Chapter Nine: Foggy Night

We all had heavy hearts when we left Tom’s house the next morning, but he promised his aid if we needed. He taught us that song, made sure we knew it, and then he sent us on our way and Goldberry gave her own farewells. We were fine until we overslept and woke in that terrible fog and the barrow-wight trapped us. I kept calling and thinking I heard one of you afar off, I tried to get to you, but I couldn’t. I was so terribly frightened and cold and miserable and I wanted just to find you all safe. You were all in danger because of me and I felt danger around me too, pressing so hard. It was horrible to be there all alone. I couldn’t find any of you and I was getting more and more frantic by the cries for help that I heard but could not do anything to aid.

I can only think it was again the Ring attracting evil to itself. You were all coming with me to protect me, but what had I done so far, but get you into terrible danger after terrible danger? Why did I ever let anyone of us go with me? There were so many times you could have been killed. I was growing angry in my panic and realized as I ran searching for you that I had come upon a barrow.

"I am waiting for you!" came a terrible voice and I fell to the ground, helpless to stop myself or aid any of you.

* * *

It was a horrible thing that night we were trapped by the barrow-wight. One moment we were right behind you, then it came and we couldn’t even warn you. I was terrified for myself and even more afraid for you. We heard you calling and tried to respond but then we were pulled under the ground and knew no more.