I am so sorry I have not been able to post this chapter, but our computer this one, actually) got a virus and I had so much to do before I could get back to my fic. Plus, I started dance company at school, so I have not had a spare minute. But enough of me whining about my ludicrous life.
Thanks to everyone who has read my fic so far. Hopefully, this is where it gets juicy
Disclaimer: If you need proof that I did not create Middle Earth, see chapter one. All the rest of you, enjoy.
Playing with Fire
With a heavy heart, Eowyn trudged across the camp she had called her home for the last three months. A satchel was slung over her shoulder, containing only the clothes she needed for work and a tiny green and silver pin in the shape of a leaf. Thinking back to the day she had discovered this treasure, she smiled. It had been on the march to the camp she was now leaving. Tired beyond anything she had ever known, she had tried to break from the group. She knew she would be instantly killed by one of the Ork captains, but she would have welcomed death readily. Yet as she strayed to the outer edge of the mob, a light unlike any she had seen before had caught her eye. She had looked around to make sure no one was watching, then stooped over and picked up the small object before anyone could spot her. During the remainder of the journey, she had managed to deal with her exhaustion just by looking down at the tiny leaf, perfect with its delicate veins. Of course, she had not known it was a leaf, or that it should be worn pinned to a cloak. But it was the prettiest thing she had ever seen.
A loud whinny shook her suddenly from her daydream, and Eowyn found herself looking up into the face of a large, black creature. With a small yelp of surprise, she jumped back from the monster. A chuckle to her left made her turn to see those dark eyes laughing at her. The stranger from that morning was climbing awkwardly onto another one of the giant creatures, yet she could tell that his clumsiness was forced, and that he did know what he was doing but was trying hard to conceal it. Anger coursed through her. How dare he laugh at her when just a few hours ago, she had saved him from being beaten to death. In a sudden, defiant act, Eowyn grabbed a rope that wound around the creature's head and swung herself up onto its back. For a moment, she sat, frozen, shocked at what she had just done. How had she known what to do? Then, she realized how high off the ground she was. The look on her face was apparently funny, because the man with the dark hair laughed again. Only this time, he did not do so out loud.
"How dare you," she thought. "You ought to be thanking me for what I did for you."
The man's face hardened, and he sent one last thought her way before an Ork captain called the slaves' attention. "I do not need a woman to fight my battles for me."
"We will travel on horseback to the Great City where you will be put to work in the mines. It is essential we arrive there as quickly as possible, so we do not have time for riding lessons. You will have to manage or die. We can't have anyone slowing us down."
With this, he kicked what Eowyn realized must be called a "horse", and rode to the front of the line. As the group moved out, Eowyn looked back at the now deserted camp. A small boulder on one side of the road had faded lettering on it. "Welcome to Hobbiton."
**********
After a few hours had passed, everyone was settling in to the steady pace set by those at the head of the line. The few who had fallen behind now lay scattered across the road, their blood blending with the red earth. The landscape was as bare as ever, and Eowyn let her mind wander now that she was riding well. Why was there such a hurry to get to the Great City? She could think of no other time she had traveled by horse. The other marches had been made on foot, through all extremes of weather. Seasons changed every so often, but the only indicator was the weather. She had never known of plants or animals.
Eowyn felt eyes on the back of her neck, and realized from the presence in her mind who it must be. Without turning around, she used her newfound voice to communicate.
"What do you want this time?" she thought irritably. This stranger was starting to bother her with his familiarity.
"Just to ask you how you came to ride so well." She could tell he was making fun of her again. Her next comment was full of hatred.
"I don't know what you are talking about." There, she had closed the conversation.
"Oh, I think you do."
She wheeled around in her saddle to protest, but found he had gone. How odd, she thought. How odd.
**********
Bruises covered every inch of her skin as Eowyn slid down from her mount. The other slaves were already busy breaking camp before the night fell. Rumors of frightening and dangerous creatures had caused a common fear, which fueled fast work. They also discouraged escape; none of the slaves wanted to run from the march, only to find themselves in greater peril. None of them knew how to defend themselves, and few were brave enough to risk such an encounter.
So they worked quickly, setting up camp and preparing dinner. However, halfway through the meal, a cry was heard from the direction of a hilltop. Their camping ground was rocky and uneven, but within a minute, all one hundred or so slaves had scrambled to where a small boy stood, gazing into the distance. A hush went around the group. From the top of the hill, they could see for miles across a barren wasteland. But they were used to this scenery, and therefore, it was not what had drawn their attention. Far, far in the distance, a dark mass appeared to be moving forward, then subsiding, then creeping ahead again. The sight of this created an uneasy silence, which was broken by one of the captains.
"An army marching towards the Great City. They are of our kind."
This simple explanation seemed to satisfy the others, but Eowyn stood and watched the shape for a long time.
Turning at last, she started to walk towards her assigned tent. The night was thick and oppressive, and she could hardly see where she was heading. She turned a corner, but as she did so, a hand shot out of nowhere and pulled her down. A strong hand clamped over her mouth, but before she could struggle, a soft voice whispered in her ear "Calm down, it's only me." Once again, she felt the utmost loathing for the man who had tormented her already that day. She wriggled quickly, trying to break free, but he was strong.
"Listen."
She fell silent as heavy footsteps approached. The man loosened his grip enough so that she could make out that they were crouched behind one of the captains' tents. Gruff voices were speaking urgently inside.
"Scared, they are. Scared that somethin' 'l get 'um if they break ranks. We done our job."
"See, told you I was brilliant when I said to spread rumors among 'um. I told you"
"Both 'a you, shut up." Silence followed this command which came from, whom Eowyn decided, was the chief Ork.
"Now, any ideas on how to make 'em move faster?" this time the chief's voice was quieter, as though he did not want to be overheard. "We need to make it to the Great City in time for the demonstration."
"What's that?"
"The Lord has decided to make an example of some fugitives who have been held at the City since their escape attempt a few months ago. He has decided to make a public example of 'um."
At these words from the chief Ork, the man stood up so swiftly that Eowyn was jerked to her feet.
"What is he saying? What does it mean?" Eowyn was having to run to keep up with the man because of his quick pace. He stopped suddenly and looked straight into her face.
"It means," he said slowly, "that we have to get out of here." Once again, he began moving through the camp with that impossible pace. Eowyn quickly recovered from her momentary shock, and sped up to him.
"Where are you going?" the question hung in the thick air like the fog that now surrounded them. This time, the man did not stop to reply, but instead moved faster.
"To wake Gandalf and Pippin."
