Disclaimer: I have no creative rights over the characters and places you can identify in this story and have no way profited from this work.


03/05/2013

Straight Edghe: Thank you for taking the time to write all those reviews. You raised a lot of good points and, unfortunately, I don't have the space to answer all of them. All I will say is that Thor's count was only from those Uruks he struck directly with Mjolnir. But even then, I think he understated his count so as not to embarrass Legolas & Gimli too much.

Brad W: Even if Gandalf could, I don't think Thor would worry about the White Wizard stripping him of his power. I thought Gandalf's words and actions would have brought back the uncomfortable memory of when Odin cast him out of Asgard.

Lunatic Pandora 1: If Thor tried to do such a thing, I think Hulk's reaction would be something along the lines of "Get in line puny god!"

Lupin2020: Given who Red Skull was, I can't imagine how Cap would've reacted on finding out the US gave sanctuary to a scientist like Shiro Ishii after WW2.

Avengerscrazygirl: I salute your reading prowess! In answer to one of your earlier reviews I think my notes at the start of Chapter 19 will indicate what grade of school I'm currently in.


Chapter 28 – A Lucky Break

After enjoying a thoroughly good lunch, Theoden's company examined the contents of the other storerooms located within the Orthanc's ringed wall. Theoden decided he would send a larger company at a later date to collect all the stolen Rohirrim items. The items would then be returned to their owners if they were still alive and given to the destitute if they were not. The four cases of napalm Banner found were kept dry atop a bench. In somewhat of a surprise to many in the company, Rogers recommended they take the cases with them.

"I know you've strong feelings about using enemy weapons," Rogers implicitly referred to the One Ring. "But trust me on this. If we find ourselves in a siege again, what's in these cases will come in handy."

"You know about more this weapon than us, Steve," Aragorn replied. "We accept your judgment on this without hesitation."

"I concur." Boromir agreed before wistfully stating, "I'd very much like the forces of Mordor to feel this weapon's effects like Isengard's did."

Theoden's company eventually left the Orthanc mid-afternoon before returning to stay overnight at Helm's Deep. The thirteen members of Theoden's company that directly confronted Saruman enjoyed a simple dinner in the Main Hall as they sat along both sides of a long table. Boromir had finally changed out of the late Cynric's armour. He was back wearing his customary Gondorian vestments for the first time since before the Battle of Helm's Deep.

Banner outlined his background to Theoden, Eomer and Gamling. It appeared that not all Avengers were mighty warriors. The trio learned that by profession Banner was a gifted scholar in a number of study areas. His title of 'Doctor' indicated to people in his world that he had attained a very high level of educational achievement. Banner also described the Other Guy to the three ranking Rohirrim in detail. Banner's condition, that had the strange name of 'Hulk', gave him the power to single handedly destroy even the greatest of armies of Middle-earth. Combined with the man's phenomenal intellect, Theoden understood why the one called 'Fury' wanted to recruit Banner as an Avenger.

Merry, Pippin and Banner then told the rest of the gathering all that had transpired from when they were captured by the Uruk-hai at Amon Hen right up to when they met Theoden's company outside the Orthanc. This included when Hulk drenched both hobbits and Merry's response to it.

"As Saruman learnt," Eomer observed. "Only a fool would try to anger you, Bruce."

"In that case, I'm the biggest fool," Banner awkwardly remarked. "My secret to keeping on top of the Other Guy is that I'm always angry."

Merry wanted to indirectly assure the Rohirrim that his friend posed no danger to them.

"In that case, Bruce," Merry argued. "Yours is the most polite and helpful anger I've ever come across."

The Lord of the Mark didn't disagree with this. However, his subjects were still reeling from the trauma of Saruman's invasion.

"Nonetheless, I agree with Gandalf that this 'Hulk' is not casually revealed to my people," Theoden stated. "Like their King, I suspect they've had more shocks over the last few days than would normally be expected in a lifetime."

"That's good advice from Gandalf, milord." Pippin agreed before adding, "Especially as I feel Gandalf's angry all the time as well."

Gandalf put down the wooden goblet of red wine he was about to drink from.

"I do beg your pardon, Master Took?" an indignantly bemused Gandalf asked him.

Trying to keep a straight face, Pippin explained, "Gandalf, at one time or another you've threatened every hobbit you've ever come across that you'd cast a spell on them. Like the time you told Merry and I that you'd light us up like fireworks if we didn't do the dishes at Bilbo's Birthday Party."

"That was only because the both of you, from nothing other than foolish curiosity, decided to steal my Red Dragon firework and ignite it inside a tent," a mildly exasperated Gandalf pointed out.

"But the whole Shire raved about the way that dragon filled up the night sky when it exploded," Pippin countered. "I lost count of the number of hobbits that congratulated Merry and I about launching it."

"All that shows, Pippin," Gandalf huffed, "is that the much vaunted 'Hobbit Commonsense' is a sense not that common among hobbits!"

"I think Gandalf's just shown you're right about him being an angry fellow, Pip." Merry said to join in on his cousin's fun at the expense of the White Wizard. Banner decided too as well.

"Do the both you think it would help if I taught Gandalf some of my meditation techniques?" Banner asked Merry and Pippin with a wink.

After giving a slightly exaggerated sigh of annoyance, Gandalf warned Banner, "Bruce, continue to take Merry and Pippin's side in this debate, and I not threaten but promise my next spell shall be cast on you. Its effect being that you'll have to see if you can summon Hulk from being a toad."

"That's alright, Gandalf," Banner casually shrugged before saying with a twinkle in his eye "The Other Guy would then have every right to say 'Hulk Splash'."

At Banner's retort to Gandalf, a variety of happy laughter echoed throughout the Main Hall.


Theoden decided to spend an extra day at Helm's Deep before returning with his company to Edoras. In the morning he visited the wounded still kept there and further inspected the damage the fortress sustained from the battle. In the afternoon he visited some villages in the Westfold that had been subject to attacks by the White Hand.

Rogers indirectly took up Eowyn's offer of a few days ago and had one of the Rohirrim sentries give him a tour of the Glittering Caves. Gimli and Banner accompanied him on his tour. Rogers thought even Eowyn's generous description of the caves didn't do them justice. The manner Gimli enthused about the caves reminded the pair of Avengers of when they were in Lothlorien and Legolas described the beauty of the forest around the Fellowship. After what he saw of Moria, Banner thought Dwarves had a totally utilitarian outlook towards geology and minerals. The environmentalist in Banner was then pleasantly surprised when Gimli remarked that Dwarves would consider it unthinkable to mine such an underground natural wonder as the Glittering Caves. Rogers thanked the sentry for the tour and asked for another small favour. The sentry assumed that the only reason Captain America would want drawing materials was to sketch battle plans.

Theoden's company eventually reached Edoras by mid-afternoon the following day. Eowyn's column arrived at Edoras earlier that morning. Unlike the journey to Helm's Deep, the column didn't waste time as a result of making any detours to avoid attacks from warg-riders.

Because of the Uruk-hai's defeat at Helm's Deep, Edoras had not suffered any damage from Rohan's war with Isengard. As Theoden's company made its way to the Royal Stables, the Fellowship members who entered Edoras about a week ago couldn't help but contrast then with now. There was a buzz of activity as residents made way to their homes and reunited with their neighbours. It was true many residents were still mourning for the fallen. But by the same token the gloomy mood that pervaded the city about a week ago had been replaced by one of relief and cautious optimism. Both because of the victory over Saruman and that Rohan now had the Fellowship aiding her in the greater struggle against Sauron.

Merry, Pippin and Banner were seeing Edoras for the first time. After their experience in Bree, both Merry and Pippin concluded that Men must like living in stockaded wooden cities. Banner thought that he was now seeing one of the reasons that Saruman had developed napalm. The two hobbits attracted attention and whispers from the Rohirrim that Theoden's company passed by. Eomer found that the rumours of a Lady of the Golden Wood were true from the Fellowship. The Fellowship now had shown to all of Edoras that the tales of a short folk living faraway to the north were based on reality as well.

Theoden's company eventually halted when they reached the Royal Stables. Stable hands employed there aided the company as they dismounted from their steeds. Eowyn was also waiting for the company wearing a simple but fine white cotton dress. After sharing a heartfelt embrace with his niece, Theoden asked her the most important question currently on his mind.

"How fare our wounded?"

"Fortunately, there was enough room for them in the infirmary." Eowyn advised before regretfully adding "But we are short on skilled healers to tend to them all."

"I can help," Banner piped up at hearing this.

Theoden didn't know that the previous day, both Banner and Aragorn offered to help treat the wounded at Helm's Deep. Unfortunately for these patients, 'wounded' often meant 'dying'. Banner thought that even with the best of Earth's medical technology at his disposal, he would've struggled to save those poor men. He hoped the infirmary at Edoras had patients whose lives he could save.

"I would volunteer to go with you, Bruce," Aragorn said "But there are some matters Gandalf and I need to discuss first."

"Sure, I understand," Banner replied.

Theoden then entered the discussion.

"Please don't think that I doubt your word or your prodigious intellect, Doctor Banner," he prefaced. "But I always question someone wanting employ at our infirmary about his actual knowledge of the healing arts. It's paramount to me that my people are in the care of skilled and competent hands."

Banner wasn't even slightly offended by Theoden's request for information. But he was unsure if his professional qualifications would actually mean anything to Theoden. Banner thought it best to tell the King about the medical work he did during his life on the run. Before he could speak, Thor intervened. Thor demonstrated that the bond of loyalty between Avengers didn't just come out when in battle or answering insults.

"By your leave, Theoden-King?" Thor sought his attention before receiving a nod. "If I or any other of my father's subjects were wounded, I'd have no hesitation asking Bruce to treat them."

Thor's remarks dispelled any questions Theoden had about Banner's medical credentials. A Crown Prince with the title of 'God of Thunder' was a very impressive reference for any job applicant to have! The only thing Theoden doubted was, after what he witnessed at the Battle of Helm's Deep, whether Thor could actually suffer injury.

"Gamling, could you please escort Doctor Banner to the infirmary and introduce him to Chief Healer Pryte," Theoden ordered the Captain of the Royal Guard. "Tell the Chief Healer, that apart from treating the wounded, I'd also like Doctor Banner to advise on any way we can improve the infirmary."

Because Gamling had his back turned to him, Banner didn't notice the startled eyebrow raise Gamling gave in response to Theoden's order. As Gamling began leading Banner to the infirmary, he privately would have preferred if Theoden ordered him to charge alone at fifty of the fiercest warg-riders.

The infirmary could be reached on foot relatively quickly from the Royal Stables. After Gamling had opened one of the double doors that led into the infirmary, even with his knowledge and experience Banner was still thrown by what he observed. The sight and smell of blood was everywhere. There were the cries and moans of pain from many wounded that waited treatment. The wounded that had the attention of the overworked healers often screamed louder from the 'treatment' they received. The treatment often included unanesthetized amputations.

I'm happy to advise on improving things here, King Theoden. Banner thought. The problem's I don't know where to start!

One of the infirmary's orderlies brought the Chief Healer to meet with Gamling and Banner. Chief Healer Pryte was about an inch shorter than Banner and was ruddy faced with a portly build. By the snow-white hair that stuck out from under his ermine cap, Banner guessed Pryte was in his mid to late sixties. Unlike the vast majority of adult Rohirrim males, Pryte was beardless. The bloodstained white apron that Pryte wore over his black robes indicated how busy he'd been of late. The attitude Pryte soon openly displayed made Banner think the worst caricature of the 'health bureaucrat' wasn't just found on Earth. Namely, Pryte valued the authority that went with his position and the rules that enforced it more than the patients he was supposed to care for.

"What is so important that you need to see me, Captain Gamling?" Pryte asked as if it were impertinence that the Captain of the Royal Guard should even seek his attention. Pryte ignored Banner as if he wasn't even present.

Gamling declined to take the bait least Pryte complain to the King about the response he really wanted to give to the Chief Healer's rudeness.

"Chief Healer Pryte," Gamling answered calmly. "May I introduce Doctor Bruce Banner who has a deep understanding of the healing arts."

Despite being shorter than Banner, Pryte turned up his nose at the Avenger and gave him a look of disdain with his cold blue eyes. Gamling quickly continued to let Pryte know the reason, and more importantly who had asked, for this introduction to be made.

"King Theoden himself has ordered that Doctor Banner assist with treating the wounded," Gamling revealed. "He also wants Doctor Banner to advise you on improving healing practice in the infirmary."

Pryte's eyes narrowed at this. As far as Pryte was concerned, his own word was final in how 'his' infirmary was run. But he couldn't disobey a direct order from the King either. Pryte sought to deal with this challenge to his authority by trying to intimidate Banner instead.

"I don't care what your knowledge of the healing arts are, 'Doctor' Banner," Pryte snootily told him. "If you are to serve in this infirmary the most important thing for you to know is that you do exactly as I tell you. Second, you'll give me your advice only when I ask for it. Third, you'll treat no other patients other than those that I assign you. Fourth…"

Banner mentally tuned out of Pryte's officious diatribe. His attention was grabbed by what he saw over Pryte's right shoulder. Banner's eyes widened with horror when he noticed a healer about to start treating another patient without even washing hands first.

"Stop!" he loudly called out to the healer before walking towards him.

Pryte was somewhat dismayed that this interruption indicated that Banner hadn't been in the least bit cowered by his lecture. He closely followed Banner and both of them stopped when they reached the healer.

"You let your staff start treating a patient without even washing their hands first?" Banner questioned Pryte about the infirmary's non-compliance with, to Banner, such a basic surgical procedure.

"What of it, Doctor Banner?" Pryte wearily responded as if he was dealing with a mindless simpleton.

The Chief Healer was privately puzzled though at why Banner was so worked up about such a triviality. If he hadn't been so ticked off by Pryte's attitude, Banner would have been more forgiving of Rohan's medical knowledge being something equivalent to that of Medieval Europe.

"What of it?" Banner sarcastically repeated. "Does the word 'infection' mean anything to you?"

A number of infirmary staff looked nervously in Banner's direction. They feared Pryte like newly enlisted military recruits feared the most grizzled Drill Sergeant. They knew that Banner would soon be joining them as being a victim of a dreaded Pryte scolding.

"Hold your insolent tongue, sir!" Pryte shouted at Banner for all to hear. He then continued slightly less loudly, "I've run this infirmary for more than a decade. I'll have no upstart impudently telling me how I should do so. Even one with the King's favour!"

Banner knew he promised Gandalf and Theoden not to casually reveal Hulk to the Rohirrim. But the lives of the infirmary's patients were currently on the line. Banner decided to give the Other Guy's opinion on the manners and medical competence of this regulatory prima donna. Banner's skin took on the slightest shade of green as he gave Pryte a full murderous glare. He then used Hulk's voice to menacingly 'advise' of the first procedural improvement the infirmary should make.

"Pour water so we can all wash hands, puny healer."

After swallowing a nervous lump, a shaken Pryte turned his back on Banner before loudly ordering, "Orderlies start pouring water in bowls! Healers, from now on you are not to treat a patient without washing your hands first!" So he wasn't again subject the fearful wrath that Banner displayed, Pryte then added, "And you've my permission to follow any instruction Doctor Banner gives you!"

Gamling turned to leave the infirmary after Banner called for some surgical clothing to wear in his normal voice. He left the infirmary with a wide smile on his face while heading back towards the Meduseld. Gamling would happily report to Theoden that Hulk's first display in Edoras had led to the humbling of an even greater tyrant than Saruman.


Theoden kept his unspoken word to Grima by passing on his apology to Eowyn. Eowyn coldly received it by telling her uncle that she could never forgive Grima. Not just for his lascivious behaviour towards her. But also for the actions he took against her uncle, cousin, brother and country. Theoden simply shrugged in response.

"Contrary to what you may think, sister-daughter, I don't doubt the strength of your heart. One reason is that it's not in you to forever hate someone."

As much as she hated to admit it, privately Eowyn knew her uncle was correct in his assessment of her. Maybe it was because she considered Grima a friend before his betrayal of Rohan. She remembered her first conversation with Grima took place in the Golden Hall's library when she was a child of ten and he had just commenced service as a minor advisor at court. She had been sitting at a table sulking at a pile of books in front of her when he came to get a book about Rohan's legal codes.

"What troubles you Lady Eowyn?"

"My tutors want me to read more books."

"Why does that upset you so?"

"The books they give me to read are all about proper behaviour for noble ladies. They're so borrring!"

"What sort of books would you like to read then?"

"Books like they give my brother to read! Books that are about battles and heroes slaying horrible monsters!"

"Mm…I think there are some books like that presently on these shelves. Would you like me to get you one so you can read it right now, Lady Eowyn?"

"Oh yes please, Master Grima!"

Eowyn's tutors got wind of this incident and reported it to the King. Theoden replied to the tutors that, unlike them, this 'Grima son of Galmod' had been able to ignite both Eowyn's desire to improve her reading skills as well as to learn more about the deeds of her forebears. Theoden then organised to have a private audience with the man capable of such original thinking. It was from this audience that led to Theoden eventually appointing Grima as his Chief Counsellor.

Eowyn couldn't fathom how the man who showed her this simple kindness when she was a child became so horribly corrupted. A major reason Eowyn was still angry with Grima was because she believed that one of his greatest betrayals was against the good and caring man he once was. Eowyn had to put aside the ambivalence she felt about Grima as more important matters currently needed her attention.

Theoden had ordered that feast be held for all of Edoras within the Golden Hall a few days hence. Its main purpose was to more formally remember all those who had given their lives in Rohan's recent war with Isengard. But it was also meant to raise Rohirric spirits in acknowledging that their country's victory over Saruman was as great as any victory in its history. As Rohan's ranking lady Eowyn was placed in charge of organising it. Even to her own relief, this didn't mean Eowyn was in charge of cooking it.

She was discussing the feast's preparations in the Golden Hall's kitchen with half a dozen maids about her age or younger. It was mid-morning the day after Theoden's company had returned to Edoras. Their discussions were interrupted by a polite cough at the kitchen doorway. It was Rogers. He was again wearing a simple white cotton shirt and brown pair of breeches while his normal uniform was being washed.

"Morning, Eowyn…and ladies." Rogers was thrown by the quick curtesy the maids gave him in response before offering, "I can come back if I'm interrupting something important."

"Your presence is no interruption at all, Steve," Eowyn assured him. "How can we be of service to you?"

Given the maids presence, Rogers had secretly hoped Eowyn would've asked him to come back later. He cautiously entered the kitchen before standing an arms-length distance from Eowyn and the maids.

"Well…um…I've something to give you," Rogers stammered out before quickly passing a leather scroll case to Eowyn.

Eowyn opened the case and unfurled the piece of parchment that it contained. She and the maids let out a quiet gasp at what was on the parchment. Rogers had sketched a detailed charcoal portrait of Eowyn leading her horse with Gimli riding atop it. It was from his memory of travelling alongside the pair as part of the column from Edoras to Helm's Deep.

"It's beautiful, milady," one of the maids cooed.

"Steve, I'm honoured by your gift," Eowyn thanked him before looking up from the parchment. "I didn't know you were so skilled an artist."

"Oh, well, prior to enlisting I was studying fine arts," Rogers modestly replied.

Eowyn sensed that Rogers wanted to say something else. But he appeared hesitant to speak it while being subjected to the maids' adoring gazes. Captain America maybe fearless when facing hordes of countless orcs. But he seemed to have an endearing shyness around young women in a social setting.

With Isengard defeated, it was no surprise what was now the most popular topic of gossip among the young maidens of Edoras. It was the fact the Fellowship contained four particularly handsome Men in the form of Aragorn, Boromir, Rogers and Thor (like the vast majority of Rohirrim, its young maidens were ignorant about Thor's correct racial identity). Of especial interest was that the four of them were seemingly unmarried. Eowyn quickly stopped these thoughts before they led to her pondering about her own feelings towards Aragorn.

Eowyn began to relieve Rogers of a 'siege' he probably found more terrifying than Helm's Deep.

"Thank you, ladies," she began dismissing the maids. "Could all of you please go to the storerooms and see how much of what we need is currently at hand?"

With a degree of private reluctance, the six maids curtsied and the kitchen.

As Eowyn rolled the parchment back up before placing it in its case, she asked "I'm sorry, Steve. Is there something you need to ask of me?"

After taking a deep breath, Rogers said, "Yeah. I'd like to propose to you – err – I mean I've a proposition to put to you."

Eowyn bit her lip not to laugh at Rogers' faux pas. She dreaded to think how the maids would've reacted if they heard it and how much Rogers would've been embarrassed in response. The Shield-maiden was surprised, humbled and touched by what Rogers proposed to her. Especially when he said it was something he had wanted to do with Eowyn ever since they first conversed in the Golden Hall.

"I'm delighted to accept, Steve," Eowyn happily responded before lowering her voice and speaking in a conspiratorial manner. "Meet me at dawn by the Royal Stables. Given what we plan to do, it's best we aren't caught doing it in Edoras…"


One thing the maids found the feast wouldn't have enough of was game meat. A couple of days later, Eomer led a hunting party of twenty to solve this problem. Aragorn, Legolas and Thor were members of this party.

Rohan's plains were roamed by several species of boar that Rohan's nobility and commoners had hunted ever since the country's foundation. The hunting party was satisfied that in the space of a morning they had killed six adult males from some of the larger species. Thor had killed one by thrusting a hunting spear into it while riding Graegwind. Eomer and the three Fellowship members stood talking while the majority of the hunting party prepared the game to be carried back to Edoras.

"I must say, Thor," Aragorn began complimenting the Avenger. "You wield a spear with same skill you do your hammer."

Thor acknowledged the compliment with a nod. "I suspect like the three of you, I was trained to use a variety of weapons from a very young age."

Legolas privately mused 'very young age' had different connotations to Thor and he compared to the two Men they were conversing with.

"Gimli talked about giving you a handicap for the next round of our competition." Legolas reminded Thor before mischievously suggesting, "Perhaps you should have to use another weapon other than Mjolnir?"

Knowing that Legolas wasn't being serious, Thor similarly replied, "If Gimli and yourself think you can win by forcing me to use a different weapon…The pair of you are, as they say on Midgard, 'dreaming'."

As the four shared a light chuckle, they noticed their horses shifting and snorting nervously. The servants that held their reins struggled to soothe the horses' anxiety.

"Do wargs approach?" Thor asked while withdrawing Mjolnir off his belt.

"I think not," Eomer warily commented. "There are too many skilled hunters and trackers in this party for wargs to take it unawares."

The party was suddenly deafened by a loud, bone-chilling screech from above.

Sauron had wondered why Saruman hadn't been in contact with him through the palantir over the last few days. He dispatched the closest Nazgul in the area to investigate the matter. After their defeat at the Ford of the Bruinen, Sauron had created new mounts for his Ringwraiths to better terrorise Middle-earth with. The mounts were winged monsters representing an unholy mixture of dragon and serpent. They were simply known as 'Fell-Beasts'. They were dead grey in colour and had a row of venomous spines running down their backs. They were some one hundred feet in length and their pair of bat-like wings spanned an even greater length.

Earlier that day, the Nazgul observed from the sky above that the Orthanc had been completely flooded and overrun by the Ents. Nor was there any sign of Saruman or his forces. The Nazgul then flew over Rohan to ascertain if the horse-lords had scored an improbable victory over the White Hand.

One of the collective nouns the Rohirrim used in describing the Nazgul was 'The Dwimmerlaik' meaning 'work of necromancy' or 'spectre' in the old Riddermark tongue. The Dwimmerlaik had been feared throughout Rohan's history because of the countless number of Rohirrim that had perished at their hands. The Rohirrim had linked the term 'spectre' to the Nazgul because, aside from their hooded black cloaks, they often appeared out of nowhere like a ghost before claiming the life of an unfortunate victim.

This particular Nazgul thought Eomer's hunting party would be added to this list when he spotted it from above. Demonstrating an understanding of aerial combat tactics that would have impressed Rogers, the Nazgul swooped down on the party with the sun at his back to blind the party to his approach. Such a tactic would have had deadly consequences if the party were solely comprised of Men. Despite having the sun in his eyes, Legolas loosed an arrow into the fell-beast's belly that caused it to veer slightly upwards just before it struck the members of the party. Hovering just above the ground, the Nazgul mentally commanded his fell-beast to pick up in its talon the party member that stood out the most to him. It was the man who wore the red cloak.

Sauron had sensed the vortex open when it brought the three Avengers to Middle-earth. But because Nazgul hadn't recovered from their defeat at the Ford, he couldn't dispatch them to investigate it at the time. His first knowledge of the Avengers was via Saruman who told him of three 'different' men now aiding the Free Peoples. However, Saruman assured Sauron that the trio was no threat to their plans and that he would 'personally take care of them'. It was fortunate for Saruman that he was already dead. If not, he would have faced Sauron's full wrath for deliberately understating the threat the Avengers posed to the Dark Lord.

After his initial shock had passed, Thor recovered his wits to see he was being snatched through the air by a beast resembling a black dragon. The fell-beast ineffectively tried to crush Thor within its talon. Mjolnir pulsated with a metallic hum before Thor launched into action.

The Nazgul was surprised that his mount had been unable to crush the man in its talon. He commanded it to ascend so it would drop the man to his death from a higher altitude. The Nazgul was even more surprised when Mjolnir suddenly burst up through his fell-beast's skull just as Thor had willed it. The Nazgul joined Thor in tumbling downward from the sky. Before hitting the ground, Thor had just enough time to reflect that at least he wasn't falling down from the same height that Loki had dropped him from the SHIELD Heli-Carrier.

The Nazgul was thrown from his now dead mount when it crashed into the surface. The Nazgul and Thor stood back up at about the same time as each other. The pair had crashed more than two hundred yards away from Eomer's hunting party. However, they were only within few yards of each other. The Nazgul wondered why the red cloaked man didn't seem to be affected by the aura of fear passively generated by all Ringwraiths.

"You'll curse slaying my mount and surviving your fall, man!" he arrogantly taunted Thor.

Thor simply stuck out his right arm. Mjolnir flew back into his outstretched hand in an instant.

"A simple parlour trick will not save you, fool," the Nazgul sneered at this display of power.

Rogers saw glimpses of the Nazgul and their fell-beasts when he glimpsed into the Mirror of Galadriel. But this was the first time an Avenger had directly confronted a Nazgul. The original Fellowship had described Sauron's most feared servants and what was known of their powers and abilities.

"Listen well to me, wraith," Thor coolly told the Nazgul in front of him. "Repeat this advice to your master about attacking me and my friends with one of his cloaked puppets."

Thor held Mjolnir aloft and drew a powerful lightning bolt into its head. He quickly pointed his weapon and directed the full force of the lightning into the Nazgul. The Nazgul released an ear-piercing screech as he absorbed the huge quantity of energy that Thor directed at him. His black robe ignited into an inferno before a defeated shell of his spirit fled back towards Mordor. All that was left of the Nazgul from Thor's attack was its discarded robe that now lay flat on the ground in flames.

Thor nonchalantly spoke his advice to the Nazgul's burning remains.

"Next!"


A little bit of everything this chapter. After all they've recently been through, I thought our friends deserved a bit of light relief. Of course the Nazgul's attack on Thor quickly brought that to an end. But I promise readers the planned feast shall still be going ahead.

'Pryte' means 'haughtiness' in Old English. I thought it an appropriate choice of name for the character.