New Beginnings chapter 6
The Pillage of Gondor
Addramyr awoke laying upon a small bush blood gurgling from his mouth, he quickly remembered what was happening and grabbed his sword. Across the river were Addramyr lay was his uncle Imrahil laying beside his dead horse. As Addramyr attempted to cross the river to help his uncle a great gush of wind swooped past him knocking him down the great gush of wind was followed by a cloud of smoke. Out of the smoke arose a giant fiery figure which was the Balrog of Minas Morgul, the beast of old roared at the king who's face turned grave. The Balrog brandished a great sword of flame and began to charge the king on foot. Addramyr remembered back when his father Faramir told him of tales of old about how Gandalf battled and died fighting a Balrog of Moria, he then remembered swords were of no use against such a beast. Addramyr quickly ran down the river toward the mountains, the Balrog quickly used his wings to send a wave of fire toward Addramyr engulfing the woods about the king and burning his shoulder. Addramyr fell screaming in pain for his left arm was burnt in the process and a trail of blood was left for the king ran as fast as his legs could take him. The Balrog know took to the air and swooped down swinging his great sword trying to strike the cunning king who used the mountains and woods as cover. After hours of pursuit and torment the king finally came to a small woodland village placed beneath a great mountain and surrounded by trees. The village was filled with many villagers who were working and talking around the village.
Addramyr ran into the village looking like a crazed man, "Please help me I am the king of Gondor, a great beast of flame is coming"
The king was interrupted by screaming from the villagers for the Balrog was hovering above them. Addramyr glared the beast in the eyes and yelled at the Balrog he held his sword tight and stood his ground. The Balrog roared and swooped down burning some of the wood area with his wings, the flaming sword the Balrog struck Addramyr sword sending the king falling back to the floor. The kings great sword of old held firm and the Balrog looked confused for the Kings sword could withstand the Balrogs sword of flame. The king lay on the ground glaring at the sword Imrahil had made for the King. The Balrog stepped back doing so burning many houses and killing some of the villagers, the Balrog roared and swung his sword at the king again smashing into his sword and sending the king across into the woodland crashing against a tree. Addramyr opened his eyes clenching his side for he was in pain, he grabbed his sword and could hear screams and the village burning for the Balrog was in wrath killing everything that moved about him. Addramyr stood up and began to climb the great mountain which towered over the village. The king knew he had no hope of saving the village or defeating the Balrog, for many hours he climbed the mountain at last he reached the top. Addramyr wiped the blood from his face and stood shining out over the land, he could see below him fumes off the village swept through the air. Addramyr sighed and sat down looking over his kingdom, he could see a great cloud of darkness spreading from Minas Morgul and he knew deep down that it would spread and engulf Gondor and the rest of Middle Earth which had not recovered from the wrath of Sauron. As he looked about him he looked to the northern kingdom and the snowy realm and the former fortress known as Angband he could see another cloud of darkness also spreading from that region. The king s face turned to confusion for what two great powers could be coming at the same time without him knowing. Addramyr looked to his city of Minas Tirith and wondered about his sister and her safety if indeed an attack was to be made for Donvan wanted to reclaim the throne for he was the son of Faramir and older than Addramyr. In this hour Addramyr knew what he must do he stood know tall and his face grew lighter for hope lingered in him still. Addramyr climbed back down the mountain and through the woodland area he know headed back to his realm and city of Minas Tirith. The Balrog had gone and Addramyr grew worried for the devastation in which one Balrog could cause was tremendous. The sky grew darker for it was late and Addramyr know came to the woods of Othilien, he wondered were his rangers were. The king came to the hidden outpost in which his father once commanded, the cave was filled with blood and body's of many rangers. Addramyr could see that his outpost was totally destroyed but it seemed the rangers were ambushed for most of the weapons were still in the armoury. The king thought to himself the captured captains of his army may have been tortured into revealing the hidden locations of the outposts. Addramyr bowed his head and gave his farewell to the fallen rangers; he grabbed what equipment and supply's he could carry and headed south to Minas Tirith. As the king left the region of Othilien he stumbled across tracks which could be described as orc foot prints, as he grew closer to Osgiliath he noticed that there were many signs of orc encampments throughout the area. Addramyr came to the ancient city of Osgiliath he looked to the city which was know filled with hundreds upon hundreds of orcs and other foul beasts. Addraymr knew that Gondor will soon fall for most of his army were destroyed at the battle of the tower of moon. Darkness know crept into the land for the king sat silent along side the river anduin looking across at Osgiliath, the king would have to act soon and warn Minas Tirith of the danger which lies before them. After hours of pondering his next action the king noticed that many more orcs were pouring into the city from the north he also could see siege equipment and many trolls.
Addramyr thought to himself, "How could such an army grow unnoticed by my men?"
As Addramyr spoke a great noise was heard and drums began to play for a great host of orcs led by Donvan marched past Osgiliath and to Minas Tirith across the plains of Pellenor, the rest of the orcs followed for this was a great army reaching the thousands of orcs and beasts. Minas Tirith could be seen in the distance glimmering in the night like a white star. Adrramyr could see at the rear of the army were many prisoners they were the captured rangers from Othilien, the king quickly drew his sword and headed for the rear of the company with great haste. The rear of the army were just leaving Osgiliath when out of know were Addramyr charged the orcs protecting the rear screaming and brandishing his deadly sword. The orcs were killed for they were unprepared; the screams from the rear were heard by company's in front who quickly retreated back to the rear of the army. Addramyr fought like a man possessed killing the orcs with ease, he quickly cut the bonds which held the rangers and they grabbed what weapons they could find. Addramyr had with him at least twelve rangers who formed a column about the king protecting him and holding there ground against the orcs which kept charging them. Addramyr could see that the piles of orcs were mounting and he and the rangers grew weaker for the orc numbers would not diminish. A captain orc rode forward to the head of the column to alert Donvan of what was happening. Donvan turned his head to look to the rear of the column and could see the king standing gleaming in the middle of his men. Donvans eyes glared like a devil and he struck the captain orc killing him.
Donvan spoke to the orcs with hatred, "Kill the king, third column go to the rear and finish them off bring the kings head on a plate, the rest of you take no heed and prepare for battle!"
The third column which contained around three hundred orcs now charged toward the king and the rangers. Addramyr quickly noticed this and gave the signal for his men to scatter back into the city of Osgiliath. The men quickly ran to the city taking cover in the ruins of the city, the three hundred orcs spread out and moved into the city hunting the rangers and the king. The rangers were skilled in this sort of fighting, using cover to protect them. Many of the orcs were slain by the skilled rangers who used the shadows, the orcs were suffering heavy losses and the men began to regain hope for they had the upper h and. Suddenly a great roar was heard and a fiery figure came crashing down into the city, for the Balrog had returned. Addramyr saw this and yelled to his men to retreat back to the woods of Othilien. As the men panicked and tried to make there way through the maze which was Osgiliath the Balrog began to hunt them down. Two rangers were following the king for he knew the secrets to the city, suddenly the Balrog is seen at the rear of the men charging at great speed, the rangers turn around to be crushed by the Balrog. Addramyr quickly heads down a slope and lands in the river anduin, he turns around and can hear screams from his men. Addramyr realises they have all been slain for no rangers can be seen nor any noises from the city. The Balrog joins the army which is about to besiege Minas Tirith.
Addramyr awoke laying upon a small bush blood gurgling from his mouth, he quickly remembered what was happening and grabbed his sword. Across the river were Addramyr lay was his uncle Imrahil laying beside his dead horse. As Addramyr attempted to cross the river to help his uncle a great gush of wind swooped past him knocking him down the great gush of wind was followed by a cloud of smoke. Out of the smoke arose a giant fiery figure which was the Balrog of Minas Morgul, the beast of old roared at the king who's face turned grave. The Balrog brandished a great sword of flame and began to charge the king on foot. Addramyr remembered back when his father Faramir told him of tales of old about how Gandalf battled and died fighting a Balrog of Moria, he then remembered swords were of no use against such a beast. Addramyr quickly ran down the river toward the mountains, the Balrog quickly used his wings to send a wave of fire toward Addramyr engulfing the woods about the king and burning his shoulder. Addramyr fell screaming in pain for his left arm was burnt in the process and a trail of blood was left for the king ran as fast as his legs could take him. The Balrog know took to the air and swooped down swinging his great sword trying to strike the cunning king who used the mountains and woods as cover. After hours of pursuit and torment the king finally came to a small woodland village placed beneath a great mountain and surrounded by trees. The village was filled with many villagers who were working and talking around the village.
Addramyr ran into the village looking like a crazed man, "Please help me I am the king of Gondor, a great beast of flame is coming"
The king was interrupted by screaming from the villagers for the Balrog was hovering above them. Addramyr glared the beast in the eyes and yelled at the Balrog he held his sword tight and stood his ground. The Balrog roared and swooped down burning some of the wood area with his wings, the flaming sword the Balrog struck Addramyr sword sending the king falling back to the floor. The kings great sword of old held firm and the Balrog looked confused for the Kings sword could withstand the Balrogs sword of flame. The king lay on the ground glaring at the sword Imrahil had made for the King. The Balrog stepped back doing so burning many houses and killing some of the villagers, the Balrog roared and swung his sword at the king again smashing into his sword and sending the king across into the woodland crashing against a tree. Addramyr opened his eyes clenching his side for he was in pain, he grabbed his sword and could hear screams and the village burning for the Balrog was in wrath killing everything that moved about him. Addramyr stood up and began to climb the great mountain which towered over the village. The king knew he had no hope of saving the village or defeating the Balrog, for many hours he climbed the mountain at last he reached the top. Addramyr wiped the blood from his face and stood shining out over the land, he could see below him fumes off the village swept through the air. Addramyr sighed and sat down looking over his kingdom, he could see a great cloud of darkness spreading from Minas Morgul and he knew deep down that it would spread and engulf Gondor and the rest of Middle Earth which had not recovered from the wrath of Sauron. As he looked about him he looked to the northern kingdom and the snowy realm and the former fortress known as Angband he could see another cloud of darkness also spreading from that region. The king s face turned to confusion for what two great powers could be coming at the same time without him knowing. Addramyr looked to his city of Minas Tirith and wondered about his sister and her safety if indeed an attack was to be made for Donvan wanted to reclaim the throne for he was the son of Faramir and older than Addramyr. In this hour Addramyr knew what he must do he stood know tall and his face grew lighter for hope lingered in him still. Addramyr climbed back down the mountain and through the woodland area he know headed back to his realm and city of Minas Tirith. The Balrog had gone and Addramyr grew worried for the devastation in which one Balrog could cause was tremendous. The sky grew darker for it was late and Addramyr know came to the woods of Othilien, he wondered were his rangers were. The king came to the hidden outpost in which his father once commanded, the cave was filled with blood and body's of many rangers. Addramyr could see that his outpost was totally destroyed but it seemed the rangers were ambushed for most of the weapons were still in the armoury. The king thought to himself the captured captains of his army may have been tortured into revealing the hidden locations of the outposts. Addramyr bowed his head and gave his farewell to the fallen rangers; he grabbed what equipment and supply's he could carry and headed south to Minas Tirith. As the king left the region of Othilien he stumbled across tracks which could be described as orc foot prints, as he grew closer to Osgiliath he noticed that there were many signs of orc encampments throughout the area. Addramyr came to the ancient city of Osgiliath he looked to the city which was know filled with hundreds upon hundreds of orcs and other foul beasts. Addraymr knew that Gondor will soon fall for most of his army were destroyed at the battle of the tower of moon. Darkness know crept into the land for the king sat silent along side the river anduin looking across at Osgiliath, the king would have to act soon and warn Minas Tirith of the danger which lies before them. After hours of pondering his next action the king noticed that many more orcs were pouring into the city from the north he also could see siege equipment and many trolls.
Addramyr thought to himself, "How could such an army grow unnoticed by my men?"
As Addramyr spoke a great noise was heard and drums began to play for a great host of orcs led by Donvan marched past Osgiliath and to Minas Tirith across the plains of Pellenor, the rest of the orcs followed for this was a great army reaching the thousands of orcs and beasts. Minas Tirith could be seen in the distance glimmering in the night like a white star. Adrramyr could see at the rear of the army were many prisoners they were the captured rangers from Othilien, the king quickly drew his sword and headed for the rear of the company with great haste. The rear of the army were just leaving Osgiliath when out of know were Addramyr charged the orcs protecting the rear screaming and brandishing his deadly sword. The orcs were killed for they were unprepared; the screams from the rear were heard by company's in front who quickly retreated back to the rear of the army. Addramyr fought like a man possessed killing the orcs with ease, he quickly cut the bonds which held the rangers and they grabbed what weapons they could find. Addramyr had with him at least twelve rangers who formed a column about the king protecting him and holding there ground against the orcs which kept charging them. Addramyr could see that the piles of orcs were mounting and he and the rangers grew weaker for the orc numbers would not diminish. A captain orc rode forward to the head of the column to alert Donvan of what was happening. Donvan turned his head to look to the rear of the column and could see the king standing gleaming in the middle of his men. Donvans eyes glared like a devil and he struck the captain orc killing him.
Donvan spoke to the orcs with hatred, "Kill the king, third column go to the rear and finish them off bring the kings head on a plate, the rest of you take no heed and prepare for battle!"
The third column which contained around three hundred orcs now charged toward the king and the rangers. Addramyr quickly noticed this and gave the signal for his men to scatter back into the city of Osgiliath. The men quickly ran to the city taking cover in the ruins of the city, the three hundred orcs spread out and moved into the city hunting the rangers and the king. The rangers were skilled in this sort of fighting, using cover to protect them. Many of the orcs were slain by the skilled rangers who used the shadows, the orcs were suffering heavy losses and the men began to regain hope for they had the upper h and. Suddenly a great roar was heard and a fiery figure came crashing down into the city, for the Balrog had returned. Addramyr saw this and yelled to his men to retreat back to the woods of Othilien. As the men panicked and tried to make there way through the maze which was Osgiliath the Balrog began to hunt them down. Two rangers were following the king for he knew the secrets to the city, suddenly the Balrog is seen at the rear of the men charging at great speed, the rangers turn around to be crushed by the Balrog. Addramyr quickly heads down a slope and lands in the river anduin, he turns around and can hear screams from his men. Addramyr realises they have all been slain for no rangers can be seen nor any noises from the city. The Balrog joins the army which is about to besiege Minas Tirith.