The pounding hooves of the company raised a cloud of dust off of the plains and a thunder like unto the roar of a hundred waterfalls. They made no pretense of stealth, for truly there was no way to hide their numbers.

Nimoë tried to hold herself upright, to have some active participation in the riding of Arod, but found that her stamina was sorely weakened. Still, simply being under the open sky again refreshed her more than she had hoped possible. The clean scent of the air, no matter how dust filled, was like fine wine in its headiness.

Finally, Nimoë decided that it was the better part of valor to rest, and to gather her strength for the coming battle. She had nothing to prove by showing herself strong on the journey. So she leaned back against Legolas, and felt his arm tighten around her waist. With her head rested on his shoulder, she closed her eyes. Then all she was aware of was the rocking motion of the horse, and her exhaustion dropped her into slumber.

Eomer, riding to the left of Legolas, watched her give herself over to the Elf prince's safekeeping. Would that she would grant such trust to himself! Visions of her face had haunted his sleep since the day she had foolishly attacked him, and he found that he dearly wanted to know more of her. But with the Elf ever watchful, he was afraid that he would never get the chance. He laughed as he chastised himself, "You ride into battle, foolish one! Likely you will not have the chance to do much of anything after."

Gimli, clutched to his back, called out, "What was that, Eomer?"

"Nothing at all, master Dwarf. Nothing at all."

#

Some time later, Legolas' keen eyes spotted a lone rider bearing down upon them. "Someone approaches!" he called. He could just make out their appearance and added, "It is one of the Rohirrim."

The army and the rider bore down upon each other quickly, and reined to a halt, just as they met. The rider was breathing hard and his horse was lathered in sweat. "You are too late! Saruman's forces have taken the Ford. Erkenbrand has taken those who were not killed and leads them towards Helm's Deep. The armies of Saruman are hard on their heels, and still more are reported to be coming from the north. I fear that there are not enough of you here to liberate them."

Gandalf turned Shadowfax then and commanded, "Theoden-King, take them to Helm's Deep and give what aid you can to Erkenbrand. I fear I must leave on an errand most grave." Then he spurred away, calling out over his shoulder, "Look for me at Helm's Deep!"

Nimoë had awoken when the horses pulled to a halt and she watched him go with trepidation. "Why does Gandalf leave us? Surely his powers would be of great aid at Helm's Deep!"

Eomer shook his head in wonderment as he replied, "Gandalf is an enigma and always will be. He must have knowledge that is beyond us or surely he would not desert us in our need." Then he shouted out to the army, "Onward to Helm's Deep! We must make haste!"

#

The pace was hastened and soon the riders began passing corpses, both orc and man, left to lie on the hard earth. Aragorn spoke then, "Some at least of the enemy are ahead of us, then. We will have to fight our way through to Helm's Gate."

Nimoë turned her head to look behind, and cried out in alarm. "There is a great host on the horizon! They are foul creatures, and they are setting torches to the earth!"

"Alas for my people!" cried Theoden, when he perceived the smoke billowing in the far distance.

"They move quickly, and I fear they are gaining ground on us," said Legolas. "We must reach the Gate or we stand no chance, for their numbers are vast."

And so the army of Theoden spurred onward in a last sprint for Helm's Gate. Roving bands of orcs came at them from all sides, and were cut down as the horses pounded onward. One aimed an arrow at Nimoë, but fell with one of Legolas' arrows through its skull.

Nimoë trembled in fear as the carnage spread around her. Legolas' voice in her ear was only just loud enough that she could hear him. "We are almost to the Dike, which spans the mouth of the Deep. After that we will come to the Hornburg and Helm's Gate. It is said that the Hornburg has never been captured while it was defended. There are also many caves in the Deep, where in great need one could hide. Do not fear."

The horses splashed across the Dike, and soon the Hornburg loomed into sight. "Who comes!" called a sentinel from the heights.

Eomer cried back, "Your King comes and brings you the strength of Edoras! It is Eomer, son of Eomund who speaks this!"

"Good tidings this is! I fear that it is too few, though we welcome you with open arms!" The gate swung open then and the Rohirrim host poured through, while bowmen on the wall shot down any of the orcs already present who tried to come through with them.

Even as the great gate closed after them, the farthest reaching arrows of the approaching army began to pelt the battlements. Quickly the riders dismounted, and went to take up defensive places on the walls. Legolas dismounted and lifted Nimoë down after him. She swayed briefly, but steadied herself with a hand against his arm.

Unearthly screams began to rise from the other side of the wall and the twang of bowstrings was heard from the battlements. Calls of, "They are scaling the walls!" were heard, and Legolas looked to the heights.

Nimoë understood why he hesitated. "Go," she said.

He stared at her with a desperation written on his face. "I promised to remain at your side."

"Until such time as I asked you to leave. I am asking. You are needed on the battlements. Your bow is worth twenty others. Nothing can reach me on this side of the Gate. Go!"

Emotions flowed quickly over his features: fear for her safety, pride in her bravery, and resolution to defend her by keeping the orcs on the other side of the Gate. With a suddenness that surprised even himself, he grabbed her hand and pressed his lips to the back of it. Then he turned and ran up the stairs to the heights, bow in hand, and grabbing arrows from his quiver.