"...the city must empty ! We make for the refuge of Helm's Deep ! Do not burden yourself with treasures... Take only what provisions you need !" A man known as Hama announced loudly as around him everyone , civilians and soldiers, were moving out toward the gates of Edoras. The civilians were murmuring among themselves wondering what was going on to make everyone evacuating the city.

Everyone were gathering their stuffs in prevention on the long journey to Helm's Deep. All civilians were present from the youngest to the eldest. "Helm's Deep !" Gandalf said in disbelief as he and his comrades (minus Vitani who was with Eothain, Freda and Ioreth) were descending the hills through Edoras. "They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight. Who will defend them if not their king?" Gimli questioned them with a frown as they entered the stables.

Kopa decided to stay out but thankfully he could still hear everything. The Brown Maned Lion heard Aragorn's answer " He is only doing what he thinks is best for his people. Helm's Deep has saved them in the past..." but then Isildur's heir was quickly interrupted by Gandalf who said in a calm but intrigued tone " There is no way out than that of ravine ! Théoden is walking into a trap ! He thinks he is leading them to safety, but what he'll get is a massacre !"

Hearing this, Kopa couldn't help but agreeing to this point : earlier when Theoden announced his decision, Vitani had asked Eowyn , the King's niece, what was 'Helm's Deep' and Eowyn's answer didn't enchanted them "Helm's Deep is a fortified gorge in the White Mountains…" and she described the place more in detail : The gorge narrowed from the north, with the cliffs on each side heightening until its southernmost point, where the fortress of the Hornburg lay . The Hornburg was built upon a great spur of rock which extended from the gorge's northern cliff, and from the fortress to the southern cliff was built the Deeping Wall. The earthen wall known as Helm's Dike spanned the width of the gorge, acting as a first defense of the fortress.

He shuddered at the thought of being trapped there while fighting a bunch of Orcs. He then looked back at his comrades who were standing before Shadowfax the Horse Lord. "Théoden has a strong hold but I fear for him... I fear for the survival of Rohan…" then he looked at Aragorn with a pointed look in his eyes as he added "He will need you before the end, Aragorn ! The people of Rohan will need you... The defenses have to hold !"

Isildur's heir looked at the White Wizard with confidence and determination as he said "They will hold !" Gandalf nodded and turned around to gently caress the Horse Lord "The Grey Pilgrim...That is what they used to call me... Three hundred lives of men I've walked this earth and now, I have no time..." then he mounted the White Horse before looking back at Aragorn saying "Look to my coming, at first light, on the fifth day... At dawn, look to the East !"

"Go !" Isildur's heir whispered softy and Gandalf spurred Shadowfax forward through the stables. Legolas , Gimli and Kopa stepped out of the way before the group watched him ran off to find Eomer and his men in the North. At the same time, Vitani was curled around thee children who were none other that Eothain, his little sister Freda and Ioreth.

The Beige Lioness took a liking to them and because , they WERE children, she was protective of them. The trio of kits , for their parts, seemed to like her as well even if Eothain was a little hesitant to trust her at first as he was really protective of his sister. Ioreth and Freda, were curious of her and asked many questions such as "Are there any other Lions ?" or "Why Mr. Kopa has hair and you don't ?"

Zira's daughter had laughed at some of the silly questions but she answered them regardless. Eothain and Freda were wondering if they would see their Mother again and Vitani, who took pity of them, had responded that she might be at Helm's Deep, waiting for them. The two accepted her words and Vitani looked at Ioreth who had a look of envy and jealousy when they mentioned their mother.

Frowning, Vitani had asked her where was her parents… she instantly grew furious at the girl's answer "My mom died giving birth to me… my father blamed me for it and he never treated me nice… When the Wild Men attacked, he tried to bargain my life against his..." The Beige Lioness growled angrily : how dare he ?! Who would do such a thing to a CHILD ?! "And where is your father ? I would love to have a serious TALK with him..."

Ioreth looked down at her feet as she responded softy "The Wild Men killed him… I managed to escape with his horse..." as she finished talking, tears were falling down her cheeks. Vitani's heart broke at this sight and gently pulled the crying child into a hug, rubbing her back with a paw. "Shhhh don't cry little one I'm here.. I'm here~" the Lioness cooed in a comforting tone as Ioreth cried to her heart content.

After a few minutes, Ioreth stopped crying and she looked up at Vitani with teary blue eyes "Thank you...Miss Vitani..." The Lioness smiled and gently nuzzled the child's face affectionately "No problems little one… and please you can call me Auntie if you want~" Ioreth gasped in surprise but also with happiness before she threw her small arms around the Feline's chest whispering "Thank you Auntie Tani..."

Usually, she hated being called 'Tani' but this child's cuteness was hard to resist so she went on with it. Freda then joined in saying "I want hugs too !" With a laugh of amusement, Vitani pulled the two girls into a hug and soon Eothain joined in. None of them noticed Kopa who was watching the scene with a warm smile on his face.

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Meanwhile, at Orthanc, Saruman was furiously pacing back and forth in his room " Gandalf the White... Gandalf the fool! Does he seek to humble me with his newfound piety ?" he muttered angrily to himself as he walked. Then Grima Wormtongue, the former King Theoden's advisor, appeared at the doorway before approaching the fuming Wizard.

"There were five who followed the wizard…. An Elf, a Dwarf , two Lions a Man..." Grima announced to Saruman who sniffed loudly saying "You stink of horse ! The man, was he from Gondor ?" The former advisor took a cloth before placing it against his bleeding lips but he stopped to answer in a calm tone " No, from the North...One of the Dúnedain Rangers I thought he was… His cloth was spoor...And yet he bore a strange ring... Two serpents with emerald eyes.. One devouring, the other crowned with golden flowers..."

At those words, Saruman quickly opened a book before flicking to a page where the Ring in question was illustrated "The Ring of Barahir... So Gandalf Greyhame thinks he's found Isildur's heir, the lost King of Gondor…. He is a fool ! The line was broken years ago !" The Wizard inquired angrily as he closed the book before pushing it away.

But then he looked back at Grima before asking "What can you tell me of those Lions ?" The former advisor staid silent for a few seconds before answering " The first one is a female and the other is a male… She attacked me and the Man I told you about had inquired her to let me go… He called her 'Vitani'… The other Lion managed to convince her to let me go… I think he was her mate..." Saruman then looked at the advisor with wide eyes "Can you describe me the male Lion ?" " Of course… He had a bright golden fur and a brown mane… along with turquoise blue eyes..."

At those words, Saruman went deep in thought "Lions… One of those dawn beasts helped Gandalf 60 years ago… I never thought I would see one of them again… less two !" he muttered furiously to himself before taking deep breathes to calm down " It matters not.. If Gandalf thinks two Lions and a Ranger could change this war he is terribly wrong ! The world of Men shall fall... It will begin at Edoras !"

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The Civilians began to move through the gates as it was time to leave the city and heading toward Helm's Deep. Inside the Golden Hall, the remaining Rohirrim Soldiers were picking up their necessaries for the journey. Eowy was there , pulling out a sword from a chest she just opened. She then unsheathed the blade from his sheath before looking upon the lame, slowly sliding a hand down its lower half.

Then the King's niece turned around, holding the sword before swinging it upwards a few times. Then she hold it sideways , close to her face, before swinging it around…. To found itself blocked by Aragorn's dagger who had approached her from behind " You have some skill with a blade..." he commented calmly with a neutral expression on his face.

In a quick circular motion, Eowyn pushed the Ranger's dagger away with her sword before holding it at his face with determination clear in her eyes. Strider raised his hands (and dagger) in surrender before lowering them down to look at her as she said those words " Women of this country learned long ago that those without swords may still die upon them..."

She sheathed her sword away adding with confidence " I fear neither death nor pain !" Calmly, Isildur's heir asked " What do you fear my lady ?" The King's niece putted her sword back before looking at Aragorn "A cage... To stay behind bars until use and old age accept them... And all chance of valor has gone beyond recall or desire !"

At this answer, Aragorn shook his head in disagreement before commenting still in a neutral and calm tone, as he sheathed his own dagger away"You are a daughter of Kings... A shieldmaiden of Rohan... I do not think that will be your fate..." The two looked at each other for a moment as Eowyn had a look of surprise on her face. Isildur's heir then bowed forward before walking away.

Eowyn's eyes followed him as he left but then a voice caught her attention " This is stupid !" The King's niece turned around to see Vitani standing there with a look of disgust on her face " In a war everyone should fight regardless of your gender !" Eowyn looked at her with agreement "Vitani ...right ?" The Lioness nodded her head calmly.

"I know its stupid but in our society, only Men go to war… Women had to stay at home to take care of the children, cooking or other things..." Eowyn explained in a saddened tone. "Us ,Lions, everyone fight… Well not the cubs because they are too young… But in general, the works is divided : us , Lionesses, hunt and the Males sometimes help us… But their first duties is to protect our territory from intruders..." Vitani explained to her interlocutor who listened with interest.

" Where do you come from if I may ask ? We don't see many Lions in Rohan..." The King's niece asked curiously and Vitani grinned as she spoke of their home : the Pridelands. Hearing the description of this place, Eowyn's eyes sparkled in pure interest "Maybe someday I will come to visit… Do you have a King ?" "We do… His name is Simba… He is also Kopa's father~" Vitani's answer seemed to shock the blond woman because she said in a surprised tone "Kopa is a Prince ?! But that mean… You are a Princess !"

"Technically yes… But Kopa is not destinate to be King…" The Beige Lioness responded with a shrug. At Eowyn's confused face, Zira's daughter explained to her that Kopa was ,at first, the crown Prince but he was believed to be dead after an attack from her mother, Zira. Years later, he came back but inquired his father to let his younger sister becoming Queen instead of him.

When Vitani finished talking, Eowyn was speechless for a few moments "Wow..." was the only thing the blond woman could mutter which earned an amused grin from the Beige Lioness. Then the two started chatting to each other. It was the beginning of a good friendship.

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As the people of Edoras headed out to Helm's Deep with everything they needed for the journey. Everyone moved from the wounded, the sicks, the elders, the young ones, all of them walked forward , carrying or being carried if some couldn't walk. The Rohirrim Soldiers were walking or riding beside the civilians as they formed a long column.

Theoden looked at his people who all harbored a saddened look on their faces while Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli were mounting their horses , keeping an eye to everyone. Kopa and Vitani were walking beside them with Eothain, Freda and Ioreth on their backs. Some children among the walking civilians were gazing at them with envy but they didn't say anything.

At Orthanc, Saruman stood calmly looking at nothing with Grima standing behind him saying in a grave tone " Théoden will not stay at Edoras… It is vulnerable, he knows this... He will expect an attack on the city... They will flee to Helm's Deep, the great fortress of Rohan ! It is a dangerous road, take through the mountains... It will be slow… They will have women and children with them..."

The Wizard raised his brow a bit as if he was intrigued by or of something before walking down all the way to the depths of Isengard. He stopped in front of an Orc who was sitting down while sharpening his blade before ordering in a stern but calm tone " Send out your Warg riders !" The disgusting beast gave his master a toothy grin as the two of them looked down a pit where shadowy creatures were bouncing over the walls with vicious roars.

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Far away from Rohan, in a forested region, Sam and Frodo were walking up a stream and ahead of them was their guide Gollum who seemed to be looking for fishes in the water. Spotting one, the thin creature dove in the stream, only for his target to slip from his grabs , jumping away from the water with his tormentor right behind it.

As Gollum was chasing his 'prey', Sam called out for him " Hey stinker! Don't go getting too far ahead !" "Why do you do that ?" Frodo asked his comrade questioningly from behind. At the sudden question, Sam turned around around to face the Ring-Bearer with a confused look on his face "What ?"

"Call him names? Run him down all the time !" Frodo explained as the two stopped walking. " Because..." Sam began to say as he glanced at Gollum to make sure he didn't went far before looking back at his companion "Because that's what he is Mister Frodo ! There's naught left in him but lies and deceit...It's the Ring he wants ! It's all he cares about !"

"You have no idea what it did to him. What is still doing to him !" Frodo said to him as he passed by Sam before stopping a few feet away , adding softy "I want to help him Sam..." "Why ?" Sam asked him with pure disbelief and confusion. Gollum , for his part, was standing on a rock close to a rather small waterfall. It seemed that he didn't catch the fish and was looking up at them with a smile as he was catching his breath from the chase.

" Because I have to believe he can come back..." Frodo answered in a calm tone as he looked at Gollum with pity. Sam approached him saying calmly "You cannot save him, Mister Frodo..." Those words seemed to enrage the Ring-bearer because he turned his head in a swift motion before looking at Sam with anger in his eyes " What do you know about it? Nothing !"

Sam seemed scared by the sudden outburst as he had a pained look on his face before shaking his head and walking away from the Ring-bearer who seemed to realize what he had done because he said softy " I'm sorry Sam. I don't know why I said that..." His comrade turned around to face him again saying " I do... It's the Ring...You can't take your eyes off it... I've seen you... You're not eating... You barely sleep... It's taking a hold of you Mister Frodo. You have to fight it !"

Once again, his words seemed to anger Frodo because he said angrily " I know what I must to do Sam ! The Ring was entrusted to me ! It's my task ! Mine ! My own !" Then he walked forward , leaving Sam behind "Can't you hear yourself ? Don't you know who you sound like ?" He remarked to the Ring-bearer who ignored him completely as he kept walking.

The following night, while Frodo and Sam were sleeping, Gollum had an internal conflict with his 'dark side' and after a few minutes, the gentle Sméagol was back free.

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The next day, Sam was standing between two stones pillars, looking at the distance with Frodo behind him. The two of them were resting for a bit and the Ring-Bearer was currently sleeping against a rock. Gollum then appeared from wherever he was with two dead rabbits in his mouth before dropping them on Frodo's lap , scaring the Hobbit in the process "Look! Look! See what Sméagol finds !"

While Gollum jumped around in joy, Frodo looked at Sam with a smile but his comrade had a worried expression on his face. No surprise because he never and won't trust Gollum one bit. Then Sméagol stopped jumping as he grabbed one of the rabbits "They are young !" he began to say as he broke the rabbit's smine much to the Ring-Bearer's disgust " They are tender and nice ! Yes they are! Eat them ! Eat them !"

Then the thin creature took a bite of the rabbit as he begin to pull away the meat and its skin. Sam then quickly came forward and grabbed the rabbits from Gollum before pushing him away "Make him sick you will, behaving like that. There's only one way to eat a brace of coneys !"

A mew moments later, Gollum cried out in disgust and horror as Sam was cooking the rabbits he caught "Argh! What's he doing! Stupid fat hobbit. You ruins it !" The thin creature said angrily as the two Hobbits waited for the rabbits to be cooked. The remark seemed to annoy Sam but he kept cooking. " What's to ruin? There's hardly any meat on them !" Sam remarked to Gollum and didn't noticed Frodo looking away as if he heard something " What we need is a few good taters !" "What's taters ? Precious, what's taters ? Huh ?" Gollum asked as Frodo stood up.

"Po-ta-toes! Boil them, mash them, stick them in a stew..." Sam responded as Gollum groaned in annoyance while covering his ears with his hands " Lovely big golden chips with a nice piece of fried fish..." Sméagol spitted a raspberry at him which caused the Hobbit to look at the thin creature " Even you couldn't say no to that !" he said back at Gollum who responded with " Oh yes we could ! Spoiling nice fish !"

Then he crawled closer to Sam before looking at him in the face "Give it to us raw...and wriggling ! You keep nasty chips !" he snarled the last part when Sam lifted the big spoon to his mouth to have a taste. The Hobbit however stopped to look at him before saying with an exasperated sigh "You're hopeless..." Then he noticed Frodo's disappearance and became worried "Mr. Frodo ?" he called out but no response.

After a moment, he and Gollum found the Ring-Bearer hiding under some bushes. Frodo was looking at an army of Men with gigantic elephant-like creatures Sam recognized as an Oliphant. From Gollum, those Men were allied with Sauron and were ready for War.

Suddenly, arrows started to flied in the air from nowhere and the evil men began to drop dead on the ground and this scared the Oliphants. The trio then knew they couldn't staid there so they tried to leave but soon were caught by some men in green cloaks.

The Two Hobbits were tossed down to the ground and Sam looked at the hooded man above him shouting "Wait ! We're innocent travelers !" to which the man responded by saying " There are no travelers in this land, only servants of the Dark Tower !"

Soon the two Hobbits had their hands binded before they were escorted to who know where by those green cloaked men. Gollum him managed to avoid being captured.

(To be continued…)