AN:

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Cheysuli . . . . Quidditch-playa-lover . . . . . the bountyhunter. . . . Star-stallion . . . . Phoenixqueen . . . Philomena . . . . . and StarKnight

Chapter 17: Journey to Helms Deep

' How is she Saeth? '

' She is fine Mithrandir . . . the Dark Lord had called for her, but she refused him '

' The Dark Lord is preparing to attack, we too must be prepared. Where is she now Saeth? '

' She is back in Valinor Mithrandir. And you are correct in your assumption, for armies are now marching into Mordor as we speak '

' The darkness is growing and she will have to face it eventually '

Looking at Gandalf, Saeth nodded ' I know! '

Turning his head as if someone had called his name, Saeth announced ' Frodo and Sam need me! '

' Go then and see to their safety. Meet us at Edoras in Meduseld for I have word to bring to Theoden king '

' I understand ' Saeth replied before he teleported to Frodo and Sam

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Entering Edoras, the group was shocked to see that they could only see a handful of men about, most of the population was women and children. This place was in danger of falling under the power of Sauron or Saruman for it cannot defend itself. Upon reaching the entrance of Medulsed, they were stopped by a soldier. They were then ordered to leave their weapons at the door, under the orders of Wormtongue. Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas did not want to leave their precious weapons behind but Gandalf signaled them to do so. With heavy hearts the three left their weapons. Gandalf too was told to leave his staff.

' Would you deny an old man his walking stick? ' Gandalf asked the soldier and he leaned onto his staff to show that he needed it for support.

Looking at Gandalf's stooped posture leaning heavily onto the staff and Legolas who had offered his arm for added support, the guard replied.

' I see no harm if you bring in your staff old man, you may enter. '

Smiling, Gandalf said his thanks and slowly went in with the support of Legolas. Gandalf has happy for the guard had bought his act.

Reaching the throne room, Gandalf saw Theoden but what he saw was not the same Theoden he knew. This Theoden was a very old sickly man slumped on his throne, the Theoden he knew was a healthy middle-aged man full of confidence and authority. Beside Theoden was a seated scowling Wormtongue. It was Wormtongue, who had pledged his allegiance to Saruman, who corrupted Theoden by casting a spell on him and telling him lies. And it was also because of him why Eomer and the men of Rohan left Edoras.

' Why have you come, Gandalf the grey? ' asked Wormtongue

' You are no longer welcome here! ' he added

' My business is with Theoden king of Rohan and not with you Wormtongue ' replied Gandlaf

' Theoden does not wish to speak with you, leave now! ' said Wormtongue

But Gandalf broke Wormtongue's hold on the king and was now banished form Rohan. Presently everyone was getting ready to go to Helms deep, the last stronghold of Rohan. Gandalf had left earlier to find Eomer and the riders of Rohan to get their help in defending the people.

The journey to helm's deep was slow for there were plenty of women and children among them. All seemed well for no danger was in sight. So they all thought, but Saruman knew of their plans to go to Helm's deep for his spies had told him. He had already sent out a small group of Orcs and goblins to stop them.

Two riders were out front to make sure that the path was clear, Legolas was behind them on foot. He made his way on top of big rocks, stopping once in a while to gaze at the plains afar. Meanwhile at the middle of the caravan was Gimli talking with Eowyn who was now presently laughing hard.

' People say that there were no dwarf women but I say to you now there are. The thing is that they could not easily be perceived by many ' Gimli said

' Why is that so master dwarf? ' Eowyn asked

' It is because . . . ' Gimli started to talk

It so happens that Eowyn took a glance at Aragorn. He then made a gesture to his chin, forming a beard. It was then that Eowyn realized that the female dwarf was not easily distinguished from the males because they too have beard. When Aragorn saw that Eowyn stated to laugh, he smiled and moved forward ahead while trying to contain his laughter. Not long after the Orcs ambushed the two scouts and another battle erupted. As the women and children hurriedly made their way to Helms deep, the men stayed behind to fight. It was a difficult battle for the beasts the goblins rode were hard to kill. Everyone was fighting hard including Saeth, He was aiding Gimli when Aragorn fell into the ravine. Grief struck the people left standing after the fight, but there was no time to properly grieve for Aragorn's death for they had to continue on to Helms deep. The people there need them.

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Aragorn was fortunate enough to survive the fall. As he made his way to Helm's deep, he took notice of Saruman's army marching towards his destination.

Meanwhile at helm's deep, everyone was preparing to defend the fort. Sadness was in the air for all grieve the loss of the king of Gondor. But even though they all felt the same, everyone tried their best to contain it and work hard. Women and children where evacuated into caves with the food supplies, while the men started barricading the doors. As nightfall came a rider was seen approaching the gate with great speed. It was Aragorn. Everyone cheered, when he rode into the fort but this was quickly replaced with fear and worry when he announced that he saw a great army heading their way.

Because only a few able young men were available, young boys and old men were called to fight. Tension filled atmosphere dominated the whole fort as time moved on. It was in the armory that emotions were revealed.

' We will surely fail! How can an army of boys and old men defeat a great army of Orcs? This is useless ' Legolas spat out in elvish as he looked on to the young boys being given swords and armors.

' Have faith Legolas! ' Aragorn replied in elvish

Gimli looked from Legolas to Aragorn as the whole room went quiet. Legolas looked upset and Aragorn angry. A heated argument seemed to be brewing, but what both were saying could not be understood. After a few exchanges of words, Legolas stormed out of the room. Looking at Gimli and smiling, Aragorn patted him on the shoulder then left the room.

Outside, Aragorn saw a young boy holding his word with difficulty. After showing the boy some moves, Legolas approached Aragorn.

' Amin hiraetha (I am sorry) . . . I should not have said those words. These people are fine warriors. '

' I understand why you said those words Legolas, I too ask forgiveness for the words I also said '

Shaking hands then hugging each other, Legolas and Aragorn settled their differences as Gimli looked on with a smile. Then drum-like sounds were heard outside the walls. Looking out they saw a small army of Lorien elves marching towards them, at front was Haldir. The small army of elves was composed of Lorien's finest archers and the mood of the people lifted. As everybody positioned himself, they waited and looked on as the vast Orc army approached. Rain started to fall and lightning strike . . . . . the battle was about to begin.