Back on Arda, with Helm's Deep in sight...
The people of Edoras finally reached Helm's Deep, thanks to Éowyn's guidance. Many of the elder women were thanking her over and over as they entered the fortress. Éothain and Freda were finally reunited with their mother since the Burning of the Westfold. For most, it was a time of joy and relief. However, there was a major problem : a severe shortage of food for the people of Rohan.
"Where is the rest ?" Éowyn wondered about having more food around.
"This is all we could save, my Lady." A guard answered as he pointed to the rations.
"Take it to the caves." Éowyn ordered the few guards around.
Before Éowyn could accompany the guards, the riders were making their entrance into the keep.
"Make way for the King ! Make way for Théoden ! Make way for the King !" Gamling shouted to the crowd as they entered.
"So few. So few of you have returned." Éowyn said in shock when noticing only a few riders aside Gamling, Théoden, Gimli, Legolas, Ahsoka and Lux.
"Our people are safe. We have paid for it with many lives." Théoden stated in disappointment.
Gimli took it upon himself to approach Éowyn and give her the grim news concerning Aragorn.
"My Lady." Gimli said with sadness in his face.
"Lord Aragorn... where is he ?" Éowyn questioned as she looked around for him.
"He fell." Gimli replied while looking down in grief.
At that moment, Éowyn was unable to speak, struggling to understand what she had just been told. Pain and sorrow were obviously felt. Ahsoka and Lux approached her.
"I'm very sorry, Éowyn. It happened so fast. During the battle with the enemy, he was apparently dragged to his death into a precipice. All we could see was raging waters below, no sign of the enemy nor Aragorn." Ahsoka explained while trying to hold her emotions in check.
"I didn't expect things to turn out the way they did, so we'll have to double our efforts in order to keep the people safe." Lux added realizing that the odds were turning against them with Aragorn gone.
"Draw all our forces behind the wall. Bar the gate. And set a watch on the surround." Théoden instructed to his soldiers.
"What of those who cannot fight, my Lord ? The women and children ?" Gamling questioned his liege.
"Get them into the caves. Saruman's arm will have grown long indeed if he thinks he can reach us here." Théoden answered to his lead captain.
Meanwhile, in Isengard...
Saruman is preparing a large container, filling it with small, black rocks. Grima is besides him holding a candle.
"Helm's Deep has one weakness. Its outer wall is solid rock but for a small culvert at its base, which is little more than a drain." Grima said as he explained the main weakness of Helm's Deep to Saruman.
"How ? How can fire undo stone ? What kind of device could bring down the wall ?" Grima wondered as he approached the container with his candle, being an early design of a bomb, until Saruman pushed him away to avoid detonation.
"If the wall is breached, Helm's Deep will fall." Saruman stated as he made his way to his balcony outside.
"Even if it is breached, it would take a number beyond reckoning, thousands, to storm the keep !" Grima added as he followed Saruman to the balcony.
"Tens of thousands !" Saruman exclaimed before arriving on his balcony.
"But my Lord, there is no such force !" Grima pleaded before stopping at the balcony.
As the two arrived outside on Saruman's balcony, a loud horn was sounded, followed by chants in Black Speech. Saruman's forces were ready and waiting. Saruman held out his hand to silence his new army.
"A new power is rising ! Its victory is at hand !" Saruman shouted to his army, which was followed by further chanting and cheering.
"This night, the land will be stained with the blood of Rohan ! March to Helm's Deep ! Leave none alive ! To war !" Saruman shouted back before bidding his army to march forth.
As the Uruk-Hai army began to leave, Grima shed a tear. Whether he found this new army magnificent or that he felt sorry for betraying his people, it is unknown.
"There will be no dawn, for men." Saruman said to himself since he was sure his army would succeed.
In Fangorn Forest, still a distance from Isengard...
Treebeard was moving along with Merry and Pippin towards the base of the mountains.
"Look ! There's smoke to the South !" Pippin shouted pointing towards it.
"There is always smoke rising, from Isengard these days." Treebeard commented.
"Isengard ?" Merry wondered as he climbed at the top of Treebeard along with Pippin to get a better look.
"There was a time when Saruman would take a walk in my woods. But now he has a mind of metal and wheels. He no longer cares for growing things." Treebeard stated as he explained Saruman's fall to the hobbits.
"What is it ?" Pippin asked his cousin, oblivious of what was happening.
The Isengard horn was heard in the distance and a large line of Uruk-Hai was seen moving steadily away from Isengard towards Helm's Deep.
"It's Saruman's army. The war has started." Merry said as he felt fearful for the others.
In an unknown region of Rohan...
Aragorn, completely unconscious, was floating towards the shores of a river. As his body arrived at the shore, a voice rang in his mind. It was Arwen, contacting him by telepathy.
"May the grace of the Valar protect you." These were the words that brought Aragorn back to consciousness.
Aragorn felt a presence near him. Not a human, but an ally still. It was Théodred's horse, Brego. The horse sat on the ground, allowing a weakened Aragorn to climb onto him by grabbing onto his mane, since he was wild and did not have neither reins nor saddle attached to him. Aragorn began his journey towards Helm's Deep to rejoin his friends and the people of Rohan.
Meanwhile, in Rivendell...
Elrond was trying his best to convince Arwen to leave for the promised lands of Valinor.
"Arwen, it is time. The ships are leaving for Valinor. Go now... before it is too late." Elrond pressed his daughter further.
"I have made my choice." Arwen answered.
"He is not coming back. Why do you linger here when there is no hope ?" Elrond questioned her.
"There is still hope." Arwen replied.
"If Aragorn survives this war, you will still be parted. If Sauron is defeated and Aragorn is made King and all that you hope for comes true, you will still have to taste the bitterness of mortality. Whether by the sword or the slow decay of time, Aragorn will die.
And there will be no comfort for you, no comfort to ease the pain of his passing. He will come to death, an image of the splendor of the Kings of Men, in glory undimmed before the breaking of the world. But you, my daughter, you will linger on in darkness and in doubt, as nightfall in winter that comes without a star. Here you will dwell, bound to your grief under the fading trees, until all the world is changed and the long years of your life are utterly spent." Elrond explained to his daughter as he foresaw a rather dim future.
"Arwen, there is nothing for you here, only death. Do I not also have your love ?" Elrond stated as he noticed his daughter beginning to cry.
"You have my love, father." Arwen said while resting her head on Elrond's shoulder and wept.
Against her better judgement, Arwen left Rivendell along with many other Elves, accepting the fact that she won't be seeing Aragorn again... or so she thought.
Back at the study, Elrond was contacted by Galadriel, via telepathy.
"The world is changed. I can feel it in the water, I can feel it in the earth, I can smell it in the air. The power of the enemy is growing. Sauron will use his puppet Saruman to destroy Rohan. Isengard has been unleashed. The Eye of Sauron now turns to Gondor, the last free Kingdom of Men. His war on this country will come swiftly. He senses the Ring is close.
The strength of the Ring-Bearer is failing. In his heart, Frodo begins to understand... the quest will claim his life. You know this. You have foreseen it. It is the risk we all took. In the gathering dark, the will of the Ring grows strong. It works hard now to find its way back in the hands of Men. Men, who are so easily seduced by its power. Any man has to but extend their hand, take the Ring for their own, and the world will fall. It is close now. So close to achieving its goal.
For Sauron will have dominion over all life on this Earth, even unto the ending of the world. The time of the Elves is over. Do we leave Middle-Earth to its fate ? Do we let them stand alone ?"
Meanwhile, in the plains of Rohan...
Aragorn, while riding Brego, came across the Uruk-Hai army from a distance. Brego was smart enough to stay out of sight. After several hours, Aragorn managed to reach Helm's Deep.
"Well done, Brego, my friend." Aragorn said as he patted the horse's neck.
As Aragorn made his way past the gates, the people of Rohan were astonished to see him alive. As Aragorn got off Brego, an old friend came to greet him in an unexpected manner.
"Where is he ?! Where is he ?! Get out of my way ! I'm going to kill him ! You are the luckiest, the canniest, and the most reckless man I ever knew ! Bless you, laddie !" Gimli shouted as he approached Aragorn and gave him a heartfelt hug.
"Gimli, where is the King ?" Aragorn wondered.
Gimli nodded towards a direction. Aragorn made his way further into the keep and met with Legolas.
"You're late... You look terrible." Legolas commented, receiving a laugh from Aragorn.
They patted each other on the shoulder. Legolas offered him back the Evenstar jewel. Éowyn took a look and suddenly noticed him. She looked on in disbelief. Ahsoka and Lux also caught the sight of him.
"Somebody is watching over him, Lux. I can't think of any other explanation on how he survived all these crazy stunts. Nevertheless, I'm relieved to see him, safe and sound." Ahsoka said to Lux as she was cheered up by his appearance.
"So we have our leader once again, 'Soka. I have a feeling the tide will turn in our favor now that he's back with us." Lux said as he began to feel much more hopeful of the current situation.
Aragorn then made his way to the King's chamber, to tell him of the upcoming army. Gamling, Gimli, Legolas, Ahsoka and Lux stood around Théoden and Aragorn, listening intently to what Aragorn had to say.
"A great host, you say ?" Théoden asked as he turned his back to the group.
"All of Isengard is emptied." Aragorn answered.
"How many ?" Théoden wondered.
"10 000 strong at least." Aragorn replied.
"10 000 ?!" Théoden shouted in shock.
Ahsoka and Lux looked at each other with wide eyes. Lux swallowed a lump in his throat. Ahsoka's lekku paled in response.
"It is an army bred for a single purpose : To destroy the World of Men. They will be here by nightfall." Aragorn stated to the group as all reacted in shock.
"Let them come !" Théoden shouted as he walked out of his chamber, followed by Gamling.
"By... by nightfall ?! There is NO way we'll be ready for this !" Ahsoka shouted in despair.
"Ahsoka ! Now is NOT the time for you to falter ! I need YOU as much as you need ME ! You know I'm not much of a fighter, that's why I depend on you... more than ever... for my safety." Lux shouted back as he placed a hand on her shoulder and pointed a finger towards her, trying to inspire a bit of courage.
"You had opportunities to learn to use a melee weapon, but you never took them ! That is, until I forced you to use my lightsaber when we fought those wargs in the mountains. Fine, I'll watch your back. Make sure you watch mine !" Ahsoka shouted as she bared her fangs to him and tapped his chest with a finger.
"W-wait ! Why are we fighting ? We are engaged with one another, we shouldn't be like this !" Lux said as he tried to defuse Ahsoka's anger and frustration.
"Y... you're right, Lux ! I guess I got caught up in despair and panic. Sorry about that." Ahsoka replied as she felt embarrassed by her show of anger and proceeded to hug Lux in a form of apology.
"Apology accepted, 'Soka. I'll learn to use a melee weapon after this conflict is over, for our own good. I promise." Lux said as he hugged her back.
"Well, Lux, you have kept your word since we left Carlac, so I'm confident you'll do me proud later." Ahsoka said as she kissed him on the cheek.
"Let's rejoin Théoden and the others, shall we ?" Lux suggested as he motioned towards outside.
Théoden was walking around the parapets with Gamling in tow. Aragorn was tailing them.
"I want every man and strong lad, able to bear arms, to be ready for battle by nightfall." Théoden instructed to Gamling.
"We will cover the causeway and the gate from above. No army has ever breached the Deeping wall, or set foot inside the Hornburg !" Théoden added.
"This is no rabble of mindless Orcs. These are Uruk-Hai. Their armor is thick and their shields broad." Gimli warned.
"Not to mention, they are much stronger than typical Orcs." Ahsoka added.
"I have fought many wars, Master Dwarf. And Lady Tano, do not underestimate my will to succeed ! I know how to defend my own keep." Théoden retorted to the two fighters.
As Théoden entered the keep, Aragorn stopped to pat both Gimli and Ahsoka on their shoulders, they did their part to warn Théoden of the might of the Uruk-Hai.
"They will break upon this fortress like water on rock. Saruman's hordes will pillage and burn. We've seen it before. Crops can be resown, homes rebuilt. Within these walls, we will outlast them." Théoden continued while trying to inspire confidence into his soldiers.
"They do not come to destroy Rohan's crops or villages. They come to destroy its people, down to the last child." Aragorn stated to Théoden.
"What would you have me do ?! Look at my men ! Their courage hangs by a thread. If this is to be our end, then I would have them make such an end, as to be worthy of remembrance." Théoden replied back.
"Send out riders, my Lord, you must call for aid." Aragorn suggested to Théoden.
"And who will come ? Elves ? Dwarves ? More warriors from beyond the stars ? We are not so lucky in our friends as you. The old alliances are dead." Théoden answered while looking in despair.
"Gondor will answer." Aragorn said to Théoden... not expecting his reaction.
"Gondor ?! Where was Gondor when the Westfold fell ?! Where was Gondor when our enemies closed in around us ?! Where was Gon-? No, my Lord Aragorn, we are alone." Théoden stated as he acknowledged the severity of the situation.
"Get the women and children into the caves." Théoden ordered to his soldiers.
"We need more time to lay provisions for-" Gamling said before being cut off by Théoden.
"There is no time. War is upon us." Théoden replied back to Gamling.
"Secure the gate !" A Rohan soldier shouted. Crebain were flying about.
Meanwhile, in Fangorn Forest...
"We Ents have not troubled with the wars of Men and Wizards for a very long time. But now, something is about to happen, that hasn't happened for an age. Entmoot." Treebeard stated as he arrived at a clearing in Fangorn Forest.
"What's that ?" Merry wondered.
"'Tis a gathering." Treebeard answered.
"A gathering of what ?" Merry kept on.
At that moment, other Ents showed up, of different shapes and sizes. None were as large or as impressive as Treebeard, though.
"Beech, Oak, Chestnut, Ash. Good, good, good. Many have come. Now we must decide if the Ents will go to war." Treebeard said before he began his meeting.
Back at Helm's Deep...
The women and children were ushered into the caves under Helm's Deep, provisions were provided for them as they settled themselves around. Aragorn was walking by the gates with the rest of the soldiers.
"We'll place the reserves along the wall. They can support the archers from above the gate." Aragorn instructed to the soldiers about strategic placement of troops.
"Aragorn, you're no use to us half-alive, you must rest !" Legolas suggested.
"My Lord ! Aragorn !" Éowyn shouted as she made her way towards him in the crowd.
"I'm to be sent with the women into the caves." Éowyn stated in disappointment.
"That is an honorable charge." Aragorn replied trying to cheer her up.
"To mind the children, to find food and bedding when the men return. What renown is there in that ?!" Éowyn argued back.
"My Lady, a time may come for valor without renown. Who then will your people look to in the last defense ?" Aragorn shot back, trying to calm her down.
"Let me stand at your side !" Éowyn insisted.
"It is not in my power to command it." Aragorn stated as he began to turn away from her.
"You do not command others to stay ! They fight beside you because they would not be parted from you. Because they love you. I'm sorry..." Éowyn said while looking at the group surrounding Aragorn.
"Don't worry, Éowyn. Watch over the women and children, I'll do my part and represent us women in battle." Ahsoka said as she volunteered to be the one woman to be present during the upcoming battle.
"Lady Tano, thank you. From what I've heard, it seems your fighting skills are quite impressive." Éowyn replied while giving her a look of gratitude.
"And they are ! It's a shame you won't be able to see her in action..." Lux teased.
"Um, Lux, we're supposed to cheer her up, not bring her down further to depression." Ahsoka shot back as she gave Lux a friendly punch on the shoulder.
"Thank you, both of you. No doubt you'll do your best to defend the keep with Aragorn and the others. If you'll excuse me, I'll retire to the caves now." Éowyn stated before making her way towards the caves.
"She's definitely unique among this crowd, Lux. Not afraid to face danger. She reminds me of Steela... a more aristocratic Steela, if you follow me." Ahsoka said as she noticed some similarities with their past rebel friend.
"Hmm, she and Saw are likely looking at us from above. Along with my parents, I'd wager they're our guardian angels, 'Soka. We'll be all right, you'll see." Lux said as he began to feel hopeful and hugged her a bit.
"I like your attitude, Lux. Good job ! We might as well make our way to the armory and suit up accordingly. My Jedi garb really doesn't offer much protection... maybe they've got some mithril shirts lying around." Ahsoka suggested as she returned the hug and motioned towards the armory.
As they arrived at the armory, a great deal of people were already gathered, acquiring weapons and armor for battle. Some of them were old men and there were even a few young boys, such as Éothain. Aragorn looked on in disappointment.
"Farmers, ferriers, stable boys. These are no soldiers." Aragorn grumbled as he shook his head.
"Most have seen too many winters." Gimli added.
"Or too few. Look at them. They're frightened. You can see it in their eyes." Legolas commented, gaining the attention of everyone.
"And they should be. 300 against 10 000 ?!" Legolas said in slight despair.
"They have more hope of defending themselves here than at Edoras..." Aragorn stated back.
"They cannot win this fight ! They are all going to die !" Legolas cried out in despair.
"Then I shall die as one of them !" Aragorn shouted in anger before leaving to let off some steam.
Before Legolas could follow him, Gimli grabbed his shoulder.
"Let him go, lad. Let him be." Gimli suggested to his Elf friend.
Ahsoka and Lux were rummaging through, looking for mithril shirts. Within moments, a pair of protective shirts were uncovered.
"Looks like this might fit. And that one seems your size, Lux." Ahsoka said as she noticed the size of the shirts.
"Indeed, fits like a glove !" Lux stated as he put on the shirt and it felt just right for him.
"Hmm... how am I going to put this on ? Should I place it between my bra and my Jedi garb ? Or should I wear it over everyth... Um, boys, could I have a little privacy, please ?" Ahsoka stated while trying to figure out how to wear the shirt and motioned the men to leave her for a short while.
"Of course, 'Soka. Take all the time you need. Come on, guys, let's go see how the others are preparing themselves." Lux suggested to the rest as he motioned outside the armory.
After a few minutes of thinking, Ahsoka finally decided to wear the shirt above everything, as she couldn't afford to have her garb torn to shreds during battle. She also took a large broadsword to bring to Lux, for an alternative weapon should his rifle and blasters fail to work as they have done in the past.
In Théoden's chamber, Gamling was preparing his King's armor and weapon.
"Every villager able to wield a sword has been sent to the armory." Gamling stated while beginning to place the armor around Théoden.
"My Lord ?" Gamling questioned his liege as he noticed him being distracted.
"Who am I, Gamling ?" Théoden asked his Captain.
Gamling wasn't sure how to respond, and hesitated for a moment.
"You are our King, Sire." Gamling answered plainly.
"And do you trust your King ?" Théoden questioned as he was doubting his leadership.
"Your men, my Lord, will follow you to whatever end." Gamling said as he spoke for all the people of Rohan regarding their loyalty to Théoden.
"To whatever end." Théoden repeated with a small smile on his face.
"Where is the horse and the rider ? Where is the horn that was blowing ? They have passed like rain on the mountains. Like wind in the meadow. The days have gone down in the West, behind the hills, into shadow. How did it come to this ?" Théoden stated as the harsh reality of the situation hit him hard.
Meanwhile, at Fangorn Forest...
The Ents were busy discussing. Merry and Pippin stood and stared at the tree-herders. Time was wasting, this they knew.
"It's been going on for hours !" Merry complained.
"They must have decided something by now." Pippin stated as he got Treebeard's attention for a brief moment.
"Decided ? No. We only just finished saying good morning." Treebeard replied plainly.
"But it's nighttime already. You can't take forever !" Merry snapped in slight frustration.
"Don't be hasty." Treebeard grumbled before turning his attention back to the other Ents.
"We're running out of time !" Merry shouted back.
Back at Helm's Deep...
Soldiers were placing themselves on the wall, waiting for the inevitable. Aragorn was watching as a boy was nearby, looking in fear.
"Give me your sword." Aragorn demanded.
The boy approached Aragorn and allowed him to take a close look at the weapon.
"What is your name ?" Aragorn wondered.
"Haleth, son of Hama, my Lord. The men are saying we will not live out the night. That is it hopeless." Haleth introduced himself and explained his worries.
Aragorn proceeded to swing the sword around a few times, before handing it back to Haleth.
"This is a good sword. Haleth, son of Hama... there is always hope." Aragorn said while inspiring a bit of courage unto the young boy.
Aragorn himself went into the armory to suit up for battle. As he was about to grab his sword, Legolas offered it to him.
"We have trusted you this far. You have not led us astray. Forgive me. I was wrong to despair." Legolas said as he apologised for his erratic behaviour earlier.
"There is nothing to forgive, Legolas." Aragorn said as he placed a hand on his shoulder.
Lux was fiddling with his blasters and his rifle, trying to ensure they wouldn't malfunction this time around. Ahsoka came to him and handed the broadsword over.
"And what is this ?" Lux questioned as he was hesitating to take the sword.
"Call it insurance, Lux. The way your blasters and rifle have been failing you recently, it's good to have an alternative weapon that won't break so easily." Ahsoka explained as she handed over the sword.
"You really want me to learn to use a melee weapon, huh ?" Lux said while smiling.
"Yep, what better way to learn than during an actual battle. You've handled my lightsaber quite well, this sword won't be so different. Don't worry, I'll be right beside you in case something goes wrong." Ahsoka said while comforting and encouraging Lux.
"I've only noticed this now, 'Soka. You look good in a mithril vest." Lux replied while changing the subject slightly.
"You're not so bad looking, yourself. So, do you feel ready to take on loads of Uruk-Hai ?" Ahsoka asked as she was looking forward to do battle.
"To be honest with you, not really. But it seems I'll have to do the best I can." Lux answered as he began to swing the sword around in practice.
"I wouldn't expect any less from you, Lux. Give it all you've got and you'll do great." Ahsoka stated while continuing to encourage him.
Gimli came about, wearing a chain mail suit, covering him completely as it was too long for him.
"If we had time, we'd get this adjusted. It's a little tight across the chest." Gimli commented as he felt a bit uncomfortable.
Ahsoka gave a small chuckle at the scene, Lux had the goofiest grin in a while, Aragorn and Legolas simply nodded and smiled at the Dwarf. Before anything else could be said or done, a horn was heard.
"That is no Orc horn !" Legolas shouted as he recognized the horn.
Guards above the gate looked on in absolute wonder. At the gates stood at least 200 elves, from Lothlorien going by the banner they carried.
"Send for the King ! Open the gate ! Open the gate !" A soldier shouted.
Théoden arrived at the scene and was in awe at the sight. This was the last thing he expected. Aragorn and the others came around and were feeling even more hopeful than ever.
"Hey, is that Haldir leading those elves ?" Ahsoka wondered as the head Elf looked strangely familiar.
"Indeed, 'Soka ! It is Haldir ! Suddenly, our odds have risen up yet again." Lux replied with hope in his voice.
"How is this possible ?" Théoden asked, still in disbelief of what is happening.
"I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between Elves and Men. Long ago, we fought and died together. We come to honor that allegiance." Haldir stated as he explained his motives to Théoden.
"So glad to see you, Haldir ! You are most welcome !" Aragorn said as he approached Haldir and hugged him.
The Elves rested their bows on the ground, making a loud thud. The people of Rohan were not only impressed by their unexpected allies, but hope flowed into them again.
"We are proud to fight alongside Men once more." Haldir said before ordering his troops to position themselves to take full advantage of their superior archery.
Everyone was ready and waiting. They could see the army of Uruk-Hai approaching from the distance.
Meanwhile, on Onderon...
Admiral Tarkin was explaining Palpatine's "vision" to King Dendup. The King wasn't impressed.
"Say what you will, Admiral. I know a dictatorship when I see one. I will not join this Galactic Empire. The will of the people rules here. We are a democracy." Dendup said as he challenged Tarkin.
"Oh, I expected no less from you, your Grace. The Emperor has given me very precise instructions. If you will not join us, you will be forfeit of your political powers. Take him away !" Tarkin ordered several clones as they took Dendup to a holding cell.
"Admiral, is there anything else that needs to be done here ?" Commander Fox questioned his superior officer.
"Yes, now that Dendup is out of the game, Senator Bonteri also lost his political powers as well. He's been away for far too long. I doubt he'll be returning anytime soon, wherever he is. Get me his bank account, Commander. We're going to make... a large withdrawal in the name of the Empire. It will serve the Emperor well in the construction of our new battle station." Tarkin instructed to Fox as he was preparing to do a very vile deed.
Another major part of the story covered. As the Fellowship are about to get involved in their greatest battle so far, evil plans are occurring elsewhere in the galaxy. We now have proof that Tarkin is so evil, and stoops to a level so low, to the point of robbing someone who's incapable to prevent it from happening. Yeah, he is very cold. So, on the next chapter, we'll go over the Battle for Helm's Deep and we'll know how the Ents will be involved in the war. Don't forget to leave a review on your way out. See you all later !