The Battle of Osgiliath
"To the water now!" yelled the water guard. The men and humans ran quickly to the open walls leading to Osgiliath's heart. On the other side Lexwen was trying to get into the city.
"Guards of the city, you must let me in!" she begged. A guard shook his head. Dusk was quickly descending upon Gondor making it too dark to recognize any facial features.
"As we speak those beasts of Mordor envelope Osgiliath. To open the gates is crazy! We don't even know who you are," exclaimed the guard. Lexwen looked around cautiously. Then she threw off her white hood. Her golden blond hair fell down and her blue eyes flashed dangerously. "Lady Lexwen what are you doing here!" she said loudly.
"Sh, just let me in." The guard nodded and opened the gate enough for Lexwen and Force to fit through. As soon as Force's tale was through the gates snapped shut. A guard or two came running up to her.
"Lady Lexwen you must leave. This battle is hopeless!" he said. Lexwen shook her head and pushed past him. Coming over the bridge was Katowyn.
"Katowyn no, you cannot fight! In this war of all wars! We will all die!" Lexwen said running up to her.
"That's why I'm here," Katowyn said. Lexwen looked away stunned. "So why are you here?" Katowyn tried to look unfazed.
"That's an interesting story. I'm sure you heard my fight about Lord Browne being removed. So I decided to leave. Of course Argonth had to say something." Lexwen laughed bitterly. "Let us move up to my room and you can finish telling me what Argonth said" Katowyn suggested.
"I need my whip wounds fixed again. One last time before war comes." Katowyn nodded and the two headed to her room.
Osgiliath was deadly silent. The though of war in a mere hour made the soldiers nervous. Even worse was the thought that Osgiliath wasn't meant to survive the war. The old gray stone forming the majestic walls seemed to shy back in fear. Death was foremost in everyone's mind.
As Lexwen walked she tried to remember every face. But after about 50 she lost the ability to remember them. So she settled to just remember them when she saw them. Katowyn's room was in the heart of the city. It was a bare room made in dull gray. It suited everyone's terrible mood.
"Sit on the bed, I'll get the medicine" Katowyn said. Lexwen lay on her stomach and sighed.
"This is the last time I'll ever lay on a bed," she thought. Then she unbuttoned her dress and let it fall to the floor. "I'll be a princess no more," She told the dress. Her silver and blue war attire did not reflect this. The pants were a dark navy with silver stripes and designs. It continued on to connect to the top, which was basically the same. A silver belt with Lorien leaves stamped on it clung to her hips. Her long and sharp sword lay at he side. She then knotted her into a ponytail leaving all traces of a delicate princess behind.
Lexwen turned to look in the mirror. The change was drastic but not so that you couldn't recognize her. Sighing she fell back onto the bed. Katowyn came back in with a bowl, towel, and a few herbs.
"It's good to see you've brought your war attire," she said. She set down the medicine. She pulled off her white dress and threw it. Her war attired was made of greens and blacks but it still had the same concept as Lexwen's. "I'm afraid mine is not as elegant as yours" Katowyn said.
"Well at lest you will blend in. Then the orcs won't know you're a royal princess at first sight," Lexwen said lightly. Katowyn smiled, the ability to laugh gone with the sun.
"Yes well by the second glance they will be all over me. But don't' worry about me. Let's worry about these wounds of yours" Katowyn said.
Katowyn began pressing the cloth to her wounds. Lexwen hissed in pain. "It's the last time," she thought. So she quieted down and told Katowyn about Argonth.
Argonth paced back and forth in his room. The news revealed to him in an angry rage stunned him. Lexwen and Legolas were leaders of the 17! " A women!" he whispered. It seemed so unlikely that she would be allowed. The world had changed much since she was born. Back then women were respected highly but frowned upon when it came to war. But today many women insisted upon joining in.
"Enough!" he cried out. Argonth grabbed his sword and two daggers. Then he stormed out of his room. He rushed down the hall. He had nothing more to do. So he planned to go to Osgiliath.
King Elessar was just coming into the hall when Argonth stormed in. "Goodbye father, I leave for Osgiliath," he said. Aragorn's eyes widened and he jumped at Argonth. "Argonth no! You cannot do this," he said. Argonth pulled against his father.
"And why not?" he grunted.
"Because…" Aragorn strained against Argonth's strong pull. "Katowyn has already left for the ships. And Lexwen just rode out to Osgiliath. We cannot lose both of you," he gasped. Argonth went limp in his father's arms.
"Lexwen left already?" he asked.
"Yes, she was mad because I do not have the power to remove Lord Browne. Then what you said about her endangering more people hurt her deeply so she left for Osgiliath. There is almost no hope for her" Aragorn explained.
Argonth tensed up again but Aragorn pulled him back. "No Argonth."
"I must go help them. Just because I dislike Lexwen doesn't mean she should die because of me!" Argonth yelled and banged against his father's grip. Aragorn nodded his head and the guards around the room slammed the main doors shut. Then Aragorn let Argonth go.
Argonth fell away from Aragorn and rubbed his arm. "Why can't you just let me go? I'll bring Lexwen back before Osgiliath is attacked" Argonth said.
"It is too late. Lexwen will not come back, especially if you ask her. Look out the window, the army is large and already half way there" Aragorn explained. Argonth looked sadly out the window.
"Without help we will not outlast them" Argonth whispered.
"Yes I know. But there is no one to help us. Just do the best you can. Then we will escape to the mountains with all speed," Aragorn said.
Argonth looked at him. "Escape? You mean to abandon Minas Tirith too! I'll have no such thing!" he bellowed.
"Sauron has played his cards right, we will not win!" Aragorn said bowing his head.
"Minas Tirith has survived many wars, why can it not survive this one?" Argonth asked.
"Argonth, do you wish to die?" Aragorn whispered.
"If it helps defend the city then yes, I will die" Argonth yelled. Aragorn was taken back by this answer.
"Alright, I will not run. But you must run. I cannot leave our people leaderless" Aragorn said.
"Katowyn can defend the city, she is the princess of the city" Argonth sneered.
"Katowyn is with the ships. I cannot leave her with this burden. Argonth, you must run" Aragorn said.
"No, I will not run. I cannot run, I will not run" Argonth vented.
"Argonth please, for me?"
Argonth leaned closer to his father. " I will not run." Then he turned and walked back to his room.
"All men to the water!" yelled the guard again. Lexwen peered out of Katowyn's room to find half of the city empty. Frowning Lexwen went towards the water. All the soldiers in the city were there. She made her way to where the guards were. They were huddled together in a corner of the city. Lexwen walked over to them.
"If we put everyone in the front we can kill off as many as possible. Then the numbers will fall a bit," said a guard.
"No, that won't work. There are 400,000 of them," Lexwen said. The guards turned to face her.
"Lady Lexwen, you still have a chance to leave," said one. Lexwen shook her head.
"No, that would be too dangerous." The guards sighed. Another caught their attention.
"Now for war-"
"Yes for war, do not keep all of these men here. If you do the city will be gone in half an hour. You need to spread them out everywhere" said a voice. Lexwen and the guards turned to see Katowyn walking towards them. "Hide surprise archers in the closed rooms. Throw as many surprise attacks as possible at them. Orcs do not work well against secrecy and neither do Uruk-hai" she finished.
Lexwen had wandered over to an open archway. "Isn't that right Lexwen?" Katowyn asked. "Lexwen?" Katowyn looked around further. Lexwen's eyes widened upon seeing the army. She walked back over to the leading group.
"Yes Uruk-hai and orcs do not, but Gohl are different" she said.
"What are Gohl?" asked a trembling guard.
"Gohl are terrible combinations of creatures. They are half orc, part human, and part goblin. They thrive in the dark and in the hour of death. They are bred for large wars and to kill elves. Elves are harder creatures to kill, so they are built to make it easier. Something about a man's strength makes it more difficult. This is good news for Gondor and Rohan" Lexwen said.
"But this means you will be easier to kill" pointed out a guard.
"Yes but the elves in the 17 have trained to kill any threat like a Gohl" Lexwen said.
Not reassured the guards nodded. "Well Gohls or no we need to spread out the soldiers. I need you guards to separate the swordsmen. Lexwen and I shall hide the archers. Then we shall lead the close contact fighting while Lexwen leads the archers" Katowyn interrupted.
"Katowyn I think you should lead this battle. You can signal when the defense tactics should be launched. Then the guards shall lead the attacks. Can you handle that or would you rather fight? I will just lead a few groups. I am here to fight, now lead" Lexwen said.
"But you've led up to now" said a shorter guard.
"Yes well I do not wish to begin this war but end it. And if that means not leading to start with that is only better for me" Lexwen explained.
The shrieks of the Gohls slowly got louder as they got closer. "Their language is terrible. Just the sound of it makes me cringe," whispered a gate guard.
"Well let's get a move on. Break into your stations then meet back here" Katowyn said. Those in the group nodded and they went their separate ways.
"All archers over here, follow me!" Lexwen called. The archers looked around confused. Lexwen waved her hand and they followed her. She moved quickly explaining as she went.
"We are hiding archers in closed rooms or large sections of the city with walls. We are fighting Gohls. They are so large that they themselves have a hard time surprising their enemy. But surprising them in quite easy.
"Now this is how it works. I will be hiding in the last room. I will direct the rooms around also. Some of those in the beginning may be given guards to direct them. Those in the middle will have a number. Lady Katowyn is directing the battle in Osgiliath. When she yells your number attack. As we reach the end the war will be heavily in play. So by then you have the right to attack when you feel is necessary. Make sure you give it a second though before you do.
"This will be a hard fight to be careful. On a last note here's what we want to do. Contain all the Gohls in the center that we can. Or we want to push them outside the city. We want to try as hard as possible to bring down the armies but keep the city. I can guarantee you this: not all 400,000 will attack the city. No, they will have a small attack until one side faces defeat" Lexwen lectured.
Then she began pushing groups into every few rooms and large corners. The men wearily walked into the given places. The though of doom weighted them down heavily. In a short amount of time Lexwen had assigned all her men and was to return to the guards.
While walking she watched the men. They looked worried and sad. She was sure they were thinking of family, friends, or good memories. Lexwen walked past an open corner and a young man beckoned to her.
She went over to him solemnly trying to keep a straight face. He bowed to her ever so slightly. "Lady Lexwen, is there any hope for Osgiliath and Minas Tirith? The armies are so large. And ours, even with the humans, is outnumbered greatly. Is there any hope?" he asked, his voice ripe with sorrow.
Lexwen took a deep breath. "As long as the heart of Gondor still lives there is hope. You may not see it but all these great men, they fight for Gondor. Not for themselves, because they themselves might have no hope. But Gondor has hope and that's what we fight for. Do not forget it. Hope lies within Gondor" Lexwen explained softly.
The man nodded his head reassure a little. The though of all the men who felt like this one ripped her heart to pieces. "Good luck Aldgar son of Alasomos, fight for Gondor's hope," she whispered. Aldgar gasped surprised that she knew his name. Then he smiled and bowed his head.
She smiled and walked away. The guards huddled together nervously. "Tonight the fate of Osgiliath shall be decided. Let us make that fate for the better" Katowyn said. The guards nodded trying to harden themselves and they walked away.
"For Gondor" Katowyn said to Lexwen putting her hands on Lexwen's shoulders.
"For you people" Lexwen said placing her hands on Katowyn's shoulders. The two hugged tightly and then went to their stations. A hideous horn blew and the battle of Osgiliath began.
As the horns blew those in Minas Tirith knew there would be no dawn if any for Osgiliath. In the hall sat Aragorn, Argonth, Lizwen, Legolas, Lawen, Nekolas, and Kyomir. "What horn's that? That is no orc horn" Legolas said concerned. The seven got up and burst through the doors.
The large army was dangerously close to Osgiliath. But the creatures were not orcs. "Gohl" Lizwen said darkly.
"Gohl but, they are not real. If there was any time they were predicted to rise is during the cities of old awakening," Nekolas said.
"Something's not right here," Kyomir whispered.
"The cities of old? I've heard of them: Two hearts merged together" Argonth said darkly. The elves looked at him surprised. "They met a dark end, at least until they are reawaken. I wish it would be happening sooner than 200 years from now" he said wistfully.
Lizwen suddenly felt a power of two great forces slamming together. They were bright white lights coming from opposite directions and collided together with a deafening bang. Lizwen stumbled back from the power breathing deeply. The others looked at her worried.
"Lizwen? What is it? Are you alright?" Nekolas asked rushing to her side.
"I am fine, it is nothing," she said waving Nekolas away.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Nothing, just a sudden bout of dizziness" she said lightly. Not quite reassured the others turned away.
Nekolas went back over to Lizwen and whispered in her ear, "Meet me later tonight in my room, we need to talk" Nekolas said. Lizwen nodded and went up to the others.
A clatter of hooves was heard and a man with brown hair jumped off. He wore the great armor of Gondor but Aragorn recognized him not. The man walked purposely over to the group and pulled off his helmet. Argonth gasped in surprise.
"Lord Faramir!" he said. He gratefully placed his hands on Faramir's shoulders.
"Prince Argonth, it is good to see you again," Faramir said cheerfully. Argonth nodded and removed his hands. "King Elessar, I bring a great enough army to change some tidings in this war" Faramir said suddenly becoming serious.
"From Ithilien, how many?" Aragorn gasped.
"10,000 strong, I hope it suits you," he said proudly.
Aragorn's eyes glistened with hope. "Every man more shall make a difference."
"So it is well in your thoughts?" Faramir asked hopefully.
"Aye, it is well. Now come inside and get some rest. Osgiliath's under attack and I would rather not watch" Aragorn said.
Faramir looked at him worried. "Shall I send some men over there? It did not seem that there were many warriors there," Faramir said.
"No, Osgiliath is meant to give the enemy the impression that we are low on soldiers. Lexwen is there and I'm sure shall take care that the city is well fought for before being abandoned" Aragorn said.
"You are forfeiting Lexwen? My lord there are Gohls out there, they are built to kill elves as a specialty. Lexwen shall surely not last the night" Faramir pointed out.
"We know, she went on her own will. Disagreements sprung this afternoon and in the end she fled to the city. It is now too late to bring her back" Aragorn lamented.
"It is a shame to lose one so fair such as her," Faramir said quietly.
"As for another fair one, why is Eowyn in Edoras? She was making no effort to leave four days ago" Legolas said.
Faramir sighed, "She refused to not fight in such a crucial war. So I sent her to Edoras, where her brother shall protect her and the battle will not be as large."
"Do not be so sure my lord. Edoras will have a giant number of Gohls or whatever beast they send. Edoras is truly no safer" Lizwen said speaking out.
"No matter, she is in Edoras. Let me bring my men into the city then I shall take that offered rest. Our ride here was not easy" Faramir said with a hint of humor.
Aragorn nodded and Faramir left for his armies. "Gondor may have a chance," Aragorn said looking at Argonth. Argonth only nodded and left the citadel.
Inside a room full of archers, Lexwen breathed deeply. Moments before everything had been silent then she guessed the swordsmen had jumped out from hiding. Loud battle cries sounded and the earsplitting sound of metal began. The hoarse cry of the Gohl echoed through Osgiliath. Rapidly the Gohl moved closer in.
"One!" Katowyn yelled. Apart form the clash of metal the cry of arrows pierced the air. All ready Osgiliath's floor was ripe with the blood of Gohl and Gondorian soldiers. Even the pushing archers did not stop the vast numbers. "Two" Katowyn screeched from her hiding place. "Three fire but stay" she yelled.
A huge slather of arrows whistled through the air. Angry Gohl voices shot through the air as a fair amount of them fell. It was becoming obvious that as large as the numbers were the Gohl did not show having any wits. They did not make for the rooms of archers.
"Three again and four, stay put!" Katowyn bellowed through the loud battle. Young and innocent men fell like dominoes. Now that the Gohls were in the center of the city they were having trouble moving forward. Many more walls and rooms had bee built stopping them. "One and Two go to the water and help there," echoed Katowyn's loud voice. A distant commotion was made as the archers fought their way to the water. "Three and four attack. Five shoot twice in formation!"
Arrows sliced through the air and many of the enemy fell. Angered Gohls looked around somewhere to retaliate with. Swordsmen swarmed around the Gohls. Many fell with deep pain. Lexwen's heart clenched at the thought, so many dead and wounded but no one to help them.
Suddenly large Gohl pushed their way through. They were twice as large as a man and as strong as an elf. Their skin was a revolting gray and green color. They wore tough armor and carried spiked clubs and thick and study swords.
Men went flying as they plowed their way through killing any men in sight. "Seven through ten attack! Five and Six fire in formation" Katowyn screeched.
The battle suddenly turned to the enemy's right hand. The large Gohl or Logre brought down many. At least 200 infested the city. Archers ran out of rooms to try and fight off the Logre.
"Lexwen I have no more!" Katowyn yelled at her. She took a deep breath but did not give any orders.
"My lady, why do you not call for more attacks? The Gohls and Logre are demolishing the city! We cannot just stand around and watch."
"No, the dark lord is not done. We cannot afford to give up all our defenses in the middle. All archers of Lexwen do not attack for shoot. We are not ready yet!" Lexwen yelled to her rooms. Any uneasy soldiers settled down until they were called.
"My lady, why do you bother? Osgiliath shall shortly be overrun" another archer spoke out.
"If you would like to go out there and die now then that is your decision. Now is not the time, we wait for the opportune moment" Lexwen said exhausted. The outspoken guards backed down. Lexwen nodded in approval. "Yes hush, your time will come. And when it does you will wish it hadn't" Lexwen soothed.
Deciding she was right the soldiers sat back and awaited their doom.
Osgiliath slowly filled up with Gohls and Logre. The men tried in vain to hold them back. If the Logre disappeared it world have been possible. Lexwen watched the city crumble, then an idea hit her.
"All of you listen up! If we can get rid of some of the Logre the battle will play more in our favor. So I say we help out," she said.
"How do we do that? The Logre are large and strong. It would take a whole room of men to kill one" rebelled a soldier.
Lexwen glared at him. "That's my point! If we lure one Logre into a room of archers then we can kill them. Send word to the other men and then we'll help the battle yet still be refreshed for fighting. The ten of you go to each room. Tell them my plan and be careful," Lexwen explained.
Reluctantly the men nodded and the ten ran out of the room quietly. The others waited in vain for the ten to return and lure a Logre in. Slowly the anguish yells of dying Logre filled the air.
"Its working" whispered one.
" Lets get our own!" said a soldier. The men cheered and Lexwen smiled.
"All right." Suddenly there were men's voices yelling, "We've got one, get ready."
Excited the arches strung their bows ready to attack. "Aim for the neck and under the arms" Lexwen said stringing her own bow. The ten messengers rushed in and fumbled with their bows.
"Where is it?" one soldier asked. A loud yell was heard and a large Logre appeared in the doorway. Its ugly green eyes glared at them.
"Fire" Lexwen yelled. A group of arrows pierced the Logre's skin and it screamed. "Again" Lexwen urged. Sharp points bleed the Logre. It gave a deafening yell then fell down dead. "Quickly move the Logre. More will come, possibly two" Lexwen ordered. The men rushed forward and dragged the Logre again.
A nasty blue colored Logre stomped in. "Go" Lexwen commanded. The Logre, being smaller, fell immediately. The men cheered while pulling away the Logre. In succession five more came. Each time the men brightly knocked them down and removed them. After the fifth one was hauled away none came.
Lexwen peered out of the room. Almost 80 Logre lay dead on the ground from the mere ten rooms killing one after another.
A din of yells reached their ears towards the beginning of the city. "We're pushing them back! Killing the Logre has been helping!" she exclaimed. The soldiers whispered happily. Lexwen looked back at them saddened. Even in times of dark the men could find reason to be happy.
A sudden tremendous splash brought Lexwen out of her thoughts. Terrified screamed echoed through the city. "Lexwen bring your men to the middle now!" Resolved Lexwen pulled herself together.
"All right men, you've been great so far. Now we need to go and fight. Do not let this dampen your spirits! Work together to kill Logre or anything else that awaits us. Stay true to your friend while defending your city!" Lexwen said. The men's faces fell ever so slightly. "Let's go," she said quietly. The men jogged out of the room. "Groups one through nine follow group ten! We make for the center of the city to defend Gondor!" Lexwen yelled. The soldiers hiding rushed out of their rooms and followed.
Katowyn came running towards Lexwen. "Hurry, they are catapulting more Gohls to the city. Their numbers were actually thinning, but so are our men. We could win if we get more men! Just hurry, the Gohl are coming fast." More splashes were heard and the shrieks of Gohls rose into the air once again.
Lizwen walked down the hall to Nekolas's room. She wore a blood red dress and her hair down. Nekolas's room was all the way at the end of the hall near Katowyn's. It was
It was late at night and she was going to speak to Nekolas like she said. Somehow she knew his words would not be comforting.
His door was ajar just for her. She took one last breath then went in. Nekolas stood on his balcony watching Osgiliath. Lizwen walked up next to him. "They had held out well, maybe we shouldn't abandon it" Nekolas said.
Lizwen sighed. "Every plan can backfire. Now is the time that yours does."
"I'm forfeiting 5,000 lives that could be saved! I cannot just let this happen" Nekolas exclaimed.
Lizwen placed a friendly hand on his shoulder. "Nekolas, do not put all the fault on yourself. If Lord Aragorn did not agree with it he wouldn't have done it. Ease up on yourself" Lizwen ordered.
Nekolas was about to speak up but decided to do otherwise. "You're right, I was wrong to despair." Lizwen smiled sadly. Then she wrapped her arms around Nekolas tightly.
"There past three years have been rough. We can't let that pull us so far apart. You are still my brother even if we go into hiding and travel to west-earth. You can' t change who you are" Lizwen said softly.
Nekolas sighed but stayed silent. They sat there staring at the stars and observing Osgiliath from afar. Time passes slowly as if the life they had struggled to preserve fell down around them. As Osgiliath crumbled Lizwen spoke.
"What was it you wanted me for? It seemed like it was urgent."
Nekolas dropped out of his trance. "I wanted to know if yoga are okay. Being a fair elf you do not commonly get dizzy. Are you wounded?" he asked.
"No, I had, a vision if I may call it that. It was blinding white light, two of them. Coming from opposite sides they clashed together with an earth-splitting bang. My whole body felt the shock," Lizwen explained.
Nekolas silently mulled over this. "Do you think it had to do with our conversation, or the war?" he asked.
"Maybe, we were talking about the cities of old. Argonth was speaking wistfully of seeing the cities reborn in his time. He had said: two hearts merge together. I don' know what it means but I know it has something to do with the cities" Lizwen said.
A dazed look took her face. The moonlight captured the two making the glow. "I do not know what this means, I know before the end it will become important" Nekolas said.
Lizwen leaned her head on Nekolas's shoulder. "Our time has come, Nekolas. Nothing but us as family shall be the same in the end" Lizwen whispered in despair. Nekolas did not know how to answer this. He just pulled Lizwen closer.
Lawen stopped just outside Kyomir's room. She nervously straightened her light purple dress and smoothed out her wavy brown hair. Then she pushed his door open and stepped in. He was sitting on his bed reading a book.
Kyomir looked up upon her entrance. "Hello, what's wrong?"
"It is well, it is really stupid. I shouldn't have come I just-." Lawen mumbled on.
"Lawen tell me what's wrong. I won't laugh," he said putting down his book. She sat down on the bed and sat still. Suddenly her shoulders sagged and she broke down.
"I am scared! I know it is absurd. I mean I am one of the better known elves in the 17 for being brave and strong. But the thought of war frightens me!" Lawen said. She took a deep breath and continued.
"Most countries are lucky to get a mere day or two in advance. I got 40 of them but still am scared. War is so frightening!" Lawen jumped up from the bed. "I'm sorry, it was silly of me to come. I will just leave you alone" she said.
Then she walked over to the door and began to pull it open. "Lawen wait!" Lawen froze with her hand on the handle. "Come here my love," he said. Lawen turned around and ran to Kyomir. She flung herself upon the bed. Kyomir hugged her tightly as she burrowed her head in his chest. He could feel her tremble from fear. He comfortingly stroked her hair.
"Lawen it is alright to be brightened by war. Many die in it and even more are wounded. The worst part is the fact that you can't prevent it," Kyomir said. "But you should know that I will always be with you. Even when I'm not with you physically my heart is with you" Kyomir finished.
Lawen hugged him tightly afraid he might suddenly leave. He began to sing softly in her ear. "Darkness falls as hope fades. All is black and none may turn back. The enemy envelopes us and the desire to avenge rises, so that those who have gone have not left in vain. Do not fear for I am here to guide you. May your heart be strong as the enemy creeps along." Kyomir squeezed her reassuringly.
"I love you Kyomir," she whispered. He placed his chin on top of her head while she lay next to him. The two clung to each other as the world faded.
Lawen finally let go of him and began to rise. "I must go get some rest," she said.
Kyomir looked at her saddened by her fear. "Come sleep my love, do not leave." He opened his arms to her. She lay back down next to him and slowly drifted off to sleep.
The city began to crumble as the Gohl quickly moved into the city. Arrows were flying everywhere followed by men and stones. The cries of battle and the final moans before death filled the air. Lexwen looked around for people she knew. The battle raged on but she was not disturbed. Lexwen fell out of her thoughts as she realized that at least 100 men had gone missing suddenly. The Gohl ran through the city clearing it as best they could.
A deep horn sounded and the missing men appeared opposite her. Their swords flashes in the waning moonlight dangerously. They pushed the Gohl towards Lexwen's side of the city. She was the only one there and looked around worried. They were moving towards her. Then unknown warriors to her right appeared and continued pushing them on. Lexwen didn't recognize any of the faces save one. Aldgar son of Alasomos was in the second row. He was yelling and running fearlessly towards the Gohl.
The two groups clashed together and a bitter fight ensued. Many from both sides fell. Lexwen ran down into the chaos. The Gohl, sensing her elfin, made for her. Lexwen's eyes widened as she realized that she was outnumbered. Hopelessly she sheathed her sword prepared to run. Aldgar saw her and froze.
"Captain, distract the Gohl, call them over here!" he cried out. The captain turned around.
"Why?"
"They are heading right for an elf" Aldgar rushed.
"It's just an elf," he said.
"It's Lexwen of the 17! She can't be lost!" he yelled. The captains eyes widened and they began bringing the Gohl over to them. Aldgar's group was yelling and waving their arms trying to circle the Gohl around Lexwen. She breathed a sigh of relief. Aldgar had saved her. She watched him as he and the other men fought against the Gohl tirelessly.
Shaking her head she ran right into the thick of battle. She hewed many heads. Gohl fought right up to her drawn to her blood. Her knuckled became bloody from punching and stabbing Gohl. She tightly gripped her sword fighting through the large and rowdy group.
Across the group of Gohl Aldgar stood fighting. He stabbed a particularly large Gohl. A smile graced his face. Suddenly he was shot in the stomach. The smile only half way faded from his face. He gave Lexwen on last glance then fell to the ground forever silent.
Tears racked her eyes. She had fought in many battles. But to see someone she knew in die, especially after saving her, was horrifying. Lexwen looked for the Gohl who shot Aldgar. She spotted him running up the hill. Lexwen took out her bow and fit an arrow to it. Then she aimed and shot the foul beast to the ground. Lexwen put away her bow and whispered, "Rest in peace Aldgar son of Alasomos." Then she put all her though on the battle trying to block out death.
The black night began to lighten to a musty brown. The air smelled of death. It made breathing difficult to behold the smell. The battle of Osgiliath rage don as the Gohl fought for Osgiliath. Lexwen remained with the group of men Aldgar fought with. They were slowly pushing the Gohl through the city.
On the other side of the city Katowyn was rallying archers. She called their group numbers. As they came she realized how many men they had already lost. A little over half of her archers were gone. "Are all your lost men dead? Are any of them simply wounded?" Katowyn asked, her voice shaking. Most of the men bowed their heads.
"We're not sure, my lady. Many fell while going after the Gohl being catapulted into the city. If they fell, even wounded, we could not help them. I am sure there are survivors though," said one captain trying to brighten her spirits.
"So many men" she whispered. As good as Katowyn was in war it was her first war. The amount of men dying was beyond her wildest imagination. Yet she was still in charge and had a city to save. "Come, our numbers will be enough. We are going to the watch towers and higher walls and kill the enemy from above," Katowyn said just loud enough for them to hear.
"What if we shoot our own people? This brown twilight is an evil straight out of Mordor. We can see nothing. It is too dark for good archery," explained a dark man.
"But the brown night will not go away. We must make due with what light we can, lets move!" Katowyn cried out.
Nervously the men traipsed up to the higher peaks of Osgiliath. The Gohl seemed to come in infinite numbers. They bounced off the walls and tested the strength of the very rocks. Osgiliath was overflowing with Gohl.
The archers gathered up at the top getting ready for the ambush. The men seemed jittery at the thought of shooting in the dark. The thought of killing a kinsman was sickening.
Katowyn gave them time to calm their nervous. She knew trying to aim in the dark while shaking wasn't easy. The men eventually eased up. Seeing them calm down she began yelling orders.
"Fire" she finally yelled. At once the unsure arrows sang through the sky. The Gohl below began shrieking and running in different directions. There was no captain to call order to the Gohl. Again and again the archers fired until the men began complaining that they were out of arrows.
Katowyn sighed, "Those who have arrows continued the attack. The others should leave until they are replenished." Half the men left in vain searching for arrows.
The sky was dark in Rohan, almost black. Orcs, Gohl, and Logre alike marched up to Edoras. They had first gone to Helm's Deep were it was said those of Rohan dwelled. Upon reaching it they found it empty. Without rest they marched back to Edoras where the soldiers were. They carried torches, shovels, catapults, and ropes. The light illuminated their gruesome faces. They were slowly enclosing Edoras in a circle at the base of the hill.
Soldiers were lined up all around the city and hidden in houses. Captains wove through the groups giving shore pep talks. In the Golden Hall sat King Eomer. Yurwen, Eowyn, Maxomir, and other important guards and captains were there too. They sat discussing last minute things.
"The army is sure to try a siege on us. They will cut us off fast. They will also try to burn the stables. We have moved most of the horses. But some had to be set free. Edoras cannot hold all the horses in it" Eomer counseled.
"Can you not simply fight on horseback? Is that not what the Rohirrim thrive at?" Maxomir asked.
"It is but some of the horses were in more supply than men," said a young captain.
"What do you mean?" Yurwen asked.
"There were occasionally two horses belonging to one man. The horses outnumbered the men," Eomer said. Then he turned to Eowyn ignoring the others. "Will you not escape into the mountains? This is a dangerous war. Please go now!"
"Eomer, even if I wanted to go it is too late. The city is being cut off. I would not escape and still live. No Eomer, I want to die in honor," Eowyn whispered taking his hand. He bowed his head briefly then brought it back up.
"Very well Eowyn." He paused then spoke up. "There are horses left for you. Please mount and go to your places. If you're an archer go to the outer rim. If you are a swordsmen then make for the houses," Eomer ordered in a loud voice.
"My lord having them in the houses is dangerous!" Yurwen called after him. The men filed out. Yurwen chased after Eomer as he went for his horse. "King Eomer you cannot do this!" she yelled. He stopped suddenly and turned to her.
"What would you do? Would you like to command this war? Would you like to be responsible for every failed attack? If so then I will surely trade with you," he hissed. Yurwen backed away.
"I am sorry my lord." Then she turned and fled down the halls to find Maxomir and her horse. Eomer sighed and pulled out his horse. The horse nudged his arm and then he mounted. He galloped out into the open. The stars seemed to be fading in the black mass.
Behind the Golden Hall Yurwen was talking to Maxomir. "We have to go by the king. He wouldn't try to endanger his people. Eomer is a smart and strong man" Maxomir reassured her. Yurwen nodded her head and stood still. Maxomir halted in his fixing of his horse's saddle. He moved to stand in front of Yurwen. He took his hand and stroked the side of her face. Yurwen looked up.
"Maxomir" she whispered. He placed a finger over her lips. Then he replaced it with his lips and kissed her softly. Then he pulled her into a tight hug. She relaxed in his arms. He let her rest in his arms. A loud yell from a Gohl brought them back.
"Yurwen, forgive King Eomer. Do not let this grudge last, maybe to his death, or yours" Maxomir said. Yurwen nodded and jumped onto her horse. Maxomir quickly finished fixing the saddle and followed her.
Eomer and his guards looked over the city and bellow. "This will be a hard war to fight," he said.
"Yes my lord, but a short one too. The numbers are large but not too large. It will be quick to overthrow them…or us," said his right guard.
"You have a point. We will most likely know the outcome before tomorrow night" Eomer said. The sound of galloping hooves came up behind him. To his left Yurwen rode up to. Eomer nodded to her then looked out again.
"King Eomer" she started. "I am truly sorry about my lack of respect and rude behavior in the Golden Hall. I was only speaking through the bitter voice of war. You are a wise man and I do trust your judgment" Yurwen said.
He turned back to her. "I trust yours too and respect it. But I have no other way of arranging things. Edoras was not meant for war. But war has come to Edoras" Eomer said.
"Will you except my apology so we may put this grudge behind us?" she asked.
"Yes of course, please forgive my harsh tone." Yurwen smiled and settled down.
The night wore on yet neither side was moving. The king waited patiently upon his horse. "My lord should we make the first move? Why wait?" asked his right man.
"Tell the arches to get ready. I shall call the fire" Eomer said resigned to start.
"Archers ready!" yelled the man. In unison the arches notched an arrow to their bows and made ready to fire. Eomer raised his hand ready to give the signal. Then a harsh cry sounded and arrows from below whizzed towards the city. Surprised Eomer gave the signal. A batch of arrows flew at the enemy.
The enemy answered with arrows. They weren't ordinary arrows though. Great balls of fire were lit at the tips. Horrified the men backed away. "Return fire!" Eomer yelled keeping his men in check. The men moved forward again and shot at the enemy. Unrealistically loud shrieks followed.
Eomer frowned. "That many of the enemy shouldn't have cried out. Something is not right," he pondered.
"They are setting us up for something" Yurwen stated. Slowly as if answering her question the enemy made its move. A great fire all around the basin sprang up. Eomer's eyes grew wide.
"They are using the fire against us!" he yelled.
"Keep steady and watch for silent attacks," a captain added. The fire crept higher and higher until it could almost be seen at the feet of the archers. As they looked out the Gohl and Orcs were working to make the fire even higher. The night wore on and the fire would be seen just below eye level. The fire was green with red tips. This was no ordinary fire.
"My lord, we must pressure the enemy. We cannot let their plan work," whispered his right hand man. Eomer sighed.
"Let some archers on foot go down to the fire. Have them slowly shoot the orcs and Gohl building the fire. Let them also be spies to us learning more of their attack plans" Eomer said.
"Lord Eomer, surely none shall survive" Yurwen said.
"Lady Yurwen it is a pleasure to have you at my side. I also value your opinion. If you have a better idea please share it" Eomer said. Yurwen bowed her head.
"I am sorry my lord. If I may I'd like to go down to the fires and bring swordsmen too" Yurwen said.
"You really want to go down there? It's almost sure death!" Eomer exclaimed. Yurwen nodded her head.
"Alright, take what you will. Be careful" Eomer said. Yurwen nodded and rode away.
Yurwen and a few hundred men snuck down the city hill. "Go for those heading up the attack and those who are building up the fire" Yurwen whispered. The men filtered around the city. A silent signal was given and the attack started.
Those of Rohan let loose arrows. They flew through the fire and hit the enemy. Enraged a group was quickly formed to counter the attack. They gave a terrible cry then charged at the men.
They crushed together and metal on metal shook the air. The Gohl and Orcs mercilessly hacked at the men. They carried swords, axes, picks, spears, shields, and spiked swords. They stabbed and scratching, tearing and burning at will. The tortured cries filled the air. The men fell like dominoes. The orcs made sure they simply fell wounded. The Gohl stabbed and mutilated until they were dead.
Try as she might Yurwen couldn't stop all the death. The enemy seemed to be infinite in number. They were tireless and gruesome to look upon. Bloodies and scathed they went on like zombies.
Yurwen's chosen men dwindled to little less than 100. "Retreat! Return to the city!" she yelled. The few men left looked for an escape. The orcs and Gohl continued their attack. "Retreat to the city! Retreat!" Yurwen yelled again. Even as they scurried away the enemy launched its next plan.
With a shriek the fire blazed towards the sky. Then a puff of steam came forth and Gohl an Orcs were flying towards the city. Bewildered Yurwen froze to see how this was happening. Orcs and Gohl were stepping up to the fire. Then the steam would make the fire pressurized. When it disappeared the orcs and Gohl went flying.
Stunned Yurwen ran up the hill. Breathless she almost fell off her horse. Instead she fell forward onto her horse. Then shaking her head she rode on. Ahead Orcs and Gohl were killing the archers. Yurwen gave her horse a nudge and rode into the battle. She unsheathed her sword.
Excited by her blood the Gohl hurried up to her. Sighing she began hewing the heads of the Gohl seemingly effortlessly. The orcs thankfully did not bother with her. In her right hand she held her sword shining in the moonlight. Then she got a sudden impulse to drop the sword.
Her hand burned with Maxomir's sign on it. Dread fell on her like a heavy weight. She grabbed the reins in one hand. Hopelessly she rode through the city looking for Maxomir. But to find him in this mess was impossible. As if answering her thoughts Maxomir's horse came galloping over. "Lead me Brego" she said to her in elvish.
She gave bucked than rode away. Yurwen rode after her quickly. She stopped in the middle of a battle. On the ground were many dead men. "He's not dead," she whispered. She searched the ground for him. Leaning against a house was Maxomir.
Her heart lurched and she rode over. The Gohl went towards her. "Be gone Gohl," she mumbled sick of this stupid dance she was forced to do around the Gohl. She slew a few then rode over to him.
She jumped down from her horse and went over to Maxomir. His eyes were closed and his breathing was shallow. Yurwen couldn't see an immediate wound in the dark. She called to his horse, Cataladriel. She trotted over and kneeled down. Yurwen rolled Maxomir gently onto his horse. She grabbed a length of rope and wrapped it around Maxomir to keep him on his horse. Yurwen made sure he was secure then mounted her own horse, Haku.
The two horses rode up to Meduseld and stopped. Ten or so guards stood to defend the doors. "My good men; help me. Lord Maxomir has been badly wounded and needs to be brought inside. Will you carry him for me?" she asked.
Two guards hurried over and untied Maxomir. Then they picked him up and carried him to a room off the Golden Hall. They laid him on the bed and stepped away. "Get me a healer quick" she ordered. The men bowed then ran out. Yurwen stepped over to him. She looked over his body looking for a mound. His arms, back, and chest were not seriously damaged. She ran a hand over Maxomir's left leg. She ran one over his right and froze.
On this quad was a deep gash. It was just wide enough to fit a knife, and a foul one at that. Judging by the fact that he was alive she assumed it was from an orc. She sighed and took his head. With the other she felt his forehead. It was covered in sweat and burning. She pulled away got get a cold cloth. She came over and placed it on his head. He didn't even react to the icy cold and wet rag. She tried for some time to cool him down.
Then the door opened and the healer walked in. He came in and stopped. "Lady Yurwen, what has happened to Maxomir?" he asked. Yurwen took a deep breath and pointed to his right leg. The healer looked over it briefly.
"I'll stitch it up as best as I can. It is a deep wound. He may not be able to walk for quite some time" he replied. Yurwen nodded. "My lady, I know this is a terrible thing. If you would like you can go and leave the room or fight," he said. Speechless Yurwen went back to Haku waiting outside.
She mounted and rode off. She paused at a group of Gohls talked to some Orcs. "You Gohls are useless! The elf warrior was right in your range and you didn't kill him! You're here to kill elves! I had to go over and stab him. The old elf won't be going anywhere anytime soon" growled a large orc. "You're not off the hook through- oh no. There's still another elf loose. The captain demanded that they both be killed!" hey yelled.
Anger flared into Yurwen. She pulled out her bow and notched three arrows to it. She tried to steady her hand long enough to aim, and then she set her eyes on the large orc yelling at the Gohl. She then took a deep breath and let go of the arrows. All three went zooming towards the orc. Caught unaware he immediately fell to the ground dead. The Gohl around him looked up to see Yurwen. She glared at them and shot another one. Enraged they ran at her.
She shot another two leaving five. She shot one then put away her bow. In one fluid movement she pulled out her sword and killed a Gohl. The Gohl surrounded her. She spun around and sliced off all three heads. Sighing she rode toward Eomer.
He killed an orc then turned to her. "Lady Yurwen, have you seen Maxomir?" he asked.
"He was wounded and is with a healer in the Golden Hall now" Yurwen said.
"Oh, I'm sorry" he said. Another puff of steam issued and more orcs flew up towards the city. "This has to end" Eomer sighed.
"What can we do? There isn't enough water in the city to put out the fires. You're men are dying. You need another tactic," Yurwen said urgently. Eomer didn't answer. "My lord, almost their entire army is up here! The rest will climb up! My lord?" Yurwen asked.
Eomer turned to her in a daze. The savage cries of the Orcs and Gohl rose into the air. "Its not over yet. The Dark Lord has a style of fighting believe it or not. He'll fight as dirty as he wants to. And when he sees victory near he sends his captain or captains in. What surprised me was the fact that the orcs came from the north instead of the south. These can't be from the south. They bear a green eye," Eomer said. Yurwen turned to him slowly.
"Green, did you say?" she asked.
"Yes green, 'tis most strange" he said. Yurwen had nothing more to say to this. The green fire suddenly struck Yurwen as very ironic.
"Green, the fire's green!" she said. Eomer looked at her.
"Yes, did you really just notice that?" he asked with slight humor. Yurwen laughed at her own stupidity. The steam rose up and the fire sprang higher than ever before. It shot up to the sky right past the tallest building and beyond. The orcs and Gohl jumped out of the fire and ran into battle.
After a few seconds Yurwen assumed it would go back down. Instead it fell then flew up even higher and an unearthly note shook the air. It was loud and quavering but sweet. Then it fell into a harsh and fell scream. It grabbed the air and made it freeze. The cry got even louder and higher until it was earsplitting. Yurwen closed her ears. The sound was unbearable to her refined ears. She looked around for the source.
The fire opened and out stepped a tall and lean shape. It was robed in emerald green robes with the hood drawn over the face so it was concealed. Through the hood ashy gray skin showed. Hard and intense black eyes were set in it. It had a small and shriveled nose and a large gaping hole was its mouth. It was black and cold to look at. A small and fine crown was set upon the hood. The war seemed to not be in motion as they looked in awe at the green robed figure.
Horrified Yurwen stepped back. Eomer tilted his head towards her. "Yurwen, what is this creature?" he murmured.
"A dreaded creature. It's sung of in only the most evil and dark songs in elven lore. It is very old and was through to be some type of myth. It is called a nazlazum," Yurwen whispered.
"Nazlazum? Why do they wear green? Most evil creatures wear black," Eomer said.
"I agree, but it was never spoken of in terms of robe color. This is indeed an evil day," Yurwen explained. Eomer looked back at the terrible creature. It opened its mouth and let out a terrible scream again. This time all the men covered their ears. The nazlazum stopped yelling.
A gray hand slowly appeared from its hiding. It pawed at its belt for a sword. It unsheathed the sword and looked around. The sword was long and thing but sharp. With sudden and unexpected speed it lunged at the men nearest it.
The nazlazum began to slice through their bodies. He mercilessly cut of their heads and roughly inserted his sword in their sides. Then his other hand rose up. He held a long chain. At the end was a ball of man twisted and sharp points. He then added this to the action.
The Rohan men fell quickly. "My Lord now is the time to act! Muster as many men as you can! Destroy the nazlazum. If not him then his workers!" Yurwen yelled desperately.
Eomer shook his head. "We can't," He said.
"Go down below then! Kill those waiting behind. Then we can control the fires," Yurwen said quickly.
"Are you insane? They'll sure take the city!" Eomer exclaimed.
"Yes and they'll have to come down some time. You need to do something," Yurwen urged
Eomer did not answer her so she sprang into action. "All able men follow me!" she yelled. The men looked around and saw her forming a group. Thousands of men were running and riding towards her. She told them nothing of her plan. She just led them down into the mountainside. They hurried down quietly.
"My good men over throw any and all enemies you see. We need to gain control of the fire," she said. Then she gave the signal to attack. With a hopeless cry then rode down the hillside. The orcs and few Gohl smiled at them. They thought the attempt weak and hopeless. The men rode and ran forward anyways.
The orcs, seeing their enemies still running panicked a bit. Their captain was above trying to gain a victory. The men ran into them and began fighting hard. They hacked and slew with a burning desire. The orcs slowly formed ranks and gave a feeble attack. The men changed some of the fortunes in the war.
They had the upper hand in the terrible fight. They pushed on with the true bow and sharp sword. The orcs fell by the dozen. Time sped away and soon the men were yelling out the control of the fire. Above the nazlazum turned quickly to see most of his men overthrown and the fire in the hands of the Rohirrim. He turned back to the war with a burning passion. He killed two men at a time instead of one. He and his workers slowly won over the city. The amount of men alive dwindled to a mere 1,000.
The orcs began putting up flags bearing a green eye, emerald green. They controlled everything but Meduseld where the King and his few men dwelt. They looked for fire but found that the Rohirrim controlled it. Enraged they fled down to the basin to start up the fire. Few Gohl and Orcs remained on the hilltop. The Rohirrim, outnumbered again, began to fear. The nazlazum himself led the attack.
In the mountains a loud and clear trumpet blew. Then almost 5,000 humans came riding down into the valley. They slaughtered all of those of Mordor in site. They began to clear the city.
The Orcs and Gohl looked at the nazlazum helplessly. Looking around he realized the sudden shift in fortunes. From afar Yurwen aimed an arrow at him. She let it go and watched it. It missed the nazlazum but hit his black horse. With a terrible cry the horse fell and the ride was left without a steed. The fire shot up again killing all of those Gohl and Orcs in the line of fire. The nazlazum, realizing defeat, turned and fled with a cry.
The men and humans rejoiced over their victory. The Orcs and Gohl ran away towards the mountains. Eomer burst through the doors of Meduseld in time to see his country's victory. His right hand man brought him the flags of Rohan. Together they tore down the foul flags and hoisted their own. Eomer's people came back up the hillside to the city.
Eomer turned to them and cried out, "Victory is ours!" The whole valley shook with the cheers of the men and humans. The horses reared and whinnied. The men were loud and blinded by tears of joy. A feeling of pure bliss fell of the country of Rohan. Even the fleeing company felt it and ran faster. Rohan had beaten the unbeatable war.
A/N: I still don't own it…it stinks. I want to thank those few people who reviewed, they were very swetet. I just posted a chapter on fiction press under the name snowdance. It's called thief nights. I'd love if you could got and tell me what you think of it. Ttyl
Snow-angel