Part 40.
A/N: This is it. The big showdown at Helm's Deep. Thanks to all reviewers, I love your comments and I find your reviews really useful. Now, on with the er, show..
The night deepened as Helm's Deep awaited the arrival of the rest of the Elves, and the Dwarf warriors.
Like many others Arwen stood high upon the Deeping Wall. She gazed out over the darkened landscape, watching, waiting for her kin to arrive.
At long last she saw the Elven lights rushing towards the gates. "Open!" She cried, "Open the Gates!"
Already the Men were prepared to do just that. The Great Gates were flung open and the approaching Elves and Dwarves ran inside.
Arwen hurried down the stair to the courtyard to greet her father and grandfather.
When he saw her Elrond shouted to her in Elvish. "They are coming, perhaps three leagues distant!" Aragorn close beside her, understood, and set about explaining to King Theoden what had been said.
"Lord of the Mark, King of the Rohirrim, Theoden, son of Thengel I present to you the Dwarf Lords Gloin, Bombur and Dori, and the Elven Lords Celeborn of Lothlorien, and Elrond Half-Elven of Rivendell." Arwen said to Theoden.
"Kind words for all the Lady Arwen has," Theoden began. "Beside hers, mine may seem a little rough, but I am proud to honor the alliances we once had with each of your peoples, and to re-forge our alliances as we battle side by side, facing the common threats of Mordor and Isenguard."
"Well spoken Lord of the Mark." Gloin greeted Theoden, "But we must prepare for battle, the army of Isenguard is in motion."
The leader conferred quickly, deciding where to assign the new troops. As before the influx of new soldiers spread feelings of confidence and cheer throughout the fortress.
All stood tall, weapons at the ready, waiting for the enemy to show its face.
The darkness was lit only by Arwen's Evenstar light, the lamps of the Elves and torches of burning wood.
Much of the battlement's lay in shadow, lights barely penetrating the darkness. Aragorn and her father stood at each side of her, all watching as the army of Isenguard made up of Orcs, Uruk-Hai and other foul creatures marched towards the gates. Even as the rain began to fall, all was silent, waiting.
"When the sun rises tomorrow this Middle Earth will be a different place, for better or for worse." Arwen said softly, looking out at the vast army.
"Be still, Arwen." Elrond said beside her. "Remember you are the light of our people. Show them your courage."
"The deeper the darkness the brighter the light." She murmured.
"Archers!" Came the call. "Nock your arrows!" Then there was a pause, the enemy raced towards the gates.
"Hold your fire!" Arwen stood tall, taking careful aim. As a show for all she whispered several words in Elvish and made her arrow glow like her skin.
"Release!" A volley of arrows shot towards the enemy taking out the front- runners of the first wave. Arwen was able to see where her arrow hit one of the Orcs, the force of it sending the arrow through the first Orc, and into a second one who was charging behind.
"Well shot, Lady of Imladris!" Someone called out.
More volleys of arrows were unleashed on the approaching army, cutting down the Orcs in swathes, which were then trampled by in-coming Orcs as the battle raged.
Far along the wall someone gave a shout. "Ladders! Ladders on the walls!"
At once battle tactics changed. Arwen drew her bow over her head, unsheathing Shalat at the same time. The bright Elven blade glowed blue in the dim light.
Beside Arwen she heard her father call out "Salcrist for Rivendell!"
In answer Aragorn cried "Anduril for the Dunedain!"
"Shalat for the stars of night and for the union of Helm's Deep!" Arwen cried, her mind and body consumed by the intense energy of the battle. "Shalat for Rivendell!"
As they fought with the Orcs who braved the ladders to try and breach the high walls Arwen heard Aragorn call out to Legolas, "Bring him down! Bring him down!" He gestured furiously to an Uruk-Hai who raced towards the wall carrying a spitting, hissing torch. Swiftly Arwen finished with the Orc she was fighting, and in one motion sheathed Shalat and took up her bow once more. To her kin she cried, "Take out the flaming messenger!"
She, like Legolas unleashed several arrows, none of them bringing the Orc down.
Before anyone could nock another arrow the messenger dived at the bottom of the wall. Seconds later an explosion rocked the earth, sending Arwen and Aragorn flying helplessly towards the ground.
They hit the earth hard and lay for a moment, stunned. Above them the pair heard Gimli and Legolas call out. Aragorn dragged himself to his feet, pulling Arwen to hers. Together they drew swords and rushed at the onslaught of Orcs.
Both braced themselves for the impact, and for bare moments all that could be felt was flesh hitting flesh. Arwen swung Shalat in wide arcs, the keen Elvish blade slicing through Orc armor and Orc flesh.
Beside her she could hear Aragorn calling something, but for some reason she could not understand what he was saying.
Arwen felt an Orc fall behind her, and turned to look. An Uruk-Hai lay with several Elven arrows in it's back. High on the wall Celeborn, Legolas and Haldir waved. She nodded to them and focused her attention back on the battle.
Not far from where she stood Aragorn fought, Orcs flying everywhere.
Gritting her teeth as an Orc slashed her arm and cheek with a blade, she slashed back felling the Orc as she felt blood drip down over her face.
Above her she could hear the whistle of arrows as the archers fired once more on the enemy, all carefully avoiding her and Aragorn.
The Orcs began to grow thicker as more and more of them rushed towards the ailing fortress. From high on the wall Gimli shouted something, but in the heat of battle it was unintelligible.
She spared a glance up at the top of the wall and saw Gimli leap from the wall, down onto the ground, rolling as he landed. He grunted and swung his ax decapitating several unsuspecting Orcs that milled around him, he raced forward at more unsuspecting Orcs finding himself chest deep in water.
Arwen began to fight her way over to him, knowing that they would be safer together.
As she swung Shalat at another Orc who stood in her way she called to Aragorn, "Over to Gimli! Aragorn!" He turned his head to her and watched as she gestured wildly with her free hand pointing in Gimli's general direction. Seeing Gimli floundering about in the water he nodded, understanding what she meant. Anduril flashed in the dim light cutting down the Orcs that stood between him and Gimli. Together they raced for the water dragging Gimli out with them, leaving both Arwen and Aragorn unable to use their swords.
Arrows whistled around them and Arwen smiled as she looked up to see Legolas sliding down a flight of stairs on an up-turned shield firing all the time, picking off the Orcs near them. Legolas darted over to them, unhindered by a sword, but using his bow and arrows just effectively.
Together the four stood tall, drawing their weapons once more pressing the Orcs back away from the fallen wall. High above them a call sounded loudly, yet unintelligible to the four. They continued to fight, cutting down the enemy in swathes. Then Arwen felt her father project a thought into her mind. Pull back, Arwen! The order is to pull back!* Her sword strokes barely faltered as she called the order out to the others, at the same time projecting it into their minds.
As one the four pulled back, using only defensive tactics. Above them Elrond and the archers of Rivendell covered their retreat.
Finally they were able to turn and run into the safety of the Keep.
Theoden met them there, along with Elrond and Dori. Elrond wrapped his arms around Arwen, before urging her to sit while he tended to her wounds. She was amazed at the amount of blood her father cleaned off her, before smoothing healing balms over the broken skin, wincing only as he pressed clean linen bandages over the wounds to help keep them clean. She nodded her thanks, listening all of the time to Aragorn and Theoden.
At the doors Uruks protected by their broad shields, each emblazoned with the White Hand of Isenguard, smashed into the doors with tree trunks that could have come from truly great trees.
"Is there any way for the women and children to get out of the caves?" Aragorn asked.
Slowly one of Theoden's commanders nodded. "There is a small passage, it will take the people high into the mountains."
"Give the order to them to leave Helm's Deep." Aragorn urged. "Have the great horn sound once more from the Deep and ride out with me. For your people. For Rohan."
"They will be safe in the caves. Helm's Deep has never fallen to the enemy." Theoden insisted.
"Saruman's army had been bred for a single purpose, Theoden King. It was bred to rid the world of men. If you do not get the woman and children out of the caves the Rohirrim will fall. Your people will cease to exist." Aragorn told him. "You cannot afford to delay."
"What can I do?" Theoden asked, "If I give the order, they will need time to get away from Helm's Deep."
"Ride out and meet them, head on." Aragorn urged Theoden. "Lead them away from your women and children." "How can I lead them?" Theoden asked, "I am needed here in battle."
"Eowyn will lead them." Arwen told him firmly. "She is a Shield Maiden of Rohan, and your own kin. Your people love and trust her as they do you. Let them go, and let Eowyn lead them."
Aragorn nodded. "Arwen is right. Eowyn must lead the people."
"I have no other choice." Theoden told them, giving the order to one of the commanders.
"Come then." Aragorn told him. "Let this be the hour when we draw swords together!"
Moments later they mounted up. The horses, sensing the tension in the air tossed their heads and danced on their hooves. Arwen subdued Nallahir with just a few quiet words. "Come my friend, we have a journey to take together." At once the horse calmed and stood ready.
Swords drawn, battle cries almost deafening, the last hope for Helm's Deep rode out strongly, crashing through the already splintered doors, cutting down Orcs where they stood, then trampling them underfoot, mowing them down in droves. As they reached the bottom of the rise, the sun began its daily ascent into the sky. Gandalf's words rang in Arwen's ears, "On the fifth day, at dawn look to the East."
She turned to look towards the mountains. High on the ridge Gandalf and Shadowfax were silhouetted against the dawn. Close behind him rose Eomer and his men, the men of Rohan.
"Mithrandir! Behold the White Rider!" She cried. Arwen threw up her sword arm and gave a cheer, welcoming the newcomers to the battle.
"Mithrandir! Mithrandir!" Legolas shouted, in unison with Aragorn's shout of "Gandalf is come again!"
The King halted to raise his arm in salute, as did the other men riding with them. Nallahir rose on his hind legs before shooting forward with the other horses, while their riders cut the Orcs down with new found vigor.
Gandalf and Shadowfax verily flew down the slope, crashing into Orcs as they did, smiting their ruin on the ridge. At last the majority of the Orc army was slaughtered, their remains littering the battlefield, while the survivors ran for the hills, Eomer's men only too happy to give chase.
A cheer went up. "Victory at Helm's Deep." Theoden cried. "Victory for all!"
Part 41.
All of the leaders and representatives of their people gathered on the still green grass beside the Deeping Stream. "Thanks from Rohan to all of her allies!" Eomer shouted, raising his sword to them in salute.
Arwen stood in between her father and grandfather, listening to all of the talk which babbled on around them.
Suddenly Gandalf's voice rose above all. "I must travel now to Isenguard. Who travels with me?"
Aragorn raised his sword, calling his alliance. Gimli and Legolas called their alliance as well.
Arwen stood tall, well protected by Elrond and Celeborn. "I would travel to Isenguard." All turned to face her. "I have done my best in the battle for Helm's Deep, but the war for Middle Earth is not yet over. I much desire to travel to Isenguard, for there is much there I must see."
To everyone's surprise Theoden bowed to her, before he spoke. "All of Rohan will soon know your name, Lady Arwen Undomiel of Imladris and Lothlorien. Your actions, re-forging old alliances will not go unnoticed. I am counseled to ride to Isenguard, and I would be honored to have a Lady such as you ride at my side." Eomer also made the decision to ride to Isenguard with his King, selecting twenty good men to ride with them.
Once more Elrond was forced to bid his daughter good bye as she prepared to ride for Isenguard with her companions. "My daughter, you know that the only thing I ask of you is that you come home safely to me. I now return to fair Rivendell to await you arrival home."
"Father I await the day that I return home to you, and to far off Rivendell. It is coming, let the war be over, then within days I shall come home to you. But know that my heart is still bound to this Middle Earth, and to all that dwell here." Arwen told him softly. "I will return to you."
Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli approached them, already mounted on their horses. Gimli once more riding with Legolas. "Lady, Gandalf wishes to depart. Are you ready?" Aragorn asked her, not wanting to interrupt their good byes.
"Let me fetch Nallahir and the falcons." Arwen told him, walking away to the tree where she had tethered Nallahir, both falcons, silver and white perched upon his saddle.
"Watch over her, Aragorn." Elrond told him. "I do not think she sees the dangers in her choices."
Aragorn nodded. "You do not even have to ask." He watched as Arwen mounted and rode over to them.
"I am ready." She told them. For a moment she turned to her father. "I will send word with Illya. Do not fear for me." With those words she rode away, not looking back at him.
"Wave to your father at least." Legolas chided her, drawing Arod level with Nallahir.
Arwen lowed her face. "I cannot. If I turn and see him once more I will not be able to go." She looked over at him, biting her lip, tears sparkling in her unearthly blue eyes.
"You will see him one day soon." Aragorn reassured her.
She nodded, dropping her reins to brush the tears from her eyes. "Let's keep riding. I will be all right." Nallahir walked unguided, while Elessar the falcon hovered over Arwen to land on her shoulder, rubbing his head in her cheek. She reached up to stroke his soft silver feathers.
"Come now!" Gandalf shouted to all as the riders assembled. "To Isenguard!"
They followed his lead, riding for hours. Arwen recognized much of the country, for she had taken a similar road on her journey to Lothlorien.
Through the Gap of Rohan, and over the Fords of Isen. All were surprised at the Fords, for instead of a heavy flow of water there was but a bare trickle, leaving the river bed shallow enough to ride across.
As they moved away from the Fords, nearer to Isenguard the country changed dramatically. The trees became sparse, with none of the magnificent trees Arwen had once seen on coming to Isenguard with her father to consult with Saruman.
Telltale signs of their disappearance lay as enormous depressions in the ground where once the mighty trees had gripped the earth, holding firm and standing tall. Once more Arwen averted her eyes from the others, not wanting them to see the pain caused by the destruction of the old giants.
That night they camped there, in one of the great depressions.
Arwen herself did not sleep, overtaken with unease. Instead she gazed up at the stars, with Gandalf at her side. For many hours Theoden sat with them too, listening intently as Arwen told him the stories of the stars above.
In the darkest reaches of the night, the men of Rohan woke, many crying out. The moon disappeared, and over the ground crept a black shadow, blacker than the night itself.
Gandalf bade everyone remain where they were, and not to draw arms.
Arwen sat beside him, as still as a statue until the shadow passed. Then she said a prayer in Elvish, to ward off the Evil Eye, making the sign at the same time.
The party slept no more that night, even though it passed quietly, the only other strange occurrence being the release of the River Isen, which flowed once more in its bed as it had ever done in the past.
The next morning the sun rose sending pale light over the land, obscured by the silvery gray mist which filled the air. The party rode out early, eager to get to Isenguard.
On the way they passed through Nan Curunir, the Wizards Vale, which instead of being filled with green grass was filled with sparse brown grass. The Isen flowed once more through the vale though, since its release the night before.
A/N: This is it. The big showdown at Helm's Deep. Thanks to all reviewers, I love your comments and I find your reviews really useful. Now, on with the er, show..
The night deepened as Helm's Deep awaited the arrival of the rest of the Elves, and the Dwarf warriors.
Like many others Arwen stood high upon the Deeping Wall. She gazed out over the darkened landscape, watching, waiting for her kin to arrive.
At long last she saw the Elven lights rushing towards the gates. "Open!" She cried, "Open the Gates!"
Already the Men were prepared to do just that. The Great Gates were flung open and the approaching Elves and Dwarves ran inside.
Arwen hurried down the stair to the courtyard to greet her father and grandfather.
When he saw her Elrond shouted to her in Elvish. "They are coming, perhaps three leagues distant!" Aragorn close beside her, understood, and set about explaining to King Theoden what had been said.
"Lord of the Mark, King of the Rohirrim, Theoden, son of Thengel I present to you the Dwarf Lords Gloin, Bombur and Dori, and the Elven Lords Celeborn of Lothlorien, and Elrond Half-Elven of Rivendell." Arwen said to Theoden.
"Kind words for all the Lady Arwen has," Theoden began. "Beside hers, mine may seem a little rough, but I am proud to honor the alliances we once had with each of your peoples, and to re-forge our alliances as we battle side by side, facing the common threats of Mordor and Isenguard."
"Well spoken Lord of the Mark." Gloin greeted Theoden, "But we must prepare for battle, the army of Isenguard is in motion."
The leader conferred quickly, deciding where to assign the new troops. As before the influx of new soldiers spread feelings of confidence and cheer throughout the fortress.
All stood tall, weapons at the ready, waiting for the enemy to show its face.
The darkness was lit only by Arwen's Evenstar light, the lamps of the Elves and torches of burning wood.
Much of the battlement's lay in shadow, lights barely penetrating the darkness. Aragorn and her father stood at each side of her, all watching as the army of Isenguard made up of Orcs, Uruk-Hai and other foul creatures marched towards the gates. Even as the rain began to fall, all was silent, waiting.
"When the sun rises tomorrow this Middle Earth will be a different place, for better or for worse." Arwen said softly, looking out at the vast army.
"Be still, Arwen." Elrond said beside her. "Remember you are the light of our people. Show them your courage."
"The deeper the darkness the brighter the light." She murmured.
"Archers!" Came the call. "Nock your arrows!" Then there was a pause, the enemy raced towards the gates.
"Hold your fire!" Arwen stood tall, taking careful aim. As a show for all she whispered several words in Elvish and made her arrow glow like her skin.
"Release!" A volley of arrows shot towards the enemy taking out the front- runners of the first wave. Arwen was able to see where her arrow hit one of the Orcs, the force of it sending the arrow through the first Orc, and into a second one who was charging behind.
"Well shot, Lady of Imladris!" Someone called out.
More volleys of arrows were unleashed on the approaching army, cutting down the Orcs in swathes, which were then trampled by in-coming Orcs as the battle raged.
Far along the wall someone gave a shout. "Ladders! Ladders on the walls!"
At once battle tactics changed. Arwen drew her bow over her head, unsheathing Shalat at the same time. The bright Elven blade glowed blue in the dim light.
Beside Arwen she heard her father call out "Salcrist for Rivendell!"
In answer Aragorn cried "Anduril for the Dunedain!"
"Shalat for the stars of night and for the union of Helm's Deep!" Arwen cried, her mind and body consumed by the intense energy of the battle. "Shalat for Rivendell!"
As they fought with the Orcs who braved the ladders to try and breach the high walls Arwen heard Aragorn call out to Legolas, "Bring him down! Bring him down!" He gestured furiously to an Uruk-Hai who raced towards the wall carrying a spitting, hissing torch. Swiftly Arwen finished with the Orc she was fighting, and in one motion sheathed Shalat and took up her bow once more. To her kin she cried, "Take out the flaming messenger!"
She, like Legolas unleashed several arrows, none of them bringing the Orc down.
Before anyone could nock another arrow the messenger dived at the bottom of the wall. Seconds later an explosion rocked the earth, sending Arwen and Aragorn flying helplessly towards the ground.
They hit the earth hard and lay for a moment, stunned. Above them the pair heard Gimli and Legolas call out. Aragorn dragged himself to his feet, pulling Arwen to hers. Together they drew swords and rushed at the onslaught of Orcs.
Both braced themselves for the impact, and for bare moments all that could be felt was flesh hitting flesh. Arwen swung Shalat in wide arcs, the keen Elvish blade slicing through Orc armor and Orc flesh.
Beside her she could hear Aragorn calling something, but for some reason she could not understand what he was saying.
Arwen felt an Orc fall behind her, and turned to look. An Uruk-Hai lay with several Elven arrows in it's back. High on the wall Celeborn, Legolas and Haldir waved. She nodded to them and focused her attention back on the battle.
Not far from where she stood Aragorn fought, Orcs flying everywhere.
Gritting her teeth as an Orc slashed her arm and cheek with a blade, she slashed back felling the Orc as she felt blood drip down over her face.
Above her she could hear the whistle of arrows as the archers fired once more on the enemy, all carefully avoiding her and Aragorn.
The Orcs began to grow thicker as more and more of them rushed towards the ailing fortress. From high on the wall Gimli shouted something, but in the heat of battle it was unintelligible.
She spared a glance up at the top of the wall and saw Gimli leap from the wall, down onto the ground, rolling as he landed. He grunted and swung his ax decapitating several unsuspecting Orcs that milled around him, he raced forward at more unsuspecting Orcs finding himself chest deep in water.
Arwen began to fight her way over to him, knowing that they would be safer together.
As she swung Shalat at another Orc who stood in her way she called to Aragorn, "Over to Gimli! Aragorn!" He turned his head to her and watched as she gestured wildly with her free hand pointing in Gimli's general direction. Seeing Gimli floundering about in the water he nodded, understanding what she meant. Anduril flashed in the dim light cutting down the Orcs that stood between him and Gimli. Together they raced for the water dragging Gimli out with them, leaving both Arwen and Aragorn unable to use their swords.
Arrows whistled around them and Arwen smiled as she looked up to see Legolas sliding down a flight of stairs on an up-turned shield firing all the time, picking off the Orcs near them. Legolas darted over to them, unhindered by a sword, but using his bow and arrows just effectively.
Together the four stood tall, drawing their weapons once more pressing the Orcs back away from the fallen wall. High above them a call sounded loudly, yet unintelligible to the four. They continued to fight, cutting down the enemy in swathes. Then Arwen felt her father project a thought into her mind. Pull back, Arwen! The order is to pull back!* Her sword strokes barely faltered as she called the order out to the others, at the same time projecting it into their minds.
As one the four pulled back, using only defensive tactics. Above them Elrond and the archers of Rivendell covered their retreat.
Finally they were able to turn and run into the safety of the Keep.
Theoden met them there, along with Elrond and Dori. Elrond wrapped his arms around Arwen, before urging her to sit while he tended to her wounds. She was amazed at the amount of blood her father cleaned off her, before smoothing healing balms over the broken skin, wincing only as he pressed clean linen bandages over the wounds to help keep them clean. She nodded her thanks, listening all of the time to Aragorn and Theoden.
At the doors Uruks protected by their broad shields, each emblazoned with the White Hand of Isenguard, smashed into the doors with tree trunks that could have come from truly great trees.
"Is there any way for the women and children to get out of the caves?" Aragorn asked.
Slowly one of Theoden's commanders nodded. "There is a small passage, it will take the people high into the mountains."
"Give the order to them to leave Helm's Deep." Aragorn urged. "Have the great horn sound once more from the Deep and ride out with me. For your people. For Rohan."
"They will be safe in the caves. Helm's Deep has never fallen to the enemy." Theoden insisted.
"Saruman's army had been bred for a single purpose, Theoden King. It was bred to rid the world of men. If you do not get the woman and children out of the caves the Rohirrim will fall. Your people will cease to exist." Aragorn told him. "You cannot afford to delay."
"What can I do?" Theoden asked, "If I give the order, they will need time to get away from Helm's Deep."
"Ride out and meet them, head on." Aragorn urged Theoden. "Lead them away from your women and children." "How can I lead them?" Theoden asked, "I am needed here in battle."
"Eowyn will lead them." Arwen told him firmly. "She is a Shield Maiden of Rohan, and your own kin. Your people love and trust her as they do you. Let them go, and let Eowyn lead them."
Aragorn nodded. "Arwen is right. Eowyn must lead the people."
"I have no other choice." Theoden told them, giving the order to one of the commanders.
"Come then." Aragorn told him. "Let this be the hour when we draw swords together!"
Moments later they mounted up. The horses, sensing the tension in the air tossed their heads and danced on their hooves. Arwen subdued Nallahir with just a few quiet words. "Come my friend, we have a journey to take together." At once the horse calmed and stood ready.
Swords drawn, battle cries almost deafening, the last hope for Helm's Deep rode out strongly, crashing through the already splintered doors, cutting down Orcs where they stood, then trampling them underfoot, mowing them down in droves. As they reached the bottom of the rise, the sun began its daily ascent into the sky. Gandalf's words rang in Arwen's ears, "On the fifth day, at dawn look to the East."
She turned to look towards the mountains. High on the ridge Gandalf and Shadowfax were silhouetted against the dawn. Close behind him rose Eomer and his men, the men of Rohan.
"Mithrandir! Behold the White Rider!" She cried. Arwen threw up her sword arm and gave a cheer, welcoming the newcomers to the battle.
"Mithrandir! Mithrandir!" Legolas shouted, in unison with Aragorn's shout of "Gandalf is come again!"
The King halted to raise his arm in salute, as did the other men riding with them. Nallahir rose on his hind legs before shooting forward with the other horses, while their riders cut the Orcs down with new found vigor.
Gandalf and Shadowfax verily flew down the slope, crashing into Orcs as they did, smiting their ruin on the ridge. At last the majority of the Orc army was slaughtered, their remains littering the battlefield, while the survivors ran for the hills, Eomer's men only too happy to give chase.
A cheer went up. "Victory at Helm's Deep." Theoden cried. "Victory for all!"
Part 41.
All of the leaders and representatives of their people gathered on the still green grass beside the Deeping Stream. "Thanks from Rohan to all of her allies!" Eomer shouted, raising his sword to them in salute.
Arwen stood in between her father and grandfather, listening to all of the talk which babbled on around them.
Suddenly Gandalf's voice rose above all. "I must travel now to Isenguard. Who travels with me?"
Aragorn raised his sword, calling his alliance. Gimli and Legolas called their alliance as well.
Arwen stood tall, well protected by Elrond and Celeborn. "I would travel to Isenguard." All turned to face her. "I have done my best in the battle for Helm's Deep, but the war for Middle Earth is not yet over. I much desire to travel to Isenguard, for there is much there I must see."
To everyone's surprise Theoden bowed to her, before he spoke. "All of Rohan will soon know your name, Lady Arwen Undomiel of Imladris and Lothlorien. Your actions, re-forging old alliances will not go unnoticed. I am counseled to ride to Isenguard, and I would be honored to have a Lady such as you ride at my side." Eomer also made the decision to ride to Isenguard with his King, selecting twenty good men to ride with them.
Once more Elrond was forced to bid his daughter good bye as she prepared to ride for Isenguard with her companions. "My daughter, you know that the only thing I ask of you is that you come home safely to me. I now return to fair Rivendell to await you arrival home."
"Father I await the day that I return home to you, and to far off Rivendell. It is coming, let the war be over, then within days I shall come home to you. But know that my heart is still bound to this Middle Earth, and to all that dwell here." Arwen told him softly. "I will return to you."
Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli approached them, already mounted on their horses. Gimli once more riding with Legolas. "Lady, Gandalf wishes to depart. Are you ready?" Aragorn asked her, not wanting to interrupt their good byes.
"Let me fetch Nallahir and the falcons." Arwen told him, walking away to the tree where she had tethered Nallahir, both falcons, silver and white perched upon his saddle.
"Watch over her, Aragorn." Elrond told him. "I do not think she sees the dangers in her choices."
Aragorn nodded. "You do not even have to ask." He watched as Arwen mounted and rode over to them.
"I am ready." She told them. For a moment she turned to her father. "I will send word with Illya. Do not fear for me." With those words she rode away, not looking back at him.
"Wave to your father at least." Legolas chided her, drawing Arod level with Nallahir.
Arwen lowed her face. "I cannot. If I turn and see him once more I will not be able to go." She looked over at him, biting her lip, tears sparkling in her unearthly blue eyes.
"You will see him one day soon." Aragorn reassured her.
She nodded, dropping her reins to brush the tears from her eyes. "Let's keep riding. I will be all right." Nallahir walked unguided, while Elessar the falcon hovered over Arwen to land on her shoulder, rubbing his head in her cheek. She reached up to stroke his soft silver feathers.
"Come now!" Gandalf shouted to all as the riders assembled. "To Isenguard!"
They followed his lead, riding for hours. Arwen recognized much of the country, for she had taken a similar road on her journey to Lothlorien.
Through the Gap of Rohan, and over the Fords of Isen. All were surprised at the Fords, for instead of a heavy flow of water there was but a bare trickle, leaving the river bed shallow enough to ride across.
As they moved away from the Fords, nearer to Isenguard the country changed dramatically. The trees became sparse, with none of the magnificent trees Arwen had once seen on coming to Isenguard with her father to consult with Saruman.
Telltale signs of their disappearance lay as enormous depressions in the ground where once the mighty trees had gripped the earth, holding firm and standing tall. Once more Arwen averted her eyes from the others, not wanting them to see the pain caused by the destruction of the old giants.
That night they camped there, in one of the great depressions.
Arwen herself did not sleep, overtaken with unease. Instead she gazed up at the stars, with Gandalf at her side. For many hours Theoden sat with them too, listening intently as Arwen told him the stories of the stars above.
In the darkest reaches of the night, the men of Rohan woke, many crying out. The moon disappeared, and over the ground crept a black shadow, blacker than the night itself.
Gandalf bade everyone remain where they were, and not to draw arms.
Arwen sat beside him, as still as a statue until the shadow passed. Then she said a prayer in Elvish, to ward off the Evil Eye, making the sign at the same time.
The party slept no more that night, even though it passed quietly, the only other strange occurrence being the release of the River Isen, which flowed once more in its bed as it had ever done in the past.
The next morning the sun rose sending pale light over the land, obscured by the silvery gray mist which filled the air. The party rode out early, eager to get to Isenguard.
On the way they passed through Nan Curunir, the Wizards Vale, which instead of being filled with green grass was filled with sparse brown grass. The Isen flowed once more through the vale though, since its release the night before.