I CAPTURE THE SUN
Pairings: Buffy/Legolas
Teaser: Buffy ends up in Heaven, which happens to be Middle-Earth. But not everything is as heavenly as it seems as she's come in the middle of a war and finds a piece of Heaven worth fighting for.
Rating: T, by the newest standards. If you feel that this has been mis-rated, feel free to inform me. I will be happy to discuss it.
Summary: Buffy's version of Heaven is Middle-Earth. When she arrives, she is brought to a clan of fighting women. Seeing this as her eternal reward for fighting and killing on Earth, Buffy is only too happy to return to her roots - until she is captured by the Elves and begins to learn there's a whole lot more worth fighting for... in Heaven.
Disclaimer: Buffy the Vampire Slayer belongs to Joss Whedon. The 'Lord of the Rings' book series belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien. The plot is (hopefully) my own.
Timeline: The story is currently set approximately fifty years before the start of the Fellowship. Buffy has been in Middle-earth for roughly twenty-three years. Therefore, it means that she has been there twenty seven years before the Fellowship. The One Ring has already been uncovered. That should make some sense.
Gratitudes: This is part two and three of the three part battle sequence. Most chapters are between seven and nine pages. This one easily pushes fifteen. I am really not a big action-writer and I think that much is evident. I do, however, have an imagination. This chapter does exchange points of view (between the different groups in their different battle scenarios) rather briskly, as in sentence-to-sentence, but I think I finally had it to the point where it made some sense.
Part Summary: The Amazons battle against the might of Dol Guldur as the villagers take their leave at last; Siri and Daire prepare to say goodbye to their guardian, who alone will face the greatest evil that nearly destroyed her the first time around.
Notes: I decided to double up on this chapter rather than post two separate parts, mainly because I really want this story to be twenty chapters even instead of twenty-two, and I figured it would be a lot better than waiting a few weeks until I finally decided that the chapter you were about to read was worth reading at all. Hence, here is the battle chapter and I hope you enjoy. I have already written most of the other battle chapter I have conceived (around chapter sixteen/seventeen). I will apologize for the lateness of this chapter. I have a very sick little girl at home.
x-x-x-x
Part XI
x-x-x-x
The Lord of the Nazgûl was waiting for the others to return. Once he saw their flying creatures circle overhead, he knew what he had feared had come to pass. He turned to his own creature and beckoned it to take flight.
It would have been an ordinary morning except for the darkness lingering near the stronghold. It seemed to spiral, bringing those close to the fortress into a deep feeling of hopelessness, helplessness and despair. The Witch King smiled as his own creature circled the compound once before turning to the northwest.
He knew what she had planned. She couldn't hide it from those who shared her darkness. Despite her best efforts to keep that under her skin, it was only a matter of time before she became like them. Her death had already served one purpose. It would yet again serve another. Once the misfit refugees had left her sights, she would return to the Elves. They had need of a warrior akin to her… yet the Nazgûl knew that alone she was truly a target.
After issuing the order to let the Orcs handle the refugees, he also ordered the others to make certain that the Lady of Shadow was driven away from her people. She could not be allowed to protect them. She would not be able to save them all.
x-x-x
By the time Siri reached the head of the column, all of the carts and trailers were in a long row. Archers had been placed amongst every few carts, already armed and prepared for whatever the darkness of Dol Guldur could unleash. They were more than prepared, Siri thought, shaking her head and sighing. Oh, well. It was far better to be more than prepared than to be caught unawares.
Daire was waiting for her, looking apprehensive atop her steed. Seeing her cousin, she dismounted and set the horse aside. "Is there any way this foolish plan of hers will work?" she asked nervously. The forest was a little too quiet for their tastes. Aside from their single attack en route, the Orcs hadn't put up much of a fight. She was wary that they would attack when they were halfway across the plain, raining down upon the villagers a storm of arrows and flame. That was exactly what Buffy hadn't wanted to happen, which is why she had created the plan she did.
"Do we have any choice?" Siri asked Daire sharply, taking out her own bow and flexing the bowstring threateningly. "The last time we attempted such an escape, many of our people died. She is just trying to correct a mistake from many years ago."
Daire nodded slowly, too young to remember the previous attempt over the plains. "The plan is to set a force across the river and then to safely ensure the others get across?" she asked lightly.
Siri nodded as she handed Daire her own bow and quiver of arrows. "Prepare yourself for battle," she said quietly. "The others will be awaiting your signal. Do not delay for these people are counting on your punctuality."
"Very well," Daire said with a firm nod, slowly turning away from her cousin.
"Daire!" Siri called once her cousin was more than a few paces away. The younger girl turned and smiled, but the feeling between them was mutual. If all went according to plan, they would only sustain a few casualties. But this was a war, Siri knew. There were always fatalities with war. She had learnt this with the loss of her father.
"Do not say goodbye," Daire said, placing her hands on her hips. "Anything you say from now on will sound like a goodbye."
Siri understood what she meant. However, her choice of words was very different from what Daire had wanted to hear.
"Be safe," she cautioned. The smile fell from Daire's face as she slowly bowed her head.
"And you, as well, my cousin," Daire said, before turning and disappearing down the line. Siri let out a stream of pent-up breath and turned to a series of horses now riding up rapidly from the rear. They were led by Alwyn, who sat atop her steed looking magnificent. There were more than thirty behind her and they quickly gathered around Siri awaiting their final orders.
Before Siri could open her mouth, another figure appeared. Alwyn and the others automatically bowed their heads as Buffy stepped up beside Siri, smiling fondly at the women.
"You know what to do," she said to the young lieutenant. "I know that you volunteered for this, but let's try to do this without getting yourselves killed." She paused for a moment. "The archers should be on the outside. The rest of you should prepare the path. Your ancestors say it should lead straight through the mountains to your homeland. Follow it for as far as you can go. If you stray from it, you'll never make it." She turned to Alwyn. "This is the last time I will speak with you and your warriors, Alwyn."
Alwyn bowed her head again. "My lady, it has truly been an honor to serve under you. When you chose me to train, my family considered it the highest of honors."
Buffy gave her a wan smile. "The honor has been all of mine, Alwyn. Now, go," she said, stepping out of the way. "I will send the people soon. The way must be cleared."
Alwyn took a long look at the opening. Beyond the opening laid the sunrise, the plains and the river, sparkling even at this distance. A narrow bridge was still in place. In a greater distance, she could see the mountains stretching majestically towards the Heavens. The path leading to their home country awaited them there. This was a risk that was certainly worth the effort of fighting. The Orcs were likely sitting, awaiting an ambush. It was up to Alwyn to prepare the path on the other end. With a last nod to her leader, she held up her hand.
"Forth! Forth we go!"
Immediately a single horn was blown as more than thirty horses burst out of the opening, the horses rising in speed to a canter over the fields. They had only been riding a few seconds when a piercing cry sounded above them.
"Nazgûl," Alwyn whispered, watching as two creatures circled high above them before heading back to the east, towards the forest.
"Alwyn, we will run out of time!" one of the women screamed from behind her.
"We must ride on!" Alwyn said, and the horses stayed in close formation, the Archers along the sides waiting for the Nazgûl to come within range of their own darts. But the flying creatures didn't return. They had plunged into the trees, their cries silenced. Alwyn knew that this was not welcomed news as their leader was the one being targeted. But she knew that Buffy was strong enough to handle whatever they had to throw at her.
As the horses of the outer guard splashed their way across the bridge and then the small tributaries leading from the river, a large group of women suddenly appeared on the higher rocks overlooking the clearing. Camouflaged by the paint they wore upon their bodies, they appeared suddenly in a long line. Behind them they tugged along their own machines of war, small turrets to cast out flaming balls of twine and rock. As they had little to do, they stood in wait. Many of the women pulled out two long, curving knives from the leather strapped to their waists and laid them at their feet, ready to use them when the time came. Others still took to the sheltered rocks, awaiting the signs of movement from the trees. They could clearly see their leader far below shouting out orders as the first of the villagers approached the opening. In the distance, they could see Alwyn and the others approaching the Anduin. They had nearly a half-day ride to the other side, which would slow the progress significantly, but they needed to cross the narrow vale in time to defend the first carts.
Buffy stood below with Siri, who looked slightly apprehensive as she stared out across the Vales of the Anduin. "This is really the end of our lives in this forest," she said quietly, glancing to Buffy as she always did when she was about to do something which scared her from her wits. Buffy nodded firmly.
"Yes, it is," Buffy agreed. "Your life is about to change, Siri. I don't know if it's going to be for better or for worse, but you deserve better than what I've been able to give you. You deserve freedom. It's time for you to go home."
"What of you?" Siri demanded. "Are you not home as well?"
"My home is wherever the war is being fought," Buffy said in a heavy voice. "There isn't much time for me to think about what comes next. I have to worry about what's coming now. They will not let us leave freely."
"With all due respect," Siri replied, "I think they fear you leaving. If you were to leave this forest, then they would lose you. Sauron fears your powers and thus wants them for himself. You have told me this."
"That is the reason why I cannot go with you," Buffy said, smiling at the younger woman. "You really do have a good head on your shoulders, Siri. If your parents were alive today, I think they'd be rather proud of you."
"My mother was right," Siri said, trying in vain to keep the sigh from her tone, "to name you as her successor. I would not have been able to keep our people alive for as long as you have. What you created here has become more than just a forest, but a home. Our ancestors spoke of a grand palace with trumpets and banners to welcome our return. I do not know how our people would respond to such a life."
"You'll adjust," Buffy said dryly. "You've done pretty well for yourself. You've gone from being a Princedom guarded by knights to being a people guarded by women."
"You have always said that women alone have the power to make a difference in the lives of all," Siri said. "You spoke of women that do not have weakness. They have strength and you have given it to us."
"I have only given you what you have earned," Buffy said, shrugging. "There really wasn't anything more."
Siri glanced at her for a moment before replying. "Will we never meet again?"
"I don't think so," Buffy said, staring out at the opening. She seemed to be steeling her nerves for some large revelation she knew that she had to divulge before they were parted forever. "You're going home and I'm staying here. There really isn't any reason to travel back to these woods unless you want to die."
"I understand," Siri replied, bowing her head quickly. Buffy watched her for a moment before turning to the nearest cart and removing an old, bronze box. Brushing the dirt from the top, she pried it open. Inside laid the crown once worn by the wife of the Prince of these people. Passed on through the generations, it had gone to Edrae and now, finally, it would be passed along to her remaining child.
"This once belonged to your mother," Buffy said, holding up the piece of jewelry. It was very old and carried something associated with power and prestige with it, something these people infrequently had. "I remember when I first met her. She was wearing this and she decreed that I was a spy for the dark Elves that had become their enemies and that I was to be put to death. Within twelve hours, she was thanking me for saving your brother's life."
She slowly turned and handed it to Siri. Her fingers trembling, Siri took the crown and held it to the early morning light.
"She gave me her power so that one day I would pass it onto you," Buffy said quietly, watching as Siri held the trinket in absolute disbelief. "I promised her that I would take care of you. It's the same thing I promised to Daire's parents before they died. Now I want you to make me a promise."
"What sort of promise can I give you?" Siri asked, at last setting the crown back within its box and sealing it. "In case you have not noticed, we are about to flee for our lives out there."
"Just promise me that you'll try to get these people home," she said earnestly, taking Siri by the shoulders. The taller woman looked astounded, but nodded nevertheless.
"I will do what I can to get my people home," she said firmly.
Buffy gave her a small smile. "I think this is what a parent feels like when her child goes off to college," she said, sniffling slightly.
"When a child goes where?" Siri asked in confusion.
Buffy waved aside the explanation with an impatient flicker of her hand. "Never mind… it's just boring speak anyway." She paused for a moment before stepping away. "You have to protect them. You have to nourish them. The enemy is going to be pushing you and you alone can lead them. Don't be afraid to lead them. Their lives are now in your hands."
"Buffy," Siri said, taking a step towards her. But Buffy sidestepped her easily and backed away.
"You must go," she said, gesturing out towards the clearing. "Alwyn and the others have likely crossed the river. The sun is nearly in mid-sky."
"Buffy…" Siri continued, not really knowing what to say. They had spent years in animosity, arguing over one aspect of leadership or another. Buffy had always been the strong one despite setbacks and fallbacks that led to the deaths of many. Yet she always remained steadfast and level-headed during the most trying of times and that was something Siri would always respect her for. She had come to see Buffy as the one who could lead these people home. She never once considered herself to be a leader. Mauve, perhaps, as she had served under Buffy the longest would have been a more suitable choice. But never had she once considered herself. Edrae had asked Buffy to look after her one surviving child and Buffy had done it to the best of her ability. She had once said that she had never wanted a child for herself, but Siri was someone she could be proud of. That much was evident as Buffy watched her even now, a distinct hint of pride flashing in her eyes.
"I know I told you I never wanted children," Buffy said, watching as Siri's arms dropped. "But if I ever had one, I imagine she'd be like you. She'd be strong, resourceful, argumentative as all hell, but in the end… she'd be my daughter."
"You are the only mother I have known for some time," Siri agreed.
"I'm proud of you, Siri," Buffy said simply. "I know you can do this. I want you to do this. You're the strongest one. You have to lead them. Get them home where you belong. I'll take care of things here." She stopped for a moment before beaming. "Who knows, maybe someday our paths will cross again."
"I would like that very much," Siri said, bowing her head one last time. "As Alwyn said, it has been an honor to serve you, my Lady."
Buffy stepped forward and clasped Siri's shoulder. "The honor has been nearly all mine, Siri. Now, I want you to do what I asked you to do. Start sending these people out of here."
"What about you, Buffy?" Siri asked, drawing her aside. "Will you be safe?"
Buffy wasn't certain on how to answer Siri's question. She knew she wouldn't exactly be safe but her life was certainly in no danger. The Nazgûl wanted to take her alive and she was going to make it impossible for them to take her alive – even if she had to die again.
"I'll be okay," she said, although Siri didn't look too convinced. "Don't worry about me," she said in a softer tone of voice. "Worry about them. Get them home."
Turning, she gave out one last order before taking her horse. Mounting her mare, she turned one last time to gaze upon the hundreds of faces peering up at her. The elderly were crouched within their wagons, staring out at her with varying degrees of concern on their faces. Most had seen more than their fair share of battles and death. The lines in their faces were evident of that. Many kept their eyes cast downwards, as though believing they would never see the end to such an arduous journey. Upon eye contact, many waved goodbye, including the women who had once served in the Council. Few men remained and yet they came forward as one group, stooped and old, their hands and bodies weathered with age.
"You have served us well, my Lady," the lead man spoke, bowing his head respectfully. The others quickly followed suit. "We have prepared a gift for you."
Two of the smaller boys came out, carrying with them the most beautiful sword she had yet seen.
"This belonged to the King," one of them said, smiling as Buffy took it in her hands. "He would have wanted his successor to carry it."
"Then it wouldn't be my sword," she said quickly, turning to call for Siri once again. "It would belong to—"
"You have spent many years defending our lives with the lives of your Amazons," one of the elderly man said, taking her hand with a gnarled, wrinkled hand. "You have earned this honor, my Lady. One day, when our people meet again, we will do this the proper way. We will not live to see the end of this war you have spoken of," he continued, his gaze faraway as he remembered his own vicious battles, his own bitter defeats. "There will come a time when we will pay you a great honor for saving our lives as you have."
Buffy sheathed the sword and smiled at them as they returned to the lead cart. "Thank you."
Her eyes then turned to the children, attended to by the few women she hadn't chosen to be within her ranks of warriors. Many of them barely knew her name yet had been taught by their elders to respect her on borderline reverence. Even now they gazed at her with adoration. She knew better than to expect them to praise her for anything. She was a killer, someone who thrived on the death of the enemy. To have that respected by children too young to understand their own beliefs was asking a bit too much. She knew that her memory would someday fade from their memory and she looked forward to the day when they would forget her name. The older ones might remember her as the person who saved them from the Orcs. Hopefully by the time they returned home, there would no longer be any Orcs to hurt them.
Her gaze continued, seeking one face after another. They were unfamiliar to her considering she hadn't taken the time to get to know everyone better. Why hadn't she taken the time? She knew she did not belong with them, but they were still under her protective care. At last, she turned her horse about, staring at Siri as she prepared for the others to leave. She nodded once to the woman, who returned her nod. And then, giving her people one final smile, she disappeared into the woods.
In the deep darkness, another line of women appeared. They were carrying the longbow with their poisoned darts. They quickly took position amongst the tree trunks, their eyes scanning the great beyond. In the vast opening, they could see Alwyn and the others leaving the Anduin and continuing onwards. Siri would soon send the first carts into the daylight. It was nearing afternoon and they had to move these carts before nighttime came.
That was the reason why these women remained where they were. Come dusk, the Orcs would have free reign to attack. These women knew that not everyone could be saved. They wished they had the support of the Elves or the Rangers, but knew that they were alone in this battle.
One by one, the carts rolled out into the plains. Some were pulled by horses or the smaller cattle and others yet by the stronger of the men. Before long, they were stretching out to the first of the streams as the sun bent down to mid-afternoon. They only had a few precious hours left.
Across the river, Alwyn and the others had met the first signs of resistance. The old burial grounds of the battle many years previous were still evident by the scorched earth and the many rocks piled over a long row of what had to be more than one hundred bodies. All of the women silently paused to pay respects to the dead before continuing on. They still had a long road before them and they knew it was all going to go downhill from there.
x-x-x
More than four hundred Amazons had been spread amongst the carts. More than half had been sent from the forest now, carrying over five hundred villagers into the vale. Very few had reached the river and yet were awaiting the opportunity to cross the old bridge, crumbling and decrepit.
Darkness was falling swiftly and the guards were carefully setting up around the population. The women and children were gathered into a tight circle, with the carts and horses strung in large circles outside the encampment. The guards carefully wove their way amongst the different levels, their eyes watching, waiting.
There were still nearly a dozen carts rolling out of the forest. They would reach the river by midnight at their speed. They were far lighter and carried supplies. Buffy had engineered this so that if these carts were to come under attack, no lives would be lost.
In the distance, from the trees, the people in the plains could hear the loud cries of the wild. Torch lights dotted the horizon. Many looked on in fear, unable to sleep or even rest under the knowledge that the Orcs were standing at the edge of the forest.
Moving through the crowds, Siri glared out at the lights, her arms folded. Her jaw was set now as she turned to gaze at the children behind her. "Get ready," she said quickly. The other Amazons quickly rushed to do her will.
In the trees, Buffy stood poised on the highest branch she could find. Below her was a long line of women, standing in wait. Leaping down from her place in the treetops, she ran forward lightly over the moss-covered stone to stand with the other women.
"I know not what they are waiting for," Mauve said uneasily.
"They are waiting for their command to attack," Buffy said, staring coldly out into the darkness. "It is a call I intend to give them."
"That you… my Lady?" Mauve asked in disbelief. "What are your intentions?"
"I am tired of running from these bastards," Buffy growled. "If they're going to kill us, they're going to do it on my terms." She turned and flashed a smile at her startled lieutenant. "Just be ready."
"Yes, Buffy," Mauve said, quickly turning to pass the order down the line. Buffy walked forward to the edge of the cliff. There were small tendrils of smoke curling from the encampments. Far below, near the outer edges of the woods, she could hear the grunts and moans of the Orcs lining into battalions. Even from this angle, she could see their archers gathering together at the head of their lines. Lifting her head, she summoned all of her strength, knowing she was about to paint her own end, she screeched loudly into the night.
In the air, many miles to the south, two winged creatures turned at the command. They knew it was not one of their own. But they knew that the one who had called was one that would surely become one.
Immediately, the air beneath her silenced. She heard the women behind her murmuring in horror at Buffy's actions. She took another breath and drew out her sword. At the second cry, the Orcs below her charged forward.
They ran out with great speed and agility, many of them atop the backs of some dark creatures, black in nature and appearing to look more like wolves.
She spun and came about quickly leapt back onto the rocks. "Let Siri handle these," she said quietly. "There are worse things than just Orcs in these woods." Turning, she dropped from the cliff and disappeared from sight. They had only just registered what was happening far below them when a loud cry sounded above their heads.
"They are here," Mauve whispered.
The black creature snarled as it swooped down. Many of the women dropped to their stomachs as the creature passed directly overhead, the tips of its great wings knocking into the tallest trees. The Nazgûl gave a second, punishing cry, but it did not see what it was looking for.
It was only when two more winged creatures shot out did Mauve see a single figure on horseback riding out alone across the plain.
"What? What does she hope to accomplish?" the women murmured. Mauve found herself smiling a silly half smile. They only had a second to appreciate the silence, however, as the next line of dark creatures began to emerge from far below.
Siri was ready for the long line of enemy wolves that was fast approaching from the east. She turned to the more than one hundred women on horseback. Most of them carried pikes or swords, and they all turned to her, grim-faced and breathless with the anticipation of making their new leader proud.
"Forth!" she shouted out, and soon the ground trembled under the combined assaults from hundreds of horses on one end and the trampling of the feet of wolves on the other.
The ride did not last as long as she had anticipated. All too soon, the two groups clashed. The women in the lead quickly reared arrows, but were far too slow. The Orc archers had been far more prepared and easily shot down the first line of women, their horses tumbling over.
Siri's line was second. As her horse neatly careened around a fallen steed, she lifted her sword and sliced upwards, keenly splitting open the throat of an offending wolf. Once her sword had been whet against the throat of the rather oversized foe, she drove her sword into the chest of the Orc. All around her, the horses were neatly taking down the wolves, one by one. Of course, they had their own wounded. It soon became apparent how vastly outnumbered they were and, to make matters worse, there was a high-pitched scream far above their heads.
"Nazgûl," one of the women whispered.
"Let it come," Siri grunted, pulling out her sword and kicking aside the dead wolf she had just finished slashing into. "I am not afraid of them!"
There was a hard lurch as Siri and the woman next to her were knocked from their horses. Siri rolled out from under one assault to find herself in the line of fire for a second. She quickly flipped to her feet and lifted a fallen pike, throwing it at one of the wolves making a complete beeline for her. It easily darted her misaimed parry and she quickly scampered, leaping over her fallen horse. She had just managed another step when she heard a voice cry her name. In a second, she caught a sword and swung it nearly in her hands. Gently nudging it to her forehead, she watched as the creature came. Seconds before its poisonous teeth could sink into her flesh, she drove her sword deep into its throat. Ducking a retaliatory blow from the Orc atop its back, she swung the sword around again, knocking the Orc neatly from his pedestal. Once on the ground, she unleashed her own assault, driving the Orc feverishly into the ground until one of her own women pulled her back. Thoroughly convinced this Orc was dead, both women nodded at one another before throwing themselves back into battle.
A second line of wolf fighters was approaching. These were not archers as they were scouts, but their pikes flew with deadly accuracy, knocking over three steeds in their first frontal attack. More than half of the women had lost their horses and knew that this fight was only beginning. Lifting her sword, Siri ran towards one of her first prey, diving to the right as one leapt at her. As it doubled back, she slashed out, taking it down at the knees. The creature bellowed as the Orc thrust forward with his pike. She felt it graze into her shoulder but refused to cry out. Using the momentum, she forced the pike out of her skin and lifted it sharply, throwing the Orc off of the fallen creature. Now on its feet, it drew a sword and quickly moved towards her. She lifted her own, feeling her shoulder sting angrily. Her body was beginning to wear down and even at this distance, she could see yet another line as they rapidly approached.
There was a grinding clash of metal on metal as Siri fought with her foe. Her body was exhausted now, even after such little fighting. She was never as capable as Buffy was when sustaining such a persistent attack. But she had to hold on. They all had to hold on.
She leapt over the dancing blade and kicked out, catching the side of the hideous creature as it went spinning in another direction. Righting her own balance, she waited for its next attack, knowing that it must tire soon if it kept swinging first. But she soon learned that Orcs had been trained to never grow tired or else never show their weakness. Nevertheless, she kept blocking his blows with her sword and half of a saddle she'd managed to procure. At last, when her foe seemed out of breath, he threw his sword at her and she easily dodged it. Tossing the saddle at him, it hit him in the chest. With a snarl, he glanced up just as a shining silver blade swept across his neck. His snarling skull bounced neatly away, rolling to rest in the long grasses, the eyes endlessly mocking the night.
Siri glanced up to see a figure on horseback above her. She was leading with her a second horse. "Come, Siri," the woman ordered, and Siri quickly took the horse.
Once they had managed to gather all of the women together again, Siri was stunned to learn that they had only lost a fifth of their forces. There were bodies scattered everywhere on the field. There was the rotting stench of Orc blood mingled with the sweet caress of human blood, as well. Horses and wolves alike were strewn like chess pieces on the grasses, seemingly innocent despite their tragic endings as unyielding slaves to such massacre.
In the distance, there was another wave of Orc riders approaching and, behind them, the main fleet of Orcs on foot. They had been making battle with these creatures now for over an hour. Behind them, the encampments had emptied as Alwyn and the other women made sure that the carts crossed the river and carried the eldest men, the women and the children safely across to the other side.
Back in the woods though, a new threat was bursting through the trees with such speed that Mauve felt her eyes widen. They were much larger than the Orcs that had been seen. They were carrying large clubs wielded with iron and stone. Slowly, she sank to her knees, touching a long patch of oil with her small torch. Immediately, a long line of flame erupted, burning only long enough for the women to bend down and light their arrows aflame. They held their arrows steady until Mauve lifted her elbow, aiming towards the Heavens. The other women followed suit and at her cry of "Now", the arrows were released.
Dozens upon dozens of flaming arrows rained down upon the half-Trolls. Many of their sharp points had been enhanced with poisoned darts, a parting gift from the Elves of Mirkwood.
"Again!" Mauve shouted, and they quickly repeated their motions. More than half of the large, lethal creatures were now growling in protest of the nuisance arrows flying at them from above. It was only a matter of time before an entire battalion of Orcs was sent to take care of the rather annoying threat.
On the forest floor, a branch was suddenly pushed away as another group of women waited, holding their bows in one hand and their long, curved swords in another. Fearing they would be detected at any moment, they sank back into the shadows.
Mauve's group had already unleashed at least five rounds before picking up a sixth. While they were far from running out of arrows, the trollish creatures were now running as fast as they could towards Siri's ground and she knew that Siri would not have the firepower to hold off such an attack, especially after three rounds with Orcs and a rather large wave of regular foot soldiers.
She turned to the others and nodded. They quickly drew back into the woods and drove out the small catapults. One by one, the large cups were rolled back into position before being loaded with large balls of twine and tiny pellets of iron. Buffy had said that they would prove to be effective whilst facing a much larger enemy.
Even over the sounds of the battles far below, Mauve could see that there were still more than half of the carts still waiting to cross the river, although they were moving as quickly as they could. They didn't have much time. Once they were safely across the river, the women would fall back and burn a wall of fire to prevent the Orcs from crossing the Anduin, thus ensuring their escape.
"Mauve, we must fire now," one of the younger women said breathlessly. "They will soon be out of reach."
She turned to one of the machines and quickly lit a torch. Other torches carefully lit the balls of twine. At her command, the turrets were released as dozens of large, fiery balls flew gracefully through the air, landing a few feet either behind or in front of the newest group to emerge. The half-Trolls quickly began doubling back, but by then it was far too late. More flaming arrows rained down upon their heads, along with more balls, which exploded at their feet.
Siri gasped as she heard the first explosion. It sounded as though it had occurred right next to her. The flames began spreading through the dry grasses and some of the horses started to snort and prance rather anxiously.
"Fall back!" she shouted, and immediately the women began to fall back. The main line of Orcs had stopped, and most of the wolves, despite their harsh training, had taken off running wildly when the explosions had sounded, throwing their masters from their backs and hurrying to escape back to the woods, where they were privileged to meet a grim end at the hand of hundreds of flaming arrows still raining from the sky.
Far to the south, a horse still rode triumphantly leading four of the winged creatures away from the flight. As soon as she realized that they were far enough away, she cut to the west and quickly hurried back into the woods. She was heading straight for Dol Guldur. One cry later and she knew that they were right above her. They wouldn't risk hurting her. She was far too valuable to them.
Almost as though she knew something was amiss, she halted and retreated to the edge of the woods. Miles ahead, she saw the faint line of smoke and haze, stained red from flames. There was a beating of the great wings above her head and she ducked, nearly missing the tipped end of the winged creature's wing. Without taking a second to consider the consequences, she drove hard to the north, praying she would arrive in time.
x-x-x
The only problem with firing under the cover of darkness was the fact that they were now easily visible to the enemy because of the fire spread at their feet and the sounds of their small war machines throwing large balls of flame into the sky.
The silent order was given as the Orcs quickly turned to figure a way to reach the precipice above. Their poisoned darts seemed to glance harmlessly off of the rocks and even when they threw those, the pebbles merely bounced and landed. Mauve was so preoccupied with trying to keep the distant enemy away from the fleeing villagers that she didn't realize something was amiss until she heard a loud "Lieutenant!"
She turned just in time to see the first body drop at her feet. Her throat had been violently slashed and her eyes were open, staring into a dark abyss that seemed to await them.
These women standing with Mauve were among the best trained. Immediately they went for their swords and turned to face Orcs climbing up ropes onto the embankment. Knowing they had little choice but to defend their own defensive position, Mauve ordered the Amazons to fight.
Hand-to-hand combat was almost easier than firing blindly at an enemy working to execute their race, she thought wryly. However, there were still those ugly beings left and even as they went hither and thither, they were still standing and until they were brought down, they remained a very real threat.
On top of it all, they were going to run out of time.
Across the river, Alwyn and the other women arrived just as the carts did. And yet, as she raised her eyes to scan a fiery horizon, she found that there were now dozens of carts that had been abandoned. The women and children were running in small groups, the fastest easily crossing the bridge. But there was a long line now awaiting the opportunity to cross the bridge. There were loud rackets of explosions behind them and soon chaos began to break.
"Things are starting to fall apart," Alwyn said to her own lieutenant.
"We must get them across," the woman replied, sighing as she watched a large group of people attempt to cross the river on foot.
"No!" Alwyn gasped, quickly dismounting and running to the edge of the stream. "Do not cross the river! It is far too deep and many of you cannot—"
But her words were cut out by the sounds of explosions, the grate of metal-on-metal and the screams of people as they attempted to push their way to safety. It was still hours before dawn, yet they had to hurry. Daylight would come soon and with luck they would be safe again, safe enough to rest but until that time came, they had to be wary and vigilant. Buffy had sacrificed everything to ensure they got across. It was her horse they saw cantering across the plains, the Nazgûl clearly seeking their target overhead.
The women stood by helplessly, watching as the first people on foot reached the edge of the meadow and turned to watch their own countrymen attempt to cross the river. Many men and women quickly threw their possessions aside and took to swimming, but many of the children darted back towards shore, unable to cross the river as they watched the possessions sweep downstream.
There was another scream from the rear of the lines. The large half-troll creatures had crossed the line. They were no longer in danger of being fired upon from Mauve, nor were they able to be apprehended by Siri's forces, which were still dispelling the Orcs. Instead, they were advancing with dangerous speed towards the back of the line of carts.
Never had Alwyn felt as helpless as she did now. She could risk taking her women across the river, but that wouldn't protect these people. They would likely be swept downstream and drown themselves. Calling for Siri would only advise the Orcs to their position and she cared not for that option either. She turned to her second in command, who shrugged, unable to come up with a third option.
There was one thunderous sweep of a large hammer-like object, which sent one of the vacated carts spiraling thirty feet into the air before landing in a heap of twisted wood and metal.
"Siri!" one of the women screamed.
Siri withdrew her blade from the throat of an Orc before following the line of sight of the other women.
"Oh, no," she said under her breath. "We have taken too long!"
Sure enough, they had spotted the half-Troll figures advancing on the bridge. Siri's forces were too far out to save everyone, and she knew that Alwyn would never leave the others behind. Mauve and the others had stopped firing their piercing, exploding balls of fire altogether, meaning that they too must have come under attack.
"What do we do, my Lady?" one of the women asked in a fearful tone.
Siri knew that they did not have the strength to take down the creatures. As she watched helplessly, she saw carts flying through the air. There were screams emanating from the river now. And, just as she turned to head her horse towards the river, she heard screams from behind. There seemed to be little choice left.
From within the brambles, a branch was moved and a pair of dark eyes surveyed the Orcs as they moved up large ropes towards the cliff above their heads.
Several long arrows appeared through the bushes. Aiming carefully through the ropes, they were soundlessly released. The Orcs heard just a small hiss before their support collapsed and they fell back to the earth. Another line of arrows appeared and shot before retreating back into the silent darkness. The Orcs quickly glared around, but saw nothing amiss. Figuring the attack to have come from above, they redoubled their efforts to reach the precipice.
Across the river, Alwyn's forces had taken the oil and were creating the fire line, a line that they would torch to hold back the threat of Dol Guldur. As sobbing women and children rushed past them, the other women escorted them to the encampment near the rocks. They had already found the path into the mountains, and it was less than a full-day's journey. Once all of the people had made it to the camp, they would easily be able to travel to the mountains come daylight and then they would have sufficient strength to allow these weary people to rest at last.
Siri had given the order to move towards the Troll-like figures. They were the most immediate threat. She knew not where Daire was, nor did she have the capacity to think of what troubles her cousin may have now gotten herself into. All she knew was that hundreds of people were in danger of being crushed to death by the large hammers the half-Trolls were wielding.
Many of the Orcs had run off at the explosions but now that they had abated, they were regrouping. Siri only had to watch an arrow pass close to her ear before realizing that they were going to be trapped between two enemies and she knew that they would never cross the river alive at this rate.
Mauve watched as the last Orc fell to her own arrow before she pulled it from the forehead, scanning the poisoned tip.
"The trolls have moved beyond our range," one of the women informed her, sounding concerned. "They are attacking our people who are attempting to cross the river!"
"We seem to have bigger concerns at the moment," another chided softly, lifting her arm to point into the distance. "Look! Fell things move below! There are Orcs!"
"Prepare the catapults for a final assault," Mauve ordered. "Once we have sent them running, we must make for the river."
She heard more grinding of metal and turned to see that a few more Orcs had appeared over the sharp edge of the cliff. Lifting her sword, she turned to the few women lifting the heavy objects and placing them in the cups in order to be fired. "Do not delay!" she shouted. "We need to buy them more time!"
There was a loud grunt below as one man was easily lifted from his feet, his cry cutting off abruptly as he landed in a crumpled heap. Many were willing to bet he had not one solid bone left in his body. But he had been defending his children, who were attempting to swim the river. Alwyn's women had finished pouring the oils and preparing the trap. Moving forward, they had taken a rope and had secured it across the river, allowing for the children to grab onto the rope and allow the others to pull their exhausted bodies to safety.
The half-Trolls had slowed their progress, turning only when they came under fire from a large swath of arrows from Siri's battalion. There were more explosions as more blasts rocketed to the ground, once again scattering the remaining forces of Orcs.
In the distance, there was a faint glimmer of blue along the western horizon. It was nearing dawn.
"Mauve!" one of the women cried, running over to her as Mauve neatly cut down another of the ropes. "We are out of ammunition!"
"Then we will go now!" she said, and quickly ordered the women to do the same. Instead of taking the easy way down into a valley crawling with Orcs and who knew what else, they disappeared into the trees. Mauve stayed long enough to push a barrel towards their exit and threw aside a rope before leaping into the trees.
The Orcs were able to make their way to the top, only to find that it had been abandoned. There were barrels with bows atop, and scattered knives lying on the stone. Their war machines lay abandoned and the Orcs turned to celebrate their victory as even more appeared.
A single figure made her way out of the trees and bent down, taking the rope that had been thrown down the side of the hills. The Orcs had used it to pursue the humans at the top, and they were far too unintelligent to see their error in judgment. Bending down, she took her own torch and carefully lit the end.
The fire worked its way quickly up the oil-laden hemp and the woman quickly ducked, covering her face as a large explosion sounded above their heads. It set off a chain reaction, the other barrels exploding and sending the knives and various blades scattered around them into the air as pellets of iron and powder rained down upon them. Their cries of fury rocked the night and even as the others began to move away from the woods to see what had happened, the branches suddenly moved as a long line of archers appeared.
They fired their blows before stepping aside as a second line took over. Once they had fired their arrows, they got to their knees and a third line stepped in. They continued to repeat the same motion as the bodies soon piled to the point where the Orcs were screeching with frustration.
"It worked," Daire said, lowering her bow at last. "I'll be damned."
The sky above them was now starting to lighten. Turning to the other women, they collected their belongings and quickly took to the trees. The remnants of the enemy that had been unleashed from Dol Guldur began amassing one final strike before being forced to take to the woods again once the sun had risen.
They didn't account for there being more than two hundred enemy warriors rushing towards them, both a mix of men and woman, a combination of both matured fighters and youthful novices. Cries penetrated the night as the archers took aim, easily picking the Orcs off one by one as they attempted to waylay the last departing flight.
On the fiery remains of what had once been their most defensive position, Buffy leapt from the treetops, kicking a burnt shell of a carcass aside and rushing to the edge. Most of the edge had crumbled into the forest below, but what remained gave her an adequate view.
What she saw made her smile.
Closing her eyes, she felt a great wind stir her. Her fair lifted from her neck and blew in the brisk breeze and suddenly, as though turned inside out, it gusted outwards.
Siri, from the opposite side of the river, felt a tear course down her cheek as she observed the first light of day breaching the horizon. Already she could see her cousin and Mauve making their way briskly towards the river. Two women remained behind, eager to set the fires. But even now, the enemy knew that they had failed to annihilate the once-passive people.
The Nazgûl, however, believed that they had allowed a nuisance to return to a home they knew nothing about. Let them go, they had decided. Her people were an aggravation, a starving band of thieves and thugs who knew not of their truest history. They would return home and be destroyed by other means. They were pleasantly surprised, however, at the organization of such an attack against their forces of darkness. The Orcs had been easily thwarted, the half-Trolls fought to the death. Even the spiders and the wargs had been taken down. But they had no idea that there would be no way they would cross the Misty Mountains alive. They had seen the darkness of Orthanc and refused to speak of it.
No… they had the one they wanted well within their grasp.
Buffy watched until she could no longer see the horses or the bodies moving. When they had passed beyond her sight, she turned away, feeling as though the night had gone somewhat according to plan. Lifting the sword, a gift from her people, she took to the trees again. But as she approached her horse, she heard the beating of wings again and knew that the Nazgûl would never rest until she had become their prey.
But at the very least, her people who once considered her their leader were on their way home.
x-x-x-x
In the next part, Buffy begins her solitary life under the watchful eyes of the Mirkwood Elves.
This part was an extra-long section that was basically two wrapped into one. It served as my first battle scene and one that I am rather pleased with. I am excited about my second. I know montages can be a pain in the rear end, but the next part is a time montage covering seven years.
The following chapter should be up next week sometime. I thank you for your patience! Journey's End should be posted by Monday, at the latest. Hopefully.