Title: Doubts
Author: Cheska
Rating: PG-13
Chapter 7
Author's Notes: It has been a year since I have last updated this story. And I apologize, it was not intention. If you must know, I've been lazy and uninspired. Every time my thoughts drift back to Doubts, I was hesitant and unsure of what to do with it. I had first hoped that Chapter 7 would be the last installment, but I was sadly mistaken. I need Chapter 8 and/or 9 before I finish this story. This is simply the beginning of the final battle. 8 and 9 will surely be the final ones, however that turns out. Overall, I still plan to finish Doubts with less than 10 chapters.
With that said, here is the next chapter!
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Cold wind greeted her, harsh and with every breeze that came at her an icy chill swept through her body. From that moment on, she knew a war was fast approaching – surprisingly fast – and the Guardian of the Cosmos knew that only one side could possibly win and no matter what, she would always choose the winning side. Taking a careful look around at the monstrous amount of 'creatures,' a feral grin crept into her once serene façade. Oh yes, she would be on the winning side – no matter what.
After all, she hadn't spent eons in outer space as the Guardian of the Cosmos without knowing how to handle such dilemmas.
Serenity took a slow, deep breath before bracing herself for another meeting with her 'Master', she was sure he would not be happy after the recent events that had transpired. Her position has been revealed to the Fellowship, and the Hobbit with the One Ring was still evasive. A twist of a smile passed through her features before disappearing altogether as a group of demented creatures passed her; maybe, she would let him in on another secret that she had carefully hidden from him.
Schooling her features, Serenity strode up to the stronghold of Barad-dur and went inside without a backwards glance. She had a role to play, a duty to perform, and a certain Dark Lord was not going to stop her from completing these tasks. A war needed to be fought and won, and she would partake in this event no matter what.
A loud shout and several agonizing screams radiated throughout the stronghold as soon as Serenity stepped onto Sauron's floor, only several feet away from the heavy wooden door. After what seemed like hours, the door swung open and several grotesque creatures left the room, fear running through their veins from what Serenity could only conclude after seeing their piercing black eyes. A few seconds later, another figure departed from Sauron's room, but his presence left a different impression on Serenity's. She knew this creature was different; this creature bore a hidden power that commanded respect from lower borne creatures. This creature, as hideous and fearsome as it is, must be one of Sauron's favorites.
Despite Serenity's obvious presence in the corridor, the creature did not speak nor cast her a long look, as if inquiring her presence in the Dark Lord's domain. No, the creature merely strode pass her and as Serenity managed to study its presence for a few seconds longer, she observed its features. This powerful and dark creature was robed in all black matched with a lofty helm, and from the way it carried itself, it was a he – a man.
As sudden as the creature arrived, he left just as suddenly, making Serenity wonder if his presence really and truly occurred at all. Shrugging those thoughts aside, Serenity made her way through the open door and closed it behind her.
The first thing that Serenity noticed was that the room was increasingly dark than she cared to remember, low embers burned in the fireplace as she fleetingly cast a general look towards that direction. The high back chair that usually housed her Dark Lord was not sitting there; instead the man in question was standing with his back faced away from her, as his attention was more drawn to the slit of a window in the back end of the room.
"My Lord, would you care to tell me the identity of the charming man that left not too long ago?" Serenity greeted as she casually strode across the room, standing right in the middle – her back facing the closed door, her shadow looming right beside her.
No response, no acknowledgement, only cold ignorance greeted her. It seemed that Sauron was not too pleased and Serenity resisted the urge to smile at her current dilemma. To any other person, or creature for that manner, he or she – maybe even, it – would have begun cowering as each creature would have prayed for forgiveness for any wrongdoing. For Sauron is known to be quite fearsome, a being whose presence commands unwavering loyalty for he is their creator, their master. His power is great; his eyes alone are those akin to a blazing inferno that sees all, for no secret can be hidden from his view. His words alone can either strike fear to any heart, to any soul, for it pierces one's skin if his tone of voice. Or, his tone could be the opposite, like those of a velvet rose – silky and smooth – praising those that have served their purposes well, earning of respect in his very presence. Yes, Serenity knew angles of Sauron but they were angles that most Dark Lords take on when in power. Each Dark Lord rules with power and fear, never love aside from seduction – if a purpose could best be served in that direction.
And as Serenity stood in the center of the room, this Dark Lord decided to take on a different route – using silence in hopes of unnerving her. However, Serenity would not be fooled; she would not break in this tense atmosphere, especially since she had spent centuries alone and in darkness, with only the stars as her only companions. A simple lone figure that gave her such a childish silent-treatment would not be enough to break her; Serenity would laugh, if the situation permitted.
"It doesn't matter if you tell me or not, I'll find his name one way or another," Serenity shrugged, and took note of how Sauron seemed to have held himself more firmly than a mere second ago, "I'm sure you have been informed of recent events…"
Once again, Sauron remained impassive but she knew that he was listening to every word that she had said thus far. She knew that he had found out about Saruman's captivity and the other side gaining an upper hand; Sauron had already begun preparations for the war, much more swiftly than the last time Serenity had come into his domain. So it was only safe to assume that Sauron had also known that Serenity had been revealed. With Serenity's position compromised, what else did Serenity have to offer that none of his best creatures could accomplish? Sure, Serenity proved that she was able to use magic and held a vast amount of power but his newest creation was powerful as well.
"Despite my current predicament, all is not lost. You merely have to continue on with your war effort, creating your interesting specimens and handing out orders…" Serenity preached, now moving towards the fireplace – her crystalline blue eyes focusing on the low glowing embers.
Her words seemed to have struck a nerve, after all it's not everyday that someone came and told him what to do. In the beginning she would report and offer her aide and assistance but during those times she had valuable information that made her reasoning plausible. However, times have changed and she came in here and dared to speak as if she knew better. Guardian of the Cosmos or not, he was still the Lord of this land, he was still the one in command! Blazing red embers that other creatures would call eyes burned as his aura and strength grew, but he contained his anger as he continued to overlook his domain from his place by the window.
A small movement of hands, a whisper of a chant, and soon the fire that was dying out blazed back into life as the embers sprang to life, rising higher and higher in the fireplace. As Serenity observed her work and a silent thanks to Mars, Serenity eyed the dancing flames and sought what she was looking for after a few minutes. Beads of sweat appeared on her forehead before hastily wiping them away, her concentration breaking away from the flames to gaze back at the still stoic Dark Lord named Sauron.
(Interesting, he still remains there... I suppose he believes I was contemplating on what to do and say, when in reality… I was seeking the information I desired.) Serenity quietly mused, a touch of a smile appearing on her soft, pink lips. Knowing that it would further anger the Dark Lord, Serenity walked over to the high backed chair and placed herself between the cushioned, velvet seats; her fingers drawing lazy circles on the armrests before letting her crystalline blue eyes rest on the stoic figure.
"The Black Gates would be a suitable position to place your army, the one to head it – your prized and favored men, creatures, what you choose to name them. Of course, you're presence is required but it would be best to show up when the enemies are at their weakest… The ones to address them once the Black Gates opens would best be delivered by either myself or your new favored creature, The Mouth of Sauron, I believe he is called? Your Lieutenant and your Messenger, he was a renegade from the Black Numenoreans and worshipped you back during your years of domain. It is no wonder that he is under your service now, shame I have not met him earlier – he is skilled in sorcery and knows you quite well," Serenity uttered softly, almost taunting Sauron with the great amount of knowledge she possessed. Although Serenity expected Sauron to not have been surprised by her words, she noticed how Sauron moved his head slightly to the side to peer at her from the corner of his red eyes. From that small movement, Serenity was quite sure he had not expected her to know about one of his past followers despite the knowledge she held over himself.
"Come now, my Lord Sauron, did you really expect me not to know a few of your favored pets? I know a great deal about you and a bit from your enemies – why would I not delve my interests in a few more creatures?" Serenity admonished, a twist of a smile on her serene face, "But my knowledge over others is not used for pleasantries, I am merely inquiring over his position in your ranks – seeing as you refuse to tell me yourself."
"Know that as we speak, the Palantir is in their possession. It would be wise to try and find them, to find it…"
"It is being dealt with," Sauron's voice finally spoke for the first time in her presence, but he still refused to face her.
"I… see," Serenity wondered what Sauron was planning to do, how he was going to retrieve the object and what was so important about the Palantir. I mean, Sauron already had one, why get another?
"Saruman was correct, I did not trust you because for all that you have done – you have gotten close to those foolish beings," Sauron revealed, "Why trust a creature such as yourself; full of mysteries and capable of wielding such powers – offering services unto me without expecting anything in return You claim to say that you are helping yourself, surely there is more to this than just what you claim it to be."
Serenity leaned her head back, momentarily closing her eyes – she knew it would not be this simple to gain his trust.
"I'm sure you recall our first meeting, Sauron," Serenity sighed, opening her eyes to reveal a deeper color than the usual vibrant crystalline blue; her eyes seemed to reflect sorrow hidden within the wisdom that was currently reflecting in those blue orbs, "I'm certain that you recall every meeting and encounter that we have held within this room. And during that particular first meeting, can you recall my true identity?"
"…Cosmos." Sauron responded.
"Yes, Cosmos – Guardian of the Stars and Space; with that title comes a great burden that I need to uphold, just as your title bears you a certain degree of responsibility," Serenity nodded and she could almost sense Sauron's shoulders tense, he was probably paying an avid degree of concentration on whatever words was about to come out of her mouth, "My presence in this world – to Middle Earth, is duty-bound. I am here to fulfill my part and thus far I have done what the stars ask of me. Do not think that I am here merely because I wish to be, but only because I am compelled to."
"The stars…?" Sauron drawled, as if mocking her.
"Whether or not you believe me does not matter. But tell me this, how do you think I know so much and as to my sudden appearance and powers? Do you honestly believe that a being such as my self would dare come up here unscathed and offer their services? Only a being of great power, great merit, and great strength could possibly do these things. The powers of the Stars, the space, and the planets have given me such gifts and I am honor bound to keep doing the duties assigned to me. Thus, I have come here – to this world – and presented myself to you," Serenity continued.
"What of your faults?"
"Ah, I only ask for their guidance at certain intervals. Overall, I am free to do what I wish unless they tell me otherwise. So long as I finish what I am assigned to do, then I may do what I wish in hopes that the path taken will accomplish itself," Serenity shrugged.
"And what is that?"
"Simple; I am here to end this war. The stars have presented to me a vision; a ring, a war, a band of warriors from differing races, and a dark entity – you, milord. I belonged to this world, at one point, and have promised myself I would protect it. Thus, here I am. Truthfully, I never really expected myself to be in this side of the war, but here I am – just as the stars have informed me to do before bringing me to you," Serenity murmured, her crystalline blue eyes now burning with pure strength, "All that I have done, all that I will do is never for my benefit but for what has been preordained. I am always in the side that wins, because that side needs me. This war will end and I will be there to see it through."
"The winning side…and is what you have told me, true? This war will end by the end of the month?" Sauron idly wondered, now walking over to the wooden table and staring down at a map.
"Of course," Serenity began playing with a few strands of her silvery-golden tresses, knowing that she had finally broken Sauron. All it took was a bit of persuasion and information, now he was all ears to whatever she had to say, "I trust that you have heard what I have said earlier, about the war? The Black Gates really would be the best site to ensue the war, to meet our guests before they could even hope to step through…"
"It shall be done but with you out there with my Messenger to greet them. And I – I shall be in the back of the army, watching all. I want no mistakes on your part, as you have done in the past," Sauron took a few seconds to glare at the idle girl, unmoved by the dark tone that the Dark Lord used against her.
"I understand," Serenity assented with an inclination of her head, although she knew he had gone back to studying the map, no doubt planning formations and strategies for his minions to use. After watching him for a few more minutes, Serenity leaned her head back for a few precious seconds on the velvet upholstery before rising up, "If you do not need me, I would like to retire – my chambers if you please?"
Sauron took his eyes from the map and eyed Serenity for a few seconds before straightening up and heading for the door. The Dark Lord led Serenity up a few flights of stairs before heading towards a wooden door at the center towards the right-side. Upon opening, a bedchamber flourished with red, black, and gold was decorated wherever possible. Surely whoever owned this room previously was a great and successful person.
"I thank you, milord, for giving me such a beautiful and exquisite bedchamber," Serenity graciously bowed to the Dark Lord, in awe of the rich decorations that decorated the room.
Seeing that Sauron has turned and left her be, Serenity walked over to study her new bedchamber. It was truly exquisite and it has been years since she had seen and felt such wonders of luxury. But before she could lose herself, she felt the powers of the moon and stars calling out to her. Without another word, Serenity moved toward the window to bathe under the moon's light.
Without a word, a vision encompassed her still, lithe form.
…. Vision …
Pippin stared at the globe, closer and closer he bent, and then became rigid; his lips moved soundlessly for awhile. Then with a strangled cry he fell back and lay still. The cry that Pippin let fall from his lips was piercing. Before long, all the camp was astir.
Hastily, Gandalf cast his cloak over the globe where it lay and scolded Pippin for his mischief.
"It is not for you, Saruman!" Pippin cried in a shrill and toneless voice, shrinking away from Gandalf. "I will send for it at once. Do you understand? Say just that!" Gandalf held Pippin gently and firmly, knowing that he was still under great influence from the globe…called the palantir.
"Gandalf forgive me," Pippin cried out.
"What happened…what have you done?" asked Gandalf.
"I was frightened with the things I saw. I wanted to go away, but I couldn't. And then…he came and questioned me…that's all that I remember…I'm sorry…"
Soon after, Gandalf let Pippin go back to bed and laid to rest.
"How is the hobbit, Pippin?" asked Aragorn.
"I think all will be well now. He was not held long and hobbits have an amazing power of recovery. The memory will soon fade. Aragorn, will you take the stone and guard it? It is a dangerous charge," answered and requested Gandalf.
"Dangerous but not to all. There is one that is claimed by right. Assuredly this is the palantir of Orthanc from the treasury of Elendil. I will take it."
After giving Aragorn the palantir, they proceeded with making plans of departure where Gandalf shall go as soon as he is able to while Aragorn can leave whenever he is prepared.
However, at that moment a shadow fell upon them. Several cried out and cowered as they held their arms over their heads while crouching. Hoping against hope that they live to see the day. Looking up, a vast winged shape passed over the moon like a black cloud. It wheeled around the encampment, with the cry piercing through the sky. Circling the encampment a few times, the winged shape turned around and went north, flying a t a speed greater than any wind of Middle-earth. Before long, it was gone.
Rigid as stones, Gandalf gazed up, his hands clenched.
"Nazgul!" he cried. "The messenger of Mordor. The Nazgul have crossed the River. Wait not for the dawn! Ride!"
Seeing Gandlaf dash off with Pippin in his arms, the others hastened to follow.
… End Vision …
Serenity felt her form slump down onto the ground, her pale hands resting on either side of her. It seemed that her old companions have faced several problems along the way since they have last met.
Tilting her head back, she turned to face the night sky, tears glistening from her crystalline blue eyes. She could vividly recall the vision that was just sent to her. She could see the betrayal and sadness that was unspoken and shared between her old friends.
The way that Gimli and Aragorn shared a look, how Gandalf's face was quite grim and his hands clenched…
How…Legolas closed his eyes; those blue eyes held so much sadness and betrayal.
She knew that she had failed them, she had broken the trust that she had once held with them.
"Understand that what I do is what is necessary…" Serenity murmured, knowing that they would not be able to hear her words.
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Many days have passed since Serenity had left the company of the Fellowship…the Riders. Some days she nearly broke down from her duties in order to have some glimpse of them face to face. However, Serenity knew that if they even received a hint of her in their presence she'd be meeting the end of several pointed swords, axe blades, and arrows. Nevertheless, Serenity had gathered enough of herself to make it through with the preparations of the war that was about to come.
Several times Serenity had been asked for her services as counselor to Sauron, finding herself performing numerous duties openly and at her disclosure, all necessary for the war to come. Many of which, involved a certain Hobbit that carried The One Ring.
The only time that she could recall being avidly involved with the Hobbit had been only a few days ago; one that was surely difficult for her to pull through but had successfully done. Shelob was the great Spider's name and her lair was so dark that she could almost recall the great battle that she had fought several centuries ago with her Senshi, it too was a dark cave, but not so dark as Shelob's lair.
Serenity had visited the great monster and inquired of her services, difficult as it was, Serenity managed to escape unscathed all thanks to the powers that the Senshi had bestowed upon her. Following that act was to sneak into the encampment of the Hobbits and putting a twisted idea on Gollum's mind. For a brief moment, she had almost reconsidered her actions but decided against it. The Stars had suggested to put such a dangerous position for these creatures and had, albeit reluctantly, performed the tasks.
Her duties were not easy, they never were and it is because of her that she had simply stepped aside and watched as Shelob had captured and put Frodo into a comatose state. She watched and remained silent as Sam poured out his grief, believing Frodo had died. And she uncaringly brought more problems for these two Hobbits by having the Orcs of Cirith Ungol to capture a seemingly dead Hobbit near Shelob's cave. She knew that Sam would follow and now wondered if he had been successful.
Shaking her head from her reverie, Serenity rose from her cherry red and gold chair, gracefully making her way to the window. Down below she watched the groups of formidable soldiers of varying sizes gather themselves, each one preparing for the oncoming battle. It was only a matter time until she could no longer postpone the inevitable encounter between herself and her old companions.
"This war will surely end one way or another…" Serenity uttered, turning away from the window and striding out to meet with a horde of soldiers waiting for their commands.
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Serenity approached Sauron as he descended from his tower in Barad-dur, noticing her presence Sauron turned to acknowledge the silvery-blonde haired woman.
At a slight inclination of her head, Serenity called out to Sauron, "My Lord, I hope that you are well on this dark day. The enemies have been spotted by the Nazgul. They are, even now marching and pressing onward to reach The Black Gate. "
"Then we must go and greet our most honored guests," Sauron silkily noted, walking away and toward the ebony dark horse that awaited him at the stables. Without pause, Serenity followed Sauron – mostly due to duty than anticipation.
"The war ends soon, in two days time the doors of the Black Gate shall open! This war shall begin and end here! Come! We ride!" Sauron cried out, his horse whinnying in response to his master's excitement and storming off in a cloud of dust followed by his horde of minions and creations – amongst them, the Mouth of Sauron and Serenity.
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Serenity stood beside The Mouth of Sauron, both mounted upon a black horse, though her companion's mostly resembled a large and hideous skull-like entity. Choosing to ignore her companion, she turned her attention back to the two vast iron doors of the Black Gate. Everything was silent and she knew that this would certainly be the last stage; at least she would hope that it would be.
Looking around her surroundings, Serenity noted how everything appeared so cold and forlorn; everything appeared so desolate and hopeless. And as she carefully studied the towers and walls, their people were all hidden in the hills and rocks about the Morannon; the shadows, themselves held broods of Sauron's creations.
Cantering her horse to the side she stood to face the Nazgul and gathered them together, ordering them to gather together and hover above the Towers of the Teeth. As she watched the Nazgul fly together and perch on the towers, another sense of familiarity show between herself and these wraith-like beings. And just as the familiarity shown itself, she suddenly knew as to where it came from.
Shock enveloped her senses as Serenity dazedly stared up into their soulless eyes. She now knew where they had originated from…
"Oh how I wish I could help you in your suffering…" Serenity softly uttered, compassion glittering in her crystalline blue eyes.
Forcing herself to turn back, Serenity mechanically turned her horse around and returned to her original position up front and right beside The Mouth of Sauron, The Messenger. Her thoughts lost inside her head and she recalled where the Nazgul had come from.
She still couldn't get over the fact that the Nazgul, were the Kings of the Past. Each Nazgul used to be the husband of the 9 legendary Queens of the Past.
To put it bluntly, they were…
(The Nazgul are the husbands of the Senshi and the husband of Kakyuu…I cannot believe that such a fate has befallen unto them.) Serenity shook her head sadly; knowing that after all these centuries there would be nothing that she could possibly do for them. (Oh Selene, I never wished for this to happen to them after the Senshi have passed away…)
Steeling her wavering emotions, Serenity forced herself to look forward just as trumpets blasted through the silence, catching everyone's attention. Craning her head, Serenity could hear voices of heralds sending their voices up over the battlement of Mordor.
"Come forth!" the heralds cried with great determination that almost made Serenity want to smile at their bravery. "Let the Lord of the Black Land come forth! Justice shall be done upon him. For wrongfully he has made war upon Gondor and wrested its lands. Therefore the King of Gondor demands that he should atone for his evils, and depart then forever. Come forth!"
A small chuckle released itself from her silent lips at their words. A part of Serenity of was in awe that Aragorn has made it this far and had finally claimed his title as King, but at a time like this she could only laugh in amusement that he would only claim such a title in a dire time when war had to be fought.
Looking over her shoulder, she watched Sauron shake his head and denied the gates to be open so early and ordered for silence. Thus, silence was the enemy's answer.
No cry or sound would be heard in answer. Sauron had a mind to first play with these mice before ordering a kill.
Serenity, in turn, returned to watching the Gates beside the silent Messenger standing next to her, his stoic figure upright and proud. After a few tense moments, the silence was suddenly broken as Sauron moved his arms as a signal.
A long rolling of great drums like thunder in the mountains, a braying of the horns, and the Black Gate was thrown open with a great clang.
This was the signal to move forward.
And forward she did move with the Messenger right beside her as he moved with dignity upon his hideous black horse.
Both of them robed; she in silver and he in black. Behind them came a small company of black-harnessed soldiery bearing banners of Sauron's ever-famous Evil Eye. After moving a few paces forward before the Captains of the West, they looked upon them and the Messenger of Barad-dur laughed.
Serenity remained silent as she studied her previous companions, a small sad smile falling upon her face. She knew that they stared her, just as they stared at her partner.
And the two parried with acidic words toward one another. Serenity watched unenthusiastically as the Messenger scoffed and played with the enemies, testing their patience and biding his time. And just as things started to heat up, Serenity took it upon herself to disrupt their banter by stepping into the fray.
"There is no need for such insolence!" Serenity glared at her companion who gazed at her with wide eyes before stepping back, allowing her to speak for his behalf. Turning her horse around to face them, she took note how all eyes easily fell unto her, even now she had certainly caught their attention.
"I have something that may be dear to you," Serenity simply stated and signaled for one of their soldiers to come forward, bearing a bundle swathed in black cloths, "I believe that you would notice these tokens."
Opening the cloths, Serenity held up a short sword and then a coat of mithril-mail in tatted garments. Serenity did not missthe blackness that covered their eyes as they processed the unspoken words of the fate that befell their comrades. These tokens belonged to Sam and Frodo.
"They have been found by Sauron's Orcs located not far from here…" Serenity continued and threw the objects down on the ground in front of the Captains, "It seems that your last hope is gone."
"Silence!" Gandalf cried out, earning a laugh from the Messenger.
"To send such Halflings to spy into Mordor is beyond you. It is simply folly." The Messenger scoffed.
"I do not wish to deny them. Indeed, I know them all and all their history, and despite your scorn, foul Mouth of Sauron, you cannot say as much." Gandalf said and then turned his attention upon Serenity. "But why do you bring them here?"
"I simply believe that they were dear to you. If so, take counsel with what little wit is left to you. You may not know for certain what fate shall befall you…" Serenity let her crystalline blue eyes travel unto each of the Captains, pausing only a second longer on Legolas's blue eyes.
That moment was broken as the Messenger laughed once more, amusement clearly on his usual stoic façade.
"They were dear to you, I see. Or else his errand was one that you did not wish to fail? It has! And now he shall endure the slow torment of years and never be released, unless maybe when he is changed and broken. That is, unless you accept my Lord's terms."
Serenity blinked, she had never heard of these terms before and briefly wondered what they were.
The Messenger smiled as he eyed them one by one. "The rabble of Gondor and its deluded allies shall withdraw at once beyond the Anduin, first taking oaths never again to assail Sauron the Great in arms, open or secret. All lands east of the Anduin shall be Sauron's forever, solely. West of the Anduin as far as the Misty Mountains and the Gap of Rohan shall be tributary to Mordor and men there shall bear no weapons…"
Serenity proceeded to tune the rest of the terms out, finding the whole issue to be dreadfully boring and typical. The terms simply stated that Sauron would be the tyrant and they his slaves. No one in their right mind would surely agree to preposterous terms!
"This is much to demand: that your Master should receive in exchange what he must else fight many a war to gain! Or has the field of Gondor destroyed his hope in war, so that he falls to haggling?" Gandalf cried out. Gandalf swiftly cast aside his cloak and a white light shone forth like a sword in the black place. Before his upraised hand the Messenger recoiled but Serenity stood rigidly upon her black steed. "We reject your terms utterly. Get you gone, death is near to you! We did not come here to waste words in treating with Sauron, faithless and accursed; still less with his slaves. Begone!"
The Messenger of Mordor, Serenity watched, did not laugh at Gandalf's words as fury came strangling from his throat. With a great cry, he turned and galloped madly back, leaving Serenity alone with a few of the soldiers under her stead.
With a slight inclination of her head, Serenity nodded to the Captains and prepared to return.
"If you must know…" Serenity hesitantly began, wondering if she should set their heart at ease. From the corner of her eye, she saw that she held their attention and pressed on, "They still live. They are quite headstrong, despite the odds against them. Hold true."
With that, Serenity left them behind, dust rising and smothering the air. Around the Captains, they watched as down the hills on either side of the Morannon pours innumerable Orcs. They were trapped. The wind blew, the trumpets sang, and the arrows whined; everything was remote and sullen, as if it were the ending of the day.
They could all sense that everything appeared desperate, as the first bitter assault was about to come.
And as the Captains looked up onto the sky, the Nazgul came with their cold voices crying words of death; they all knew that hope was fast drying out.
To be continued…
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This was difficult to write, writing and planning out fights have never been my forte, and surely the next chapter will not be as adventurous.
The Messenger of Sauron, the Mouth of Sauron, the Lieutenant of Barad-dur… same person, if you must know.