Beyond the Fords of Isen

Caradhras Pass

"It's Saruman!" Gandalf hollered.

Saruman's name being spoken seemed to agitate the mountain even more. More stones fell, the snow became thicker, and the wind whipped and howled. Adalmaer was struggling to keep Bill under control, the pony was tearing and whinnying. The poor creature was frightened beyond belief.

"He's trying to bring down the mountain! Gandalf, we must turn back!" Aragorn yelled out. His voice nearly lost in the wind, and he was using his big size to shield what Hobbits he could, Boromir doing the same. "No!" Gandalf yelled sternly. He took a step forward, his hands clenched around his staff.

"Gandalf!" Aragorn barked. He wasn't sure whether to be surprised or not that Gandalf refused to listen. The wizard didn't give a reply, instead he stuck his staff out and pointed it towards the opposite mountain. He uttered foreign words, words that seemed to battle for dominance with Saruman's.

This did little to stop the assault. The wind became even stronger, the snow even thicker, and the rocks and stones fell faster. Aragorn took hold of Frodo and pulled him to safety. Boromir grabbed Sam, Pippin, and Merry, pushing them under the overhang. With a big boom, pounds of heavy snow came tumbling down, encasing the party underneath, save for Bill who was able to keep his head free.

One by one, heads began to emerge from the snowy blanket. Adalmaer was the first to do so. She pushed herself out and crawled over to Bill, her body shaking. A few feet away was Gimli, the Dwarf grumbling to himself. He was next followed by the rest of the group. Boromir helped Aragorn retrieve the Hobbits, their eyes landing on Gandalf after having done so.

"We must get off the mountain! Make for the Gap of Rohan and take the west road to my city!" Boromir yelled. Adalmaer heard the name Rohan and immediately perked up. That was her homeland.

"The Gap of Rohan takes us to close to Isengard!"

"We cannot pass over the mountain! Let us go underneath it! Let us go through the Mines of Moria."

Gandalf looked to Gimli with a drawn expression. He was afraid of venturing into those mines, for the Dwarves delved too greedily and too deep. He knew what they awakened, shadow and flame. Still, Gandalf could not afford to lose more time. "Let the ring bearer decide." He finally said.

All eyes landed on Frodo. He was still covered in a layer of snow, his cloak soaked, and his cheeks red. The Hobbit looked around the group and swallowed hard. He knew what decision had to be made, and it wasn't going to be easy. "We will go through the mines." Frodo decided, his tone as firm as he could muster.

"So be it." Gandalf answered. He looked to Aragorn and motioned for him to come closer. The two started to converse, their words low and hard to hear. Adalmaer wasn't listening anyway, her attention was elsewhere. "You're going to lead the way down with Bill." A voice suddenly said.

The woman turned her head, her eyes connecting with Aragorn's. She nodded and moved towards Bill, her frozen fingers grasping the rope. When in doubt, trust a horse for they knew their footing and capability. The pony was still spooked and jittery, his body shivering from the cold, but he was able to keep his ground.

With a tug of the rope, Adalmaer slowly led the way. She could hear soft pattering of feet behind her, the wind had died down and the snow had stopped. Bill kept his head lowered, his hooves carefully stepping over loose snow and rock. He wasn't used to these conditions, but he was a hardy pony nonetheless.

The going was slow but they were able to get to the bottom in one piece. The party was welcomed by the sight of where they had camped, evidence still visible of their stay. They gathered around a flat, open space, and waited for Gandalf. He arrived a few moments later, his expression grim.

"We'll stay overnight and head to Moria in the morning." Was all he said. Adalmaer didn't question it, just tied Bill to a boulder and sank down beside him. She leaned against his stocky leg and brought her knees to her chest, her eyes closing.

Sleep did not come easily that night. Her dreams were dark and full of images she didn't want to see. Across the way, Boromir was sitting alone at the fire. What got his attention though was the sound of a soft sob.

Boromir turned his head, his eyes landing on the woman who was lying nearby. It was a curious thing. The woman had never been emotional before, it concerned him enough that he stood and walked over.

A hand gently touched her shoulder and her eyes opened. Adalmaer looked up and met the eyes of Boromir. They were softer this time and she could see some worry, "I thought I heard something." He mumbled. She gave a nod, her throat closing, "A bad dream is all." She managed.