Trouble Stirring In Isengard
Eric woke with a start as his door opened and a man walked in. "I am Hammond and I have been sent to escort you to the training yard. You start your training today. Here are your clothes," Hammond laid Eric's clothes over his bed.
Hammond waited outside Eric's room as he got dressed. Eric was given a green tunic and breeches. Brown leather boots and gloves also lay on the bed. He quickly got dressed, grabbed an apple, and walked into the hallway. "I'm ready," said Eric as he closed the door behind him.
"Good. Follow me," said Hammond.
He led Eric through halls, small rooms, large rooms, and finally to the entrance. Two guards stood there. They were wearing green helms, and armor. They were both gripping long lances, and silver swords were at their sides. Hammond spoke to them quickly and they opened the doors. After exiting the Golden Hall Eric followed Hammond down steps, on the side of the Golden Hall, to the training yards.
Men, some of them looked to be Eric's age, were shooting bows at wooden targets, which looked far away to Eric. Men were practicing with swords, lunging, slicing, and blocking, as the sweat rolled down their faces. Some men were on horses with spears in their hands, charging wooden men.
They walked over to a bench in front of the barracks, "I was told to bring you here. You are to wait and someone will be here to start your training."
"Thanks," said Eric sitting down feeling uncomfortable in breeches. Hammond turned and went back up the steps they had come down.
Eric sat their watching the men practicing with swords, how they attacked, how they defended the blows, and how they moved their feet. A young man, not to much older than Eric, approached him. "I am Theodred, Son of King Theoden, and I will be your trainer for today, and the rest of the week," said Theodred holding two wooden swords.
"Really," said Eric surprised as the Prince threw him a sword, "Cool. When do we begin?"
"The sun has already risen. The temperature is rising. You are queer, Eric," said the Prince laughing, "We start now. Follow me."
They stepped into the middle of the training yard and began to practice. "To start I want you to attack me slowly. When you attack twist your wrist every time from side to side."
"Alright," said Eric. This doesn't sound hard. When I was watching the other men it didn't look that hard. In fact it looked easy. Well, let's see.
"Begin," said Theodred.
During their practice Theodred seldom stopped Eric to correct his footing or show him what positions were good for keeping his balance. They kept on practicing for half-an-hour until Theodred let him stop for a drink and rest. When Eric returned Theodred gave him a steel sword.
"I thought the beginners used the wooden swords?" asked Eric.
"I'm making an exception. I want you to see how heavy steel is. Now I'm going to attack you and you are going to block." For another half-an- hour all you heard was the sound of steel clashing against steel.
Eric was slow in defending Theodred because the sword was heavy. After they stopped Eric's arms were aching and sore. The Prince took the sword from him and hung it on the rack. He returned with a long heavy weight and handed it to Eric, "My father gave me this to strengthen my arms. Hold it in both hands and turn it with your wrists. You may go and put this in your room, but then come back because you are not even close to finished today."
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Another day of schoolwork, corrections, and annoying little sis...where am I? Am I still dreaming? Ashton thought as she woke up. After a few moments she realized she was in the Golden Hall of Meduseld, in Rohan. She looked around and noticed clothes were on her table.
On the table lay a dark green dress made for riding with golden thread embroidered at the neck and wrists. In the middle of the dress was a white horse, the symbol of Rohan, with silver outlining it. Breeches, same color as the dress, lay on the table as well. The chair was pulled away from the table and had soft, brown leather riding boots and light brown leather gloves lying on it.
Knowing where she was she got up quickly, dressed for the day, looking forward to her time with Eowyn. She looked out her window overlooking Edoras and stood there still shocked that she was actually there. The people were out in the streets going about their daily business. Kids were running around fighting with sticks getting in the grownups way and getting scolded for doing so. She could see the training yards from her window. She noticed she was wondering if Eric was down there yet. She didn't know why but she was thinking about him a good deal more than usual. She dismissed her thoughts about him and started to focus on the day ahead of her.
She backed away from the window and headed for the door. She saw fruit in a bowl on the table and grabbed a few grapes as she passed. She opened the door and a man stood outside waiting for her. "Right this way," he said. The man led her to a room with a table full of food. It had all kinds of fruit and bread. There was some meat on the table also. It all smelled delicious. She realized she was starving, not having dinner the previous night. Behind the table was a big stone fireplace. The fireplace had wood in it but was not lit. The floor was dark gray marble. The walls were made of a dark wood but Ashton couldn't tell what type it was. To the left of the table was a big window that let the morning light pour in and illumine the room.
Eowyn and Eomer, along with Riders of the Mark, sat at the far end of the long table. Eowyn motioned for her to sit in the chair opposite of hers. Ashton approached the table and joined everyone. She sat between Eomer and one of the Riders. "Good morning," said Eowyn.
"Good morning," replied Ashton as a plate was set in front of her by one of the servants. She took a roll, some fruit, and some of the cold pork.
"Eat your fill," said Eomer standing up and backing away from the table. The Riders did the same. "I'm sure you didn't have enough last night." Eomer walked over to his sister, kissed her on the cheek, and left, followed by his men.
"Did you have a good nights sleep?" asked Eowyn taking a bite of her fruit. She was wearing the same outfit Ashton was accept her's was brown. She looked every bit a daughter of kings.
"Yes, I did. The bed was real comfortable," said Ashton talking with her mouth full.
"Good. I'm glad," laughed Eowyn wiping her mouth with a cloth. A servant took Eowyn's plate and disappeared through a door. "My brother has gotten horses ready for us so when you're done eating your breakfast we will head down to the stables."
Ashton hurriedly finished her food and as soon as she was done a servant appeared and took her plate from her. Where do they come from? "I'm ready," said Ashton.
"Well then, let's go," said Eowyn getting up as Ashton did the same. They both headed out of the room, Eowyn in front and Ashton following, toward the stable to start their day.
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Aaron woke up to the sound of elves singing and birds chirping. "I don't want to get up," he mumbled into the pillow. He turned over on his back, "That was a vivid dream. Why couldn't it be real?" he opened his eyes to see the same silver room, the same room that was in his dream he thought he had just had, when he should have seen all of his friends sprawled out on chairs snoring at church, and sat bolt upright in his bed. He rolled up his pant leg and pulled his leg hair, "Ouch. You idiot. This isn't a dream. I'm really here...in Lothlorien."
He got up, put his sneakers on, then started to walk out when he remembered he couldn't, "This is stupid. There's nothing to do." He sat down and started eating an apple. He looked over at Jordan still sound asleep. She lay there with one of her socks off. One of her legs was hanging off the bed while the other was still on. She looked like she was about to roll off onto the floor. Her mouth was wide open and the way she was lying made her cheek go up which scrunched her forehead. He laughed to himself. He couldn't help it. The way she was laying on her bed was hilarious.
A few minutes later he got up and started for the door to see if the two elves outside were up for conversation. When he turned he heard something behind him and looked to see what it was. There was Jordan, still sound asleep, slowly sliding off her bed. Should I wake her up? No. This should be good. Finally she fell and landed with a thud. Jordan stood strait up with a surprised look on her face. The two elven guards rushed in, swords drawn, to see what made the noise. Aaron turned around and told them what happened. They laughed and walked back to their posts.
"It's not funny," said Jordan still only half asleep, sitting down on her bed. Her hair was a mess and she sat there trying to straiten it out.
Aaron stood there laughing, "Yeah, it was. Even the guards thought it was funny. You should have seen yourself."
"Uhhh...shut up. So...it wasn't a dream then. We're actually here in Lorien?" asked Jordan already knowing what the answer was going to be.
"Yeah. I thought it was dream too when I woke up. I wonder if Silke is gonna come back today and ask us that question she was talking about last night," said Aaron sitting down.
Jordan finished straitening her hair and sat down at the table opposite side from Aaron, "I wonder if we're the only ones from our world here?"
"So do I," said Aaron, "There could be more but I don't know how we'd find them even if there are. I know Haldir is an elf, and since he's an elf he's thousands of years old, so we can't say that this is the third age during the second War of the Ring. I wonder what age we're in."
"Didn't you hear Haldir last night? He said that Sauron is fighting for Osgiliath and Saruman has already created Uruk-hai."
Aaron finished his apple and sat it down on the table, "Oh. No, I didn't hear him," he sat there thinking a while, "That means that I could meet Aragorn! We can meet everyone!"
"Do you think Legolas is hotter than Orly?" Jordan squealed.
"Who cares. It would be awesome to meet Legolas, and Gimli, Gandalf, and all the hobbits," said Aaron.
Aaron and Jordan both heard a female elf's voice outside and turned their head toward the doorway knowing who it was. Silke strode through carrying two sets of clothes under her arm. Today she was wearing an almost complete replica of her last nights gown except it was green with a silver tree threaded into the chest. "Did you have a good nights rest?" she asked when she put the clothes on one of the beds.
"It was wonderful," said Jordan looking at the clothes, "It was really comfortable."
"I've never slept through the night without waking up at least once, but I slept through the whole night last night. Can we go out yet?" asked Aaron hopefully.
"I'm glad you both slept well. No, you cannot. The Lord and Lady haven't said anything concerning you leaving the building. I have talked with them and they say that they will summon you soon. You need to be presentable at least. I think these clothes will fit you," Silke handed Jordan her outfit and Aaron his.
Jordan was given a silver, elven dress made for riding. She was also given a silver cloak with a white flower pattern traveling from the hood to the bottom of it. She didn't know what material they used but it was soft and it was thick but still very light. Aaron had a similar outfit (almost identical to Legolas' in LotR: FotR at the Council of Elrond) except his cloak didn't have a pattern, and the color was light brown, not silver. They were both given soft leather boots, Jordan's silver and Aaron's light brown, which felt weightless on their feet.
"Wow," exclaimed Jordan holding her dress up to see how it would look on her, "Thanks."
"Thank you," said Aaron holding his up as well.
"I'm sure that you would like to change. I've talked to the guards outside and they've agreed to let each of you outside while the other changes," said Silke, "Aaron follow me." Aaron followed Silke outside and stood there while Jordan changed into her new clothes.
The air was cool and there was a breeze blowing. He could hear elves off in the distance singing. Do the elves ever stop singing? Geez. They sing more than Jordan does. The silvan trees rose high above him with buildings sitting on their branches. He could see the elves high up walking in and out of them. He was still in a state of shock at being in a place he thought only existed in a book. Someplace Tolkien created in his head and wrote about on paper. How could he actually be here in Lothlorien? He kept on asking himself questions until Jordan walked out wearing her new outfit. "So, how do I look?" asked Jordan looking at Silke but directing the question at him.
"You look wonderful," said Silke smiling.
"Well, to tell you the truth...it makes you look fat," Aaron immediately backed away from the look Jordan gave him that said "You better watch it buddy or I'll push you off this platform right here and now", "I'm just joking. You look good."
Aaron walked in to get changed while Silke and Jordan waited outside. She's gonna kill me now. I shouldn't have just said, "You look good." I've given her a compliment before so why'd I get all nervous just then. She was gorgeous (as always...lol). He got undressed and started to put the elven clothes on. He tried to put one of his legs in while balancing on the other and fell which knocked over one of the chairs. He heard Jordan laughing outside, "Are you alright in there? Should I send one of the guards in to help you get dressed?"
"No. I'm fine thank you. Woman," he said wincing saying that loud enough for her to hear.
"Aaron. You wait until I come in there."
Oh great. I'm dead. He finished getting dressed and set the chair back up in its proper place. "Come on in. I'm done," he said.
Jordan and Silke walked in laughing and laughing harder when they saw him. What are they laughing at? Women. And I don't care if Silke is an elf...she's still a female and they're all weird. Jordan and Silke sat down at the table, "Men. Can't live with them, can't shoot them," said Jordan.
"Very funny," said Aaron joining them.
"Now about the question I wanted to ask you. I haven't talked to the Lord and Lady about it yet but I don't think that they will have any objections once they meet you and see you're friends," said Silke.
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Eric stood there with the sword Theodred had just given him hanging at his side in its sheath. Sweat was rolling down his face, and he was breathing heavily. He never knew riding a horse could be so hard and trying to hit something while on the horse with what felt like a hundred pound spear was even harder.
The sun was well over head beating down relentlessly on him and the men in the training yard. Theodred told Eric to follow him into the barracks. Inside the barracks it felt even hotter than outside. Men were at the tables talking and laughing and didn't seem to notice the heat. Eric picked up a wooden cup and filled it with water from one of the barrels by the wall. He sat down with Theodred at a table a little farther from the main group, "So what's your home like?" asked Theodred.
"Uhhh...well, it's different than Edoras," said Eric caught off guard at the sudden question.
"What happened? How did you come to wander into our lands?"
"Well, I didn't know that I was in Rohan at first until Eomer found us and told us. I went to sleep one night...," Eric started to say when a man approached the Prince and whispered something in his ear.
"I am sorry, Eric. There is something I must see to," said Theodred hurriedly getting up from his seat following the man. He stopped and talked briefly to a man standing outside the barracks and left. I wonder what made him leave so fast. I don't think orcs attacked Edoras in the book. It's probably nothing to worry about. At least I get out of telling him how I got here.
The man Theodred talked to, walked over to him and replaced Theodred's seat. He had red hair and a red beard. His beard was thick and so was the hair on his arms and probably his legs too. This guy has Aaron beat. He looked like he was made of stone. His arms and legs were huge compared to most men. He looks like he could break me in two.
The man stuck out his hand for Eric to shake, "I'm Endred. You will be practicing with me until Prince Theodred returns. And when he is not here to teach you, I will be."
"I'm Eric," he said trying not to let pain show on his face while shaking Endred's hand.
The man let go not seeming to notice he about broke Eric's hand, "Nice to meet you. Finish your water then we'll finish the rest of today's training."
Eric reluctantly drank the rest of his water and went back outside to the training yards. It was a lot cooler outside than in, and he welcomed the change in temperature even though the sun was already baking his skin. Maybe baling one-thousand bales of hay wasn't so bad. Why did we have to end up here during the summer time? Hopefully I'll be able to make it through the day.
Finally Endred called it a day and let Eric go. Eric slowly climbed the steps back up to the Golden Hall, with his muscles aching and his butt sore from being in the saddle all day, and entered without anyone stopping him and asking questions. Theodred or somebody must have said something to the guards he thought. When he entered he saw King Theoden sitting in his chair. He looked like if you'd touch him the old man would fall apart. Grima Wormtounge sat right beside the King and when Eric walked in Grima gave him a malicious look. Eric kept on walking and returned the stare right back which put a startled look on Grima's face.
A servant stood outside of Eric's room and when Eric approached the man told him to put his sword and other accessories inside his room then follow him. He did what the servant asked and the man led him to a room with a bath in it. The bath was ready and steam filled the room. "I'll be back with a new set of clothes for you, Sir. If you would like more water I will be right outside," and with that the man left. Eric got in the tub, let the hot water loosen his sore and now weak muscles, and just relaxed until the water started to get cold.
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Aaron and Jordan sat around the table waiting for Silke to ask them her question, "I'm traveling to Rivendell and I'd like for you to accompany me. While we were talking last night something told me to ask you. I don't know why. I wanted to talk to the Lord and Lady about this first but I decided to ask you anyway."
"The council of Elrond. Frodo should have the ring there by the time we reach Rivendell," Aaron said speaking his thoughts out loud. Jordan looked at him quickly and he realized what he'd just said.
"How do you know the ring of power has been found?" asked Silke shocked, "No one but a few here know and even fewer outside of Lothlorien!"
"I can't say," said Aaron, "I'll talk to Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn about it."
"What do you know about the ring of power?" Silke asked looking at them wide-eyed, "Keep your voice down so the guards will not hear."
Jordan looked at Aaron and from the look she gave him he knew she wanted him to talk, "I know that Sauron was but a mere servant of Morgoth, or Melkor, and after the Numenoreans defeated Morgoth Sauron fled and over the years ended up in Mordor. He created the ring of power from the fires of Mount Doom. There and only there can it be destroyed. During the first War of the Ring Isildur cut the ring from Sauron's finger and took it for his own. He was then attacked and killed and the ring sank down to the bottom of the river he was killed in. Years past until the creature, Gollum, got a hold of it and took it into the Misty Mountains where he hid for five-hundred years. Gandalf, a hobbit named Bilbo, and a party of dwarves got lost in the Misty Mountains. Bilbo found the ring in Gollum's cave and kept it after his journey. Gandalf figured out the nature of the ring, and told Frodo, Bilbo's nephew, to hide it. Frodo, and three other hobbits, Sam, Merry, and Pippin should be leaving Hobbiton soon, then meet up with Aragorn at Bree, and then they will be traveling to Rivendell so Elrond can hold a meeting to see what needs to be done about the ring."
Silke stared at Aaron and Jordan for a few minutes until she spoke, "I must go tell the Lord and Lady about this. Be ready for when they summon you," she looked like she was about to leave until she remembered they had not given her their answer, "What is your answer to my question?"
"Of course we'll come," said Jordan, "When will we be leaving?"
"I don't know. I will also talk to the Lord and Lady about that. First I need to teach you how to use a bow and sword. It is dangerous outside of these woods. You need to know how to protect yourselves if need be. I must be going now," she said and left.
"She seemed a little shocked," said Jordan after Silke left.
"I know. I should have kept my mouth shut," said Aaron sighing, "Well, we have to tell Galadriel and Celeborn how we know about the ring. With us being here could change everything or it could only change a few things. We have to be careful."
"What do you think they'll say when we tell them that we know about the ring...because in our world all of this is in a book and we've already read the whole story?"
"I don't know what they'll say. It might be a little hard to get them to understand that we're telling them the truth. Galadriel should be understanding though. Maybe she already knows about us."
"I guess we'll find out pretty soon. They'll probably want to see us as soon as Silke tells them that we know about the ring and everything. Do you think it'll be hard to learn how to use a bow and sword?" asked Jordan.
"I've never used a sword before so I don't know. I think it'll be hard. I think the sword will be harder to learn than the bow. Maybe since we're here in Middle-Earth it'll be easier to learn than in our world for some reason. I always wondered what it would be like to wear elven clothes and fight orcs. I always envisioned myself just as good at fighting as Legolas or Aragorn, weaving in between the orcs and killing them left and right. I won't be as good as Legolas or Aragorn but maybe I could get to a point where I'm a good fighter and can kill orcs pretty easily," Aaron said looking a little embarrassed, "It's something I think about a lot. I have plenty of time...I'm a homeschooler."
Jordan and Aaron sat there talking until Silke returned.
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So, Mithrandir won't join me. He still thinks that Sauron can be defeated does he? He can be...persuaded. He does not know the size of the armies the Dark Lord and I have gathered. The One Ring is in the hands of a Hobbit. If everything goes well, the One Ring will be on my hand and I shall rule Middle-Earth! Not even Sauron and the might of Mordor could stand against me!
These kids...these kids present a problem. How do they know so much? I think I shall send more than a company of Uruk-hai to Edoras and that accursed forest. Three-thousand should suffice. It will only reduce my strength here to seven-thousand and hundreds more of my creations are born everyday.
"My lord," Saruman turned around from where he was standing to see two hunched over, grotesque looking orcs, "the two companies of Uruk-hai you have requesthted are ready and armed for battle. They are awaiting your command."
"I have changed my mind about the number I am sending. Ready three- thousand of my Uruk-hai for battle," said Saruman turning to leave, "Summon Lurtz. Tell him I will be in my chambers."
"Yess, My lord. They will be ready as sthoon as possible," said one of the orcs. Both the orcs left muttering in their own filthy language.
The wizard left the room he was in and entered his personal chambers. There sat his small black stoned throne, which seemed be carved into the wall. In the middle of the room was a stand that rose chest high, with a dark round stone on top. He walked over to the palantir and looked into it.
A flame appeared in the center and grew until it became a roaring fire in his head. "Are the kids destroyed yet, Saruman?"
"No, my lord, Sauron. I am assembling a force of Uruk-hai this very moment, my lord. They will be destroyed very soon. I will possibly have them here in Orthanc within weeks. We will be able to find out how they know so much, my lord."
"See that it is done. Do not fail me."
The roar stopped and Saruman backed away from the palantir, sweat trickling down his face, "In a few months I will be lord, and you, Sauron, will be my puppet."
A tall Uruk-hai wearing armor entered the chamber with sword in hand, "You summoned me, my lord," Lurtz said with a deep guttural voice that sounded like a growl.
"I did. I have a job for you to carry out for me. There are five kids, two in Lothlorien, and three at Edoras. They have information that I want. I am putting you in command of three-thousand Uruk-hai. I want two- thousand to attack Edoras, and one-thousand to attack the forest. Your mission is to kill all but one of the kids, not to destroy the city or forest. Bring one back to me," said the wizard noticing Lurtz had a pleased look on his face, "Make sure that the one you bring back is not harmed."
Lurtz growled, "Yes, my lord. It will be done as you have commanded."
"Do not fail me."
The Uruk-hai left and Saruman turned back to the palantir. Isengard came into view. His orcs were scurrying around on the barren, gray land hard at work. The fires were causing the thick, black smoke to rise out of the chasms inside his fortress and blacken the sky. His many spies were flying above the tower and around Isengard. He could make out a lone gray figure on top of his tower, sitting with his back against one of the spikes. 'I will deal with you soon enough, Gandalf.'
He now focused his attention to Lothlorien. He saw Aaron and Jordan sitting at the table talking amongst themselves. 'Fools,' he thought, 'they don't know what is about to happen to them. The Golden Woods will not protect you. I will have one of you sooner or later and I will make you talk. You will not ruin my plans.'
He turned his attention to Edoras. Two figures were riding outside of the city. He looked closer and noticed it was Eowyn, niece of King Theoden, and the oldest girl that appeared out of the five kids. 'She'll be dead or wishing she was dead soon enough.'
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It was a dark, cold night out. The moon gave little light and the stars even less. The shadows around the girl seemed to jump out at her as if they were alive. She stood there frightened not knowing where she was. Tall, well crafted buildings made of white stone were all around her. She noticed the buildings were broken and the debris from them lay everywhere. She didn't know it but she was in the once magnificent capital of Gondor, Osgiliath.
She wandered around shivering in her thin pajamas. The slippers she was wearing gave her feet little protection from the hard, cold rocks. She heard a noise and saw two small figures appear from behind a building. Quickly she darted behind a big rock frightened, trying not to breathe loudly. The figures finally passed her talking in a language she didn't know. The orcs passing her were speaking in the Black Tongue. ORCS!!! This has to be a dream. But why do my feet hurt? Oh, no. Am I in some other world?
After the orcs were gone she franticly but cautiously looked for a way out of where she was. She tripped over a stone and fell in a large puddle. She stood up and the wind cut into her all the way to the bone. Her teeth started to chatter and she tried, but couldn't stop it. She saw two more orcs, or they were the same ones that had just passed her, come into view. She backed away and fell again into the large puddle. She heard growls, and saw the orcs rushing to where she was. Both orcs nocked their bows with thick black arrows. Fear took over and she screamed, running away as fast as she could.
Two arrows pierced her in the back as she ran and she dropped to her knees gasping for air. She looked up as arrows flew from the darkness, the orcs behind her fell motionless, and men stepped into view. Her vision blurred. Time slowed to when seconds seemed like minutes. Darkness started to overtake her. She started to fight it. The pain shot through her whole body. She tried to scream again but nothing came out. Finally the darkness won and she fell against the cold, hard stone now stained with her blood.
She woke up in her room sweating, sitting up in her bed looking around. She let out a sigh of relief. Only a nightmare she thought. She laid back down; the sweat now felt cold on her skin. She closed her eyes until she heard movement in her room. An orc stepped out from the shadows, yellow eyes piercing her, its tongue licking it's lips as though her blood was already there, "You think you can get away that easily?" hissed the orc. She screamed as the orc raised a knife; the moonlight was glinting off of it as it was thrust toward her...
She was on the floor, her heart thumping in her ears. Her blankets and pillow were scattered everywhere in her room. Her pajamas were soaked with sweat. She got up slowly, changed and got back into bed. She turned on the lamp. "It was only a nightmare," she said to herself.
After lying in her bed for an hour she got up and walked to her older brothers' room. She opened it up and stepped inside, "Andrew, can I sleep with you... (lol)...Andrew...Andrew?" the girl looked around the room but she couldn't find her brother. She felt the spot on the bed where he was sleeping, before he found himself in Middle-Earth, and it was still warm.
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Ashton and Eowyn turned back toward Edoras as the sun was going down. "That is a beautiful sunset," said Ashton looking out across the plains.
"Yes, it is, and I wonder how many more we'll be able to enjoy peacefully," said Eowyn.
"Look over there," said Ashton pointing toward the sunset, "Do you see those two things moving? They look like people."
Eowyn reached behind her back, grabbed her bow, and placed an arrow on the string, "Yes, I see them. Ready your bow. We don't know if their friends or enemies," she said as Ashton did as she was told, "Don't shoot unless I say."
As the two people got closer they could make out that one was holding a bow nocked with an arrow, and the other was holding a sword. The one was taller that the other and they both stopped just out of Eowyn's and Ashton's firing range. "Who are you?" yelled Eowyn.
"My name is Ardenel, Ranger of the North, one of the last surviving Dunedain," replied the Ranger, "We are friends of Rohan. Who are you?"
"I am Eowyn, Daughter of Eomund, niece of King Theoden. Drop your weapons and approach us slowly." They did as they were told and stopped a few paces from the horses. "What are you doing..."
"Ashton...Ashton Conrad...Are you Ashton?" asked Andrew eyes wide.
Ashton sat there studying him, "Yeah. Are you Andrew...Aaron's friend?"
"Yeah. Is he here with you (lol)?" asked Andrew.
"No, but Eric Hoke is."
Ardenel and Eowyn sat there listening, "Do you two know each other?" asked Ardenel.
"Yes, we do," said Andrew.
"Why are you two here in the Riddermark?" asked Eowyn.
"I came to warn Rohan that Saruman has allied himself with the Dark Lord of Mordor and is gathering his own armies of orcs. He is preparing to attack Rohan with considerable strength. The orcs he has are not normal. They can endure the sun and they stand upright. They have the strength and skills to match men," answered Ardenel, "As for Andrew I don't know. He was attacked by orcs in Fangorn Forest. He was unarmed and luckily I passed through there to reach Edoras faster, and helped him out. I asked him to travel with me, if he wanted to, and he agreed. You need to be prepared to repel Saruman when he attacks."
"Saruman has now allied himself with Mordor! You bring ill news, Ardenel," said Eowyn, "And you, Andrew, why are you here?"
"He was from my village," said Ashton looking at Andrew trying to get him to play along, "I did not know anyone else survived."
"You, Eric, and I are the only survivors then. I guess Aaron didn't make it," said Andrew understanding why Ashton was looking at him like that.
"Go get your weapons and come back here," said Eowyn looking behind her. Riders were coming toward them. Eomer was in front with twenty men behind him all with swords drawn, bows ready, or spears in hand. The Riders got there just as Ardenel and Andrew returned. "It's alright, brother. That man there is a Ranger of the North, and the young man beside him is a friend from Ashton's village."
Eomer turned from his sister and focused his gaze at the men standing in front of him, "Why are you in the Riddermark?" he asked.
"He came to tell us that Saruman has now allied himself with Mordor, and is gathering his own armies of orcs. Ardenel has told me that Saruman is preparing to attack Rohan," said Eowyn answering her brother.
"How do you know these things?" Eomer asked Ardenel.
"I have seen Isengard, and the orcs that now infest it. As for Sarumans allegiance, he has not kept that secret and proclaims that openly," answered Ardenel, "I would tell you my story now, but the sun is going behind the hills."
"You will tell me your story tonight when you join us for dinner," said Eomer, "Ride behind me, Ardenel. Andrew, you can ride behind one of the Riders."
Ardenel climbed behind Eomer and Andrew got on behind one of the Riders as Eomer instructed. They all turned around and rode to Edoras.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
The sun started to go down and the temperature with it. The sky was now painted in purples, oranges, and reds. A slight cold breeze blew through the window chilling Eric as he lay on his bed. He got up slowly, smoothing his red silk breeches and tunic, and closed the window. "Why couldn't there be a breeze during training and when it's actually hot out," he muttered.
He lay back down on his bed resting, and thinking. He realized that thoughts about Ashton were creeping up on him without knowing about it. Why am I thinking about her? I know Aaron and Jordan always said stuff about us but they only did it to get on our nerves. They know that we don't think of each other like that. I've never looked at her in...that way, have I? There will never be anything between us; at least that's what I used to think. I wonder what she thinks. What am I saying! I can't think of her like that. There is no way she has even considered it in the slightest bit. If Aaron knew what I was thinking right now he'd be telling me..."I told you so." Eric heard a knock at the door and told whoever it was to come in. Hammond entered. "Theodred has sent me to ask you to come to dinner. It seems that another person from your village survived and has been traveling with a Ranger. He thought you might want to see him."
Another person from my village? Oh, someone else is here in Middle- Earth from home! I wonder who it is. "I'm coming," said Eric.
"Good follow me." Eric followed Hammond to the room Ashton ate breakfast in earlier that morning. Eowyn, Eomer, Theodred, Ashton, a man that must be the Ranger thought Eric, and another guy Eric's age, sat a the table talking and looked up when he arrived.
"Eric, come here. I saved you a seat," said Ashton motioning for him to sit with her (Go Ashton...lol). Eric walked over and sat in the chair she saved for him. "Eric, you remember Andrew, don't you?"
"You mean...Aaron's friend Andrew from...the Ohio part of our village?" he asked.
Ashton looked at him with hard eyes telling him not to say anymore about their "village", "Yes, Eric, this is Andrew," she looked at Andrew, "and Andrew, this is Eric." Andrew extended his hand across the table and shook Eric's hand, "Nice to meet you, Eric."
"Nice to finally meet you," said Eric.
"Are we going to sit here and talk all night or are we actually going to eat dinner," said Eowyn looking at everyone at once. Everyone stopped talking and started filling their plates. Turkeys and chickens were set in front of them. Vegetables like, corn, potatoes, and carrots were in bowls on the table, as well as some Eric, Ashton, and Andrew had never seen before. Bread, honey, and butter were in front of them too. Everyone sat their eating and talking between bites. Eric heard Eomer, Theodred, and Ardenel, talking about something that had to do with "war" and "Saruman" and "defending Edoras". Eowyn was asking Ashton about their "village" and she sat their scrambling for answers at all the questions Eowyn threw at her.
After everyone ate their fill, servants appearing out of nowhere came and took their dishes away and brought out ale, and wine. Eomer poured the wine into a silver cup and handed it to Eric, "You have had wine before?" asked Eomer noticing the peculiar look on Eric's face.
Eric took the cup from Eomer, "Yes, of course I have," he took a sip and tried to swallow it quickly without spitting it out. He tried to keep his face expressionless but he failed.
"Of course you have," laughed Eomer taking a drink from his own cup then put it down on the table, "Now, Ardenel, let's hear your story."
"I did say I would tell you didn't I," said the Ranger, "Alright then. It happened five days ago while I was traveling to Bree, when it started to rain..."
. . . . . . .
It was night and the sky was dark, and gray. The cold wind was blowing fiercely, cutting through the Rangers black cloak, leather breeches and tunic, making him shiver. Suddenly thunder exploded overhead and rain poured out from the clouds drenching him from head to toe. His boots now made an imprint in the mud as he walked silently through Fangorn on his way to Bree by request of Aragorn.
His sword was in it's sheath and his bow, wrapped in cloth with his quiver full of arrows, was on his back. He walked an hour into the night until he found a tree with it's roots out of the ground big enough for him to climb under and sleep with little rain hitting him. He was a Ranger so he was used to it. Besides, he'd had worse nights than this before. He made his way over to the tree when he saw a distant light through the trees. His curiosity got the best of him and he started for the light while loosening his sword from it's sheath.
He reached the light which turned out to be a fire and stopped behind a tree when he saw five figures sitting around it. "I'm hungry for some fresh men flesh. When is Saruman going to start sending us out to burn Rohan?" asked one of the figures. Yrch thought the Ranger, and he almost jumped in to kill them all right there but he waited and listened.
"I heard he is assembling a force right now to attack their main city," said one of the Uruk-hai.
"He is," answered another orc, "He's sending some to the men's city, and to the Elven woods."
"They will be easy targets. Rohan still thinks that Saruman is an ally. They do not know he has sided with Barad-dur. Rohan shall fall soon. Then Saruman and the Dark Lord will crush Gondor and all men will be wiped off of Middle-Earth," said a man in a deep voice. Ardenel peered around the tree but he couldn't make out which figure was the man.
"I will be going now," said the man getting up and walking over to his horse, "Tell Saruman that I will return with what he wants as soon as I can." The man jumped on his horse and started away south.
I must have missed part of their conversation. I must warn the people of Rohan. The man is right. They will be easy targets. Ardenel started away from the tree and slipped in the mud. He forced himself up with a grunt as he heard the Uruk-hai growling, and getting their weapons. He jumped into the light sword slicing an orc across the chest, it staggered back, and Ardenel thrust his sword through its throat. He turned around to meet the other three orcs in an instant and blocked one of the orcs swords from sliding through him. In a whirl of motion he sliced the Uruk-hai's leg, and it fell to the ground dropping its sword, then he ducked and dropped to one knee as another orc almost chopped his head off and put his sword through its stomach. He stood up as the remaining orc sliced his shoulder. Not noticing he had just been injured he grabbed his dagger hanging from his belt and threw it into the orcs chest. The orc clawed at the dagger with a growl and fell down dead. Ardenel turned his attention on the wounded orc, walked over to it as it tried to stand, and cut off its head.
He stood there breathing heavily as the rain still came down without a sign of letting up. The wind picked up speed, blowing his cloak around wildly. He looked at his shoulder, now noticing the pain, and saw that it wasn't as bad as it now felt. He took a piece of cloth and wiped the black blood that was on his sword off and threw it on the ground. Ardenel sheathed his sword and dagger. "I'm sorry Aragorn, but I have to warn the people of Rohan," he said to the darkness and headed toward Edoras not even glancing at the four orcs that he had just killed.
. . . . . . .
"...and the next day I found Andrew in trouble, helped him out, and now I'm here," said Ardenel finishing his story.
"You do not know who the man was or where he was headed?" asked Eomer taking another sip of his wine.
"No, I do not. I couldn't make out his face. I thought he was an Uruk-hai at first, until I heard him speak. He rode south. That's all I can tell you about where he was headed," said the Ranger scratching his beard looking at both Eomer and Theodred waiting to see what they'd say.
"Do you know the number of orcs Saruman will be sending to attack us," the Prince whispered into a servant's ear standing behind him and the servant left to do what the Prince had asked. Theodred turned back to the Ranger, "I need to know how many he is sending in order to defend Edoras."
"All I heard was he was readying two companies of Uruk-hai. He is sending one to Lothlorien and another here. The numbers those companies contain, I do not know," Ardenel said as he poured himself another pint of ale.
Eric noticed Ashton hadn't taken even a sip of her wine all night. He nudged her and she looked over at him, "How's your wine?" he asked.
"Fine," she said stirring it.
"So, you can drink it without spitting it all over the table then?" he said smiling.
"Yeah," said Ashton her mouth tight.
"Well let's see you take a gulp."
"I'm not thirsty right now," she replied turning back to the conversation between the men.
"Well, doesn't look like you deserve the name Man-Woman anymore," said Eric trying to get her to fall into his trap.
Ashton put the cup to her lips and let the wine flow in her open mouth. She tried to gulp it down but she couldn't help but spit it all over the table. Eric sat their laughing as Andrew tried desperately to scramble away from the purple liquid flying his way. "It's not funny," said Ashton wiping the wine dripping off of her chin.
Everyone else at the table was laughing at her as well. "Come with me," said Eowyn smiling, getting up from her chair, "you need to be cleaned up." Ashton got out of her chair and followed Theoden's Niece out of the dinner room.
Andrew sat back down after successfully dodging the wine. "That was close," he said with a grin on his face.
Everyone settled down and started talking about the current problem concerning Isengard. "How many men are inside Edoras right now?" asked Ardenel.
"A little under one-thousand Riders right now," answered the Prince.
"I can send out riders to call a few hundred more men back from their posts," said Eomer, "We can have at least five-hundred more men inside Edoras within two days if we move quickly. Maybe even another thousand in a little less than a week."
"We currently have two-thousand Riders directly to the north of us patrolling villages, and another fifteen-hundred to the east doing the same. If we..." Theodred stopped, looking at Eomer.
"I'm sorry cousin," interrupted Eomer, "but we only have five-hundred men at the Fords of Isen right now. They need to be protected in case Saruman decides to attack there first."
"That is true," Theodred sat there a moment then called for a servant, "Tell Hammond where I am and that I want him to come to me quickly." The servant hurried away in search of Hammond.
The men sat there a while talking about what to do, and Eric and Andrew gave them a few suggestions that surprisingly the men took into consideration. Hammond entered, walked over to Theodred, and bowed slightly. "You summoned me, my lord."
"Yes, I did," said Theodred, "Listen to me carefully. Do not let this reach my father's ears or Grima's. I want you to pull two-hundred men out of Helm's Deep and send them to the Fords. There are two-thousand Riders to the north of us. They are to send four-hundred men to the Fords and three-hundred here. The Riders that are stationed to the east are to send five-hundred here to Edoras. I want this done as quickly as possible. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir. I will send riders out tonight right away, but may I ask why?" said Hammond.
"We are expecting an attack on the city, and possibly the Fords, in the near future. We want to be prepared if it is a formidable force. Now hurry and do as I asked," said the Prince.
Hammond bowed and left motioning for servants to follow. Theodred turned to Ardenel and Andrew. "I have a room ready for you. You look tired," he motioned for another servant and one appeared out of nowhere, "Take these men to the room I asked to be prepared earlier."
"Yes, sir," said the servant waiting for Andrew and Ardenel to follow.
They both got up and pushed their chairs in. "Thank you for the meal," said Ardenel, and Andrew echoed him.
"Thank you for the warning," said Theodred standing as well.
The Ranger and Andrew left trailing behind the servant. "I will go and tell the guards to double the watch tonight," said Theodred drinking the last of his wine.
"No, cousin, I will. You look tired. You need your rest," said Eomer backing away from the table, "What do you think your father will do when he finds that you have given an order without his permission?"
"I don't know anymore. It's like he isn't the man I knew while I was growing up. He won't know until all the men are on their way to where I've sent them. It needed to be done," said the Prince in a tired voice.
"Yes, it did. But why would Saruman attack us now when we have the greater chance of victory. He is not stupid. There has to be a reason for it. A hidden purpose to this attack then just an attack on our city in hope of somehow defeating us, "Eomer stood there for a few moments deep in thought, but gave up, "I'm tired to. We will talk about this tomorrow after your training session with Eric. Good night, Theodred."
"Good night, Eomer," Theodred said as he walked out heading for his room.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Eric woke with a start as his door opened and a man walked in. "I am Hammond and I have been sent to escort you to the training yard. You start your training today. Here are your clothes," Hammond laid Eric's clothes over his bed.
Hammond waited outside Eric's room as he got dressed. Eric was given a green tunic and breeches. Brown leather boots and gloves also lay on the bed. He quickly got dressed, grabbed an apple, and walked into the hallway. "I'm ready," said Eric as he closed the door behind him.
"Good. Follow me," said Hammond.
He led Eric through halls, small rooms, large rooms, and finally to the entrance. Two guards stood there. They were wearing green helms, and armor. They were both gripping long lances, and silver swords were at their sides. Hammond spoke to them quickly and they opened the doors. After exiting the Golden Hall Eric followed Hammond down steps, on the side of the Golden Hall, to the training yards.
Men, some of them looked to be Eric's age, were shooting bows at wooden targets, which looked far away to Eric. Men were practicing with swords, lunging, slicing, and blocking, as the sweat rolled down their faces. Some men were on horses with spears in their hands, charging wooden men.
They walked over to a bench in front of the barracks, "I was told to bring you here. You are to wait and someone will be here to start your training."
"Thanks," said Eric sitting down feeling uncomfortable in breeches. Hammond turned and went back up the steps they had come down.
Eric sat their watching the men practicing with swords, how they attacked, how they defended the blows, and how they moved their feet. A young man, not to much older than Eric, approached him. "I am Theodred, Son of King Theoden, and I will be your trainer for today, and the rest of the week," said Theodred holding two wooden swords.
"Really," said Eric surprised as the Prince threw him a sword, "Cool. When do we begin?"
"The sun has already risen. The temperature is rising. You are queer, Eric," said the Prince laughing, "We start now. Follow me."
They stepped into the middle of the training yard and began to practice. "To start I want you to attack me slowly. When you attack twist your wrist every time from side to side."
"Alright," said Eric. This doesn't sound hard. When I was watching the other men it didn't look that hard. In fact it looked easy. Well, let's see.
"Begin," said Theodred.
During their practice Theodred seldom stopped Eric to correct his footing or show him what positions were good for keeping his balance. They kept on practicing for half-an-hour until Theodred let him stop for a drink and rest. When Eric returned Theodred gave him a steel sword.
"I thought the beginners used the wooden swords?" asked Eric.
"I'm making an exception. I want you to see how heavy steel is. Now I'm going to attack you and you are going to block." For another half-an- hour all you heard was the sound of steel clashing against steel.
Eric was slow in defending Theodred because the sword was heavy. After they stopped Eric's arms were aching and sore. The Prince took the sword from him and hung it on the rack. He returned with a long heavy weight and handed it to Eric, "My father gave me this to strengthen my arms. Hold it in both hands and turn it with your wrists. You may go and put this in your room, but then come back because you are not even close to finished today."
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Another day of schoolwork, corrections, and annoying little sis...where am I? Am I still dreaming? Ashton thought as she woke up. After a few moments she realized she was in the Golden Hall of Meduseld, in Rohan. She looked around and noticed clothes were on her table.
On the table lay a dark green dress made for riding with golden thread embroidered at the neck and wrists. In the middle of the dress was a white horse, the symbol of Rohan, with silver outlining it. Breeches, same color as the dress, lay on the table as well. The chair was pulled away from the table and had soft, brown leather riding boots and light brown leather gloves lying on it.
Knowing where she was she got up quickly, dressed for the day, looking forward to her time with Eowyn. She looked out her window overlooking Edoras and stood there still shocked that she was actually there. The people were out in the streets going about their daily business. Kids were running around fighting with sticks getting in the grownups way and getting scolded for doing so. She could see the training yards from her window. She noticed she was wondering if Eric was down there yet. She didn't know why but she was thinking about him a good deal more than usual. She dismissed her thoughts about him and started to focus on the day ahead of her.
She backed away from the window and headed for the door. She saw fruit in a bowl on the table and grabbed a few grapes as she passed. She opened the door and a man stood outside waiting for her. "Right this way," he said. The man led her to a room with a table full of food. It had all kinds of fruit and bread. There was some meat on the table also. It all smelled delicious. She realized she was starving, not having dinner the previous night. Behind the table was a big stone fireplace. The fireplace had wood in it but was not lit. The floor was dark gray marble. The walls were made of a dark wood but Ashton couldn't tell what type it was. To the left of the table was a big window that let the morning light pour in and illumine the room.
Eowyn and Eomer, along with Riders of the Mark, sat at the far end of the long table. Eowyn motioned for her to sit in the chair opposite of hers. Ashton approached the table and joined everyone. She sat between Eomer and one of the Riders. "Good morning," said Eowyn.
"Good morning," replied Ashton as a plate was set in front of her by one of the servants. She took a roll, some fruit, and some of the cold pork.
"Eat your fill," said Eomer standing up and backing away from the table. The Riders did the same. "I'm sure you didn't have enough last night." Eomer walked over to his sister, kissed her on the cheek, and left, followed by his men.
"Did you have a good nights sleep?" asked Eowyn taking a bite of her fruit. She was wearing the same outfit Ashton was accept her's was brown. She looked every bit a daughter of kings.
"Yes, I did. The bed was real comfortable," said Ashton talking with her mouth full.
"Good. I'm glad," laughed Eowyn wiping her mouth with a cloth. A servant took Eowyn's plate and disappeared through a door. "My brother has gotten horses ready for us so when you're done eating your breakfast we will head down to the stables."
Ashton hurriedly finished her food and as soon as she was done a servant appeared and took her plate from her. Where do they come from? "I'm ready," said Ashton.
"Well then, let's go," said Eowyn getting up as Ashton did the same. They both headed out of the room, Eowyn in front and Ashton following, toward the stable to start their day.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Aaron woke up to the sound of elves singing and birds chirping. "I don't want to get up," he mumbled into the pillow. He turned over on his back, "That was a vivid dream. Why couldn't it be real?" he opened his eyes to see the same silver room, the same room that was in his dream he thought he had just had, when he should have seen all of his friends sprawled out on chairs snoring at church, and sat bolt upright in his bed. He rolled up his pant leg and pulled his leg hair, "Ouch. You idiot. This isn't a dream. I'm really here...in Lothlorien."
He got up, put his sneakers on, then started to walk out when he remembered he couldn't, "This is stupid. There's nothing to do." He sat down and started eating an apple. He looked over at Jordan still sound asleep. She lay there with one of her socks off. One of her legs was hanging off the bed while the other was still on. She looked like she was about to roll off onto the floor. Her mouth was wide open and the way she was lying made her cheek go up which scrunched her forehead. He laughed to himself. He couldn't help it. The way she was laying on her bed was hilarious.
A few minutes later he got up and started for the door to see if the two elves outside were up for conversation. When he turned he heard something behind him and looked to see what it was. There was Jordan, still sound asleep, slowly sliding off her bed. Should I wake her up? No. This should be good. Finally she fell and landed with a thud. Jordan stood strait up with a surprised look on her face. The two elven guards rushed in, swords drawn, to see what made the noise. Aaron turned around and told them what happened. They laughed and walked back to their posts.
"It's not funny," said Jordan still only half asleep, sitting down on her bed. Her hair was a mess and she sat there trying to straiten it out.
Aaron stood there laughing, "Yeah, it was. Even the guards thought it was funny. You should have seen yourself."
"Uhhh...shut up. So...it wasn't a dream then. We're actually here in Lorien?" asked Jordan already knowing what the answer was going to be.
"Yeah. I thought it was dream too when I woke up. I wonder if Silke is gonna come back today and ask us that question she was talking about last night," said Aaron sitting down.
Jordan finished straitening her hair and sat down at the table opposite side from Aaron, "I wonder if we're the only ones from our world here?"
"So do I," said Aaron, "There could be more but I don't know how we'd find them even if there are. I know Haldir is an elf, and since he's an elf he's thousands of years old, so we can't say that this is the third age during the second War of the Ring. I wonder what age we're in."
"Didn't you hear Haldir last night? He said that Sauron is fighting for Osgiliath and Saruman has already created Uruk-hai."
Aaron finished his apple and sat it down on the table, "Oh. No, I didn't hear him," he sat there thinking a while, "That means that I could meet Aragorn! We can meet everyone!"
"Do you think Legolas is hotter than Orly?" Jordan squealed.
"Who cares. It would be awesome to meet Legolas, and Gimli, Gandalf, and all the hobbits," said Aaron.
Aaron and Jordan both heard a female elf's voice outside and turned their head toward the doorway knowing who it was. Silke strode through carrying two sets of clothes under her arm. Today she was wearing an almost complete replica of her last nights gown except it was green with a silver tree threaded into the chest. "Did you have a good nights rest?" she asked when she put the clothes on one of the beds.
"It was wonderful," said Jordan looking at the clothes, "It was really comfortable."
"I've never slept through the night without waking up at least once, but I slept through the whole night last night. Can we go out yet?" asked Aaron hopefully.
"I'm glad you both slept well. No, you cannot. The Lord and Lady haven't said anything concerning you leaving the building. I have talked with them and they say that they will summon you soon. You need to be presentable at least. I think these clothes will fit you," Silke handed Jordan her outfit and Aaron his.
Jordan was given a silver, elven dress made for riding. She was also given a silver cloak with a white flower pattern traveling from the hood to the bottom of it. She didn't know what material they used but it was soft and it was thick but still very light. Aaron had a similar outfit (almost identical to Legolas' in LotR: FotR at the Council of Elrond) except his cloak didn't have a pattern, and the color was light brown, not silver. They were both given soft leather boots, Jordan's silver and Aaron's light brown, which felt weightless on their feet.
"Wow," exclaimed Jordan holding her dress up to see how it would look on her, "Thanks."
"Thank you," said Aaron holding his up as well.
"I'm sure that you would like to change. I've talked to the guards outside and they've agreed to let each of you outside while the other changes," said Silke, "Aaron follow me." Aaron followed Silke outside and stood there while Jordan changed into her new clothes.
The air was cool and there was a breeze blowing. He could hear elves off in the distance singing. Do the elves ever stop singing? Geez. They sing more than Jordan does. The silvan trees rose high above him with buildings sitting on their branches. He could see the elves high up walking in and out of them. He was still in a state of shock at being in a place he thought only existed in a book. Someplace Tolkien created in his head and wrote about on paper. How could he actually be here in Lothlorien? He kept on asking himself questions until Jordan walked out wearing her new outfit. "So, how do I look?" asked Jordan looking at Silke but directing the question at him.
"You look wonderful," said Silke smiling.
"Well, to tell you the truth...it makes you look fat," Aaron immediately backed away from the look Jordan gave him that said "You better watch it buddy or I'll push you off this platform right here and now", "I'm just joking. You look good."
Aaron walked in to get changed while Silke and Jordan waited outside. She's gonna kill me now. I shouldn't have just said, "You look good." I've given her a compliment before so why'd I get all nervous just then. She was gorgeous (as always...lol). He got undressed and started to put the elven clothes on. He tried to put one of his legs in while balancing on the other and fell which knocked over one of the chairs. He heard Jordan laughing outside, "Are you alright in there? Should I send one of the guards in to help you get dressed?"
"No. I'm fine thank you. Woman," he said wincing saying that loud enough for her to hear.
"Aaron. You wait until I come in there."
Oh great. I'm dead. He finished getting dressed and set the chair back up in its proper place. "Come on in. I'm done," he said.
Jordan and Silke walked in laughing and laughing harder when they saw him. What are they laughing at? Women. And I don't care if Silke is an elf...she's still a female and they're all weird. Jordan and Silke sat down at the table, "Men. Can't live with them, can't shoot them," said Jordan.
"Very funny," said Aaron joining them.
"Now about the question I wanted to ask you. I haven't talked to the Lord and Lady about it yet but I don't think that they will have any objections once they meet you and see you're friends," said Silke.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Eric stood there with the sword Theodred had just given him hanging at his side in its sheath. Sweat was rolling down his face, and he was breathing heavily. He never knew riding a horse could be so hard and trying to hit something while on the horse with what felt like a hundred pound spear was even harder.
The sun was well over head beating down relentlessly on him and the men in the training yard. Theodred told Eric to follow him into the barracks. Inside the barracks it felt even hotter than outside. Men were at the tables talking and laughing and didn't seem to notice the heat. Eric picked up a wooden cup and filled it with water from one of the barrels by the wall. He sat down with Theodred at a table a little farther from the main group, "So what's your home like?" asked Theodred.
"Uhhh...well, it's different than Edoras," said Eric caught off guard at the sudden question.
"What happened? How did you come to wander into our lands?"
"Well, I didn't know that I was in Rohan at first until Eomer found us and told us. I went to sleep one night...," Eric started to say when a man approached the Prince and whispered something in his ear.
"I am sorry, Eric. There is something I must see to," said Theodred hurriedly getting up from his seat following the man. He stopped and talked briefly to a man standing outside the barracks and left. I wonder what made him leave so fast. I don't think orcs attacked Edoras in the book. It's probably nothing to worry about. At least I get out of telling him how I got here.
The man Theodred talked to, walked over to him and replaced Theodred's seat. He had red hair and a red beard. His beard was thick and so was the hair on his arms and probably his legs too. This guy has Aaron beat. He looked like he was made of stone. His arms and legs were huge compared to most men. He looks like he could break me in two.
The man stuck out his hand for Eric to shake, "I'm Endred. You will be practicing with me until Prince Theodred returns. And when he is not here to teach you, I will be."
"I'm Eric," he said trying not to let pain show on his face while shaking Endred's hand.
The man let go not seeming to notice he about broke Eric's hand, "Nice to meet you. Finish your water then we'll finish the rest of today's training."
Eric reluctantly drank the rest of his water and went back outside to the training yards. It was a lot cooler outside than in, and he welcomed the change in temperature even though the sun was already baking his skin. Maybe baling one-thousand bales of hay wasn't so bad. Why did we have to end up here during the summer time? Hopefully I'll be able to make it through the day.
Finally Endred called it a day and let Eric go. Eric slowly climbed the steps back up to the Golden Hall, with his muscles aching and his butt sore from being in the saddle all day, and entered without anyone stopping him and asking questions. Theodred or somebody must have said something to the guards he thought. When he entered he saw King Theoden sitting in his chair. He looked like if you'd touch him the old man would fall apart. Grima Wormtounge sat right beside the King and when Eric walked in Grima gave him a malicious look. Eric kept on walking and returned the stare right back which put a startled look on Grima's face.
A servant stood outside of Eric's room and when Eric approached the man told him to put his sword and other accessories inside his room then follow him. He did what the servant asked and the man led him to a room with a bath in it. The bath was ready and steam filled the room. "I'll be back with a new set of clothes for you, Sir. If you would like more water I will be right outside," and with that the man left. Eric got in the tub, let the hot water loosen his sore and now weak muscles, and just relaxed until the water started to get cold.
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Aaron and Jordan sat around the table waiting for Silke to ask them her question, "I'm traveling to Rivendell and I'd like for you to accompany me. While we were talking last night something told me to ask you. I don't know why. I wanted to talk to the Lord and Lady about this first but I decided to ask you anyway."
"The council of Elrond. Frodo should have the ring there by the time we reach Rivendell," Aaron said speaking his thoughts out loud. Jordan looked at him quickly and he realized what he'd just said.
"How do you know the ring of power has been found?" asked Silke shocked, "No one but a few here know and even fewer outside of Lothlorien!"
"I can't say," said Aaron, "I'll talk to Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn about it."
"What do you know about the ring of power?" Silke asked looking at them wide-eyed, "Keep your voice down so the guards will not hear."
Jordan looked at Aaron and from the look she gave him he knew she wanted him to talk, "I know that Sauron was but a mere servant of Morgoth, or Melkor, and after the Numenoreans defeated Morgoth Sauron fled and over the years ended up in Mordor. He created the ring of power from the fires of Mount Doom. There and only there can it be destroyed. During the first War of the Ring Isildur cut the ring from Sauron's finger and took it for his own. He was then attacked and killed and the ring sank down to the bottom of the river he was killed in. Years past until the creature, Gollum, got a hold of it and took it into the Misty Mountains where he hid for five-hundred years. Gandalf, a hobbit named Bilbo, and a party of dwarves got lost in the Misty Mountains. Bilbo found the ring in Gollum's cave and kept it after his journey. Gandalf figured out the nature of the ring, and told Frodo, Bilbo's nephew, to hide it. Frodo, and three other hobbits, Sam, Merry, and Pippin should be leaving Hobbiton soon, then meet up with Aragorn at Bree, and then they will be traveling to Rivendell so Elrond can hold a meeting to see what needs to be done about the ring."
Silke stared at Aaron and Jordan for a few minutes until she spoke, "I must go tell the Lord and Lady about this. Be ready for when they summon you," she looked like she was about to leave until she remembered they had not given her their answer, "What is your answer to my question?"
"Of course we'll come," said Jordan, "When will we be leaving?"
"I don't know. I will also talk to the Lord and Lady about that. First I need to teach you how to use a bow and sword. It is dangerous outside of these woods. You need to know how to protect yourselves if need be. I must be going now," she said and left.
"She seemed a little shocked," said Jordan after Silke left.
"I know. I should have kept my mouth shut," said Aaron sighing, "Well, we have to tell Galadriel and Celeborn how we know about the ring. With us being here could change everything or it could only change a few things. We have to be careful."
"What do you think they'll say when we tell them that we know about the ring...because in our world all of this is in a book and we've already read the whole story?"
"I don't know what they'll say. It might be a little hard to get them to understand that we're telling them the truth. Galadriel should be understanding though. Maybe she already knows about us."
"I guess we'll find out pretty soon. They'll probably want to see us as soon as Silke tells them that we know about the ring and everything. Do you think it'll be hard to learn how to use a bow and sword?" asked Jordan.
"I've never used a sword before so I don't know. I think it'll be hard. I think the sword will be harder to learn than the bow. Maybe since we're here in Middle-Earth it'll be easier to learn than in our world for some reason. I always wondered what it would be like to wear elven clothes and fight orcs. I always envisioned myself just as good at fighting as Legolas or Aragorn, weaving in between the orcs and killing them left and right. I won't be as good as Legolas or Aragorn but maybe I could get to a point where I'm a good fighter and can kill orcs pretty easily," Aaron said looking a little embarrassed, "It's something I think about a lot. I have plenty of time...I'm a homeschooler."
Jordan and Aaron sat there talking until Silke returned.
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So, Mithrandir won't join me. He still thinks that Sauron can be defeated does he? He can be...persuaded. He does not know the size of the armies the Dark Lord and I have gathered. The One Ring is in the hands of a Hobbit. If everything goes well, the One Ring will be on my hand and I shall rule Middle-Earth! Not even Sauron and the might of Mordor could stand against me!
These kids...these kids present a problem. How do they know so much? I think I shall send more than a company of Uruk-hai to Edoras and that accursed forest. Three-thousand should suffice. It will only reduce my strength here to seven-thousand and hundreds more of my creations are born everyday.
"My lord," Saruman turned around from where he was standing to see two hunched over, grotesque looking orcs, "the two companies of Uruk-hai you have requesthted are ready and armed for battle. They are awaiting your command."
"I have changed my mind about the number I am sending. Ready three- thousand of my Uruk-hai for battle," said Saruman turning to leave, "Summon Lurtz. Tell him I will be in my chambers."
"Yess, My lord. They will be ready as sthoon as possible," said one of the orcs. Both the orcs left muttering in their own filthy language.
The wizard left the room he was in and entered his personal chambers. There sat his small black stoned throne, which seemed be carved into the wall. In the middle of the room was a stand that rose chest high, with a dark round stone on top. He walked over to the palantir and looked into it.
A flame appeared in the center and grew until it became a roaring fire in his head. "Are the kids destroyed yet, Saruman?"
"No, my lord, Sauron. I am assembling a force of Uruk-hai this very moment, my lord. They will be destroyed very soon. I will possibly have them here in Orthanc within weeks. We will be able to find out how they know so much, my lord."
"See that it is done. Do not fail me."
The roar stopped and Saruman backed away from the palantir, sweat trickling down his face, "In a few months I will be lord, and you, Sauron, will be my puppet."
A tall Uruk-hai wearing armor entered the chamber with sword in hand, "You summoned me, my lord," Lurtz said with a deep guttural voice that sounded like a growl.
"I did. I have a job for you to carry out for me. There are five kids, two in Lothlorien, and three at Edoras. They have information that I want. I am putting you in command of three-thousand Uruk-hai. I want two- thousand to attack Edoras, and one-thousand to attack the forest. Your mission is to kill all but one of the kids, not to destroy the city or forest. Bring one back to me," said the wizard noticing Lurtz had a pleased look on his face, "Make sure that the one you bring back is not harmed."
Lurtz growled, "Yes, my lord. It will be done as you have commanded."
"Do not fail me."
The Uruk-hai left and Saruman turned back to the palantir. Isengard came into view. His orcs were scurrying around on the barren, gray land hard at work. The fires were causing the thick, black smoke to rise out of the chasms inside his fortress and blacken the sky. His many spies were flying above the tower and around Isengard. He could make out a lone gray figure on top of his tower, sitting with his back against one of the spikes. 'I will deal with you soon enough, Gandalf.'
He now focused his attention to Lothlorien. He saw Aaron and Jordan sitting at the table talking amongst themselves. 'Fools,' he thought, 'they don't know what is about to happen to them. The Golden Woods will not protect you. I will have one of you sooner or later and I will make you talk. You will not ruin my plans.'
He turned his attention to Edoras. Two figures were riding outside of the city. He looked closer and noticed it was Eowyn, niece of King Theoden, and the oldest girl that appeared out of the five kids. 'She'll be dead or wishing she was dead soon enough.'
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It was a dark, cold night out. The moon gave little light and the stars even less. The shadows around the girl seemed to jump out at her as if they were alive. She stood there frightened not knowing where she was. Tall, well crafted buildings made of white stone were all around her. She noticed the buildings were broken and the debris from them lay everywhere. She didn't know it but she was in the once magnificent capital of Gondor, Osgiliath.
She wandered around shivering in her thin pajamas. The slippers she was wearing gave her feet little protection from the hard, cold rocks. She heard a noise and saw two small figures appear from behind a building. Quickly she darted behind a big rock frightened, trying not to breathe loudly. The figures finally passed her talking in a language she didn't know. The orcs passing her were speaking in the Black Tongue. ORCS!!! This has to be a dream. But why do my feet hurt? Oh, no. Am I in some other world?
After the orcs were gone she franticly but cautiously looked for a way out of where she was. She tripped over a stone and fell in a large puddle. She stood up and the wind cut into her all the way to the bone. Her teeth started to chatter and she tried, but couldn't stop it. She saw two more orcs, or they were the same ones that had just passed her, come into view. She backed away and fell again into the large puddle. She heard growls, and saw the orcs rushing to where she was. Both orcs nocked their bows with thick black arrows. Fear took over and she screamed, running away as fast as she could.
Two arrows pierced her in the back as she ran and she dropped to her knees gasping for air. She looked up as arrows flew from the darkness, the orcs behind her fell motionless, and men stepped into view. Her vision blurred. Time slowed to when seconds seemed like minutes. Darkness started to overtake her. She started to fight it. The pain shot through her whole body. She tried to scream again but nothing came out. Finally the darkness won and she fell against the cold, hard stone now stained with her blood.
She woke up in her room sweating, sitting up in her bed looking around. She let out a sigh of relief. Only a nightmare she thought. She laid back down; the sweat now felt cold on her skin. She closed her eyes until she heard movement in her room. An orc stepped out from the shadows, yellow eyes piercing her, its tongue licking it's lips as though her blood was already there, "You think you can get away that easily?" hissed the orc. She screamed as the orc raised a knife; the moonlight was glinting off of it as it was thrust toward her...
She was on the floor, her heart thumping in her ears. Her blankets and pillow were scattered everywhere in her room. Her pajamas were soaked with sweat. She got up slowly, changed and got back into bed. She turned on the lamp. "It was only a nightmare," she said to herself.
After lying in her bed for an hour she got up and walked to her older brothers' room. She opened it up and stepped inside, "Andrew, can I sleep with you... (lol)...Andrew...Andrew?" the girl looked around the room but she couldn't find her brother. She felt the spot on the bed where he was sleeping, before he found himself in Middle-Earth, and it was still warm.
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Ashton and Eowyn turned back toward Edoras as the sun was going down. "That is a beautiful sunset," said Ashton looking out across the plains.
"Yes, it is, and I wonder how many more we'll be able to enjoy peacefully," said Eowyn.
"Look over there," said Ashton pointing toward the sunset, "Do you see those two things moving? They look like people."
Eowyn reached behind her back, grabbed her bow, and placed an arrow on the string, "Yes, I see them. Ready your bow. We don't know if their friends or enemies," she said as Ashton did as she was told, "Don't shoot unless I say."
As the two people got closer they could make out that one was holding a bow nocked with an arrow, and the other was holding a sword. The one was taller that the other and they both stopped just out of Eowyn's and Ashton's firing range. "Who are you?" yelled Eowyn.
"My name is Ardenel, Ranger of the North, one of the last surviving Dunedain," replied the Ranger, "We are friends of Rohan. Who are you?"
"I am Eowyn, Daughter of Eomund, niece of King Theoden. Drop your weapons and approach us slowly." They did as they were told and stopped a few paces from the horses. "What are you doing..."
"Ashton...Ashton Conrad...Are you Ashton?" asked Andrew eyes wide.
Ashton sat there studying him, "Yeah. Are you Andrew...Aaron's friend?"
"Yeah. Is he here with you (lol)?" asked Andrew.
"No, but Eric Hoke is."
Ardenel and Eowyn sat there listening, "Do you two know each other?" asked Ardenel.
"Yes, we do," said Andrew.
"Why are you two here in the Riddermark?" asked Eowyn.
"I came to warn Rohan that Saruman has allied himself with the Dark Lord of Mordor and is gathering his own armies of orcs. He is preparing to attack Rohan with considerable strength. The orcs he has are not normal. They can endure the sun and they stand upright. They have the strength and skills to match men," answered Ardenel, "As for Andrew I don't know. He was attacked by orcs in Fangorn Forest. He was unarmed and luckily I passed through there to reach Edoras faster, and helped him out. I asked him to travel with me, if he wanted to, and he agreed. You need to be prepared to repel Saruman when he attacks."
"Saruman has now allied himself with Mordor! You bring ill news, Ardenel," said Eowyn, "And you, Andrew, why are you here?"
"He was from my village," said Ashton looking at Andrew trying to get him to play along, "I did not know anyone else survived."
"You, Eric, and I are the only survivors then. I guess Aaron didn't make it," said Andrew understanding why Ashton was looking at him like that.
"Go get your weapons and come back here," said Eowyn looking behind her. Riders were coming toward them. Eomer was in front with twenty men behind him all with swords drawn, bows ready, or spears in hand. The Riders got there just as Ardenel and Andrew returned. "It's alright, brother. That man there is a Ranger of the North, and the young man beside him is a friend from Ashton's village."
Eomer turned from his sister and focused his gaze at the men standing in front of him, "Why are you in the Riddermark?" he asked.
"He came to tell us that Saruman has now allied himself with Mordor, and is gathering his own armies of orcs. Ardenel has told me that Saruman is preparing to attack Rohan," said Eowyn answering her brother.
"How do you know these things?" Eomer asked Ardenel.
"I have seen Isengard, and the orcs that now infest it. As for Sarumans allegiance, he has not kept that secret and proclaims that openly," answered Ardenel, "I would tell you my story now, but the sun is going behind the hills."
"You will tell me your story tonight when you join us for dinner," said Eomer, "Ride behind me, Ardenel. Andrew, you can ride behind one of the Riders."
Ardenel climbed behind Eomer and Andrew got on behind one of the Riders as Eomer instructed. They all turned around and rode to Edoras.
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The sun started to go down and the temperature with it. The sky was now painted in purples, oranges, and reds. A slight cold breeze blew through the window chilling Eric as he lay on his bed. He got up slowly, smoothing his red silk breeches and tunic, and closed the window. "Why couldn't there be a breeze during training and when it's actually hot out," he muttered.
He lay back down on his bed resting, and thinking. He realized that thoughts about Ashton were creeping up on him without knowing about it. Why am I thinking about her? I know Aaron and Jordan always said stuff about us but they only did it to get on our nerves. They know that we don't think of each other like that. I've never looked at her in...that way, have I? There will never be anything between us; at least that's what I used to think. I wonder what she thinks. What am I saying! I can't think of her like that. There is no way she has even considered it in the slightest bit. If Aaron knew what I was thinking right now he'd be telling me..."I told you so." Eric heard a knock at the door and told whoever it was to come in. Hammond entered. "Theodred has sent me to ask you to come to dinner. It seems that another person from your village survived and has been traveling with a Ranger. He thought you might want to see him."
Another person from my village? Oh, someone else is here in Middle- Earth from home! I wonder who it is. "I'm coming," said Eric.
"Good follow me." Eric followed Hammond to the room Ashton ate breakfast in earlier that morning. Eowyn, Eomer, Theodred, Ashton, a man that must be the Ranger thought Eric, and another guy Eric's age, sat a the table talking and looked up when he arrived.
"Eric, come here. I saved you a seat," said Ashton motioning for him to sit with her (Go Ashton...lol). Eric walked over and sat in the chair she saved for him. "Eric, you remember Andrew, don't you?"
"You mean...Aaron's friend Andrew from...the Ohio part of our village?" he asked.
Ashton looked at him with hard eyes telling him not to say anymore about their "village", "Yes, Eric, this is Andrew," she looked at Andrew, "and Andrew, this is Eric." Andrew extended his hand across the table and shook Eric's hand, "Nice to meet you, Eric."
"Nice to finally meet you," said Eric.
"Are we going to sit here and talk all night or are we actually going to eat dinner," said Eowyn looking at everyone at once. Everyone stopped talking and started filling their plates. Turkeys and chickens were set in front of them. Vegetables like, corn, potatoes, and carrots were in bowls on the table, as well as some Eric, Ashton, and Andrew had never seen before. Bread, honey, and butter were in front of them too. Everyone sat their eating and talking between bites. Eric heard Eomer, Theodred, and Ardenel, talking about something that had to do with "war" and "Saruman" and "defending Edoras". Eowyn was asking Ashton about their "village" and she sat their scrambling for answers at all the questions Eowyn threw at her.
After everyone ate their fill, servants appearing out of nowhere came and took their dishes away and brought out ale, and wine. Eomer poured the wine into a silver cup and handed it to Eric, "You have had wine before?" asked Eomer noticing the peculiar look on Eric's face.
Eric took the cup from Eomer, "Yes, of course I have," he took a sip and tried to swallow it quickly without spitting it out. He tried to keep his face expressionless but he failed.
"Of course you have," laughed Eomer taking a drink from his own cup then put it down on the table, "Now, Ardenel, let's hear your story."
"I did say I would tell you didn't I," said the Ranger, "Alright then. It happened five days ago while I was traveling to Bree, when it started to rain..."
. . . . . . .
It was night and the sky was dark, and gray. The cold wind was blowing fiercely, cutting through the Rangers black cloak, leather breeches and tunic, making him shiver. Suddenly thunder exploded overhead and rain poured out from the clouds drenching him from head to toe. His boots now made an imprint in the mud as he walked silently through Fangorn on his way to Bree by request of Aragorn.
His sword was in it's sheath and his bow, wrapped in cloth with his quiver full of arrows, was on his back. He walked an hour into the night until he found a tree with it's roots out of the ground big enough for him to climb under and sleep with little rain hitting him. He was a Ranger so he was used to it. Besides, he'd had worse nights than this before. He made his way over to the tree when he saw a distant light through the trees. His curiosity got the best of him and he started for the light while loosening his sword from it's sheath.
He reached the light which turned out to be a fire and stopped behind a tree when he saw five figures sitting around it. "I'm hungry for some fresh men flesh. When is Saruman going to start sending us out to burn Rohan?" asked one of the figures. Yrch thought the Ranger, and he almost jumped in to kill them all right there but he waited and listened.
"I heard he is assembling a force right now to attack their main city," said one of the Uruk-hai.
"He is," answered another orc, "He's sending some to the men's city, and to the Elven woods."
"They will be easy targets. Rohan still thinks that Saruman is an ally. They do not know he has sided with Barad-dur. Rohan shall fall soon. Then Saruman and the Dark Lord will crush Gondor and all men will be wiped off of Middle-Earth," said a man in a deep voice. Ardenel peered around the tree but he couldn't make out which figure was the man.
"I will be going now," said the man getting up and walking over to his horse, "Tell Saruman that I will return with what he wants as soon as I can." The man jumped on his horse and started away south.
I must have missed part of their conversation. I must warn the people of Rohan. The man is right. They will be easy targets. Ardenel started away from the tree and slipped in the mud. He forced himself up with a grunt as he heard the Uruk-hai growling, and getting their weapons. He jumped into the light sword slicing an orc across the chest, it staggered back, and Ardenel thrust his sword through its throat. He turned around to meet the other three orcs in an instant and blocked one of the orcs swords from sliding through him. In a whirl of motion he sliced the Uruk-hai's leg, and it fell to the ground dropping its sword, then he ducked and dropped to one knee as another orc almost chopped his head off and put his sword through its stomach. He stood up as the remaining orc sliced his shoulder. Not noticing he had just been injured he grabbed his dagger hanging from his belt and threw it into the orcs chest. The orc clawed at the dagger with a growl and fell down dead. Ardenel turned his attention on the wounded orc, walked over to it as it tried to stand, and cut off its head.
He stood there breathing heavily as the rain still came down without a sign of letting up. The wind picked up speed, blowing his cloak around wildly. He looked at his shoulder, now noticing the pain, and saw that it wasn't as bad as it now felt. He took a piece of cloth and wiped the black blood that was on his sword off and threw it on the ground. Ardenel sheathed his sword and dagger. "I'm sorry Aragorn, but I have to warn the people of Rohan," he said to the darkness and headed toward Edoras not even glancing at the four orcs that he had just killed.
. . . . . . .
"...and the next day I found Andrew in trouble, helped him out, and now I'm here," said Ardenel finishing his story.
"You do not know who the man was or where he was headed?" asked Eomer taking another sip of his wine.
"No, I do not. I couldn't make out his face. I thought he was an Uruk-hai at first, until I heard him speak. He rode south. That's all I can tell you about where he was headed," said the Ranger scratching his beard looking at both Eomer and Theodred waiting to see what they'd say.
"Do you know the number of orcs Saruman will be sending to attack us," the Prince whispered into a servant's ear standing behind him and the servant left to do what the Prince had asked. Theodred turned back to the Ranger, "I need to know how many he is sending in order to defend Edoras."
"All I heard was he was readying two companies of Uruk-hai. He is sending one to Lothlorien and another here. The numbers those companies contain, I do not know," Ardenel said as he poured himself another pint of ale.
Eric noticed Ashton hadn't taken even a sip of her wine all night. He nudged her and she looked over at him, "How's your wine?" he asked.
"Fine," she said stirring it.
"So, you can drink it without spitting it all over the table then?" he said smiling.
"Yeah," said Ashton her mouth tight.
"Well let's see you take a gulp."
"I'm not thirsty right now," she replied turning back to the conversation between the men.
"Well, doesn't look like you deserve the name Man-Woman anymore," said Eric trying to get her to fall into his trap.
Ashton put the cup to her lips and let the wine flow in her open mouth. She tried to gulp it down but she couldn't help but spit it all over the table. Eric sat their laughing as Andrew tried desperately to scramble away from the purple liquid flying his way. "It's not funny," said Ashton wiping the wine dripping off of her chin.
Everyone else at the table was laughing at her as well. "Come with me," said Eowyn smiling, getting up from her chair, "you need to be cleaned up." Ashton got out of her chair and followed Theoden's Niece out of the dinner room.
Andrew sat back down after successfully dodging the wine. "That was close," he said with a grin on his face.
Everyone settled down and started talking about the current problem concerning Isengard. "How many men are inside Edoras right now?" asked Ardenel.
"A little under one-thousand Riders right now," answered the Prince.
"I can send out riders to call a few hundred more men back from their posts," said Eomer, "We can have at least five-hundred more men inside Edoras within two days if we move quickly. Maybe even another thousand in a little less than a week."
"We currently have two-thousand Riders directly to the north of us patrolling villages, and another fifteen-hundred to the east doing the same. If we..." Theodred stopped, looking at Eomer.
"I'm sorry cousin," interrupted Eomer, "but we only have five-hundred men at the Fords of Isen right now. They need to be protected in case Saruman decides to attack there first."
"That is true," Theodred sat there a moment then called for a servant, "Tell Hammond where I am and that I want him to come to me quickly." The servant hurried away in search of Hammond.
The men sat there a while talking about what to do, and Eric and Andrew gave them a few suggestions that surprisingly the men took into consideration. Hammond entered, walked over to Theodred, and bowed slightly. "You summoned me, my lord."
"Yes, I did," said Theodred, "Listen to me carefully. Do not let this reach my father's ears or Grima's. I want you to pull two-hundred men out of Helm's Deep and send them to the Fords. There are two-thousand Riders to the north of us. They are to send four-hundred men to the Fords and three-hundred here. The Riders that are stationed to the east are to send five-hundred here to Edoras. I want this done as quickly as possible. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir. I will send riders out tonight right away, but may I ask why?" said Hammond.
"We are expecting an attack on the city, and possibly the Fords, in the near future. We want to be prepared if it is a formidable force. Now hurry and do as I asked," said the Prince.
Hammond bowed and left motioning for servants to follow. Theodred turned to Ardenel and Andrew. "I have a room ready for you. You look tired," he motioned for another servant and one appeared out of nowhere, "Take these men to the room I asked to be prepared earlier."
"Yes, sir," said the servant waiting for Andrew and Ardenel to follow.
They both got up and pushed their chairs in. "Thank you for the meal," said Ardenel, and Andrew echoed him.
"Thank you for the warning," said Theodred standing as well.
The Ranger and Andrew left trailing behind the servant. "I will go and tell the guards to double the watch tonight," said Theodred drinking the last of his wine.
"No, cousin, I will. You look tired. You need your rest," said Eomer backing away from the table, "What do you think your father will do when he finds that you have given an order without his permission?"
"I don't know anymore. It's like he isn't the man I knew while I was growing up. He won't know until all the men are on their way to where I've sent them. It needed to be done," said the Prince in a tired voice.
"Yes, it did. But why would Saruman attack us now when we have the greater chance of victory. He is not stupid. There has to be a reason for it. A hidden purpose to this attack then just an attack on our city in hope of somehow defeating us, "Eomer stood there for a few moments deep in thought, but gave up, "I'm tired to. We will talk about this tomorrow after your training session with Eric. Good night, Theodred."
"Good night, Eomer," Theodred said as he walked out heading for his room.
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