Chapter 4

Aragorn heard whispering voices and caught a glimpse of Arwen. She looked sad, but he didn't know why. Suddenly, he was aware of consciousness again. Something warm and heavy was pressed against him. Opening his eyes, he saw gray. Then he remembered the Clan Wolf who had tried to save him on the cliff. Reaching up, he touched her fur. It was damp, but warm. She moved and he met her blue eyes. She dropped her head, "Can you go on now, Ranger? We must hurry."

He nodded, "I…think I can. Thank you, Luor." She shook her head and nuzzled him into an upright position on his knees. She was still quite large, large enough to ride.

She crouched, "Get on my back, Ranger. I'll take you to Helm's Deep." Too tired and sore, and none too disoriented, Aragorn pulled himself onto her strong frame. Gripping her ruff as tightly as he dared, he closed his eyes and pressed his cheek against her fur as she began their journey to safety. Her gait was gentle and easy, and even though he had hurt his ribs in the fall, there was no pain. Once, she stopped and growled. He raised his head wearily.

"What is it, Luor?"

"An army of ten thousand! They march from Isengard! Come, we must hurry now!" Turning, she put on more speed and the landscape sped past below her paws. It wasn't long before Helm's Deep came into view. Aragorn had never been so relieved to see such a sturdy-looking place. He ruffled Luor's fur affectionately, smiling.

"Mae carnen, Luor. Well done."

"Just a little further and then I'll get you to our Healers." She glanced over her shoulder as she started down the gentle slope. As they loped up the causeway, Aragorn saw how many people watched them, all wide-eyed with awe. Whispers followed him and he knew this would be a story for the future generations.

Boromir paced the parapet above the causeway, worried to death about Aragorn and gray Luor. Mysti and Taid, both now the size of medium dogs, sat watching him, their tails twitching nervously. Suddenly, he caught sight of something on the valley slope. Turning, he squinted. Not a minute later, the shape solidified into the strangest sight he'd ever seen. He gasped, "My gods! Luor and Aragorn are alive! Mysti, Taid! Look!" The Younglings put their front paws on the wall-top and they watched as Luor began her ascent up the causeway. Boromir spun away from the wall and started running. He reached the keep, and almost plowed poor Legolas into the ground. He grabbed the Prince for balance, gasping for breath, "Legolas, I've…seen them!"

Legolas held him up, his eyes full of concern, "Boromir? What have you seen?"

"I've seen…I've seen them, Legolas! They're here!" he rasped, sinking to his knees. Before Legolas could ask again, there was an outcry among the crowds in the courtyard below. Legolas gasped and took a step forward, meaning to go down, but Boromir reached out and put one hand on the Prince's leg, "No, we'll wait for them here. The others will have reached them already."

Legolas looked down at him, shaking his head, "I have never seen such a strange sight before."

"None of us has, Legolas. Not one of us ever thought we'd live to see the day when a Wolf carried a Man into a Keep of the Free Peoples." Boromir mused, shoving to his feet. Duoro helped him, materializing from seemingly nowhere, offering the support he needed. Luor carried Aragorn right up to them, and Boromir sighed, resting one hand on his friend's shoulder, "Aragorn, some gods must love you. We thought you were dead."

Aragorn looked up at him, grinning wearily, "Shame on you, Boromir. Giving up on us so easily?" Boromir reached into his pocket for something he had carried from the cliffs where Aragorn and Luor had fallen.

"Not only are you late and do you look absolutely horrible, but you lost this." He pressed the Evenstar into Aragorn's palm, closing the man's fingers over the jewel. Aragorn studied it, a sad look in his eyes.

"I don't know if I deserve this, Boromir. I'm afraid Arwen has sailed West with her people." Boromir shook his head and clasped the chain around Aragorn's neck.

"Even if she has sailed, you have thirty years of memories to keep you alive. We need you, Aragorn. Day and Elendûr have been nearly impossible to console." Aragorn's eyes sparkled for a moment and Boromir recalled that he had a special bond with the two wolves. Aragorn had witnessed the moment when they had been freed of their curses, though according to Aragorn's account they had both decided to stay in the form with which they were so familiar. Did anyone really know what they looked like as people?

Luor looked at him, "I have to get him to our Healers, Boromir. Where is the King?"

"Just within, making plans." Boromir pointed the way. Luor bowed her head and approached the doors, pushing them open.

Oriana lay under the planning table, her head resting on her paws. Theodred lay beside her, his head resting on her shoulder. Where were Luor and Aragorn? Were they dead in the river? Were they alive and wandering lost? Suddenly, the doors swung open. She looked up, as did the soldiers around the table. She gasped and turned her head, "Theodred! Get up!" Luor stood in the doorway, carrying an exhausted Aragorn on her back. She got up and padded to Luor as Aragorn slipped from his perch, Theodred right beside her. Aragorn fell to his knees and threw his arms around their necks, almost in tears. She nuzzled his hair, smelling water, and licked his ear, "You're safe, Aragorn."

Luor sat obediently, "Elendûr, he needs to be tended to before we do anything. Battle-strategy and discussions can wait."

"We don't have time, do we?" Theoden ventured. Aragorn shook his head, his voice heavy.

"Luor and I have seen Isengard's army. There are ten thousand of them and they will be here by nightfall. Make your plans without me, I must rest."

"Are you well enough to fight?" one of the soldiers asked, earnestly concerned.

Aragorn nodded, "With rest and care, I will be able to stand whatever Saruman sends to us." Oriana helped him stand and guided him from the main hall. Luor and Theodred stayed with her. They got Aragorn to a small, secluded chamber and made sure no one bothered them. The only one who came to them was Sirus with a tray of food and drink for Aragorn. The wine was laced with herbs to promote a light sleep that would be deep enough to refresh the weary Ranger in time for the night. After Sirus helped Aragorn strip to his small-clothes, he departed. Luor went with him. Once the door was closed, Oriana and Theodred transformed. It would be easier to tend Aragorn in human-form than it would have been as wolves. She inspected the wound on his arm and smiled.

"Luor seems to have taken care of this on her own. By the time you're ready for battle, it will have scarred over."

"Why are people afraid of your kind?" he asked as she applied a salve to it, his eyes dim with the drugs in his system.

"Wolves are not creatures of good omen in this world, Aragorn. Until Sauron is gone for good, we will always be seen as portents of destruction." Theodred said, looking up from digging in a chest of clothes and gear, "Only because the Clans travel with the Black Star are we accepted here. Those few Rohirrim who have encountered us before know the good we do, but they are afraid to tell others."

"Well, the Fellowship is forever indebted to the Eldar Wolves first and foremost." Aragorn said, smiling lazily.

Oriana passed him the goblet, "Finish the wine and sleep for a while. When it's time, we'll come and wake you."

"Thank Luor for me, would you? I owe that one my life." Aragorn murmured as he drained the wine. Oriana looked at Theodred and smiled.

"We will." It was shortly after that Aragorn's eyes slid shut and he slept. Covering him with blankets, they left the room as wolves. As she nosed the door shut, she sighed, "I wonder if that blade wasn't poisoned. He was almost delirious."

"I think it was exhaustion." Theodred mused as they made their way to the main hall. The Clans were waiting there, wanting news. Oriana looked at them, knowing she would have to put a guard on Aragorn's room.

"Luor, you guard Aragorn." Luor smiled and went off without a word. They all watched her go, curious. Usually, Luor was the most reserved wolf of the Clan. Of course, she had watched Aragorn since the Eldar had joined the Fellowship as guides and guardians. Oriana shook her head, "Not a word out of any of you. What Luor does is her own business between her and Aragorn and not anyone else." She narrowed her eyes as looks were exchanged, "That means noses out." Since they had already seen what happened to those who made her angry, there was instant submission. She snorted, "We're all old enough to know better! We're not Younglings looking for practical jokes and gossip-fodder. Now, you all know your places for tonight?"

"Yes, Elendûr." They chimed. Sufficiently assured they would mind their own business, she decided to go and see how preparations were going. She found Boromir and Legolas out on the causeway with Theoden, and there was an argument between the three of them concerning allies and the apparent lack of such in Helm's Deep. Ghost was sitting guard up above the causeway with Yundi and as she looked to the Deeping Wall, she saw Klath, Duoro, Iara, and Tanu taking their places.

She looked at Boromir, "Where are Ardeth and Ihati? And where's Rajah?" Boromir chuckled and pointed to the vale below.

"He's currently playing nanny." Curious, Oriana turned and saw the proud black Avati on the stairs, watching some of the children play in the shallows. The younger children played around him, some of them tugging on his mane. One youngster had climbed onto his back and lay there, napping.

She chuckled, "Softie."

"Impressive. He doesn't strike as the kindest of your Clan Wolves." Theoden remarked, eyeing the great wolf curiously.

Oriana shook her head, "All Clan Creatures are deceptive, my lord. We appear fierce when those we hold dear are threatened. You saw us during the Warg battle?"

"And I hope I never cross you wrongly, Lady Elendûr. If we had but only a handful more of your kind, we would be well endowed indeed."

"There are more of us, but I do not know every Clan's precise dwelling place. I only know the Clans of Fangorn."

"Stories are told of Clan Creatures within the Elven Realms, but I haven't any proof of them." Legolas added, watching the Youngling guards.

Theoden laughed as they went back into the Keep, "I would not wish to be an Orc and find myself in the path of a wolf the size of a horse. That would be terrifying."

"Well, I can assure you those who survived the Wizard's Bloodlust above the River won't forget it." Theodred mused as they surveyed the progress. Orders were given to move the women and children into the caves, and every man and boy able to bear arms was to prepare for battle. Oriana checked on Aragorn and found him asleep. Luor lay beside the bed, ears perked and eyes watching. Smiling at the loyal gray, Oriana went to see how the armory was doing business. Assured that all was going smoothly there, she went to the walls. While she was there, Ghost gave a short bark. She turned from her talk with one of the soldiers and ran to the causeway gate.

She braced up on the wall, "What is it, Ghost? What did you see?"

"Look! Riders!" Yundi cried. Sure enough, a small army of riders made their way down the valley, banners fluttering proudly. The sun shone on spears and helmets. Oriana frowned, "What banner is that?"

"That's the Two Trees of the Lady!" a young soldier cried out happily. A horn sounded in the Deep, long and rich.

Oriana chuckled, "And Theoden was complaining about a lack of allies. This will be sweet." It wasn't long before the Elves were coming up the causeway. Oriana caught sight of Clan Creatures and turned, running along the walks. She reached the stairs at the same time Theoden did. She stood to one side of him while Theodred stood on the other. The captain of the Elves bowed to them, smiling in greeting not only to Legolas but to Oriana and Theodred.

Theoden shook his head, "I don't understand. What are you here for?"

"We were sent by my Lady Galadriel to aid our neighbor." He said proudly.

Oriana descended a few steps to the newcomers, "Elven soldiers are understandable, but our desire for the Clans was in wish only!" A silver female wolf, obviously the Alpha of her Clan, stepped out of the ranks and bowed to her, "We come to serve the Black Star of the Clans. And we do it gladly, for we have long desired to leave our own lands and fight where we are most needed."

"How many of you came?" Theodred asked. The wolf smiled, "There are ten of us, myself and Dimar included, and five Younglings. More are coming from Mirkwood and Rivendell. They will be here well before the battle begins." The Elves disbanded to take up positions on the walls, and the Clans awaited their orders. Dimar was a golden wolf whose mane was streaked silver. The wolf's name was Thyari, and with her she brought her Wolves, and the Clan's pups. Ghost and Yundi befriended the Younglings River, Sage, and Zephyr. Dimar brought with him Tarcy, Kanu, and Ashir. Thyari had Niim, Rama, Kenem, and Sheena. After seeing the newcomers settled, Oriana put River and Sage on guard-duty with Ghost and Yundi, though those four spent more time playing than watching.

Aragorn stepped out of the hall and paused to look around. Was it him or did there seem to be more people than before? Not to mention more Clan Creatures! He rubbed his eyes and jumped back as a gold-furred wolf pup plowed into his legs, obviously on the run from the trio of Younglings coming up the stairs. He reached down and scooped the Youngling into his arms, "And just who are you?"

"I'm River! Who are you?"

"My name is Aragorn. And where did you come from exactly?"

"Lothlorien! Eep!" River crawled over his shoulder and would have gone down his back if Legolas hadn't been there to catch her. Legolas chuckled and looked at the trio who had decided wrestling was more fun. Ghost sat aside and watched Yundi wrestle a black wolf cub with a silver stripe across her left eye. Aragorn arched an eyebrow, "Please tell me I'm dreaming?"

"You're not dreaming. You slept through the first wave of allies. The second one just arrived. That little one wrestling with Yundi is Scar."

"What's going on?"

"Take a look! Saruman has no idea what he's gotten himself into!" Legolas chimed, waving his free hand at the swarming courtyard. There were hundreds upon thousands of Elves mingling with the Rohirrim, and almost that many Clans. Wolves prowled the ranks, often in pairs. As they descended the stairs, Aragorn sighed, "At least they're not as big as Oriana's Clans. Which reminds me,whereare her Clans?"

"Everywhere at once. Seems we have a few reunions on our hands." Boromir stated as he came up, a white wolf tagging along behind him. Aragorn looked at Boromir's companion, "And who is this?"

"Dael at your service, my lord." The wolf said, bowing her head.

"Aragorn! You're awake!" he heard Oriana's voice and turned to see her running through the crowd, trailed by Theodred as usual, "It's about time you showed some life!"

"All I'm missing is a great deal of confusion." He muttered as she reeled to a halt. She looked up at him and he knew that if she'd been human, she would have her arms folded across her chest, "You, my dear Ranger, sleep like the dead."

"Remember, you drugged me first."

"For a light sleep! I was ready to throw water on you!" she snapped.

Suddenly, Aragorn caught sight of a familiar face in the crowd of virtual strangers and set River on her feet, "Excuse me a moment." With that apology, he broke into a run. If the Twins were here, then Isengard was doomed.

Oriana watched Aragorn go and growled, "Huh! Who thinks he slept a little too long?"

"Be gentle, Ori." Boromir scolded, "He just got out here and came face-to-face with a living wall of humanity, half of them complete strangers. And being run over by River probably didn't help. If he catches up with Elladan, he'll be alright."

"If Elladan slaps him twice first."

"Somebody's angry!" River chimed.

Oriana looked at the gold-furred Youngling, "River, that's quite enough."

River licked her on the nose, "I'm sorry, Elendûr . I like him, though, he's nice." Oriana had to laugh and she rubbed her nose behind River's ear.

"Yes, he is." Once everyone had arrived, the ranks assembled and waited. It started raining, but that didn't exactly bother anyone.

Oriana heard Aragorn give a shout and turned. Through the swarming mass of uruk-hai below, she spotted the runner. Legolas fired twice to no effect except to slow the creature.

"Shoot him! Bring him down!" Aragorn yelled. Bring him down. Oriana knew it was up to her now to stop the runner. She looked to her left, "Dael! Take my place!" The white Lorien she-wolf bounded into her place as she took to the wall. Gathering herself, Oriana launched from her perch and slammed into the torch-bearing uruk-hai. She knocked him back and tore out his throat. Then, seized by a Wizard's Blood Lust, she sprang at his comrades and destroyed them in lightening-fast attacks that sent those around her fleeing in every direction. Inspired by her assault, the Clans joined her, coming down through the culvert. A retreat was called, but the Clans didn't follow, covering instead for their human companions.

Once the soldiers were safely within the caves, Oriana called the Clans onto the walls and they regrouped, gathering at the entrances to the caves, driving away the orcs and uruk-hai who tried to get past. Of course, to find yourself standing face-to-face with a line of snarling horse-sized wolves was quite enough to send even the bravest running the other way. The denser orcs didn't quite get this and charged right at them, only to be ripped to pieces. Suddenly, a deep horn echoed in the canyon and Oriana looked up to see that the sun was rising. A moment later, an army of riders surged from the gates and further depleted the Isengard army. Oriana renewed the Clans attacks, only stopping when a second force of Rohirrim stormed the eastern slope. With the uruk-hai already on the run, it was all over very quickly. She narrowly avoided getting trampled by her riders several times, but felt no fear. The day was theirs. They had been victorious.

When the battle was over, Aragorn and the Fellowship searched among the dead for Oriana with Haldir and the Twins. They asked, but no one had seen her since she vanished beneath the hooves of Shadowfax. Even her Clans hadn't seen her. Aragorn, fearing the gentle wolf had finally been trampled, galloped through the field until he found Gandalf. When he found his friend, he drew Brego to a sharp halt and stared. Gandalf sat astride Shadowfax, conversing with Oriana and a black wolf with silver in his fur. He gave a cry of relief and rode to them, "Oriana!"

"Who told you I had been trampled by Shadowfax, Aragorn?" she looked at him, her head tilted to one side in question.

"Gamling and Hama, along with several of your Clan Creatures. Day is worried sick, he was the last one to see you before you disappeared." Aragorn looked at Gandalf, who just smiled.

"Shadowfax turned aside as soon as Elendûr fell beneath him." Gandalf said, his eyes full of laughter. Oriana looked at him and he knew she was smiling.

"Aragorn, I'd like you to meet someone. Amadeus," she looked at the wolf, "is my father. He, too, was once Spellbound." Aragorn bowed his head, owing respect to such a powerful creature.

"Oriana! Oriana, thank god!" Boromir cried as he arrived, springing from his mount and falling to his knees to throw his arms around Oriana, despite Oriana being covered from nose to tail-tip in blood.

She licked his face and laid her front paws on his shoulders, "I'm alright, Boromir. Shadowfax turned aside when I fell under him, no one was hurt." Aragorn smiled at the affectionate reunion between them, knowing it would always be different for the two of them. Brego shied aside, ears laid flat and Aragorn saw that Amadeus had moved to sit beside him.

He tightened the reins, "Easy, Brego. He isn't going to eat you."

Amadeus chuckled, watching Oriana and Boromir, "Indeed not. I haven't acquired a taste for horseflesh. I rather prefer orcflesh instead."

"That I find somewhat disturbing." Aragorn grimaced as he recalled the Clans' slaughter of the orcs at the Deeping Wall. As they returned to the Keep, Amadeus walked with him and they watched as Oriana and Theodred walked with Boromir.

"Tell me, Lord Aragorn. What does my daughter's Elvish name mean? How did she come by it?"

"Elendûr? 'Tis Elvish for Dark Star, and the name my companions and I gave her when we met." Aragorn shook his head, "At the time, we didn't know she even had a name and it seemed most appropriate."

Amadeus looked at him, "Didn't she tell you her name?"

"No, and at the time, we weren't aware she could speak."

"How did you meet Oriana?"

"She met Boromir first when our party was separated, and stayed with him until the battle was over. She pulled Legolas to safety after we were trapped in a landslide. If I didn't know him so well, I would have suspected he'd taken a harsh blow to the head when he claimed Oriana could talk to him. He was at the bottom of the slide."

"Ah, then you're a healer?"

"My father is. I learned from him what I know." Aragorn smiled as he recalled what Elladan had told him last night.

"Is your father perchance the Master of Healing?"

"You ask as one who has met him." Aragorn dismounted, letting one of the soldiers take Brego.

Amadeus looked around as they entered the Keep, "He was once a very dear friend and a brother. But I made my choice and he made his."

"You do know him?"

"Yes. I loved him, Aragorn. Even after my time in Middle Earth had to end, I loved him still." Amadeus lowered his head and closed his eyes, his body trembling. A moment later, Aragorn stood face-to-face with a man who looked a great deal like Elrond, but more Human than Elf. It took him a moment to realize what had happened and who it was he stood before.

He automatically sank to one knee, "My lord!" Amadeus touched his shoulder, "No, Heir of Isildur, it is I who should bow to you."

"I am not a King, my lord."

"Aragorn, look at me." Amadeus cupped his chin and raised his head, "Look at me. You will be a King, and I will not let you get in the way of yourself."

Aragorn grinned, "You sound a lot like Ada when you say that."

"A delightful quirk that comes with being Elrond's twin brother, I suppose, my boy." Amadeus – or rather, Elros – winked, "Now, get up. We ride for Isengard in a few hours, and you need to rest." Aragorn pushed to his feet and followed the Half-Elven King of Men to a quiet room. Amadeus looked at him sternly as he held the door open, "And I expect you to sleep, Aragorn. I'll set Oriana's Wolves on you if I have to, but sleep you will."

He shook his head as he sat on the bed, "Don't bother. Knowing them, they've already set Luor on guard for the next few hours. Just hope your daughter doesn't loose patience with me and wake me up by drenching me with water."

Amadeus looked at him, "Drenching you with water?"

"She threatened that last night when I woke up later than anticipated." He chuckled, remembering how riled Oriana had been before the battle. Amadeus shook his head and stepped aside as, just as he'd expected, Luor came padding into the room and hopped onto the bed. Aragorn ruffled her fur, "Did you get the honors again?"

"More like she won't let anyone else do the job." Oriana remarked from the doorway, watching as she sat beside Amadeus.

Aragorn looked at Amadeus, "I told you she wouldn't let me get away." Amadeus chuckled and led his daughter away, making sure to close the door. Aragorn kicked off his boots and rubbed Luor's ears.

She stretched alongside him, her head resting on his stomach, "So, what do you think of Amadeus?"

"He's an interesting man. I can think of a few people who would like to see him anyway." Aragorn mused, folding his hands behind his head.

Luor arched an eyebrow, "Hmm?"

"Do you know who he is?"

"If you mean do I know that though she's centuries younger, Oriana is Elladan and Elrohir's cousin by birth, yes. Most of the Clans know that Amadeus is the same man who used to be Elros Half-Elven. We all watch his father's star at night."

"How did he get back to Middle Earth?"

"He was Spell-cast from Earth by his jealous second wife when she realized that he would always be more powerful than she could ever hope to be. The same thing happened to Oriana, who until just this morning probably believed her father was dead." Luor sighed, her ears twitching, "Now, I'm not fond of getting in trouble with Oriana and Amadeus for keeping you awake, so get some sleep. I'll wake you up in time to leave." Aragorn chuckled and stroked her fur affectionately, letting his eyes close. It didn't take long to fall asleep. With Luor guarding him, keeping him warm, he slept quite well. When it was time, she roused him and they went out to the courtyard. Amadeus was waiting for him, once again as a wolf, eyeing him closely.

He took the reins from Boromir and mounted, "Don't worry, Luor didn't give me much choice." Not at all reassured, Amadeus snorted and they set off. As they crested the slope above Helm's Deep, which had offered him his first view of safety when he had arrived with Luor only a few hours ahead of their allies and ten thousand orcs and uruk-hai, he looked at him, "So, what should I call you?"

"Just call me Amadeus." The Wolf-King winked, "So as not to cause confusion."

"Very well, your majesty." Aragorn couldn't help himself. Amadeus chuckled, shaking his head, "Now you don't have to call me that, lest one of your companions become horribly confused."

"A little late for that." Aragorn looked over his shoulder as Éomer suddenly fell from his horse, "Unless he forgot to mention an injury, which is also quite likely."

Boromir dismounted and knelt beside the young Marshal, "Wait! Éomer's fallen from his horse!" Aragorn and Amadeus turned and joined him.

Éomer groaned as Aragorn knelt beside Boromir and his eyes fluttered open, "What…happened?"

"What did you overhear, son?" Amadeus asked, "Stay still."

"I didn't…hear anything. Just a roar in my ears." Éomer squinted. Aragorn frowned and noticed the sheen of sweat on the young Rider's face. He unbuckled the strap and pulled off Éomer's helmet, pressing one hand against the prince's forehead.

His skin was dangerously warm and Aragorn turned his head, "Theoden!"

"What happened? Is Éomer alright?" the King of Rohan asked as he approached on Snowmane. Aragorn shook his head as Éomer's eyes misted over and slipped shut as the young Rider gave a heavy, groaning sigh.

"No, he isn't. He has a fever, likely from a wound."

Theoden frowned, "No wound could cause a fever so quickly!"

"If the wound was made with a poisoned blade it can cause a fever very quickly indeed." Elladan mused, earning nods from those of his companions who knew that first hand. Oriana approached and lowered her head, sniffing for something. The Clans gathered around her, waiting.

She wrinkled her muzzle, "Oof! Aragorn, get his armor off! He's still bleeding!" Jolted, Aragorn and Boromir removed Éomer 's armor and saw the dark stain on his tunic. He stripped off the garment and put blankets down. Theodred carefully licked away the oozing blood, causing his cousin to start violently.

Aragorn ripped a strip from the bottom of his cloak and pressed it to the wound, "Boromir, get my pack."

"Should we go on?" Theoden asked quietly.

Aragorn looked at the forest nearby, "Yes, my lord. We are quite safe." With a nod, Theoden and Gandalf made for the trees with a handful of Rohirrim and Clan Creatures. Oriana nudged his hand away and licked the wound. Raising her head, she howled. The cry sent chills racing through one's blood and Boromir and Legolas drew their weapons, Gimli between them with his axe. Oriana sat up and howled again. Not a moment later, they heard an answering series of yaps and barks. Amadeus smiled secretively as a full pack of ten wolves emerged from the trees and loped towards them. Oriana went out to meet them and was greeted as pack leader. Aragorn heard Legolas draw his bowstring taut and got up, "No. They aren't Isengard Wolves, and I don't think they're Mordor Wolves."

"No indeed." Amadeus said as the pack approached them, unfazed by the armed warriors.

"It's Elendûr's Clan!" Elladan cried as Oriana came to them with an old black male with more gray than black in his pelt. The old one approached Éomer and sniffed the wound, fixing Oriana with a yellow gaze. She nodded and looked at Aragorn, "Zione will keep Éomer safe. If you can move him out of the open, it will be easier."

"Boromir, lift his feet." Aragorn crouched by Éomer's head, watching the Clan nearby. None of Oriana's Clan Creatures seemed upset by their presence, they just watched calmly from the sidelines. It took four of them to move Éomer to the den. They set down the stretcher and stood back. Legolas came with Éomer's horse and his gear. Knowing there was nothing else he or the others could do, Aragorn called them away, "We ride to Isengard with speed. Éomer is safe here, Elendûr will take care of him." Reluctantly, the Riders and Clan Creatures departed. Aragorn looked back to see two wolves pull the stretcher out of sight into the den after Oriana had stripped Éomer naked. He smiled to himself. What would it be like to wake and find oneself completely surrounded by wolves? Shaking his head, Aragorn joined his Riders and those of the Clan Creatures that had remained behind. Amadeus padded alongside, looking quite pleased with himself.

"And what brings such a pleased look to your eyes, friend King?" Aragorn asked cheerfully.

Amadeus winked, "Oriana and Theodred's Clan will take care with Éomer. He will be just fine until he joins us again."

"I suspected as much. Just which one of them does the Clan belong to? Oriana, as the Black Star, or Theodred as the Bright Star?" he wondered aloud.

Amadeus laughed, "Yes. Elendûr and Day. Black Star and Bright Star of the Wolves. Suitable names, eh?"

"Quite. I rather pity poor Éomer. I think he's afraid of Wolves. He avoided them during the battle."

"Ah, that will change." Amadeus said smugly. Aragorn laughed, turning the heads of his Riders. They probably thought he had lost his mind to leave Éomer in the care of wild creatures who were known only for trouble.