'Rohan? Then at last we have found those whom we have sought!' Halbarad cried, holding his hand up in a sign of peace. 'I am named Halbarad, a Ranger from the North, and I bring word to Aragorn, son of Arathorn.'

'He is here,' a voice cried from the main group of riders, which Halbarad immediately recognised as his cousin's. A moment later, Aragorn appeared from the midst of horses and spears, re-sheathing his sword as he strode forward. 'What message might you bear, kinsman?' he asked as he clasped Halbarad's free arm in greeting.

Halbarad grinned. 'That your wish has been heard and granted. I have with me thirty of your best men, as well as the sons of Elrond, who expressed a desire to fight in the war.'

Aragorn laughed in wonder before turning back to the Rohirrim. 'It is well. These are some of my people from the North, come to lend their assistance.'

The journey recommenced shortly, and Aragorn dropped back to ride beside his cousin and brothers. They spoke in low tones, often in Elvish. Time went by, and Aragorn's eyes kept turning to the staff that Halbarad held in lieu of a spear.

'What is it you hold, cousin?' he asked at last.

'A gift from the Lady Arwen,' Halbarad replied, glancing at Aragorn out of the corner of his eye. 'She requested it be unfurled at your request only.'

A distant look came into the chieftain's eyes, and for a time, he rode silently, his eyes fixed on the horizon. At last he looked again to his cousin and nodded. 'Bear it for me a little while longer.'

The night was waning as the companies rode at last into the Hornburg. The men of Rohan and the Rangers of the North rested for some hours, excepting Aragorn, who, along with his cousin Halbarad, disappeared soon after arriving at the fortress.

The sons of Elrond also did not seek sleep, one choosing to wander silently around the perimeter of the camp, while his brother stood unmoving, his gaze fixed on the tower that stood nestled against the rock-face.

Eomer woke to the sound of quiet singing. Glancing towards the source, he recognized one of the Elven twins – which one, he could not tell. An overwhelming sense of curiosity washed over him, and he got to his feet. Cautiously, he walked forward till he was only a few feet from the Elf.

Moments passed as the man attempted to find the courage to speak to the twin – he had heard that the immortal beings could sleep with their eyes open, sometimes even while speaking or singing, and the thought unnerved him. Even as these thoughts ran through his head, Eomer's eyes widened in shock as he realized that the Elf had turned towards him, and was now observing him, quiet mirth evident in his eyes.

'Good morning, Master Eomer,' the twin greeted him.

Eomer hesitated only a moment before answering. 'And to you, Lord –'

'Elrohir,' the Elf supplied, a small smile gracing his lips. 'Come speak with me, if you will.'

Eomer bowed his head. 'Thank you, Lord Elrohir.' He came to stand beside Elrohir, hoping that he would not be expected to start the conversation himself.

'Aragorn told me of the manner of your meeting,' Elrohir began in a low tone. 'And he spoke highly of your skills with the sword during the battle that took place here.'

'They are but little compared to his,' Eomer answered, inwardly glowing at the unexpected praise. 'He revealed to me the names of his instructors.'

Elrohir laughed. 'Alas, his tutors were inexperienced in the realm of teaching a young boy how to parry, thrust, and lunge. That, coupled with the endless energy of a ten-year-old child, caused many of our training sessions to end in frustration and tears.'

Eomer smiled at the mental image of the two serious Elf-lords losing their patience with a young Aragorn. 'As for myself,' he said. 'I was trained mainly by my cousin, uncle, and father. My father died when I was twelve years old, felled by a stray arrow in a skirmish.'

At Eomer's words, Elrohir stiffened as he was reminded sharply of the incident of Arathorn's death. 'I am sorry,' he replied simply.

The man gave Elrohir a tentative smile before continuing. 'After his death, my uncle turned my training over to one of the masters of the art, Gamling. There he is, yonder, at the fire.'

Elrohir followed Eomer's eyes to the brazier that stood in the centre of the camp. 'Aragorn does not give praise lightly. Gamling must indeed be a master.'

Eomer's keen grey eyes returned to the Elf. 'Where is Aragorn? I have seen neither him nor his kinsman for hours.'

'Nor have I,' Elrohir answered. 'But he will return before the time we are to depart draws nigh. He is taking counsel with Halbarad in the tower.'

'He has taken no food, and no rest,' Eomer replied. 'Will he not be exhausted on the ride?'

Elrohir shook his head. 'It is adrenaline and determination that has gotten him this far. The same shall see him through.'

As Elrohir spoke, a young Rohirric warrior came up to Eomer and spoke to him in their tongue. Eomer nodded and turned to Elrohir. 'My uncle has need of me. I have enjoyed speaking with you, Lord Elrohir. Good morning.'

Hours passed and Aragorn still had not come down from the tower. It was past noon when Elladan and Elrohir, standing along with Legolas and Gimli, overheard Theoden asking Eomer to bid one of the men to bring word to Aragorn that the company was preparing to leave.

Legolas stepped forward and inclined his head to the king. 'With your leave, my lord, Gimli, the Elrondionnath, and I shall go to him.'

Theoden nodded. 'So be it.'

The four found it easy to make their ways through the rubble and mud left over from the battle. The Dunlendings had cleared a rough path, and so it was not long before Legolas was leading the way up the twisting stone stairs that led to the high, windowless room that Halbarad and Aragorn had closeted themselves in.

Quiet voices came from beyond the heavy wooden door, halting immediately when the cousins heard the soft knock.

'Aragorn, it is I, Legolas,' the Mirkwood prince called. 'The hour is past noon, and Theoden wishes to continue on to Dunharrow.'

The door opened and Halbarad's greeted the newcomers with a nod. 'Come in, my lords.'

Aragorn rose from where he sat at a small table. His slumped shoulders and grey face spoke of a great weariness that had not been there when the company rode into the Hornburg early that morning.

Gimli was the first to speak, displaying his shock at the change in his friend. 'By my beard, lad, what has happened to you? You – you look as though you've seen a thousand ghosts!'

From behind them, Halbarad smiled wryly. The Dwarf did not know how close to the gold he had struck.

'Something like that, Gimli,' Aragorn said, making an attempt at humour as he walked past his stouthearted friend. 'But come, I must speak with Theoden ere he leaves.'

''Ere he leaves'? You are indeed full of riddles today, my friend,' Legolas said, beginning to feel as confused as Gimli.

'My path is no longer with the Rohirrim,' Aragorn said as he ran down the steps, leaving the three Elves and Gimli to glance questioningly at Halbarad.

'He will explain, my lords. It is not my place to speak of what has come to pass,' the Ranger said before going to the opposite wall and taking up the staff that the Lady Arwen had bidden him to bear to Aragorn. Up until then, only the twins had observed it standing mostly concealed in a corner.

Gimli took once look at it and addressed Halbarad. 'And what is that? That man has a few too many mysteries woven around him today!'

Halbarad laughed. 'Again, Master Dwarf, it is not my place to say. But let us be swift; Aragorn will be waiting for us.'

The Dunadan was indeed waiting at the bottom of the stairs, but he was not alone – he had met Eomer at the bottom of the stairs, and they were speaking together in low tones. Once the remaining five had joined them, Aragorn led the way back through the debris, Halbarad coming to stand on his other side.

Upon entering the camp, Aragorn and Eomer went immediately to the king, who was already mounted. From where he stood, Legolas could see the expression of the king change from calm to confused to afraid to saddened, all within seconds. A thought occurred to Legolas then, and he glanced towards the twins to see if they had come to the same conclusions.

Elrohir's voice filled his head as he recalled the words of the twin the day before. 'My father bid me tell you to remember the Paths of the Dead.' No sooner had they died away before Gimli's took their place. 'By my beard, lad, you – you look as though you've seen a thousand ghosts!' And finally, Aragorn's weary, resigned reply: 'Something like that, Gimli.'

Elladan met Legolas' gaze and nodded, then turned to look pointedly towards the east.

The last of the company of Theoden had disappeared from view among the foothills before Aragorn turned to the group of Dúnedain that stood silently on his left. Halbarad, at Aragorn's bidding, had told them of Aragorn's plans, and Rangers had agreed to accompany their chieftain instantly, whatever the risks.

Now Aragorn returned to the tower room, this time with Legolas, Gimli, and the twins. Gimli was grumbling and puffing as he entered the room and sat down in one of the few chairs with a thump. 'Will you tell us what has happened since we arrived here, laddie?' he asked gruffly, though the affection and concern in the Dwarf's eyes was obvious to Legolas.

Aragorn smiled tiredly. 'As you wish, for I see it will go ill for me if I do not relieve all of you from your worry.' He met Legolas' and Gimli's eyes for a moment. 'I have mastered the seeing-stone of Orthanc, bending it to my will.'

'You have revealed yourself to him with that bauble of Saruman's?' Gimli asked, jumping up from his chair.

'If revealing myself to the Dark Lord is an asset to him, then indeed I have misjudged. But I do not think it will help him. It will be a blow to his confidence, and, hopefully, that blow will buy us some more time. As the heir of Isildur, the stones are my right, and I deemed I had the strength to claim this one. I was correct.'

'What did you see?' Legolas asked, having been silent up until now.

'Minas Tirith will not last long if reinforcements do not arrive soon – perhaps only a week. All of Theoden's men will not be nearly enough to hold back the army that the Dark Lord has been amassing. We must bring an army of our own.'

'An army of thirty men?' Gimli asked doubtfully. 'Rangers they may be, but even that will not get us far.'

'I did not say I meant the Rangers,' Aragorn replied, rising from his chair. He glanced towards his foster brothers. 'My road now becomes all the more dark and dangerous. I will take the Paths of the Dead. I do not ask any of you to accompany me, for it is true that great peril lies before any who dare trespass in the realms of the Dead.'

Elladan pushed himself away from the wall. 'Are you suggesting that the four of us are soft, gwador?' he asked, only half-teasing. 'We have all faced peril since long before you were born. I, at any rate, shall follow you to Barad-dur and back.'

Aragorn gave him a small smile. 'Let us hope it does not come to that.'

The rest of the day passed swiftly. Aragorn led his small company swiftly across the plains, and in the early afternoon of the next day, they came to Edoras.

'Greetings, my lords,' one of the guards welcomed as the Rangers drew near. 'Theoden King has yet to return from the Hornburg. Nonetheless, I know he would not have you leave without at least a short rest.'

'Thank you,' Aragorn replied, dismounting. 'I am afraid we can only stay here for a meal, and then we must continue on our way.'

The man nodded. 'By all means.' He gestured for two of his companions to open the great doors. 'I will accompany you to the Hall, should you wish.'

As the group ate, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli recounted the tale of the battle at the Hornburg to the guards. As he finished speaking, he rose to his feet. 'We must be off, now,' he announced. 'The need and peril of Gondor is great.'

That evening they rode into Dunharrow, and the Lady Eowyn was there to greet them. Again Aragorn was obliged to tell of the battle, and Eowyn listened attentively. When it was finished, she rose from where she sat by the brazier.

'You must be tired, my lords. I will show you to your housing, and in the morning we will speak more.'

Aragorn shook his head. 'Our errand is urgent,' he said quietly. 'We must leave as soon as may be, for on the morrow I will take the Paths of the Dead.'

The White Lady paled and she grasped the back of her chair for support. 'They will not allow you passage,' she said, her face betraying her grief. 'Beneath that mountain is the kingdom of the Dead, and none of the living are permitted to travel their road.'

'They will permit me,' Aragorn said gently, inclining his head to her. 'But you speak truly: we are tired, and we must leave early. Therefore, I will bid you a good night.'

Eowyn nodded, still shocked at Aragorn's revelation. Leading the silent group to the cluster of small huts that they were to occupy for the night, she hesitated at the door of the one Aragorn was sharing with Legolas and Gimli. As the Ranger was about to walk past her, she laid a hand on his arm.

'Must you take that road?' she asked pleadingly. 'It is useless – my uncle will be glad of your help in the battle at Minas Tirith. Do not throw your lives away in this manner!'

'We do not so,' Aragorn answered, meeting her gaze. 'Though I thank you for your concern. They will permit me to pass, and my companions with me.'

'Let me become one of them, then!' Eowyn cried. 'I wish to find renown in action, not in remaining here in safety. I am no dry-nurse. I want to fight!'

'It is not in my power to give you permission,' Aragorn replied. 'And we cannot wait for your brother and uncle to return.' He took her hand in his. 'Eowyn, honour is not only to be found in battle or courageous acts. Even if I were to allow you to accompany me, you would find no honour or renown, for what is there besides disgrace in an act of disobedience to your king?'

Eowyn was silent as she studied his face. 'You would have me remain here, then,' she said dully, turning away.

'Your time will come, my lady,' Aragorn said softly before turning to the inviting warmth of the hut. 'Good night.'

Elladan was restless. His ears picked up the small sigh that Elrohir gave when the older twin rose for the third time to pace across the hut.

'If you must do that, Elladan, can you not go outside where you will not drive the two of us to distraction?'

Elladan looked towards Elrohir, then at Halbarad with whom they were sharing the hut. 'Very well,' he finally said.

The sounds of the night creatures seemed to calm him, and he stood still for some time, listening. Sitting down on a smooth boulder, he drew his knees up and wrapped his arms around them as he quietly hummed to himself.

Time passed as he watched the moon slowly travel across the dark sky. He glanced behind him when he felt the presence of his twin and scooted over on the rock to make room for Elrohir. 'You cannot sleep either?' he asked as Elrohir joined him.

His brother shook his head. 'I have been thinking of Estel.'

Elladan nodded. 'I also.' He laughed, the sound bitter. 'Estel and our sister.'

Elrohir sighed. 'Have you not forgiven him?' he asked quietly.

'Forgiven him, Elrohir? Arwen will die because of him. I do not know if I will ever be able to forgive him.'

'Arwen loves him,' Elrohir rejoined. 'If Estel dies, Arwen will follow, whether or not they are married. We have known it ever since she revealed to us that they had plighted their troth. To retain anger towards Estel will only hurt her.'

Elladan shook his head. 'I did not say I am angry with him,' he answered. 'To go to war was not the only reason I rode with Halbarad, Elrohir.'

'And what were your further reasons, pray?' demanded Elrohir. 'Tell me, Elladan!'

'To support him in his endeavours,' Elladan answered slowly. 'To show him that I bear him no ill will pertaining to his... betrayal. And to ensure that our sister will not die for naught but a memory of the one she bound herself to.'

'Our presence does not ensure that Estel will survive this mess, Elladan,' Elrohir said, his voice once again quiet. 'Say instead that we will give our own lives if doing so will save Estel's.'

Elladan was silent for a moment. 'We have been thinking only of Arwen,' he said at last. 'But what of Adar?'

Elrohir nodded. 'Instead of it being a case of 'all or none,' it is 'all or two.' Either we all live, or two of us die – whether it is you and me, or Arwen and Estel. Adar has faced the cruelty of fate all through his life, and now I fear that the four of us are tools in creating yet another blow.'

The older twin rose from the boulder and held out his hand to Elrohir. 'Let us just concentrate on keeping all four of us alive, then.'

Hand-in-hand, the twins made their way back to their beds.

The next morning dawned clear and cold. The company ate a silent breakfast, made up of dried fruit and meat and a little water from their flasks. As they prepared to depart, Eowyn came from within the hall, bearing a silver goblet half-filled with mead. Dressed in armour, her hair was pulled back and she met his gaze as he took the proffered cup.

'I beg you to reconsider,' she said quietly.

'I will not, lady,' Aragorn answered. 'Again I say, it is not my place.'

'You do not speak thus to any of these, your comrades,' she cried. 'They would be parted from you, for they love you!'

He took her hand in his and raised it to his lips. 'I cannot betray Theoden and Eomer,' he said resolutely. 'I am sorry, Eowyn. Farewell.'

Placing his hand over his heart, he bowed to her before turning and leaping into onto his horse.

As the company rode off into the distance, Eowyn stood, straight and tall, watching till she could not longer see them. With a shaky sigh, she turned her gaze to the cup of mead she again held. Moving to hold it out in front of her, she slowly tipped it on its side, watching as the clear liquid drizzled out onto the ground.

Once the last drop had fallen, she turned and swiftly returned to the hall, head bowed and shoulders shaking.

TBC...

Gwador, as I am sure everyone is aware of, is Elvish for brother of the heart.