Alright here the next Chapter a bit late due to the craziness of plague lately. Hope you enjoy, also planning to rework chapter 2, will mostly be the same but with some additional detail.
Chapter 2-2 Rohan's Peril
Westfold…
The once peaceful Westfold of Rohan was now being ravaged by hordes of Uruk-Kai and Wildmen. They went from village to village burning, looting, and killing at will. The peasants stood no chance, fleeing in all directions.
"It will begin with Rohan."
In a village nearby, the peasants were beginning to flee their homes. Taking whatever they could carry before the enemy could arrive. Everyone in the village knew they were next. Smoke on the horizon of a neighboring village.
"Too long have these peasants stood against you, but no more."
A young woman came running out of their home. "Eothain, Eothain," she called out to her son as she had the reins of a horse in her hands. Her two children Eothain and Freda came running as Eothain climbed onto the horse, "you 'll take your sister. You'll go faster with just two."
She then lifted her daughter placing her infront of her brother as she began to complain, "but Papa says Eothain must no ride Garfulf, he is too big for him!"
"Listen to me," she instructed her children, "you must ride to Edoras and raise the Alarm. Do you understand me?"
"Yes mama!" answered Eothain.
Freda began to shed tears, "I don't wanna leave! I don't want to go Mama!"
The mother kissed her child on the forehead to assure her, "I will find you there."
Then they heard a scream. The enemy was approaching their village and were very close.
"Quickly!" she ordered her children to leave.
The children began to ride off along with many other villagers fleeing towards the capital city of Rohan.
"Go child!" she stated silently.
The Wildmen and Uruk-kai began to burn the entire village and slaughtering peasant who could not make it in time.
From a nearby hill the children wept watching their village burn, but then continued onward.
"Rohan my lord, is ready to fall," finished Saurman.
Unknown to the children, they were being watched by two men on horseback in cloaks.
"Those poor people," said Malcus.
"We should do something," said Cicero.
"No, we cannot, we are but two swords against many," said Malcus. "Our mission is to gather information on this enemy movement, they may just move into Roma next."
"Still…"
"I know Cicero, it's hard to watch, we of the Cohor Speclatorium must complete our task," said Malcus.
"Looks like they're moving out," said Cicero.
"Then we shadow them," said Malcus. As they both went into the gallop after the enemy.
Edoras…
The great wood city of Edoras the capitol of Rohan with the Golden Hall of Meduseld. However a shadow is upon the great city and losing hope. A company of Rohirium came riding through the front gates. The lead rider had an mortally injured man riding with him, he was taken up to the Golden Hall with haste.
Later that day the white lady of Rohan Eowyn heard the news as she rushed up the steps of the great Hall and entered, then making her way to the room that her cousin Theodred was on a bed mortally wounded and coming to his side, his cousin Eomer by his side.
"Theodred," she said greatly worried for her cousin. She looked at her brother Eomer both having the same worry for Theodred.
Then a man with a bowl of water and cloth came in turning to them, "my lady, my lord," he said as he knelt by the bedside and began trying to clean the wounds of Theodred once more.
"How bad Duthang?" asked Eowyn.
"Bad, my lady," said Duthang as he continued to try to clean the wounds.
Later in the throne room sat King Theoden who looked very old of an unnatural age. Eowyn and Eomer stood in front of their uncle.
"Your son is badly wounded my lord," said Eowyn with concern.
"He was ambushed by orcs," added Eomer, "if we do not defend our country, Saruman will take it by force."
"That is a lie," interjected a man coming into the throne room. A creepy man, the consular Grima Wormtongue. "Saruman the White has ever been our friend and ally."
"Grima, Grima," mumbled Theoden. Grima moved by the King's side. "My son? Grima."
Eomer continued his case, "orcs are roaming freely across our lands. Unchecked, unchallenged, killing at will. Orcs bearing the White Hand of Saruman."
Eomer then dropped a helmet at the feet of the king and councilor, and Orc one, bearing the white hand. Wormtongue was startled as Eomer and Eowyn looked at him with contempt.
This councilor however regained his wit. "Why do you lay these troubles on an already troubled mind? Can you not see? Your uncle is wearied by your malcontent, your warmongering."
"Warmongering?" asked Eomer insulted greatly by Wormtongue.
In a swift motion he grabbed the consular and then pinned him to a pillar. "How long is it since Saruman bought you?" interrogated Eomer, "what was the promised price, Grima? When all the men are dead you will take you share of the treasure?"
Wormtongue then began to eye Eowyn as she walked away. Eomer noticed and began to squeeze his jaw. "Too long have you watched my sister, too long have you haunted our steps, and it was you who broke the alliance with Rome.
Grima then looked left an right. Eomer was caught by surprise by guards who pulled him off the consular.
"You see much Eomer Son of Eomund," said Wormtongue, "too much."
The guards punched Eomer in the stomach, "You are banished forthwith from the Kingdom of Rohan, and all its domain, under pain of death," announced Wormtongue.
"You have no authority here," said Eomer defiantly, "your orders mean nothing!"
The guards punched him again.
"Oh, but I does not come from me, it comes from the king," said Wormtongue sinisterly.
Eomer refused to believe so, until Grima pulled out a paper with the Seal of Rohan and the signature of King Theoden. "He signed it this morning," said Wormtongue.
Eomer was in disbelief as he was dragged out of the Golden Hall. "ARGH!"
Grima smiled sinisterly at his latest scheme. Then he looked at the servant nearby, "You, get me some of that Roman wine," he ordered.
Duthang did as he was told as he went to a golden goblet and began pouring the wine. As he poured it, 'I will need to inform Rome of these latest events, I'll slit his throat when the time comes,' thought Duthang as he handed the goblet to Grima.
Roma, Outside the Wall…
"FORWARD!" yelled the Centurion as his unit began to march forward. The Centurion himself in his armor his men only in their tunics. The men began to march in formation across the field.
"DOUBLE TIME!"
His unit began to run at full speed, then the second man left of the first row tripped causing several men behind him to trip on him messing up the entire formation and exercise.
"HALT!"
The entire unit, the Centurion went over and grabbed the man by the collar, who was responsible for the incident and in a fury. "You fool! You put the entire unit at risk because of your clumsiness! Now get back in line!" he said dropping him. "Alright men thanks to the fool before you, we will now run until your feet bleed!"
This caused all the men in the centaury to glare at the cause of their punishment. "NOW RUN!"
(Training Ground)
Men gathered around a dirt field with a ring. Wearing only their tunics and having only wooden swords. Standing in the center of the ring was Decanus Vitus. "Alright you lot, any man who wishes to taste the dirt, step into the ring."
None of the men wanted to step into the ring. "You!" pointed Vitus at a random blonde haired man in the back. "Step into the ring!" he ordered.
Decanus Tulio who was observing and only shook his head at these raw recruits. 'Pitiful, these raw recruit don't have much courage,' he thought. 'Hope the next batch is better than this.'
In the nearby archery range several batches of recruits were being trained and supervised by Quadir and his Auxiliaries, giving them advice on shooting the bow.
A few Elves and Dunedain were also instructing the new recruits on bows, though the Elves looked at the Easterling wearily.
Meanwhile more men with a scutum shield and wooden swords were sparing with one another under the gazes of Centurions.
Felix with his entourage walked around the grounds at how many men there were. "Quintus, status on the upcoming Legion?" asked Felix.
"We are training five more Legions here Roma, including the reinstated Legio VIII, Sancus is also raising additional Legions," said Quintus.
"Good, now the garrisons on our Eastern border will be assigned to Legio VIII when it's ready," said Felix. "What of the new Mithril Armor?"
"We have enough here for some of the Praetorian cohorts," said Abnus.
"However mass production is at a standstill with Rome being cut off from our Mithril mines," said Quintus.
"Emperor if I may ask, why hasn't Rome put the mithril in mass production for war?" asked Cassius.
"Well Legate, this goes back to the first discovery of the Mithril mines. Back then our ancestors were establishing Roma, but we always feared war with Gondor or any of our neighbors. We did not want to make our neighbors think we we're preparing for war, so we never mass produced to our Legions say for the tipped pila," explained Abnus.
"There we attempts by past Emperors to expand on this, but were hampered by the Senate, say for some of the Praetorian Guard," said Felix.
"Our late Emperor was the last to attempt, I was against it, for we Senator preferred to us the Mithril to help keep out pleasures," said Quintus.
"To sum this all up, we did not want to be seen as foreign conquers while the Senators did not want their source for their pleasures be disturbed," said Cassius.
"Correct Cassius," said Felix. "Now gentlemen, we must move to the armory," said Felix walking in the direction of the armory along with his entourage.
Back at the ring, Vitus finished with the latest batch of new recruits. A Centurion came and took them away for wrestling.
Then several more men gathered at the ring. "Tulio switch out with me," requested Vitus tired from wrestling the last batch.
"Greetings, I am Decanus Tulio, your sword instructor. As you all know the enemy has invaded Roma. You will become the finest soldiers in Middle-Earth. It will start in this ring! Now who wishes to step in the ring. Any volunteers?" he spoke to the recruits.
A young man slightly shorter than the other stepped out. He looked confident for a young lad. "What is your name soldier?" asked Tulio.
"Praxus Tullius sir," he answered.
"Your brave to step into the ring, tell me lad, what is your profession?" asked Tulio.
"The stone quarry, I helped make millstones sir," said Tullius.
"So your strong, let see what you got," said Tulio gesturing him to come.
Tullius then charged with an upward swing. Tulio sidestepped and kicked his leg causing him to fall to the ground.
Tullius got up, but then Tulio began to attack with a furry of swing. Tullius managed to parry some of the blows but got hit in the right arm.
"You got spirit lad, but you will need more when facing down the hordes of Mordor," said Tulio. "Do you yield?"
"No sir!" replied Tullius. He charged forward attempting a thrust. Tulio deflected the strike but then received a punch to the face making him surprised and reeling from the blow. "Enough!" he commanded putting his hand to a stop.
Tullius stood at attention. Tulio walked up to him with his nose bleeding. "That was well done soldier, you possess a good punch, but your swordsmanship needs work," said Tulio.
"Permission to speak sir?" asked Tullius.
"Granted," he replied.
"I'm ready to received punishment for the blow sir," said Tullius.
"Not necessary solider, you thought only of one thing, and that was victory," said Tulio.
"You mean the punch was fine sir?" asked Tullius.
"I did not say you could," Tulio turned his head to all the recruits. "Hear me! Let me describe a battlefield, while are values in our army are discipline and valor. There will be times when formations will break, the blood will spill, the screams of battle take hold. You must do what you must to survive to fight another day especially in the face of certain defeat. What this man has demonstrated is the will to survive," said Tulio.
A sound of a single applause was heard as they all turned to the source. "Good word Decanus," said Centurion Publius.
"Centurion sir," said Tulio standing at attentions well as the others.
"Decanus Tulio and Decanus Vitus, you are to report this location in your best armor," said Publius handing them both scrolls.
"Yes sir," both replied.
"No carry on," said Publius walking away.
Armory…
In a building within Roma, great smoke was rising in the skies. Great fires and sheltering. Hammers clanging metal pulled out of the fires. Men and Dwarves alike ere working tirelessly. A dwarf with a long white beard was working on a new Roman Gladius as he dipped it in water, hot steam rising. He pulled it out and expected his new work. Sliding his finger on the blade and slightly cutting his finger. It brought a smile to his face. Then he put the new blade in a barrel full of more new swords.
Roman Legionaries, considered to be the best of the ancient world for their harness and rigorous discipline. In Middle-Earth even recognized as some of the best of the West. However things got much better in terms of equipment, Rome hired dwarves to look into improving the armor of the Legion. Thanks to the inovations, the chainmail or Lorica Sagmentata were common and greatly improved thanks to dwarven skill. It became much more flexible, lighter, and comfortable for the soldiers. Even the Manicas saw in increase in use (armbands).
"Master Smith Gifrum," called a younger dwarf with a blonde beard.
"Wefrot how are the helmets coming?" asked Gifrum.
"Five hundred ready for your inspection," answered Wefrot.
"Good, good," he said getting ready to move.
"Master Smith Gifrum?" called a voice.
The dwarf turned to see the Emperor and his entourage in his armory. "Ah, my lord Felix, bring you to the armory today," said Grifrum.
Felix then walked towards the barrel of new sword picking one up to inspect the new blade. "I am here about production," said Felix then putting the sword down. "Fine work as ever old friend."
"Thank my lord, please follow me and I'll explain," said Grifrum with Felix and his entourage following.
"Production is going good my lord, we will be able to arm are your new legions with fine dwarvish craftsmanship," said Grifrum as they worked buy dozen of Smithers and even tanners making assortments of new weapons and armor.
"What of the new Mithril armor?" asked Felix.
"Oh yes, we have designed some, but not enough for a whole Legion, with the Mithril now cutoff we are forced to even make the Pila back to steel," said Grifrum.
"Do not worry friend, once General Albina wins in the South, the Mithril will be coming once more," said Felix.
They arrived at a cart full of new Helmets. Grifrum picked up a Helmet and began to inspect it.
Tiberius also picked up a Helmet and looked at it. "Once again fine work Grifrum."
"Thank you sir," said Grifrum as a man walked up with a paper and quilt. Grifrum signed it and the cart was hauled off.
"Grifrum, what of the new crossbows?" asked Felix.
"Ah, the crossbow, right this way gentlemen," said Grifrum.
The group made their way outside to a practice field making their way to a large table featuring three crossbows. Grifrum moved to pick up the handspan model. "This one is the fastest loading as it only requires the foot to load my lord," he said.
"Ah, the handspan model," said Felix taking the crossbow and inspecting it. "Cassius what does your man Decima say about this weapon?"
"He was testing one, was he not," said Tiberius.
"Yes sir, according to his report he describes the hand span model as very fast reloading. The penetration is not bad but loses its power over long distances," said Cassius. "The last note says that crossbows cannot fire in an arch."
Felix meanwhile loaded a bolt in the handspan model and fired it at a target. Then reloaded and fired it at a further away target. "This Decima speaks the truth," said Felix. "What of the other two models?"
"May I now bring your attention to the windlass model," said Grifrum picking it up.
"Master Smith, may I see it?" asked Tiberius.
"Of course sir," said Grifrum handing over the windlass model. "This one requires you to turn those two cranks at once, testing it myself."
Tiberius began to turn both cranks loading a shot.
"It has far better range and better penetration power. We have even tested it against vile Easterling armor," said Grifrum.
"Really? May I see," said Felix with great interest.
Grifrum then signaled a man nearby to place a Easterling helm on a stake in the field that was not too far from their position.
Tiberius raised the loaded crossbow and fired it but missed. Tiberius loaded it again noting the ages of reloading this crossbow. Another note he made that it was heavy, which he thought was fine. Raising it once again and fired it. The steel bolt hit and it went right through the helmet and knocked it off the stake.
"Good shot Tiberius," said Felix.
"Thank you, Emperor," said Tiberius.
"What do you think of it sir?" asked Grifrum.
"It's heavy, a fine piece of work though, and as we saw great penetration power," said Tiberius.
"What of the last one?" asked Felix.
"Allow me my lord," said Grifrum as he picked up the crossbow and a external item. Then he loaded the bolt and used the external item to pull the string back. He took aim at some Easterling scale armor. He fired it and it managed to penetrate.
"Impressive, but what is that?" asked Felix pointing out the external item.
"A hand lever we use to pull back this crossbow," said Grifrum.
"I see, Gentlemen what do you think of these crossbows?" asked Felix.
"I still think we should stick with bows, crossbows cannot fire in an arc" said Senator Quintus.
"Yes Senator, but crossbows could be just as effective and training would take less time," argued Cassius.
"I agree with the Legate," said Tiberius. "We are at war and these crossbows could save us time."
"What about you Emperor?" asked Grifrum.
Felix stood there for a moment, "While I do agree with the Senator, Tiberius and Cassius are right. However we will still train archers to any man who can use them," said Felix.
"What model my lord?" asked Grifrum.
"The windlass model," said Felix. "The extra mechanism to me I unnecessary and soldier might lose it in my opinion. The handspan model might still have some use but lacks the great range and power of the windlass. I decree for the production of fifty thousand windlass crossbows and twenty thousand handspan models," said Felix.
A dwarf necessary was writing up the necessary paper work and then brought it to Felix with a quilt. Felix took the quilt and signed the paper.
"Thank you my lord, we shall get to work immediately," said Grifrum.
"Excellent and keep the new armor and weapons coming with haste," said Felix.
"Of course my lord," said Grifrum. Felix and his entourage left the armory to other business.
Outside Edoras, Night…
It was a starry and dark night outside the walls of Edoras. A cloaked man snuck out of the city. For about five miles he walked to a particular location. On a grassy hill with rock, the man lifted one and put it to the side. Under it was a Roman Gladius, he then reached into his cloak and pulled out a scroll to place it in the hiding place. As he was ready to move the rock over it, he felt a chill down his spine. He reached for his sword and then drew it and turned around pointing at several men.
They in turn were pointing their swords, spears, and axes at him. "Surrender spy?" demanded a soldier.
"I think I'd rather die," said Duthang. "All that awaits a spy is torment and death."
One of the men lit a torch, the light revealed men in Rohirium soldiers. One was in red armor who Duthang recognized. "Duthang, if that is your name, whom do you serve?" asked Eomer.
"Eomer, I saw you were banished," said Duthang.
"I had some business to see too before I served my sentence," said Eomer. "I ask again whom do you serve?" he asked once more weapons still at the ready.
"Why assurance do I have that you won't kill me when my guard is down?" asked Duthang.
Eomer then signaled his men to lower their weapons. Duthang convinced also began to lower his, "You would be dead already," answered Eomer.
Deciding to take the risk, "Emperor Felix of Rome," said Duthang. "My name Constantius Cato, I was sent to find why Rohan ended the alliance with Rome," explained Cato.
"You can see it was Grima doing," said Eomer. "My uncle is under some sorcery."
"Yes and killing Grima would not stop it," said Cato.
Eomer looked at the scroll, "what was in your latest report?"
"News that you've been banished," said Cato. "You would be welcomed in Rome, why not join Felix's Legions and in exchange he will gladly help you take back Rohan."
"I would be honored to fight alongside Felix, however bringing Roman Legions to Rohan would no doubt bring a bloodbath amongst my kin, so long as Théoden's mind is poisoned," said Eomer.
"Your right, that would only give Saruman more advantage," said Cato.
"However there is something I ask of Rome and you," said Eomer.
"What do you ask of Rome?" asked Cato.
"I plan to defend my country, Rome has forts on our borders with supplies, I desire access to them for my company," requested Eomer.
"You will need to send a rider to court, but I will put a word for you," said Cato. "And of me?"
"Keep an eye on my sister Eowyn," requested Eomer.
"Is it not wise, why trust a spy of all people to look after your sister?" wondered Cato surprised by this request.
"You done nothing but try to help despite your lowly work, and my list of friends grow thing at court, I have little choice but to trust an ally of Rohan," stated Eomer. "Besides you are married," he said looking at the silver ring on Cato's right hand.
This brought a small chuckle to Cato, "Keeping Grima away from your sister would be a pleasure."
"Good," said Eomer as they heard hooves approach. Many riders have gathered as Eomer and his men mounted their steeds. One of his men handed Eomer his helmet.
Cato walked up to them, "Good luck friend."
"Same to you friend," said Eomer. "We Ride North!" he ordered as the riders stampeded away to defend their country.
Cato looked on seeing that there was some hope left in Rohan.
Roma, Imperial Palace…
Inside the chamber of the Emperor, it was night but the shadow seemed to be approaching Roma blocking out the stars from his balcony.
A man came into his chamber, "You wanted to see me my lord?" asked Abnus.
Felix turned around with an old piece of paper. "Take it," said Felix.
Abnus walked up to take it and began reading this. "Interesting," said Abnus.
"It came from Marcus when he was in Moria, evidence of a scandal," said Felix. "I want you to investigate this discreetly," he ordered.
"Of course my lord," said Abnus taking his leave.
Rohan…
The Uruk-kai kept on going relentlessly as they carried Merry and Pippin across the land, now being accompanied by Orcs.
Behind by half a day, the five hunters were still hot on the trail of the Uruk-kai determined to reach them to save their comrades Merry and Pippin.
Gimli was sort of his breath but still kept going, "keep breathing," he said being nearly out of breath, "that's the key! Breathe! Ho!"
Legolas then announced, " they run as if the very whips of their masters were behind them."
"That reminds me of the runs we went through, eh Marcus," said Decima also short of breath.
"No matter what we will push forward," said Marcus with determination and shortness of breath.
The hunters kept going over the vast distance as the day was going near to dusk.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter look forward to all reviews and PMs.
-Peace-
