The Days of Old (LOTR- Book One)

Chapter 21: The Departure of Boromir

Chapter 21: The Depature of Boromir

I sprinted through the forest searching to Aragorn, he couldn't have gone far, he went to find Boromir. I ran up a slightly hill and where the land dipped I found Aragorn.

Aragorn was bent over Boromir, three arrows stuck out of his chest and blood poured out of his mouth. I walked closer, I needed to hear what he had to say, I needed to know that he death meant something and it wasn't just another waste of life.

"They took the little ones!" Boromir said frantically, holding Aragorn's arm tightly. Little ones? Frodo? Sam? Merry and Pippin?

"Be still." Aragorn breathed as he examined the arrows. Legolas had now run up to my side and stared at the pale and beaten Boromir with sorrow, he had fought to the end.

"Frodo! Where is Frodo?" Boromir panted, his breathing was short. Aragorn sighed and looked into Boromir's fading eyes. 

"I let Frodo go." Aragorn said softly.

A weak smile came across Boromir's face, "Then you did what I could not. I tried to take the Ring from him." Boromir confessed, this was obviously weighing heavily on him. I knew the Ring could effect the mind of a person, but could it really change someone that much. Boromir was strong and proud, in his mind he must've thought that he was doing hwat would've been best for his people.

Aragorn shook his head, "The Ring is beyond our reach now." He said quickly, trying his best to make Boromir stop speaking.

"Forgive me. I did not see it. I have failed." Tears welled in his eyes, I looked away from the battered man and shut my eyes. He fought even when arrows were impaled in his chest, he did not fail anyone.

"No, Boromir. You fought bravely! You have kept your honor." Aragorn smiled weakly and looked down at the arrows and began to reach for one. 

"Don't!" Boromir grabbed his hand to stop him, I pressed my lips together and fell onto my knees. Legolas walked up beside me, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"Leave it. It is over. The world of men will fall, and all will come to darkness... and my city to ruin!" Boromir struggled as blood dripped from his mouth.

Aragorn took a deep breath, "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." Aragorn declared, my eyes flickered to him. He had always ran from his ancestors and his people.

"Our people?" Boromir raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Our people." He nodded and reached for his sword, Aragorn placed it in his hand and Boromir brought it up to his chest and his eyes looked back up into Aragorn's.

"I would have followed you my brother... My captain... My King!" Boromir pressed his lips together and let out a final gasp before his breathing ceased and the life disappeared from his eyes.

Aragorn touched his hand to his forehead and clasped Boromir's head softly.

"Be at peace, son of Gondor." Aragorn whispered before bending and kissing Boromir's brow out of respect.

Aragorn sniffed and stood up.

"They will look for his coming from the White Tower, but he will not return." A single tear rolled down Aragorn's cheek.

I shut my eyes as a tear rolled down my pale and bruised face, clearing a trail through the dust and blood that was splattered onto it.

After a moment of silence between the four of us we grabbed Boromir's body and gently brought it down to the beach where the boats were at and laid him in one of the boats. His shield rested above his head and his sword was rested on his chest regally.

Aragorn gently removed Boromir's bracers and pushed the boat out onto the river and with the current, towards the waterfall.