Boromir, Thou Shall Live
By Priscilla Stafford
Author's Note: Well, I didn't take too long to update, did I? I really hope you enjoy this new chapter!
Someone mentioned that chapter 13 had been boring, I apologize to anyone else who felt the same way. But I thought it would be more of a 'poetic' chapter than the others. I'm sure some of you are wondering, Faramir's dream is of my own making. ^_^ In the books it said that he was plagued with dreams of Boromir's death, but because he's alive (Faramir doesn't know for sure though), I decided to give Faramir another dream. I'm glad many of you enjoyed it!
So, here's chapter 14 for you, and it's finally the battle of Helm's Deep! Knowing for sure that most of you guys have watched the movie "The Two Towers", I mostly used the books as my reference to battle details. I blended mostly the books, a bit of the movie, and a bit of my own ideas into this epic battle, I hope it comes out all right. Enjoy!
Special thanks to reviewers at the bottom of the chapter!
Chapter Fourteen: The Night is Still Young
Aragorn watched the battle progress from his perch from the tower upon the Deeping Wall. The men of Rohan and the Elves of Lothlorien were putting up a good defense against the onslaught of their enemies.
But he kept his eyes, for he knew that these orc goblins, these Uruk-Hais, were of the design of Saruman. They were crafty and cunning, fearing neither the moon nor the sun. Aragorn had to make sure they kept the advantage.
He took in the battle strategies of both sides. The Uruk-Hais continued using their deadly crossbows, arrows thick as the rain came whistling over the battlements. Many only glanced off the stones. But many found their marks.
Aragorn had long before already ordered everyone from the Deep onto the walls. Theoden, seeing that most of the defense would be upon the walls of Helm's Deep, sent much of his men to aide.
The assailing hosts paused, foiled by the silent menace of rock and wall. But brazen trumpets sounded and the Uruk-Hais were spurred once more to continue their assault.
Suddenly, Aragorn saw a different movement among the ranks of the foe. His eyes widened as he realized what was happening.
A large group of Uruk-Hai gathered at the basis of the ramp going up towards the gates of the Hornburg. Using their shields to keep themselves safe from any arrows, they slowly moved forward. When they were only a short distance away from the gate, they fell away to reveal a great ram and with a huge roar, charged towards the gate.
Though far away, Aragorn could hear the force of the blow of the ram. He knew that the gate will fall and if that should happen, all would be lost. He jumped down and landed on the wall, his feet already moving as he sped along the wall.
As he ran, Aragorn realized that Gimli had seen him and now ran alongside, forcing himself to keep up with the speed of the nimble Ranger. When they reached the steps leading up to the Rock, Aragorn questioned Gimli why the Dwarf had followed him.
Gimli grunted. "I followed you to shake off sleep. I've said before, we Dwarves are very dangerous over short distance. Fighting with arrows may be all well with you, but for me I cannot wait till I'm allowed to be face to face with those monsters. Besides, it seemed my lad that you may need help." Aragorn could only smile in thanks.
Soon they had reached the walls above the gate to take in the situation. The men of Rohan threw down stones yet it did nothing to hold the orc goblins off. If any one fell, crushed by a stone hurtling from above, two immediately sprang to take his place. It was a losing battle Aragorn could see in a glance.
Gimli glared down upon the enemy. "Aragorn, there must be something we can do. That gate must not fall! Oh, if only it wasn't so high, I would jump down myself and give those devils the feel of my axe!"
With a start, Aragorn realized that there was indeed something which could be done. He turned and grabbed a Rohirrim who appeared to lead the assault from above. "Is there not a poster-door that opens out to the western cliffs?"
The man nodded. "You speak truth, my lord. A narrow path runs around towards the great gate. Yet to reach the causeway ramp, there is a large gap, of considerable distance and..."
"Answer me only if any man can jump the distance," Aragorn interrupted.
The Rohirrim hesitated then with a resolute gaze answered, "I am certain, my lord."
Gimli, itching for battle, gripped his axe with impatient hands. "Then what are we waiting for? Let us be off before the Hornburg is lost."
"I wish not to offend," spoke the man of Rohan, "I answered that any man could make the jump. But a Dwarf I cannot be sure..."
"Nonsense and foolishness," the Dwarf spat out. "Enough talking. Aragorn, are you going to lead or must I?"
Aragorn did not reply, letting his actions speak for him as he began to head for the door. He was stopped though by a hand upon his shoulder. Aragorn saw that it was Hama, captain of the King's guard. Behind him stood the man of Rohan whom Aragorn had been speaking to along with a group of seven other men. "Aragorn, son of Arathorn, do not think that you and the Dwarf will go alone."
The heir of Isildur smiled and bowed his head slightly in thanks. Aragorn was more marveled at the strength and courage of these men and once again counted himself honored to fight among such men. He gestured for them to follow him as he went down towards the postern-door.
Everything he had been told was correct, including the distance from the path to the ramp. Gimli peered from behind Aragorn and with widened eyes saw that it was indeed, a big jump.
Aragorn stared down at the Dwarf, not knowing what to say. But he became even more speechless as it was Gimli who suggested, "Toss me."
Not believing what he had just heard, Aragorn could only utter a single word. "What?"
"I cannot jump the distance!" Gimli said in frustration. "You'll have to toss me!"
The Ranger could only nod and grabbed the Dwarf. Gimli stopped him suddenly, looking imploringly into the other's face. "Don't tell the Elf."
Trying to hide a smile, Aragorn promised. "Not a word."
Gimli turned then to face the others, who watched on with a mixture of the seriousness of the fight to come and the humor of the situation. But all smiles left their faces as the Dwarf looked upon them with a most savage look, promising much pain if any words were uttered from their lips. Hama spoke for all of them when he said, "Master Dwarf, nobody shall hear nothing from us."
Satisfied, Gimli nodded to Aragorn. With a mighty heave, Aragorn threw the Dwarf over to the causeway and jumped himself. "Anduril, Anduril for the Dunedain!" he shouted over the din of the battle of Helm's Deep. Yet his voice was heard loud and clear over the whole of Helm's Deep, that all the men of Rohan who heard his voice took heart and a shouted, "Anduril! Anduril goes to war! The Blade that was Broken shines again!"
On the other hand, Aragorn's cry struck the Uruk-Hais with fear and wonder. The surprise attack caught the enemy so much off guard that in a few moments, Aragorn and Gimli slew many of their numbers. Anduril rose and fell, gleaming with white fire. Joined by the others who jumped after them, they swept away the enemy, hewn down or cast over the ramp to strike the hard rocks below.
Soon, the ramp had been cleared and Aragorn and his men halted before the gates. "We did not come too soon," Aragorn said. They all looked upon the gate and saw that the great hinges and iron bars were bent and weakened and the gate itself was cracked in numerous places.
"We cannot stay," Hama said. "Look! Even now the enemy is regrouping and we will not be able to hold them off this time." Sure enough, Aragorn saw the captain was indeed right. The orc goblins were coming up the ramp and arrows were aimed in their direction.
Aragorn motioned for them all to return the way they had come. At that moment, a dozen or so Uruk-Hai that had been lying motionless on the ground as if dead leaped to their feet. With fierce roars they attacked from behind and Aragorn saw with dismay that Hama was the first to be cut down, but they kept striking his body, even after he fell to the ground. Aragorn cried out, "Anduril!" and attacked with such ferocity that the Uruk-Hai fled from his sight from fear of the wicked blade of Anduril.
With eyes full of grief Aragorn turned to see that of their numbers, one had been slain; Hama, captain of the King's guard. He saw that the man of Rohan, whom he had spoken with on the walls above the gate, now leaned over the dead captain's hewn body. Aragorn saw that the man's eyes were ice cold, grief now hardened into anger. Seeing that Aragorn was watching, the man turned his gaze away and hefted Hama upon his shoulders. Softly he said, "His body shall not be left here."
Aragorn did not argue. Suddenly, he heard a voice call from high above. He looked up and saw that it was Legolas. The Elf threw down a rope and motioned for him to climb up. The Ranger saw that indeed they had to leave the ramp for the Uruk-Hais were almost upon them.
He grabbed hold of the man carrying Hama. "Your name?"
"Bawuer, son of Denuer."
"Well, Bawuer, I suggest you take this rope for you will not make the distance carrying Hama. Go. Now!" Fortunately, Bawuer was a man who took orders well. The men above the wall, seeing who was on the rope and who the man was carrying, assisted Legolas in heaving the rope up.
Aragorn ordered the rest of the men to jump back to the postern-door. He grabbed Gimli just as the Dwarf was muttering about Legolas catching sight of him. Aragorn ignored any complaints and tossed the Dwarf then followed without a moment to spare.
When all were inside, Aragorn was the one who closed and locked the postern. He ran to the gate and was pleased to see that already the men of Rohan were piling stones and putting up a beam to strengthen it. He was even more pleased to see that it was King Theoden himself who was supervising the men.
Seeing that for now he was not needed, Aragorn moved to return to the Deeping Wall, Gimli following right beside him. Going up a flight of stairs to the wall above the gate, he searched for Legolas and saw that the Elf had been waiting for him. There also was Bawuer and before him lay the lifeless body of the brave Hama. In silence they watched on as some of the Rohirrim silently carried Hama away into the Hornburg, for he would have a decent burial for his courageous deeds to his king and country. Aragorn lifted his sword in a farewell salute.
With a sad heart, Aragorn knew that many more would die tonight. Hama was only one among so many just as brave who would die an honorable death tonight. Aragorn prayed that the daylight would approach soon.
**********
Gimli looked over the walls. The rain had stopped and the thunder was rumbling in the far distance now. Lightning could still be seen among the mountains in the south and there was a strong wind blowing from the north. But there was no sign of daylight, it would be a long night indeed.
Their fight at the gate of the Hornburg had gained a brief respite but soon the assault was redoubled. And even now, Gimli saw that a new approach had been taken to attack the impenetrable walls of the Deeping.
Ropes with grappling hooks were hurled over the wall faster than the Elves or the few men of Rohan could cut or throw back. Hundreds of ladders were lifted up reaching even the high parapets of the Wall. The Uruk-Hais were cast down upon the dead bodies of others who had tried to gain an advantage on the wall, but always more came to replace the dead Uruk-Hais.
Gimli growled with the prospect of a good fight. He motioned his friends over. "Aragorn, Legolas! Come there is much to do and the night is still young." Saying such, the three friends ran to defend the wall.
When they reached the wall, they could see that many Uruk-Hais had made it to the parapet and even now with swift strokes cut down many of their companions.
Legolas reached out to take out the two long knives strapped to his back. With a twirl of his knives he prepared for battle. Gimli only rearranged his grip on his axe in a comfortable way. He was definitely ready.
"Baruk Khazad! Khazad ai-menu!" Gimli lunged forward and made short work of the closest Uruk-Hais. Soon, he and his friends were so immersed into the battle that they were no longer fighting side by side. The Dwarf looked up once to see that Aragorn was fighting ahead of him while Legolas was even farther down the wall.
There was a brief lull from the offense and Gimli took the time to take in the situation. He could see that men of Rohan who fought were growing weary. The Elves, too, seemed worn down. Gimli rested his axe on the ground and leaned upon it to catch his breath yet trying not to appear tired. It took much to tire a Dwarf, yes indeed it did.
He was surprised to see that Gamling the Old stood next to him, the other leaning upon shield much in the same way Gimli was. The man saw Gimli looking up at him and gave a small smile. "Well met, Master Dwarf. Tell me, how are you faring?"
Gimli grunted as he waved his hands towards the battle. "How am I faring? Never any better. The skirmish has energized me, I am ready for real combat."
Gamling laughed outloud. "Master Dwarf, well met indeed! I must say that after seeing you I have never felt any better!"
"Good," Gimli said as he hefted his axe up. "For it seems that the enemy is ready for more of the feel of my axe." The Uruk-Hais were now putting up the strongest offensive yet and the Elves and the men of Rohan battled to keep the Wall.
Gimli prepared to charge when he heard a clamour arise from the Deep behind. He turned round to see that their enemies had crept through the culvert through which the stream flowed out. The Dwarf immediately understood what had happened. They had waited until the assault above was the hottest and nearly all the defense had rushed to the wall's top. Already some had begun climbing the steps up the walls to attack from behind.
Fury burst forth from Gimli. "Why, those devious, foul curs!" From where he stood, Gimli jumped down with a fierce cry that echoed in the Deep. "Khazad! Khazad!"
His first stroke cut down a large Uruk-Hai but already he was moving towards another. "Ai, come along lads!" he shouted. "The enemy is behind the wall! Come, Legolas! There are enough for us both. Khazad ai-menu!"
The Dwarf was answered soon enough. From above he heard someone cry "Helm! Helm! Forth Helmingas!" Gimli saw that it was Gamling the Old whom he had heard as the man jumped down from the wall. They fought side by side as men of the Westfold who heard their cries came to battle the new threat.
Their fierce onset sent the Uruk-Hais back towards the culvert but they could not escape the skills of the Dwarf and the men of Westfold. Few were able to escape into the chasm of the Deep, but only to fall before the guardians of the hidden caves.
"Ha! Twenty!" Gimli said out loud. He faced the last Uruk-Hai and with a quick succession of two strokes, he laid the dead goblin orc before his feet. "Twenty-one! Let's see if Master Legolas can pass my count now!"
Gamling laughed then sobered seeing that the culvert was still yet a threat to them all. "We must stop this rat-hole. Dwarves are said to be cunning folk with stone. Lend us your aid, Master Dwarf!"
"Hmph. We do not shape stones with our battle axes, nor with our fingernails," Gimli said his chin raised up to meet the eyes of the leader of the watchers of Helm's Dike. "But I will help as I may," he added gruffly.
Together with Gamling's men they gathered as many small boulders and broken stones as they could find at hand and under the Dwarf's direction they blocked up the inner end of the culvert until only a narrow outlet remained. The Deeping stream, swollen from the rain, tried to seek a way out and only finding a small outing, spread slowly outward.
Gimli looked down at the rising water with disgust. "Come, it will be drier above. Gamling, let us see how things go on the wall."
"Lead the way, Master Gimli!" Gamling replied in a loud voice. So Gimli went up the stairs to the others who were above. He found Legolas standing besides Aragorn. Haldir also stood next to them. Legolas was whetting one of his long knives. There was for a while a lull in the assault. Gimli thought that the reason was probably because the attempt to break in through the culvert had been foiled.
"Twenty one, Legolas!" Gimli said with pride. "Twenty one Urk-Hais have met their deaths upon the edge of my axe!"
Legolas only smiled with dry humor. "Good. But my count is now two dozen. And I'm sure our friend Haldir here has killed as many or more."
Seeing that Gimli was now sputtering in disbelief, Haldir said grimly, "Do not worry, the night is still young. There will plenty more for all of us."
Gimli turned to face Aragorn as the Ranger spoke next. "This is a night as long as years. How long will the day tarry?"
"Dawn is not far off," said Gamling who had now climbed up besides them. "But dawn will not help us, I fear."
"Yet dawn is ever the hope of men," Aragorn said in a low voice. Gimli tried to take heart with the Ranger's words, but Haldir was still right. The night was still young and the end of the battle was still a far ways off.
**********
Author's Note: Sorry, Haldir's 'death' scene hasn't come out yet. But one hint I can give you is that Boromir cannot and will not be saving the great Elf for unfortunately he is still too far from Helm's Deep.
Some may be wondering who Bawuer is (pronounced BA-wu-air {this first letter 'a' is a short vowel}). Reviewer *iwantboromir* was saying that the only better than have Sean Bean and Karl Urban acting in Lord of the Rings would be having Kiefer Sutherland in it too! So, I thought, why not? Bawuer's character is one I thought of imagining Kiefer Sutherland, especially when he played the part of Athos in "The Three Musketeers". He looks Rohirrim, doesn't he? Trivia: The name Bawuer is kind of taken from Kiefer Sutherland's award-winning character Jack Bauer from the award- winning television series, "24".
I want inform everyone that I won't be able to update for about a week because book reports are due soon and I have to take the time to read my 600 page book. Actually, don't start pitying me, the book is actually pretty fun and interesting, I'll enjoy reading it. But still, I'll miss updating new chapter for you guys! But I have this little notebook where I keep ALL my notes and ideas for "Boromir, Thou Shall Live". I've already planned out till up to chapter seventeen. So after I finish my book report, I should be able to put together chapter fifteen pretty quickly.
Thanks and hugs to:
*iwantboromir* ~ You work in a school? Cool? Are you a teacher? Anyway, thanks for bringing up Kiefer Sutherland! He is soooo cool and is one of my favorite actors. I especially liked his character of Athos in "The Three Musketeers", he gets to do lots of fencing! I'm looking forward to renting the series "24". I really hope you like my character of Bawuer, I'm going to be definitely putting more of his character in this story with the image of 'Athos' in my head!
*Boromir Defender* ~ Hee hee! Don't worry about forgetting the name of Lavlaisi! I didn't put too much emphasis about his name in my previous chapters. I'm really glad you like the previous chapter!
*Accuracy is a ....* ~ I hope you're not offended about my not writing out your full name here, I hope you understand. Anyway, I know that Haldir doesn't die in the books! I definitely don't understand where Peter Jackson got the idea to have him die at Helm's Deep. I agree, maybe he wanted to 'improve' the plotline. Anyway, I have decided whether to keep Haldir's death scene or have him live on. But I like to keep you all in suspense. ^_^
*Niiki* ~ Welcome to my family of reviewers! Another Boromir and Sean Bean fan, you are VERY welcome here! Hee hee! Me too, I can't wait till the Two Towers extended edition DVD comes out! Anyway, I'm sooo glad you like my story! Hearing that a reader enjoys my story is the greatest thing for me and any authoress! I like Boromir a lot, but I like telling the story through several character's points of views. This chapter was the first time for me to tell the story from Gimli's point of view. I hope it turned out ok!
*Spry Sprite* ~ The coolness... hee hee! I, like, REALLY like those words which you use in your story! LOL! Burninating the countryside.... *shakes head* Sorry, my mind goes off track pretty easily. Thanks for reviewing yet once again! It's finally the battle of Helm's Deep, I hope you enjoy reading it!
*you-know-who* ~ read your review. I guess you saw the twist coming up. And you didn't hurry me, I wrote out the chapter at just the right timing. Plus I loved writing it!
*Melodist* ~ I'm really glad you feel I'm managing the combining of the books and movies well! That's such a great compliment! *tears forming in eyes* Faramir in my opinion is right up there in the same level as Boromir, he is very cool! David Wenham is doing a pretty good with his character, I can't wait to see more of him in "The Return of the King"! Thanks for taking the time to review though you were in a hurry!
*RedHot721* ~ Hello, welcome to my family of reviewers, a name I've given more my reviewers. I'm really glad you're enjoying my story. Don't worry, I'll definitely keep writing till this is finished!
*DiamondTook3* ~ Welcome to my family of reviewers! Thanks so much for reviewing! He he, another person who knows Strong-Bad! I agree, it's totally unfair that some people condemn for Boromir for trying to take the Ring! Come on, he was only human! I bet if the Fellowship had gotten closer into Mordor, ALL of them would have eventually tried taking the Ring. Imagine... REAL havoc! Btw, I've read the first chapter of your story "Forbidden Love". It's a cute story so far, I'm sorry I didn't get around to review. I will review as soon as I get the time!
*Maria* ~ Hiya! Yeah, Sean Bean is handsome.... *wink*! Anyway, I really hope you like the new 'superb' chapter! Hee hee!
*Diadora* ~ Oohh, my faithful reviewer, thanks a ton for reviewing! I'm so pleased that someone was really touched by the previous chapter! I wanted so much to let it be... shall we say 'poetic'. A close up of Sean Bean's face... yes... I can DEFINITLEY imagine it! ^_~ So, what did you think of my new update?
*iron-eyes24* ~ Wow, another great, enthusiastic review from you! THANK YOU! THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Oooh, I think it's contagious. LOL Anyway, Haldir's death/living scene is coming up either in the next chapter or the chapter after that. Then, everything will be revealed! I hope you liked this chapter!
*Aelimir* ~ Thank you for reviewing yet once again! Yes, Faramir's dreams is my own idea. I was thinking, since Boromir lives, Faramir can't dream about his death per say, right? So, I decided to give him a 'new' dream, but it's a pretty scary one, isn't it? E/F or E/B, E/F or E/B, which shall it be....? *smiles* I've actually decided already which it would be, but it's just one more secret next to whether Haldir lives. I'm glad you liked the idea of a slightly 'changed' Boromir, I'll write more about it probably in the next chapter. Thanks for referring me to POTC: A Modernized Tale, I'll have to check it out! Oh, oh, oh! Thanks so much for your insight about 'falling off a horse'. You're sooo lucky you get to ride horses! I LOVE riding though I can only ride when I visit the states. I'm actually pretty good, but it's so unfair that it's hard to find a place to ride in Japan. *sniff sniff!* Anyway, I'll definitely use what you wrote me, thanks sooo much!
*Wolfgangsg9* ~ Thanks for reviewing, I hope you like this new chapter of Helm's Deep!
*leafgirl* ~ Hello again! Thanks for another review! Yeah, I update pretty quickly though the next update might take a while since I have a book report due soon. In your review you said, "Hmm, so Boromir has changed significantly enough in some way that Eomer doesn't recognize him any more? OK, I can accept that. I'd love to know specifically what differences Eomer perceives in the 'before' and 'after' Boromir." I understand what you mean, I'm going to explain more about this concept in the next chapter. I hope you will like it! So glad you liked my 'rain' concept put into chapter 13! That scene IS cool when it starts raining at Helm's Deep, one of the motivations for me to write more about it in depth. I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
*Alex92* ~ Yay, you got the rain thingy! Am so glad you did! Whoah, you really think that chapter 13 is your favorite? That's strange, I heard from someone else that it was boring... Anyways, you gave me much hope, thanks!
*daughtersofgondor* ~ Yes, poor Faramir indeed with his dreaming and all. Well, I wanted to make it a bit angsty so I decided to write about that. Hope you like this new chapter!
*Daisy Brambleburr* ~ Welcome to my family of reviewers! You've written your own Boromir fic? I'll definitely have to give it a look, since Boromir is one of my favorite, favorite, FAVORITE Lord of the Rings characters (besides dear Faramir). I feel so relieved that though you doubted if my story was a good one, you were still able to enjoy it! As an authoress, it's my greatest pleasure in having readers enjoy my story! I still have no idea how I thought up the idea of Galadriel saving Boromir. But fortunately, it seems to have worked so far. I'm very, very pleased that you've liked my characterizations of both Eowyn and Faramir. They are both such fascinating characters and I love them dearly. And I'm even more pleased that you found the Haldir romance to be a nice addition. Reading other's stories and reading other's reviews, I was at first hesitant in adding in my own character. I've seen how many have reacted to 'original characters', fearing they would become the oh-so-terrible Mary Sues. But thankful, my reviewers have been really supportive of the Haldir romance. I thank you for that! I hope you continue to enjoy my story, please don't hesitate to tell me if you have any criticism.
By Priscilla Stafford
Author's Note: Well, I didn't take too long to update, did I? I really hope you enjoy this new chapter!
Someone mentioned that chapter 13 had been boring, I apologize to anyone else who felt the same way. But I thought it would be more of a 'poetic' chapter than the others. I'm sure some of you are wondering, Faramir's dream is of my own making. ^_^ In the books it said that he was plagued with dreams of Boromir's death, but because he's alive (Faramir doesn't know for sure though), I decided to give Faramir another dream. I'm glad many of you enjoyed it!
So, here's chapter 14 for you, and it's finally the battle of Helm's Deep! Knowing for sure that most of you guys have watched the movie "The Two Towers", I mostly used the books as my reference to battle details. I blended mostly the books, a bit of the movie, and a bit of my own ideas into this epic battle, I hope it comes out all right. Enjoy!
Special thanks to reviewers at the bottom of the chapter!
Chapter Fourteen: The Night is Still Young
Aragorn watched the battle progress from his perch from the tower upon the Deeping Wall. The men of Rohan and the Elves of Lothlorien were putting up a good defense against the onslaught of their enemies.
But he kept his eyes, for he knew that these orc goblins, these Uruk-Hais, were of the design of Saruman. They were crafty and cunning, fearing neither the moon nor the sun. Aragorn had to make sure they kept the advantage.
He took in the battle strategies of both sides. The Uruk-Hais continued using their deadly crossbows, arrows thick as the rain came whistling over the battlements. Many only glanced off the stones. But many found their marks.
Aragorn had long before already ordered everyone from the Deep onto the walls. Theoden, seeing that most of the defense would be upon the walls of Helm's Deep, sent much of his men to aide.
The assailing hosts paused, foiled by the silent menace of rock and wall. But brazen trumpets sounded and the Uruk-Hais were spurred once more to continue their assault.
Suddenly, Aragorn saw a different movement among the ranks of the foe. His eyes widened as he realized what was happening.
A large group of Uruk-Hai gathered at the basis of the ramp going up towards the gates of the Hornburg. Using their shields to keep themselves safe from any arrows, they slowly moved forward. When they were only a short distance away from the gate, they fell away to reveal a great ram and with a huge roar, charged towards the gate.
Though far away, Aragorn could hear the force of the blow of the ram. He knew that the gate will fall and if that should happen, all would be lost. He jumped down and landed on the wall, his feet already moving as he sped along the wall.
As he ran, Aragorn realized that Gimli had seen him and now ran alongside, forcing himself to keep up with the speed of the nimble Ranger. When they reached the steps leading up to the Rock, Aragorn questioned Gimli why the Dwarf had followed him.
Gimli grunted. "I followed you to shake off sleep. I've said before, we Dwarves are very dangerous over short distance. Fighting with arrows may be all well with you, but for me I cannot wait till I'm allowed to be face to face with those monsters. Besides, it seemed my lad that you may need help." Aragorn could only smile in thanks.
Soon they had reached the walls above the gate to take in the situation. The men of Rohan threw down stones yet it did nothing to hold the orc goblins off. If any one fell, crushed by a stone hurtling from above, two immediately sprang to take his place. It was a losing battle Aragorn could see in a glance.
Gimli glared down upon the enemy. "Aragorn, there must be something we can do. That gate must not fall! Oh, if only it wasn't so high, I would jump down myself and give those devils the feel of my axe!"
With a start, Aragorn realized that there was indeed something which could be done. He turned and grabbed a Rohirrim who appeared to lead the assault from above. "Is there not a poster-door that opens out to the western cliffs?"
The man nodded. "You speak truth, my lord. A narrow path runs around towards the great gate. Yet to reach the causeway ramp, there is a large gap, of considerable distance and..."
"Answer me only if any man can jump the distance," Aragorn interrupted.
The Rohirrim hesitated then with a resolute gaze answered, "I am certain, my lord."
Gimli, itching for battle, gripped his axe with impatient hands. "Then what are we waiting for? Let us be off before the Hornburg is lost."
"I wish not to offend," spoke the man of Rohan, "I answered that any man could make the jump. But a Dwarf I cannot be sure..."
"Nonsense and foolishness," the Dwarf spat out. "Enough talking. Aragorn, are you going to lead or must I?"
Aragorn did not reply, letting his actions speak for him as he began to head for the door. He was stopped though by a hand upon his shoulder. Aragorn saw that it was Hama, captain of the King's guard. Behind him stood the man of Rohan whom Aragorn had been speaking to along with a group of seven other men. "Aragorn, son of Arathorn, do not think that you and the Dwarf will go alone."
The heir of Isildur smiled and bowed his head slightly in thanks. Aragorn was more marveled at the strength and courage of these men and once again counted himself honored to fight among such men. He gestured for them to follow him as he went down towards the postern-door.
Everything he had been told was correct, including the distance from the path to the ramp. Gimli peered from behind Aragorn and with widened eyes saw that it was indeed, a big jump.
Aragorn stared down at the Dwarf, not knowing what to say. But he became even more speechless as it was Gimli who suggested, "Toss me."
Not believing what he had just heard, Aragorn could only utter a single word. "What?"
"I cannot jump the distance!" Gimli said in frustration. "You'll have to toss me!"
The Ranger could only nod and grabbed the Dwarf. Gimli stopped him suddenly, looking imploringly into the other's face. "Don't tell the Elf."
Trying to hide a smile, Aragorn promised. "Not a word."
Gimli turned then to face the others, who watched on with a mixture of the seriousness of the fight to come and the humor of the situation. But all smiles left their faces as the Dwarf looked upon them with a most savage look, promising much pain if any words were uttered from their lips. Hama spoke for all of them when he said, "Master Dwarf, nobody shall hear nothing from us."
Satisfied, Gimli nodded to Aragorn. With a mighty heave, Aragorn threw the Dwarf over to the causeway and jumped himself. "Anduril, Anduril for the Dunedain!" he shouted over the din of the battle of Helm's Deep. Yet his voice was heard loud and clear over the whole of Helm's Deep, that all the men of Rohan who heard his voice took heart and a shouted, "Anduril! Anduril goes to war! The Blade that was Broken shines again!"
On the other hand, Aragorn's cry struck the Uruk-Hais with fear and wonder. The surprise attack caught the enemy so much off guard that in a few moments, Aragorn and Gimli slew many of their numbers. Anduril rose and fell, gleaming with white fire. Joined by the others who jumped after them, they swept away the enemy, hewn down or cast over the ramp to strike the hard rocks below.
Soon, the ramp had been cleared and Aragorn and his men halted before the gates. "We did not come too soon," Aragorn said. They all looked upon the gate and saw that the great hinges and iron bars were bent and weakened and the gate itself was cracked in numerous places.
"We cannot stay," Hama said. "Look! Even now the enemy is regrouping and we will not be able to hold them off this time." Sure enough, Aragorn saw the captain was indeed right. The orc goblins were coming up the ramp and arrows were aimed in their direction.
Aragorn motioned for them all to return the way they had come. At that moment, a dozen or so Uruk-Hai that had been lying motionless on the ground as if dead leaped to their feet. With fierce roars they attacked from behind and Aragorn saw with dismay that Hama was the first to be cut down, but they kept striking his body, even after he fell to the ground. Aragorn cried out, "Anduril!" and attacked with such ferocity that the Uruk-Hai fled from his sight from fear of the wicked blade of Anduril.
With eyes full of grief Aragorn turned to see that of their numbers, one had been slain; Hama, captain of the King's guard. He saw that the man of Rohan, whom he had spoken with on the walls above the gate, now leaned over the dead captain's hewn body. Aragorn saw that the man's eyes were ice cold, grief now hardened into anger. Seeing that Aragorn was watching, the man turned his gaze away and hefted Hama upon his shoulders. Softly he said, "His body shall not be left here."
Aragorn did not argue. Suddenly, he heard a voice call from high above. He looked up and saw that it was Legolas. The Elf threw down a rope and motioned for him to climb up. The Ranger saw that indeed they had to leave the ramp for the Uruk-Hais were almost upon them.
He grabbed hold of the man carrying Hama. "Your name?"
"Bawuer, son of Denuer."
"Well, Bawuer, I suggest you take this rope for you will not make the distance carrying Hama. Go. Now!" Fortunately, Bawuer was a man who took orders well. The men above the wall, seeing who was on the rope and who the man was carrying, assisted Legolas in heaving the rope up.
Aragorn ordered the rest of the men to jump back to the postern-door. He grabbed Gimli just as the Dwarf was muttering about Legolas catching sight of him. Aragorn ignored any complaints and tossed the Dwarf then followed without a moment to spare.
When all were inside, Aragorn was the one who closed and locked the postern. He ran to the gate and was pleased to see that already the men of Rohan were piling stones and putting up a beam to strengthen it. He was even more pleased to see that it was King Theoden himself who was supervising the men.
Seeing that for now he was not needed, Aragorn moved to return to the Deeping Wall, Gimli following right beside him. Going up a flight of stairs to the wall above the gate, he searched for Legolas and saw that the Elf had been waiting for him. There also was Bawuer and before him lay the lifeless body of the brave Hama. In silence they watched on as some of the Rohirrim silently carried Hama away into the Hornburg, for he would have a decent burial for his courageous deeds to his king and country. Aragorn lifted his sword in a farewell salute.
With a sad heart, Aragorn knew that many more would die tonight. Hama was only one among so many just as brave who would die an honorable death tonight. Aragorn prayed that the daylight would approach soon.
**********
Gimli looked over the walls. The rain had stopped and the thunder was rumbling in the far distance now. Lightning could still be seen among the mountains in the south and there was a strong wind blowing from the north. But there was no sign of daylight, it would be a long night indeed.
Their fight at the gate of the Hornburg had gained a brief respite but soon the assault was redoubled. And even now, Gimli saw that a new approach had been taken to attack the impenetrable walls of the Deeping.
Ropes with grappling hooks were hurled over the wall faster than the Elves or the few men of Rohan could cut or throw back. Hundreds of ladders were lifted up reaching even the high parapets of the Wall. The Uruk-Hais were cast down upon the dead bodies of others who had tried to gain an advantage on the wall, but always more came to replace the dead Uruk-Hais.
Gimli growled with the prospect of a good fight. He motioned his friends over. "Aragorn, Legolas! Come there is much to do and the night is still young." Saying such, the three friends ran to defend the wall.
When they reached the wall, they could see that many Uruk-Hais had made it to the parapet and even now with swift strokes cut down many of their companions.
Legolas reached out to take out the two long knives strapped to his back. With a twirl of his knives he prepared for battle. Gimli only rearranged his grip on his axe in a comfortable way. He was definitely ready.
"Baruk Khazad! Khazad ai-menu!" Gimli lunged forward and made short work of the closest Uruk-Hais. Soon, he and his friends were so immersed into the battle that they were no longer fighting side by side. The Dwarf looked up once to see that Aragorn was fighting ahead of him while Legolas was even farther down the wall.
There was a brief lull from the offense and Gimli took the time to take in the situation. He could see that men of Rohan who fought were growing weary. The Elves, too, seemed worn down. Gimli rested his axe on the ground and leaned upon it to catch his breath yet trying not to appear tired. It took much to tire a Dwarf, yes indeed it did.
He was surprised to see that Gamling the Old stood next to him, the other leaning upon shield much in the same way Gimli was. The man saw Gimli looking up at him and gave a small smile. "Well met, Master Dwarf. Tell me, how are you faring?"
Gimli grunted as he waved his hands towards the battle. "How am I faring? Never any better. The skirmish has energized me, I am ready for real combat."
Gamling laughed outloud. "Master Dwarf, well met indeed! I must say that after seeing you I have never felt any better!"
"Good," Gimli said as he hefted his axe up. "For it seems that the enemy is ready for more of the feel of my axe." The Uruk-Hais were now putting up the strongest offensive yet and the Elves and the men of Rohan battled to keep the Wall.
Gimli prepared to charge when he heard a clamour arise from the Deep behind. He turned round to see that their enemies had crept through the culvert through which the stream flowed out. The Dwarf immediately understood what had happened. They had waited until the assault above was the hottest and nearly all the defense had rushed to the wall's top. Already some had begun climbing the steps up the walls to attack from behind.
Fury burst forth from Gimli. "Why, those devious, foul curs!" From where he stood, Gimli jumped down with a fierce cry that echoed in the Deep. "Khazad! Khazad!"
His first stroke cut down a large Uruk-Hai but already he was moving towards another. "Ai, come along lads!" he shouted. "The enemy is behind the wall! Come, Legolas! There are enough for us both. Khazad ai-menu!"
The Dwarf was answered soon enough. From above he heard someone cry "Helm! Helm! Forth Helmingas!" Gimli saw that it was Gamling the Old whom he had heard as the man jumped down from the wall. They fought side by side as men of the Westfold who heard their cries came to battle the new threat.
Their fierce onset sent the Uruk-Hais back towards the culvert but they could not escape the skills of the Dwarf and the men of Westfold. Few were able to escape into the chasm of the Deep, but only to fall before the guardians of the hidden caves.
"Ha! Twenty!" Gimli said out loud. He faced the last Uruk-Hai and with a quick succession of two strokes, he laid the dead goblin orc before his feet. "Twenty-one! Let's see if Master Legolas can pass my count now!"
Gamling laughed then sobered seeing that the culvert was still yet a threat to them all. "We must stop this rat-hole. Dwarves are said to be cunning folk with stone. Lend us your aid, Master Dwarf!"
"Hmph. We do not shape stones with our battle axes, nor with our fingernails," Gimli said his chin raised up to meet the eyes of the leader of the watchers of Helm's Dike. "But I will help as I may," he added gruffly.
Together with Gamling's men they gathered as many small boulders and broken stones as they could find at hand and under the Dwarf's direction they blocked up the inner end of the culvert until only a narrow outlet remained. The Deeping stream, swollen from the rain, tried to seek a way out and only finding a small outing, spread slowly outward.
Gimli looked down at the rising water with disgust. "Come, it will be drier above. Gamling, let us see how things go on the wall."
"Lead the way, Master Gimli!" Gamling replied in a loud voice. So Gimli went up the stairs to the others who were above. He found Legolas standing besides Aragorn. Haldir also stood next to them. Legolas was whetting one of his long knives. There was for a while a lull in the assault. Gimli thought that the reason was probably because the attempt to break in through the culvert had been foiled.
"Twenty one, Legolas!" Gimli said with pride. "Twenty one Urk-Hais have met their deaths upon the edge of my axe!"
Legolas only smiled with dry humor. "Good. But my count is now two dozen. And I'm sure our friend Haldir here has killed as many or more."
Seeing that Gimli was now sputtering in disbelief, Haldir said grimly, "Do not worry, the night is still young. There will plenty more for all of us."
Gimli turned to face Aragorn as the Ranger spoke next. "This is a night as long as years. How long will the day tarry?"
"Dawn is not far off," said Gamling who had now climbed up besides them. "But dawn will not help us, I fear."
"Yet dawn is ever the hope of men," Aragorn said in a low voice. Gimli tried to take heart with the Ranger's words, but Haldir was still right. The night was still young and the end of the battle was still a far ways off.
**********
Author's Note: Sorry, Haldir's 'death' scene hasn't come out yet. But one hint I can give you is that Boromir cannot and will not be saving the great Elf for unfortunately he is still too far from Helm's Deep.
Some may be wondering who Bawuer is (pronounced BA-wu-air {this first letter 'a' is a short vowel}). Reviewer *iwantboromir* was saying that the only better than have Sean Bean and Karl Urban acting in Lord of the Rings would be having Kiefer Sutherland in it too! So, I thought, why not? Bawuer's character is one I thought of imagining Kiefer Sutherland, especially when he played the part of Athos in "The Three Musketeers". He looks Rohirrim, doesn't he? Trivia: The name Bawuer is kind of taken from Kiefer Sutherland's award-winning character Jack Bauer from the award- winning television series, "24".
I want inform everyone that I won't be able to update for about a week because book reports are due soon and I have to take the time to read my 600 page book. Actually, don't start pitying me, the book is actually pretty fun and interesting, I'll enjoy reading it. But still, I'll miss updating new chapter for you guys! But I have this little notebook where I keep ALL my notes and ideas for "Boromir, Thou Shall Live". I've already planned out till up to chapter seventeen. So after I finish my book report, I should be able to put together chapter fifteen pretty quickly.
Thanks and hugs to:
*iwantboromir* ~ You work in a school? Cool? Are you a teacher? Anyway, thanks for bringing up Kiefer Sutherland! He is soooo cool and is one of my favorite actors. I especially liked his character of Athos in "The Three Musketeers", he gets to do lots of fencing! I'm looking forward to renting the series "24". I really hope you like my character of Bawuer, I'm going to be definitely putting more of his character in this story with the image of 'Athos' in my head!
*Boromir Defender* ~ Hee hee! Don't worry about forgetting the name of Lavlaisi! I didn't put too much emphasis about his name in my previous chapters. I'm really glad you like the previous chapter!
*Accuracy is a ....* ~ I hope you're not offended about my not writing out your full name here, I hope you understand. Anyway, I know that Haldir doesn't die in the books! I definitely don't understand where Peter Jackson got the idea to have him die at Helm's Deep. I agree, maybe he wanted to 'improve' the plotline. Anyway, I have decided whether to keep Haldir's death scene or have him live on. But I like to keep you all in suspense. ^_^
*Niiki* ~ Welcome to my family of reviewers! Another Boromir and Sean Bean fan, you are VERY welcome here! Hee hee! Me too, I can't wait till the Two Towers extended edition DVD comes out! Anyway, I'm sooo glad you like my story! Hearing that a reader enjoys my story is the greatest thing for me and any authoress! I like Boromir a lot, but I like telling the story through several character's points of views. This chapter was the first time for me to tell the story from Gimli's point of view. I hope it turned out ok!
*Spry Sprite* ~ The coolness... hee hee! I, like, REALLY like those words which you use in your story! LOL! Burninating the countryside.... *shakes head* Sorry, my mind goes off track pretty easily. Thanks for reviewing yet once again! It's finally the battle of Helm's Deep, I hope you enjoy reading it!
*you-know-who* ~ read your review. I guess you saw the twist coming up. And you didn't hurry me, I wrote out the chapter at just the right timing. Plus I loved writing it!
*Melodist* ~ I'm really glad you feel I'm managing the combining of the books and movies well! That's such a great compliment! *tears forming in eyes* Faramir in my opinion is right up there in the same level as Boromir, he is very cool! David Wenham is doing a pretty good with his character, I can't wait to see more of him in "The Return of the King"! Thanks for taking the time to review though you were in a hurry!
*RedHot721* ~ Hello, welcome to my family of reviewers, a name I've given more my reviewers. I'm really glad you're enjoying my story. Don't worry, I'll definitely keep writing till this is finished!
*DiamondTook3* ~ Welcome to my family of reviewers! Thanks so much for reviewing! He he, another person who knows Strong-Bad! I agree, it's totally unfair that some people condemn for Boromir for trying to take the Ring! Come on, he was only human! I bet if the Fellowship had gotten closer into Mordor, ALL of them would have eventually tried taking the Ring. Imagine... REAL havoc! Btw, I've read the first chapter of your story "Forbidden Love". It's a cute story so far, I'm sorry I didn't get around to review. I will review as soon as I get the time!
*Maria* ~ Hiya! Yeah, Sean Bean is handsome.... *wink*! Anyway, I really hope you like the new 'superb' chapter! Hee hee!
*Diadora* ~ Oohh, my faithful reviewer, thanks a ton for reviewing! I'm so pleased that someone was really touched by the previous chapter! I wanted so much to let it be... shall we say 'poetic'. A close up of Sean Bean's face... yes... I can DEFINITLEY imagine it! ^_~ So, what did you think of my new update?
*iron-eyes24* ~ Wow, another great, enthusiastic review from you! THANK YOU! THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Oooh, I think it's contagious. LOL Anyway, Haldir's death/living scene is coming up either in the next chapter or the chapter after that. Then, everything will be revealed! I hope you liked this chapter!
*Aelimir* ~ Thank you for reviewing yet once again! Yes, Faramir's dreams is my own idea. I was thinking, since Boromir lives, Faramir can't dream about his death per say, right? So, I decided to give him a 'new' dream, but it's a pretty scary one, isn't it? E/F or E/B, E/F or E/B, which shall it be....? *smiles* I've actually decided already which it would be, but it's just one more secret next to whether Haldir lives. I'm glad you liked the idea of a slightly 'changed' Boromir, I'll write more about it probably in the next chapter. Thanks for referring me to POTC: A Modernized Tale, I'll have to check it out! Oh, oh, oh! Thanks so much for your insight about 'falling off a horse'. You're sooo lucky you get to ride horses! I LOVE riding though I can only ride when I visit the states. I'm actually pretty good, but it's so unfair that it's hard to find a place to ride in Japan. *sniff sniff!* Anyway, I'll definitely use what you wrote me, thanks sooo much!
*Wolfgangsg9* ~ Thanks for reviewing, I hope you like this new chapter of Helm's Deep!
*leafgirl* ~ Hello again! Thanks for another review! Yeah, I update pretty quickly though the next update might take a while since I have a book report due soon. In your review you said, "Hmm, so Boromir has changed significantly enough in some way that Eomer doesn't recognize him any more? OK, I can accept that. I'd love to know specifically what differences Eomer perceives in the 'before' and 'after' Boromir." I understand what you mean, I'm going to explain more about this concept in the next chapter. I hope you will like it! So glad you liked my 'rain' concept put into chapter 13! That scene IS cool when it starts raining at Helm's Deep, one of the motivations for me to write more about it in depth. I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
*Alex92* ~ Yay, you got the rain thingy! Am so glad you did! Whoah, you really think that chapter 13 is your favorite? That's strange, I heard from someone else that it was boring... Anyways, you gave me much hope, thanks!
*daughtersofgondor* ~ Yes, poor Faramir indeed with his dreaming and all. Well, I wanted to make it a bit angsty so I decided to write about that. Hope you like this new chapter!
*Daisy Brambleburr* ~ Welcome to my family of reviewers! You've written your own Boromir fic? I'll definitely have to give it a look, since Boromir is one of my favorite, favorite, FAVORITE Lord of the Rings characters (besides dear Faramir). I feel so relieved that though you doubted if my story was a good one, you were still able to enjoy it! As an authoress, it's my greatest pleasure in having readers enjoy my story! I still have no idea how I thought up the idea of Galadriel saving Boromir. But fortunately, it seems to have worked so far. I'm very, very pleased that you've liked my characterizations of both Eowyn and Faramir. They are both such fascinating characters and I love them dearly. And I'm even more pleased that you found the Haldir romance to be a nice addition. Reading other's stories and reading other's reviews, I was at first hesitant in adding in my own character. I've seen how many have reacted to 'original characters', fearing they would become the oh-so-terrible Mary Sues. But thankful, my reviewers have been really supportive of the Haldir romance. I thank you for that! I hope you continue to enjoy my story, please don't hesitate to tell me if you have any criticism.