The Dark Within (Book One)

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We settle the hobbits into Strider's room. They all lie down and are soon asleep. Strider and I sit by the windowsill and wait for the wraiths to show up, we both know that they will. My hood is pulled off so my face is illuminated by the light of the moon.

"You can sleep." Strider says to me. "I don't mind staying watch."

"I won't sleep anyways." I say.

"You don't trust me." Strider says bluntly.

"I never said that." I say, he turns and looks at me. I don't know why but I do trust him. I don't even know his real name. Maybe it's because we're both rangers, or maybe it's something else we have in common that I just haven't discovered yet. "Do you trust me?" I ask him. He tilts his head, not answering me. He's not sure. I haven't given people the most reason to trust me. Especially once I became a mercenary.

"Where are you headed from here?" Strider asks me.

"Back to Minas Tirith. I have unfinished business there." I say. "How about you?"

"Rivendell. I will take the hobbits and the ring there. Lord Elrond will know what to do." He says. I nod.

"I've only been to Rivendell three times in my life." I say.

"I was raised there." He says. "Lord Elrond was kind enough to take me in."

"Lucky." I say. "It's a beautiful place."

"Would you like to come with me?" He asks.

"To Rivendell?" I ask. He nods.

"I could use the help with the hobbits." He says and I look back at the sleeping hobbits. "I know how skilled you are with a blade and a bow."

"Very well." I say. "I'll travel with you to Rivendell and I'll be on my way. It's about time I go back." He bows his head slightly. Then we hear it. We hear them. I know the sound all too well, it haunts my dreams. The sound of the wraiths cries. The hobbits sit up in bed.

"What are they?" Frodo asks.

"They were once men. Great kings of men." Strider says. "Then Sauron the deceiver gave them nine rings of power. Blinded by their greed they took them without question."

"One by one, falling into darkness." I say. "Now they are slaves to his will."

"They are the Nazgul, Ringwraiths. Neither living nor dead." Strider says. "At all times they feel the presence of the ring. Drawn to the power of the one. They will never stop hunting you."

"We wait here until they leave and then we must go." I say. "We have to get you out of here as quick as we can."

"Pack your bags." Strider says. "Raven and I will find you some breakfast." I nod my head and we both get up.

"Whatever you do, do not leave." I say with warning to them. We watch the wraiths leave just as the sun is about to rise. I feel cold watching the creatures.

"You've seen these creatures before." Strider observes. I nod.

"Yes." I say. "Many years ago." It's been an age since I crossed paths with the Ringwraiths. We walk down the stairs to the bar to see what they had for warm food. It was no use using up our rations. The bar is just opening up. Strider goes to the kitchen and I walk up to Barliman.

"Are you alright?" I ask the man. He looks pale and afraid. He jumps a bit and looks up.

"I'll be alright." He says. "Those wretched creatures broke in last night. Completely destroyed a room and damaged my door. Not to mention completely terrified most of my guests. But luckily no one was hurt." I nod. I dig into my pocket and pull out a bag of gold coins and place it on the counter. He looks like he's about to refuse it.

"Take it. I insist." I say. "You are the best innkeeper I know." I smile at him. He smiles widely back.

"Thank you Raven." He says and takes the bag of gold. I nod and go back to Strider. He balances three plates and two lay on the counter. I put a few gold coins on the counter and take the plates. We walk upstairs together.

"This was all they had so we'll have to share." Strider says.

"That's alright." I say. "I've survived on less." He nods his head, I'm sure he has too. We push open the door and the four hobbits have their packed bags ready. We hand them the plates and they dig in. Strider and I sit at the table and share our plate. Once everything is done we grab our things and leave the Inn. We head to the stables where Strider and I's horses stay. We pack our bags onto the horses and start our journey out of town.

Towards Rivendell.