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
FOUR
It was late afternoon of the following day when Legolas saw riders coming their way, he went back to the others, he held two fingers to his eyes, pointed at Èomer and showed all ten fingers then five.
"Fifteen riders," said Aragorn.
Legolas nodded.
"That will be the Rohirrim," said Èomer confidently, again Legolas nodded.
Aragorn gave Gimli a hard look.
"Legolas, you have proved your point. Elves can be quiet," admitted Gimli somewhat reluctantly. Legolas made a show of considering what Gimli had said.
"Yetma was quick," said Aragorn ignoring both Elf and Dwarf.
"You're right," agreed Èomer thoughtfully, "Yetma must have run the whole way."
"Not unheard of," said Gimli adding to the conversation.
"Unless he grew wings and flew," suggested Legolas.
Aragorn smiled, shaking his head. Èomer looked slightly confused but said,
"Either way an explanation should follow as soon as they arrive."
The riders arrived shortly after, Yetma with them.
"My lord, I met them on the road," explained Yetma when Èomer asked. "The horses had arrived without us and so a group of riders were sent to find us."
Èomer nodded his approval at the swift action taken by his men. He was also pleased when food and water was handed out as they mounted up to head back to Edoras, even though it was late in the afternoon. They stopped for the night well after sundown and were up again before sunrise, they were making good time. The setting sun provided a golden backdrop as they rode towards Edoras.
"It is always good to be home," said Èomer as the Golden Halls came into view.
Aragorn noticed a great change in the people of Edoras. Last time he had been there it had desponded and sullen but now there was laughter in the streets from children, Edoras had lost its air of hopelessness. There were many people in the streets greeting Èomer as he rode up to his halls. Aragorn immediately sent word to Faramir, explaining what was going on and that he would be away longer than anticipated. Èomer excused himself and left the three of them in the main hall.
"If Gimli said that he received reports about the creature, could it be that it has found someplace to live in Aglarond?" questioned Legolas after the messenger left.
"That is a though, we should perhaps go there and start our search. Let us speak to Èomer when he returns," said Aragorn.
"If that is true then it flies far and fast," said Gimli.
"It is said that they are swifter than the wind," said Legolas.
"Swifter than the wind?" questioned Gimli. "What makes you so sure?"
"You really must listen, it is said that they are swifter than the wind," said Legolas. "I have not ever been on one of those beasts so I can not say for sure."
"Do Elves know anything for sure?" asked Gimli.
"We know a great many things, Master Dwarf. Some of which you will never know about," said Legolas.
"Is that so?"
"It is."
Conversation stopped as Èomer walked in and headed towards them.
"There have been no more reports of dead horses," he said sounding pleased.
"It ate Orc flesh," said Gimli.
Èomer nodded.
"Have you come up with an idea of where to search?" he asked.
"We though about Aglarond as Gimli received reports of a winged beast attacking horses," said Aragorn.
"That is good for we can use Helm's Deep as a base. We can start the search from there moving on the lower reaches of the Misty Mountains in need be," agreed Èomer.
There were nods of agreement all round.
"Agreed then, we shall leave tomorrow at first light. I will bring twenty men, we can get provisions at Helm's Deep," said Èomer.
"A sound plan," concurred Aragorn.
"Rooms have been arranged for the night. I will see you in the morning light, as I must excuse myself again. Rest well," said Èomer before he turned and hurried off again, shouting orders as he went.
"Busy man," commented Gimli.
"His land is under attack," said Aragorn.
"The Glittering Caves are my land as well," said Gimli.
"Land?" questioned Legolas, "You live under the land, in caves."
"You, in trees," returned Gimli.
"Good night, gentlemen," said Aragorn pointedly as he headed off in the direction of his room.
"Sleep well," said Legolas as he too made to leave the room leaving Gimli by himself before he went to his room.