Chapter II: Warrior and King
"Prin-- King Legolas! Come quickly!"
Boromir followed Legolas up to the top of a small rise, from which one of the Elven scouts was calling. Looking out across the plain surrounding the Celduin, over what had once been the Desolation of Smaug, the warrior of Gondor could see a vast column of smoke rising. The group had been heading towards it for the past day, ever since finding the ruins of Lake Town. Their party had been slowly growing as refugees from Esgaroth and Mirkwood found and joined them, and thus a small force of fifty or more was at Legolas' disposal. Seeing what had caused the smoke, though, Boromir knew it was nowhere near enough.
The city of Dale was burning, and beyond it, at the gates of the Lonely Mountain itself, a massive horde of orcs was gathered. Gimli, who had followed the two, muttered, "Surely this army rivals even the size of that which attacked during the Battle, nearly eighty years ago."
Legolas turned to the dwarf. "How can you be so calm? Is that not your home they are attacking?"
"Aye, it is that," he replied. "But see, they have not yet taken the gate. Nor will they, while a single dwarf is inside to defend it. We have made many improvements to our stronghold, and could hold off an army for months if necessary."
"I think it will be necessary," replied Legolas, "and more. These orcs managed to destroy my father's halls. They will not stop until they have done the same to Erebor."
Gimli drew breath for a retort, but Boromir placed a hand on his shoulder, and he backed down. "Legolas," the warrior said, "we have to free the mountain. It is not only dwarves who are in there, but the Men of Dale, and likely some of those who fled Mirkwood."
Legolas nodded. "I know. But what can we do, with so few to assist us?"
Boromir shook his head. "I know not. Perhaps-"
He was cut off by a voice crying in Sindarin. The trio span around to see an elf, not one who had been with their party, running towards them. Crying out, Legolas ran to the other elf and embraced him. After a few moments of hushed conversation, Legolas led the elf over to Gimli and Boromir. "This is the steward of my father's household," the king introduced him, "and he has told me of a large group of refugees, who have hidden in a warren of caves beside the river."
Boromir looked at the elf, eyes gleaming. "Will they be willing to help us liberate Erebor?" he asked. The steward nodded.
"We will fight to avenge our people, be we elves or men. The orcs will not live to do this again."
Boromir grinned. At last, he would have the chance to do battle once more, and he would fight alongside elves, too. From the expression on Gimli's face, he was thinking similar thoughts.
Legolas nodded. "Thank you. If you will lead us to your refuge, we will began planning at once."
The steward showed Legolas, Boromir and Gimli into a small cavern off the main tunnel, a few hours after they had arrived. They had not been able to begin planning immediately, because no sooner had Legolas stepped into the caverns than the elves dragged him off for a coronation ceremony. Now, though, while the people of Mirkwood, Esgaroth and Dale were celebrating, the King of Mirkwood had called his friends, the warriors of Gondor and Erebor, to a strategy meeting.
"We cannot rely on a frontal assault," said Boromir bluntly. "Even with the element of surprise, they would quickly recover and we would be cut down. Had we horses it would be different, but with this rabble? No."
"But what choice do we have?" asked Legolas. "The orcs are camped right up to the sides of the mountain. There is no hope that we could climb up either of the spurs without being seen. I remember the Battle of the Five Armies – we had great difficulty getting our armies into position then, and the enemy had not yet arrived."
Gimli coughed. "There is another way," he said. When they looked at him expectantly, he shifted uncertainly. "This other way has long been a secret from all outsiders. But I deem that now I must reveal it. However, I have not the authority. Legolas, do you know where my father may be found?"
"I do not," replied Legolas, "but I am sure my steward could bring him here." The elf rose, and took a step towards the door before the dwarf intercepted him.
"Nay, I must go with him. I need to speak to my father alone to persuade him to reveal this secret." Stepping over to the cavern entrance, Gimli looked around and then moved off, apparently having spotted the steward.
It seemed like hours, though it was in fact less than half of one, before Gimli returned with his father in tow. Accepting the mug of water Legolas offered, the aged dwarf sat down and told his secret.
"Nearly eighty years ago I, with thirteen companions, travelled from Eriador to Erebor, planning to retake the Mountain from Smaug. This, as you know, we did." He paused for a sip of water. "What you do not know is that, to gain entrance to the Mountain without the Dragon's knowledge, we used a secret door on the western face.
"Smaug destroyed this door, of course, once he know of its existence, but over the years we have rebuilt it. Those that remain of the Company of Thorin - Dwalin, Dori, Nori, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur and myself – are the only ones who hold the keys, and the knowledge of precisely where the door lies." He took a deep breath. "I am willing to lead your army into the mountain by that door, so that we may free my people."
Boromir frowned. "Forgive me, but I do not think that will work. The orcs will have patrols out, and they will be sure to sight so large a force, even if we move at night."
Legolas nodded. "If you were commanding a force of humans, that would be true. Here, however, you have elves with you. We may not be Noldor, but we do have some skills. We can keep the people hidden from enemy eyes while Glóin guides us. Boromir, I fear you will not have a great role in the movement, but you have experience of warfare on the open field which we elves do not. You will lead our army into battle."
Boromir nodded, seeing Legolas for the first time as a true king. The elf smiled at him momentarily, and then called in his steward and began planning the march.
Few days, few weeks... it's similar, right?
Good grief, but it's a long time since I wrote this... I hope it still holds up to scrutiny.
No promises about the next one, except that it's a Rohan chapter. I do like the Rohan chapters.
Cloaked Eagle