6. A Moment of Desperation

O why did we fly off like mad things while looking for Frodo? I feel you at my back as I chop at the grasping hands of these dreadful Orcs. I dare not turn my head to see you, but I feel you gasp in fright, hear you draw a shuddering breath to cry Boromir! But he has fallen, pierced through with arrows, there is no more safety there.

Parry. Swing. A thrust of my sword that grates on bone, a spray of hot blood across my face.

Boromir, you taught me well, if only I had not been too small to save you!

My fault, my fault that you are here, Pippin. Why didn’t I leave you behind in safety in Rivendell? Why didn’t I make you go home? I would beg your forgiveness if I had breath to speak.

There are so many! Why haven’t they hacked us to pieces? I think…Oh, Pippin! I think they mean to carry us off, not to kill us, but I'll perish here with Boromir if it means you might escape.

A crushing blow makes my head ring, you scream as the ground rushes up to meet me. Run, Pippin! Please. Please…

*******

the end

(of this, but more to come...)