Here is chapter Thirteen...Hope you enjoy this chapter, I own none of the characters or the places.
To God Be The Glory!
Faramir shivered in the cold night air, looking up as they climbed the mountain. Aragorn lead the way, with Gandalf next. The Hobbits and the Dwarf walked in the middle of the group, and Legolas went last, with Faramir just ahead of him. The Elf moved up closer to him, and Faramir looked at him curiously.
"I must apologize for my attitude. I let my worry for Aragorn overrule my sense of judgment. It took much prodding to make me see the error in that."
Faramir nodded, then shrugged, "I understand, you must protect Aragorn against any perceived danger." He smiled, "If I was in your position, I may have done the same." He walked quietly, as the way became harder. The ground sloped up, and began to curve around, boulders and fallen stones blocked the path in several places, and a shear cliff was on their right. As they climbed higher, the Hobbits began to need help to get over the rocks. As it grew later, Faramir began to feel like his mind was wandering, and he knew he was on the verge of a vision. Just as they reached the top of a steep slope, he collapsed.
There was suddenly fire all around him, but it didnt burn, even though he could feel the heat. The fire crackled, and burned, and he could smell the sent of smoke. He heard a voice crying in pain, and then it stopped. Faramir turned, looking all around, and all he could see was fire, and dark, black smoke. The fire opened, and the figure of his father appeared, then just as quick as it appeared, it disappeared, and was replaced with the figure of Gandalf. Then he disappeared as well, and terror griped Faramir as he saw the Great Eye, Sauron himself, ringed in fire.
He came to him self, gasping at the stinging cold air that hit him, and blinking as fresh snowflakes landed on his face. He pushed himself up, feeling the supporting arm of Legolas. He looked up, into the concerned faces of Gandalf, and Aragorn. With the Hobbits and Gimli looking in the background. Legolas voice was concerned.
"What happened?"
Faramir braced his arms, leaning forward, taking in deep breaths. He heard Mithrandirs voice as the wizard spoke above him.
"A vision." He bent down, placing a hand on Faramirs shoulder. "Faramir, you must tell me what it was about." his voice was urgent, commanding.
Faramir grew troubled, "Fire. There was fire all around, and I saw my father, and you, Mithrandir." He hesitated, "I also saw Him." He stood shakily, looking at the wizard, "I know not what it means, but I fear that it means evil for you, and The Steward."
Mirthrandir looked worn, and Faramir wished that he had different news to tell him, the wizard nodded, and put a hand on Faramirs shoulder, "Thank you." he looked around at the snow that was falling faster, "Can you continue?"
Faramir nodded, and took a tentative step forward, pushing the vision to the back of his mind. Legolas fell into step beside him, with Aragorn taking the back, leaving Mithrandir to lead them. As they continued walking, the temperature lowered, and the snow grew deeper. Soon, they were walking through snow, that covered their feet, and Faramir began to feel the snow falling into them with each step. All at once, Frodo, who was walking ahead of him and Logolas, slipped, sliding down the mountain. He lunged for the Hobbit, at the same time as Legolas, and the two of them collided, missing Frodo as he tumbled past them. Faramir heard Aragorn grunt as the caught the weight of the Hobbit in his arms, and sighed in relife, it would not do to have the ring-bearer falling down the mountain. He stood, watching as the other man let Frodo lean against him, getting his balance back. Suddenly he saw Frodo grab at his chest, where the ring lay, and he drew in a breath, as he noticed for the first time the ring. It was laying on snow, right in front of him and the Elf. Faramir took a step back, away from the ring, and looked at the ring-bearer as he rushed forward.
Frodo slipped the ring over his neck, looking up at Faramir and Legolas who were standing still watching him. Faramir could see the fear in his eyes, and he thought it was directed at the ring, and the power it was gaining on him than anything else. Frodo silently moved past the two of them, and hurried forward to where the others were waiting. Faramir watched him silently, then sighed, turning to continue up the mountain. Aragorn soon passed them, moving to the front with Mithrandir, and Legolas moved closer to Faramir,
"That was a admarable show of self control. Not even touching the ring." Faramir glanced sideways at the Elf, and was surprised to see him mean it. He shrugged,
"It's like I said. I have no desire for power, or to be known. What the ring offered me, I have no wish for." he looked over at the Elf again, "And you? Did you feel no temptation?"
"The ring has not yet tested my resolve. I think, if it offers me power, I will be able to conquer, like you, I have no desire for power, and fame."
Faramir nodded, "I think that is the base of all it can offer. It is all it knows." He looked ahead, and saw, that through the thickening snow, he could just make out the grey forms of Aragorn and Mithrandir as they walked in front. The wizard stopped, and turned to the man beside him. As Faramir drew closer, he heard their voices, raised to be heard above the storm.
"This is why I did not wish to go this way, Aragorn, what do you say now about this path?"
"I would still go this way, if the other option is one more dangerous, and dark, as the Mines of Moria are." Aragorns voice was slightly sharp, and he apologized at once, "I am sorry, my friend, I know that this way is dangerous, but I have no wish to go though the Mines again."
They started walking again, and Faramir noticed that as they had halted, the wind died down, and the snow slowed. But as they continued walking, the wind grew, till it was stronger than before, and the snow fell faster. And he wondered it the storm was sent from the Enemy, as he had heard before that he could govern the weather in the lands bordering Mordor. If it was the Enemy, than his arm had grown long to be able to draw snow to trouble them so far from Mordor.