Paths That Lead Home (LotR F.F.)

Chapter 2: Shadowed Theories

Abby's POV

 I hate my life. Especially when it throws curveballs like this at me. Although, I never have been in a crash as serious as this and got attacked by an- What did Strider call it? An orc?

I looked between the four little men who kept glancing at Strider as if they were waiting for his orders, Strider was staring between me and Cathy with a frown, and Cathy had that stupid curious look on her face as she looked at everyone.

I didn't trust Strider. I mean he just killed a man with no hesitation. And he did it with a sword. Little barbaric, don't ya think? And I highly doubt that his name is 'Strider'. He didn't give us his real name, which just made me even more uneasy and suspicious. I also had this feeling of darkness around him. I don't know how to explain it, or why I had it.

I shifted myself and winced as pain shot up my leg. Strider immediately turned to me, glancing down at my leg. I shake my head. As much as I would appreciated his help, I don't trust him and I feel like the farther we are from him, the safer Cathy and I will be. "I'll be fine, let's just get out of here." I glance behind Strider to the orc.

Cathy turned to Strider, "can you help us? Just help us get somewhere where we can call for help?"

The man hesitated, but one of the four little men, Frodo I think, spoke. "You can come with us. We are on our way to Rivendell." I never heard of the place. Strider glared at the small man as Cathy gave a little snort.

"Rivendell? Like the elvish home?" she laughed nervously. Frodo nodded seriously which made Cathy stop laughing, but made her confused.

"How far is that?" I asked glancing down at my leg. I really don't want to walk a lot on it. Actually, I would prefer if I didn't have to walk on it at all.

"It's about nine days out," answered Strider reluctantly. He seemed more closed in now than he was moments before. Like he's beginning to not trust us. Hopefully, that doesn't result with him running his blade through us.

But then his answer finally registered. "Nine days!" I gasped.

"I'm pretty sure there is at least someone between here and Rivendell." Cathy stood, her arms crossed and her fingers playing with the edges of her sleeves. Strider watched her every move like he was analyzing her.

Strider shook his head, and Cathy sighed. "Well, can you give us a ride, then? Please?"

Strider looked at her strangely, but then looked down at my leg. "It's a nine day walk."

I narrowed my eyes at him. The more the man speaks, the more I don't trust him. I look up at Cathy who was running her hand through her hair. She met my gaze and I could tell she was going to cave. I swear if that girl caves into this maniac I'm gonna -

"Well let's not waste time, if you don't mind having us join you."

I'm going to kill that girl.

Strider hesitated. He looked between Cathy and I, then down at my leg. If I didn't know any better, I would say that he was sizing us up; seeing if we would be a challenge if he had to kill us. After a couple minutes of thought, he nodded and went over the four little men and began talking to them quietly. I struggled to get to my feet, and leaned against a tree as Cathy went to the car and pulled out our two bags and brought them over to me with an apologetic smile.

"What the hell, Cat!" I hissed.

"Look we need his help," she pointed to my leg. "I don't trust him either, but he's our best bet of getting out of here. And last I checked, I don't want to die any time soon."