The horses continued to run as the elves shot back. Aragorn was very glad that they were still in the woods and had the cover of the trees.

Unfortunately, though, so did the orcs.

So far, none of the elves had fallen but the opening was approaching. Once they no longer had cover, they would be completely vulnerable. Then the orcs could… no… these elves couldn't die for him….

Legolas came up beside him to speak. "No matter what happens, keep running!"

Aragorn reluctantly nodded in reply and continued to ride forward.

Arrows came from every direction trying to kill the escaping elves. The young man felt an arrow whiz past his head. Another came within inches of his throat. For a moment, the young ranger panicked. Did these foul creatures see past the disguise and know the elf Calvary was smuggling the ranger out? What would happen when he was caught?

But then he remembered what had happened to him two years ago. His captor had described how the Witch-king wanted to have the heir of Isildur. Alive. No, if the orcs knew, then they would be trying to take him alive. Just like last time. He could only hope that the orcs slew him before discovering who he was.

Remembering his captivity last time made him remember his family. Elladan and Elrohir had tried to follow him, to keep their little brother safe. Then they saved his life. Aragorn was literally within the Witch-king's grasp, but his brothers had saved him. Then Elrond had tended the wounds that hurt for so long. Aragorn remembered his brothers half-carrying him home. Elrond had gasped in horror at the wounds and asked what had happened.

Then the Elf Lord had done something that Aragorn had not been expecting. Elrond forgave him for telling so many people his identity. He forgave him for getting himself captured. Even for all the beers he had consumed the night before (although Elrond did take his alcohol privileges for the rest of the year).

Aragorn remembered how relieved he was to be home. Home. He had called Rivendell home for the past eighteen (technically sixteen) years. Now, he could not come home until it was safe and unwatched. Only the Valar knew how long that would be. Only they knew how long it would be until he walked under the trees. Only they knew how long it would be until he was in the kitchen eating a meal. Only they knew how long it would be until he saw the elves who had been his family for as long as he could remember.

Aragorn felt a sudden jerk and saw the ground quickly approaching. At first, he curse himself for not paying attention, but then saw that the situation was much more serious than that. The ranger hit the ground hard, but quickly noticed that his horse was crying in pain. An arrow was sticking out of her neck and her rear. He barely escaped being crushed.

But that was not the end of his problems. None of the warriers seemed to notice that he'd fallen. Perhaps if he stayed down long enough…

A shrill scream pierced the air. Aragorn turned around in horror to see the Nazgûl racing towards them on his steed. He could get up and try to run, but it would to no good. The horse would overtake him eventually. He unsheathed his sword from his side and prepared to fight for all he was worth. But suddenly there was another shriek. Aragorn could barely see something sticking out of the horse's chest as it fell, crushing the wraith.

Before he could register what was happening, a female warrior grabbed him and put him on the saddle. She put her bow on the side and said "Hold on, it is a week's journey to Lothlórien at least."