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We rode for three long, hard days. The landscape was smooth and bare, dry grass stretching endlessly on for miles, with only the occasional outcropping boulder to show that we were actually getting anywhere. By midday of the second day the shapes of mountains had begun to form on the eastern horizon, and today, on the third, we reached the Great West road.
It was early evening when we rode through the gates of the majestic city. I've never seen anything like it! The whole place, hundreds of feet tall, brilliant white marble reaching up into the sky, filled with people wearing rich, dark clothing.
We rode through the city, up the many levels, until we reached the top. I dismounted, and nudged Tela towards the stable boy, who was unsure of how to lead two un-bridled horses.
Ever since we left Edoras, neither Gandalf, Pippin, nor myself had said a word--we had been too pressed for time. But at this point the hobbit could no longer contain himself.
"It's the tree!" I followed his gaze to a tall, withered tree as white as the stone we walked upon, perhaps once tall and majestic, now a reminder of an age nearly forgotten.
"Yes, it's the white tree of Gondor, the tree of the King."
"It's beautiful," I whispered, for despite it's twisting, leaf-less branches, it was stunning.
Gandalf had only glanced at me, slightly amused, before continuing on. "Lord Denethor is not the king, however. He is a steward only: a caretaker of the throne."
We mounted the stairs leading to the ebony doors of the hall, Gandalf in front, with myself and Pippin immediately behind. When we reached the top, Gandalf turned to look at us.
"You," he spoke to me first, "should not speak unless addressed. The people of Gondor are not accustomed to women dressing and speaking freely as men do." He then turned to Pippin. "Now, listen carefully: Lord Denethor is Boromir's father. To give him news of his beloved son's death would be most unwise. And don't mention Frodo. And say nothing of Aragorn either." I raised my eyebrows and looked at the hobbit as he only nodded his head sheepishly. The wizard began again to move towards the door, but turned back towards us abruptly. "In fact, it is better if you do not speak at all, Peregrin Took." Pippin looked up at me, but I only smiled and nodded in agreeance. I had already witnessed just how much trouble this young halfling could manage to find.
But alas! I am called away to supper.
Tuesday
Wednesday
I ride to Gondor
But let me go back a ways.
Perhaps it was not the best decision to join the drinking game. The men were so drunk they had no objections, and I heartily downed tankard after tankard, until I reeled off to one of the lesser halls that had been transformed into a sleeping room. I thankfully collapsed onto a pile of furs, hardly noticing the two hobbits and the wizard follow.
I was awoken some time later with a very large headache--but this proved to be the least of the problems.
Pippin held a large orb in his hands, writhing horrible as a lighted seared through the glass. Legolas and Aragorn burst in through the door, Aragorn rushed to Pippin and wrestled the orb from Pippins hands. Gandalf was up, Merry was shouting, Aragorn began convulsing. The orb fell from his hands, and rolled across the floor. Gandalf threw a cloth over the orb, and it's fiery light ceased.
"Pippin!" cried out Merry, who was now hudled over his friend, who lay on the floor, staring up with blank eyes.
"Fool of a Took!" exclaimed Gandalf with some exasperation, but it quickly changed to concern as he went to the young hobbit, pushing Merry aside.
He grabbed Pippin's hands, rubbing them and murmuring strange words under his breath. He pressed his hand to Pippin's forehead, and with a gasp Pippin blinked and seemed to revive.
All the while I stood nearby, trying to understand what had taken place, and trying to push away the monstrous headache.
"Look at me." Gandalf commanded to Pippin.
"Gandalf, forgive me" said the hobbit, making an attempt to close his eyes, but Gandalf stopped him.
"Look at me. What did you see?" There was a pause.
"A tree... There was a white tree... in a courtyard of stone... It was dead. The city was burning."
"Minas Tirith? Is that what you saw?"
"I saw - I saw - Him! I could hear His voice in my head!"
"And what did you tell Him? Speak!"
"... He asked me my name. I didn't answer. He hurt me!"
"What did you tell Him about Frodo and the Ring?!"
Pippin's answer was whispered and barely audible. It was morning, so we went to the great hall to eat, and to tell King Theoden of what had occured.
"There was no lie in Pippin's eyes. A fool... but an honest fool he remains." Gandalf said as he stood before Theoden. Gimli and myself are seated at a table eating and I am writing, Aragorn and Legolas stood nearby. Merry and Pippin were sitting by the fire, the latter looking quite remorseful.
"He told Sauron nothing of Frodo and the Ring. We've been strangely fortunate. Pippin saw in the Palantír a glimpse of the enemy's plan.
Sauron moves to strike the city of Minas Trirth. His defeat at Helm's Deep showed our enemy one thing: He knows the heir of Elendil has come forth. Men are not as weak as He supposed; there is courage still. Strength enough perhaps to challenge Him. Sauron fears this.
He will not risk the peoples of Middle-Earth uniting under one banner. He will raze Minas Tirith to the ground before he sees a King return to the throne of men. If the Beacons of Gondor are lit, Rohan must be ready for war."
I stir uneasily as I hear this. I do not feel I am ready for another battle.
"Tell me," Theoden addresses Gandalf, "why should we ride to the aid of those who did not come to ours? What do we owe Gondor?"
There is a smoldering fury as Aragorn steps forward. "I will go."
"No!" was Gandalf's curt reply.
"They must be warned!"
"They will be." Gandalf walked to Aragorn. "You must come to Minas Tirith by another road. Follow the river and look to the black ships." He stepped back. "Understand this: things are now in motion that cannot be undone. I ride for Minas Tirith. And I won't be going alone." He looked at Pippin.
"I shall go, also." I stepped forward. Immediately all eyes turned to me. "I was not sent here to be a common soldier. Minas Tirith is on the front lines of war, and it seems that is where I am needed most."
"But you could not ride fast enough! No ordinary horse can match the speed of Shadowfax!" Gandalf said to me, speaking of his own horse.
I smiled. "That is not true. There is a horse who I traveled with for a time, a gift from Elrond of Rivendell. I had thought I sent her home, but she was found nearby, and brought to the stables. I shall ride her, Tela, for an elven horse should easily keep pace with one of the Mearas."
So now I pack what little I have, for by noon we ride for Minas Tirith.
Perhaps it was not the best decision to join the drinking game. The men were so drunk they had no objections, and I heartily downed tankard after tankard, until I reeled off to one of the lesser halls that had been transformed into a sleeping room. I thankfully collapsed onto a pile of furs, hardly noticing the two hobbits and the wizard follow.
I was awoken some time later with a very large headache--but this proved to be the least of the problems.
Pippin held a large orb in his hands, writhing horrible as a lighted seared through the glass. Legolas and Aragorn burst in through the door, Aragorn rushed to Pippin and wrestled the orb from Pippins hands. Gandalf was up, Merry was shouting, Aragorn began convulsing. The orb fell from his hands, and rolled across the floor. Gandalf threw a cloth over the orb, and it's fiery light ceased.
"Pippin!" cried out Merry, who was now hudled over his friend, who lay on the floor, staring up with blank eyes.
"Fool of a Took!" exclaimed Gandalf with some exasperation, but it quickly changed to concern as he went to the young hobbit, pushing Merry aside.
He grabbed Pippin's hands, rubbing them and murmuring strange words under his breath. He pressed his hand to Pippin's forehead, and with a gasp Pippin blinked and seemed to revive.
All the while I stood nearby, trying to understand what had taken place, and trying to push away the monstrous headache.
"Look at me." Gandalf commanded to Pippin.
"Gandalf, forgive me" said the hobbit, making an attempt to close his eyes, but Gandalf stopped him.
"Look at me. What did you see?" There was a pause.
"A tree... There was a white tree... in a courtyard of stone... It was dead. The city was burning."
"Minas Tirith? Is that what you saw?"
"I saw - I saw - Him! I could hear His voice in my head!"
"And what did you tell Him? Speak!"
"... He asked me my name. I didn't answer. He hurt me!"
"What did you tell Him about Frodo and the Ring?!"
Pippin's answer was whispered and barely audible. It was morning, so we went to the great hall to eat, and to tell King Theoden of what had occured.
"There was no lie in Pippin's eyes. A fool... but an honest fool he remains." Gandalf said as he stood before Theoden. Gimli and myself are seated at a table eating and I am writing, Aragorn and Legolas stood nearby. Merry and Pippin were sitting by the fire, the latter looking quite remorseful.
"He told Sauron nothing of Frodo and the Ring. We've been strangely fortunate. Pippin saw in the Palantír a glimpse of the enemy's plan.
Sauron moves to strike the city of Minas Trirth. His defeat at Helm's Deep showed our enemy one thing: He knows the heir of Elendil has come forth. Men are not as weak as He supposed; there is courage still. Strength enough perhaps to challenge Him. Sauron fears this.
He will not risk the peoples of Middle-Earth uniting under one banner. He will raze Minas Tirith to the ground before he sees a King return to the throne of men. If the Beacons of Gondor are lit, Rohan must be ready for war."
I stir uneasily as I hear this. I do not feel I am ready for another battle.
"Tell me," Theoden addresses Gandalf, "why should we ride to the aid of those who did not come to ours? What do we owe Gondor?"
There is a smoldering fury as Aragorn steps forward. "I will go."
"No!" was Gandalf's curt reply.
"They must be warned!"
"They will be." Gandalf walked to Aragorn. "You must come to Minas Tirith by another road. Follow the river and look to the black ships." He stepped back. "Understand this: things are now in motion that cannot be undone. I ride for Minas Tirith. And I won't be going alone." He looked at Pippin.
"I shall go, also." I stepped forward. Immediately all eyes turned to me. "I was not sent here to be a common soldier. Minas Tirith is on the front lines of war, and it seems that is where I am needed most."
"But you could not ride fast enough! No ordinary horse can match the speed of Shadowfax!" Gandalf said to me, speaking of his own horse.
I smiled. "That is not true. There is a horse who I traveled with for a time, a gift from Elrond of Rivendell. I had thought I sent her home, but she was found nearby, and brought to the stables. I shall ride her, Tela, for an elven horse should easily keep pace with one of the Mearas."
So now I pack what little I have, for by noon we ride for Minas Tirith.
Sunday
a feast
This morning a party had ridden out to Isenguard. I was among them, and so can give a first hand account of what took place.
When we rode there, many were surprised to find a dense forest growing around the walls. The walls themselves were torn down, and being 'guarded' by two halflings enjoying a smoke and some food. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli were surprised and overjoyed to see the hobbits, and I soon learned that they were members of the original fellowship I had sought, believed to have been dead.
Isenguard had been flooded, and was now controlled by an ent by the name of Treebeard. Saruman was powerless, and captive in his tower. King Theoden and Gandalf attempted to talk peace with him, but to no avail. He threw down a large glass orb at Gandalf, which was retrieved by a very curious Pippin.
That is really all I wish to tell of the trip there, though I will say that both Saruman and his assisstant Wormtongue are no more.
Now there is much feasting. We first raised a toast to the victorious dead, but now everyone is filled with food and drink and going back for more. There is music, ale, wine, wild game.
I myself have had my share of the gaiety. I have withdrawn to a corner, the haunting images of battle linger before my face, even as I put my quill to the page. The people are dancing, laughing. I smile as I see the faces of young, innocent children who are happy to be alive.
A drinking game has begun, and I am tempted to join. But I would not be welcome there. Many of the men disbelieve that I fought along side them, as a woman, I am unworthy of fighting, and unworthy of partaking in a mans game.
I smile as I see the two young hobbits, Merry and Pippin, begin to sing and dance upon a table, much to the enjoyment of nearby spectators.
When we rode there, many were surprised to find a dense forest growing around the walls. The walls themselves were torn down, and being 'guarded' by two halflings enjoying a smoke and some food. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli were surprised and overjoyed to see the hobbits, and I soon learned that they were members of the original fellowship I had sought, believed to have been dead.
Isenguard had been flooded, and was now controlled by an ent by the name of Treebeard. Saruman was powerless, and captive in his tower. King Theoden and Gandalf attempted to talk peace with him, but to no avail. He threw down a large glass orb at Gandalf, which was retrieved by a very curious Pippin.
That is really all I wish to tell of the trip there, though I will say that both Saruman and his assisstant Wormtongue are no more.
Now there is much feasting. We first raised a toast to the victorious dead, but now everyone is filled with food and drink and going back for more. There is music, ale, wine, wild game.
I myself have had my share of the gaiety. I have withdrawn to a corner, the haunting images of battle linger before my face, even as I put my quill to the page. The people are dancing, laughing. I smile as I see the faces of young, innocent children who are happy to be alive.
A drinking game has begun, and I am tempted to join. But I would not be welcome there. Many of the men disbelieve that I fought along side them, as a woman, I am unworthy of fighting, and unworthy of partaking in a mans game.
I smile as I see the two young hobbits, Merry and Pippin, begin to sing and dance upon a table, much to the enjoyment of nearby spectators.
- Oh you can search far and wide,
- You can drink the whole town dry,
- But you'll never find a beer so brown
- As the one we drink in our home town!
- You can keep your fancy ales,
- You can drink them by the flagon,
- But the only brew for the brave and true,
- Comes from the Green Dragon!
- Their song is greated with much enthusiasm and applause. I've a mind to join that drinking game anyhow. After all, if they can allow an elf to join in, why not myself?
Wednesday
the battle
I was quickly equipped with a chain mail shirt, and a round shield. I positioned myself in of the regiment of elvish archers on the Deeping Wall.
The elves coming had been a blessing. I do not think this battle would have been won but for them. The numbers were far too few. Not long after the elves had been positioned-Legolas, Gimli, and myself among them-it began to rain. The torches of the orcs could be seen, and their heavy footsteps heard as they marched towards the fortress. Aragorn began to walk through the elves, until he reached Legolas and Gimli, not far from where I was.
I could hear them talking, but through the rain, it was hard to make out words. I heard Legolas say "You're friends are with you Aragorn," then Gimli added in his rough voice, "Let's hope they last the night." It seemed he was making a pun on an earlier comment.
Thunder crashed in the distance. The orcs were close enought now that we could hear their hideous grunts, see their grotesque faces beneath the helms they wore.
Aragorn began pacing among the ranks of the elves. "A Eruchin, ú-dano i faelas a hyn, an uben tanatha le faelas!" he yelled to the archers. Show them no mercy for you shall receive none!
The orcs ( Uruk-hai, as I have learned) stopped, and stood silently facing us perhaps five-hundred feet from the base of the stone wall.
"What's happening out there!" I heard Gimli ask in frustration. I somewhat pitied the dwarf, his head did not reach the top of the stones, and he could not see. Then Legolas: "Shall I describe it to you? Or would you like me to find you a box?" I could hear the smirk in his voice, yet it was not unkind. Gimli laughed. All else was silent.
The Uruk-hai began to stamp their spears on the ground, creating a menacing, thunderous noise. Aragorn drew his sword, and the elves, myself, and some men on the far side of the ramparts fitted arrows into our bows. I waited with bated breath for a few tense seconds. Suddenly, from the group of men an arrow was sent loose, seemingly by accident. The arrow pierced an Uruk-hai in the neck, and he fell. The Uruk's becam deathly silent, all ten-thousand. It was disquieting to say the least.
"Dartho!" yelled Aragorn. Hold!
The Uruk-hai roared in fury, and as a whole charged forward towards the wall.
"Tangado a chadad!" Prepare to fire!
I heard Legolas mutter, almost to himself (though I am glad I overheard) "Faeg i-varv... dîn na lanc a nu ranc." Their armour is weak at the neck... and under the arms.
"Leithio i philinn!" cried Aragorn. Fire the arrows!
I released my arrow along with the other elves, and Gimli cried out in earnest "Did they hit anything?" The first line and much of the second of Uruk's fell.
I heard the voice from the keep cry out "Fire!" and the lines of men behind the wall released arrows, which went flying over our heads and into the mass of orcs. Arrows from the orcs began to let loose arrows of their own, and elves began to fall.
I strung more arrows, and sent them at the orcs, killing two. I could have done more, but I knew it would drain my energy. I would wait until we really needed it.
Then I heard Aragorn again. "Pendraith!" Ladders!
Then I saw them. The orcs were raisig giant ladders up to the wall, swarming up. "Swords! Swords!" cried Aragorn.
I shot at the Uruk's on the ladder nearest me, and as it slammed against the wall and the Uruk's clambered off, and pulled out my sword, my wonderful elven sword glowing pale blue, and began stabbing and hacking at the Uruk as they came my way.
I found myself next to Legolas, he was using his bow still, which seemed unconventional to me.
"Legolas, two already!" called Gimli proudly.
"I'm on seventeen!" He replied.
"What?! I'll have no pointy-ear outscoring me!" Gimli cried. I smiled at their competition, and decided not to mention that I had killed perhaps fifteen, as I was too busy working on the sixteenth.
The battle drove me away from Legolas and Gimli, but for the next few minutes I could still hear them crying out how many they had killed.
As I whipped around with my sword, seeing the bodies beginning to pile up all over, I happened to glance down and see a clearing in the mass of Uruk still below, near what seemed to be a drain.
I ducked, as an orc scimitar was swung at me, and stabbed my attacker in the gut. Looking back down, I saw two Uruk's carrying a large metal ball place it in some recess in the wall, and then a rather large Uruk started making his way for it, carrying a torch that spitted flames.
I stabbed another Uruk, and slashed at one who was trying to kill a nearby elf, succeeding in cutting off his head.
"Togo han dad, Legolas! Dago hon! Dago hon!!!" Aragorn cried, pointing at the Uruk with the torch. I saw two arrows fly in quick succession and hit the Uruk in the chest, but he continued to make his way. I grabbed my bow. This was my chance.
I closed my eyes, fitting an arrow to the string. Whispering a few quick words, I drew from the power within me. I pulled back the bow string, and let go. The arrow flew, and hit the Uruk in the back of the neck, and would have gone all the way through him had it not been caught on the metal armour at the front of its neck.
It pitched forward, and fell into the reccess, the torch still in its hand. There was a sudden flash of light, a thunderous roar, and then the section of the wall where the Uruk had just been went flying into the air, many warriors along with it. Water came rushing out, and the Uruk-hai rushed in.
Gimli jumped into the mass of orcs. I heard someone cry out to brace the gates. So much confusion!
I had been thrown back in the blast, and I staggered to my feet. "Gimli!" I think I heard Aragorn cry. He was on the ground, behind where the explosion had ripped apart the wall. I could only assume that he had been thrown there in the explosion.
I looked over and saw another regiment of elves, standing behind Aragorn. There were almost no more orcs here, so I ran down the stairs of the wall to join them.
"Hado i philinn! Herio!" Aragorn yelled. Hurl the arrows! Charge!
I joined the mass of elves as they ran at the oncoming Uruk-hai. I saw Gimli among them, hacking at their chests with his axe.
We plunged into the mass of orcs, and there was more chaos.
"Aragorn, pull back to the keep! Get your men out of there!" I heard Theoden yell.
Aragorn yelled to one of the elf-commanders on the wall, "Nan Barad! Nan Barad! Haldir! Nan Barad!" To the keep! To the keep! Haldir! To the keep!
I swund my head around at the name I heard. And yes, I recognised him, Haldir, from Lorien. He looked grim, covered in orc blood, his white-blonde hair glistening. I did not bother to stay and watch the show, though. I swung my sword once more, and fired an arrow as I ran towards the keep with the other soldiers.
I heard Gimli protesting as someone dragged him back with the rest of us. All was in chaos, shades of gray and red swimming in my vision. And then I was back in the keep.
I heard a voice cry out "Brace the gate!", and went running. The Uruk had managed to break a hole in the gate, and now soldiers were trying to put new planks in place and brace the gate shut.
"To the gate! Draw your swords!"
This I did willingly, shooting at the oncoming Uruks. Suddenly they stopped coming, and glancing out I saw Aragorn and Gimli on the bridge, fighting off the Uruks.
Men ran forward, yelling "Make way!" and "to the barricade", hefting a large crossbar which was braced against the gate.
The call came to pull back, and we retreated into the Hornburg. The gates splintered, and Uruks rushed through.
"They have broken through! The castle is free! Retreat! Retreat!" and "To the keep!" rang out, soldiers ran from the Uruk.
We barricaded ourselves in the keep. We grabbed tables, benches, anything heavy and large enough and placed them in front of the doors.
"The fortress is taken. It is over." I pretended not to hear as these solemn, terrible words came from the King's lips.
"You said this fortress would never fall while your men defend it. They still defend it. They have died defending it!" was Aragorn's angry reply. "Is there no other way for the women and children to get out of the caves? Is there no other way?"
Gamling answered him when Theoden would not. "There is one passage. It leads into the mountains. But they will not get far. The Uruk-hai are too many."
"Send word for the women and children to make for the mountain pass. And barricade the entrance!" Aragorn ordered.
Finally, Theoden spoke. "So much death. What can men do against such reckless hate?"
There was a pause. Then Aragorn spoke in a low, determined voice. "Ride out with me. Ride out and meet them."
"For death and glory."
"For Rohan. For your people."
"The sun is rising." Gimli said to Aragorn. What significance that was, I knew not.
"Yes. Yes! The Horn of Helm Hammerhand shall sound in the Deep one last time." Hope seemed to have returned to Theoden.
"Yes!" cried Gimli. He sprang up, and ran out of the room. What horses there were were brought from the stables, and we mounted. Those without stood behind.
"Let this be the hour when we draw swords together. Fell deeds awake. Now for wrath. Now for ruin. And the red dawn!" cried Theoden. The horn of Helm's Deep sounded, loud and triumphant. "Forth Eorlingas!"
The orcs broke through, and we rode out into them, trampling, stabbing, slashing, clearing a path all the way to the bridge.
"Gandalf!" Aragorn muttered. I followed his gaze to the hill rising in the east, and there was an old man, dressed in white, mounted on a beautiful gray horse. Gandalf it was. A man rode up next to him, closely followed by an entire army of men on horse back.
By now everyone was watching, even the orcs. They faced the horsemen, spears upraised, and the horsemen began their descent, Gandalf at the lead.
It was then that the sun rose above the hill, and the orc, and all others watching were blinded. The orc lowered their weapons and sheilded their eyes, and the Rohirrim rode through and slaughtered them.
After that, all is a blur. The orc were destroyed. Those that could fled back to where they came from. We have triumphed, but at a cost. Many men and elves have died, and I am fortunate to be among those who live.
The elves coming had been a blessing. I do not think this battle would have been won but for them. The numbers were far too few. Not long after the elves had been positioned-Legolas, Gimli, and myself among them-it began to rain. The torches of the orcs could be seen, and their heavy footsteps heard as they marched towards the fortress. Aragorn began to walk through the elves, until he reached Legolas and Gimli, not far from where I was.
I could hear them talking, but through the rain, it was hard to make out words. I heard Legolas say "You're friends are with you Aragorn," then Gimli added in his rough voice, "Let's hope they last the night." It seemed he was making a pun on an earlier comment.
Thunder crashed in the distance. The orcs were close enought now that we could hear their hideous grunts, see their grotesque faces beneath the helms they wore.
Aragorn began pacing among the ranks of the elves. "A Eruchin, ú-dano i faelas a hyn, an uben tanatha le faelas!" he yelled to the archers. Show them no mercy for you shall receive none!
The orcs ( Uruk-hai, as I have learned) stopped, and stood silently facing us perhaps five-hundred feet from the base of the stone wall.
"What's happening out there!" I heard Gimli ask in frustration. I somewhat pitied the dwarf, his head did not reach the top of the stones, and he could not see. Then Legolas: "Shall I describe it to you? Or would you like me to find you a box?" I could hear the smirk in his voice, yet it was not unkind. Gimli laughed. All else was silent.
The Uruk-hai began to stamp their spears on the ground, creating a menacing, thunderous noise. Aragorn drew his sword, and the elves, myself, and some men on the far side of the ramparts fitted arrows into our bows. I waited with bated breath for a few tense seconds. Suddenly, from the group of men an arrow was sent loose, seemingly by accident. The arrow pierced an Uruk-hai in the neck, and he fell. The Uruk's becam deathly silent, all ten-thousand. It was disquieting to say the least.
"Dartho!" yelled Aragorn. Hold!
The Uruk-hai roared in fury, and as a whole charged forward towards the wall.
"Tangado a chadad!" Prepare to fire!
I heard Legolas mutter, almost to himself (though I am glad I overheard) "Faeg i-varv... dîn na lanc a nu ranc." Their armour is weak at the neck... and under the arms.
"Leithio i philinn!" cried Aragorn. Fire the arrows!
I released my arrow along with the other elves, and Gimli cried out in earnest "Did they hit anything?" The first line and much of the second of Uruk's fell.
I heard the voice from the keep cry out "Fire!" and the lines of men behind the wall released arrows, which went flying over our heads and into the mass of orcs. Arrows from the orcs began to let loose arrows of their own, and elves began to fall.
I strung more arrows, and sent them at the orcs, killing two. I could have done more, but I knew it would drain my energy. I would wait until we really needed it.
Then I heard Aragorn again. "Pendraith!" Ladders!
Then I saw them. The orcs were raisig giant ladders up to the wall, swarming up. "Swords! Swords!" cried Aragorn.
I shot at the Uruk's on the ladder nearest me, and as it slammed against the wall and the Uruk's clambered off, and pulled out my sword, my wonderful elven sword glowing pale blue, and began stabbing and hacking at the Uruk as they came my way.
I found myself next to Legolas, he was using his bow still, which seemed unconventional to me.
"Legolas, two already!" called Gimli proudly.
"I'm on seventeen!" He replied.
"What?! I'll have no pointy-ear outscoring me!" Gimli cried. I smiled at their competition, and decided not to mention that I had killed perhaps fifteen, as I was too busy working on the sixteenth.
The battle drove me away from Legolas and Gimli, but for the next few minutes I could still hear them crying out how many they had killed.
As I whipped around with my sword, seeing the bodies beginning to pile up all over, I happened to glance down and see a clearing in the mass of Uruk still below, near what seemed to be a drain.
I ducked, as an orc scimitar was swung at me, and stabbed my attacker in the gut. Looking back down, I saw two Uruk's carrying a large metal ball place it in some recess in the wall, and then a rather large Uruk started making his way for it, carrying a torch that spitted flames.
I stabbed another Uruk, and slashed at one who was trying to kill a nearby elf, succeeding in cutting off his head.
"Togo han dad, Legolas! Dago hon! Dago hon!!!" Aragorn cried, pointing at the Uruk with the torch. I saw two arrows fly in quick succession and hit the Uruk in the chest, but he continued to make his way. I grabbed my bow. This was my chance.
I closed my eyes, fitting an arrow to the string. Whispering a few quick words, I drew from the power within me. I pulled back the bow string, and let go. The arrow flew, and hit the Uruk in the back of the neck, and would have gone all the way through him had it not been caught on the metal armour at the front of its neck.
It pitched forward, and fell into the reccess, the torch still in its hand. There was a sudden flash of light, a thunderous roar, and then the section of the wall where the Uruk had just been went flying into the air, many warriors along with it. Water came rushing out, and the Uruk-hai rushed in.
Gimli jumped into the mass of orcs. I heard someone cry out to brace the gates. So much confusion!
I had been thrown back in the blast, and I staggered to my feet. "Gimli!" I think I heard Aragorn cry. He was on the ground, behind where the explosion had ripped apart the wall. I could only assume that he had been thrown there in the explosion.
I looked over and saw another regiment of elves, standing behind Aragorn. There were almost no more orcs here, so I ran down the stairs of the wall to join them.
"Hado i philinn! Herio!" Aragorn yelled. Hurl the arrows! Charge!
I joined the mass of elves as they ran at the oncoming Uruk-hai. I saw Gimli among them, hacking at their chests with his axe.
We plunged into the mass of orcs, and there was more chaos.
"Aragorn, pull back to the keep! Get your men out of there!" I heard Theoden yell.
Aragorn yelled to one of the elf-commanders on the wall, "Nan Barad! Nan Barad! Haldir! Nan Barad!" To the keep! To the keep! Haldir! To the keep!
I swund my head around at the name I heard. And yes, I recognised him, Haldir, from Lorien. He looked grim, covered in orc blood, his white-blonde hair glistening. I did not bother to stay and watch the show, though. I swung my sword once more, and fired an arrow as I ran towards the keep with the other soldiers.
I heard Gimli protesting as someone dragged him back with the rest of us. All was in chaos, shades of gray and red swimming in my vision. And then I was back in the keep.
I heard a voice cry out "Brace the gate!", and went running. The Uruk had managed to break a hole in the gate, and now soldiers were trying to put new planks in place and brace the gate shut.
"To the gate! Draw your swords!"
This I did willingly, shooting at the oncoming Uruks. Suddenly they stopped coming, and glancing out I saw Aragorn and Gimli on the bridge, fighting off the Uruks.
Men ran forward, yelling "Make way!" and "to the barricade", hefting a large crossbar which was braced against the gate.
The call came to pull back, and we retreated into the Hornburg. The gates splintered, and Uruks rushed through.
"They have broken through! The castle is free! Retreat! Retreat!" and "To the keep!" rang out, soldiers ran from the Uruk.
We barricaded ourselves in the keep. We grabbed tables, benches, anything heavy and large enough and placed them in front of the doors.
"The fortress is taken. It is over." I pretended not to hear as these solemn, terrible words came from the King's lips.
"You said this fortress would never fall while your men defend it. They still defend it. They have died defending it!" was Aragorn's angry reply. "Is there no other way for the women and children to get out of the caves? Is there no other way?"
Gamling answered him when Theoden would not. "There is one passage. It leads into the mountains. But they will not get far. The Uruk-hai are too many."
"Send word for the women and children to make for the mountain pass. And barricade the entrance!" Aragorn ordered.
Finally, Theoden spoke. "So much death. What can men do against such reckless hate?"
There was a pause. Then Aragorn spoke in a low, determined voice. "Ride out with me. Ride out and meet them."
"For death and glory."
"For Rohan. For your people."
"The sun is rising." Gimli said to Aragorn. What significance that was, I knew not.
"Yes. Yes! The Horn of Helm Hammerhand shall sound in the Deep one last time." Hope seemed to have returned to Theoden.
"Yes!" cried Gimli. He sprang up, and ran out of the room. What horses there were were brought from the stables, and we mounted. Those without stood behind.
"Let this be the hour when we draw swords together. Fell deeds awake. Now for wrath. Now for ruin. And the red dawn!" cried Theoden. The horn of Helm's Deep sounded, loud and triumphant. "Forth Eorlingas!"
The orcs broke through, and we rode out into them, trampling, stabbing, slashing, clearing a path all the way to the bridge.
"Gandalf!" Aragorn muttered. I followed his gaze to the hill rising in the east, and there was an old man, dressed in white, mounted on a beautiful gray horse. Gandalf it was. A man rode up next to him, closely followed by an entire army of men on horse back.
By now everyone was watching, even the orcs. They faced the horsemen, spears upraised, and the horsemen began their descent, Gandalf at the lead.
It was then that the sun rose above the hill, and the orc, and all others watching were blinded. The orc lowered their weapons and sheilded their eyes, and the Rohirrim rode through and slaughtered them.
After that, all is a blur. The orc were destroyed. Those that could fled back to where they came from. We have triumphed, but at a cost. Many men and elves have died, and I am fortunate to be among those who live.
Friday
the eve of battle
Much has happened since my last entry. I ran for eight days, southward and west, hardly stopping until I reached the city. It stood on a rocky hill, and at the very top stood a great hall. Ragged banners and flags hung from the wall surrounding the city, but I found the gate unguarded. I soon discovered, much to my frustration that the city was empty. One lone horse, old and lank, remained, most likely because it knew no other home.
No words could express my frustration. Where could everyone be? How could all signs of life in a city were the monarch dwells just be empty? I sat for perhaps an hour in the great hall-its insides adorned with gilded carvings of horses and intricate knots on the beams, walls, and ceilings-chewing on lembas, drinking some good wine I had found, and thinking. It was then that it occurred to me that the people had fled the threat of the unnaturally large orcs, but to where? After checking my map, I found a likely candidate. To the north was a great fortress in the mountains, Helms Deep, so I mounted the old nag and rode. His condition was not to poor, but it still took me three days to get here.
And so here I am. When I arrived, soldiers and commoners alike stared at me, unsure of what to think. I must admit, I do not blame them. I look like some man-elf hybrid with my short silver hair and rich brown eyes, and my days spent in the wild has left me rather disheveled.
A soldier, being unsure of my were my loyalties were, took me to the main hall, where it was that I was first introduced to King Theoden, and to my surprise, three of the company I had been searching for.
He was in consult with a dark haired man I knew at once to be Aragorn, leaving the elf and the dwarf. Legolas, and Gimli, respectively.
Stumbling over my words, I quickly explained that Elrond had sent me, that I was there to join them in their quest. There was much surprise, and even disbeleif and indignation at my tale; I had to prove myself by speaking "Elen sila lumenn omentilmo", a traditional and respectful elvish greeting that anyone who stayed in the house of Elrond would have picked up.
But even then there was astonishment. "You are but a child," Aragorn said to me, "Hardly a woman, yet Elrond sent you on such a trying journey? I do not believe it." I assured him that Elrond had plenty reason to send a "child" such as myself on this task. I look younger than I really am, I have almost reached my twentieth year. To be honest, I was insulted initially, the comment did nothing for my vanity.
But we quickly moved on to more pressing matters, and I learned that indeed, the people of Rohan had crowded into this fortress because they feared an attack from the orcs, who were under the control of the White Wizard of Isenguard. Now I am thankful I did not take the original planne route, I would have gone right by the corrupt wizard, and perhaps even apprehended.
Aragorn, who had been delayed in returning from an earlier skirmish, had witnessed at least ten-thousand of these orcs headed for Helm's Deep, and they were expected to arrive by nightfall.
We spent the better part of the evening discussing battle tactics, and readying the soldiers and the walls for attack. I have eaten a proper meal now, and though it was rushed, it was well enjoyed.
As the sky began to darken, marching could be heard, and a horn call rang out. The soldiers stiffened, but then someone called out "Open the gates! It's the elves!" and hope and wonder filled everyone. The elves have come, and now I put down my pen, for they have formed ranks of bowmen on the outer ramparts, and I am to join them.
I can only hope that I will make it through the night.
No words could express my frustration. Where could everyone be? How could all signs of life in a city were the monarch dwells just be empty? I sat for perhaps an hour in the great hall-its insides adorned with gilded carvings of horses and intricate knots on the beams, walls, and ceilings-chewing on lembas, drinking some good wine I had found, and thinking. It was then that it occurred to me that the people had fled the threat of the unnaturally large orcs, but to where? After checking my map, I found a likely candidate. To the north was a great fortress in the mountains, Helms Deep, so I mounted the old nag and rode. His condition was not to poor, but it still took me three days to get here.
And so here I am. When I arrived, soldiers and commoners alike stared at me, unsure of what to think. I must admit, I do not blame them. I look like some man-elf hybrid with my short silver hair and rich brown eyes, and my days spent in the wild has left me rather disheveled.
A soldier, being unsure of my were my loyalties were, took me to the main hall, where it was that I was first introduced to King Theoden, and to my surprise, three of the company I had been searching for.
He was in consult with a dark haired man I knew at once to be Aragorn, leaving the elf and the dwarf. Legolas, and Gimli, respectively.
Stumbling over my words, I quickly explained that Elrond had sent me, that I was there to join them in their quest. There was much surprise, and even disbeleif and indignation at my tale; I had to prove myself by speaking "Elen sila lumenn omentilmo", a traditional and respectful elvish greeting that anyone who stayed in the house of Elrond would have picked up.
But even then there was astonishment. "You are but a child," Aragorn said to me, "Hardly a woman, yet Elrond sent you on such a trying journey? I do not believe it." I assured him that Elrond had plenty reason to send a "child" such as myself on this task. I look younger than I really am, I have almost reached my twentieth year. To be honest, I was insulted initially, the comment did nothing for my vanity.
But we quickly moved on to more pressing matters, and I learned that indeed, the people of Rohan had crowded into this fortress because they feared an attack from the orcs, who were under the control of the White Wizard of Isenguard. Now I am thankful I did not take the original planne route, I would have gone right by the corrupt wizard, and perhaps even apprehended.
Aragorn, who had been delayed in returning from an earlier skirmish, had witnessed at least ten-thousand of these orcs headed for Helm's Deep, and they were expected to arrive by nightfall.
We spent the better part of the evening discussing battle tactics, and readying the soldiers and the walls for attack. I have eaten a proper meal now, and though it was rushed, it was well enjoyed.
As the sky began to darken, marching could be heard, and a horn call rang out. The soldiers stiffened, but then someone called out "Open the gates! It's the elves!" and hope and wonder filled everyone. The elves have come, and now I put down my pen, for they have formed ranks of bowmen on the outer ramparts, and I am to join them.
I can only hope that I will make it through the night.
Tuesday
I soon depart....
When I reached the top of the hill, I found more orc bodies, but not many. There was also a stone structure, with a stone chair upon it. Curious, I clambered up, and sat down.
Suddenly, it was as if I could see everything, apart from my body. Looking east, I saw the mountains, and then I could see two small figures, huddled over, climbing through the rocks. I immediately knew that they were hobbits, but they were being followed by a small, ungainly looking creature.
I looked west, and saw Rohan before me. I could see three figures, and knew they were a man, elf, and dwarf, that were at the edge of a great, old forest. This troubled me. They appeared to be searching for something, but what? And where were the others? Two hobbits, and elf, man, and a dwarf. Where was the other two hobbits, the wizard, the other man?
And then I looked a small bit to the south, and saw a city, and I knew where I needed to go.
I climbed down and checked my map. The city is Edoras, and now I curse myself for not going there initially. I have packed everything, save the net and my bow. I do not feel comfortable leaving the boat here, so I will send it over the falls, though I regret ruining such a lovely work of craftsmanship.
I also wish that I had Tela still, but it is too late now. I suppose I shall just have to make haste on foot. I will be writing even less, I suppose, as I no longer can afford to stop and write. That lembas shall surely come in handy.
Suddenly, it was as if I could see everything, apart from my body. Looking east, I saw the mountains, and then I could see two small figures, huddled over, climbing through the rocks. I immediately knew that they were hobbits, but they were being followed by a small, ungainly looking creature.
I looked west, and saw Rohan before me. I could see three figures, and knew they were a man, elf, and dwarf, that were at the edge of a great, old forest. This troubled me. They appeared to be searching for something, but what? And where were the others? Two hobbits, and elf, man, and a dwarf. Where was the other two hobbits, the wizard, the other man?
And then I looked a small bit to the south, and saw a city, and I knew where I needed to go.
I climbed down and checked my map. The city is Edoras, and now I curse myself for not going there initially. I have packed everything, save the net and my bow. I do not feel comfortable leaving the boat here, so I will send it over the falls, though I regret ruining such a lovely work of craftsmanship.
I also wish that I had Tela still, but it is too late now. I suppose I shall just have to make haste on foot. I will be writing even less, I suppose, as I no longer can afford to stop and write. That lembas shall surely come in handy.
which way do I go?
I have reached where the Anduin runs through Emyn Muil, I can hear Rauros thundering in the distance. I rest on the western shore, torn, unsure of where to go.
Looking out across the waters towards Emyn Muil, I feel a strong tug. But even as I walk westward, towards trees that provide shelter (as it has begun to rain), I feel that I should go this way.
The only way to explain this is that for some unknown reason, the Fellowship has separated. But for what reason?
I think I know, now. I have just stumbled upon the bodiesof orcs. They lie all around, some with arrows, some with gashes and stabs.
I remember the sun rising red this morning, an omen that blood has been spilt, but these bodies smell so horribly, they must be days old. Whatever blood was spilt during the night, it has nothing to do with these orcs.
I count at least 30, so that is good. If nine travellers could kill over 30 orcs, ones as unusually large as these, then it is likely that they are all safe. But split apart? To go seperate ways? Who knows. That man, Boromir, he is from Gondor. Perhaps he left the Fellowship to return home, and perhaps someone accompanied him, while the rest of the company continued east. It is a mystery, most likely one that will remain unanswered.
I now put down my pen, the ground begins to slope upwards, and I wish to investigate what may be up there, and perhaps get a view of the surrounding land.
Looking out across the waters towards Emyn Muil, I feel a strong tug. But even as I walk westward, towards trees that provide shelter (as it has begun to rain), I feel that I should go this way.
The only way to explain this is that for some unknown reason, the Fellowship has separated. But for what reason?
I think I know, now. I have just stumbled upon the bodiesof orcs. They lie all around, some with arrows, some with gashes and stabs.
I remember the sun rising red this morning, an omen that blood has been spilt, but these bodies smell so horribly, they must be days old. Whatever blood was spilt during the night, it has nothing to do with these orcs.
I count at least 30, so that is good. If nine travellers could kill over 30 orcs, ones as unusually large as these, then it is likely that they are all safe. But split apart? To go seperate ways? Who knows. That man, Boromir, he is from Gondor. Perhaps he left the Fellowship to return home, and perhaps someone accompanied him, while the rest of the company continued east. It is a mystery, most likely one that will remain unanswered.
I now put down my pen, the ground begins to slope upwards, and I wish to investigate what may be up there, and perhaps get a view of the surrounding land.
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