Day broke the sky, grey and sunless, as they continued through the desolate path through the mountains. Everything was brown and barren, dead and dry as bone. Not a sound could be heard over the hooves of the horses, bird nor beast. Dimrost's steps were light over the land and Anarrima's gaze remained forward through the bare trees. The wind was cold and bit at her hands.

"What kind of army would linger in such a place?" She asked slipping her hand over the hilt of the dagger at her waist. Even as one of the Dunedain she never knew of the men of the mountain.

"One that is cursed," Legolas replied, looking across the land. "Long ago the men of the mountain swore and oath to the last king of Gondor, to come to his aid, to fight. But when the time came, when Gondor's need was dire, they fled, vanishing into the darkness of the mountain. And so Islidur cursed them, never to rest until they fulfilled their oath."

In front of them appeared the door of Dimholt, laden with skulls and bones. Two great stones stood on either side like guards to the entrance. But despite their urges the horses would not pass beyond the door. They unmounted their steeds near the entrance. Anarrima felt her senses go numb looking into the darkness of the Paths of the Dead. Dimrost became nervous and neighed with Arod and Brego. Out of the shadows came a gust of wind, haunted voices filled the air around them. The voices surrounded her, and she could see faces at men staring back at her. Startled Dimrost pulled from her grip and escaped back through the mountain pass, followed by both Brego and Arod. As the voices faded from her ears the faces disappeared into the shadows of Dwimorberg.

"That's twice she's done that to me when I needed her the most," Ana muttered to herself looking back at the door.

"The way is shut..." Legolas read the writing above the entrance.

"I do not fear death," Aragorn stated and walked through the entrance into the darkness. Legolas and Anarrima exchanged a look and followed after him together. Gimli stood outside in bewilderment.

"Now this is a thing unheard of! Elves will go underground when a dwarf dare not!" He pulled his axe out and reluctantly passed through the door of stone . "Oh! I would never hear the end of it."

Anarrima had grabbed a torch from the Dunharrow encampment before they had departed, now it was lit and she held it out in front of her, lighting their way. Its light fell upon the bones of a man long dead. He was clad in mail, and sill his shield lay near him unshattered. His belt was of gold and garnets, and a rich gold helmet was upon his head. He had fallen near the far wall of the cave, and before him stood a stony door closed: his fingers were still clawing at the cracks. A broken sword lay by him, like he had hewn at the rocks in his last despair. Then a chill blast came from a chasm ahead of them and her flame flickered and went out.

Suddenly Legolas heard the sound of water, faint and distant. A light grew beyond the gateway ahead of them. With caution they passed through the gateway and out into a large chasm. "The dead are following," Legolas whispered, felling the presence of men from the past all around him.

"Who enters my domain?" The King of the Dead appeared before them. Ana's blood froze when she beheld him, the Oathbreaker.

"One will have your allegiance," Aragorn said stepping forward, fear was nowhere seen in his eyes or heard in his voice.

"The dead do not suffer the living to pass," the King bellowed.

"You will suffer me." A whole city appeared around them, and dead soldiers surrounded them. Slowly Anarrima inched her way to Legolas standing behind her and stood beside him as the host closed in on them.

"The way is shut! It was made by those who are dead, and the dead keep it.... Now you must die."

Fearing for the life of his companions Legolas notched an arrow to his bow and shot, but the arrow went straight through the dead King and clattered to the ground.

"I summon you to fulfill your oath," Aragorn stepped forward through all the soldiers.

"None but the king of Gondor may command me." The king pulled out his sword and lunged at Aragorn, but he was blocked by Narsil.

"That blade was broken!"

"It has been reforged. I am the heir of Isildur... fight for me, what say you?"

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"Late as usual!" The orc captain yelled at the approaching fleet near Osgiliath. The army had overrun the small army of men, and now they used the fallen city as a port for the fleet of ships set to dock from the East. "Pirate scum! There's knife work to be done here that needs doing! Come on you sea-rats. Get off your ships!"

Out of the first ship jumped Aragorn, Anarrima, Legolas and Gimli. The orc captain was bewildered at first, but snarled as his army stood behind him.

"There are enough for all of us," Ana said pulling her bow out and notching an arrow. Legolas smiled and did the same as Gimli readied his axe. From behind them the dead soldiers came forth from the ships and charged at the orc army. Gimli gave a hearty laugh and ran after the two elves.

"May the best dwarf win!"

The orc captain ordered the army to retreat but they were demolished before they could even begin to gather themselves. The dead men swept over the orcs. As they made their way north to the Pellenor Fields the sun began to set behind the mountains. And in that hour the great battle of the fields of Gondor was over, and not one living foe was left standing; all were slain save those who fled to die. Mûmakil carcasses lay across the fields and orc bodies hewn upon the ground. Anarrima, Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli stood near the entrance to Minas Tirith, the dead army surrounded all of them and their king stepped forward.

"Do not hold us in bondage any longer, Lord Elessar. Release us!"

Aragorn unsheathed the Anduil and held it high. "I hold your oaths fulfilled. Go. Be at peace."

As they were released from their curse the army faded before their eyes into the shadow world. Dusk took the sky of Gondor as the four made their way to the gates of Minas Tirith.

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The paths of the white city were paved with stone and the people rejoiced through the streets in victory. The army of the enemy had been driven back at least at the moment. As they approached the citadel, Aragorn was requested in the House of Healing and Legolas, Anarrima and Gimli were shown to their rooms for the night.

"I bid you both a very good night," the dwarf bowed and entered into his chamber. It had been a very long day for them all and a good night's rest was well deserved. Anarrima and Legolas continued down the hallway and came to their rooms. Ana was reluctant to enter, sleep was no longer a comfort to her as her dreams were haunted. Legolas noticed that uncertain look in her eyes and held her hand.

"I will stay with you tonight. You have nothing to fear this night."

She turned to him and smiled. In his eyes she could see truth and trust. They entered the room and out the window the moon shown bright above the city. They removed their bows and quivers and placed them in the corner and Ana sat on the bed. She could see Mordor in the distance and the mountain of fire spewing out and lighting the sky over Sauron's realm. Her hands were shaking as she stared at the floor. Legolas sat beside her and took her hands into his. He lifted her chin to meet her gaze and kissed her softly. He wanted her to know that if tomorrow be his last day upon this earth, that he loved her dearly and would give himself to her for all eternity. He caressed her cheek as he laid her on the bed and kissed her again, more passionate than before.