CHAPTER 37
At the shrieking sound of the opening gates, Aragorn turned his head and looked outside the window with concern. - "I wish to see the battle" - he said, straightening to sit.
"You should rest, my love. Don't strain yourself so much" - Arwen said, worried about his weakness; and dreading the horror she could witness if forced to watch the battle.
"I need to see it, it is the least I can do" - he said, moving his legs towards the edge of the bed.
Knowing that any argument she could use was useless, she offered him help; and with Aragorn leaning on her shoulder for support, they both walked towards the window. Aragorn leant his hands on the window-frame, cringing from the pain in his leg.
The room where they were at was high above the walls, located to the right side of the city gates; and provided an excellent view of the frontal surroundings of the city, including the blazing forest on the west.
They looked down just in time to see a dark, shinning figure on a white steed, trotting out of the gates and going to where Perdhul and his men where stationed. Aragorn looked down at him with hope; Arwen looked down with sadness; but they were both surprised as they saw the numerous columns of soldiers marching behind him.
"Whatever he reaches or does prospers" - said Aragorn with a smile - "In just a few moments he has given back hope and pride to a seemingly defeated army."
Arwen did not say a word. In her heart she mourned him already, for maybe it was truth that he had given back hope, but she nevertheless felt the shadow of death surrounding the entire city; and in her heart hope could no longer dwell.
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The white army exited the city gates and came to stand beside Perdhul's post, right in front of the bridge that gave access to the gates. They stood in several one hundred men lines, one in front of the other, forming a human barrier in front of the remaining ballistae and catapults; that were erected high above, and behind them.
Legolas came to talk to Perdhul. - "General! I promised these brave soldiers that we could defeat the beast if we fight together. Would you help me keep that promise?"
Placing a hand above his chest, Perdhul bowed his head - "I will be honored to do so Lord; I am at your service."
"Excellent! I am going to need your help" - he said looking at the siege weapons that were loaded and aimed in several different angles. - "First I need you to raise the angles of the machines a little, try to provide them more reach, and move the shooting direction 15 degrees to the west"
"Consider it done" - Perdhul said, restraining himself from questioning Legolas' decisions. He immediately ordered the operators to do as he was told.
Legolas looked intently at the dark shadow over the western forest for endless minutes; then, his eyes traveled over the soldiers, weapons and siege armaments. His mind analyzed every one of the available resources, trying to figure out a way to defeat the seemingly invincible enemy. He looked up at the mortal ballistae, his eyes fixed in the enormous shafts that were ready to be fired. They were made of hard polished oak, with forged iron tips; and were almost 20 feet long.
"Gather 15 of those lances you use in the ballistae" - Legolas finally said to Perdhul - "Set them apart"
"Forgive my intromission Sir; but what do you intend to do?"
"First of all we need to help whatever is left of the first regiment. I will ride to the western forest alone. If I manage to get there alive, then I will guide them out of that hell."
Perdhul finally began to understand. - "You want us to provide you with cover while you cross the open field"
"Yes and no, General; I want you to shoot whatever you have on your reach, but only when and if I come back with the survivors"
Perdhul looked at him with horror - "But, my lord... then you intend to cross the field without cover, .. and alone? That is folly! The dragon will knock you down and burn you before you can reach the forest!"
Legolas gave the preoccupied man a condescending smile. - "It is a chance I am willing to take"
"No lord! Let us provide you with cover while you ride, it will at least increase your opportunity..."
"Listen soldier! If we do that then the ammunitions will be quickly spent, and we will not have coverage for the return; besides, if you start shooting now it will draw the beast's attention to the city again; you know it would be our ruin. Please General, trust me now, and do as I tell you."
The man raised up his stained face to look at him - "I will trust your wisdom, lord" - he said sighing - "what else do you need?"
Legolas silently thanked the man and continued - "The lances. While the dragon is distracted chasing me, I need you to put them all together in the middle of the open field, and out of the reach of the ballistae and catapults"
The man nodded in agreement, though he didn't understand the motive of such a senseless maneuver.
"You need to be very attentive of every movement taking place in the forest lord..." - Legolas said, trailing off and realizing he didn't even know the General's name.
"Perdhul, sir" - said the man.
"Correct, Perdhul. When the time comes, you have to start the attack with no delay, and the shooting cadence must be uninterrupted; many lives depend on this. Agree?"
"Indeed sir"
Legolas then saluted him in the military manner, placing a hand above his chest, and pulled Antares' reins to turn around and face the western forest ahead. He leant closer to the horse and whispered words only his own steed could understand; and the horse neighed and took a few steps forward, eager to please his master; but Legolas halted him with a gentle pull of the reins. - "Not yet my friend"
He fixed his gaze on the dragon hovering over the forest, waiting for the proper moment to cross the field. He intently watched as the dragon turned in mid air and descended upon the treetops facing the west.
Seeing the perfect opportunity to gain terrain without being noticed, Legolas spurred his horse and shouted - "Elbereth!" - while Antares took off galloping at full speed.
Perdhul watched his departure sadly - "Godspeed my Lord" - he whispered, his eyes, much like everybody else's, where fixed on the figure storming through the field.
Shortly after this, only a trail of black dust from Antares' pounding hoofs could be seen in the distance. ............................
Up above the walls the Evenstar felt a knot the hollow of her stomach as she watched him take off. Aragorn noted her distress and enveloped her waist with his arm - "Have faith Arwen, he knows what he is doing."
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Legolas relied completely on Antares' instinct while they bolted together across the field; leaving the task of dodging and jumping the obstacles and roaring fires scattered all over the way to the horse's own perception. He was completely focused on the forest skyline, waiting for the dreaded moment in which the Dragon would notice him and come to hunt him.
All he could hear was the beating of his own heart that almost fused with the horse's gallop, and the hissing sound of Antares' rushed breathing.
When horse and raider where passed half the way, the entire city cried in dismay as everyone saw the winged figure raising from the forest's skyline and twirling in mid air as if it was wounded; the beast had seen the rider coming his way, and Sauron, recognizing Elendil's armor, and filled with rage and an ancient fear, had prompted Smong to immediately annihilate the new player coming into his twisted game.
The dragon soared high up before launching down in vertiginous descent towards the field, its membranous wings folded against the silvered back.
Struggling to remain serene as the massive monster rushed towards him, Legolas pulled Antares' reins and made him stop in the last moment, so the Dragon flew pass them, unable to do harm.
Roaring enraged, Smong turned around as fast as its massive body allowed and charged again, this time flames coming out of its mouth and nostrils.
Legolas spurred Antares', who now obeyed blindly every one of his master's silent commands. Any other horse would have bolted in panic, but the noble steed loved and trusted his master beyond fear, and followed even the slightest tug Legolas gave to the reins. They changed direction, and ran diagonally to their original route, with the dragon following each of their movements closely.
Smong sped up; quickly catching up with Antares' pace, and a huge column of flames erupted from its throat in a blinding explosion. Legolas pulled Antares' reins violently to the right and the horse turned sharply, thus avoiding the fire; but both horse and rider could feel the scorching heat upon their bodies as a wall of flames arose from the field just inches away from them.
They continued running, Legolas encouraging his horse to run faster, while the dragon writhed furiously, utterly irritated from not being able to reach the rider. Smong continued the attacks, but Legolas evaded each one of them in the last second; by making his trusty steed halt, twirl and run again, escaping each of the dragon's assaults. This further enraged Smong, and its screeching hauls filled the fields from east to west, until reaching the ears of Minas Tirith's citizens, who cringed in fear at the horrendous sound.
Perdhul watched all this with gritted teeth, barely containing himself from ordering his men to shoot the beast, but he remembered every word Legolas had told him; and swallowed his impatience, praying the Valar to protect the elven lord.
After much chasing and evading, horse and rider reached the boundaries of the blazing forest, and Smong had to soar up to evade crushing against the treetops, thus loosing track of its prey. Legolas pulled Antares' reins to slow down as they entered the cover of the forest and looked around, frantically looking for a path to follow; but only walls of flames and dark smoke could be seen everywhere around. He continued advancing, listening carefully for any sign of the survivors, but to his deep dismay, the only things he could here were the crackling sound of the burning trees and the roar of the flames.
His heart despaired at the sight of the dying trees, and as a wood elf, he could almost hear the agony cries coming from the blazing trunks. Then, the intense heat and the smoke added to his anxiety; he felt suffocated, having to breath the vitiated air; his vision blurred with tears as the thick smoke chafed his sensitive eyes; and underneath the armor, his body struggled to maintain temperature, he felt weak and sticky, as his body was completely damp with sweat, and he could feel the metal of the armor scorching his skin.
Driven by desperation, he spurred the horse to go faster, and Antares began galloping again, jumping over walls of burning bushes, but with no real direction to follow. Then, suddenly, a huge ball of fire fell from above, right in front of him; as Smong, aided by Sauron, was finally able to locate him and was now pouring down all his power and rage on him, flying in circles above the treetops.
Antares startled and pranced, taking a few steps back; Legolas struggled to hold on to the horse, but the attack was so unexpected and intense, that for the first time in many years, he was unprepared. He froze in place, unable to react or to think on time, and before he knew, a burning trunk fell from above, hitting Antares on the neck, and knocking them both to the ground.
He fell with a loud thud, face down on the ashen ground. Dazed by the impact and the smoke in his lungs, he straightened his head to see Antares laid flat on the black ground, blood trickling from the fair neck. His vision blurred as a wound on his left brow bled over his eyes, and with a lump in his throat, Legolas crawled towards the fallen horse, only confirm that the wounds were fatal, and that his much-loved steed was beyond salvation.
Forgetting about his own safety and driven by grief, he seated on the ground and rested the horse's head on his lap; while Smong continued to pour hell upon him.
Tears mixed with blood as he wept for his many battles' companion; he caressed the horse's cheek, whispering soothing words as Antares panted unevenly, a death rattle already in its throat. He didn't let go of the horse, not even as spheres of fire fell all around him; and he accompanied his friend to the last breath, guiding him to the very gates of death. Finally, when the noble horse finally expired, he wrapped his arms around the limp neck and cried out his sorrow.
Then, the elven warrior blessed the stallion and stood up, not heeding the flames all around him. He lifted up his face and stared at the shadow flying above him; he felt his chest swollen with rage and hissed defiantly - "You will pay for this!"
Then, he jumped over the flames and began running into the forest again; new vigor filled his limbs as he then strived for a personal vengeance; but first, he had to find the heir of Gondor.
He sprinted through the forest blindly and began calling for Eldarion with frantic shouts
"Eldarion!"
Silence...
"Eldarion!"
Nothing...
Keep running....
"Eldarion!!"
His feet lost contact with the ground and he began falling; after what seemed to be an eternity, his body landed on a soft, cold surface before hitting a hard object beneath. His body felt light, almost weightless, as if he was suspended in the middle of the air; then he realized he couldn't breathe, and began squirming to find air.
He emerged to the surface coughing and panting, and finally realized that he had fallen inside a deep gorge and into a river. He heard voices around him and raised his head to find near two hundred survivors of the first regiment gathered along the river shore. A small group was coming to aid him, and leading the group he saw prince Eldarion, looking at him with a mix of relief and curiosity in his eyes.
Legolas tried to speak, but a round of coughs from his over-strained lungs didn't allow him to. The prince came to his side and pulled him completely out of the water. He and a couple of soldiers rested the newcomer on the river shore.
The entire group gasped surprised as they recognized Elendil's armor, Eldarion more that anybody. He threw himself over Legolas - "Father? - He asked hopeful, but then he saw the beardless chin and the golden hair - "No! Who are you? - He demanded.
Legolas gasped for air, trying to answer, then, he raised his hands and took off the black helmet - "It is only me, young man" - he said, finally managing to steady his breathing, and straightening up to sit.
Eldarion's jaw dropped and his eyes got big as plates. He threw his arms around his childhood hero's neck - "Legolas! Praise Eru! Even in this dark hour, a star shines upon our meeting"
"Indeed child" - Legolas said grabbing the prince by the broad shoulders and holding him at arm reach - "Look at you! You have grown to be an outstanding man, worthy of your inheritance."
Eldarion smiled sadly - "My inheritance is being destroyed Legolas, Gondor is condemned to fall to ruin."
Legolas stood up and looked around - "Do not abandon faith yet, young prince, finding you and all these brave men alive is already a miracle, this is a miracle!" - he said looking at the shelter they had found. The gorge was deep, and concealed by the dense trees above, even though these were on fire. Smong could not spot them from above, so they were momentarily safe from the flames, and the smoke did not reach down to where they were.
Eldarion sneered bitterly - "Perhaps, but how will we get out of here? How can we stop that demon?"
Legolas stepped closer to him - "I made promises, Eldarion; I made promises to many people I love. I have never broken one of my promises, and I don't intend to start now."
Eldarion looked at him, surprised by his words. Legolas continued - "I promised your father that I would bring you back to him unharmed; I promised the people of Gondor that we would bring that beast down before nightfall; I promised to an agonizing friend that this monster is going to die screaming in pain; and I promised your father, your people and myself that Gondor will not fall. - He extended a hand to the prince - "I promise those same things to you know, but I need you to hold on to your hope. Deal?"
"Deal!! - Eldarion said, grasping the extended hand. Then, he looked at Legolas expectantly - "Mother?"
Legolas' lips curved into a soft smile at the mention of her - "She is with your father now, waiting for your safe return"
Eldarion's face brightened; somehow, Legolas had managed to give hope back to him. He looked at the expectant soldiers - "We are getting out of here!"
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Eldarion and Legolas reunited a small assembly of officials and tried to figure out a way to get out of the forest.
"It is impossible!" - a seasoned soldier argued - "There is no way we can get out without being killed by that thing!"
Legolas raised a hand, signaling him to lower his voice - "Your negativity is not helping, sir. We are trying to find out how we can do it; not why we cannot."
The soldier looked down ashamed. Legolas then addressed the rest of the assembly - "I believe that if we follow the river bed, we can find a more or less clear path south from here. Off course there is a huge risk in doing so, since we are a large group and the dragon can locate us quickly from his elevated position. The distance is quite long, and we would need to cover it in a short period. If we had horses our chances would be highly increased." - he said counting mentally the few horses that were with them in the gorge.
"But we don't" - said Eldarion disappointedly - "Most of the horses bolted away in panic and most likely died. We only have...less that sixty horses, for over two hundred men."
Legolas nodded in agreement - "At least the wounded will be able to ride, the rest of us can run....." - he trailed off, listening to something only he could hear. A rumble, coming from up the river. Soon enough, the rest of the men could hear it too, and braced themselves preparing for a new horror. But no horror came, for a few moments after, the source of the sound was revealed, coming out of the sharp river curb.
It was a group of army horses, startled but in good shape, running down the river, and lead by two soldiers of Gondor. The soldiers halted in front of the assembly - "Anybody need a horse?" - one of them said taking off his helmet, while them both revealed their identities. They were no mere soldiers, but Halbarad the second and Herodir, rangers of the south. After delivering the King to Eldarion, and seeing the City's distress, they had decided to put on Gondor's armor and fight side by side with the Prince; even to the point of following him into the suicidal trip to the forest.
They looked upon Legolas, recognizing him immediately. They leaped off of their horses and kneeled in front of him - "General! This is a miracle!"
Legolas kneeled too and surrounded them with his arms - "My loyal soldiers, Halbarad, Herodir; I never thought I'd live to see you again. Please stand up!"
"How did this happen?" - Eldarion asked, looking at the group of horses that were freshening up in the river. More than fifty horses, just the right amount they needed to get out of that hell.
Herodir quickly answered - "After we entered the forest, Halbarad and I stayed together; we noted that the horses were scared and trying to go to an specific location; the riders tried to stop them, and tried to make them follow another direction, causing the horses to prance and bolt away. Knowing that horses have much better instincts than we do, Halbarad and I decided to follow them; we held on to out horses and they guided us to the river. All this horses were there, they sniffed their way to the water. Then, we thought that we had a good chance to find survivors if we followed the river and.... here we are."
Legolas smiled proudly at his pupils - "Well done, my friends! It is like the Valar sent you to us. You have acted wisely, and bravely."
Herodir smiled back timidly - "You taught us well, General"
Halbarad got back up on his horse - "We should go now if we want to get out of here. Come Herodir, you will ride with me."
Herodir looked at Legolas with questioning eyes - "What of your horse, Antares?
Legolas' eyes filled with sorrow - "I lost him on my way here, he now runs in greener prairies"
Herodir couldn't conceal his sadness - "Shame" - he said getting on the horse, behind Halbarad -"such a noble steed that one was. You can ride mine now, she is a noble mare, smart and swift."
Legolas got up on the said mare - "Thank you Herodir, I am sure she is" - he said, patting the horse's strong neck. Then, he extended his hand to Eldarion - "do you mind riding with me, young prince?"
"Not at all, I couldn't have a better companion"
The rest of the men helped the wounded to mount the horses, and most of them had to share the steeds, but after a few moments, everyone was up and ready to leave.
They followed the river bed down south, until they found a certain part of the forest that was clear. Then, they turned right and escalated a not to steep wall of the gorge. Upon reaching forest ground, they began running east, heading to the forest limits.
Smong failed to notice this, since nor him or Sauron expected them to be so deep into the south; and they managed to reach the forest's eastern boundary undetected. They halted upon seeing the open field in front of them and prepared to face the horror of being chased again by the monster without the protection of the trees.
Legolas motioned his horse to take a few steps forward and turned around to address the worried men - "We need to ride together as one solid group, nobody should be delayed or stay back, just follow my lead, and don't look back. Understood?"
The group nodded, having no other choice.
Legolas turned to face the empty field and while Eldarion tightened his grip apprehensively around his waist, Legolas' entire body tensed, readying to go into the dark jaws of death once again.
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Hi.
I am sorry if this chapter wasn't too good, I am going through a bad week and I've been feeling quite depressed lately. I am actually writing this as an escape to my own sad reality. Sometimes I wish I could escape this world and go help Legolas slain that blasted dragon. Too bad I don't have the strength or courage to kill my own personal demons. Oh Gosh! I am sorry guys, I shouldn't be telling you all this, you probably don't need to know about my issues. I guess this is what happens when you have nobody to talk to.
Anyway, have a fantastic week, and I hope to update soon.
**Precious Jewelle: I haven't done the FRIENDS test yet, I have intended to do so, but I keep forgetting, my mind is a mess. Anyway, as soon as I do it I'll let you know OK?
Take care everyone.
Elwe.
At the shrieking sound of the opening gates, Aragorn turned his head and looked outside the window with concern. - "I wish to see the battle" - he said, straightening to sit.
"You should rest, my love. Don't strain yourself so much" - Arwen said, worried about his weakness; and dreading the horror she could witness if forced to watch the battle.
"I need to see it, it is the least I can do" - he said, moving his legs towards the edge of the bed.
Knowing that any argument she could use was useless, she offered him help; and with Aragorn leaning on her shoulder for support, they both walked towards the window. Aragorn leant his hands on the window-frame, cringing from the pain in his leg.
The room where they were at was high above the walls, located to the right side of the city gates; and provided an excellent view of the frontal surroundings of the city, including the blazing forest on the west.
They looked down just in time to see a dark, shinning figure on a white steed, trotting out of the gates and going to where Perdhul and his men where stationed. Aragorn looked down at him with hope; Arwen looked down with sadness; but they were both surprised as they saw the numerous columns of soldiers marching behind him.
"Whatever he reaches or does prospers" - said Aragorn with a smile - "In just a few moments he has given back hope and pride to a seemingly defeated army."
Arwen did not say a word. In her heart she mourned him already, for maybe it was truth that he had given back hope, but she nevertheless felt the shadow of death surrounding the entire city; and in her heart hope could no longer dwell.
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The white army exited the city gates and came to stand beside Perdhul's post, right in front of the bridge that gave access to the gates. They stood in several one hundred men lines, one in front of the other, forming a human barrier in front of the remaining ballistae and catapults; that were erected high above, and behind them.
Legolas came to talk to Perdhul. - "General! I promised these brave soldiers that we could defeat the beast if we fight together. Would you help me keep that promise?"
Placing a hand above his chest, Perdhul bowed his head - "I will be honored to do so Lord; I am at your service."
"Excellent! I am going to need your help" - he said looking at the siege weapons that were loaded and aimed in several different angles. - "First I need you to raise the angles of the machines a little, try to provide them more reach, and move the shooting direction 15 degrees to the west"
"Consider it done" - Perdhul said, restraining himself from questioning Legolas' decisions. He immediately ordered the operators to do as he was told.
Legolas looked intently at the dark shadow over the western forest for endless minutes; then, his eyes traveled over the soldiers, weapons and siege armaments. His mind analyzed every one of the available resources, trying to figure out a way to defeat the seemingly invincible enemy. He looked up at the mortal ballistae, his eyes fixed in the enormous shafts that were ready to be fired. They were made of hard polished oak, with forged iron tips; and were almost 20 feet long.
"Gather 15 of those lances you use in the ballistae" - Legolas finally said to Perdhul - "Set them apart"
"Forgive my intromission Sir; but what do you intend to do?"
"First of all we need to help whatever is left of the first regiment. I will ride to the western forest alone. If I manage to get there alive, then I will guide them out of that hell."
Perdhul finally began to understand. - "You want us to provide you with cover while you cross the open field"
"Yes and no, General; I want you to shoot whatever you have on your reach, but only when and if I come back with the survivors"
Perdhul looked at him with horror - "But, my lord... then you intend to cross the field without cover, .. and alone? That is folly! The dragon will knock you down and burn you before you can reach the forest!"
Legolas gave the preoccupied man a condescending smile. - "It is a chance I am willing to take"
"No lord! Let us provide you with cover while you ride, it will at least increase your opportunity..."
"Listen soldier! If we do that then the ammunitions will be quickly spent, and we will not have coverage for the return; besides, if you start shooting now it will draw the beast's attention to the city again; you know it would be our ruin. Please General, trust me now, and do as I tell you."
The man raised up his stained face to look at him - "I will trust your wisdom, lord" - he said sighing - "what else do you need?"
Legolas silently thanked the man and continued - "The lances. While the dragon is distracted chasing me, I need you to put them all together in the middle of the open field, and out of the reach of the ballistae and catapults"
The man nodded in agreement, though he didn't understand the motive of such a senseless maneuver.
"You need to be very attentive of every movement taking place in the forest lord..." - Legolas said, trailing off and realizing he didn't even know the General's name.
"Perdhul, sir" - said the man.
"Correct, Perdhul. When the time comes, you have to start the attack with no delay, and the shooting cadence must be uninterrupted; many lives depend on this. Agree?"
"Indeed sir"
Legolas then saluted him in the military manner, placing a hand above his chest, and pulled Antares' reins to turn around and face the western forest ahead. He leant closer to the horse and whispered words only his own steed could understand; and the horse neighed and took a few steps forward, eager to please his master; but Legolas halted him with a gentle pull of the reins. - "Not yet my friend"
He fixed his gaze on the dragon hovering over the forest, waiting for the proper moment to cross the field. He intently watched as the dragon turned in mid air and descended upon the treetops facing the west.
Seeing the perfect opportunity to gain terrain without being noticed, Legolas spurred his horse and shouted - "Elbereth!" - while Antares took off galloping at full speed.
Perdhul watched his departure sadly - "Godspeed my Lord" - he whispered, his eyes, much like everybody else's, where fixed on the figure storming through the field.
Shortly after this, only a trail of black dust from Antares' pounding hoofs could be seen in the distance. ............................
Up above the walls the Evenstar felt a knot the hollow of her stomach as she watched him take off. Aragorn noted her distress and enveloped her waist with his arm - "Have faith Arwen, he knows what he is doing."
............................
Legolas relied completely on Antares' instinct while they bolted together across the field; leaving the task of dodging and jumping the obstacles and roaring fires scattered all over the way to the horse's own perception. He was completely focused on the forest skyline, waiting for the dreaded moment in which the Dragon would notice him and come to hunt him.
All he could hear was the beating of his own heart that almost fused with the horse's gallop, and the hissing sound of Antares' rushed breathing.
When horse and raider where passed half the way, the entire city cried in dismay as everyone saw the winged figure raising from the forest's skyline and twirling in mid air as if it was wounded; the beast had seen the rider coming his way, and Sauron, recognizing Elendil's armor, and filled with rage and an ancient fear, had prompted Smong to immediately annihilate the new player coming into his twisted game.
The dragon soared high up before launching down in vertiginous descent towards the field, its membranous wings folded against the silvered back.
Struggling to remain serene as the massive monster rushed towards him, Legolas pulled Antares' reins and made him stop in the last moment, so the Dragon flew pass them, unable to do harm.
Roaring enraged, Smong turned around as fast as its massive body allowed and charged again, this time flames coming out of its mouth and nostrils.
Legolas spurred Antares', who now obeyed blindly every one of his master's silent commands. Any other horse would have bolted in panic, but the noble steed loved and trusted his master beyond fear, and followed even the slightest tug Legolas gave to the reins. They changed direction, and ran diagonally to their original route, with the dragon following each of their movements closely.
Smong sped up; quickly catching up with Antares' pace, and a huge column of flames erupted from its throat in a blinding explosion. Legolas pulled Antares' reins violently to the right and the horse turned sharply, thus avoiding the fire; but both horse and rider could feel the scorching heat upon their bodies as a wall of flames arose from the field just inches away from them.
They continued running, Legolas encouraging his horse to run faster, while the dragon writhed furiously, utterly irritated from not being able to reach the rider. Smong continued the attacks, but Legolas evaded each one of them in the last second; by making his trusty steed halt, twirl and run again, escaping each of the dragon's assaults. This further enraged Smong, and its screeching hauls filled the fields from east to west, until reaching the ears of Minas Tirith's citizens, who cringed in fear at the horrendous sound.
Perdhul watched all this with gritted teeth, barely containing himself from ordering his men to shoot the beast, but he remembered every word Legolas had told him; and swallowed his impatience, praying the Valar to protect the elven lord.
After much chasing and evading, horse and rider reached the boundaries of the blazing forest, and Smong had to soar up to evade crushing against the treetops, thus loosing track of its prey. Legolas pulled Antares' reins to slow down as they entered the cover of the forest and looked around, frantically looking for a path to follow; but only walls of flames and dark smoke could be seen everywhere around. He continued advancing, listening carefully for any sign of the survivors, but to his deep dismay, the only things he could here were the crackling sound of the burning trees and the roar of the flames.
His heart despaired at the sight of the dying trees, and as a wood elf, he could almost hear the agony cries coming from the blazing trunks. Then, the intense heat and the smoke added to his anxiety; he felt suffocated, having to breath the vitiated air; his vision blurred with tears as the thick smoke chafed his sensitive eyes; and underneath the armor, his body struggled to maintain temperature, he felt weak and sticky, as his body was completely damp with sweat, and he could feel the metal of the armor scorching his skin.
Driven by desperation, he spurred the horse to go faster, and Antares began galloping again, jumping over walls of burning bushes, but with no real direction to follow. Then, suddenly, a huge ball of fire fell from above, right in front of him; as Smong, aided by Sauron, was finally able to locate him and was now pouring down all his power and rage on him, flying in circles above the treetops.
Antares startled and pranced, taking a few steps back; Legolas struggled to hold on to the horse, but the attack was so unexpected and intense, that for the first time in many years, he was unprepared. He froze in place, unable to react or to think on time, and before he knew, a burning trunk fell from above, hitting Antares on the neck, and knocking them both to the ground.
He fell with a loud thud, face down on the ashen ground. Dazed by the impact and the smoke in his lungs, he straightened his head to see Antares laid flat on the black ground, blood trickling from the fair neck. His vision blurred as a wound on his left brow bled over his eyes, and with a lump in his throat, Legolas crawled towards the fallen horse, only confirm that the wounds were fatal, and that his much-loved steed was beyond salvation.
Forgetting about his own safety and driven by grief, he seated on the ground and rested the horse's head on his lap; while Smong continued to pour hell upon him.
Tears mixed with blood as he wept for his many battles' companion; he caressed the horse's cheek, whispering soothing words as Antares panted unevenly, a death rattle already in its throat. He didn't let go of the horse, not even as spheres of fire fell all around him; and he accompanied his friend to the last breath, guiding him to the very gates of death. Finally, when the noble horse finally expired, he wrapped his arms around the limp neck and cried out his sorrow.
Then, the elven warrior blessed the stallion and stood up, not heeding the flames all around him. He lifted up his face and stared at the shadow flying above him; he felt his chest swollen with rage and hissed defiantly - "You will pay for this!"
Then, he jumped over the flames and began running into the forest again; new vigor filled his limbs as he then strived for a personal vengeance; but first, he had to find the heir of Gondor.
He sprinted through the forest blindly and began calling for Eldarion with frantic shouts
"Eldarion!"
Silence...
"Eldarion!"
Nothing...
Keep running....
"Eldarion!!"
His feet lost contact with the ground and he began falling; after what seemed to be an eternity, his body landed on a soft, cold surface before hitting a hard object beneath. His body felt light, almost weightless, as if he was suspended in the middle of the air; then he realized he couldn't breathe, and began squirming to find air.
He emerged to the surface coughing and panting, and finally realized that he had fallen inside a deep gorge and into a river. He heard voices around him and raised his head to find near two hundred survivors of the first regiment gathered along the river shore. A small group was coming to aid him, and leading the group he saw prince Eldarion, looking at him with a mix of relief and curiosity in his eyes.
Legolas tried to speak, but a round of coughs from his over-strained lungs didn't allow him to. The prince came to his side and pulled him completely out of the water. He and a couple of soldiers rested the newcomer on the river shore.
The entire group gasped surprised as they recognized Elendil's armor, Eldarion more that anybody. He threw himself over Legolas - "Father? - He asked hopeful, but then he saw the beardless chin and the golden hair - "No! Who are you? - He demanded.
Legolas gasped for air, trying to answer, then, he raised his hands and took off the black helmet - "It is only me, young man" - he said, finally managing to steady his breathing, and straightening up to sit.
Eldarion's jaw dropped and his eyes got big as plates. He threw his arms around his childhood hero's neck - "Legolas! Praise Eru! Even in this dark hour, a star shines upon our meeting"
"Indeed child" - Legolas said grabbing the prince by the broad shoulders and holding him at arm reach - "Look at you! You have grown to be an outstanding man, worthy of your inheritance."
Eldarion smiled sadly - "My inheritance is being destroyed Legolas, Gondor is condemned to fall to ruin."
Legolas stood up and looked around - "Do not abandon faith yet, young prince, finding you and all these brave men alive is already a miracle, this is a miracle!" - he said looking at the shelter they had found. The gorge was deep, and concealed by the dense trees above, even though these were on fire. Smong could not spot them from above, so they were momentarily safe from the flames, and the smoke did not reach down to where they were.
Eldarion sneered bitterly - "Perhaps, but how will we get out of here? How can we stop that demon?"
Legolas stepped closer to him - "I made promises, Eldarion; I made promises to many people I love. I have never broken one of my promises, and I don't intend to start now."
Eldarion looked at him, surprised by his words. Legolas continued - "I promised your father that I would bring you back to him unharmed; I promised the people of Gondor that we would bring that beast down before nightfall; I promised to an agonizing friend that this monster is going to die screaming in pain; and I promised your father, your people and myself that Gondor will not fall. - He extended a hand to the prince - "I promise those same things to you know, but I need you to hold on to your hope. Deal?"
"Deal!! - Eldarion said, grasping the extended hand. Then, he looked at Legolas expectantly - "Mother?"
Legolas' lips curved into a soft smile at the mention of her - "She is with your father now, waiting for your safe return"
Eldarion's face brightened; somehow, Legolas had managed to give hope back to him. He looked at the expectant soldiers - "We are getting out of here!"
.................................
Eldarion and Legolas reunited a small assembly of officials and tried to figure out a way to get out of the forest.
"It is impossible!" - a seasoned soldier argued - "There is no way we can get out without being killed by that thing!"
Legolas raised a hand, signaling him to lower his voice - "Your negativity is not helping, sir. We are trying to find out how we can do it; not why we cannot."
The soldier looked down ashamed. Legolas then addressed the rest of the assembly - "I believe that if we follow the river bed, we can find a more or less clear path south from here. Off course there is a huge risk in doing so, since we are a large group and the dragon can locate us quickly from his elevated position. The distance is quite long, and we would need to cover it in a short period. If we had horses our chances would be highly increased." - he said counting mentally the few horses that were with them in the gorge.
"But we don't" - said Eldarion disappointedly - "Most of the horses bolted away in panic and most likely died. We only have...less that sixty horses, for over two hundred men."
Legolas nodded in agreement - "At least the wounded will be able to ride, the rest of us can run....." - he trailed off, listening to something only he could hear. A rumble, coming from up the river. Soon enough, the rest of the men could hear it too, and braced themselves preparing for a new horror. But no horror came, for a few moments after, the source of the sound was revealed, coming out of the sharp river curb.
It was a group of army horses, startled but in good shape, running down the river, and lead by two soldiers of Gondor. The soldiers halted in front of the assembly - "Anybody need a horse?" - one of them said taking off his helmet, while them both revealed their identities. They were no mere soldiers, but Halbarad the second and Herodir, rangers of the south. After delivering the King to Eldarion, and seeing the City's distress, they had decided to put on Gondor's armor and fight side by side with the Prince; even to the point of following him into the suicidal trip to the forest.
They looked upon Legolas, recognizing him immediately. They leaped off of their horses and kneeled in front of him - "General! This is a miracle!"
Legolas kneeled too and surrounded them with his arms - "My loyal soldiers, Halbarad, Herodir; I never thought I'd live to see you again. Please stand up!"
"How did this happen?" - Eldarion asked, looking at the group of horses that were freshening up in the river. More than fifty horses, just the right amount they needed to get out of that hell.
Herodir quickly answered - "After we entered the forest, Halbarad and I stayed together; we noted that the horses were scared and trying to go to an specific location; the riders tried to stop them, and tried to make them follow another direction, causing the horses to prance and bolt away. Knowing that horses have much better instincts than we do, Halbarad and I decided to follow them; we held on to out horses and they guided us to the river. All this horses were there, they sniffed their way to the water. Then, we thought that we had a good chance to find survivors if we followed the river and.... here we are."
Legolas smiled proudly at his pupils - "Well done, my friends! It is like the Valar sent you to us. You have acted wisely, and bravely."
Herodir smiled back timidly - "You taught us well, General"
Halbarad got back up on his horse - "We should go now if we want to get out of here. Come Herodir, you will ride with me."
Herodir looked at Legolas with questioning eyes - "What of your horse, Antares?
Legolas' eyes filled with sorrow - "I lost him on my way here, he now runs in greener prairies"
Herodir couldn't conceal his sadness - "Shame" - he said getting on the horse, behind Halbarad -"such a noble steed that one was. You can ride mine now, she is a noble mare, smart and swift."
Legolas got up on the said mare - "Thank you Herodir, I am sure she is" - he said, patting the horse's strong neck. Then, he extended his hand to Eldarion - "do you mind riding with me, young prince?"
"Not at all, I couldn't have a better companion"
The rest of the men helped the wounded to mount the horses, and most of them had to share the steeds, but after a few moments, everyone was up and ready to leave.
They followed the river bed down south, until they found a certain part of the forest that was clear. Then, they turned right and escalated a not to steep wall of the gorge. Upon reaching forest ground, they began running east, heading to the forest limits.
Smong failed to notice this, since nor him or Sauron expected them to be so deep into the south; and they managed to reach the forest's eastern boundary undetected. They halted upon seeing the open field in front of them and prepared to face the horror of being chased again by the monster without the protection of the trees.
Legolas motioned his horse to take a few steps forward and turned around to address the worried men - "We need to ride together as one solid group, nobody should be delayed or stay back, just follow my lead, and don't look back. Understood?"
The group nodded, having no other choice.
Legolas turned to face the empty field and while Eldarion tightened his grip apprehensively around his waist, Legolas' entire body tensed, readying to go into the dark jaws of death once again.
........................................
Hi.
I am sorry if this chapter wasn't too good, I am going through a bad week and I've been feeling quite depressed lately. I am actually writing this as an escape to my own sad reality. Sometimes I wish I could escape this world and go help Legolas slain that blasted dragon. Too bad I don't have the strength or courage to kill my own personal demons. Oh Gosh! I am sorry guys, I shouldn't be telling you all this, you probably don't need to know about my issues. I guess this is what happens when you have nobody to talk to.
Anyway, have a fantastic week, and I hope to update soon.
**Precious Jewelle: I haven't done the FRIENDS test yet, I have intended to do so, but I keep forgetting, my mind is a mess. Anyway, as soon as I do it I'll let you know OK?
Take care everyone.
Elwe.