CHAPTER III: RACE TO RIVENDELL
Hurry! Strider spurred them, as they started to penetrate the woods surrounding the hill.
We're six days from Rivendell! He'll never make it! Sam shouted.
Six days?! Victoria cried out.
Gandalf… Frodo invoked. Gandalf!
The girl opened her mouth to speak, but then closed it shaking her head.
He's going cold. Sam told Strider.
Frodo had stopped screaming. Now from his lips came just short moans.
Sssh, come on, Frodo… Victoria whispered, stroking his forehead covered in icy sweat. She wanted to tell him that everything would be all right, but she didn't believe it.
Is he going to die? Pippin asked.
He's passing into the Shadow World, Strider answered. He will soon become a Wraith like them.
The Hobbit's body was shaken by shivers and he let out a frightened moan, who was answered by the Nazgul's screeching rattles.
They're close, Merry noted, looking around himself.
Sam. The Hobbit came near the Ranger. Do you know the Athelas plant?
Athelas?
Kingsfoil.
Kingsfoil…aye, it's a weed.
It may help to slow the poisoning. Hurry.
The two disappeared into the woods. Even if that dialogue had been said less than two meters away from her, unlike Merry and Pippin, Victoria hadn't heard it. All her thoughts now revolved around the blue-eyed Halfling. Another moan left his lips and the girl leaned toward him.
Come on, Frodo… she whispered, wiping away the sweat from his face with her white and green scarf. Hold on, I know you can do it.
The sound of hoofs caught her attention. Somebody was approaching. Victoria slid a hand under her cloak, the spell already on her lips, but there was no need of it. A wonderful woman dismounted from her horse and knelt down next to Frodo, calling his name and talking to him in an incomprehensible language. Strider knelt down by her side. Victoria drew back to let them tend the wounded Hobbit, but she didn't let go of his hand. Strider started tending his wound.
He's fading…He's not going to last…We must get him to my father.
With that? Victoria interfered, nodding toward her horse. You'll never arrive there on time.
Do you know any other way? Strider retorted.
Victoria hesitated, a prey to an internal struggle, then she raised her head resolutely. You can bet you life.
She got to her feet and ran to her bag, from which she pulled out a broom. Before somebody could ask her what she thought she was doing, she threw the broomstick on the ground and leaned a hand above it, ordering, Up! Right under their eyes, the broom jumped in her hand and stood in mid-air even when Victoria drew her hand back. The girl took a couple of steps back, her eyes fixed on the broomstick.
My old Stardust 7… she turned to the others. …It's not a Firebolt, but it's surely faster than any horse.
No, said the Ranger. You don't know the way and it's too dangerous.
It's not the first time I have flown. Victoria growled back. She moved as to go near Frodo, but the other three Hobbits came in her way.
Mister Frodo will never go on that…thing! Sam said.
And how can you do such a thing? You're not human! Merry added, looking at her accusingly.
Victoria started to lose her temper. It's not about what I am or what I'm not, it's about him! If I can carry him quickly to Rivendell then maybe…
I told you no, said the Ranger firmly, staring at her. Victoria met his gaze and understood. They didn't trust her. Maybe they even thought her an enemy. She felt an unrestrained urge to Stun them all and take the Hobbit away, but it would be useless since she didn't know the way… Frodo let out a moan. Victoria's anger exploded. It's the only chance we have! Get out of my way and let me take him. We've no time to waste!
And who tells us that you really want to save him? Why should you? Merry asked.
Victoria turned to look at the wounded boy. Because he was kind with me… She looked at them with eyes full of despair. Please, let me take him!
Never.
By now, tears of sadness and frustration had started falling down her face. Can't you see it? It's his only chance! I beg of you!
All right, the woman intervened. We will go with your broomstick.
Arwen… the Ranger started, turning to look at her, but she cut him off, using that unknown language.
//We can trust her, Estel. I feel it.//
//Are you sure?// he answered. //Flying on a broomstick…Not even Gandalf can do such a thing and this girl who came out of nowhere…//
//She's not evil, I can grant you. And then she's right. If she really can take us there in flight, we'll be faster. And the Wraiths will not be able to catch us. There are five of them behind you//
The Ranger frowned. //She could really save Frodo?//
The She-Elf nodded and the Man sighed. //All right. I'll go with her to show her the way, you'll stay with the Hobbits. I'll send you some horses.//
//It's better if I go with her. You'd be too heavy.// Arwen argued.
//It's too dangerous!//
I'm not afraid! Arwen replied, searching for his eyes.
Strider looked away and turned to the girl. You! he said harshly. Can you really do what you tell?
It's been a long time since I last flew, she replied, challenging his glare. But some things can't be forgotten.
All right, he nodded, You'll take him. But remember, if something happens we shall hold you responsible for the consequences.
Victoria shrugged her shoulders and kept working. During that exchange of opinions, she had torn some ivy branches from a tree nearby and transfigurated them into ropes, constantly followed by the Hobbits' unfriendly glares. While Strider fetched Frodo, Arwen approached the girl.
I'll come with you to show you the way.
Victoria made a face. All right, as long as we hurry. She bent down and threw her one of the ropes. Here. Tie yourself up to the broomstick by your waist. Do the same thing with Frodo as well.
Why? Strider asked, suspicious.
Let's call them safety-devices, the girl muttered, looking away. She turned toward her broom and cast a spell, enlarging it enough so it could carry the three of them.
We'll be a little bit packed, but it doesn't matter, she commented tying herself to her broomstick and mounting. Frodo was behind her and Arwen, who held him, was the last one.
We shall fly above the trees… Victoria murmured. Hold tight, we're taking off.
She pushed slightly with her feet and the broomstick took off the ground, flying higher and higher until they passed the treetops. Strider couldn't avert his gaze from Arwen's dark eyes. He watched her drifting away in the dark sky, tinged with pink Eastward.
They were still above the camp when Victoria spoke to her. Do you suffer of vertigo? she asked the Elf, swallowing hard and staring straight ahead.
Ver…?
Fear of looking downward from a great height.
No, I think I don't. Arwen replied, confused.
Good. Then you shall look down to keep an eye both on our route and those black-cloaked things.
All right, she replied, holding the small Hobbit tight.
Let's go, Victoria muttered, leaning forward on her broomstick and taking off at top speed.
At first Arwen was dazed by the harsh departure and the speed. In her long life she had never suspected that it could be possible to move so quickly. The air slid over them, the earth ran away under their feet.
Which way? Victoria shouted to be heard above the wind.
Go straight on, the she-Elf replied.
Victoria nodded and concentrated on driving. Arwen watched the road below, holding the small Hobbit tight. Suddenly, a movement among the trees attracted her attention.
Nazguls! she shouted. Below us!
Well, I dare them to come and get us here!
It wasn't that that worried Arwen. Frodo's conditions seemed to aggravate when those beings where near. They flew over the open fields, the Wraiths following on the ground. Normally, Victoria could have put-distance them, but her Stardust wasn't a race broomstick, and then it was over-loaded.
Are we close? Victoria shouted.
Almost. Keep going.
They kept flying. Suddenly, the broomstick started to slow down.
What are you doing?
We're in trouble, the girl replied between her teeth. We've strained it too much. They jolted. Is there a place where we can land?
There! Arwen shouted On the other river banks.
Another jerk almost threw her down from the broomstick. Victoria had an hard time controlling the broom that kept slowing down and jerking.
What river? she shouted, trying to keep the broom in the air.
That river.
It appeared suddenly below them, like a strip of smelted silver.
Rivendell is close. Can't we arrive there? Arwen asked.
No way, the other replied. Or we go down now or we'll have to out of the force of gravity.
Using all her skills, she managed to land softly on the gravelly river banks.
Help me put him down, Arwen murmured, untying the ropes that bind them to the broomstick.
The two women laid the moaning Hobbit gently on the ground. Victoria looked in his open eyes that didn't see anything and a cold shiver shook her.
Can you repair your broom? Arwen asked, awaking her.
I don't know. I can try.
Hurry.
Victoria nodded and turned to their means of transport, fussing over it with her wand. Suddenly, they heard again that horrible screeching. On the other river banks there were the Wraiths, upright on their flaming-eyed horses.
Give up the Halfling, she-Elf.
Arwen drew her sword, standing on the banks between the Nazgul and her companions. If you want him, she said fiercely Come and claim him!
The Nazgul forced their horses to get down into the river and started approaching. Arwen started murmuring some Elvish words, louder and louder. Her voice seemed to fill every molecule of air. Victoria turned to look at her, but her attention was attracted by another noise. It sounded like a thunder, no, a herd of wild horses riding at full gallop…And then she saw it. A wave of water as big as those from the Pacific Ocean was coming down the river. The black riders tried to run away, but it was perfectly useless. The wave fell upon them, routing them and sweeping them away like paper boats. She heard another sound, like someone who was choking, but it didn't come from the river…
Frodo! she shouted, throwing herself by his side.
Oh no! Arwen wailed, joining her and seizing the Hobbit by his slight shoulders. No, no…Frodo…Frodo, don't give in…Not now…
She held him to her chest, murmuring a prayer to the Immortal Valar. Her supplication was granted. They had time still, but they had to hurry.
Jump on, quick! Victoria shouted her, mounting on her broom. Arwen took Frodo in her arms and ran to sit down behind her. They took off immediately.
The city is close. Just a few minutes and we will be there!
Victoria didn't reply, concentrating on going faster.
Here it is!
Finally, the beautiful Elvish city stood right in front of them, leaning against the mountains side.
My father is there, Arwen shouted, pointing to the palace. We have to land.
We have not time! Victoria replied, flying right toward a window. Half a second before the impact, she threw herself backward, shielding Frodo from the glass splinters. This time the landing wasn't as easy as the previous one, but the women managed to protect the wounded Hobbit.
Arwen? asked Lord Elrond, approaching them What…?
I shall tell you later, Father. Frodo has been wounded by a Morgul blade. His conditions are very serious.
Elrond nodded and gave some orders to his guards before going off with the inert Halfling in his arms.
Where are they taking him? Victoria murmured, trying to get back to her feet. What are they gonna do to him?
Arwen stopped her before she could follow them. Everything will be fine, you must not worry. They will take care of him.
Victoria watched as they disappeared in the corridor and prayed.
Arwen turned toward one of the maids who trembled in a corner and talked to her decidedly in Elvish, then she turned to the tired girl, using the Common Tongue. Come, you must rest. You must be exhausted, young sorceress.
No, no… Victoria murmured, freeing herself from the She-Elf's grip. I'm fine…I must…wait for the others.
But…
I wanna be the first thing they see when they arrive, she replied firmly, trying to shake off the numbness that assaulted her. They must see…that I kept my promise.
Arwen eyes softened. So it will be, girl. When the sentinels inform us of their arrival, I'll call you immediately. So you will wait for them by the gates. But come, now you must rest. It'll be a long time before they arrive. Come. She lead her away.
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