Chapter 51
The next morning it immediately became clear what they all had to face today. Everyone tried to be as prepared as possible for a fight. The hobbits were still training with each other and Gandalf showed them good sword techniques. Gimli and Boromir were busy sharpening and checking their weapons, Legolas made new arrows and Aragorn himself checked whether everything was really in place. He was really worried. Today he might lead his friends and so many other beings to death. But the ranger knew that he couldn't run away now. They would probably reach Mordor around noon and then somehow try to get to Doom Mountain.
"We have to leave," said Gandalf finally, and the fellowship moved on. It was more than clear that something special was going to happen today. Everyone was following their own thoughts and nobody said a word. Aragorn went ahead, Legolas was close behind him, which calmed the human a little. The presence was a consolation for his tense soul. Unfortunately, the time passed much too quickly and slowly the sky became darker and the landscape emptier. The elf was visibly nervous and the ranger knew he had to feel something.
"Legolas?", he whispered and the prince looked at him with eyes wide with concern.
"The darkness here is so strong and the danger is very close." The man sighed. He had just hoped for better news. Suddenly he saw something that made his heart lighten. Not far away was a large army consisting of Gondor, Rohan and the white city. Apparently, everything was there to fight. Everyone knew what the day would decide today. It was about all of their lives. In the distance, Aragorn could see a large mountain. The mountain of fate. But he sensed that it would not be so easy to get to this place. A huge army would be waiting for them in front of it.
The ranger looked at his companions. The little hobbits looked frightened and restless, but in their eyes, the King of Gondor could see the determination. Gilmi looked ready to plunge into the fight at any moment. Gandalf and Boromir looked worried, but they too were determined. The last thing what the human saw was his long-time best friend and brother. The elf's blue eyes shone with love and affection. He trusted the man and would go with him to the end.
"Then go," Aragorn whispered and nervously went to the big army. Théoden and the leader of the white city stood there and bowed slightly as the ranger came up to them. They all put their lives in the human's hands. One hand gently took his own and the ranger turned to look into the sky-blue eyes.
"Do not doubt yourself, my friend. You have carried us safely through so many dangers. And we will create these together too. Your friends are with you, Aragorn. We will not leave you alone." The king's heart warmed and he realized how important this beautiful elf was to him. He gently squeezed the prince's hand and gave him a smile.
"Thank you, Legolas." Now he smiled too. "Always, gwador-nin." The heart of man was full of love and he pulled Legolas into his arms. The archer hugged him too, and his light and warmth enveloped Aragorn. "Please take care of yourself, Legolas. I couldn't stand it if you left me." The handsome warrior tightened his grip on the man and he closed his eyes.
"Don't worry about me. We'll see each other again, my friend." The king smiled, released the elf, and looked once more into the bright blue eyes. At the next moment, a horn sounded and the ranger whirled around. It was behind them and fear filled the man's heart. Had they been ambushed?
"This is not an orc horn", breathed Legolas and the ranger was relieved. But was it then? "Elves!"
