"The Rising"
by The Merry Prankster
Murphy's Laws of Combat #11: It's not the one with your name on it; it's the one addressed "to whom it may concern" you've got to think about.
Authors Notes: "The Rising" is the third story in the continuing adventures of a group of teenagers from Georgia who survive the plague described in "The Stand" by Stephen King and later find themselves right in the middle of "The Lord of the Rings". The title was inspired by a song by Bruce Springsteen and is a reference to Middle Earth rising from the threat of a now vanquished Sauron. It also refers to the teenagers who have watched their families, friends, and world destroyed in the plague. Yet, with the help of new families and their bonds of fellowship, they too are rising up from the depths of despair.
"Honor and Courage", the second story in this series, ended with the teens riding back to their former homes in Georgia. Their mission is to retrieve various keepsakes and take them back to their new homes in Middle earth. Yet all is not well in the world……..
The characters and places from Middle Earth come directly from the Lord of the Rings trilogy by JRR Tolkien. The idea of a massive plague striking Earth is based on that in Stephen King's "The Stand." The other characters are the creations of myself and Erica Marr. Also, there is a time difference between Middle Earth and Earth so while it is March in Middle Earth, its August on Earth. Such changes will be pointed out.
Cast of Characters:
Mike: Fifteen year old high school student and JROTC cadet. He is also the leader of the Wolfpack paintball team and military tactician. Most recently, he was adopted by King Theoden of Rohan, following the Battle of Helms Deep and has begun molding a group of Rohirrim orphans into an elite fighting force.
Erica: High school student whose grandfather works on classified projects with the Department of Defense. She is a good rider and crack shot. She just recently learned that Gandalf is her beloved Gramps brought back to life.
Reggie: Erica's cousin who was rescued by the Wolfpack during their trip back to Georgia following the Battle of Helms Deep. Reggie has the reputation of being a pyromaniac and Gandalf refers to her as his beloved 'Firefly."
Earl: Mike's best friend and JROTC cadet. He is a crack shot with the long rifle and an expert with explosives and chemicals. Like his friend Mike, Earl was also adopted by a Rohirrim. In this case, Theoden's adviser, Gamling.
David: The third survivor of Shiloh High School's JROTC unit and computer nerd. Following the Battle of Pelennor Fields, David was seriously wounded by one of the Rohirrim recruits. It was during his recuperation that he touched the heart of a member of the Gondoran nobility, Lady Athena, and swiftly found himself becoming part of another family.
Dena: The final member of the Wolfpack and team medical expert.
Matt: Ten year old plague survivor who was rescued by the teenagers and later became the adapted son of Eomer.
Rickie: Rickie had been recruited by Randall Flagg (The devil in human form), to take care of the situation in the southeast. She was the leader of the group that was about to execute Reggie before being defeated for the first time.
Jackson Brown: Rickie's little brother and fellow Flagg minion. He does not have the brains of his sister.
Chapter 1: Homeward Bound
Downtown area
Snellville, Georgia
0800 hours
September 3, 2000
A few miles away from the jail a group of hard looking men gathered around their SUVs. Jackson Brown, the bitch queen's brother, checked his Browning Hi-Power for what appeared to be the twentieth time that day. He turned to his two men who had just returned from the checking out the jail.
"Are you
sure, my sister and her people are in the jail?" asked the
bandit.
"Yes sir!"
"Do you recognize any of the captors?" The commander asked his men
Jackson thought for a moment. He had been given express orders by Randall Flag to go check up on his sister. How the hell did he know sis was in trouble?" thought the man. I swear he sometimes appears to be the devil himself.
Returning back to the present, the leader asked his scout, "Did you see any guards or anything unusual? Flagg warned me to look out for some pretty boys with bows."
"At times their were guarded by the ex-prisoners but at other times they were guarded by well... very unusually looking beings." the soldier reported
Rhonnie, a tall African-American, looked up and asked, "How were they unusual?"
"They were dressed like they were from Medieval times and they had pointed ears plus they used swords and bows instead of guns."
Jackson nodded and held up his AK-47. "Well, I haven't seen and bow that can out shoot an assault rifle."
"So what is the plan sir?"
"So here's what we are going to do. We are going down to assemble into two teams. One to block and the other to assault the jail. I want my riflemen to take up position in nearby buildings with clear line of sight of the enemy.
Jackson looked over to Rhonnie. "Since you are the crack shot, I want you to lead the shooters. Wait for my signal."
"You want them dead or just hurting?" A rougher looking guy asked as he pulled out his rifle
Jackson shrugged, "You can leave a few alive to interrogate. But, I really don't care about the rest. No, I take that back, keep a few of the elves alive. The others die."
"Elves?" A soldier questioned
"What else would call pretty boys with pointy ears?" asked the leader.
"You got it."
Pointing to
three other men, the leader said, "Okay, since you
guys have
Uzis and AKs, you are coming with me into the jail. Shoot to
kill anybody, you don't recognize."
"YES SIR!"
"Let's get
this party started." One of the men with the AK
said raising
his gun
A few hours later, it was all over. The elves guarding the police station were not prepared for the sudden assault and were quickly killed or captured. The man smiled as he watched his sister stalk out the jail cell. With a evil grin, he asked, "Miss me?"
"Took you FUCKING long enough." She sneered
"Aww big sister couldn't handle a pack of rug rats?" gloated the man. "And what's with the pretty boys out there?"
"Those rug rats kicked the shit out of Mick over there and that was just one girl. As for the pretty boys the are elves. And no not Santa's little helpers these guys play for keeps."
The man walked the woman outside and pointed at the pile of bodies. "They may have played for keeps, but they couldn't stop an AK-47."
"Yeah but from what I overheard they have us out numbered and those little shit's took alot of ammo." She replied as she took a drink of bottle water that one of her brothers men had handed her
"What do you mean? We took out every elf in the area," argued the man. It was then that he remembered something and looked away for a second before turning back. "I have some bad news sis."
"Okay what did you screw up this time little brother?" She demanded.
The man looked towards downtown Atlanta for a few moments before replying. "Flag is dead. Some of the boys said Las Vegas got nuked."
"Fuck! What happened?"
"I said, Vegas is no more," answered the brother. "You know Flagg was planning on taking out the people in Boulder. He was sending orders as planned but last week all transmissions stopped."
"What hell does that mean for our plans?" She questioned
"We are on our own." He sat down on a nearby wall and continued, "Bob and Gus came through this way day before yesterday and told me about what happened. They saw a bright flash and a mushroom cloud where Vegas should be. They are planning on running down south to Rio and drop out of sight. "
"I've got a better idea." She replied with an evil grin. "Get me one of the elves!"
"What do you mean?" asked the brother. "I was planning on joining them for a life in the sun."
"Simple from what I overheard these elves are from Middle - Earth." She replied. "And everything that Tolkien wrote has come true except for some new children."
"Are these the brats who took your people out?"
"Yes but you might remember them. They were the same ones that beat up the High school foot play team you played for." She answered as she impatiently tapped her foot.
"Okay, so what's your plan?"
"Simple we interrogate the elves to find out just exactly what has happened and we will know what will happen. If Aragorn has not been crowned king yet we will attack when he is and take the lands of Middle - Earth for ourselves.
The man pursed his lips, "I hate to tell you this but we killed all of the elves when we sprung you. Got any other bright ideas?"
"You did WHAT?" The woman said slapping the man in the back of the head
"Fine! Set up lookouts to wait for the kids. They have to return sometime."\
"Where would you like to set up?"
"Your the military boy you figure it out." She snapped. "Sometimes I wonder if we are really related." She huffed
"In case you haven't noticed, oh air headed one, I wasn't there and do not know which direction the kids ran off to."
"Its called interrogate the prisoners and find out!" She yelled as she slapped him up side the head.
"There are no prisoners, you dumb blonde," screamed the man. "I will say it slowly since you have problems understanding. " There. Are. No. Prisoners."
"Remember those rug rats that almost killed Tim and the football team? They are the ones that attacked us. And I know for a fact where they used to live. So we go by first setting up look outs on those places. Than next by used the weather camera's to watch for them if they us any main roads back into town. If Johns is still with you he can do that."
The man nodded and turned to his men. "Okay guys," barked the man. "I want you set up look outs where my sister says." He turned back to the woman, "You might also want to set up an ambush along Hwy 78 outside Stone Mountain.
Plains of Rohan
1200 hours
March 28, 3019
(Middle
Earth)
The teenagers had been riding through Gondor for most of the day and finally reached the rolling plains of Rohan. A sense of homecoming came over them and Mike turned to the others and remarked, "Anybody else feel like we have come back home?'
"Home is a relative term." Reggie remarked "It is where you feel loved and cared for, a place that be contained in your heart."
Erica just shook her head and stared back where they came from.
Mike grinned, "Yeah, but it just hit me that this land is getting to me. It really has become home and it's a good feeling."
Earl nodded and quipped, "Don't get to mushy, we still have to get to the portal and can't hang around here for long."
"I'm not being mushy," defended the teen. He turned back to Erica and asked, "I'm not being mushy am I?"
"It is not mushy to care about your home, young Earl." Haldir replied
"Do you really want me to answer that?" Erica asked evilly
Mike countered with a question, "Would you prefer the depressed hard ass?"
"Well if do that I will shoot you in the ass to soften it up." Erica replied sweetly causing a smirk from most everyone there except Earl who just rubbed his own ass
Mike gestured around him, "But seriously, it just hit me that this is really home. We all either have families or will soon acquire one. Middle Earth is now home."
"I understand what you are saying, Master Michael." Haldir said patting Mike on the back
"Yeah Middle Earth is home but we still have friends back on Earth." Erica started to say when there was a slight Earth shake.
"SHIT! EARTH QUAKE!"
Earl looked around, "What the he...?"
Mike turned to Haldir and asked, "Do you guys get earthquakes around here?"
"Yes but not in a very long time. The Earth quake is strange for I did not sense it coming." Haldir replied
"Well it was a slight shaking," said the teen. He turned back to his friends, "Remember, this is just a housecleaning trip. All we are doing is getting our stuff from our old homes, tying up some loose ends, and coming back. At least we don't have to worry about any wars back here."
Earl turned to Reggie and asked, "You have the list David gave you? You know, the stuff he wants brought back."
"Don't forget we need to hit the Hospitals for any possible supplies." Reggie remarked
"Yeah, I got it. I think we can probably split up to grab everything faster and get back." Reggie smiled pulling out the list
"Yeah David's house isn't to far from couple of the camping stores and we could grab anything that The Rohirrim and Gondoran might need." Erica remarked.
Mike looked back, "Remember people, the plan is that we assemble at the ranch and wait for the grownups. They have the wagons to carry our stuff." He looked back at Erica and quipped, "And we know how much junk you have in your room."
Earl could not help adding to the situation by commenting to Reggie, "Yeah, I heard how a cousin trashed somebody else's room the last time."
"Good thing we aren't going to Florida because there would more junk to get." Reggie laughed.
"Earl, I didn't trash it I merely rearranged it to my liking." Reggie giggled and smacked Earl in the arm
"A Hurricane couldn't have done a better job than my cus did to my room." Erica sneered
Mike shook his head and turned to Haldir, "She trashed it. Erica didn't stop talking about until after we got back from the Black Gate."
"My dear Haldir, don't pay any attention to their ranting." Reggie said with a little wink.
"It a quite interesting conversation though," Replied the March warden
We have had better." Reggie giggled
The party rode on for another two days, making short rest stops until reaching the portal. To their surprise, it appeared to have expanded since their last trip through it. Earl rubbed his chin in thought and asked, "Is it me or has that portal grown since our last trip?"
"Yeah plus it looks a lot clearer"
"Last time we could move two horses side by side," observed Mike. "Now, it looks like we can fit two comfortably with a half a foot to spare."
"Mike check this out," Erica said as she noticed a rose blooming on the Middle Earth side.
During the ride, Earl had a question that would not go away. Despite his efforts, finally the teen asked out loud," When are we going to take out Saruman?
"More importantly, will the grownups let me take that shot?"
"Sorry Earl, the evil white wizard has already been dealt with." Reggie said with big smirk
"What are you talking about?" asked the lanky teen. Turning around, he continued, "I thought Aragorn convinced Mike's dad to spare his life?"
"I didn't say King Theoden did the deed. However, the wizard was slain by a Rohirrim man," Reggie told the teen
"Yeah the little shit who turned on his own king." Erica sneered
Mike shook his head and decided to join in, "So we don't get to kneecap the little bastard as well?"
"Nope, he has been taken care of."
"Yeah because stuff shirted elf boy shot him first," Erica replied
"Dangit," murmured the new prince. "I was hoping to take a shot at the little worm on my own. Maybe even do a John Wayne on him."
"Thank your big brother for that," Erica smiled back.
"John Wayne?" The march warden voice came from behind the teens banter.
Without turning around, Mike answered, "Let just say he was one of the most famous actors back home. I loved him as Rooster Cogburn."
"The Duke will always rule." Erica answered
"And don't forget 'True Grit" added Earl. "By the way, we need to find a way to run DVDs when we come back."
"Gramps has all of the Dukes stuff back at the house." Erica remarks.
"Erica won't the M.A.P. play DVD's?" Reggie asked.
"Duh! Of course." Erica laughs
"I seem to remember you threatening Mike with it when we were back the highschool." Reggie giggled and looked at Mike
"But the MAP can't be everywhere at once," pointed out Mike. "We need to figure out some way to run other electronic devices. We could rig up solar or wind power battery packs."
"Well if someone didn't burn down the Walmart we go get some portal DVD players from there." Erica jeered.
Earl turned to Erica and reminded her, "That was the Super Wal-Mart in Snellville. You of all people should know that there is another close by in Stone Mountain, and there are also two Targets in the same area. Not to mention the Stone Mountain Best Buy carries DVDs, CDs, as well as VCRs, TVs, and computers. So deal."
"It looks like we are going to using the five finger discount." Reggie laughed.
"Okay so we have to at that to the shopping list." Erica answers
"We are going to be shopping until the boys and the elves drop." Reggie whispered to Erica.
Mike shrugged and observed, "With the power being down, communication lines as well, not to mention with most everybody associated with the stores being DEAD. I don't think it counts. Besides, who will be there to take the money?"
"We have very good stamina." Vidmor replied to Reggie
"You need more than stamina." Reggie winked
"Aren't our parents bringing the moving vans?" asked Earl. "After all, we will be cleaning out our rooms."
"Your parents will be coming with covered wagons to when they come through the portal in a few days." Haldir informed Earl and the other teens
"Do you know how many?" asked Mike as he remembered just how much junk the girls had.
Guest Quarters, Royal Palace
Minas Tirith
0800 hours
March 26, 3019
(Middle
Earth)
Sunlight streamed through a window overlooking the sleeping form. Finally, with a slight groan the boy opened his eyes and noticed the man in a nearby chair. "I guess I messed things up," apologized the boy. "I'm sorry about taking your horse without permission."
"I said I would teach you how to ride." The Horsemaster told the boy with a small smile.
"I know Dad, but I just wanted you to be proud of me," answered the boy. "And now, I messed up your trip."
"No you didn't mess it up you just set us back a day or two. But I want your word young man that you will not attempt to ride any horse until I do give you permission to again." The new father told the child
"I won't Poppa. You mean we can still go back to Atlanta?" asked the boy. "I'm not grounded or anything?"
"Grounding will happen after we get back." The horsemaster told him. "Now get some rest."
"Yes sir," answered the boy. "Will Grandpa be riding with us?"
"Yes, now rest." The father told his son as he extinguished the lamp
Interstate 20
Douglasville, Georgia
0800 hours
September 4, 2000
The teenager's party cleared the portal and found themselves on Interstate 20 outside Douglasville. Mike looked back to Erica then to Earl he asked, "Did you hear about the blonde who was caught staring at a can of grape juice for five hours?"
"Mike you do know that our elven companions are blonde." Reggie said smacking him in the arm. "Stop being rude."
Mike rubbed his arm and whipped around. "Where did you turn up?"
"I have my ways of getting in and out of places unseen and unheard." Reggie laughed "Mike, I would also like to remind you that your new family is blonde as well. It is not nice to speak ill of them." Reggie whispered to mike
'"Oh", said the teen as he turned around and noticed Haldir and the other elves looking in his direction. Taking a swallow, he apologized to Haldir, "Sorry about the blonde joke, I kinda forgot who was with us."
"I have found young Michael that you often speak without knowing who is around you." Haldir laughed
"HEY!" shouted the offended teen. "What are you talking about?"
"Master Michael must I remind you of the several situations that you have gotten into because your vocal ranting." Haldir informed the teen. "In fact I remember an incident that just happens with fireworks that you're dragged the lovely ladies Reggie and Erica on."
"In case you didn't notice, there was no dragging involved," countered the teen. "In fact, we were especially quiet about the fireworks. How were we to know that Aragorn and the parents were having a heart to heart with the idiot?
"The verbal ranting took place afterwards. I seem to remember you getting grounded." Haldir reminded him
"That was no rant," countered the teen. "I was merely answering the question as honestly as possible. After that incident my friends do need to work on their escape and evasion skills."
"Mike, you however did allow yourself and Earl to get caught" Erica quipped
Earl told Erica, "I believe you and Reggie were the first to be caught that night."
"Haldir, honey there is no use in trying to talk sense into Mike." Reggie whispered to the Marchwarden
"We were only caught because Mike didn't workout the escape routes before we executed the plan." Erica sneered
Mike just shook his head and quipped to Earl, "Imagine the girl who hitched a ride with a Nazgul talking about lack of sense in others."
Stone Mountain Freeway Entrance to Stone Mountain State Park 1000 hrs September 5, 2000
It took the teen's party most of the day to journey the forty miles from the portal to Snellville. They had followed I-285 and took the Stone Mountain Freeway that led through Stone Mountain to their former homes in Snellville.
"Boy, what a sight for sore eyes." Reggie said wiping a tear from her eyes
They had just reached the cutoff to the State Park when Mike began to sense something was not right. The teen turn to Erica and asked, "Do you have this feeling that we are being watched?"
"Not sure, I do feel different here..." Erica said as she looked around and ready her weapon
Earl pulled his rifle off his back and fed a round into the chamber. With a wary look around them he added, "Yeah, it's almost as if we are about to be..."
Suddenly, Mike threw himself off his horse, grabbing his M-4 assault rifle on the way down. "IT'S AN AMBUSH! TAKE COVER!"
The teens jumped off their horse and rushed for nearby cover. "Who the hell is ambushing us and why?" Reggie yelled to her cousin
"SHIT!" Erica screamed as she jumped off her horse and took cover behind the closest empty car.
Mike popped up from behind a blue Mustang and fired three shots in the direction of their unknown enemy. At least twenty bullets came back his way, forcing the teen back down. He turned to Earl and yelled out, "YOU SEE WHERE THAT FIRE IS COMING FROM?"
"Mike this is all YOUR FAULT!" Erica hissed as she shot at the location the last bullets came from
Earl rolled over and took one look at Mike. Recognizing the look on the boy's face, the lanky teen tapped Haldir on the shoulder. When the elf turned to face the boy, Earl said, "I don't like the look on Mike's face. He's about to do something stupid."
"Mike, don't do anything stupid." Reggie commented as she popped her head up to find her target and aimed the rifle that she had grabbed as jumped off her horse
"Think about it girl. Whenever we go to do something with him we always end up either in trouble, getting shot at or all of the above." Erica retorted and turned back to Mike. "Mike, I swear I'll shoot you myself if you do something stupid again." Erica yelled at her leader
Mike crawled to the front of the car he was using for cover and peaked around it. He noticed that the fire was coming from a nearby clump of trees. Reaching for a hand grenade, he yelled back, "Earl, cover me. I'm IN!"
"Haldir stop that idiot." Erica yelled.
"He didn't just pull the pin did he?" Reggie said as she covered her head as incoming fire flew over head
"I swear I'm going to fry that boy's ass!" Erica sneered
The teenager jumped up and got ready to run towards the woods, only to feel somebody grab his web gear from the back and yank him to the ground. Rolling to face the person, he snarled, "What are you doing?"
"Saving your young life," Haldir informed him as bullets flew over their head.
Earl ejected the spent magazine from his rifle and reached for a fresh one. He quickly noted that he had only one magazine left and yelled out, "Mike, I'm down to two mags!"
"I'm down too." Reggie shouted as she fired around at the treelined areas
Mike glared at the elf, "I was about to take out that nest of enemy."
"Not true, you were about to be shot before you could even get within throwing distance." Haldir told him as he pointed to a sniper not far away.
"Well think of something quick, or we will be toast," warned the lanky teen.
"They have us pinned down. A retreat is impossible." Haldir told him
Mike looked to where the elf was pointing and saw the truth in his statement. Shaking his head, he cursed, "Crap, we're pinned down." He looked around and yelled to Erica and Reggie, "Can anybody get that sniper?"
"I think I have a shot" Reggie said aiming her rifle
"Take it," answered Mike. "We are running low."
Reggie fired and missed the target tempting her last mag. "Damn I missed, if only he was closer I would take him out with my bare hands."
"My lady can you use the phoenix?" Vidmor asks Erica
"I can't feel the phoenix hardly at all so I think it's a no." Erica replies
"Well what are we going to do oh fearless leader." Reggie quipped to mike
A look of resignation came over Mike as he realized how much trouble they were in. He took out a notebook and pen out of his pocket and began writing on it.
"Mike it's a little late for your will." Earl retorted
"Is he taking notes?" Reggie asked Erica
Without looking up, he answered, "I have a feeling we are going to need our parents to get us out of this trap and no I'm not taking notes." Finishing his note, the teen crawled over to his horse and tied it to the animal's bridal. "Go find my Dad, Gramps, and bring them here."
The horse responded with a worried look but did as it was commanded
"Run like the wind Nickie"
The teen watched as the horse ran back towards the direction they had come. He rolled back to his previous position and told the others, "I sent Nickie to go get Dad and Gandalf. We aren't getting out of this one on our own."
"You think?" Erica replied as she emptied her last clip
"I hate getting captured. Last time it happened I was almost beaten to death." Reggie huffed
"Yeah," confirmed the teen as he fired off the remaining bullets in his rifle. "Anybody got a spare rifle mag?" asked the teen.
"I'm out." Reggie quipped "Anybody else."
Earl pulled out his pistol and fired off three rounds towards the enemy. "I'm down to my back up piece and that won't last long."
"I am out." Erica remark. "Vidmor's out too."
From the treeline, a man yelled out, "I know you're out of ammo so why don't you give yourselves up and live."
Mike closed his eyes and told the others, "I don't think we have any choice."
"This is going to suck." Reggie informed her friends
"Not good." Erica mutters
Mike looked at each teen in turn and said, "So do we give up and wait for the parents to arrive or fight to the last bullet?"
"If it was hand to hand combat I would say we would have chance, but this I don't know." Reggie informed Mike
Earl gave his buddy a pained look and answered, "You know Gandalf and your Dad will take on hell itself to save us. So, let's fight another day."
Mike nodded, "So we give up and hope Dad comes in time."
"You will never hear me say this again, but I have to agree with Earl. No one has died yet, if we surrender, we can hope that Gramps and the rest of our parental figures get here soon." Erica complied
"Okay, do it Mike," said Earl as he removed the firing pin from his rifle and hid it under a nearby car tire. "At least we can make sure they can't use our weapons."
Reggie and Erica followed Earl lead removing the firing from their weapons as well
Mike yelled out to their attackers, "Okay, we are giving up. Don't shoot!"
With a shared look the teens and elves placed their weapons on the ground and stood up with their hands raised. Earl mumbled to Reggie, "God, I hope Mike's dad gets here soon."
"You and rest us, hope that. Oh Lord show Nickie the way straight to Gramps and King Theoden." Reggie looked up to the sky.
The ambushers walked out from the underbrush, assault rifles trained on the teens and elves. The captives were being secured when a young woman with black hair, walked up. It was the same lady who had held Reggie captive the last time they had come back to Georgia.
Recognizing the woman, Reggie snapped at Erica, "Next time just let me kill her."
"Get in line." Erica remarked
"You should let me shoot her the first time." Reggie snapped.
Mike waited for the woman to come closer before saying, "Looks like you have us for now. Enjoy it while you can."
"Oh I will." Rickie laughed evilly "I have plans for you and rest of the rug rats."
"Much to your regret I will." She evilly replies as she slaps him hard
"You BITCH" Reggie yelled, "Untie me I will show you."
"You don't know what you've gotten yourself into," countered the teen. "Why don't you give up to us and we'll put in a good word when our parents show up."
"Actually I am looking forward to them arriving. I have plans for them." Rickie retorted as she grab Haldir hair and force him to look at her.
"I can't wait until your mommy and daddy shows up. I will put them in their place as well."
"We'll see, We'll see"
"LEAVE HIM ALONE!" Reggie yelled trying to get up
"I also plans for theses being as well." Rickie replies as she forces as sloppy kiss on Haldir
"I SWEAR WHEN I AM FREE I AM GOING TO KICK YOUR AS SIX WAYS FROM SUNDAY!" Reggie snarled as one Rickie's men pushed back down
House of Healing
Minas Tirith
0830 hours
March 26, 3019
(Middle
Earth)
"Here you go, Mr. Frodo," said Samwise Gamgee as he handed the other hobbit his jacket. "Do you feel strong enough to walk outside?"
"Yes Sam, the fresh air will do me some good." Frodo smiled
Sam nodded and continued, "It looks like it will be a nice day after all."
"A very nice day indeed." Frodo added as the two went out side
The two hobbits had nearly reached the door when it was slammed open and in rushed Merry and Pippen. The two younger hobbits raced to Frodo and Sam, speaking at the same time in very excited voices. Unfortunately, neither of the two older hobbits could understand what was being said.
"Merry, Pippin slow down. One at a time." Sam insisted
Merry and Pippen looked at one another for a few moments, not saying a word. Finally, Pippen told the others, "The children are in trouble."
"The Children?" Sam asked, "I mean Ladies Erica and Reggie as well as Master Earl and Master Michael."
Pippen nodded, "I overheard Gandalf talking to Aragorn and King Theoden. He said that the children were in danger and needed rescue." Merry picked up from his cousin and added, "I have never seen Gandalf looking so worried. It was as if he didn't know his granddaughters would be unharmed."
"My Ladies may be in harms way." Frodo responded "We must get to them before any harm comes to them. If it was not for them Sam and I would have perished on the fiery rocks of Mount Doom."
"The kings and Gandalf are getting ready to leave," added Merry. The young hobbit noticed identical looks appearing on the other hobbits faces. "They are getting ready to leave even as we speak."
"Then we must go with them." Sam said rushing out the door towards the stables.
Royal Stables
Minas Tirith
Theoden began to mount his horse when the doors of the Stables burst open. To the king's surprise, in rushed the hobbits burdened by their packs. Theoden turned to the former ring bearer and asked, "What are you doing here? You should still be resting."
"I cannot rest while the ones who saved our world are in peril." Frodo informed the King
Aragorn walked over to his friend and asked, "Are you able to ride. We will not be able to stop for rest once we leave. The children's lives may depend on our haste."
"We are able to ride my lord." Sam said placing his hand on Frodo's shoulder
"Very well," responded Aragorn as he turned back to his own horse. "You hobbits had best get your ponies ready to ride for we will be leaving shortly."
"It will not take longer than a moment." the hobbits informed the former ranger.
Theoden gave his nephew a look of amusement at the news of the hobbits coming along. "Looks like our rescue party grows by the minute."
"Who will be coming next, dear uncle," Eomer laughed "The parrot?"
Before the king could respond, the stable doors opened and in walked the Rohirrim boys that his son had molded into a military unit unique in Middle Earth. Now, they were present, dressed in battledress and fully armed. While the others lined up at attention, Sgt. Haldraada marched to the king, came to attention and snapped off a salute. "Sir, Sgt. Haldraada reporting in. My unit is ready and willing to join the rescue mission."
Gimli joined the two Rohirrim. "You know that this your son's doing." Gimli smirked, "He seems to be able to stir young minds to arms even when in another world."
Eomer grinned at the look on his uncle's face and could not resist needling the king. "If I didn't know better, I would say Michael has somehow been able to copy himself."
"That is something that I was afraid of," The King of Rohan stated
Haldraada waited for the king to respond. Finally he added, "Sir, your son drilled into our heads that no one gets left behind. We're here to follow that standing order sir."
Theoden nodded his approval and vowed, "Than no one shall!"
"So does that mean we can go?" asked Haldraada.
"Yes you may!" The King replied than quietly added to himself. "As if you won't follow us."
The boy turned to his compatriots and yelled out in his drill sergeant voice, "Okay people, let's act like we got a purpose. Mount up!"
Eomer laughed as he told the king, "Looks like young Haldraada has also picked up Michael's speech as well."
"Just be thankful it's not Lady Reggie's." Gimli snorted as he walked by
The Rohirrim teenagers that the Americans had formed into a military unit, quickly saddled up their horses and joined up with the rescue party. Theoden was taking one last look at the assembled men and boys and noticed that something did not look right. A closer look revealed that one of the soldiers was in fact a young female and the king was not pleased. Motioning, for Haldraada to come over, he asked the boy, "
"What is she doing here? You know how I feel about young girls being anywhere near a battle. Explain yourself."
"She is Reggie's top student and she insisted on coming. SIR!" Haldraada answered his king as he remember how the girl made her point by threaten to kick the crap out of him Reggie style if she wasn't allowed to come.
Theoden turned to girl and gave her a paternalistic glare. "You know how I feel about having children your age being anywhere near a battlefield. Much less any woman but in the direst circumstances. Why are you coming?"
Aragorn nudged the king quietly, "Remember the conversation you had with Young Michael before he left."
The Rohirrim king turned to ask Aragorn what he was talking about then remembered that talk he had with his son before the children left for the trip back
Flashback
Library, Royal Palace
Minas Tirith
1900 hours
March 24, 3019
(Middle
Earth)
Theoden had spent the day searching for his son before finally finding the boy in one of the many libraries in the palace. He had just discovered that there was a family of young girls mixed in with the boy's military unit and he wanted to know why Mike had disobeyed his father.
Mike about jumped into the ceiling of the room when his father came crashing through the door. The library door closed with a thud that caught the teenager's attention. He looked up from the latest Clive Cussler novel and noticed that his father was walking towards him and he was not happy. "Is everything okay?" asked the boy?
"Tell me, why you disobeyed me again!" The king demanded
Mike carefully closed the book and placed it on a nearby table. He tried to figure out what his father was talking about but came up with a blank. Finally he asked, "I thought we went over the fireworks already?"
"I thought I expressly made my self clear about no girls are allowed to fight in the battle!" The King roared
"Okay," answered the teen as he realized what girls he was talking about. "Are you referring to that young family of girls who have been helping Dena out?"
"Haldraada found out about them being girls when he walked in one using the bathroom." The King told his son
"I knew he was going to find out sooner or later," mumbled the teen. "But no, Erica, Reggie, and Dena wouldn't listen. Oh well, I guess it's time to see if the truth will set me free this time." Mike took a breath and told his: father, "I didn't go against your wishes about having girls on the battlefield, father."
Calming himself, the king eyed his new son carefully as he listen with suspicion.
"Before the adoption celebration, Erica and Reggie came to me about a problem they had run into and wanted it kept quiet. There was this family of girls who had been orphaned in the recent war and had nowhere to go. They were afraid of being forced into prostitution so I let them join up on an auxiliary basis. They could help out and learn some self defense moves from the girls. But, I had made it clear they were too young for being in a military unit. They were only supposed to help out but stay away from the fighting."
"Well my son, your plan was unsuccessful." The king informed "These young ladies fought at the battle with Ladies Dana and Karen."
The teen stood up and faced his father. "They asked me to keep their secret and I agreed as long as you didn't ask me about it. But, I made it clear that I would tell all if asked. As for the girls fighting with Dena and Karen, you were present when I placed their field hospital where I thought it would stay out of the line of fire."
"Yes I know that in your own way you meant well my son, but should have been apprized of the situation before anything took place."
"There is always a danger in anything we do. Based on my training and experience, that field hospital should have been well away from the fighting. Had I known about the enemy raiding party, I would have changed the hospital's location or assigned a stronger security detachment. To be perfectly honest, if presented with the same circumstances, I would not have changed my decision. But, I was adamant about the girls staying away from any combat."
"It doesn't matter about that you should have told me about the girls." The father told his son
"I'm sorry about not telling you, but I figured I could keep my promise and I have not held anything back. I just wanted to see that family taken care of."
2460 East Park Drive
Snellville, Georgia
1300 hours
September 5, 2000
The teens watched as their captors left the room and locked the door. Mike hobbled over to the cell holding the girls and asked, "How you two holding up?"
"Erica is not looking good," Reggie answered. "She keeps mumbling not again."
Earl joined his friend at the cell and called out to Erica, "You hold on now. Gramps will be coming soon."
Mike nodded, "Yeah Erica, you know Gramps will have figured something has gone wrong and gathered the cavalry to rescue us."
"Nooo.. not again..." Erica just kept mumbling
A look of deep worry came over Earl as he watched the girl's reaction. He moved over to the elf's cell and motioned for Haldir to come over. When the elf was nearby, Earl whispered, "Our parents are coming. Aren't they?"
Haldir gave the teen a slight smile and replied, "That question can only be answered in your heart."
Earl nodded. "Yeah, they are coming," vowed the lanky teen. "Gandalf would have felt something was wrong."
"I don't know Erica can't do her Jean Grey impression." Reggie remarked
Mike nodded to the girl. "I have a feeling that the same thing happened to Rusty and Mr. Cuddles. Somehow I think that all of the magical powers can only happen in Middle Earth. What do you think?"
/Because we can't change doesn't mean we can't put the fear of animals into them/ Mr. Cuddles tells Reggie to tell Mike from his hiding spot in the high rafters
"Seriously though," added Mike. "I don't know how long Earl and I can keep the heat off you and Erica. If help doesn't come soon, we may not be in that good of condition."
/That's where me and Mr. Cuddles will come in/ Rusty told Mike.
/ Rusty, is that you/ asked the teen. /Where are you two/
/Hiding close bye and easily avoiding those amateurs who call themselves an army./ Rusty replied.
A small flash of hope appeared in the boy's thoughts as he asked//Can you contact Mr. Cuddles/
/Look up but don't make it obvious/ Rusty replied.
Mike did as directed and whispered, "Who's there? What the h...," said the teen. There in the rafter was Matt's parrot. There was only one bird, he knew of that had those weird eyes. He pulled out a slip of paper and began writing on it. "Mr. Cuddles come down here. I need you send a message to the parents."
/Tell your pain in the ass leader to chill/ Mr. Cuddles tells Reggie. /Neither one of us is leaving you."
Mike then turned to Reggie. "Reggie, can Mr. Cuddles contact Matt's Parrott?"
/Mike quit relaying messages to Mr. Cuddles thru Reggie your drawing to much attention." Rusty warned as he watched a guard approach
/Plus no we can not contact Mr. Cotton he's still to far away." Rusty answered as he readjusted his position so if things went bad he good take out the closest guard.
Mike turned back to the cell door and watched the guard come closer. "What are you looking at?"
"Just the flavor of the month." He replied as he eyed Reggie.
"You would do well to reconsider your actions," warned the Marchwarden in a low voice. "You never know when they might come back at you."
"Oh yeah right. I heard about how strong you elves are that's why we booby trapped your cage so if you do try anything you go BOMB!" The guard laughed
"That was but part of what I was referring to," answered the elf. "You should know the ladies grandfather is a powerful wizard. He would not be pleased if you harm his grand daughters."
"Oh don't worry we got plans for him." The guard laughed as he walked away than turned back and snapped. "No more talking!"
"Come sis just because those elves to want to fuck you doesn't me I can't fuck that bitch who broke my arm." Rickie's brother wined
Rickie just waved her hand in an indifferent gesture. "Fine, you have your girls just don't permanently scar them. I still have some uses for those two."
"It's about time." He mutter as walked past the newest elf brought to his sister.
"What do you want, foul woman?" asked the elf
"You." Rickie answered as she approach the bounded elf and than started to play with his ears
Vidmore began inching back. "And what makes you think I would find such a foul whore appealing?"
"YOU DARE TO CALL ME A WHORE! Rickie screamed as she slapped the elf across the face.
"Perhaps I was a bit hasty," answered the elf as he shook off the slap. "A whore gets paid and since I did not offer you any money... I guess that makes you a slut."
"YOU will call me MISTRESS when I am done with you." Rickie hissed as she grab his ear and pulled hard
Grunting in pain, the elf lowered his head and butted the women under the chin, knocking her head back.
"You will pay for that." Rickie growled as she got up and grabbed his ear again and pulled even harder
"Do you really think that will break me," sneered the elf. "I have faced the Naz-gul and Uruk-hai without flinching. You are not even close."
"But I will break you for I am a woman of many talents." Rickie replied as she than started to played at the area between his legs
Instead of answering, Vidmore kicked out with his foot. Once again, he caught her chin, causing her to fall back
Rickie excepting the move pulled him on top of her as she fell
Expecting her counter, Vidmore rolled off. "Orc have more beauty than you, Hag."
Portal to Earth
Plains of Rohan
1500 hours
March 26, 3019
(Middle
Earth)
The grownups raced through the countryside in a manner not seen since Minas Tirith had been threatened by the Dark Lord Sauron. Taking short rest stops along the way, it was not long before they exited Gondor and passed into the plains of Rohan. As they rode, Theoden turned to Gandalf and asked, "How much further is this portal?"
"We are not far off but I must warn my magic will not be as strong there as it is here." Gandalf explained
The king looked over at Aragorn then back to the wizard. It was Aragorn who asked the next question. "How far will we have to travel once we go through the portal?"
"That I am not sure of for I only know they are in trouble I just can't tell where they are." Gandalf replies
"Then let us make haste," decided the Rohirrim king. "I do not want the children facing this danger by themselves."
Silence dropped over the party as they rode the last few miles to the portal. Upon reaching it, Gandalf signaled for a halt and Gimli asked, "Is there anything we should know about this portal? Dwarves weren't meant to travel between worlds."
"You will be fine my friend." Legolas told him. "Or are elves braver than dwarves?"
"No on dares question the bravery of a dwarf," growled Gimli.
Aragorn patted, his friend on the shoulder. "No one is questioning your bravery master dwarf," said the king. He turned to Gandalf and asked, "Will it take long to journey through the portal?"
"No long." Gandalf answers with a far off stare
"Very well, let's get on with it," suggested an impatient Theoden. "After you good wizard, since you are familiar with the other world."
At first Gandalf the White was slightly hesitant, but his concern for his grandchildren gave him the courage to ride through the portal
The wizard was quickly followed by Theoden and the Rohirrim, Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, and the hobbits. The King of Rohan had experienced many things during his rule but none like this portal. The waves of light were unsettling for those few moments within the portal. Soon, they were standing on the highway leading into the dead city of Atlanta. Theoden pointed towards what appeared to a cart of some kind and asked Gandalf, "Are these those cars the children talked about?"
"Yes but they are useless to you." Gandalf replied
Pippen rode up and sniffed in the air. "What is that smell? It's almost as bad as Pelennor Fields after the battle."
"It is the smell of sudden death." Gandalf said as he refused to look at those dead
Aragorn nodded as he caught sight of the bodies decomposing in a nearby car. He turned to the hobbit and added, "The children made mention of the numbers of dead. So it would be wise to stay away from these machines as much as possible." The King of Men was about to say something else when the sound of an approaching horse split the dead air.
Legolas turned towards the oncoming horse and observed, "Isn't that Michael's steed?"
"I am afraid it is." Gandalf replied as he jumped of Shadowfax
Theoden followed the White Wizard to the other horse. As they got closer, the king noticed that there appeared to be some kind of paper. "Is that a note?"
Gandalf scanned the note than handed it to Theoden while Aragorn got down and tried to read the ground but the terrain would not be read.
Theoden took the note with a trembling hand. He read the message and turned red from anger finally, he told the others. "The note is from my son. He says that his party has been ambushed by unknown gunmen outside the town of Stone Mountain. They are running out of ammunition and expect to be captured soon and call for help."
"Than they shall have it." Aragorn announced. "Gandalf where is this place they speak of?"
The White Wizard turned to his friend and answered with determined tone. "Stone Mountain is due east of the city." Gesturing down the road, "We shall follow this road through the main city until we reach a side road that has a sign giving directions to a road called I-285. Once we take that road, we will journey north until we reach another road called the Stone Mountain Freeway. That road will take us to the children."
The grownups listened to the Wizard describe their path. "I will ride ahead to make sure the path is clear," Legolas volunteered. Upon the finish, Aragorn turned to Legolas and suggested, "Take at least three volunteers with you. I don't want to see you hurt as well old friend."
The elf raised his eyebrow to what his friend suggested but than turn to Gimli and asked. "Are you with me?"
"Of course I wouldn't want you out scoring me." The dwarf huffed.
From the rear of the Rohirrim, a single rider pushed his way to the front. To everyone's surprise, it was Rollo, whom the teens had a run in. The rider rode up to Theoden and said, "My Lords, I have wronged the children in the past and would like to make it up by helping Prince Legolas. That is, if he would accept my apology and my aid."
Legolas looked the rider up and down, "If you can do as you are told without question I will accept your aid."
A minute afterwards, a girl of fourteen also rode up and addressed the two kings and wizard. "I too wish to join Prince Legolas. The prince and his friends gave my sisters aid when no one else would and I wish to repay the favor. Besides, I have learned much in the healing arts from Lady Dena and can heal the injured should any of our people be hurt."
"Warriors are needed not healers." Theoden tried to reason with the girl.
"I also learned much from Lady Erica and Lady Reggie." The girl replied with a devilish grin
Aragorn smiled at the girl's bravery and suggested, "Let her go on the condition that she stays out of any fighting and obeys Legolas at all
"I can also be a good sniper Earl has been teaching me how to use this." The girl replied as she held up her weapon. "He says I am almost as good as him."
Theoden gave the girl a stern look as he answered, "I allow many Ladies Erica and Reggie much leeway on account of their relationship to the White Wizard and my son. However, I am still your king and my condition for allowing you to go with Prince Legolas is for you to stay out of any fighting and obey his instructions. Am I clear?"
"YES SIR!" The girls snapped at attention
Gandalf motioned for Legolas to hold up for a moment while he gave directions to where the children are being held. The elf listened and soon, the advance party was riding down I-20 towards the eastern part of metro Atlanta. Riding at a full gallop, the group quickly covered the forty miles to Snellville in just under three hours.
They had made the required turns and were soon on Highway 78, riding towards Stone Mountain. Just outside, the city, Legolas motioned for them to stop.
"What is it Legolas?" Gimli asked. "why are we stopping?'
The elf paused and looked towards the east as if he was trying to see something. Finally he answered his companion. "There are men up ahead lying in wait. I suspect, they are lookouts to surprise any rescue party."
"Well let's surprise them instead." Gimli said with a daring smile
"That was my very idea, Gimli," confirmed Legolas. "However, it would be better if we split up into two groups. One of the groups should dismount to come up behind the sentries by stealth."
Rollo had been
listening to the elf and dwarf for some time. Deciding it time
to speak out, he said, "So, the other should ride up and make as
much noise as possible?"
mars1star1: "Yes that would be
correct." Legolas said with a smile that said good luck with
that. "I will lead the riders," offered the Rohirrim.
"I know how dangerous the weapons that the people from this land
are. But, I need to repay the prince for may past misdeeds."
"May
Valar ride swiftly with you." Legolas said as he and Gimli sis
mounted his steed
"Now don/'t go and get your self killed"
Gimli smiled
Legolas turned back to the Rohirrim and gave his instructions. "Wait five minutes, then ride down this road, making as much noise as possible. Legolas waited a minute before turning back to his long term companion and grinned, "so, master dwarf, you do not wish to accompany me?"
"There is no way I am going to let an elf take all the credit for this rescue mission when we see the children," Gimli smirked.
"Then let us go take out these watchers. For the longer we wait, the more harm comes to the young ones." The two members of the fellowship disappeared into the underbrush surrounding the road. "Now Gimli, remember we need at least one alive."
"One and no more," Gimli huffed.
"That is all I ask," said the elf. With that the two talked no more and silently moved through the woods. Finally, they spotted the four men hiding behind trees and watching the road. Each man held a weapon similar to that the children had carried. However, they did not show signs of alertness. The elf pointed towards a small, weasel faced man near the rear.
Gimli moved quietly through the bush ready to pounce as he heard a commotion coming up the road
The sound of approaching horses, split the air and the watchers became alert. Legolas pulled out his bow and notched and arrow. He nudged the dwarf and signed,
Gimli ready his throwing axe to make his kill. "I have these two" Gimli whispered
The lead lookout raised his Kalashnikov to his shoulder and sighted on the approaching riders. He was about to pull the trigger when a sharp pain erupted in his back and he felt no more. Legolas swiftly switch his aim to the second watcher as the first slumped to the ground, an arrow in his back.
Gimli threw his axes hitting the first man in the gut and the second in the back.
Legolas motioned for the dwarf to grab the forth man as he swiftly shot the third sentry. Only a minute passed from the first arrow striking the enemy to the capture of the last man. "Gimli, have you secured our prisoner?" asked the elf.
"Aye, I have him." Gimli said holding his axe to the mans throat
The elf and dwarf stepped out in front of the approaching riders with their prisoner in tow. Legolas gave the all-clear signal and waited for the others to ride up. While they waited, Legolas quipped, "I lead by one on this adventure."
"That is only because you cheated." Gimli sneered
"How did I cheat?" asked Legolas. "You were the one who cheated by attacking the foes I had already shot."
"I told two were mine and my axes hit first," Gimli snidely remarked
"You are mistaken," countered the elf. "My arrows were the first to strike."
"Your arrows, my axes ' Gimli said pointing at his axe buried in the man's back
"In any case, master dwarf and elf, the men are dead and that is what matters. Does it not?" asked Rolo as he rode up. "Now what are we to do with such garbage?"
"Well, this one is going to tell where the children are and how many lie in wait for us." Gimli said throwing the man in front of him
"Do not cause any permanent harm to this cretin," stated Legolas. "I'm sure King Theoden and Mithrandir would like to have a word with him about their children."
Rollo dismounted and stalked up the now frightened captive. "If you value your life, you will answer the elf and dwarf. That is if you want to save your pathetic life," sneered the horseman. The man shook with fear. "Those kids are at the jail being held by the woman they captured a few months ago."
Rollo growled and grabbed the man's collar. "Have the children been harmed?"
"Harm is a relative term, they have inconvenienced with minor bumps and bruises. But I have been lying in wait for you so I am not sure what has happened since than. I know that my companions may have been interested in the two females."
Gimli noticed the look on Legolas' face at that last remark. "The girls will be okay. You can be assured of that, but don't lose your temper just yet."
Legolas lip began to curl with a snarl. "For your sake you better hope that those two ladies have not been harmed or I will have your head."
"My lords, please calm down," begged Rollo. "Perhaps we should wait for the main party to show up and turn this wretch over to the kings?"
Gimli held back his friend, "The rescue party is not far behind. Rollo tie the man to that tree while we wait."
"Master Gimli is right," added Rollo. "Let the children's parents decide what to do with this piece of trash." He leaned over the sentry and asked in a quiet voice, "Are there any others?"
"There are no
others alive." the sentry answered
"I assume the
White Wizard knows the way to where the children are being held,"
asked the dwarf.
"He should know, after all he lived here with Lady Erica and the other children. I am still not sure of how that occurred. Perhaps Gandalf will one day explain it to us all." Legolas said staring off towards the distance
"But is the rescue party does not arrive soon, we must go and save the children . I believe I remember the way."
They waited for an hour before the other riders appeared to the west. It was not long before they had been joined by Aragorn, Theoden, Gandalf and the others. Aragorn rode up to his friends and dismounted. "Have you taken care of their lookouts?" asked the King of Men.
'All but that one." Gimli said pointing at the man pointing to the man tied up
Aragorn was joined by Theoden who stalked over to the captive. Placing his hand on his sword, he asked, Legolas and Gimli, "Is this one of the men who harmed my son?"
"He is one of the members who have your son, whether he has laid a hand on the child is another matter. He said he has been lying in wait for our coming." Legolas informed the king
Turning back to the captive, Theoden snarled, "Now give me a reason to not run you through?"
The man stuttered and tried not to stare at the sword the king was grasping at. "Because I can give you tactical details of how many people are guarding your people."
"Then you best be quick about those details," added Aragorn. "For you risk not only the anger of King Theoden but also the White Wizard whose grand daughters you hold."
The prisoner looked to the King of Rohan and back to Aragorn while noting their looks. Finally, he began to reveal what he knew. "The kids are being held in the Snellville city Police Department, which is part of the building holding the administrative offices. Rickie's brother had about ten guys with him when he freed her from the jail. There are altogether twenty men with Rickie and her brother. I don't know about the boys, but the brother wanted to get down with the girls."
"MY GRAND DAUAGTHERS!" Gandalf began to blaze with fire and muttered to himself "Erica can not go through this again."
The prisoner's face whitened at the wizard's outburst. "I had nothing to do with that," begged the man. "That was all that crazy brother's plan. He said he was waiting to give some payback on them for ruining his football career."
"He will pay for even thinking of harming the ladies." Aragorn told the white wizard trying to calm him.
Theoden, turned to Gandalf and asked, "Do you know where this city-hall is located?"
"Yes, it is a short distance away. We must be off so that our children are out of harms way."
The prisoner continued his babbling, "I can show you where the others are positioned, if you let me live."
"Live for now." Theoden sneered "show us."
"Are your people all armed with those so-called assault rifles?" asked Aragorn as he remembered the power of such weapons in their many battles.
"Yes, along with Uzis and hand guns." The man answered.
"We had better plan carefully then," warned the king. He turned to Theoden and Gandalf. "I would feel better if we had a scouting party find out where the enemy is. We will need to attack all of them at once is we are to be successful. We cannot allow them to use their weapons on us."
"This is true, but we must make sure that the children are also safe." Gandalf said and then turned to the prisoner "If any harm has come to my children you and your friend will pay a fate worse than death."
Gimli leaned over to Legolas, commenting, "I have never seen the white wizard with such anger. Have you?"
"No, I have not either. His grand daughters are very important to him, he only wishes their safety. I could see the fear in his face as we enter into the last battle when Reggie and Erica were on the front lines fighting to save middle earth." Legolas informed his companion
"From the looks on King Théoden's face and Aragorn as well, I would say that they too, have their own idea of justice for our foes should any of the children be hurt," added Gimli. "In any case, if they value their lives, they will have not harmed the children."
Snellville Police Department
Snellville, Georgia
The sound of approaching footsteps alerted the prisoners to the approaching brother. Mike nudged Earl awake. "Looks like we need to draw some more attention away from the girls," stated the teen.
"We don't have much choice since what that Bitch did to Haldir." Earl comment as he got up from tending to the his unconscious elf friend.
"Dad and Gramps had better get here soon or we might not be around," added Mike
"Hey I don't need a Knight in shine armor because I am going to kick their asses all bye myself for what they did to Haldir." Reggie jeered as she readied her self for a fight
The boys waited for the door to open before Mike yelled out, "Hey Scheisskoff, how was that football career?"
"Better than yours will be when I done with you but first to the Bitches." He sneered
Reggie took up a position in front of her sister, ready for action. "Try and get me, numbnuts," taunted the girl.
The closest guard was the first stupid one to take her on
Reggie waited for the first guard to enter the cell before she grabbed him by the arm and flung him into the bars. "One down," taunted the girl. "Who's next?"
"Your Cus." Scheisskoff replied as he aim gun at Erica. "If you don't back off I shot her."
A look of steel appeared in Reggie's eyes as she waited for the second guard to come closer and grabbed him. "You can't shoo if you don't have a gun," answered the teen as she threw this one into the brother.
Expecting the move Schiesskoff stepped back avoiding the attack
Reggie was right behind the guard and shot out a foot in an effort to kick him. But her effect was in vain for Sciesskoff grabbed her foot and through her back against the wall while two other guards jumped on her to hold her down
"REGGIE!" shouted Mike and Earl at the same time. The two boys watched as the guards began dragging the girls towards the door. Mike shouted to his friends, "Hang tough, they won't get away with this."
"Damn it Erica PULL A JEAN GREY!" Earl yelled as his watched Scheisskoff grab Erica's shirt and began pulling the fabric apart.
"Erica, Snap out of it," shouted Mike. He turned to Earl, "Common, we have to help the girls."
"LIKE WHAT!" Earl demanded as he shook at the bars between him and the guards
Mike stared at the jail door after the girls had been dragged outside. He was about to say something else when he heard another noise that seemed familiar. Turning to Earl, he asked, "Do you hear that?"
"No way it can't be." Earl smiled broadly
"Yeah, I think that's the sound of galloping horses," grinned Mike. "In fact, I almost believe..." Mike's reply was interrupted by a hiss, thud, and a scream of pain from outside the building.
"OH YEAH I would say the PARENTS ARE HERE!" Earl laughed
Stone Mountain Freeway
Stone Mountain/Snellville, Georgia
After securing the enemy sentry, Legolas turned to the two kings. "King Theoden, Aragorn, if you don't mind I'll ride out once again to scout this city-hall the prisoner is talking about."
"Go ahead and take your group." Aragorn told them
Legolas nodded and motioned for his party to mount up and ride out. The scouts rode down the Stone Mountain Freeway, through the city of Stone Mountain, past Killian Hill Road and into Snellville. As they reached a restaurant with giant golden arches on the front, he motioned for them to stop. "This road goes beside the city hall. Lady Erica pointed it out the last time we were here. We will turn right on this road and follow it to what she called the Methodist Church. From there we will proceed on foor. Any questions?"
"Yeah I got one." The girl said. "Will you allow me to shot those that would attack my commander and friends or will you order me to stay back." The girl inquire as she look at the elf
"For if you wish for me to remain behind I'll you better be prepared to fight me."
Legolas shook his head, "There will be no shooting for any of us at this time. It is more important for us to find out where the enemy is and report back to the main body."
"Fine but expect me to fight too. I will not hide while my commander and friends are in danger." She retorted
Gimli moved closer and grasped the girl's arm. "Do not fear Lassie, we will all have that chance soon enough. But we will have one chance if we are to save the other's lives."
"Thank you Master Dwarf." the Girl replied
Legolas quickly led the party down the road past the strip mall with the Rhodes Furniture store, the fuelling station, over Highway 124 and up to the great stone church. He motioned for the others to dismount and walk their steeds behind the church. He motioned to the dwarf to come closer and told the others, "Wait here, Gimli and I are the quietest. We shall be back shortly."
"I think you need to get your hearing check." The girl replied as she glanced at down and step to the side as the dwarf pasted some gas.
Legolas shook his head. "Gimli, you did not have another of those burritos meals?"
"Hey they are good but no." The dwarf smiled back
"Then let us be off," grinned the elf as he ran towards the building. The two fellowship members made it into the courtyard unnoticed. Looking up, Legolas noticed the steeple and suggested, "Why don't we go up there?"
"This running and climb will be the death of me yet." The dwarf huffed
"But we should have a good vantage point to observe our foes," countered the elf.
The dwarf just gave the elf a dirty look and started up the stairs.
Swiftly moving up the stairs, the two soon made it to the top. Legolas peered over the edge in the direction of the city-hall. "Gimli, it looks like the sentry was correct. There are but twenty guards after all."
"That is good more for me." The Dwarf replied after he got his breath
"However, they are spread out," observed the elf. "I see five in the front and it appears that there are others walking in and out of the building nearby."
"Oh no that looks like Erica they are dragging out." Gimli remarked.
Legolas suppressed his growing concern and began moving down the stairs. "Come Gimli," said the elf. "We must get back to the others. There isn't much time."
"I am right behind you." The dwarf replied as he carefully made his way down the stair.
Exiting the building the two raced to the waiting horses. Legolas mounted his steed and told the others, "We must be going. Quickly now."
"What is going on?" Rolo asked
"Nothing good by the way they look." The girl answered as she followed the elf's command
"We have to get back to the others quickly if the children are to have a chance," answered the dwarf.
Legolas and Gimli shared a look and urged their steeds swiftly down the streets.
TBC
Author's Notes:
Thus ends the first chapter of the third story. I wanted to apologize to my readers for the time between updates. As they say real life, or in my case finishing up the school year, got in the way. At least the onset of summer vacation has allowed me to get back to the story. So, for those who are just reading this for the first time, check out the first two stories, "Currahee" and "Honor and Courage". Like the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, you need to read the first two in order to understand the third.
That said, let me know what you think of the story. All constructive criticism is welcome and I try to address concerns in following chapters. So let me leave you with one last piece of wisdom that Mike and Earl should heed: "You are not Supermen, Marines, fighter pilots, Mike and Earl take note."
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