They kept extra watch that night. They were more open to the attacks of enemies on the mountain than they were on the fields of Rohan and Fangorn Forest. Laurelin and Rolen held first watch while the prince slept. No mater how hard he tried though, Rolen could not stay awake and soon he was dozing on the ground. Laurelin did not wake him. She did not blame him for being so tired from having drag around that mail shirt.

She looked up into the sky. The stars were so much brighter here than down under the eaves of the forest or even in the clear expansion of the fields of Rohan. Perhaps it was because she felt closer to them being up so high. They seemed to sing of light and mysterious shapes; of tales long past and adventures long fulfilled. It flooded her with wonder and awe.

Then something else seemed to seep into her consciousness, cloudy with marvel. The sound she had heard the previous night. Except it was closer now and much more ominous; like a creature was prowling. Laurelin stiffened with fear. Terror coursed through her veins in an angry river. She stood and looked out into the darkness. Red eyes glinted back at her with vengeance.

"Rolen!" She screamed, "Your highness wake up!"

Rolen and the Prince sat up from sleep, awakened by Laurelin's screams.

"What the-"

"Do something!"

"Morwen calm down!"

"Wargs, your highness. I fear it be the wargs,"

"Rolen draw your sword! Morwen, prove yourself and draw an arrow," The prince commanded.

Laurelin obeyed and held her arrow high, her hands shaking. The things that Rolen called wargs drew in closer. They were like wolves, except larger and fiercer. They snarled with milky white teeth, bloodstained at the gums. They circled the small group like a vulture would circle a dead foal in the fields. Rolen, Laurelin and Prince Eldarion put their backs to the fire burning a deadly red and blue. Light flickered off their figures, casting large dark shadows, trembling on the rock ridden ground. The air was thick with the rancid smell of the wargs coats; blood, urine and sweat. It enveloped the humans, almost choking Laurelin.

A warg snapped at Rolen, a deep growl erupting from its throat. Laurelin let the arrow fly with a prayer. It embedded itself in the thick fur of its belly. The animal let out a cry and fell to the ground. There were only five animals left now, each as big as a seven-year-old child.

"Good shot, Morwen," Congratulated the prince.

"Yes, thank you Morwen," Rolen said.

The remaining wargs drew closer to them. Laurelin's heart pounded. They were looking at her, the one that killed their comrade. She did not have time to think. One leapt toward her. Its teeth glinted off Eldarion's sword as it swung into its neck, killing the animal instantly. Laurelin breathed a sigh of relief and thanks to the prince.

Laurelin drew another arrow and aimed it at another warg. It thudded into the space between its shoulder blades. Rolen maimed another as he severed its left paw. The warg limped away, trailing blood. Two were left. They continued to circle them, eyeing Prince Eldarion. They kept their eyes on him and, to Laurelin's horror, seemed to communicate in quick grunts and growls. Then the larger one that seemed like the leader, stepped forward. It stood right in front of Prince Eldarion. The two stood silent, each staring into the other's eyes. The warg's muzzle trembled as it growled threateningly. The wolf leapt forward, ready to clamp onto Eldarion's neck. It was stopped by Rolen's sword that sliced into it's head. Blood spurted from its mug as the animal retreated blindly.

To Laurelin's terror, the remaining warg pounced onto Rolen. Rolen screamed out as it bit deep into his shoulder. A wound larger than a man's hand was left. Laurelin screamed and let three arrows fly from her bow. Eldarion lifted his sword and let it fall upon the animal. The warg let out a shriek and died.

Laurelin and Eldarion ran to Rolen. Laurelin kicked the warg's body from Rolen. Rolen's breathing was harbored and slow. His wound was bleeding badly. Laurelin felt tears brim in her eyes and overflow onto her cheeks. Eldarion crouched next to their fallen comrade. Laurelin knelt on the other side of him.

"Rolen," She said, "Rolen please say something,"

Rolen opened his eyes and grinned slightly, "The damnable monster got the best of me,"

Laurelin felt a sob erupt from her throat, her heart felt torn.

"Oh Rolen, please," Eldarion said, his voice choked.

"Your highness, worry not for me," Rolen said setting his hand on the prince's shoulder, "I have had the greatest honor a man could have. I saved the life of my Prince and future King,"

Laurelin felt more tears. She let no sound erupt from her mouth. Rolen let his hand drop from Eldarion's shoulder than looked over at Laurelin,

"Now, we'll have none of that," He said, lifting his bloodstained hand again and brushing a tear from her cheek, "I wish you could have met my daughter back in Minas Tirith. You would have liked her. I wish I could have seen her again. She and her husband are expecting their first child, my grandchild."

"Don't talk like that Rolen," Laurelin begged, "You'll live and see many grandchildren to come,"

"Shhh," He said laying his hand upon his chest, "I'm at peace and I go to see me wife. Don't cry,"

Laurelin held one of the soldier's hands, while Eldarion held the other.

"A soldier's death. What greater honor could there be?" Rolen said closing his eyes, eyes that would not open again to see Moria, the White City, or see his beloved grandchild.

Laurelin and Prince Eldarion stayed at their friend's side, till the last haggard breath of life escaped his mouth, along with his soul, leaving them behind.

Night passed