Chapter 10

Arwen's POV :

The wraiths' obsession knows no bound. For the first time in my life, I felt how it would feel to be hunted, to be wanted dead. The evil within these former humans was licking my skin making it crawl and shudder. I held the little creature tight in my arms, riding hard and fast, the fastest Asfaloth could carry the two of us. My heart was beating so close to the surface of my chest. This was fear. Three thousand lives of Men have I lived and today, now, I truly felt fear. Fear not for me but for the safety of little Frodo.

Was this the kind of fear you faced each day of your life my Estel? Did you see the horrors of Middle Earth in your days of exile? How did you survive my love? This kind of evil brings despair and destruction as it sweeps through. You are strong my Estel, to be able to see these horrors and yet remained a kind, gentle and loving soul.

The sound of hooves thundering behind me did not waver. They were relentless, these dark creatures. Frodo was fading fast and I will not surrender that easily. I forged on, riding hard to reach the mighty Anduin, where the land of my people began. There and only there would Frodo be safe from darkness. The sound of the river crashing gave me hope. As Asfaloth crossed the mighty waters, I stood my ground and began evoking the spirit of my people, the power of the Eldar.

"Nîn o Chithaeglir, lasto beth daer, Rimmo nˆn Bruinen dan in Ulaer!"

By the spirits of the Eldar, by all that is pure and true, keep Frodo from darkness.

"Waters of the Misty Mountains, listen to the great word, flow waters of Loudwater against the Ringwraiths!"

I watched as the mighty waters of the Misty Mountains washed away the evil lurking on the land of the Eldar. I am safe my Estel, safe in the land we both love. Frodo was fading fast; he was growing weaker by each moment that passed. I prayed to Eru, what grace that was given to me, let it pass to him and keep him away from the dark embrace of evil. I watched as he closed his eyes and when I was sure he was breathing evenly, I raced to the halls of my father. Only he would know to keep the evil and the darkness away. I am here now Estel, safe from the wraiths. Return home to Rivendell my love. Frodo will be well. Return to me safe and whole.

My father tended to the young Hobbit well. The wound will heal in time but he will carry the pain forever. I watched the entrance to Imladris with hope and fear mingling together. Please keep him safe, Eru. Please return my Estel to me with no harm to his being. My gaze never left the arched gateway. My heart thundered in my chest when I heard the sound of hooves clattering.

A wary rider passed through the gateway and I rejoiced for it was you my love. You have returned to Rivendell safe and sound...