Chapter 36
Temptation

Aaron was visibly uncomfortable. Sam could see it in his eyes, in his stance, and in the way he kept glancing over out the window at the runway. The man was worried about something. Sam just couldnÂ’t tell what.

“I…” Aaron said, and then paused. “I have tried to lead you as I thought Greg would have led you.”

“You did your best,” Liam said.

Aaron shrugged. “I tried. Now, we have arrived at the choice I dreaded to make.” He motioned out the window. “The plane that Jim’s getting ready for us could take us anywhere. It could take us to M.O.R.D.O.R. or to London.” He cast a glance over at Bradley. “The problem is: Where to next?”

“You know my vote,” Bradley said. “To London and victory!”

Aaron sighed. “If it were up to me, we would fly to England, and I would lend my aid to the prime minister and the land I rightfully rule…”

Bradley stood. “Exactly!”

Aaron held up a hand. “But… but… the decision is not mine to make.”

“You’re the leader of this group, aren’t you?” demanded Bradley. “Make the choice!”

“No.” Aaron shook his head. “No. The choice lies on one and one person alone…” He turned to Fred and pointed to him. “You.”

Sam looked over at his friend. Fred sighed. “I… I don’t know. I need to think.”

“What is there to think about?” asked Bradley. “Just take the ring to England! Help us win the war!”

“I just don’t think that’s the best course of action,” Fred said.

Bradley sneered. “Look who thinks he’s grown up. Let the experienced make the decision for you.”

Fred stood. “Give me… give me an hour, I think. I’ll go for a little stroll around the airport. It’ll give me time to think.”

Aaron nodded. “We’ll stay here.” Fred walked out the door and vanished around the corner. Aaron turned to Bradley. “Could you go make sure the runway is clear? We may need to leave fast.” Bradley nodded and followed Fred out the door.

Sam stood. “I think… I think I need a drink.” He walked over to the vending machine.

Aaron stopped him. “Just go find Jim up in the control tower. He’ll get you some, free of charge.” Sam nodded and left the room.

* * *

Fred left the building and started to walk down the sidewalk towards the hangers. His mind raced. He didnÂ’t know what to do. He feared for Bradley. The man was slowly starting to lose his grip on reality. Fred could sense it in his voice, and the way he moved.

A voice sounded behind him. “No one should walk alone… not here.” Fred turned. Bradley was walking towards him. Fred turned and started to walk away. “Where are you going?” Bradley called. “Won’t you accept my advice?”

“I know it,” Fred said over his shoulder. “There’s nothing more you can do.”

“Just listen to me!” Bradley shouted. “Hear me out!”

Fred shook his head. “I can’t. I just… I have a bad feeling about all this.”

The footsteps behind him quickened. “Bad feeling? About what? We’re all afraid, Fred. We can’t let that fear cloud our judgment!”

“That’s not what’s clouding your judgment,” Fred muttered.

“What was that?”

“Nothing!” Fred started walk faster.

“Come back!” Bradley called. “I’m not a thief!” Fred kept walking. “I’m only asking…” His pace quickened. “…for the strength to defend my people…” Fred walked faster still, starting to break into a light run. “…and all I get is some insolent teenager!” Fred broke off running, sprinting towards the hangers. But Bradley caught up with him and tackled him. The two fell to the ground.

“Get off!” Fred shouted, trying to pull away.

“It should have been mine! It will be mine!” Bradley ranted, trying to pull the ring off it’s chain. “Give it to me!”

Fred drew his handgun and, silently apologizing, shot Bradley in the shoulder. The man recoiled, shouting and swearing. Fred took off running. He had to get away. He knew now what he must do.

And he was going to do it.

He stumbled forward, and tripped. His head slammed into the ground, and his vision went black. Then, his mind started to show him pictures. It showed him the world ruled by Czaron. It showed him the pain. It showed him the chaos.

It showed him the man with the ring. But it was no man. It was a boy.

It was Fred. He was the one in the vision, the commander of evil. Fred Baggins was the man wearing the one ring.

* * *

Aaron whirled suddenly as Bradley burst into the room, holding his shoulder. It was torn and bloody. A look of pain was on his face. “What happened? Are Czaron’s agents here?”

Bradley shook his head. “No… no…”

Aaron approached him. “Who did this to you?”

Bradley recoiled. “I can’t tell you… I can’t…”

“Who,” Aaron repeated firmly, “did this to you?”

Bradley took a deep breath. “Fred.”

There were various crashes as chairs and backpacks crashed to the floor. The entire fellowship stood in various states of anger and shock. “What happened?” George asked.

“I tried… I tried to take the ring… from Fred.” Bradley explained. “And he shot me.”

Aaron swore. “Bradley, you idiot! Look what you did! What else could go wrong?”

At that moment, Sam catapulted through the door, pale and shaking. “Jim…” he said. “Mr. Peters… he’s dead. Shot!”

“What?” Aaron swore again. “This is bad. Real bad. First, Fred goes missing. Now, Jim’s been shot. Liam, George, go search the parking lot. Martin, Phil, go with-”

But the two had already bolted through the door, shouting “Fred! Fred!” Aaron called after them but they were long gone.

Instead, he grabbed Bradley’s uninjured shoulder. “Go after them. If anything happens to them, I’ll skin you alive.” Bradley nodded and hurried after Martin and Phil, drawing his gun. Aaron turned to Sam. “Go back to the control tower. Monitor the entire search. You know my cell number if something happens.” Sam nodded and ran out the door. Aaron took off in the direction of the hangers. He had a good idea where Fred was going, and he planned to get there first.

* * *

Ling dialed Sean’s office number. It rang twice before he picked up. “This is Emperor White.”

“Sir, this is Ling. We’ve reached the target zone. Two minutes to touchdown.”

“Excellent,” Sean purred. “You have done well, Ling. Very well. Now, bring me the ring, and together, we will rule the world.”

To Be ContinuedÂ…