Notes, Warnings etc
Movie and book canon is being twisted together in this chapter. The book Dead were released at Pelargir. In this they will be released at Osgiliath. They will not go tearing across the Pelennor, nor will they run rampage through Minas Tirith. My opinion that is a little dangerous since the Dead (at least my Dead Army) were not that discriminatory as to who/what they killed.
Chapter Eighteen- Welcome To My Parlour
The men were failing, exhaustion and fear warring in them all and it was only the willpower and determination of their leaders that kept them going. By sunset even Dídauar, the Sons of Elrond and Legolas were beginning to toil but rode on without complaint for as long as Aragorn and Roheryn had strength, so would they.
The bundle that Arwen had bid Dídauar deliver to the Chieftain had been unfurled as the company left Erech. The black, designless banner streamed out behind them as Halbarad rode as standard bearer, setting fear into the hearts of those they passed and many fled at the sight of the ghost army.
No dawn arrived as the Dúnedain passed through Lebennin, crossing each of the five rivers and pressing closer to Pelargir. By the time they caught sight of the Corsair ships, it was undeniable that Sauron was moving to strike Gondor from every angle and with every warrior he had, so sure of victory was the Dark Lord. However, the Corsair mercenaries may have been brave enough to bargain with the servants of Sauron but they fled at the sight of the Dead Army which was heralded by a black standard.
An army of infantry were sent forward to Minas Tirith, 4000 strong, the men of the south having rallied to the same banner that had instilled fear into so many. Now, the Dead and the Dúnedain directed the Corsair ships up river, the slaves of the mercenaries having also chosen to follow Aragorn over the chance of freedom.
TTEOARTTEOAR
Legolas gasped and reached for the nearest solid object – the ships balustrade – as the sound of a gull reached his ears. He stood staring down the Anduin, in the direction of the Sea. Aragorn approached his friend and noticing his tense stance cocked his head in question.
"What is it you see?" he asked. Legolas didn't answer but continued to stare down river. Aragorn turned his head in the same direction but naturally saw nothing other than the ships that were bearing the Dead to Gondor.
"Legolas?" he tried again and then noticed that the Elf was clinging to the balustrade for what seemed like dear life.
"The Sea," whispered Legolas, looking wide-eyed yet unseeingly before him. "Now I know what the Lady meant when she warned Beware of the Sea."
"You are speaking in riddles my friend," said Aragorn, trying to remove Legolas' hands from the wooden barrier before him. Legolas' grip was vice like however and he continued to stare forward unblinkingly.
"She is calling to me," murmured Legolas. "She is promising peace, if only I should heed her."
"Legolas!" barked Aragorn, taking hold of Legolas' upper arms and just refraining himself from shaking the Mirkwood archer. Legolas blinked and looked at Aragorn in surprise.
"I……" he began. Aragorn smiled gently. He was versed in Elven lore well enough to realise what had happened to Legolas. His reaction to the sea-gull's cry and the decidedly salty scent to the air, combined with the words Gandalf had spoken in Fangorn, meant only one conclusion could be drawn.
"The Sea calls to you," said Aragorn. "Do you wish to heed?"
"I do," murmured Legolas, dipping his head. Aragorn was about to tell him to sail when he continued. "But I have a task to do first."
"Freely chosen?" asked Aragorn. He didn't want, or need, another following him because of some secretly sworn oath.
"Freely chosen," replied Legolas with a smile. "Now go and rescue Dídauar. Your kin are bickering again."
Aragorn glanced up to find Tarcil and Arahael practically at each others throats again and he groaned.
"I should have tied Halbarad to a pillar at Dunharrow," he muttered. Legolas chuckled, earning him a disparaging glare from Aragorn as said Man stalked towards the twins. He grabbed Tarcil – the nearest twin – and kept walking, forcing the younger man to either walk with him or be pulled to the floor.
"I will order you to stay on the ship when we reach Osgiliath if you do not grow up!" barked the Chieftain. "War, Tarcil. That is what we head towards. Not a pleasure visit with our southern kin!"
"You do not have to tell me that," snapped back Tarcil. "But maybe you should tell Arahael. He is the one causing fights and creating divides by blaming Shadow for our Father being here."
"And you aren't?" questioned Aragorn, folding his arms.
"The future is not craved in stone but written in sand. It can still be changed," replied Tarcil.
"But not for the better if you and Arahael do not stop fighting with each other!" exclaimed Aragorn. "Kalya is already stressed, she does not need the extra pressure of watching you two fight like stags in spring!"
"He doesn't trust her!" exclaimed Tarcil. "After everything that has happened, he still doesn't trust her!"
"How long has he known?" asked Aragorn. "I understand that it was after she first Saw Boromir and Théodred fall that he was told. He hasn't exactly seen the positive aspect of Kalya being a Seer. Both of them died, remember? Can you really blame him for being hostile to the idea of your Father riding to battle with a death omen hanging over his head?"
"I should never have told him," muttered Tarcil, hanging his head. "If I had kept quiet, none of this would be happening!"
"Or it could be worse," said Aragorn. "At least this way Arahael is not in the dark. Going into battle angry is one thing, going to battle betrayed is another matter entirely."
"It is not making that much difference at the moment," muttered Tarcil, nodding towards Arahael who was now moving to sit with Culas and Nemír, Dídauar gazing after him, pain obvious in her eyes. "Only it is not Arahael who is betrayed."
Aragorn sighed heavily and ran a hand over his face. "Go to your father," he said before turning and moving to Dídauar's side.
TTEOARTTEOAR
You are in pain said Boromir as he appeared beside Dídauar. A small contingent of ghosts had joined the Dúnedain on the lead ship, notably the King of the Dead and Boromir. Dídauar gave a start as the spirit appeared.
"What makes you say that?" she asked, once she realised who it was.
Your eyes for one. Your stance for another. And I am dead not deaf, replied Boromir.
"Family problems," said Dídauar with a dismissive air.
I gathered as much. What is the little one's problem? answered Boromir.
"His father is riding to war but will not ride back," said Dídauar. "And Arahael is blaming me."
Why?
"Have you ever heard the phrase, curiosity killed the cat?" asked Dídauar a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. Boromir grinned like an imp.
I'm already dead, he said Besides, satisfaction brought it back. Why does your kinsman blame you?
"For the same reason Denethor and Faramir will have ever right to exile me from Gondor should we actually reach there," replied Dídauar.
Ah, was Boromir's initial response. I take it his Father is ignoring advice just as I did?
"Just as Arahael is my little one, I am Halbarad's," replied Dídauar.
Family, smiled Boromir. Biggest cause of problems since the Eye itself and yet we would be completely lost without them.
"Indeed we would," replied Dídauar as Aragorn appeared at her side. "Estel, I'm fine. Arahael and I just need to find some common ground. Do we have a stowaway? I'm sure I can smell warm apple cinnamon."
Aragorn swore and pulled Dídauar to the floor just as the younger twin blacked out and arched her back, releasing a muffled whimper. Boromir simply stared at her.
She gets them too? he asked of Aragorn who was currently using his thighs as a cushion for Dídauar's head.
"Too?" he repeated unfastening his cloak and balling it up. "Halbarad!"
It is a trait that has run through my family for generations, replied Boromir. Mostly dreams though rather than fits. Father of course had to be different and had both waking and sleeping visions. Always complained of smelling pine and cedar before collapsing.
"He did?" exclaimed Aragorn, forcing the cloak beneath Dídauar's head. "How did he keep that one a secret from me?"
He is well practiced at hiding it from those he did not wish to know, replied Boromir. As is Faerlain obviously.
"Obviously," said Halbarad as he landed on his knees. "How long?"
"Less than a minute," replied Aragorn as Dídauar jerked violently enough to kick against the balustrade. "Easy little one. It will be over soon. Just relax and let it wash over you."
Dídauar once more kicked out, cried out in pain and arched for a third time before going completely slack in Aragorn's arms. Aragorn, having not witnessed her having a vision for well over five years, glanced at Halbarad for help. Seeing that Halbarad was not perturbed by Dídauar's reaction, Aragorn forced himself to calm down. His own panic was not going to help Dídauar recover and the last thing their people needed was an incapacitated leader.
"Shadow?" asked Halbarad, taken one of her hands. "What did you See?"
"The same as last time," replied Dídauar. Halbarad looked relieved which completely confused Aragorn.
"If she Sees faces they are most likely lost. Metaphors means that the future is still a little hazy and can be changed," explained Halbarad as he helped Dídauar sit up against the side of the ship.
"The 'metaphors' are becoming more detailed," murmured Dídauar. Aragorn and Halbarad looked at her sharply.
"How so?" asked Halbarad.
"The falling tower was pierced by arrows. The falling figure was dressed in green," replied Dídauar.
"And the White Tree?" asked Aragorn. Dídauar shook her head.
"Still surrounded by flames," she said.
"Faramir fights on then," said Aragorn.
"For the moment," replied Dídauar. Boromir's ghost exhaled in relief before melding back into the Dead contingent. "Halbarad, I beg you. Stay close to Arahael when we reach the battle."
"I thought I was the one in danger?" said Halbarad sounding hostile.
"You are," sighed Dídauar, resting her head against the ship's keel. "But so is Arahael because of his emotional turmoil. He is like a uncontrolled battering ram, at least if he has to concentrate on you, he will not be as volatile in battle."
"I will stay close," promised Halbarad, gripping Dídauar's shoulder before turning to see whether any explanation was needed as to why Dídauar collapsed. Aragorn however did not budge.
"Estel?"
"When was the last time you slept?" asked Aragorn. Dídauar stared at him.
"Your pardon?"
"You heard me," replied Aragorn. "The men at least took some rest at Erech. You have not slept since Dunharrow!"
"If you know the answers, why bother asking the questions?" asked Dídauar, a small smile forming as she pulled herself up. "How long till we reach Osgiliath?"
"Another day at least, unless this wind picks up and takes some of the pressure off the rowers," replied Aragorn, quickly stabilising Dídauar as her knees questioned the decision for her to stand. "Plenty of time for you to get some rest!"
"That is not a suggestion is it?" said Dídauar. Aragorn shook his head and nudged her in the direction of the main cabin.
"I will wake you before we pass the mountains," he said. Dídauar nodded and using the ship's side as support, made her way to the cabin. Aragorn sought Elrohir out in the crowd and sent him after her, before going to find Tarcil and Arahael. He would damned if he didn't get the twins speaking civilly again before Osgiliath. As he stalked across the deck, the wind picked up and the sails billowed out. Finally, luck was catching up with them.
TTEOARTTEOAR
By the time they reached the dock in Osgiliath, the battle of Pelennor was in full swing. Mûmakil corpses, Men and Orcs littered the ground and blood stained the earth where they lay. The sky above them was black and fellbeasts, commanded by the Nazgûl swooped down on the warriors of the West. The only people on the field who seemed delighted to see the ships of the Corsair arrive in Osgiliath were the Orcs, if their snarling and shouting was anything to go by.
"Finally!" shouted one of the berserkers as he strode towards the ship. "Well let's be having you. You have a job to do!"
"Indeed we do," said Aragorn as he jumped the side, Dídauar and Halbarad quickly joining him on the ground. The Orc berserker smirked.
"More spoils," he said, his companions snarling in delight at the prospect of Man-flesh.
"I'm afraid not," said Halbarad as an arrow flew over his head, fired by Arahael, and landed in the skull of the Orc behind the berserker. That opened the flood gates and the Orcs charged forward, weapons raised. The Dúnedain ducked and the ghosts charged forward, running through the mass of Orcs and latterly Osgiliath, decimating the offending warriors of Sauron, be the Man or Orc. Returning to the harbour, the twins saluted the King of the Dead who returned it.
"Your oath is fulfilled," called Aragorn. With a relieved sigh, the ghosts faded one by one, Boromir being the last to do so.
"Trust us," said Dídauar, seeing the reluctance in the young warrior's eyes. Boromir nodded, saluted once more and allowed his soul to be reclaimed.
Behind the twins, the Standard of Arwen was raised once again, only this time it was not blank. Instead images of the White Tree, the Seven Stars of the Elves and the Crown of Elendil shone out from the black material, each glittering in the sunlight that was once again creeping through the clouds. A battle cry went up from the Dúnedain and they charged forward.