The Breaking of the Fellowship

I.

No one knew—or would even have entertained the notion—
of Hobbits disappearing,
yet disappear Bilbo Baggins did,
forsaking delectable dishes, merry music,
and Gandalf’s fireworks.

It’s no wonder confusion ensued.
Hobbits aren’t known for abandoning
their own birthday parties unexpectedly.

II.

What is a Hobbit to do when his uncle
inexplicably vanishes?
Consult his grey wizard friend, naturally.
Never would have expected
to suffer so much fear and doubt
over so small a thing—
it’s just a ring, isn’t it?

Isn’t it?

III.

Questions need answers—the ancient
texts contain foreboding evidence of Ring’s origin.
Only fire’s tongue reveals the truth—
unspeakable evil seeks to regain what it lost long ago.

It cannot stay here.

IV.

Always remember to be mindful
of eavesdroppers.
They may be foolish, but they make
faithful and fiercely loyal companions for a quest.

Or was Samwise only convinced by the piercing eyes
of the grey wizard?


V.

The willow wasn’t weeping—
it was very much indignant.

VI.

Tales of old wove their way
through the ancient, quaint dwelling
of Tom Bombadil.
Goldberry’s songs paint wondrous
scenes of pastoral beauty
for the four rescued Hobbits.

One of the sparse moments of peace
before the storm breaks.

VII.

Lost—separated—alone.
Tangible malice haunts the downs.

Trust Tom to act as savior once more.

VIII.

Beneath Prancing Pony’s sign,
a dependable ally reveals himself—
assurances accompany a letter from the waylaid grey wizard.

Can the Ranger really be trusted at all?

IX.

Welcome is outstayed.
Riders in the dark
disrupt sleep and force both Hobbits
and Man to flee.

It’s fortunate no one undressed for bed.


X.

Amidst deep shadows, within tumbled walls
of ancient watchtower,
a knife inflicts a mortal wound.
Torch’s flame drives away the corrupted
once-kings of Men.

Salvation now lies solely in Elves’ hands.

XI.

A flight to the ford
though Bruinen’s swift waters
comes not so easily,
even with the aid of a Rivendell Elf
and his glorious mount.
Black horses’ hooves pound the ground
in hot pursuit, foam flying from their frothing mouths.
The river is reached—wraiths fear
the crystal flow and hesitate.
When once they start to cross, water and fire
consume them, sweeping them away.

Gone, but not forgotten?  Or not completely gone at all?

XII.

Consciousness recovered—
Gandalf has appeared with news
of building troubles.

A council is called,
with representatives from all the Free Peoples.

To use the Ring, or not to use the Ring?
Ah, the question of the Age.

XIII.

Destruction is the only answer—
Mount Doom, the only destination.
Someone must carry it,
must journey to the Black Land.
But no one is willing—
no one has the courage.
For all their boasting of battle prowess,
the great warriors lack the fortitude.

And Frodo remains inconspicuously silent.

XIV.

Dear reader, I must apologize.
It seems the story cannot be continued—
cannot exist, in fact.
Perhaps I will attempt another story later—
one in which my characters
will be a touch more malleable.