Norfirion woke first the next morning. The sun blazed over the peaks of the mountains to his back, lighting up the few sparse trees around the Elf and his still-sleeping companions. He deftly climbed up one and sat on one of the top branches, gazing to the East. A cool breeze blew through the tree's leaves, sending soft rustling noises down the tree.
When the Elf removed himself from the tree, he found that Laerorneth and Dreogan had woke and had begun cooking breakfast.
"Good morning!" Laerorneth called as Norfirion dropped from the bottom branches.
"Same to you!" Norfirion said as he landed.
"Have a nice morning climb?" Dreogan asked as he packed his gear. Norfirion laughed and gave a nod.
"Did you see anything troubling?" Laerorneth queried.
Norfirion shook his head. "No, but I would not be too surprised if we encounter ill will as we approach Angmar."
"Unfortunately you are correct." Dreogan sighed. "Well, let's continue on."
The three quickly readied their gear and mounted their animals. A chilling wind picked up, even colder than the morning breeze. Their clothes and hair blowing, the travellers rode on towards Angmar. As the sun climbed higher into the sky, the companions made their way closer and closer to their destination.
Another day slowly passed with the three travelling onwards. While the day whittled down the harsh wind began to die down. Dreogan shivered. "I hope we don't have to deal with this wind the whole rest of the way."
"Agreed." Norfirion muttered.
Finally the sun set yet again of the companions, it's soft light illuminating the hills in long shadow. Dreogan stopped Mooncharger and frowned. "Do you hear that?"
Laerorneth snapped out of her thoughts. "Orcs, and by the sound of it, wargs!" Norfirion uttered a curse and unsheathed one of his twin blades. His companions drew weapons of their own, Dreogan's scavenged sword and Laerorneth's elegant blade.
"They're getting closer…" Dreogan said apprehensively. They did not have long to wait. A large pack of lean and nasty-looking orcs appeared on the backs of large wolfish beasts.
"Well then!" The lead orc snapped. "What are you accursed Elves doing up this way? Kill the scum!" Waving his sword, the orc motioned for his companions to attack. Orcs and wargs snapped and howled as they charged the three travellers.
"Now this is the proper way to fight!" Dreogan laughed. Spurring Mooncharger into action, he leapt ahead of the Elves and met the charging orcs. His blade flashed in the setting sun, its spiked tip cutting orcflesh and breaking bones. Mooncharger reared up and caught a warg-rider, sending the orc sprawling on the dirt. The now-riderless warg growled and paced around its injured master who lay writhing.
Norfirion jumped from the back of Frostmane while drawing his second blade. Twin swords whirled and hewed through the growling orcs. Backing away, the Elf sheathed his weapons and drew his bow. He knocked an arrow and released it, igniting the shaft as it flew. The arrow struck a racing warg in the shoulder, lighting both its fur and rider on fire. Howling madly, the warg foamed before collapsing to the ground, setting several tufts of grass aflame.
Laerorneth gracefully dodged around the brutal orcs, her sword dancing in and out of the fell creatures. The orcs cursed and spat, unable to overcome her. She swirled about, intently focused on what she was doing, yet at the same time hardly aware. As she whirled past Dreogan, her blade flashing as she dueled another orc, he thought he caught a snatch of song as she passed. Locked in combat, Laerorneth nimbly ducked as a flaming arrow soared over her head, setting another warg ablaze. The wargs began to panic at all of the fire and many bolted, throwing their rides as they went.
The Rohirrim's horse trampled the shrieking orcs as Dreogan rode through the mob. "Sé Eorlingas éoredgeríd ernan foran eal be an!" The horsemen of Rohan ride ahead of every man!" Dreogan shouted, as his sword cleaved the head from a vicious warg-rider.
Growling, the remaining dozen wargs and orcs circled warily around the companions. Norfirion released two more arrows into the orc's chests, sending them to the ground with a thud. The remaining orcs sent their wargs into a scurry, trying to avoid any further arrows. Yet the Elf was done with ranged combat. Smirking, he unsheathed and connected his swords, forming a wickedly elegant blade. He twirled the double-bladed sword through the orcs and wargs, slicing and gashing the hissing creatures. Laerorneth and Dreogan joined in on the fight, and soon upon in a suddenly silent hill.
One final orc turned his warg about and was attempting to gallop away. Laerorneth cursed and called to her fellow Elf. "Norfirion! Do not let him escape!"
Norfirion pulled out his bow and nocked an arrow. His aim was true and the arrow plunged through the orc's chest, and into the back of the painting warg. Both rider and canine crashed to the ground and lay still. Dreogan dismounted Mooncharger and walked over to where Norfirion stood in front of Laerorneth.
"Good work!" The Rohirrim said, sounding exhausted. "I need some rest, yet we should continue on."
"So do I, but you are right" Norfirion said with a tired look at Laerorneth, who was silent. She thought for a moment, then nodded.
"We need to burn these bodies, then we shall continue on for a ways." She said. They set about dragging the deceased orcs and wargs into the flames set by Norfirion, which quickly consumed the remains. The travellers then extinguished the fire and mounted their horses and elk once again. Soon they were too tired to go any further, and set up a small camp under a small overhang. A watch was attempted, but soon they all were asleep.
The companions woke at dawn the next morning, feeling much refreshed and as hungry as Hobbits. They ate some of the rations given to them by the Dwarves before readying their packs.
"And here we go onwards!" Dreogan said as he hoisted himself onto Mooncharger. Norfirion mounted Frostmane while Laerorneth mounted Celebel. With the morning sun lighting their way, the three made their way over countless hills. As they crested one particularly large hill, the companions halted their rides. A beautiful expanse of water greeted them, with a glistening ocean visible far into the distance.
"So this is the Icebay of Forochel!" Laerorneth proclaimed.
Dreogan motioned out towards the ocean. "Upon those waves King Arvedui perished upon fleeing Arthedain many years ago."
"We are not far from Angmar now. Only a few days journey until we reach its borders." Norfirion said. "I would not mind going down to the bay itself, for I need a rest."
"I too would like to see the sea once more before we move into such horrid lands." Laerorneth said with a look of disdain to the Northeast. The three rode down the slope to the where the water gently lapped across a small beach. Unmounting, the travellers let their animals feed while they themselves ate some more Dwarvish provisions.
"N- cin mellon ben cûd?" A voice called out. Be you friend or foe? Leaping to their feet, Laerorneth and Dreogan drew their swords in apprehension while Norfirion nocked his bow. On the top of a hill stood a Man, clothed in grey and muted green. Upon catching sight of Dreogan, he repeated the question in the common speech. "Be you friend or foe?"
"We might ask the same of you." Laerorneth replied, a suspicious glare in her eyes. The stranger laughed, his hand resting on the hilt of a dagger at his belt. He motioned with his other hand, and a large group of similarly dressed men appeared, all pointing bows at the three.
The newcomer smiled. "You first."
Laerorneth gave a short nod, her eyes still boring into the stranger's face. "I am Laerorneth of Lothlórien, and this is Norfirion of Mirkwood and Dreogan of Rohan. There, I have answered your question, now answer mine."
"Elves, this far Northwards? Intriguing. But very well, if you are Elves you can be trusted." The man motioned, and his companions lowered their weapons. "I am Alolger, and we are Rangers of the North."
"The Dúnedain of the North!" Dreogan gasped. Glancing at Norfirion, he lowered his voice. "They could be great allies on our quest."
"Quest?" Alolger asked. "Explain why you are so far from your homes, and on what business."
"It is a long story." Laerorneth said. "All three of us were sent by our rulers without much knowledge of what was ahead. We met in the town known as Bree, where we discovered that evil is breeding once more in Angmar. Hence you find us here, after our stops in the Grey Havens and the Blue Mountains."
"Very interesting, indeed." The Ranger mused. "We've been having difficulties with orc raiding parties recently. They are getting bolder, and if what you say is true we now have an explanation. I offer you an invitation to come with us, for we have much to discuss."
"We would be honored to travel with the Dúnedain."
"Excellent. Thorongil, find Foran and tell him to lead our guests." Turning back to the Elves and Rohirrim, the Ranger spoke. "If you will excuse me, I have something to attend to. Follow Foran, and he will be your guide."
Alolger strode away, his cloak blowing in the wind. Two younger men appeared to take his place, dressed much the same.
"Greetings. I am Thorongil, and this is Foran. Follow him, and he will lead you true." The first Ranger said, a regal looking man with a sword of special magnificence sheathed at his side. The two Elves observed him for a moment and shared a knowing glance.
"You carry a good blade." Dreogan said, impressed, as they followed the Rangers. "Where did you get a sword of such fine craft?"
Thorongil gave a slight wry smile as he lay a hand on the hilt. "It was once a fine blade indeed, but now it lies broken." He pulled the sword from the sheath but the blade was broken not far from the hilt. "As for where it came from, it was forged long ago in a time that few remember."
"Why carry a broken blade?" Dreogan asked curiously. "Surely it does not offer much protection against foe?"
"Dreogan," Laerorneth cut in quietly. "There are questions that are best left unanswered until the time is ripe, and that time has not yet come. Hold your curiosity for now, I do not doubt that you will live to see them answered."
"Yes, I do not doubt either that all shall be told and explained, nor do I think this is our last meeting with each other." Thorongil said with a look at Dreogan and then to the Elves. "Tell me my good elves, how goes it in your lands? It has been a while since I stepped foot in any elvish dwelling other than Rivendell."
"Nothing much has changed in the Woodland Realm." Norfirion answered. "All is well, and the spiders that had been inhabiting the forest have fled to other dark holes in the world. Also the menace known as the Necromancer has been vanquished."
Laerorneth and Thorongil both started.
"Speak not of the master of whose servant's land is so close." They both said in hushed tones. "You can trust no-one these days for even the trees and hills seem to have ears."
Norfirion noticed his mistake and nodded solemnly.
"As it is, the same goes for Lorien." Laerorneth answered. "As always the Lady of Light keeps her land from tarnish and the light there remains unmarred."
"Was the Lady of Rivendell in Lorien when you left?" Thorongil asked, his face calm, yet his voice betraying him. Laerorneth smiled sweetly as if she knew something the others did not.
"She was indeed." She answered. "And if she had know that we were to meet, I am sure that she would have bade me to send her greetings."
"Yes, I am sure she would." Thorongil said taking a few seconds to compose himself again. He straightened up and took a deep breath.
Norfirion and Dreogan were oblivious to the conversation as they were talking to a fellow Dúnedain. They stopped talking and realized they had just missed something. Laerorneth simply smiled at them knowingly before turning away.
"Where do you come from, Dreogan?" Thorongil questioned.
"I come from the land of Rohan." Dreogan began. "It is a fair land full of open plains, filled with noble and kind people and the greatest horses in all the realms."
"Indeed it is." The Ranger said. "For I have spent several years among the Rohirrim. I wish to return someday."
Dreogan smiled. "Would that you shall, for you would be welcomed yet again by the Lord of the Mark."
Thorongil was about to speak when another Ranger called from up ahead. "Thorongil! Berhen desires to speak with you!"
The Ranger with the broken blade smiled and bowed to the three, who bowed in return. "Farewell travellers, and may we meet again."
"Farewell, noble Ranger." Laerorneth said, as they watched the Ranger stride away to converse with his fellow.
"Come on then." Foran said. "This way."
The Elves and Man followed the Ranger over a cluster of hills and down into a small dell. Upon their arrival, several other Rangers revealed themselves and soon had a small fire crackling under the sunset. All ate well, for the Rangers supplied dried meats, cheese and bread with a fine wine in addition to the remaining food from the Dwarves. When they had eaten it was time to sleep, for the Rangers planned to wake early.
"The Orc patrol that discovered you two nights ago was simply one of many roaming these lands. In the morrow we shall set a trap, and in the evening launch an ambush of our own." Alolger said, his fingers knit together. "It shall be a long day, so rest now. We shall keep watch."
The three laid out their bedrolls and readied for the night. As the Rangers made preparations they dropped into a much-needed and dreamless sleep. They woke the next morning to the voice of Thorongil, who stood over them with the rising sun making a golden halo around his face. He appeared quite majestic to the waking travellers.
"It is time to set the trap." The Ranger said somberly. "When you are ready, find me, and we shall explain the plan."
Dreogan collected their supplies while Laerorneth and Norfirion wrapped up their bedrolls.
"Well then, traps, traps are always interesting." Dreogan started rambling to his friends as they walked towards the hastily working Dúnedain.
"Good morning!" Alolger called. "Thorongil told me that you were awake." He laughed. "Now you can help us work!"
"Oh joy…" Norfirion muttered under his breath. "This should be fun."
They listened while Thorongil and Alolger briefed them on what was planned. The Rangers had made created a large ring of sharpened logs and placed them on a hill. Someone would lure the nightly orc patrol towards the trap, where upon the rest of the Rangers would reveal themselves and pounce.
"Does anyone wish to volunteer themselves as our lure?" Alolger asked. Dreogan immediately stepped forth.
"I shall go. After all, who can ride better than a horseman of the mark?" The Rohirrim said.
"You speak truly. You should rest up, for we shall strike at sunset."
"A good idea." Dreogan said. He smiled slyly and nodded to Laerorneth and Norfirion as he walked past, towards a cool patch of shade. "Hope you enjoy yourselves sharpening sticks."
The Elves sighed and rolled their eyes as their friend strode off, singing softly to himself.
The better part of that morning indeed was spent sharpening sticks. They sharpened many stakes which were collected by Rangers who delivered them to the site of the trap.
When they had been sharpening branches for hours, a Ranger came over to tell them that they were needed elsewhere and that no more stakes were needed. With the assistance of the Rangers, they carried the sharpened logs to a small curved hill.
Working quickly, they dug the stakes into the ground, forming a circle at the top of the hill. The workers took a break, where upon they were joined by Dreogan for a meal. Afterwards they sat in a great ring as Alolger spoke.
"Listen, travellers. We have come to a decision." The Ranger paused. "
When all was ready they hid themselves in the brush as Dreogan went in the direction of the party of orcs. He found them as he crested the top of a hill about a mile away. The orcs marched and made a terrible amount of noise as they trampled the green earth under their foul feet. When he got within hailing distance he called out to them.
"Hello, pack of worms!" He yelled. "What are you all doing around here?"
The orcs turned towards his voice and exclaimed in union.
"A man?" One growled. "On a horse? Fresh meat for dinner, boys!" With that Dreogan spurred Mooncharger on from the orcs, who were sprinting after the galloping horse and rider. The Rohirrim put on a good show, pretending to be in great distress as the orcs pursued. Dreogan smiled to himself as the prepared hill came into view. It was not long before the orc party was inside the trap, where Norfirion, Laerorneth and the Rangers waited with baited breath. As soon as Dreogan entered the prepared area, arrows flew in and cut down the lead orcs.
Growling, the orcs turned to flee, only to find themselves facing the blades of the Rangers. The setting sun's light flickering on their swords, the Rangers and Elves set upon the howling orcs. The onslaught took the fell creatures by surprise, and they offered little resistance in their confusion. Soon the ambush was over.
They took the bodies, piled them and set the corpses ablaze. The smoke curled up into the sky while the vile bodies turned to ash. With the light flickering on their shadowed faces, the Rangers and companions stood around the bonfire and watched it burn.
When they were done Alolger spoke to Laerorneth.
"We have come to a decision. If you ask us to, we shall travel to the Blue Mountains and return with Dwarvish aid."
"We do indeed wish for aid in this terrible quest we have gotten tangled in." Laerorneth. answered. "I fear that what lies ahead is greater than what three alone can handle." With that the Rangers hurried to finish packing as the three bade farewell to Thorongil.
"It was a pleasure to meet you." Dreogan said, shaking the ranger's hand. "I hope that you are able to venture to Rohan some day."
"As do I." Thorongil replied.
"Galu mell Edhel mellon." Norfirion said with a bow. Goodbye dear Elf friend.
"Novaer, a mab echad, Elessar." Laerorneth said softly so only he could hear. Farewell, and take care Elfstone. "We shall look to you before the gates of Angmar." Thorongil smiled and bowed.
"Na lû e-govaned vîn." He answered. Until next we meet.
"Farewell!" Alolger called as the travellers began their journey into the land of darkness. As they crested a hill, the companions took one last look at the Rangers. Waving, they continued on their way, leading their animals down the hill.
A sudden sense of urgency suddenly seemed to close in on the three. They rapidly mounted their animals and seemed to fly across the uneven ground. To the riders they seemed to move almost as fast as the great eagles fly. Riding hard, the companions took only a short break to eat some of the provisions the Rangers had given them, as they were saving the Dwarvish cram for the journey in Angmar.
Night came fast and the bright stars illuminated the sky. A cool breeze came over the Man and Elves as they set up a small, compact camp.
"I shall take the first watch." Dreogan said. "Rest well!"
With that Norfirion and Laerorneth pulled out their bedrolls and laid them on the ground. They both had an oddly dreamless and restful sleep, despite their proximity to the domain of their foe.