Random Orcs, or We Fell to Middle Earth
Chapter Nine: Butterfly Wings
by Galadriel Tolkien
Gandalf led the way, and we came to the edge of the forest about an hour later. Shadowfax, Alayna, and a herd awaited us there. I snorted as she winked at me. Her saddle was still on her back, slightly loosened, but intact. I tightened the band and mounted, the others following me. Gimli and Legolas shared a horse while Aragorn took one of his own.
The plains were flat for miles around us, waving seas of grass and small flowers. Gandalf took the lead, and we nearly flew.
::We came here last night.::
::Oh?::
Alayna made a sort of hop as she galloped, then smoothed her gait again. ::Of course. That nasty bastard Saruman was around.::
::Nice of you to tell me. Could have ended this problem last night.::
::It's not how it's in the books, kiddo.::
::Riight.:: I snorted, ::Not like I haven't changed Fate before.::
::Not sure you could've killed him, anyway.::
::He's Immortal, like Gandalf?::
::Sort of.::
We were silent for a time, each lost in our own thoughts. Legolas rode up to me, and gestured at Alayna. "How comes the mare by her colour?"
"She's special." I grinned, "She came with me, but we got separated. Besides, she wouldn't have made it through the mountains with us."
He studied the saddle, which was really small, but with tons of little hooks around the cantle. "And the saddle?"
"I can do anything in this saddle that I can on the ground."
"Anything?"
Gandalf looked back at us, his eyes twinkling. I winked at him. "Anything."
The elf chuckled, then pointed far ahead of us, "The city is close."
Edoras. Galadriel had told me what she knew of it. The seat of the Kings of Rohan, the Lord of the Riders of the Mark. The Rohirrim, Horse Lords, who prided their horses as near as they prided their children. The current King was Theoden, and he had a son, Theodred, and two young relatives, a niece and a nephew.
Rumour was that strange things were happening within the King's Hall. He had a bad advisor, who stayed his hand when he would fight off the Nazgul. Or, at least, that's what her Mirror had shown her.
Just what was true and wasn't, we would find out shortly.
The guards at the gate refused to let us in at first, but were quickly convinced, since Gandalf sweet-talked them in their own tongue. Or maybe it was the shock of seeing Shadowfax. Not sure. We were led through to the Hall, our horses taken off to be cared for.
We reached the door to the Hall, and were confronted by a new obstacle. "I am the Doorward of Theoden. Hama is my name." He was slightly younger than the others, but a nice looking man. Probably one of those terribly honest types whose loyalty never falters. "Here I must bid you lay aside your weapons before you enter."
Idiot.
Taking the weapons from a group of warriors is not conducive to getting their trust. But we needed to talk to this king dude, so I was good, and handed over my sword and boot knives. Those were the only weapons you could see, and I was betting he wasn't going to pat down a woman.
I was right.
Legolas was after me, entreating the young man to care for the bow and arrows, "For they come from the Lady of the Golden Wood."
Hama looked almost fearful as he hastily set the bow and quiver against the wall, "No man shall touch them, that I promise you."
I'd forgotten that Aragorn was Heir to the Throne of Gondor. He was watching me and Legolas, as if wishing we hadn't given in so easily. "It is not for me to leave Anduril at the side of my road, whosoever commands it."
"It is the will of Theoden, the King here." Hama replied, looking troubled.
Something told me he didn't always agree with his King. Good lad.
"But should the will of the King of the Mark override that of Aragorn son of Arathorn, Elendil's Heir of Gondor?" Aragorn shook his head, hand on his sword-hilt.
"This is the house of Theoden, not of Aragorn, even were he king of Gondor in the seat of Denethor." Hama declared, moving in front of the door and pulling his sword out.
I could guess where this was going, and stepped forward, hand out. "Gentlemen. We're not here as enemies, we're here as friends."
"My Lady, I would set this sword aside were it any but Anduril."
"Aragorn," I turned to him, my hand on his arm, "I understand. But the Lord of the house has requested thus of us. I followed his command, as has Legolas." I tilted my head at Gimli, "As shall Gimli, I believe. My friend, we are not over matched, but let us not spend this day in haste."
He sighed and unbuckled the sword, setting it carefully next to Legolas' bow. "Guard and protect this. It is the sword that was broken and is now reforged."
Hama nodded, "I shall."
Gimli set his ax down next to Anduril, "With Anduril to keep it company, my ax shall feel no shame."
The next argument was over Gandalf's staff, and that was interrupted by a young woman appearing in the doorway.
"The Lord Theoden says to leave the wizard his staff and stop this fishmongering on his doorstep."
She was blonde, and would have been pretty if she hadn't looked so tired and grave. I saw her glance at Aragorn and give a start. I raised an eyebrow; yeah, he was a cupcake, but Gandalf was better. Or maybe her sudden interest was in Aragorn's proclaimed Kingshipness.
We fell in behind Gandalf; I naturally took the rearguard. He strode into the Hall, his personality seeping through the musty air before him. The place might have been nice, if there had been more light. Windows were obviously something the designers hadn't understood. Torches dotted the walls, but did little to relieve the gloom, and the doors really needed to be thrown open. The gym-socks smell was almost over-powering.
"Hail, Theoden son of Thengel! I have returned. For behold! The storm comes and now all friends should gather together, lest each singly be destroyed." Gandalf spread his arms grandly.
The young woman stood at the bottom of a set of stairs, at the midpoint crouched a man, and I knew him for something evil before he even turned a malevolent eye on Gandalf. At the top of the stairs, an old man sat in his throne, curled as if in pain and doubt.
Pity tugged at me, but I shoved it away, studying the lines of power that eddied in the air around him and the evil thing. Much had passed from him to his master, chilling the bone, turning his brain into a suspicious, paranoid mass, and his body into a lump of age and fatigue. Some slight spell had been cast, too. Perception being nine-tenths of reality, usually.
King Theoden not only believed himself incapable of being strong. He currently WAS incapable. The woven lies and web of weakness wrapped him deeply, and I studied it for a moment before slashing outwards, scything through it like a hot knife through butter. Sticky strands touched me as I unraveled them, and a momentary sense of weariness stole over me. I shook it off, and fought back, hands and arms at my side, mind doing the work.
I tuned back in to the real world to find Theoden denouncing Gandalf as a deceiver and bringer of evil tidings. Too much for me, really, I started to step forward, and found Aragorn holding my arm, his face grave. Shit. This was Gandalf's battle, much as I hated to admit it.
But I had been there. I was the messenger of Death and Fate. And oh, it hurt to let someone else carry that burden.
"Deceiver? I bring you the truth. It is this Wormtongue at your feet who would twist lies into the weft of life."
"Gandalf Stormcrow, yet again you bring suffering and anguish to this house," The one called Wormtongue straightened, glaring at Gandalf. "For even yesterday, young Eomer returned with news of your allies' travels; for his treachery, he has been imprisoned. And this morning, Theodred son of Theoden is struck down in the west."
"And you think it my fault?" Gandalf snorted, straightening his back and standing tall. There was suddenly a great sense of majesty about him, and I fought back a smile, proud. "I come to you in a time of need, Lord Theoden! And you hide behind this gibbering fool of an advisor!"
"I told you to remove his staff at the door. Hama has betrayed us all," Wormtongue squeaked.
"Silence! You have spoken your last poison in this house, Oh Wormtongue!" A crack of thunder echoed in the hall, and bright light spilled from the man I'd called my lover for the past several weeks. I winced. He was over-shooting the spell's size. Guessing it to be much larger than it was. Partially my fault for already beginning the unraveling process. And, partially because he expected it to be larger.
The light became too bright even for me to watch, and then it smashed at the web of lies and deceit. I sensed the backlash coming and headed it off, pulling the energy into my own shields and spells.
With another bang, the hall fell silent, and I opened my eyes, unsurprised to find Wormtongue flat on his face in front of us.
"Now, Lord Theoden, do you not wish to receive my counsel? For much is dark and woe, yet light still shines through in the darkest dawn." Gandalf snorted, "Too long have you sat in this twilight hall, awaiting your death. Arise, Lord of the Mark, and show the Dark Lord that not all of Rohan has become infested with darkness!"
Slowly, Theoden rose from his chair, and I sensed that he was confused, yet angry at suddenly understanding the Wormtongue and his purpose. The young woman came up to his side, and held his arm as he descended the steps.
Light started to echo into the hall, as if the long banishment had made it wary of intruding. We made our way back to the doors, and Gandalf knocked on them, crying for their open. Moments later, the King stood on his steps, gazing out into the sun-filled plains. "Come, Theoden, breath of the free air, and remember your heritage!"
The King released the woman's arm, and stepped down into the courtyard with Gandalf. As he did so, I saw his back straighten, years falling away. If I hadn't known how young the man really had been, this would have been shocking. I heard several onlookers gasp in surprise.
Hama was standing at my side, and I sidled closer, "Hey. You might want to release young Eomer from his prison, now that Wormie isn't in your Lord's head."
"My lady, I--"
I smiled, "I shall take full responsibility." My eyes darkened as I sensed that someone had finally noticed the breaking of Wormtongue's spells. "And it may not matter who does, in the days to come, for the darkness is coming. And your Lord shall need all the arms he has."
That seemed to satisfy him, and he slipped down the steps, intent on his mission. I turned towards the west, feeling along the broken spell-strands for that echo of startled rage I had sensed. But it was gone now, buried in other matters, and I sighed.
"You are... wise, I think."
"Am I?" I looked at the young woman, recognising the pride and sadness in her. She had stood by her King all these years, unable to halt the Wormtongue, yet unwilling to leave. The marks of long weariness were upon her, and I smiled, "My lady, I am Marya."
"I am Eowyn, daughter of the brother of Theoden, King of the Mark." She tried to answer my smile, something like hope in her eyes. "You have brought evil tidings, yet I see some good has come of it. My Lord no longer listens to the Grima of Ill advice."
"Yes, well... Gandalf the White does have that effect on people." For several minutes Gandalf engaged the king in soft discussion. I took the time to close my eyes and focus on the faraway sense that was Isengard. Evil lay there, and much pain. A flash of the future caught me, and I fought to not cry out as I saw my friends horribly struck down, their limbs hewed from their bodies before they fell into pits of fire.
I dragged myself from these images to find Eomer was returned from his cell. There was a muttered outcry from those around us, but Aragorn greeted the lad gladly, and I noted the resemblance between my current companion and Eomer. "Your brother?"
"Yes." She smiled. For an instant, her cares were gone, and I saw a lovely woman who would one day rule at the side of greatness. Then the vision faded, and she was merely blonde and weary again.
"My King shall forgive him his impertinence, I believe. Now that he is awake and aware, he must."
I hoped she was right. Below us the king watched the man approach, offering him his sword in allegiance. For a moment, the king seemed bent on refusing. Then he accepted the sword of Eomer, and then Aragorn's after. Gimli and Legolas chimed in. Gandalf chuckled at the display of fealty and proclaimed us well armed. I decided I wasn't ready to declare loyalty to anybody yet, though.
"You were right. I am glad, for we shall need him in the battles to come." A sense of darkness touched me, and I shivered, "And that shall be soon. My pardon, my lady, but I must speak." Turning to those gathered below us, I cried, "Hark! The shadow of Saruman is swiftly approaching!"
Gandalf tossed me an amused look, "The Lady Luthien is correct, my Lord. We need as many as can be mustered in four hours, then we must ride for Isengard."
"Actually, sweetie, I meant him." The company turned as one to behold the creature I held in one hand. Grima Wormtongue had skulked from the hall, probably intent on sneaking off. Bad idea, with me around.
I stood back and let them handle the disposition of the disgusting bastard. I was actually rather impressed with the King's mercy. For he allowed the man to live, even giving him a horse.
The next order of business was mustering those troops around Edoras. We were given four hours to do so, by Gandalf's request and Theoden's orders. I sensed that Gandalf was worried, and prodded him mentally. His reply was a mental smack. So I gave him a glare and went off to help Eowyn provision the troops.
An army marches on its stomach, they say. It's very true. Especially an army that is going to have to set in for a siege. At least, that's what my instincts were saying, and Eowyn confirmed them by mentioning something called Helm's Deep. I didn't press her for more details, since I felt that worrying her was needless. She might lose both brother and uncle over the next few days. She would need all the strength she had.
I found the Lady of Rohan to be extremely competent, if not somewhat proud. I did my best to amuse and lighten her disposition, for much darkness would hold the days ahead.
::Getting cryptic in your old age.::
::Shut up, horse.::
An hour before we were to leave it was decided that Eowyn would lead the remaining people of Edoras into the hills and thence to Dunharrow where they would be safe. I approved, since she needed something to do, and coming with us wasn't possible.
"To ensure their safe journey, the Lady Eowyn shall be accompanied by Marya Luthien." Gandalf added.
"Oh, like HELL." I snorted, "You lot are going to *need* me in the battles to come."
"The Lady Marya is quite impressive in battle." Legolas noted. I wasn't a lady, but it was nice to be dubbed one.
"'Twould be folly, when we need as many able to fight as possible." Aragorn pointed out.
"I cannot believe a woman--"
"Right." I interrupted Theoden. "Let's have a demonstration, shall we?" Gandalf and I would *talk* later. He had much to answer for, trying to leave me behind. Probably some belated chivalry shit. Right now, though, these people needed to understand my worth as a fighter.
::Your helm's not gonna fit.:: Alayna noted.
::Good thing I don't wear one.:: I replied. I held my arms out and waited. They all sort of stared at me, uncertainly. "Oh, c'mon, gentlemen. It can't be that hard. Raise a sword and try to hit me. Look, I'll even stand right here."
"You are unarmed." Someone called from the side. I didn't notice who it was.
"Oh. Right. Um, if someone could hand me a sword, or give me mine?" I'd sort of forgotten to retrieve it earlier, and it still leant against the wall of the Hall, my boot knives lay next to it. They say memory is the first thing to go when you reach old age.
"I'd be honoured if you would use mine, Lady." Hama held out his sword hilt first and I took it.
Nice balance on the blade and the few passes I made caused me to smile, "Right. Who's first?"
::No, no, What's on second?:: Alayna quipped.
Aragorn stepped forward, sword held at the ready. I let him engage me for a moment, then used a trick I'd been taught in the 15th century by a bullfighter in Spain. We ended up with his sword some distance away and mine at his throat. "Now. If this had been real battle, I wouldn't have bothered disarming you. I'd have just killed you."
"The Lady has made her point." Gandalf said wearily. "She shall join us."
"Smart man." I smiled at him, cheerfully. "I'd have just followed you anyway."
I was later to learn that Hama had taken the blame for bringing Eomer from the cells and had been settled as Eomer's lieutenant as a result. I didn't mind, but if the fate had been execution, that would have bothered me.
At the moment, though, it was time for those who had been able to prepare to leave. Riding like the wind towards Isengard. The king left orders for a mustering to arrive at Edoras in four day's time. This group would travel down to Gondor, and help the city of Minas Tirith in her endless toil against the evil in the East. I was all for that, but Saruman needed to be smacked down first.
The King mounted and rode to the head of the column, Gandalf at his side on Shadowfax. He turned to his people, and cried, "Arise now, arise, Riders of Theoden! Dire deeds awake, dark is it eastward. Let horse be bridled, let horn be sounded! Forth Eorlingas!"
"WESTU THEODEN HAI!" The troops responded, their banners waving in the breeze, their hearts and souls light and fierce.
And with that, we started off onto roads that would lead to death. And, possibly, sex.
::Gods... I thought you'd be sated by now.::
::Hell, no. That man has no idea how voracious I am.::
::Great.:: Alayna sighed, then brightened, ::Well, where he goes, so goes Shadowfax.::
::You're pregnant, remember?::
::No duh. Doesn't mean I'm dead.::
--
Gandalf had been dubbed the White Rider by Aragorn. Many of the troops picked up the title and called him that. I seemed to go by Lady Rainbow usually, until Alayna and I performed a few tricks to lighten the mood. Then I began hearing Green Rider, as my title. It was amusing, really. I'd picked up almost as many names as I had titles in one far away world.
Lady Rainbow. Marya Luthien. Green Rider. I could handle those. They were terms of respect and awe, and sometimes a little bit of hero-worship. Which hurt no one, since these people NEEDED something to give them hope.
And I was that. Sort of. Gandalf and Aragorn were less ethereal, I think. Because I was a woman, and a warrior, and a sorceress, I seemed to possess their minds and hearts.
I don't like doing that, often. Being worshipped is not good for the ego over time. Absolute power corrupts, even if you're only using it for good.
Many of the current troop were seasoned men who had fought border skirmishes over the years. A few were young men who had never been in any sort of battle. But the mix was good for our eventual success. I hoped. I worried as we rode that some might break and run, but something told me they all loved their plains, and would fight to the death to keep them free of evil.
When night closed on us, we rode until the moon left the sky. Then Theoden ordered a rest, and many simply cast themselves down where they stood, exhausted beyond all measure.
I spent the night walking the camp, restless to be on towards our destination. Gandalf watched me silently, and at times, I sensed he wanted to talk, but we didn't. It was frustrating, in a way. He'd tried to keep me in Edoras--or rather, Dunharrow. And I wondered if it had been for my own protection, or if he was afraid I would bring destruction upon us.
No sex, either.
Either way, it was enough to keep me awake and stalking the plains around us. I searched for solace, but knew it wouldn't be found this easily. There was more pain to come, and less to live for.
The last reason for not sleeping was the encroaching nightmares I would have. I could sense them on the edge of the night, waiting for me to sleep so they could prophesize the death of the people I held dear and the destruction of nations and freedom. I wasn't in the mood for ignoring them. And walking was better for the circulation.
Besides. If I had to, I could nap in the saddle.
::Just don't fall out of it.::
::Like I would.::
She didn't answer that, so I continued walking until dawn lit the sky, and the troops were ordered to march again.
The day went on as before, though we began to see signs of the darkness in Isengard as we rode. Legolas could see vast creatures doing things in the darkness which surrounded the fastness of the Isen. Toward evening, the sky was darker than it should have been. And a man awaited us far ahead, his weariness evident even at this distance.
He reported that the forces of Saruman had pushed them back across the Isen, costing many lives. And Erkenbrand had taken the remainder to Helm's Deep. I shivered. The name had echoed in my dreams long nights before. It was time to go there.
With an army of orcs and hillmen dogging our heels. I sensed them in the distance, marching like maggots across decaying meat.
::Alayna...:: I pondered, studying the columns, then looking back towards Isengard. The army was thundering towards us, near enough to catch us out in the open. If we ran, we'd make it, probably. With them on our heels, and no time to prepare for anything. Half a day's march, or more. We'd get there at night, have no time for rest, and have to fight...
She caught the way my mind was wandering and snorted, ::Good plan. I don't like it, but it's a good plan.::
::Yeah. Not too thrilled myself.:: She took us towards Gandalf, Aragorn and the others at the head of the company. "My King, I'm afraid that Alayna and I must part company with you."
"My Lady, why leave us now?" The King seemed to be surprised, and possibly hurt.
Gandalf was watching the north, almost distracted, but I let him. "My King, I was trained as a skirmisher long ago. As it is, we will make shelter only to turn with the dogs on our heels." I smiled grimly, "I can do much to harry their progress, so that time may be taken to prepare the Deep for war."
"Theoden, her counsel is wise. And, I, too, must depart. For Isengard, and what goes on there needs investigating." Gandalf pointed Shadowfax towards the north, a course which would take him straight through the advancing army. "I shall meet you at Helm's Deep ere I can."
"Go, then, the both of you."
I half-bowed, then nodded to Aragorn, "Keep them alive."
"My Lady."
Alayna and I turned, settling next to Gandalf and Shadowfax. "Shall we fly, my love?"
::Yes!::
"Indeed." Gandalf replied, studying me a moment, before sending his horse off with a soft nudge.
We followed, hooves moving swiftly over the turf as legs pounded in a fast gallop which whipped mane into face and tail behind as a banner.
Within the hour, we had neared the army, and I knew that my estimate had not only been right, but that it would have been wrong. Too short a time to make the Deep. I grabbed Gandalf's arm as we slowed, and turned him. "I love you, you old git. Don't do anything stupid."
His eyes lightened, and he smiled and leant over to kiss me. "Follow your own advice, Marya Luthien."
"I never do that. It might let someone get killed."
He snorted, then clucked to Shadowfax, and they were off, disappearing into the trees that covered the side of the road. I waited for several minutes, then dismounted and paced a line across the road. "This could be good enough."
::You're talking aloud again.::
"I know. Shush. I need absolute concentration."
::Riiight.::
I shot her an exasperated glance, then grabbed a tree branch and drew a line across the road. "Right. Let's see if I can remember how to do this."
With my eyes closed, I stood in the middle of the road, palms at chest-height hovering over the line I'd drawn. I visualised that line, building upon it layer by layer a tall barrier thick enough to stop arrows, yet just thin enough to let people through if they pushed together. I let it edge itself up until it was twice my height, then halted it. With another effort of will, I gathered the wall, weaving pain spells into it that would shock any running into it. Then I angled the edges into the trees for fifty yards to either side. The diagonal would herd any who attempted the woods back towards the center.
Carefully, I disengaged my hands from it, perspiration dotting my brow and soaking my back. It was easier and easier to do spells here, but it still wasn't as simple as they could have been.
Ahead of me on the road, the army had gotten much closer. Almost close enough to see me, but that might spoil my plans. With a curse I turned and vaulted onto Alayna's back, and we melted into the forest, traveling to the west of the army, then angling back to attack the flank with several quick surgical strikes.
Chapter Nine: Butterfly Wings
by Galadriel Tolkien
Gandalf led the way, and we came to the edge of the forest about an hour later. Shadowfax, Alayna, and a herd awaited us there. I snorted as she winked at me. Her saddle was still on her back, slightly loosened, but intact. I tightened the band and mounted, the others following me. Gimli and Legolas shared a horse while Aragorn took one of his own.
The plains were flat for miles around us, waving seas of grass and small flowers. Gandalf took the lead, and we nearly flew.
::We came here last night.::
::Oh?::
Alayna made a sort of hop as she galloped, then smoothed her gait again. ::Of course. That nasty bastard Saruman was around.::
::Nice of you to tell me. Could have ended this problem last night.::
::It's not how it's in the books, kiddo.::
::Riight.:: I snorted, ::Not like I haven't changed Fate before.::
::Not sure you could've killed him, anyway.::
::He's Immortal, like Gandalf?::
::Sort of.::
We were silent for a time, each lost in our own thoughts. Legolas rode up to me, and gestured at Alayna. "How comes the mare by her colour?"
"She's special." I grinned, "She came with me, but we got separated. Besides, she wouldn't have made it through the mountains with us."
He studied the saddle, which was really small, but with tons of little hooks around the cantle. "And the saddle?"
"I can do anything in this saddle that I can on the ground."
"Anything?"
Gandalf looked back at us, his eyes twinkling. I winked at him. "Anything."
The elf chuckled, then pointed far ahead of us, "The city is close."
Edoras. Galadriel had told me what she knew of it. The seat of the Kings of Rohan, the Lord of the Riders of the Mark. The Rohirrim, Horse Lords, who prided their horses as near as they prided their children. The current King was Theoden, and he had a son, Theodred, and two young relatives, a niece and a nephew.
Rumour was that strange things were happening within the King's Hall. He had a bad advisor, who stayed his hand when he would fight off the Nazgul. Or, at least, that's what her Mirror had shown her.
Just what was true and wasn't, we would find out shortly.
The guards at the gate refused to let us in at first, but were quickly convinced, since Gandalf sweet-talked them in their own tongue. Or maybe it was the shock of seeing Shadowfax. Not sure. We were led through to the Hall, our horses taken off to be cared for.
We reached the door to the Hall, and were confronted by a new obstacle. "I am the Doorward of Theoden. Hama is my name." He was slightly younger than the others, but a nice looking man. Probably one of those terribly honest types whose loyalty never falters. "Here I must bid you lay aside your weapons before you enter."
Idiot.
Taking the weapons from a group of warriors is not conducive to getting their trust. But we needed to talk to this king dude, so I was good, and handed over my sword and boot knives. Those were the only weapons you could see, and I was betting he wasn't going to pat down a woman.
I was right.
Legolas was after me, entreating the young man to care for the bow and arrows, "For they come from the Lady of the Golden Wood."
Hama looked almost fearful as he hastily set the bow and quiver against the wall, "No man shall touch them, that I promise you."
I'd forgotten that Aragorn was Heir to the Throne of Gondor. He was watching me and Legolas, as if wishing we hadn't given in so easily. "It is not for me to leave Anduril at the side of my road, whosoever commands it."
"It is the will of Theoden, the King here." Hama replied, looking troubled.
Something told me he didn't always agree with his King. Good lad.
"But should the will of the King of the Mark override that of Aragorn son of Arathorn, Elendil's Heir of Gondor?" Aragorn shook his head, hand on his sword-hilt.
"This is the house of Theoden, not of Aragorn, even were he king of Gondor in the seat of Denethor." Hama declared, moving in front of the door and pulling his sword out.
I could guess where this was going, and stepped forward, hand out. "Gentlemen. We're not here as enemies, we're here as friends."
"My Lady, I would set this sword aside were it any but Anduril."
"Aragorn," I turned to him, my hand on his arm, "I understand. But the Lord of the house has requested thus of us. I followed his command, as has Legolas." I tilted my head at Gimli, "As shall Gimli, I believe. My friend, we are not over matched, but let us not spend this day in haste."
He sighed and unbuckled the sword, setting it carefully next to Legolas' bow. "Guard and protect this. It is the sword that was broken and is now reforged."
Hama nodded, "I shall."
Gimli set his ax down next to Anduril, "With Anduril to keep it company, my ax shall feel no shame."
The next argument was over Gandalf's staff, and that was interrupted by a young woman appearing in the doorway.
"The Lord Theoden says to leave the wizard his staff and stop this fishmongering on his doorstep."
She was blonde, and would have been pretty if she hadn't looked so tired and grave. I saw her glance at Aragorn and give a start. I raised an eyebrow; yeah, he was a cupcake, but Gandalf was better. Or maybe her sudden interest was in Aragorn's proclaimed Kingshipness.
We fell in behind Gandalf; I naturally took the rearguard. He strode into the Hall, his personality seeping through the musty air before him. The place might have been nice, if there had been more light. Windows were obviously something the designers hadn't understood. Torches dotted the walls, but did little to relieve the gloom, and the doors really needed to be thrown open. The gym-socks smell was almost over-powering.
"Hail, Theoden son of Thengel! I have returned. For behold! The storm comes and now all friends should gather together, lest each singly be destroyed." Gandalf spread his arms grandly.
The young woman stood at the bottom of a set of stairs, at the midpoint crouched a man, and I knew him for something evil before he even turned a malevolent eye on Gandalf. At the top of the stairs, an old man sat in his throne, curled as if in pain and doubt.
Pity tugged at me, but I shoved it away, studying the lines of power that eddied in the air around him and the evil thing. Much had passed from him to his master, chilling the bone, turning his brain into a suspicious, paranoid mass, and his body into a lump of age and fatigue. Some slight spell had been cast, too. Perception being nine-tenths of reality, usually.
King Theoden not only believed himself incapable of being strong. He currently WAS incapable. The woven lies and web of weakness wrapped him deeply, and I studied it for a moment before slashing outwards, scything through it like a hot knife through butter. Sticky strands touched me as I unraveled them, and a momentary sense of weariness stole over me. I shook it off, and fought back, hands and arms at my side, mind doing the work.
I tuned back in to the real world to find Theoden denouncing Gandalf as a deceiver and bringer of evil tidings. Too much for me, really, I started to step forward, and found Aragorn holding my arm, his face grave. Shit. This was Gandalf's battle, much as I hated to admit it.
But I had been there. I was the messenger of Death and Fate. And oh, it hurt to let someone else carry that burden.
"Deceiver? I bring you the truth. It is this Wormtongue at your feet who would twist lies into the weft of life."
"Gandalf Stormcrow, yet again you bring suffering and anguish to this house," The one called Wormtongue straightened, glaring at Gandalf. "For even yesterday, young Eomer returned with news of your allies' travels; for his treachery, he has been imprisoned. And this morning, Theodred son of Theoden is struck down in the west."
"And you think it my fault?" Gandalf snorted, straightening his back and standing tall. There was suddenly a great sense of majesty about him, and I fought back a smile, proud. "I come to you in a time of need, Lord Theoden! And you hide behind this gibbering fool of an advisor!"
"I told you to remove his staff at the door. Hama has betrayed us all," Wormtongue squeaked.
"Silence! You have spoken your last poison in this house, Oh Wormtongue!" A crack of thunder echoed in the hall, and bright light spilled from the man I'd called my lover for the past several weeks. I winced. He was over-shooting the spell's size. Guessing it to be much larger than it was. Partially my fault for already beginning the unraveling process. And, partially because he expected it to be larger.
The light became too bright even for me to watch, and then it smashed at the web of lies and deceit. I sensed the backlash coming and headed it off, pulling the energy into my own shields and spells.
With another bang, the hall fell silent, and I opened my eyes, unsurprised to find Wormtongue flat on his face in front of us.
"Now, Lord Theoden, do you not wish to receive my counsel? For much is dark and woe, yet light still shines through in the darkest dawn." Gandalf snorted, "Too long have you sat in this twilight hall, awaiting your death. Arise, Lord of the Mark, and show the Dark Lord that not all of Rohan has become infested with darkness!"
Slowly, Theoden rose from his chair, and I sensed that he was confused, yet angry at suddenly understanding the Wormtongue and his purpose. The young woman came up to his side, and held his arm as he descended the steps.
Light started to echo into the hall, as if the long banishment had made it wary of intruding. We made our way back to the doors, and Gandalf knocked on them, crying for their open. Moments later, the King stood on his steps, gazing out into the sun-filled plains. "Come, Theoden, breath of the free air, and remember your heritage!"
The King released the woman's arm, and stepped down into the courtyard with Gandalf. As he did so, I saw his back straighten, years falling away. If I hadn't known how young the man really had been, this would have been shocking. I heard several onlookers gasp in surprise.
Hama was standing at my side, and I sidled closer, "Hey. You might want to release young Eomer from his prison, now that Wormie isn't in your Lord's head."
"My lady, I--"
I smiled, "I shall take full responsibility." My eyes darkened as I sensed that someone had finally noticed the breaking of Wormtongue's spells. "And it may not matter who does, in the days to come, for the darkness is coming. And your Lord shall need all the arms he has."
That seemed to satisfy him, and he slipped down the steps, intent on his mission. I turned towards the west, feeling along the broken spell-strands for that echo of startled rage I had sensed. But it was gone now, buried in other matters, and I sighed.
"You are... wise, I think."
"Am I?" I looked at the young woman, recognising the pride and sadness in her. She had stood by her King all these years, unable to halt the Wormtongue, yet unwilling to leave. The marks of long weariness were upon her, and I smiled, "My lady, I am Marya."
"I am Eowyn, daughter of the brother of Theoden, King of the Mark." She tried to answer my smile, something like hope in her eyes. "You have brought evil tidings, yet I see some good has come of it. My Lord no longer listens to the Grima of Ill advice."
"Yes, well... Gandalf the White does have that effect on people." For several minutes Gandalf engaged the king in soft discussion. I took the time to close my eyes and focus on the faraway sense that was Isengard. Evil lay there, and much pain. A flash of the future caught me, and I fought to not cry out as I saw my friends horribly struck down, their limbs hewed from their bodies before they fell into pits of fire.
I dragged myself from these images to find Eomer was returned from his cell. There was a muttered outcry from those around us, but Aragorn greeted the lad gladly, and I noted the resemblance between my current companion and Eomer. "Your brother?"
"Yes." She smiled. For an instant, her cares were gone, and I saw a lovely woman who would one day rule at the side of greatness. Then the vision faded, and she was merely blonde and weary again.
"My King shall forgive him his impertinence, I believe. Now that he is awake and aware, he must."
I hoped she was right. Below us the king watched the man approach, offering him his sword in allegiance. For a moment, the king seemed bent on refusing. Then he accepted the sword of Eomer, and then Aragorn's after. Gimli and Legolas chimed in. Gandalf chuckled at the display of fealty and proclaimed us well armed. I decided I wasn't ready to declare loyalty to anybody yet, though.
"You were right. I am glad, for we shall need him in the battles to come." A sense of darkness touched me, and I shivered, "And that shall be soon. My pardon, my lady, but I must speak." Turning to those gathered below us, I cried, "Hark! The shadow of Saruman is swiftly approaching!"
Gandalf tossed me an amused look, "The Lady Luthien is correct, my Lord. We need as many as can be mustered in four hours, then we must ride for Isengard."
"Actually, sweetie, I meant him." The company turned as one to behold the creature I held in one hand. Grima Wormtongue had skulked from the hall, probably intent on sneaking off. Bad idea, with me around.
I stood back and let them handle the disposition of the disgusting bastard. I was actually rather impressed with the King's mercy. For he allowed the man to live, even giving him a horse.
The next order of business was mustering those troops around Edoras. We were given four hours to do so, by Gandalf's request and Theoden's orders. I sensed that Gandalf was worried, and prodded him mentally. His reply was a mental smack. So I gave him a glare and went off to help Eowyn provision the troops.
An army marches on its stomach, they say. It's very true. Especially an army that is going to have to set in for a siege. At least, that's what my instincts were saying, and Eowyn confirmed them by mentioning something called Helm's Deep. I didn't press her for more details, since I felt that worrying her was needless. She might lose both brother and uncle over the next few days. She would need all the strength she had.
I found the Lady of Rohan to be extremely competent, if not somewhat proud. I did my best to amuse and lighten her disposition, for much darkness would hold the days ahead.
::Getting cryptic in your old age.::
::Shut up, horse.::
An hour before we were to leave it was decided that Eowyn would lead the remaining people of Edoras into the hills and thence to Dunharrow where they would be safe. I approved, since she needed something to do, and coming with us wasn't possible.
"To ensure their safe journey, the Lady Eowyn shall be accompanied by Marya Luthien." Gandalf added.
"Oh, like HELL." I snorted, "You lot are going to *need* me in the battles to come."
"The Lady Marya is quite impressive in battle." Legolas noted. I wasn't a lady, but it was nice to be dubbed one.
"'Twould be folly, when we need as many able to fight as possible." Aragorn pointed out.
"I cannot believe a woman--"
"Right." I interrupted Theoden. "Let's have a demonstration, shall we?" Gandalf and I would *talk* later. He had much to answer for, trying to leave me behind. Probably some belated chivalry shit. Right now, though, these people needed to understand my worth as a fighter.
::Your helm's not gonna fit.:: Alayna noted.
::Good thing I don't wear one.:: I replied. I held my arms out and waited. They all sort of stared at me, uncertainly. "Oh, c'mon, gentlemen. It can't be that hard. Raise a sword and try to hit me. Look, I'll even stand right here."
"You are unarmed." Someone called from the side. I didn't notice who it was.
"Oh. Right. Um, if someone could hand me a sword, or give me mine?" I'd sort of forgotten to retrieve it earlier, and it still leant against the wall of the Hall, my boot knives lay next to it. They say memory is the first thing to go when you reach old age.
"I'd be honoured if you would use mine, Lady." Hama held out his sword hilt first and I took it.
Nice balance on the blade and the few passes I made caused me to smile, "Right. Who's first?"
::No, no, What's on second?:: Alayna quipped.
Aragorn stepped forward, sword held at the ready. I let him engage me for a moment, then used a trick I'd been taught in the 15th century by a bullfighter in Spain. We ended up with his sword some distance away and mine at his throat. "Now. If this had been real battle, I wouldn't have bothered disarming you. I'd have just killed you."
"The Lady has made her point." Gandalf said wearily. "She shall join us."
"Smart man." I smiled at him, cheerfully. "I'd have just followed you anyway."
I was later to learn that Hama had taken the blame for bringing Eomer from the cells and had been settled as Eomer's lieutenant as a result. I didn't mind, but if the fate had been execution, that would have bothered me.
At the moment, though, it was time for those who had been able to prepare to leave. Riding like the wind towards Isengard. The king left orders for a mustering to arrive at Edoras in four day's time. This group would travel down to Gondor, and help the city of Minas Tirith in her endless toil against the evil in the East. I was all for that, but Saruman needed to be smacked down first.
The King mounted and rode to the head of the column, Gandalf at his side on Shadowfax. He turned to his people, and cried, "Arise now, arise, Riders of Theoden! Dire deeds awake, dark is it eastward. Let horse be bridled, let horn be sounded! Forth Eorlingas!"
"WESTU THEODEN HAI!" The troops responded, their banners waving in the breeze, their hearts and souls light and fierce.
And with that, we started off onto roads that would lead to death. And, possibly, sex.
::Gods... I thought you'd be sated by now.::
::Hell, no. That man has no idea how voracious I am.::
::Great.:: Alayna sighed, then brightened, ::Well, where he goes, so goes Shadowfax.::
::You're pregnant, remember?::
::No duh. Doesn't mean I'm dead.::
--
Gandalf had been dubbed the White Rider by Aragorn. Many of the troops picked up the title and called him that. I seemed to go by Lady Rainbow usually, until Alayna and I performed a few tricks to lighten the mood. Then I began hearing Green Rider, as my title. It was amusing, really. I'd picked up almost as many names as I had titles in one far away world.
Lady Rainbow. Marya Luthien. Green Rider. I could handle those. They were terms of respect and awe, and sometimes a little bit of hero-worship. Which hurt no one, since these people NEEDED something to give them hope.
And I was that. Sort of. Gandalf and Aragorn were less ethereal, I think. Because I was a woman, and a warrior, and a sorceress, I seemed to possess their minds and hearts.
I don't like doing that, often. Being worshipped is not good for the ego over time. Absolute power corrupts, even if you're only using it for good.
Many of the current troop were seasoned men who had fought border skirmishes over the years. A few were young men who had never been in any sort of battle. But the mix was good for our eventual success. I hoped. I worried as we rode that some might break and run, but something told me they all loved their plains, and would fight to the death to keep them free of evil.
When night closed on us, we rode until the moon left the sky. Then Theoden ordered a rest, and many simply cast themselves down where they stood, exhausted beyond all measure.
I spent the night walking the camp, restless to be on towards our destination. Gandalf watched me silently, and at times, I sensed he wanted to talk, but we didn't. It was frustrating, in a way. He'd tried to keep me in Edoras--or rather, Dunharrow. And I wondered if it had been for my own protection, or if he was afraid I would bring destruction upon us.
No sex, either.
Either way, it was enough to keep me awake and stalking the plains around us. I searched for solace, but knew it wouldn't be found this easily. There was more pain to come, and less to live for.
The last reason for not sleeping was the encroaching nightmares I would have. I could sense them on the edge of the night, waiting for me to sleep so they could prophesize the death of the people I held dear and the destruction of nations and freedom. I wasn't in the mood for ignoring them. And walking was better for the circulation.
Besides. If I had to, I could nap in the saddle.
::Just don't fall out of it.::
::Like I would.::
She didn't answer that, so I continued walking until dawn lit the sky, and the troops were ordered to march again.
The day went on as before, though we began to see signs of the darkness in Isengard as we rode. Legolas could see vast creatures doing things in the darkness which surrounded the fastness of the Isen. Toward evening, the sky was darker than it should have been. And a man awaited us far ahead, his weariness evident even at this distance.
He reported that the forces of Saruman had pushed them back across the Isen, costing many lives. And Erkenbrand had taken the remainder to Helm's Deep. I shivered. The name had echoed in my dreams long nights before. It was time to go there.
With an army of orcs and hillmen dogging our heels. I sensed them in the distance, marching like maggots across decaying meat.
::Alayna...:: I pondered, studying the columns, then looking back towards Isengard. The army was thundering towards us, near enough to catch us out in the open. If we ran, we'd make it, probably. With them on our heels, and no time to prepare for anything. Half a day's march, or more. We'd get there at night, have no time for rest, and have to fight...
She caught the way my mind was wandering and snorted, ::Good plan. I don't like it, but it's a good plan.::
::Yeah. Not too thrilled myself.:: She took us towards Gandalf, Aragorn and the others at the head of the company. "My King, I'm afraid that Alayna and I must part company with you."
"My Lady, why leave us now?" The King seemed to be surprised, and possibly hurt.
Gandalf was watching the north, almost distracted, but I let him. "My King, I was trained as a skirmisher long ago. As it is, we will make shelter only to turn with the dogs on our heels." I smiled grimly, "I can do much to harry their progress, so that time may be taken to prepare the Deep for war."
"Theoden, her counsel is wise. And, I, too, must depart. For Isengard, and what goes on there needs investigating." Gandalf pointed Shadowfax towards the north, a course which would take him straight through the advancing army. "I shall meet you at Helm's Deep ere I can."
"Go, then, the both of you."
I half-bowed, then nodded to Aragorn, "Keep them alive."
"My Lady."
Alayna and I turned, settling next to Gandalf and Shadowfax. "Shall we fly, my love?"
::Yes!::
"Indeed." Gandalf replied, studying me a moment, before sending his horse off with a soft nudge.
We followed, hooves moving swiftly over the turf as legs pounded in a fast gallop which whipped mane into face and tail behind as a banner.
Within the hour, we had neared the army, and I knew that my estimate had not only been right, but that it would have been wrong. Too short a time to make the Deep. I grabbed Gandalf's arm as we slowed, and turned him. "I love you, you old git. Don't do anything stupid."
His eyes lightened, and he smiled and leant over to kiss me. "Follow your own advice, Marya Luthien."
"I never do that. It might let someone get killed."
He snorted, then clucked to Shadowfax, and they were off, disappearing into the trees that covered the side of the road. I waited for several minutes, then dismounted and paced a line across the road. "This could be good enough."
::You're talking aloud again.::
"I know. Shush. I need absolute concentration."
::Riiight.::
I shot her an exasperated glance, then grabbed a tree branch and drew a line across the road. "Right. Let's see if I can remember how to do this."
With my eyes closed, I stood in the middle of the road, palms at chest-height hovering over the line I'd drawn. I visualised that line, building upon it layer by layer a tall barrier thick enough to stop arrows, yet just thin enough to let people through if they pushed together. I let it edge itself up until it was twice my height, then halted it. With another effort of will, I gathered the wall, weaving pain spells into it that would shock any running into it. Then I angled the edges into the trees for fifty yards to either side. The diagonal would herd any who attempted the woods back towards the center.
Carefully, I disengaged my hands from it, perspiration dotting my brow and soaking my back. It was easier and easier to do spells here, but it still wasn't as simple as they could have been.
Ahead of me on the road, the army had gotten much closer. Almost close enough to see me, but that might spoil my plans. With a curse I turned and vaulted onto Alayna's back, and we melted into the forest, traveling to the west of the army, then angling back to attack the flank with several quick surgical strikes.