Sign In Sign-Up

Welcome!

Close

Would you like to make this site your homepage? It's fast and easy...

Yes, Please make this my home page!

No Thanks

  Don't show this to me again.

Close

Chapters Seven to Eleven

Home  About  Kapitel 1-6  Kapitel 7-11  Chapters 1-6  Gallery  Email/Contact  Links  Guestbook 

Download Chapters 7-11 (Word-document)

Chapter 8  Chapter 9  Chapter 10  Chapter 11 

Seventh Chapter
Rivendell

The rest of the day passed without any other events. Gwaihir didn't return and they didn't find any track of the orcs, but they talked about their further procedure.
Merry said: "I think we should stay in Rivendell for a little while to get help from there. This could be working then!"
"I'm not sure... We should go and get some food there, that's important. But don't expect us to stay there for some time!" Gandalf said.
They rode until it was late night and after midnight they reached the Weathertop. Attentively they tried to perceive something leading to the orcs, but they weren't successful. Gandalf proposed to get some sleep then, but Merry and Pippin didn't like the idea of staying near the Weathertop. So they rode two further miles and finally found a protected place where they all lay down and found some deep sleep. The next day again nothing special happened first, but suddenly Gandalf stopped Shadowfax and went some metres left from the street and bend down. Then he held a rag from linen in his hand and called for the hobbits. Pippin and Merry hurried to him and looked all around them. There were countless footsteps from orcs. They could perceive clearly footsteps of a hobbit where Gandalf had picked up the rag. Pippin cried out happily, but Merry wasn't that enthusiastic about it and took the rag to investigate it precisely.
"Gandalf... allright, there's much mud on it, that's clear. But all those other brown stains seem to be deep in the linen. Looks like dry blood, don't you think that too?"
Gandalf nodded. That didn't please none of them. Properly Gandalf inspected the rag too which was still in an unchanged shape. Folded and knotted, dirty on the outside and with blood inside. He also found some dry and crumbled leafs from which he took some and smelled.
"Athelas! What does that mean?" he murmured.
"That's kingsfoil, isn't it?" Merry asked and Pippin nodded.
"Pippin, please sit down for a second and let me take your foot!" Gandalf said and Pippin did so, wondering about what Gandalf was going to do.
Gandalf held he rag at his foot and the shape of the rag exactly matched his heel. Even the knots made sense.
"Well, that doesn't explain itself, but doubtlessly it wants to be explained!"
With a checking glance he looked at the hobbit traces and noticed there weren't the same imprints within.
"Look! Indeed one of them had tied a rag around his heels and lost one here. You can see that clearly here, the creases depressed visually at one trace. That's strange..."
Gandalf was on the right way.
"Why strange? He had lost one!" Pippin said.
"Of course, but I mean something different. I ask myself what must have happened that some robust hobbit feet need linen around the heels and I really want to know where the rags come from! That's not a part of their clothing, I think."
He sat down on a big rock pondering about the traces. Pippin looked at the footsteps.
"Next to them there are smaller steps. I know! Sam's feet are taller and there you find the traces of the rags. So he had it tied around his heels. Strange!"
He followed the traces and asked Merry to help him. They put into the steps of their friends and tried to imitate their walking. Thereby they found the interesting solution.
"Gandalf, look! Merry needs my help to walk that strange like Sam did! He couldn't walk alone!"
They demonstrated the walk by following the steps. Gandalf was astonished.
"You're great, don't you know that? So let's reconstruct the case: Sam had tied some linen around his bloody heels and needed Frodo's help to walk. That doesn't sound very good... But what the hell did those jacks do to him?"
Some minutes they stood there movelessly and silent, considering the facts. Finally Merry had an idea: "Pippin, I'll try something and I need your help!"
Merry grabbed unter his arms when they stood back to back and said: "Let yourself fall and I'll drag you behind me! Stop me if something hurts!"
Pippin commented Merry's actions with a confused facial expression and Gandalf laughed.
"You're too good to be true!"
Merry dragged Pippin for about one minute behind himself and finally Pippin yelled: "Stop! It's aching!"
"Where?"
"The heels, you idiot!"
Gandalf sighed.
"That's it! One of the orcs must have dragged Sam for some time until his heels were all sore and bleeding!"
Outraged the hobbits looked at each other, then at Gandalf and Pippin said: "You mean they have... Sam..."
"They did. I don't know where the linen comes from, but I think Frodo cared for Sam and found some kingsfoil for him! Mh..."
"There's one advantage: We know they are still alive!" Merry tried to improve the situation by changing their moods a little.
"Yes, but in what way? That's the proof for the cruelty of orcs. I suppose Sam was too cheeky and they punished him by dragging him on the ground. Probably his legs also were on the ground because otherwise it wouldn't be that bad. I know orcs! Poor boy!"
They all agreed and Gandalf put the rag into a bag.
"Let's go, now we know we're on the right way! I just noticed something light from the cornes of my eye there, the rag. Before such a trace jsut was missing and I looked at the feet imprints: The ground wasn't very muddy, but it still isn't dry. It can't be long ago that they were here!"
They rode away and after about one mile surprisingly Pippin stopped and ran into the fields. He had found the second rag. This was flattened but doubtless it was the second one. Pippin wondered about why orcs went ten metres next to the street because to him it appeared stupid, but for them it was better, of course.
During the night they again took a break and when dawn broke, they saw Gwaihir circling in the sky, starting to land.
"Well, you fellows, how are you doing today?" he asked. They nodded and Pippin shrugged his shoulders. "
"How must we do? We're stressed out, worn out, choose something! But we don't give up hope for we found traces yesterday!"
Gwaihir was amazed and they showed him the linen and told him about their conclusions.
He nodded knowing and said: "I discovered something too. Yesterday I finally found something! I tried to track them in the Weather Hills, but they had never been there. I only found some lonely Ranger who also couldn't help me. I followed the road and after many miles I suddenly discovered something. It was about 25 miles from here, halfway to the Last Bridge. I sank down a little to behold something. I before could see every single member of the group, but I couldn't figure out what your friends were doing. That looked pretty strange to me. I took care of not being seen so they didn't fasten. It seemed as if I succeeded for no one did react in any way. I've perceived what you already suspected. The dark-haired halfing supported the other one. I took a closer look at them and predictated that his trousers were torn at his lower legs completely and there were extensive wounds and blood. They must have dragged him for a long time, those brutals. Furthermore it looked as if he jerked from time to time, bending and I think he was coughing. This was at dusk and then I returned to you, first watched out for you in the Weather Hills and then searched here for I didn't reckon you are so fast. It's well-known that orcs are fast and it's incredible what little time they needed to walk that way. You can't catch up with them anymore, I suppose. But don't lose your courage, I mean, if the halfling is ill, they can't walk that fast anymore."
"What will you do next?" Gandalf asked full of sorrow.
"I think I'll go to Mirkwood to find out what the Elves are doing and then come back to report you!" he explained.
"Is there anything else I can do for you?" he asked.
They said no and Gwaihir left again.
Only some minutes later the hobbits talked about what they had learned then.
"I mean, that's great we are able to combine the right solution, but it doesn't please me though!" Pippin bleated.
Gandalf nodded. "Those orcs are really cruel, but that's their own business because now they must slow down. Sam isn't almighty, he will detain them. But this won't help you for we can't attack them. We would only be in danger to end up in their claws ourselves. That's not worth it, or do you want to risk that? I'm so sorry to leave them alone in agony and torture, but right now we can't do nothing about it."
This was logical and they silently rode forward. This day came to an unexciting end and the next didn't bring any news, also the following passed without events. They had to be very, very patient and even Gandalf sometimes just wanted to give up, but he knew he couldn't. They forced themselves to continue.
Luckily they were healthy, only the first frost was a problem. The nights were pretty cold and they always lightened a fire not to freeze in the dark. Their food decreased and they used every source for water to get some new. The weather wasn't bad, it was cloudy but dry and they rode on and on.
The following thay they reached the Last Bridge and Gandalf was glad the hobbits had so robust and fast ponies because they did a long way in a few days. They had been about two weeks on their way and only 100 miles away from Rivendell. The next days they spent passing the Trollshaws and four days later they found themselves in Rivendell, finally. Just when they approached the buildings, Gwaihir returned.
"My dear fellows! There are some good news for you. The Elves are ready and are already on their way to find out where Shelob is hanging around in Mirkwood. They knew she's there, but they don't exactly know where. But they will figure it out and are willing to fight for you and your friends. But I found out some more: I've espied your friends and the orcs again. The ill halfling isn't doing worse nor better than before, I think. Right now they aren't far from here near the mountains and I think they'll soon start climbing to the Caradhras. I don't believe they know some of the secret tunnels under the ground for they're no orcs from here. Besides these orcs are too tall for the tunnels!"
"Thanks so much, you're a great help! You deserve the title Defender of Peace, my friend!" Gandalf said.
"Well, there's something else. Some hours ago there were some men from south approaching with horses, looking as if they were coming from Gondor. I didn't watch them more exactly but they were on the way to Rivendell and I recognized an Elf amongst them, a beautiful woman."
Happily Gandalf and the hobbits cried out.
"Is that true? Then unhoped Aragorn and his retinue came to our aid!" Merry yelled.
The joyfulness was huge and when Gwaihir rose up in the air to espy the orcs again, they galloped heading to the Last Homely House.

They reached the Elvish refuge behind the border to the wilderness very soon and indeed there way much business. Wonderful horses from Gondor were led by squires and Pippin cried out because of gladness. men looked through the windows and disappeared immediately again.
The three fellows dismounted and reached the reins to the squires leading the horses away. The hobbits followed Gandalf and even before they reached the door, it was opened and there was Aragor, proud and beautiful, the King of Gondor.
"Strider!" Merry and Pippin shouted anf their flung their arms around his neck.
"Hey!" Aragorn cried and said: "That's a pleasant surprise! You were the ones I didn't reckon to find them here, but I'm happy about meeting you! Finally I see my friends again! I wanted to visit you in the Shire because Arwen wanted to go to Rivendell and then it would be the easiest thing to come to hobbiton. What a joy!"
Gandalf smiled gratiously and said: "You're some unhoped help and that's so much relief to me! And I'm also glad to see you here!"
The hobbits werre smiling all over their faces standing next to Aragorn and looking up to him in his noble clothing and his eyes still showing the old fire from former times.
He led them into the house and they sat down around a round table in a big room.
"My friends, I told you why I'm here now. Now report me about your presence and why are only you here?"
They kept an embarassed silence and Aragorn immediately noticed that something was wrong.
"What happened?"
Merry started narrating: "Gandalf and Frodo had travelled to the Grey Havens in autumn with Bilbo and the Elves to leave Middle-Earth heading west. You see, they've come back because Frodo changed his mind surprisingly. I saw him again when I came for a visit to Bag End and I was overhappy, of course. But one night orcs came and abducted him..."
Aragorn turned pale. Even the proud king lost his collectedness.
They reported what had happened and Aragorn's reaction showed shock.
"That's terrible! Awful, those two little hobbits alone with orcs who torture them and doom them to die! We need to leave as soon as possible with my retinue and hunt them. They won't get rid of us, only of their lives, maybe! They'll pay for it, I swear! But I didn't know Shelob is still alive..."
"No one knew about that. She's the most evil creature existing in Middle-Earth! She must never get Sam and Frodo, this would be their agonizing end!" Gandalf said.
The door was opened and Arwen entered the room, beautiful as usual and she reacted with surprise and gladness to the guests.
Quickly they also told her about the reason why they had come to Rivendell and she also lost her self-control.
"Those are bad news. We must save them in any case!" she said with a melodious voice and enchanted the hobbits again.
Pippin fell asleep them. He had put his arms onto the desk and bedded his head thereon. Contemporarily Merry yawned and Aragorn rose, lifted Pippin gently and carried him out of the room. Merry followed him exhausted and he led them to a room where he laid Pippin in a bed and covered him with a blanket. Merry laid down in another bed and fell asleep the next moment.
When Aragorn returned to Arwen and Gandalf, he said: "We can't stay very long, I fear, but first they need restfulness. I take care about getting some food for the journey and tell my retinue about the facts. We will rescue them, Gandalf, I promise by my kingdom of Gondor!"
Without doubting any longer, Gandalf believed his words. He knew they would do it.
The one talking to him there, he had always known, now showed his noble and proud nature in a respectably way. He always had had that character, but now it unfolded and Gandalf was happy with it. He was sure the new age would start with a great and kind king.
He went to the kitchen unnoticed to get some food and then washed himself a little, but then he searched the hobbits and laid also down for a little sleep.
Aragorn came one hour later and said to Arwen: "I think I must instensify controlling guards at the borders and the messengers have to care for any evil to leave our lands!"
She nodded and they let the tired travellers sleep some more time.

Merry woke up relaxed. It was around midnight, but he was hungry and so he got up to go to the kitchen. Pippin was still sleeping blessedly and Merry decided to bring some additional food along for him.
Silently he sneaked through the house with its hallways lighted by candles and he heard some voices talking. In the meeting room a lively discussion took place. He heard Aragorn's voice, but hunger forced him to go to the kitchen and he looted everything he could find. What a banquet!
Bread, meat, milk, cheese, fruits and many different things he packed into his bags and eating some apple he sat down next to the door of the meeting room and overheard them talking.
"The Elves from Mirkwood will help us and we have the eagles as messengers. So we're on the safe side and we'll defeat those few orcs to save the halflings from a cruel death. You don't need to fear something, only the cold outside, but this can be helped."
This was Aragorn talking.
The one who was talking then Merry couldn't understand. Suddenly a hand knocked his shoulder. It was Pippin.
"Boy, you shocked me!" Merry whispered.
"What are you doing here?"
"What do you think? Overhear them! They are talking about the attack. Want to eat something?"
Happily eating they were sitting on the floor and were so full after their meal that they had had it. Suddenly some shadow approached.
"Who is it?" Pippin asked cheekily and sighed in relief for it was only Arwen. Her nightdress was as beautiful as her dress had been which she had worn the day and she sat down next to the hobbits on the floor.
"I see, you're feeling good. It was allright to go in the kitchen and who could be asked? I wouldn't enter that room now, they are making plans and need quiescence. Fortunately they rested some hours before. Gandalf is in there too and discussing with them. It's important. When they are ready, you will immediately part."
"You're not coming with us?" Merry asked and she shook her head.
"I've come to tell you something. You surely know about Frodo's gem I have given him at that time."
They nodded.
"Lately I thought I felt tall much misery and I didn't know why. Now it's clear to me, I felt Frodo's suffering. You need to know, this gem is a little mighty in some way and it can heal. It gives warmth in hours of fear and pain and I'm glad Frodo wears it. It seems as if the gem gives strength to two abandoned and afraid hobbits from whom one is seriously ill, I fear. But nontheless I'm confident that you can cause Shelob's end and save your friends from death. Simply the strength of friendship keeps them alive, I think, and your friendship will be an important good to them, so give it to them unconditioned.
I am sure you would also do so without my words for you know the torture they have to stand now. Don't lose your courage because you're stronger than every crisis!"
It was a real enlightenment to the hobbits, they drew new courage and their will became stronger and they believed in what Arwen had said.
Soon she rose again and left the two hobbits with a well-known word of farewell: "Namárie!"
They felt good and strong and were eagerly waiting for the door to be opened. They awaited the beginning of the fight. Would it take forever?
Soon it begun. In the meantime they had washed themselves and stood alerted in front of all those tall men who took them serious and led them in their middle outside where the horses were already waiting, loaded with baggage and weapons. Pippin was really glad when he noticed Beregond whom he had got to know in Minas Tirith at that time. Beregond took him on his horse right in front of himself and Merry should ride with another follower from Aragorn.
It was a gratifying reunion amongst friends who didn't fear neither cold nor night and whose only concern was saving the captured hobbits' life.
Someone gave an exclamation and the horses started trotting. Anxious Merry asked: "What about Bill and the other pony?"
Dunórin, who was riding with Merry, said: "Don't worry, my little friend. They will care for them until we come back!"
Now Merry was quieted and he was pleased and thirsty for action. They were riding through the night lighted by the moon heading to the High Pass which they to use. Still they could pass the Caradhras for they needn't expect much snow and the weather had been fine the days before.
The hobbits were full of new hope and Gandalf was confident too. This unexpected help exactly was what they had been lacking and now they were superior in number.

Eighth Chapter
Growing Pain

They had left the Weathertop behind and at least the weather didn't agonize them anymore by rain, but the nights always became very cold. When dawn broke, Frodo looked at Sam walking next to him toilsomely. The sight horrified him for a special reason: his face was pale, there was sweat at his forehead and he was breathing heavily.
"What's up with you? Is anything wrong with you?" Frodo asked worried.
"I'm allright. I'm feeling a little queasy and there's a little headache. Actually everythin's aching. But don't worry about me."
"Are you getting ill? You're not looking good!"
Sam shook his head and Frodo kept silent. He didn't believe Sam and before one hour had passed, Sam put his arm around Frodo's shoulders and dragged himself forward. Frodo's disbelieve had proved right: He exactly felt how Sam felt and he knew he was getting ill. It was spreading, Sam thought, all over his body and he guessed he was feverish already. He was weak, but didn't want Frodo to be worried, but he couldn't do anything about it.
While Sam's condition was getting worse, Frodo experienced the opposite: It wasn't difficult for him to support Sam for many hours. Meanwhile he was good at displacing his horror which didn't let go Sam, but for Frodo it wasn't a problem right at that moment. He felt reliable for Sam and this gave him much strength because he knew he needed it. And Sam needed him.
Further on it went through the meadows next to the East Road. Still the ground was wet from all the rain and Frodo was happy when he noticed he left many visible footsteps. Contemporarily he recognized Sam hadn't said a word about losing his compress from the heel.
"Didn't you notice you lost one of the cloths?" Frodo asked.
Samm looked down and shook his head. "Indeed, I lost one. Strange!" He coughed. Frodo touched his forehead but said nothing. He was sure: Sam was feverish.
Soon Sam had also lost the second cloth, the knots had simply loosed. But inbetween the wounds had been healing well so he didn't feel anything.
Sam's condition weakened in the evening and he didn't succeed in hiding it. Again and again he coughed, hoarse and toiled by shivering fits. Finally he fell down next to Frodo and he couldn't clutch Frodo anymore.
"Sam, rise. Please, come on, you can do it!" Frodo begged him and pulled him up which wasn't easy and needed some strength for Sam hadn't some anymore.
Frodo eventually lifted him and carried him on his arms then. The orcs didn't care about them and Shagrat also didn't say anything because he thought Sam should do it himself. But Sam just couldn't.
First it wasn't difficult for Frodo at all. Where this strength came from, he didn't know, but it wasn't toilsome in any way lugging Sam who was lying in his arms movelessly and with a glassy look, staring in the sky weakly.
Frodo was full of sorrow and anxious because of Sam, but when it was late in the evening, finally the orcs made a pause and lighted a small fire. Next to it Frodo laid Sam down and asked for permission to search some kingsfoil.
It wasn't easy in the darkness and he also didn't find some. With empty hands he returned to Sam who had curled up in front of the fire which made him feel better.
Frodo sat down beside him and sit Sam up gently so he was lying in his arms and clutched them desperately.
"You were right, I'm getting ill. I have a temperature and I am coughing, everything is aching and I'm feeling sick. I don't want to go on and I'm just a burden to you."
"No, that's allright, Sam! You're no burden, really, you're not."
"I wish they would only leave me here!"
Soon Frodo fell asleep, but Sam couldn't find some sleep. He felt miserable, but feeling Frodo behind was a little comfort in this situation. But there was some thought which didn't let him go: Actually Shelob's revenge was only against him but it seemed they were merciless concerning Frodo too. They also wanted to deliver him to Shelob.
He suddenly decided to ask Shagrat about it.
"May I ask you something?"
Shagrat looked at him impatiently but he nodded.
"Why don't you let him go? She doesn't want Frodo, she only wants me and you got me! He never hurt her in any way, why don't you save his life?"
First the orc didn't answer, then he said: "Would he leave you alone here?"
Now Sam had to consider this. Shagrat wasn't stupid or dumb. He precisely had noticed what great friendship they had.
"But you could offer it to him!"
"That's true. First we only needed him to exert pressure on you, the wrong to get the right. Then he wasn't of any importance to us, but it just went on like that. A short time before I recognized what he does for you and I think he would never leave you here. But let's ask him when he wakes up!"
Now Sam choked because the idea of Frodo leaving him alone with those monsters, that was hard. Finally the exhaustion won and he fell asleep feverish.
In the middle of the night he woke up. He predictated Frodo still holding him looking in the distance.
"You're still here, what a relief!" Sam whispered and Frodo looked at him for a long time before he said something.
"Yes, Shagrat talked to me and supposed I could go if I wanted to. But I just can't leave you alone here! Then I prefer being doomed to die, you know? I couldn't live with the thought of having abandoned you here. I don't want to and I can't. Just have a look at you, you're ill! And you're my best friend. How could I ever do that?"
"Just do it. You needn't stay here for me! I understand that..."
"But I can't. Wasn't it you who followed me to Mordor reckoning never to come back?"
Sam didn't answer.
The solution would have been that he ran away, but he couldn't. He wasn't able to.
Soon Shagrat told them to leave again and the orcs growled frustrated.
But Shagrat was conscious of his duties.

First Sam could walk himself and didn't need Frodo's help, but sometime in the morning Frodo again supported him weakly and Frodo helped him devoted. Sam was coughing all the time badly, but Frodo first went searching for kingsfoil after lunch. This time he found some and prepared some kind of tea of it.
Attentively Sam followed him with his eyes while Frodo was walking through the meadows and finally returning with some leafs. Eagerly he fetched everything he needed and soon he gave Frodo some bitter drank which smelled good. Sam smiled at Frodo thankfully.
He had set off for him, he had come back to him and he cared about him and his state. Soon he felt the effect of the kingsfoil: He drew new courage and felt new strength. It wasn't enough to walk without help, but with Frodo he could walk to the end of the world, he thought.
All day the effect of the plant continued and secretly Shagrat admired again and again what Frodo was doing for Sam and how the hell he just did it.
He was unable to understand Frodo and what he was doing for someone different. He almost considered - no, he would never do that, that was for sure. Sometimes he felt sorry for them, but he never would deliver Sam somewhere else than in Shelob's cave.

The hobbits could stand the speed of the orcs and after many miles in which Sam's exhaustion was growing again, they passed the Last Bridge and Frodo thought of Rivendell which they could visit easily from there... how bad he wished that!
Although he always searched for kingsfoil, he didn't find some in the wilderness anymore. Sam's condition became worse and worese. His cough was in Frodo's ears and without his help he couldn't take any further step himself. He had a temperature for a long time which decreased only slowly.
He weakened from minute to minute. Even the orcs were looking for some food containing vitamins or something because Shagrat had ordered them to.
So there was enough food and he often ate something, but seldom he was hungry and Frodo thought Sam lost weight.
Sam didn't talk anymore, he felt weak and every step was real agony to him.
No one cared about it, they hoped to get him alive to Mirkwood where he died anyway, the orcs thought.
No one cared, except Frodo. Worried all the time and desperate and helpless, that was how he felt. Again and again he asked Shagrat whether he couldn't do something, but nothing happened.
No more kingsfoil, frost, exhaustion, excruciation and fear. Sam was worn out and some afternoon while passing the Trollshaws, he fell down. Through tears he said: "I can't go on. I just can't do it, I'm unable to. Please let me die here! Don't agonize me further."
"No, Sam, I don't allow it! I'll lug you now again."
Shagrat was pleased, now he didn't have to care about Sam.
While the orcs were talking lively to each other, laughing and shouting loudly, Frodo carried Sam mile after mile, but it didn't help. He fell into a feverish sleep and finally Frodo asked for a break. He sat down at a tree with Sam and tried to wake him. No reaction.
"Sam, come on, you must help me now, otherwise I can't do anything for you! Please! Talk to me!"
His begging remained unheared. Finally he took his necklace with his beloved Elvish gem and put it around his neck. Then he put it under his shirt and said: "I'm back soon. Just a moment, now I'll try it myself!"
Attentively Shagrat observed him in his search. Frodo mustn't go far though because he was useful concerning Sam.
Finally Frodo returned unsuccessfully, but Sam looked at him and Frodo sighed in relief.
"Can't you help me? Tell me, how do plants look which offer a healing effect?"
"Frodo, I have to disappoint you. Kingsfoil is growing almost everywhere, but all the other plants are rarely found and not in winter. You'll find nothing, I'm sorry."
Crestfallen Frodo sat down beside Sam and noticed him freezing. So he raised again and fetched a blanket which he wrapped around Sam and he cuddled up to him to warm him a little.
Sam didn't really get it all and he doubted that he ever would reach Mirkwood alive. Actually this wasn't a matter to him, but he missed his daughter and Rosie so much. He wanted to be healed and return to Bag End, but he didn't hope to reach this aim. Some fast and peaceful death, this was what he desired in that moment.
But as soon as he thought of that, he felt some comforting warmth on his chest and spreading through his body.
While Frodo next to him nearly went crazy because of despair, Sam grabbed below his shirt and felt the gem, his warmth and his glowing.
"You didn't really... Frodo? Why did you do that? You can't do it!"
"Yes, I can. I hope it will heal you. You need it more exigent than me!"
Soon they marched farther and Frodo carried Sam. Now it was tiring to him and he couldn't do it for long. Finally he said: "Sam, I can't go on, I need to put you down. Are you able to walk?"
"I'll try!" Sam said and he did so. He needed Frodo's support, but he was able to walk himself. Frodo smiled eased and the journey continued heading to Rivendell.
Sam had no idea how long they already had been on their way to Mirkwood. He also didn't want to know it for it would only frustrate him. When they passed Rivendell in the distance, he first tried again walking without Frodo's help. Under much effort he succeeded finally and he precisely noticed which burden fell from Frodo and so he decided to walk without his help now all the time.
Soon they again talked to each other. The things they were talking about weren't of much importance and remembered former days, while the orcs were occupied with some discussions which the hobbits couldn't understand.
Shagrat kept his eyes riveted on them because now, as Sam was feeling better again, he feared they could again try to run away.
Unexpected he decided to take a break and then ordered some orcs to bind the hobbits again. Although one of those small orcs, called Lagdash, didn't shackle their hands at their backs, Frodo was very angry about it and he exactly knew what Shagrat had thought. As if he couldn't still tun away if he wanted to!
Actually it also didn't matter whether he bound his hand at his back or at the front, it just was annoying.
The Misty Mountains came nearer and Frodo asked Shagrat: "Must we take the pass? Isn't it already full of snow?"
"Well, the High Pass is the only possible way I know to cross the mountains and we'll do it, I'm sure. Or do you know something different?"
Frodo shook his head and didn't say anything else. He supposed the orcs had come that way too, but he himself had a bad remembrance of it.
In the evening he looked after Sam's wounds and he always cared for his friend.
Things looked good, the wounds healed well and he wasn't that ill anymore as he was some days before. Both they reckoned the Elvish gem was responsible therefor. Of course Sam wasn't really healthy again yet, he was still coughing and he still felt weak, so he continued wearing the Elvish gem who had stimulated his self-healing powers.
What a relief to Frodo!
The next day they reached the Caradhras and begun the climb which wasn't easy. It was a frosty, clear day and the snow lying on the hills dazzled them with its shining white. Soon the orcs recognized the hobbits to forward very slowly for they were too small and sank into the snow. Finally two of the orcs lifted them up and carried them all the long way.
The night was unbearably cold. The orcs didn't care, they were very robust, but the hobbits wrapped into blankets up to their nosetips. They all bleated about the lacking of firewood, but Shagrat didn't worry about it. He reckoned how long they would still be on their way until they reached Shelob's dave. Now that Sam wasn't detaining them anymore, they could even walk faster because he had noticed the hobbits could stand that speed. If they walked fast, they could have reached their aim in less that one week: Mirkwood.

The spiders of Mirkwood find themselves for many years in Mirkwood, but they had moved southward since they had had trouble with Bilbo Baggins and the dwarves. Now they hung around near the Old Forest Road for the Elves living north of them were disturbing them.
And now for more than one year Shelob had been living with them, their ancestor. But Shelob who was still suffering from her wounds lived aside them and her hatred was growing in a cave where she felt best. She had spun many webs, just to turn it into a place of horror. The other spiders lived in the trees, but Shelob seldom showed up in front of her cave's entrance.
Only a few Elves had come to their claws the months before and they had to share those and all the other victims they had caught and eaten. Beside Shelob's hatred her hunger was growing, too and it was too bad that the orcs were her friends and therefor couldn't be eaten. But the other spiders didn't know about Shelob's plans and her union with the orcs. They had wanted something of Sam, but he was only for Shelob. She wanted to get it all back on him slowly so he would want to die fast and sometime she would do him that favour before he died himself. Then she would kill him and eat him with joy, she decided.

Their worries about Shelob were something which the hobbits successfully had displaced. They were always looking for traces of their friends or were searching for opportunities to escape, but there wasn't any sign and they had no chance to run away from their abducters. The aim of their journey was something which was still far from where they found themselves then and they didn't give up hope of being saved. Why should they consider about Shelob, torture and death?
The Caradhras wasn't easy being solved, but Sam was almost healthy again when they decended from the mountains. Frodo reckoned they had been captured since three weeks, but he couldn't tell exactly.
It could also be less, but it felt like eternity to him.
Sometimes he thought of Bilbo having approached the Old Ford many, many years ago together with dwarves, voluntarily. But was it really voluntary? Not really, but it had been an unforgetable experience for Bilbo.
Some evening when it was darkening and freezing, Frodo thought he had recognized and eagle between the clouds. He just perceived him and digged Sam in the ribs.
Both they tried to observe the eagle unnoticed and eventually Sam said: "Gwaihir. Windlord. Isn't it?"
"Probably", Frodo answered.
"What did you say?" Shagrat asked. Frodo shook his head and said: "Windless. I just noticed it's windless. Isn't it?"
Surprisingly a slap hit his face.
"Don't lie to me! I understood the word Windlord precisely and I've also seen him. I am sure to know your friends are hunting us and they have sent spies. This is the reason why we're so fast! Don't draw new courage: As long as we're here, we'll fulfill our task!"
Frodo rubbed his nose and noticed blood on his fingers. He was full of rage, but he could keep it down and didn't start an argument. He just smiled at this thought for starting an argument with Shagrat wasn't his best idea. A fight to a giant and the chances to win? Forget it.
Blood fell on his shirt, but he did nothing about it. Why should he? He hated this orc like every other, but he couldn't fight against them , he couldn't do nothing. He liked the idea of escaping, but this was nearly impossible. They were many more and they were faster. He needn't try to run away.
Sam had learned his lessons too. Though he had shouted at Shagrat when he hit Frodo, but this was everything he did and kicked some small pebbles in front of him.
Suddenly he wanted to give Frodo the gem back, but Frodo said no.
"No, keep it. It will strengthen you in hopeless times."
Almost he added: "You will need it more exigent", but he said nothing and there he also couldn't really be sure.
Now dismay came back to him. Sweat was on his forehead and he was breathing heavily. Sam noticed it, said nothing but took Frodo's hand. This was relief to both of them.
Agony could only be killed from a little hope: There were still their friends and they would come to their aid. They could do it.

The next morning started with a blizzard and it was like rain: Soon they all were soaking wet. With their heads hanging they marched forward heading to the Old Ford, their clothes pasting at their bodies and they were freezing. Agony displaced their hope and it was growing with every step they took.
They passed a hilltop and there it was everywhere: the dark, creepy and dangerous Mirkwood where only mosters and, strangely, Elves lived. Sam was panicked and his heart beat faster. Convulsively he tried to calm down, then he looked at Frodo who was trembling. He remembered the moster which was willing to kill him and suddenly he stopped.
Immediately Shagrat pushed him ungently, Frodo fell and grazed his knees bloody, further his elbow and his hands were he had touched the ground. He forced himself not to cry from pain.
Time was really ticking away, it was exigent, they needed help. They came nearer with every step they took, nearer to death, excruciation and offense. Now Sam felt the warm glow of the Elvish gem in this hopeless time.
Unexpected Frodo started whispering some Elvish words. With his eyes closed and quivering he said: "A Elbereth Gilthoniel..." Of course Shagrat immediately shouted at him to shut up and Frodo kept silent. Sam took his hand and tried to becalm him. Frodo continued moving his lips concentrated and Sam's heart translated what Frodo wanted to say: "Elbereth and Gilthoniel, from the visionary sky: I'm screaming in terror and keep watching me, Fanuilos!"
Devotionally they walked on, trying not to go crazy and finally they passed the Old Ford. Now there were less than hundred miles to go. Dark and threatening the dense and impermeable trees of Mirkwood appeared to them like a wall.
If there was still any help, it must come soon!
Instinctively Froro turned around and peered whether there were any hunters, their friends or someone different, but all his hope was destroyed. There was nothing.
One night, one day and another night passed, nothing happened, no salvation and Sam was weeping in fear. Chasers were far, Mirkwood near and it was just a question of time that his life would come to an end soon.
Convulsively sobbing he dragged himself forward with his head hanging. Frodo didn't feel much better. He was always thinking of the damnably monster waiting for them and willing to kill them terribly and cruely. It didn't help, he couldn't displace his thoughts, they became even worse. He held Sam's hand and and felt a little warmth, a little hope was still left and suddenly the ground was shaking. The orcs turned around. The green wall of plants was only a few metres in front of them when riders on tall, beautiful horses were hurrying towards them. men from Gondor, Sam recognized them immediately, Frodo too and they ran through the nervous rabble of orcs trying to get to their retrievers. Almost they had left the orcs behind when Ugreb and some other orc grabbed them and disappeared with them in the forest quickly.
The men approached shouting and roaring and the hobbits cried out for help desperately. But the orcs dragged them away, gagged them and took them far away from the street. Helpless the riders had to watch them and remained on the street.

Ninth Chapter
A Question of Time

Merry woke up in the morning, surprised how near they had come to the Misty Mountains already and there were only a few miles left to the Caradhras. Surely they could start climbing up to the pass in the evening. He was really excited for their help was too good to be true. Knights from Gondor in gorgeous clothes and with fast horses! There were surely fifty of them. Now they really were superior! Let the orcs come!
Overhappy he was and full of hope, thirsty for action. Now he could finally free his friends from the claws of the orcs and bring them back to the Shire where they belonged. It was high time!
All the others were also in a happy mood and talked to each other. They were speculating about when Gwaihir returned to report them where they could find Shelob and whether he again had seen the orcs. But sadly even Gwaihir needed some time to do all the way.
Beregond told the hobbits about the life in Gondor. Aragorn accompanied himself to them and added something from time to time.
"Of course we immediately rebuilt the city and eliminated all traces of fire and desctruction. Now you won't find any sign left by the war. It was hard work, but everyone helped and later also the people who had been in the Houses of Healing at first.
I must tell you about Faramir and Eowyn. Faramir is an important man and does many jobs for our king. They have a good reputation as a couple now and are pretty happy. People are proud that such a friendly and beautiful woman lives in Minas Tirith now and we have all her attention. She's real fortune to us.
Still many people are sad about losing Denethor whom Pippin surely remembers!"
Pippin nodded. Aragorn now said: "That's true. But the people accepted me immediately although I just came and said: I'm your king now. But it wasn't easy for me to get used to it. I've been living in the fields and forests of the wilderness for many years far from imperiousness or something similar and finally decided to follow my destiny. It's really pleasant while knowing Arwen beside myself!"
"He is a very kind and fair king, I must admit. People are living in prosperity and without any danger and in order. There's one thing you hobbits need to know: We never forgot you, especially my son Bergil didn't!" Beregond said.
Merry and Pippin enjoyed this day. They felt safe and didn't think of Sam and Frodo with regretfulness, but with combativeness. Where were their missed friends? Both were looking forward to the task of rescuing their friends and take them back to Bag End. Furthermore they precisely knew they would catch up with the orcs on their fast horses.
In the evening they started climbing up to the High Pass where they were suprised by a sudden blizzard at night. Gandalf lighted them the way and they tried to keep the torches burning. The hobbits were given some blankets so the small halflings needn't freeze in the cold dark and they were all thankful for the end of the storm in the morning at dawn.
Everyone was wet and hungry and they took a short break for breakfast. They led their horses over the mountains all day. Merry and Pippin were lightened, Gandalf too, because their crossing of the Caradhras was so easy at that time. They remembered the trepidation when they were up there for the first time on their way to the War of the Ring.
The following day, after an uneasy night, they did the last part of the way on the pass and descended in the evening which made them all feel happy.
At night, when they had reached the plateau again, they all fell asleep wearily. The snow hadn't been a problem to men and horses and they had carried the hobbits over it. For there still was not much snow, they had progressed pretty fast. Three days, that was what they had spent in the cold, windy mountains and now they were glad to warm down in the plateau again. But where could they warm themselves again in winter?
Nothing remarkable happened that day. People were talking about this and that, the hobbits reported Aragorn from the events in the Shire which was also a land which was protected by him. Visibly affected the king listened to the report of the hobbits about Saruman's death. He was happy about hearing that everything was allright again and peace had come back to hobbiton. Detailed they told him about their hunt until they had met him and about the events before the abduction. So they spent hours which were interesting to Aragorn.
Finally he said: "I'm waiting impatiently for some news from Gwaihir, the Windlord. Still we don't see a thing which looks like it was from orcs and I still fear the desistance won't shrink a little for they're too fast. Then our only chance would be the Elves finding their way to Shelob's cave. They surely know how to deal with this beast!"
Gandalf nodded knowing and said: "It won't be long until the eagle arrives and I think there will be some good news. We'll surely do it, catch up with the rabble. Don't give up!" Evening approached and when it was nearly midnight, they laid down for some hours for a little sleep.
Even before dawn broke, the fire was extinguished, they had a little breakfast and they rode on. It would take another day until they reached the Old Fort.
Only ten minutes after the sun showed up, Gwaihir arrives. Carefully he landed next to the group of riders and immediately told Gandalf, Aragorn and the hobbits about his experiences.
"My dear friends! I had to take a rest at night, but before dawn I started again to find you. Finally I'm here! The orcs were only a few miles away from the Old Ford when I saw them, in the meantime they will have crossed it, I think. I could recognize this on my way back and it seemed as if the ill halfling was doing better this time.
Well, before I saw them, I was in Mirkwood to see the Elves. I had hjoped to meet the spy in their camp when I visited them near the spider's hideout. They were waiting to start and to hunt Shelob, but still the ambassador hadn't come back. They reckoned he would return every minute, they were armed to the teeth and had their horses ready.
So I took a flight above Mirkwood to find him which was nearly impossible. But I could perceive the blond hair of the Elf and sat down in one of these trees to talk to him.
He climbed up a little and described the way to Shelob's cave which he had found. Luckily he didn't have a long way to go to his fellows and he told me this, memorize this: One hour of way north of the Old Forest Road and half an hour east of the beginning of the forest, this is the exact position of the cave. There are some remarkable places on the way: there was a small rill heading to a pond some minutes east of the cave. It's an underground cave and the entrance is hidden behind some big rocks and fallen trees. You can't miss it, you can nearly smell those spiders and the nearer you get, you'll find more and more spiderwebs which are also largening.
You won't have to go very far, but you have to hurry up! The orcs are about 12 hours of way in lead, I guess. Also the Elves won't arrive before you will, I fear. Who has got a map of the forest?"
One of Aragorn's retinue grabbed into a bag and pulled a yellowed map out.
"Ah... you're here, about 20 miles away from the Old Ford.The orcs find themselves, I suppose, halfway between Mirkwood and Old Ford.
The Elves are about 50 miles away from Shelob's hideaway, they won't be nearer. Now it's your business, you need to gallop to catch up with them! It could become scarce for no one knows how long Shelob would let them stay alive. I wouldn't provocate it. You need to save them before they are delivered to her cave!"
"That's true!" Gandalf said and turned to the eagle. "We're so thankful, just to let you know about it, for we wouldn't be here without your help. I think this is everything you could do for us. We need to leave! men, your horses have to show how fast they can be! Fast trot so they can stand the speed!"
Only five seconds later the horses hastened over the road heading east and Gwaihir lifted on his wings high in the air and flew forward them to east.

In the evening they had passed the Old Ford. Pippin considered how far the orcs could still be, but for a long time he didn't come to a result. Eventually he asked Merry who said: "Maybe we catched up about four hours of way which means... They are about fifteen miles away from the forest, we're 40 miles away. And we need a pause. We could catch up with them tomorrow night, that's realistic. Gandalf, what do you think?"
Gandalf looked at Aragorn who thought it was absolutely possible. At night their sleep was only short but as long as necessary and forced their horses to run fast.
Like the wind they rode until noon, took a rest and observed the region attentively the nearer they came to Mirkwood.Where the hell where the orcs, Frodo and Sam? No trace anywhere. Soon the wind swept over the lands stronger and grey clouds approached. The unfriendly light and the cold led to dusk but nothing happened.
Merry imagined what could happen. He would raise his sword and run into the rabble, the brave hobbit, followed by Pippin and the brave men, he would tear Frodo and Sam off the orcs, he would free them from their fetters, embrace them and kill every orc still alive. This was the possibility he liked the best, his favorite. Secretly he was grinning because he didn't take this seriously, but it was real pleasure to him, he admitted.
Neither men nor horses didn't make a pause and fortunately the horses could withstand the speed but they also only ran as fast as possible without wearing out.
Some time ago they had passed the hilltop from which the view opened to Mirkwood. Night was coming and Aragorn became nervous. He had considered the way himself and when they must had met the orcs, but this moment was already past.
The landscape was lightened by a faint light at night and it wasn't the moon which didn't show up often and didn't watch the hunters.
The silence around them was so quiet that their own breath appeared loud to them andthey feared the orcs would perceive them before they could even see each other.
There were only two miles left to the beginning of the forst and concentrated they stared in the darkness, looking for every movement.
The last mile of their way made doubts arise and fear and they asked themselves how late they really were now.
Unsuspected Pippin screamed suddenly: "There ahead, there they are! It's less than half a mile! Hurry up, they are almost in the forest!"
Contemporarily Aragorn had discovered them too and made his horse gallop really fast. Now the decision came near. The horses nearly had no further energy, but they knew they had to run like the wind and so they did, important to their riders.
When they almost believed to be able to grab the orcs although they were still not near, these suddenly noticed their hunters and started tunning.
Merry roared full of rage and Dunórin's horse overtook all the others and hastened forward. Shouting and screaming they approached and the Orks yelled in trepidation.
Suddenly Pippin saw their friends, Frodo and Sam, trying to force their way through the raging orcs to Merry.
"Sam! Sam!!! I'm here, you can do it, yo can..."
Right at that moment he beholded they were grabbed and dragged away. It wasn't difficult for any of the hunters to hear Sam and Frodo cry for help loudly, but suddenly they stopped and the rabble disappeared in the underwood.
There had only 50 metres been missing, but they had come too late. Quickly the noises of the escaping orcs disappeared in Mirkwood and the retinue stopped their horses in front of the first trees.
Merry dismounted from the horse and already wanted to run after them, but Aragorn grabbed him and turned him about.
"Merry, you can't do that! It's dark night and no one can enter it! We must go together and leave the horses here. Quick, tie them here, get the arms and follow me!"
Two minutes later they were all ready and Aragorn grabbed Narsil to be sure it was there, the new forged sword of Elendil which seemed to wait for fighting against orcs.
"Gandalf, light our way!" Aragorn said and they formed the vanguard, followed by the hobbits. They forced their way into the thicket and found a narrow path visible by run down plants. Was this the way the orcs had chosen?
"Beregond, who has got the map? Quick, we need it!" Aragorn said and Beregond gave it to him the next moment. Gandalf determined their direction on the map. They had found the place where they would find Shelob's cave and changed their destination a little not to miss the cave in the end.
There was thick darkness all around them and they could only perceive the things in front of them because of Gandalf's light. The trees seemed to observe them and the animals were staring at them gloomily. Pippin was frightened. Otherwise they didn't discover anything remarkable, no rill, no pond and not a single spiderweb.
The hobbits were madding and extremely angry about the orcs having escaped into Mirkwood when they were only some metres away. Quietly Merry sweared and Pippin cuddled up to him anxiously.
Mirkwood itself seemed to have eyes, not only the trees and the animals. There was something spooky in the air which made them unable to breathe. This was even worse than the Old Forest, the hobbits agreed, but they were unwavering.
Nobady said a word. The vanguard tried not to lose the path which they had just found and was heading into the direction which they needed to go.
Time was pressing more and more. No one could think of other things than: We mustn't come too late, we need to hurry up!
But the orcs of course were much faster for they were sure about where to go to.
Suddenly there was a chuckling sound. Surprisingly they had lost the path and one of the men was stuck with his foot in deep stinking morass. The marsh was kind of maleficent and seemed to absorb all the light, even above the ground. Gandalf's light didn't light it up at all. Aragorn who was standing next to the man helped him and they all stopped, ordered by Gandalf. He himself moved some steps away to find the path trying to evade the marsh. He almost had run into the first spiderweb. Some thick thread was pasting at his nat when he came back and the hobbits were full of disgust.
"I've found the path! There also was the first web. Follow me, it's a safe way!"
The hobbits' hearts were pounding and Aragorn couldn't hide he was very nervous. He was full of sorrow concerning Sam and Frodo. The only hope which made him think of the possibility that they wouldn't be killed immediately was this: The orcs could only suspect that their hunters also knew their destination exactly. Maybe Shelob wouldn't let them constrain her, but now it also wasn't their problem what happened to Sam and Frodo now.
And Shelob would never give up her revenge.
Nonetheless they hastened forward through the threatening darkness absorbing every sound and soon all the light too.
How the hell could even the orcs, able to see at night, find their way here?
"Gandalf, what will happen if they're already at Shelob's cave?" Pippin asked silently.
Aragorn glanced at him quickly.
"Well, my friend, that's something to think about carefully! This enemy is very mighty, even a wizard like me will have problems. I don't know whether I can do anything against her and maybe together we're still powerless. I can't tell, but I hope we'll find them before!"
Not to discourage them completely, Aragorn didn't say anything for he had nearly lost all hope.
The orcs could perceive things better with their eyes than Gandalf with his light in that thick darkness and they knew the way. While they weren't less than half an hour on their way, the orcs would reach their aim soon. Although they were in a hurry, Aragorn supposed the orc's lead would become bigger again.
Suddenly Pippin screamed in panic.
"There were eyes, many eyes!" he cried full of terror and Gandalf raised his head. Indeed, above them there was a huge spider in a tree. She wasn't as tall as Shelob, but tall enough to fright them all.
She threw gluey threads which the men could repulse with their swords, but she wasn't impressed. Slowly she descended and attacked them without a pause so they couldn't even think of running away. First they had to get rid off this enemy!
Pippin closed his eyes desperately. They lost time, this was their problem now. This was a big problem and the situation got worse.
When the spider planted up on the ground in front of them, Aragorn took a step forward and spoke: "If you don't give way immediately, I'll help you!"
"You will help me?" she said with an ugly croaking voice and laughed at him.
He took a further step and she also approached until they were standing fornent, eye to eye and she already wanted to spit poison, but Aragorn dealed her a blow at a leg and some horrifying cry followed. Just in time Aragorn took cover from an attack and immeditately another blow followed which cut off her head. Most of the retinue turned away, but without any comment Aragorn put away his sword and passed the death body. Speechless everyone followed. Almost one of them had run into a further spiderweb which repeated again and again then. In the end one of them really was glued to a web and couldn't free himself anymore.
"Help! I can't help myself!" he shouted and some of the men tried to cut the web, but it remained unsuccessfully. Aragorn came, pulled his sword and with a single cut he had torn many threads. It was just a question of some minutes and then the man was free again who thanked him obeisantly, but Aragorn just signaled his refusal. He was too nervous to detain with anything.
Some minutes later they perceived the garrulous sound of water while they had to force their way through numberless spiderwebs and threads. The path followed a watercourse, a small rill and immediatley excitement spread in the group.
Pippin said: "We found the right way!" but no one answered for they hadn't arrived yet and how long would it still take?
Gandalf was worried. There weren't any Elves near, no orcs and no other spider. Nothing moved. He tried to reckon how tlong they already were on their way in this unkindly forest. Actually they must already have found the pond, he guessed, and tried to figure out the direction they were heading to. He supposed it was south.

He stepped to Aragorn and said: "We've chosen the wrong way. We musn't follow the watercourse anymore, I fear it's wrong and the path is wrong too! We must have chosen the wrong may somewhere and we're heading south! We need to go back!"
The took a short rest and tried to find out where they had to go now. Their conclusion was northwest, they already had walked too far and had taken some indirectroute which would take another 30 minutes. Angrily Gandalf growled a little.
The hobbits became uneasy. Again and again they were thinking of their friends and had come to the conclusion themselves that they already must have reached their aim.
Finally Pippin broke the silence: "Gandalf, can't you do anything about it? Please, we must help them anyhow!"
"No, we can't. I'm not almighty! I also can't be patient, but we have to stand that. There's no other possibility yet."
The following 30 minutes became long and toilsome, escorted by sorrow and fear. Although no one knew how to imagine Shelob, they were all sure it would become worse than their worst nightmares.
Because of all the anger Pippin didn't know what to do. It couldn't go on fast enough, but this thick darkness and the underwood made it impossible to be fast enough.
But Gandalf becalmed them all: Now they were on the right way.
They discovered sipderwebs everywhere, but the creators weren't there, fortunately. The spider which Aragorn had defeated was the only one they had seen. They searched every corner in the forest around them, but they were the only ones to find themself there.
Dismay was too big for all the animals and the spiders lived some miles away from where they were now. Only one was there. They approached with every step.
Only a few minutes later they again found a little runnel and this time it was clear and they followed it. Minutes passed by slowly, nothing happened and they all listened to the sound of the water. At least they weren't freezing in the forest.
They all stared fixed at Gandalf's light which lightened their way and they all were very impatient. Time seemed not to pass by at all and appeared eternal and every step made them aware of nothing new happening.
Then, unexpectedly, Gandalf stopped and pointed to a clearing. Indeed there was a pond and not a small one. Almost they had all cried in jubilation, but they didn't want to disturb something.
They rested there for a long time, at least it appeared to them as long and in these minutes Gandalf tried to figure out where they should go now. Pond, spiderwebs - everything there, they must be right, but where to find big rocks and fallen trees now?
Gandalf considered what they should do now. They couldn't separate now, but if they stayed together, they would lose more time. Time was a valuable thing. How long would Shelob's revenge take?
Suddenly Aragorn remembered something.
"I know! Gwaihir said: Some minutes east of the pond, right? We need to go east! Let's go, we mustn't lose any further time!"
Immediately they all reacted although they just had sat down to take a break and they got up again. They still were on the small path and they sweared at the darkness.
One supposition of Gandalf which they all thought was reasonable: to find a path heading east and follow it.
They passed the pond north until they had left it behind and they still hadn't found a path. Disillusioned Gandalf scratched his head and said: "So let's go back, we need to try somewhere. Let's go southwest!"
So they left the path with strained nerves and tense. Blindly they followed Gandalf who didn't know anything further and they asked themselves whether they would ever find what they were looking for before it was too late. The chances weren't that good. Night didn't pass, there weren't any rocks and they lost hope more and more and reckoned not to find their aim, now as they were near it.
Wasn't there any sign or trace to help them?
Nothing moved, absolutely nothing. No wind, no sound, nothing. Only they themselves, continually marching through the forest unwilling to give up.
Finally, when Gandalf didn't lose the strange feeling of leaving the area, they took a rest and sat down to think about the situation.
Nervously Pippin ran up and down and made Merry go crazy with it.
"Can't you just sit down? It won't improve by you running around uselessly!" he murmured.
"Well, I'll do so. There's a rock which looks as if it's a good place to sit down."
Aragorn startled from his thoughts.
"Have you just said rock? Did you really say it? I haven't seen a single rock in the whole forest yet, that's a good sign!" he called surprised and right in that moment they all heard a cry which made them feel the mortal agony themselves. Most of them immediately rose and turned to the direction from which the cry had come.

Tenth Chapter
Shelob s Revenge

Sam was wriggling and tried to tear off, Frodo too. Both they were full of desperation and mortal agony was growing and growing until it was almost unbearable. Sam was choking, he was breathing heavily and couldn't see anything because of tears and darkness around them. He thought his heart was standing idle sometimes and then it was pounding so fast he thought it would explode the next moment. He wanted to scream, only scream, but he couldn't. Desperation was growing on and on and finally he tried to tear down his gag to cry for help. If they knew where he was?
He was wriggling in the unyielding arms of the orc who was carrying him, but it was useless. He already thought his life was over for he didn't think it was possible that the others knew where they had to go.
Finally he gave up defending against the orc and against fear. He knew, Shelob would take care that his life would come to a slow and agonizing end. He was so sorry for Frodo because he had had the possibility to escape, but now it was too late. Now he was doomed to die too.
He was strangled because of panic and nearly he lost consciousness. It became that bad that even the Elvish gem couldn't comfort him anymore. Was it still there, Sam asked himself, for he didn't feel anything of it.
With all his might he defended against the thought of death, he didn't want to die, he would fight until the bitter end and this was already excruciation to him, imagining how terrible it would be. Death was near, Sam was ruffling against it and in a last pain it would all come to an end.
He lost himself in those horrible thoughts and couldn't displace them, it was over. It was too late now. With every step his time was ticking away.
The orc had clutched his arms fixed, otherwise he could have wiped away the gag. This would have been too great. But would it be of any use?
They passed spiderwebs fastly, so fast that no hunter could stand the speed of the orcs in this impenetrable darkness. The garrulous sound of water came to his ears and after after a long time which appeared too short to him, the orcs slowed down and approached a heap of fallen trees, behind of it there were many big rocks and in the ground there was a dark hole and some horrifying stench was coming out of it which made his senses fade.
He exactly knew that smell. Full of terror he closed his eyes and didn't feel anything, he had put off any feeling and became calm while the orcs hastened down a steep tunnel and suddenly lighted a torch. There were many other tunnels branching off this tunnel, but the orcs were sure about which way to take. They still hurried and the thoughts of death and tortute came back to Sam's mind which were frightening so bad he wished he was dead already.
Suddenly the orcs stopped and put the hobbits down. From the darkness some noise reached them and Sam made himself smaller. Frodo who was next to him didn't feel different about all that. But in presence of mind he wiped the gag away.
Shagrat began to talk: "Mistress, we fulfilled the task and you'll be more than pleased. Look, we even have a second halfling who you also must know!"
He didn't tell her that it had been a mix-up. The horrible noises came nearer and she came to the gleam of light spread by the torch, the terrible spider Shelob. Indeed she was able to talk, she answered: "Well, I see you deserve your reward. Follow me, I succeeded in catching an Elf for you. I think he's some welcome meal for you?"
Sam was panick-stricken and started trembling heavily while Frodo leaned at the wall silently and with closed eyes.
Only after a few moments Shelob returned only with Shagrat who sent the orcs having guarded the hobbits to the other orcs.
"Now come and have a look at them!"
Shagrat approached with the torch and Sam fell back before him. First Shagrat lightened Frodo's face who stared at him with his eyes widened from fear unmoving.
"You could escape, but it's no problem to have you as a meal later!" Shelob growled and followed Shagrat to the other corner where Sam wanted to hide.
There were so many tunnels branching from this chamber, Sam had seen that, but he had forgotten which way they had some from, otherwise he would have run away panicked.
Shagrat came nearer and nearer, followed by Shelob and she looked at Sam with all her eyes and one of them still was blind.
Sam stared at her and said nothing, but she said: "My tormentor in my power! That's a pleasant thing. I'll go and spin some web for you to hang you in there, what do you think?"
Shivering Sam still stared at her and did nothing. He was like paralized from death agony. They had arrived at the end of their journey. He had lost all his hope forever now, there was nothing left, nothing. Now he just wanted to reconcile to his fate.
Only after some minutes Shelob returned to the gleam of light. She had closed the only exit with a web, Frodo noticed full of dismay for he just decided to escape through this exit. Now he knew it would have been the right way to choose.
In another opening she had spun a further web and ordered Shagrat to drag Sam there. Defenceless Sam was dragged through the cave , he had given up completely. Shelob pasted him in the web with some additional threads and he had all her attention now. Shelob let Shagrat go to the other orcs.
There wasn't any possibility to escape, Frodo was sure. He sank down in a corner and heard Sam whimpering. He couldn't withstand that and wanted to cover his ears. He noticed the gag strangling him a little and he tore it completely down. He was cowering and didn't move. He was waiting.
In the meantime Shelob was busy executing her revenge. Movelessly Sam hung in the web and was waiting too. Waiting for his end.
Still Shelob couldn't decide what to do next.
Quietly Sam began to whisper.

A Elbereth Gilthoniel o menel palan-diriel le nallon sí di n'guruthos a tiro nin, Fanuilos!

He had hoped to deter Shelob but she wasn't impressed at all for she didn't even react. But Frodo did. The Elvish outcry for help had woken him up from his fears and his lethargy and the waiting and now he did what Sam just had said: He screamed in terror, in mortal agony, he screamed that Shelob was terrified for a second and whispering came from somewhere deep in the cave. He screamed in a way he had never screamed before in his life, all his fear, agony and despair was in it and the reasons were the darkness and Sam's craving.
Maybe this should be a last trial to revive hope, but there was no answer.
Apathetically he sank down again while Shelob still didn't care about him, only about Sam. Frodo's scream had reminded her of something: Sam could scream too, so she stinged him in his shoulder and Sam became dazzled from the poison, but he was still conscious and aware of everything.
This was something important to Shelob.
The minutes passed by slowly and Frodo was trembling while cowering in the corner and waiting for his end to come for this was everything left. First it only was the remembrance at it, but then the pain was growing again, the pain Shelob had inflicted him at that time, and he was suffering from agony. He was wriggling from pain and he could do nothing about hit, he was helpless and scared stiff.
Sam suddenly felt warmth spreading from Frodo's Elvish gem and it started glowing under his shirt. Shelob was deterred and with a thread she embanked the light a little.
Suprisingly Froro perceived steps, many fast steps approaching and he listened. From far some light came through the web closing the exit and it became brighter and he heard voices, quietly at first, then clearer.
Shelob was aware of it and let Sam be.
Frodo turned his look to the exit and he saw Aragorn standing there, good old Strider, and he was startled and rose. He ran to the web and Aragorn put his arms through the web and extended his arms to him.
"Frodo! Run, quick, we will save you! Where's Sam?" he asked and Frodo clutched his arms with closed eyes. He nearly crief in relief, then said: "She's got him, he's over there. Come in, please!"
Aragorn asked him to go away from the web and then he cut the web with Narsil and immediately the way was free and there followed Gandalf and many men from Gondor, all with their weapons in their hands and ready to attack the enemy.
Of course Shelob didn't let them wait for a long time. While Frodo clutched Aragorn like he was a straw, Gandalf made the light shining brighter and first Shelob didn't really approach. Then she jumped to them and tried to hit them with threads, but she didn't succeed. Like he was in trance Frodo saw them fighting, protected by Aragorn. He had all of Shelob's attention and Aragorn tried to hurt her. Poisonous spit was pouring from her mouth, Aragorn stinged her eyes and hurt her again and again, but suddenly he drew back his arm for the important blow and cut off her head.
Right in that moment Frodo's pain faded, he unclasped Aragorn and sank to the ground.
Gandalf and Aragorn ran to Sam who they could find quickly and freed him fastly. Convulsively sobbing Sam fell into Aragorn's arms, released from his fear and finally free again. All men followed the actions moved, Sam clasping Aragorn and now Merry stepped forward, went to Frodo and lifted him up before he cut off his fetters.
Pippin followed together with many elves and the whole dark chamber soon was full of men, Elves and hobbits.
Sam ran to Frodo and embraced him weeping.
Finally their martyrdom had come to and end. Overhappy the hobbits embraced one after another and Aragorn smiled in relief.

Sam first had found his collectedness again and said: "The orcs have disappeared in this tunnel, they wanted to go to a captured Elf. Maybe he's still alive!"
Immediately the Elves shooed noiselessly heading the way he had pointed them with the swords in their hands and half of the men followed them, the other half remained with Gandalf, Aragorn and the hobbits.
Frodo and Sam were crying because of relief and joy, they didn't let go each other and in the bright gleam of the light next to Shelob's carcass also Gandalf smiled.
They did it, they had saved their friends from death.
From the tunnel where the men and Elves had disappeared, roaring and the sounds from a fight came which calmed down soon and the next moment they all returned with a rescued Elf whose conditions weren't good, but he was still healthy.
The orcs were dead, that was out of the question, and as fast as they could they all left the cave for they didn't feel good in there even without any enemies.
They ran up the tunnel and when they were finally outside again, they breathed again the clean air and sat down exhausted. The Elves again embraced their friend who they had saved in time. The orcs wanted to kill him so he should end up as their next meal, but the Elves and men who were superior in number killed the orcs one after another because they wouldn't let the poor Elf go.
Sam and Frodo still couldn't comprehend what had happened. Excited their friends Merry and Pippin asked them whether they were okay and whether they were lacking something, but they were pleased with their freedom.
Surprisingly Legolas appeared and kneeled down in front of the hobbit to be as tall as they were.
"I am so glad to see you again, even now where the conditions aren't that good. As soon as we received Gwaihir's message in our halls who asked for our help and when I recognized in which affair, we immediately left and now we're all here. How could I permit something happen to you?"
He wanted to sit down between Frodo and Sam and they made room for him. He laid his arms on Frodo's and Sam's shoulders and looked at them.
"I see you're fine and healthy. Well, we followed the river heading to the Mounts of Mirkwood and built a camp there. We were familiar with Shelob living southwest near the Old Forest Road and where the other spiders are, but we still had to find out where exactly she found herself. We thought it would be the best way to send some spies to find the attentive spiders and Shelob.
So we waited and one after another the spies returned without having found something. Two of them were still missing and soon one of threm returned telling us having found Shelob's cave and having talked to Gwaihir, the Windlord. But still the one who whe freed now, our dear Celeríon, was missing.
I am so happy we finally did it!"
Relief was everywhere that moment, they got something to eat and held some conversations. Dawn was approaching and Legolas again started talking: "All my friends and me, I think we felt your suffering and the more you came near to Mirkwood, the feeling became stronger and stronger. Tell me, is there something Elvish which you're carrying? This would explain it!"
Sam smiled and took the Elvish gem.
"This one Frodo was given by Arwen at that time. He lended it to me. Now I'll give it back to you!" Sam said, Frodo rose and went to his friend to embrace him. Legolas was very happy and now Aragorn and Gandalf stepped to them.
The hobbits looked at them and Frodo said: "I had given up all hope. I didn't doubt you were trying to find us, but I didn't reckon you could do it in time! I thought my life and everything would come to an end soon and I tried to ignore the fact that Shelob was trying to kill Sam while I was sitting waiting in the darkness. I was so desperate about you not being able to reach us near the forest!"
Aragorn nodded and Sam said: "I thought I was doomed to die and I can't tell how much agony was harassing me! Thank you so much you didn't leave us alone."
"But, my friend," Gandalf said, "how can you think about such things? We tried everything possible, the Windlord helped us and by accident we met Aragorn and his retinue in Rivendell. They didn't hesitate to follow us hunting you and the orcs abducting you. It's so much relief to me to see you alive an healthy sitting here! Sam, do you want to answer some of my questions?"
"Of course, everything you want me to, but does anyone have something to eat for me?"
Frodo nodded affirmatively and immediately they were given some bread, fruits and everyhting else they wanted and they were eating starving.
"Sam, what had happened that I found these?" Gandalf asked and showed the rags from linen to him which Sam had tied around his heels.
"Well," Sam began happily eating, "I made some trouble and the orcs, those cruel devils, thought it would be a good idea to drag me on the ground for some time. Look, my trousers are in rags now and," he turned his legs, "this had happened."
Dismayed they all looked at the wounds which were healing, but looking terrible.
"And my heels were sore too as you can see. Frodo cared for me, it was incredible, he found some kingsfoil and linen and did everything so I could walk again. And if I just couldn't, he lugged me for miles and miles. I don't know how you've done it!"
He looked at Frodo who embarassed said: "I also don't know myself. Maybe it was the gem, this is all I can imagine. But what should I have done? It was horrifying how Sam was suffering and after this terrible rain he also became ill and was totally exhausted and worn out, but then I borrowed him my gem and he became healthy again. There was nothing more terrifying for me than this fear and those worries about Sam!"
One after another they reported about their experiences, amazingly collected and the others became quiet, shocked from this awful narration. The men recognized how robust those small halflings really were.
Until it was noon they were just sitting there talking. There was all pressure gone and sometime Merry grabbed at his belt and loosed Sting which he had fixated there and now gave it back to Sam.
"I brought it along from the Barrow-Downs and I need to say that Bill surely is fine in Rivendell where I left him. I cared therefor. You can't imagine my gladness about seeing you sitting here!"
Of course they looked worn out, Sam with his trousers in rags and Sam with the bloodstained shirt, dirt in their faces and their hair ruffled up. But they survived it and therefor Gandalf, Aragorn, Merry, Pippin and all the others were thankful.
Finally they left and went on their way back to the horses and the Elves joined them on this way. But then the inevitable goodbye followed and Legolas promised to visit the hobbits in the Shire sometime. Then the men and the hobbits left Mirkwood and went on their way back to Rivendell in the west. Frodo rode with Gandalf on Shadowfay and Aragorn's horse alyo had to carry Sam. Merry and Pippin rode with Beregond and Dunórin again.
They rode until the evening approached and then they built a camp to do Sam and Frodo a favour who still were completely exhausted. There they spent the whole night. During the ride they had talked much to each other, but now everyone could see that they were very tired and they lay down near the fire where they immediately fell asleep. Merry and Pippin guarded them and Aragorn left and disappeared into the darkness to look for kingsfoil which the hobbits would need to strengthen again.
Finally they all laid down to sleep except some guards when the king returned with some leafs and they all slept until the next morning came.

Sam woke up from the pleasant smell of the kingsfoil which Aragorn had given into hot water to prepare some mixture. It was already some time after dawn and he found himself under a blanket. Frodo was still sleeping and Sam joined Aragorn. Both they were two of the few people who had already woken up.
"Sam! What a surprise to see you up on your feet again! Tell me, how are you?" Aragorn asked and looked at him with kind eyes which were still the eyes of good old Strider, Sam thought.
"I can't complain. I'm feeling better, still worn out, but happy. What are you doing? Isn't that athelas?"
"This is for you and Frodo. I already hackled some of the leafs to apply that on your wounds. Please turn on your stomach!"
Sam was lying on the grass and looked at the sleeping men. Most of the fires had extinguished in the meantime and now enjoyed Aragorn's hands putting the hackled leafs on his wounds. He immediately felt the healing effect strongly.
"That doesn't look good. You were cheeky and this was your punishment? Oh, I hate those brutals, how could they do this to you? But they're simply like that. But I'm glad that the most evil creature still alive finally disappeared from Middle-Earth. Shelob now can't get it back on you, we could hinder her."
Sam kept silent. He didn't know what to say. Aragorn went on: "Your friends told me you're a studious gardner in the Shire! This sounds great and I'm happy that Saruman was defeated after he destroyed half of the Shire. It was a pleasant suprise to hear that you are a father now! Your wife and daughter are surely impatiently waiting for you to return, but there's still a long way to go and it will take longer now for we needn't hurry now that much. Allright, now you can turn back, but be careful!"
Sam sat upright and bend his legs. The effect of the plant was really agreeably. So it was right: The hands of a king are the hands of a healer. This was what the people at that time had said and in fact it was really effective.
Frodo was till asleep and Sam was overhappy to sit now in the sunshine with Aragorn, although it was in the midst of December, but this was bearable too.
He laid down and his glance lost in the clearblue sky of winter. Relaxed he dreamt and some thought made him feel good.
Shelob's revenge had failed for good. Now he could return to his family and live in the Shire peacefully.

Eleventh Chapter
The Comeback

Three days later they passed the Old Ford. Now they didn't need to hurry although winter was approaching and they feared to find the Caradhras in deep snow, but they had to risk it. Some days later they reached the High Pass and indeed it was they way they had feared it would be: There was much snow and they needed a long time to progress. Some nights they had to sleep in the icy cold. Gandalf had to help to light the wet wood.
Sam was carried by Aragorn who also led his horse through the snow. The other men also cared for the hobbits in their charge who couldn't deal with the snow.
After exhausting hours they finally left the mountains and were very relieved. The weather hadn't been bad, but the snow already lying on the hills was more than enough.
The hobbits told Aragorn about the events in the Shire which were important to them and they also told him about Saruman and his helpers. Aragorn then told them about the life in Gondor and it became very entertaining until they finally reached Rivendell freezing and hungry.
Arwen was waiting for them and was happy to see Frodo and Sam healthy. Immediately she looked at Frodo and his Elvish gem.
"I hope it gave strength to you in dark hours!" she said gently and Frodo nodded.
"Sam has to thank for it", he then said and they entered the house where there soon was some big meal ready for them. When they finished it, the hobbits immediately left and went to bed. Soon the men followed.
Only Aragorn and Gandalf remained sitting together and were talking about important things for a long time.
"Was Shelob the last existing evil in Middle-Earth? I mean, not to talk about orcs now, I'm talking about some evil as bad as Shelob, you know, for she's much more worse than orcs!"
After some hesitating pause Gandalf said: "Well, exactly that's the problem. Maybe you know there's some origin of evil. His name is Morgoth and he was expelled from our world to the dark emptiness far from Arda where we're living. The mighty Valar expelled him. Now these are names you don't know and maybe you understand the importance of it.
Morgoth wasn't always evil and first he was also called Melkor. But he was hungry for power and wanted to rule everything which worked out in some way. Evil spread in Arda which hadn't been before, but it will now exist forever. He united with another huge spider whose name was Ungoliant and Shelob is her direct offspring, but Ungoliant was more evil than Shelob had ever been and also Shelob's offsprings are less dangerous than she was. Well, this all happened some ages ago and so evil was created. Melkor appointed Sauron as his deputy. So let's eliminate Morgoth who is banned for good and guarded. There won't something come from him but everything which had come into being before he was banned ist still existing and will exist forever. Evil in every kind of way.
Well, so Morgoth doesn't count and Sauron is defeated, Ungoliant has disappeared and also Shelob is dead now. But there are still orcs and the other spiders, wolves and other creatures in this order of magnitude we can deal with.
There are also some Balrogs and other demons left which are dangerous, but don't show up, only if you want them to. So you can say there's only some evil left we can deal with, it can be controlled and we can reckon a long-lasting peace in Middle-Earth to come back to the beginning of the conversation."
Attentively Aragorn had listened and now nodded.
"This wasn't easy to follow, but I understood what you wanted to say for you answered my question clearly. I asked myself whether there could exist a second Sauron, but that's impossible, I think."
"The real evil which is very dangerous doesn't exist anymore. Isn't that a calming idea? You'll live some peaceful life now compared to everything we experienced!"
Arwen had listened standing in the doorframe which they now noticed.
"It's really good to know you're right, Gandalf!" she said. "It's good that the halflings now needn't care about things anymore which they can't cope with. But it's really incredible what they can cope with though! I think they can't understand the importance of what you've been talking about here. Except of... yes, maybe Frodo could, he has vision. His uncle was visionary too. Maybe good old Samwise also knows about which powers are important in Middle-Earth, but I think it's good that they needn't deal with it. For them it's better to return to hobbiton to live their lives there. They're some happy people, I have to admit."
Aragorn nodded.
"Which knowledge hides inside of you, my dear? You know so many things about the ages!"
Arwen sat down next to them and silent they all looked at the stars in the sky and got an idea of things few people knew about. But the important powers were far from their imagination and unimportant to their lives and they didn't consider that further. Also the hobbits didn't worry about anything: They were sleeping and weren't disturbed.

They stayed another relaxing day in Rivendell and Sam immediately visited his friend Bill in the stable. When the left the following day heading to the Shire, they took the ponies with them, of course.
It was a strange group of riders which left Rivendell in the morning: a king followed by a wizard and two men, the four of them with a halfling on their horse too, further there was an Elvish maiden and a retinue of men.
Gandalf was happy about Aragorn soon getting used to his new life as a king and having found the place where he really belonged. This must be pleasant together with Arwen, he thought. Sam was visibly looking forward to return to his family, Frodo too. They couldn't wait to return to Bag End. Also Merry and Pippin knew where their home was.
And Gandalf himself? He liked the Shire for some unknown reason very much and he wanted to continue looking for his own hourse when they reached hobbiton.
He never had thought it was possible, but now he could look at it: Sam had overcome his agony and fear easily and fast, for the simple reason that his enemy couldn't harm him anymore. Also Frodo was relieved and there was something they learned later: There wasn't any pain anymore at the anniversary of the injury by Shelob. Also the pain which had come from the Nazgul faded away later.
He would find his peace, the ringbearer, the peace he really deserved. Almost he had left Middle-Earth, this was something Gandalf often thought about and he wondered how he had had this idea. It wasn't too strange and he understood Frodo's intentions, but there was one thing for sure: Frodo's home was in the Shire and nowhere else. Frodo wasn't Bilbo. Bilbo would live more happily in the far west with the Elves. Gandalf was pleased. The days passed peacefully, only disturbed by frost and bad weather, but when they once passed the Last Bridge, it improved a little.
Days and nights passed by amusing and the hobbits were happy Aragorn was with them. They liked him since he had went with them through the lands of Middle-Earth which they passed now too. He was some very close friend to them although he appeared different to them as King Elessar, but to them he was still the good friend and not a king.
So nobody wondered about it when Aragorn asked someone to give him some old coat which he put on over his wonderful king's clothing to hide it. Then there was some water needed to make his hair straggly and soon the hobbits looked at Strider as they knew him. Amused Aragorn smiled. He wanted to play a trick at the inhabitants of Bree. They would never believe their Strider was king in Gondor who also cared for them, but they would only believe if they saw it. But probably they wouldn't identify the king as Strider without help. Frodo asked about going with Aragorn and so he finally did.

They went through the city gate and nobody cared about them. This simple fact seemed to amuse Aragorn already which was a whole new side to Frodo. Did he discover humor now? He welcomed this development.
Attentively they observed everyone they met, but nothing happened. So they soon went to the inn to surprise Butterbur. Maybe he would recognize the missing Mr. Underhill and quickly Aragorn planned what should happen. He would tell them that he, the king of Gondor, hat rescued the abducted halfling.
Frodo hardly could hide his grinning when they entered the "Prancing Pony" which was full on this frosty day. They accompanied to the people near the bar and Frodo was waiting for Butterbur to react. After a while and Butterbur again and again looking at him investigating he finally asked Frodo about his name.
"My name is Baggins, some people here also know me as Underhill", he said unmoved and Butterbur was startled.
"So you're the missing hobbit! Tell me, wherre did you leave Mr. Gamgee? Is he still alive too?"
"Of course he is, he will arrive soon." This was even right. "Well, do you have a little time to listen to some odd story?"
Butterbur nodded and again all interested guests except two of them also listened to Frodo.
"Here you see the king of Gondor who savbed me from death."
Loud laughter was the answer to Frodo's predicatin and Butterbur smiled kindly.
"Well, well, our good Strider is a king? In Gondor, you said? I've heard of someone reigning there again now, but they call him Elessar, the Elfstone, and, I'm sorry, this one here doesn't really look like one."
Again a general laughter and Frodo played the game.
"Why not? Is it just because you've heard some rumors about Strider? I'll tell you something. Strider, this is the man who lived many years in exile and is known as a Ranger as sure as he's sitting here. But later he followed his destiny and entered the throne."
"Is it true?" a hobbit sitting next to them asked. "And why does he still wear rags?"
"That's a good question", Aragorn said. "Maybe to remain unnoticed from some vagabonds in the wilderness, this could be possible, couldn't it?"
Nobody believed a single word. They all believed in the rumors you could hear about Rangers.
"I'll tell you what he's done for me, braver than all of you in here: He followed the orcs who abducted Mr. Gamgee and me, to Mirkwood where the spiders are. He has saved us by cutting off their heads! I think this is worth narrated in a song, isn't it?"
Some only giggled. Strider? Never in their lives, they thought. And Aragorn's face was unmoved which they all knew very well, and it was some perfect acting.
"He has grown up with the Elves and married one of them who now is mortal, just for his love! His deeds in the War of the Ring are deeds of a real hero and still cares about some small hobbits like me. I think this is something a good king must be praised of!"
Some of the guests meanwhile asked themselves if there was something true in this strange story, but it sounded incredible and queer to them. But is was the truth.
Finally Aragorn made the fun come to an end by taking off the coat and grabbing his sword Narsil.
Silent astonishment spread and everyone stared at him surprised.
"So it's all true what you've just said, Mr. Baggins!"
"As sure as I'm standing here. May I introduce you to the king of Gondor?"
Right in that moment they heard horses approaching and they all ran outside to have a look at the wonderful retinue.
Now even the most stupid amongst them understood that Aragorn, Strider, really was the king of Gondor. But he and the people travelling with him only stayed for a short time and promised to send more messengers and guards to the area to hunt all vagabonds still existing.
Soon they left Bree for they wanted to do a long way this day.
Some miles before they reached the Old Forest, they built their camp for the night and the next day they visited Bombadil who embraced Frodo and Sam in relief.
Gandalf meanwhile noticed they were observed by Gwaihir who calmed returned to his home in the Misty Mountains.
In the evening they passed Brandywine Bridge and this was the last sleep outside in the fields before they reached hobbiton. Sam couldn't wait, but even he needed some sleep and they laid down under trees to be protected from the surprising snowfall. But they were all robust and the men knew how to built a good camp in winter.

Early the next morning the hobbits woke up and constrained the other travellers to leave. Quick they all packed the things and after a breakfast they were ready for the last few miles.
They crossed Whitfurrows followed by interested hobbits and at noon they reached Frogmorton. In the afternoon they passed Bywater where the hobbits sometimes even reacted anxiously when they saw the men, but when they saw the hobbits, they were eased. Many shouted things to the hobbits and some were whispering. Others screamed: "There's Frodo Baggins! He's back and there are men with him!"
Many hobbits followed them to hobbiton where Sam finally infected Aragorn with his restiveness. The nearer they came to the Cotton's farm, more and more hobbits where on the streets and in the end Sam jumped off the horse and ran to the house. Gandalf smiled and they all dismounted their horses not to appear huge to the hobbits.
Most of the men reacted suprised themselves when they saw hobbits. hobbits and men looked at each other curious and full of respect.
"Rosie! Rosie, we're back! Rosie! Everything's allright!" Sam yelled and ran to the courtyard. Some door was opened and Rosie came out with Elanor. When she saw Sam approaching, she ran towards him and embraced him happily.
"Dad is back!" Elanor cried and was overhappy. Quick countless hobbits gathered on the courtyard and the men with their horses locked the whole street.
Aragorn's first order was sending them all to a meadow nearby and then joined the reunion.
He was happy that Rosie still didn't knew about the things Sam had went through. Frodo stepped to them, followed by Merry and Pippin and Elanor embraced Frodo.
"Finally uncle Frodo is back! It was sooo boring without you!"
Merry smiled and Aragorn came with Arwen and Gandalf. The friends together standing on the courtyard, this was a very nice thing to look at.
Rosie turned to Frodo: "How are you, are you healthy? I'm so glad to see you here! And you two, Merry and Pippin, you're fine too? I'm so glad! But you... I mean, Gandalf, I know you, but you... who are you?"
"Dear Rosie! I'm happy to meet you, the wife of my good friend Sam and his cute daughter. I've been waiting for this moment for a long time. I'm Aragorn, king of Gondor." Rosie was startled, but he just said: "No, don't be afraid. I've been in exile for many years and no one needs to have too much respect. I'm a close friend to the four of them and they are enthusiastic adventurers!"
First Aragorn cared for his men to find some place to stay and Rosie's father offered them to stay in his huge barn and they all found some space in the hays. They liked this place for it was warm and their horses were pleased on the meadow next to the barn.
After solving this problem, they all went into the kitchen of the farm and sat down round the table to report while having a great dinner.
"Where have you been so long?" Elanor asked. Sam had taken her on his lap and she had a look at all the people around the table.
"This is a long story to be told... you'll remember the beginning, but there's much which happened after..."
Together they told while they were eating and Sam was happy that Elanor had fallen asleep meanwhile, so she needn't hear the stories about the orcs and spiders. Rosie was very frightened, but she felt Aragorn was powerful enough so it hadn't been difficult for him to save Sam and Frodo from mortal danger.
Finally she rose and embraced him, the king of Gondor, and said: "I didn't have a clue! I'll never forget what you've done. And all the others - if you hadn't been, we wouldn't be sitting here and, I don't want to think about it, I'd never seen Sam again... terrible!"
Aragorn believed she didn't exactly know what they had been talking about, but it was better.
She was fascinated by Arwen and there immediately was sympathy between them. After a long time of unhurried get-together they finally left to return to Bag End: Sam , Rosie, Elanor, Frodo, Merry and Pippin, also Gandalf, Arwen and Aragorn. In the dense snow falling Aragorn visited his men for a last time that day and then followed the others.
Some dream came true for Sam: He returned to his home. Overhappy he entered the hallway and Rosie cared for their guests. Aragorn, Arwen and Gandalf were too tall for any hobbit-bed, but Rosie invented something and pleased they soon found themselves in many soft blankets and pillows and fell asleep a short time after.
Merry and Pippin went to bed in the guestroom and Sam, carrying his sleeping daughter, went to her room and laid her gently in the bed and covered her with a blanket. It was nearly incredible to him to be back home, he just didn't believe it. Suddenly Frodo was behind him and said: "Are you that happy too? I can't express it in words!"
"I feel the same, you know? Finally I'm back! It feels to me as if the terrible time we've been away from here is already long ago."
Frodo nodded and went to his room for he was very tired.
Rosie and Sam embraced and she said: "Finally you're back!"
"I'm so glad about it. I missed that for long."
At last they also went to bed.

The next morning Frodo woke up from Elanor's laughter. She had gone into the garden with Pippin and they built a snowman. Merry sneaked through the hallways, impatiently waiting for the others for he was starving of hunger.
Frodo joined him and they found Rosie and Arwen sitting in the kitchen preparing some tea. Sam was still asleep, Gandalf and Aragorn too.
Rosie looked at Frodo and asked: "And he's really king? He's so powerful and so friendly!" Smiling Frodo nodded.
"I don't know what would be if we didn't have him!"
They sat down round the table and finally Aragorn also came, relaxed and pleased and willing to look after his retinue. He told them Gandalf had also gotten up already and would come soon.
Before Sam showed up, still tired, but pleased, very pleased. When Aragorn finally came back, they had a breakfast.
The day was very amusing for everyone and the men became friends with all the curious hobbits.
They enjoyed their time in hobbiton, Aragorn and Arwen liked Bag End and Gandalf told Elanor many exciting stories.
It seemed as if Frodo and Sam had forgotten what had happened, Merry and Pippin too. Only one night Frodo was startled from a nightmare in which he had dreamt Sam had died because of his wounds. But as he woke Sam then, Sam becalmed him and Frodo saw the wounds had healed well and this was the last nightmare he had.
A week later Merry and Pippin left for they wanted to return to their homes and a month later the men from Gondor left. Gandalf had found his own home near Bag End and they all said goodbye to Aragorn, Arwen and the retinue.
"I promise, we will come back and we expect you visiting us in Gondor. Come whenever you want to! We'll always be friends and you're protected by Gondor. Farewell!" he spoke and they left hobbiton.
Frodo and Sam looked after them for a long time and then looked at each other.
"Now daily life returns to us. I really awaited this peace!" Sam said.
"Me too. You don't know how glad I am that things turned out that way in the end. If I hadn't you, what would be?" Frodo asked and they went back through the garden heading to the door.
"I'll tell you something: this doesn't matter to me! There's some much more important thought in my mind: Bag End is too big for only one child. One thing for sure: My first son is named after you!"
"Sam, you're wonderful", Frodo said and closed the door behind them.