Tolkein owns LOTR, Meyer owns Twilight and I own numerous lovely things, though none are the rights to these.
11 A hunting we will go. (March 1 – March 3)The four hunters felt relief as they ran through the forest and across the flat grassy lawn of Parth Galen, they could see the tracks of at least 20 Uruk-hai had passed through.
"Finally we have hope in this trail of our enemies, and may the Valar help us be swift enough to catch them. We shall embark on such a hunt that in days to come they will marvel among the Three kindreds: Elves, Dwarves and Men. Forth the Four hunters!" Aragorn proclaimed as they followed the trail of the Uruk-hai.
For four days they ran, from Emyn Muil, to the East wall of Rohan, where they found five dead orcs.
"There is no sign of a fight here, yet there are five bodies slain," Gimli announced puzzled.
"They slay their own, be it for dominance or food," Aragorn respond in distaste.
"Yuk! Cannibals!" Bella spat.
Bella and Legolas split on each side of the party in order to scout further, Aragorn could track anything, but the two elves eye's were unmatched. So without further consideration they left the slain orcs behind and descended into Eastemnet. The trail turned north westerly and the hunters continued to run, Legolas and Bella taking turns to move forwards to see the direction of their folly.
"They turn to the northwest!" Legolas stated as he stood upon a rock.
Aragorn didn't answer as he scoured the trail around them, there were signs that they had stopped there for a short while. Fingering through the dirt, he found the Mallorn leaf clasp from one of the elven cloaks that the Hobbits wore. Bella looked over his shoulder as he lifted it from the trodden earth.
Aragorn looked back to Bella, a light shining in his tired eyes, "Not idly do the leaves of Lorien fall," he murmured.
"They may yet be alive, those clasps would not just fall," she agreed.
"Then we shall not let them down, come we must continue," Aragorn said light sparking in his eyes for the first time in days.
The four hunters continued onwards, until darkness prevented them from catching the trail.
"We should rest a while, we risk losing them in the dark, we can only hope that they halt their journey also," Aragorn finally said, doubt colouring his features, the dilemma of losing the trail or losing time causing him to second guess himself.
Gimli agreed with no argument, he'd run alongside his three taller companions with no complaint, but the going had been hard, Dwarves as he said, are not made for running long distances.
That night the rested, albeit troubled, taking turns to keep watch. The pressure of finding the Half-lings making them feel hopeless. They rose early the next morning, before the dawn cracked and with renewed vigour, tirelessly continued their pursuit. The Uruks, appeared to gain speed the further to the North-west they went, and they could only believe that Saruman was behind the hindrance of their effort.
That night they paused once more and slept, restlessly, before rising once more before the dawn to continue their hunt. Aragorn was bent ear to the ground, concentrating intensely, whilst Bella and Legolas were both upon rocks looking in all directions for sign that the orcs had passed through.
Hoof-beats and a call by the twins raised notice that Riders of Rohan approached. Unsure of their welcome, they hid behind a rocky outcrop as the Eored rode past. Taking a chance, Aragorn stepped from behind the rocks and called out to them.
"Riders of Rohan! What news of the Mark?!"
The Eored turned with practised efficiency and surrounded the group, spears pointed to them.
"What business does two elves, a dwarf and a man have on the Ridden-mark?" the young horse lord asked.
"Give me your name horse lord and I shall give you mine," Gimli responded attempting diplomacy. Legolas glanced disbelieving at the Dwarf, "Really?" he muttered so only Gimli heard him.
"I am Eomer, nephew to the king and Third Marshal of the Ridden-mark." The young man stated. "Now what reason have you to be wandering here?"
"We are hunting a pack of Uruk-hai, they took two of our friends and we intend to get them back," Aragorn responded.
"We killed a band of Orc just last night outside Fanghorn forest," Eomer stated.
"Did you see two hobbits, two little Half-lings, they would appear like children," Gimli asked.
"It was a slaughter, none survived, I am sorry, by rights I should take you before the king, no one is allowed to wander unaccompanied any longer here, we have become mistrustful of the white wizard, Bands of Orc wander freely and our king no-longer tells the difference between friend and foe," Eomer said. "Nay he barely recognises his own family. His mind is overtaken and those of us who are loyal to Rohan are banished, he is but a puppet, sitting loose on his throne, controlled by Grima Wormtongue and the bitter words of Saruman."
Bella gasped, sadness cloaking her weary body. Dead, the company was ever dwindling and the two most innocent of beings to be lost in such horrific means, pained her down to her very soul.
Eomer seeing the distress of the company, had his men draw back their weapons, "Forgive me lady, this is no place to talk of such." He gestured to his men to bring forth two horses.
"Hasufel and Arod, alas I cannot give you hope that you will find your missing friends, but let me ease your weary bodies with these mounts, may they bring you more luck than they did their previous riders, prove that we can trust your word by returning them to Edoras," Eomer stated remounting his own horse. "Look for your friends, but do not trust to hope, for hope has forsaken these lands, we ride north!"
With thanks and farewells from the hunters, the Eored left, the pounding of hooves echoing across the vast plain.
"There is always hope," Bella said, "Until there is none."
Aragorn nodded in agreement as he mounted Hasufel, before turning to offer Bella his hand. She grasped it tightly and swung herself up behind him. Beside them Legolas sat astride Arod, with Gimli behind him. They turned towards Fanghorn and kicked their mounts into movement. It was the next morning when they came upon the burnt out pile of Uruk and Orcs, a few heads mounted on spears as a warning to any who would go against the Riders of Rohan. At the edge of the forest there were mounds where fallen Rohirrim where buried where they fell.
The hunters dismounted, the horses remaining where they stood as they looked around the churned up grass of the battleground. They soon found the burnt remains of the belts that had been gifted by the Lady Galadriel and a sense of despair encompassed them.
"Oh no, no no no, we failed them," Gimli wailed. Legolas placed a calming hand upon the shoulder of the Dwarf as he sent blessings to their fallen friends, sadness cloaking his face like a shroud.
Bella looked to the ground, trying in vain to hold back the tears at the senseless loss. She quirked her head to the side, not sure what she was seeing, Aragorn seeing the puzzled look asked her what was wrong.
"Look...there!" she replied.
Aragorn dropped to the floor as he too saw the indentation, "A hobbit lay here," he stated as he felt his way across the ground, "And here, look they were bound, but then cut loose, they rolled, they were chased..." he continued as he crawled following the trail into the forest, "They ran, look another follows," he pointed to the heavier trail of Orc.
The hunters had followed behind him as he had picked out the movements of the Half-lings, a sense of renewed hope filling their once desolate countenance. Turning to the horses Bella moved them to the edge of the forest and spoke softly so that they would remain there. With plenty of lush grass to eat they wouldn't move far.
They stepped through the scrub, into the old forest, Legolas and Bella looked around themselves awed at the aged trees, the hunters moved swiftly through the craggy and stuffy forest, Gimli occasionally stumbled over roots.
"This forest is very old, full of memory, it feels tense at the invasion," Legolas expounded. Looking to Gimli who had his axe in hand, "Put away your axe, it disturbs the trees."
Gimli blustered a little but hooked it onto his back, whilst Bella walked from tree to tree, pressing her hands to the gnarls and knots.
"The tree's are talking," she said with a shy smile.
Gimli looked at her as if she had lost her mind. "They're talking to each other, the tree guardians care for this forest, our kin started it in the early ages, waking the tree's and teaching them to speak." Bella added.
"What is it they say?" Gimli asked. "Surely it cannot be more interesting than the consistency of squirrel droppings!"
"Mostly that they have been mistreated by Saruman and his Uruk-hai," she replied. "Oh had we the time, I would stay and help them to heal."
Aragorn continued to lead them onwards and it wasn't long before they found the remains of an orc, pinned beneath the roots of a gnarled tree. "I think you may be right Bella, I can't see an Orc crawling under there to die willingly," Aragorn said, pointing to the dead Orc.
Creaks and crashes could be heard from up ahead as the group halted beside the orc.
"The white wizard approaches," Legolas said ominously.
Aragorn drew his sword, whilst the others lifted their bows and Gimli his axe, "Shoot first, don't let him speak, he could kill us with words alone!"
The twins nodded and Gimli spread his feet in readiness, as a tall white dressed figure stepped through the trees, bright light filled their sight and Bella and Legolas loosed arrows that were deflected.
As the light faded, the figure stepped forwards once more, the company looking on in amazement. "I saw two young Half-lings a short while ago, riding an Ent, I believe their fate would please you?!" The wizard stated.
"Ents the earth born, old as mountains,
the wide-walkers, water drinking;
and hungry as hunters, the Hobbit children.
the laughing folk, the little people."
"Gandalf?" Aragorn said in shock. "What? How?"
"Gandalf? Hmm yes that was my name, Gandalf the grey, as you can see, I am Gandalf the white," Gandalf said.
"But we saw you fall!" Bella added.
"Indeed Ránëwén, I fought the Balrog in the deepest places and after a restless pursuit of eight days we ended up on the summit of the Endless stair, where upon the peak of Celebdil, we fought for two days and nights. The beast was slain and I drifted, until I was re-awoken anew." Gandalf offered.
"My heart feels full, to see you with us once more Mithrandir," Bella answered.
Gandalf smiled at the young elleth, and nodded in thanks. "Now we must hasten to Edoras, we must amass the kingdoms of men in this last battle against Saruman and Sauron."
The party followed Gandalf from the forest, feeling lighter than they had since leaving Lothlorien. The two horses were where they had left them, Gandalf gave a shrill whistle and a white stallion galloped to them.
"This is Shadowfax," Gandalf stated patting the white horse.
"He is a Mearas?" Legolas asked.
"Indeed, lord of the horses." Gandalf responded mounting the stunning horse.
The company headed south following the Entwash until it joined the Snowbourne. They soon saw the imposing halls of Edoras up ahead, the once great seat of Rohan looked worn and unwelcoming, as they approached. The Golden hall of the Meduseld at the top of the hill. Flags and standards flapped in the wind, were rugged and torn, as if no one cared any more. Gandalf looked perplexed as they entered without trouble through the main gates. After returning the horses to the stables they approached Theodens hall.
Climbing the stairs they were approached by the kings guard, "I cannot allow you before Theoden king so armed, Gandalf Grayhame. By order of...Grima Wormtongue."
The company handed over their weapons, although under protest. "You would deprive an old man his walking stick?" Gandalf petitioned. Taking Bella's arm as she stood to his side attempting to hide her smirk.
The guard sighed, but allowed him to keep his staff before leading them into the hall.
"The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Theoden King." Gandalf said approaching the king with the company at his side.
Aragorn noted that they were shadowed by guards as they moved through the hall.
Grima whispered at the kings side, "They are not welcome."
The king sat hunched on his throne, his once sprightly countenance now a total contrast from what sat before them now. Theoden was a shadow of himself, old and worn, grey haired and frail, he seemed to have little to no control over his own halls.
"Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?" he asked, his voice thin from lack of use.
"A just question my liege," Wormtongue responded patting the kings arm before standing to address those assembled.
"Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear. Lathspell I name him. Ill news is an ill guest." Wormtongue continued.
Gandalf threw back his cloak reveal his staff in hand. "Be silent! Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth, lest I remove it from your worthless head! I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm!"
Wormtongue recoiled in terror, "His staff! I told you to take the wizards staff!"
The guards moved towards the company at Wormtongues direction, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli turned to fight them, allowing Gandalf and Bella to approach the king. Hama the captain of the kings guard held his men back, "No let them help him!" he declared.
"Theoden, Son of Thengel. Too long have you sat in the shadows." Gandalf stated as they approached the king.
Wormtongue attempted to pull Bella aside, but was stopped by Gimli who dropped him to the ground with a swift kick and held him there by sitting on him. "You're lucky it was me that stopped you sonny, that Girlie can be quite vicious," Gimli joked.
"Harken to me! I release you from the spell." Gandalf declared.
Theoden laughed, a sinister laugh that didn't match his being. "You have no power here Gandalf the Grey." He snarled.
Gandalf threw off his robe, showing his now White clothes, Theoden startled and leant away from him. If he could've merged into the back of his throne he would've.
"Ah Saruman, your poison drips from his pores, as poison I shall draw you from the wound," Gandalf responded pointing his staff at Theoden. As he did so a young woman ran into the hall and attempted to get to the king, Bella grasped her and bid her to stay, "Wait..."
"If I go...Theoden dies," the king cackled, its voice now that of Saruman. "Rohan is mine!"
"You did not kill me, you will not kill him, I will not allow it. Be gone!" Gandalf demanded, "Be gone! And do not come back!" he finished forcing the king back as the influence of Saruman forced his body forwards.
Theoden slumped in his throne, as Wormtongue cried out from beneath Gimli, "Murder! They will slay the king!"
"Oh do shut him up!" Bella grumbled
Gimli fed up with the struggling worm punched him to shut him up and folded his arms as he reseated himself. Legolas smirked from beside him as they watched the King appear to improve now that Sarumans influence was removed. His appearance gradually changed, his hair straightening, the whiskers on his chin becoming tidy and the film over his eyes faded till the bright blue appeared, with lucidity and a keenness of knowledge. He looked to those in the room and wondered what had happened. Bella let the young woman go and she raced to the king and dropped to his feet.
"Uncle!" she exclaimed.
"I know your face, I know you...Eowyn." he said in recognition, "Where is my son, your brother, what happened?" He questioned.
Gandalf approached once more and placed a hand on the kings shoulder, "Breath the free air once more my friend," he said.
"Dark have my dreams been of late." Theoden muttered looking into Eowyns tear ringed eyes.
"Your fingers will remember your strength better if you grasped your sword." Gandalf stated directing the kings guard Hama to bring it forth.
Theoden held it aloft, feeling his strength fill him and understanding of what had occurred. "Wormtongue!" he shouted spying him under the dwarf.
"I've only ever served you my lord." Wormtongue stated.
Theoden growled in anger, striding from his throne to the squirrelly leech. "Your leech craft would have me crawling on all fours like a beast. What was you promised? Stewardship of my lands, money? Jewels?" Theoden roared as Gimli let Wormtongue up from the floor. Wormtongue glanced at Eowyn that would've gone unnoticed had they not all been looking at him.
Bella wished that she had her daggers in that moment, growling she kicked Wormtongue across the floor. "You disgusting puling worm! You're lucky I am not armed or I would gut you where you lay!"
"My niece?! You are undeserving of such, even if you were honoured and loyal, you would still be unworthy, you are filth!" Theoden roared in fury.
Wormtongue cowered away from the avenging king, "Send me not from your side, my liege I have been your most trusted advisor!"
"I should kill you for your deceit," Theoden growled
"Enough blood has been spilt my lord, banish him, do not tarnish your hall with his filth," Aragorn offered.
Wormtongue took no time in running from the hall. Theoden nodded and lowered his sword, returning to his throne. Eowyn dropped to his side, as the company now calmed now that the king was back to himself. They spent the rest of the afternoon telling him all that he had missed. He was heartbroken to hear that his only son Theodred had fallen in battle. They buried him that evening in the tombs of their forebears.
As the funeral procession returned to the Golden Hall, they saw two children on horseback riding from across the westfold. As they neared the King, the boy, who had been holding the younger girl in his arms fell from the horse. Aragorn ran to lift him as Bella lead the horse back into the settlement.
"They had no warning uncle. They were unarmed and now Wildmen are moving through the westfold, burning as they go, nothing and no one is safe," Eowyn stated sitting beside the children while they ate a hastily gathered meal.
"This is but a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash. All the more potent for he is driven by fear of Sauron. Ride out and meet him head on. Draw him away from the women and children. You must fight." Gandalf counselled.
"Eomer rides north as we speak, he is beyond loyal to you, his men will return and fight for you, you need only send word," Aragorn added.
"They will be more than three hundred leagues from here by now, we are beyond their ability to help!" Theoden decried.
"I cannot risk open war, I cannot allow more of my people to die!" Theoden continued.
"Whether you want it or not, Open war is upon you." Aragorn responded.
"When last I looked, Theoden, not Aragorn, was king of Rohan." Theoden stated, standing before the ranger.
Aragorn sat back lifting his hands in submission, whilst Bella sat at his side, attempting somewhat fruitlessly to keep him calm. Gimli was already heavy in his cups and let out an all mighty burp.
Gandalf sighed, "Then what is the kings decision?"
"We shall evacuate to Helms deep." Theoden said brooking no argument.
The company shook their heads, they knew that they would get no further with Theoden and they worried for him and his people. At least the halls were now more welcoming with the departure of Sarumans influence nor Wormtongue dripping his poison. Bella sat off to the side with Aragorn, taking a few minutes to be together before the madness began again. Gimli and Legolas spent their time talking with Hama, the kings guard. He had the job of ensuring all of the villagers were ready to leave the next morning.
Gandalf meanwhile sat beside Theoden and they discussed what could be done without interruption. As the night drew in the hall emptied out until eventually only the company, Gandalf, Theoden and Eowyn remained.
"My niece will arrange for somewhere for you all to sleep, we'll have an early start the 'morrow," Theoden said rising to head to his own rooms.
"We'll be fine here my lord, we've slept in far less welcoming places recently," Aragorn stated, "Thank you for your hospitality, there is no need to do anything special for us!"
Theoden nodded, then bid everyone good night, directing Eowyn to head to her own rooms. The company soon found places to bed down in the large hall, laying cloaks on the floor, they rested for the first time since Lothlorien in relative safety. The next morning they rose with the dawn and after a quick breakfast, they joined Gandalf in the stable.
"They will need you all more than ever, I hope that my search won't be in vain. Look to my coming, at first light on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the East. Hope that you will make it that long!" Gandalf said grasping Aragorns shoulders before mounting Shadowfax and sprinting from the stables.
As they made to leave they heard a horse stomping and whinnying, looking down to where the noise was coming from they saw a horse rear as two men attempted to control him. Aragorn and Bella approached him.
"That horse is half mad my lord. There is nothing to do, we must leave him." The stable hand said sadly.
Aragorn took the rope from him as Bella approached him and began to unstrap the bridle. "Fæste, stille nú, fæste, stille nú. Lac is drefed, gefrægon." (Fast, quiet now, fast, quiet now. A battle is stirred up, they heard.) Aragorn said softly to the horse.
Bella stroked his neck lightly, before grabbing a brush and gently brushing his flank. Whispering as she went..."Sîdh, sîdh, senda, senda, let vamme i mornië tarsa your ore." (Calm, calm, peace, peace, let not the darkness trouble your mind.)
Aragorn continued stroking his nose, as the horse stilled and become gentle under his and Bella's words, "Hwæt nemnað ðe?" (What is your name?)
Eowyn came into the stable and watched the two calm the horse. "His name is Brego, he was my cousin's horse."
"Brego, your name is kingly, what troubles you Brego, what did you see?" Aragorn asked quietly as Bella moved to the other flank to continue brushing him, whilst whispering more calming words.
"I have heard of the magic of Elves," Eowyn acknowledged Bella, but I did not expect a Ranger from the north, you speak as if you are one of their own." Eowyn questioned.
"I grew up in Rivendell" Aragorn responded, stroking Brego's nose, "Turn him free, he has seen enough war, he should suffer no more." He finished leaving the stable and clasping Bella's hand as they walked.
They made their way up to the Meduseld, as people departed Edoras in exodus, entering they found Theoden and Gamling preparing themselves to lead the refugees. Eowyn followed a short while later, a sword strapped to her belt. She glanced at the Ranger and the Lady elf.
"Women of my country learned long ago, that those without swords, can still die by them. I fear neither death nor pain."
Gimli came up beside them as they talked, taken by the pretty woman, "What is it you fear my lady?" he asked.
"A cage. To stay behind bars until use and age rob me of all chance of valor." She replied.
"You are a daughter of Kings. A shield maiden of Rohan, I do not believe that to be your fate. There is more to this fight than wielding a sword," Aragorn responded.
Legolas joined them then, slipping his daggers into their sheaths on his back, beside his quiver and bow. "The king wishes us to ride out with him," he said as he handed Bella her bow and newly filled quiver.
"If that is his wish," Aragorn said, leading them from the hall and to the stables.
They mounted the two same horses that Eomer had loaned them and rode to meet the king at the gates. Once he joined them, they rode along the line of refugees, who were on both foot and horseback, heading along the North-South road, through the Westfold towards Helms Deep.