Disclaimer: See other chapters.

A/N wooooah sorri for the lack of updates I've been mega busy and I've had a bit of trouble writing this story. But it's done, so here's chapter 5....

Big thanks to my beta, Popcornleader!

Chapter 5 The Attack

The next morning was a rush as many of the soldiers that could be spared prepared to ride to Osgiliath.

"How are we for time?" Boromir asked.

"We shall be ready to leave by noon at the latest," replied Faerlain with a slight expression of sadness.

"Good, do not fear for Gwen my friend, she will be all right. We will be back before she even realises we are gone," he told him, trying to lighten the solemn mood. Many of the soldiers were looking glum this morn.

"I fear you may be wrong my lord, she will stand at the wall day and night awaiting our return. I know Gwen, her father is not within her sight, therefore she will not be at peace until he is there hugging her. She fears she will loose him to the shadow that grows," he replied with disdain. "She fears for Faramir also; she cares for him deeply. He is the best friend she could ever hope for," he finished.

"Faramir and lord Faervall are skilled fighters, I am positive that they will return, although I cannot guarantee they will return unwounded," Boromir stated "However, enough of this talk. We should be thinking positive, continue your duties my friend, we leave soon."

"Of course, sir." With that Faerlain walked away.

Faramir and Madril were engaged in a conversation about defences when two soldiers approached them.

"Sir, there is a sighting of the enemy across the river, they are preparing to cross the Anduin," the soldier said speedily and breathlessly.

"Prepare for an attack!" Faramir shouted to the surrounding soldiers.

Immediately the soldiers were off, running to their posts, readying themselves for the inevitable. Madril went to give the orders to his men while Faramir ran to check the river and its defences.

At that moment, the soldiers of Gondor were preparing to leave. Gwen did not come to bid them farewell. Boromir and Faerlain assumed it was because she did not want to say goodbye. Wives and children of the soldiers leaving bid tearful farewells, hoping that their loved ones would return to them.

Boromir took his place at the front and signalled for his men to mount their horses.

"We ride for Osgiliath!" Boromir shouted and made his way out of the gates. Amongst the soldiers was an unknown rider that had remained on their horse all along. Gwennêl. She had taken some of her brother's old armour and made her way into the group of men without being noticed.

The group of Gondorian soldiers rode with haste to Osgiliath.

As the party from Minas Tirith neared Osgiliath, Faramir and his men awaited the attack of orcs. The few boats of orcs could be seen just making their way across the river.

"I thought there would be more than three boats full," Faervall whispered to Faramir.

"Three boats full is enough to cause damage, and besides, not all the orcs sighted attack, they move on and leave only a number to attack," Faramir replied. Faervall nodded in acknowledgement.

All the soldiers were now positioned away from the view of the orcs. It would only be a matter of time before they would have to make their presence known.

Each moment brought the orcs closer; they were almost at the bank of the river now. The first of the boats dropped down the guard and the orcs clambered out running into the city. The soldiers jumped out and began to vanquish the enemy.

More and more orcs came and every soldier was engaged in a battle with 2 or more orcs.

"There is a lot more than I expected!" Faervall shouted to Faramir just as another orc went to bring down his blade upon him. He dodged the blow and hacked the foul beasts head off with one swift slice of his sword.

"More and more come, there is another two boats full!" Faramir shouted back as more orcs came running at him.

The battle seemed to be going nowhere for the soldiers, more and more men fell at the orc blades. But all was not lost yet.

Just as the orcs thought they had the upper hand a thundering of hooves could be heard and Boromir and his men (and woman) came into view, slicing through the orcs. When it was clear, they all dismounted and engaged in the fighting.

Not long after all but a few orcs were left standing and they began to flee, only to be shot at by the bows and arrows of the soldiers. Including Gwennêl.

"Brother," Faramir said putting his hands on Boromir's shoulders. They both smiled and had a brotherly embrace.

"Little brother, it is good that I showed up when I did, or it seems you would be a lifeless heap on the floor," Boromir stated with a smile. He always had a smile on his face, even after a gruelling battle.

"You got my message then," Faramir stated simply.

"Yes. I gathered as many men as I could possibly bring," Boromir said, his tone turning serious. "Father insisted that we had to spare as few as we could, so we had enough soldiers to guard the Minas Tirith," he continued.

"More like so he could see me struggle and then scold me afterwards," Faramir stated, a little sadness etching his features.

"Faramir, he-"Boromir began, before being cut off.

"No Boromir, I understand what he is like, I have never been good enough in his eyes," Faramir said sadly. At that point Faerlain and Faervall came up to the brothers.

"All seems to be well sir, there is no more sightings of any orcs," stated Faervall.

"Thank you, Faervall," Faramir said, turning his head. He spotted a soldier leaning against a wall clutching their arm.
The other three men followed his gaze to the soldier. Whoever it was seemed to have a deep wound on their forearm.

"How badly are you hurt?" Faramir asked walking up to them. The other three men followed.

The soldier didn't answer him; instead they kept their head down. They just shrugged. Faramir leaned to take a look.

"What's your name?" Boromir asked.

Still no reply; the soldier just continued looking at the floor.

"You are being spoken to!" Faervall shouted and Faramir went to remove the helmet.

"No!" the soldier squeaked but Faramir had already grabbed the helmet.

The soldier lifted their head up and all three men gasped. Gwennêl was standing before them

"Gwennêl," her father said breathlessly.

A/N: there we have it, chapter 5, sorry if it's a bit crappy as I said before I had a lot of trouble planning out this chapter.

Please review!! Constructive criticism is welcome, but pppplz no flames!!

I'll be grateful for feedback and ideas!

Thanks to all who have reviewed so far! Reviews make my day!