I do not own Lord of the Rings nor do I make any money from this story. All rights apply.
Author's Note: The creatures that the Nazgûl ride are referred to as Winged Beasts in my book (A Tolkein Bestiary by David Day), the movie however, refers to them as Fell Beasts.
DARK WINGS
ONE
Èomer sat atop his horse looking down at the carnage that lay before him. Five horses lay ripped and shredded on the ground, their blood soaking the grassland. What could have done this, he thought. These horses were the swiftest that he had and yet something had slain them. Cut them down as they ran for the ground was trampled and broken.
"The others?" he asked referring to the rest of the herd.
"They ran to the south and are being rounded up as we speak," answered one of Èomer's guards.
"Did anyone see anything?" demanded Èomer desperately.
"Nothing was seen or heard, my lord," answered the man, clearly unset.
Èomer nodded,
"See how the other herds have faired and report to me."
"Yes, my lord," was the quiet reply.
Again Èomer nodded as he turned his horse sharply, in the direction of Edoras.
Èomer scanned the lands of his kingdom as he made his way back; his thoughts were dark like the distant mountains that held Helm's Deep and the Dwarven Kingdom of Aglarond. What could have destroyed his horses so entirely, he knew of many things that could have in the past. But since the destruction of the One Ring, many evils had been destroyed and forced back into the shadow.
But doubt crept into Èomer's mind as he rode, he was in two minds whether to inform King Elessar about this occurrence. Aragorn had many things to deal with in Gondor already without this and what if it proved to be nothing. Èomer knew Aragorn would help if he asked and he was grateful for that but still he did not wish to call on him for no reason. However, what if this threat moved to Gondor surely an early warning would prove to be in their favour. Èomer frowned, finally deciding to wait on the reports of his scouts before he made up his mind. He could only decide and be satisfied with his decision once he had more information. Èomer suddenly looked up, he thought he heard a distant cry of a beast but could not tell where it came from and saw nothing. He glanced round at his men, they had heard it as well and looked fearful. Maybe he should warn Aragorn for the cry had an evil ring to it. With his made up he spurred his horse into a gallop as Edoras came into sight.
Èomer had just entered the main gates when a guard came running up to him,
"King Èomer, there is a messenger from Lord Gimli of the Glittering Caves."
Èomer frowned and unwilling give his horse over to the guard to care for. A message from Gimli so soon after his discovery boded ill in Èomer's mild as he ran up to his Golden Halls. Èomer's doubts were not unfounded as he read Gimli's message, the Dwarf had received reports from his scouts of a huge winged beast flying over Rohan and one report indicated that the animal had attacked a herd of horses. There was no doubt in Èomer's mind that the attacks were all were connected and the winged beast was responsible. The message also stated that he, Gimli, would be going to Gondor to warn Aragorn of the recent events. Èomer did a quick calculation of time and distance, if he left now and rode with some speed, he would reach Minas Tirith at roughly the same time as Gimli. Looking up he called to one of his guard,
"Saddle horses, we make for Gondor."
The guard nodded and run to carry out Èomer's order.
XxX
"Are you not even the slightest bit curious?" asked Gimli as he and Legolas rode toward Minus Tirith, the early afternoon sun baking the road ahead of them.
"I will find out soon enough," replied the Elf calmly, "for even though you do not wish to tell me, you will have to inform Aragorn, then I too will know."
"What of that Elven curiosity I have always heard of?" questioned Gimli.
"It was replaced with Elven patience," smiled Legolas.
Gimli had arrived in Ithilien two days ago, saying he had important news for Aragorn and would the Elf like to accompany him to Minas Tirith. Gimli had, however, refused to tell Legolas what the news was, saying he did not wish to repeat himself but Legolas knew the Dwarf liked having information that he did not. Legolas had agreed to accompany him and after a brief debate over the mode of transportation, Arod, they had left that very morning. The day had been good so far, the sun was bright and the air clear. On Arod, they had made good time, even if the Dwarf complained about going too fast. Minus Tirith gleamed pearly white in the afternoon sun as Legolas and Gimli rode toward it.
The streets were busy as they made their way up to the King's Halls. The summer had been fair so far and farmers had much produce to sell at the market. The city was greatly changed since they had been there last and would change more as people started to live again and feel safe now that the Ring was destroyed and their borders quiet. Gimli straighten his stiff legs as Legolas slowly rubbed down Arod in one of the stables. After a short while Gimli said,
"If you continue to spend so much time with that beast, I will go on without you."
"Patience, Gimli," soothed Legolas much to Gimli's annoyance.
As Gimli stood waiting for Legolas, he watched the activities of the stable yard. People were coming and going around in what seemed to be a bit of haste. He began to wonder what was going on and if, mayhap, there was an emergency of some kind. Gimli made his way over to one of the stable hands.
"What is going on here?" he asked.
"Going on?" the boy seemed confused.
"Why is everyone in a hurry?" Gimli tried.
"There was a market this morning, now everyone wants to go home," answered the boy simply.
"Oh," said Gimli slightly disappointed and not a little embarrassed.
The boy waited a few seconds before he took off. Gimli stood where he was for a few minute before turning and making his way back to the stables. Looking up he saw Legolas leaning against the outer wall, watching him.
"I have been waiting for you," said the Elf amused.
Gimli frowned at this.
"Waiting for me," he said incredulously.
Legolas nodded as Gimli joined him and they started towards the main entrance. Gimli decided to let it drop for he did not want to come across Aragorn in the middle of an argument - again. Besides being in Minas Tirith had brought back the seriousness of their coming in the first place.
Aragorn was sitting in one of his favourite gardens. The palace had many gardens, Arwen had been working in them and her efforts were well rewarded as trees and flowers took root where she lay them. He had a few moments of peace before the day truly started as the morning had been quite because of the market but that meant a busy afternoon. The air had a tranquil feel to it and Aragorn felt as if he could spend the rest of the afternoon there and get lose in his own musings with only the birds to keep him company, he let out a heavy breath as he knew he could not. Many things had changed, his role in life had changed the most and there was many a time when he wished for the free days of his youth. But those days were gone, both the carefree ones and the ones of hardship and fear. As he got up to leave he saw Legolas and Gimli walking towards him; he was surprised but pleased none the less.
"Legolas, Gimli, greetings. What are you doing here?" asked Aragorn hoping nothing was wrong.
"Greetings Aragorn," said Gimli.
"Aragorn," greeted Legolas. "As to what we are doing it is best to ask Gimli for he has urgent business with you but he would not say what."
Aragorn frowned.
"Urgent! I had hoped all was well upon seeing you but alas, I was wrong. What is the matter?" asked Aragorn.
"Evil has been seen in the lands of Middle Earth again," explained Gimli.
"Evil, what evil?" asked Aragorn.
"That I do not know," said Gimli regretfully.
"If you do not know what it is, how do you know it is there?" asked Legolas. "And if it is as important as you make out, why did you not tell me earlier?"
"Scouts have reported seeing a flying creature swoop down on a herd of horses." explained Gimli. "And I did not wish to repeat myself besides I had the pleasure of knowing something you did not," added Gimli.
"Have you informed Èomer?" asked Aragorn before Legolas could answer.
"Yes, I sent a message as I left," said Gimli.
"How big a creature was it?" asked Legolas.
"If you would be so kind as to stop interrupting me I could tell all I know," said Gimli testily.
"My apologies Gimli, please continue," amended Aragorn.
"Well apart from also not knowing the size of the creature, that is all I have to tell," finished Gimli somewhat embarrassed.
"That is not much," pointed out Legolas.
"Better than what you have," resorted Gimli.
"I received no news of any of these events," said Legolas.
"That is because you hide in the trees," snorted Gimli.
"Better than caves." added Legolas.
"Enough," yelled Aragorn, not quite playfully.
Aragorn watched as they both stopped talking but a look pasted between them. Aragorn sighed, the argument was not over.
"We have more pressing matter to attend at the moment. Gimli, what did your message say?" asked Aragorn.
"Just what was reported to me and that I was heading this way," answered Gimli.
"So why come to me?" asked Legolas.
"Because the only flying things I know come out of Mordor, which means it would have crossed Ithilien," explained Gimli.
"If anything came across Ithilien from Mordor I would know about it," said Legolas.
"You did not know about this," stated Gimli.
"Then it did not cross Ithilien." finished Legolas.
"When are you returning to Rohan?" asked Aragorn.
"As soon as possible for I must speak to Èomer but I thought it best to warn you as well." said Gimli.
"I suppose I shall travel with you," said Legolas.
"You could go home," said Gimli.
"You would then take forever to reach Rohan with your short legs," laughed Legolas.
"Better than the four of your beast," snorted Gimli.
"Gimli," interrupted Aragorn before Legolas could answer, "did you walk from the Glittering Caves to Ithilien?"
"Yes," answered Gimli as if there were no other way to travel.
"Then Èomer would have long ago received your message. And is probably awaiting your arrival. Besides you could have passed Edoras on your way to Ithilien," said Aragorn.
"The single mindedness of dwarves," explained Legolas, "Now Èomer must wait."
But before Gimli could answer.
"Then it is wise that I did not wait but rode with haste here," said Èomer as he came across the courtyard. Glancing round he said, "Aragorn, you sure sent us on a mission to find you."
"My apologies and greetings, Èomer," said Aragorn.
"How did you get here just hours after us?" asked Gimli.
"As soon as I got your message I headed straight to Minus Tirith knowing you would fetch Legolas," explained Èomer.
"Fetch!" exclaimed Legolas indignantly.
"Put that aside for now." said Aragorn, ignoring Legolas' frown. "What news can you tell us?" he asked Èomer.
"The only thing I can tell is what I found, what was left of my horses when they were found - dead. Ripped apart by claw and teeth. I found one site of death, my scouts reported three others. A total of nineteen, Aragorn, I am losing my horses," Èomer felt lost and he knew it come out in his voice but could not stop it.
Legolas reached forward and touched Èomer's shoulder, offering silent comfort.
"Take me to the site you found, there may be clues still. We can start there," said Aragorn.
"Tomorrow at first light we leave. How many men did you bring with you?"
Èomer smiled sheepishly.
"In my haste to leave I left with only five."
"That should be sufficient for our needs at this time," said Aragorn, seeing the others frown he explained. "I do not wish to alert everyone to the troubles at hand until we are sure we know what it is. By your leave Èomer we will only take your men but they must leave all insignia behind for this ride."
"I do not understand this reason for such secrecy," confessed Èomer.
"Only months have passed and to have rumours of creatures returning from Mordor will send the people into panic which is never needed," said Aragorn.
"I agree with Aragorn but I do not think this creature came from Mordor," said Legolas solemnly.
Gimli was going to make a joke about the creature giving the Elves the slip but Legolas' tone stopped him as did Aragorn's look.
"Where then do you think it came from?" asked Èomer.
"When the Ring was destroyed Mordor collapsed as did a great many evils outsides its borders but what concerns me is what if it was further than the shadow cast," said Legolas, "and wants to come home, found nothing so turned to what was next - Rohan."
"It could be nothing from the shadow worlds," said Aragorn. "They needed the Ring."
"Sauron used many beings, it could be anything," said Èomer.
"We know it flies," said Gimli.
"One answer to many questions, we just have to find it then," said Aragorn finishing the debate. "I must speak to Faramir, I have a few hours to sort out many things. If you will excuse me, your quarters are, as always, ready."
Aragorn turned to leave but before he left the garden he stopped and turned,
"It is heart warming to see you all again, if only the news were better," he said and carried on out the door.
It was late in the dark night when Aragorn finally finished what needed to be done. Faramir was more than willing to stand for Aragorn once he heard about the threat to Rohan. Even though he wished to return to Ithilien, he also wanted to know what was in Rohan for it could easily came over to Ithilien or Gondor. He was, however, not happy that Aragorn was not taking a full guard, even though he knew the reasons why. He relented a bit then Aragorn informed him that Èomer, Gimli and Legolas would be accompanying him. Even though his words agreed with Aragorn, his face told that he still disapproved the idea. Aragorn bid him a good night and made his way to his own bedchamber. A single candle burned in the room and as he entered he saw Arwen reading a book by the candlelight. She looked up and smiled at him.
"You are up so late," stated Aragorn.
"No later than you," smiled Arwen.
Aragorn smiled back but the smile soon fell from his face.
"Arwen, I must…" he started.
"I know," she laughed at his frown. "Legolas told me. I asked him too," she added.
"Asked?" questioned Aragorn.
"Told," corrected Arwen.
There was a moment of silence.
"Find what is in Rohan," said Arwen, knowing that he was seeking her approval but not wanting to ask. "You are a ranger at heart, no title can keep you from it."
Aragorn crossed the room and kissed his Elven wife.
"What did I do to deserve you staying with me?" he murmured.
"You loved me and I, you in return," answered Arwen softly, getting up and blowing out the candle.