Chapter 2: Offers that Cannot be Refused
The men know I lead them to their deaths, but steadily they follow me, on foot and on horse, staying loyal to the man they believe can save their beloved country.
I, who am supposed to spread hope as my Elvish name states, have no words of hope for them. The one that gave me hope is dying, fading with every moment that passes.
Arwen would be proud to see my now, in Gondorian armor, the White Tree sewn on black leather. She would see the doubt on my face and whisper the words she has said so many times before:
All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost,
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring.
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.
But Arwen cannot help me now.
The Black Gates are close now, so close that some of the men cannot hide the fright in their eyes. As they begin slowing, fighting the urge to run back where it is safer, I command them to halt. I ride to the gate, followed closely by Gandalf and Pippin, Eomer, Legolas, and Gimli. We line our horse up in front of the gates and I call out a challenge.
"Let the Lord of Mordor come forth and meet justice!"
The Black Gate opens heavily and in the distance I see countless Orcs marching towards our small army. The sight of them hammers fear into my heart. "Fall back!" I cry to Gandalf and the others. My gaze falls on the soldiers behind us.
There is no mistaking the complete terror on their faces. Fear is the Enemy's greatest weapon, and he has struck hard here.
I gallop to the men. "Hold your ground!" I shout, wondering if the hopelessness in my voice is clear. "Hold your ground! Sons of Gondor, of Rohan, my brothers! I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me." I slow my horse to a quick trot and continue, desperation creating words and letting them tumble from my mouth. "A day may come when the courage of Men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship. But it is not this day. There may come an hour of wolves and shattered shields when the age of Men comes crashing down. But it is not this day!" I draw Anduril, and the sword glitters in the golden sun. "This day, we fight! By all that you hold dear on this good earth, I bid you stand, Men of the West!"
I take my place at the head of the army, watching as the Orcs march ever closer. The Enemy's minions surround us, outnumbering us by many spears. As the foul Orcs leer at us, I make ready to charge.
"Elessar," a voice calls, enveloping me in its power. I see the fiery Eye of the Enemy, piercing my mind and heart, doing as much damage as any sword could do. I hear a dull pounding and see Legolas shouting, but no sound escapes his lips.
"Join me, Heir of Isildur," the Eye commands, his voice filling my mind. "Drop your sword and take up the weapons of the Shadow."
My fingers loosen their hold on Anduril against my will. "No," I try to yell, but my words are only a murmur in my head. "I have no desire to join you."
"No desire?" The Eye laughs, then says the words that send me into an even deeper spell. "Join me and together we will save Arwen."
dramatic music The cliffhanger of DOOM! Did you like it? Please please please review! I'll respond to reviewers in my next chapter. Thanks!