The women and children were ordered into the caves and every man and boy able to bear arms was called into the armory. Anarrima stood among them, watching in disappointment. Men walked by, grey and withered, bent to the will of age. Young children passed her, helmets to their eyes; eyes full of fear and confusion. They all gave her the same look, the distant gaze as if each step they took became a heavier burden to them. She shook her head as she examined the weapons handed out to the Rohan men. "Farmers, farriers, stable boys... these are no soldiers." Her voice echoed as the men prepared for battle.

"Many have seen too many winters," Gimli said with just as much disappointment.

"Or too few," Legolas added looking around at all the faces around him. Ana was right, these were no soldiers. They would barely stand a chance against the army of Saruman. "Look at them, they're frightened. I can see it in their eyes." The room became silent and Legolas continued.

"Boe a hûn... neled herain... dan caer menig! [And they should be... three hundred... against ten thousand!]"

Aragorn turned to the elf and stood in the defense of the people. "Si beriathar hýn. Amar nâ ned Edoras. [They have more hope of defending themselves here than at Edoras.]" He knew that the chances of survival were very thin, but there was always hope. Gandalf had left Rohan just days before searching for reinforcements. Look for him on the 5th day... if they survived.

"Aragorn," the elf said to the Ranger, "men i ndagor. Hýn ú-... ortheri. Natha daged aen! [Aragorn, we are warriors. They cannot win this fight. They are all going to die!]

"Then I shall die as one of them!" Aragorn shouted. He paused before he gave a look to Anarrima, then left the room. Ana shot an uncertain glance at Legolas, who attempted to go after Aragorn, realizing the harshness in his words. Gimli stopped the elf and shook his head. "Let him go lad."

Anarrima grabbed Legolas' hand and pulled him to the side. She sighed as she looked in his eyes. She could see he knew he made a mistake in the words he spoke. Ana squeezed his hand gently and whispered, "Just give him time Legolas. He is a Ranger and believes in this stand against Saruman. Have faith in the strength of men; for this may be their last stand. But I would stand beside them in their darkest hour. Will you not stand with me also?" She searched his eyes, finding their shine once again.

"I will."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aragorn tied on his leather chest guard and slipped on this chain mail. He picked up his dagger and bow then went for his sword... but it was not there. Suddenly Legolas and Ana appeared before him, holding his sword. Aragorn slowly reached out and took the handle.

"We have trusted you this far and you have not lead us astray," Legolas began, "I'm sorry, I was wrong to despair."

Aragorn smiled and clasped the elf's shoulder. "Ú-moe edhored, Legolas. [There is nothing to forgive, Legolas.]

Legolas smiled then Gimli walked into the room, putting on his mail which then dragged loudly on the floor. Anarrima stifled a laugh as they looked on at the sight.

"If we had time I'd get this adjusted." The dwarf looked back up to his companions and smiled. "It's a little tight across the chest."

Just then a fair sounding horn rang out through the land. It was clear and beautiful, not at all the sound of the hideous orc horn Ana had heard before in Osgiliath. Again it rang out through Helm's Deep.

"That is no orc horn."

All four of them rushed up the stairs to the doors of the Hornburg. King Theoden looked on in amazement as an army of Elves marched through the entrance. Anarrima noticed the one who led them and ran down the stairs quickly. "Haldir!"

"I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between elves and men. Long ago we fought and died together. We've come to honor that allegiance." Haldir smiled at Ana, then she gave him a huge hug... almost knocking him to the ground. Legolas and Aragorn laughed as they came down the steps as well.

"Mae govannen, Haldir", Aragorn greeted as the army of elves stood in waiting for their command. Legolas came and stood beside Haldir and Anarrima.

"We are proud to fight alongside men once more."