Wild Monster

by Matthew Harrington

  Hurrying through she came upon the three Hobbits and her sisters. Anoreth was on the ground with Frodo cradled in her arms, her free hand hovered over his wound, a soft light illuminating from her palm. Behind her Saeleth was speaking to Pip and Merry gently, reassuring them that Frodo was going to be okay. Quickly dismounting Artanis, Maethien hurried towards Frodo a smile rising in her lips. She was completely unaware that a warm, pure light had blossomed around her as she walked toward them.

  "Frodo," kneeling beside the little Hobbit she smiled kindly, and before she could think of what to do, she spoke. "Im Maethien. Telin le thaed. Lasto beth nîn, tolo dan nan galad." Confused, Maethien looked around for Arwen, those words had been hers to say, weren't they? Was she coming?

  No, child. Arwen's role in this quest has changed. It is up to you, now. She recognized the voice in her thoughts as Varda's. What did she mean by that?

  The sound of someone rushing towards them quickly had both Maethien and Saeleth raising their weapons. Aragorn emerged from the trees and looked upon them with a shocked expression, his eyes narrowing at the sight of their weapons, his hand inching toward his own as well.

  "Who are you?" He asked cautiously, almost aggressively so. To show that they meant no harm, Mae immediately sheathed her weapon and gestured for her sister to do the same. Not wanting to alarm the ranger.

  "I am Maethien, these are my sisters. Who are you?"

  "I am Strider," he noticed the glow in Ann's palm and quickly stepped closer, his fists clenching at the sight of her. Unsure whether to demand they release Frodo or perhaps ask for their assistance in saving him. "What is she doing?"

  "Do not worry, she is aiding him." Maethien said to him softly, or at least she assumed she was aiding him. "We are here to help, Strider." Mae promised and turned back to kneel beside Frodo, quickly Aragorn did the same and went to apply the Athelas to Frodo's wound. Though he was not entirely sure he could trust the elleth's that had found them, he did nonetheless, as he often tended to when met with the fair folk of which he had been raised with.

  Ann, having also heard Varda's words, looked at her sister and Aragorn with wide concerned eyes. "I have done what I can to slow the poison but he must be taken to Rivendell, he must be taken to Lord Elrond."

  "Then there is no time to lose." They all stood, Aragorn lifting Frodo into his arms. Maethien whistled for Artanis and helped him secure Frodo onto her back, then Aragorn turned to face Maethien solemnly.

  "Let me ride with him, the road is dangerous." He said gravely.

  "I know," Maethien smiled reassuringly at Aragorn. "I am a fast rider. I can take him. I know what hunts him and I do not fear them..." Maethien paused, then reached over and set a hand of Aragorn's, the surprised ranger looked into her eyes. "Trust me, Strider... I am not your enemy. I wish no ill will to Frodo... I want to help." The two warriors shared a long glance, a silent conversation going between the two.. Then a screech of a Ringwraith pierced the air and Aragorn, who had been fighting a war inside of him, finally nodded. Mae swung onto Artanis skillfully and looked at her sisters. Quite suddenly, Maethien felt fear strike her heart. What was she going to do? She wasn't sure if she could leave her sisters behind, she wouldn't know if they were okay. What of they got hurt while she was away?

  "Ann, you must go with them." Following her intuition, Saeleth quickly turned to her sister and ushered her toward her horse. "They may need you. Hurry!" She was very aware that her heart was pounding in her chest, she was afraid, but she couldn't let the fear paralyze her.

  Ann quickly did as she was told and climbed onto Lossen's back her eyes wide with anxiety. Once they were settled they both looked down at Saeleth, the worry evident on their faces.

  "Do not worry. We will see each other soon. Stay safe, my sisters." Saeleth said soothingly to her sisters, smiling gently at them as she did. The words just poured out of her! She wasn't sure exactly how she had been able to say them but she was sure that she meant them. The words gave Maethien and Anoreth the push they needed, their eyes watered but they smiled at their sister. Breathing in deep, Maethien gave Saeleth a firm nod before looking down at Artanis.

  "Noro lim, Artanis, noro lim!"

  Saeleth watched her sisters disappear into the night, her hand clenched into a fist against her chest where her heart was still racing.

  Please, keep them safe. She thought pleadingly.

  Do not worry for your sisters, Saeleth. They are strong.

  Aragorn turned to Saeleth and bowed his head slightly as he put his hand over his heart. "I'm Strider." He introduced himself to her again. Not quite as cautious as he had been the first time though he had to admit that he was still not quite sure whether or not he had made the right decision just then. Then again, if they meant to hurt him wouldn't they have taken off together rather to leave one of their own behind with him and the hobbits?

  "I am Saeleth." She copied the gesture and smiled softly at him. Surprised at his trust in them, she had no intention of breaking that trust.

  "I'm Pippin," Pippin suddenly appeared at her side, a sweet wide smile on his face. "And this is Merry." Merry appeared on her other side. "That's Sam."

  "Pleasure to meet you Pippin, Merry, and Sam." Saeleth giggled softly and smiled at the Hobbits kindly. Yes, they really were as small and warm as she had imagined they would be.

  "Why-" Suddenly, the shrill shriek of a Ringwraith cut off what Aragorn had been about to say. "Hurry!" Now moving urgently he drew out his sword and gestured aat the hobbits.

  "Gadriel." Saeleth called out, the beautiful mare hurried to her side. "Come, little ones. Hold on tight, please." Aragorn helped her lift the Hobbits up onto her back. Leaning close she whispered to Gadriel urgently. "Noro, Gadriel! Noro!"

  Gadriel took off at a fast gallop. Looking at Aragorn, Elle gave him a quick nod before bolting after the Hobbits, Aragorn kept pace with her easily. Keeping her eyes ahead she searched everywhere as they ran for a place to hide from the Wraiths, a cave or-

  "In there!" Saeleth looked to Aragorn and saw him pointing ahead of them to what seemed like a very large cave made of multiple large boulders, it was slightly hidden behind the long weeping branches of the trees surrounding it. Not wasting a single second, Saeleth ran for the cave, quickly she and Aragorn ushered the Hobbits and Gadriel in ahead of them before hurrying in after them. Saeleth was, to her great surprise, not tired at all.

  The beauty of being an elf! With Merry and Pippin on either side of her, Elle closed her eyes and listened to the pounding of the Nazgûl's horses, the high pitched shrieking making her skin crawl. Her heart was thundering loudly, she was almost afraid the Wraiths would her it and find them. Everyone remained as quiet as possible, soon the Nazgûl thundered past them, the terrible screeching fading away farther and farther until they could not be heard anymore.

  "They didn't even stop to look." Pippin noted quietly.

  "Because they are after the ring, not us." Saeleth voiced her realization quietly, her eyes went to the ground, her brows furrowing together in a show of concern.

  "Pippin!" From her other side, Merry whispered reproachfully, looking at Pippin as if he were a complete imbecile. Breathing a laugh, Saeleth shook her head softly and swallowed the lump in her throat.

  "It's alright. I have faith in my sisters." Standing, she went to Gadriel and rewarded her with appreciative whispers and warm caresses. Once everyone was calm enough, the Hobbits went on to make their beds and make themselves comfortable while Elle expertly untacked her horse and helped her to get comfortable as well. How she knew how to untack her horse was beyond her. The errand allowed her mind to wonder though. Elle was very aware that Middle-Earth was not the safest land... her sisters could find themselves in grave danger. What if-

  No, no. Maethien and Annie will be find. They're strong and smart. They'll be ok.

  "Saeleth?" Looking away from Gadriel, Elle turned toward Aragorn, he was leaning against the cave wall with his legs stretched in front off him, his an
kles crossed.

  "Yes?"

  "What are you doing here?" He asked curiously, Elle's lips curved slightly as she walked over to sit not far from Merry and Pippin, directly in front of Aragorn and just beside the opening of the cave. What was she going to tell him? After a moment or two of thinking her words over, she looked at the dark Ranger calmly, his face was hidden in the cave shadows.

  "My sisters and I heard whispers of the return of The One Ring," she spoke quietly, almost as if she feared the Wraith's would hear her utter the words. "We have come to offer a helping hand."

  For a long moment, Aragorn said nothing. Saeleth was just beginning to wonder if she had said something she had not supposed to when he spoke finally again. "You are quite brave." Was all he said.

  "I suppose I should thank you." Elle said quietly, a smile on her lips and amusement in her tone.

  "No thanks necessary, Saeleth."

  "Friends call me Elle." There was a moment of hesitation, and Elle felt herself tense.

  "Elle, then." Somehow she knew he was smiling and she released the breath she had been holding in.

  "Sleep, Strider. You must be tired. I'll wake you if anything or anyone should come near." Her offer went on ignored for a few minutes, then she heard him shift around, looking for a more comfortable position.

  "Rest well, mellon nin." Elle said quietly.

  The pounding of the horse's hooves on the ground matched the pounding of the sisters hearts as they rode hard toward Rivendell, they were grateful that both Artanis and Lossen never seemed to tire of the heavy running.

  "We're almost there." Mae was not sure how she knew, but she was sure she was right. Beside her, Ann breathed unevenly, her eyes fixated on the road ahead of them. Behind them the Wraiths were hot on their heels, their high pitched screeching making the sisters skin crawl. If there was still an inkling of disbelief in the sister's hearts as to their situation... it was now completely gone.

  As they rode the shrieking got closer and closer until there were right beside them. Looking to their sides the sisters found themselves surrounded by Wraiths.

  "Noro! Noro lim!" Somehow, the horses ran even faster surpassing the Ringwraiths quickly. Looking back Maethien saw one of the Wraiths reaching out toward Ann with its long, dark, bony fingers.

  "Ann!" Holding Frodo and the reigns tight with one hand, Maethien acted quickly and pulled out her sword and slashed at the hand, forcing it to draw back with a terrible scream.

  Unable to speak, Anoreth gave Maethien a grateful wide eyed look then focused on riding even faster. Together they rode hard and fast past the trees and rolling plains. Leaning heavily against Mae's chest, Frodo's breathing was ragged and Mae could feel his heart beating slower and slower. She knew she had to hurry, they knew what happened... Frodo had survived the ride, but this time it wasn't just a film. Frodo's life was in her hands, this destiny was not yet fulfilled. It was up to her and her sisters to put destiny in motion, and Frodo needed to survive for them to do so.

  "No, no. Hold on Frodo. Hold on!" She was afraid, but not of the darkness that was chasing them. Mae was afraid of losing Frodo. She could not let him die! She would not let him die! Pulling Artanis into the forest Thor found herself running the same course that she had seen Arwen take in the movies.

  They flew over the fallen tree, the thrill of flying making Ann's heart soar as they bounded into the gushing river. They did not stop until they were on the other side, there the sisters turned to face the Nazgûl defiantly. They had stopped at the opposite edge, their dark horses rearing back. Mae knew what was coming, and she hoped that she would be able to do it.

  "Give up the Halfling, she-elf!" They commanded, the monstrous voice deep and dark.

  "If you want him," Maethien raised her sword above her and pointed it at the Wraiths. "Come and claim him. If you dare." She challenged, then looked down at the river and, after a a quick prayer to the stars, began the enchantment, her voice as strong as she could muster.

  "Nîn o chithaeglir,

  lasto beth daer;

  Rimmo nîn Bruinen

  dan in Ulaer."

  The current of the river hastened and strengthened. The water rose high above them, creating a wall of water that took the form of a herd of majestic horses galloping toward the Wraiths, neighing powerfully. The Ringwraiths tried to flee, but the wall of water crashed over them and captured them beneath its strong waves, forcing them away with ease down the river, away from them. The sisters stared in wonder for a moment, smiles forming on their lips, but then Frodo began to retch painfully and the wonder faded into horror.

  "No, no! Frodo, stay strong! Dont give in! Frodo!" Holding him close, Mae looked to her sister helplessly.

  "Come on, Frodo. Fight! Do not let the light leave you." Anoreth said and touched her hand to his chest once more to try and help him find the light within himself. Again she felt a sudden warmth envelop her, she watched curiously as the light in her palm wrapped itself around Frodo's body. Even though she could feel warmth around her she could also feel the fear in her heart. Frodo's name repeating over and over in her head.

  "We need to hurry." Ann looked at Mae with serious eyes, she wasn't sure how but she knew that their time was precious. The sisters mounted their mares and took off, riding faster and harder. Please, help him be strong! Let him make it to Rivendell. Mae hoped that the Valar were listening to her.

  Do not fear, brave one. He will make it. You are near. They were listening. Emotions welled up inside her and gave her an extra shove of strength. It felt... amazing to have someone looking after them.

  Soon, they bounded into the courtyard of Rivendell.

  "Edraith! An ngell nin! Boe de nestad, boe nestad Frodo!" Immediately after she called out they were surrounded by elves. Frodo was gently taken from her and rushed away to Lord Elrond but she refused to move and watched as he was taken, worry in her eyes and her fist clenched against her chest. Beside her, Ann sniffled and quietly asked the Valar to keep him safe, to help him be strong. Once he was out of sight they both looked down and found an elf waiting for their attention, he was lean and tall with sleek golden hair brushing his shoulders and a silver circlet on his head.

  "Mae govannen. Gi nathlam hi. Galadar i eneth nin. Man eneth lin?" The elf bowed his head and set his hand over her heart. The sisters dismounted and faced the elf, Ann, who did not know the elvish language s expertly as Elle or Mae, despite being an elf, looked at her sisters reaction to the elf's words. The only thing she'd been able to catch was that his name was Galadar and that they were welcome in Imladris. When Maethien smiled softly and copied the elf's gesture, Ann hurried to do the same.

  "Maethien i eneth nin." Mae introduced herself and her sister before asking if it were possible for them to settle their horses in the stables, also informing him that they were there for the council. Galadar called forward a young elf with long brown hair and gentle blue eyes and asked him to lead them to the stables, meanwhile he was going to find their guests rooms for them to settle down in. Maethien looked after them in surprise, apparently the hospitality of the elves was very much like they had imagined.

  Sometime later, the sisters found themselves in the stables of Rivendell alone.

  "It's much more beautiful in real life." Anoreth looked around in wonder as she gently petted and stroked Lossen's neck and mane. In the stable beside her she saw Mae doing the same to Artanis, running her hands over the mares bare back softly and whispering sweet words to the dark horse.

  "I agree." Mae sighed and leaned her forehead against Artanis' neck, suddenly feeling winded. "That was... an experience. This is real, Anoreth." The sudden realization of the situation they were in left Mae breathless, they were really there. In the middle of what was destined to be an epic adventure and dangerous journey.

  Anoreth looked at her sister with a comforting smile and nodded. "It is. It's amazing, isn't it?" Ann looked to the ceiling and smiled, the more she looked around at where she was the more settled she fel
t. Was that odd?

  "Definitely. It's also dangerous, but for some reason I already feel... like I belong." Mae was utterly confused about that. She felt more at home here then she had ever felt back home. She felt like she belonged there, like she was home, even though they had just barely managed to escape death nd were bound to face more deadly experiences than that. Was that crazy of her? She'd welcomed this world without a moment of hesitation, she'd accepted the danger without thinking twice. Maybe she was mental.

  Anoreth laughed softly and looked at the ground. "I understand entirely. Even though we were literally dropped into a completely new world, where we're about to face a very dangerous journey. It feels like we've been here forever. Like we belong. Maybe it's because we never really felt like we... belonged back in our world... you know?" Ann said quietly, a sorrowful look in her eyes. Mae stopped petting Artanis' mane, to which she objected to with a neigh, and looked up to where her sister kissed Lossen's forehead... She was right. They'd never found a family, they had never had a family, they didn't really socialize much either.

  "It does feel nice to feel... Like I'm home." Maethien agreed quietly. Looking at each other the sisters smiled and laughed quietly and shook their heads.

  When they finished praising and petting their horses, the girls left the stables side by side and followed the young elleth that had been sent to lead them to their rooms.

  "Do you think someone could be sent to help Aragorn, Saeleth, and the Hobbit's?" Ann asked her sister as they followed the elleth. Instantly the elleth turned to them with wide eyes.

  "Aragorn?" Mae and Ann turned to the surprised elleth, then glanced at each other. Well, if that had caught her attention... perhaps she could help...

  "Yes." Taking the opportunity, Mae stepped closer to the elleth. "Our friends are out there, they could be in grave danger."

  "They are coming this way. Is there anything that can be done to assist them? Anything?" Ann added and stepped even closer to the elleth, she clasped her hands together and looked at her with wide hopeful eyes. The elleth looked at the worry and hope in the woman's eyes for a long moment, seemingly debating what to do. Then finally she nodded.