(A/N- Hehe, to write this section I listened to the third track from the
Gladiator soundtrack over and over again! So if you have that awesome CD, I
suggest you pop it in! It sets the mood! And it's just cool!)
Chapter Ten
Erchirion stood on the South Tower Wall of Dol Amroth looking out over the Corsair camps waiting for the sign from Eomer to attack. His eyes ever watchful for the signal, which would come from the Hills of Tarnost, that lay guarding the city's southern walls. Eomer's plan, while having its risks, was sound, and the best plan they had. Gondor's men and a large part of the Riders of Rohan would soon begin their assault of the eastern Corsair camp while a smaller group of Riders of Rohan would ride South, and under the cover of the Hills of Tarnost, sneak up on the southern encampment and attack once they had sent enforcements to the eastern camp. It was believed that Lothiriel would be held in a tent on the Eastern side and once the Riders began their attack, Erchirion was to lead a group of men from the city's South Gate and rescue her. Thankfully, the northern and western sides of the city were nearly impossible to attack, due to the sea and sheer cliffs. However, this plan was not without faults. Especially for the safety of Lothiriel for there was no guarantee she was on that side of the city, and what if they did not reach her in time?
Erchirion shook the thought from his head, for they would reach her in time. He had to believe that. His whole life he had tried to protect his sister, and now, when she needed him the most he would not fail. He sighed, his eyes remaining on the Hills. His last words with his sister had been in anger. He had been furious that she would turn to another for comfort, and furious that she seemed to enjoy the way Eomer's eye had fallen on her. Now he would gladly embrace Eomer as a brother just so that she would be safe. The young King had seemed just as worried and enraged by the Corsairs capture of their sister than Erchirion and his brothers. And he had to admit that Lothiriel did seem to enjoy Eomer's company. Whenever he saw them talking her eyes seemed to shine in a manner that he had not seen in his sister. Perhaps it was not Eomer he was uncomfortable with, but the fact that his baby sister was grown up now, and did not need her brothers as much anymore.
A bright, flaming arrow brought Erchirion out of his pondering and back to the task at hand. For now, his sister desperately needed her brother or she would suffer a terrible fate. Erchirion drew his sword and summoned the archers on the hall to prepare to fire. Just as he saw the glimmering banner of Rohan flashing in the sun he ordered the arrows released into the Corsairs, who had been making ready to march to the eastern side of the city. Their surprise at seeing the Riders coming down on them doubled when many were struck down from arrows set loose within the city.
Erchirion raced down the wall and summoned his men. The Silver Gates of Dol Amroth were thrown open and Erchirion threw himself into the fray, desperate to reach his sister in time.
Eomer rode hard into the battling crowd. Firefoot fearlessly followed his every command, trusting his rider complete as he always did, trampling any who dared stand in the powerful horse's path. The Corsairs, while fierce combatants, were no match for Eomer's fury. Indeed he fought with a rage that he had not felt since Pelennor Fields, when he find his Uncle dead, and at the time believed his sister lost as well. His sword and spear were soon covered in thick blood as he took down Corsair after Corsair, making his way deeper into their camp.
He spotted Erchirion, fighting his way towards what seemed to be the main tent of the camp. Eomer surged forward to help the Prince when suddenly he was struck on the side. Not enough to seriously hurt him, but he fell from Firefoot's back. Acting on instinct, he immediately found his footing and fought off his attacker with ease. Firefoot gave a furious snort, unhappy at being knocked into and shot forward, tampling Corsairs. Eomer watched the horse for a moment, Firefoot had been in many battles before and would most likely find a path out of the battle, but that path would involve as many enemies as possible. Had he not been in a battle, Eomer would have laughed, for his horse was every bit as much as a force on the battlefield as he was. However he did not dwell on this, instead he pushed forward to help Erchirion so the son of Imrahil could find his sister as soon as possible before something terrible happened.
Erchirion never thought he would be so relieved to see the King of the Rohirrim appear at his side. Wordlessly they began fighting together, Eomer fighting off as many Corsairs as he could so Erchirion could make his way to the Chief Corsair's tent. Eomer fought with such a fury Erchirion had to admire the man's courage. However, at the moment his task was much more important. He was almost to the tent when several Corsairs poured out of it, attacking Erchirion. He fought them, but could not break away. Eomer was attacking them as well, but they seemed more content on fighting Erchirion than the King.
Erchirion looked at Eomer and made a quick decision. As much as he wanted to personally make sure his sister was saved, it would be faster if Eomer went instead. The King of Rohan was far more experienced in battle, and Lothiriel had a better chance of reaching the city if Eomer took her.
"Eomer!" He shouted of the roar of battle. "Go!"
Eomer looked at the Prince and nodded. With one stroke he fell the two Corsairs attacking him and ran into the tent, leaving Erchirion to the battle.
At first Eomer could not clearly see in the tent, for it was filled with a hazy smoke and his eyes took a moment to adjust. Then he saw Lothiriel and all that was gone as he rushed to her side.
Lothiriel was standing, her arms tied and extended to the two poles holding up the tent. She seemed barely aware of what was happening around her, her eyes were closed and her head was rolling sickly from side to side. For a moment he feared she was dead, until a soft groan escaped her lips.
"Lothiriel?" He whispered her name, not trusting his voice to speak any louder. He quickly drew a knife and cut the ropes that bound her, she collapsed in his arms, lifelessly. "Lothiriel, don't you dare die! Please!" He cried out, shaking her gently. "Lothiriel." He brushed her lips lightly with his own, careful of the bruises that covered her skin. "Lothiriel, you must be alive." He begged. "You must."
Lothiriel felt as though she were drifting away on the Sea. Her mind was now numb to all that was going on around her and she did not feel any more pain. She was blissfully unaware of the world around it, happily abandoning the pain and torture her life had become since her capture and floating away. She saw her mother standing on an island far away, calling to her.
Lothiriel's heart leapt with joy and she held out her arms to her mother, tears of joy running down her cheeks. Suddenly, someone behind her was calling her. Begging her not to go.
Her mother heard this as well and smiled sadly, "It is not your time yet." She called, "You must go back."
Lothiriel opened her mouth to protest but was stopped by a sudden onset of pain. It was back, she was going back to that world.
Her mother nodded, "You have much to do my child. You have not yet lived your life. Go my daughter." She said as she grew smaller as Lothiriel was pulled back.
She slowly forced her eyes to open, although it pained her. She found herself in gentle arms looking into eyes deep with concern and laced with unshed tears. "Eomer?"
He swallowed hard, "I am here, Lothiriel."
She nodded slowly, closing her eyes, "I knew you would come."
Eomer kissed her forehead, holding her gently, as if he feared she would break. "I will always come, my Lady Lothiriel."
Erchirion came into the tent, looking exhausted, but when he saw Lothiriel he rushed to her side. "Sister?"
Lothiriel opened her eyes to look at her brother. "Erchirion, I saw Mother, but she sent me back." She said, as if in a daze.
Erchirion fought his tears of relief at seeing his sister alive. "I am glad Mother has her sense even in death." He said, exchanging a look with Eomer. "The battle is over, let us get you home."
Eomer moved to set Lothiriel in her brother's arms. Erchirion stepped forward to take her, but hesitated. Then, setting his jaw, he drew back his arms, looking at the King. "You should carry her, Eomer." He said.
Eomer lifted Lothiriel and carried her back the city, following Erchirion, who glanced back at them occasionally. He would never get used to the sight of them together, but he supposed he might have to. For now, he was just glad to have her back within the safety of Dol Amroth.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Chapter Ten
Erchirion stood on the South Tower Wall of Dol Amroth looking out over the Corsair camps waiting for the sign from Eomer to attack. His eyes ever watchful for the signal, which would come from the Hills of Tarnost, that lay guarding the city's southern walls. Eomer's plan, while having its risks, was sound, and the best plan they had. Gondor's men and a large part of the Riders of Rohan would soon begin their assault of the eastern Corsair camp while a smaller group of Riders of Rohan would ride South, and under the cover of the Hills of Tarnost, sneak up on the southern encampment and attack once they had sent enforcements to the eastern camp. It was believed that Lothiriel would be held in a tent on the Eastern side and once the Riders began their attack, Erchirion was to lead a group of men from the city's South Gate and rescue her. Thankfully, the northern and western sides of the city were nearly impossible to attack, due to the sea and sheer cliffs. However, this plan was not without faults. Especially for the safety of Lothiriel for there was no guarantee she was on that side of the city, and what if they did not reach her in time?
Erchirion shook the thought from his head, for they would reach her in time. He had to believe that. His whole life he had tried to protect his sister, and now, when she needed him the most he would not fail. He sighed, his eyes remaining on the Hills. His last words with his sister had been in anger. He had been furious that she would turn to another for comfort, and furious that she seemed to enjoy the way Eomer's eye had fallen on her. Now he would gladly embrace Eomer as a brother just so that she would be safe. The young King had seemed just as worried and enraged by the Corsairs capture of their sister than Erchirion and his brothers. And he had to admit that Lothiriel did seem to enjoy Eomer's company. Whenever he saw them talking her eyes seemed to shine in a manner that he had not seen in his sister. Perhaps it was not Eomer he was uncomfortable with, but the fact that his baby sister was grown up now, and did not need her brothers as much anymore.
A bright, flaming arrow brought Erchirion out of his pondering and back to the task at hand. For now, his sister desperately needed her brother or she would suffer a terrible fate. Erchirion drew his sword and summoned the archers on the hall to prepare to fire. Just as he saw the glimmering banner of Rohan flashing in the sun he ordered the arrows released into the Corsairs, who had been making ready to march to the eastern side of the city. Their surprise at seeing the Riders coming down on them doubled when many were struck down from arrows set loose within the city.
Erchirion raced down the wall and summoned his men. The Silver Gates of Dol Amroth were thrown open and Erchirion threw himself into the fray, desperate to reach his sister in time.
Eomer rode hard into the battling crowd. Firefoot fearlessly followed his every command, trusting his rider complete as he always did, trampling any who dared stand in the powerful horse's path. The Corsairs, while fierce combatants, were no match for Eomer's fury. Indeed he fought with a rage that he had not felt since Pelennor Fields, when he find his Uncle dead, and at the time believed his sister lost as well. His sword and spear were soon covered in thick blood as he took down Corsair after Corsair, making his way deeper into their camp.
He spotted Erchirion, fighting his way towards what seemed to be the main tent of the camp. Eomer surged forward to help the Prince when suddenly he was struck on the side. Not enough to seriously hurt him, but he fell from Firefoot's back. Acting on instinct, he immediately found his footing and fought off his attacker with ease. Firefoot gave a furious snort, unhappy at being knocked into and shot forward, tampling Corsairs. Eomer watched the horse for a moment, Firefoot had been in many battles before and would most likely find a path out of the battle, but that path would involve as many enemies as possible. Had he not been in a battle, Eomer would have laughed, for his horse was every bit as much as a force on the battlefield as he was. However he did not dwell on this, instead he pushed forward to help Erchirion so the son of Imrahil could find his sister as soon as possible before something terrible happened.
Erchirion never thought he would be so relieved to see the King of the Rohirrim appear at his side. Wordlessly they began fighting together, Eomer fighting off as many Corsairs as he could so Erchirion could make his way to the Chief Corsair's tent. Eomer fought with such a fury Erchirion had to admire the man's courage. However, at the moment his task was much more important. He was almost to the tent when several Corsairs poured out of it, attacking Erchirion. He fought them, but could not break away. Eomer was attacking them as well, but they seemed more content on fighting Erchirion than the King.
Erchirion looked at Eomer and made a quick decision. As much as he wanted to personally make sure his sister was saved, it would be faster if Eomer went instead. The King of Rohan was far more experienced in battle, and Lothiriel had a better chance of reaching the city if Eomer took her.
"Eomer!" He shouted of the roar of battle. "Go!"
Eomer looked at the Prince and nodded. With one stroke he fell the two Corsairs attacking him and ran into the tent, leaving Erchirion to the battle.
At first Eomer could not clearly see in the tent, for it was filled with a hazy smoke and his eyes took a moment to adjust. Then he saw Lothiriel and all that was gone as he rushed to her side.
Lothiriel was standing, her arms tied and extended to the two poles holding up the tent. She seemed barely aware of what was happening around her, her eyes were closed and her head was rolling sickly from side to side. For a moment he feared she was dead, until a soft groan escaped her lips.
"Lothiriel?" He whispered her name, not trusting his voice to speak any louder. He quickly drew a knife and cut the ropes that bound her, she collapsed in his arms, lifelessly. "Lothiriel, don't you dare die! Please!" He cried out, shaking her gently. "Lothiriel." He brushed her lips lightly with his own, careful of the bruises that covered her skin. "Lothiriel, you must be alive." He begged. "You must."
Lothiriel felt as though she were drifting away on the Sea. Her mind was now numb to all that was going on around her and she did not feel any more pain. She was blissfully unaware of the world around it, happily abandoning the pain and torture her life had become since her capture and floating away. She saw her mother standing on an island far away, calling to her.
Lothiriel's heart leapt with joy and she held out her arms to her mother, tears of joy running down her cheeks. Suddenly, someone behind her was calling her. Begging her not to go.
Her mother heard this as well and smiled sadly, "It is not your time yet." She called, "You must go back."
Lothiriel opened her mouth to protest but was stopped by a sudden onset of pain. It was back, she was going back to that world.
Her mother nodded, "You have much to do my child. You have not yet lived your life. Go my daughter." She said as she grew smaller as Lothiriel was pulled back.
She slowly forced her eyes to open, although it pained her. She found herself in gentle arms looking into eyes deep with concern and laced with unshed tears. "Eomer?"
He swallowed hard, "I am here, Lothiriel."
She nodded slowly, closing her eyes, "I knew you would come."
Eomer kissed her forehead, holding her gently, as if he feared she would break. "I will always come, my Lady Lothiriel."
Erchirion came into the tent, looking exhausted, but when he saw Lothiriel he rushed to her side. "Sister?"
Lothiriel opened her eyes to look at her brother. "Erchirion, I saw Mother, but she sent me back." She said, as if in a daze.
Erchirion fought his tears of relief at seeing his sister alive. "I am glad Mother has her sense even in death." He said, exchanging a look with Eomer. "The battle is over, let us get you home."
Eomer moved to set Lothiriel in her brother's arms. Erchirion stepped forward to take her, but hesitated. Then, setting his jaw, he drew back his arms, looking at the King. "You should carry her, Eomer." He said.
Eomer lifted Lothiriel and carried her back the city, following Erchirion, who glanced back at them occasionally. He would never get used to the sight of them together, but he supposed he might have to. For now, he was just glad to have her back within the safety of Dol Amroth.
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