Hidden Secrets
Disclaimer: I only own the characters that you do not recognize and the plot!
Chapter Thirty-seven: Dunharrow
T.A. 3019The forces gathered at Dunharrow were too few to possibly win the upcoming battle. Aranwen did not need to follow Aragorn and Theoden to know that. Her vision of the end was coming close to succeeding. No one would survive the battle tomorrow. There were far too few for them to survive and win. They would at least make a dent in the forces of Mordor and they would not fight and die in vain.
Aranwen set up camp nearby her father; determined to keep an eye upon him and stop him from doing anything foolish. She had a feeling that he would make a rash decision that day, and she wanted to be there to prevent him from going through with it.
The day slowly turned into night. Aranwen retired and lay under the stars, determined to make the most of what could very well be her last day. The reality of tomorrow was harsh, and she was ready to face it. She was prepared to lay down her life for the peoples of Middle-earth.
One of Theoden's guards arrived to fetch Aragorn from his tent, rousing the half-Elf from her light sleep. She stalked behind her weary father as he rushed to Theoden's tent, to meet with a mysterious visitor. Aranwen stayed outside, using her enhanced hearing to eavesdrop upon the conversation between her father and whomever he might be speaking with.
Fluent Elvish filled her ears. It was the Lord Elrond of Rivendell, her grandfather! Why would he have come all the way to Dunharrow? Did he have pressing news for Aragorn? Or was he searching for her?
Aranwen reached for the ring around her neck and clutched it tightly. She continued to listen, intent upon discovering the reason behind the Elf-lord's visit.
"Why have you come here?" questioned Aragorn, surprised to see Elrond in Theoden's tent.
"I come on behalf of those I love—Arwen is slowly fading and I fear for Aranwen's life. Galadriel foresaw both their deaths in her Mirror. She does not know how Aranwen will die, yet she believes it will be soon. Arwen is already close to death and the news of Aranwen would finish her off," Elrond reported sadly.
"Aranwen is safely hidden in Edoras," Aragorn said. "No one can harm her where they cannot find her."
"No, she is not. I just came from there. Aranwen was not among their number."
"Surely, you must be mistaken," pried Aragorn. Aranwen to be in Edoras. He had ordered her to stay put.
"She is willful, Aragorn. There is no doubt in my mind that she is never far from you. You are all she has left."
"What about Arwen? Why is she fading?"
"There is no hope in her mind. She sees no future. She once did, and she missed the last boat to the Havens because of it. Now, she is trapped here as the battle goes ill."
"Aranwen and I are still alive. There is still hope," insisted Aragorn. It pained him to hear about his beloved in such a way.
"Arwen does not see it. It is because of her state that I came. I come with hope."
"How?"
Elrond removed a long sword in a sheath. Aragorn's grey-blue eyes widened in surprise.
"Anduril, Flame of the West, reforged from the shards of Narsil at Arwen's plea. The blade that was broken is once more whole."
Aragorn carefully unsheathed the sword and admired it. The Elves were skilled in their art of forging. His destiny had finally come to him, in this, the final hour.
The heirloom of Elendil had been returned to him, the rightful heir to throne of Gondor and Anor. He would have to claim the throne if he survived the coming battle. It would be expected of him and it was his destiny.
"Only you can wield it," Elrond reminded him. "And only you, the King of Gondor, can call upon those who dwell in the mountain to fight."
"They are naught but murderers and traitors. They will not fight," Aragorn shook his head in disbelief.
"You can stop Sauron's forces, yet you will need their help to fight the secret fleet of Corsairs. Put aside the Ranger and become who you were born to be."
Aragorn swallowed hard. He alone would be the one to lead in battle the ghosts that had remained in the Paths of the Dead. The oath-breakers would aid them in the battle. It was up to him to turn the tide. He had to assume the full burden and responsibility of the kingship in order to stop Sauron in his tracks.
Aranwen stumbled away from the tent, reeling from the information that she had received. Her mother remained in Middle-earth, fading away because she believed that no hope remained. Did Arwen believe them both to be dead or doomed to fall in the coming battle? Was there anything that she could do to keep her mother from dying?
Author's Notes:
The conversation was kind of crappy and it was meant to be in Elvish, so imagine that the entire exchange took place in Elvish. I'm going to try to do the Paths of the Dead tomorrow and soon we'll be into battle. Enjoy! Please review!