A.N.
So sorry for the delay..... Got busy with work. But im happy to announce that I already finished the chapters will be posting all the chapters before Thursday. Please, Please, Please review!!!!!
Chapter 25: CHANGING SIDES
The next two days of their journey was uneventful. Lenea had tried her best at keeping her distance without being obvious. She would volunteer to scout ahead citing her capability of being invisible as a great advantage. And the excuse she made was reasonable enough that Aragorn agreed for her to do it. Lenae was extremely lucky for no one saw through her excuses not even the ever-watchful Legolas.
On the third night since leaving the pass, Aragorn called a meeting. Since they were already near Minas Tirith, they should have at least some sort of battle plan ready. At first Lenae declined in attending, she reasoned that she had some scouting to do but Aragorn had insisted that she join them. He had informed her that her presence is important because she had an important role to play. Knowing that there is nothing she could do to change Aragorn's mind, she reluctantly agreed,
' We are gathered here tonight to formulate our battle plans. ' Aragorn started.
' Since we have two elves amongst us, we should make use of their abilities. Legolas and Lenae! Both of you would scout ahead of the group and use your elven eyes to assess the situation at Minas Tirith then report back immediately. ' Ordered Aragorn while facing the two elves.
' If both of them bring back good news that everything is clear, all of us will ride hard and fast into the city. But if not, we should then be ready to fight our way into it. '
Placing a map on a makeshift table, Aragorn called everyone to gather around him.
' I suggest we go through Stonewain Valley, the mountains would be able to provide us with both cover and lookout. If all were not well Legolas, Lenae and our archers would proceed to this mountain to provide us with long range defense. ' Aragorn spoke while pointing to a mountain situated beside Minas Tirith.
' The rest of us will be divided into two groups, the first group to be led by Master Gimli would enter the city through the east side while I lead the other through the west. After all of your arrows are spent, Legolas! Lead your men straight into the city. '
Receiving nods of approval from the men, Aragorn then faced Lenae.
' I know your ability to transfer from one place to another in an instant, I saw you use it at Helm's Deep. Can I count on your help with keeping the groups informed and helping in the fight? ' He seriously asked her.
' Yes! ' She instantly replied.
' And one more thing, I know this is too much to ask of you but I must for the sake of the men. If worse comes to worse can Gwanath aid us in the battle? '
Lenae was speechless; she did not expect Aragorn to ask this from her. Looking around she saw the expectant faces of the men. They looked at her with eyes pleading her to say yes. Lenae closed her eyes to think. They all think that being Gwanath can help them win but they did not know of the danger she brought instead. But how can she turn them down?
' Ye . . . .s! ' Lenae hesitantly replied.
' So be it! ' Aragorn exclaimed with a smile.
The meeting then concluded and everybody went to bed. As Lenae began to settle in, Legolas came and sat beside her.
' Is everything all right? You seem troubled! ' He softly asked.
' I am fine, I just cant wait for all this to end! ' She hastily replied hoping that Legolas would not notice that she was lying.
' Me too! '
' We should rest Legolas, you will be next watch and me after you, we should get as much sleep as possible. We have lots of work tomorrow. '
' Yes! You are correct, quel kaima (sleep well) '
Legolas then made himself comfortable then proceeded to sleep. But Lenae herself did not. Many thoughts ran through her head. She had to find a way to help. Then it hit her, if she correctly remembered what she saw, the tragic battle was fought with Gandalf. . . . So it means that they would be able to enter Minas Tirith with no or little problem. Everything will be all right. She did not have to worry about what was going to happen tomorrow. And as for the next battle, She will hopefully find a way, now the most important thing to do was sleep.
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Later that night, a loud shrieking was heard waking everybody.
' Nazgul's! ' Legolas shouted.
' We are under attack! ' Someone shouted out.
' To arms! ' Yelled Aragorn.
Within minutes of the ambush they were completely surrounded by the Orcs, Goblins and Hillmen. But everyone was safe. . . . They were inside a protective dome that Lenae had created. But even though they were protectively enclosed, the men were still ready to fight at command.
' This is my fight! ' Lenae spoke up.
' You do not have to give your lives for this battle. All of you are needed in Minas Tirith! I will handle everything here! '
' Lenae! ' Legolas called out.
' Nobody can and will ever change my mind. Do not worry I will follow behind you. ' Lenae spoke out loud while looking Legolas straight in the eyes.
' This is what will happen; because I cannot transport everyone at one time, I will create a path for you. Make a run for it. I will hold back the enemy to give you ample time to get to safety. Nobody! I strongly emphasize that nobody dare help me or I will kill you myself! ' She informed the men.
' Is everyone ready? '
' Yes! ' Came the unanimous reply.
' Bragollach en' templa (explosion). . . . Ram en' naur (fire field) '
To their left a great explosion occurred clearing a path then a fire field rose up beside it making the path safe and free form the enemy. The dome then disappeared and then everyone rushed to the path. Lenae was the last person to make her way to the path after she had made sure that every one of the men was already safe within the path. But it so happened; three Nazgul's were slowly making their way toward her form behind. But Lenae did not see or sense them, she was so concentrated in making sure of the men's safety that she did not pay heed to her own.
' Tira ten' rashwe! ' (Look out) Legolas shouted.
Legolas shout made Lenae aware of the danger approaching, but it was too late. All three simultaneously stabbed her. Looking at the men and Legolas, Lenae had only one thing on her mind. She had to get them to safety. They are Middle earth's last hope.
' Lema ed' ando en' templa ' (Gate travel) Lenae whispered her last breath.
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The sun was shining brightly on their eyes made the men stir and waken and what they all saw caused them to open it wider and gasp out. Now looming in front of them were the white towers of Minas Tirith.
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In the great hall, Gandalf was sitting beside the fireplace. Beside him were Aragorn and Gimli while the rest of the men ate at the table. Presently Gandalf was listening to Aragorn tell the events that occurred while smoking his pipe.
' And that was the last time we saw her, but she did say she will come! ' Aragorn ended the tale.
' I fear that she will no longer come for I no longer feel her presence. ' Gandalf spoke while staring into space.
' What do you mean you cannot feel her presence, this cannot be! ' Gimli blurted out.
' The words I speak Master Dwarf are true. Where is Legolas? ' Gandalf suddenly asked.
' The last I saw of him was he was at the wall overlooking the sea. ' Answered Aragorn.
' I see that he has been captivated by the sea, no longer does he worry about Lenae and in time he soon will forget about his beloved trees and will not wish to be with them again! ' Gandalf spoke while looking out the window across him of which was facing the sea.
' What are you trying to say? ' Aragorn and Gimli asked together with voices filled with concern.
' We should be getting ready, I feel that our final battle is near! ' Gandalf spoke as he stood up and motioned Aragorn and Gimli to follow him.
The two could only look at each other before following the wizard. It has been getting a little bit unnerving. First, Legolas upon seeing the sea would not be persuaded to eat, drink or leave from his place atop the wall. And all he ever talks and sings about is the deep blue sea. And for Gandalf, he would not answer their questions! Aragorn and Gimli felt it was better that Gandalf spoke cryptically when giving his answers but at least he answers their questions. But now, he totally avoids answering them or even looking at them straight in the eye. Something not good is happening.
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Gandalf had lead them outside the hall, upon reaching the steps they saw a group of men entering the city. People began cheering. Upon reaching the bottom of the steps a blond haired tall man quickly walked up to them then gave a bow.
' I am Faramir! My men and me have come back to Minas Tirith our home. '
' It is good of you to return Faramir son of Denethor brother of Boromir! ' Gandalf greeted the man.
Both Gimli's and Aragorn's eyes widened when they heard that the man was Boromir's brother. Then both of them grew sad upon remembering the valiant Boromir and his death.
' I am sorry for the loss of your brother, he was a good man, a true and valiant warrior. It was an honor being with him. ' Aragorn spoke.
Faramir only gave a nod as a response. Then a horn was heard blowing, looking toward the gate they saw Theoden king and Eomer with their men enter. Upon reaching the steps they too hurriedly went up to meet with the fellowship.
' Theoden! I see that you have brought unexpected company with you. ' Gandalf greeted him.
' If you mean Merry, he wanted to help. ' Replied Theoden.
' Yes I did imply about Merry but there is one more that you did not know! Lady Eowyn, I think it is time to reveal your self. '
A collective gasp was heard; an armored clad man came forward and removed his helmet reveling Lady Eowyn of Rohan.
' Why did you come? You were supposed to be with the others at Helm's Deep. You were supposed to lead and watch over them. ' Exclaimed Eomer.
' I can better serve the people here fighting beside you. My skills would be worthless if I do not use it to help our people and the people of Middle Earth. ' Replied Eowyn
Eomer had wanted to say more but Theoden had stopped him. He then gave Eowyn a hug. Eowyn then knew that Theoden had accepted her reply and that she would stay and fight with them. Nodding at the scene in front of him Gandalf gave a smile.
' Lets us go in and start preparing for the battle, Lord Denethor is already waiting for us at his study. ' Gandalf spoke to them as he began to lead the men back into the hall.
' Where is Pippen? ' Merry asked Gandalf as he tugged the wizards cloak.
' He is presently with Lord Denethor in the study. '
' Well then lets get going, I cant wait to tell him the tales of my adventures. ' Merry excitedly exclaimed.
' What about Legolas? ' Gimli inquired.
' He is on his way, Lord Denethor himself went to get him. Legolas would not deny the Lord of Minas Tirith his request. ' Replied Gandalf.
Gimli gave a grin. finally Gandalf answered a question with a straight answer.
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The preparation was long and hard, they had already spent the whole afternoon making the battle plans. The sun was already setting when an alarm rang. Black arrows where seen flying toward the city, people began to panic. The Orcs and Hillmen had just suddenly appeared out of nowhere. The city was taken by surprise. Fortunately enough, the men were able to keep the on coming enemy at bay. Then the Nazgul's came swooping down on them; the next thing they knew the orcs have mysteriously entered the city. Panic erupted once again as people ran away and soldiers came running to help defend them. Everything was in total chaos. And in the center of the city one of the fiercest battles has being fought. Aragorn and Faramir where back to back, slashing two Orcs at a time. Gimli was on the stairwell hacking away at the Orcs. Legolas was a few feet away from Gimli; he had his two knives out and was slashing with great precision. Denethor, lord of Minas Tirith was fighting at the entrance of the great hall with Eomer at his side. Theoden, Eowyn and Merry where near the water fountain, which was a few feet away from Aragorn. The moon was already up but still the fight continued. Suddenly moon's light was blacked out as the Nazgul's came down to join the fight. Eowyn and Merry desperately tried to defend Theoden from the Nazgul. Eowyn forcefully stabbed it but the only thing that happened was that her sword shattered and her arm got badly mangled, she then feel unconscious. The Nazgul then stabbed Theoden. And for his last ditch effort, Merry jumped onto the Nazgul's back and started rapidly stabbing it, but he too was unsuccessful in killing it. He was then flung aside and he too falls unconscious. And with the poison of the Nazgul's sword rapidly invading Theoden's body, he soon succumbed to death. And on the entrance of the great hall, Denethor lord of Minas Tirith dies in the hands of an Orc. Down on the stairwell Legolas and Gimli were battling with another Nazgul when unknowingly an Orc was sneaking behind them. As the Orc raised its sword to strike down the elven prince a shout was heard.
' N'ndengina ho! ' (Don't kill him)
Each and every man who heard the shout froze; the Orcs and Nazgul's too ceased fighting. The voice sounded frightful, cold and authoritative. Then a dark cloaked being appeared; it was floating directly above Legolas and Gimli. The Orc, who had planned to kill Legolas, began to tremble with fear. Its sword falling to the ground with a loud clang. Everyone's thought was raising as to what is the identity of this being which can cause an Orc to tremble and cower with fright.
' I explicitly ordered that no one try and eliminate the fellowship! That task belongs to me and me alone! ' The being spoke with anger.
The being then looked around and saw the Nazgul's. Even though it was being heavily cloaked one could know that it was staring at the Nazgul's. They then sheathed their swords then gave a bow and rode away. As the being once more looked around, the men slowly backed away. They feared the being that not only Orcs fear it and but also the evil Nazgul's would leave with just a glare.
' I admire you men, you were able to last this long. You are all good warriors, your courage is also admirable ' The being spoke sarcastically, its voice was full of anger and rage
' But how long would you last? An hour or maybe two? '
The being then swept its arm out and in an instant all the Orcs and Hillmen disappeared.
' This is just a warning to all, you have seen and experienced first hand the might of Sauron. Continue this defiance an all will be killed. This is just the beginning, worse is yet to come! And all those that try to kill the Dark Lord would have to pass through me! '
The being then removed its cloak . . . Collective gasps were heard. As the being that had brought so much fear was none other than Lenae herself. Presently she was in the form of Gwanath but much darker and now evil seemed to scream from her very being.
' Now you know who you are up against! And I will be back to finish what I am ordered to do . . . Kill the fellowship! Starting with Sam and Frodo! Do not hope, I know were they are and I am pretty sure to get the ring from them ' Gwanath sneered.
Her appearance then changed into a small, innocent young looking hobbit girl.
' Uncle Sam. . Uncle Frodo, please help me! ' She pleaded softly with tears starting to form in her eyes.
And with a laugh she disappeared.