CHAPTER TEN – CLIMBING MOUNT EVEREST

"Pity? It was pity that stayed Bilbo's hand. Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo? Do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. Even the very wise cannot see all ends. My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play yet, for good or ill before this is over. The pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many."

Adjusting to life with only one foot was very difficult. Walking a short distance was the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest. Often, Rory would forget of his unfortunate dilemma and would subconsciously step out of bed using his non-existent right foot. Needless to say, he ended up in a heap on the floor.

Rohan had proved a pleasant place to stay. The people had been very accepting of Rory's condition; apparently the loss of limb and other body parts was not uncommon. Some of the healer's even had various devices that acted as prosthetics. Rory had ended up with a strange sort of wooden slab attached to bottom of his stump. It was a ghastly thing, but when disguised with a thick boot it was unnoticeable. His limp however, was very prominent; the healer had told him he'd never be able to run again.

"Rory," Elladan took a deep breath. "When do we leave Rohan? Kyle is not here. We waste time. We could head toward Gondor, or maybe even in the direction of Mirkwood?"

Rory thought for a moment. He was in no such condition for a travel. "Elladan I wish to stay here. I know that I said I would walk to the ends of the earth to find Kyle, but now that I can no longer walk I realise how folly that statement was. We cannot search this whole world, she could be anywhere, and the reality of it is. She could be dead,"

Elrohir and Elladan were unused to Rory being pessimistic. He had always looked on the bright side of things, but now with his foot injury he seemed to be falling into a slow and gripping depression. He had all but given up on the prospect of seeing his sister alive again. "You have changed Rory," Elrohir murmured, "There was once a time when you were of the belief that Kyle was alive,"

"Yes, well times change," Rory sighed. "I wish I'd never left Bag End, I'd still have ten toes if I had simply remained there."

The twins sighed. "Then we shall leave you here Rory," Elrohir sighed, "You no longer require us and we grow tired of the scenery."

Rory felt a sinking feeling in his chest. He didn't want them to leave, they were his only friends in Rohan, but at the same time he could not ask them to remain. Elladan and Elrohir were not the type to settle for somewhere for too long. "Oh," Rory mumbled. "I'll miss you,"

"And us you. Perhaps in time we shall see you again,"

Elladan and Elrohir's absence had a profound effect on Rory. His depression worsened without his friends to cheer him up but Rory was a survivor. He would not so easily give up on life. Rory wandered through the market. With every step he took, a shooting pain travelled up through his leg. It was painful, but not unbearable.

There were various stalls, some sold fruit and vegetables, others armoury and weapons. Rory stopped at an herb stall; he had learnt from the healer that a tiny quantity of Wolfbane was a proficient killer of pain. He was about to hand over his money, when a woman gave a loud cry and he dropped his change in shock.

He swivelled around and he spotted a woman, crumpled to her knees by the vegetable stall. She did not look like a rich woman, her face encrusted with dirt and her hair long and wiry. "A thief!" She screamed pointing in the direction of a man who was running down the aisles of stalls.

Rory did not know where he found the strength, or the ability for that matter, but he shot of in pursuit of the man. He was not particularly fast, but he was running and finally the thief tripped over a bag of potatoes and it was just the delay Rory needed to catch the suspect.

Rory withdrew his sword and placed it by the man's head, breathing out in exhaustion. He took the little pouch filled with the woman's gold and he chucked it back to her.

"Oh thank you!" She beamed, "You are a kindly fellow!"

Rory grinned in return, "What should I do with you, thief?"

"L-let me go," He stuttered, bravely turning around and gazing into Rory's eyes.

Before Rory could make his decision he felt a rough hand upon his shoulder. Not taking his sword off the thief he turned around to face a man with a wide smile upon his face. "You will not let him go." He spoke, "I will deal with him."

"And who are you to make the decision?" Rory asked sceptically.

"I am Théodred, son of the king," He spoke bitterly. "I thank you for catching this thief. Are you from around these parts? I don't remember your face,"

"Actually, I just came here from Rivendell," Rory answered, watching as Théodred took the thief roughly and handed him to one of the armour clad men behind him. "My name is Rory,"

"Rivendell? You are no elf," Théodred stated,

"You are right in saying that," Rory smiled. "I am from Edinburgh...A far away land. I am travelling in search of my sister. I was forced to remain here after an accident with a group of orcs; I lost a foot you see."

"Ah? You run well for a man with only one-foot. I can scarcely imagine how fast you were with a pair," Théodred laughed. "I should like to get to know you, Perhaps you may tell me of this mysterious land of Edinburgh,"

Rory chuckled. "I'd like that,"

"You tell interesting stories Rory," Éomer laughed. "I have never met one so imaginative,"

"I'm telling you I speak not from imagination, but from truth!" Rory exclaimed studying both Théodred and Éomer intently. Their eyes widened in disbelief. Rory had been trying to explain the concept of the internet to them.

"This Edinburgh is a strange place indeed," Théodred added. "Now, enough of the stories. You say you search for your sister?"

"Yes, her name was Kyle, I lost here the day I arrived here," He shrugged, "I fear that I shall never see her again,"

"Do not give up hope so easily," Théodred sighed staring around the room "Hope gives us strength, those who deny themselves hope are weak,"

"I am not weak; did you not see me run?" Rory laughed meekly. "Besides, I have not given up hope completely, I still hold onto it. But I will not let it consume my life entirely."

Rory had liked The Shire and Rivendell, but he did not feel like he belonged there. Rivendell was too peaceful and to beautiful. The Shire, although homely it was, was simply too simple. Rohan on the other hand, was not perfect, nor was it too beautiful, it was not too simple, and it was not too homely. Rory had finally found a place where he belonged. A place he could call home.