled well into the night. "Being treated like a sack of potatoes is getting really old," I grumbled, my whole body throbbing. The rocky terrain was really wreaking havoc on my body. At this point I was practically one giant bruise.
"Psst, Kate." I turned my head to the right and saw Merry and Pippin. I struggled to turn myself onto my right side and promptly discovered my shoulder was dislocated again. I rolled back onto my back breathing harshly. A passing Uruk Hai stopped to give me a kick in the stomach allowing his fellows a good laugh at my expense. Practically sobbing now, I curled up into the fetal position. After a minute or so, I became aware of a soft scratching noise. Turning my head I saw Merry and Pippin inching towards me. I quickly darted a glance at our captors. They were pre-occupied and it looked as if a fight was going to break out. The groaning of the trees alerted me to the fact that we had reached Fangorn Forest. The trees' protest and the grunts of our captors had me seriously on edge.
"Kate, are you alright?" Pippin asked when he reached me, voice barely above a whisper.
"I'll live," I replied shortly. "What about the two of you?"
"We have been better," Merry stated softly.
Before I could reply, we became aware of the fact that the Orcs' were staring at us. "What about them? They're fresh," a scrawny, batlike orc asked. (3)
One of the big Uruks claimed, "They are not for eating." Before we were picked up and dragged out of the way. (3) A quarrel broke out resulting in one of the Orcs being beheaded. We were shoved out of the way as the Orcs turned on each other.
"Let's go," said Merry and we began to crawl away.
Suddenly, Pippin was grabbed and as I turned back I saw the Riders of Rohan. Just then, the one attacking Pip was speared. "Go into the forest," I cried to them as we were being separated in the melee of battle. "You will be safe there." They hesitated. "Go," I urged. "I will be fine. Trust me." They paused one more moment before taking off. I smiled content that this, at least, had gone according to plan then scrambled to my feet. "Take that you cannibalistic bastards," I muttered. I was hoping I was glowing so that the Riders of Rohan would not confuse me for an Orc. Deciding to hedge my bets I moved to the outer rim of the fighting. Needless to say, it was a complete massacre. Slowly I approached the Riders, once they had finished their slaughter…and found myself at the tip of several spears.
A tall, imposing man whose features were shrouded in darkness due to his helmet came forward. "Who are you?" he demanded as he sliced the ties binding my wrists.
I rubbed them gingerly and replied, "My name is...Rodwen." I was hoping they would attribute my slight pause to nerves and not the fact that I had stumbled over my own name. "I was taken captive by these Orcs a few days ago."
"It is rather unusual for a woman to be wandering the world alone," the man, who I assumed was Éomer, stated.
"I am no woman," I stated in my most authoritative voice, and hid my smile at the irony that his sister would later use the same line. "I am an elf." Sort of, I added mentally. He did not look convinced so I pulled back my hair to expose the pointed tip of one ear.
"Are you to be trusted?" Éomer mused, removing his helmet and looking me dead in the eye. "On the one hand, you were obviously a captive given your battered state … but on the other, a lone elf in these parts is highly unusual. Saruman has many spies and in fair guises too."
"That is one question I am afraid I would be unable to answer to your satisfaction as it would require you to trust in my word that I can be trusted, which is rather paradoxical."
"Indeed," he stated and he seemed almost amused which gave me great relief. "Come, I sense no malice in you. You will find respite with us tonight and may travel with us if you wish it."
"I do and I am extremely grateful." I sketched a short bow and swayed. Reaching out a hand to steady me I cried out as Éomer touched my shoulder.
"You are injured?"
"My shoulder is dislocated."
"Then it must be set."
"I was afraid you'd say that," I mumbled as he motioned a healer forward. Gritting my teeth, I managed not to scream as he put my shoulder in place.
"We will not rest this night as it will take most of it to pile and burn the bodies. You may rest while we do so," Éomer stated as the healer wandered off to help dispose of the bodies. Éomer whistled and a horse came towards us. "Sadly, this horse's rider met an untimely end. Fortunately for you, I will gift her to you as well as the supplies she bears for you are in desperate straits."
Geez, don't rub it in. "Again my lord, I am most grateful," I responded.
Eomer simply gave a curt nod in reply before leaving me to attend to his duties.
"Milord," I quickly called and he turned. "What is the horse's name?"
"Braith," Éomer stated with a small grin. "It means 'speckled,'" he finished as he turned to help his men.
"Braith," I repeated, smoothing a hand down her neck, checking her flank I could see she indeed had white spots on her hindquarters. "Pleased to meet you, despite the circumstances." I began to rummage through the saddlebags and found some fruit and a piece of cram which I promptly inhaled. I had not eaten in roughly three days. Orcs were not the most hospitable captors.
All too soon it was time to move out. I wearily climbed into the saddle just as the sun was rising, hoping I would not fall asleep in the saddle. I could not quite hide a smile as I thought of the parallel of the dangers of getting behind the wheel while tired. Thankfully the one sport my parents' made me try was riding. Back when I was a kid I was ungrateful because I wanted to be like everybody else and play soccer. Now I really owed them one and a wave of sadness washed over me. I was pulled from my thoughts when Éomer lifted his spear. As we started riding, I realized that I would soon be seeing Legolas, Aragorn, Gimli and Almira. And that realization bolstered my spirits and blessed me with a second wind.
Our ride was interrupted when a voice cried: "What news from the North, Riders of Rohan?" (4)
We wheeled the horses around with incredible speed and soon had my companions surrounded. I was vibrating with excitement. But I waited while Éomer pushed his way into the center of the circle.
"What business does an elf, a man, a dwarf, and a woman have in the Riddermark?" he demanded forcefully. "Speak quickly!" (3)
"Give me your name horse master, and I shall give you mine," Gimli replied. The men grumbled angrily as Éomer dismounted. (3) Oh, Gimli, how typical.
"I would cut off your head dwarf, if it stood but a little higher off the ground," he replied. (3)
"You would die before your stroke fell," Legolas stated fiercely, fitting an arrow to the string of my bow. Aragorn intervened, placing a hand on his arm forcing it down. (3)
"I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn. This is Gimli, son of Glóin and Legolas of the Woodland realm. We are friends of Rohan and of Théoden, your king," Aragorn explained. (3) Conveniently leaving Almira out, which did not seem to bother the Rohirrim. Sexist jerks, I thought without much rancor, they had saved my life after all.
"Théoden no longer recognizes friend from foe," Éomer replied gravely, removing his helmet and his men withdrew their spears. "Not even his own kin." He paused for a moment then continued, voice hard, "Saruman has poisoned the mind of the king and claimed lordship over these lands. My company are those loyal to Rohan. And for that, we are banished. The White Wizard is cunning. He walks here and there, they say, as an old man, hooded and cloaked. And everywhere his spies slip past our nets." (3)
"We are not spies. We track a party of Uruk-hai westward across the plain. They've taken two of our friends captive," Aragorn said. (3) Hello, what about me? I felt slightly left out, until I saw Legolas face, which near broke my heart. I began to start moving my horse towards the front.
"The Uruks are destroyed. We slaughtered them during the night," Éomer said. (3)
"But there were two hobbits. Did you see two hobbits with them?" Gimli queried anxiously. (3)
"They would be small – only children to your eyes," Aragorn furthered. (3)
Éomer pointed to the smoke in the distance. "We left none alive. We piled the carcasses and burned them." (3)
"Dead?" Gimli asked disbelieving. (3)
"I am sorry," Éomer said. "But perhaps this will comfort you." He motioned me forward and the circle parted for me. I lowered my hood as I approached and the expression on Legolas' face was priceless. "Kate," I heard him breath in relief. Disregarding those around us he approached the horse and helped me dismount, which I was extremely grateful for as I was extremely sore. The minute my feet touched the ground he hugged me fiercely. I could not suppress a small cry of pain and Legolas drew back slightly. "Are you injured?" he asked softly, speaking to me in Elvish.
"Legolas," I replied, eyes misty, "my body is one giant bruise."
He clenched his teeth in rage and I raised one hand to run along his jaw line. I knew he would blame himself but it was unnecessary. I was so damn relieved to be with him again. "Just hold me for a moment," I stated softly. "Then my wounds must be tended. My shoulder is dislocated and needs to be wrapped."
Legolas swallowed hard as he embraced me gently. I inhaled deeply. He smelled like the forest after a rain, fresh, which was offset by the scent of the leather he wore. I heard Éomer whistle then call: "Hasufel! Arod!" Two horses moved up, one white and one dark-grey. I pulled away slightly from Legolas and he motioned to Aragorn who had them remove the saddle and rein from Arod for he needed them not. "May these horses bear you to better fortune than their former masters. Farewell." Éomer put on his helmet and mounted his horse. "Look for your friends. But do not trust to hope, it has forsaken these lands." Turning to his riders, he cried, "We ride north!" And they left as swiftly as they had come. (3)
Legolas led me over to sit on one of the rocks emerging from the landscape as Aragorn followed, pulling healing supplies from his pack. He helped me as I struggled out of my heavier outer tunics and held my hand as Aragorn wrapped my shoulder and applied salve to my numerous cuts. I closed my eyes. I had not realized how beat up I was. But now that I had a moment to rest, I was aware of every scrape and bruise. I hissed in pain as Aragorn attended to my lip and Almira came and gripped my other hand. I opened my eyes to look at her and started. She looked frightfully pale and fragile. Almira cast her eyes down almost in shame and I frowned. "It was not your fault," I murmured in English to see if my sneaking suspicion was correct. Almira nodded, released a pent-up breath and managed a small smile.
"I have finished," Aragorn stated. Legolas helped me rise and dress as Aragorn, Gimli and Almira returned to the horses.
"Thank you," I said softly moved by his devotion.
"There is no need," he replied pressing a quick kiss to my forehead before we joined the others.
"I am glad you have been returned to us, Kate," Aragorn said, "but am dismayed that we have not found the hobbits as well. Say not that they are lost to us forever."
"I will not," I replied and our Company heaved a sigh of relief. "We were separated when the Riders of Rohan attacked the orcs. The last I saw of them, they were headed into Fangorn Forest. I know not what happened after we were forced to part."
"That is better news than Éomer shared and gives me great hope. Come, let us see if there is more to be learned," Aragorn stated. "As we have only three horses, it must be determined who will ride with whom. Gimli?"
"I would sooner walk than sit on the back of any beast so great, free or begrudged," Gimli replied testily. (4)
"Come, you shall sit behind me, friend Gimli," Legolas said, looking at me almost guiltily. I smiled reassuringly and nodded my approval. "Then all will be well." (4)
"Can you ride?" I inquired of Almira, who shook her head 'no,' fearful gaze trained on the horse Éomer had left me. "Do not be afraid, Braith is very gentle and I have been well-trained," I assured her. "So you can ride with me if you like." Almira nodded reluctantly and so it was settled. Mounting, we picked up the Orc-trail and headed towards the eaves of Fangorn Forest, hoping against all odds to find some sign that the hobbits had survived.
Definitions:
*cairn- heap of stones set up as a landmark, monument, tombstone, etc. (Taken from )
Citations:
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring-Book II, Chapter X-The Breaking of the Fellowship
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers-Book Three, Chapter I-The Departure of Boromir
"The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" (film transcript)
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers-Book Three, Chapter 2-The Riders of Rohan
