Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

The Fall of a Warrior

Chapter 19

As soon as the sun had barely peeked over the horizon, we were in our boats and continuing on our way. This time, Legolas and Nicole were in one boat. Boromir and Gimli were in another, and Merry and Pippin were with me.

"What's that?" Merry pointed to the approaching structure.

I looked at the two majestic statues that stood on either side of the Anduin. "That is the Argonath, little one. The kings of old." I eased the boat into a drifting state and as we approached the waterfall, I followed Aragorn to the shore. "Alright, out you go." Merry and Pippin hopped out of the boat and held it steady as I got out then together we pushed it higher on shore.

"We cross the lake at nightfall." Aragorn announced. I noticed Nicole talking to Legolas. He looked sad as he placed his hand on her cheek. "Hide the boats and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the north."

"Oh, yes?" Gimli said sarcastically. "It's just a simple matter of finding our way through Emyn Muil?"

I noticed Nicole and Legolas share a kiss before she takes off into the woods. Without a second thought, I go after her.

"Nicole?" I asked catching up to her. "Where are you going?"

"This is where I part from the Fellowship." Nicole sighed. "Lady Galadriel told me that I am needed elsewhere. That someone that I haven't seen in years will need me."

"That's why Legolas was upset. You told him to stay with the Fellowship."

"This isn't good-bye. We'll meet again when this is over." Nicole smile. She put her hand on my shoulder and leaned her forehead on mine. "It has been an honor fighting by your side, my lady. Be careful."

I smirked. "It has been an honor to have you by my side, my friend. Don't go easy."

"Don't back down." We stepped away and she turned to leave. "Until we meet again. In life or death."

I watched her walk away before hearing shouting. Drawing my bow and readying an arrow, I approached the sound to find Boromir calling for Frodo and apologizing.

"Boromir!" I called, lowering my bow. "What happened? Where's Frodo?"

"I tried to take the ring." He looked at me, his eyes filled with sorrow and disappointment. "It has taken me." He looked away.

"Listen to me. Look at me." I waited for him to raise his head. "You are not your father. You are strong enough to keep the Ring from getting inside your mind. Think of your city. If we can destroy the Ring, your city will be safe. You are not a coward, Boromir." I heard what sounded like a thunder of feet and my eyes widened. "You are a warrior, Boromir. Now act like one."

I helped him up before rushing to where I heard the sound. As I reached the top of the hill, I saw what looked like orcs surrounding a ruin. Aragorn was fighting by himself. I quickly released my arrow at a soldier that tried to sneak up behind Aragorn. He looked at me and gave me a smile of relief before turning to the next enemy. I continued to let arrows sly before Legolas and Gimli showed. Legolas managed to shoot two Uruks with one arrow. In the corner of my eye, I saw an Uruk running at me. I quickly unsheathed Orcrist and sliced off its head before it got closer.

Then the sound of a horn sounded three times.

"The Horn if Gondor!" Legolas exclaimed.

"Boromir!" Aragorn stated the obvious.

"I'll go help," I announce before rushing into the forest. I heard footsteps behind me and looked briefly to see Aragorn following.

Together, we fought our way through the trees to Boromir. When we finally reached him, he was kneeling on the ground with three arrows piercing his body. A Uruk-hai stood before him, aiming a fourth arrow. I quickly aimed my bow and shot at his leg. It hollered and lowered its bow. Just as it turned to face us, Aragorn crashed into him. I readied another arrow and moved to protect Boromir. The Uruk pinned Aragorn to the tree with a shield. I fired an arrow and it lodged in its shoulder. It looked at me and snarled. Aragorn slipped under the shield and stabbed the Uruk in the leg. As they fought, I turned to Boromir.

I helped him to a boulder and laid him gently on his back.

"Forgive me, Mryna. I doubted you as a warrior. I was wrong." Boromir coughed.

"All is forgiven, my friend. Lie still." I hushed him.

"You have the qualities of a queen. I hoped to have seen you take a throne. I would have gladly pledged my service to you." He grasped my hand.

Aragorn came up beside me, panting.

"They took the little ones." Boromir explained.

"I will go after them." I promised. "I will not abandon Merry and Pippin."

"Where is Frodo?"

"I let him go." I looked at Aragorn in shock.

"Then you did what I could not. I tried to take the Ring from him."

"The Ring is beyond our reach now."

"Forgive me. I did not see it. I have failed you all."

"No, Boromir, you fought bravely!" I told him. "You have kept your honor."

Aragorn reached out and went to pull out an arrow but Boromir stopped him. "Leave it! It is over. The world of men will fall, and all will come to darkness." Sadness filled his eyes. "My city to ruin."

I tried to stop the tears from falling but it didn't happen. "It will not fall, Boromir."

"I do not know what strength is in my blood, but I swear to you I will not let the White City fall nor our people fail!"

"Our people?" Boromir was confused but then let out a small smile. "Our people."

I saw him reach for his sword. Aragorn grabbed it and gave it to him. Boromir clutched it to his chest. "I would have followed you, my brother." He looked at me. "My captain." Then back at Aragorn. "My King and Queen."

With that, he took his last breath.

"Be at peace, son of Gondor." Aragorn whispered before kissing his brow.

"They will look for his coming from the White Tower." I mentioned.

"But he will not return." Aragorn whispered.

"Someone must go after Merry and Pippin." I demanded. "I will go ahead, you must give Boromir a proper send off."

"Frodo and Sam have gone ahead towards Mordor." Aragorn informed me. "Go and trail the Uruks. We will not be far behind."

I nodded and turned to leave but stopped. "Take this." I took off my necklace and handed it to him. He looked at me with wide eyes. I gently kissed his cheek. "I expect to be handed that by you when this is over."

Aragorn nodded. He gently stroked my cheek. "Go."

I took one last look at Boromir before heading off into the forest.

One chapter left and then it is on to Two Towers!

~M