Hello all! Shiny new chapter for ya! The next one will be up on Sunday.

Review Responses:

harmoni, you might be smelling a little one there. Neville gets a little bigger role in this fic than he did in the last one.

zayra, not much action in this chapter, but loads in the next few along with some magic. This is just kind of the lead in to the action.

John, hmm, not sure where you got that it was going to be two months until the next update. I'm actually several chapters ahead so that I can safely say when the updates will be. I'm hoping to get this fic finished by the end of the year. Hopefully, anyways. I think Neville is a little underused in stories and he had the possibility of being a great character. And thanks for the review for Time Off. I know Turkish isn't an archaic language, but it was Faith who said it, and I threw it in there cause Dawn mentioned translating something from Turkish. And I've received an overwhelming response to it both here and at TtH so don't be too surprised if you see me coerced into a sequel.

Kyra2, I think Wormtongue was a little more worried about saving his own skin than trying something on one of the girls. But it's a nice idea.... Hmm....

Thank you guys for your reviews!

Thanks to my beta PuNKyCoWGiRL!

Chapter Nineteen

Staying and Leaving

"Feeling better?" Dawn asked Ginny as they stepped out of their respective rooms.

"Much. It's amazing how much better you feel after a bath and putting on clean clothes," Ginny said with a grin. "Now I'm hungry."

"Me too. Buffy said they were going to lay food out in the big throne room so we can eat and talk to the king."

"Thank Merlin," Draco said as he and Harry came up to them.

"I talked to Willow while Buffy was taking her bath. They haven't found anything yet, but they're still working on it."

"Are you sure that's safe?" Harry asked as he wrapped an arm around Ginny's waist. "Galadriel's message made it sound like talking to the other world was dangerous."

"We talked in code," Dawn answered smugly. "Unless Sauron knows what five by five means, we're good."

They entered the hall to see Éowyn crouched next to two kids who were eating hungrily. "They had no warning. They were unarmed. Now the Wild Men are moving through the Westfold, burning as they go."

"That sounds bad," Dawn said as they sat down and began filling their plates. The others had already arrived and started eating.

"This is but a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash," Gandalf said. He was sitting on a stool next to Théoden.

The king was looking better. It seemed that he, too, had taken some time to clean up. His hair and beard were now neatly trimmed and his clothing was of finer material. He sat on his throne quietly taking in the news.

"All the more potent for he is driven now by fear of Sauron," Gandalf continued. "Ride out and meet him head on. Draw him away from your women and children. You must fight."

"Éomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their king," Aragorn reminded him.

Théoden rose from his seat and began pacing. "They will be three hundred leagues from here by now. Éomer cannot help us." He stopped and looked at Gandalf. "I know what you want from me, but I will not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war."

"I know you've been out of it for a while, Theo," Buffy said. "But I hate to tell you, the war is already here."

"And what would a girl know of war?"

Buffy's eyes narrowed as she stood. "I know a hell of a lot more than what you'd think. Your people are scared to death. They need someone strong to stand up for them, not cower in fear."

"Buffy," Aragorn warned.

"No! If he doesn't take action soon, his land will be overrun by Sour Man's orcs."
"When last I looked, Théoden was king of Rohan, not some girl who doesn't know her place," the king said, glaring at her.

"I never said I was king. Just someone who's come an awful long way to help you. I'd hate to see you lose the battle before you've begun to fight," she said hotly, not backing down.

"Then what is the king's decision?" Gandalf asked, trying to head off further argument.

"We will go to Helm's Deep. All of us," he answered, then he left to start having his people evacuate.

"Helm's Deep," Gimli spat. "They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight."

"What's this Helm's Deep?" Ginny asked.

"It's a large fortress built into a mountain. It has saved them in the past," Aragorn explained. "He's only doing what he thinks is best for his people."

"There is no way out of that ravine. He's walking into a trap. He thinks he's leading them to safety. What they will get is a massacre," Gandalf said joining them at the long table.

"Isn't there someplace else for them to go?" Buffy asked, sitting back down.

"No. It is the only true stronghold they have," Aragorn answered quietly.

Gandalf turned to Aragorn. "Théoden has a strong will, but I fear for him. I fear for the survival of Rohan. He will need you before the end, Aragorn. The people of Rohan will need you. The defenses have to hold."

"Gee, no pressure there," Spike said dryly.

"They will hold," Aragorn assured him, looking at the old wizard with a question plain in his eyes.

"I have an errand I must attend to. Three hundred lives of men I've walked this earth and now I have no time. With luck my search will not be in vain. Await me at the gates of Helm's Deep." Then Gandalf quickly got up and left.

"Is he always like that?" Harry asked watching him leave.

"He has ever been so, yes," Legolas answered.

"Well Aragorn, I'd say you're going to be making that decision about being king soon, huh?" Buffy asked.

"It seems so," he said reluctantly.

scenebreak

Frodo smiled softly as he watched Sam bustle about making dinner. While the forest wasn't exactly teeming with wildlife, it provided enough to supplement their diet of lembas. The other hobbit was perfectly content in the simple act of cooking. It had been a while since he had seen Sam this relaxed and happy.

Even though they were literally worlds away from home, they no longer lived in constant fear. Maybe they were becoming a little complacent, but they hadn't seen a sign of anyone or anything for two weeks. They apparently had that cluster of trees all to themselves.

This world was also some sort of a blessing in disguise. Being in another world, away from Sauron, seemed to lessen the Ring's lure. It no longer pulled at his senses, tempting him to wear it, to succumb to it's evil. The ring just hung lifelessly around his neck, only twingeing occasionally.

But there was something else about this place that pulled at his senses, at his darkest nightmares and fears. His dreams were filled with monsters and things reaching for him in the dark. Some sort of evil slept there and would pull at his mind at times. He asked Sam if he ever felt it, but he only looked at him quizzically and said no. He figured that it was just his exposure to the Ring playing tricks on him.

"The stew is ready, Mr. Frodo," Sam said from his place beside the fire. "At least, it sort of passes for a stew. I wish I had some nice taters to put in it."

"I'm sure it's fine, Sam," Frodo said, getting his bowl out of his pack.

Sam spooned some out into their two bowls. "I wish there were more..."

"There's plenty," Frodo said, cutting him off with a smile.

"I just wish Strider would hurry up and figure out how to rescue us."

"He will."

"How do you know that, Mr. Frodo?"

Frodo turned his crystal blue eyes to his friend's worried face. "Because he always saves us. Because he doesn't give up when a friend is in trouble."

scenebreak

Spike entered the great hall looking for Buffy. She had gone off to help others with packing while he went to see to the horses. The king had graciously given each of them their own mounts. Even Ginny had a horse of her own now.

He spied Éowyn pulling a sword out and giving it a few practice swings. He was about to give her a few pointers when Aragorn used his long knife to block her blade.

"You have some skill with a blade," the Ranger said.

She swiftly moved her sword and the blade was soon facing him unchallenged. "Women of this country learned long ago - those without swords can still die upon them. I fear neither death nor pain."

"What do you fear, my lady?"

Éowyn turned and placed the sword back into its scabbard. "A cage. To stay behind bars until use and old age accept them and all chance of valor has gone beyond all recall or desire."
"You are a daughter of kings, a shieldmaiden of Rohan," Aragorn reminded her as he sheathed his knife. "I do not think that would be your fate."

She looked at him in surprise as he bowed slightly and walked away. She never saw Spike approach her until he spoke from beside her.

"He's right. I think everyone will see more than their share of fighting before this is over."
"You believe women can fight?"

"The fact that Buffy can kick my ass seven ways from Sunday is part of the attraction. I trust Dawn and Ginny with my life. Just because you women wear your hearts on your sleeves doesn't mean you're the weaker sex. Those emotions are powerfully strong motivators."

"Your lady is lucky to have you, Master Spike," she said in slight awe.

"Just call me Spike, pet." He started walking away, then stopped and turned. "Watch over extending your arm. The farther you stick it out, the longer your recovery time. Sometimes in a battle being just a second or two faster than the enemy makes the difference between winning and dying."
"Thank you, Spike."

He smiled. "Think nothing of it, pet." Then he continued his search for Buffy.

scenebreak

Hagrid opened the door of his hut to reveal Ron and Hermione. "Well, 'ello guys. Come in, come in. I just put on a pot of tea."

The two students entered and sat on Hagrid's oversized couch. Fang came over to greet them and Ron scratched his head.

"What brings the two of you out here?"

"Willow heard from Dawn," Hermione said.

"She did! How's Harry? Are they coming home soon?"

Ron sighed. "Not yet. Until we find the ring, it's not safe for him here."

"I've been asking around, but no one has seen any wee people," Hagrid said as he poured the tea. "Anya hasn't found them yet?"

"She looked everywhere that Ron, Willow, and Tara found. I don't think they're in Britain," Hermione said.

"They have to be," Ron argued. "They couldn't have fallen that far from the original portal."

"Who says the original portal was in Britain?" Hermione challenged. "Dumbledore hasn't heard back from his spies. Voldemort could have opened that portal anywhere. They could be in Europe or even Australia for all we know!"

"You better hope not, otherwise Harry's going to be stuck in Middle Earth for a long time in the middle of a war! Along with Ginny!"

"You think I don't know that? I'm worried sick about them," Hermione cried with tears in her eyes.

"Hey, hey guys," Hagrid said, reminding them that he was still there. "They'll be ok until we find this ring."

"He's right. They're strong and surrounded by friends," Hermione said, taking Ron's hand into her own. "Just two weeks ago you told me to not mope and spend all of my time worrying about it. We have to believe that they will be fine and do our part to help them."

Ron nodded, but didn't say anything more.

"Rock cake anyone?" Hagrid asked.

scenebreak

It was nearly sunset when the four Hogwarts' students finally sat together around a small campfire. There were more fires and people spread out around them.

"I didn't know a town could empty out so fast," Ginny said as she ate a bowl of soup.

"When you're scared for you life you can do anything quickly," Harry said.

"Oh no," Draco said.

"What?"

The blond pointed to a couple a short distance away. "I hope Aragorn has enough sense to turn down Éowyn's soup."

They watched as Aragorn accepted a bowl and forced a mouthful down. When Éowyn turned away, he tried to dump the contents, but she turned back around to speak to him. They unsuccessfully tried to cover their snickers as Aragorn was forced to eat since she wouldn't leave.

"Is her cooking that bad?" Dawn asked.

"I had several people warn me that dirt tasted better. Who cooked this?" He asked gesturing to the pot in front of them.

"I did," Harry answered.

"It's pretty good. I didn't know you could cook," Draco said before putting another spoonful in his mouth.

"Had to. When I lived with the Dursleys I was expected to fix their meals as part of my payment of being allowed to stay there."

Draco stared at him in surprise. "You mean, they didn't adore you?"
"I was Aunt Petunia's freak sister's freak son," Harry said with a shrug.

"Huh. I had no idea, Potter. I'm sorry."
Harry smiled. "It's ok. I've got Sirius and Remus now."

"I wonder how Remus is handling Spike's classes," Dawn said absently.

"He's probably fine. He taught the class before you know."

Ginny frowned. "Guys, I just thought of something."

"What?"
"Spike is a vampire."

Dawn rolled her eyes as she collected everyone's bowls. "That's a profound thought if I ever heard one."

"What I mean is - he needs blood. That's what he eats. We've been here a week and I haven't seen him drink any."

The other three froze.

"So what's he eating?" Ginny asked.

Their eyes unconsciously sought out Spike. He was farther off with Buffy and they could plainly see him eating a bowl of soup.

"Surely he and Buffy have taken precautions," Dawn whispered.

"What kind? For most of this week it's been just the nine of us and we're all here with no puncture wounds," Ginny pointed out.

"I'm sure if they wanted us to know they'd have told us. Spike's not about to go around feeding on people," Draco said.

"He's right. They'll let us know if there is a problem," Dawn said taking the bowls to be cleaned.

"I hope she didn't think I was accusing him of anything. I was just curious," Ginny said as she watched her friend walk away.

"She'll be fine," Draco assured her, hoping he was right.