Hello! Here is another chapter. Thank you to all those who have read it, and hopefully you have enjoyed it so far. We don't own any of the characters, they belong to Tolkien, Homer, and whoever wrote Gladiator. Hope you like this chapter, please R/R!

Morning came quickly. Faramir stood in front of the mirror slowly dressing, it was early yet, but sleep had not come to him that night. After all the arguments and discussions, it was time. War had come again, and he would defend his people and city to his death if he had to. When he was younger, and had been made Captain of Gondor, he had to pledge his life to the defense of the city. He had not realized then just what his pledge had been or what he would have to sacrifice in order to keep the city and people safe.

He had woken up early that morning to find Eowyn not next to him. He had briefly wondered where she was, but thoughts of the upcoming battle had driven his wondering away. He guessed she was off tending to their son, Elboron.

As though in his thoughts he called for her, she came in dressed for the day. Faramir took one look at her and then smiled, her face was as beautiful as the day he first set eyes on her, and she moved with grace of an elf. As he watched her walk toward him, he noticed a sword hanging by her belt that was around her slim waist. She wore a chain-mail shirt under an old shirt.

"Why are you dressed like that?" Faramir asked, as he covered his bare chest with a white shirt before putting on his own chail-main shirt.

"I am fighting in the battle," Eowyn told him, as though this was obvious. She was now putting her golden hair into a tight bun.

"You are fighting?" Faramir raised an eyebrow at her and stopped dressing.

"I can fight," she said taken aback at his behavior. "I will not be allowed to be locked up while you and all my friends are fighting and risking their lives. I know how to fight, I am no shield maiden, something to be treasured and looked at. I fought in the War of the Ring; I was out there on Pelannor Fields, have you forgotten? It was me fighting, not you."

"I would have been involved; I would fought alongside my men if I could. Pelannor Fields is not the issue though."

"Do you doubt my heart?"

"No, I do not want my love to be hurt. I can still see you lying in the House of the Healing pale and half dead. I want to protect you," Faramir spoke softly.

"Then fight alongside me, and we will have victory together," Eowyn proposed. "And then you can watch over me, and we can fight together protecting our friends and the city which we both love."

"I do not want you in battle and that is that!" Faramir raised his voice.

"I will not stand here and have you order me around!"

"If you want to be a soldier, then you have to take orders!" Faramir raised his voice a little bit. It was rare for the quiet man to yell. "Fine! If you want to fight, I place you in my company! As Captain, I say who fights and who does not! You, Eowyn, Lady of Rohan will most certainty will not be fighting!" With that, he stormed out of the room.

Eowyn fell down on the bed weeping.

Minutes passed but it seemed more like a few hours. Eowyn laid on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. She could not believe that Faramir had spoken to her in such a way. Never before had she seen him so angry and stubborn. He had always understood her love of battle, and he loved her strength and bravery. So why when she finally had the opportunity to prove her courage in battle did he forbid her to go? Was he just flattering her by allowing her to entertain dreams of glory, knowing well she could never achieve them? No, she could not believe that Faramir was like that; he could not be. It was not in his nature to falsely flatter or deceive. Then what was it? She could not figure it out; she was still too angry and upset to reason. So she got up off the bed and went to the mirror and wash basin at the far side of the room. She looked in the mirror and wiped the tears off her face. She did not like to see herself like that, showing so much emotion, so much weakness. He eyes were still red and her cheeks still moist. Once she had hidden every sign of her grief, she walked over to her son's room, which was further down the hall. She quietly opened the door and slipped in. The curtains were drawn and the room was still dark. She fumbled on her way to the curtains, almost stumbling over pile of clothes. She noted that she should tell Elboron to be neater. Yet now was not the time, there were much serious troubles than a young boy's messiness. She could see his face, illuminated by a solitary bar of light seeping in through the area between the curtains. She could see that he was sleeping contently. He looked so much like his father, the same handsome face and gentle, yet stern, demeanor. He would be a great man someday. Yet he was now only a child, and the affairs and wars of men were coming to him too soon. She could see him in all his innocence and happiness and wished that he could remain like that always. She bent over him and kissed his forehead, then moved over to the window and opened the curtains. The room was immediately bathed in yellow light and the reflection off the white stone was almost blinding. He still slept soundly and it was difficult for her to wake him while he looked so peaceful, but she knew what she had to do. She gently shook his shoulder and his eyes gradually opened; his face formed into a smile as he saw his mother. He immediately leaned over to hug her.

"Mother, I had the most wonderful dream! Eldarion and I were brothers and we all lived together in Ithilien and we played games all day."

Eowyn laughed. "Indeed that was a wonderful dream. I hope that someday we shall know such peace and joy. However, now is not the time for play. You must get dressed, no use laying in bed all day. That is not the way to become a great scholar and hero. Come now, out of bed."

The boy grudgingly got out of bed and Eowyn kissed his forehead as she said, "That is my boy, now get dressed. You've nearly missed breakfast sleeping so late. I'll be waiting down the hall for you. I'll take you and Eldarion to your teacher and you can have your breakfast there."

"Mother? Why are all the men running about? Is there something happening? I usually do not have to get up this early, why do I have to today?"

Eowyn laughed, yet it was nervous laughter, and it did not go unnoticed by Elboron. "Well, you're getting older Elboron and as you get older there are more responsibilities. I have heard from your teacher that you have not been putting your full effort into your lessons. In fact, you seem to care little for them, only listening to the stories of the great warriors. Well, your lessons are important and cannot be avoided. Thus, you must go earlier to make up for all your previous lack of effort. I know that things are difficult, and I know that you would rather be back in Ithilien, just as I would. But we are needed here for now, and as long as you are here, you will still do your lessons. Now get dressed, because I know that you are merely questioning me to put off your lessons. Meet me down the hall I am sure Eldarion is already waiting."

As Eowyn left, she felt relief. It was so difficult to pretend to be happy when she knew that a great battle was at hand. She hated lying to her son and felt guilty that she couldn't tell him the truth. Yet she knew he could not be told; he could not understand the great peril they were in. He was young, life was simple and peaceful for him, and she did not want to destroy that. She did not want to expose him to the pain in the world. Not yet.

The people inside Gondor were busy preparing for war that morning. Maximus and his company left the city early to prepare and await the horns that would be the signal for the battle. In the mountain, there was a cave that could hide and hold 500 horses, and there Maximus would charge from. The excited soldier took leave of King Elessar and made his way to prepare himself and the company he was to lead.

King Eomer also departed: the men of Rohan were stationed in Osgiliath, and would charge from there at the same time as Maximus' company. With King Eomer, King Elessar and Gandalf would ride. The elves were already near the gates preparing for their first attack in the battle. Faramir had Gondorian archers inside the city, and up on the walls. It was planned that they would attack not too long after the battle had started.

"And where will we be?" Merry asked, as everyone started to depart.

"Inside the city of course," Gandalf looked down at the frowning hobbit.

"Doing what?" Merry asked, annoyed.

"It would be an honor if you would join my company, Master Brandybuck," Faramir entered. He had heard the beginning of the conversation as he walked past the room. He now bowed slightly to the three hobbits. "And of course Master Took, Master Gamgee. A Captain can never have enough brave warriors on his side."

"It would be our pleasure to stand beside you, Lord Faramir," Merry bowed back to Faramir, glad that one person had not forgotten them. Gandalf raised an eyebrow at Faramir, and then left to prepare for the battle.

Now everyone was in place. It was a little after breakfast time, though no one had even thought of the meal. Before getting in place though, the three hobbits had been seen in the Dining Hall, eating a full breakfast. Faramir looked down at the three hobbits, and though war was in front of them, he could not help but smile, nothing, not even war, got in the way of a hobbit's meal.

Orc horns could be heard even in the cave where Maximus waited. The horns were threatening and a few men were growing uneasy.

"Brothers, one day I shall be home again, harvesting my crops with my family, in peace. Imagine where you will be and it will be so. Today we fight, not for our own pride and glory, but for that dream and for the safety of our families and friends. We must have courage for those we love, and today we shall fight for them. Hold the lines and stay with me! Remember, what we do in life echoes in eternity. Hold the line! Stay with me! Stay with me!"

The men laughed and cheered. Maximus held up his sword, "Brothers stay with me!"

They raised their swords in response, sure that the young leader would not led them astray.

Aragorn, Gandalf, and Eomer watched the army from their location. Aragorn sat up straighter on his horse, remembering the last war. Gandalf's mind was on those who had been lost, and those who would die fighting for the protection of the city. King Eomer, could not help but remember that this was the place that the title of King had been put on him by his uncle, a man he missed dearly.

"We cannot win this! Look at their army! It will be the death of all of us!"

Aragorn turned his horse around and faced the soldiers, "Brothers of the sword, greatest friends and allies. You have fought with me in many battles, and we have shed our blood together on the field. Today we shall stand and fight, for the protection of our city and the love of our families. Do not let anyone forget how menacing we are, we are lions. Do you know what is out there, on the shore, waiting. Immortality, take it, it's your's!

Paris and Hector stood by Faramir looking out at the field. Paris swayed a little, feeling nauseous at the army before him. He tried hard to stand still, but it wasn't easy. He had never felt so nervous before. He looked around; the three hobbits stood on the other side of Faramir. The tallest one, Merry, stomped his feet a few times looking impatient. The hobbit next to him, clad in Gondorian armor looked bored, and the last one had his eyes closed as though remembering a different time or a person not with him now.

Hector also looked around at all the men. He was glad that today he was not in charge. He had never led more than twenty men into a fight. Recently, he had led small groups of men to battle orcs that had been coming toward the city. He however, could not imagine leading the whole army into battle with so many men to be concerned for.

The orc horns stopped, but a cruel, cold voice took their place, "King of the City, come and meet your doom!"

Merry looked up at Faramir, and gasped Aragorn was not in the city.

Faramir motioned fifteen guards to follow him.

"Faramir!" Merry called.

The Captain of Gondor looked back at the hobbit.

"Let me stand by your side," Merry pleaded.

Faramir looked at his guards, and then back at the determined hobbit, "Come along."

Pippin, without asking, followed Merry and Faramir. The guards quickly formed ranks around their Captain and his two companions. They walked out unafraid and undaunted by the army of orcs.

Hector was not surprised that the hobbits followed his cousin. He knew they belonged at his side, though they were small, they acted like veterans. A few soldiers whispered, and Hector heard the word halfings. Did they not think the hobbits belonged at his side? If he had not seen them at the council he might have thought the same thing, but these hobbits knew what was happening. They knew what they were sacrificing, and they had seen more war than he had ever.

"I am King of Gondor speak!" Faramir commanded.

A large orc stood in front sneering. Merry stared; his hands were as big as his head and Pippin's combined. He held his long, heavy sword in one hand, and wore only a chest of armor. He sneered down at the two hobbits but before he could speak Faramir spoke, "You come uninvited. Go back to your holes and never come here again."

"Look around you, Young King. The Lord Melkor has bred the greatest warriors of the age. You can still save Gondor's king. The Lord Melkor has just one wish, if you grant it, then no more Gondorian soldiers need die. Gondor, must submit to the Lord Melkor and fight for him whenever he calls."

"You want me to look upon your army and tremble?" Faramir scanned the army of orcs, "Well I see them, I see 50,000 orcs brought here to fight for one evil god's greed."

"Careful boy. The Lord Melkor's mercy has limits."

"And I've seen the limits of his mercy. And I tell you now, no son of Gondor will ever submit to an evil god."

"Then every son of Gondor shall die."

Faramir turned on his heel and walked back to the city. Merry and Pippin had to walk quickly to keep up with the Captain of Gondor. As the city gates closed, the orcs pounded their heavy spikes into the ground. The sound was deafening.

"That went well," Pippin muttered to Merry.

Back in the city walls, Faramir turned to Legolas and King Thranduil, who stood with the elves by the city gates. "You don't have to do this."

"The elves have been in the shadows too long. We will fight."

"Good luck then, may the Valar protect you," Faramir went back to his men along with Merry and Pippin.

Faramir looked out from the high city walls at the orc army. The orcs were still pounding their stakes into the ground.

"Archers!" He called. He took out his bow and arrows too. "Hold." He commanded.

They waited, and then Faramir heard it, a horn. Not an orc horn, but a beautiful horn, it was an elvish horn. The elves below were ready. Faramir took a long, deep sigh, and closed his eyes praying for the safety of all those who were protecting the city this day. "So it begins," he whispered to himself. "FIRE!" He commanded his men. The gates opened below. The archers killed a good number of Orcs before the Elves reached them.

The elves led by King Thranduil, Prince Legolas and Gimli son of Golan, charged out of the gates. Faramir motioned for one archer to fire straight into the crowd of orcs, with his arrow lit.

Eomer raised his sword into the air. He looked next to him to see Gandalf and Aragorn, swords out and ready for battle. He kicked his horse lightly and observed his army. "Advance our standards, draw your willing swords, and set upon our foes, the time for battle is at hand. In Eorl's name, courageous friends, be valiant. Aragorn, you lead the army from the left flank, Gandalf from the right. Forth! And fear no darkness! Arise! Arise! Riders of Eomer! Spears shall be shaken! Shields shall be splintered! A sword day! A red day! Ere the sun rises! Ride Now! Ride now! Ride! Ride to ruin and the world's ending! Forth Eorlingas!"

Maximus saw the signal. He turned to his command, "Ride with me now brothers!" He kicked his horse and it started to gallop, "STAY WITH ME!" He yelled charging with all his men behind him.

The horses all charged fast. Maximus called again, "STAY WITH ME!" They continued to charge quickly from the side of the city.

Eomer, Gandalf, and Aragorn charged with the Rohan army yelling and waving their swords. Shadowfax quickly got ahead of the other horses, the speed and swiftness of Shadowfax remained. Gandalf's white robes, along with the white horse shone in the early morning, and the rising sun caught it blinding all enemies who looked toward the White Rider.

"HOLD THE LINE!" Maximus called to his command. They were close now, so close. The orc army now saw them. "HOLD THE LINE!" The orcs formed ranks, but quickly forgot that idea as the two cavalries hit the orc army at once.

"We cannot win this! Look at their army! It will be the death of all of us!"

Faramir watched as the two cavalries charged at the huge orc army. Their plan was working. The elves were still fighting hard and few had fallen to their death. Faramir took out his sword. He turned around and faced his company. "What's he that believes so? No, if we are marked to die, we are to do our country loss; and if to live, the fewer men, the greater share of honor. I pray thee, wish not one man more. I would not lose so great an honor as one man more would share from me, for the best hope I have. O, do not wish one more! Rather proclaim that he, who has no heart to this fight, let him depart. We would not die in that man's company that fears his fellowship to die with us. For we come together now in fellowship and friendship, in this great fight, as brothers. Now, I say if we are marked to die, we shall make it such an end that is worthy of remembrance! We ride now! Now for wrath, now for ruin, and a red dawn! Ride for Gondor! Ride to war!" He lifted his sword high into the air, "Charge with me brothers, charge with me to victory!"

Faramir took the stairs two at a time going down to the city walls. Merry, Pippin and Sam were on his heels, followed by Hector and Paris. The rest of the company followed silently, following their faithful leader into battle.