"The Rising"
by The Merry Prankster
Murphy's Laws of Combat #12: A retreating enemy is probably just falling back and regrouping.
Chapter 2: Georgia on my mind.
Parking lot of Kroger Supermarket
Corner of Killian Hill Road and Highway 78
Snellville, Georgia
1600 Hours
September 5, 2000
Legolas and his scouting party drew off from the main body and made for the jail. They stopped two streets over from the jail where the elf motioned for the others to quietly dismount. Leaving two riders to mind the horses, the remaining scouts crept through hedges and around abandoned buildings and cars. Finally, they had reached a position where they could observe the jail without being seen. The elf quickly noted that there were only five guards present but they were armed with what the children called automatic firearms. They would have to be taken care of in a quick manner or the Rohirrim would be suffering many deaths this day. Finishing his reconnaissance, the elf led his men back to the horses where they rode off to meet with the main party.
Rollo, was first to spot the returning scouting party. He quickly made his way over to where Theoden, Aragorn, and Gandalf were holding council. "My lords, the scouts return," shouted the Rohirrim.
Theoden looked up and replied, "Thank you that will be all." He waited until Legolas was within speaking distance before asking, "What have you seen?"
Legolas dismounted and quickly joined the others. "It was as Mithrandir suspected. I was able to get near the jail without being seen and observed our enemy. While, I was unable to see the children, I did notice that there were five men outside who were armed with weapons similar to those used by the children."
"That is news," stated Aragorn. He turned to Theoden saying, "If those men are truly armed with so-called automatic firearms a frontal assault will be out of the question."
"We would lose too many men before we could come into contact," agreed the Rohirrim king. He looked to the others. "Do any of you have any suggestions for solving this problem?"
Gimli snorted, "Let me at them. If they are like those lookouts we killed on the main road, they will give little problem."
Gandalf shook his head, "No Gimli, Aragorn is right. We cannot charge them head on and expect to win. They will cut down any horseman long before we could get within bow range, much less sword range."
Theoden listened to the exchange for a moment before noticing that the former ranger appeared to be deep in thought. "Are you thinking what I am thing," asked the king.
"If you are thinking about using a diversion to draw the enemy's attention while we charge in, then yes, I do believe we are sharing thoughts," answered Aragorn. He turned to the White Wizard and asked, "Do you have any tricks that might grab the guard's attention long enough for us to close?"
Gandalf grinned and held out his staff. "While most of my magic is unavailable on this world, I have a few tricks up my sleeve. Needless to say, I can give you that diversion."
"Then we should best make those plans," added Legolas. "I have this feeling that the children do not have much time before they are seriously hurt or killed. Make that double for the grand daughter's of Mithrandir."
"Mithrandir, who is that," asked a young voice. Sgt. Haldraada, the Rohirrim appointed to take over the fire support section while David recuperated from his wounds had wanted to know what was being planned so he could prepare his people. So, he had walked up just in time to hear the tale end of the conversation.
Gandalf answered the Rohirrim boy, "Mithrandir is one of the many names I am known by. In this case, it is the one more commonly used by the elves."
"Now that we have that cleared up," said Theoden. "What are you doing here? I though you would stay with the rest of the men while we decide on our plan of action."
Haldraada squared his shoulders and answered the king, "Yes sir, you did but from a distance it appeared that you had finished and I wanted to get my unit ready for whatever you planned, sir."
Aragorn leaned over to Theoden and quipped, "Your son's influence appears to be spreading. It won't be long before the rest of the young people began talking like him."
"That is what I am afraid of," mumbled the Rohirrim king. He turned to the boy in battledress and gave him his orders. "We have no yet decided on our plan of action but you can be assured that you will have your role. Now, rejoin your companions and let us finalize our plans."
"Yes sir," answered the boy who quickly left to relay those orders to his unit.
"Theoden shook his head in resignation. It was going to be one of those days.
Snellville Police Department
2460 East Park Drive
Snellville, Georgia
1625 Hours
September 5, 2000
It had taken less than half an hour to finish the planning, get the forces to their starting positions and launch their attack. The attacking force would be divided into three parts. The first division, led by Aragorn and Gandalf would charge in from the west following Gandalf's diversions. The second division, led by Theoden and Legolas would approach from the east and hit the enemy from the rear. Finally, the remaining division led by Gimli and including the hobbits and Rohirrim boys would wait to the south and attack once the signal was given. Gimli grumbled and protested about being forced to baby-sit a bunch of teen-age boys and girls. However, Aragorn and Gandalf were able to convince him of his task's importance. After all, none of the grown-ups wanted any of the children exposed to harm, not if they could help it.
Billy Bob Moreira crushed out the cigarette under his boot heel and let out a sigh of boredom. He was not having a good time. First, Flagg had somehow managed to get himself and Las Vegas blown to hell courtesy of a nuclear warhead. God knows how that happened. With their luck, Trashcan Man probably found the biggest boom and brought it back home. In any case, the big city was destroyed along with most of Flagg's followers. That by itself wasn't too bad as Billy Bob and the men manning his guard post had already decided to run off. Unfortunately, they had been talked into going to Atlanta where his leader lost contact with his big sister. To make a long story short, it ended with him manning some boring guard duty and keeping an eye on some brats. It just wasn't fair. Suddenly, a bright flash blinded him and the others who had the misfortune being outside. He was still shaking off the effects of the magical stun grenade when the sound of galloping horses caught his attention. None of the guards had time to react.
Aragorn waited until Gandalf released his spell. The spell itself was a combination light and sound show. In any case it left the five guards incapacitated and no match for the charging horsemen. The nearest guard tried bringing up his AK-47 but stopped and looked down at the javelin sprouting from his chest. With a moan he slumped next to a Mustang and breathed his last. The other four did fair any better as Aragorn took out the two men guarding the front entrance with well placed thrusts from his sword. The last two were quickly cut down by the other riders. "Check the bodies," ordered the former ranger. "I do not want any surprises." While the others carried out his commands, Aragorn dismounted and approached the entrance by foot. He was within feet of the door when it slammed open and out stepped Rickie Jackson who was using Mike as a human shield.
Spotting the former ranger and figuring that he was the fabled Aragorn, she yelled out, "That's far enough. If any of you gets any closer, I blow the brat's head off."
"That would not be wise," answered Aragorn. "You should be smart enough to know that if anything happens to him your life will last no longer than a heartbeat afterwards." To emphasize his statement, he pointed towards the Rohirrim aiming their arrows at her head.
"Nice try, oh King of Men," taunted Rickie "You wouldn't do anything that would bring harm to your son. Besides, look over your shoulder."
The door to a nearby building also opened and out stepped Jackson Brown, Rickie's brother and former bully. Like his sister he and the man accompanying him outside had hostages. In this case, they were Reggie and Erica. Jackson yelled out, "Yeah, I wouldn't want anything happening to these girls. After all, they have been so entertaining."
"Now drop your weapons, Aragorn or should I say Ellesar," ordered the woman. She noticed Aragorn's look of surprise and cackled, "Yes, I know who and what you are. Here's what you are going to do. You will tell your men to drop your weapons and we will go back to Minas Tirith. Don't get any bright ideas as I will kill your son."
Aragorn was surprised that the woman thought Mike was his son but noticed the boy mouthing "Play along". Giving the boy a nod, indicating that he understood, the ranger answered, "Very well, but what assurances do I have that you will not end up hurting Mike anyway?"
Rickie laughed, "Oh there are no assurances. You have no choice. Do as I say or we begin killing the kids one by one."
Aragorn pondered his choices when I noticed Theoden and Legolas sneaking up behind the brother and his men. He yelled out, "Where is the other boy, Earl. I will not agree to anything unless I am sure that all of the children are safe."
"You wanted proof," answered Rickie "Well, here's your proof!" She glanced back and yelled out "Bring out the other brat"
Earl was brought out by the remaining gun man and pushed next to Erica and Reggie. Jackson yelled out, "Here are all of the prisoners. As you can see, they are alive although a little roughed up. Now do as you're told and drop your weapons."
Mike looked Aragorn in the eye and nodded. This was going to end one way or another.
Suddenly, the sounds of meaty thuds filled the air as the two men holding Earl and Reggie slumped to the ground, arrows sprouting from their backs. Jackson spun around in time to see yet another group of horsemen rushing his position. Thinking quickly, the young man pulled Erica close and hugged the building. At least nobody was going to get behind him.
Mike took advantage of the commotion to stomp on Rickie's foot in an attempt to escape her. However, she was ready for that and tightened her hold on the teen. "Nice try," snarled the evil woman. "I was ready for that and if you want to keep living you won't try that again." Mike's escape attempt was unsuccessful, but it distracted the woman long enough that Legolas was able to get a clean shot at the woman's shoulder.
Jackson was looking around in a desperate search for some way of getting of this mess. To his horror, he noticed the elf lining up his shot and yelled out, "Rickie look out behind you!!!"
Timed seemed to slow down as the woman turned around only to have an arrow slam into her right shoulder. Nerves were sliced and her pistol dropped from suddenly lifeless fingers. Mike took advantage of the situation to drop and roll away. Reggie decided that now was the time to act so she lunged at the man holding her cousin. To the horror of both adults and teens, the man swung his pistol towards Reggie and pulled the trigger.
Mike felt he was in one of those movies where it felt like each second lasted a lifetime. Spotting Rickie's pistol out the corner of his eye, the teen yanked it off the ground and started shooting at Reggie's shooter. Later, he would swear that he had fired only two rounds at the brother. A close examination of the pistol afterwards revealed that he had in fact emptied the clip. The teen was not alone in inflicting retribution on the brother as others attacked at the same time. Gimli threw an axe that struck in back, severing the evil man's spine. Legolas released an arrow that went through the man's left eye. Finally, Gandalf himself released an energy beam that impacted the man's chest and sent the body flying across the parking lot.
Rickie screamed out and dove for a submachine gun that had been dropped by one of her men. She was going to avenge her brother and kill the girl that had caused so much trouble. However, she did not plan on Erica and the powers of the Phoenix. It appeared that Erica's inability to channel her powers on Earth was not permanent. It was the difference between Middle Earth and Earth that interfered with her access to the Phoenix. She just needed a trigger to break the barriers that prevented her from using her powers. Watching her beloved cousin getting shot was such a trigger.
Erica's eyes glowed with an unearthly tint as she grabbed Rickie by the head. To those witnessing the scene, it appeared that the teen was pulling the very sanity from for former captor. The teen locked eyes with the evil woman opened a mental link between the two. "You like to think you are the big bad don't you," growled the teenager "You think you can get away with anything, that there will be no consequences. Well, here is what awaits you in the afterlife."
Rickie stared into Erica's eyes for a moment and let out a scream of pure terror. It was as if she had a glimpse into the very bowels of hell. That scream lasted but a moment before the woman dropped to the ground in a catatonic state. The glow in Erica's eyes also dissipated and she too dropped to the ground.
Aragorn noticed that the White Wizard appeared unable to decide which granddaughter he should see first. In an attempt to help his friend, the former ranger yelled out, "I will look after Reggie. It is Erica that has greater need for your care." With that, he quickly began examining the wounded girl. There was an entrance wound near her left shoulder and an exit wound in the back. The girl was very lucky that the bullet didn't expand and missed all major blood vessels and bones. He quickly bandaged the wound and yelled out to Gandalf, "She will need stitches. She is lucky that the bullet went through without touching anything major."
Gandalf replied, "That is good news indeed. Can we hold off sewing her wound until after we reach the ranch house?"
"The wound is not life threatening and the bandage should suffice until after we have settled in," answered the former ranger. "How is Erica?"
"Like her cousin, her wounds are not life threatening. In fact all she suffers from is exhaustion. Using the Phoenix's power in this world takes a lot of her energy. She should be fine after a couple days rest." Gandalf looked around and noticed a black Cadillac Escalade that belonged to the dead brother.
By this time, the remaining members of their party arrived with the hobbits gathering around Erica and Reggie, asking what they could do to help. Gandalf pointed to the brother's broken body and asked Merry and Pippen to search the pockets for a set of keys. They quickly found the keys and brought them over to the wizard. Gandalf thanked the hobbits and motioned for Gimli to come over. He pointed towards the Escalade. "That machine should be able to carry the children to my ranch in comfort. However, I need to fold down the back seats so the children can lie down. Would you mind watching Erica while I accomplish that task?" asked the wizard.
"Do you need to ask?" responded Gimli. "Of course I will be happy to stand watch over your grand daughter while you prepare that vehicle."
Merry and Pippen spoke up, "And don't forget us. We too will stand watch."
Mike pushed himself off the ground and attempted to stand up. He was not at his best having been beaten by his captors then hitting the ground with great force in an attempt to get away from Rickie. All in all, he was not in the best of moods. So, when he felt someone helping him out, he swirled around to see his father. "You do realize I had the situation in order," quipped the teen.
Theoden raised an eyebrow in disbelief at his son's statement. "Yes, I can see that from your appearance. You look like you have been wrestling with a balrog."
"Very funny, you should have been a jester," answered the teen. He gave out a hiss of pain when he attempted to raise his arm. Theoden was at the boy's side within a minute. Mike mad an unsuccessful attempt to ward off the king. "It's nothing, really father. I've had worse."
"Worse?" asked the king as he ignored the teen's objections. "You have at least one broken rib and your face is a mess. Besides you can barely walk." He could not help but ask, "What were you and Earl up to that caused such injuries?"
Mike shrugged. "Well, the bad guys were going after Erica and Reggie. We couldn't let that happen, so we did the only thing we could."
"You badgered your captors so they would hurt you instead of the girls."
Mike nodded and sheepishly admitted, "Yeah, we did. Figured that if they were mad at us they wouldn't go after the girls. Besides, I know you would be riding to the rescue. We just had to hold out until then."
Theoden laughed and shook his head, "You are too heroic for your own good." He looked over to where Gandalf was loading the girls into the Escalade. "Come, lets get you to that vehicle."
"Okay, you win," admitted the teen who allowed the king to lead him to the SUV.
Gandalf waited until all of the teens were settled in the back of the Escalade before closing the tailgate. Turning to the two kings, the wizard said, "We will be going to a ranch just south of here. I will operate this vehicle and get the children to safety."
The hobbits had walked up in time to hear the final conversation. While the teenagers had been taken care, there left the manner of the elf who accompanied them to Georgia. That matter now came up. "What about Haldir?" asked Frodo.
Gandalf motioned for Legolas to answer that question. "As you know elves are fast healers and Haldir's injuries looked worse than they were. Unlike the children, he is able to ride horseback and will have Gimli and myself nearby to offer aid should that prove necessary."
"As you know, I am very familiar with this area. I will keep my speed down so you can keep up. In any case, it is time we left this place," stated the wizard. The door shut and the engine roared to life a moment later. Gandalf pulled out of the parking lot and soon began the short journey to the ranch.
Western Elm Tree Ranch
Snellville, Georgia
1800 Hours
September 5, 2000
A quiet had settled over the Atlanta metro area since the last days of the 'Superflu'. There had been many changes as stillness was broken only by the sound of the wind whispering through the trees as well as insects and even a few animals that roamed free for the first time in many years. The haze from automobiles and the other machines of man had long since disappeared and only the faint smell of decay remained.
That peace and quiet was disturbed by a sound of machines, particularly the engine of a late model SUV as it drove away from the Snellville jail. It was followed by a large number of horsemen who would have been more at home in a medieval setting than a twentieth century American town. The vehicle drove down winding side streets, dodging various stalled automobiles as it moved towards its destination, the ranch house. Reaching its destination, the vehicle stopped as the driver got out and opened the gate.
Gandalf had finished opening the gate and motioned for the leaders to approach. "My house is a short distance down this driveway just behind that group of trees," stated the wizard as he gestured towards the hidden ranch-house. "The field back of the house should be large enough to hold the rest of the men."
Theoden spared a look at the children lying in the back of the vehicle before turning back to the wizard. "Very well, we will follow you to the house. I'll have one of my men close the gate after the rest pass through."
"I would appreciate that," answered Gandalf. "I'll activate the perimeter defenses once we get everybody settled in. I do not expect any more surprises but it never hurts to be cautious in this tomb." With that, he got back into the vehicle and drove off.
Two minutes later, the vehicle pulled up behind the house, followed by the Rohirrim king and remaining members of the fellowship. Gandalf got out, walked to the back and opened the tail gate. Gesturing towards the Rohirrim king, he stated, "It would be best if we each helped our children into the house."
Theoden nodded and turned back towards his men. "Gamling, get Earl and follow us into the house," ordered the king. Gamling dismounted and moved quickly to carry out his orders. Aragorn, joined by Gimli and Legolas, walked over to the SUV. "Is there anything we can do to help?" asked the King of Men.
Gandalf turned to Theoden, "With you majesties permission, Legolas and Gimli will help me with my granddaughters."
"It would be an honor to do so," said the elf that immediately began to gently move Reggie.
"That leaves Aragorn and the hobbits to help with Michael and Earl," added Theoden. "Which reminds me, what happened with Lord Haldir? I recall that he too was injured by that evil woman and her men."
Without missing a beat, Gandalf replied, "Lord Haldir has been taken care of by Elvish healers. He will join us in the main house." The Wizard walked up the stairs and paused at the threshold. "I am taking Erica upstairs to her room. Reggie will be staying in the adjacent bedroom."
"I am right behind you," answered the elf.
"What about Michael and Earl?" asked Aragorn.
"They will be staying in the game room downstairs," answered the wizard. "It is where they slept when they stayed here at the end of the plague. I believe, their cots are still set up and ready for them."
Theoden watched as the wizard and elf disappeared into the house. He gently picked up his son and followed behind. Upon entering the dwelling, he looked around trying to find the stairs. "Gandalf, where is this room?" asked the king.
"Follow the hallway into the living room. On your left is the stairs going into the basement. I have already turned on the light so you should have no problems finding your way," answered the wizard.
Theoden walked through the house and came to the stairs. He waited for the others to come before climbing down the stairs and into the common room as described by Gandalf. Both boys were placed in their respective cots by their fathers. Theoden turned to Aragorn and the hobbits, "I believe we can handle this from here. Why don't you go check outside and make sure everything is as it should be."
Aragorn nodded and turned to the hobbits. "Come, there are still supplies that need to be brought inside."
Western Elm Tree Ranch
Snellville, Georgia
1930 Hours
September 5, 2000
Aragorn leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes for a moment's rest and contemplation. It had been a struggle to get settled into the ranch. For one, the boys did not want to rest and it was only after the parents threatened to tie them to their beds, did the boys agree to lie down. Then there was the case of the girls. Erica was still suffering from the effects of allowing The Phoenix to break free and was being very quiet. At least, she did not put up a fight to being sent to bed. Reggie, on the other hand, began to complain about having to go to bed. Turns out she did not think being shot was a good enough reason for being confined to bed. Gandalf had a differing opinion and it only took one look from him to convince the young girl to go to bed. In any case, the children were in bed and the grownups could take a well deserved rest.
The sound of approaching footsteps caught the ranger's attention and he opened his eye to see King Theoden entering the room. "I see you have taken leave of you son," observed Aragorn as he motioned for the Rohirrim king to sit down. "Please sit down, these chairs are extremely comfortable."
The ranch's living room had three easy chairs and a couch facing a large television. Off to one side was a fireplace that was unlit and cold. The Rohirrim king walked over and sat down in one of the remaining leather bound chairs. Theoden had to agree with Aragorn that the chair was comfortable and began to lean back as well. "What the…." Exclaimed the king as the back of the chair leaned back.
"Do not be concerned," said the former ranger, "the chairs are made to lay back almost in manner of a bed. I didn't mean to surprise you like that."
"Think nothing of it," responded the king, "I was unused to that particular feature of this chair. However you are right in that this is one of the most comfortable chairs, I have ever sat in. In fact, I think I might have one brought back to Edoras. It would be a nice addition to my bed chamber."
Aragorn grinned in agreement. "I was thinking the same thing. Now, if you look to your right side, you will find a lever that raises a footrest. By the way, how are the boys?"
Theoden reached down and raised the footrest. He answered, "They objected to being forced to bed. But, upon lying down, they were both fast asleep."
"I had a feeling that it would be the case what with the injuries the two had sustained in captivity."
"What was going through their minds, baiting their captors like that?" asked the king. "They both suffer from broken ribs and bruising over large parts of their bodies."
"They were protecting the girls in the only manner left to them" answered the former ranger. "You know how they are when the ones they care about are threatened. After all, didn't your son take on The Witch King of Angmar with that missile of his?"
Theoden nodded in agreement, "They truly are too noble for their own good. In any case their injuries are such that we will not be leaving for at least a week. Which brings us to the subject of food and water, do we have enough supplies for everybody."
"I noticed that there was an abundance of deer in this city," answered a voice from the second floor. Legolas came into the room and sat down on the couch. "I was talking with Mithrandir and he mentioned that the plague which decimated the men of this world also affected horses and dogs. It was if the plague was designed to kill man and his closest animal allies."
Theoden looked over, "I take it then that Gandalf is with his granddaughters?"
"He will not leave their side," answered the elf. "He did also mention that cattle, deer and cats were not affected by the plague. Thus, we should not be surprised to see large numbers of each roaming around. By the way is Gamling still with the boys?"
Shaking his head, the Rohirrim king answered, "No, I sent him outside to oversee setting up the camp for the rest of our party. At least there are large fire pits where the men can cook. I have already sent out hunting parties to bring back fresh meat for supper."
"That reminds me, do not let Mithrandir near the kitchen," stated the elf.
"Why is that?" asked Aragorn.
"When I was last here with Erica, she mentioned that he had burned down the previous kitchen. After that, he was banned from that part of the house and she did all of the cooking."
Aragorn nodded and grinned, "That does sound like the Gandalf I know and love. So we use the fire-pits outside until Erica is well enough to cook?"
"That would be my suggestion."
The present condition of his new son was never far from the thoughts of Gamling as he carried out his orders. It had been his duty to ensure that the Rohirrim were settled on the fields outside the ranch-house and he had carried out those orders.
"Sir, the camp is set. What else would you have done?" asked Rollo as he approached the marshal.
Gamling looked up, his train of thought disrupted, and replied, "Good, what is the condition of the cooking pits?"
"They needed some cleaning but they should be able to handle our needs."
"Good, good, now I want hunting parties sent out. The White Wizard has confirmed our first impression that there was an abundance of deer in the area. Why don't you bag some venison for dinner?"
"I will get right on it," answered the Rohirrim. He started to walk off but paused and asked, "How are the children?"
"They have some broken bones and bruises, but suffer mostly from exhaustion. King Ellesar as you know is a great healer and he believes that they should all be up within a week."
"That is good news indeed," answered Rollo. "I neither believed nor trusted their abilities when I first journeyed to this land right after Helms Deep but later events at Pellenor Fields and the BlackGate of Moria have changed my mind. I truly wish them a swift recovery."
"I appreciate your concern for my son and his friends. I also know that the king will be pleased as well. Go now, so that we can eat in a timely manner."
The hunting parties had been successful and soon the smell of cooking venison filled the field outside the ranch house. That was the moment when the final members to the Rohirrim rescue party rode up to the gate and were let in by the guards. It had been decided that the rescue mission was no place for a young child like Matt so Eomer and a small escort helped the child find closure at the boy's former house. Upon finishing that business, they rendezvoused with the main party at the ranch house.
With a loud bang, the front door opened and slammed against the hallway. Theoden's eyes shot open and he turned towards the doorway in time to see a blue and green blur rush into the living room shouting, "Grandpa, Grandpa!!" Not missing a beat, the Rohirrim king got down on a knee and spread his arms. That same blur launched himself into the king's arms for the hug.
"Well, it looks like someone missed his grandfather," observed Gimli from the kitchen doorway. The dwarf had gone into the kitchen with Legolas for water when Eomer's party rode up. Legolas smiled, "That appears to be the case." The dwarf took a sip of the brackish liquid. "I am going upstairs and give Gandalf a break so he can come down talk with the others."
"I will be sure to keep you informed of all that went on in your absence," answered the elf.
Theoden looked down at Matt, smiled, and asked, "Where is your father? I noticed that he hasn't come in."
Matt looked up. "Dad said he would be in as soon as the horses were stabled and the men settled in."
"You look a little flushed, have you had anything to drink?" asked the king.
"Not since we left my house in Douglasville," replied the boy. "We had a quick lunch and some water afterwards."
"I think Gandalf might have something in that machine he called a fridge," said the king as he led Matt into the kitchen. "Come, we'll get something to drink and finish the conversation in the dining room."
"That will be great Grandpa! Just be careful, the kitchen is Erica's domain and I don't want to get her mad."
Matt directed Theoden to where the cups were stored and king quickly retrieved one for each of them. At the same time, Matt went over to the fridge and pulled out a Pepsi. The boy examined the bottle and checked the date, making sure it was safe to drink. He brought the bottle over to the king who poured the drinks. Once the bottle had been replaced in the refrigerator, the two walked into the dining room and sat down.
Aragorn and Legolas were already at the table, discussing future plans when Theoden and Matt walked in. The former ranger turned to the boy and asked, "How was your visit back to your house?"
Matt hesitated for a moment and thought back to the visit back to his old house:
Flashback Sequence
Douglasville, Georgia
1645 hours
September 5, 2000
Eomer waited until the others had disappeared over the horizon before turning to his new son. "Now, which way is it to your house?" asked the horse lord.
Matt looked up at his father and pointed towards the north. "It's up the road from Grandpa's stores. You know the one where you found me?"
"I remember, you were very brave that day." Eomer told his son
The horse lord nodded and directed his horse onto the off ramp from Interstate 20. The two rode past the strip mall where McHale's Saddelry was located and up the road. "Dad, do you mind if we stop by the store on our way back?"
"If you like," said Eomer.
"There was something I wanted to get for Aunt Eowyn and Grandpa Theoden," explained the boy.
Eomer looked down and smiled at his son. If anybody had asked him a year ago about fatherhood, he would have told them that children had no place in his life. Now, he could not help but feel a growing sense of pride in Matthew. No, he would not trade having Matthew around for anything in the world. The boy's answer intrigued the Horsemaster so he asked, "What did you want to get them?"
Matt turned around and answered his father, "We had just gotten some presentation watches in the store before the plagues hit." He reached down and rubbed the horse. "And I was wanted to show them how much I appreciated having them around."
"Watches?" asked the Horsemaster.
"You know the devices Mike and the others wear on their wrists for telling time."
Eomer thought back to those strange bracelets the teenagers wore and asked hid son if those were what he was referring to.
"Yeah, those are the ones." Matt explained, "I want to get them something to thank them for everything."
"Than you will have to take the task of teaching your auntie and your granduncle how they work and how to read them," Eomer replied with a light smile
"Well, I was thinking about getting you one as well," offered the boy. "That way you can understand what Mike is talking about when he begins referring to military time."
Eomer grinned and scratched his son's head, "Than you will need to teach me how to use it."
Matt returned his father's smile and gave directions to his house. They turned into a housing sub division and were soon at a yellow two story house. Matt got real quiet as they pulled in front of the house and moved closer to his father.
"What is wrong son?" Eomer asked wrapping his arms around his son
"I was... am too small... They are still inside.." Matt tried to explain as tears started to run down his cheeks.
Eomer pulled his son closer and asked, "Your mother lies where she fell?"
"Sort of... I tried!" Matt cried out. "But I just couldn't lift her..."
"Shhh, it's alright," soothed the Horsemaster. He asked his son, "Would you like my men to bury her?"
"Yes dad," Matt said as tears began to fall.
"Very well," answered Eomer. He turned to his men and ordered, "You there, I want you to dig a grave in the backyard."
All it took was a glance from the Horsemaster to his men for them to quickly react. They walked in first and took care to leave the door open so not to worry the child.
Matt tugged on his father's arm and gestured towards the back yard. "Papa, Mom had this favorite tree in the backyard," explained the child. "Would you place her there?"
"As you wish," The Horsemaster replied quietly
Matt waited outside with one of the men while the others went into the house to perform their sad duty. Eomer was the first to arrive at the mother's body and noted that she was in good condition after that length of time. He searched the bedroom for a sheet and quickly wrapped the body in it. Before finishing his task, the Horsemaster gave a quick prayer and said, "I don't know if you can hear me but I will see that Matthew grows up with the love of a family."
A soft breeze caressed his face as if the wind was saying she approved.
Outside the house, Matt yelled out, "Papa, are you finished?"
Eomer looked up and answered, "Yes, we are all finished my son you may enter now."
When they entered they found that one of the men had been caring enough to open all the windows and doors so the smell would lessen quicker
Matthew slowly walked into the house and looked out through the back door. He saw the Rohirrim placing the final pile of earth onto the grave and turned around, trying to find his father. "Where are you," asked the boy.
Eomer was finishing up tiding up the woman's room, looking at old pictures of Matt that lined the dresser. He had been so distracted that he did not hear his son yell out.
"Papa, where are you?"
"Matthew, I am upstairs." Eomer answered picking up a picture of a young boy riding a man's shoulders
Matt ran up the stairs, following his father's voice until he reached the bedroom. The boy stopped at the doorway and asked, "What are you doing?"
"Looking at pictures of you, I believe." He said showing the boy the picture and pointing the man. "Who is this?"
The boy moved to take a closer look at the picture. "That's my other Dad. He was a police officer until he was killed by some bad men three years ago. Mom never said anything about it but she was always sad after that."
"She is with him now, and they will be together forever." Eomer said leaning down to give Matt a hug. The boy closed his eyes and leaned into his father, savoring every minute. The moment of quiet was not to last as one of the Rohirrim leaned into the doorway and reported, "Sir! We placed the horses around in the back area and set up sentries."
Eomer nodded and motioned for the man to leave. Finally, he pulled back and suggested to Matt, "Why don't we go outside and let you talk to your mother one last time."
Matt wiped his tears on a sleeve and began walking towards the door.
Finally, he answered in a subdued voice, "It was okay, I guess. I was able to say goodbye to my mother before we buried her underneath her favorite shade tree."
end flashback
Theoden place his hand on the boy's shoulder and said, "Saying goodbye to your loved ones his hard. But, it is better than not being able to say them at all."
"Your grandfather is correct," stated Gandalf as he entered the room from the hallway. The wizard had taken advantage of Gimli's generosity to come down and get something to eat before returning to his vigil over his grand daughter's beds.
All talking ceased when the wizard entered the room. In fact, out of those present, only Matt was not surprised to see the wizard dressed in clothing common to Earth, not Middle Earth. "That is a new look," commented the former ranger.
Gandalf looked down at the plaid shirt and jeans and shrugged. "I needed a change of clothing and these were available. They are remnants from my past life here in Georgia. Besides, they fit."
"That they do," commented Legolas. "However, I have a feeling you did not come down here only for a quick drink, did you?"
"No, I did not," conceded the wizard. "While I did need a break from my vigil and refreshment, I wanted to go over some things that need to be taken care of while we are here."
Aragorn leaned forward and asked, "What are these matters?"
Gandalf held up his hand to stifle further questions. "To keep from repeating myself, I will hold off any further discussion until the others arrive. I have asked Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippen to join us as they are uniquely qualified for this task."
The wait was but a few minutes and soon they were joined by the hobbits. Frodo turned to the White Wizard and asked, "What did you want to see us about?"
"As you all know, in addition to rescuing the children from the evil woman, we will also be obtaining food, clothing, and other items that could prove vital to helping the people overcome the destruction brought about by Sauron and Saruman. However, the children's injuries mean that we will not be able to begin as planned for at least a week."
Aragorn answered, "Somehow, I believe you have already thought a plan for making use of our time here."
Gandalf nodded, "Indeed I have. We currently have ten wagons on hand. I propose that we strip local supermarkets of non perishable food and drinks and fill those wagons. While those wagons are being unloaded in Gondor, another group will return here for more supplies. It is my goal to send as much supplies as possible back to Middle Earth so that the people of Gondor, Rohan, and the Shire will be able to survive the upcoming winter."
Theoden spoke up at that moment, "That is very well and good but my people are not familiar with this land and the location of those supplies. The four people who are best suited for guiding the supply parties are in bed and will be convalescing for at least a week."
"That is true," admitted the wizard. "However, there is another who is familiar with this side of metro Atlanta and could guide a supply party or two."
Eomer had come in just in time to catch the tail end of the conversation. Puzzled, the horse master asked, "And who are you referring to?"
Gandalf grinned, "Why young Matthew of course."
"What!" yelled Eomer. Neither father nor grandfather was happy at the possibility of putting the youngest member of their party in danger.
"Now, now," soothed the wizard. "I was not planning on sending Matthew across town. Instead, I was referring have Matt guide the hobbits and some men to three grocery stores that are within a few blocks of the ranch. We all know that the hobbits are best suited for sniffing out food. Matthew can check packages and labels, making sure that the food does not have expired dates."
Eomer stood behind his son. "I will risk my son to the same dangers that caused my cousin and fellow children to be so grievously injured. I will not allow it."
"The danger posed by evil men and women has passed," countered the wizard. "Most of their comrades perished with the Dark Man when their city was destroyed by fire and wind. Those few who managed to escape have scattered to the continent south of us. They are long gone." Gandalf looked to the horse master, "That said, it would not be a bad idea for you to accompany your new son. Think of it as a fresh opportunity for some father/son bonding."
"Come-on Dad," begged the young boy. "I can do this. Besides the Kroger supermarket is only two blocks away. It will only take a couple minutes to get there and we can be finished within an hour or two. Please Dad?"
Eomer looked down at his son and noted the seriousness in the boy's eyes. Finally, he consented to the trip to the Kroger. "Very well, you can go." Seeing the boy about to yell, he added, "However, you will stay in sight of either Frodo or Samwise. Am I clear?"
"Yes father."
Frodo shared a look with Sam then turned back to Eomer. "I swear upon my life that I will not allow anything to happen to your son."
Satisfied with the hobbit's vow, Eomer then asked, "Now what are we to do with that evil woman and the lookout we currently hold prisoner? We cannot turn them loose and locking them up here will be a death sentence."
"I propose that we take them to Minas Tirith," offered Aragorn. "There, they can be tried and punished for their crimes. If necessary, they can live out their lives in the dungeons." He turned to Theoden and added, "That is unless the King of Rohan has any objections."
"That appears to be the best option for now," admitted the Rohirrim king. "I agree that taking them back to Middle Earth for punishment is the best choice. We can decide on which jurisdiction for trial when we get back."
The discussion continued for another two hours. During that time it was decided that Matt would accompany supply parties to the local supermarkets, as long as a trusted adult was able to keep an eye on the boy. It was decided that there should be a constant stream of empty caravans passing by caravans full of supplies from Georgia. In other words, they planned on stripping Atlanta of any material that could help the people of Middle Earth survive the oncoming winter. For now, all they could do was fill up the wagons they had and send them back and have more caravans venture from Middle Earth to Georgia. It was a plan and the least they could do while waiting for the children to heal.
To be continued………………………………
Authors notes:
Thus ends the second chapter to the third part of my "Stephen King's The Stand/Lord of the Rings" crossover. I hope you enjoyed the story and look forward to any comments and reviews. It has been a while since I last updated and for that, I do apologize. Let's just say trying to teach American History, World History, and Political Systems does take a lot of time. Then, throw in the amount of paperwork involved in public education and let's say there isn't a lot of time for writing. However, that is in the past as summer break has arrived and I have more time for writing. This chapter is a result.
Future plans include exposing the grownups from Middle Earth to the conveniences of American life. Imagine their reactions to running water and movies. The teens are going to be laid up for at least a week and need something to fight off boredom. Then, they will be raiding local businesses for anything that might prove useful to the people of Middle Earth. The recent war has decimated farms and livestock with the result that food and shelter will be scarce. Finally, there will be Aragorn's coronation and the breaking of that fellowship of Georgia teens formed during the Superflu outbreak.
For those who are just tuning in or returning readers needing to refresh their memory, check out the first two installments, "Currahee" and "Honor and Courage". Before I sign off, I always like to leave some points to ponder and reflect. In this case they are the rules of wounds. Enjoy.
Rules of Wounds
A "sucking chest wound is nature's way of telling you to slow down.
If you're bleeding to death, say something witty.
If you're actually dying, say something deep.
Merry Prankster,
signing off.
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