A/N: I'm sooooo sorry it took so long to update. I had to go out of town this past weekend and didn't really have a chance to write. Here's chapter 10. Thanks so much for the great reviews. I'm already working on Chapter 11 so it should be up VERY soon. It will mainly be a Karina chapter but I will also work Legolas and the others into it.

Chapter 10

The Riders of Rohan

Karina and Legolas ran quickly through the brush in the direction of Gimli's cry. As they neared the dwarf, they could not see anything out of the ordinary. Karina's eyes scanned the area, but she saw nothing.

"Whatever is the matter, Master Dwarf?" she asked, trying not to show her exasperation.

Gimli regarded her carefully before replying. "I'm sure I saw an old man in the depths of the trees. I feel it may be Saruman."

"Perhaps you were dreaming?" a voice suggested behind them. The three turned to see Aragorn making his way toward them. He seemed to be a bit annoyed at the thought of being awoken for no apparent reason.

"Saruman? Are you sure?" Legolas asked skeptically.

"No, but the man did seem mysterious and was clothed in white. Does that not fit the description of our nemesis?" Gimli explained.

"That it does, but it is not enough to go on alone." Karina piped up. "However, where is this "old man" you speak of? I see no one among the distance, nor do I feel their presence."

"He is gone now. I know not where he disappeared to."

"Nonetheless, we might as well set out again. There isn't any time to spare, if we hope to find Pippin and Merry alive." Aragorn informed them.

Later that day, they continued to follow the Entwash as it wound through the land. As the four walked along, Karina felt a whisper through the trees. She began to pick up bits and pieces of their conversation the further they went. Although she was not an expert at deciphering messages given to her by her surroundings, she could pick out a few words here and there. Upon hearing a few certain words, Karina suddenly stopped in her tracks and looked around.

"What is the matter, Lady Karina?" Aragorn asked, noticing her troubled look.

"I am not quite sure myself. The trees tell of what lies ahead. However, I only understand part of the message." She replied.

"What do they say?" Legolas wondered.

"They speak of Orcs ahead, and then they tell of horse masters. The rest I do not understand."

"Horse masters?" Gimli raised an eyebrow curiously.

"The Riders of Rohan." Aragorn said in understanding. "Then, they must not be far ahead. Perhaps, we can find out information from them."

Karina shrugged, "They tell us to proceed." Aragorn nodded. No sooner did they pick up their pace, than they heard the thundering of hooves far ahead of them. The four watched as the riders quickly closed the gap between them, eating up the distance.

"They are approaching fast," Gimli commented, watching the riders and horses come near. When they were within earshot, Aragorn strode forward and asked, "What news from the North, Riders of Rohan?"

The riders stopped suddenly, looking around alarmed at the voice that had spoken out. One rider rode forward and glared at them.

"May I ask your name?" he questioned in an almost condescending tone. Karina frowned at the man's arrogance. Who did he think he was talking to them like that? It was true that he could not help but look down at them from atop such a gallant horse, but nevertheless, he could show some respect and kindness.

"I am called Strider, and we're hunting Orcs." Aragorn replied, narrowing his eyes at the man.

"You're a fool if you think I'd believe a story such as that. One would not take a woman on such a perilous mission." He exclaimed haughtily. Karina gritted her teeth in anger.

"Then, that shows how little you know!" she practically snarled. She was about to let loose another furious comment when she felt Aragorn's restraining hand. Regaining her composure, she took a step back and continued to glare at the horseman.

"It is true that it is unusual to take a female on such a journey, but she is different from most. She is neither a burden nor a nuisance, and has proved herself to be a great asset to our party." Aragorn said, trying to soothe the frazzled nerves between the two. Karina couldn't help but smile at Aragorn's last words.

"We've come through Lothlorien, after meeting with the Lady of the Wood, and pursue a band of Orcs which have something of great value to us." Aragorn continued.

The man's eyes widen, "So rumors of the elf witch are true. The elven enchantress does exist."

Karina could feel her anger resurface and before she could think, she had already pulled her sword from her side and held it before her. She could hear its furious hum echoing in the air. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Gimli and Legolas had both readied their weapons at the horseman.

"May we have the pleasure of YOUR name?" Karina asked menacingly.

"Eomer, son of Eomund." He replied. It was then Karina took notice of the other riders gathering around them, spears pointed in an offensive stance. Aragorn saw the danger awaiting and took the opportunity to interfere.

"My apologies, Eomer. We do not intend any harm to Rohan. We have fallen on a bit of hard times which is why my friends are quick to react to your words." Aragorn quickly told him.

The riders slowly began to lower their weapons and Karina hesitantly did the same. She watched them for a few minutes, barely hearing the conversation between Eomer and Aragorn. Karina heard some words of part of their journey, and she cringed when she heard him mention the fall of Gandalf and Boromir. However, her thoughts were brought back to the matter at hand when she heard of them speak of horses.

"You must be on your way, then." Eomer spoke to Aragorn. "We can, though, lend you some horses to help you on your journey."

"We thank you for your assistance, Eomer so of Eomund." Aragorn said.

"Although, we have never given a horse to a dwarf." Eomer said, glancing sideways at Gimli.

"Do not trouble yourself, for I will walk as I have been. Dwarves do not use the company of horses." Gimli replied.

"Come, you shall sit behind me, friend Gimli." Legolas offered. Karina almost laughed at the dwarf's indignant expression. 'This shall truly be a sight to see,' she thought to herself. 'A dwarf upon the back of a horse.'

"However," Eomer's words cut through her thoughts. "I'm afraid we can not allow the lady to join you, but she can come with us to Rohan where she will be safe."

"Why, may I ask, is that?" Legolas asked in an obvious cold tone. Karina looked from him to Aragorn to Eomer in frustration and anger. She could not believe she was being denied the right to continue with the fellowship. She suddenly got an idea.

Pulling Legolas away for a few paces, she motioned for the others to stay where they were. "I shall humor them for a while and go where they wish. But, don't think for a minute, that I shall just stay as they please. This should be easier in the long run and it will keep their relations with us a friendly one. However, I will catch up with you." She softly told him, keeping her voice low.

"Are you certain about this?" he asked worriedly. "How will you know where to find us?"

"You forget, Legolas, I'm made of magic. I will know where to find you." She said with a smile. Finally, Legolas relented against his better judgement and they returned to the group.

"I shall stay behind," she told Eomer, noticing Legolas quietly tell Aragorn of her plans. Aragorn nodded slowly. "They believe it is in my best interest to accompany you to Rohan. They…fear for my safety."

"A wise decision, my lady." Eomer said smugly. Karina frowned once again upon his arrogance, but chose to ignore it. As two horses were led to the front for the other three, she noticed a young man bring forth a horse for her. The snow white horse looked fairly familiar with its black mane and tail and black legs. Karina's eyes lit up in recognition.

"May I ask where you got this horse?" she looked at Eomer.

He looked at her in curiosity and answered, "She was not originally one of our horses. She was discovered many miles away near an elven village. Seeing as she did not seem to be claimed, we brought her back as one of our own."

"Indeed…" Karina muttered, gently taking the reins from the man. She could not believe that her horse, Purity, had made it so far to Rohan. She had been quite certain that she would have returned to the kingdom of Gavalar after she had been set free in Rivendell. She turned back to Legolas, who was already mounted on his horse and was helping Gimli up. Karina softly chuckled at the dwarf's expression as he sat astride the horse.

Karina looked back at Purity and swiftly mounted. She sighed at the thought of riding with tack, but she knew it would only cause problems if she mentioned this to the horsemen. As she started to join the men of Rohan, she noticed Legolas ride up beside her and hold her wrist.

"Are you sure you'll be alright?" he asked in concern. She was touched by his words and knew he would worry about her until she was back with them (him).

"Legolas, I shall be fine. I'm more worried about your safety. What the three of you will be doing is far more dangerous than where I'm going." She told him.

"You mustn't worry about us, Lady Karina." Gimli replied. "We'll be sure to give those Orcs a good thrashing."

Karina looked at Gimli and smiled, "I know you will, friend dwarf." She looked back at Legolas who still held on to her hand. Blushing slightly, she managed to wiggle her fingers out of his grasp.

"I'll be with you all shortly," she told him. She quickly noticed that the riders of Rohan were already beginning to leave and she had to catch up with him. Throwing one last look at Legolas, she turned and followed them through the trees. Legolas watched intently until not even his eyes could see a trace of the elven princess.

A/N: There ya go! I went as closely to the book as I could. I hope you like it. Chapter 11 will be up probably tomorrow, so look for it! As always, please review! No flames though, however, I will accept constructive criticism.