Mo Ghile Mear

The End of All Things

***Sera's POV***

  Sam and I stealthily made our way to the Tower of Cirith Ungol. I did not like the feeling, but I was even more worried about Frodo. 

  Sam and I approached the room where Frodo was being kept. We could hear a snarling voice from close by. 

  "Stop your squealing, you bilge rat! Or I'll bleed you. . . . like a stuck pig!" 

  I grabbed this as a chance to save Frodo before any more harm could be done to him. I plunged my sword straight into the vile creature's chest. Frodo looked very confused before I revealed myself to him.

  "Not unless I stick you, first," I answered defensively. 

  Frodo looked very relieved. 

  "Sera!" he cried out joyfully. I let the Orc fall mercilessly onto the floor before sheathing my sword back into its hilt before approaching Frodo, with Sam behind me. I pulled Frodo into a tight hug, relieved that he was alright. "Oh, Sam. Oh, Sera. I'm so sorry," Frodo apologized sincerely. His voice broke as he spoke. "I'm sorry for everything." 

  I shook my head, untying his bonds, letting him loose. 

  "You don't need to be sorry. That wasn't you. I blame the Ring." 

  "We've gotta get you out of here," said Sam. 

  "No. No, guys. It's over. Sam, Sera. They took the Ring!" 

  He looked terrified. I didn't blame him. But then I remembered something. 

  "I beg your pardon, Frodo," I answered. "But they didn't." 

  Frodo looked very confused. 

  "What are you —?" he began. But he stopped himself once he saw that I was pulling the Ring from my pocket. He looked very relieved. 

  "I was afraid that I lost you," I admitted. "So I took it. Just for safe-keeping. It's safe, now." 

  "Sera! You're a genius, I —" He paused, his eyes fixated on the ring. The blue orbs that were once so full of relief, suddenly turned dark. Something that I wasn't used to. He stretched out his hand, speaking in a deadly quiet voice that caused the hairs on my arms to prickle. "Give me the Ring, Sera." 

  I hesitated. No, I did not want the Ring for myself. I wanted to let Mr. Frodo have a break from such a heavy burden. 

  "I. . . .," I hesitated, unsure. 

  "Give me the Ring, Sera," Frodo demanded in an even more dangerous voice. So reluctantly, I gave it to him. He snatched it from my grip, and I watched him putting it around his neck. I could see the way he was looking at it. Did he really enjoy having that thing around his neck? I sure as hell wouldn't. "You must understand," Frodo went on. He looked up at me, his eyes now tired. "This is my task." 

  I nodded. There was no point in arguing with him. I approached Frodo as he struggled to get to his feet. I could hear his fast, labored breathing. I looked around for anything to wear into Mordor. I didn't care if we were in Orc clothing. We just needed something to wear into Mordor. 

  "C'mon, Mr. Frodo," I encouraged him. "Let's find you some clothes. We can't have you walking around Mordor in naught but your skin." I held a hand out for him to take, which he took gratefully. Sam went off to find clothes before I handed Frodo his things from the table. Sam finally came around with three pairs of Orc clothing. 

  "Not much that I could find," he admitted as he held the suits up. "But it's our only chance of getting in without being caught." 

  I smiled at him. "You're a genius, Sam."