CHAPTER 35
GONDOR UNDER SIEGE
Eldarion fell on the ground of the western forest; he was exhausted and bruised, after leading the first regiment all the way from the city gates, to the relative covering of the forest. The first regiment was composed of 1500 men, the bravest soldiers in Gondor, who had ridden their noble steeds, shouting madly to the beast and trying to divert its attention from the city.
Smong was easily distracted, since he couldn't ignore the temptation of an easy kill; and a group of shouting soldiers running out in the open proved to be too big a treat for the wicked monster to pass over. The winged beast twirled in the air, getting away from the city, and launched down to follow the running soldiers, a twisted smile letting show its horrid fangs.
The dragon entertained itself by flying over the heads of the terrified soldiers, closer each time, until many of them fell from their saddles, knocked down by the strength of its wings. Then, as the remains of the first regimen were just about to get to the safety of the forest, the true horror began.
The beast started emitting a very strange noise, its long, snake-like neck started to move back and forth, as if it was going to regurgitate. Suddenly, an explosion of red light erupted from its now open jaws; a roaring fire, capable of consuming everything on its reach.
The remaining soldiers began crying out in pain and dismay, as the terrible flames reached their backs and heads. Even though armors and helmets protected their bodies; the intense heat generated by Smong's fire penetrated through every protecting layer, turning the armors into incandescent metal, and burning away leather and fabric. Dozens of both riders and horses fell charred every time the dragon flew over them, pouring down a column of its unholy fire upon the field, and leaving a trail of infernal death over the earth.
1500 of Gondors finest warriors had left the city gates, lead by the Prince himself; only little more than 600 reached the forest; only after watching the rest of their companions suffering the most terrible of deaths. The Prince had survived; he and his noble steed had managed to escape the flames; but upon entering the thick forest, the horse had tripped with a tangle of thorny bushes. The Prince fell face down on the ground, and the horse stood back and took of running again, bolted by the horror that the dragon inflicted in every living creature.
Forsaken even by his steed, defeated and hopeless, the Prince remained where he was, mourning for his fallen companions; haunted by the images of their deaths. Then, blazing branches began falling from the trees above him, as Smong had decided to literally smoke the survivors out of the forest, and was setting the treetops on fire.
Impelled by his most primal instinct of survival, Eldarion stood up and began running blindly through the thick smoke that covered most of the forest. Scattered here and there, he could hear the cries of his fellow soldiers; some were mortally wounded, some were just desperate. The Prince ran and ran, without real direction, trying only to save his life.
........................................
Perdhul watched in horror the terrible spectacle taking place in the western forest; his rough, scarred face, cleanly shaved, contorted with concern. He knew he could not do anything to help his companions, and so, he turned his face away from the terrible image. He was the general of the White Army, earning his position based on strength and discipline, now, he would have rather be a simple private, dreading the immense burden placed upon his shoulders; the Prince had ordered him to prepare the siege armament; a series of heavy machinery, each weapon operated by at least ten trained soldiers; and to take everything out to the field, right at the edge of the city gates.
He ordered his men to hurry, knowing it was no easy task to drag such big equipment. At least 200 men were pulling the massive ballistae and catapults out of the city gates, using their horses and their own strength; and a hundred more were carrying the enormous shafts, arrows, clay vessels filled with oil, and other ammunitions necessary to make them work. After much struggle, they managed to line up the heavy armament just as the Prince had required. The operators began loading the ballistae; quickly pulling the intricate engagements and pulleys that gave impulse to the massive arrows. They set the angle of shot; pointing up to the sky and hoping it would be the right direction to reach the beast's errant flight.
Smong, while still distracted trying to annihilate everything inside the forest; finally looked back to the city and saw all the movement taking place near the gates. Accepting the implicit challenge, the beast soared up from the forest and turned towards the city, flying at an amazing speed.
Perdhul took off his helmet, while he paced back and forth between the machinery; tension was taking the best of him. He looked up to the hefty ballistae, his face and armor covered with mud and sweat from helping his men to install them in the right position. Then, he looked to the west and a knot formed in hi stomach at the sight of the shinning dragon, now coming at full speed to meet him. Putting his helmet back on, he turned to face the operators - "NOW!"
The soldiers in charge of the heavy catapults, that were loaded and tensed backwards over rope springs, released the trigger mechanisms. Dozens of solid rocks and thick clay vessels set on fire elevated towards the sky. Perdhul counted the seconds, while the projectiles flew over his head.
"...Two...three.....four...... Now!" - He shouted
Twenty ballistae fired a hive of pointed iron shafts, which traced the same arc than the clay vessels; all directed to the same objective.....the dreaded dragon.
Perdhul and his men, tense and silent, followed with their eyes the trajectory of the projectiles.
.........................................
Legolas and Arwen crossed the Ithilien Bridge before midday; the horses of the Gray Cliffs now galloped swiftly, without the many obstacles of the forest left behind. They crossed the Ithilien plains in a less than two hours, and reached the mountains east of Minas Tirith with the sun still high on the horizon.
They barely spoke as they traveled, and stopped only twice to allow the horses to drink water. The threat in their hearts grew stronger as they approached the city, but they decided not to discuss it, since they did not understand it.
When they were crossing the mountain range, and impelled by something he could not understand or prevent, Legolas decided to stop and climb a hill from where he knew the city could be seen. Arwen did not protest but followed him, anxious to look upon the White City herself.
They reached the hilltop and gazed down to the west. The city was indeed visible, shining in the distance like a diamond in the middle of the fields; but there was something else. Arwen felt her heart quickening inside her chest, and her knees weakening under her when she saw many columns of black smoke rising from around her beloved city. She felt lightheaded, and had to lean on Legolas to stop herself from falling.
"Legolas!" - She cried out softly, her voice only capable of a dismayed whisper.
He held her tightly, but couldn't conceal his own concern; he clenched his jaw and narrowed his eyes, trying to see what had caused the damage around the city. But from that distance, not even his keen eyes could see the winged beast hovering over the towers.
She looked up to him, trying to get an answer or a consolation; but she saw the same confusion and fear she was feeling reflected in his eyes.
The only word Legolas could force himself to utter was - "Come!" - as he pulled her from her arm back down the hill. They descended the steep hill in long strides; Arwen struggling to maintain her balance as Legolas practically dragged her down the rock-covered hillside. They reached the bottom and leaped on the horses, spurring them to take off galloping at full speed.
.............................................
Smong evaded the projectiles launched against him, taking a big impulse with the powerful membranous wings, the beast had elevated quickly, and the arc described by the vessels and arrows had missed the monstrous body by mere inches.
Perdhul observed horrified as the blazing vessels missed their target and fell on the ground boisterously, immediately exploding in huge balls of fire all over the field; black columns of smoke arising from all around the city.
Trying to keep himself in control, he ordered the operators to reload the machines, raise the angle and shoot again; but it was impossible to manipulate such heavy equipment fast enough to avoid what came next.
While the soldiers struggled desperately to reload the machines, pulling the ropes and turning the triggers with almost inhuman strength, Smong made a sharp turn in mid air, and launched down against Perdhul's men; a column of red fire already coming out of the horrid mouth. The dragon descended until the machines were on reach, and blew stronger, widening the fire column, and burning everything in the lines. Hundred of vessels that waited by the catapults exploded, killing immediately every soldier around. The hard wood of the ballistae began blazing furiously, forcing most of the operators to abandon their machines.
Perdhul threw his body frontward, landing underneath one of the ballistae and saving his life by miracle. He covered his head with his arms and shut his eyes as flames surrounded him from all sides, his heart shrinking as he heard the cries of agony from his loyal men; being burned to death just inches away from him. He began feeling the intense heat burning his back as the fabric of the white cape that marked him as the White Army's General was set on fire. He rolled over the mud, trying to put away the fire and screaming in pure desperation, until the merciless flames coming from above where gone.
Harangued by Sauron's voice, Smong decided to go back to the forest, to finish what he had started. Sauron knew the Prince of Gondor was somewhere in there, and his greatest desire was to see Gondor's only heir death.
As the dragon went away to the forest, Perdhul came from under the charred ballista that had saved his life, to find only grim desolation all around him. More than half of the siege armament was destroyed, and at least 80 of his soldiers had perished under the unmerciful flames, all this with just one attack from the dragon.
His back and face were burnt; his proud armor all covered with mud, blood and ashes; but he was alive, and he decided not to give up, he decided not to let his city fall without a fight. He began walking briskly through the scattered lines; encouraging the wounded and terrified to stand up and fight back.
He knew that it wouldn't take much time for the dragon to come back, and he wanted to be ready. His powerful voice thundered in the soldier's ears, ordering them to reload the remaining machines and stand ready. Despite being wounded and burnt, hopeless and fearful; the soldiers heard the last call, and went to their hefty machines; salvaging everything they could for when the dragon should return.
Perdhul's heart was inflamed with patriotism and pride as he saw his soldier's demonstration of courage and loyalty; reviving Gondor's warrior's spirit back from the ashes. He looked upon their soot-covered faces; and they looked back with sheer determination; they meant to fight back.
This time, Perdhul changed the strategy, ordering the operators of the remaining armament to set the machines in many different angles, thus increasing the chances of hitting the target. Gathering strength and courage from there was none left; the soldiers pulled back the tough mechanisms and pushed the pulleys to set the angles. Perdhul took off his stained helmet again, and drew out his sword shouting - "Gondor lives!" - on top of his lungs. His men did the same, readying themselves for the last of their battles.
........................................
The gap that gave access to the city from Ithilien was located just north of the western forest. As Arwen and Legolas entered the gap, they could see the cloud of smoke ascending from the western forest. They spurred the horses yet again, and exited the narrow crossing in a matter of minutes. As they came to full view of the western forest, their horses stopped death on their tracks, and began neighing and squirming nervously, their eyes dilated by fear. The forest, once green and lush, was now a huge furnace; they could see the birds flying away desperately, escaping the hell in which their home was turn into. Then, the horses pranced and trampled terrified, as a massive, winged shadow cut through the black smoke and elevated over the treetops, a column of fire coming out of its mouth.
Legolas and Arwen pulled the reins of the horses, trying to calm them; but the truth was, they were just as terrified. Above the crackling sound of the burning forest, and the horrid growls of the beast, they could hear the cries of pain and despair of men, Gondor's men that were trapped inside that roaring hell.
Legolas' first impulse was to go into the forest, to aid whoever was in such pain; but upon looking to the west, his heart overturned. Beyond a trail of blackened corpses and roaring fires scattered over the once beautiful road to Minas Tirith, he could see the fallen towers and cracked walls of the White City. Arwen was in shock, unable to speak, and even to weep; her eyes wandering lost between the horror above the forest and the ruins of her city.
The thick smoke served as a cover as they crossed the desecrated field at full gallop; and so absorbed were both Smong and Sauron in vanishing the first regiment that they failed to notice the two riders heading to the city.
Right in front of the city gates they found Perdhul and his men, standing among a field of devastation, smoke coming out of their once hefty machines, the bodies of their companions dispersed all around them. Their faces blackened with soot and mud, their once proud uniforms stained and ragged; but they were standing straight and firm, holding on to the pride of Gondor's soldiers as their last hope, their eyes so fixed to the beast of their doom that they didn't notice the arriving riders until they were right in front of them and Legolas spoke to them.
"Soldiers!" - he shouted, pulling the reins of his horse; the restless steed stopped and turned nervously. Perdhul and his men raised their drawn swords shouting and pointed them menacingly to the strangers; so traumatized they were by the past events that they could only react with violence and fear.
Under the sooth and terror, Arwen recognized the face of the White Army's high commander - "Perdhul" - she said, dismounting her horse and running to the General. Perdhul beheld the Queen in shock and awe, and fell to his knees before her, crying out - "My Queen!".
Soon enough, all the soldiers were on their knees; tears washing out the dirt on their faces, a hand above their heart in respect and honor for the returning Queen. Arwen's eyes filled with tears too, and kneeled in front of the general, embracing him. - "Oh no! Rise, rise old friend, it is I who should be kneeling if front of your loyalty and courage." - Perdhul stood up, moved by the Lady's humbleness and the Queen smiled to him affectionately.
Legolas was still mounted on his horse, anxious to do something, anything; his gaze was fixed on the beast hovering over the remains of the forest and decided it was time to take action. - "General! What has happened here?" - he said turning to Perdhul, his horse still turning restlessly.
The general looked at him with a hint of distrust, but it all vanished as he noted his pointy ears, this was the legendary Legolas, and he had most likely saved his Queen. He bowed his head slightly in respect. - "My Lord, this beast has attacked us since dawn, destroying everything on its reach. We tried everything to stop it, but we have failed miserably every time, I know not what else to do." - he said, in the verge of tears.
"Where is the Prince?" - he asked, sure that Eldarion should be doing something crazy by then.
Perdhul's face fell and he lowered his head. Arwen felt her heart stop at the sight of his reaction.
"Answer me soldier!" - commanded Legolas.
Perdhul slowly met his gaze and raised his arm to point to the western forest - "He was leading the first regiment. They diverted the beast's attention from the city to themselves; and succeeded...."
"At the cost of their own lives" - Legolas interrupted softly, watching the burned corpses all over the road. Arwen covered her face with both hands in horror; and began sobbing.
Perdhul took a deep breath and continued - "I believe the Prince made it to the forest, I did not see him fall...." - he trailed off, knowing that his words weren't of much consolation, given that the dragon was so fervently destroying everything in the forest.
Legolas' body tensed at these words, and his whole being begged him to run to help the boy he loved as his own son, to take him out of that hell of flames and smoke. He was just about to take off running madly when he heard Arwen's next question.
"Where is the King?"
Perdhul placed his bloodied hand over her shoulder - "He is at the healer's wing. He arrived a few hours before the beast did, carried by rangers. He is very weak, but the healers are doing their best to help him."
Arwen quickly mounted her horse again - "Legolas" - she called, directing herself to the city gates. - "I must see Aragorn"
Legolas held her horses reins - "You go. I will be of more help here" - he told her, wishing to enter the battle at once. Arwen fixed her tearful eyes on him - "Please, don't leave me alone, for it is now that I most need you to be by my side."
"But, Eldarion......"
"My son is safe now, I can feel it; someone needs you more than he does, I feel Aragorn calling out for you."
Legolas could too feel Aragorn calling him, but he was afraid to see him. Then, he saw the fear and confusion in her eyes and surrendered - "Let's go!" - he said, spurring his horse to the city gates.
......................................
The gates were closed, and the guards on top of the wall had not seen that the Queen was there. Legolas went ahead shouting.
OPEN THE GATES! OPEN THE GATES FOR THE QUEEN OF GONDOR AND ARNOR!
The gates were immediately opened, and they entered the city galloping, only to find the rest of the White Army and most of the citizens squeezed together in the Main Square. At the sight of their Queen, they stepped aside and kneeled, praising Eru for a miracle in such tribulation times.
Arwen and Legolas reached the stairs that lead to the main palace and dismounted, running towards the healer's wing.
...................................
There it is!
As always, thanks for reading, and please review.
PRECIOUS JEWELLE: Cool! You're Phoebs! I love Phoebs! I haven't taken the test yet, but I will definitely will. Who do you think I would be?
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See you soon everyone, next chapter very angsty, very heroic, loads of emotion, stay tuned.
Elwe.
GONDOR UNDER SIEGE
Eldarion fell on the ground of the western forest; he was exhausted and bruised, after leading the first regiment all the way from the city gates, to the relative covering of the forest. The first regiment was composed of 1500 men, the bravest soldiers in Gondor, who had ridden their noble steeds, shouting madly to the beast and trying to divert its attention from the city.
Smong was easily distracted, since he couldn't ignore the temptation of an easy kill; and a group of shouting soldiers running out in the open proved to be too big a treat for the wicked monster to pass over. The winged beast twirled in the air, getting away from the city, and launched down to follow the running soldiers, a twisted smile letting show its horrid fangs.
The dragon entertained itself by flying over the heads of the terrified soldiers, closer each time, until many of them fell from their saddles, knocked down by the strength of its wings. Then, as the remains of the first regimen were just about to get to the safety of the forest, the true horror began.
The beast started emitting a very strange noise, its long, snake-like neck started to move back and forth, as if it was going to regurgitate. Suddenly, an explosion of red light erupted from its now open jaws; a roaring fire, capable of consuming everything on its reach.
The remaining soldiers began crying out in pain and dismay, as the terrible flames reached their backs and heads. Even though armors and helmets protected their bodies; the intense heat generated by Smong's fire penetrated through every protecting layer, turning the armors into incandescent metal, and burning away leather and fabric. Dozens of both riders and horses fell charred every time the dragon flew over them, pouring down a column of its unholy fire upon the field, and leaving a trail of infernal death over the earth.
1500 of Gondors finest warriors had left the city gates, lead by the Prince himself; only little more than 600 reached the forest; only after watching the rest of their companions suffering the most terrible of deaths. The Prince had survived; he and his noble steed had managed to escape the flames; but upon entering the thick forest, the horse had tripped with a tangle of thorny bushes. The Prince fell face down on the ground, and the horse stood back and took of running again, bolted by the horror that the dragon inflicted in every living creature.
Forsaken even by his steed, defeated and hopeless, the Prince remained where he was, mourning for his fallen companions; haunted by the images of their deaths. Then, blazing branches began falling from the trees above him, as Smong had decided to literally smoke the survivors out of the forest, and was setting the treetops on fire.
Impelled by his most primal instinct of survival, Eldarion stood up and began running blindly through the thick smoke that covered most of the forest. Scattered here and there, he could hear the cries of his fellow soldiers; some were mortally wounded, some were just desperate. The Prince ran and ran, without real direction, trying only to save his life.
........................................
Perdhul watched in horror the terrible spectacle taking place in the western forest; his rough, scarred face, cleanly shaved, contorted with concern. He knew he could not do anything to help his companions, and so, he turned his face away from the terrible image. He was the general of the White Army, earning his position based on strength and discipline, now, he would have rather be a simple private, dreading the immense burden placed upon his shoulders; the Prince had ordered him to prepare the siege armament; a series of heavy machinery, each weapon operated by at least ten trained soldiers; and to take everything out to the field, right at the edge of the city gates.
He ordered his men to hurry, knowing it was no easy task to drag such big equipment. At least 200 men were pulling the massive ballistae and catapults out of the city gates, using their horses and their own strength; and a hundred more were carrying the enormous shafts, arrows, clay vessels filled with oil, and other ammunitions necessary to make them work. After much struggle, they managed to line up the heavy armament just as the Prince had required. The operators began loading the ballistae; quickly pulling the intricate engagements and pulleys that gave impulse to the massive arrows. They set the angle of shot; pointing up to the sky and hoping it would be the right direction to reach the beast's errant flight.
Smong, while still distracted trying to annihilate everything inside the forest; finally looked back to the city and saw all the movement taking place near the gates. Accepting the implicit challenge, the beast soared up from the forest and turned towards the city, flying at an amazing speed.
Perdhul took off his helmet, while he paced back and forth between the machinery; tension was taking the best of him. He looked up to the hefty ballistae, his face and armor covered with mud and sweat from helping his men to install them in the right position. Then, he looked to the west and a knot formed in hi stomach at the sight of the shinning dragon, now coming at full speed to meet him. Putting his helmet back on, he turned to face the operators - "NOW!"
The soldiers in charge of the heavy catapults, that were loaded and tensed backwards over rope springs, released the trigger mechanisms. Dozens of solid rocks and thick clay vessels set on fire elevated towards the sky. Perdhul counted the seconds, while the projectiles flew over his head.
"...Two...three.....four...... Now!" - He shouted
Twenty ballistae fired a hive of pointed iron shafts, which traced the same arc than the clay vessels; all directed to the same objective.....the dreaded dragon.
Perdhul and his men, tense and silent, followed with their eyes the trajectory of the projectiles.
.........................................
Legolas and Arwen crossed the Ithilien Bridge before midday; the horses of the Gray Cliffs now galloped swiftly, without the many obstacles of the forest left behind. They crossed the Ithilien plains in a less than two hours, and reached the mountains east of Minas Tirith with the sun still high on the horizon.
They barely spoke as they traveled, and stopped only twice to allow the horses to drink water. The threat in their hearts grew stronger as they approached the city, but they decided not to discuss it, since they did not understand it.
When they were crossing the mountain range, and impelled by something he could not understand or prevent, Legolas decided to stop and climb a hill from where he knew the city could be seen. Arwen did not protest but followed him, anxious to look upon the White City herself.
They reached the hilltop and gazed down to the west. The city was indeed visible, shining in the distance like a diamond in the middle of the fields; but there was something else. Arwen felt her heart quickening inside her chest, and her knees weakening under her when she saw many columns of black smoke rising from around her beloved city. She felt lightheaded, and had to lean on Legolas to stop herself from falling.
"Legolas!" - She cried out softly, her voice only capable of a dismayed whisper.
He held her tightly, but couldn't conceal his own concern; he clenched his jaw and narrowed his eyes, trying to see what had caused the damage around the city. But from that distance, not even his keen eyes could see the winged beast hovering over the towers.
She looked up to him, trying to get an answer or a consolation; but she saw the same confusion and fear she was feeling reflected in his eyes.
The only word Legolas could force himself to utter was - "Come!" - as he pulled her from her arm back down the hill. They descended the steep hill in long strides; Arwen struggling to maintain her balance as Legolas practically dragged her down the rock-covered hillside. They reached the bottom and leaped on the horses, spurring them to take off galloping at full speed.
.............................................
Smong evaded the projectiles launched against him, taking a big impulse with the powerful membranous wings, the beast had elevated quickly, and the arc described by the vessels and arrows had missed the monstrous body by mere inches.
Perdhul observed horrified as the blazing vessels missed their target and fell on the ground boisterously, immediately exploding in huge balls of fire all over the field; black columns of smoke arising from all around the city.
Trying to keep himself in control, he ordered the operators to reload the machines, raise the angle and shoot again; but it was impossible to manipulate such heavy equipment fast enough to avoid what came next.
While the soldiers struggled desperately to reload the machines, pulling the ropes and turning the triggers with almost inhuman strength, Smong made a sharp turn in mid air, and launched down against Perdhul's men; a column of red fire already coming out of the horrid mouth. The dragon descended until the machines were on reach, and blew stronger, widening the fire column, and burning everything in the lines. Hundred of vessels that waited by the catapults exploded, killing immediately every soldier around. The hard wood of the ballistae began blazing furiously, forcing most of the operators to abandon their machines.
Perdhul threw his body frontward, landing underneath one of the ballistae and saving his life by miracle. He covered his head with his arms and shut his eyes as flames surrounded him from all sides, his heart shrinking as he heard the cries of agony from his loyal men; being burned to death just inches away from him. He began feeling the intense heat burning his back as the fabric of the white cape that marked him as the White Army's General was set on fire. He rolled over the mud, trying to put away the fire and screaming in pure desperation, until the merciless flames coming from above where gone.
Harangued by Sauron's voice, Smong decided to go back to the forest, to finish what he had started. Sauron knew the Prince of Gondor was somewhere in there, and his greatest desire was to see Gondor's only heir death.
As the dragon went away to the forest, Perdhul came from under the charred ballista that had saved his life, to find only grim desolation all around him. More than half of the siege armament was destroyed, and at least 80 of his soldiers had perished under the unmerciful flames, all this with just one attack from the dragon.
His back and face were burnt; his proud armor all covered with mud, blood and ashes; but he was alive, and he decided not to give up, he decided not to let his city fall without a fight. He began walking briskly through the scattered lines; encouraging the wounded and terrified to stand up and fight back.
He knew that it wouldn't take much time for the dragon to come back, and he wanted to be ready. His powerful voice thundered in the soldier's ears, ordering them to reload the remaining machines and stand ready. Despite being wounded and burnt, hopeless and fearful; the soldiers heard the last call, and went to their hefty machines; salvaging everything they could for when the dragon should return.
Perdhul's heart was inflamed with patriotism and pride as he saw his soldier's demonstration of courage and loyalty; reviving Gondor's warrior's spirit back from the ashes. He looked upon their soot-covered faces; and they looked back with sheer determination; they meant to fight back.
This time, Perdhul changed the strategy, ordering the operators of the remaining armament to set the machines in many different angles, thus increasing the chances of hitting the target. Gathering strength and courage from there was none left; the soldiers pulled back the tough mechanisms and pushed the pulleys to set the angles. Perdhul took off his stained helmet again, and drew out his sword shouting - "Gondor lives!" - on top of his lungs. His men did the same, readying themselves for the last of their battles.
........................................
The gap that gave access to the city from Ithilien was located just north of the western forest. As Arwen and Legolas entered the gap, they could see the cloud of smoke ascending from the western forest. They spurred the horses yet again, and exited the narrow crossing in a matter of minutes. As they came to full view of the western forest, their horses stopped death on their tracks, and began neighing and squirming nervously, their eyes dilated by fear. The forest, once green and lush, was now a huge furnace; they could see the birds flying away desperately, escaping the hell in which their home was turn into. Then, the horses pranced and trampled terrified, as a massive, winged shadow cut through the black smoke and elevated over the treetops, a column of fire coming out of its mouth.
Legolas and Arwen pulled the reins of the horses, trying to calm them; but the truth was, they were just as terrified. Above the crackling sound of the burning forest, and the horrid growls of the beast, they could hear the cries of pain and despair of men, Gondor's men that were trapped inside that roaring hell.
Legolas' first impulse was to go into the forest, to aid whoever was in such pain; but upon looking to the west, his heart overturned. Beyond a trail of blackened corpses and roaring fires scattered over the once beautiful road to Minas Tirith, he could see the fallen towers and cracked walls of the White City. Arwen was in shock, unable to speak, and even to weep; her eyes wandering lost between the horror above the forest and the ruins of her city.
The thick smoke served as a cover as they crossed the desecrated field at full gallop; and so absorbed were both Smong and Sauron in vanishing the first regiment that they failed to notice the two riders heading to the city.
Right in front of the city gates they found Perdhul and his men, standing among a field of devastation, smoke coming out of their once hefty machines, the bodies of their companions dispersed all around them. Their faces blackened with soot and mud, their once proud uniforms stained and ragged; but they were standing straight and firm, holding on to the pride of Gondor's soldiers as their last hope, their eyes so fixed to the beast of their doom that they didn't notice the arriving riders until they were right in front of them and Legolas spoke to them.
"Soldiers!" - he shouted, pulling the reins of his horse; the restless steed stopped and turned nervously. Perdhul and his men raised their drawn swords shouting and pointed them menacingly to the strangers; so traumatized they were by the past events that they could only react with violence and fear.
Under the sooth and terror, Arwen recognized the face of the White Army's high commander - "Perdhul" - she said, dismounting her horse and running to the General. Perdhul beheld the Queen in shock and awe, and fell to his knees before her, crying out - "My Queen!".
Soon enough, all the soldiers were on their knees; tears washing out the dirt on their faces, a hand above their heart in respect and honor for the returning Queen. Arwen's eyes filled with tears too, and kneeled in front of the general, embracing him. - "Oh no! Rise, rise old friend, it is I who should be kneeling if front of your loyalty and courage." - Perdhul stood up, moved by the Lady's humbleness and the Queen smiled to him affectionately.
Legolas was still mounted on his horse, anxious to do something, anything; his gaze was fixed on the beast hovering over the remains of the forest and decided it was time to take action. - "General! What has happened here?" - he said turning to Perdhul, his horse still turning restlessly.
The general looked at him with a hint of distrust, but it all vanished as he noted his pointy ears, this was the legendary Legolas, and he had most likely saved his Queen. He bowed his head slightly in respect. - "My Lord, this beast has attacked us since dawn, destroying everything on its reach. We tried everything to stop it, but we have failed miserably every time, I know not what else to do." - he said, in the verge of tears.
"Where is the Prince?" - he asked, sure that Eldarion should be doing something crazy by then.
Perdhul's face fell and he lowered his head. Arwen felt her heart stop at the sight of his reaction.
"Answer me soldier!" - commanded Legolas.
Perdhul slowly met his gaze and raised his arm to point to the western forest - "He was leading the first regiment. They diverted the beast's attention from the city to themselves; and succeeded...."
"At the cost of their own lives" - Legolas interrupted softly, watching the burned corpses all over the road. Arwen covered her face with both hands in horror; and began sobbing.
Perdhul took a deep breath and continued - "I believe the Prince made it to the forest, I did not see him fall...." - he trailed off, knowing that his words weren't of much consolation, given that the dragon was so fervently destroying everything in the forest.
Legolas' body tensed at these words, and his whole being begged him to run to help the boy he loved as his own son, to take him out of that hell of flames and smoke. He was just about to take off running madly when he heard Arwen's next question.
"Where is the King?"
Perdhul placed his bloodied hand over her shoulder - "He is at the healer's wing. He arrived a few hours before the beast did, carried by rangers. He is very weak, but the healers are doing their best to help him."
Arwen quickly mounted her horse again - "Legolas" - she called, directing herself to the city gates. - "I must see Aragorn"
Legolas held her horses reins - "You go. I will be of more help here" - he told her, wishing to enter the battle at once. Arwen fixed her tearful eyes on him - "Please, don't leave me alone, for it is now that I most need you to be by my side."
"But, Eldarion......"
"My son is safe now, I can feel it; someone needs you more than he does, I feel Aragorn calling out for you."
Legolas could too feel Aragorn calling him, but he was afraid to see him. Then, he saw the fear and confusion in her eyes and surrendered - "Let's go!" - he said, spurring his horse to the city gates.
......................................
The gates were closed, and the guards on top of the wall had not seen that the Queen was there. Legolas went ahead shouting.
OPEN THE GATES! OPEN THE GATES FOR THE QUEEN OF GONDOR AND ARNOR!
The gates were immediately opened, and they entered the city galloping, only to find the rest of the White Army and most of the citizens squeezed together in the Main Square. At the sight of their Queen, they stepped aside and kneeled, praising Eru for a miracle in such tribulation times.
Arwen and Legolas reached the stairs that lead to the main palace and dismounted, running towards the healer's wing.
...................................
There it is!
As always, thanks for reading, and please review.
PRECIOUS JEWELLE: Cool! You're Phoebs! I love Phoebs! I haven't taken the test yet, but I will definitely will. Who do you think I would be?
SPACEVIXENX: Happy Birthday to you! A little late, but intention is what matters.
SILVERSOUL: I do watch Will & Grace whenever I can. It is soooo funny. My favorite character is Karen; she is just hilarious.
ELF OF SIRANNON: thanks for your insightful review; I did put a lot of heart into that romantic scene, thanks for your appreciation.
MRSLEEPYSBABYGIRL: thanks for your reviews, I know you enjoy this story and that motivates me to keep on writing.
I would like to thank everyone, I reached the 100 reviews. I would like to thank all of you who have believed in this story and have been by my side through my highs and lows. HUGE THANKS!!
See you soon everyone, next chapter very angsty, very heroic, loads of emotion, stay tuned.
Elwe.