Chapter 11

Winters POV.

A few days after finding the letter Aragorn had decided it was time to leave. We had all rested up enough and were ready to carry on. Aragorn had wanted to leave me behind, but Galadriel insisted I continue on the journey with them. Legolas had been really angry and put up every argument he could think of as to why it was not a good idea. But I was happy to go along, it would have hurt me knowing that my friends were gone and I was stuck here. Though I won't lie, it was a little tempting to stay. That was not to be. Before I knew it we were back on the river guiding the boats.

I won't bore you with the journey to the shore because it was pretty much Legolas teasing Gimli and Aragorn threating to tip up their canoe. So by the time Aragorn pulled over on the riverside we had all had enough of each other. Sam and I started the fire and cooking, Boromir had gone to collect some more firewood, Aragorn and Legolas stood by the river having a discussion and Merry and Pip were unloading the boats. It wasn't until Sam said something that we all started to panic.

'Where's Frodo gone?'

Aragorn and Legolas turned around looking to see where he could have gone, Gimli had come back saying he could not find any berries. I stood up quickly and started to search the camp.

'Winter, you and the Hobbit's stay here. Do not move.' Legolas said sternly as he and Aragorn ran off with Gimli in tow.

'Well what now?' Pippin asked.

'Um well I suppose we could start our own search party. We'll have to stick together though.' I replied.

The Hobbits agreed and we went on our way through the wood's looking for Frodo. We had not been looking for long when Sam cried out, 'There, in behind the tree.'

I looked and saw a panicked Frodo who was looking desperately at us. Within a moment I heard the sound of many footsteps. I quickly pulled Pippin down back behind a shrub, the others followed me. Great big horrid looking creatures ran past. Before I could panic Merry quickly said, 'He's leaving.'

"Huh?' I said keeping my eyes on the creatures.

'Frodo is leaving.'

Before I could even stop Merry and Pippin, they had ran out in the middle of the field and called out to those horrid looking creatures. They came running back and I held Sam knowing that I had to stop him doing something stupid. The creatures were distracted and were now chasing Merry and Pippin, the thought made me feel sick. Frodo quickly ran and I looked to Sam and knew he was going to follow.

'Be safe Sam. Look after Frodo for us all. I have faith in you both.'

He nodded his thanks and ran off after Frodo. I sighed and wondered what my next move of action should be. I wanted nothing more than to stay put, but I had to try and help Merry and Pippin if I could. I did not really know where they were heading though. A loud noise blasted through the trees and I decided to head towards it. I ran and ran hoping it was not too late. Something from the trees ran past me, I sighed in relief, it was Aragorn. Legolas was next and quickly paused to see if I were hurt. By the time Gimli came along we knew we had to hurry. When we reached the clearing we found Aragorn leaning over Boromir. Legolas held my hand and I accepted his comfort knowing this Boromir's end. Aragorn came up to us informed us that Merry and Pippin had been taken and we cannot leave them for torment and death. Legolas wanted to follow Frodo and Sam but knew they were not in any current danger. This was their journey to take alone. With a sigh we left everything behind and followed Aragorn to our possible death.

We had not slept in three days, all we had done was run. I don't know how I was doing this. My mind was thinking of many things – Legolas being a Prince, the letter from my teacher that keeps giving me a sense of comfort, my goodbye to my brother, and Merry and Pippin. There were a few moments where Legolas would carry me. These moments I allowed myself to stop thinking and have some peace in my mind. I wished I could comfort Merry and Pippin now, but they would have to know we would never leave them. Aragorn suddenly stops and I catch my breath along with Gimli.

'Not idly do the leaves of Lórien fall.' Aragorn whispered. We continued on that path, I heard something in the distance. 'Legolas what do you see?' 'The Uruks turn northeast. They're taking the hobbits to Isengard!' Before I knew it Aragorn was pulling me behind a rock, men on horses ride past us, I had never seen so many people in one group before, Aragorn calls for them, after some time they give us two horses, Hasufel and Arod. Aragorn mounts Hasufel, and with the help of Legolas I was sitting behind Aragorn. We ride up towards a cleaning of smoke. I cried for my poor little friends what have they suffered, Aragorn kicks a helmet and lets out a scream. All was not lost as Aragorn picks up the Hobbits trail. We soon learn that they had entered the forest of Fangorn. Legolas told me the story, about how the trees can talk to each other and move, a bright white light blinds us. 'The hobbits are safe this is no longer the rode you must follow.' 'Who are you?' Aragorn demands 'You're alive?' I whispered. I wanted to run up and give him a big hug. He explained what had happened to him, as we walked away.

'We must ride to Edoras, evil has taken over.' Gandalf said quickly.

'That is a long ride, do we dare leave the little ones in this sinister forest?' I had to agree with Gimli I was not keen on leaving them in here.

'It was more than mere chance that brought Merry and Pippin to Fangorn. A great power has been sleeping here for many long years. Merry and Pippin will and are at this very moment awakening the Ents, do not worry, Rose they are more safe here then you are about to be.' Gandalf said as we walked back to the clearing.

Was that meant to be a comforting thought? He whistles a great white horse comes to him, 'Shadowfax, the lord of all horses and has been my friend through many dangers.'

We mounted our horses and Gandalf led the way, my heart still aced for Merry and Pippin, but I had to have faith that they were safe. After a long ride we make it, Edoras stood on a hill, it was amazing, so much different then Rivendell. Once we made it up to the top Aragorn had told me to stay outside. I tried to argue but Legolas cut me off, 'Aragorn is right, stay outside we do not know what we are walking into.'

I was not one to take orders so I sneaked in after them I saw an old man in a chair and a younger ugly looking man next to him. Gandalf walks to the front and says a spell, and all of a sudden the guards started fighting us. I punched one of them in the nose, proud of myself. That was until the man grabbed me and attempted to knock me out, Aragorn came to my rescue. The look Aragorn sent my way was deathly. The man in the chair became younger and banished the other man, I did not really see much more as Aragorn drags me away from everyone else.

'You disobeyed my orders, why?' 'Why do you always want to leave me behind, like some child? Have I not proven that I am doing ok in this place?' He blinked at me. 'We have not left you behind. We won't. But you need to listen to me. If I say run, you run. If I say hide, you hide. This is a dangerous time. I may not always be there to save you. Though your skills have improved, it is not enough. I do what I do to keep you as safe as possible. Please listen to me. Trust that we will not leave you behind.' 'I will listen. I promise.'

The next morning was spent packing up as the King wanted us at Helms Deep by nightfall. I was putting on my cloak when Aragorn came up to me.

'I want you to drink this before we head out, it will ease any pain you are having. And will help you get through the day, you look like you have not slept.'

I stared at the cup which Aragorn was offering to me and made a face, 'That looks gross!'

'Drink it.' He said handing it to me, I grabbed it not really keen on drinking the liquid, it not only looked gross but it had a horrid smell. I looked at Aragorn with pleading eyes, 'Drink.'

I held my breath and pored it down my mouth however I would not swallow it, Aragorn with fast reflexes put his hand over my mouth so I would not spit it out, I swallowed it and he let me go.

Moving out was a swift process we had been walking and riding for around 2 hours. I had spent those hours watching Eowyn flirt with Aragorn then Legolas. I rolled my eyes at her. But then all hell broke loose. Aragorn was at my side within seconds, 'Go with Eowyn and help her take the women and children to Helms Deep she knows the way.'

'But...'

'Remember your promise.'

'I will go then.'

'Good. Now hurry.' With that he jumped on his horse and followed the men into battle against the orcs and ugly animals, while the rest of us went the other way.

Soon after we made it to helms Deep, the people we about finding family members and feeling safe. I stayed where I was not knowing what to do.

"Do not fear come join me for supper.' I sighed at Eowyn.

'Thanks for the offer but I want to be alone.'

'Are you sure? I think you should come with me and have some food.'

'No really just leave me alone please.' She walked away I knew she would be feeling hurt, but it was nothing compared to what I was going through. Darkness overtook me and I feel into a peaceful sleep.

I woke up with Legolas arm around me.

'Hey.' I smiled up at him but it was not returned, 'What...'

He cut me off, 'Aragron fell.'

'Umm ok then I fall over all the time. Did I ever tell you the time when I was in music I was performing a song in front of my class and I went to move forwards but I ended up falling over in front of everyone it was so embarrassing.' I laughed at my year 8 memory, but Legolas did not even offer a smile.

'He fell off a cliff, he did not make it.'

'Wait I don't...' He walked away from me, I knew they were close, if anything happened to any of my close friends I would not even be able to breathe. I felt a headache coming on, so I made myself as small as possible closed my eyes and hoped no one would be able to see me.