"And so how did Edmund respond to that?" Erienne asked Susan. The human was recounting the time Edmund acted as emissary to the Telmarines challenging their king to fight Peter. It was a diversion while Lucy looked for Aslan.
"He said So you are bravely refusing to fight someone half your age?" Susan replied. She, and her 2 female elf companions, Altaris and Erienne were the only ones on horseback while the rest of the soldiers walked towards their destination. They were at the rear and they were passing the time talking. It was a 2-3 day journey she was informed. They were near the end of their journey of which the human was glad.
Altaris laughed at that and said: "That was wise. So King Miraz had no choice but to accept the challenge then."
"Oh my little brother is wise alright. Sometimes too smart." Susan said good naturedly. She then proceeded to finish the tale mostly for Erienne's benefit. The copper haired elf was considerably older than Altaris and was one of Galadriel's handmaidens.
"When Lucy appeared with Aslan, the Telmarines shouldn't have bothered continuing to fight." Susan ended wistfully. "When Aslan comes, the battle is won."
"Wish your Aslan can come here before lives are taken." Erienne said.
How I wish that too Susan thought. Susan took a deep breath and just relished the great mountain air. She noticed that the farther they went the sparser the trees became. They have mostly traversed through mountains and she loved the views. It greatly reminded her of Narnia and she felt strangely at home.
Susan adjusted the hood on her cloak to keep her hair in place. All three of them were wearing blue cloaks. It felt like velvet yet was light.
"Are we close to our destination?" the human asked. Her backside was aching for she was unused to long travels on horseback. She would just have walked if it wouldn't slow them down. Elves she noted seemed tireless and are fast walkers.
"Haldir said we'd be there by nightfall." Altaris replied.
"Great." Susan was relieved. A few hours later, Susan saw a big stone fortress seemingly carved on the sprawling and lofty mountains behind it.
"Behold… Helm's Deep." Erienne said softly.
Susan understood why people would seek refuge there for it appeared impenetrable and strong. She felt a little secure and less afraid somehow in seeing its size. However like the How it could trap people from within once breached. Susan scanned the area, observing there was no chance of escape once surrounded.
"Come." spoke Altaris. "They are moving." The human saw that the elves have quickened their pace and once more she heard the cry of the horn.
"Help is here." whispered Susan. She made sure that the hood completely covered her head not wanting her appearance to be too conspicuous. They must have made an impressive entrance Susan thought as the soldiers marched in green and gold battle gear with banners blowing in the wind. The elven troops were formidable looking in their stance and order.
As they entered the citadel, Susan noticed that the humans looked happy to see them. They didn't seem like seasoned troops though. There were very few men who looked like real soldiers to her. Susan and the other maiden elves were quite a little distance from Haldir, his brothers Rumil and Orophin. They came before an aged man. His bearing spoke of his royalty. Susan surmised that he was the king of Rohan.
"I bring word from Lord Elrond of Rivendell." began Haldir. "An Alliance once existed between Elves and Men. Long ago we fought and died together."
Susan gave an audible gasp when she saw Aragorn followed closely by Legolas, then Gimli. What are they doing here? she thought. Her heart started to race for seeing the blond elf was unexpected.
Haldir smiled when he saw Aragorn and finished with: "We come to honor that allegiance."
"Mae govannen, Haldir. " Replied Aragorn as he approached. "You're most welcome." Then gave Haldir a hug which surprised the elf.
After a brotherly greeting with Legolas who looked relieved and pleased, Haldir said:" We are proud to fight alongside men once more." Susan saw hope in the king's eyes and his men. Turning his gaze back to Legolas, she was a little relieved that he was not aware of her presence yet. They were going inside main hall, Legolas, Aragorn, Gimli, the king and his general, Haldir and Glorfindel, the leader of the elves from Rivendell she was told. Probably to discuss battle plans she thought.
The black haired human looked at her friend and asked: "What are they doing here?" She asked though she knew the elf most likely did not know also.
Altaris smiled and said: "I know not but this would prove to be an interesting night indeed."
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"Come Susan." Erienne said. "We best join them."
Susan though a little reluctant agreed and got off her horse. Two stable boys lead their three horses away as they climbed the steps towards the great door. The humans were looking at them curiously so Susan kept her head covered. Once they were in, they could hear the men talking. Their heads were bent and they encircled a table with a crude drawing of the fortress.
"Aragorn you would lead a corps at the primary outer wall surrounding the keep." The king said.
"And who would guard the gate once breached King Théoden?" Glorfindel asked.
Theoden stared at the elf and said: "Should that happen, I would be there." He looked at the middle aged man on his right and said: "Gamling, make sure that the troops are positioned and ready." Gamling nodded and then left.
Haldir saw Susan in his periphery." Our primary archers would be stationed here." he said pointing at one side of the drawing.
King Théoden saw the three female figures and looked at Haldir inquiringly. The three then lowered their hoods in the presence of the king of Rohan.
"Susan!" she heard Legolas say loudly. Looking at him, he looked shocked and infuriated at the same time and another emotion she couldn't name. The human had no time to assess his reaction much but directed her gaze at Haldir and the king.
"Yes. Susan will lead a corps of archers on the east side." Haldir said. "She's our most skilled archer."
Théoden accepted what Haldir said. Though he thought women should take no part in battles, he trusted the elves' judgment.
"NO!" said Legolas a little too forcefully. He looked angrily at the elf from Lórien. If Haldir were not made of sterner stuff, he would have backed away from Legolas' fury.
Susan had the strong urge to roll her eyes. She has had her fair share of overbearing brothers to know that most if not all men tend to be a tad overprotective of her. Her gentle and slight appearance certainly did not help.
Stepping forward she said: "I'm not exactly a stranger to battles and…."
"We are going to face 10,000 Uruk-hai. Their armors are thick and they resemble monsters than men." Legolas cut her off. "They wouldn't hesitate in cutting your pretty neck off just because you're a girl." He continued angrily.
Sensing the charged atmosphere Théoden sternly said to all present: "There is work to be done." Looking at Aragorn he said before leaving: "Deal with this." Glorfindel with Erienne and Altaris prudently exited the room as well. Only Legolas, Aragorn, Gimli, Haldir and Susan were left.
Turning to Aragorn, Legolas said: "Le moe ú-erir na dagor!"
"Sedho dad, Legolas." Said Aragorn trying to calm his friend.
"Kindly speak in a language I understand." Interrupted Susan sounding a little annoyed. "I am in the room. And since I'm involved, I should participate in the discussion." She was irritable since she just traveled for 3 days and her backside ached. Also the anger coming from the elf, though not exactly unexpected was really upsetting her.
"I have been in close combat too Aragorn." She said.
"You fought with humans." Legolas tone was unyielding. "You'd be fighting dark creatures far stronger and vile."
"She will not be far from me." Haldir added.
This time, Susan couldn't stop herself from rolling her eyes. "I really appreciate that Haldir. But I'm not exactly defenseless in the battlefield." They were really testing her patience.
Turning to Legolas she asked: "These Uruk-hai, are they invincible?" her eyebrows raised.
"No they're not but…" the elf began.
"Then they have vulnerable spots too like everyone else, their throats perhaps." Susan pressed on. Noting the hard look from the handsome elf she said: "You know if I can see it, I can hit it."
"Yes you can but you tire easily." Answered Legolas. He sounded desperate almost begging.
Easily? Susan fumed. "But not before I strike 50 at least." She ended triumphantly. "I can see that Rohan has but a few able soldiers. And even with 2 thousand elves to aid, you'd need all the skilled fighters you can get. Well, I'm here." she said looking at Aragorn.
"We would need her bow and her skill this night." Aragorn said looking at the elf. He said it calmly, not wanting to aggravate his friend. "But should this fortress be breached, you are to go below where the women and children are….to protect them." He said looking at the human girl this time.
A compromise Susan thought. Looking around at the men's faces but Legolas', she surmised it was wise to accept. They would be probably too preoccupied anyway to make sure she kept her end of the bargain. "Let it be done then." She said before leaving the room. Legolas followed her.
Aragorn, Haldir and Gimli looked at each other. "Let them sort things out." Gimli said when they were gone.
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Susan just wanted to leave the room now she was in a narrow corridor with no idea where to go. She heard quick footsteps behind her. Before she could turn, Legolas whirled her around, his hands on her waist.
"Why come where war is brewing my queen?" he demanded.
Tilting her head up to look at his eyes she said: "Because I'm needed here. Even Galadriel said my purpose no longer lies in Lothlórien."
"You are safer there." Said the elf. "These are perilous times Susan. We have lost much…"
"You mean the others…?" the human asked, afraid to learn of the reasons to the other members' absence.
Legolas lowered his gaze. "Gandalf has miraculously returned and told us Merry and Pippin are safe. Frodo and Sam are heading towards Mordor…or so we hope. We know not exactly how they are faring."
"And Boromir?" asked Susan.
Not answering immediately he replied: "He was….overwhelmed by orcs. We were too late to save him. There were too many of them."
"I'm so sorry for your loss." She said quietly looking at him. She remembered the strong and tall soldier from Gondor. His death was truly a loss. Legolas then stared at her eyes and said: "You shouldn't be here."
"I know of the danger Legolas." She said calmly. "But just like you I have to fight and help these people. This is not our war but for some reason we were drawn here." She noticed the tight line on the elf's lips and his slight frown.
"You'll fight beside me." he said determined. His hold on her waist became more firm.
With one eyebrow raised she replied: "I'm stationed on the east. I presume you'd be defending the main wall with Aragorn where defense is most needed." She continued: "I'd be okay. I would be near Haldir, you heard him."
Drawing her back on the wall on the side. She noticed he came even closer and said: "You prefer Haldir's protection?" he asked angrily.
Incensed she bit out: "I prefer no one's protection since I don't need it." She tried pushing him away, her one hand on his chest but he didn't even budge.
"Just what I need now, a distraction." He said under his breath.
"Honestly Legolas. We should not even be discussing this." She said. "It doesn't matter where I am as long I can draw my arrow and shoot." She added: "And since I'm a distraction as you put it, it's best I'm with Ha….with the other archers."
"I'm sure you would be the death of me Queen Susan." Said Legolas shaking his head as if clearing it, then he pinned her with his gaze. Susan felt his heartbeat change tempo under her hand and with it her heart raced. Oh my gosh! He's going to kiss me again she thought.
The moment was broken with a muffled horn cry and a distant rumble of thousands of footsteps.
"They're here." the elf said pulling her hand and leading her to the hall. She had to run after him as his steps were considerably longer.
"Erienne! My gear!" she cried upon arriving at the main hall and seeing the elf. She said: "I have to go get ready." And tried pulling her hand away from Legolas' grasp. Instead the elf tightened his hold so Susan had to look up at him. He did not speak immediately and seemed to struggle before saying: "Be careful."
"I will.'' She answered. "Don't get hurt." Then she pulled away running towards Erienne who had her bow and quiver. She hurriedly put on the leather corset that Altaris was holding. It was her only armor. She tied her long hair in a ponytail to keep it from her eyes. After which, they left for the east wing in search of Haldir.
Upon climbing the eastern wall, Susan felt a little fear in seeing tens of thousands dark soldiers with spears and all manner of weapons. They were not far from the creatures she saw in Galadriel's mirror. She remembered Galadriel saying that they would destroy everything in their path. "Courage Susan." She told herself. She looked at her blond friend and said: "Not for Narnia this time….but for Middle Earth."
On the other side of the citadel, King Théoden said: "And so it begins."