f"Honor and Courage"

by The Merry Prankster

Chapter 6 The Charge

Murphy's Laws of Combat #6: If your attack is going well, you have walked into an ambush.

Rohirrim Gathering

Hold of Dunharrow

Land of Rohan

1800 hours

March 12, 3019

(Middle Earth)

As they arrived, the Rohirrim set up camp at the base of the mountain.  Further up on the rise, the teens had set up their tents with the rest of the royal family. While the others set up their tents Mike and Earl unfurled two banners, one the Stars and Stripes and the other being the JROTC unit standard and placed one on either side of Mike's tent.

Erica was reaching for her saddle bags when the horses began rearing up. The girl turned back and said, "Mike I don't like it here." 

Mike looked up and asked, "What do you mean?"

"It feels foreboding."  Erica answered as she hugged herself.

Mike agreed, "Yeah you are right about that." He looked around and noticed the Ranger and dwarf setting up their tents. Pointing over to the two, Mike said, There's Aragorn, why don't we ask him."

Suddenly, one of the horses tried to break away from a rider, causing the Rohirrim to yell out, "Look out!" 

Legolas had joined Aragorn and Gimli, just in time to see the runaway horse charging at the teens. Gimli grabbed Mike while Legolas dragged Erica out of the horses' path. The dwarf took a look backwards and helped Mike up, "the animals are acting strangely."

"Thanks guys," said Mike.  "What is it about this place?  All the animals are skittish up here."

Legolas turned around helping Erica up and holding her for a moment and said, "Something is scaring them." 

Erica brushed herself off and answered while blushing, "Thank you." 

Eomer came up in time to catch the last part of the conversation and pointed towards a passage in the mountain, "It is the place."

"What is this that place?" asked Gimli. 

"You guys are the natives," answered Mike.  "I thought one of you would know."

"This the crest before the Demount pass.  It is an evil place."

"How so?" asked Earl

Erica hugged herself wishing that Legolas had not let her go because of the cold she felt from that place.

"It is place that is cursed and that the dead keep." Reggie whispered to Earl. "Also, it is not a place to be ventured alone or at all." Reggie continued to whisper to Earl who had been intrigued by the darkened path.

Gimli shook his head and began walking away, "Well I going to get something to eat." The dwarf paused as Legolas began describing the mountain.

"The Horses are restless."  Legolas said as he looked around, "The Men are quiet."

"They grow nervous in the shadow of the Mountain," added Eomer.

"That road there, where does that lead?" 

"It is the road to the Demount the door to the Mountain."  Legolas answered.

Eomer continued, "None who venture there ever return." 

The elf nodded, "That mountain is evil." 

Mike looked towards Earl with a raised eyebrow and then back to the adults.  "I take it that you mean something evil dwells within the mountain as opposed to the mountain being evil itself."

"The mountain is where the dead are lying, there souls inhabit.  It reeks of the stench of death.  Boys, I am not normally afraid many things, but don't got there." Reggie answered with a knowing look." She turned around and noticed that Earl was about to say something and slapped him upside the head, "And Earl don't even think it."

Earl rubbed his head, "What are you talking about?"

Erica was still looking at the pass, hugging her arms Erica thinking,  "I know where you want me to go gramps."  Then she walked by Mike and says.  "We should talk."

"I don't like the looks of Erica staring at the pass," thought Reggie..."I think I know where gramps want her to go, but what she is do, is another thing."

Mike nodded and began following the girl.  He paused to say, "Earl, David, my father says we will be waiting two days for the rest of the Rohirrim to show up.  We need to cram as much training in as possible."

"David, I want you practice loading and arming the mortar bombs with your section."

"Earl, go over radio procedures and small unit tactics with your team," added the teen as he joined his friend at the MAP.

"Yes Sir."

Erica was waiting by the M.A.P. when Mike showed up. The teen started up its engine so they wouldn't be over heard. Mike walked over and asked, "Okay what did you have to tell me that's for my ears alone?"

Erica asked, "Remember I told what Gramps wanted me to do." 

"Yeah, go on."

"He's going to go in there."  Erica says as she pointed to the pass. "He won't be in the battle til much later."

"Who are you talking about?"

"Aragorn you idiot remember."  Erica sneered at the teens lack of memory and informed him. "After a little rest Reggie and I are leaving to wait for him in there."

Mike bit his lip in thought, "Yeah I figured it was something like that.  Even if dad gets all the Riders he wants, it won't be enough to win.  We need some heavy reinforcements."

"That's exactly what he's going to get but they will be as light as Ghosts."  Erica smiled knowingly.

Mike's head jerked upward, "You and Reg are going to do WHAT?  Are you out of your freaking mind?"

"Don't have a choice Gramps said to stick with him.  Do you really think he'll let us come if we aren't ahead of him?"  Erica answered

Mike looked back to where Aragorn was sitting, "Yeah you are right.  He has sorta appointed himself our overprotective big brother."

"So if anyone asks tell them Erica said she was heading out and leave it at that." 

Mike chuckled, "And you worry about ME taking chances."

"Actually I am.  Mike, don't do anything stupid."  Erica said as she gave him a hug.

Mike raised both of his hands and mouthed "Who Me?"

Erica paused to collect her thoughts before adding, "Mike I just need you to do me a favor though." 

"What is it?"

"Distract the elves when we leave or they may try and stop us." 

Mike nodded, "Well, I was thinking about doing some night training.  I sure could use the elves' help and it is just so happens that the perfect training area is about a mile south of us." The teen pondered his thoughts for a moment before deciding, "I think I'll go ask Haldir."

Erica motioned for Mike to stop and suggested, "Wait a few hours. Than go ask." 

From out of the darkness, Haldir spoke up, "I wouldn't mind seeing your training exercise."  The elf came into the light and walked up to the teens.

"Oh shit I am busted," mumbled Erica.

Mike turned around and grinned, "You saved me a trip trying to find you.  I'm going to run a night exercise and I need some opposition forces.  Would you mind joining in?"

"I think Aragorn and Legolas might also find it interesting."  Haldir told them with an approving smile.

Mike chuckled, "Okay, I'll go into detail when we meet up with Aragorn and Legolas.  But let's just say, I need you to set up an ambush in the woods south of us."

"Great that should give us a few hours rest."  Erica said than asked Haldir.  "Are you going to say goodbye to her?"

Mike watched the Marchwarden's face as he remembered Reggie would also be going.  Mike laughed and said, "Just go.  I'll talk to Aragorn and Legolas."

"Let me tell her what we're doing first while you make sure no one is listen in."  Erica told him.

"By the way how is that you heard us talking over the M.A.Ps engine?"  Erica asked

"You mean you haven't told her yet?" asked Mike.

"Nope.  But she'll go."  Erica answered.

Haldir gave the girl a grin of superiority and pointed to his ear, "Elven hearing."

"Yeah I know that but I thought the engine would be noisy enough that you couldn't hear."  Erica replied.

"For mortal ears perhaps, but not for elvenkind."

+++

Mike walked over Aragorn's tent and knocked loudly on the post.

From inside Aragorn answered, "Yes, who is it?" 

Mike stuck his head in, "It's me.  I was wondering if you were still awake?"

"Actually I was just getting ready for bed but what is it?" 

"Since dad said we would be camping out for two days, I thought I'd cram in as much training as possible.  I'm holding a night exercise and Haldir has agreed to lend his elves as the opposition force.  I was wondering if you would like to join in on the fun?"

"Not this night, my friend, rest is beckoning me.  And you should rest too."  Aragorn answered with a yawn.

"Normally, I would agree with you but I took on the responsibility of training and leading the new recruits.  So, I'm off to show them how to foil a night ambush."

"Just keep the noise down so that others may be able to rest."  Aragorn told him with a smile at the boy's enthusiasm.

Mike grinned, "Think a mile would be enough distance?"

"With your weapons I suggest 2-5."  Aragorn answered with a grin.

"Just be thankful we weren't able to bring the really neat toys.  Then, you would hear some noise."

At his answer the ranger raised an eyebrow and asked, "If they are, as you put it, really neat why didn't your bring them?"

Mike shrugged, "They need a really well equipped supply train to keep them in operation.  Then add in training crews and building infrastructure.  We just don't have the time.  So we're stuck with being light infantry for now."

"Than I am quite thankful you didn't," replied the Ranger.  "Now Michael try not to not keep them up too long. There is to be a great battle and we all need our rest."

Mike grinned, "Don't worry, I won't.  Night."

Aragorn laughed then remembered seeing Erica and Mike going off to talk. Curious, he asked, "Oh, what were you and Erica discussing?" 

Mike chuckled, "The future and what it holds for us newcomers."  He closed the flap and walked over to a campfire, where Earl and David were sitting.

At that the Ranger shook his head then laid down to rest as a dream entered his head of his love.

+++

As Erica and Haldir walk silently back towards the girl's tent to inform Reggie of the task that she and Erica must do, Haldir realized that he needed to retrieve something from his own tent before facing the girl.

"Lady Erica, go ahead I need to retrieve something."  Haldir told her as he went back to his own tent.

"Sure Haldir… I'll meet you at the tent."  Erica said as she walks towards her tent a few yards away and bumps into an elf.

Vidmor had recently heard about Erica not being allowed to fight and went off in search of her.  Running into the teen, the elf commented, "I heard that you will not be allowed to fight."

Looking up Erica said, "Yeah, Mike had to relieve me of active duty."

"How are you feeling?" asked the elf.

"Why do you care it seems that most every male here agrees with the Kings decision," Erica retorted.

"Unlike many of the others I have complete faith in your abilities.  I wanted you to know that you have at least one person supporting your decision, no matter what it may be."

Erica raised a surprised eyebrow at the elf and said, "Thank you.  It is nice to know." Then she reaches up and kissing the elf on the cheek.  

The elf blushed under the girls kiss. "You are most welcome my lady.  I only wish that I could do more for you."

Erica looked at the elf and asked, "Why?"

"I will be leaving you here and I worry about you because those terrible nightmares.  I know that you are strong, I just wish I could help you through them." the elf replied

"Thank you. It is really good to know that you care."  Erica said because she wasn't sure what else to say.  

The elf answered, "Very well I will not be leaving just yet so if you need someone to talk to, I'll be here."

"I just may take you up on that offer but right now I have to go talk to Reg."  Erica answered as she slowly turned away.

Erica went into the tent that she and Reggie were to share and found her cousin unpacking her stuff. "I wouldn't do that just yet." Erica said

"Why? Are we going somewhere?" Reggie said knowing full well that Erica and her would be going somewhere at some point in time that night.

Erica answered with a nod and a devious smile.

"Where are we going? It through that damn pass, isn't?" Reggie said as she shook at the thought of going there

"Yes but keep it down." Erica hissed as she started to repack her stuff.

At that a voice asked, "May I come in?"

"Ahhhh, Yes." Reggie answered as she knew it was Haldir and she didn't know how to face him.

At seeing the Marchwarden Erica looked to her cousin and said. "I think I'll go check on Duke." The teen then left the tent and left the two of them alone.

"That a good idea." Reggie replied as Erica left.

Turning to Haldir, Reggie shivered at the thought of going into the door of the mountain. "Was there something you needed? Reggie questioned

"My lady I came to wish you a safe journey and give you these." Haldir says as he stepped close to Reggie holding out two small packages. "One is for you and one is for your cousin."

"What journey, I don't know what you are talking about." Reggie said coyly hiding her eyes, because they would tell him she was lying.

"I know what you must do." Haldir said as he placed the packages down on the bed. "My Grand Lady sent theses packages she said I would know when I must give them and to whom I must give them."

"What are they?" Reggie said looking at the package and looked back to the elf as her eyes started to tear.



"Something to keep you safe when I can not," Haldir replied with heartfelt honesty.

"And who is going to keep you safe? I am worried for you. Please be careful in the battle ahead. Death seems to follow closely in these matters and I do not wish to see you hurt." Reggie said turning from him only for him to put his hand on her shoulder to make her turn back around.



"By Valar I swear I will do everything in my power to see you again." Haldir swore as he gently stroked her face and gazed into her brown eyes.

Reggie leaned into his chest and placed her arms around him embracing him lovingly. "I am going to hold you to that promise." Reggie said as she moved her hands to his face and rubbed his ears.

For just a few short moments Haldir let the pleasure she was giving him engulf him before he took her hand into his. He looked questioningly in her eyes as if to ask an unspoken question. She answered him by rising up on her tip tops of her toes. Taking her answer to heart Haldir lowered his lips to hers in a feather light kiss. The kiss seemed to last forever as Haldir embraced Reggie. She had never been kissed like that before. Her heart began to beat faster and suddenly started to beat in sequence with his. As they kissed Erica walked in to find them lip locked.

"Hey get a room and not this one." The teen told them.

Reggie and Haldir continued the kiss a moment longer, and were separated by Erica remark. Reggie blushed as Haldir merely smiled at her still looking into her beautiful brown eyes that seem to engulf him in a trance.

"What are these?" Erica questioned looking at the packages on the bed "Hello Middle Earth to Reggie and Haldir?"

Reggie smiled at the elf and gave him another hug and a kiss on the cheek. He beamed, still smiling as left the two girls in the tent. As he left he turned around one more time to look at Reggie and smiled as he walked out the drapery make shift door. Reggie mouthed something to him as if to say "see you soon." And then turned to her cousin and gave her and evil glare.

"Those packages were sent by Lady Galadriel for each of us." Reggie said answering Erica earlier question, and began to smile as she thought about the moment she had just shared with Haldir.



"Well excuse me. miss I got my self an elf." Erica jeered back as started to open one of the packages.

Reggie turned back and gave her cousin a little kick to her ass.



"Well what about you and Legolas." Reggie said as she moved towards her cousin to find out was in the package left by Haldir.



"What? If he cared about me half as much as that elf does about you, Dena wouldn't have had to drag him by the ear to see me." Erica snapped.



"We'll see," Reggie said with a smile. "I think I know something you don't. You forget I can read people or in this case elves, really well."



"Whatever, we need to move. Whoa.. is this what I think it is?" Erica asked as she held up a breast plate



The girls opened the packages, only to find beautifully weaved metal breast plate and elven cloaks with a Lothlorien Leaf as a clasp. Reggie smiled at the package and realized that she was meant to be there, and that she was not forgotten. "I believe it is Mithril, it is a type of metal that the dwarfs mine. I remember reading about it in the book. It is supposed to be as light as a feather and as strong as or stronger than steal." Reggie informed her cousin.

"That's what I thought it was. We better wait 'til later to put this on if someone sees us leaving in it they might figure out what were doing." Erica said as she quietly stuffed it into her pack



"Good idea. But how are we going to get away from here without being seen?" Reggie questioned as she placed the garments in her pack as well and began to gather her stuff placing a sleeping cat in her bag last. "And how did Haldir know that we were leaving? I am really hoping and praying that he will be okay, that they will all be okay." as a tear started to fall because she knew the battle to come would be bloody and many would die



"Mike is making the others look the other way for a couple of hours. Haldir just happened to hear. I to hope he'll be ok I would hate to see more die." Erica said as she checked outside to make sure no one was watching. "Good it looks like everyone is gone. Interesting," Erica said as she noted a smaller black horse next to her mount that was not their when she went in.



"What?" Reggie said as she came over and looked out the door.

"Looks like your elf has left you a present," Erica answered as she noticed the Elfish saddle

"He did, are you sure? Oh she is beautiful. I think I may love that elf, but don't you tell anyone." Reggie said with a smile.

"Let's Move." Erica whispered as she led her grey towards the Demount all the while constantly checking for anyone who might see them.

"Lead the way." Reggie answered as she brought the beautiful black horse into the shadows and followed her cousin.

At first the horses did not want to go into the shadow of the mountain but they followed their leaders command and followed. For several hours the girls moved through the darkness without saying a word until they reached a cross road.

"I think here is as good as any to wait. Let's get ready." Erica said as she dismounted her horse and pulled out the gifts Haldir had given her

Sounds like a plan." Reggie replied as she also dismounted her horse and opened her pack "I wonder what her name is?" Reggie said as she moved her cat so she could get to the new items given to her.

"I'll keep watch while you get changed. We don't know what's out there." Erica said as she placed some night vision goggles on and looked around with her M-16 ready.

"You know if I wasn't going into battle this outfit would work quite well at those clubs back in Florida." Reggie laughed as she put on her new garments. The teen tall about 5'5" was wearing a pair of black leather pants which tucked into her hand made leather boots that Erica had given her for her Birthday, along with a tank top which now had a breast plate placed over it. "Do you remember when we got arrested down there for IDE." Reggie laughed

"Don't remind me I am hoping Gramps still doesn't know about that." Erica laughed as she scanned they surroundings.

"Yeah, I hope you are right, because he might take that staff of his to our asses." Reggie smiled and said "How do I look."

"It's a good think your elf lover can't see you or you wouldn't be a virgin much longer," Erica laughed. "But you might want to put a long sleeve shirt on under that thing. It's starting to get cold."

"Oh be quiet" Reggie sneered at her cousin and said while looking down at her chest "You're right it is a tad chilly." Reggie grabbed a white long sleeve peasant top, took off the breast plate and put the shirt on and re-secured the plate and put on her cloak. "Okay now that I am better prepared for the chilly temp, you go and get changed." Reggie stated as Erica hand her the M-16.

Erica tossed her cousin her goggles. As Erica placed the Mithril breast plate over her black v-neck long sleeved shirt she declared with a chuckle. "I bet I can get a nap in before Aragorn shows up."

"Probably, but I am not betting with you anymore, unless you take credit." Reggie laughed.

"Fine, let's set up camp and wait. You take first watch." Erica said as she finished putting on the cloak. She sat on a rock and leaned against the stone face behind her and began to drift off to sleep but was still somewhat conscious of her surroundings.

"Okay, I'm the night owl anyway." Reggie said with a smile

+++

Mike noticed that Earl and David were sharing a campfire with Eomer and Gamling.  Walking over, he asked, "You guys ready for the field ex?"

"What field exercise?"  Earl asked over David's snoring. "We don't have one scheduled for tonight."

Mike grinned, "That's what you get for missing staff briefings." The teen explained, "We are going to train our recruits about countering a night ambush.  Lord Haldir has graciously agreed to supply the opposition force."

"Cool."  Earl responded as he smacked David awake.

Mike turned to the newly awakened David and ordered, "Go grab your nightvision and be ready to move out within the hour."

"Huh... For what?"  David groggily asks

Earl grinned, "We are going to be walking into an ambush."

"What?  And who's the enemy?"  David asked.

Mike looked to the David and grinned, "The elves of course."

+++

Although Theoden and Eomer had made it clear that they did not want women or hobbits joining the upcoming battle, Both Eowyn and Merry intended to do so anyway. Before leaving Edoras, the shieldmaiden had remembered that Theoden had kept the armor; he had been given when he was a young child. She was sure that it would fit the hobbit and had been proven right. Now, inside the tent the woman finished fastening the last strap.

Eowyn stepped back to admire her work and grinned. "Now off to the smitty with you," she told the hobbit as she gave the hobbit an encouraging pat on the back while exiting the tent.

Outside, Gamling and Eomer were sitting by the campfire when Eowyn and Merry came out. The two Rohirrim had caught bits of the other's conversation and Eomer asked, "Why do you encourage him?"

Eowyn scoffed at her brother, "Why do you question his courage.  Doesn't he have a right to fight with his friends and for those he loves?"

"It is not his courage I question, but the reach of his arm," Eomer answered as he and Gamling laughed. Eowyn glared at both men before stomping off. That exchange had not gone unnoticed as Mike, Earl, Dena, and David who were nearby.

None of the teens liked how the adult were treating the hobbit.  David and Earl looked over to Mike who walked over to the fire and softly said, "I can reach out and take out a foe at 400 yards."

The girl placed her hand on Mike's shoulder to calm him down. "Don't worry boys he'll be going."  Dena quietly whispered to them while handing out the night vision goggles with a knowing smile.

Eomer looked up and answered his new cousin. "You use Modern weapons.  He doesn't even know how to use a weapon." 

"Maybe so," answered Mike, "but I wouldn't make fun of someone because of their size."

Eomer thought back to a previous conversation he had with Matthew. Before leaving Edoras the boy had told him that he had been constantly teased about his size by the other children. The horsemaster became serious and conceded, "You are right I am just thinking more of the battle right now." 

+++

The Field exercise over the elves and men returned to encampment. Vidmor's blue eyes search the encampment but even his elven eyes could not find what he searched for. Vidmor approached Legolas and ventured a question, "Where are you going, my cousin?"

"With Aragorn," The elf simply stated as he tighten the saddle

"Do be careful on journey," replied Vidmor insincerely and asked "You would not happen to know where Lady Erica is?"

"Thank you, but no I have not seen her since before the night exercise."  Legolas replied with a slight strain in his voice.

"I have been looking for her, but she and her cousin have seemed to disappear from the camp altogether." Vidmor said still looking for Erica in the shadows of the night

"Why are you looking for her?"  The elf questioned, not liking the fact that his kin was looking for the same person he had looked for earlier.

"I am concerned for her mental state, my lord.  She had a disconcerting dream the other night, and I wish to see if she is alright." Vidmor answered honestly

"I spoke with her about them last night.  So you need not concern your self."  Legolas said in a warning tone that was meant to tell Vidmor "leave her alone." 

The elf in question did not like that response and glared at his cousin, "She has turned to me for comfort, and I shall not be turned from aiding her by you."

"You ask me what my intention were towards her but what are yours?"  Legolas questioned.

"I have come...." Vidmor began to say as he heard the voice of Lord Elrond who had just finished his conversation with Aragorn and had observed the altercation between Vidmor and Legolas, approached the two. He turned around and bowed, "My Lord"

"I can hear the anger in your voices.  What is the mean of such anger towards one's own kin?"  Lord Elrond demanded.

"My lord, I am sorry for my tone. My cousin and I are just having a slight altercation," answered Legolas bowing to the Elven Lord

"Slight?  You look to me as if you were to come to blows.  Why?" ordered Elrond.

"There is much that we quibble about my lord. This argument is no different." Vidmor answered bowing his head to his lord. Legolas looked harshly in Vidmor's direction still upset with him for his interest in Erica.

The Elf Lord shook his head in disappointment and said, "This battle to come should unite you two not separate. Leave your quarries behind you this is no time to be at odds."

The harsh look that Legolas directed towards his cousin did not go unnoticed by the Elf Lord. "This seems different… I know you two have had your quarrels in the past but what is so strong that you might come to blows over it?"  Lord Elrond demands



"My Lord, there is much we quarrel about but nothing that is as special one female who I have come to admire for her strength and courage." Vidmor addressed his lord

"Than why does it seem that you two are fighting over her?"  Lord Elrond asked as he looked at Vidmor and than to Legolas

"I too admire the girl and I am weary of my cousin's intentions." Legolas said still staring harshly at Vidmor



"My intentions?!  What of yours?"  Vidmor demands as he steps towards his cousin in anger

Elrond seeing the rage between the two stepped in between the two who were about take a swing at each other.  "No blows shall be struck between you two.  We are at the eve a great battle against an evil that plagues our lands.  I can not have you two fighting each others...concern yourselves with the battle ahead."  Elrond said with much scorn for the two's actions

"You are right my Lord.  I apologize; it's just that these children have gone through so much from ones of such young years.  I worry for their emotional state after all this is over.  The female we are arguing about is having terrible nightmares."  Legolas explained with deep sadness

"Nightmares, Is she alright?" Lord Elrond questioned.

"I believe so, my lord, I have spoken to her about her dreams."  Vidmor said as remembered his conversation with Erica

"When she is awake is yes but it is affecting her sleep and she is getting less and less each night."  Legolas answered.



"Than why do you argue over her?"  Lord Elrond asks

"We argue because it seems she needs elven comforting after the nightmares and both of us have comforted her."  Vidmor tried to explain but is not sure of anything

"I am afraid that she will mistake my cousin's comfort as stronger feelings for her when he does not have them."  Vidmor continues.

Legolas looked nastily at Vidmor for that comment and retorted. "I have told her that I care for her a friend, you need not worry cousin."

"Like you told the bar Maid who fell in love you... She killed herself after you rejected her."  Vidmor sneered.

"I will not speak of such a hurt.  She mistook my kindness for more.  Erica knows better and she is stronger."  Legolas retorted with hurt in his eyes



Elrond looked at the two elves. "I do not wish to see or hear that you two have been arguing; do you understand.  This war to come will be bloody and many will be lost, do not let your differences separate family in such a time"

At Lord Elrond's last words, Haldir approached the three elves. "It is time to leave Vidmor." Haldir says as he places hand on Vidmor's shoulder

Vidmor turned around and asked, "What is it?"

"We have been called home" Haldir said and bowed to Lord Elrond "Our queen needs us. Lothlorian is in great danger."

"I will inform the rest of the elves," offered Vidmor as he walked off.

+++

The Rohirrim had finished setting up camp at the Dunharrow when Mike decided to bring up the issue of having Dena come along.  Looking around, he quickly spotted Theoden, Aragorn, and Eomer having a conference.  The teen walked up and asked, "Father, you have a minute?"

"What is it my son?" Theoden responded.

Mike took a breath, "It's about Dena and some of the girls she's been training.  Now before you say no, it has nothing to do with them being in combat."

"What about Lady Dena and the girls she has been training?  I informed you before my son, that your female companions will not be accompanying us into the battle. They are expected returned to Edoras after we leave," Theoden said looking harshly at the boy.

"I wasn't inferring that they would be coming along with us into the battle.  But if this upcoming fight is as big as Aragorn is inferring then there will be casualties.  Back on Earth, the military realized that the sooner a wounded man received medical attention, the better chance he had at surviving," said the teen in a serious voice.

"You wish me to allow these females to come along to take care of the injured soldiers?  They will stay away from the immediate danger of the fight."  The king asked and began to ponder his son's request

Mike nodded, "That's basically it.  Dena, Karen, and the girls they have been training will ride behind us and set up a first aid station far enough from the battle to be out of any danger, yet close enough that the wounded can be brought there quickly."

"Lady Karen as well?" asked the king. "What does the scout from Boulder have to do with a Medical unit?"  The King asked eyeing the woman who was speaking with Dena out of distance to hear the conversation taking place among the men.

Mike pointed towards Xander Cage, "I was talking to Xander after the adoption party and he mentioned that Karen had been Pre-Med at the University of California, Berkley, before the plague hit."

Aragorn had walked up to go over the upcoming battle in time to hear the conversation. "I see, so she is a skilled healer like Lady Dena."  Aragorn interjected into the conversation.  The Ranger turned to Theoden and said, "These women may be useful in the battle to come, my lord."

Mike nodded, "I realize why you don't want any of us within a hundred miles of Minis Tirith and I can't tell you how that make me feel.  But as my fire support section will help secure our victory so Dena's MASH unit will help save the wounded."

"I will allow these females to accompany us, however I am going to make myself very clear at this moment, they are not be in any battle. They must be far enough away from the fight that I will not worry for their safety."  The king said and motioned fro his son to come closer.

Mike came closer, replying, "I am in complete agreement with you that one.  They will be away from the battlefield and safe as they can be anywhere in Middle Earth. I promise you."

Theoden nodded. "Michael, I am allowing them to come because they will far from the battle, but Erica and Reggie  I can not have along, they have proven themselves to hard to keep from battle situation.  I see a spark of fire in both their eyes that I see in yours. I do not wish for them to get hurt and require that you do not tell them that I am allowing Dena to come along until the last possible moment."  The king told his son quietly.

Mike nodded, "I will do as you ask and not tell them.  But I have released Erica from active duty and Reggie was never part of my command to begin with.  So, I no longer have any control over either of them.  I just thought you should know."

"I understand, but as long as we are clear on this point, you may inform your medical team that they to be accompanying us to Minis Tirith," The king said as he sent his son on his way.

Mike smiled, "Thanks Dad.  I knew you would understand."

Theoden just smiled and returned to his earlier conversation that he was holding with Eomer and Aragorn

++++

Mike walked away from the adults and went in search of the girls.  A Royal Guardsman directed the teen to Eowyn's tent where he overheard the girls talking.  He knocked on the tent-post, yelling out, "You guys decent?"

"If we weren't, you would probably still come in." Dena jeered "But we are so come in already."

The teen ducked into the tent, noticing that Matt was sitting near Eowyn, petting Rusty. He retorted, "You still haven't gotten over me walking into the class when you were fixing your panty hose?"

"No and I doubt I will ever. How would you feel if I walked in on you when you were putting on your pants?" Dena laughed and asked "so what's up?"

"Besides, there was no door and you were in the middle of the classroom.  There was no expectation of privacy.  At least I respected you enough to not cover my eyes, drop into a fetal position while moaning, 'My eyes, my eyes.  Somebody put out my eyes.'"

Mike turned back to Eowyn who looked like she was about to say something. "You had to be there," said the teen.

"Yes I guess I would."  She answered with a smile

Dena glared at the boy and laughed, slapping on the arm. "I guess I would have done same if I saw you without a shirt."

Xander Cage and Karen looked at each other and smiled in response to the banter.

"Now if you had been there without a shirt, I would have begged somebody to put out my eyes." Mike laughed, "There are some things no man should be forced to see."

Dena looked around and declared, "I don't see one."

All three females began to laugh at the quip and Matt joined in as well.

"Then you need new glasses," retorted the teen.  "But to get back on track, I talked to Dad about bringing you and Karen along when we ride out tomorrow."

Dena's eyes grew bright and she reached for her rifle, "Cool I'll get my Battle gear ready."  

Karen nodded over the news that the boy had finally shown some sense. "It's about time you convinced your Daddy that American women can kick some major ass."  Karen retorted.

Mike held up his hands, "The no fighting rule still stands.  I convinced the king that we needed a medical unit near the battle area to give first aid to any wounded." Looking to Karen, he asked, "How far along in medical school did you get?"

"Less than a year and I would have be an OR doctor."  Karen replied with a little disappointed that she couldn't finish her degree.

"Well as of right now, you and Dena are heading up Rohan's first MASH unit. Your medical skills will be more valuable than your fighting."

"Mike I am not sure there is enough supplies here for the upcoming battle.  We'll need to spend the next couple days getting more.  Can you ask you dad to arrange for help?" Dena asked.

Mike shook his head, "We don't have the time. We'll be riding out in the morning.  I need you two to canvas the camp and get whatever medical supplies and food you can scrounge."

"Can and will do." Dena replied "Karen lets get to it."

"Right behind you," Karen said as she followed Dena out of the tent but she did she grabbed Xander's arm dragging him out of the tent. "And you can HELP"

Mike waited for the two girls and former extreme sportsman to leave before turning to the other point he had come to discuss. The teen knelt down in front of Matt and looked the boy in the eye, "Hey Matt, I've got an important job for you and I can't trust anybody else with it."

"Really, what is it?" The boy asked as his eyes glowed with excitement of being entrusted with a duty of his own.

Reaching out to scratch the Irish Setter behind the ears, the teen answered, "You see I'm going to be gone for a few days and I need someone to take care of Rusty.  It's an important job."

"Rusty, you want me to take care of her." The glow in Matt's eyes faded. "I guess I could do that."

Mike looked over to Eowyn, mentally pleading, turning back to the boy he continued, "That's not all.  As prince, I'll need somebody to hold down the fort in Edoras until I return.  Can I count on you?"

"I can do that!!" Matt said jumping for joy at his task. "Auntie Eowyn, did you hear that? Mike wants me to hold down the fort at Edoras."

Mike smiled, "Now, you will need to make sure Rusty is fed and taken out to use the bathroom every night."

"I can do that too." the boy said hugging Mike and turned to the Rusty who wagged her tail and began licking the young boy's face.

"Why don't you go see your Dad," suggested Mike.  "We'll be riding out in the morning."

"Okay" the boy exclaimed as he ran out of the tent in search of Eomer. "I can't wait to tell dad."

Mike watched as the boy ran out, followed closely by the dog.  Turning back to Eowyn he said, "Who will be looking after Matt while we are gone?"

"I will have a few of the ladies watching over him." She answered unsure if the teen had overheard Dena, Karen and her speaking earlier about her possible venture into the battle

Mike nodded, "Good and Rusty will keep his mind off his father and grandfather being gone."  Grinning at the shieldmaiden, Mike asked, "Want to bet where Rusty will be sleeping?"

"I am sure she will be resting with young Matthew.  She loves to be in the company of someone when she is sleeping.  And since you and Dena will not be there, that duty now rest on my nephew." Eowyn said with a smile

Mike laughed, "Yeah, that dog is one of the biggest babies I have ever seen.  I know Dad is sending you back to Edoras with the women and children.  How are you handling it?"

"I have much concern, my cousin.  My place is not in Edoras at this time.  I should be fighting along side my uncle and brother." the shieldmaiden sighed

Mike nodded, "I know what you mean.  I only convinced him to let me go as long as I agreed to stay out of bow range and not do anything brash.  Now, I ask you, am I the type of person to do anything brash?"

The shieldmaiden smiled and began to giggle slightly. "My cousin, I know all to well that you are the type of person to do something brash. But if you know what is good for you should not when it comes to dealing with my uncle."

Mike smiled, "I may have pulled a few stunts back home.  But in combat, I weigh every decision carefully.  I am just a very aggressive leader who leads from the front."

"I know, I know, my cousin I have heard you tell this to my uncle many of times." Eowyn said shaking her head. "I also know that when you lead from the front you take many chances. Just be careful."

++++

Aragorn left swiftly after the conversation with the King and Eomer to ready his belonging for the trip through the pass and into the cavern of the Dead. As he left he was joined by Legolas and Gimli and rode off towards the door under through the mountain.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Haunted Pass

Near the entrance to the Dwimorburg

Land of Rohan

0500 hours

March 13, 3019

(Middle Earth)

Legolas, who was still a little down hearted that Erica had not said goodbye to him, snapped out of his state at the sound of human heart beats ahead of them. "Someone is lurking ahead."

"What do your elven ears hear?" Aragorn whispered to the elf beside him.

"Two human heart beats."

"Only two? Good I can take them my self." Gimli huffed.

"How far ahead are they?" The Ranger asked as he readied his sword

"Less than a few hundred yards."

"We must strike quick, I doubt they are friends." Aragorn said.

"That I agree laddie. No friend of ours would be caught dead here." Gimli remarked as he raises his axe for battle

Gimli dismounted the horse and ran ahead of his friends to get the kill. He jumped out in front of two cloaked figures. "It is about Damn time, Shortshit." Reggie said as she took off her night goggles. "Next time if you're not careful, you might get shot" she laughed as she lowers her weapon.

"See I told you I could get a nap in before they got here," Erica remarked with a yawn.

"Yeah, I know. It is a good thing I didn't make that bet."

"What are you two doing here?" Aragorn demanded.

"We are here to save the day of course." Reggie said with an evil grin.

"But we were told to do so by Gramps, sorry you know him as Gandalf." Erica replied ignoring her cousin stealing her line.

Legolas stared straight at the girls, "This no place for children."

"Tell that to Gramps he and Lady Galadriel made sure that we were to stick close by Aragorn." Erica snapped at the elf as she got on her horse.

"Well let's get this show on the road. There is a battle ahead, boys." Reggie said as she mounted her horse. Legolas recognized the horse and the elfish saddle. "Where did she come from?" He questioned pointing at the horse.

"From someone who treats us like the warriors we are." Erica replied as she got her horse next to Aragorn's. The teen looked at the Ranger and asked, "Well are we going to sit here all day or are we going to face the dead?"

At this point Mr. Cuddles who had been sitting on the rock jumped onto Reggie's horse and meowed letting everyone know that he was ready to go.

"You brought that feline?" Gimli said as he pointed at the cat

"Short shit, I am betting that he will make more kills than you." Reggie sneered at the dwarf and began to laugh

"I'll take that bet." Erica chuckled

"Oh no! No bets are to be made with you, cus." Reggie jeered

Legolas moved closer to Aragorn and whispered to him in elfish. "We should send them back. This is no place for these girls."

Even though Erica couldn't understand what they were saying she had a pretty good idea and gave Legolas a dirty look.

Aragorn answered the elf back in elfish saying, "If Gandalf and Lady Galadriel sent them there must be a reason. They will come with us."

The next several hours went by in silence.

Gimli interrupted the silences as he began to shake a little. "This place chills me to the bone."

"Many years ago, a group of warriors pledged to the last king of Gondor to come to his aid. But when the time came and when Gondor need was direr, they fled and vanished into the darkness of the Mountain. And so Isildor cursed them never to rest until they fulfilled their pledge." Legolas told his companions

"You're not helping." Erica hissed at the elf as she wrapped her self tighter in the cloak she had been given

"He is merely telling us the legend, we already know." Reggie whispered to her cousin. "Do not fear, remember in the story the ghost king comes to the aid of Aragorn, we'll be fine, I think." Reggie continued as she bit her lip at that her cousin hit her in the arm to get her to shut up

"Oww" Reggie said as she rubbed her arm. Legolas looked directly at the girls strangely and wondered what Reggie was talking about because even though she whispered to her cousin his elfish ear heard everything. "I'll change the subject." Reggie whispered and says aloud directing the question mostly towards Legolas. "Hey does anyone know what this horse's name is? She a great horse but I don't want to keep referring to as horse. It is kind of rude."

"You do not know her name?" Aragorn questioned

"Ahhh, no. Why would I ask if I did?" Reggie retorted

A strange wind whistled about the girl as a soothing female voice answered the girl's nagging question. "Chula"

"Whoa what was that?" Reggie said a tad un-nerved by the strange voice but somewhat calmed by it as well.

"What was what, cus?" Erica questioned

Reggie looked at her cousin as her eyes widened and replied. "A strange voice, I think just told me her name." The girl then looked forward and leaned in close to the horse. "Is your name Chula" The horse whinnied and tossed her head in reply happy to hear her name. "Then Chula it is." Reggie giggled and stroked the horse's neck.

"Her name is Chula everyone." Reggie announced to her companions who just looked at the girl strangely.

They rode most of the evening.  Gimli notice that the two young girls needed to rest decided to make his friends break for the night.

"Enough I need off this Foul steed." Gimli told then as he jumped off the horse. "We rest here." 

Aragorn hitched his horse to a nearby stump and looked at the girls, "You two need to get your sleep.  I'll take first watch."

Reggie yawned and countered, "Sleep who needs that."

The Ranger looked to Legolas, Gimli and grinned.  "Apparently, you do, Mistress Reggie."

"But so do your Aragorn.  I will take first watch."  Legolas told him.

Aragorn nodded, "Very Well, I will rest once the girls are resting."

"Oh, perhaps you are right.  But I think sleep won't come easily." Reggie answered as she laid out her stuff and curled up shivering with the cold night air flowing over her.

Aragorn smiled and draped his cloak over the girl before returning to his place by the fire.

"Thanks" Reggie replied and wished it was Haldir's cloak.

Legolas moved over to Erica and gently shook her, "Wake up, we are sharing the watch."

"Huh.  Okay."  The teen said as she got up and grabbed her M-16.

The elf went back to the fire and stoked it while waiting for Erica to join him.

Erica yawned and started looking around before stating.  "You could have a mile high fire in this place and it would still be cold."

Legolas smiled, "Then it is fortunate elves do not feel the cold like mortals.  However if you like, I could lend you my cloak to keep warm."

"No thank you.  The cold will help me keep awake for my watch."  Erica remarked.

"Why did you want me to stand watch with you?"  Erica finally asked as she noticed his coldness to her since they met up earlier.

Legolas looked out into the night, "This is no place for a couple young girls."

"Listen, I told you that Gandalf told me stay with Aragorn.  So that's what I am doing.   If you got a problem with that bitch at him and don't take it out on me.  At least he believes us to be warriors and not children."  Erica snapped

Legolas shook his head, "I am not bitching as you say but you are much too young to be fighting a war.  I am concerned for both you and your cousin's safety, especially where we are going."

"Yeah so we are young but it has to be done and I am just like Mike I can't and won't sit by and watch my friends and family die without trying to do something about it, you old

Fart."  Erica angrily remarked

"I respect the Lady Galadriel's and Mithandir's decision.  I only hope it does not result in your injury or death."

"I really wonder if you truly care or if it's just a show?"  Erica quietly questioned

The elf sighed, "I do care and have done so since you and your friends came to this world.  I just don't want to see you get hurt.  We will be facing more than mere orcs on this journey and I desire your safety."

Erica walked over to him and took his face into her hands having him look into her green eyes and asked.  "But how do you feel for me?"

"You are my friend and I am concerned for your well being." Legolas said and turned from the girl. A moment later, he turned back and took the girl in his arms to keep her from shaking in the cold night breeze.

Erica accepted the embrace but it was her heart breaking that caused her the shiver.

The two sat as Legolas began singing to her while she cuddled closer to him for warmth.

After a while he noticed her sleeping and picked up a small pebble and tossed it at Aragorn to wake him up.

Aragorn shook his head and sat up, "Is it my time?"

Legolas nodded and covered the sleeping girl on his shoulder with his cloak

Aragorn walked over, "You should get some rest as well."

"I will but I can not move, because if I do she shall awaken." the elf whispered

as the girl stirred

"Then sleep there.  I' will keep watch."

"Thank you my friend."  Legolas says as he went into his elven sleep.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Rohirrim Gathering

Hold of Dunharrow

Land of Rohan

0800 hours

March 13, 3019

(Middle Earth)

The next morning, the Rohirrim broke camp and prepared to ride off.  King Theoden rode through the camp telling the Riders to pack light and be ready to ride.  He made one final pass through the camp to find his new son waiting at his tent. Mike had spent the morning with David and Earl preparing his unit to move out

"We leave immediately will your machine be able to keep up?"  Theoden asked riding closer to the tent as he looked worriedly at his new son.

Satisfied with the preparations, the teen waited for his father to ride up before saying,

"We are good to go, father.  The MAP should be able to keep up."

"Be safe my son."  Theoden stated as he moved out

"I will father, I will," vowed the teen.  He quickly mounted Nickie and leaned over to tell the horse, "Looks like we are heading into battle.  You ready?" The horse stamped her foot and snorted as if to say "Damn straight."

Mike grinned and moved over to Earl and David, "I just told Dad the unit was ready to move out.  Are you?"

"Yeah, I guess. When are we leaving?' The teens said in unison as they looked at each other.

Mike turned around towards the front of the camp.  "I would say about now."  Mike pointed towards where the King was forming up the Riders.  "We had better get up there or dad is going to leave us behind."

David pulled out his bugle and blew a few notes.

The teens led their troop over to the head of the column.  Stopping near the king, Mike saluted, "SIR, my people are waiting the order."

Theoden nodded and ordered, "Move out."

Mike followed right behind Theoden and Eomer.  As the Riders moved out, Earl noticed there was something strange about one of the Riders and mentioned it to David.  "Hey David, you notice anything different about that horse with two riders?"

"What are you talking about?" The teen asked

"I just get the feeling I know the tall one.  Of course the other is our hobbit friend Merry."

"Shut up boys or I will have to hurt you."  Dena said as she began riding up to boys and passing them.

"I definitely know that voice." Earl smiled at his friend as she rode off

David returned the grin, "And I would obey that rider's orders if I were you."

"Yes Sir."  The teens laughed.

Mike moved alongside Theoden and asked, "How long will it take to get there?"

"Three days hard ride."

"I take it we are not stopping for night?"

"We will stop occasionally so that both the men and the horses will have enough strength to fight." The king answered

Mike nodded then waited a while before saying, "I wanted to go over how I'll deploy my people."

Theoden answered, "That will be fine as long as they are as far back as those weapons can keep them." 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Dwimorberg (The City of the Dead)

Land of Rohan

1100 hours

March 14, 3019

(Middle Earth)

Aragorn and his companions rose with the sun's first light and travel farther into the mountain pass only to find themselves in front a large door. The Ranger dismounted and began leading his increasingly frightened steed towards the entrance.

"The way is shut. the door shut. It was made by those who are dead and the dead keep it. The way is shut."  Legolas said, reading the symbols on the doorway.

Erica looked to Reggie and shook her head. Turning back to the elf she said, "You are a mood killer." 

"You're telling me." Reggie remarked as a scary wind and eerie feeling spooked the horses.

His companions followed The Ranger's lead and also dismounted.  Aragorn had reached the entrance when his horse bolted and ran off, followed by the others.  The Ranger took one last look at the departing horses and vowed, "It matters not I will not be stopped." He charged into the cavern declaring without concern for himself, "I do not fear death."

Legolas followed behind the ranger with Erica close after him. Finally the dwarf remarked on the irony of the situation after staring befuddle at the giant entry way, "This is something unheard of. An Elf would go underground, when a Dwarf dare not. Oh, I'd never hear the end of it." Gimli said as he was about to go into the cavern.

At the dwarfs remark, Reggie walked up behind him and slapped him on the shoulder saying, "Damn straight Short Shit."  She quickly followed her cousin inside with Gimli trailing after her.

In side the Cave, a cold, foreboding wind blew all around them as Aragorn lit a torch. They followed a darken passage into the center of a cave where a ghostly King appeared before them and declared eerily.  "The way is shut and the dead keep it. None that come shall pass. Who dares enter?"

"One who shall have your allegiance!" Aragorn demanded.

"The dead do not suffer the living."  The King sneered.

At the ghost words Thousands of other apparitions started to appear and surround the group from across the chasm.

"Can I shit my pants?"  Erica quietly asked her cousin who was at her back.

Reggie replied in an equally quiet voice. "Been there, Done that, Got the stain."

The Dead king started to laugh as Legolas shot an arrow through him.

"You shall suffer me," Aragorn informed the spirit. "I have summoned you to fulfill your oaths."

"None but the King of Gondor can command me."  The Dead King hissed and swung his blade at Aragorn who used his own blade to stop it.

"The blade was broken."  The Dead king said in disbelief.

"It's has been remade."  Aragorn answered while grabbing the dead king around the neck and throwing him back.

Turning to the other ghosts Aragorn offered.  "Fight for us  and reclaim your honor.... What Say you?..... What Say?"

Gimli looked over the assembled ghosts and snorted, "You are wasting your time Aragorn. They had no honor in life they have none in death." 

This time it was the dwarf who was surprised when the ghost quickly swore allegiance to the Ranger and began following him outside.

Upon exiting the cavern Legolas paused and allowed others to go pass him as he wanted to speak to Erica without an audience.

"Erica may I have a moment?"  The elf said as he allowed the others to pass him while he grabbed her arm.

"What's up?"  Erica asks as she slowed her pace at the elf touch and looked at him.

"I would like to speak to you about your plans for this battle." Legolas said releasing the girl's arm

"Oh great, here it comes again."  Erica thought to herself than said.  "Plans are to take out as many bad guys as possible."



"I believe that you and your cousin should stay behind us once the battle begins.  We will protect you from danger." The elf began to say



"Listen, I am not hearing this.  I am tired of this crap.  This is my new home and my family that the evil bastards are threatening, I am fighting and so is my cus."  Erica snapped at him



"Fighting is one thing, but I worry that death will take you and your cousin in this war.  Are you not worried for your safety as well as your cousin's?" Legolas said pointing at the brunet walking beside Gimili

"Death....she and I have seen it happening for the last 6 months, it's nothing new! You really have no idea what it's like to watch thousands upon thousands of people die before your eyes, a slow and painful death.  We should be dead but we not and we won't stand by and watch more die when there is something we can do about it.  So back hell off!!"  Erica angrily retorted.



Legolas stared into the girl's eyes as anger grew inside her. "All I am saying is that this battle maybe too much for you, since death has already been plaguing your mind." He said with concern and compassion for Erica.

"Don't go there elf, it's not a pretty place, but it's set for battle and I am not changing it."  Erica replies.

Sensing that he was getting nowhere in this conversation he sought a different way of convincing the female. "Do you believe it wise that your mind has been set for battle the whole time you have been in this realm?  You have not had a mind of anything else.  I fear that you will lose yourself in the darkness that seeks to consume you in battle."

Erica first response was to slap him as she did she said.  "Get off you fucking high horse and leave me alone.  You are no friend..."  Erica than walked away, obviously furious with overprotective male.

The elf was stunned by the girl response and did not pursue the conversation further as he watched Erica leave his presence.

Reggie heard a loud slap that had originated from behind her.  She turned to see her cousin storm off from a very stunned Legolas.  As Erica approached with a grizzly look of pure unadulterated anger in her eyes, Reggie asked with concern for her cousin mood. "What's wrong? Did the elf piss you off; I can go beat him up if you like"

"Yes he did but kicking his ass will be done by me but later."  Erica said as she stormed off to catch up with Aragorn.

"Okay...not going to quibble with you about it."  Reggie called after her cousin "Hmm…I might just have to have my own chat with the elf."

++++

Corsair Landing

River Anduin

1100 hours

March 16, 3019

(Middle Earth)

A great glowing swell of green swept over the plains of Gondor as the Army of the Dead followed Aragorn towards the river.  Rising over a crest, Aragorn pointed towards a group of ships resting on the shore.  "There lies our transportation to the White City."

"Oh great! Reggie I hope you got those sick pill for your cat,"  Erica mumbled.

"I always do. Never know when I am going to have to be on a boat."  Reggie replied

Legolas jogged closer to Erica, "How are you holding up?"

"I am fine as if you care."  Erica snapped at the elf with the pain still fresh from their last argument.

"Gimli, keep up or you are going to miss the boat." Reggie called back to the dwarf.

The elf placed his hand on the teen's shoulder to get her attention.  "I was referring to your unease with being so close to the dead."

The dwarf just huffed and puffed as he ran trying to keep up with the rest of the group. "Do I need to have Mr. Cuddles give you a little motivation?" Reggie jeered at the dwarf threatening him with the cat.

Gimli stared at the teen before tersely replying, "As I said before I am a sprinter not a runner."

Aragorn looked back to the girls and said, "We do not have time to bicker.  We must reach those ships before the Corsairs sail off."

"Fine, how do you want to handle the baddies on board?"  Erica asked as she ran up next to him.

Reggie snorted and said under her breath, "Whatever you want boss."  

The Ranger pointed towards the green wave flowing over the hill and rushing towards the boats.  Black specks could be seen jumping into the water as pirates jumped into the river and began swimming off.  "We do not have to do anything.  The dead have already taken care of the problem."

"And here I was looking forward to a little warm up." Reggie said as she ran closer to her cousin.

"Spoil sports."  Erica hissed

Legolas began running towards the ship.  As he passed by the girls, he informed Erica, "We will talk afterwards."

"Don't count on it."  Erica said without looking at the elf.

At Erica's harsh words Aragorn glanced over at the teen.

Gimli grinned as he too ran pass the girls, "You girls are slow today."

"Oh shut up short shit" Reggie sneered as she began to run faster and was in the same stride as the dwarf as she once again began to pass the dwarf with Mr. Cuddles who laid resting on her shoulder smiling evilly at Gimli.

The Ranger was waiting at the leading boat when the girls ran up.  He gave Reggie a stern look and asked, "Would you like me to talk to Gandalf about your language, Young Lady?"

Erica smiled at the thought

"What I didn't say anything he wouldn't have said to get the dwarf to move faster," Reggie said innocently

Aragorn crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow, "Well?"

"Face it girl, he's worse than a big brother."  Erica smiled

"Hey, what can I say I learned to swear from some one very special and important in my life and I don't think that I will be changing my ways anytime soon."  Reggie said sweetly remembering her grandfather teaching her how to swear as she began to laugh

Aragorn responded, "I seem to recall, the good Wizard was not too pleased with Erica's language.  Do you really think he will be pleased with yours?"

"Well no, but what can I do, I said what said." Reggie laughed and looked the ranger in the eyes and said "I am sure he'll say something to me later, and I doubt I won't slip up in front of him. So lay off, okay.  I'll work on the language problem."

"Reggie doesn't this remind you of the rebuilt Private ship we got to sail on last year.  We should be able to helps sail it."  Erica said as she glanced at the ship

Aragorn sighed then patted the girl on the head, "Very well we need to be off.  Minas Tirith will need us if it has any hope of survival, much less victory."

"Yeah, this is almost an exact replica of it," Reggie remarked looking at the sails on the mast.

"Yes sir."  Erica answered as she headed for the bow to untie the boat.

As the boat pulled out into the river, Gimli walked over to Erica and Reggie, commenting, "At least we don't have Mike or Earl with us.  I shudder to think what those two would be up to with one of these boats."

Reggie nodded and agreed completely with the dwarf, "I would hate to think about those two would do aboard this thing."

As they started to sail off, Erica headed towards front of the ship to get away from the elf and think when Aragorn approached her.

"I noticed that you and Legolas have not been speaking lately.  What is wrong?" asked the Ranger.

"Ask him.  The greater than now elf," Erica sneered. "Sorry Aragorn."

"It is alright, however I would rather hear it from you," answered the Ranger

"It's just he keeps pissing me off.  One minute he's all nice and comforting to me. And the next he's treating me as though I am a baby, who can't handle herself in a fight."

"He is just concerned for you as am I," Aragorn said placing a hand on the girl's shoulder

"I know I've been having nightmares but they don't affect my battle judgment.  Plus, he's been more moody with me than a woman on her period." Erica huffed.

Aragorn sighed, "That's because you are so young in his eyes and in mine as well.  I still am uneasy about having you in this fight."

"Don't you start! Gramps knows I can handle myself and he wouldn't have sent me if I couldn't do the job.  And you trust him, doubt you?"  Erica questioned.

Aragorn countered, "I know what Gandalf said and I do trust him.  But, I still am uneasy with having someone so young in a battle.  Theoden had no choice at Helms Deep.  Here it's different."

As Erica was talking with Aragorn, Reggie decided to confront the elf about his attitude earlier towards her cousin and her.  "Legolas may I speak to you?" Reggie asked politely.

Legolas looked over at the girl, "What is it?"

"Okay, I don't know you really well, and it is nice that you are concerned for us, but you need to realize something."  Reggie said.

"But since your mind is set.  I will abide by Gandalf's decision.  Just be careful." Aragorn said looking into Erica's green eyes.

"There is no difference my new home and my family are threaten.  I will fight either way.  I will, but you better do the same."  Erica answered.

"We are not like normal women, girls or children that you have come into contact with. Our grandfather, you know him as Gandalf taught us to take care of ourselves and he sent Erica on this mission and I would not leave her side that is why I am here."  Reggie said looking at the elf with much certainty in her voice.  "You may not like having us here but we are here and we will be fighting in this battle whether you like it or not."

Legolas turned back to the rail, "You are both so young.  You should be safe at home not riding off to death and destruction."

"That is ultimately our decision to make. We are not fragile creatures, that need to be shielded from this battle. You are right to think that we are too young, but you are wrong that we can not handle this battle. We have seen death and destruction, so this battle does and will not change our minds of what we must do to win against the evil plaguing this world."  Reggie replied with much strength and conviction for the responsibilities that she and her cousin had set out to accomplish.

"Oh great looks like Reg is having it out with elf boy.  You better go save him."  Erica told Aragorn who went to save his elven friend from the girl's cousin, as she turned back around and looks off in to the distances.

+++

As the boast sailed towards Osgiliath, one of the girls began zoning out and having a vision of events from afar.

"OH, SHIT! That is one Fucking big Spider," Erica whispered.

Gimli began looking around and finally spotted a little black spider running across the deck.  Being a gentleman, he flattened it with his foot, saying, "You want have to worry about that little fellow.  I never knew you were scared of spiders.

"Get him! Look out!"  Erica screamed.

"Lady Erica, are you okay?" Aragorn said turning back to the girl who started cheering at some unknown person and ducked at an unseen foe.

The dwarf placed his hand on her shoulder to steady her, "Look Missy I killed it.  It's only a spot on the deck."

"Take that you Bitch!"  Erica cheered

Erica's voice drew Reggie and Legolas from their discussion.  They stopped their conversation and followed her voice to bow of the desk. "What is going on?" Reggie began to question as she ducked from her cousin's flailing arms.

The dwarf turn back towards Reggie who had just arrived and said, "I think your cousin has finally lost her mind.  Not that she had much to lose, mind you."

"Oh she has one but at this moment I think it has jumped ship." Reggie replied

The Dead King stepped forward and said.  "Master Dwarf remove you hand from her. She is not aware of anything but what she is seeing."

The dead king's voice grabbed the other's attention and as one, they turned to the ghost. "What is she seeing?" Aragorn questioned.

"I do not know but her aura is blue.  She is seeing something far away."  The King answered.

"What should we do?" asked the Ranger

"Leave her alone until the vision is done.  That is all that can be done.  Just make sure she doesn't hurt herself."  He replied.

"Yeah Haw... That's got to hurt..... Noooo... Frodo...."  Erica said with tears coming down her eyes.

"Are you sure she is really close to edge to ship." Reggie said as pointed to Erica's position.

"Very well," answered the Ranger, who stood back and waited.

"She is crying" Legolas observed as he noticed the girls tears.

"You and Me Sam, Go for it."  Erica said as she began to move and started to fall over the edge of the ship.

Both Aragorn and Gimli ran up and grabbed an arm to keep her on the boat.

"ERICA" Reggie screamed as she rushed to her cousin.

Erica blinked several times as her friends came into view.  "That was weird."

"What the hell was that about?" Reggie said hugging her cousin.

Aragorn asked, "What did you see?"

"I saw something really strange... It's like that dream I had back on Earth but this time it was so clear...." Erica said looking at Legolas.

"This was no dream child" The ghostly king said approaching the girl.

Legolas nodded and asked, "Would you like to tell us about it?"

"You remember I told you about that spider dream that I had back on Earth well.  It was it."  Erica said.

"Sam fought the spider and won.  But we thought Frodo was dead but he wasn't."

"That Bitch stung him but all she did was knock him out.  Sam is going after him."  Erica said with a large smile.

Aragorn turned to the ghost, asking, "Why did you say it was no dream?"

"She has the Gift of sight."  He answered.

"How so?"

"Spiders, great, this adventure is starting to become a lot of fun." Reggie uttered sarcastically.

"There is strong power in her but this gift is only the start.  We felt it when she arrived in our dwelling place.  It is a power that hasn't been felt in many years."

"What the hell do you mean?" Erica snapped at the King.

Gimli rested his axe, "Yes, what do you mean?"

"You are the granddaughter of a wizard." Legolas interjected. "A white wizard, there is an old legend of the last of the Fire Birds to be reborn in a child not of this place."  He began to explain.

"That is the next part of the Legend, that it be a descendent of a White Wizard."  The dead king said as he realized the colossal impact that the girl would have on this world.

"Go on," urged Aragorn.

"What?" Reggie exclaimed "It's like we entered into an X file episode."

At that Erica smacked her cousin saying.  "I swear if I hear one smart ass comment about Jean Grey I am kicking your ass."

"I said X files not Xmen you blonde fool." Reggie sneered rubbing her arm, "See if I care if you fall overboard next time."

"But seriously what else does the legend say?"  Erica asked.

Gimli raised an eyebrow and asked, "Lady Reggie, who is this Jean Grey?"

"She was a fictional character from a comic book series on Earth.  She was supposed to possess a great fire bird within her."  Reggie answered

"That the Phoenix would be a sign of the return of the King and...."  The King began to say but was hesitant.  "The legend further speaks of when the King of men return many things would change and worlds' of many would unite but at great cost."

"What is the cost?"  Erica asked.

"I am sorry but it never said."  The King replied.

Gimli turned back to Aragorn, "Well you are the King of Man, so would Erica be the Phoenix?"

"That one f-upped legend." Reggie said catching her self on the bad word and began to question the dead king. "Does this mean she has the power to create fire like phoenix? But the Phoenix must die to be reborn?  What the hell is this all suppose to mean?"

Aragorn asked, "And what does this have to do with this Jean Grey?"

"Get off the Xmen bit guys, new freakin subject." Reggie exclaimed throwing her arms in the air. "I will explain the whole Jean Grey bit, later."

"Long story short she was good but with that much power she became bad and her friends had to kill her to stop the evil she was spreading."  Erica answered. 

"That will not happen to you."  Legolas said reassuring the girl

"Thanks..."  Erica says with a worried look.

Aragorn shook his head, "Then we will lay this news aside for later as we near Osgiliath and must prepare."

++++++++++++++++++++

Five miles west of Minas Tirith

Land of Gondor

0845 hours

March 16, 3019

(Middle Earth)

The Rohirrim rode day and night, taking short rest breaks before continuing towards the White City.  It was not long before they say the black smoke rising into the horizon.  Riding alongside Theoden and Eomer were the Boulder scouts as well as Mike and Earl. 

Looking at the smoke, Mike spouted, "Half a league, half a league,

 Half a league onward,

All in the valley of Death

 Rode the six hundred

Earl nodded and added," "Forward, the Light Brigade!

"Charge for the guns!" he said

Into the valley of Death

 Rode the six hundred."

Mike continued, "Forward, the Light Brigade!"

Was there a man dismay'd?

Not tho' the soldier knew

 Someone had blunder'd

Their's not to make reply,

Their's not to reason why,

Their's but to do and die

Into the valley of Death

 Rode the six hundred."

"What are you two talking about?" Eomer questioned from beside the two teens, puzzled by the conversation they were having.

Xander, the Boulder scout had been listening and answered the Horsemaster, "They are reciting a poem from our world called 'The Charge of the Light Brigade."

Mike didn't answer, but added, "Cannon to right of them,

Cannon to left of them,

Cannon in front of them

 Volley'd and thunder'd;

Storm'd at with shot and shell,

Boldly they rode and well,

Into the jaws of Death,

Into the mouth of Hell

 Rode the six hundred.

Earl, picked up with, "Flash'd all their sabres bare,

Flash'd as they turn'd in air,

Sabring the gunners there,

Charging an army, while

All the world wonder'd

Plunged in the battery-smoke

Right thro' the line they broke;

Cossack and Russian

Reel'd from the sabre stroke

Shatter'd and sunder'd.

Then they rode back, but not

Not the six hundred."

"Quite poetic for the exchange that we're going to be in," Xander said, still listening to the teens reciting the poem

Mike stared straight ahead as he finished, "Cannon to right of them,

Cannon to left of them,

Cannon behind them

Volley'd and thunder'd;

Storm'd at with shot and shell,

While horse and hero fell,

They that had fought so well

Came thro' the jaws of Death

Back from the mouth of Hell,

All that was left of them,

Left of six hundred."

Xander turned to David and asked, "Do they do that a lot? Just randomly spout of things?"

Earl grinned, "You'll get used to it if you hang around us long enough."

Mike turned back to his father, cousin, and explained, "Over a hundred years ago one of the great nations of Earth, Great Britain, sent an army to fight Russia on the Crimean Peninsula.  At a place named Balaclava the armies clashed.  The Light Brigade was a cavalry unit ordered to capture some enemy artillery.  The poem honors the men who made that charge.  Looking at what faces us, the poem seems suddenly relevant."

"Thank you my son for such honor of hearing this poem.  You are right, relevance of that ode in the peril that we must face to save the innocents of our world." Theoden replied knowing that in this battle many of his forces would die to save all that was good left in the world

The teen took a quick look at the terrain ahead and asked the king, "With your permission, I'll ride ahead and deploy my people on those two hills.  We'll be set up and ready to give supporting fire as soon as the rest of the Rohirrim arrive."

"You may my son, but stay out of any direct fighting; I do not wish to loose you."  Theoden replied allowing his son to go off to set up the artillery on the hills to cover his force with fire support

Mike raised his right hand in the air and made a circling motion, calling Earl and David to him.  He waited for the two to ride up before pointing towards the hills.  "David, Earl, you see those two hills South of us?"

"Yes Sir." Both of them answered in unison.

"David, I want you to take your people to the hill on the right.  Deploy your mortars and be ready to lay down some heavy fire on the enemy after the Rohirrim ride up."

"Yes sir." David said saluting and called his team to him as he rode off towards the hill Mike had directed him to be deployed

Mike turned back to Earl after David had left to carry out his orders, "Earl, we are setting up the fifty on the other hill."  Remembering that Xander Cage was nearby, Mike called out, "HEY Xander, Why don't you join us for a little target shooting?"

"My pleasure, but is there a safety on this thing that I need to be aware of." Xander laughed as he admired the 50 cal

Mike laughed and shook his head, "Sorry Xand, the fifty belongs to Earl.  You'll have to ask him if you can play with his toy.  For now, you will have to settle for the M-21."

"I can handle that" Xander said as Mike tossed him the M-21. "What's the plan kid?"

"Really simple, David softens up the enemy with a thirty second barrage then begins shifting fire further back as the Rohirrim charge in.  We are going to do the same with the fifty and sniper rifle.  Primary targets are leadership and anything big and nasty."

"So basically anything that doesn't resemble our team."  Xander replied with a sly grin

"Well yeah, but we have a finite number of bullets so save the orcs for last or if primary targets are out of range."

"Gotcha.  Wasting bullet is not advised.  Karen told me not to go crazy shooting things up, but if anything come my way its going get blown to pieces."

"Just remember the big things have a higher priority," answered Mike as he rode off towards the hill, motioning of the others to follow.

"No problem" Xander called after him and then followed.

+++

Mike, Earl, Xander, and their Rohirrim RTO galloped off to the second hill.  The Americans quickly dismounted as Mike called out to Xander, "Help Earl set up the fifty.  I'm going to take a look at the enemy lines."

"Sure, just be careful kid."  Xander said in a big brother voice.

Earl glanced back at his friend, "Uh Mike, remember, you promised your Dad that you wouldn't get near the fight."

Mike pulled out his binocular and began crawling to the edge of the hill.  "Don't worry; I'm just going to see what I can with the binoculars."

"Just don't do anything I would do." Earl said seriously

The teen crawled beside a bush and began looking over the enemy lines, noting the positions of various siege engines, catapults siege towers, and some creatures that looked to be elephants on steroids.  Satisfied with what he was seeing, the teen called out, "RADIO!"

Horsa, brother of Hengist, crouched down and sprinted over to the teen, and handed him the headset.  Mike took the receiver and began speaking, "Serpent Six to Serpent Red Six, come in Serpent Red Six."

"Serpent Red Six here, what the mission sir." David replied over his set surveying the field below his position

Crouching down beside his RTO and behind the bush, Mike continued, "Have you checked out the enemy positions? over."

"Yes Sir, I am spotting orcs at my twelve, and a line of something, really big elephant creatures at my nine...what do you advise....over."  David replied looking through his binocular that the massing army to his left

"Good, I want you to fire a spotting round at the center of the nearest rank facing us.  I will correct, over."

"Yes sir" replied the Rohirrim teen who did as David ordered

Almaric, one of the new recruits grabbed the smoke cartridge and attached the four charges to the base of the bomb.  He crouched beside the tube as his gunner made the necessary adjustments.  Finally he reached out and dropped the bomb into the muzzle.  A muffled whump was heard as the round was sent onto its target.

Mike was glued to his binoculars as the bomb detonated 20 yards behind his aiming point.  The white phosphorus bomb burst in a cloud of white smoke, flaming particles that doused any orc unfortunate to be nearby. The teen was so focussed on his fire direction that he didn't notice his father and cousin ride up with the rest of the Rohirrim.  Instead he called out the corrections, "Right ten, drop twenty, FIRE FOR EFFECT.  FIRE FOR EFFECT!"

David listened then repeated the corrections to his crews.  "Right stick ten, drop twenty. Use HE, charge four."

Almaric pulled the first M720 high explosive bomb from the carrying case, set the fuse to near surface burst and added four charges to the base of the round.  Handing it to David, the recruit reached for a second bomb and repeated his actions.  The second ammunition loader on the mortar team began doing likewise for the other tube.

"What are you doing?  The king called to his son crouched on the ground.

Mike didn't answer but watched on as the next two mortar bombs exploded over the Orc's heads.  He called in, "Serpent Six to Serpent Red Six, your fire is on target.  Shift fire, right five, over."  So engrossed with his task, the boy didn't hear the king but continued directing the barrage.

The king surveyed the landscape as he saw a burst of light come from a mortar that had been set up on the opposite hill.  "I see you have started the battle without me." The king said as he began to call his riders to line up for the battle.

Mike lowered his binoculars and turned back, "Oh, did you say something?"

"I asked you what you were doing, but I know now, that you have started the battle without your father and kin," The King replied as the riders began to line up behind him. "Stay out the field my son and beware of enemy fire."

Mike nodded and turned back to spot the incoming artillery fire. "I could say the same to you.  Just be careful, I don't want to lose more parents.  Give me a minute's warning before you charge.  I want to break up the enemy's line."

"I will. We are beginning our line defense; I must speak to my men.  You have but a few moment until we will charge into the battle."  The king replied and began ordering his men into position

Mike nodded and raised his binoculars with his left hand and held the radio receiver with the right, "Serpent Red Six, Rohirrim about to charge in a minute.  The books say a good team can drop thirty bombs per tube within that time.  Let's see if we can break that record?"  

"Yes sir."  David replied and began having his men load and fire as many rounds as they could before the charge occurred

Down below the Orc general had turned his rightmost units to receive the Rohirrim charge when first a smoke bomb exploded.  The orcs that had been hit by the white phosphorus began screaming and running around to put out the burning embers.  The enemy commander had only finished dealing with that threat when the high explosive bombs began exploding over his lines.

On the hill Mike put down his binoculars and called out to Xander Cage, "XAND start taking out those big creatures pushing those siege towers."

"No problem!!!" Xander replied picking up his M-21 and started shooting the cave trolls.

With the enemy being out range of his rifle, Mike contented himself with calling in fire from both David and Xander.  Following his short speech, Theoden led the Rohirrim down into the enemy formation as the last Mortar bomb exploded amongst the disordered orcs.

Mike turned back to Earl, "Think Sauron might have noticed that?"

"Without a doubt, but there isn't much an eye can do with no body." Earl quipped as he also began to fire upon the trolls with his riffle reserving the 50 cal for the Elephants on steroids

Mike turned back to the radio, "Serpent Red Six shift fire to the units assaulting the gates, over."

"Right away sir."  David called back and relayed the message to his men. "Shift fire to the force advancing on the gate."

++++

Osgiliath

Land of Gondor

March 16, 3019

(Middle Earth)

Aragorn turned towards the bow and noted the outline of the city looming out of the mist.  Far off the sounds, of fighting could be heard.  Noting the distance, he yelled out, "WE are almost there.  Get Ready!"

The elf looked back towards the Ranger and answered, "We are almost there. Get ready!"

"We are ready." Erica said as she walked back towards her cousin who was waking a sleeping dwarf

"Gimli wake up, you don't want to miss the battle." Reggie shook the dozing dwarf beside her "If you sleep through it I am going to win the little bet about the most kills."

The ship was nearing the pier when off in the distance a strange high pitch whistling sounded and was quickly followed by a whump.  Further whumps sounded as Gimli groggily commented to Reggie, "Why do I think that has to do with the boys?"

"Hmm, let's see smoke, the smell of napalm, and other wonderful weapons of mass destructions.  It is most definitely the boys.  I just hope they left some alive so I can have my own fun."  Reggie remarked smelling the air.

"I knew the king would not have been able to keep the boys out of the battle," commented the dwarf.

Aragorn looked back and motioned for the Legolas, Gimli, and the girls to come closer.  "Stay hidden until the ship docks.  Then follow me."

"I had no doubt that Mikey, Earl and David would be causing some major damage, but I am sure they are way behind the battle lines playing with their big guns." Reggie laughed

"Aye captain," Reggie and Erica both said in a pirate's voice.

Gimli nodded, "Yes, I figured that Michael will not disobey his father.  Especially, if Theoden puts down his foot."

"Yeah Mike's daddy has got an evil glare and I think Mikey is smart enough not to piss him off on this matter." Reggie said thinking about the glare she received the last time the king was upset.

Aragorn smiled and turned back, ready for the boat to touch the dock.  As the boat slammed against the pier, the Ranger leapt over the side and waded into the Orcs lining the pier.  Slashing left and right.

Gimli and Legolas were close behind and adding their weapons to the fight as the dead swarmed over the pier and streamed through the ruined city.

As Erica and Reggie jumped off the boat with their weapons they yelled, "Yo ho ho and really bad eggs."

"There is enough for all of us.  May the best dwarf win!" Gimli remarked to Legolas.

"You mean the best woman." Reggie said as she and Mr. Cuddles took on a Orc

+++

Meanwhile down below the Rohirrim cut through the Orcs, then the Easterlings advanced with their Oliphaunts.  Mike was about to direct Earl to start taking out the creatures when a loud screech sounded above them.  The teen looked up to see huge dragon like creatures swooping over the battlefield to snatch riders off their saddles.  "Oh Shit," muttered the teen as he walked past Xander and opened a long box.

"I believe we have some airborne company that is not welcome."  Xander said aiming his gun up towards the fell beast attacking from above the Rohirrim force.

"Hold your fire," ordered Mike.  "I got something better", as he unpacked the Stinger.

"Awesome, Mr. Stinger wants to come out and play." Xander replied with a devilish grin.

Earl, watched his friend ready the surface to air missile and warned, "Mike remember what your father said about hair brain stunts."

Mike stood up and placed the tube on his shoulder and aimed it skyward, "I know but that big sucker is flying towards Dad and I've got to distract him.  Look, hold your fire until I say so."

"Okay, but make it quick, it is not looking good for our friends down below."  Xander said still aiming his riffle.

To Mike's horror, the Fell Beast ridden by the Witch King was heading for Theoden. Estimating the range, since the Fell Beast did not put off a hot enough heat signature for the missile to lock on, the teen pulled the trigger and fired.  The missile, accelerating to supersonic speed, quickly closed the distance to the target within seconds.  The proximity fuse exploded as soon as it got within range of the fell beast. The teens watched as the beast rose up and screeched in pain.  Looking around, the Witch King quickly spotted the smoke trail and noticed that it originated from a nearby hill.

The explosion was felt by the beast only after it had knocked the king over.  The king laid trapped beneath his dead horse, with minor injuries. The fell beast took off towards the hill where the Mike, Earl and Xander were firing from.

"Shit that thing is headed straight for us." Xander shouted as he began firing at the creature.

Mike threw down the empty tube and drew his rifle, watching as the Nazgul flew closer and closer, "Steady, steady."

"What do you mean steady, we should be firing on the sucker.  I don't want to be it's dinner." Xander snapped

"Hold your fire," directed Mike.  "I'm bringing him in closer."

"Ahh, Mike what are you doing." Earl replied watching as the Nazgul flew closer to the group on the hill.

"Trust me," responded the teen.  "Do not fire until I give the signal.  Then hose him."

"Ok," Earl replied with an "oh shit" look and cocked his 50 cal while thinking, "I really hate it when he says that."

Mike watched as the Nazgul got closer and closer.  Finally he yelled out, "TAKE HIM OUT!""

"Yes sir." Both Earl and Xander said as they began firing on the beast and Witch King.

The Fell Beast appeared to hit a brick wall as it staggered under the impact of over a hundred .50 cal and 7.62 bullets.  Finally, it gave a shriek and fell to the ground.  Mike lowered his rifle and grinned, "See, I told you I had a plan for dealing with these Fell Beasts."

"Well do you have a plan for dealing with that?"  Xander said as he pointed at the Witch King who hadn't been fazed by the bullets.

Mike looked back to where his friend was pointing at the black figure rising from the dead Fell Beast.  The teen commented, "You get the feeling that this guy isn't too happy with us?"

"Now what would give that idea?" Earl sneered as he started to quake in his boots. "What the hell are we going to do now?"

Mike shouldered his M-4 carbine and popped off a couple bursts at the approaching Nazgul.  "Well if the bullets don't work, I wonder how he would like a grenade in the face?"

"Well just do it already Mike."  Earl shouted while firing his rifle at the approaching demon.

The Witch King snarled and slowly advanced on the teenagers, fully intending to eliminate this threat once and for all. However, as he approached the company on the hill, a Rohirrim rider stopped in front of him and dismounted.

Mike reached onto his harness and pulled out a fragmentation grenade and began walking towards the creature when suddenly a horse carrying two Rohirrim stopped between him and the Witch King.



"Michael move away from here, now!"  Eowyn yelled at her cousin as she drew her sword and faced the Witch King.  "I will not let you hurt him"

Mike shook his head, "What are you doing here Eowyn.  I had the matter well in hand.  I'm sure even this Wraith can't take a grenade."

"You are not to be in this battle young man. Your weapons have done nothing to this evil creature. Leave this to me, he will not harm my family anymore."  The Sheildmaiden said defending her cousin and her uncle who laid beneath his fallen horse.

Mike gave the girl a skeptical look, but seeing how his bullets were bouncing off the Nazgul, he shrugged, "Okay, you sure you don't want me to toss a frag down his throat?"

"Just go!!!!!!!!" Eowyn ordered as she began to engage in battle with the ring wraith

The teen shook his head and noticed a regiment of Easterlings turning from the city wall and heading towards the hill.  Running back to his comrades, Mike shouted, "HEADS UP, WE GOT COMPANY!!"

"Way a head of you Mike." Earl yelled as he started firing at the on coming enemy forces.

The first burst of fifty caliber bullets ripped into the front ranks of the advancing Arabic looking troops.  Crouching beside Earl, Mike called for the radio once again.  Seeing how the enemy were still advancing in spite of losses, the teen yelled into the receiver.  "Senior Serpent Six to Serpent Red Six, Come in Serpent Red Six!"

"Serpent Red Six here...What the mission command?..over" David replied over the radio as began to rotate his position of head to see the approaching forces on Mike's Position.

Mike glanced up at the advancing Easterlings, noting their position before answering, "WE are in heavy contact, in danger of being overrun.  I am requesting a Fire Mission one thousand yards east of my position.  I will correct over..."

"Yes sir." David replied as he had his men start laying down fire 1000 yards east of Mike and his group. David noted the information and turned back to his section, yelling out, "Fire Mission, Right stick twenty, Charge One, Range one thousand yards!"

The mortar gunners quickly began taking out high explosive rounds, attaching the propellant charges and arming the fuses. 

Mike peered out over the battlefield to see a single dust cloud appear a few yards behind the enemy's front rank.  Turning back to the radio, he made the corrections, "Drop fifteen, FIRE FOR EFFECT, FIRE FOR EFFECT!"

The teen turned back to Earl and Xander.  Pointing over to the advancing enemy, he yelled out, "XANDER, TAKE OUT THE LEADERS!"

"No Problem" Xander declared as he began firing at the advancing foe. Within three shots Xander took out the leader, with a fatal shot hitting the man in the head.

The enemy continued coming as more mortar bombs began exploding all around them.  They were coming within rifle range so both Mike and his radio operator began firing at them with their M-4s.  Off in the distance, a green glow began flowing out of what was left of Osgiliath.  Mike yelled back, "Hey Earl, what do you make of that?"

"I don't know, but it looks like it is taking down the enemy and that is all that freaking matters at this moment" Earl called back.

"If Memory serves me right, that the dead kickin some serious Ass!!" Xander commented still firing on the advancing arming

Mike shook his head and began firing off three round bursts at the nearest enemies.  His shots dropping five enemy soldiers.  Finally the green glow began sweeping up the nearby enemy from behind.  Mike commented to Xander, "If those are the dead, I hope they know whose side we are on."

"You and me both, but think they will get the message if we keep firing on the 'known bag guys.'" Xander replied

Finally the green wave covered the last of the Easterlings and advanced towards the hill.  As they got closer, the teens could see skeletal wraiths advancing with weapons out.  Any enemy weapon passed through the ghosts with no effect.  Yet the spectral weapons cut down their foes with ease.  Finally Mike turned to his friends, "You stay here."

"Where the hell are you going kid?" Xander called after the boy

Mike didn't answer but stood up and walked up to the ghosts, weapon pointed towards the air.  Stopping in front of the glowing formation, he called out, "Are you friends or foes of Gondor and Rohan?"

The dead king detached himself from the ghostly army and walked up to the teen. "We are keeping our word to come to Gondor's Aid! But we could ask the same question of you boy." The ghostly figured said as he lowered his sword. "We have been summoned by the one true king of Gondor to fulfill our vows."

Mike pushed back the wave of unease at the thought of meeting a real life ghost and answered, "I am Michael, son of Theoden and Prince of Rohan."  He paused and gave the ghost his most smart mouthed grin and asked, "Does that answer your question?"

"Rohan is no concern to us BOY." the ghost harshly sneered at the boy and began to laugh "However we not harm you."

Mike's grin fell from his face as he countered, "Okay, how about being a very good friend of Aragorn.  Does that count?"

"Possibly, you do not have any relation to the smart mouth women accompanying the King would you?" The specter questioned thinking of the females traveling with Aragorn

Mike grinned, "I take it you met Erica and Reggie.  Just tell them that you will talk to Gandalf about their mouths and they will shut up really quick."

"Hmm, we will take that in to consideration." The ghostly king laughed

+++

Aragorn's force had reached the edge of Osgiliath when Gimli head a whooshing noise shooting across the sky.  He pointed up towards the Witch King and said to the girls in disbelief, "Are the boys taking on The Witch King?"

"Oh shit, Mikey what the hell are you doing?" Reggie exclaimed.

"Mike you are in some deep shit if your dad finds out." Erica remarked as she started swing her batlift, beheading an orc

Aragorn was nearby when he saw the Witch King turn and began following the smoke trail to hilltop on the edge of the battlefield.  "What is that boy thinking?  Has he lost his mind?" asked the Ranger.

Erica shook her head and answered, "that is if he had one."  

"Legolas, I have ten already."  Gimli spouted as he hacked up orcs in the way of his axe.

Seconds later the slow rat tat tat noise of the fifty cal split the air.  The Ranger took out another troll to see a line of orange tracers splash over the Fell Beast.  He was amazed to see the creature fall down dead.  "Didn't anybody tell the teens that no man can harm the witch king?"

"Apparently not," Reggie said slicing an Orc in half as Mr. Cuddles clawed out his eyes. Turning back to the dwarf, the girl yelled, "Gimli I got 15, and Mr. Cuddle has 5, that makes twenty for us"

Aragorn shook his head and swung his sword, cutting the arm off yet another Orc.  He watched as the Witch King advanced on the teenagers.  "I hope those boys have the sense to stay away from that Nazgul."

"Mike is going to be in so much if he doesn't," Erica said as her batlift began to sing and glow slightly a tint of gleaming blue un-noticed by her companions

The Witch King was yards away from the boys, when a Rohirrim got between them. Gimli looked over as the figure dropped her helmet revealing the King's Niece.  "What is

Eowyn doing here?" asked the dwarf.

"Looks like she is saving the day," Reggie said as she saw another fell beast approaching Aragorn.

"Erica, fell best at Aragorn's 3" Reggie yelled.

Gimli nodded and took out an Orc that had been approaching Reggie's back.  "Watch yourself Lassie," warned the dwarf.

Erica's weapon began to glow as did her eyes as she screamed, "NO, you shall not have him!!!" A burst of blue flames shot from her hand and her weapon incinerating the creature and a large part of the Orc in front of her. The out reaching flames looked like the wings a giant bird wrapping it self around it's prey as it devoured the enemy forces with it brilliant blue blaze.

"What you mean his guy, " Reggie said swing around beheading the approaching creature

that Gimli had already killed.

"That still counts as mine." Gimli informed her

Aragorn saw the blue flame and wondered, "What is going on here?"

"What am I on, 57 already."  She remarked and noticed the flash of blue "What the hell?"

"ERICA!!!!" Reggie yelled as she saw her cousin fall to the ground and screamed "LEGOLAS, ERICA"

The elf rush to the side of the fallen girl, taking out the Orc behind her who was about to eliminate Erica.

The Ranger cut his way through the orcs to reach Erica.  Finally he reached the girl and took out the two orcs that tried eliminating her.  Looking down, he nudged the girl, "Wake up!"

"What is the matter with her?" Legolas questioned defending the girl.

Gimil and Reggie began hacking the way through the horde to get to the fallen teen, as Reggie noticed bigger threat headed in dwarf's direction. "OH SHIT! GIMLI watch out!" Reggie exclaimed knocking the dwarf out of the way of a fellbeast approaching claws. The girl spun around plunging her katan into the creature's side as it began to glided back into the darken sky of the battle with her hanging on as Mr. Cuddles made his way toward the rider.

++++

From high above, a second loud shriek could be heard and Mike turned around, yelling, "XANDER, grab me another Stinger.  There's hunting to be done!"

"Gotcha covered"  Xander replied as a bright stream blue flashed across the sky incinerating the fellbeast and Nazgul

"What the hell was that?" asked the Boulder scout.

"What was that?" asked Mike

"I have no freaking clue," Earl replied looking at the battle field as a large percent of the orcs vanished from site.

Mike turned around to ask the ghost, but the ghosts had also vanished.  "Where did they go?"

"I think they are swarming the castle taking out the other bad guys." Xander commented as the green horde moved into the castle destroying the remaining evil plaguing within Gondor's walls

++++

Earl and Xander watched the green wave wash over Sauron's army with looks of awe.  The teen turned to Xander and commented, "Aren't you glad they are on our side?"

"Remind me not to piss that off."  Xander remarked as the dead slaughtered the living enemies.

Earl was about to reply when a loud screech ripped through the air.  The teen shook his head and pointed towards the source of the sound.  "Don't tell me Mike was not satisfied with ticking off the Witch King.  Now he has to include every Nazgul he comes across."

"That's not who's hanging from the side."  Xander answered as he looked up.

Earl stopped and asked, "What do you mean, it's not him?"

Several curse words could be heard from above. "Oh fuucccccccckkkkkk!!!" was clearly heard as Reggie hung on for dear life as the fell beast took off towards river along with hissing and screeching coming from a crazed fuzz ball clawing it's way up onto the beast. Mr. cuddles climbed quickly up the side of the creature and began attacking the rider.

"That wasn't Reggie, was it?" asked Earl.  "I thought that girl had more sense than to top Mike in the hair brain scheme department."

"Not just her but her cat as well.  It's heading for the rider.  Why do I suddenly feel pity for the guy... Nah wait scratch that... Get the Son of Bitch!"  Xander yelled as he cheered the psycho cat on as he watch through pair of Field glasses.

"I hate my life" Reggie said as she saw the destination of her descent

Earl grinned, "You wouldn't happen to have a camera handy?  I'm sure Gramps will not be pleased with Reggie hitching a ride with a Nazgul."

"Mike set up the MAP's recon saucer to record.  It's following."  Xander laughed

"Ooh blackmail material," added Earl.  "Hey isn't that thing heading for the river?"

"Yup!"

The creature crashed into the freezing cold water dying from the puncture wound to its lung that had been created by Reggie's katan.

The teen winced as the Fell Beast crashed into the water,  "Great, Wet cat and wet....."

Reggie stood up out of the freezing cold water as Mr. Cuddles swam over to his mistress.  "Okay that was not my idea of a joy ride.  But at least it didn't eat the dwarf."  Reggie said ringing out her hair.

"Shit, I am all wet and mithril doesn't exactly wear well when wet. And here I was getting use to this outfit." Reggie commented approaching the fell beast to retrieve her katan. At her words the Ring Wraith raised up from the water behind her.

+++

Mike returned to the hill and took off his helmet.  "Well, it looks like our role in this battle is over.  Anybody see Eowyn?"

"She is down there" Xander pointed at the woman hovering over Theoden

Mike slowly turned towards where the Boulder Scout had been pointing.  The teen replaced his helmet and began walking towards Eowyn.  Passing by his friends, he said, "Stay here.  I'm going down there." 

"Mike wait, be careful." Earl urged as he patted his friend the shoulder.

Mike paused and whispered, "Dad is down and I'm going."  With that the teen moved quickly down towards his cousin and father.

Eowyn was already kneeling beside the fallen monarch, trying to fix him up. Theoden opened his eyes and looked up. "I know your face, Eowyn" The king said as raised his hand to his niece's face.

Eowyn began to cry, "You can not die."

Mike approached and managed to hear the exchange.  He quickly ran over and knelt by the two.  "Dad..." said the teen.

"I know your face as well, my son" The king said as he closed his eyes

Mike took off his helmet and examined the scene.  Biting back a cry, the teen said, "You hold on Dad, there are people who still need you.  Hell, I need you so stay here."

As the battle ended group of the Rohirrim soldier formed around the king, Eowyn and Mike. "MY LORD" Gamling exclaimed

Mike steeled his features and ordered the soldiers, "Help me get the king out from under the horse." He turned to a group of Rohirrim and said, YOU men lift the steed, Gamling, help me pull my father out."

"Yes my lord." all said as they did as Mike ordered.

"Is he dead?" Eowyn questioned as she lay beside the kings body that had been moved from underneath the horse

With a heave, the horse was lifted and Mike slid Theoden from the horse.  Mike grabbed one of the Rohirrim, "GO GET MY RTO FROM THE HILL.  TELL HIM TO GET DOWN HERE YESTERDAY!"  He turned back to his cousin, "No, he's still alive. As to his condition, we need to get Dena looking him over."

The soldier did as he was told, and ran off towards the hill.

"Then I will retrieve her." Eowyn says as she hops on to a near by steed as gallops for towards the Mash unit

++

High on the hill Earl and Xander continued to watch Reggie battle the Nazgul when the sound of a galloping horse caught their attention. They turned to see a Rohirrim come running up to the two Americans.  The warrior stopped and told Earl, "Lt. Wolf wants you to call Lady Dena and Lady Karen and tell them to get over to the king.  To quote the prince, he wants them there yesterday."

"Dena is already heading out she saw the whole thing."  Earl answered as he pointed to two figures riding out with Eowyn from the newly set up aid station.

The Rohirrim nodded and turned back to tell the new prince.

++

Reggie turned around and faced the oncoming wraith. "Oh fuck...you know you're going to get your ass kicked now.  I am not a happy camper when I am all fucking wet." Reggie sneered at the demon

The black robed creature drew its sword and advanced on the girl.  The former king of men hissed, "Foolish girl, no man can kill a Nazgul."

"Well obviously you haven't notice I am not a man." Reggie sneered grabbing her sais from her boots getting into a fighting stance

The creature raised its sword and rushed the girl swinging the blade in a two handed grip only to have the female catch his blade with one of her weapons while jabbing the other into the side of her foe. She then kicked the robbed figure in the stomach pushing him back.

The Ringwraith stumbled then caught himself and lunged at the girl, the sword held low.

Reggie flipped over the dead king landing behind him. "You missed. I am over here" She said provoking the demon. As the girl flipped her faithful protector jumped on to the cloaked figure clawing at the back of his head.

The creature let out an ear-splitting shriek and grabbed for the cat with one hand while searching for the girl.

Mr. Cuddles moved quickly still clawing at the figure as Reggie circled plunging her remaining sai into the creatures covered face. "Like said I am no man, I am a woman who just kicked your sorry ass!" she said letting go of her sai as the being imploded shattering the weapon that was plunged into his face.  Reggie quickly grabbed the other sai from the creature's side.

+++

Earl turned to Xander and observed, "The battle is over let's go help out Reggie."

"Do you really think she needs our help?" Xander questioned still watching the river with his binoculars. "But let's go"

The two Americans grabbed their personal weapons and raced down to the river outside the ruined city.  They arrived just in time to see the girl finish off the Wraith.  Earl walked to the water's edge and held out his hand to the girl, "Here let me help you up."

Reggie took the boy's hand sort of pulling him into the water. "Thanks Earl, it is about time you showed up."

"Well, somebody had to.  Mike is busy looking after his father."

"Is his father okay?" she asked, concerned for the king. "We better get back there."  Reggie looked around and noticed four familiar horses waiting by the shore. The black mare she had been riding snickered at the damp girl.  "Well there is our transportation back to the front lines." Reggie said pointing at the horses and grabbed her soggy cat and her katan from the dead fellbeast.

Earl took one look at the cat then answered, no thanks, we'll walk.  Besides we really need to head back and secure the fifty."

"Suit yourself." Reggie said hopping on the mare. She paused and grinned at the two Americans. "Earl thanks for the late assist," said the teen as she rode off toward the front lines and the end of the battle.

+++

Mike unhitched the saddle off the dead horse and grabbed the saddle blanket. Folding it into a makeshift pillow, he placed it under Theoden's head.  While he tried making the king comfortable, he silently mumbled, "Damn, I was too late.  I should have shot that Stinger as soon as the Witch King showed up."

"What do you mean, you could not have known."  Theoden said wearily as he opened his eyes and looked at the boy. "My son this is not your fault!"

Sighing in relief, Mike answered, "You are alive, Thank God.  For a minute I thought I was going to have to bury another parent."

"I am fine my son. I am only winded from the battle." The king chuckled "You didn't think that you could get rid of your father so easily, did you?"

"I have to admit I was worried for a moment.  Now I won't have to make that one way trip Mordor after all."

"There will not be a trip to Mordor, for you." The King said giving his son a look that he wasn't going anywhere near that evil place and added with a laugh that he had to grab his side. "And definitely no airplane assaults."

Mike laughed, "With you still alive I no have reason to do such a thing.  Oh, forget about the shooting at the Witch King I don't know how that came out."

Meanwhile Eowyn reached the mash unit and retrieved Dena and Karen.  The three females raced back to Mike and the King.

"I am sure we will be having a talk about that later my son."  Theoden replied still holding his side

Mike stood up and motioned to the girls, "It's all right, he was just a little winded by having a horse on top of him."  Turning back to the king, "What about?"

"You taking on the enemy forces." the king replied.

"Let me take a look at him." Dena said rushing towards the King position.

"I did as you asked and stayed on the hill and directed David's mortar section.  What do you mean?" asked the teen.

Dena examined the king. "My lord you were lucky" Dena said "However you may have a few cracked ribs, I am going to have bandage your chest."

"I was not unconscious the whole time my son...I saw you try to engage with the Witch King." Theoden replied with a knowing look as Dena examined him

Mike stepped back and noticed Eowyn standing nearby.  walking up he asked, "Now that the king has been taken care of, how are you?  I noticed that you took a nasty hit back there."

"I am fine." Eowyn said cradling her hand

"No you are not." Karen said moving closer to the shieldmaiden to examine her arm.

Turning back to his father, the teen answered, "I guess you saw the missile, then?"

"You would be surprise what one can see when pinned underneath a steed."

Mike walked back to his father and knelt beside him.  "I had a weapon that was designed to take out air threats.  The Nazgul was an air threat, in range, and I took a shot.  It was no different than shooting a bow at the creature.  The only difference was mine had a longer range. Besides, I figured if the Stinger didn't take it out, there was always the fifty cal.  Even a Fell Beast can't take a few hundred rounds of fifty cal armor piercing."

Theoden shook his head and told the boy, "No Man can kill a Nazgul. WHY do I even try to convey these things to you, you never listen."

Mike closed his eyes for a moment, "The Witch King was heading straight for you.  How could I not take the shot?  I don't know what I would have done if you were killed."

"I realize that my son, but you must understand that I am your father and I worry for your safety at the cost of my own." Theoden said with compassion

Mike smiled, "And you don't think I worry for you?  Considering that you nearly got yourself killed, Eowyn took on the Witch King and won, and Eomer was also in the thick of the fight, why don't we call it even?" He looked up and grinned at Eowyn, "Looks like taking risks is normal for this family."

"We will call it even for now, however you will be hearing about it later."

The teen reached over and helped the king up.  Turning back to his father, Mike said, "Thanks Dad."

Eowyn tapped Mike on the shoulder and commented, "Risks are requirement for being in this family"

"I guess so cuz," answered the teen.

"Now on the other hand what were Reggie and Erica doing here, is another question you are going to have to answer." The king said as he remembered seeing Reggie and her feline flying over head

Mike let off a soft laugh, "I have no idea.  After I released them from my command, I didn't ask about their plans and they didn't tell me.  That way I wouldn't be forced to choose between my friends and family. If you don't mind, I'd like to see how my people are doing."

"I see that you are smart my son and you may." the king replied

Mike started walking off but suddenly a random arrow ricocheted across a rock and slashed across the teen's leg.  Mike stumbled and unslung his rifled and hopped beside the fallen Oliphaunt.  Looking down at the wound, he cursed, "Son of a bi...."

"Michael, are you okay?" The king said rushing over to his son

Mike bit his lip and grimaced.  Trying to lighten up the moment, he quipped, "Tis but a flesh wound."

"Why do you insist on lying to your father?" The king said as he looked at the boy's leg "We are getting you to the healers this instant."

Mike leaned against his father and answering, "I guess the humor was a little uncalled for in this situation."  Suddenly serious, the teen commented, "You don't know how much your concern means to me.  Thanks for being here."

"I will always be here."  King replied as he helped his son off towards the healer's tent that was being set up off to the side of the battle field

+++

Theoden and Mike were at the healer's tent in no time.  The king pulled back the flap and helped his son into the tent.  Conscious of the attention he was getting, the teen protested, "Dad, I can move about on my own.  The wound really is no big deal."

"I just want to make sure."  He said.

"I'll say this much you have the overprotective parent part down pretty well," observed the teen as he hopped onto a table.  The king quickly returned with a healer who removed Mike's boot and rolled up the pants leg.  "See, I told you it's just a scratch," said the teen to his father.

"We should wrap this."  The healer said.

"It needs stitches first."  Dena said as she walked towards Mike.

Mike looked up at the girl, "You think this is actually bad enough for stitches?"

"Yes.  Your just luck it didn't hit a major artery."  Dena replied as she pull out a needle.

Mike winced as she tied the first stitch.  Noticing Theoden standing nearby, the teen said, "You don't really need to stand over me all the time."  He turned away as the needle went in for the second stitch.

"Mike I know you don't like Needles but this to numb pain in the air so I can sew it up."  Dena explains

"Fine, I understand."  The King said wearily as he turned to leave.

Mike reached out to grab the king's shoulder, "It's not that I don't want you here.  In fact I'm glad you are.  But, I don't want to keep you from anything you need to do."

"Yes my son.  I am glad to but I should go and check on my men."  The King answered with a reassuring smile.

"I just didn't want to sound ungrateful," answered the teen.

"Mike, how do you always end up getting hurt."  Dena questioned and laughed "At this rate I believe you and Earl are going to be tied!"

Mike shrugged, "It just happened, never saw the arrow."

"Well it is not too bad.  The arrow just grazed your leg you'll be fine, just like Earl was after Helms Deep, but you won't be a sore.  At least I can help with this.  But there are others that I can't help and it scares me."  Dena replies with a sad smile and than glanced over to Legolas who was standing watch over someone

Mike turned to where Dena was looking and spotted Legolas.  He asked the girl, "What is Leggy doing here?"

"Did you see that blue fire bird during the battle."  Dena asked and she started to sew Mikes leg

"I vaguely remember seeing a blue light but I was too busy fighting for my life at the moment.  Why?"

"That blue fire bird came out of Erica and vaporized several hundred tangos.  She's been unconscious since it went back into her."  Dena explained.  "Legolas brought her in here and hasn't left her side since.

"Are you about done?" asked the teen

"Maybe." Dena replied "I'll finish faster if you stopped squirming, just one more stitch.... That makes 8 stitches... Earl's got you up by 2."

Dena remarked as she finishes and places gauze on it.  "Keep it clean or I might have to re-stitch it and if you rip any let me know."

Mike waited for the girl to finish with the last stitch and tape his wound before getting off the table and hobbling over to the elf.  Tapping Legolas on the shoulder, he asked, "How is she doing?"

"I am unsure, master Michael. I worry that she has not awaken yet."  Legolas replied hovering over the girl

"What happened?"

"The fire of the Phoenix came forth from her."  Legolas answered. "A brilliant blue creature sprung forth from Erica wiping out a massive amount of orcs on the battle field."

Mike shook his head and sighed, "After all that's happened over the last few weeks I thought I had seen it all.  Now this, is there anything I can do?"

"I fear there is nothing either of us can do.  I fear for her and you."  Legolas said

"Why Me?" asked the teen.

"The dead King reminded me of an old legend that doesn't seem to be a legend any more."  Legolas says as he looks down at Erica.

Mike pulled up a stool and sat down, "Okay, let me have it."

"It is the legend of the Blue Phoenix.  Long before the elves the Phoenix lived."  Legolas started to explain. "They taught the elves and protected them from the Dragons.  But the phoenixes began to slowly disappear.  The Blue Phoenix said she would be reborn a time of great need."

Mike turned back to the sleeping figure, "Did she have any other injuries?"

"She foretold that her birth would be in the form of a child not born of this world but that of a descent of a White Wizard. The rebirth of the Blue Phoenix means great things will be done but at great cost."  Legolas explain with sadness.

"She wasn't hurt physically but I worry for her mind."  Legolas answered

"Does Gramps... I mean Gandalf know about her?"

"I think he does because he sent her with Aragorn.  The legend says that the Phoenix would first be seen with the King of Men."  Legolas answers with a sigh

"I mean, does he know about her being injured?"

"I am not sure... I haven't left her side..." Legolas honestly answers.  "She was mad at me before this happened. I feared for her but she knew where she needed to be."  Legolas said.

"She'll be okay," reassured the teen.  "I'll have someone go find Gandalf."

Mike hopped up to get his wound dressed but landed on his bad leg and hissed in pain.

"What happen to you?"  The elf questioned.

Mike looked down, "The fighting was mostly over and I had the bad luck to be hit by a random arrow."

Mike looked back and asked, "Why was Erica mad at you?"

"She was upset with me, because I believed that she should not be fighting in this battle.  I was concerned for her safety." the elf replied

Mike nodded, "She'll get over it when she has a chance to cool off after she wakes up.  That is as long as she knows it was done out of concern for her safety."

"I am not so sure about that."  Legolas informed the teen

"Why do you say that?" asked Mike as the tent flap opened again.

"She struck me.  Has she ever struck one of you when she was angry?"  Legolas questioned just as David and Vidmor walk in

"What happened to Lady Erica?"  Vidmor demand of Legolas

David and Vidmor walked into the tent to find Mike and Legolas in a middle of a discussion, "Ahh Mike, I think we should discuss stuff."  David said as Vidmor began to badger his cousin

"She does that when she's angry.  Don't worry, when she's cools off, she'll listen," answered the teen.  Mike turned back to the newcomers.  "Erica did her Jean Gray impression."

"What?"  Vidmor asked

"Oh fuck you don't mean?"  David asked in disbelief

"Yup, we have Phoenix on our team.  Let's hope she doesn't do a dark phoenix on us."

"Man where's the professor when you need him." David remarked

"Dark Phoenix?"  Vidmor questioned looking at the boys.  "By Valar you don't mean Lady Erica is the Blue Phoenix reborn in which the Legend speaks?"  

Mike hopped back to the table to have the bandage applied to his wound.  Looking back he yelled, "Check with Leggy."  The teen asked David, "What did you want to talk about?" At the boys responds the Elf raised a question eye toward the elf prince and asks.  "Is it true?"

"Mike we need to go over what is left of our ammo to make sure we have what enough for the next battle, and plus there is some things on the battle field you might want to see."

"Okay, we'll head out after Dena finished wrapping up the wound."

"that's fine" David replied as Dena began dressing Mike's wound

As soon as Dena finished with the bandage, Mike pulled on his boot, tied the laces, and hopped off the table.  The teen hobbled over to the entrance, "You know if Dad was here he'd probably confine me to quarters."

"Well you're lucky he's not, we better get moving before he returns." David said with a wink as he helped his friend out of the tent

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Following the battle, the Rohirrim had set up camp just outside the city walls and began getting ready for the next stage. Prior to leaving the camp, one of the new recruits was assigned guard duty. David had some concerns about his first command and wanted some advice from his friend and leader.

Twilight had fallen as the two teens began walking back to the Rohirrim campsite. Mike placed his hands behind his back and tried addressing his friend's concerns. "David, I have watched you ever since you took over command of the mortar section. You are proving to be an excellent combat leader."

"But Mike, you were in charge of our little group even before we came here," argued David. "At Helms Deep, you never once lost your cool even when the Uruk-hai were swarming over the fortress. Your leadership kept us going."

Mike answered, "Yes I was in command of our group, but we all attended the same classes. I was just lucky enough to have been given the chance to lead us in the paintball fights and being the evil warlord for the role players." The teen paused and looked over to David and answered, "It was not just my leadership. Every member of our group was well trained and knew their jobs. You can do the same, just listen to your NCOs and train your people to the best of your ability."

David was not completely won over but his anxiety was getting lower, "I don't know. I mean commanding a mortar section that is located behind the lines is one thing. Being on the front line is yet another." He was about to continue when he was stopped by his friend.

"David, you are a good leader. Use the training we received back home. I have complete confidence in you."

David gave his friend a relieved smile, "Okay, I'll do it."

+++

They had just reached the outskirts when out of the darkness, a voice shouted out, "Identify yourselves of I will open fire!"

Mike turned to face the voice, and responded, "Hold your fire, it's.........."  His response became drowned out by the sharp cracks of two rifle shots.

David had begun to turn around when he felt something punch him in the shoulder and stomach.  Suddenly feeling tired, he slunk to the ground.

Time seemed to slow down for Mike as he witnessed his friend collapse to the ground.  He rushed to David's side while yelling out, "CEASE FIRE, CEASE FIRE!!"

The Rohirrim lowered his rifle as he recognized the teen's voice and ran towards the two, repeating over and over, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

Mike knelt beside his friend and began applying the field dressing to the stomach wound.  He heard the sentry running up and yelled, "Go get Lord Aragorn." That said, he turned his attention back to his friend, "Stay awake. STAY WITH ME"

The Rohirrim came up and stood nearby in shock, "I didn't know who you were, I'm so sorry."

Mike noticed that the sentry was standing in a daze, looked up and shouted, "GO GET LORD ARAGORN, NOW!!!"

The recruit nodded and ran off towards the camp, saying over and over, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." Mike looked back down, "Stay with me David.  You are going to make it.  Don't give up."

The recruit ran into the camp, and ran around asking for Lord Aragorn. Finally, the boy reached Gamling who told him that the Ranger was helping out at the Aid Station. With a quick thanks, the boy raced over to the medical tent. He did not bother knocking but rushed inside, yelling out, "Lord Aragorn, Lord Aragorn."

Aragorn and several adults were clustered around Erica and jumped when Erica screamed out. "NO DAVID." in her sleep but doesn't awake

The Ranger turned around and asked the recruit, "What is going on?"

"Master David has been hurt.  I did not mean to do it." The boy said pulling Aragorn out of the tent

Reggie and Dena had been waiting beside Erica when they heard the news of the accident. As one, the two girls shouted out, "DAVID," and raced out into the night. Earl was about to follow them, when Aragorn grabbed him and gestured towards a stretcher, "Get that and follow me." As Aragorn grabbed some medicine before leaving the tent.

Earl nodded and grabbed the stretcher, placing it under one arm and followed the Ranger outside.

+++

Back on the battlefield, one teen was fighting for the life of the other. Mike ripped the pack of antibiotics and poured it on the shoulder wound.  David moaned loudly as it hit the hole.  The teen pulled a second field dressing out of David's first aid kit and began dressing the wound. Once the wounds to the front had been bandaged, Mike reached for his flashlight, hanging from his web gear and turned it on.  "Okay David, I'm going to have to roll you on your side to check your back."

With a growing dread, the teen felt the exit holes in the other boy's back.  "Oh God, those are freaking big," exclaimed the teen as he made sure the exit wound were bandaged. "Hang in there David.  Help is on the way," soothed the teen.

Aragorn, Earl, Dena, and Reggie were on the scene within a couple minutes. They arrived to see Mike roll their injured friend over and apply a field dressing to one of the wounds. Aragorn approached and asked the lad, "Mike what happened?" 

Mike looked back, "David got shot.  He has two wounds, one to the left shoulder and the other on the right side of his abdomen.  We have two exit wounds on the back. I managed to get field dressings on both and slowed down the bleeding.  But God, there's so much blood." He turned back to the fallen teen, "David, Aragorn's here you are going to be okay."

Aragorn nodded and began tending to the wounded teen, "We need to get him to the healer's tent. We have brought a board to transport." David was slipping in and out of consciousness while he was being helped onto the board. Earl and Mike picked up the front while Reggie and Dena did the same for the back of the stretcher. As they raced back to the healer's tent, Earl tried calming the wounded boy, "David you are going to be aright."

Gandalf was already inside the tent, watching after Erica when Aragorn and the teens arrived. The White Wizard looked up and asked, "What has happened?" 

Mike, Earl, and Dena were too preoccupied with their wounded friend but Reggie managed to plead, "I don't know Gramps, but David is injured badly.  Can you do anything for him?"

The Wizard took one look and directed the teens to an empty table near the back of the tent. Aragorn followed closely and had Earl and Mike wait outside while He, Dena, and Gandalf tended to David.

The sentry had been waiting outside when the teens stepped out. Feeling terrible, the Rohirrim walked up and apologized, "I'm so sorry. I couldn't see who it was."

Mike looked up and asked, "Where are you from trooper?"

"East Emnet, near Isengard," answered the boy. "Why?"

"Because you are a long way from home."

+++

Theoden had been talking to Eomer and Eowyn about what they were going to do after saving Gondor when they could hear a racket outside their room. "What is the ruckus that is going on out here?" The King said to Eomer and Eowyn who had turned to open the door

Eowyn opened the door to see one of the Rohirrim running down the hall.  She stopped him and asked what was happening.  The man replied, "One of the American teenagers has been seriously wounded!"

"Oh no." The sheildmaiden exclaimed "Where is the Teen?"

The Rider stopped and pointed towards the healer's stations, "Lord Aragorn has taken him to the healer's tent.  I have never seen such wounds in all my life!"

"He, he who?" The King asked fearing it was his son.

The Rohirrim snapped his head over to the king, "I do not know my lord.  However, I do know that both your son and David had been walking the battlefield before dark.  It could be either of them."

Theoden, Eomer and Eowyn rushed to healer's tent to find David badly wound with Mike sitting by his side.  "How did this happen?" The king questioned the boy.

The boy had unslung his weapon and placed his helmet beside his chair while he watched over his friend.  The teen shook his head, "After all that we have gone through, surviving the plague that wiped out everybody back home, fighting at Helms Deep and Pelennor Fields only to be shot by some kid on sentry duty." He turned back to Theoden. "I do not really know father, it happen so fast." Mike uttered staring at David, praying for him to be alright.

"Sentry duty.  A child did this?" The King became enraged by this news.

The teen looked to his father with wounded eyes, "We were on our way back, the kid I assigned to sentry duty couldn't tell we were friendly in the dark so he shot.  It's nothing personal really, It's just war. I remember reading a book on the American Civil War, one of the greatest generals; Stonewall Jackson was shot by his own men by accident.  Same situation.  It was dark, and a shot was fired."

"A war is where children have no place.  I warned you my son about these things.  One who does not know the consequences of war or that of weaponry and such weaponry that you have trained them upon." the king said placing his hand on the boys shoulder.

Mike let out a sigh and he grasped his father's hand.  "This is just one of those things that happen in war.  I will not lie to you I cannot wait for this mess to be over but Sauron is still out there. And now I have to find a replacement to command the fire support section."

"My son, you are brave but this next battle, I am not sure if you should go after what has happened." The king tried to convey his concern.

Mike smiled, "I love you too Dad, but I'm all right, really."  The teen started to get up when he heard his friend shift and mumble something.  Leaning over, Mike asked, "What did you say?"

His eyes still closed, David whispered, "Have Sergeant Haldraada take over.  He's second in command and I taught him my job."

Mike nodded and turned back to the King, "Looks like Sgt. Haldraada has just been promoted to Fire Support Leader." He yawned and asked, "With your permission father, I would like to get some sleep."

"I believe that is the best idea you have had all night, My son.  Go and sleep we will talk in the morning." The king said embracing his son

"I shall stay with him." Eowyn said taking Mikes place by David

Mike returned his father's embrace and gave Eowyn a hug. Walking to the front of the tent, he picked up his discarded gear.  Turning back he answered, "Thank you cousin.  I think we are going to be a close family."

"I would not have it any other way." She said with a smile and picked up a dampened wash cloth to wipe David's face

TBC

Authors Notes: Thus concludes the Battle of Pelennor Fields. Will David live or succumb to his wounds? That question and many more will be answered in "Chapter Seven: To the Standard." As of right now, I envision the chapter to cover the Final battle at the Black Gates of Mordor and ending with the crowning of Aragorn as the rightful king of Gondor. Yet that is not the end of our story for many more adventures await the transplanted teenagers.

The range of a mortar bomb is decided by a combination of elevating the weapon and adding propellant charges to the bomb itself. Most mortar rounds have one to four charges added to the bomb depending on how far out the target is. One charge is used for close range targets and Charge four is for those targets located farthest away. So when David calls out Charge 4, he is telling his people to affix for charges to the bomb and ready it for some long range shooting.

I also need to give some credit to Eric Clapton. He is my favorite musician and a true artist. The songs, "San Francisco Bay Blues" and "Running on Faith", that Mike an Earl played in Chapter 5, come straight from his 'Unplugged' album. I do not know of any singer who can play blues, pop, and country equally well. Check out that album, it is well worth the time.

The poem recited by Mike and Earl on the way to Pelennor Fields is 'The Charge of the Light Brigade', by Lord Tennyson. As stated, it is tells the story of The Light Brigade, commanded by The Earl of Cardigan who had been ordered to take out Russian artillery at the Battle of Balaclava in 1854. Of the 673 men who began the charge, only 195 could be mustered afterwards. The brigade suffered 113 dead and 247 badly wounded. Also, 475 horses were killed. That alone, crippled the unit for further action. Only two officers survived the battle unscathed. That and the earlier charge by the Heavy Brigade provide a historical counterpart to the Rohirrim Charge at Minis Tirith.

Finally, I want to say something about Erica and Reggie. The characters are based on Erica Marr, who is a fellow writer who has written several good science fiction stories for the Wandererverse. Reggie is her cousin in real life and is training to be a public school teacher.

Before closing out, I wanted to say a few things about David getting wounded. I too have read many stories where modern day boys and girls journey to Middle Earth and become supermen and women who know all and never get hurt. Unfortunately, that is not the way it happens in the real world. People do get hurt and even die in wartime. In fact, many good people get killed by their own troops. Stonewall Jackson was mortally wounded by a sentry in 1863 when he was returning to his lines. In the mini series, "Band of Brothers", Lt. Hieliger Capt. Winter's replacement as company commander, was shot by his own men while returning to the company. During Desert Storm in 1991, more Americans were killed by their own troops than lost to the Iraqis. As Murphy stated, Friendly fire isn't. So David has been used to show the mortality of our heroes. There are no Mary Sues in this story.

Murphy's Laws of Combat #7: The only thing more accurate than incoming enemy fire is incoming friendly fire.

Merry Prankster, out