We rode long into the night, stopping once we made it to the final outpost. Agnarr was well rested by now and the following morning I had him outfitted to carry extra provisions. I knew he longed to return to being a war horse but that would have to wait until we reached Helm's Deep. Right now we needed the provisions more. As we continued the next day the calmness surrounding us gave me an uneasy feeling. Everyone was on edge, sensing the same thing.
Three bands of Orcs. We had fought and decimated three different bands of Orcs. Tonight I allowed for a full night's rest. Having battled the previous two days I knew everyone and the horses needed time to recover. At this rate my father and the rest of the warriors will be upon us in no time. Our progress to cross the Brown Lands brought to a slow pace due to the skirmishes. Deep down I hoped that we would meet no other enemies. We need to reach Helm's Deep before it was too late.
I awoke at daybreak the next morning and was pleased to see the rest of my riders beginning to stir. The ground proved hard and uncomfortable but at least our night passed without incident.
"Princess Imogen," Grigori addressed approaching me.
"Yes Grigori. What do you have to report?"
"The messenger returned. King Ingvarr and the rest of our forces are about a day out but he sends word for us to keep moving."
"Just as I suspected. We leave within the hour. Spread the word to the others."
As soon as he left I grabbed a small loaf of bread and ate quickly. I took a drink of water then roused Sverker to outfit him for the day. Hopefully we would finally be through the Brown Lands by sundown. Everyone was ready fairly quickly, sensing the urgency of our mission. Grigori rode by my side as we rode fast across the land. An unsettling feeling had taken root in my gut that grew as each day had passed since I left Eomer and Steinar. I just hoped we were not too late.
Unfortunately we did not cross from the Brown Lands until the middle of the next day. By nightfall we were close to the Anduin. With the moon high above us and a clear sky we crossed slowly. Only once everyone was on the Eastern shore did I allow for a break until sunrise. The few hours I allowed for rest was necessary and once the sky began to lighten we continued on. Around mid-day was when I caught my first glimpses and hope began to take hold within me. In the distance, just close enough to see but far enough away that they only appeared a blur, I saw my companions I had left many days ago. I urged Sverker faster and as we drew closer two riders broke away and headed our direction. A rare smile graced my face when I saw Steinar and Eomer approach. When we were close I called for Sverker to halt and quickly dismounted, seeing Steinar and Eomer do the same.
I pulled Steinar into a tight hug, "I am so glad to see you," I breathed out.
Though stunned at first he quickly hugged me back, "And I you," he said then finally released me.
"Eomer," I said, pulling him in for a hug as well.
"Your presence is most welcome," he replied diplomatically.
I quickly released him then motioned to the riders behind me, "This is but a small portion. My father has gathered our warriors and is a day behind."
"Your father?" Steinar questioned.
"Well yes, he is King after all," I replied somewhat nonchalantly.
"Your father is King?" Eomer questioned.
"Yes, my father is Ingvarr, King of the Exiles."
"Then you are a Princess," he responded, astounded.
"Naturally."
Both men were silent, taking in the new information. Eomer was the first to shake himself out of his reverie.
"Come, there is someone you must speak with," he said seriously, breaking Steinar from his thoughts as well.
I nodded then returned to Sverker. Once all of us were back on our horses, Eomer and Steinar led me and my warriors back to their group. The Rohirrim and Orc Hunters watched us curiously as we approached, though almost equal in number they seemed to take awe in our powerful and brutal demeanor. Having travelled for days there were no complaints and when I informed them we would be stopping for the moment sparring matches and training immediately broke out among my warriors. Only through constant practice and sparring could skills be kept at perfection. There was no excuse for lacking within our warriors. Their sole job was the protection of our people and the only way to do so was to be the best. The only way to be the best was through constant practice. Our warriors were truly that and in my very biased opinion even those who were lackluster at best were better than any other soldiers of other kingdoms.
I watched, proudly, for a few moments before being summoned by Steinar. I nodded to Grigori then made my way through the Rohirrim and Orc Hunter camp.
"Princess Imogen, daughter of Ingvarr, King of the Exiles," an elderly man greeted me.
"You seem to know me yet I am not able to recall ever knowing you," I replied evenly.
"I am Gandalf."
I nodded in recognition, having heard stories before.
"Eomer has informed me King Ingvarr and the rest of your warriors are a day behind."
"Yes, they have been slowly gaining on us but were held up in crossing the Anduin."
"Understandable. Send a messenger, tell them to move non-stop until they reach us. Time is no longer on our side."
I nodded, understanding the gravity of his words. There was a strange twinkle in his eye though and I could not help but wonder what, if anything, he was planning. Knowing our general location, I knew we were still days away from Helm's Deep but his warning suggested that a battle will begin before we arrive. I took my leave and once back with my warriors sent out a messenger as instructed.
Since we were waiting on my Father's arrival with more warriors, the rest of the day was a welcome relief from the constant riding of the past days. After spending some time with my band of warriors I sought out Lucierna and Carmina, who were more than excited to see me and we spent the rest of the afternoon catching up. Having heard who I truly was they were full of questions which I grudgingly answered. After I felt we had talked enough the three of us took turns sparring with each other. They were decent with their weapons, Lucierna with her daggers and Carmina with her sword. I kept this knowledge in the back of my mind in case I could make use of it later. As the sun went down a more permanent camp was set up. After eating, Gandalf summoned Eomer, Steinar, and myself for a meeting. Gandalf was counting on the rest of the Exile warriors to show up sometime tonight. Knowing the horses would need it he allowed for a few hours rest and then at daybreak he wanted to be riding out. He grew increasingly worried about the situation at Helm's Deep and I had a feeling that he knew more about what was happening than he was letting on. Once we were clear on the plan the meeting was adjourned.
"Princess," I heard Eomer call out as I began walking away.
I turned and waited for him to catch up, "Yes?"
"I would hope that you do not find our previous interactions offensive on my part."
I knew what he was referring to, however I had already moved on and forgotten about it.
"Had I known-" he started but I cut him off.
"It is fine. I held my name and title secret for a reason. You have done nothing to offend me."
"I admit, after seeing your soldiers spar and your talk of Exile training, I am interested in seeing you in battle," he said.
"Warriors, not soldiers," I corrected before moving on, "I can easily say we will not disappoint. For it may be that our presence is the reason Rohan will be victorious."
"Are you saying that Rohan's soldiers will fail?"
"No I am saying that if Gandalf's worry is any indication, the soldiers at Helm's Deep will need all the help they can get. Who better than Exile's who are renowned for our hand-to-hand combat experience?"
"I do see your point."
"You have many fine soldiers under your command Eomer. That tells me the soldiers at Helm's Deep will be skilled as well. Skill is important but being vastly out-numbered, which I fear is what has happened, negates any skill at all. Even Exiles are not foolish to think that we are invincible when completely out-numbered. Yes we may be able to hold our own better but at the end of the day, more man power is more man power. Being able to replace the dead and fatigued is always an advantage."
"Again you have surprised me," he replied quietly.
I smiled, "I should hope so."
Sensing our conversation at an end I tilted my head slightly as a way of saying goodbye before turning and walking off toward my warriors. I called for their attention then relayed the plan that Gandalf had decided on. Given that Helm's Deep was in a valley we would have the high ground advantage to make last minute changes if need be. Gandalf assigned me to lead a group of Exile warriors and Orc Hunters in a flanking maneuver. Once we were over the crest of the hill the goal was to push Sauron's forces north in the direction of the forest. Apparently there was a slight bottleneck where we would be cresting which Gandalf wanted to use to make it seem as if we had fewer men than we really did. While the main group would slowly spread out as they rode down the hill, my group would ride down the left side to cut off as much access as possible to the Hornburg.
Though most of my warriors eventually retired I remained awake in anticipation of my father's arrival. I was mildly surprised when I saw Eomer approach my campfire and ask to join me. I nodded and the corner of my lip quirked slightly as he sat next to me. We talked for quite some time, sharing battle tales and the like. He was right in the middle of one when I jerked suddenly, turning my head to watch the empty plains to our East.
Eomer cut off mid-sentence at my unexpected movement, "What is it Princess Imogen?" he asked.
I turned to him and smiled, placing my hand on the ground, "They are near. I can feel the vibration and if you listen very closely you can faintly hear them."
Eomer placed his hand next to mine and looked up at me with a look of recognition. The sky was clear and though the moon was not full it still provided sufficient light. Eomer joined me as I stood and walked away from camp in the direction my father would be approaching from. The closer they got the more the ground began to vibrate and hum. I looked to Eomer with a smile. Soon enough the black mass that was approaching became clearer and clearer, allowing us to begin to make out individual horses and warriors. By now many of the warriors that had ridden with me had stirred and were also awaiting the arrival of the rest of our forces. I watched my father, him naturally being the single rider at the front, approach me and with quick precision dismount.
"You made it," I called out
"Of course my daughter," he replied, before turning back to the warriors and calling forth the commanders.
Orders were shouted and the rest of the warriors quickly dismounted as the commanders approached quickly.
My father looked to me once more, "Explain the situation," he stated, getting right to work.
"We have a few hours rest for the horses' sake. Gandalf wants to be riding out at daybreak. It is a hard three day ride to Helm's Deep and I get the sense the battle will have already begun. Eomer," I introduced, "will be leading his Rohirrim and Steinar, wherever he is, the Orc Hunters. Once we reach Helm's Deep I will split off with a unit of warriors and the Orc Hunters to attempt a flanking maneuver and cut off access to the Hornburg. You will lead the main body of Exiles with Eomer and his Rohirrim in a direct attack."
"I see and do you trust this plan?" my father asked.
"Yes. I trust in Gandalf. It is our only chance of turning the tide of the battle."
"Very well," he stated before turning to address the commanders, "Leif, I want you and your warriors to join Imogen. The rest of you will ride with me. Are you all clear on the battle plan?"
Acknowledgment and agreement could be heard from the various commanders before my father dismissed them. While the rest of our warriors began to settle in for the night, Leif stayed behind.
"Princess," he greeted.
"Leif, this is Eomer," I said introducing my companion who had remained silent thus far.
"This is your land?" Leif questioned for clarification.
"Yes though the King's mind has been poisoned. Myself and my men have been banished."
"I see."
Leif and Eomer broke off, sparking quick conversation, allowing me to search out some familiar faces. Reunions were short, everyone wanting to get as much rest as possible. When I returned to Sverker and my small area within camp I settled in for a fairly pleasant night's sleep.
The next morning, before dawn even broke Gandalf was rousing everyone. Though I had only slept a few hours I was anxious and alert. We were one day closer to battle. The anticipation was beginning to settle in. Knowing the gravity of the situation everyone had hurried to break down the makeshift camp. The three groups were easily distinguished between each other. The Rohirrim with their shiny armor and horse motifs, the Orc Hunters with their misfit appearances and unique sense of unity, and lastly the Exiles with their massive war horses easily towering over even the famed Horse Lords of Rohan. The Exiles were by far the largest group with the most number of riders even discounting the support which carried provisions and our battle armor. Gandalf surveyed the three groups with an unsettled look in his eye before leading us on our journey. What had started as three distinct factions that morning had become a melded mess by the afternoon. With unnatural energy that I attributed some sort of magic by Gandalf we rode across the plains of Rohan, crossing a distance greater than I thought possible in one day. Though I had started the day at my father's side with a few of our commanders surrounding us, I ended up next to Eomer as the day wore on. The ride was silent though we each drew a sort of comfort from the other's presence.
All stops were kept to a minimum, allowing only enough time for the horses to recover. As the third day came to a close and night poured over the land Gandalf called for us to stop. We were near our destination. I could feel the energy in the air, calling me, pulling me towards the battle and bloodshed.
"We will rest for a few hours then we press on and will reach Helm's Deep in the morning," Gandalf stated as riders dismounted and set up a temporary camp. Packs were left untouched and saddles rested near the horses. Only food and the occasional blanket were brought forth. Fires popped up, dotting the area as groups settled down for much needed rest.
Gandalf, Steinar, Eomer, my father, and myself met to go over once again our plan of attack. Even though we were already well versed in it I figured it could not hurt to discuss things one last time. We all knew our assignments and I had made sure the warriors under my command understood our part clearly. I would be acting as first in command over my warriors and the Orc Hunters. Steinar would be my second in command. I had made it clear to those riding with me that I wanted the Orc Hunters and my warriors evenly mixed. We would ride as one unit, not two that had merely been placed together. I wanted cohesion among those under my command. Steinar had made sure that all the Orc Hunters knew that I was in command and that my word was law. I could not have Orc Hunters acting on their own. Unlike their previous experiences with skirmishes and such, where Steinar held only loose command since the only objective was to kill the enemy, I demanded precision and for my commands to be obeyed. Our part was integral in pushing the enemy forces from Helm's Deep. This could not become some free for all blood bath. This had to be coordinated and some semblance of order maintained. Our objective had to be completed at all costs. During one of our previous stops I had assembled those who would be under my command and only dismissed them once I was sure they knew that pushing the enemy from Helm's Deep was our only purpose and that failure was the only option after the last of them were killed. I would not stand for cowardice. We would complete our assignment or we would die trying
I apologize for the long absence. I hope you like the story so far. This chapter is slightly shorter because I cut it off before the battle, which will take all of the next chapter.
