The Two Worlds

††Chapter Twenty-Two††

Chapter Twenty-Two

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"There it is," Faramir said quietly, "Osgiliath."

They had walked all day until they thought they could go no further. They had stayed to a narrow trail, only two men wide, that was concealed in the forest. It was only an hour ago that they had left the shaded woods and traveled out in the open. Now, they stood on a hill that over looked a wide plain. Directly in front of them rested a stone city that was divided down the middle by a great river. The stones, once black and beautiful, were now bleached by the sun's harsh rays. Time had not been kind to the city for most of the structures had no roofs or walls. The river itself looked as if it were a strand of silver silk. It wound itself gracefully around the land and shone in the afternoon light.

Cody looked down at the city in horror while the others looked down at it in awe. 'We shall meet again when you hear the sound of water in your ears.' the horrible voice rang through her head.

"Come along Mistress Hobbit." Razgar called to her. But she did not move, she stood rooted to the ground like an old oak tree who has seen all. When she did not move a firm hand was placed on her shoulder and began to guide her towards the crest of the hill. In that moment she snapped out of her trance and began to thrash around.

"Please, let us go!" she screamed at Faramir. He did nothing but look back at the struggling hobbit. When their eyes met he quickly turned around and began to walk down the hill once again. Another pair of strong hands grabbed her and began to lift her off the ground. Quickly, she grabbed her sword and the two Rangers let her go.

"Screams will be heard and victory to none,

There the deed shall be done,

Their Captain shall fall from the dart," she said in a powerful tone. All of the Rangers looked at her as she said the very last line, "And all you will hear is the Captain's wail."

"Where did you hear this." he asked her in a growl like way.

"The Darkness told me. Please, just let us go!" she cried.

"No, it's all lies. We continue on to Osgiliath." and with that he turned back towards the city and made his way down the hill.

"No!" she screamed, tears streamed down her face and a lump had formed in her throat, "No one will survive, we will all die if we go down there! Let us go!" Cody sunk down on her knees and began to sob uncontrollably. She buried her face in her hands and collapsed on her side. As she laid there she felt strong arms grasp her shoulder and tried to lift her off the ground. She didn't fight them for she was too weak but a soft, pleading voice said something and the hold was removed.

"Cody, it's alright baby." Frodo cooed to her. He pulled her close to him and wrapped his arms around her shaking body. She buried her face in his shirt and cried as if no one was watching. He stroked her tangled hair and began to softly sing to her.

"Hush now, my baby,

Be still love don't cry,

Sleep like you're rocked by the stream,

Sleep and remember this river lullaby,

And I'll be with you when you dream."

As he sang Cody began to sing her own song.

"I can't do this,

I can't do this,

I can't do this by myself.

"I'm standing still,

Move so peaceful,

I can't pretend