Author's note: I'm so sorry for not updating sooner. A lot has been going on, but my updates should come much faster now. My goal is at least once every two days, though I shall update at least once a week unless something else comes up. Thank you all for reading and staying with me, and a special thank you to those who have reviewed. It really keeps me going!

The atmosphere of the Prancing Pony was jovial, a nice break from the fear we had just come from. With my hood up and hiding my face, I allowed the hobbits to speak to Barliman. He looked at me suspiciously and then smiled at the hobbits. "What can I do for you little masters and your... companion?"

"We're friends of Gandalf the Grey, can you tell him we've arrived?" Frodo spoke and I looked around the inn, searching the crowd for Gandalf. I couldn't see him.

Barliman scratched his head and looked thoughtful for a moment. "Gandalf? Gandalf... Oh, yes, I remember! Elderly chap, big gray beard, pointy hat. Not seen him for six months."

I tensed up at his words. "Mr. Underhill," I stopped and looked pointedly at Frodo, then returned my gaze to Barliman, "and his fellow hobbits are in need of a room for the night. I shall be in need of an adjoining room, but made to regular size. My companions are to going to go sit down, you will provide them with all the food and drink they request. You are to make sure all these things are ready and charge it to the account of Islana." I lowered my hood and smiled at him.

I watched as recognition flooded his eyes and he nodded. "Long time, no see Islana. Your ranger friend Strider is here as well. It's been quite a while since I've seen you two here at the same time. I shall see that your orders are carried out." He then moved away to deal with others.

I steered the hobbits toward a table, their eyes wide and staring at me. I sat down in one of the seats and they followed suit. Allowing my eyes to wander over the others in the room, I frowned at the sight of a man sitting in a corner. Strider. He was watching me and I knew he recognized me.

"Ara, why does that man know you by another name?" Frodo spoke, and I snapped my gaze back to him. "Because. Don't use my real name here, ok? Call me Islana, Mr. Underhill." I once again emphasized his "name", and let out a breath I hadn't known I was holding when he nodded. Thank goodness at least one hobbit could understand subtlety.

We fell into an uneasy silence, eating and drinking with little talk. I excused myself and made my way into another room to think quietly after a while. Suddenly shouts came from the main room and I hurried back, just in time to see Strider pull Frodo up the stairs to a room. I looked around for the other hobbits and saw them rushing toward me.

"Ara! That man took Frodo! Barliman said he's dangerous! We have to save him!" Sam looked at me pleadingly and I smiled.

"My dear hobbits, Frodo is just fine. I know the man who has him and he won't hurt him. However, let's go talk to them." I took off up the stairs and burst into Strider's room. The hobbits rushed over to Frodo and began talking. Strider glanced at the hobbits and then looked at me. "Ara..."

I offered him a small smile and shook my head. I knew he wanted to talk about something, but now wasn't the time.

"Hobbits!" I raised my voice to get their attention and waited for them to look at me before continuing. "Let's get to our rooms, alright. You all will be staying in my room." They looked at me questioningly but I didn't say any more. I'd explain when everyone was safely tucked away for the night.

We moved quietly down the hall and to the room, Strider trailing after us. I ushered the hobbits into the bed and sighed. "Stay here, ok? Try to get some rest. Strider and I will be right back." They nodded and I motioned for Strider to follow me. We made our way to the room the hobbits were to share and began to stuff the beds to look as if hobbits would be sleeping there. "What are you doing here?" I asked as we worked on the room.

"Gandalf sent me to aid you. He ran into me on his way somewhere and told me of the Ring. Ara, is it true?"

I nodded stiffly and turned to walk out of the room after surveying our work. "That should fool the Nazgul. At least for now."

He caught me and pulled me into a quick hug. "I've missed you my friend." Surprised, I hugged him back and pulled away. "I've missed you too Aragorn. We need to talk, but not right now. Right now we focus on getting the hobbits to Rivendell. I don't know what has happened to Gandalf, but we can't wait for him. Elrond will know what to do."

He nodded and we walked back to the room. I stayed near the door, pulling up a chair, and Aragorn moved to stand near the window. The hobbits were asleep.

I had started to drift off to sleep when the shrieks began. Dang Nazgul just couldn't be quiet, could they? They wouldn't find us tonight though. I was certain of that. They probably thought we had moved on and would most likely go in search of us.

Frodo moved to sit at the edge of the bed. "What are they?"

Aragorn looked at me, then at Frodo. "They were once men. Great kings of men. Then Sauron the deceiver gave to them nine rings of power. Blinded by their greed, they took them without question, one by one falling into darkness. Now they are slaves to his will. They are the Nazgul, Ringwraiths, neither living nor dead. At all times they feel the presence of the Ring, drawn to the power of the One. They will never stop hunting you."

I sighed and resisted the urge to walk over and hit Aragorn. Yeah, let's scare the hobbits to pieces. That sounds like a great plan. Sometimes Aragorn could be so ridiculous. "Frodo, you're safe for now, ok? I won't let them get you."

Frodo nodded, though he looked scared. He laid back down and I watched as he drifted off to sleep again. I meant what I said. I would protect him.