We crossed the Last Bridge when the night was darkest. For two days before, I had noticed the ravens that circled above us and dogged our steps. Messengers, I thought.
The pain of my wound had lessened now, and I was able to think more clearly, though any time I raised my arm the world turned white with pain once more. There was no hope of wielding a bow or a knife even if I could put my hands on them. They had hobbled my feet once more. I had tried to run -if it could be called that-and hide myself in one of the twisting ravines that surround the Bruinen...but I was easily caught and was once again put into shackles, this time with jeers and blows as my captors no longer feared me.
I did not see the Amber Man again, nor could I catch sight of him in the sea of dark faces that surrounded me. I was glad of that. If I were to see him again, I would liefer it be sighting him down the shaft of an arrow.
We came to a marshland the next day, and in the distance I could see the ruins of Harloeg. We were not far from the ruined fortress of Ost Guruth. The Ravens flew over our heads more often now.
We passed a number of Orc camps. Pitiful things when compared to the might of Saruman. I wondered if Isengard still slept...
By the third night, I could see the watchtower looming black on the horizon and blotting out the stars. What was the name they called it...Amon Sûl. We began to climb. It took all my strength to stay upright on the horse I rode, for I was weakened by hunger and pain. Once at the top, I was dragged from the horse to stand on unsteady feet. I heard footsteps behind me, soft and deliberate.
"My servants have flushed the birds from their hiding place," said the bell-like voice "See...already they scatter."
Winding his fingers into the hair at the back of my head, he propelled me in front of him to the very edge of the precipice on the western side of the ruin. Pointing with his other hand he indicated a small trail of smoke in the distance...a single campfire, perhaps? He forced me around to meet his eyes, our faces so close they almost touched. His breath felt hot on my face when he spoke.
"They are done....she is done. You have nothing left but to call me "master". Say it..." His grip on my hair tightened painfully.
At that, I was done. My heart sent out a wail of despair that gave strength to my uninjured arm. I clawed at his eyes like the trapped animal I was and with what strength was in me I pushed myself away from him. Over the precipice I fell, nor did I fight it, but embraced the air that rushed past me. When at last I came to earth the shock of it sent me reeling and rolling to the bottom of a rocky indentation in the earth. And there I lay in darkness...alone.
